Netherby Halls Read online

  Contents

  Netherby Halls

  She saw herself naked and lying across dark, smooth sheets …

  Also by Claudy Conn

  What reviewers are saying about Claudy’s books

  Copyright Page

  Dedication

  ~ Prologue ~

  ~ One ~

  ~ Two ~

  ~ Three ~

  ~ Four ~

  ~ Five ~

  ~ Six ~

  ~ Seven ~

  ~ Eight ~

  ~ Nine ~

  ~ Ten ~

  ~ Eleven ~

  ~ Twelve ~

  ~ Thirteen ~

  ~ Fourteen ~

  ~ Fifteen ~

  ~ Sixteen ~

  ~ Seventeen ~

  ~ Eighteen ~

  ~ Nineteen ~

  ~ Twenty ~

  ~ Twenty-one ~

  ~ Twenty-two ~

  ~ Twenty-three ~

  ~ Epilogue ~

  Excerpt: After the Storm (unedited)

  ~ Prologue ~

  Excerpt: Hungry Moon—Quicksilver

  ~ Prelude ~

  ~ Prologue ~

  Excerpt: Through Time-Pursuit

  ~ Prologue ~

  ~ One ~

  About Claudy Conn

  More about Claudy Conn’s Books

  Netherby Halls

  She saw herself naked and lying across dark, smooth sheets …

  Two men stood at the curbing at the edge of the avenue, but only one of them stood out. It was as though the atmosphere around him glowed, and her heart actually skipped a beat and then made up for the offense by beating faster.

  His beaver-skin top hat was set saucily on his head of black silky hair. His black cloak had been rakishly thrown back over one shoulder, revealing not only the cream silk lining but the breadth of his obviously muscular chest.

  As Sassy’s gaze traveled up to his face, unconsciously a small breath of air left her lungs, swished up her throat, and escaped in an audible gasp.

  He was the most handsome man she had ever seen, but more than that, he was the man who had been making passionate love to her in her dreams!

  This was madness. This was … Before she could complete the thought, it happened. Only this time it was different. This time he was right there. He was nearby—the man of her dreams was standing only thirty feet away.

  His blue eyes had suddenly locked with hers, and all at once she felt herself transported to another place.

  It was a bedroom—and she recognized the bedroom, for she had been there many times in her dreams. It was as though she were in a theater shamelessly watching herself, watching him—watching, experiencing things she had no physical knowledge of.

  She was a virgin, and yet in her dream she had been his intimately many times. Now, with him so near, she saw herself naked and lying across dark, smooth sheets.

  He was bending towards her, his blue eyes glittering, his black, silky hair falling across and touching her breasts as he licked her nipple and then suckled there with expertise that sent her body into a convulsion of pleasure. His fingers moved over her flesh, and she could feel herself clench with desire as he touched—

  What … ? No! No—this was just schoolgirls’ talk coming back to haunt her. This had to stop. She had to stop. She tried to break with the vision. How could she know what it would feel like to have a man … how could she know?

  And then she saw something in his eyes across the avenue that told her a fact she could not deny: she wasn’t having this illusion alone. He was as well. It was so real and not only for her—but for him also!

  When he took a step into the street towards her, Sassy Winthrop ran as fast as her little walking boots could take her and escaped around the corner.

  Also by Claudy Conn

  Risqué Regencies

  Myriah Fire

  Oh, Cherry Ripe

  Rogues, Rakes & Jewels

  Taffeta and Hotspur

  Wildfire Kiss

  Runaway Heart

  After the Storm (coming in Feb. 2013)

  ~

  Legend Series

  Prince Prelude—Legend

  Spellbound—Legend

  Aaibhe—Shee Queen (Novelette)

  Shee Willow—Legend

  Prince in the Mist (Novella)

  Trapped—Legend

  Free Falling—Legend

  Catch & Hold—Legend

  ~

  Shadow Series

  ShadowLove—Stalkers

  ShadowHeart—Slayer

  ShadowLife—Hybrid

  ~

  Through Time Series

  Through Time-Pursuit

  Through Time-Whiplash (coming in Feb. 2013)

  ~

  Hungry Moon Series

  Hungry Moon: Quicksilver

  ~

  DarkLove (published by Wild Rose Press)

  What reviewers are saying

  about Claudy’s books

  5 out of 5 stars

  Fanning the flames of Myriah Fire!

  What was once an innocent, if rollicking, regency romance has exploded with passion as Claudy Conn revisits Myriah Fire to turn up the heat.

  The addition of unbridled sexual passion to Myriah Fire’s strong story brings dimensions of maturity and depth to the struggles faced by Myriah and Kit, without diminishing any of the innocence, joy or charm found in the original story. This revised version of Myriah Fire allows Claudy’s regency followers to appreciate what her paranormal romance fans have discovered—mind-bending eroticism.

  A truly captivating tale with a blast of added sizzle, Myriah Fire will kindle the flames of your heart and burn up the night.

  ~ Vonnie Faroqui, Ink Slinger’s Whimsey

  Love, love, love Myriah Fire!

  It’s a brilliant, fast-paced, and ‘true to its title’, ‘going to catch you on fire’ romance. Looking forward to more! Hoping Claudy Conn plans to share more of her historical treasures with us.

  ~ Candice Stauffer, author

  Myriah has always been my favorite

  This is a sweet, funny, charming romance. The characters are likeable and the story is well told. I loved all of the Claudette Williams (now Claudy Conn) books, but this one has always been my favorite. I hope she will put out more of her backlist.

  ~ lmjolicoeur on Smashwords

  ShadowLove—Stalkers is hot, Hot, HOT

  ShadowLove—Stalkers is filled with steaming action and dramatic tension … Claudy delicately plants the seeds for future development and characters without distracting from the excitement and romance of Stalkers. The result is that she has a paranormal, vampire series, of romance novels, which carries her own unique and spicy aroma.

  ShadowLove—Stalkers is hot, Hot, HOT … and yes, I am blushing.

  ~ Vonnie Faroqui, Ink Slinger’s Whimsey

  Five Cups and a CTTR (Coffee Time Reviewer’s Recommend) Award

  ShadowLove—Stalkers is a story that immediately hooks the reader. It reminds me of a roller coaster just beginning, only to plunge into speed, drawing the reader into non-stop action. Intense and spellbinding, this paranormal romance kept this reader engrossed until the conclusion. I loved the passion and chemistry between the main characters. With tremendous action and well thought out characters, this fantastic read sizzles and sparks like a firecracker.

  ~ Coffee Time Romance & More

  Trapped Legend has my pulse skyrocketing!

  A clever, fast paced, unpredictable blend of action, adventure, mystery, magic and steamy hot loving … I picked it up and couldn't tear myself away from it until I read the last page.

  I highly recommend each book in Claudy's Legend series. You're seriously missing out on some wonderful adventures if you haven't read the previous sto
ries. It's by far one of the most exceptionally crafted, enchanting Fae series I've ever read.

  ~ Candice Stauffer, author

  Five Stars for ShadowHeart—Slayer

  This second in Conn’s Shadow series is filled with vampires, a vampire slayer, demons, wizards, a Fae prince and an unlikely romance. Claudy Conn does an excellent job of making this a standalone story while incorporating some of the characters from the first book and introducing us to several new characters. The war is still brewing and now the Fae are becoming involved. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

  This is another one I couldn’t put down and read in a single sitting. I got so caught up in the action I was sad to see it end. Fans of the paranormal romance, urban fantasy and vampire genres should enjoy this as well.

  ~ Wild About Bones on GoodReads

  One hot and thrilling book

  I fell for all three of the main characters, fun loving Maxie, dark and brooding Julian, and one hot Fae, Breslyn. However, it wasn’t just the characters that kept me on the edge of my seat, it was the entire involved plot that included jealously, betrayal, magic, murder, and, of course, hot passion … The well-written out mixture of myth and legend, not to mention the characters, all in today’s world has me Joyfully Recommending Spellbound—Legend as one book you won’t want to miss.

  ~ Jo, Joyfully Reviewed

  Netherby Halls

  By

  Claudy Conn

  Copyright Page

  Netherby Halls

  By Claudy Conn

  http://www.claudyconn.com

  Copyright © 2013 by Claudy Conn

  Edited by: Karen Babcock

  Cover Artist: Kendra Egert

  All rights reserved

  Published in the United States of America

  Smashwords Edition

  January 2013

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Names, characters, and events depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

  Excerpt from After the Storm

  Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn

  Excerpt from Hungry Moon—Quicksilver

  Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn

  Excerpt from Through Time-Pursuit

  Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn

  Discover this and other titles by Claudy Conn at Smashwords.com:

  Risqué Regencies

  Oh, Cherry Ripe – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/135532

  Myriah Fire – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/109011

  Rogues, Rakes & Jewels – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/171997

  Taffeta and Hotspur – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/179452

  Wildfire Kiss – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/221331

  Runaway Heart – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/239110

  Legend Series

  Prince Prelude—Legend – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/159840

  Spellbound—Legend – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/96103

  Aaibhe—Shee Queen – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/110252

  Shee Willow—Legend – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/103389

  Prince in the Mist – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/104045

  Trapped—Legend – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/112028

  Free Falling—Legend – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92368

  Catch & Hold—Legend – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/124602

  Shadow Series

  ShadowLove—Stalkers – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/63037

  ShadowHeart—Slayer – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/84350

  ShadowLife—Hybrid – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/143173

  Time Series

  Through Time-Pursuit – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/210166

  Hungry Moon Series

  Hungry Moon: Quicksivler – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/257284

  Dedication

  To one of my favorite authors, my friend, Tracey Jackson

  ~ Prologue ~

  Sutton Village, England

  1815

  SASSY WALKED THE short distance from the livery, where’d she left her cob horse and curricle, and made her way to the curio shop that also served as their village book shop. It was a busy time of the morning, nearly lunch, and the wide avenue was bustling with people, horse-drawn wagons, and quite an impressive number of carriages of all sizes, ages, and styles for their quaint village.

  The dust they kicked up didn’t do her well-worn blue cloak any good. With a grimace, she brushed and shook off some of the offending dirt as she made her way to the lead-paned window of Mrs. Plummet’s Curio Shop and stepped beneath the awning.

  A little bell announced her arrival, and the tall, buxom woman Sassy had known forever looked up from the counter where she was arranging a stack of the new and latest novel that had only just come in. The woman smiled and welcomed Sassy. “Hallo, m’dear, and how is the vicar today?”

  Pushing a stray hair away from her ear, Sassy adjusted her chip hat and sighed as she gave Mrs. Plummet a warm smile. “Papa is cranky today, I am afraid. He shooed me off and told me to come into town and purchase a book to keep me busy. He says I am always fussing about him, and he won’t have it.”

  Mrs. Plummet laughed and said, “Good then, Sassy love. If he is feeling feisty, perhaps we will have a small miracle and he will take a turn for the better.”

  Sassy almost released her pent-up emotions but fought back the urge to dive into Mrs. Plummet’s arms and cry. She held herself in check and unconsciously rubbed the ring on her right hand beneath her glove.

  She couldn’t very well tell Mrs. Plummet about the guilt she carried because, once again, she felt useless. She hadn’t been able to save her mother two years ago when she had suddenly fallen ill and died within a week. What good was the power if she couldn’t rid the ones she loved of disease?

  Now, her father was not getting any better, and not all the tisanes in the world were helping. Not even those her mother had taught her to concoct had worked to do more than ease his discomfort.

  She picked up the latest novel by an author whose name she did not recognize and looked it over. “What do you think?”

  “I started reading it last evening. It was very … absorbing.”

  “Right then, I’ll give it a try.” Sassy fished in her knit purse for a coin. She shouldn’t be wasting her father’s money on a book, but he had insisted and she didn’t want him to worry about her. It was all he talked about these last few days—her future.

  She knew she was going to lose him, and her heart was being ripped to shreds at the thought. How could she do without him and his guidance, especially now?

  When her mother had passed, Sassy had been left to carry the burden of what she was alone, except for her father. He had kept her secret, even as he had her mother’s. Now that she had reached her majority, she was experiencing the ‘transition’; without her mother to advise her, only her father could help her.

  She should, of course, be able to turn to her mother’s family, but they had disowned their only daughter when she’d defied them to marry a poor young man of the cloth. No
, Sassy would get no guidance from them, although like her they had the ‘power’.

  She set these disturbing thoughts aside as she took up the package Mrs. Plummet handed her and made her way outdoors.

  Before crossing the avenue, she meandered down the walkway, stopping to look in the window of the village dress shop. It was still there—a gown that had caught her eye the week before. It was breathtaking. Yellow and in the fashionable A-line, low cut, trimmed with Belgium lace, and much too expensive for her. She sighed as she turned away from it.

  Her own ensemble beneath the aged cloak, though once a pretty shade of blue, was becoming threadbare. She hadn’t thought much about refurbishing her wardrobe in the last two years. She had been devastated at her mother’s death, and then this year, while her father’s health dwindled, socializing had been out of the question.

  The sound of laughter across the street caught her attention, and she glanced in the direction of the hearty noise.

  Two men stood at the curbing at the edge of the avenue, but only one of them stood out. It was as though the atmosphere around him glowed, and her heart actually skipped a beat and then made up for the offense by beating faster.

  His beaver-skin top hat was set saucily on his head of black silky hair. His black cloak had been rakishly thrown back over one shoulder, revealing not only the cream silk lining but the breadth of his obviously muscular chest.

  As Sassy’s gaze traveled up to his face, unconsciously a small breath of air left her lungs, swished up her throat, and escaped in an audible gasp.