The Magnolia - Clean Historical Regency Romance

By Christine Cross

Lord Colborne is an Earl with a deep appreciation for the arts. One evening while at his friend's home, he is introduced to the infamous Magnolia, a painter whose attention to detail far exceeds any that he had seen before. His friend informs him that no one knows who the Magnolia is, only that his artwork is highly sought after by many of society's elite. 

On a trip to London, he meets a mysterious woman who appeared to have stepped out of one of the Magnolia's paintings. He and his friend are later invited to an exhibition of the Magnolia's artwork, where he meets the same mysterious woman. What he discovers there is a secret so intriguing that he nor the mysterious woman will never be the same.

A Standalone Short Story with no cliffhanger! 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clean & Wholesome Romance Club
• Release date: Nov 21, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386824282

Book preview

The Magnolia

Chapter 1

My life prior to that evening had been remarkably quiet. There had been no great accomplishments, nor had there been any sort of significant events. It was pleasant, of course, but after that one particular night in late June at the estate of my dear friend Mr. Burk, nothing was ever the same.

Mother certainly enjoys these parties, does she not? said Mr. Burk.

I smiled at him. Surely it is for the entertainment of her guests more than for herself?

Mr. Burk’s blue eyes glared at me, his auburn hair like fire in the candlelight, but he smiled all the same. Mr. Colborne, you are quite the jester, he said. He sighed in exasperation. Honestly, I am glad for this side of the house where we can remove ourselves from all of the festivities and have a moment’s peace.

I nodded. It is indeed a small kind of comfort.

He pulled a glass carafe from the walnut table behind himself, as well as two crystal flutes, each adorned with varying gems. He opened the carafe, full nearly to the brim with a rich, red wine, and began to pour it into the glasses.

So how is my friend Lord Colborne, the Earl as of late?

I glanced up at him from my place on the green velvet settee. I ran my hands through my dark hair, and flattened the top where it tended to stand up in every direction.  Oh, all is well, I suppose. Nothing new to speak of.

Mr. Burk brought me a glass.

My father acquired this wine on his trip away to Italy last summer. It’s been saved for nights such as these. He smiled. He certainly is knowledgeable.

I brought the glass to my nose and inhaled the sweet aroma. The flavor was pleasing to the palate as well. This is quite delicious. I swirled my glass in my hand. It’s been far too long since I have been to Italy.

Mr. Burk reclined on the corresponding green settee just across from me, and smiled in return. Ah, yes. Do you remember our first summer there?

Sunlight, flowing hills, and tall whitewashed buildings and statues flickered across my mind. I do indeed. I remember how beautiful the art was there. I hesitated before I continued speaking.

Have I told you I have begun to develop a deeper appreciation for art?

Have you now? Mr. Burk replied.

There’s just something about it that I can relate to. And I am finding it to be with any piece, any medium, I said with a sigh. I so often feel deprived of ordinary interactions with people, and art somehow makes me feel connected, in a small way. I’m not sure I can describe it accurately. I looked down at my glass. "A new hobby, if