Home of the Bluestocking Belles

Because history is fun and love is worth working for

Category: Teatime Tattler Page 3 of 138

Was a Proverbial “Beast” Importuning a Charming Beauty?

By

On September 18, 2024

In Teatime Tattler

A Shocking Tale out of Bath

Dear Readers,

In our quest to provide you with the latest on dits, we have recently obtained a copy of a correspondence from two ladies with some interesting information from Bath. Read on!

Dear Felicity,

I hope you continue well and that your recent visit here to take the waters has proved beneficial. I did so enjoy being able to share with you the delights of this pleasant town and hope that your good health continues.

Now, do you recall Molland’s, the charming pastry shop we visited on Milsom Street, the one with the delicious pastries? I’m sure you do, we both rather indulged ourselves, if I recall.

Anyway, that is by the by. Feeling the need for some sustenance, I made another visit to Molland’s only the other day.  As you know, I am not one for gossip, but I must tell you what I observed.

I took my usual seat near the window as it gives one a wonderful view of the passers-by. I ordered a pot of tea and a Bath bun, to which as you know, I am very partial. I’d barely poured the first cup when a most imposing gentleman came in. I say imposing, he was very tall and what I could see of his face at that point, for it was obscured by a hat pulled down low, was rather dark complexioned. My guess is he had recently returned from overseas.

The gentleman then took himself to the darkest corner of the shop; I could only view him by contorting my neck to such an extreme that I quite thought I’d do myself a mischief.

But what a sight! I very near had to resort to my vinaigrette, such was the horror of his visage. So badly scarred that it was not fit to be seen by any female with pretensions to sensibility.

Thank goodness, I have a strong constitution, so the enjoyment of my Bath bun was not curtailed.

Some time later, the gentleman left (I thought it wise to remain and observe which direction he should take before I myself departed). Having crossed the road, he seemed about to enter Earl’s Emporium. What should happen, but he collided with a young woman, almost knocking her over. She appeared a respectable young woman, dressed plainly, not the showy sort at all.

Now, I cannot say for certain that this collision was deliberate, but the following events would seem to suppose that it was. He took her by the arm, and after a short discussion, he led her into the shop. Now, my dear, what do you think? Had he importuned an innocent young lady? I cannot sleep for thinking about it. Should I have abandoned my tea and bun to forestall what I am sure will be the ruination of an innocent young lady?

I’m afraid that I do not know the outcome of this event as I was forced to leave Molland’s shortly after – any longer, and it would have been necessary to order another pot of tea, which was beyond my pecuniary means.

Yours ever,

Cassandra

A Winter’s Romance: A Regency Anthology

Penny Hampson, Audrey Harrison, Christina Dudley, GL Robinson, Jayne Davis, and Judith Hale Everett are pleased to present a collection of short stories perfect for warming you up this winter! A Christmas Wish, by Penny Hampson, will be of interest to anyone reading Cassandra Cavendish’s letter: When a disfigured army officer inherits the guardianship of a young girl, he never dreams she would be in the charge of a charming and pretty teacher.

Available for preorder on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Winters-Romance-Regency-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0DG3R12L1

 

 

 

Penny Hampson writes mysteries, and because she has a passion for history, you’ll find her stories also reflect that. A Gentleman’s Promise, a traditional Regency romance, was Penny’s debut novel and the first of her Gentlemen Series. There are now three novels in the series, with the fourth, An Adventurer’s Contract, due to be released by the end of 2024.

Penny lives with her family in Oxfordshire, and when she is not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, swimming, and the odd gin and tonic (not all at the same time).

 For more on Penny’s writing, visit her blog: https://pennyhampson.co.uk/blog/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/penny_hampson

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pennyhampsonauthor

Instagram: @pennyhampsonauthor/

Penny’s books are all available on Amazon: viewauthor.at/Pennysbooks

Scandal Brewing in the Peaks?

By

On September 11, 2024

In Teatime Tattler

Scandal is not limited to Town!

Dearest Reader,

While our juiciest scandals tend to arise in Town, we have recently been informed of a situation brewing quite beyond the fashionable confines of our usual haunts.

We were not shocked by the recent return to London of Waterloo hero Captain C. R___, younger son of the late Earl of B___. Indeed, we look forward to the day when the last of England’s sons who survived the battle return to our soil.

However, that the young captain spent three weeks here while avoiding social engagements did surprise, since many hostesses were eager to have the handsome hero grace their glittering events. We suspect he spent most of that time at the side of his severely wounded commander, whom he accompanied back to England. We hope good medical care here may assure that gallant man’s recovery.

No, dear friends, the initial shocks are these: first, that while here the captain sold his commission, now to be addressed only as plain Mr. R____, and second, that after so many weeks here the young man still did not go home to see his mother and brother in Shropshire!

Instead, we hear he traveled into the wilds of Derbyshire to bury himself in the unheard of village of Little Macclow. Rumors say he is visiting his aunt and uncle, Lady Anne and Squire T. H____, while seeking counsel on his desire to take holy orders. Quite the turnabout for a man who has so distinguished himself and advanced at a rapid pace during six years in his regiment!

But do you suppose that is all we have to share? Oh, no, dear reader, allow us to offer the juiciest tidbit. It seems that he has met with a distraction since his arrival there, in the form of a certain young Scottish widow who is also visiting the village.

We know very little about who she is or why she is there—a small delicious mystery we hope to solve soon—but she is reputed to be an artist and has been persuaded (reluctantly) to involve herself in designing well dressings for the village’s upcoming celebration of that quaint and unique Derbyshire custom.

Have you never heard of well dressing? The tradition is ancient but practiced only in particular villages in that rather remote although beautiful part of the midlands.

We also hear this Scottish widow has no interest in finding another husband and has ambitions for her artwork to be published by a printer here in London, possibly the most shocking piece of this entire report! We feel very sorry for Mr. R______, for it seems certain that his interest in her is doomed or at least misguided, and we certainly hope he won’t allow it to divert his intentions to join the ranks of distinguished clergy who lead our churches.

We would dearly love to know what his family makes of all this, would you not agree? Rest assured that, should we hear more, we shall be certain to share it with you here in the Teatime Tattler.

His Lady to Love

Can true love strike twice? And if so, at what cost? Falling in love fits neither of their plans….

Young Scottish widow Ailis Murray doesn’t believe in second love. Left wealthy by her beloved late husband, all she wants now, despite society’s disapproval, is a solitary life as a published artist. Driven by greedy in-laws and suitors to seek refuge in the English village of Little Macclow, Lissie meets a captivating ex-officer eager to draw her into the life of the parish—and perhaps even into his arms….

War-weary Charles Reynell is seeking guidance on becoming a cleric, not romance with a spirited lass as lonely as she is lovely. He knows a curate’s meager pay cannot support a family. Challenged by the local vicar to coax the reclusive widow back into society, Charles points her towards helping with the village’s annual well dressing festival. But his irresistible attraction to her makes him question his path and every belief that led to it.

Does Lissie dare to open her heart again? Must she or Charles—or both—give up their dreams as the price for a life together? Or when the past Lissie fled catches up to her, will they lose even the chance to find out?

His Lady to Love is a sweetly simmering, emotional Regency romance between a feisty young Scottish widow and an ex-army officer who each have other plans in mind than falling in love!

–Grumpy-sunshine pairing (she’s the grumpy one)

–Second chance love

–Small village setting

–Widowed heroine (Scottish)

–Ex-military hero

–He falls first

–Senior romance subplot

Buy Link

On pre-order now, releases September 15! Will also be in Kindle Unlimited, the first time for one of my books.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDRKCFH3

Books in the Tales of Little Macclow series (so far):

Lord of Her Heart (Book One)

Lord of Misrule (Book Two)

Her Perfect Gentleman (Book Three)

His Lady to Love (Book Four)

These stories all stand alone, each offering a complete romance and HEA, although they do follow a chronological order and have recurring characters. Tone varies depending on the characters.

About the Author

Award-winning author Gail Eastwood started writing stories as soon as she learned to string words together on paper, and blames Beatrix Potter and A.A. Milne for making her a devoted Anglophile at a very early age. After detours into journalism and rare books, she finally found her path writing Signet Regencies acclaimed for their emotional depth and innovative plots.

Twice nominated for RomanticTimes Magazine’s Career Achievement award, a Golden Leaf winner and twice a Holt Medallion finalist, among other honors, Gail had to put writing on hold to deal with family health issues for almost 16 years. But now she’s back doing what she loves best and offering readers a heart-warming Regency series set in a small village possibly touched by magic (or it is just the power of Love?), Tales of Little Macclow. Lord of Misrule was a 2019 Maggie Award finalist for Best Historical Romance, a big confidence boost after such a long career break.

Gail’s newsletter sign-up:  https://eepurl.com/gbknuH  (get a free short story!)

Website: www.gaileastwoodauthor.com

Facebook (profile): send a friend request to: www.facebook.com/gail.eastwoodauthor.7

Facebook (page): www.facebook.com/gaileastwoodauthor

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/Gail-Eastwood/e/B001KDU86M

Blog at: www.riskyregencies.com

Reader Facebook Group (for “sweet” Regencies): Regency Kisses: Lady Catherine’s Salon:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/LadyCatherinesSalon/

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/gaileastwoodauthor

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/gail-eastwood

A Lady on the Run!!!

By

On September 4, 2024

In Teatime Tattler

A lady on the run, a hellion hot on her heels

Dear Reader,

Is a secret scandal taking shape on the road?

Some shocking rumors have reached this author’s ears! If my source is to be believed—and I do believe they are—a certain hellion has set chase after a particular heiress who has retired from London to soak in the ocean breeze of Brighton.

But what might be the reason? Is it love? I think not, for these two individuals are as dangerous together as flint and steel.

This author can’t wait for the sparks to fly!

~~~

A Little Bit of Hellion

What’s a lady to do when the man she thought was so utterly wrong turns out to be a hellion so very right?

Lady Theodosia King has had enough. Enough of her mother’s relentless matchmaking, enough of fortune hunters circling like vultures, and enough of the Earl of Saville clinging to her shadow under the guise of righting a wrong. Determined to escape the madness, she decides to pack her bags and retreat to Brighton for the remainder of the season. But she never expected a certain earl to follow her . . .

Field Savage, the Earl of Saville, has made his share of mistakes—none more torturous than his involvement in an infamous heiress list that found its way into White’s betting book, causing chaos in London. Every attempt to correct his errors only seems to worsen them. So, when he learns that the bane of his existence has fled London, he’s determined to let her go—after getting answers to a few burning questions.

Their plans go horribly awry when, shortly after Field catches up with Theodosia, they are set upon by highwaymen and left penniless on the side of the road.

Can they overcome their differences long enough to find help, or will their decisions lead them further down a path of mischief and mayhem? And perhaps even love?

Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Bit-Hellion-Regency-Historical-ebook/dp/B0DC1859F1

About Tanya Wilde:

Award-Winning and International Bestselling author Tanya Wilde developed a passion for reading when she had nothing better to do than lurk in the library during her lunch breaks. Her love affair with pen and paper soon followed after she devoured all of their historical romance books! In 2020, she won the Romance Writers Organization of South Africa (ROSA) Imbali Award for Excellence in Romance Writing for Not Quite a Rogue.

When she’s not meddling in the lives of her characters or pondering names for her imaginary big, white greyhound, she’s off on adventures with her partner in crime.

Wilde lives in a town at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains, South Africa.

Find her at:

Wallflowers and Wenches Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/843373666456177

Website: https://www.authortanyawilde.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanyawilde/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authortanyawilde

 

Scandal Among the Stones

By

On August 7, 2024

In Guest author, Teatime Tattler

Dearest Readers,

It is really too much, ladies and gentlemen of the Ton. One finds it difficult to write with decorum when such an affront to our society has been revealed. There is, I regret to inform you, a family hiding among us who does not belong. These brazen parvenus are jewelers by trade, dripping in riches yet utterly devoid of noble blood that would warrant their place amongst our esteemed ranks.

Now, before you clutch your pearls in horror, rest assured that many of you have already unknowingly contributed to their advancement. Yes, indeed, many of you have purchased some of the finest bracelets, medallions, and diamond rings from these imposters. Their craftsmanship is undeniable, but let us not be fooled—merit alone will not earn them a place in our society.

The jewelers must not infiltrate the Ton by merit alone. It’s a privilege only bloodlines can give. Don’t you agree with me?

However, a twist of fate has arrived, one that promises both excitement and dread. The Prince Regent himself has announced a grand competition. Twelve jewelers, the best in London, have been selected, and only one will be chosen at the winter ball. Should this family of clandestine upstarts win, they will earn their place at Court in St. James.

It must not come to pass! Such an outcome would be a travesty, shaking the very foundations of our social order. I, Lady Carol Bustle-Smith, pledge to unleash my wrath upon them. I shall do my very worst to thwart their success and any burgeoning love stories they might entertain along the way.

So, dear readers, keep your eyes sharp and your wits sharper. This winter ball shall be a spectacle, and you can trust that your devoted Lady Carol will leave no stone unturned to ensure these jewelers remain precisely where they belong—on the fringes of our society.

Yours, devotedly,

Lady Carol Bustle-Smith

Read the trilogy and find out how the jewelers triumph and earn their place in society while forging bonds along the way that even the evil gossip of the Ton, Lady Carol Bustle-Smith, can’t break.

Book1 – Margins of Love – Fave’s story
Book 2 – The Pearl of All Brides – Arnold’s story
Book 3 – A Kiss After Tea – Lizzie’s story

“One of the Best Regency Romance Novels in 2022 . . . a Masterful Combination of Historical Romance with Jewish Fiction”
– Yahoo! News

About the Author

Bestselling author Sara Adrien writes hot, 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. Get 50% off her #1 bestselling 9-book bundle https://www.saraadrien.com/products/diamond-of-the-ton-collection-1

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

 

IS SHE AN IMPOSTER?

By

On August 3, 2024

In gossip, Jude Knight, Teatime Tattler

Is London’s newest arrival a distant relative of the Dowager Countess of F.? Or is she an imposter?

Dearest reader, your Teatime Tattler has been endeavouring to discover the truth. On the one hand, she has been introduced under the auspices of Lady F., and is chaperoned by Mrs. B., a distant relative of the F.’s. On the other, we have it on very good authority that the Earl of F. himself has disclaimed any association.

So who is Miss W.?

F. does not dance with, or even talk to her. Indeed, he appears to be making a push to ignore her existence. He was heard to tell a lady of his acquaintance that Miss W. was no relation of his, but merely a distant connection of his grandmother’s. And as we all know, the dowager countess was once the daughter of a shopkeeper.

We might conclude, then, that Miss W. is a cit, a mushroom, a social climber from the lower ranks. We need not consider the rumour that she is a street rat that Lady F. met in Bristol. Lady F. might have been born well below her current esteemed position in Society, but we think it unlikely to the point of impossible that she would embrace a denizen of the stews.

The other rumour we can instantly dismiss is that Miss W. is Lord F.’s mistress. For one thing, he would not install her in the same house as his grandmother. The idea is ridiculous. For another, he avoids the girl.

Whatever the truth, our readers may be certain that the Teatime Tattler will keep you informed.

Coming this month in Hot Duke Summer, The Worth of an Earl

Jen, a waif from the Bristol slums, rescues a wealthy lady from kidnappers. Against the objections of her grandson, the Earl of Frome, Lady Eloise insists on taking Jen to London.

Against his will, Frome falls in love with Jen. Just when he is ready to throw his reputation away for the sake of love, he uncovers a secret that changes everything.

Page 3 of 138

Previous

Next

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén