Book Title: SWEET MEAD FOR LADY MARTINE
Character Name: David Stone
How would you describe your family or your childhood?
We are just commoners who work hard to earn a living. I grew up with my parents and two sisters. Being the only son, it was a given that I would follow in my father’s footsteps and someday take over the family business.
What was your greatest talent?
I have people skills and have always been able to keep order at the inn. Plus, I pack a mean punch. Along with my cousin Dirk, we can handle any ruffian who comes into the tavern causing trouble.
Significant other?
Well, I haven’t had a lot of free time to find a significant other since my father passed away and all my family’s problems have fallen into my lap. I will say though, that I have eyes for Lady Martine. However, she is out of my league. Nobles would never be interested in commoners. It isn’t allowed.
Biggest challenge in relationships?
I would say being able to attract the right kind of girl. I mean, working in a tavern and also running our inn doesn’t give me much of an opportunity to meet nice girls. Most of our clients are men. And the only girl I see regularly is the tavern’s whore. Not my idea of someone I’d like to have a serious relationship with.
Where do you live?
Me, my mother, my sisters Cecelia and Matilda, my cousin Dirk, and my blind uncle, Joe all live at the family’s establishment, the Cross Hare Inn.
How do you feel about the place where you are now?
It’s not a bad place to live, but I must say I wish I had more privacy and larger living quarters. My entire family shares one room to sleep in. It’s not an ideal situation for bringing home a girl and wanting privacy. Then again, there is so much work to be done all the time that I don’t have time to woo a woman anyway.
Do you have pets?
I do. I have an old dog named Patch. He trembles all the time because he is afraid of just about anything. I can’t even get him to come into the tavern, so he sleeps in the barn. However, Lady Martine seems to have a way with the hound. She is a special woman. That dog will follow her anywhere. For the first time ever Patch has been inside the inn thanks to her.
What do you do for a living?
I am an innkeeper of the Cross Hare Inn, where my entire family works. I also tend to the tavern below the rooms we rent. I can pour drinks faster than anyone I have ever met. It is all in the wrist action.
Greatest disappointment?
I am devastated that we have fallen behind in paying our taxes to Lord Corbett Blake. Since we are late by a few months, there is the possibility that our inn will be taken away from us. If that happens, we not only lose our business, but also our home. My sister Cecelia is pregnant and since her husband died, I will have to support her child along with the rest of my family. It is a lot of responsibility.
Greatest source of joy?
My greatest joy is seeing Lady Martine, the niece of Lord Corbett Blake. She is easy to talk to, and seems to be as interested in me as I am in her.
What keeps you awake at night?
Knowing that I am responsible for my family and that we might be without a business or home soon. Thinking about Lady Martine and kissing her and making love to her also keeps me up at night. It is forbidden for a commoner to even have those thoughts about a noble.
What is the most pressing problem you have at the moment?
I’ve fallen in love with a woman I know I can never have as my wife.
Is there something that you need or want that you don’t have?
Yes. The back taxes to save the Cross Hare Inn. Plus, I wish I had noble blood so I could someday end up with Lady Martine. Oh, and a miracle, yes, that too. Because without a miracle, I am going to lose everything, and also the only woman I have ever loved!
SWEET MEAD FOR LADY MARTINE by Elizabeth Rose
The Innkeeper:
Innkeeper, David Stone’s worries are abundant and his troubles many. When an entourage of nobles enters his establishment one stormy night, his life turns upside down. His tavern is suddenly overcrowded and he is short on help. Now, a pregnant noblewoman is giving birth on his bed!
One of the nobles, Lady Martine, takes his interest, fainting in his arms after she helps his mother deliver a baby. Being so close and even touching a noblewoman is something that doesn’t usually happen to a commoner like David. The woman’s essence is as sweet as roses and her skin is as smooth as silk. Looking at the beautiful angel in his arms, he can’t stop wondering what it would be like to kiss her. But a thought like this is only going to get him into deep trouble.
The Lady:
Lady Martine Blake is frightened but has no choice but to assist when her sister-by-marriage starts giving birth too early. Overwhelmed by the experience, Martine stumbles out into the adjoining tavern afterwards, ending up in the handsome innkeeper, David Stone’s arms.
David is a blessing in disguise. He seems to understand what she is going through and is easy to talk to. Even if he is a mere commoner. Martine finds comfort in his presence and discovers solace in his arms. Caught up in the moment and too tired to think straight, Martine allows herself to express her feelings for this man, which ends up in a few kisses shared between them. It is something neither of them planned and also something that never should have happened. Even moments of true passion will not change who they are.
Martine returns to the tavern a few days later while helping out her uncle who is away fighting for the king. She comes to collect the rent and discovers David is four months behind in payments. It is now her duty to confiscate the inn from David and his family, taking from them not only their business but also their home. Doing this breaks her heart and also dooms any relationship that had started to brew between them.
Will the feelings of attraction shared between a commoner and a noble suddenly end when one is about to lose everything and the other is the one to take it all away from them? Sometimes, even the best laid plans can go awry, leaving only the hope of a strong love to rectify irreparable damage.
Love has no bounds but marriage has rules. A noble must never marry anyone from below the salt.
Romance Historical [Oliver-Heber Books, On Sale: April 9, 2024, e-Book, / ]
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About Elizabeth Rose
Elizabeth Rose is the author of over 100 books and counting. She writes medieval, historical, contemporary, paranormal/fantasy, and western romance. She is an award winning, bestselling author and an amazon all-star. Her books appear as ebooks, print, and audiobooks as well.
Her favorite characters in her works include dark, dangerous and tortured heroes, and feisty, independent heroines who know how to wield a sword. She loves writing 14th century medievals, and is known for her many medieval series.
Elizabeth started writing romance back in 1996 and had her first book traditionally published in 2000.
She loves anything paranormal and is inspired by spending time in nature. Elizabeth has a secret garden that serves as her outdoor office where she writes in her hammock in the summer. This same secret garden inspired her series, Secrets of the Heart.
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