Home of the Bluestocking Belles

Dearest Maria,

I simply had to write to tell you the most unbelievable news. It is so outrageous I almost cannot bring myself to reveal it. I hope you are seated because here it comes, Mrs Florence Beaufort (previously Miss Thackeray) has appeared back in Wellington after twenty years!

I can imagine your expression of surprise when you read this, I mean, the gall of the woman showing herself here after everything she did. You will not believe it, but she was shopping on Lambton Quay as proud as you like as if she had every right to be there.

Then, hark this; she had the audacity to insult not only me, but my poor dear departed mother. That woman’s arrogance knows no bounds. I, of course, kept a civil tongue in my head and asked after her husband Dr Beaufort—the man she stole from me. She informs me he is dead. Yes, I know, dead. It seems she has a propensity for killing off her husbands.

Then, she proceeds to tell me that she is perfectly content as a widow as if poor Dr Beaufort meant nothing to her. I was as shocked as I could possibly be.

I must add that the years have not been kind to her. She is still slender, I suppose, and her hair has not yet turned from its shameless shade of copper to distinguished silver as mine has, but I distinctly noticed lines had formed around her eyes and the heavy black of her mourning dress did nothing for her complexion.

It is bad enough we are forced to endure her dreadful brother with his shameless flaunting of his Māori wife and half-caste children around the town, but now we must also tolerate the presence of that fiancé-stealing Jezebel amongst us.

Mark my words, I will ensure everyone in the town is aware of her sordid past and knows to treat her with the disdain she deserves. She will not receive invitations from anyone of any worth if I have anything to say about it.

Anyway, I had better sign off now as I must spread the word before she is able to use her airs and graces to ingratiate herself with the unwitting members of our community.

Best wishes to you and your family

Adelia Dorrington

Excerpt from A Pivotal Right, Book Two in the Shaking the Tree Trilogy

Auckland, New Zealand
1874

“Mama, Mama.” Soft tapping on the back of Florence’s hand brought her rushing back from a black void. She opened her eyes to find her daughter’s face hovering above her.

“You fainted, Mama. I think you may have hurt your head on the floor.”

Florence’s vision swam alarmingly. “I must be losing my mind. I could have sworn I saw—” She swallowed. “No, it couldn’t have been.”

“Saw what?”

“Nothing.” She closed her eyes to try to ease the throbbing pain that was building at the back of her skull. “It is impossible.”

“Liam, bring a couple of blankets from the store room.” The voice so familiar and yet so unexpected cleaved her mind, sending shockwaves through her.

Florence gripped her daughter’s hand as her heart lurched violently inside her chest and she feared she would faint again. “I can hear—” She wanted to say, a ghost, but stopped herself. Viola would think her mad. How hard had she hit her head?

A shadow fell across her and she looked up straight into the eyes of a dead man. Blinking, she attempted to clear the spectre, but it would not vanish. Jack had visited her in her dreams many times over the years, but never when she was awake.

There were only two possibilities—either she had lost her mind or she was dead—but no lifeless heart could race the way hers was racing now.

“Am I insane?” she asked the vision of her long-dead husband.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Pivotal-Right-Shaking-Tree-Book-ebook/dp/B07FY1BCLQ/

Bio for K A Servian

As a life-long creative, Kathy gained qualifications in fashion design, applied design to fabric and jewellery making and enjoyed a twenty-year career in the fashion and applied arts industries as a pattern maker, designer and owner of her own clothing and jewellery labels.

Her first novel, Peak Hill was a finalist in the Romance Writers of New Zealand Pacific Hearts Full Manuscript contest in 2016. She has also published a romantic suspense novel tilted Throwing Light and her short story, Seeing Him Again for the First Time won the Romance Writers of New Zealand Chapter Short Story contest for 2018.

Never one to do things by half, Kathy creates her own covers and has made and photographed the costumes for the covers of her Shaking the Tree trilogy of historical novels: The Moral Compass (2017), A Pivotal Right (2018), and Slaves in Petticoats (due out in 2019).

She has made and photographed costumes from various periods ranging from Regency to early twentieth century. Images are available for purchase on Shutterstock https://www.shutterstock.com/g/kathysg.

Kathy has completed a diploma in advanced creative writing. She works fulltime as a writer squeezing it in around teaching the occasional sewing class and being a wife and mother. You can follow Kathy on her website https://kaservian.com/ or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KAServian/.

A Warning for Mr. Clemens and His Readership

By Rue Allyn

On August 18, 2018

In Teatime Tattler

Dear Mr. Clemens,

Mr. Wm. W.

I wish I could laugh off as a trifle the letter from ‘A Concerned Society Matron’ published in The Teatime Tattler this past July 28^th. Sadly, this is not the case. I feel it incumbent upon myself to warn you that the forces of censorship are at work. Please take care, lest you and The Tattler fall victim to this insidious process. I have reason to suspect that the purported matron is truly an agent of The Society for the Suppression of Vice. She might even be a guise for Mr. Wm. W. himself. The members of the society (whose work against slavery is admirable) are, on the subject of literature, as ignorant as they are intolerant and see anything vaguely outside a strict and very uninformed norm of societal behavior to be dangerous and seditious vice. They are among the many frightened voices that prompted the passing of the Six Acts of 1819 which included alarming restrictions on the freedom of the press. It is after all sedition—we all remember what happened in France—that started this censorious craze. This madness of conformity labels a group of harmless, erudite, and broad-minded women as ‘scandalous and salacious.’

I paraphrase from the supposed matron’s letter not to give her absurd ideas a hearing—as you so generously did—but to prove the danger inherent in casting broad aspersions where one has little experience and less knowledge. I doubt very much that this faux-matron has ever read a single word written by The Bluestocking Belles. Nor would she know a well written and researched romance novel from the most puerile pornography. She should ask herself why no male would ever admit to reading works such as those written by The Belles. While I am certain most men believe they have good reason to avoid these works, those reasons spring from ignorance. In fact, I challenge the matron and her male contemporaries in rank and education (which cannot be very extensive) to read any one of the works by the Bluestocking Belles. Further having done so, I challenge any of them who has read a Bluestocking Belles’ book to prove the stories are seditious or vice filled in any way.

One of many novels from the work of The Bluestocking Belles.

Before the public bows to rants like those of the ‘concerned society matron,’ let them look for themselves at the body of work by the Bluestocking Belles. I am certain that any educated, open-minded person will arrive at the same conclusion as I have. The novels and stories of the Bluestocking Belles are to be lauded. They belong in the highest ranks of great literature and could, were it possible, teach even Ovid and Homer a lesson or two.

I sign myself proudly,

Lady Hultinford of St. Brendan Priory, Warwickshire

A dedicated supporter of learned entertainments in general and in particular, The Bluestocking Belles.

Protect This Unfortunate Woman From Folly!

By Bluestocking Belles

On August 15, 2018

In Guest author, Teatime Tattler

Loyal Readers,

Our attention has been riveted by a most unfortunate bit of news from America, which as you know is mired in that horrid Civil War. We have it on good authority that a certain young woman (EW) will be hosting a large number of the Union army on her (SM) property. Should we expect a white flag to hang from her front gate soon?

How has this come to be? Could it have something to do with the afternoon she spent entertaining a certain handsome (according to sources) Colonel? She was spotted by several of the townsfolk just a day or so ago talking to the very same man in front of The Griddle, as he helped her from her buggy. Was the interlude planned? One wonders. If EW had not planned to meet him, would she not have ridden into town with one of the people? Alone, she thought she was able to move about unobserved.

So, why is all of this history important? Well, we are familiar with the independent streak the young woman possesses, as well as her prowess with a gun, having been schooled by her very own brother, a high-ranking officer for the Confederacy. In fact, many of our young sons joked about her ability to pick off a rabbit quicker than most—just before they signed up to fight for the Cause.

But according to sources, who we always protect as part of our neighborly pledge, she almost killed the Colonel when he visited her recently. As proof of that, The Mercantile affirmed the purchase of large quantities of new plaster and wood to be delivered to SM, her property.

This same colonel and his equally intriguing lieutenant were spotted paying a visit to her yesterday. This was after large amounts of horse feed, tents, and related gear was loaded up in wagons with orders to deliver to SM. According to facts as were related to us, our sharpshooting young miss nearly killed the Colonel with her Papa’s shotgun. Of course, it was a mistake, but it is curious that she would be so distracted as to misfire—something that her reputation would tell us never happens!

Folks of New Bern, we bear a responsibility to guide our young people. We need to turn those who stray from the right path back onto the road. Our concern is that there is a young child of five whose sensibilities could be compromised by the activity that his sister (and guardian) is planning. We all know she is without her Mama and her Papa, who recently left to find her brother, all while still grieving the loss of his wife. So, it is with concern and a heavy heart that we call upon all the decent folk to help intervene. If not for the salvation of this young woman’s soul, please do it for the sake of our beloved sister—SM’s dear departed Mama—and see that she is righted on the virtuous path. Unannounced visits would be a good thing to do.

Stay tuned. This story will undoubtedly continue and must be told!

About the Book, Embers of Anger

Ella Grace Whitford was Southern charm at its finest until the war hit. Her hometown felt sure their Southern boys would protect them, but they were wrong. Suddenly, she is on her own, with limited resources and the care of her little brother and his new puppy. Nothing was as she had known it, and everything she believed in was about to be challenged.

Colonel Jackson Ross was given the responsibility for law, order, and stability after the town of New Bern, NC fell to the Union forces. His rugged good looks, charm, and military bearing are difficult enough to ignore.

But when this charismatic commander of Burnside’s third brigade finds out that Ms. Whitford is living with little protection on a large plantation adjacent to the town, he knows he must come up with a solution to protect her. As dangerous secrets emerge, he must choose between protecting her or remaining loyal to the Union. Will his decision bring them both ruin– and possible death?

Click here to read for free (Kindle Unlimited)! https://www.bit.ly/2Gj4smASCEmbers

About the Author

Anna St. Claire is an avid reader, and now author, of both American and British historical romance. She and her husband live in Charlotte, North Carolina, where their once empty nest has filled with her cat, two dogs, and her two granddaughters.

Anna relocated from New York to the Carolinas as a child. Her mother, a retired English and History teacher, always encouraged Anna’s interest in writing, after discovering short stories she would write in her spare time.

Her fascination with history and reading led her to her first historical romance—Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With The Wind. The day she discovered Kathleen Woodiwiss,’ books, Shanna and Ashes In The Wind, Anna was hooked. She read every historical romance that came her way. Today, her focus is primarily on the Civil War and Regency eras, although Anna enjoys almost any period in American and British history.

She would love to connect with any of her readers at annastclaireauthor@gmail.com

Just like a man!

By Bluestocking Belles

On August 11, 2018

In Jude Knight

“I’m nearly there, Molly,” Sukie told her friend. “With what I earn in the next few days, I’ll have enough to set up in a little apartment, and to hire a carriage to take me driving in Hyde Park. And then, we’ll see whose eye I catch, and who catches mine! Perhaps even the Marquis of Aldridge!”

“You gotta know, girl, I want all the best for you, but that there Aldridge? He don’t look at no-one but the Rose of Frampton.” Molly sighed. Every woman in the trade in London, and most of the United Kingdoms beside, wished they could be the kept woman of the Merry Marquis. “Lucky woman.”

“Maybe not so lucky,” Sukie said, smug that she knew something Molly hadn’t heard first. “Word is he has been seeing other women!”

“No!” Horror and delight mingled in Molly’s reaction. “Poor Rose! Just like a man.”

See Jude’s blog post, Tea with Aldridge, to find out why Aldridge began seeing other women.

A Baron for Becky

A fallen woman dreams of landing on her feet, until unexpected news threatens to land her back in the dirt

Becky is the envy of the courtesans of the demi-monde — the indulged mistress of the wealthy and charismatic Marquis of Aldridge. But she dreams of a normal life; one in which her daughter can have a future that does not depend on beauty, sex, and the whims of a man.

Finding herself with child, she hesitates to tell Aldridge. Will he cast her off, send her away, or keep her and condemn another child to this uncertain shadow world?

The devil-may-care face Hugh shows to the world hides a desperate sorrow; a sorrow he tries to drown with drink and riotous living. His years at war haunt him, but even more, he doesn’t want to think about the illness that robbed him of the ability to father a son. When he dies, his barony will die with him. His title will fall into abeyance, and his estate will be scooped up by the Crown.

When Aldridge surprises them both with a daring proposition, they do not expect love to be part of the bargain.

Buy links

Jude Knight’s book page has buy links for many retailers, including her own book shop

Bad ton, leaving corpses in the road

By Guest author

On August 8, 2018

In Guest author, Teatime Tattler

Jake looked up from the Society pages of the paper he had been painstakingly reading, his lips moving as he negotiated his way through the type. “Their Graces the Duke and Duchess Leaver are attending a Masquerade Ball,” he announced.

From his position at the kitchen table, where he was cleaning and reloading a fearsome array of pistols, Jonah gave a snort of derision. “What’s that to you and me? Think we’ll get an invitation?”

“Lots of rich people at a Masquerade Ball,” Jake said. “Arriving in carriages, jewelry and everything.”

For a moment, Jonah looked intrigued, then he shook his head. “Nope. Not worth it. Robbing anyone under the protection of Duke Leaver? And now I’ve heard Her Grace has learned how to shoot too!”

A writer’s life

“Children, sit down for dinner. No, your mother won’t be joining us tonight. Why? She’s off on another one of her little adventures. Yes, she still loves you and will, no doubt, see you later for bed time stories.”

“It is lucky she is in her office. I believe you are correct. Some people leave on a trip in their cars. Your mother stays home and pretends to be working. She’ll join us directly.”

“Lady Jane’s Tryst” grew out of my desire to investigate the seaside town of Brighton in the United Kingdom. In the story, “Lady Jane’s Tryst,” our heroine has been confined to a boarding school for girls for five long years. Her nocturnal explorations of the small town of Brighton reached a climax when she encountered an intriguing pirate, a spy, ultimately a duke. Her spirit meshed with that of the handsome young man who worked behind the scenes for his government. Their exciting adventures led them to an ultimate happily-ever-after ending. And beyond…and then…

“You jist keep your clapper shut! Pay attention to the little master!”

Sobbing—“Master shot him dead! Is he jist to stay there in the middle of the road?”

“Master shoot you iffin you keep up that caterwauling. What do he care about a man bent on shooting us all dead. Crows gots to eat somme’in.”

“John? Are we to leave his body in the middle of the road? What will folks say?” “Bad ton, my love? I’d shoot him all over again if I could. Threatening my family like that.”

In the sequel, “Valentine Masquerade,” Lady Jane and the duke have a family. Fast forward eight years. Is marriage dull, mundane, or stupefying? Curiosity compels a peek into the lives of the popular couple and their young married friends as they prepare for a Valentine Masquerade Ball. We follow the Duchess as she visits her friends, encountering first one domestic situation and then another. Slowly the power of her position dawns on her. She is the wife of a Duke; people listen when she speaks and sticky problems are solved. A loving, albeit arrogant, husband and a scamp of a son lend more than enough excitement to Jane’s life, but an old enemy causes consternation. The Duke and Duchess Leaver are up for it, and demonstrate complete accord. Jane has learned to shoot a gun. Enemies beware!

Valentine Masquerade

“You have bewitched me body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you.”

————-Pride and Prejudice

Romance shimmers with suspicious matchmaking in progress, while a whimsical young viscount creates a hilarious solution to end a perplexing mystery. Into the blissful partnership between Lady Jane and her faux pirate, the Duke of Leaver, an old enemy reappears causing consternation.

A Valentine Masquerade

Two of Ms. Lane’s most interesting characters return in a vignette of mature family romance and affection as Lady Jane discovers the authority of the title, Duchess of Leaver.

A Valentine Surprise

A Valentine house party on a country estate creates entertainment for the entire family while cupid works his magic. Romance simmers between the eldest daughter and her handsome suitor.

Buy Links

Lady Jane’s Tryst

Valentine Masquerade

Meet Emma Lane

Emma Lane is a gifted author who writes under several pen-names. She lives with her patient husband on several acres outside a typical American village in Western New York. Her day job is working with flowers at her son’s plant nursery.