This week’s word prompt is town. I’m working on my NaNoWriMo story set in Regency England.
Be sure to check out the other tales here.
As he strolled along looking for a hansom to engage to take him within a few blocks of his father’s house in Belgravia, Briony’s face floated in front of him. How she’d already become such a distraction, he didn’t know.
But as he mulled it over, he thought he might actually have an idea why. She was pretty and witty and someone to think about that wasn’t either evil or dying. Something he needed in his life right now.
Finally coming upon a hackney coach, he rode across town. Disembarking a couple of blocks from his destination, Jemison used his cane and walked as if he had a bad leg. Hunching his back, he hoped he looked like a pitiful elderly man making his way slowly down the street.
Turning toward the mews entrance to his father’s house, he prayed no one would pass by or see him besides Reeves. He was in dangerous territory.
At the back door, Reeves paced back and forth. “Thank goodness you’re here, Milord. I was frantic. I expected you an hour ago.”
Jemison had a moment’s guilt for leaving the man waiting and obviously in distress but he couldn’t really regret his stop at the perfumers. The girl Briony was unlike any he’d ever known and he wouldn’t begrudge himself one moment of her company.
After all, when his father did die—which would be sooner than Jemison wanted—he’d have to take the mantle of dukedom and marry a proper young woman. One who could rise to the task of being his duchess. Of course if he married now, his bride would be a countess and much as he liked the spunk of Briony, he knew what so-called polite society would do to a girl like her. He wouldn’t wish that on even a mutt.
“How is Father?” he asked Reeves.
“His temperature broke. I may have reported it was graver than I thought. I’m so worried about what will happen when he goes, I keep thinking it’s the end. I’m sorry I called for you. It’s dangerous for you to be here so often.”
Jillian Chantal 
Oohh, danger! I love the foreshadowing as to what will happen when the father dies. It makes me root for Briony and hope he’s so smitten that he has to make her his duchess. But I’ll have to wait and see. You’ve sucked me into the story. Well done!
By: jeanjoachim on November 15, 2016
at 5:49 am
Thanks Jean. I thnk somehow Briony will win the day but in an unexpected way. LOL
By: Author on November 15, 2016
at 11:52 am
Love the mystery here! Great job.
By: mhsusannematthews on November 15, 2016
at 5:55 am
Thanks Susanne. It seems I always need mystery. LOL
By: Author on November 15, 2016
at 11:52 am
Don’t we all?
By: mhsusannematthews on November 15, 2016
at 12:31 pm
Hehe. Yep.
By: Author on November 15, 2016
at 1:34 pm
So sad that he’s watching his dad die. I’m hoping Briony wins his heart. Can’t wait to see what happens.
By: karencino on November 15, 2016
at 11:12 am
Thanks Karen.
By: Author on November 15, 2016
at 11:50 am
Wonderful job!
By: Vicki Locey on November 15, 2016
at 4:12 pm
Thanks Vicki!
By: Author on November 15, 2016
at 4:22 pm
I loved it. I’m with the others, I can’t wait to see what transpires with Briony. And the mystery hanging in the air intrigues me.
By: trishafaye on November 20, 2016
at 8:15 am
thanks Tricia. I love mysteries as you know. LOL
By: Author on November 20, 2016
at 8:45 pm
I like the sounds of Briony. I hope he finds a way to make it work with her.
By: Tricia Andersen on November 21, 2016
at 12:31 pm
thanks Tricia!
By: Author on November 21, 2016
at 2:40 pm