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Author: Rue Allyn Page 1 of 16

A Union Between Foes?

IMAGE CREDIT: AFTERNOON TEA FOR THREE (ALSO KNOWN AS A STIRRING CONVERSATION) BY CHARLES SOULACROIX

Is the Rumored Union of Foes Possible?

Gentle Readers,

Every fall, the entire ton eagerly awaits invitations to Sir Peter Somerville’s annual house party. We all know that only the crème de la crème of society is ever invited to the event. Thus rumors are swirling about this years guest list, and why a number of no so August personages have been included.

It is not difficult to understand why plain Mr. George Froppin received an invitation, although it seems to have arrived several weeks after all the others. Froppin, a member of the Society of Friends, has been advising Sir Somerville on a piece of legislation to be presented at the next parliament. We won’t bore you with legislative details other than to say, it may have something to do with the abolition of slavery—a circumstance dear to the heart of all Quakers, like Froppin.

Much more curious than politically motivated invitations is that of life peer, Lord Sandrow and his daughter, Lady Beatrix. Though he cannot sit to Parliament, the earl is known to oppose nearly every measure of reform. Somerville, on the other hand is in the forefront of many political reform movements. In addition, the Somerville line is nearly as ancient as that of the Duke of Leigh. A life peer, no matter how wealthy, is not a guest with the usual cache of those invited to the Somerville home, Normanton House in Sussex.

I mention the Duke of Leigh and that family’s lineage earlier not simply for comparative puposes, but also because the Duke is a close friend of Sir Somerville and his lady. This year as always the Duke is invited. This circumstance makes the invitation of Sandrow even more odd. Everyone knows of the bad feeling between Sandrow and Leigh. For those few who may have forgotten, the cause of the ill-will was the death of Sandrow’s son in a duel with Leigh’s youngest brother, Lord Fontus Leigh.

Sandrow has been calling for the younger Leigh to be tried and hung for murder. Technically, the king’s ban on dueling would make a resulting death a murder, no matter how fair the fight. Sandrow has nearly as much influence as the Duke. Hence Lord Fontus fled the country nearly three years past.*

Keen observers of London Gentlemen’s clubs will have noted, a few months past, that the Duke of Leigh summoned Lord Sandrow to meet in a private room at Whites. No one knows what was discussed between the two men. However, several letters were exchanged subsequent to that meeting. Then Sandrow received the invitation from Somerville, which included Lady Beatrix Sandrow. Could that invitation have been arranged by Somerville’s friend the duke? If so, for what purpose? An engagement perhaps that might cement a rapprochement between the two families? Might Lady Beatrix soon wear a coronet?

Does the invitation have anything to do with the recent return of Lord Fontus Leigh from his self-imposed exile on the continent? Lord Fontus was seen arriving at Leigh Chase. He remained only one night and departed early the next morning, headed in the general direction of Sussex and Normanton House.

A day later, a message arrived at Normanton House from the Duke of Leigh, tendering his regrets. He could not attend the house party due to urgent business on behalf of the Prince Regent. Our source was able to learn that his grace has sent Lord Fontus to represent the Leigh family in the Duke’s absence.—So perhaps not a coronet for Lady Beatrix. However, even an engagement to one of his grace’s younger brothers would be a feather in the cap of a life peer’s daughter, especially one who has been on the shelf for nearly five years.

We shall have to await news of the house party once it starts to discover how much of this rumored union of foes may be true. Still it is worth noting, with less than two weeks before the Somerville event begins, Lord Fontus Leigh has not yet arrived in Sussex. He has had more than sufficient time to cover the distance between Leigh Chase and Normanton House twice over. What could be causing his delay? Perhaps he is smart enough to realize that marriage to a woman who’s brother he killed might not result in a happy union?

If this rumor is true, this reporter wishes to know, what in the world is His Grace of Leigh thinking?

Until next time, Gentle Readers. I cannot wait to learn what happens at the Somerville House party, can you?

*Readers may wish to review our report about the horrifying event that took place between Lord Fontus and Sandrow’s son, published in this paper in September of 1812. https://bluestockingbelles.net/a-horrifying-event/.

About the StoryForever & Always – The Secrets of Fontus Leigh, Secret Leigh Series Book One By Rue Allyn, to be published in a Bluestocking Belles & Friends Collection launching in Fall of 2025.

Revealing their secrets could be fatal.

He thought of her day and night. Lord Fontus Leigh secretly wed a stranger to protect her, then she left him with no way to find her. Years later, he is desperate to discover her whereabouts. His family has arranged another match for him, but he already has a wife. Unless the marriage was annulled as she promised.

She never forgot him. Out of options, Lady Deoiridh Aitken narrowly escaped marriage to a cruel fortune hunter by means of wedding a complete stranger. She swore her husband to secrecy before she left, believing everyone would be safer if no one knew where she was. The plan worked perfectly, until now.

Will an old enemy destroy them, or can they overcome all obstacles and make a life together forever and always?

About the Author: Hi, I’m Rue Allyn, and mostly I’m about writing stories, books about heart melting romance. Books about characters and adventures in which love triumphs at the darkest moment. The kind of suspenseful, hopeful, cathartic, romance that melts a reader’s heart.

Join my Daring Damsels Facebook group or subscribe to my newsletter. The Daring Damsels gather on Facebook and spread the word far and wide about great books, mine and other authors. Active members can have a lot of fun, reap rewards and gain prizes, all for free (and a little bit of your FB time). Here’s the link  to Rue Allyn’s Daring Damsels. Or use this link to subscribe to Rue’s News (2 issues every month). Can’t wait to meet you.

A Horrifying Event

Dateline September 1812

Gentle Readers,

We are horrified to learn that the charming and irrepressible Lord Fontus Leigh—youngest brother of His Grace of Leigh—has killed Lord Vincent Doverton in a duel and fled the country. This author has learned that the cause of the duel between these one time friends was a careless remark by Doverton about Lady Blythe Cynearme, Marquessa of Cynedroit, young Leigh’s sister.

Lord Fontus’ challenge to Doverton was inevitable. A man must defend his family’s honor. The resulting death is unfortunate. Several witnesses to the duel all concur that Doverton fired first and missed. Whether intentionally or not is not known. Lord Fontus then took aim, according to witnesses, to the left of where Doverton stood. At the moment Lord Fontus pulled the trigger of his pistol, Doverton—for reasons no one can comprehend—moved into the line of fire. The shot hit him in the temple causing instantaneous death.

The Prince Regent has made clear that dueling is unacceptable and shall be considered murder if a death results. Few men have been prosecuted because the survivors of most duels resulting in a death are charged and hence never brought before a court of law. This is not the case, with the duel between young Lord Leigh and Doverton.

Doverton’s parent, Aloysious Doverton Lord Sandrow, a life peer, refuses to believe the several witnesses to this tragic even. Lord Sandrow has brought charges of murder against Lord Fontus Leigh. As influential as Lord Sandrow is, his impact on society and government pales by comparison with the power wielded by His Grace of Leigh. Thus, one would think that the unfair charges against Lord Fontus Leigh would be dismissed.

Sadly, His Grace washed his hands of his youngest sibling when that gentleman was expelled from University for the fourth time. Young Leigh had no recourse but to flee to the continent—a continent, I need not remind you, that is riddled with war and danger, especially for an Englishman. ‘Tis a sad loss to society of a highly entertaining young man. The antipathy between His Grace and Lord Sandrow amplifies the stress this loss has caused us all.

This author prays that at some future date, Lord Sandrow can be made to see reason, and Lord Fontus will be able to return before he can suffer any harm from England’s enemies.

About the Story: Forever & Always – The Secrets of Fontus Leigh Secret Leigh Series Book One By Rue Allyn, to be published in a Bluestocking Belles & Friends Collection launching in Fall of 2025.

Revealing their serets could be fatal.

He thought of her day and night. Lord Fontus Leigh secretly wed a stranger to protect her, then she left him with no way to find her. Years later, he is desperate to discover her whereabouts. His family has arranged another match for him, but he already has a wife. Unless the marriage was annulled as she promised.

She never forgot him. Out of options, Lady Deoiridh Aitken narrowly escaped marriage to a cruel fortune hunter by means of wedding a complete stranger. She swore her husband to secrecy before she left, believing everyone would be safer if no one knew where she was. The plan worked perfectly fo

Will evil destroy them, or can they overcome all obstacles and make a life together forever and always?

About the Author: Hi, I’m Rue Allyn, and mostly I’m about writing stories, books about heart melting romance. Books about characters and adventures in which love triumphs at the darkest moment. The kind of suspenseful, hopeful, cathartic, romance that melts a reader’s heart.

Join my Daring Damsels Facebook group or subscribe to my newsletter.

The Daring Damsels gather on Facebook and spread the word far and wide about great books, mine and other authors. Active members can have a lot of fun, reap rewards and gain prizes, all for free (and a little bit of your FB time). Here’s the link  to Rue Allyn’s Daring Damsels. Or use this link to subscribe to Rue’s News (2 issues every month). Can’t wait to meet you.

What’s There “Instead of Harmony?”

Dear Esteemed Members of the Ton,

As your most devoted and diligent chronicler of the comings and goings in our illustrious society, it has come to my attention that the quiet harmony of Regent Street has been delightfully disrupted by a series of events most extraordinary. And who, you might ask, are the orchestrators of this melodious chaos? None other than the gentlemen of Klonimus & Sons, Jewelers at the venerable address of 35 Regent Street.

In an era where our beloved city prides itself on decorum and discretion, the Klonimus family has dared to add a dash of the dramatic to our daily promenades, not least through the musical escapades of one particularly talented brother. A jeweler by trade and a pianist by passion, this young man has taken it upon himself to serenade not just the diamonds in their vaults but the entirety of Regent Street with compositions so complex, they would make even the maestros of Milan weep with envy. His piano, a siren chiming through the open windows, draws unsuspecting patrons from far and wide, leaving the shopfronts across the way in a state of unaccustomed quietude.

But the intrigue does not end at the ivories. No, dear readers, for the Jewish Klonimus brothers are a sight for sore eyes, each more dashing than the last. Six in number, they stride through London’s streets as if they were equals with the gentry, their charm and chiseled physiques causing quite a stir among the city’s debutantes. Their shop, renowned for its sparkling wares, has become a beacon for those seeking beauty in jewel and gentleman form.

Yet, it is within the heart of one—the pianist, no less—where our news take a tantalizing turn. For amidst the glittering gems and echoing melodies lies a secret rendezvous most scandalous. A mysterious lady, garbed in a gown of the deepest purple, has been seen ascending to the attic, her identity hidden, her intentions unknown. Is this clandestine affair the prelude to a love story for the ages, or a scandal that threatens to tarnish the Klonimus name?

One cannot help but marvel at the delicious irony of it all. Here stands a family that adorns the aristocracy with the finest jewels, yet it is their own stories, rich with emotion and intrigue, that prove to be the most captivating gems of all.

Keep your eyes peeled and your ears attuned, dear members of the ton, for this jeweler across the street vows to uncover the truth. What spells trouble for the Klonimus clan spells delight for us, as we watch this saga unfold with bated breath. Will love conquer all, or will the sweet symphonies sour into dissonance?

I cannot wait to find out who the young woman in the purple gown is.

Yours in unparalleled anticipation,

A Watchful Observer

Blurb: “Instead of Harmony” is the first book in the Diamond Dynasty series. It has been a #1 bestseller in several categories on Amazon and has received outstanding feedback from readers. The story begins the Diamond Dynasty series, in which each of the lovely Klonimus brothers has an adventure and finds love. However, through an exciting treasure hunt that spans the series, the Klonimus brothers find delightful twists and turns, vivid settings, and steamy romances. Watch the book trailer and get 20% off the series at www.SaraAdrien.com.

Bio: Bestselling author Sara Adrien writes hot and heart-melting regency romance with a Jewish twist. As a law professor-turned-author, she writes about clandestine identities, whims of fate, and sizzling seduction. If you like unique and intelligent characters, deliciously sexy scenes, and the nostalgia of afternoon tea, then you’ll adore Sara Adrien’s tender tear-jerkers. She is the author of the series Infiltrating the Ton, Diamond Dynasty, Check Mates, and Miracles on Harley Street.

Sign up for Sara Adrien’s VIP Newsletter and get a free book at www.SaraAdrien.com or visit this site to claim your free book now.

Instagram: @jewishregencyromance

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSaraAdrien

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22249825.Sara_Adrien

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sara-adrien

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3ASara+Adrien

Who’s waiting at the “Margins of Love?”

Ladies and Gentlemen, sharp your quills and lend me your ears, for the Teatime Tattler has acquired the most delectable morsel of scandal to grace our esteemed society in many a moon. Yours truly, the venerable Dowager Carol Bustle-Smith, shall waste no time in bestowing upon you the tantalizing tidings that have the tongues of the Ton a-wagging.

It has come to my attention, through reliable and discrete sources, that the elusive haute-couture jeweler and esteemed golden boy of the Ton, Mister Fave Pearler, has entangled his heart in the most enigmatic of betrothals. The object of his affections remains shrouded in mystery, an unfathomable shadow play to even the most discerning nobles among us.

But fear not, dear readers, for I have my ways to uncover the identity of this clandestine rose among thorns and reveal all in due time. For now, let us bask in the glow of the gossip and revel in the speculation that flutters like butterflies through our parlors.

Whispers pour forth from the corners of every ballroom—what secrets do the Pearlers harbor in those vaults as impenetrable as their famed gemstones? Mrs. Eve Pearler, Matriarch of the house, guards her lips with silence as cold and unforgiving as marble. Fear not, for your loyal Carol has devised a brilliant plan. I will host a magnificent house party and invite the Pearler clan to uncover the elusive bride-to-be from her hidden lair.

Will there be a slip of the tongue, a glance too tender, an intimate gesture caught betwixt the greenery? Will the Pearlers’ secret tumble forth like so many pearls scattered from a broken string? Such delicious anticipation sets my heart all aflutter!

Forthwith, I present to you the bountiful backdrop against which this drama shall unfold. In mere days, my opulent estate in Sommerset shall open its doors, thronged with dandies, duchesses, and dignitaries clamoring for a single, life-altering revelation! Speculation abounds that this unknown damsel may be neither a highborn lady nor a fixture of our beloved Almack’s. Could it be a love match that flouts the very conventions upon which our society is built?

The scandal! The sheer audacity of a union formed not from duty, nor advantageous connection! Our Fave Pearler, who could command the hand of any maiden in the land with but a smile, surrenders to heart’s capricious whimsy—a romantic gesture that flares brightly as a beacon of passion against the rigid mores of propriety.

I execute each stroke of this missive with a hand trembling from eager anticipation of the revelations to come. Prepare yourselves for an assembly such as never before witnessed; where the unveil may indeed prove to be the most scintillating, enlightening, and—dare I prognosticate—lucrative moment of our gilded age if the Pearlers open their accounts to reimburse me for my silence once I find out who Fave Pearler’s bride-to-be is?

Until we next convene, I remain the keeper of society’s conscience and the mistress of its most deliciously dark secrets,

The Dowager Carol Bustle-Smith

About The Margins of Love:

Lady Bustle-Smith is the villain in the first book of the Infiltrating the Ton series by Sara Adrien. In Margins of Love, we meet the Pearlers, a Jewish family of jewelers hiding in plain sight among the Ton. He’s indeed trapped to attend Lady Bustle-Smith’s houseparty and he won’t be able to keep his hands off the beautiful Rachel. But what about he girl he’s supposed to marry? How can he reconcile the duty to his family and the love in his heart? Find out how the Pearlers fare in the face of blackmail as they embark upon the Competition for the Crown Jewels that spans this trilogy and brace yourself for a happy ending like no other. Watch the book trailer and get 20% off the trilogy at www.SaraAdrien.com.

About Sara Adrien:

Bestselling author Sara Adrien writes hot and heart-melting regency romance with a Jewish twist. As a law professor-turned-author, she writes about clandestine identities, whims of fate, and sizzling seduction. If you like unique and intelligent characters, deliciously sexy scenes, and the nostalgia of afternoon tea, then you’ll adore Sara Adrien’s tender tear-jerkers. She is the author of the series Infiltrating the Ton, Diamond Dynasty, Check Mates, and Miracles on Harley Street.

Sign up for Sara Adrien’s VIP Newsletter and get a free book from the Infiltrating the Ton series at www.SaraAdrien.com or visit this site to claim your free book now.

Instagram: @jewishregencyromance

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSaraAdrien

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22249825.Sara_Adrien

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sara-adrien

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3ASara+Adrien

Lady hatmakers have joined the shopkeepers in London!

Dear Readers,

It has come to this editor’s attention that the formerly vacant shop on the road off of New Bond Street has now become occupied by two lady milliners, a Mrs. Harcourt and a Miss Emmeline Harcourt.

They proudly share that as the proprietors of Harcourt’s Hats, they sell sashes, cravats, gloves, hatpins, and even umbrellas to curious passersby. In silks or satin, brocade or linen, the ladies offer bonnets, caps, and turbans for the stylish women of London.

However, the owner of the shop, Mr Bryant, may not take kindly to entrepreneurial women invading his street. But rumour has it he is spending his time with his new bride, the former actress, Lucinda Cross.

It is said that Mr Bryant’s former best friend, Mr Whittaker, has already crossed paths with the beautiful and taciturn Miss Emmeline Harcourt, who is known to speak her mind and show a willful independence, which may be off-putting to potential suitors.

Will the Bryants be open to the new shopkeepers in town? Will Miss Emmeline Harcourt meet her match at Harcourt’s Hats?

I leave to you, dear reader, to find out.

About A Lyon to Die for: Emmeline Harcourt fell in love with the wrong man and now is paying the price.

Crossed in love and sent to London for almost ruining her reputation, Emmeline is the only female proprietor in an exclusive row of London shops whose owners aren’t the most welcoming. But with a sharp tongue and fiery temper, Emmeline can deal with her unfriendly neighbors, even Mr Horatio Whittaker, an arrogant, reserved, opinionated young man with fixed opinions and cold manners.

Horatio Whittaker has given up on happiness. Abandoned at the altar for his scheming best friend, he never expected to find love again. He hardly notices women until he crosses paths with Miss Emmeline Harcourt.

Emmeline hopes to never encounter Mr Whittaker again, but when she accepts an invitation to the Lyon’s Den, they find themselves at the heart of a mystery, entangled with Horatio’s former fiancee and deceitful best friend.

From false accusations, rumored affairs, and even a deadly party game, Emmeline and Horatio must work together to prove their innocence and find the culprit. Pretending they are courting should make investigating easier, so long as they don’t fall in love.

All’s fair in love and war at the Lyon’s Den, and this is a Lyon to die for.

Preorder link:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXBN5L89/

About the author: E. L. Johnson writes historical mysteries for Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 ebook publisher of Historical Romance on Amazon. A Boston native, she gave up clam chowder and lobster rolls for tea and scones when she moved across the pond to London, where she studied medieval magic at UCL and medieval remedies at Birkbeck College. Now based in Hertfordshire, she is a member of the Hertford Writers’ Circle and the founder of the London Seasonal Book Club.

Social media links

Twitter: @ELJohnson888

Insta: eljohnson_writes

Facebook page: @theELJohnson

Tiktok: @alecto99

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18090432.E_L_Johnson

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/e-l-johnson

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calipers

https://www.google.com/search?q=archeaologist+hand+tools&rlz

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