Historical romance short story anthology featuring Bianca White.
First, I wish to thank my gracious host, Amber, for allowing me to share my work with you, dear readers.
Following the success of last year’s anthology, Austen Tea Party, I jumped at the chance to be part of another project for The New Romance Café. Tea with Austen will be released on 28th August 2024 and is available to pre-order now.
Join me and other historical romance authors for more Austen-inspired fiction and help raise funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Tea with Austen Blurb
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that any hot-blooded reader must be in need of a hero in a wet white shirt…
Grab your fans and parasols and join our party of Austen-inspired ladies and gentlemen for tea, scones, and the latest on-dit, in this collection with part of the proceeds going to Breast Cancer Research.
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Look out for my short story, Wooing Miss Woodforde, featuring the reprehensible rake and villain, Henry Crawford, from Mansfield Park.
One more thing: I’m British, and I use UK English spelling and punctuation.
Wooing Miss Woodforde Blurb
Jasper Trevethan loves Miss Sophie Woodforde, but he is a good-for-nought, penniless rake. Kind, loyal and socially conscious Sophie would never marry him, even if he were rich.
As an impoverished companion, Sophie serves the whims of others while pining for her employer’s scandalous and devilishly charming nephew, Mr Trevethan.
When an unexpected inheritance transforms Sophie’s life, she becomes the target of every fortune hunter in town. But Sophie would rather become an old maid than marry a man who only wants her for her money, especially Mr Trevethan.
Jasper must act before another scoundrel steals his love, but Sophie deserves more than a husband who has wasted his life as an idle pleasure-seeker. To secure Sophie’s heart and hand in marriage, Jasper is determined to prove his devotion and woo Miss Woodforde.
Excerpt from Wooing Miss Woodforde
“You are a most fortunate young lady, Miss Woodforde, to be raised from your impoverished position. Congratulations.” Mrs Hammond’s tone belied her statement.
Sophie refused to allow her new status to affect her manners, though. “Thank you, Mrs Hammond.”
The older woman lifted her lapdog and kissed his little brown nose. “I am most sorry to lose you.” Her employer ran her fingers along the intricate lace collar of her gown. “You have been an exemplary companion.”
Sophie’s chest warmed at the praise, despite it taking five years in Mrs Hammond’s employ to receive a compliment. The woman was an enigma.
Even so, she could not abandon her employer. “Do not worry, Mrs Hammond. I will remain in your service as long as you wish. After all, I have nowhere else to go.”
“Do not be silly! You may not have any relatives, but with twenty thousand pounds, you are now a most eligible young lady. You will catch a husband in no time.”
Before her mother died and her father lost his fortune, marriage had been a girlish dream. Now it was too late. “I am seven and twenty, and an old maid, madam.”
Mrs Hammond set Boney on the floor and walked to the window, lifting the heavy, draped curtain aside. “Far from it. You are a woman with a fortune to tempt any man.” Her employer dropped the curtain and spun on her heel. “Once word gets out, they will be vying for your attention—just wait and see.”
Oh, please, no. Boney trotted towards Sophie, and she scooped him up. “Perhaps it would be best if we keep my good news to ourselves.”
Mrs Hammond’s brow furrowed. “Why on earth would you wish to do such a thing?”
“Please, madam.” Her insides withered at the prospect of only being pursued for her money. “I have yet to become accustomed to my new circumstances. At least allow me the time to do so without being the subject of gossip.”
“You can count on my discretion.” Her employer tapped a forefinger against her pursed lips. “I suppose the longer we keep this quiet, the longer you will stay.”
“Thank you.” With a silent sigh of relief, Sophie nuzzled Boney’s soft pelt.
“Then again, I would enjoy seeing you wooed. It would be highly diverting.”
Her stomach dropped like a stone. “Mrs Hammond, please.”
The mercurial matron sank onto the sofa with a mischievous smile. “I shall oversee your courtship and find you a suitable gentleman.”
Sophie buried her face in Boney’s neck.
“Besides, you are not old. Your fortune only adds to your refined qualities.” Mrs Hammond’s voice grated on Sophie’s ears. “Despite your father’s failings, you are from a respectable family, and you have a pretty face and a fine figure.”
Boney wriggled in her grasp, so she set him on the floor, and he scurried back to his mistress. She may remain in Mrs Hammond’s employ, but she could no longer allow the woman to dictate her actions. “Mrs Hammond, please, I do not wish to marry, and I beg you to leave this matter aside.”
“Why not, my dear? A woman should marry.” Boney pawed at his mistress’s skirts until she picked up the miniature dictator. “Anyone would think you harboured a secret attachment.”
“Of… of course not.” Heat bloomed on Sophie’s cheeks.
Mrs Hammond’s narrowed gaze wandered over Sophie from head to toe and back before she said, “If you are set against matrimony, I suppose I must abide by your wishes, no matter how nonsensical.”
Her employer rose, tucked Boney under her arm, and left the room.
Sophie’s lashes drooped. Mrs Hammond would not be pleased if she ever learned to which gentleman Sophie’s heart belonged—if one could call him that.
Find Tea with Austen on Goodreads.
Get ready to enjoy all the gossip, kisses and scandals on 28th August, and pre-order your copy now!
About Bianca White
Bianca White is working on her debut series, Men of Trade.
Bianca loves history and has a degree in history and history of art. The word “research” is often used as an excuse to drag members of her family around every stately home and castle wherever they go. Nothing, not even the grumbling of said family, will keep her away from a historical fashion exhibition.
When she’s not writing, Bianca feeds her addiction to romance novels. She also loves baking and watching movies. Thanks to her love of baking (and eating), she feels the need to balance it with a little activity and enjoys swimming and Tai Chi.
Bianca lives in West Yorkshire, in the north of England, with her husband and two children.
If you love history, too, you can find all sorts of historical facts on her blog, Bianca White Writes. Sign up for email alerts and get exclusive access to her research about a woman’s legal position in Regency England.
Follow Bianca on social media:
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Thanks so much for featuring Tea with Austen!
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