The First Impression - Clean Historical Regency Romance

By Christine Cross

Sophia Worthington has a secret admirer. One evening at a ball, her father informs her of a suitor that she is to meet. When a very handsome and humorous young man named Mr. Nightingale asks her to dance, she finds herself delighted at the choice her father made. After a blissful evening, she leaves convinced that her future is set. 

When a letter arrives at her home for her father, she becomes overcome with joy at the reappearance of her dance partner from the ball. When the gentleman that arrives turns out to be another man she had danced with and was none too happy about, she is very confused, and her father is most displeased. Will she be able to make her father believe that the man she met at the ball is a suitable match? Or will he insist that his choice is best?

A Standalone Short Story with HEA! 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clean & Wholesome Romance Club
• Release date: Nov 22, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386966623

Book preview

The First Impression

Chapter 1

S ophia, my dear, you look absolutely ravishing this evening.

Thank you, Father, she answered smiling. A pretty young girl, at the age of nineteen sat beside her mother in their carriage. Her golden, fair hair was adorned with a fresh white rose, and her bright blue eyes were the color of the sea.

What about me, Father? a mousey haired girl beside him asked, her bottom lip protruding in a very unladylike fashion.

Of course you do as well, Lydia darling, he looked across the coach to his eldest daughter. But tonight is for your sister. We may have a chance to wed her to a very influential man.

But I am only a year younger than she, the younger sister retorted. She huffed as she crossed her arms and flattened herself against the seat behind her.

Hush now, darling, the mother replied. Her hair was the same as her youngest daughters, like freshly cut oak wood.

The carriage came to a stop, and soon after, the door was opened by a gentle-faced man with a wide jaw and a clean, white wig.

Good evening, Mr. Worthington.

Ah, yes, good evening, he replied before stepping out of the carriage. The footman greeted each of the ladies as he helped them from the carriage.

Welcome to Highrose Park.

The house was beautiful, with crawling ivy and open windows to every room. The summer air was thick that evening, but a breeze rushed through the trees of the forest behind the house.

Come along, girls, their father exclaimed. We mustn’t be late.

The girls, arm in arm, walked up the steps to the house. Miss Lydia seemed to forget her frustration once they arrived.

The inside of the home was even more splendid than the outside. Candles covered nearly every surface, giving the room a starry effect. There was a pianist in a room beyond the foyer, and laughter carried through the long halls.

It’s magical, Sophia exclaimed, excitedly squeezing her sister’s arm.

Her sister nodded fervently.

Come, the ballroom is through these doors, another voice said. A pleasant looking man with a wide moustache bowed to them and gestured for them to follow their father into the room on the western side of the house.

Through the doors, the girls were greeted with the sight of many couples dancing to a lively cotillion, all laughing and clapping.

Oh, what fun! Father I want to dance! Lydia called. Her father laughed.

In time, dear daughter. You must be patient. He looked about. There are plenty of young men here who I am sure would be most pleased to dance with you.

Lydia beamed.

Sophia was looking about the room when her father turned to her. And a very agreeable young man is to meet us this evening as well.

Sophia smiled as well. She knew that her father would be delighted if she and this man were to be a suitable fit for one another. She hadn’t given it much thought, but she indeed felt a bit of nervous tension. Would he be handsome? Would he be amiable? Would he have a pleasant