The reporter we sent to investigate the rash of pranks and pratfalls that have plagued London today was unable to identify any single culprit. On the contrary, his report, reprinted below, implies this is a well known custom! Really? One can only shake one’s head!
S. Clemens. Editor
There
are several theories regarding this holiday, which encourages pranks and
mischievous behavior. One popular legend is that
April Fools’ Day began with France’s 1564 Edict of
Roussillon, which decreed that New Year’s Day be moved to January 1st.
Those who continued to celebrate the old New Year around Easter were called “April fools.”
Another
possible precedent is the Greco-Roman festival called Hilaria, which was March 25. The festival
honored Cybele, the ancient Greek Mother of Gods, and its celebrations included
parades, masquerades, and jokes.
And yet, a third idea suggests that April 1st became
the fool’s holiday due to Geoffrey Chaucer’s The
Canterbury Tales,
wherein he includes a playful reference to “32 March,” or April 1st.
However, most scholars consider it to have been a mere copying error.
Wherever it may have originated from, April 1st has become world renowned with practical jokes and amusement.
About the Author
This interesting report came to us from Tabitha Waite. Her sources:
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…
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!
