Category: Teatime Tattler Page 77 of 152

Slipping through time…

On March 21, 2020

Ella Fitzpatrick sat on a bench watching her sister’s grandchildren playing nearby. Jennifer had insisted that Ella accompany her family on an outing to the Fountain of Youth. She had been here many times in the past but for whatever reason she was uneasy. She scanned the area. There was nothing to be afraid of. It was a beautiful day, the children were laughing, and she was certainly not alone as one tourist after another passed her by.

She shrugged off the premonition that something bad was about to happen. Instead, she reached into her purse and pulled out an old newspaper sealed in a protective covering. An old friend had sent it to her thinking she might enjoy it. Considering Ella was always looking for something of the past to uncover, she was sure to enjoy this bit of history. Perhaps that’s why she loved living in St. Augustine, Florida. The place was surrounded by a past life lost long ago.

The Teatime Tattler… she began carefully pursuing the dated copy and smothered a laugh as she read about someone who claimed they had traveled to the past and twelfth-century England. No one could travel through time, for heaven’s sake! What kind of fool did her friend take her for?

Jennifer came over and sat down. “What are you reading?” she asked.

Ella handed over the copy. “Just some old gossip rag from the Regency era. I think my friend Raymond is trying to get the better of me.”

Her sister looked at several of the pages. “It looks legit, although why would anyone want to read such trash is beyond me. And traveling through time? Please…”

“Exactly my thoughts,” Ella replied with a chuckle. “I think Raymond is trying to tell me I read too many romance novels.”

“I might have to agree with him,” Jennifer said with a raised brow. “I know a lovely man from church who…”

A low moan came from Ella’s throat before she held up her hand and stood. “No.”

“But, Ella…”

“I said no! Please stop trying to fix me up with men whom you think might make me a good husband. If I haven’t found him on my own by now, I’m certainly not going to find him through you or any of our other siblings.”

“We just want you to be happy,” Jennifer said with a worried frown.

“Who said I’m not happy?” Ella scoffed as she watched her sister open and close her mouth several times. They meant well but it was becoming more and more irritating that they couldn’t believe Ella was happy living on her own. Or was she? She glanced at her sister’s grandchildren playing in the distance and a small measure of envy filled her heart.

Jennifer reached out and grabbed Ella’s hand. “You know how much we all love you, sis.”

“And I love you but you’ve got to stop trying to play matchmaker,” Ella replied. “I think I’ll go for a walk. I’ll meet you all back at the planetarium in an hour.”

“Don’t you want this?” Jennifer asked holding out the pages of the Teatime Tattler.

Ella laughed. “You keep it or better yet, throw it in the garbage. I have no idea what Raymond thought I would find interesting in something so silly as an old article about some deranged person claiming they slipped through time.”

Ella left her sister and the children behind. The path she walked was eerily empty but she ignored that feeling in the pit of her stomach for a second time. She should have watched where she was walking. One moment she was pondering the fact she never found someone to love and the next she stepped into a glowing ring of rocks and slipped through time…

This is an original piece by Belle Sherry Ewing. Ella Fitzpatrick is the heroine in Sherry’s soon to be released novel, Love Will Find You: The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time (Book 4). Read on to learn more about this long-awaited novel.

Excerpt:

Yanking on the reins of his mount, Killian moved forward to stand before Ella. Looping the leather straps around the pommel, he offered her his assistance in order to mount the huge animal.

“May I, Lady Ella?” he inquired, holding out his hand to her.

She gave a weary sigh. There was no sense in attempting to remain indifferent to the orders he had been given. “If you must obey your lord, then I suppose I must too. But for heaven’s sake, please call me Ella.”

“’Tis not seemly ye should ask such of me, my lady.”

Her brow rose at his obstinacy. ’Twas most irritating and she preferred to forget the part of her past that made such a statement true. “I must insist. I do not profess to be a lady of high rank and refuse to be treated as such. I am just Ella.”

He turned his back on her momentarily, walking towards the ocean waves grumbling to himself about the stubbornness of some women. He returned with his decision. “If ye insist, then I must needs humor ye, I suppose. Let us away, Ella.”

“A wise choice, Sir Killian.”

“Just Killian,” he replied, and his eyes twinkled in suppressed merriment, as if he expected her to resist dropping all formality between them.

With a small smile, she nodded her head. “Killian, then.”

Love Will Find You:
The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time (Book Four)
Available for Preorder
Release Date: May 19, 2020

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?

Buy Links:

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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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Springtime and Babies

By Guest author

On March 18, 2020

In Teatime Tattler

By undercover reporter, Bellanna Banders

My Dearest readers,

This reporter has become aware of several authors who may or may not find themselves in a rather interesting condition together.

Lords, Ladies and Babies, yes. I mean babies; six of them!

Lady Meara Platt may or may not have exposed the going-ons of a certain duke who has discovered a rather unlikely surprise on his doorstep!

Lady Tabetha Waite writes of a lady who has taken (ahem) drastic measures to escape an unwanted betrothal. Drastic measures with a handsome highlander and now she faces rather drastic consequences.

Lady Tammy Andresen keeps company and has written all about the Earl of Sin—a gentleman who has quite sworn off marriage until… well, you’ll have to read the story to find out.

Lady Annabelle Anders has penned the memoirs of a troubled Duke who is desperate for an heir. The muddle-headed fool requires help from a levelheaded lady. Don’t they all?

Lady Merry Farmer will expose the scandalous deal that a disgraced miss strikes with another muddle-headed fool. Won’t they ever learn?

And Lady Scarlett Scott’s has penned of the scandalous goings on at a country house party… and oh, my… consequences here as well?

This reporter thinks it just may be springtime, what with all the birds and the bees flying about. She’ll be keeping a watchful eye on these six feisty author ladies. You ought to as well!

***********

About the Book

LORDS, LADIES & BABIES: A REGENCY ROMANCE SET WITH LITTLE CONSEQUENCES…features heroes and heroines who’s happily ever afters are “helped” along by six little bundles of joy.

The Duke’s Surprise by Meara Platt: Cheyne Lyon, Duke of Mar isn’t surprised when his wastrel brother dumps a wife and baby on his doorstep, but Jennifer is intelligent, nurturing, and sweet, just the sort Cheyne could love, if only she wasn’t already taken. When unsavory strangers come around looking for a runaway young lady, Cheyne realizes Jennifer isn’t who she claims to be, and he isn’t about to give her up.

The Scot’s Bairn by Tabetha Waite: Damaris Honeywell suffers from an unwanted betrothal. Her solution? Ruin her reputation. But one night with a handsome Scotsman leads to certain…complications that can’t be ignored. When Callum Murray, Laird O’Donogue encounters her again, he intends to show her that they are meant to be.

The Earl of Sin by Tammy Andresen: The Earl of Sinclair vowed never to marry again. But when a pretty spinster befriends his daughter, he begins to wonder.

The Perfect Little Marquess by Annabelle Anders… His father dies before turning forty. His oldest brother, the original heir, turns up his toes at the age of two and thirty. And this year, the spare is killed most suddenly in a duel. Things aren’t lookin good for this second spare turned heir. The new duke of Warwick needs a son… And Quickly!

The Substitute Lover by Merry Farmer… Lord Benedict Killian needs an heir of his own blood as fast as possible, but he has no intention of marrying. Disgraced Miss Meg Wallace needs money, and a lot of it, to start a new life. Agreeing to a deal to conceive a child for Benedict to pass off as his own seems like an easy solution for both of their problems. Until the red-hot passion between them proves irresistible.

Wooed in Winter by Scarlett Scott… The Marquess of Haven has finally decided to do his duty and settle upon a bride, preferably before the new year begins. What better place to find her than a country house party? There’s just one problem, and she’s the beautiful widow who once owned his heart. Surely there’s no harm in indulging in one night of passion with her to get her out of his mind. But Haven is about to discover old habits are hard to break, especially when the consequences last forever…

***********

Universal Book Link

https://books2read.com/Lords-ladies-and-babies

Love doesn’t always go as planned and sometimes it results in adorable little consequences! Six tales of Regency love, each enhanced by a little bundle of joy. Don’t miss this very special set of books written by your favorite Historical Romance authors!

Imposter Attempts Theft of Title

By Jude Knight

On March 14, 2020

In Jude Knight, Teatime Tattler

Sam, you made a good call when you sent me to listen to the debate in the Lords. Whoever told you the Duke of Haverford was up to something, didn’t hint at the half of it! Here’s a transcript of what he said.

Your Graces, My Lords, it is with a heavy heart that I come before you today. Not long ago, it was our sad duty to recognise that our esteemed monarch was no longer able to meet his responsibilities and needed to be placed in the care of his loving wife.

Today, we face a like task, as one of the foremost peers in the land falls victim to the ravages of time and illness, so that his judgement is impaired and his decisions dangerous for his family, his estates, and the realm.

I refer, dear colleagues, to one of my oldest friends. With the greatest of regret, I must disclose to you that the Duke of Winshire has succumbed to the blandishments of a rogue and the yearnings of his own heart, and has recognised an imposter as his heir.
This man, claiming to be Winshire’s only surviving son, arrived on these shores only days ago. I have reason to believe he is not even English, but comes from the far reaches of Persia, or even further into those godless lands.
My lords, the Duke’s sons are all dead. I, myself, wept with him when the news came from the East of the death of the man this reprobate claims to be.
Moreover, the rogue brings with him six young people whom he claims to be his legitimate children. You and I, my lords, will know how to answer such a ridiculous attempt to lay hands on one of the treasures of England, the duchy of Winshire.

So there it is, Sam. I can’t wait to see what happens next! Fun times to be a reporter, that is for certain.

In 1812, high Society is rocked by the return of the Earl of Sutton, heir to the dying Duke of Winshire. James Winderfield, Earl of Sutton, Winshire’s third and only surviving son, has long been thought dead, but his reappearance is not nearly such a shock as those he brings with him, the children of his deceased Persian-born wife and fierce armed retainers.

This series begins with a prequel novella telling the love story of James senior and Mahzad, then leaps two decades to a series of six novels as the Winderfield offspring and their cousins search for acceptance and love.

To Wed a Proper Lady, the first novel, is on preorder and will be released on 15 April.

Everyone knows James needs a bride with impeccable blood lines. He needs Sophia’s love more.

James must marry to please his grandfather, the duke, and to win social acceptance for himself and his father’s other foreign-born children. But only Lady Sophia Belvoir makes his heart sing, and to win her, he must invite himself to spend Christmas at the home of his father’s greatest enemy.

Sophia keeps secret her tendre for James, Lord Elfingham. After all, the whole of Society knows he is pursuing the younger Belvoir sister, not the older one left on the shelf after two failed betrothals.

Find out more and buy the book.

Excerpt

The racing curricles had negotiated the bend without disaster and were now hurtling towards the village. Long habit had James studying the path, looking to make sure the villagers were safely out of the way, and an instant later, he put Seistan at the slope.

It was steep, but nothing to the mountains they had lived in all their lives, he and his horse, and Seistan was as sure-footed as any goat. Straight down by the shortest route they hurtled, for in the path of the thoughtless lackwits and their carriages was a child—a boy, by the trousers—who had just escaped through a gate from the village’s one large house, tripped as he crossed the road, and now lay still.

It would be close. As he cleared one stone fence and then another, he could see the child beginning to sit up, shaking his head. Just winded then, and easier to reach than lying flat, thank all the angels and saints.

Out of sight for a moment as he rounded a cottage, he could hear the carriages drawing closer. Had the child recovered enough to run? No. He was still sitting in the road, mouth open, white-faced, looking as his doom approached. What kind of selfish madmen raced breast to breast, wheel to wheel, into a village?

With hand, body and voice, James set Seistan at the child, and dropped off the saddle, trusting to the horse to sweep past in the right place for James to hoist the child out of harm’s way.

One mighty heave, and they were back in the saddle. James’ shoulders would feel the weight of the boy for days, but Seistan had continued across the road, and just in time. The racers hurtled by so close James could feel the wind of their passing.

They didn’t stop. Didn’t even slow. In moments, they were gone.

The boy shaking in his arms, James turned Seistan with his knees, and walked the horse back to the gates of the big house. A crowd of women waited for them, but only one came forward as he dismounted— a gentlewoman, if her aristocratic bearing and the quality of her fashionable gown were any indication.

“Forgive my temerity in speaking without an introduction, my lady,” he said, “but have you perchance mislaid this child?”

“How can we ever thank you enough, sir?” Her voice confirmed her class. She took the child from him, and handed him off to be scolded and hugged and wept over by a bevy of other females.

The woman lingered, and James too. He could hear his father and the others riding towards them, but he couldn’t take his gaze off her. He was drowning in a pair of brown-gray eyes, like a pond in the deep shelter of a nurturing forest. Did she feel it too? The Greeks said that true lovers had one soul, split at birth and placed in two bodies. He had thought it a nice conceit, until now.

Inappropriate Woman!

By Bluestocking Belles

On March 11, 2020

In Teatime Tattler

My name? Let’s just call me Miss Kitten. I have some of the most wonderful gossip about Lord Belmont!

You see, he’s in town with his mother for the Season and it seems he’s taken a liking to the most inappropriate of women. You probably know who she is, of course. That’s right, Miss Emma Sellars, the bluestocking who fancies becoming a doctor! Now I’m not exactly sure if he knows that about her, but I’m not going to say a word! Her parents are simply desperate to marry her off and once they find out about Lord Belmont they’re going to want to keep it as quiet as possible. I only hope Miss Sellars can keep herself in line long enough for him to ask for her hand!

The Hellion and the Highwayman, now available for preorder at all retailers as part of the A Hellion’s Midnight Kiss boxset!

http://books2read.com/AHellionsMidnightKiss

About the Book

Emma Sellars wants to be a doctor, but her parents would rather see her as a bride. Her sister Katherine is excited about the upcoming Season, but with her parents’s ultimatum that she either find a suitor or leave their house, Emma is less than enthusiastic about it.

Lord Thomas Belmont recently came into his title as Earl of Arabel when his father died, and in London at his mother’s request. While the balls are a delight, his real interest lies in the pockets of the affluent people coming in on the London highways.

When they meet by chance on an outing with Emma’s sisters, Thomas is immediately taken with Emma but knows his nighttime outings won’t make for a happy courtship. He’ll have to choose between duty and love, or leave Emma to continue her studies penniless.

About the Author

Rebecca Lovell fell in love with history when she first visited the stockyards in her native Fort Worth and she has been writing and studying different eras ever since. When she’s not writing she enjoys crocheting, running, and playing with her many cats.
Find her online at:

http://rebeccalovell.com
facebook.com/RebeccaLovellBooks
twitter.com/becca_el

Fear for Their Lives and the Root Cause

By Rue Allyn

On March 7, 2020

In Teatime Tattler

Dear Readers,

As happens on occasion, The Tattler has received a cache of letters and documents exchanged between two cousins relating to historical events of the late 17th century. Whenever such papers cast light on affairs of the past that may now affect the present we feel it our duty to publish such information as may be found therein. I will not editorialize upon the contents of the letter published below except to say that any thinking person may well draw the connecting lines between the events referred to in the letter and the events now occuring on the far side of the Atlantic Ocean. Our soldiers are giving their lives to regain the lands which England settled, but the cause of that original revolt and the present difficulties without a doubt lies in free and easy access to armaments. Armaments which, as I understand it, are still being supplied to our enemies by men who dare to call themselves English, all in the name of filty lucre.

My dearest Maude,

I have very little hope that this letter will produce any change in the devestating circumstances occurring here in Plymouth colony and elsewhere throughout English territories here. However, having received information to the detriment of our people and our government representatives throughout the colonies, I am morally compelled to share that information and my outrage at the deceptions being practiced in the name of England.

I refer, my dearest cousin, to the illegal and immoral trade in weapons between a majority of English colonists and the indigenous peoples who share our marvelous new world colonies. I have received word from relatives and friends–in particular one Wm. Bradford that their lives and homes are threatened by the insidious trade in guns made with the local natives.

And I quote “Base covetousness hat got such a sway, as our own safety we ourselves betray; For these fierce natives, they are now so fill’d, with guns and muskets and in them so skill’d, as they may keep the English in awe . . .” And from a friend who experienced the very disasters so portended by Mr. Bradford “The trees stood like sentinels and bullets flew, from every bush (a shelter for their cre)/Hence came our wounds and deaths from every side, While skulking enemies squat undescried.”

As you know I reside in Boston, but I live in fear daily, The streets are crowded with survivors of the depredations of natives who seem to have taken innocent farmers in hatred with little cause. My husband assures me that there is cause enough for our new Governor has attempted to halt the illegal trade in firearms and the natives strongly object. Those objections take the form of retribution hailed in bullets upon all and sundry English.

The crux of the matter is that it is we ourselves who are to blame for this dire circumstance. Had we not initiated the trade in guns, shot, and powder, there would exist no threat to our citizens.

I write in hope that you will encourage your spouse, who stands to parliament will act to intervene in this disaster. I also wish to inform you that we will be leaving Boston to return to England within the next six months. It is entirely too dangerous here.

Most sincerely, your beloved cousin

Nan

Readers: The above letter is an imagined correspondence between two fictional women based on my reading of Thundersticks by David L. Silverman. Mr. Silverman’s text published in 2016 sheds interesting light on the impact of guns and the gun trade on the lives of Native Americans between roughly 1600 and 1900. If you’d like more information about this book please click on the cover below.