Foxtails: A Paranormal Regency Romance

By Erica Laurie

Elizabeth Pendry lives content with her books and imagination.  When an unexpected visit from her aunt throws her life into disarray, Elizabeth seeks comfort from her imaginary fairy friends. Little does she know that fairies are real and that someone hears her.

 

Being half-mythological and half-mortal leaves George feeling like he doesn't fit in anywhere. Not in the magical world of his mother, or the mortal one of his father.  Until he hears Elizabeth talking to the fairies.

 

When Elizabeth first learns that magic and fairies are real, she enjoys believing in them. After all, George is handsome and kind. They are happy for a time.  But a dark and sinister magic soon threatens her family, forcing Elizabeth to choose between protecting them or being with the one she loves, and sending George on a desperate search to find her.

 

This is a just kisses fantasy romance set in an alternate Regency-era England. It is not intended to be historically accurate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erica Laurie
• Release date: Aug 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781536587739

Erica Laurie

I love reading, Korean dramas, and dragons. In fact, my love of fantasy (dragons) and Korean dramas influences my writing. In my spare time, I like to visit the fairies, forest elves, and dragons with my kids. I've been dragon searching since I was a kid with my dad, and so far the dragon has yet to be awake to let us in to their enchanted caves.

Book preview

1

Unexpected Guests

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There is nothing comparable to the magic of a book. I was in my favorite chair in the library, having just settled in for a good read before supper. Stories of daring adventures, fantasy, and romance filled my imagination. I longed for an adventure of my own, even if the only place I could have one was in a book.

Sarah Jane was in near panic when she came into the library. Aunt Pen has come. And, without telling us she was to arrive! We are not prepared at all.

I am sure you and Mrs. Potts can handle things, I said as assuringly as I could muster. Why was Aunt Pen here? It wasn’t usual for her to just happen by.

I don’t know, Elizabeth. Sarah Jane worriedly bit her bottom lip. She’d gnaw it bloody chewing it that way.

Tell me it’s not true! James said from the doorway.

I grinned at my brother’s overly dramatic antics. If he could dress the part, he’d be a dandy for sure.

It is very true! I have come, and not a moment too soon I can see, a regal sounding voice said from behind James.

I immediately stood up, my book falling unnoticed to the floor.

James spun around. Hello, Aunt. I was just telling the girls here that—

I know what you meant, James. You are exactly like your father was at your age.  Aunt Pen gave him a playful yet sound whack on the back of his head.

A fine specimen of a man I’d wager. James smiled as he puffed himself up.

I covered my mouth and ducked my head to hide the beginning of a grin.

Indeed, answered Aunt Pen, for a whippersnapper.

Edward walked into the room before James had a chance for a comeback. Hello, Aunt Pen, I hope you have had a safe journey. You should have told us you were coming.

Now here’s a fine gentleman. Aunt Pen grinned warmly. You must forgive your old aunt, but I decided to come on the spur of the moment.

You are always welcome here at Pendington, Aunt Pen, but you do me a disservice as host to not allow us some notice.

Aunt Pen smiled affectionately at Edward. Oh don’t scold me. I have my reasons. You will see. Now, Elizabeth, pick that book off the floor before you ruin it.

Oh, yes Aunt Pen. I picked up the book. After a quick inspection to make sure it was fine I put my bookmark in place and closed it.

I’d love some tea. After which I shall tell you why I’ve come.

Sarah Jane went into motion. Of course. Let me go tell the cook to set water to boil, and to prepare some finger cakes.

Very good, Aunt Pen replied. Now children, tell me how you have been.

***

My fingers stopped tapping out the music on the pianoforte, the last misplayed note lingering in the air.

That’s enough, Elizabeth. I can’t believe you are such a poor musician. I’m rather ashamed, Aunt Pen said.

Mother said not everyone can share the same talents. If we did, the world would be rather dull and boring.

While I am inclined to agree with that in some regards, it doesn’t excuse you from cultivating your womanly talents.

My parents said I should—

Aunt Pen held her forehead. Elizabeth, this conversation is finished. I’m getting a dreadful headache. You can’t cook, and you can’t play music. I’m frightened to think what your needlepoint skills must be.

I think you can guess what they are, Aunt Pen. May I be excused?

Yes, go. I think I shall go lay down before I have a talk with that brother of yours.

I got up and, as dignified as I could, left the music room, grabbed my cloak and went for a walk.

After I got some distance between myself and the house, I started to feel better. I was grateful when I discovered I still had some pumpkin seeds in my pocket for the birds.

When I came to my special spot, a great old oak tree, I made sure it stood between me and the house and sat down. A few songbirds hopped out of the tree, and I held out my hand. A chipmunk scurried close, so I tossed a few seeds to him. As he grabbed a seed he made a plaintive chirp. I took that as an invitation to talk.

Aunt Pen’s arrived a week ago, and already she has made my life pretty unpleasant.

The chipmunk paused in eating and tilted his head, and a few birds took some seeds from my hands.

I smiled imagining they were listening to me as I poured out my heart.

***

Shortly after Aunt Pen arrived, she hosted some guests for a stay. The primary guests being a Mr. Nathan Throckmorten, and his sister Adelaide.

I was not exactly sure what to think about Mr. Throckmorten. To be fair, he’s an attractive fellow. Handsome and tall; with black hair and black eyes. His voice was deep, and somewhat mesmerizing. It drew one in as if a spell was being woven.

Miss Throckmorten was also tall and slender as a reed. I felt like a short round muffin compared her. Adelaide was also an excellent pianist and accomplished singer. I could definitely imagine her singing in an Opera. Much of the evening she played for us and held most everyone’s attention. She shared her dark hair with her brother, but her eyes were a really lovely shade of ocean blue.

Then there was Mr. Johnathon Knightly. He had a distinguished gentlemanly air about him and was a commissioned officer. I don't think he's ever seen a battle, but he’d spin the most fanciful tales. He had blond hair and brown eyes. His nose seemed a bit too large for his face, though, and sadly, his two front teeth seemed to be better matched to that of a horse. I could not help but think his father purchased his commission in hopes he would be more alluring to the ladies.

***

We were gathered in the music room, listening to Adelaide play on the spinet. The music floated about the room and held its audience captive. There was a certain haunting quality to the melody, which seemed to wrap itself around you. The little hairs stood up the back of my neck. I patted my hair at the nape of my neck and noticed Mr. Throckmorten’s eyes were looking in my direction. I discreetly looked away.

Miss Pendry, just the person I was looking for! Mr. Knightly said, taking a seat next to Sarah Jane.

Sarah Jane shot me a panicked glance across the room, where I was quietly talking with James.

Good evening, Mr. Knightly, Sarah Jane replied, as she shot me a look, pleading for my assistance.

I hear you play the piano yourself. Perhaps after Miss Throckmorten plays you would regal us with a song?

Sarah Jane looked down at her hands. Oh, I don’t know. I’m nowhere near as accomplished.

Sarah Jane, I said, as I positioned myself between Knightly and my sister, and took my sister’s arm, Mrs. Potts is looking for you. She has an urgent question about the breakfast menu tomorrow. 

Oh, breakfast. Do please tell your cook to not serve eggs ... I abhor eggs, Mr. Knightly said, taking a moment to clean his monocle.

We will take that under advisement, Mr. Knightly. I forced a polite smile. He hates eggs, does he? Go ahead Sarah Jane. I’ll be fine. I gave my sister a discreet push.

Thank you, Sarah Jane spoke softly. Please excuse me, Mr. Knightly. After I speak with the cook, I think I shall retire for the evening. Elizabeth, would you let the others know I’ve gone for the night?

I’ll take care of it, I assured my sister.

Poor Sarah Jane. It did not surprise me she’d captured the attentions of Mr. Knightly; she was quite lovely with her rich chestnut hair, porcelain skin, and blue eyes. Much better than my mousy brown hair and pond brown eyes.

Throckmorten, I say, what is your opinion on— Mr. Knightly accosted Mr. Throckmorten with talks of politics.

What luck, I thought. It was just the distraction I needed to slip away and into the gardens for some peace.

***

So, I heard Edward’s voice and turned and saw him approaching. This is where you went off too.

Fresh air was much warranted. And it sounded as if the discussion was turning to politics.

It was a bit warm in there, Edward agreed, falling into step with me. Aunt Pen has certainly outdone herself this time, he continued. "What do you think of this Throckmorten fellow?

He seems very much a gentleman, I said, guardedly.

Don’t worry, Mouse, if you want me to throw the man out, I’ll throw him out.

He is not the most obnoxious man in the bunch. And truly he wasn’t.

Knightly. Edward agreed. 

Poor Sarah Jane, I replied as I watched my brother, before turning my eyes back to the night sky.

***

The next morning after an egg-filled breakfast, of which I noted Mr. Knightly ate very little more than dry toast, I found myself accosted by him. I held back a grimace. 

Surely you and Miss Pendry heard my request about the eggs?

We did, I assure you, I replied as politely as I could.

Then why were they served? I get positively ill when I eat eggs. He sounded angry.

I’m dreadfully sorry, Mr. Knightly. I thought you had asked specifically for eggs. I knew very well this was not the case, but admit it I would not.

Well, since the error was well-intentioned on your part, I’ll let it go this time.

That’s very kind of you, I replied as I quickly walked off to the solitude of my room. I didn’t notice Mr. Throckmorten was standing in the shadows.

***

The weather was delightful, so everyone decided to have a picnic out on the lawn. Our cook, Mrs. Potts, filled the baskets well.

Mr. Knightly took a seat next to Sarah Jane. She looked about and frantically patted her hair. It was one of our signs of distress. Once our eyes met I gave a slight nod of my head. 

Sarah Jane deftly removed a hairpin and let a spiraled lock of hair fall. Oh dear, I seem to have lost a hairpin!

Let me help you, I offered as I approached. I waved my hand as I asked Mr. Knightly to move.

Oh, of course, he said as he moved over.

I knelt by Sarah Jane, and she clutched my arm.

Don’t leave me alone with him, Sarah Jane whispered in my ear.

I won’t, I promise you, I whispered back, as I gathered her rich brown locks and put the hairpin back in place. We locked eyes a moment, before I said more clearly, There you go, Sarah Jane, good as new.

Mr. Knightly was watching me contemplatively as I settled in permanently between my sister and him. I would put up with the odious man for my sister. My family was the most important thing to me. 

Sarah Jane offered me a cucumber sandwich. I took a bite and noticed Mr. Throckmorten was watching me as well. My sandwich caught in my throat, so I looked away.

***

Later that evening I was sitting alone in the gardens. I could hear the distant laughter of family and guests in the parlor. Adelaide was playing the piano and singing. It was the perfect moment to get away. Only one more week and the house party would be leaving, and life would return to its quieter pace. 

There you are, I heard a voice which was becoming most like a nail scratching on the chalkboard in the school room in our neglected nursery wing. Maybe I should have gone up there to hide.

I stood up. Mr. Knightly.

Please sit down, Mr. Knightly instructed.

I remained standing. I really did not want to be here alone with him.

A strong chill ran down my back.

I really should be going. As I turned to leave, he grabbed my hand with one of his. When I tried to pull mine away, he grabbed my other hand and held on tighter.

Don’t think I’ve not noticed, Elizabeth, that you have feelings for me, Mr. Knightly said.

What do you mean? I was alarmed. I had given him no reason to believe I was interested in him.

The air was getting thicker.

I am not without some means of supporting a wife. I assure you we would live most comfortably. Even after the children are born. His eyes glanced over my body.

Mr. Knightly, please let go, I said trying to pull free. I don’t know how you’ve come to a conclusion that I would—

Oh, do you now? Don’t be bashful my coy beauty.

"Please, let go of me. I assure you, Mr, Knightly, you are most mistaken." 

His eyes flashed in anger, and I fell half a step back. Come now, I had every intention of courting your sister. Yet nearly every time I managed to get her attention, you would insert yourself between us.

My mouth dropped open. I quickly shut it so I wouldn’t look a fool. Surely he’d realize he was wrong. How many times did I have to tell him?

I can see no other explanation, Mr. Knightly said. I believe you must be too shy to admit it. So I will help you. He pulled me towards him and grabbed the back of my head. With alarm, I realized he meant to kiss me. I could smell alcohol on his breath.

Move away from her, a low voice hissed.

As I was released, I slumped to the ground.

Are you all right, Miss Elizabeth? Mr. Throckmorten asked me.

I nodded, blinking back tears.

This isn’t your concern, Throckmorten, Mr. Knightly said.

Oh, I think it is, Mr. Throckmorten said. His voice was stern, and I felt a cold prickle on my skin.

Barely, Sir.

It was glaringly obvious your advances are not wanted, nor appreciated by the young lady.

She is just shy. Mr. Knightly lifted his chin, and turned to me. We were becoming engaged. Weren’t we, Elizabeth?

Mr. Throckmorten looked at me.

I whispered No, and shook my head.

Mr. Throckmorten’s eyes darkened dangerously, and I could swear I could almost feel the static in the air. It reminded me of a thunderstorm.

I suggest you leave this residence immediately. Mr. Throckmorten’s voice was chilling. If you do not, I shall certainly kill you.

I clutched my hands to my rapidly beating heart, trying to still it.

Mr. Knightly paled noticeably. You have no right—

I can assure, Knightly, that as a close family associate of her aunt, I do. Furthermore, when I inform Miss Elizabeth’s family of your assault, you will be called out. Miss Elizabeth has indicated she has no interest in your proposal.

The silence was almost palatable.

With a huff, Mr. Knightly left. Mr. Throckmorten knelt by me, his concern clearly evident.

Thank you, I shudder to think— I shivered uncontrollably.

It’s all right, Miss Elizabeth, Mr. Throckmorten said. I noticed you slip out, so when I saw that villain head the same way, I was concerned. He helped me stand up and escorted me back into the house.

I found myself ensconced in the armchair by the fireplace in Edward’s library. A cup of hot chocolate in my hands, which I noticed was cold. Edward, James, and Mr. Throckmorten were talking quietly nearby. My brothers were angry. And so with pistols brandished Mr. Knightly was escorted from the property.

The next day I received a letter from Mr. Knightly apologizing for his behavior. While I appreciated he had apologized, it bothered me that he claimed to have no recollection of the events leading to his sudden and hasty exodus.

The last thing I remember was sitting down next to Sarah Jane in the music room. I have no idea what possessed me to approach you, Miss Elizabeth, and I hope you can accept my heartfelt apology and forgive me.

I set the letter down and shook my head. It would have been better if he hadn't tried to deny his actions. I pushed the thoughts aside and put the letter in the drawer of my desk before heading to the sitting room.

I was relieved to see I was alone and thought I could enjoy my chocolate in peace.

How have you been, Elizabeth? Mr. Throckmorten inquired as he entered just as I was pouring myself a cup of hot chocolate.

The events of the previous evening caused my cheeks to flush. Very well, thank you, Mr. Throckmorten. I set the chocolate pot down. I should thank you for the other evening.

Please, no need to thank me, dear.