Chasing the Tale

These ten stories were written between 2020 and early 2022. They are mostly short reads-an escape into another place and time just long enough for a lunch or coffee break. To Regency England, for the most part, but I’ve commented in the blurb if the story is set elsewhere or else-when. Nine of the stories started life as stories for my newsletter subscribers-in every newsletter, I give away a subscriber exclusive. Some of my newsletter stories go on to be rewritten as novellas or as prequels to novels. Some have appeared in other collections. Those in this book are the ones that have, until now, been available only to my newsletter subscribers.I’ve also included a slightly longer story, created as a prize for a contest. The Kindest Gentleman was written for Audrey Stewart, who asked for a story about a handsome vet, and the girl next door who asks for his help to save a cat.For my other stories and novels, see https://judeknightauthor.com/books/ or your favourite retailer.***Christmas at Hollystone HallAt a time of peace and goodwill toward men, the new Duke of Haverford struggles to reconcile with his mother, who had tried to prevent his marriage.Lady Cicely’s ForfeitWhen she made the wager, Cicely had been certain she could skate faster than that ridiculous fop Lord Benjamin. Half the people in the house party take up the challenge, and Cicely faces potential scandal and even defeat.Lord Dependable to the RescueMillicent chose the wrong suitor, and is now stuck in a dungeon, with a flooded river threatening to pour in through the window. George might be the most aggravating man in England, but she can’t deny that he had been right about Arthur.Miss Winston’s HonourLily Winston cannot return to her work as a governess with a baby in tow; nor can she abandon little Peter. Ralph Stephenson is determined to defend her from those who see a baby as evidence she is a loose woman. The Marquis of Aldridge makes an unlikely, but effective, cupid.Only a KissIn colonial New Zealand, five girls enliven their social season with a daring game. For one, the game has unintended consequences.The Abduction of Miss Amaryllis FernhillRilla faces a future as bride to a nasty old man. Constantly watched, threatened with even more dire consequences if she refuses, she wishes for rescue. It comes in a most surprising form.The Easter BonnetWearing new clothing on Easter is meant to bring good luck. Can a single bonnet bring luck to three different couples?The Major’s HomecomingIs Luke’s brother truly in danger? Or are the rumours of his madness true? When Magda finds Luke in her vegetable garden with a bullet wound in his shoulder, the two childhood sweethearts set out to discover the truth. Along the way, they recover their old love.The Kindest GentlemanA reluctant animal doctor and the abused poor relation who lives next door find common cause over a litter of puppies and an injured cat.The Truant Lord ClairmontLady Clairmont goes to a scandalous house party to retrieve her truant husband after his return to England from a nine-year absence. What she discovers is unexpected.