Category: Guest author Page 37 of 39

a895948cf5311c3b02637bb6d875c905

Dear Readers,

Our correspondent in Scotland, Ms. Rue Allyn—a descendant of the estimable Geoffrey Chaucer—has uncovered correspondence dating from 1294 between Sir R. M, of the Scottish hinterlands and Sir R. C., ancestor of society’s darling, the current Baron Ravensmere. In July of 1294, Sir R. C., then a landless knight and herald to Edward I, was escorting the king’s cousin, Lady J. V. to her wedding when that knight married the lady instead.

Stories are told that the marriage was necessary, but given the king’s reputed ire over the incident we suspect that passion may have got the better of the noble knight and the virtuous (or perhaps not so) damsel. Regardless of the stories the marriage brought shame to the king and the Ravensmere family. We are surprised to learn that Sir R. C. kept his title and lands. Longshanks must have been in a very generous mood. His only punishment for this indiscrete marriage was to banish the couple to their holding in the north of England.

Such a scandalous marraige is bad enough, but the letters discovered by Miss Allyn reveal that Sir R. C. continued his betrayal of king and country by supporting Sir R. M. in his opposition to King Edward’s plans to invade Scotland several years before he actually did. The delay in the execution of Longshank’s invasion resulted in the delay of Scotland’s legal union with England by more than 400 years.

Needless to say, the revelation that spies and ravishers are the root of the tree from which the current Baron Ravensmere is sprung has cast doubts about his recent actions in France, especially with the escape of Boney from Elba following hard on the heels of the Baron’s departure from England, supposedly to take the waters at a Sicilian spa in Palermo. Since no one of any sense would travel to Palermo (being much too close to harbors sheltering Corsican pirates), one can only imagine the Baron does not care what anyone believes is his true purpose in visiting that forsaken island. We do hope that as Miss Allyn continues her researches for the novels plans to write she will share with us any tidbits she learns that may cast light on the actions of the ton.

S. Clemens

Author’s Note: The ‘scandal’ described by M. Clemens is a twisted interpretation of the events described in RONE nominated novel, Knight Errant. Please leave me a comment and let Miss Allyn know how you enjoyed her post.

Blurb: If Sir Robert Clarwyn can’t find a way to compel Lady Juliana Verault to return to England, he’ll lose any chance of regaining his family lands and redeeming his heritage. Yet Juliana must complete her mission or endanger her gender’s future in the church. With danger and intrigue mounting, Robert and Juliana must rely on each other and risk everything … including their hearts.

Excerpt: Here’s a link to an excerpt if you would like to read more from Knight Errant http://rueallyn.com/2f1KEexcerpt.html.

Buy Links: Amazon B & N B-A-M GoogleBooks iTunes Kobo Crimson Romance

About Rue Allyn: Rue Allyn, the imaginary love child of an immortal Scottish knight and Margaret Mitchell, was abducted adopted at birth by a pair of professor experts in Child Development and Education. She loved the parents who raised her and tried very hard to please them by starting school at the age of two and receiving more than 30 years of formal education, culminating in a Ph. D. that led to a number of teaching positions at various universities.

Her destiny at birth was to be the most famous and talented Coloratura Soprano ever. Sadly, when she was abducted adopted that destiny fell to a woman named Julie Andrews. Rue’s creative impulses could not be denied. She searched long and hard in universities, in the US Navy, in retail sales and odd jobs to find release for her undeniable desire to sing out about romance that melts the heart. She watched old movies, read stories by Dante, Chaucer, Charlotte Bronte, Georgette Heyer, and even—unknown to Rue—her mother’s legendary Gone with the Wind. Not until she met the man of her dreams, her very own True and Perfect Knight, did she discover that while fate had stolen her singing voice, she could—in the traditions of Ovid, Homer, and the Beowulf poet—still sing her songs of heart melting romance by weaving them into stories about love, joy, and ecstasy in all ages.

When not writing, loving her spouse, or attending conferences, Rue travels the world and surfs the internet in search of background material and inspiration for her next heart melting romance. She loves to hear from readers, and you may contact her at contact@RueAllyn.com. She can’t wait to hear from you.

Contact Rue: Amazon FaceBook @RueAllyn Goodreads Author Travels Blog Website

Yet More Shocking Behaviour from London’s Most Scandalous Libertine…

By Guest author

On June 29, 2016

In Guest author, Teatime Tattler, Uncategorized

Special to the Teatime Tattler~

Like many of you, I have followed the outrageous shenanigans of Mr Ross Jameson over the last few years with growing concern. It beggars belief how a man with such low-born and repellent connections has wheedled his way into society and I fear for all of our futures if this is a sign of things to come. Surely other see what his crass behaviour clearly implies?

Jameson, as we all know, is little more than an upstart from the slums, the son of a tavern wench and a notorious forger. By his own admission, he hauled cargo at the filthy London docks and probably still consorts with the sort of criminals who thrive there. How is it possible that such a man is welcomed into the homes of the great and the good? I was scandalized when his application to join White’s Gentleman’s Club was approved, although if every terrible story we hear about the man is to be believed, I daresay the other members feared his dreadful retribution if they refused him entry.

It is well known that he ruins other men. Why, only last year he charmed the unwitting Earl of Runcorn into partaking in an innocent card game, then manipulated the poor fellow into wagering the deeds of his own house. Poor Runcorn never stood a chance against the vile trickster and lost it all. Unsurprisingly, in his shock and grief, the unfortunate earl blew his own brains out immediately afterwards in the lobby of White’s!

Since then, other horrors have come to light. Every week there is a new story about Jameson in the gossip columns. Sordid tales of gambling, debauchery, the cuckolding unsuspecting husbands, confidence tricks and worse. Have you heard about what happened with not one, but TWO! Opera dancers at Convent Garden? Suffice to say, the exact particulars are too outrageous even for this publication, but it involved the shameless seduction of BOTH women at the same time!

There is even talk that he sold his own criminal father down the river in order to claim the reward from the authorities! Whilst I do not now, and never could, condone forgery as a profession, what sort of man betrays his own kin for financial reward?

And to make matters worse, Jameson does not show any remorse for having the blood of at least two men on his hands. He swans around town as if he has a divine right to mix with his betters. I am now reliably informed he intends to live in the beautiful country house he swindled from the deceased Earl of Runcorn, where, no doubt, he will quickly turn my beloved Barchester Hall into a brothel or gaming hell, or some other scandalous den of inequity. We cannot allow this travesty to happen! He must be stopped before he ruins more lives.

He might dress and sound like a respectable gentleman, but mark my words, one day that despicable rogue will hang from the gibbet! And I will happily swing on his legs!

Kind regards

Lady H___

About That Despicable Rogue

A lady’s mission of revenge…

Lady Hannah Steers has three reasons to loathe and despise Ross Jameson. He’s a scandalous libertine, he stole her home and he was responsible for the death of her brother!

Determined to expose Ross for the rogue he is, Hannah dons a disguise and infiltrates his home as his new housekeeper. Unfortunately, this scoundrel proves himself to be the epitome of temptation and, instead of building a case against him, Hannah finds herself in a position she never expected…falling head over heels in love with him.

~Excerpt~

Hannah schooled her features into a neutral mask to cover her disgust at being with him. She had heard Jameson was a shocking libertine, but she had not expected to be confronted with such overwhelming evidence of his debauchery straight away. The sight of the rumpled bedclothes and the overpainted woman wantonly sprawled across them, skirts raised suggestively to her knees, had been bad enough- but then her eyes had encountered their first sight of Ross Jameson, and that had been frankly outrageous.

He was a huge bear of a man- showing far more exposed skin than a gentleman would deem proper. Of course, a gentleman would not have the body of a farm labourer either. Jameson was solid and muscled-a sure sign of his coarse upbringing. Men of class were more willowy and less… sturdy. He probably looked ridiculous stuffed into a tailored coat. She supposed the less discerning women would describe his tousled black hair and twinkling green eyes as handsome, but he used those good looks to his advantage.

He appeared to Hannah exactly what he was- a charming, dangerous and duplicitous rogue. She certainly would not trust him as far as she could throw him- which, she conceded, was not likely to be very far…

About the Author

Virginia Heath lives on the outskirts of London with her understanding husband and two, less understanding, teenagers. After spending years teaching history, she decided to follow her dream of writing for Harlequin. Now she spends her days happily writing regency romances, creating heroes that she falls in love with and heroines who inspire her. When she isn’t doing that, Virginia likes to travel to far off places, shop for things that she doesn’t need or read romances written by other people.

Amazon link: http://amzn.to/2431qYN

Website: http://www.virginiaheathromance.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VirginiaHeath_

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

A brigade of brides? Whatever next!

By Guest author

On June 21, 2016

In Guest author, Teatime Tattler

AnsonTxPostOfficeMuralCowboyDanceDancers409BG Lorraine Stuart reporting from Tarnation, Texas direct to Mr. Clemens at the Teatime Tattler:

Your correspondent was fortunate to attend a festive evening at the luxurious home of Mrs. L. Harrison, young widow of famed United States Army soldier Col. William Harrison. As one might expect at this ball, ladies presented a rainbow of lovely gowns.

Foremost was Mrs. Harrison herself, who led fashion in a lavender silk gown trimmed in white Valencia lace. Mrs. V. H., wife of J.H., looked lovely in mauve gros grain accented by white point lace. Newcomer C. B. wore blue poult de soie trimmed in darker blue embroidery.

After twirling across the floor in the slightly scandalous waltz, Miss O. S. was seen strolling to the balcony in the company of E. K. for a secluded tête–à–tête. Do we hear wedding bells? Miss J. N. danced repeatedly with M. B. and love’s light also danced in her eyes—in spite of her vow not to wed. Was there a spat between Miss R. R. and Z. E? Your correspondent was not privileged to hear the words spoken, but there appears to be trouble on the horizon for this couple. Mr. G. P. took an unfortunate tumble to his knees and sat out the remainder of the ball.

Return next week, dear readers, when you correspondent will report on the opera house appearance of famed singer Geraldine Chitwood.

~~~~

The small, dusty town of Tarnation, Texas is suffering. There are no single women and young men are moving to more diversely populated towns. Lydia Harrison is a young widow who wants her town to prosper and grow. She travels back East to recruit suitable young women to come to Tarnation and live with her until they choose the man they wish to marry. To help, she holds receptions and dances where the seven young women can meet fifteen respectable men under properly chaperoned conditions. People in town have labeled these young women the Bride Brigade. Ophelia is a painfully shy, gentle woman who suffered severe beatings from her overbearing father before she escaped with the help of her friend, Josephine Nailor, also one of the seven women.

OPHELIA, Bride Brigade book 4:

Ophelia final L A painful past…

A desperate escape…

A hope for the future…

Ophelia Shipp wants safety, a home, a kind husband, and to raise a family. To achieve her goal, she travels halfway across the country to tiny Tarnation, Texas. What awaits her there must be better than what she left. She longs for a respectable man who will treasure his wife and never raise his hand to her.

Elias Kendrick had a difficult childhood but has overcome poverty and shame to build his empire in Tarnation. Now that he owns a successful saloon, the opera house, and his home, he is ready to marry and start a family. He’s vowed his children’s life will be different from his—if only he can find the right woman.

Two opposites attract—or are they? Ophelia and Elias must learn to overlook their superficial differences and work out their chance at lasting love.

Excerpt from Ophelia

Here is an excerpt from OPHELIA at the first reception for the men and women to mingle. After greeting the fifteen men in a receiving line, shy Ophelia has chosen a seat at the side to watch others:

Mr. Kendrick strolled toward her holding a cup and a plate filled with samples of Mrs. Murphy’s delicacies. “You look as if you could use punch and a snack.”

She fought for something clever to say, but nothing came. At least she managed a smile. “Thank you. I am thirsty after introducing myself so many times.”

He sat in the chair separated from hers by a small table. “Nice shindig, isn’t it?”

She admired his ability to appear so at ease. She took a sip of punch before answering, “I love watching and listening. Everyone appears so happy and excited.”

“What about you? Are you happy or excited?”

She couldn’t prevent a grin. “Both. Being in Mrs. Harrison’s home is so pleasant and the other women are very nice. This morning I woke up excited about this event.”

“Me, too.” He chuckled, sending light dancing in his brown eyes. “What brings you to Tarnation, Miss Shipp?”

“Same as the others I suppose. No point pretending otherwise, I want a kind husband, a secure home, and children. This appears to be a nice town even though it’s small. I notice there’s even an opera house.”

“That there is. I built the opera house only a year ago. The manager and I try for a variety of acts so that by the end of the season, everyone has enjoyed at least a couple of shows.”

She leaned forward, happy to know he was so fair-minded. “I’m sure I’ll enjoy them all. I’ve never been to a live performance.” Oops, she hadn’t intended to admit that.

He leaned back and his eyes widened. “Never? You mean except at school, of course.”

A blush’s heat seared her face. How embarrassing to admit she was a country bumpkin who had done nothing interesting in her entire life. “My father was very strict. I couldn’t appear in or attend school plays. Mr. Kozlov has invited me to the opera house performance in two weeks. I’m looking forward to the event.”

Was that disappointment she saw on his face? “You’ll enjoy Geraldine Chitwood. We were exceptionally fortunate to book her. Normally, she only plays larger towns more easily reached. Being without railway access places us at a disadvantage.”

She had to restrain herself from rubbing her rear. “Oh, my bones haven’t forgotten that stage ride.” She leaned toward him. “Tell me about yourself, Mr. Kendrick. Besides owning the opera house, I mean.”

“I’m twenty-nine and never married.” He took a deep breath and averted his gaze before he spoke. “If you led such a quiet life that you weren’t allowed to attend plays, then you’ll no doubt look down on me because, as well as the opera house, I own the local saloon.”

She hoped she hid her surprise that Lydia had included a saloon owner in this group of “acceptable” men. What should she say?

Trying for the truth, she said, “I try never to pass judgment, Mr. Kendrick. I don’t approve of drunkenness but I know most men enjoy meeting with others and sharing a drink or game of cards.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Very broad-minded of you. Do you play cards, Miss Shipp?”

She couldn’t help laughing. “I don’t play anything. All I’ve ever done is work.”

~~~~~~~~

Caroline Clemmons is an Amazon bestselling and award winning author of American-set Victorian historical and contemporary western romances. A frequent speaker at conferences and seminars, she has taught workshops on characterization, point of view, and layering a novel.

Caroline and her husband live in the heart of Texas cowboy country with their menagerie of rescued pets. When she’s not indulging her passion for writing, Caroline enjoys time with family, reading, travel, antiquing, genealogy, and getting together with friends. Find her on her blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google+, Pinterest, and her books at her Amazon Author Page.

Subscribe to her newsletter here to receive a FREE novella of HAPPY IS THE BRIDE.

Caroline loves to hear from readers at caroline@carolineclemmons.com

Runaway sighted in Paris

By Guest author

On June 15, 2016

In Guest author, Teatime Tattler

Seateddancerinpinktights Oh, la vache!

The rebellious and dare I say, scandalously improper, Lady Minnie Ravensdale, might have been sighted for the first time in years by a dedicated reader of this column in Paris.

If you last recall, the finishing school runaway disappeared four years ago in London. Rumors run amok of her whereabouts after a police officer in Whitechapel reported she posted bail for an Irish thief caught cheating at cards at the so-called gentlemen’s club, Millay’s. It’s not a well-hidden secret that the gentlemen’s club is frequented by those in London with deep pockets only to leave them with a bit light thanks to the gaming tables and boxing ring. Of course, those are only rumors. Mr. Ainsworth, owner of the club opposite that of London Hospital, prides himself on running a respectable operation.

I digress.

The reader reports that while in Paris on holiday, she spotted someone with a striking resemblance to Ravensdale kicking up her skirts at the den of iniquity itself, the Moulin Rouge. Has the niece of the infamous “Devil”, Bly Ravensdale, been so embraced by the wicked ways of Bohemian Paris?

It has well reported that the famous adventurer and celebrated hero after fighting in Afghanistan still upholds his wild ways, despite serving as a foreign diplomat to India and Iraq since returning to England to marry the family’s governess. Scandals abound in the Ravensdale family!

The reader goes on to report the woman is known to the morally polluted side of Paris as Evangeline Dupree, a much sought after temptress. And while her French is flawless, this letter gives credit to the earlier reports of her slumming around Whitechapel because she was seen once again with that Irish thief (now known as The Mad Paddy), speaking perfect English at the opera before the two slipped behind the a curtained room for several unchaperoned moments.

Oh, la vache, indeed!

So readers, it appears that the Ravensdales once again will be filling this column with their wild and improper behavior, as only can be expected for the nouveau riche. Once a finishing school runaway with bold dreams of becoming a ballerina, it seems Lady Minnie Ravensdale is now a lady of the demimonde, gracing the morally tainted music halls of Paris.

S. Clemens, Esq.,

Editor of the Teatime Tattler

Meet Rebecca Paula

AnythingMoreThanNowHighRes Rebecca Paula writes smart, emotional contemporary and historical romances about flawed characters brave enough to live outside the lines and embrace the messy and complicated bits of life and love. Also, there’s kissing.

She’s a champion of Byronic heroes, a wanderlust connoisseur, a hopeless romantic, and is epically losing the battle of conquering her TBR pile (okay, TRB closet). Rebecca lives in New Hampshire with a cat who thinks she’s a dog, and her YouTuber husband.

When not writing or reading, she loves ghost hunting shows, singing along to ‘Hamilton,’ or scouring stores for a cute dress with pockets.

Her Sutton College and Ravensdale Family series are available now, with another two releases scheduled for later this year. Her debut, EVERLY AFTER, is a standalone romance.

www.rebeccapaula.com

Buy Links for A PROPER SCANDAL, The Ravensdales, #2

—> Amazon: http://amzn.to/1KSwp6u
—> Barnes & Noble: http://is.gd/mtU1ui
—> iBooks: http://is.gd/V9CS4L
—> Kobo: http://is.gd/GP7jnO

Excerpt:

It was a long walk, longer than he expected. They passed the time in general silence, which was best. He didn’t have anything else to say to Anne. To know more would just invite her closer to him, and Alex hadn’t come to London to become friends with anyone. He came to discover who he truly was. He wished, above all, to know his true name.

“You know, you’re a terrible pickpocket,” Anne said finally.

Alex shrugged. There wasn’t much he was good at, but he wanted to be. And that’s what drove him to London, as well. When the hunger for more finally possesses a man’s soul, it’s unrelenting. “You were too easy of a mark. I like a challenge.”

“We might have been friends, Alex. If the world was different and time didn’t matter.”

She shuffled a few steps ahead of him, stopping short at a great wall of bird cages that towered above them at a pet shop. The air reeked of ammonia and sawdust. Anne stood in front of the cages, her hands held tight behind her back. She watched the tiny finches inside flit about their home of bars, her eyes wide, her mouth drawn into a frown.

This was the sad girl who had run away, the one who stared at the caged birds as if she were right there beside them.

“Don’t you miss your family? Don’t you want what they can give you? I mean, Christ, Anne. You’ve just slept in a whorehouse for two days pretending to be my wife. You’re wearing rags. And now I’m supposed to just let you walk away and fend for yourself as some ballerina girl. Didn’t you have the world at your feet?”

Anne silently stripped off her glove and wiggled her finger between the bars, clicking softly to a yellow canary sitting along on a perch while the other finches hopped around the cage. “I have a parrot named Raja with fine blue and green feathers. He came with me from India.” The bird edged closer, tilting its head toward her. A soft smile spread across her lips while her eyes brimmed with tears. “Don’t you think we should let them all go?” She turned to Alex, a tear running down her cheek. She didn’t move to brush it away, she simply looked at him, imploring him to fix the world for her. And damn if he didn’t want to do just that.

Alex scratched the back of his neck before stepping closer. He wished to say yes, he wanted to say yes to bring back her smile and he didn’t understand. Before Anne, there had only been his mother and the mysterious woman who helped him and Danny escape. But Anne was different. Anne clouded his head and put a strange pressure against his chest, and that black mood that was slowly consuming him was held off by her soft voice. No doubt she could tame the rowdy crowds of London with a voice such as hers. She was a beauty through and through. A rare rose.

“No one sets a caged bird free, darling. I suppose that’s what makes them beautiful.”

Anne wiped her cheek with the back of her hand and straightened. “Of course. How foolish.” She turned and continued on her way, her head held high as she passed the towers of cages, a kingdom of kept creatures.

“If you stay out of trouble, perhaps we can sneak back one night and do so.”

She glanced back over her shoulder and stopped, looping her arm around his. She dropped her head against his shoulder for a moment, one searing moment that set his body on fire. “Wouldn’t that be lovely? Even if we never do so, what a pretty thought to think of all those birds flying off under the cover of night.”

They walked side by side until the theater rose from across a busy square. He slowed, following Anne’s lead as she took in the scene before them. The intersection was busy, the cafes crowded, and the air smelled of tobacco and garlic. Peddlers yelled, shouting for passersby to buy international newspapers. The square itself was shabby, the grass sodden, and the iron fence surrounding it rickety.

“La vie de bohème,” Anne whispered, unlinking their arms. She stopped in front of the theater and took a deep breath, her arms on her hips. “This could be the start of everything, Alex. Can’t you feel it?”

He shrugged, unable to take his eyes off her. Regretfully, he handed her her bag. “Listen, Anne—”

She waved him off, spinning in a circle instead and nearly tripping and collapsing to the ground.

He reached out his hand and steadied her. “I wish you the best.” He reached into his pocket, already feeling the loss of what he was about to do. He filled her palm with the money she left on the nightstand. “Try to keep out of trouble. I suspect I’ll be finding myself by the docks. If you’re in need of a friend.”

Anne quickly took the money and stuffed it inside her reticule, then looked up, beaming. “You know, you could always come find me. I’ll be the one onstage.” She winked, then spun around, leaping through the air before she laughed and knocked on the door.

And that was it of Anne, the girl he meant to rob blind. She didn’t put any food in his stomach, but she had given him something far more—a fire in his belly to conquer London.

Fashions through the 19th Century

By Guest author

On June 1, 2016

In Guest author, Teatime Tattler

e151193902c5c697610611c6f38a0f48 Mr. Clemens, Esq.

Sir:

Please be so kind to inform the readers of the Tattler about the guests coming to a very special event at RWA16 this year in San Diego. Sarah Richmond, along with the San Diego Costume Guild presidents Margaret Hagar and Lisa Root are presenting a workshop entitled: Dressing the Part: Costuming Romantic Characters of the 19^th Century: A Fashion Show.

This is a fashion show they’ll not want to miss.

The first guests are Elizabeth Bennett and her sisters accompanied by no other than Mr. Darcy. (Maybe he’ll reveal his Christian name.) The women will be wearing the Empire waist dresses of the Regency era made famous by author Jane Austen. The accessories such as a pelisse, reticule et al which are part of the vocabulary of a Regency author will be on display.

Representing the romantic era of the 1840’s is the poet who wrote ‘How do I love thee’ Elizabeth Barrett Browning and her husband Robert Browning. The couple will be arriving from the continent where they eloped—so irresponsible and yet so wildly romantic.

Next, and I’m holding my breath just thinking about it, Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler. What a treat to have them. Scarlett will explain the mysteries of wearing a hoop skirt and how ladies in mid-century America managed to maneuver in them. Rhett will be dressed as the handsome rouge he is.

The last guests will be a couple from the Naughty Nineties/fin de siècle. A tragic pair and I’m thrilled they could attend: The Phantom of the Opera and his much adored Christine. He will be wearing his iconic evening suit. Her silhouette, complete with a bustle, will show off a woman’s S curve.

There you have it. The workshop will be held on Saturday, July 16 at 2 pm. at the Marriott Marquis and Marina. The room will be announced at the conference. Hope to see you there.

Your obedient servant,

Miss Dorothea Wycliffe

A Perilous Proposal

perf5.000x8.000.indd Edmund Caruthers is a man with all the answers, comfortable in his own circle, and confident in his profession as a junior barrister with ambition to wear the silks of a King’s Counsel. Born to privilege, he loves to gamble with the old money heirs at his club.

A milliner’s apprentice, Dolly Wycliffe pursues her dream to make fashionable ladies’ hats, but her earnings cannot support her widowed mother and siblings. She seeks legal council to sue a powerful English peer for the wrongful death of her father who was in his lordship’s employ. Everyone including Edmund turns her down. The death has been ruled an accident and there is nothing he can do. The old boys at Edmund’s club agree and bet he can’t loosen the purse strings of a titled gentleman, especially with a shop girl as a client. With a sizable wager at stake, Edmund decides to prove them wrong.

Edmund and Dolly uncover a dastardly plot that suggests her father’s death was not an accident, but murder. Together, they risk ridicule and ruin to prove their suspicions are true.

Excerpt from A Perilous Proposal

Dolly sighed. “I must go.”

Edmund must convince her of his earnestness before all was lost.

“If you don’t forgive me, I shall shrivel up and die an old, forgotten barrister with nothing to show for my troubled life but a drool cup and thick glasses.”

Her upper lip twitched. “You are a most unusual man.”

“So I’ve been told.” Encouraged, he carried on. “In truth, I couldn’t bear us parting with you holding me in such low regard.”

“Very well, you are forgiven.”

Edmund was so pleased he couldn’t help but grin.

“I’ve thought of a way to make amends,” he said.

“That is not necessary.” They continued toward the high street.

“I must. Your hats inspire me.”

“Now you are making fun.”

“I wouldn’t. Truly they are the most wonderful hats I have ever seen.”

They’d reached the stop for the tram. She turned to face him. “Thank you.”

At that very moment, he made a decision that would be met with controversy among his friends and family. And he didn’t care a fig what any of them thought.

“I say,” Edmund said. “Would you like to go to Ascot with me?”

“Are you joking?”

“I’ve never been more sincere.”

She gave him a soulful look. “Now you are being charitable.”

“Do you think so badly of me? I am asking because I want to spend the day with you. Besides, you can wear one of your creations. Think of the publicity.”

She fluttered her eyelashes. All the meanness of this world flew away.

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Say yes.”

And she did.

Sarah Richmond is a multi-published author of historical romance set in the Old West and Edwardian England. When not in front of her computer, she enjoys lunch with friends, University of Michigan football and old movies.

Please visit me at www. SarahRichmond.com, Sarah Richmond Writer on Facebook and SRichmondWriter on Twitter.

Because history is fun and love is worth working for

Category: Guest author Page 37 of 39

Society’s darling is a spy, ancient scandal suggests

Yet More Shocking Behaviour from London’s Most Scandalous Libertine…

A brigade of brides? Whatever next!

OPHELIA, Bride Brigade book 4:

Excerpt from Ophelia

Runaway sighted in Paris

Meet Rebecca Paula

Excerpt:

Fashions through the 19th Century

A Perilous Proposal

Excerpt from A Perilous Proposal