Saturday, July 10, 2010

To Meet One's Fate


Welcome to my little corner of Jenny Matlock's Saturday Centus, where a grand departure from the norm has made this challenge a little more challenging than usual. Today, we get to add 200 words of our own to Mr. Jenny's prompt, but we have to do it Harlequin Romance style. Not my favorite genre, but I'll give it a go! (The prompt is in red.)


A flushed, rosy dawn aroused the sun, a languid lover. My own slumber had broken hours before. Who was he? Why did his unbidden essence haunt my dreams? Foreboding stole over me, replacing the quivers of anticipation that scorched my molten center every time his emerald eyes caught mine. What manner of fantasy appeared and disappeared at his own pleasure? Was he saint or sinner? Did heaven send this moonlight swain whose visits stirred my soul and left me trembling…or was he a creature of the underworld, come to ravish and enslave me? The dreams were mine alone. Why had I no power to control them?

“Pardon, Miss. Will you take breakfast early? You’re riding out with Lord Farthingham this morning.”

Farthingham. The name sickened me. I still felt his loathsome hands on my shoulders, greedy fingers dipping into my bodice as he announced with gloating satisfaction my father’s eagerness to entertain his suit. The chaperone was careless now. Would Farthingham renew his assault by daylight? Would I force myself to allow it?

Both queries were soon answered. As he wrenched me from the saddle, my cringing flesh bade me run into the forest. But I was spent at last. If I could not escape, I’d face him squarely.

When I turned around, I was startled to meet a green-eyed gaze...

And Farthingham was no more.

∞§∞

23 comments:

karen said...

*pant, pant...* Oh my... oh...oh my... you're good!! Not my favorite genre either, but you had me going! Now I'm going to lounge on my chaise in the sun, dreaming of an emerald gaze...

Karen Mortensen said...

Oh my. That was good. Is it hot in here or is it just me?

Kat said...

Really well done Sue! Not my favorite genre at all, but you did the prompt proud. And not a hint of heaving chests or ripped bodices :) Kat

Sami said...

I want to read this book! I want to see these men duel over this woman! This was a great use of this week's prompt :)

Jenny said...

Sue! Oh my heavens! OK, I think you need to forgo all other writing and start writing historical HR's!

This is totally not my favorite genre...ever...but I really, really liked the whole thing.

Start to finish.

Amazing Miss Sue.

You are a wonder!

And, yea, I think it might be a bit warm in here!

Bookie said...

Very interesting twist on the prompt...racy and attention getting for sure! Nice job.

Anonymous said...

Crumbs! I feel dissatisfied with this tiny bit of a great story!!

Terra said...

Very well written. a nice easy read for sure. I am so jealous this week...everyone did so well!

Cheryl said...

This is terrific! I hate this crap and you made me a believer that it can be done without props.

Tina said...

You NAILED the genre. And believe me, I know. My misspent youth was spent reading this stuff. A lot of it. Yours was spot-on and spectacular.

Unknown said...

Oh my! Dream lover conquers all! Loved this.

Jess said...

I'm not a fan of the genre either, but as usual you've created another fantastic blurb of a story. Also, thanks for keeping it PG.

Vicki/Jake said...

with so many complaining about the prompt this week there's sure some great stories coming out of it...Loved yours!

Darlene said...

As usual you did very well. I am actually getting so that I look forward to Saturdays just to see what you will be able to come up with.

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

I'd never ever read anything close to a romance novel.....until now.

You did a really good job! How do I know? Because I could envision Fabio on the cover of this book!

Unknown said...

Whoa! I'm not a harlequin girl myself but I do love old english novels and this sounded just like one...only better. You are so descriptive....right down to the molten center!

Viki said...

Wow, this was great. So descriptive in everything. I would imagine these are just like the Harlequin's are. Good job.

Tgoette said...

Brilliant! You've demonstrated a real talent for this genre. Very nice, tight writing and vivid imagery. Great job this week!

Tina said...

I can just picture that lord Farthingham's face. what a horrible little man haha!

Happy SC :)

Tina from
Mummy Diaries
Gossip Avenue
Travel Shack
Game FreakZ

Katie Blacker said...

holy 19 comments! and I make 20! You go Sue!

great writing - as usual.

Caroline said...

Well done, Sue! Not my favorite genre either but now I'm starting to wonder why NOT! :)

You are so talented!

cj Schlottman said...

Sue, my dear, are you a closet HR ghost writer? You nailed this one. Loved it.

Jenny said...

Sue! Congratulations! You are the winner of Coralie's book from the Saturday Centus shake up challenge! Please e-mail your address so I can get your prize right out in the mail to you! jennymatlock at cox dot net

What a great post to win the prize with, too! You are really neat!