A Dash of Romance (Romantic Encounters: An Anthology Book 1) Read online

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  The scanning, uploading, and distributing of this book via the internet or via any other means without the permission of the copyright owner is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized copies, and do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  Copyright © 2020 by Paullett Golden

  All rights reserved.

  Cover Design by Fiona Jayde Media

  Interior Design by The Deliberate Page

  Illustrations by Doan Trang

  Also by Paullett Golden

  The Enchantresses Series

  The Earl and The Enchantress

  The Duke and The Enchantress

  The Baron and The Enchantress

  The Colonel and The Enchantress

  Romantic Encounters

  A Dash of Romance

  COMING SOON

  The Enchantresses Series

  The Heir and The Enchantress

  The Gentleman and The Enchantress

  The Sirens Series

  A Counterfeit Wife

  A Proposed Hoax

  The Faux Marriage

  This book is dedicated to the seekers of self-improvement, those who dare the journey to a deeper understanding of who they are, who look within and find the courage to brave following their hearts. Self love, growth, and care are vital aspects of our lives. I celebrate all you do to be your best self.

  A special thank you to all bloggers, reviewers, and readers for your endless support.

  Praise for Golden’s Books

  “An amazing book by an author that has honed her craft to perfection, this story had me gasping with laughter and moping my eyes as the tears rolled down my face.”

  —Goodreads Reader

  “Paullett Golden isn’t afraid to weave complex family matters into her historical romance… The author’s strong points are her ability to reveal the vulnerability of her characters while showing you how they work through their differences.”

  —Readers’ Favorites Reviewer

  “Character development is wonderful, and it is interesting to follow two young people as they defy the odds to be together. Paullett Golden’s novel is compelling and a stellar work that is skillfully crafted.”

  —Sheri Hoyte of Reader Views

  “It’s thoughtfulness about issues of social class, birthrights, gender disparities, and city versus country concerns add provocative emotional layers. Strong, complex characterizations, nuanced family dynamics, insightful social commentary, and a vibrant sense of time and place both geographically and emotionally make this a poignant read.”

  —Cardyn Brooks of InD’tale Magazine

  “The author adds a few extra ingredients to the romantic formula, with pleasing results. An engaging and unconventional love story.”

  —Kirkus Reviews

  “The well-written prose is a delight, the author’s voice compelling readers and drawing them into the story with an endearing, captivating plot and genuine, authentic settings. From the uncompromising social conventions of the era to the permissible attitudes and behaviors within each class, it’s a first-class journey back in time.”

  —Reader Views

  “[The Enchantresses] by Paullett Golden easily ranks as one of the best historical romances I have read in some time and I highly recommend it to fans of romance, history, and the regency era. Fabulous reading!”

  —Sheri Hoyte

  “It is an extremely well written novel with some subplots that add to the already intense main plot. The author Paullett Golden has a gift for creating memorable characters that have depth.”

  —Paige Lovitt of Reader Views

  “Golden is a good writer. She knows how to structure plot, how to make flawed characters sympathetic and lovable, and has a very firm grasp on theme.”

  —No Apology Book Reviews

  “What I loved about the author was her knowledge of the era! Her descriptions are fresh and rich. Her writing is strong and emotionally driven. An author to follow.”

  —The Forfeit author Shannon Gallagher

  “Readers who enjoy a character driven romance will find this a story well worth reading. Paullett Golden is an author I will be following.”

  —Roses R Blue Reviews

  “I would say this is a very well-written novel with engaging characters, a compelling story, a satisfactory resolution, and I am eagerly anticipating more from Ms. Golden.”

  —Davis Editorials

  “With complex characters and a backstory with amazing depth, the story… is fantastic from start to finish.”

  —Rebirth author Ravin Tija Maurice

  “Paullett Golden specializes in creating charmingly flawed characters and she did not disappoint in this latest enchantress novel.”

  —Dream Come Review

  “…a modern sensibility about the theme of self-realization, and a fresh take on romance make the foundation of Golden’s latest Georgian-era romance.”

  —The Prairies Book Review

  “What a wonderful story! I have read a number of historical fiction romance stories and this is the best one so far! Paullett does a masterful job of weaving so many historical details into her story….”

  —Word Refiner Reviews

  “The novel is everything you could ever want from a story in this genre while also providing surprising and gratifying thematic depth.”

  —Author Esquire

  “I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and getting to know all of the characters. Each character was fully developed, robust and very relatable.”

  —Flippin’ Pages Book Reviews

  “It is a story that just keeps giving and giving to the reader and I, for one, found it enchanting!”

  —The Genre Minx Book Reviews

  “The minor King Arthur plot was also a lovely touch, and the descriptions of the library fulfilled my book-loving dream.”

  —Rosie Amber Reviews

  “It features characters who exhibit traits and emotions that go above and beyond passion.”

  —Melina Druga Reviews

  A Letter to the Reader

  Dear Reader,

  This is the first book of the Romantic Encounters series, each book to be an annual anthology. Within each anthology, you’ll find a short novel followed by a special bonus: a collection of flash and short fiction.

  The flash fiction pieces are those featured in the monthly newsletter; thus, each piece is themed in some way to the month in which it appeared. The first piece begins with January and moves through the calendar months until we reach December. Two additional, bonus flash fictions are included within this first book, both winter themed.

  There are many types of flash fiction, ranging from micro fiction of only a few words to short fiction of a couple thousand. Within this anthology, you’ll find pieces ranging from approximately five hundred words to two thousand. I hope you’ll enjoy them. Each is a stand-alone story regardless of brevity.

  The addition of bonus fiction to accompany the novel is unique to the Romantic Encounters series. You can look forward to a similar combination of shorts plus novel every year as p
art of the annual anthology series.

  Enjoy!

  Paullett Golden

  Table of Contents

  A Dash of Romance

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Epilogue

  Flash Fiction

  Arrival

  Beguiled

  Highwayman

  Shipwreck

  Entangled

  Midsummer

  Candor

  Requited

  Persephone

  Haunted

  Masquerade

  Homecoming

  Beneficence

  Gorgeous

  A Note from the Author

  About the Author

  A Dash of Romance

  Chapter 1

  1795

  Devonshire

  The feather of the quill brushed against her chin, imbuing inspiration.

  Sir Bartholomew thundered across the field on his black stallion.

  No, that would not do. With a single, straight line, she crossed out “black stallion.” Rewetting the quill, she wrote:

  Sir Bartholomew thundered across the field on his white steed.

  Ahead, the damsel waved in distress. ‘Oh, good sir,’ she cried, ‘my horse has lamed himself. Save me!’

  The gallant knight leapt from his horse. Had the fair damsel not been in distress, she would have swooned at the hero of our tale. Dashing, charming, tall but not too tall, hazel eyes that twinkled goodwill, brown hair that waved handsomely, a walking stick held—

  With another single, straight line, she crossed out “walking stick.” The hero would not have a walking stick if he had been riding his horse. Stroking her chin with the feather again, she stared at the page, dissatisfied.

  “Abigail, dearest, what keeps you?” croaked a voice from the other side of the room.

  Miss Abigail Walsley replaced the quill in such haste, she nearly tipped over the inkwell. Steadying herself, she turned to Lady Dunley.

  “You drifted to sleep, my lady. I thought I would busy myself until you awakened. Would you like for me to finish reading to you?” Hoping the ink was dry enough, Abbie folded the paper and slipped it into her pocket before returning to Lady Dunley’s side.

  “No, dear, I believe I’ll retire for an afternoon respite. Ring for my maid.”

  Before reaching for the bellpull, Abbie rearranged the shawl about her ladyship’s shoulders to dissuade the autumn chill. Her ladyship had such a delicate constitution.

  An arthritic hand, fingers curled and knuckles swollen, reached out from beneath the wool to grasp Abbie’s arm. In a gravely voice, Lady Dunley asked, “Won’t you stay with me?”

  Abbie shook her head, covering the hand on her arm with her own. “I’m to visit my sister today. I’ll return on Wednesday, and we can resume the chapter.”

  “No, no, no, you misunderstand me. Won’t you please stay with me as a full-time companion? You’ll want for nothing. You could have the bedroom next to mine. It’s a bright shade of yellow, as befitting your charm.”

  “It remains a lovely offer, my lady, but my answer is the same as before. My father needs me, besides which I live close enough to continue our frequent visits.”

  “Pish,” the woman grunted, waving her hand beneath the shawl.

  Abbie accepted the dismissal as an opportunity to ring for the maid before departing.

  For the first quarter mile of her walk home, her steps were stilted, her lips pursed. The renewals to serve as companion came more frequently each passing week. However flattering it was for Lady Dunley to find her company desirable, Abbie could not help but feel the sting of insult. Long gone were the hopes of marrying at the shelved age of four and twenty, but she did think her life worth more than serving as a glorified friend for hire. As fulfilling as her time with the viscountess was, this was not how she desired to spend her days. It was kindness that took her to the estate every other day, not a desire to make companionship her profession.

  Ah, yes, her profession. Now there was something she had thought about a great deal.

  Her gait slowed; her shoulders relaxed. For the next half mile, her mind wandered, leaving a half-smile lingering on her lips. She could see him clearly. His walking stick twirling, kissable lips whistling, that wavy hair a damsel could sink her fingers into—oh, what a wicked thought. The vicarage in sight, Abbie looked about her, hoping no one was around to see her blush. Only sheep looked back at her.

  One day, her hero would win her a publishing contract. He was a real Tom Jones, by her estimation, but with more charm and morality. Sir Bartholomew would woo the world from a leather-bound spine.

  That evening, after supper with her father, the vicar of Sidvale, Abbie retired to her room, intent on a good night’s sleep. It was not to be had. Well into the night, the candle burned, her quill working across the page, detailing the adventures of Sir Bartholomew. She paused only long enough to pen a quick column for the newspaper under her pseudonym before returning to her errant knight as he saved another damsel, whisking this one off her feet to save her from a spring flood.

  The knight ran a hand through his unruly locks, a wink and smile his only answer to the fair maiden. With a bow, he quitted her company, taking his leave of the entire village. He could think of no place he would rather be than by the side of his ladylove.

  Abbie sighed. A wistful smile curved her lips, her eyes unfocused. In a clear vision, she could see herself in a tower, dressed in understated elegance, a Renaissance maiden waiting for her knight. Did she dare write herself into the story as his ladylove? Or would readers prefer him a desirable bachelor? This was not to be a love story but an adventure tale. Perhaps it was best that he remained available.

  Decided, she made to wet the quill to cross out the final line.

  She gasped. The ink! So lost in thought, she had not noticed the ink spreading a cruel puddle over the paper. In swift movements, she propped the quill in the inkwell and grabbed a handkerchief to blot the ink.

  It was no use. Rather than soaking up the excess ink, the handkerchief smeared it. The more she dabbed, the more it spread until the handkerchief was ruined, her hands were covered in ink, and the page was an illegible blob. She only just stopped herself from hiding her face in her hands. Would that not top the evening—an ink covered face? Defeated, she removed to the wash basin to clean the ink from her fingers as best she could. Sir Bartholomew would have to wait for the morrow before she could rewrite the scene.

  Dipping her toast into the egg yolk, Abbie lamented, “They’re nearly purple. I can’t possibly leave the house today.”

  The Reverend Leland Walsley eyed his daughter’s ink tinted hands and shook his head, the lift at the corners of his mouth betraying his amusement. “Is this my opportunity to ask your help with the sermon?”

  She nodded, eager to serve as muse.

  The youngest of four sisters, Abbie was the only one unmarried, the only one who chose to stay at the vicarage to look after Papa. It was not that he needed looking after, for he was in good health, but without her, he would surely be lonely. How fortuitous she had never received a proposal.

  After a taste of his tea, Leland said, “If I were the suspicious type, I would suspect you stained your hands intentionally as a ruse to get new gloves.”

  “Papa!” Abbie exclaimed before a laugh. “I would never!”

  “I know. I know.” He wink
ed over his cup. “Will you visit Lady Dunley tomorrow?”

  She sighed, leaning against the chair back. “I have no reason not to, but I think I might put a few days between us. She’s been pressing me again about being her companion.”

  “And you’ve still no notion of accepting?” He rested against the back of his chair, mirroring his daughter. “Life at the estate could be luxurious.”

  “I prefer my life here.” Abbie laced her fingers in her lap and studied her father. “Am I being selfish to choose my own desires over helping someone?”

  “I don’t find your decision selfish, rest assured. Only you are privy to your calling. I support you regardless, even if that calling is not with Lady Dunley.”

  Abbie studied her plate. “If I were to become anyone’s companion, I would choose Aunt Gertrude. You know how I love spending time with her in the summer, but even then, I would not want to be a full-time companion; neither do I think Aunt Gertrude would want someone hovering over her shoulder every day.”

  Dabbing his mouth with a napkin, he said, “She wrote to me, you know.”

  “Aunt Gertrude?”

  He frowned. “No, Lady Dunley.”

  “Lady Dunley wrote to you? Why?” She bristled, uncertain she wanted an answer.

  “Hoping I’d persuade you to serve as her companion. Although, I confess, her missive was more forceful than hopeful or persuasive. It bordered on a command. So far as you’re set against it, I’ll not be swayed.”

  Appalled, Abbie clenched her fingers. “I never thought her the interfering sort. I’ve a mind not to return. How dare she go against my will to have you force my hand!”

  Her father chuckled. “No need to take it so harshly. It’s flattering, really. She values your company.”

  “I find it underhanded.” Folding her napkin, she returned it to the table, her appetite lost.

  “I don’t disagree, but let’s focus on the good. A viscountess finds your company worth fighting for, and that’s a fine compliment. It would do no harm to reconsider.”