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
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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:
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Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/gaileastwoodauthor