Maiden’s Promise
Maiden’s Promise
by Tracy DeVore
Print ISBN-13: 978-1-926912-76-9
Editor: Jodi Lee
Publisher: Belfire Press
Pages: 200
Dimensions: 5.25″x8″
Cover Price: $10.99
Order Direct: Createspace
E-book ISBN-13: 978-1-926912-78-3
Formats: html, js, mobi, epub, pdf, rtf, lrf, pdb, txt
Price: $2.99
Kindle ISBN-13: 978-1-926912-77-6
Price: $2.99
Now available at CreateSpace, Amazon, Kindle, Smashwords.
Coming soon to Barnes & Noble, Nook, Diesel and Kobo.
Maiden’s Promise – Bridget “Breezy” Flanagan has escaped the potato famine in Ireland, running away from a promise she refuses to keep. She never reckons on what she’ll find in the Colonies… but knows it couldn’t be any worse than what she’s left behind.
Armsted Driver is a man still grieving the death of his wife and son when Breezy arrives on his doortstep. Her audacious behavor and long, wild red hair drive him to distraction, and it isn’t long before the two can’t stop rubbing each other the wrong way…
When Breezy’s troubles follow her across the ocean and steal her away against her wishes, will Armsted realize what he could lose before it’s too late?
What they’re saying about Maiden’s Promise:
“Breezy and Armsted’s story is an enjoyable read for historical and romance readers alike.”
–Anne Whitfield, Author
“…A rich and vivid tale of life’s misfortunes, lost love, and hope for the future.”
–Zinnia Hope, Author
Excerpt:
There were so many things Breezy wanted to say, but not one of them would come out. She sat on the bed and pressed her fingertips against her temples.
Catherine frowned. “What’s wrong, dear? Are you ill?”
“I’m fine, thank you.” It was the truth. Breezy wasn’t physically ill—only her heart ached, and for that, there would be no comfort.
“I can see it in your eyes, something’s troubling you.” Catherine stroked her hair and cooed. “Come, now, dear, you know you could always talk to me about anything. Are you thinking about your father?”
Breezy managed a smile, hoping to dissuade the tears her aunt’s sympathy would undoubtedly bring. “I believe my father’s happier now. I’m just weary, it’s been a long journey.”
“You’re certain?” Catherine placed one warm hand against Breezy’s cheek and searched her eyes.
“I’m certain.” If Catherine said one more word, she would be wailing like a baby. She’d done more than her fair share of crying these past months, and wanted only to forget. She breathed a sigh of relief as Catherine stood, seemingly satisfied with the explanation.
“Of course, how rude of me. Let me put these things away, then we’ll get you cleaned up.” Her cloth ankle boots swished across the wooden floor as she bustled about, grouping the neatly folded garments into drawers and on shelves. She smoothed the wrinkles from the dresses and hung them in a carved cedar wardrobe.
After they tucked away the clothing, they descended the stairs to the kitchen.
“Now, let’s get some of that road dirt off of you.” Catherine hoisted a heavy pot of water from over the fire. “Come along, the bathing room’s right through here.”
Breezy followed her into a walk-in pantry, where a deep, iron tub, half-filled with cool water nestled under a tiny corner window.
“What a luxury!” She clasped her hands together. “At home, I’d be bathing in a stream, or in the shadows behind our house on dark, rainy nights.”
Catherine emptied the pot into the tub. “Just throw your clothes across that little chair, I’ll fetch another kettle of hot water.” She scuffled out to the kitchen, pulling the door shut behind her.
Breezy stripped off her boots—now barely distinct entities from her feet—pulled her road-worn, blue cambric dress over her head and peeled off her stockings and garter. Her bridled ribs screamed in silent gratitude as she yanked the long laces to release her bodice and removed the rest of her garments.
She checked the water with her toes, then settled into the steaming tub. Just as the bath had begun to chill, Catherine returned, grunting from the weight of the bucket.
Breezy sighed as the flow of hot water mingled with the cool, and sank deeper in the tub until the water touched her chin.
“Well, then.” Catherine smiled and handed her a chunk of soap. “I’ll leave you be.”
Breezy scrubbed the grit and dust from her body and scalp, until her skin was tender. Lulled by the warmth of the water and the finches singing outside the window, and not ready to leave the comforting confines of the tub, she leaned her head back on a folded towel and closed her eyes.
The chirping of the birds faded, and the rising tumult of howling wind and rushing water filled her mind.
She found herself on the Maiden’s Promise, three days out of Ireland. Thick, ominous clouds descended on the ship, obscuring her view. She looked down the length of the deserted deck. Where had all the people gone?
The sky turned black, and the ship careened to an absurd angle. Like an accusing finger, the bow bolted up into the sky, its flanks creaking.
Scraping noises, accompanied by a desolate, eerie moan began at the aft end, as the vessel quickly took on water. How could this forlorn requiem so resemble her own mother’s sweet lullabies? She threw her arms out like a scarecrow in a futile attempt to balance herself. Her feet slid down the slippery planks and she grabbed the side rail with both hands, peering into the darkness.
Hundreds of dead, hopeless eyes stared back at her—the eyes of all the neighbors and friends she’d left behind. The sour stench of sickness and decay overwhelmed her, and she threw her clenched fist to her mouth, biting hard.
The haunting dirge became deafening. She clamped both hands over her ears and her feet began to slide. Skeletal fingers clawed at her skirts, pulling her over the side of the ship into the gaping, menacing ocean…
Breezy emerged from the tub, sputtering, Catherine’s shriek echoing in her ears.
“Oh my, oh my, I shouldn’t have left you all alone and so weary! You might have drowned in your sleep.” Catherine rushed to her side, and grabbed her hand. “Come on, let’s get you out of there.”
She climbed, trembling, from the tub, and almost slipped in the puddle her wet feet made on the wooden floor. Catherine collected her into her generous arms, wrapping a large towel around her.
Breezy couldn’t hold back her tears. She absently rubbed the scar under her left ear, and her shoulders began to shake. “I was…it was just…just a nightmare…”
“Poor, dear girl.” Catherine stroked Breezy’s dripping hair, rocking her like a child. “I’ve heard of the horrors in Ireland. I can’t imagine all you’ve seen, but you’re safe now.”
“I’m sorry…I had a bad dream, but it’s over…I can’t even remember it.” She tried to smile, but only shuddered.
“Shh, you hush now,” Catherine whispered. “You’re just tired.” She tilted Breezy’s chin and smiled at her. “You don’t have to remember anything you don’t want to. No harm will come to you here.”
Breezy prayed the nightmares that plagued her would end soon, she couldn’t bear them much longer. Were they somehow punishment for breaking the only promise she’d made to her dying father?
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Maiden’s Promise
by Tracy DeVore
Giveaway ends February 29, 2012.
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