Welcome to Tuesday Tales, a weekly blog featuring authors posting excerpts from works in progress based on word and picture prompts. Keep in mind that the snippets are unedited. I’m pleased you stopped by today. This week’s picture prompt is fire. Enjoy the other talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
Sandra and I ushered Opal into the sitting room. Roy and crew had taken care of the illicit listening device and questioned the lady of the house at length about possibilities. She seemed at a loss as to why anyone would want to bug the room, especially since guests up here were infrequent.
Her usually vibrant face was drawn in a way I had not seen before. A visible shiver had her hugging her arms to her chest. “This drafty old house. I love it and know you certainly do, Peridot, but it has its disadvantages.”
Sandra picked up the pale blue shawl that seemed a fixture of the antique settee and tucked it around the older woman’s shoulders. “How about a fire, Peri?”
I fiddled with the settings to turn on the retrofitted heating element in the original hearth. “This will clear out the chill.” A subtle fragrance of burning logs filled the room. “Nifty device, this. Even comes with aromatherapy.”
Opal nodded. “Oh, yes. It’s the ticket all right. I remember telling the Squire how getting in heat that we didn’t have to chop and tote for was the right thing to do. And then, of course, he had to find and buy the best.” Her face beamed for a moment, as she recalled a scene from long ago.
“You loved your husband very much, didn’t you?”
She blinked at me and then nodded. “Indeed. The Squire was the most important person in my life for many years, and I his.” A deep sigh escaped her lips. “I know he would appreciate your helping me out as you have. It’s merely…I don’t like to be beholden.”
“I’m the one beholden to you!”
Vehemence entered her tone. “I’m still the termagant of the hill you know.”
A smile spread across my lips. “Damn straight. And you always will be.”
I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the picture prompt fire. Thanks for stopping by. Read the other amazing excerpts at Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Spirited Stories
All rights reserved, copyright @ 2020 Flossie Benton Rogers
Well done. Great imagery. Love the idea of an artificial fireplace with aromatherapy!
Wouldn’t that be handy, Susanne?
Love this snippet, introducing a little from her past about her relationship with her husband who passed. Sweet and pungent.
Thank you for describing the snippet as sweet and pungent, Jean!
Enjoyable as always.
I’m glad you found it enjoyable, Loretta!
I love the banter between them. And the stories that she had about the Squire, especially concerning the fireplace. She reminded me of my grandma a little. Great job!
Aww, I’m glad she reminded you a little of your grandma, Tricia.
Fabulous job. I loved the tiny backstory!
Oh good, Cathy, I’m glad you loved the backstory tidbit!
Wonderful snippet!!
Thanks!
Lovely. And you used one of my fav words- termagant. 🙂 I’d love an aromatherapy fire. Not now when it’s 900 degrees in the shade, but later… 🙂 Jillian
You are so good with words, Jillian. I don’t know anyone who actually uses that word, but sometimes you just have to have fun and throw one in there. It can always be edited later:)