Love and Romance with Colleen Connally and Her New Release

How Do I Love Thee

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men might strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,–I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!–and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.”

~by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

My favorite love poem…ever. The perfect poem for Valentine’s Day. A love everyone strives for. Poetry moves one; makes one feel an emotion. I don’t think another period of time compares to the poetry that began with the Romantic Movement. The writings of Lord Byron, Edgar Allen Poe… As a writer, I don’t believe I could write a plot as intriguing or interesting as the life of these authors. Was it because of the life they lived that they could pour their emotions into their work? Elizabeth eloped with Robert Browning to Italy to find her semblance of happiness. Did you know that Edgar Allen Poe dedicated The Raven and Other Poems to Elizabeth ? Another interesting bit of information on Elizabeth . Elizabeth lived in constant pain due to ‘serious illness’ that was never fully diagnosed. But she took opiates for the pain which was the common medical practice at the time. Some have thought that this addiction may have been the reason for her vivid imagination. 

THE RAVEN

 

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,

Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,

 

`’Tis some visitor,’ I muttered, `tapping at my chamber door -

Only this, and nothing more.’

…And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting

On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;

 

And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor

Shall be lifted – nevermore!

                                                       By Edgar Allen Poe

I love the Romantic Movement’s poetry and found the lives of these poets fascinating. I love history. I do feel Elizabeth ‘s emotions in her poetry for whatever the reasons. I myself have never tried to write poetry seriously. Poetry is like writing a song. I lack the rhythm needed to write poetry. But I so enjoy reading it.~

***Fascinating. I’m also a big fan of these poets.  I have many poetry books in my collection. And now, a bit about Colleen’s new historical romantic suspense novel,  Broken Legacy, Book Two of her Secret Lives Series, inspired by the power of Love.  Sounds really intriguing.

 

Lord Gerard Lenister needed the lady…after their meeting, he wanted her. 

For seventeen years Lady Eloise Granville lived in France thinking herself a bastard. Not until her life was threatened did her father cross the English Channel to reclaim her as his legitimate daughter. Now four years later a revolution roars its ugly head in France. Rumors abound of Lady Eloise’s life before her emergence in England …rumors that link her to the notorious leaders of the French Revolution.

Lord Gerard Lenister knows well the whispered connections Lady Eloise has across the Channel and the disdain that Society holds for the lady. It matters little to him. He could have cared less if she was the incarnation of a she-devil. He would marry Jezebel herself if she helped him on his mission. He is that desperate…but soon he discovers that Lady Eloise is not what she seems.

Excerpt:

Despite her misgivings, Eloise enjoyed herself immensely. The opportunity didn’t present itself often for her to dance, nor would she likely admit she enjoyed the activity. As the music died, his hand lay on hers to escort her off the floor and the whole of her body tingled. To her dismay, she felt her face flush with a sudden warmth.

“Let us retire to the drawing room. I will attend to your refreshment if you promise not to disappear on me. I would hate to scourge the house such as this one for you.” He smiled. The shape of his mouth caught her attention. A slight smile formed on his lips, an arrogant smile much as if he realized the effect he had upon her. Then he added, “But I would.”

Once more, she felt herself at a distinct disadvantage. She eyed him cautiously and then dismissed her apprehension. It would matter little in the morning, she told herself. What harm could come from an innocent flirtation with a handsome man? In all likelihood, she would never see him again.

She nodded politely and allowed him to lead her to a seat near the large vaulted window, which gave her a full view of the crowded room of unfamiliar faces. She gave little thought to the guests. Without question, Lord Lenister held her interest. She watched him walk out the door. She wondered for the moment why was he dispensing attention upon her. She quickly dismissed flattery…that his attraction to her lay with her appearance.

She had long ago comprehended her birth presented a large obstacle to overcome in the eyes of the ton, even with the title of Lady Eloise D’Arcy Granville, the daughter of the late His Grace, the fifth Duke of Rotheward. She glanced around the large room while she waited. Then suddenly a strange feeling surged through her as if someone were watching her.

She turned her head abruptly and met the avid eyes of a man standing in the far doorway. He was a short middle-aged man, dowdy, in fact, with red pudgy cheeks, but without question he eyed her intently. He had a familiar look. Then to her horror, his face brightened and gave her a weak smile.

Panic welled within her with the comprehension of why he seemed familiar. Calm. Stay calm. Surely he would not acknowledge me. 

Eloise maintained her composure as she sat rigid without a hint of emotion, while desperately trying to assess the situation. Her gaze held firm upon the man. Then he made a step forward toward her, halting only when Lord Lenister entered back into the room.

The stranger nodded to the earl. Eloise straightaway recognized a look between acquaintances. Although for the life of her she didn’t understand the stranger’s presence, she understood the need to withdraw…and quickly.

She rose and gathered up her skirt. With great effort, she exited in a dignified manner out the open side door to the veranda. The warm night gave pause to more than a few guests cluttering the terrace. Ignoring the beauty of the decorative scene, she scurried down the steps into the garden. She escaped only to the far entrance where she collapsed upon a bench.

“Why are you running?”

Her head lowered. She chose not to answer. What good would an explanation do when the words would go unheeded? And what did she owe this man…this stranger?

Lord Lenister stalked up to her and pulled her to her feet. “I asked you a question, Lady Eloise.”

“I needed fresh air, my lord. Nothing more. Pray, release me. You are hurting my arm. I wish nothing more than to retire.”

“And run again? There is to be no more running. I suspected such before my appearance here tonight. Confirmed by vicomte’s identification. Did you not think that you might be recognized eventually, my dear?”

“I have only a few months more to contend with these functions and then…”

“Then what? What exactly do you have in mind?” Both his hands gripped tightly her shoulders. She had no choice but to look him straight in his eyes.

“Why is it a concern of yours, Monsieur? Why do my actions concern you?”

Frazzled, she broke into her native French.

He answered her back the same. “Because I need your help, Mademoiselle. I need your help.”~

***Broken Legacy, Book Two of Secret Lives Series, is out at Amazon.

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