Have I got a story for you, my dear readers. Over here at the Teatime Tattler the ladies are a buzz. We’re excited to tell you about an event you will not want to miss. Storm Chasers are coming to Wentworth Hall, I tell you. What are Storm Chasers you ask? All I can say at this time is they’re very much what you might already be thinking. However, I’ve been warned by none other than the Prince Regent himself not to reveal a word to anyone. I’m taking his warning serious. However, what I can tell you is that everything you may be curious to know about can be found inside the pages of Storm Chasers of Wentworth Hall.
Yes. Your vision is not impaired. That is a hot air balloon.
It’s no secret that this correspondent was more than a little concerned when
this particular on dit was first
revealed. After a fair amount of research, believe it or not, there are
actually two types of balloons in competition with each other so to speak.
Hydrogen gas and hot air balloons. Research on the feasibility of hydrogen gas
balloons dates as far back as 1662. Hot air balloons date all the way back to
220-280 A.D. in China, no less.
Needless to say, the hot air balloon is this correspondent’s preferred choice. The first unmanned ascension was attempted by Joseph-Michel and Jaques-Etienne Montgolfier. The French! Who can believe it? And not too long ago either. September 1783 to be exact. The balloon was called Aerostat Reveillon. It took flight in Versailles and was manned by three non-human living creatures. Yes, you heard right. A sheep called Montauciel meaning “climb-to-the-sky,” a duck, and a rooster. Their journey lasted eight entire minutes with a safe landing. I say, they should have included a pig in the ranks. Or maybe a frog?
As diverting as this may be, these accomplishments are of the utmost importance. The first tethered flight also happened in 1783, one month later, in October. Those pesky Frenchmen powered on until the first untethered, manned flight happened also in France. That is Paris, France on November 21, 1783. This balloon was piloted by Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and François Laurent le Vieux d’Arlandes. How, you might ask, is all this possible? A smoky fire under the neck of the balloon in an iron basket. That’s how.
France refused to stop there because only a few weeks later,
the first manned hydrogen balloon
flight occurred on December 1, 1783. This flight was piloted by Jacques Charles
and Nicolas-Louis Robert. They carried a barometer and thermometer making this
the first balloon flight to provide meteorological measurements. Storm chasers
indeed!
Take a look at the photos this correspondent went to great
lengths to acquire:
Hot Air Balloon
Hydrogen balloon
Explaining the science behind hot air and hydrogen will have
to be left to the experts. It’s no wonder Prinny insists on complete discretion.
Readers be warned. The Crown has plans in the works.
And what about England? The first balloon flight in England actually
happened in 1784 not too long after France. This correspondent has reservations
on that account in any event. One cannot believe everything one hears regarding
the French.
Until next time…unless, of course, too much has been
revealed in which case this correspondent will be answering to the powers that
be.
Storm Chasers of Wentworth Hall releases on April 18, 2019. It’s currently on pre-order at: Amazon but soon to be available across all digital outlets.
Miss Miranda de Courtenay held back the tears threatening to leak from her eyes. Her chin jutted forward even while she took a firmer hold on Phillip, the Marquis of Wyndham’s arm. Her brother Adrian and Lady Celia Lacey both threw accusatory glances in her direction. In their eyes, Miranda had betrayed them. Could they not see for themselves she was doing them a favor? Having arrived with Celia’s father just as the couple had fallen to the ground in a public display had been sheer luck on Miranda’s part and was far more than she had expected when she urged the duke that his daughter needed him. Maybe having the entire ton as a spectator was a step too far but some matters needed to be shook up for the greater good. Adrian and Celia belonged together…
…and Miranda wanted Phillip as a husband.
He was as good a choice as any other titled lord and at least he had been
giving her the time of day. Celia did not want the man so why should Miranda not
take advantage of the situation presented to her.
“I believe I will excuse myself from this fiasco, Miss Miranda,” Phillip murmured before his mouth clamped shut. She peered up at him and saw his cheek tick as though his tightly clenched jaw was an indication as to his true feelings for Celia.
“Of course, my lord,” she replied even
though she was disappointed he refused to stay with her. It took everything in
Miranda’s power not to stomp her foot to show her displeasure. She let go of
his arm with a sense that any thoughts of this man becoming her husband just slipped
through her grasp.
She went to a nearby bench and sat beneath
the swaying branches of a tree. Adrian and the duke passed by her as though she
did not exist. Celia’s sister’s quickly tucked the poor girl into their fold to
usher her away while the gossipmongers began their attack.
But it was the whisperings of the Danver
sister’s as they walked by that caused Miranda to truly regret her actions both
today and in her past.
“You should not be surprised de Courtenay
was taking advantage of a young woman like Lady Celia,” Prudence said making no
attempt to lower her voice. “Why he is a notorious rake of the worse sort!”
“Really, Prue,” Abigail scolded, “you are
just miffed he did not give you the least bit of attention during the last
season. I would be far more concerned on what this will do to his younger
sister’s reputation.”
A snigger left Prudence’s lips. “Her
reputation was ruined during that altercation with the Marquis of Aldridge
during the charity ball at Hollystone Hall. She failed to get Aldridge to
propose then and it appears she has had no better luck with Wyndham now.”
“Let us hurry and get this all written down while the latest bit of gossip is fresh in our minds. I have no doubt Mr. Clemens at the Teatime Tattler will be publishing this latest development as soon as he receives the news,” Abigail said with a laugh.
Miranda whipped out her fan to flutter it before her flushed face. A sob tore at her throat at the injustice of it all. Making her way from the gardens, she called for her carriage to be brought around and could only wonder just how much farther she must fall before she finally found someone to love…
The Earl Takes A Wife by Sherry Ewing
Lady Celia Lacey is too young for a husband, especially man-about-town Lord Adrian de Courtenay. But when she meets him at a house party, she falls in love and cannot get him out of her mind. Will he ever think she is old enough to become his wife?
Adrian
finds the appealing innocent impossible to forget, though she is barely out of
the schoolroom and a relative by marriage. If they are constantly in each
other’s company, then how can he move on without her?
His sister’s deceptions bring them together, but destroys their happiness. Can they reach past the hurt to the love that still burns?
Valentines From Bath: A Bluestocking Belles Collection
The
Master of Ceremonies announces a great ball to be held on Valentine’s Day in
the Upper Assembly Rooms of Bath. Ladies of the highest rank—and some who
wish they were—scheme, prepare, and compete to make best use of the
opportunity. Dukes, earls, tradesmen, and the occasional charlatan are
alert to the possibilities as the event draws nigh.
But
anything can happen in the magic of music and candlelight as couples dance,
flirt, and open themselves to romantic possibilities. Problems and conflict may
just fade away at a Valentine’s Day Ball.
Bluestocking Belle Sherry Ewing hopes you’ve enjoyed this little tidbit into Miranda de Courtenay’s life. She’s a secondary character in Sherry’s novella The Earl Takes a Wife that is in the Belles box set Valentines From Bath.
If you’d like to keep in touch with Sherry, be sure to follow her on the following social media outlets. She also has a street team on Facebook and she’d love to have you join her team!
Lucinda! Dare I tell you what I heard the
other day at my sister’s tea?
I shouldn’t
spread such dastardly tales, but the news scarcely bears credence!
I know. I know. Come closer. We’ll sit in this
corner near the doors to the garden and I will tell you. We don’t want everyone
here to listen in. Why, I’d never forgive myself if such words got out and I
was referenced as the one to have told the story!
Well, yes.
Settled? No one around us. Hmm. So, here is the tale.
You’ve heard, I
am certain, that the Marquess of Ridgemont has had a liaison for the past few
months with a certain duchess. Yes, you have? Hmm. And that she is soon to be
indisposed for the next six months? Yes. The duke is furious. But he knows not
who to blame! Is it Ridgemont? Or perhaps Wales himself? Dastardly choice,
isn’t it?
And now there is
another problem. Ridgemont is to wed.
Well, yes, yes,
everyone knows that. His mama and papa are quite insistent that he do. Finally,
he must wed. But he tarries.
Oh, pardon me. I
titter! He tarries and dallies, doesn’t he?
I mustn’t snort.
So unladylike. Well! Onward with my tale!
Ridgemont is to
wed. One of those American gels. The haughty sort. More money than any foolish
woman should have. I must throw myself into the nearest ha-ha with outrage…but
it is true. Glorious dark-haired, superbly sculpted Ridgemont must wed and get
the American dollars he desperately needs.
I hear your
question. Which girl, eh?
I do believe it
is—
Oh, my! Why,
Lord Ridgemont, I did not know you were here! How wonderful to see you!
The garden? With
me? You’d like to walk among the roses?
Well. My, my.
Let me open my fan. It is so stifling in this drawing room, isn’t it?
You won’t mind,
Lucinda, will you, dearest, if I admire the roses with Ridgemont?
No, no, I won’t be
but a few minutes.
What’s that, you
say, my lord?
More than a few?
Ten, a least?
I say! How
flattering and very exciting. Of course,
I will take your arm.
I’ll see you
later, Lucinda. Don’t whisper a word of this, will you, my dear?
Thank you, thank
you.
I am all yours, my dear Ridgemont!
For
more about this spicy tidbit, do read SCANDALOUS
HEIRESS, THOSE NOTORIOUS AMERICANS, Book 4, by Cerise DeLand.
For
more about this spicy tidbit, do read SCANDALOUS
HEIRESS, THOSE NOTORIOUS AMERICANS, Book 4, by Cerise DeLand.
My Fishingham twins spying on their sister’s meetings with the Beast Next Door.
“Why did you stop me telling Charis about the Earl of Wayford?” Matilda demanded, as soon as Charis was out of earshot. “She clearly has no idea…”
Eugenie smirked. “Exactly. She has no idea. Just think what a delightful surprise it will be for her when the Earl actually turns up to claim his bride!”
Matilda frowned, puzzled. She could work absolute magic with a needle, but she sometimes had to have plots explained to her. It was not that she was stupid, it was just that she was straightforward and honest, so Eugenie had to be devious enough for them both. Eugenie didn’t mind; that was, after all, what a twin was for.
Eugenie didn’t exactly mind, either, that Charis, who was two years older than the twins, walked around with her head in one of her books, and ignored the family’s dire straits and the measures needed to save them. That was just Charis. She had always been that way, preferring her own company to playing with the twins, and regarding fashion, gossip, and the twins’ other interests with a kind of bewildered disdain.
She was extremely cross that Mother had accepted a proposal on her behalf.
“Are you not delighted that Charis is the one to find a rich husband to save the family?” Eugenie asked Matilda. “You and I will be much freer to choose. Someone comfortably placed, of course, but how lovely that Mama will be able to depend on Charis!”
Matilda nodded. “Of course I am pleased. But Eugenie, shouldn’t we tell Charis…”
“Definitely not. After what she has put us through this season? Besides, if she had told mother she was meeting someone when she wandered off next door, she might have learned the truth much earlier. Nothing good comes of lying to one’s mother!”
Matilda burst out laughing. “Eugenie Fishingham, you are a complete card. You and I have been lying to Mother ever since we followed Charis weeks ago, and saw whom she was meeting. Not to mention…”
“Let’s not mention,” Eugenie said, hastily. She would be far more prone to falsehoods if she did not fear that Matilda would blurt them out at the first opportunity. She reminded herself that really was lucky to have such an honest twin.
“I suppose we can always tell Charis tomorrow,” Matilda decided. “Shall we go up to our room, dearest? I, for one, do not wish to return to the parlour to hear Mother berating Charis for refusing this wonderful opportunity.
A flurry of activity whirred through the parlor of Lady Benedicta Rangecroft, where a gathering of ladies was setting up to hear the news of London from Lady Selina Peckham. The tea service, complete with both China and Indian, a selection of finger sandwiches, and delicate pastries were set with the finest care. The visiting guests, five in total, made up the most influential women in Morgan Hill, South Carolina.
They busied
themselves with social responsibilities prior to the taking up the
responsibilities of motherhood, which would unavoidably usurp their valuable
time. This meeting was an invaluable opportunity to discuss important matters
of the day. And by extension, to stay abreast of the news from foreign lands.
And today, as luck would have it, Lady Selina Peckham, is gathering to delight
the group with news of London.
Lady Selina
Peckham, while standing by the fireplace holding the mantle with one hand, was
in thoughtful preparation to perform an imitation of Henry Irving’s performance
of Mathias in “The Bells”.
“Ladies, it
was precisely at this time,” Lady Selina began, with a flourish of her arm and
placing her wrist upon her forehead, regaling the group with her
performance. “I was dumbfounded, upon
the realization that Mathias, the primary lead character, would be haunted for
the rest of his life because of a moments madness.”
At this
point, Lady Christmas Harper, set down her tea cup and saucer with such command
that all could hear the clang of the china. “But didn’t you say that Mathias
had virtually killed a seed merchant in order to gather money to pay off his
own mortgage?”
Lady
Selina’s shoulders slumped knowing that the critical moment was destroyed with the foolish
question. “My dear, it’s not a simple matter of murder, he was a desperate man,
the seed merchant was overly fortunate, . . .”
“Heathen, he
was a heathen to take another man’s life for such a selfish reason.” Lady
Christmas stood to make her views known beyond doubt.
During the
kerfuffle, Lady Gertrude Stark, reached out for her third sandwich. She
carefully slid the sandwich behind her tea cup, in order, that it would escape
Lady Benedicta’s attention.
Clearing her throat, Lady Benedicta gently set her tea on the table and ushered her opinion to the fore. “Please, let us remember that we are here to fortify our minds with clever new ideas and thoughts to ponder. We are fortunate that Lady Selina so willingly exposed herself to the dangers of the theatre in order to regale us with the story of Mr. Henry Irving’s performance. Let us be understanding. Continue please,” Lady Benedicta said with authority, and again sat poised with her tea cup and saucer in her lap.
Lady Selina
smiled patiently at her challenger until finally Lady Christmas capitulated and
dutifully took her seat among group.
“Simply
said, Henry Irving’s performance in “The Belles”, was tragic magnifique.
I am not over praising his skill when I say his command of the stage is nothing
less than astonishing. No other actor will ever be able to match his resonate
vocalization, masculine gait across the stage, and his tender fall from grace,”
she said tipping her head just enough to show due reverence to the performer.
During the
moment of stillness that followed Lady Selina’s pronouncement, Lady Gertrude
captured another three cookies from the closest tray, having already finished
the earlier sandwiches. She briskly eyed the room, so as to make sure that her
theft went unnoticed by all.
It was at
this time Lady Philippa leaned forward, glassy eyed and swooning. “It sounds
like the most romantic evening that could ever be endured. How can you stand
that the performance ended?”
Lady
Christmas, upon hearing turned her head from the conversation and bit her lip.
Upon hearing
just this one note of appreciation, Lady Selina drew herself to the cushion
closest to Lady Philippa and prepared herself for yet another confession. “That
is not totality of the surprises we endured that evening.”
Lady Selina
stood again, and walked about the room while she gathered the perfect words to
compliment the most important revelation of the evening.
The
gathering of women, beyond Lady Christmas, waited with bated breath.
“After we
arrived at the Lyceum Theatre, and after we enjoyed the opulence of the crystal
chandeliers, the velvet wall dressing, and the handsomely carved wooden
banisters. After we were met with dignitary’s, business men, and their elegant
wives. After we…”
“Get on with
it, can you?” Lady Christmas nearly shouted.
Abruptly,
Lady Selina turned her back toward Lady Christmas and continued her talk
focusing entirely on the other three in the room. She noticed for a brief
moment, that Lady Gertrude had a biscuit crumbs on her mouth. Lady Selina, not
wanting to be distracted, offered a most discreet wiping of her own mouth, to
entreat Lady Gertrude to wipe the crumbs away. Then she continued, maintaining
her dignity to the end.
“After we
were seated in our most comfortable box seats, and just before the performance
began, can you imagine what happened next?”
“Do, please
tell us, before we are lost in your circular theatrical tale,” Lady Christmas
blurted.
This
outburst was followed by Lady Benedicta clearing her throat for the third time
in this conversation.
“Oh, yes,
please do put us out of our suspense,” Lady Philippa said, clapping her hands
and bobbing her knees up and down.
“Imagine if
you will, the red velvet curtain opens, the gas lights on the stage using some
magical method of sorcery. . . “
“Sorcery!
Holy Mother of God, what demon story is being inflicted on me now!” Lady
Christmas exclaimed her protest at the top of her lungs.
The next few
moments were a flurry of activity.
Instantly,
Lady Philippa audibly gasped, pulled out her ornamental fan, leaned back in her
chair, and waived the fan briskly in front of cheeks. Which by this time, at
the mere mention of sorcery had gone flush with excitement.
Lady
Gertrude took the break in the conversation to refill her tea cup and fill her
saucer with the final pastry on the serving tray.
Lady
Benedicta stood, placed her hands on her hips, and with an admonishing glare,
stared fiercely at Lady Christmas.
“You will
take care not to insult a guest in my home or you will be forced to leave and
not return again. It doesn’t matter that you are my sister-in-law. Am I made
perfectly clear?”
It was at
this point that Lady Christmas, whose eye’s had filled with scorn, looked to
the heaven’s for strength. She muttered a soft prayer to herself and finally
took her seat once again, and braced for the worst. Which was inevitably to
follow.
Then,
without hesitation, Lady Benedicta nodded for Lady Selina to continue.
Lady Selina
had determined her best opportunity to complete her story was to focus her
attention toward Lady Philippa and remain this way through the duration of her
story.
“As I was
saying, the gas lamps on the stage were extremely bright and this was the first
time I had seen anything like this. But the lights in the theatre were dimmed
to the point that the entire audience was sitting in the complete dark.”
“Oh no!”
exclaimed Lady Christmas.
“Oh yes!”
exclaimed Lady Benedicta.
“Oh my!”
exclaimed Lady Philippa.
“I will,”
Lady Gertrude said, and pinched an untouched sandwich from another woman’s
plate.
Lady
Philippa moaned in astonishment. She was dumbfounded beyond measure. Her fan
flipped with such energetic gyration that it nearly split up the middle. “Well, I have never sat in the dark during
the performance of any kind, let alone in a box seat with my husband. The
entirety of the audience could see you. In the dark, it’s near madness.”
Lady Selina
shook her head, “No my dear, all the audience was in the dark. Never in my
life, and I have been witness to dozen’s of plays, have I ever
sat entirely in the dark with my husband in a public venue. I don’t mind
saying, it was thrilling to say the least.”
A wily
smiled passed across Lady Benedicta’s sober face for the first time today.
There was a
stillness that fell across the room, each woman in her own seat pondering the
dark.
“I’ll tell you
ladies, it was a celebratory event,” Lady Selina said taking her first sip of
tea.
About the Book
Eleven lovelorn singletons. Eleven tales of Cupid, catastrophe, and maybe more…
These characters have had it with love—or, if not with that, with Valentine’s Day. But no matter how they fight it, Cupid refuses to relent. From struggling singles to secret crushes to enemies turned much, much more, these lightning strikes of love will add a spark of hope to your holiday.
Worst Valentine’s Day Everflips the script on lonely hearts who seem destined for Valentine’s disaster. If you like laugh-out-loud rom-coms, terrible dates gone right, and gorgeous happily-ever-afters, then you’ll love this adorable collection. It ain’t all hearts and roses; but these tales of triumph will find your faith in Valentine’s Day—and your faith in love—restored.
Daphne Masque – Writes about Romance in the theatre for any time period.
Daphne started keeping a journal during her formative years, junior high. Journaling and bad poetry started her love of working with words. She didn’t know it would last a lifetime. She went on to study Theatre Arts in college and since that time she’s been working in the theatre for over four decades. Her love of dialogue, storytelling, and bringing characters to life has been her passion ever since she first stood on the stage. Writing romance has brought a new dimension to her craft. She adores putting the two elements of romance and theatre in the same world. She hopes you enjoy her stories as much as she enjoying writing them.
