Because history is fun and love is worth working for

Tag: Napoleonic War

A Mother Demands Intervention

Loyal Readers of The Teatime Tattler,

A letter has come to our attention, borrowed by a lady who insists it must be returned before her mother-in-law discovers it is missing. A well born chit, once embroiled in a huge scandal, seems headed toward another.

My dear Gwen,

I hope this letter finds you, John, and my precious granddaughter, Cecily, well. I vow to make the journey to Yorkshire one day to visit, but my bones are tired and cross these days. Perhaps in the fall.

You remember the Moreland’s eldest daughter? I attended her presentation ball and your friend, Emily, was there with her mother. Such a charming girl, but so foolish. Lydia, your sister-in-law saw her dancing with Lord Cardmore. A waltz! Has she no shame? He threw her over and ran off with that chit, Carolyn Woodley, seven years ago. You remember the scandal, do you not? The gel’s mother caught them together in his bedchamber. He claimed it was a trap, but no one believed him.

I am writing to give you some distressing news about your dearest friend, Lady Emily. I hope you can write to her and dissuade her from the disastrous course she is undertaking.

To make matters worse, Lydia insists she saw Lady Emily and Lord Cardmore on the terrace in an improper embrace. I cannot countenance it. The poor gel has lost all sense of self-esteem. Just because Cardmore is a widower and war hero now does not mean she should flaunt propriety and associate with him again. Does she expect to renew their betrothal after he shamefully betrayed her?

I know you think Lydia has a waspish tongue and yes, she does like to tattle, but I’ve always liked Emily and I hate to see her heading for disaster. Plus there’s a terrible rumor afoot that Cardmore is not what he should be, if you get my meaning. We all know he was once overly fond of drink and now they say he is overly fond of the laudanum. Are we destined to allow opium eaters in our midst?

Poor Emily. I hope you can pound some sense in her. I hate to see her become a spinster, but some rogues are not worth it.

Your loving mother

About the Book

Haunted by questions and her own insecurities, Lady Emily Sinclair longs to discover why her betrothed abandoned her and married another. Seven years have passed, but the pain of his betrayal still lingers, buried beneath layers of humiliation and mistrust. When he returns after the Napoleonic Wars, she vows to avoid him. If only her foolish heart felt the same.

Broken and addicted to his medication, widower Andrew Quimby, Lord Cardmore, rattles around his ancient manor, oblivious to his deteriorating health and state of mind. When he learns the woman he was forced to abandon remains unmarried, he vows to try to win her back, even if it means returning to a society he despises.

But Andrew soon discovers he has a secret enemy. Threatening notes appear and sinister accidents put those in his inner circle in danger. Can he overcome his demons in time to keep them safe or will everyone and everything he loves disappear forever.

Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F2LVR5B/

About the Author

Author of eight books on California history and fifteen romance novels, Pamela Gibson is a former City Manager who lives in the Nevada desert. Having spent the last three years messing about in boats, a hobby that included a five-thousand-mile trip in a 32-foot Nordic Tug, she now spends most of her time indoors happily reading,writing,cooking and keeping up with the antics of Ralph, the Rescue Cat. If you want to learn more about her activities go to https://www.pamelagibsonwrites.com and sign up for her quarterly newsletter and occasional blog. Or follow her in these places:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pamgibsonwrites/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/pamgibsonwrites

Website: www.pamelagibsonwrites.com

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/pamgibsonwrites

Amazon: www.amazon.com/Pamela-Gibson/e/B00MKVB4XE

Scandal in Portugal

You will be shocked to hear, dear Readers, that the family of wealthy shipping magnate Mr Franz van Daan has been rocked by the news of his younger son’s scandalous second marriage.  The Tattler has been fortunate to obtain copies of the following correspondence from a source close to the family.

London, September 1810

My Dear Paul

I received your letter yesterday and I admit to being shocked and saddened to hear that you have married again so soon after Rowena’s death.  While I know you were not faithful to her and that you married because she was with child, I believed that you had grown genuinely attached to her and I cannot believe you would dishonour her memory by marrying this widow so quickly.

I am further shocked given the rumours I am hearing about Mrs Carlyon from sources who met her in Portugal during her first marriage.  It is very clear to me that your affair has been going on for some time and has been much talked of, and there are rumours that you were not her first lover.  In fact, I should tell you that her name has been linked with Lord Wellington himself.  I hope you have not allied yourself to a fortune hunter.

There is no point in saying more, since it is done. I would not wish to be estranged so I will receive her, but I hope you will not regret such a hasty decision.  I have informed the children.  Both Grace and Francis are very upset.

Yours, in sorrow,

Franz van Daan

Pere Negro, Portugal, October 1810

Dear Father

I have little time as I have been ordered to Lisbon during winter quarters on a commission for Lord Wellington and I need to set off early tomorrow.

What the devil you think it has to do with you whom I marry and when is a mystery to me.  It is clear you have been listening to gossip from Horse Guards and I thought you knew better.  Since I don’t have time for the full story and it’s none of your damned business anyway, I won’t bother to defend my wife’s reputation although if I hear you’ve been sharing your opinions about her publicly I will forget our relationship and your numerous grey hairs and punch you the next time I see you.  It is true that I’ve known Nan for several years but there was no affair.  She was Rowena’s best friend and is the love of my life.  Receive her or don’t, I couldn’t give a damn but if you can’t be civil it’s the last you’ll see of me.

Eventually you will meet her and I suspect you will revise your opinion very quickly; she is extraordinary and you should be thanking her for taking me on, God knows I’m not that much of a catch.

I need to go.  Give my love to the children and tell them I miss them and that their new stepmother is longing to meet them.  I’ll write properly when I get time.

My love to Josh and Patience, and to you too. I’ve no wish to be at odds with you over this, but you need to remember that I’m past the age of needing your approval.

Yours, in a hurry,

Paul

P.S.  I forgot to tell you I’ve been made a colonel and I now command the 110th.  My lass will make a very beautiful colonel’s wife.  I hope you’re proud.

An Unconventional Officer (Book 1 of the Peninsular War Saga)

It is 1802, and two new officers arrive at the Leicestershire barracks of the 110th infantry just in time to go to India.  Sergeant Michael O’Reilly and Lieutenant Johnny Wheeler have seen officers come and go and are ready to be unimpressed but they have never come across an officer like Lieutenant Paul van Daan.

Arrogant, ambitious and talented, Paul van Daan is a man who inspires loyalty, admiration and hatred in equal measure.  His unconventional approach to army life is about to change the 110th into a regiment like no other.

The novel follows Paul’s progress through the ranks of the 110th from the bloody field of Assaye into Portugal and Spain as Sir Arthur Wellesley takes command of the Anglo-Portuguese forces against Napoleon.  There are many women in Paul’s life but only two who touch his heart.

Rowena Summers, a shy young governess who brings him peace, stability and lasting affection.

Anne Carlyon, the wife of a fellow officer who changes everything Paul has ever believed about women.

As Europe explodes into war, an unforgettable love story unfolds which changes the lives of everyone it touches.

Lynn Bryant was born and raised in London’s East End. She studied History at University and had dreams of being a writer from a young age. Since this was clearly not something a working class girl made good could aspire to, she had a variety of careers including a librarian, NHS administrator, relationship counsellor and manager of an art gallery before realising that most of these were just as unlikely as being a writer and took the step of publishing her first book.

She now lives in the Isle of Man and is married to a man who understands technology, which saves her a job, and has two teenage children and two Labradors. History is still a passion, with a particular enthusiasm for the Napoleonic era and the sixteenth century. When not writing she reads anything that’s put in front of her and makes periodic and unsuccessful attempts to keep a tidy house.

Lynn has eight books published on Amazon kindle, five of which are also available in paperback.  They include the first four books of the Peninsular War Saga; two books in the Light Division Romances, a series of Regency romances following some of the officers of the Light Division into peacetime; a Victorian romance set in London’s East End and a Marcher Lord which is set on the turbulent Anglo-Scottish border during the sixteenth century.

Lynn’s website and blog are at www.lynnbryant.co.uk and she is also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/historyfiction1803/ and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/LynnBry29527024

 

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén