Tea for Two: Eeryan World Tales, #1

By Cheri Chesley

He finds her intriguing, she finds him dangerous. Can Shannah protect a long-held family secret from the persistance of her handsome employer?

The world of Eeryan is not unlike our own--kingdoms and principalities with rich histories of love, hate, vengeance, war, peace, epic battles, and natural disasters. There are diverse kinngdoms to discover and vast land masses to traverse, as well as a Great Sea that essentially holds it all together.

In the land of Brundidge, so far across the Sea from kingdoms like Demarde and Fayterra as to be almost unheard of, there is no remaining magic. There is, however, a just king and stately queen, the right amount of heirs, and a love story that will warm your heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chesley Books
• Release date: Feb 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9781516375486

Cheri Chesley

Cheri Chesley believes in miracles and the magic of books in everyday life. When not writing, she can be found reading the dictionary for fun or devouring any of the many books in her home library. She lives with her husband, children, and four-legged taskmasters in Waurika, OK. Look for updates on her latest works at www.cheri-chesley.com.

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Acknowledgements

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When I originally wrote this story more than twenty years ago, I still had so much to learn. I’m grateful for my husband, Bryan, who always insisted this story was worth saving, and to my children who continue to give me so much support and encouragement. I’m inexpressibly blessed to have an extended family who continues to support my writing, and a network of talented writers, editors, and publishers who continue to mentor, offer advice, and generally encourage writers still fairly new to the craft.

Much thanks, again, to Crystal Liechty, my editor, for her praise and suggestions. You have a talent for helping me see my story’s potential.

And, as always, I offer my gratitude to God for my talents, and also for the wonderful people He has put in my life to help me best express what He has given me.

For Bryan, my forever love.

Nineteen years, and it still feels like yesterday.

The world of Eeryan is not unlike our own—kingdoms and principalities with rich histories of love, hate, vengeance, war, peace, epic battles, and natural disasters. There are diverse kingdoms to discover and vast land masses to traverse, as well as a Great Sea that essentially holds it all together.

In the land of Brundidge, so far across the Sea from kingdoms like Demarde and Fayterra as to be almost unheard of, there is no remaining magic. There is, however, a just king and stately queen, the right amount of heirs, and a love story that will warm your heart.

CHAPTER 1

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Don’t tell! Promise me you will never tell.

Shannah pushed Garnette’s words back into the recesses of her mind and concentrated on scrubbing the flagstones. She thought of her sister often this time of year, but she couldn’t afford to be distracted. Everything had to be just perfect for Viscountess Wyndham’s birthday celebration, or the entire household would suffer—and they all knew it.

The Viscountess wasn’t a particularly difficult woman to please but she had her preferences, and since her husband’s death last autumn, she had pressed her inclinations without exception.

But even before his death, the viscount made certain his wife’s annual birthday celebration was a party to be envied. A certain standard had been set, and it was a point of pride among the household staff that the standard be upheld.

Shannah frowned at a particularly stubborn spot of ick. Her ladyship would not be pleased if her guests saw that. She worked it away, alternating with the brush and her fingernail until the spot gleamed like the rest of the stones. She didn’t take the time to wonder what she’d just scraped up, though she dipped her hand in the soapy water for good measure.

Boot steps behind her drew her attention. Viscount Wyndham climbed the stairs that led to the front door, to where she knelt, his freshly muddied boots leaving a whole new mess on the gleaming front steps.

She gasped and he looked up, noticing her. His rich chocolate eyes quickly took in the bucket, her scrub brush, and the mud in his wake.

He had the grace to look chagrined. I’m terribly sorry. That was thoughtless of me.

Shannah refrained from agreeing. Instead she started to rise.

Here. He moved like lightning to her side, a hand at her elbow.

Thank you, my lord.

Please, don’t. It’s silly to thank me after the mess I’ve just made for you. He gestured toward the manor. I’ll send someone to help you. It’s the least I can do.

Everyone is busy preparing for my lady’s ball, my lord, she said. Mrs. Scrab can’t spare another.

Ah, yes. He shot her a disarming smile, white teeth gleaming against his midnight complexion. My mother’s party. I should get out of your way, then.

She looked up at him. If I could, my lord, I would suggest you leave your boots outside. Alice and Jayne have spent the last hour polishing the floor.

A wise suggestion. Thank you, Shannah.

She blinked. He knew her name?

He seemed to read her mind. Come now, I haven’t accumulated so many servants that I can’t remember all their names.

She lowered her head. My lord.

He slid off his boots and left them by the door before entering the house. Shannah watched him go. His father had been a rather serious, stern man, but the new viscount was so nice. She could almost forget how dangerous he was.

Shannah looked at his boots and imagined Joshua, his valet, retrieving them for cleaning. She shook her head and took a rag to them, wiping all the excess mud off the boots and the steps where they sat. They would still need a good polishing, but at least mud wouldn’t drip from them onto the carpets as Joshua carried them up the stairs.

She returned to the steps and cleaned off all the fresh mud the viscount left behind. Once she’d finished, Shannah carried her things around to the kitchen entrance of the house. She’d just poured the filthy water from her bucket when she heard a crash followed by a cry of pain.

Shannah raced into the kitchen. She didn’t get far, though, because a crowd had started to gather around Jayne, who sat wailing on the floor, an overturned stepladder behind her. Mrs. Scrab, the housekeeper, stood over the maid, wringing her hands.

What happened? Shannah asked Alice, who stood nearest.

Mrs. Scrab told Jayne to fetch the pan up on that high shelf, and Jayne said she wouldn’t because that ladder’s too rickety. Alice shook her blond head. Mrs. Scrab told her to mind, so up Jayne went. But the ladder gave way.