Category: Teatime Tattler Page 71 of 152

A Startling Scene at the Devonshire Ball

On July 15, 2020

A group of people around each other-a Time Travel Regency

Description automatically generated

Dearest Sister:

You asked me to write you about all that happened at the event of the year, begged me to give an account of the guest of honor, the Contessa Sinatore. I cannot write all now, but I promise to relate much more when I have the time. This amazing anecdote must suffice for the moment.

I secured a country dance with the Contessa. A fine dancer, she is very tall and certainly athletic enough to accomplish all that you have read about her heroics. After the dance, I had the temerity to ask how she accomplished the rescue of the child. “What techniques did you employ to climb the manor wall?”

Before she could answer, among the many notables gathered around her, Lord Litton interjected, “Tut, tut there, Downey. Quite an unfair question, my boy. You cannot expect a woman to explain the technical skills involved. Far outside a woman’s ken. Common knowledge, don’t you know?” He embarrassed me, as though tutoring a child. “It is unfair to expect more of women, particularly from the darker, southern European cultures.”

Several other men nodded sagely and murmured “Quite right, Lord Litton, quite right.”

I didn’t know how to respond. Should I apologize to the Contessa? I was saved by her. She laid a hand on my sleeve and with a devilish smile said, “Do not trouble yourself, Mr. Downey. Adam had similar questions concerning women.”

A Parliamentarian, Mr. Quagmire asked, “And how is that, my lady?”

“I guess you haven’t heard the story.” She leaned in and everyone leaned closer to hear her. “In the Garden of Eden, Adam went to God one day to ask him why he had made the woman Eve the way he had.”

Several men smiled and said they hadn’t heard it. “As they walked in the Garden, Adam asked God, ‘Why did you make women so beautiful?’”

“God answered, ‘So you would like them.’”

She had Adam answer, “Then why did you make them so soft and cuddly?” The men chuckled at this, looking at each other with near leers on their faces. I felt the need to say something, but the Contessa continued in a deep voice, “And God answered. ‘So you would enjoy holding them for your comfort.’”

“’Yes, marvelous,’ said Adam, ‘but why, why did you make them so stupid?’”

The men roared their laughter, until Cassandra held up a hand and they quieted before she spoke.

“‘Well, my boy,’ God said, ‘I wanted them to like you too.”

I must tell you, sister, it was all I could do to keep from laughing out loud at the stunned looks, mumbles and ‘umphs’ all around. The Contessa was saved from any complications by the Earl of Drayton, who quickly claimed her for the next set.

I knew you would enjoy that recollection. I will write with more about the Contessa when I can.

Your Loving Brother,

Robert

About the Book

A Cat Burglar is Thrust Back in Time

Art Thief Cassie Sinatore: Shackled and dressed in a neon orange jumpsuit, she awaits extradition at Heathrow Airport. An accident with a nearby experimental radar plane throws Cassie back in time, dumping her in a wooded countryside. The rider who discovers her is charismatic, more compelling than any man she has ever met. She chalks up the man’s Regency outfit and odd behavior to the eccentricity of the rich. Or maybe he is just a nutbar, but the man is offering a ride.

Lord Ross Kerrington: The new Earl of Drayton, having returned from the wars in 1815, finds the Kerrington family in turmoil, lunatic women who make him consider returning to the army. The alluring woman he discovers in the estate’s Greyfield Woods strikes him as equally mad. The woman wears bizarre attire, acting with a peculiar cheekiness that borders on insolence. Considering the very real dangers a madwoman faces encountering the surrounding inhabitants, he decides to bring her home until he can decide what to do with her. Unexpectedly, his family has other ideas.

Meeting the Kerrington family, Cassie finally realizes she is trapped 200 years in the past. Faced with the frightening situation, she resolves to win her independence using her cat-burglar skills. Then things get complicated.

Against her will, she finds herself caring about the Kerrington family, fighting a powerful attraction to the very proper Ross. Dependent on the Kerringtons’ good will, Cassie finds it increasingly difficult to navigate London society, the family, and even more, her growing passion for Ross.

Besides, someone is trying to kill him.

Stealing Time is available for Amazon Kindle.

B W Haggart’s Website will premier at the same time offering more information, blogs and book reviews.

His Majesty’s Navy Is Not Prepared!

By Rue Allyn

On July 11, 2020

In Teatime Tattler

Precipitated by the Corsican Monster’s recent escape from Elba, many of our readers have written with concerns about England’s preparedness for battle. Thus we dispatched our best investigative reporters to various military offices seeking information with which to reassure the public. Much good news was received and will be reported at a later date. Today we wish to issue a stern warning to the government that disturbing events at the Royal ship yards in Great Yarmouth may well result in England’s inability to defend herself on the seas.

Thomas Byam Martin
Image courtesy of Wikipedia

It is the work of the Comptroller’s office to oversee the procurement, storage, and dispersal of all Naval supplies, from the thread and cloth for uniforms to the materials for constructing and outfitting his majesty’s ships as well as the maintenance of those ships in port and at sea. After The Corsican’s abdication last year, the Comptroller’s office announced the sale of surplus supplies, as they were believed to be no longer needed. Present events reveal this to have been an error in judgement of monumental proportions.

Our reporter was granted an interview with the Deputy Comptroller of the Navy, Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Byam Martin. Martin said definitively that no reduction in supplies would occur while the country was at war. Although, he promised efficiency would be improved in all processes (procurement, storage, delivery et cetera) undergone by supplies. The Rear Admilal went to great lengths to assure our reporter that all ships were fully supplied and much surplus remained in the Great Yarmouth warehouses, although he could not permit our reporter entrance to the warehouses or the holds of any of his majesty’s ships. We are grateful for said reassurance. While no one will doubt the honor, sincerity, and trustworthiness of Rear Admiral Martin, perhaps he is mis-informed as to the status of naval supplies at the Great Yarmouth shipyard.

It has come to our attention via very reliable sources that despite the recent peace and Rear Admiral Martin’s assurances, naval munitions are in very short supply. Our reporter interviewed the officers and crew of several vessels–all of whom shall remain nameless to protect their standing in the navy. Each man reported insufficient supplies of the materials needed to perform his duties. Especially concerning was the report from munitions officers that shot, powder, canon balls, even canons were all missing from or greatly reduced on the lading bills of the ships where interviews were conducted. This frightful news lends credence to the concerns expressed by our readership.

What will become of a nation whose might rests in having the most superior fleet in the world, if that fleet cannot feed itself nor fire a shot in England’s defense? I beg you dear readers, communicate with your members of parliament and urge them to see this terrifying situation corrected post-haste.

S. Clemens, Editorial Director.

This weeks article from S. Clemens is as always a complete fiction with the exception of Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Byam Martin who served as Deputy Comptroller of the Royal Navy from January 1815 to February 1816 when he was appointed to the position of Comptroller in full. He served as the Royal Navy’s comptroller from February 1816 through November 1831 and was responsible for many improvements in the Royal Navy supply systems. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Byam_Martin.

I wrote this article after researching a character for the next Bluestocking Belles Boxset. That character’s mission will be to investigate the reports of supply shortages and see the situation corrected as well as bringing any wrong doers to justice.

About Rue Allyn: Award winning author, Rue Allyn, learned story telling at her grandfather’s knee. (Well it was really more like on his knee—I was two.) She’s been weaving her own tales ever since. She has worked as an instructor, mother, sailor, clerk, sales associate, and painter, along with a variety of other types of employment. She has lived and traveled in places all over the globe from Keflavik Iceland (I did not care much for the long nights of winter.) and Fairbanks Alaska to Panama City and the streets of London England to a large number of places in between. Now that her two sons have left the nest, Rue and her husband of more than four decades (Try living with the same person for more than forty years—that’s a true adventure.) have retired and moved south. When not writing, enjoying the nearby beach or working jigsaw puzzles, 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 Rue@RueAllyn.com. She can’t wait to hear from you.

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Royal Rumors From Aldonia

By Guest author

On July 8, 2020

In Teatime Tattler

Dearest Readers,

Have you heard the news? Word from Aldonia is that our illustrious Crown Prince is finally in the market for a princess.

With the prince’s two younger siblings married off, it was only a matter of time that Prince Christopher found a bride.

My sources in the palace, however, tell me that the search may have hit a bit of a snag.

Not because of anything our dear prince has done, of course. Nay, it seems that the arrival of a certain English miss has caught a few eyes.

Though the lady’s connections are undeniably good, we’re not all that convinced that she is fit to be a queen.

Have no fear, dear readers. As you well know, Prince Christopher has never acted in a way that is anything less than perfect. And he has only ever put crown and country before all else.

But we must wonder; why do our sources tell us that he’s been acting somewhat out of character around the gel?

And word has it that the mysterious Lady L’s cousin was very much in line to take the crown. Will there be familial discord? And will our dear prince shock us all with an unexpected announcement soon?

We doubt that he’d do anything to shock us. But then, considering his brother ran off to England, and his sister married the help, one can never tell.

We shall keep our eyes and ears very much open, and report back when we have even a sniff of scandal about our fearless leader.

The Teatime Tattler’s Aldonia Correspondent

About the Book

Heavy is the heart that wears the crown…

Prince Christopher Wesselbach learned from a young age that crown and country come before everything else.

Now, as Crown Prince and future king, he knows that duty to the throne requires him to marry.

But he also knows from bitter experience that women are fickle and not to be trusted. So, he’ll choose a wife based on what Aldonia needs in a queen and nothing else. He won’t allow a woman to change the life he chooses to live, and he won’t be foolish enough to let his heart get involved in the decision.

Lady Lucia Allenwood does not fit in with royalty. If stealing from the queen wasn’t proof enough of that, then engaging in illicit meetings with a handsome stranger certainly was.

But her cousin seems to have caught the interest of the elusive Prince Christopher and so Lucy must do her best to stay out of trouble, and not disgrace the family name.

Despite their best intentions, Lucy and Christopher can’t seem to stay out of each other’s ways, and when they clash, sparks inevitably fly.

But can Christopher learn to trust? Not just a lady, but his own heart?

And will Lucy be able to redeem this royal?

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2Knu1Hu

Amazon UK & Ire: https://amzn.to/2xJHo2b

Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Apple Books | Goodreads

About the Author

Nadine Millard is a bestselling writer hailing from Dublin, Ireland.

When she’s not writing historical romance, she’s managing her chaotic household of three children, a husband and a very spoiled dog!

She’s a big fan of coffee and wine with a good book and will often be found at her laptop at 2am when a book idea strikes.

A Time to Celebrate!

By Sherry Ewing

On July 4, 2020

In Sherry Ewing, Teatime Tattler

Dristan of Berwyck sat next to his wife Amiria watching the wedding celebration before them. His great hall was filled with the sound of the minstrels playing their instruments for the dancer’s enjoyment. He should be happy for Killian of Clan MacLaren, along with Lady Ella recently of Hull. So why did he feel so uneasy?

Amiria’s hand patted his arm before she rested her head upon his shoulder. “Stop frowning, my love, or you shall scare our guests away thinking they have once more awoken the Devil’s Dragon,” she said with a laugh. “What troubles you so that you must frown on such a festive occasion?”

“I only ponder how many more of these women not born of this time shall invade our gates,” he mused aloud. He reached for his chalice of wine and took a large drink before continuing. “How many more of my knights will be taken in by their charms?”

She lifted her head and placed her hand upon his cheek. “Surely you wish your men to be as happy as we are, Dristan. Does it truly matter if they find love with a lady born in this time or from the future?” she asked.

“Nay, I would not deny them. But why does Time seem to take the best of my knights?” he grumbled.

Her laughter rang out and the sound was pleasing to Dristan’s ears. “Killian is hardly leaving, my lord, and mayhap Riorden and Fletcher will return for a visit soon.”

“I am not so certain they will return for any length of time. Who do you suppose will be next to find wedded bliss?” His eyes ran over the crowded room.

“We can always ask our healer. You know Kenna can give us the answers you stand in need of,” Amiria replied before taking a sip of her own chalice.

“Nay! I may be curious as to which of my knights I will lose next, but I will not mess with Time in such a way. Let everything fall into place without Kenna’s help,” he said before standing and taking his wife’s hand. “Let’s dance. We might as well join the celebration.”

Amiria laughed again before taking his hand. “I am just as certain we shall have many such celebrations in this hall in the years to come.

This original piece is part of Bluestocking Belle Sherry Ewing’s MacLarens and Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time series. Read on for an excerpt from her latest novel Love Will Find You where Killian and Ella have a date with Time!

Excerpt:

Ella’s nerves were on edge. That must be why she was feeling so anxious when she noticed Killian making his way across the hall. She reached for her chalice of wine, her fingers trembling before she managed to wrap them around the cup to take a sip without the heady red liquid spilling all over her gown. Perchance she should excuse herself and seek her chamber to rest. That was all she needed. She just had to go and rest before she left Berwyck forevermore to finally meet her destiny.

“He favors you,” Amiria’s voice was a soft whisper barely heard above the lutes playing in her hall.

There was no point in denying that she knew whom Amiria meant. “You are mistaken,” Ella replied taking another sip from her goblet before setting it upon the table. She clutched her hands together upon her lap, her knuckles quickly becoming white. Her heart tapped a ferocious beat inside her chest. This was not happening! Not when she was this close to being reunited with the one man she had crossed time for.

Amiria reached over to clasp her hands, giving them a slight squeeze. Ella turned to look upon her friend, who had given her shelter more times than she could count over the years. Amiria was a beautiful woman with flaming red hair and eyes of violet. She reminded Ella of a Viking shield maiden of old, since Amiria could wield a sword as no other woman of Ella’s acquaintance.

“I have waited many a year for some woman to catch his eye,” Amiria replied, her tone conveyed all the love she felt for the man who had watched over her like her father would have done if he yet lived.

Ella saw Killian’s progress was interrupted when he began having speech with Gregory, another of Dristan’s knights. “I have not caught his eye, my lady. Besides you know my fate lies in another direction.”

Amiria sighed, leaning over towards her husband when he whispered in her ear. She began to rise but bent over to kiss Ella’s cheek. “Be kind to him, Ella. I do not wish to see him hurt.”

Before Ella could make any reply, Amiria left to dance with her husband. They were an impressive pair, the two of them, and she was happy the couple twirling across the floor had found true love. Everyone deserved to find the person who called to them, soul to soul, Ella included.

Killian stood in front of the table clearing his throat, bringing her back to the challenge before her. “Mayhap ye would favor me with a dance, Ella?”

He appeared nervous, but the smile she gave him was genuine when he willingly dropped the whole lady business and called her only by her first name. “Aye, of course, Killian.”

His faced showed the briefest glimpse of relief before a mask of indifference fell into place. He came around the table, gave a courtly bow, and then offered his arm. Hesitant, but curious if she would have the same reaction as when she had touched him earlier, she placed her hand in the crook of his elbow. Her breath hitched at their contact. How could this be happening? She did not understand what was going on with the man who began ushering her through the patterns of a lively tune.

The other dancers upon the floor became a blur, her partner the only one who remained in focus. Each time they came together and touched, small sparks flowed like the sweetest nectar through her body. The sensation warmed her entire being, making it hard to remember the steps of the dance. Her wits surely must be addled as she continued to gaze into the hypnotizing eyes of her partner.

Killian was an accomplished dancer, of that there could be no doubt, despite him always showing the outside world a gruff appearance. He took her by the waist and lifted her high while the dance continued, his arms of steel more than capable of easily picking her up as though she weighed nothing at all. As he lowered her back to the floor, her eyes widened as she slid down his body. Her hands remained on his shoulders as they just stood there, the dance all but forgotten.

Love Will Find You:
The Knights of Berwyck,
A Quest Through Time (Book Four)
By Sherry Ewing

Sometimes a moment is all we have…

Ella Fitzpatrick is a woman with a secret. As she comes and goes from Berwyck Castle, seeking refuge within its gates, she yearns to be reunited with the one for whom she crossed time from the twenty-first century. She has lived another lifetime in the twelfth century waiting for the date of their reunion and it is almost upon her. But how could she have known the man she believes she loves is not the person she needs?

Killian of Clan MacLaren has been infatuated with Ella for many a year but has guarded his heart, knowing her affection lies with another. When Ella must flee Berwyck, Killian vows to escort her to her encounter with destiny. But passion flares between them and there is no doubt the bond they have is far greater than either of them expected.

Their time together is running out. Killian has a decision to make that might give him and Ella a future together. If you could change someone’s past, would you seize the moment?

Love Will Find You can be read as a standalone novel. If you love action-packed time travels, adventurous medieval romances, and swoon-worthy characters then you’ll love Sherry Ewing’s Knights of Berwyck series.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | Apple Books | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About Bluestocking Belle Sherry Ewing:

Sherry Ewing picked up her first historical romance when she was a teenager and has been hooked ever since. A bestselling author, she writes historical and time travel romances to awaken the soul one heart at a time. When not writing, she can be found in the San Francisco area at her day job as an Information Technology Specialist.

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Twefth Night Scandals

By Guest author

On July 1, 2020

In Teatime Tattler

You may not be aware dear reader, but the Earl and Countess of Stapleton have once again held their infamous Twelfth Night Ball and holiday house party. Oh, the scandals that have come from this get together this year are shocking, truly.

The only good I would say is the fact that there seem to be just as many marriages. I am afraid the marriage mart for the upcoming season may be lacking many eligible Lords for the taking. Lady Stapleton has lured some of the most notable from around England and they took the bait.

From Lord Milford, who reportedly ran to his aunt’s to hide from yet another marriage trap, drunk with no clothes but those on his back, to the Earl of Wicke and Selborne who we all know has been pining for one certain lady since we can all remember. Then there is poor Sarah Sommers, Lord Stapleton’s new ward, we were all hoping she would find a place at last, poor dear.

And, dear reader, you will be shocked, but after their failed elopement from the very same house party ten years ago, Lady Stapleton brought the Earl of Eddignton and Viscountess Newcroft back to the scene of their crime. I am titillated to hear if the second time was the charm for these two.

It is a well-known fact that where Holly Mayweather goes, scandal will follow. It is no doubt that Lady Stapleton meant for it by inviting such a compromised lady to the gathering. Perhaps even she found a gentleman willing to accept her spirited ways, we shall have to wait to hear on that account though I am afraid.

The scandal I am afraid is not held to only those actively looking for a partner either. I have heard talk of a scandal brewing between a lady’s companion and one of the guests. Something about a wager I understand. Most shocking indeed!

As we of good manners can only hope that such tantalizing scandals do not leave the walls of Willoughby Castle, however this reporter has it from a reliable source that the topsy turvy marriage making has indeed bled into the surrounding neighborhoods, when Mr. Will Sinclair returns home to his parents’ estate in the local town of Bumpstead Hollow, only to find that Miss Violet Hotchkiss remains without a husband and has firmly put herself into the category of bluestocking.

All in all gentle reader, I am going to propose that in light of the goings on in Sussex over the holiday season, perhaps the place to find a husband next year may only happen Once Upon a Twelfth Night.

About the Book

I have it on good authority that there will soon be a tell all anthology of the sordid details. The first to have access will be the members of the Haute Ton Reader Society. Please feel free to join this group and be the first to hear all the latest on dits! https://www.facebook.com/groups/hautetonreadersociety/

About Clair Brett

Author of numerous Historical romances, including the Improper Wives for Proper Lords series, Clair Brett lives in NH with her ever emptying nest which includes her children when they visit, two cats, one willful dog, and a mean Pitbull mix, that will lick you to death and run into her kennel when you speak loudly, and an ever harassed husband who takes it all in stride. A lover of all things Regency Clair, was hooked when she first read Jane Austen. She is a firm believer that a reader finds a piece of who they are or learns something about the world with every book they read. She wants her readers to be empowered and to have a refreshed belief in the goodness of people and the power of love after reading her work.