Dark Deceit by Cathie Dunn

It's lovely to be here again. Thank you, Lindsay, for letting me share my work. Today, I want to share an excerpt from my recent release, Dark Deceit.


Dark Deceit is the first in The Anarchy Trilogy, a series set in 1140s England and Normandy.

A historical adventure with romantic elements, Dark Deceit tells the story of Geoffrey de Mortagne, under-sheriff of Gloucestershire and Alleyne de Bellac, a young heiress who had just lost her father. Not fully trusting Geoffrey, Alleyne calls an old family friend for help. But which man can she trust - a friend or a stranger?

Dark Deceit, published through Crooked Cat Publishing, is now available on Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords.

Blurb:
On his return from battle at Lincoln, Geoffrey de Mortagne, under-sheriff of Gloucester and spy for the Empress Matilda, assists a dying knight caught in an ambush. Promising to look after the welfare of the knight’s only daughter, Geoffrey stays at her manor, investigating the murder. Keen to join the Empress on her progress through England, he is torn between his oath and his duty.

Left to defend her manor following her father’s death, Alleyne de Bellac reluctantly accepts Geoffrey’s support. As she doesn’t trust the taciturn stranger, she asks Will d’Arques, an old friend, for help. But loyalties change. Her life in danger and her inheritance at stake, Alleyne must decide which man to trust.

Discover England and Normandy divided by a brutal civil war, where vows are broken as allegiances waver.

Excerpt:

Geoffrey’s words hung in the air. Lady Alleyne stared at him, her eyes widening as the news sank in.

  The steward flinched as if Geoffrey had hit him. “The king captured?” His voice shook. “Sweet Jesus! What is to happen to us with the empress ruling the country? She won’t be of any help.” The old man shook his head.

  Geoffrey shrugged. With King Stephen captured, the Empress Matilda, the rightful heir to Old King Henry, gained control over England and Normandy. Or so she expected to. “I doubt much will change anytime soon. Matilda is going to rely on her half-brother, the earl of Gloucester, as always. They have many plans to make now.”

  Roger stood and replenished the cups. “Do you really believe so? I’m certain you know her reputation, my lord. The woman’s a shrew.”

  “A shrew who will soon be queen.” Geoffrey’s voice rose. He had enough of seditious talk. It followed him everywhere. No-one was content with Stephen’s kingship and his indecisive policies, but even fewer people accepted a woman as queen in her own right. In fact, many nobles regarded her husband, the count of Anjou, as a serious threat to England’s independence. King Henry, God rest his soul, should have foreseen the mess.

  Geoffrey pulled himself out of his thoughts. He was not the only one who had fallen silent. The steward might have qualms about divulging his political affiliations to a stranger, but Lady Alleyne? She did not appear to be old-fashioned. When his gaze met hers, her eyes shone, ablaze with hope.

She smiled. “The empress will take up our case, won’t she? She will listen, woman to woman. Roger is wrong. Surely she is bound to help?”

  Roger snorted. “The woman has better things to do than listen to complaints from subjects who haven’t even supported her cause.”

  Geoffrey nodded. “I’m afraid your steward is right, my lady. Matilda’s mind is focused on her coronation. While she might present herself to her subjects across the country soon, I don’t think she’ll have much time to spare for neighbourly disputes. Even if they involve murder. And Sheriff Miles won’t leave her side either.”

  Lady Alleyne’s face fell.

  Geoffrey sighed. “I will see what I can do when the time comes, my lady.” Picking up his cup, he drained it. Lady Alleyne’s obvious distress nagged him, suffocated him. Most certainly he did not wish to get entangled in her case. Solve the murder, yes. But stay away from the girl. He must get out of doors to clear his head.

  This was the part of his position he hated - bringing bad news to people who had endured too much already. His mood, morose since he set off from Worcester that morning, grew gloomier. His head pounded, the extent of his responsibility weighing heavily on his mind. If only he had not given his oath to her father...

  But perhaps it was just the wine, a potent red. It had been a long time since he tasted such quality, such strength. Not since Normandy. He shook off the unwanted memory, and rose.

  “With your permission, my lady, I would like to start the investigation right away. We have already lost nearly two days since we took Lord Raymond to the monastery. I will take my men out into the countryside to see what those mercenaries you spoke of are doing. Then we’ll speak to the villagers.”

  “Of course you have my permission.” Her emerald eyes clouded with sadness, her voice quiet. “But I hope you will grace our company for the evening meal?”

  “I certainly will, my lady.” He inclined his head, grateful for a chance to discover more about the manor, and the lady who held it on her father’s behalf. “Thank you.”

  Geoffrey strode away from the fire and left the hall, letting the door fall shut behind him. As he hurried down the steps, he took a couple of deep breaths. This was not going to be an easy task, at the worst possible time. His place should be with the court, attending the empress’s progress, not here. He turned towards the kitchen in search of his men.

(c) Cathie Dunn 2012

Dark Deceit - sneak preview

The Christmas season has almost passed. As winter sales replace Christmas cheer, I can't but feel a little sad that it always goes by so quickly. The long build up (starting in September in some places ~tut tut~) is all forgotten as folk rush into shops to grab a bargain or five.

I hope you all enjoyed happy holidays. :-)


Today, I'm introducing my latest historical novel, Dark Deceit, out in late February 2012 from Crooked Cat Publishing, a small ebook publishing company I recently set up with my husband (both published, with extensive experience in reviewing, critiquing, editing, and web design). Dark Deceit is the first in The Anarchy Trilogy, set in 1140s England and Normandy, weaving a tale of murder, changing loyalties, betrayal, and hope.


Blurb:

On his return from battle at Lincoln, Geoffrey de Mortagne, undersheriff of Gloucester and spy for the Empress Matilda, assists a dying knight caught in an ambush. Promising to look after the welfare of the knight’s only daughter, Geoffrey stays at her manor while he investigates the murder. Keen to join the Empress on her progress through England, he is torn between his oath and his duty. 

Left to defend her manor following her father’s death, Alleyne de Bellac at first accepts Geoffrey’s support. As she doesn’t trust the taciturn stranger, she asks Will d’Arques, an old friend, for help. But loyalties change. Her life in danger and her inheritance at stake, Alleyne must decide which man to trust. 

Discover England and Normandy divided by a brutal civil war, where vows are broken as allegiances waver.

Excerpt:

The under-sheriff took a deep draught before he glanced her way. His eyes, transformed into the shade of a stormy winter sea in the flickering torchlight, bore into hers. A deep flush crept into her cheeks as Alleyne realised she was staring. Quickly, she averted her gaze. Her fingers fidgeted, playing with the polished gems on her goblet. Sweet Mary, what was the matter with her? Not even Will d’Arques had such an effect on her senses - and Will was the one man she had expected to offer for her. Guilt flooded her. It must be her mind, tired with concern for her father, that made her head spin. Nothing at all to do with de Mortagne.

She breathed a deep sigh of relief when Roger finally gave the signal for the food to be brought. Servants entered, carrying trays loaded with roast duck and pigeon, baked eels, bowls of stewed vegetables, and the day-old bread that served as trenchers.

‘How are you faring, my lady?’ De Mortagne bent over the arm of his chair. His voice, deep and comforting, was barely audible above the noise of people piling up their trenchers with food and drink-induced merriment. 

‘I am well, thank you.’ She smiled, taking a cut of pigeon breast from the bowl in front of them and nibbling at the savoury meat. She normally devoured such delicacies in an instant, but tonight she lacked the taste for it.

A commotion at the door pulled her out of her thoughts. A man rushed past the tables toward hers. She leaped from her chair at the same time as de Mortagne who raised his dagger in a firm grip. Her hands grabbed the edge of the table and her stomach contracted. 

Friend or enemy?

The man’s cloak was splattered with mud and dripping, his boots caked with wet soil and his beard flecked with dirt. A messenger. His expression grim, he fell to one knee in front of the dais, and bowed his head.

‘I’m afraid I bring bad tidings, my lady.’ He did not meet her eyes. Instead, he glanced at de Mortagne who regarded him with an inscrutable expression. Did he recognise the man?

Alleyne jerked her attention back to the messenger. ‘Speak!’ 

‘I’ve come straight from the Benedictines at Worcester.’ His voice cut through the silence that had descended.  ‘I’m sorry for being the bearer of such grave news, my lady. The Brother Infirmarian tried everything but it was God’s will. Lord Raymond died this day.’

Dark Deceit will be available from Amazon, Smashwords and Barnes & Noble in late February 2012.


About me:

I write historical fiction and romantic mystery - a mix that doesn't always fit into a specific box. This makes plotting utter fun. ;-)

A hobby historian, I love researching Scottish history, particularly medieval and Jacobite, and English medieval and Tudor periods. My home library is ever expanding.

My first novel, Highland Arms, a romantic historical adventure set in Scotland in 1720, was published with The Wild Rose Press in July 2011. It has received glowing reviews.

Links:

Cathie's website
Cathie's blog
Cathie on Twitter

Highland Arms is available from The Wild Rose Press, Amazon US and UK, Barnes & Noble, and other ebook outlets.

Highland Arms by Cathie Dunn

Betrayed by her brother's lies, Catriona MacKenzie is banished from her Edinburgh home to her godmother's remote manor in the Highlands. While her father ponders her fate, Catriona's insatiable curiosity leads her straight into trouble--and into the arms of a notorious Highlander.

Five years after an ill-fated Jacobite rebellion, Rory Cameron works as a smuggler to raise money for the cause--until Catriona uncovers a plot against him and exposes his activities. Now Rory is faced with a decision that could save their lives or destroy them both.

Excerpt:

Yes, she’d just have to convince Auntie Meg—and Rory Cameron—that she simply had to stay.

Her mind made up, she rose and wrapped a thick blanket around her shoulders. As her bare feet touched the wooden floor, she hissed at the chill. With no maid to call upon, she left her room and went downstairs in search of the kitchen. The thought of a warming cup of tea raised her spirits. Then she’d continue to set her plan into motion.

She pushed the kitchen door open and stopped short. Standing by the mullioned window, in front of a large bowl overflowing with water, was Rory Cameron. He turned as he heard the door. Catriona caught her breath, and grabbed the handle, letting go of the blanket.

Water dripped over his head and down his torso, trickling in small rivulets over his kilt held by a broad belt with a round silver buckle in a Pagan design of interlacing swirls. The light curls of hair on his tanned chest glistened with moisture. His shoulder-length hair was unbound, falling softly over taut muscle. A dry smile told her she was staring at him. Again.

She swallowed hard. “I...” She stuttered. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Cameron.” She averted her gaze to her feet. “I was just looking for a pot of tea. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

The insufferable man laughed as he grabbed a piece of cloth and began to pat himself dry. “I don’t think you did.” He shook his head, sending strands flying before rubbing it vigorously. “And it’s Rory, remember?” He grinned. Catriona stood rooted to the spot. Words failed her. Her mouth went dry.

“But tell me...” He went on. “Do you always venture into the kitchen so early? If so, you’d better get dressed next time.”

Transfixed by his mocking gaze, her cheeks heated as she became aware of her own state of undress. What an impression was she giving him with her hair falling loosely over her shoulders, and the blanket barely covering her modesty?

Oh, dear God, the blanket!

Cathie Dunn lives in Edinburgh with her husband and two cats. She writes historical fiction and romantic mystery. A hobby historian, she loves researching her favourite eras - medieval and Jacobite Scotland, England under the Normans and Tudors. Cathie is a member of the Historical Novel Society and the Romantic Novelists' Association.


Highland Arms is available as an ebook from The Wild Rose Press, Amazon UK, Amazon US and other ebook outlets.


"Cathie Dunn’s descriptions of the magnificent, unpredictable Scottish Highlands and Catriona’s sense of belonging there is remarkable." -- Long and Short Reviews