Dateline June 1818

Dear Readers,

We interrupt our regular discussion of events in the metropolis to relay a report from one of our correspondents in the country. We hope our readers recall the hullaballoo that occurred at the Duke of C’s starlight ball in April, but in case any have forgotten, allow us to remind you that Lady H was caught kissing the newly-married Col. L. This is no speculation, but incontrovertible fact, having been witnessed by many persons of note. Naturally, Lady H’s family packed her off to the country—specifically, to a vicarage in Lancashire occupied by her brother, Lord F.

One might have hoped that Lady H had learned her lesson, but such seems not to be the case. This author has been informed that during Lady H’s very own birthday celebration, she disappeared from the ballroom in the company of a young curate, Mr. B. We would not wish to think ill of any man of a cloth, but Mr. B and Lady H were gone from the ballroom for nearly a quarter of an hour. Rumor has it they were closeted together in an empty chamber; one can only speculate as to what transpired therein.

What happened behind closed doors may forever remain a mystery, but this author wonders if Lady H, having already soiled her good name, is now flaunting propriety entirely. Perhaps she is willing to offer liberties to any good-looking man who desires them. A shocking thing to imply about a peer’s daughter, you say? Indeed, but some misadventure must have occurred. Why else would Mr. B abruptly depart from the gathering, without a word of farewell to any of the other guests?

Our correspondent also reports that when Lady H returned to the ballroom, she appeared pale and distraught. Indeed, it was bruited about that she had been indisposed by a “bad headache.” But we question whether a mere headache—no matter how painful—could account for all the concern shown by her family. Her brother, Lord F, was observed looking “surprisingly grim,” while the hostess of the party (reputedly Lady H’s natural cousin!) spent the rest of the evening hovering by Lady H’s side.

Altogether, we think a scandal may be brewing in this rural corner of Lancashire. Indeed, moments before this article was to go to press, a second letter arrived, announcing a fire in the village. One might assume this new disaster was unrelated to the mysterious disturbance at the birthday party, were it not for one intriguing fact: the young curate, Mr. B, had his lodgings in the house that burned down!

Could there be some connection between the two events? Only time will tell, but be sure that when it does, The Teatime Tattler will keep its loyal readers informed!

The Incident at Ingleton

A lady in possession of a bad reputation must be in want of a reputable husband…

After a heartbreaking public scandal, Lady Hester Bracknell flees London and the ton to live with her brother in the country. In rural Ingleton, she meets two very different young men: dashing Neville Butler, a curate with an interest in philanthropy, and serious, bespectacled Walter Haworth, scion of a wealthy merchant family. Hester needs to avoid all romance, lest she further damage her reputation, but sometimes love has other plans…

Walter Haworth is hot on the trail of the criminal who embezzled money from his families’ holdings. His search unwittingly leads him to his cousins’ country estate where an unexpected gathering may hold the answers – and criminal – he seeks. He can’t afford any distractions, but Lady Hester Bracknell may derail his mission in the best of ways…

Coming from different social classes and driven by different interests, Hester and Walter seem to have nothing in common. But as the social gatherings of a little country town continually bring them together, they might find love, if they can move past unfavorable first impressions.

Excerpt:

Not wanting to overdress for a country dinner, she donned a simple white muslin gown. She reached into her jewelry box for her garnet heart pendant, then hesitated. Simon had given the necklace to her as a love-token. He’d led her out to a moonlit garden, clasped the golden chain around her neck, and kissed her. She’d gone to bed that night with a heart overflowing with joy, certain that a proposal would soon be forthcoming.

No, she could not wear that pendant now. Maybe never again.

Tears stung her eyes, but she held them back, knowing that crying would worsen her headache. Besides, she couldn’t go down to dinner with reddened eyes or a tear-stained face. Everyone would see her distress, and wonder what was wrong. She couldn’t allow that. No one in Ingleton was supposed to know about Simon or the scandal that had driven Hester out of London.

Hester firmly closed the drawer holding the pendent, wishing she could as easily close the door on all the mistakes of the past six months. Instead of the little red heart, she donned a necklace of coral beads. That would be ornament enough. She studied her reflection one last time, nodded, and forced herself up from her chair. Time to go play the part of a proper young lady.

Buy Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Incident-Ingleton-Regency-Historical-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DPJM9N1H

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-incident-at-ingleton-anne-rollins/1146717231

About the Author

Anne Rollins is the pen name of an English professor who lives in Northern California with her family, her pets, and an enormous collection of books. She is a fan of Diana Wynne Jones and Jane Austen, two authors who have influenced her writing. Today, she writes both sweet and spicy historical romance, sometimes blended with other genres. The Incident at Ingleton is the third book in the “Beau Monde Secrets” series of closed-door, standalone Regency romances with mystery subplots.

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