I love anthologies, a group of stories from different authors and I was thrilled to be asked to provide a Scottish historical novella for Christmas in Kilts – a Highland Holiday Boxed Set.
I thought I’d share an excerpt from my novella, A Scot for Christmas:
A SCOT FOR CHRISTMAS by Bronwen Evans
She’s ready to embrace her life and future as a spinster, he’s trying to have one last hurrah before he gives into his family’s wishes and proposes marriage to his neighbor, but fate has other ideas when the lady and the Scot meet at a holiday house party in the wilds of Scotland.
Unable to stomach the silence, Emma turned to Angus saying, “I suspect my appearance has upset Lord Lorne’s plans.” She had tried not to be offended, and disappointed, by the less than enthusiastic greeting from Dougray.
Dougray had never been the same since he lost Francesca.
“Dinna be silly. It’s lovely to have another bonnie lass at our gathering. I suspect he’s merely surprised at you wishing to attend.”
Scandalized more likely. Her face heated because it was scandalous for her to attend what she knew was supposed to be a bachelors’ gathering, but she had nothing more to lose. At six and twenty she was officially on the shelf and forgotten by most of society.
She had made this trip north for one thing. If she achieved her goal, at least then she’d be able to accept her spinsterhood and move to Cornwall.
Her grandmother had left her the house in Cornwall near St. Ives. She’d spent many a holiday there helping her grandmother grow her wild flowers. Emma had decided that she would enter her spinsterhood gracefully. She would not linger in London the object of pity at every ball or society function. She would retire to Cornwall and be content—but she had one wish to be fulfilled first.
She was quite prepared to ask for what she wanted. Dougray would be discreet, he had honor and he was her brother’s friend—but these was facts she knew might also impinge on attaining her goal.
She had, however, forgotten one thing. His guests. What would she tell them? Angus was the first to ask, but the others would too.
“As I said I’ve always . . .” her words petered out at the sight of Angus’s mocking smile.
“No lass comes all this way in winter to see a loch. You should think of a better reason than that, my girl.”
Angus’s frank words brought a smile to her lips. “I’ve never been good at—”
“—lying?” he finished for her.
Emma blustered. “Not lying exactly. I would love to see Loch Linnhe.”
“The Loch and the island with the monastery on it are beautiful, but I don’t think that is why you have come all this way. I do wonder why you are so determined to join our little party.”
She really did need a good excuse. “I needed a change of scenery.” That was true. She wanted to escape the endless balls and social events that she was invited to, but where she was always kept on the outside of acceptance. Taunted and mocked for her increasing age—and her excessive height.
“Change of scene, I can understand the need. What I’m trying to figure out is why here? One reason springs to mind and if I am right I am inclined to help you.”
Angus’s sly smile sent hope and embarrassment in equal measure flooding her veins. “I think my reasons are private and not to be shared.”
“Then how can I help you?”
“I’m sure I have no idea what you mean,” as her face heated further.
“I think your reason is six feet five inches of Scottish nobility. A widower earl who obviously has to remarry. I’ll give you one thing, your timing is impeccable. But I cannot for the life of me understand why a bonnie lass like you is not already married.”
Coming 13 October 2017
Tis the season to fall in love! These five USA Today bestselling authors bring you great tiding of highlanders and romances this holiday season!
A HIGHLANDER’S HOPE by Terri Brisbin
A village harlot who would never dream she could have a different life meets a Highlander who visits for the holidays and brings with him an offer and hope.
A HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS WAGER by Lecia Cornwall
When a snowstorm forces a charming lass hiding a broken heart to take shelter in a castle with three fine Highland lairds just days before Christmas, there’s a game afoot—who will be the first to win a kiss and maybe her heart.
A SCOT FOR CHRISTMAS by Bronwen Evans
She’s ready to embrace her life and future as a spinster, he’s trying to have one last hurrah before he gives into his family’s wishes and proposes marriage to his neighbor, but fate has other ideas when the lady and the Scot meet at a holiday house party in the wilds of Scotland.
LEFTOVER MISTLETOE by Lavinia Kent
What happens when a highlander finds himself stranded, maybe kidnapped, with an English lady around Christmas… maybe the mistletoe will help answer that question.
SWEET HOME HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS by May McGoldrick
An encounter between an English officer and a desperate aunt trying to keep custody of her young niece leads to a little magic during the holidays.
