Book Hooks: Tea for Two

An Austen-inspired short story duet

Jane Austen and tea. What more could one ask for?

Enjoy two tea parties, two romances and two characters from one of the world’s most beloved authors.

In this Regency romance short story duet gossip-loving Mrs Jennings meddles in affairs of the heart, and scandalous Henry Crawford turns heads once again!

Be swept away by the amusements of the Regency tea party in these Austen-inspired short stories. Delight in the sweet romance, dancing, gossip and, of course, tea.

“But indeed I would rather have nothing but tea.”

― Jane Austen, Mansfield Park

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Tea for Two comprises two short stories:

Jilted

Lord Asher Mandeville is heartbroken when his childhood love, Miss Tabitha Rowe, jilts him only weeks before their wedding.

Asher refuses to accept Tabitha’s rejection and chases after his betrothed to demand an explanation.

Tabitha is determined to escape him, but Asher’s shattered heart will accept nothing other than her return.

Wooing Miss Woodforde

Jasper Trevethan loves Miss Sophie Woodforde, but he is a penniless rake. 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 nephew.

When an unexpected inheritance transforms Sophie’s life, she becomes the target of fortune hunters.

Before another scoundrel steals his love, Jasper must prove his devotion and woo Miss Woodforde. But Sophie would rather become an old maid than marry a man who only wants her for her money, especially Mr Trevethan.

eBook only.

Excerpt from Jilted

How typical! Tabitha had escaped London to hide from a scandal, only to run into the most inveterate gossip. The woman was too familiar considering they had met but a moment ago.

Mrs Jennings straightened. “Now, did you say your name was Rowe?”

Before Tabitha could reply, Mrs Jennings’ eyes widened with delight. “I recall you are to marry Viscount Mandeville in but a month!” The woman frowned. “Good heavens, girl! What are you doing here? Should you not be preparing for your forthcoming nuptials?”

Tabitha opened and closed her mouth, unable to find the words she needed.

Mrs Jennings jumped in regardless. “I say, you have not jilted him, have you?” The woman elbowed Tabitha in the ribs, and her eyes twinkled with mirth.

Tabitha stepped away and shot her cousin a pleading glance. Why did Amelia not step in and save her from this torture?

Mrs Jennings did not seem to care for good manners, and with a sardonic twist of her lips asked, “Did you come to Devonshire to hide until the storm blows over?”

Tabitha’s throat tightened.

At last, Amelia came to her rescue. “My cousin is taking a respite from the strain of organising her wedding.”

“A little country air will do you the world of good.” Mrs Jennings rose on her tiptoes and scanned over the heads of the other guests. “When is Mrs Wexford going to serve the tea? I suppose I should offer a polite reminder. She is lax as a hostess, you know.” The woman placed a hand on her chest. “My throat is parched!”

The gossipmonger strode to another group of guests. Her enormous ostrich feather bobbed every time she stopped to commandeer another acquaintance.

“Tabitha, I am sorry. I did not realise Mrs Jennings would be present. She has a habit of meddling in the affairs of others whenever she visits her daughter.”

“It is of no consequence.” Tabitha exhaled. “I suppose I had better become accustomed to such gossip, for it will not be long before my situation is common knowledge.”

Asher and Papa should have received her letters two days ago. Yet, she had not heard a word from either.

“Since her daughters married, Mrs Jennings finds nothing more enjoyable than trying to marry off the rest of the world.” Amelia raised a sardonic brow.

Tabitha turned her back to the room. “She will have difficulty finding a match for me once I am labelled a jilt.”

Her aching heart spasmed. Asher cared nothing for her. If he did, surely he would have done something by now. In the end, severing their connection at once was best for them both. It would be even better if he married someone else. Then they could get on with their lives. The now familiar ache flared in her chest.

Amelia laid a hand on her arm. “Are you certain you wish to remain? Perhaps we can leave as soon as the tea is served.” Amelia tilted her head towards the would-be matchmaker. “Mrs Jennings will return to harass you again before the evening is over.”

Tabitha resisted the urge to flee. She had done enough running. “I must adapt to my new circumstances. My childhood dream of marrying Asher is not to be. I will endure and be well soon enough.” She offered her cousin a tight smile.

“Lord Mandeville.” A footman announced to the room.

Tabitha froze.

The chatter silenced, and the hair at her nape stood on end.

Keeping her back to the door, she maintained a wide-eyed stare at her cousin, whose gaze followed the movement of the new arrival over Tabitha’s shoulder.

Where was her fan to cool her heated skin? Her stays seemed to tighten, making every rapid breath more difficult.

Now behind her, the deep, husky voice she loved sent a shiver down her spine. “You cannot escape me, Tib.”

I’m participating in MFRW Book Hooks—browse the current hop