The thought of war was removed from Charlotte's mind as she uncurled her legs from beneath her patched cotton dress and stretched them into the brook. She tilted her head back and closed her eyes as the icy water swirled over her bare feet. It felt good to have finally loosened the tight braid from her hair. She swayed back and forth, letting the way locks tickle her shoulders. Achilles, who had been grazing contentedly, whinnied at the light bugs that flickered about his muzzle. Charlotte's fingers found the soft jade and eggshell tassels that ringed her picnic blanket and her mind began to wander.
"It is coming you know," a voice from behind her stated matter-of-factly. "None of us will be able to hide much longer."
A Heart Broken, book 2 of An Everlasting Heart series
A Heart at Home, book 3 of An Everlasting Heart series
What a lovely description. I felt as if I was right there with her with my feet in the water.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elaine! :-) Happy Sunday!
DeleteLove the imagery you've used in this snippet. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jess! Revisiting this part of my debut novel makes me want to go find a river and dunk my feet in! Haha! Happy Sunday!
DeleteBeautifully done. She's trying to block out the coming war, and the gentleman (at least I think it's a man) behind her has to mention it. A lovely portrait of an idyllic dream about to be shattered.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kate! You hit the nail on the proverbial head ... an idyllic dream about to be irreparably shattered! Happy Sunday!
DeleteLove the way it starts off...
ReplyDeleteIf only Charlotte knew what awaited her, she may have stayed by that creek!!! Ha! Thanks!!
DeleteA gorgeous moment interrupted by harsh reality. Awesome eight!
ReplyDeleteThanks Charmaine! You are so right ... all heck is about to break loose ;-) Loved your 8 today, too!!
DeleteYou have decscribed my home. Uh, almost. Lovely in every way, Gemma.
ReplyDeleteHehe, was this for Sara (me) or Gemma ;-)
DeleteOh, it was such a beautiful, relaxing scene and then you very effectively broke the mood and introduced the coming darkness - terrific snippet!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Veronica, I am glad you enjoyed it!!
Deletewaiting for a war that is inevitable--as it was by that time.
ReplyDeleteA feeling across the ages, it seems. :-)
DeleteI loved all the details in this scene. It sounds like it's the calm before the storm.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carrie-Anne, you are so right!
DeleteYou captured her deep in thought well. You can tell she was snuck up on. A peaceful afternoon broke by the reality of the man's comment. Good writing.
ReplyDeleteStinkin' men! haha Always bringing reality to a peaceful meadow moment! Thank you for your comment!
DeleteGreat description! Makes me want to know more! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karen! :-D
DeleteYou paint a very real image with your words, Sara. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Teresa!!
DeleteWhat's coming?
ReplyDeleteNice hook!
Nice 8.
Thanks Frank!!!
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