When It Rained, She Cried

November 10, 2026

“Time for work,” she said aloud.
Sarina pushed any conjectures about Oliver’s movements the day before to the back of her mind. She wouldn’t dwell on his absence. He spent it with Mr. Matthews. He is a good friend. A voice inside her head snarled that her friendship did not rate as important.
The necessity of work must be her focus; she had promised Mr. Lees to finish the linen-work quickly. I’ve one more day to meet his deadline.
When a knock sounded at the door, she rushed to answer it. Her shoulders sagged at the sight of the liveried footman with a note.
“Yes, tell her I’ll come to tea,” she answered. Tears threatened as she re-bolted the door.
You said you would return to help. Sarina couldn’t help but want Oliver to come this day. She would forgive his absence yesterday if he would only come today.
She wiped away the single tear that escaped, made a fresh cup of tea, and worked feverishly on the embroidery, which was proving more time-consuming than she anticipated.
During that long day, her fingers would cramp up, and Sarina stopped and massaged her thumb along the digits or over her palms. This last set of piecework challenged her more than the previous ones did. It didn’t help that she stopped work and turned her head at any change in sound.
Outside, clouds gathered to form an ugly mess as the wind increased, rattling the windows. Sarina huddled in her chair after angling it for a better view out the window. However, no callers appeared.
When it rained, she cried. She let her stuffed-up feelings have an outlet. Once finished, she went upstairs to wash and dry her face, and spared several minutes to stare at her reflection in the mirror.
The bedroom occupied the entire first floor, though it was a small space shaped by the angled walls of the roof. The thatch provided insulation against the cold. On the one straight wall hung a minuscule mirror. Red-rimmed eyes stared back at her.
“No wonder he hasn’t returned,” she told her reflection. A blast of wind rattled the windows. “I will not take tea with that awful Mr. Shalbrook today. I’ve too much to do. I’m behind with the sewing.” She drew in a huge breath and let it out. Ennobled, she went downstairs to work.
The rain increased, and despite its being the afternoon, she lit a lamp. Her head bent over her work, and she carried on until sleep forced her upstairs, leaving her frame on the chair. Sarina retired even without eating.

Now Available!

The hunt for a missing jewel brings two lovers together.

Oliver Sexton-Brown returned to England from the West Indies, dealing with more than the scars of war. This one-legged man discovers an enchanted cottage hidden in the woods. Its occupant is neither fairy nor witch, but the poor niece of local gentry. Oliver likens her to an otherworldly creature.

Sarina Gibbins came to Gloucestershire expecting help. Instead, her aunt pushed her from comfort into hardship. Sarina fears losing her respectability and, above all, her home. She sews to earn her keep while mourning her brother, lost at sea. Oliver overcomes the grief of his missing limb by helping her sew.

The mystery of the Gibbins family’s missing heirloom ruby rears its head. Solving the mystery means both of them must work through their grief, deal with betrayal, and confront a blackmailer.

Loosely based on the Elves and the Shoemaker fairy tale and dedicated to fans of Georgette Heyer’s The Talisman.

Book Five in the Bedroom Eyes Series.