Okay Miss J, I'm only posting this because the rules say I have to if I want to say anything about anyone else's stuff. Plus, I feel bad that no one has posted in awhile.

I've enjoy reading your excerpts, but really, I just didn't want you to be lonely anymore.

So, here you go, a helping of my new historical romance (btw, am I the only one of my genre in this motley group of ours?)
Nicola had been watching him all evening. The way his coat hugged his shoulders when he bowed over his partner’s hand; the way his mouth curved as he smiled; the mischievous twinkle in his pale blue eyes as he laughed; the way the candlelight reflected the golden highlights in his wavy, blonde hair. She was in love, she knew it.
“Nikki!†Her reverie was interrupted by the sudden sound of her name, and Nicola blinked in surprise as her great-aunt came into her line of sight.
“There you are, my girl. I’ve been searching all over for you. Now, I’d like to introduce you to someone,†her aunt said, gesturing to the pretty red-headed girl she had in tow. “Lady Sarah Manston, I’d like to present my great-niece, Lady Nicola Lambert. She’s come to live with me since the death of her sainted parents. Nikki dear, Lady Sarah is also one of the queen’s ladies-in-waiting. I thought you two could get to know one another. Lady Sarah has been at court for a few months now, and can help familiarize you with your duties.â€
Nicola smiled at Sarah, who promptly seized Nicola’s hands and kissed her on both cheeks. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Nicola. Your aunt has told me so much about you. I think we will be great friends,†Sarah gushed, smiling warmly.
Nicola immediately felt at ease with the bubbly girl, and her smile brightened considerably.
“You are very kind,†Nicola responded, eagerly. “Please, call me Nikki.â€
“Ah, there you see. Friends already,†Aunt Helen said, pleased at her success in finding her niece a companion. “Now girls, if you’ll excuse me, Countess Hartley has just arrived, and I’ve something particular I’ve been meaning to tell her.â€
Nicola and Sarah giggled as Aunt Helen bustled off, intent on her new gossip session, but Nicola instantly sobered as the handsome nobleman again danced into her view, this time expertly twirling a strikingly beautiful young woman dressed in fiery red satin.