New Release -- The Abolitionist’s Secret (Cotillion Ball Saga Book 2) by Becky Lower

New York City debutante Heather Fitzpatrick leads a double life—one that could see her tossed in jail if her secret is exposed.  Though her mother is determined to see Heather land a husband during the society “season”, Heather has other things on her mind—such as her passion for abolishing slavery and her Underground Railroad activities. 

Handsome Army Lieutenant David Whitman arrives in New York City just in time for the whirlwind of activities that the season offers, but he has eyes for only one woman—Heather. When they dance at the Cotillion Ball, Heather loses her heart to him, as well, even knowing that his background as a Southern slave owner is something she can never accept. Yet, when he escorts her home, one kiss tells her she will forever be his—somehow.

Romance blossoms quickly and an engagement follows, and when David must return home for a family emergency, Heather and her maid accompany him. But David’s mother, Mrs. Whitman, has plans of her own for her son—and they don’t include Heather Fitzpatrick! When Heather’s twin sister writes a damning letter in a fit of jealousy, it could be the tool Mrs. Whitman needs to put her son’s relationship with Heather to an abrupt end. 

Can David and Heather create a future together in spite of THE ABOLITIONIST’S SECRET?

EXCERPT

     Charlotte suddenly stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and cocked her head. "Do you hear that?"

     Heather bumped into her mother’s backside. "Hear what? Why are you stopping? Didn’t Papa just tell you we should hurry away from Downing’s front door?”

     "No, wait. Just listen carefully. Don't you hear a baby crying?"

     Heather stood still and listened. At last, she made out a faint whimper. She pointed in the direction of the sound.

     "It’s coming from the alley."

     The three of them darted into the dark and narrow road, which smelled strongly of rotting oyster shells. About halfway down, they halted in their steps and looked around. A baby began crying again.

     "The sound is coming from over here," Heather said as she moved behind a pile of refuse. She gasped. "Oh, my word.”

     Charlotte and George rushed to her side, and spied a young, pretty Negro woman passed out and lying in the alley. A baby crawled through the nearby filth. Charlotte picked up the dirty child with ease and rocked it back and forth in her arms. Its whimpers became more hushed as she continued to soothe the child.

     "What in heaven's name happened to this poor woman?" Heather exclaimed while she investigated the young lady. Charlotte walked around the woman while the baby rode on her hip. "Do you think she’s a runaway slave?” Heather whispered.