Surrender the Night month - final week!

Last Week's winner is: Courtney and Heather! Please contact me as you forgot to leave your email!!    

Congratulations and thanks everyone for all your nice comments!

Now the fun part!  I've copied two small sections of Surrender the Night below. After you read them, it's up to you to choose what each character would say. Now that you know a bit about Rose and Alex, you should be able to predict their response.  Every answer, right or wrong, will be entered into a final drawing for a free copy of this book!  So, don't be shy... and just have fun!! No cheating if you already have the book!

Scene 1:  Alex is injured and staying on Rose's farm until he can return to his ship. In this scene, Rose has wandered out to the stables where he is staying just before dawn.

Rose backed away. “I doubt you understand much about me or my country.”

“I assure you that I have no intention of staying but a few days.”

“Is that a promise?”

“Unless unforeseen circumstances arise, yes.”

“Do you even know how to be a servant?”

He shrugged. A breeze tugged at a loose tendril of his dark hair. “I passed the lieutenant’s exam with honors, how hard could it be?”

A giggle rose in her throat. This highbrow had no concept of hard work, at least not the kind required by the only male servant in the house. Perhaps that was how she could get rid of him. She would give him the most  vile tasks—tasks that a man of his breeding would consider far beneath him. Tasks so repulsive that his pride—which was obviously enormous—could not suffer the humiliation. Then perhaps he’d leave when he promised. Or better yet, even sooner.

Picking up the pail, Rose held it out to him. “Milk Liverpool.”

“Milk who?” Mr. Reed stared at her as if she were an apparition floating outside his door.

“Milk the cow.” She gave him a supercilious smile. “Did you think this was merely a social call?”

Mr. Reed gazed past her, confusion wrinkling his face. “What hour is it? Where is the sun?”

“It is five-thirty, Mr. Reed, and the sun shall make its appearance soon, I assure you.”

“Five-thirty.” He yawned. “Only thieves and murderers lurk about at this hour, Miss McGuire. Go back to bed and call upon me in a few hours.” He started to close the door.

She shoved her foot against the wood and the pail against his chest. “We milk the cow before dawn.”

What does Alex say next?

 A, Of course, anything to please you, my dear.
 B. Need I remind you, I am an officer, not a farmer?
 C. When did I become part of your rebel American family?
 D. Tell your precious cow to sleep in today.

Scene 2:  Earlier after Alex had saved Rose, she hid him in the barn to tend to his wounds.  He's just beginning to get better.

“Your color has returned, Mr. Reed.” She kept her eyes on the ground as she handed him the steaming bowl.

“Indeed. I feel stronger every day.” The sound of his accent grated down her spine. Lifting the dish to his lips, he took a sip, then another and another as he hungrily devoured the stew.. “Thank you. I realize that aiding the enemy does not bode well for you or your family.”

“No sir, it does not. And the sooner you are gone the better.”

“I assure you, I am of the same mind.” Dark eyes as deep and mysterious as the swirling water in Jones River remained upon her. “Regardless that our countries are at war, I do not wish you or your family harm.”

Rose found no insincerity in his gaze. But that didn’t mean she could trust him. She lifted her chin. “Yet when you are well and return to your ship, you will continue to terrorize my friends and neighbors.”

Regret clouded his eyes. “I am a part of a war that I did not start nor choose to engage in, miss.” He stretched his shoulders, flexing the muscles in his chest.

Averting her gaze, she plucked fresh bandages, a knife, and a satchel from the pocket of her gown. “My aunt returns from Washington tomorrow. If you think you can walk, we should move you to the ice house where you’ll be hidden.”

“Sounds rather cold.” He gave a mock tremble, followed by a grin.

Ignoring his playful demeanor, Rose pursed her lips. “We have not used it in years, Mr. Reed, but it’s down by the river and out of the way. Nobody goes there.”

He glanced over the barn, his nose wrinkling in disgust. “And with whom am I to share these chilled quarters? Pigs, chickens, rodents? Or perhaps a sheep or two?” A slight grin toyed upon his lips but his tone held a hint of hauteur. “Will I at least have a bed?” He grabbed a handful of hay and flung it to the side. “Or do all Americans sleep in the straw?”

   

       What does Rose say next?

       A. Rose narrowed her eyes. "I'm afraid it's all we can afford."
       B.  She smiled at him sweetly. "American beds are reserved for Americans."
       C. Rose's heart sank. "I'll see what I can do for you, sir."

D. Rose grimaced. Pompous bore. “No sir. We reserve our barns strictly for odious beasts.” 

This has been fun!!  I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have.  Thanks to all who've participated!!!