Excerpt: 'Lady Beresford's Lover' by Ella Quinn
Ella Quinn joins us to share a sneak peek at a scene from her new historical romance Lady Beresford's Lover.
About the book (courtesy of Lyrical Press):
Ella Quinn's bachelors are quite sure of what they want in life—and love—until the right woman opens their eyes…
After a painful heartbreak, Rupert, the handsome young Earl of Stanstead, has decided that when it comes to love, avoidance is best. Until he meets a woman who makes him forget his plan—and remember his longing for a wife and family. Yet he senses that she too has been hurt, though she attempts to hide her feelings—and more—in the most baffling and alluring way. Intrigued, Rupert is willing to play along, if winning her is the prize…
Crushed by her late husband's scorn, Vivian, Countess of Beresford, believes she is monstrously undesirable. Sadly childless, she has moved to London resigned to a solitary life. Still, when she encounters Rupert at a masquerade ball, her disguise as Cleopatra emboldens her. Convinced he doesn't recognize her, she begins an after-hours affair with him, always in costume—while allowing him to innocently court the real her by day. But when Rupert makes a shocking choice, will Vivian be able to handle the truth?...
Ella sets the scene for us …
Ella: I've always been fascinated by the way men sometimes choose to settle their differences. In my latest release, Lady Beresford's Lover, this fight scene between the Rupert, Earl of Stanstead, and Nick, Earl of Beresford, is a turning point in the story. And not only for Rupert and Vivian, the two main characters, but for Nick and Silvia Corbet, the secondary love story, as well.
EXCERPT
No more than thirty minutes later, he was at Jackson's Salon, stripping.
"Is there anyone interesting here?" he asked one of the great Jackson's assistants, hoping to find an opponent he hadn't fought before.
"Lord Hawksworth brought a friend. Looks like he'll show to advantage, if I do say so meself."
"Good. I need a challenge." Surprising how one recalcitrant lady could bring on the need for violent physical activity.
"I'll ask the gentleman if he'd like a sparring partner."
"Thank you." A short while later Rupert strode out of the changing room into the boxing area, inclined his head to Hawksworth, and stopped.
Next to him was the man whom Vivian had been avoiding. Rupert's day had just taken a turn for the better. He could vent his spleen on someone who deserved to be pounded into the ground. His soon-to-be challenger was almost equal to him in weight and reach, although Rupert thought he had a slight advantage in height and age. "Hawksworth."
The other man turned. "Stanstead, here for a round or two?"
"Indeed."
"Allow me to introduce you to the Earl of Beresford. Beresford, the Earl of Stanstead. I recommend each of you to the other." Hawksworth moved aside and murmured, "I shall keep track of the betting."
Rupert and Beresford entered the ring and waited until the attendants had affixed boxing gloves to their hands. Several other gentlemen and some of Jackson's assistants gathered round. Hawksworth said something, and slips of paper were handed to him. The wagering had begun.
Having taken notice, Jackson himself came over and stood between Rupert and Beresford. "You may begin, my lords."
As soon as the great man stepped aside, Beresford lunged, feinting as though he meant to attack from the left, but Rupert was wise to that trick and landed a hard strike to the other man's jaw.
Beresford shook it off and advanced again. "You're good."
"So are you," Rupert replied, refusing to be distracted.
They danced around for a bit, sizing each other up, before he managed a punch to Beresford's gut. A whoosh of air burst out of him, and he charged, catching Rupert on the shoulder as he once more attempted a flush hit to the other man's jaw.
"I hear," Beresford panted, "that you've been spending a lot of time with Lady Beresford."
Rupert leapt out of reach. "What does it matter to you?"
"I asked her to marry me." Beresford closed the distance between them.
"I plan to do the same."
Beresford stopped, and his brows came together in a puzzled expression. "Do you care for her?"
"That is really none of your business." Rupert swung, knocking Beresford off balance. "But if you must know, yes, I do, a great deal. Do you?"
"No. I did it for duty."
Damn the cur. Vivian deserved to be loved, not seen as a burden. Anger surged through Rupert, but that wouldn't help him win this fight. Suddenly the bout became all about Vivian, protecting her and making her his. This match was for her. Doubling up on his punches, he aimed for his opponent's head and stomach.
No more than thirty seconds later Beresford collapsed to the floor, gasping for air. "She says she'll never wed again."
The reason for that was what Rupert wanted to know. The attendant took off one of Rupert's gloves and Rupert held out his hand, grasping Beresford's. "I know a pub where the ale is the best you'll find in London."
Find out more about Ella and her books at www.ellaquinnauthor.com.