Home of the Bluestocking Belles

A Union Between Foes?

On April 12, 2025

IMAGE CREDIT: AFTERNOON TEA FOR THREE (ALSO KNOWN AS A STIRRING CONVERSATION) BY CHARLES SOULACROIX

Is the Rumored Union of Foes Possible?

Gentle Readers,

Every fall, the entire ton eagerly awaits invitations to Sir Peter Somerville’s annual house party. We all know that only the crème de la crème of society is ever invited to the event. Thus rumors are swirling about this years guest list, and why a number of no so August personages have been included.

It is not difficult to understand why plain Mr. George Froppin received an invitation, although it seems to have arrived several weeks after all the others. Froppin, a member of the Society of Friends, has been advising Sir Somerville on a piece of legislation to be presented at the next parliament. We won’t bore you with legislative details other than to say, it may have something to do with the abolition of slavery—a circumstance dear to the heart of all Quakers, like Froppin.

Much more curious than politically motivated invitations is that of life peer, Lord Sandrow and his daughter, Lady Beatrix. Though he cannot sit to Parliament, the earl is known to oppose nearly every measure of reform. Somerville, on the other hand is in the forefront of many political reform movements. In addition, the Somerville line is nearly as ancient as that of the Duke of Leigh. A life peer, no matter how wealthy, is not a guest with the usual cache of those invited to the Somerville home, Normanton House in Sussex.

I mention the Duke of Leigh and that family’s lineage earlier not simply for comparative puposes, but also because the Duke is a close friend of Sir Somerville and his lady. This year as always the Duke is invited. This circumstance makes the invitation of Sandrow even more odd. Everyone knows of the bad feeling between Sandrow and Leigh. For those few who may have forgotten, the cause of the ill-will was the death of Sandrow’s son in a duel with Leigh’s youngest brother, Lord Fontus Leigh.

Sandrow has been calling for the younger Leigh to be tried and hung for murder. Technically, the king’s ban on dueling would make a resulting death a murder, no matter how fair the fight. Sandrow has nearly as much influence as the Duke. Hence Lord Fontus fled the country nearly three years past.*

Keen observers of London Gentlemen’s clubs will have noted, a few months past, that the Duke of Leigh summoned Lord Sandrow to meet in a private room at Whites. No one knows what was discussed between the two men. However, several letters were exchanged subsequent to that meeting. Then Sandrow received the invitation from Somerville, which included Lady Beatrix Sandrow. Could that invitation have been arranged by Somerville’s friend the duke? If so, for what purpose? An engagement perhaps that might cement a rapprochement between the two families? Might Lady Beatrix soon wear a coronet?

Does the invitation have anything to do with the recent return of Lord Fontus Leigh from his self-imposed exile on the continent? Lord Fontus was seen arriving at Leigh Chase. He remained only one night and departed early the next morning, headed in the general direction of Sussex and Normanton House.

A day later, a message arrived at Normanton House from the Duke of Leigh, tendering his regrets. He could not attend the house party due to urgent business on behalf of the Prince Regent. Our source was able to learn that his grace has sent Lord Fontus to represent the Leigh family in the Duke’s absence.—So perhaps not a coronet for Lady Beatrix. However, even an engagement to one of his grace’s younger brothers would be a feather in the cap of a life peer’s daughter, especially one who has been on the shelf for nearly five years.

We shall have to await news of the house party once it starts to discover how much of this rumored union of foes may be true. Still it is worth noting, with less than two weeks before the Somerville event begins, Lord Fontus Leigh has not yet arrived in Sussex. He has had more than sufficient time to cover the distance between Leigh Chase and Normanton House twice over. What could be causing his delay? Perhaps he is smart enough to realize that marriage to a woman who’s brother he killed might not result in a happy union?

If this rumor is true, this reporter wishes to know, what in the world is His Grace of Leigh thinking?

Until next time, Gentle Readers. I cannot wait to learn what happens at the Somerville House party, can you?

*Readers may wish to review our report about the horrifying event that took place between Lord Fontus and Sandrow’s son, published in this paper in September of 1812. https://bluestockingbelles.net/a-horrifying-event/.

About the Story: Forever & Always – The Secrets of Fontus Leigh, Secret Leigh Series Book One By Rue Allyn, to be published in a Bluestocking Belles & Friends Collection launching in Fall of 2025.

Revealing their secrets could be fatal.

He thought of her day and night. Lord Fontus Leigh secretly wed a stranger to protect her, then she left him with no way to find her. Years later, he is desperate to discover her whereabouts. His family has arranged another match for him, but he already has a wife. Unless the marriage was annulled as she promised.

She never forgot him. Out of options, Lady Deoiridh Aitken narrowly escaped marriage to a cruel fortune hunter by means of wedding a complete stranger. She swore her husband to secrecy before she left, believing everyone would be safer if no one knew where she was. The plan worked perfectly, until now.

Will an old enemy destroy them, or can they overcome all obstacles and make a life together forever and always?

About the Author: Hi, I’m Rue Allyn, and mostly I’m about writing stories, books about heart melting romance. Books about characters and adventures in which love triumphs at the darkest moment. The kind of suspenseful, hopeful, cathartic, romance that melts a reader’s heart.

Join my Daring Damsels Facebook group or subscribe to my newsletter. The Daring Damsels gather on Facebook and spread the word far and wide about great books, mine and other authors. Active members can have a lot of fun, reap rewards and gain prizes, all for free (and a little bit of your FB time). Here’s the link to Rue Allyn’s Daring Damsels. Or use this link to subscribe to Rue’s News (2 issues every month). Can’t wait to meet you.

A Walking Scandal

By Alina K. Field

On April 9, 2025

In Teatime Tattler

Dear Readers,

Writing for the Teatime Tattler is my bread and butter, which means I must report on the latest gossip.

Nevertheless, I am in favor of the truth, or at least a kind-hearted version of it. I loathe malicious gossip which seeks to put the worst construction on everything. I have decided henceforth to always seek the most positive interpretation of the latest on dits.

Which leads me to the thorny problem of Miss L B. I have always wondered why she was a wallflower. She’s quite pretty, and as far as I can tell, not at all shy. Perhaps she put on a discontented air and avoided dancing to discourage her many suitors—or perhaps to save both them and herself from her mother’s machinations. (If you are acquainted with Lady B, I’m sure you’ll understand.)

Why, then, has the grumpy wallflower finally decided to bloom? Not only bloom, but do so in such a way! In the space of two short days, Miss B has set her feet firmly upon the road to ruin.

First, she attended Mrs. H’s salon, a well-known gathering of bluestockings who feel free to discuss whatever they choose, no matter how unladylike the topic. I am in favor of educated women and applaud their attempts to become well informed—as long as their behavior is otherwise impeccable.

Which Miss B’s, sadly, is not. Whom should she choose to escort her but the notorious libertine, S R!

(Oh, very well, in the interest of truth, I admit that R’s aunt, Lady A, accompanied them as chaperone, but she’s so totty-headed as to be well-nigh useless.)

Then, after showing herself to be far too knowledgeable about matters of which a young lady should be ignorant, what must Miss B do but accept an invitation to one of the notorious Lady T’s card parties—and we all know what goes on there!! A single game of piquet might destroy her reputation forever.

If that wasn’t bad enough, I have been creditably informed that R will escort her there as well!

What, I ask you, can Miss B be thinking? Surely she doesn’t hope to catch R in her toils! It would serve him right if he were obliged to marry her—not that one can count on that, given his reputation. I would hate to see her 1) ruined or 2) stuck with R. Rakes are rarely as skilled in the bedchamber as they are purported to be. (Not that I know from personal experience, mind you.)

After thinking it all over, I don’t believe Miss B is pursing R. She has known him since childhood, so he is no exciting stranger to her, merely her brother’s annoying friend. She is an intelligent woman, and I think she is using him for some secret purpose. What in heaven’s name can that purpose be?

I hope and trust that one of the Tattler’s readers will find out and let us know!

The Wallflower Ruse

He suspects her of treason – and she suspects him right back.

Lord Restive wonders why Lucinda Belair grew up to be a grumpy wallflower—and now, because of a message in code, he is forced to suspect her of treason.

Lucinda wishes her childhood friend Restive hadn’t grown up to be a horrid libertine—and now, because of the coded message, she has to suspect him right back.

Soon, they are compelled to work together to save England from an unnamed disaster. But Restive is intolerably rude to Lucinda, and she longs for revenge – to show him she’s intelligent and capable and can handle whatever a patriotic Englishwoman must do. Is this the opportunity for Lucinda the wallflower to bloom at last? Will Restive’s bad reputation forever stand in his way—or might Lucinda’s desire for revenge be replaced by love?

Buy links:

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVQG5BP8/

Every vendor buy link: https://books2read.com/u/b60vRx

The Wallflower Ruse is Book #56 in the Revenge of the Wallflowers multi-author series.

About the Author:

Winner of the Holt Medallion, Maggie, Daphne du Maurier, Reviewer’s Choice and Epic awards, Barbara Monajem wrote her first story at eight years old about apple tree gnomes. She published a middle-grade fantasy when her children were young, dabbled in paranormal mysteries, then moved on to Regency romances and mysteries with intrepid heroines and long-suffering heroes (or vice versa).

Barbara loves to cook, especially soups. She used to have two items on her bucket list: to make asparagus pudding (because it was too weird to resist) and succeed at knitting socks. She managed the first (it was dreadful) and doubts she’ll ever accomplish the second. This is not a bid for immortality but merely the dismal truth. She lives near Atlanta, Georgia with an ever-shifting population of relatives, friends, and feline strays.

Find her at:

Website: http://www.BarbaraMonajem.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbara.monajem/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbaramonajem/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/barbara-monajem

The Duke of Depravity is Back in Town

By Bluestocking Belles

On April 5, 2025

In Jude Knight, Teatime Tattler

Husbands, lock up your wives and daughters. Wicked widows and wanton women, update your wardrobes and polish your charms. The Duke of Depravity is back in town.

Yes, you read that correctly. The source of everyone’s favourite gossip, the juiciest scandal, the most outrageous stunts, has returned from exile.

Regular readers will remember that six years ago and more his road to perdition became littered with acts even the King, or Prince Regent as His Majesty then was, could no longer turn a blind eye. The final straw is rumoured to have been an act of lese majeste—the duke was caught in dalliance with the mistress of England’s First Gentleman.

Even dukes cannot be forgiven such trespasses.

Except, it appears, for this duke. He must have been forgiven, for he has most certainly returned to London. The knocker is on the door of his palatial residence, which readers will know has recently undergone a grand refurbishment, from the attics to the basements. Including, the duchess’s chambers, which have been empty and neglected for quarter of a century.

At first, we all thought the young marquess, His Grace’s son, must be planning to marry. But no, dear reader, that fine young gentleman still holds the title of wealthiest and highest ranked young aristocrat on the London marriage market.

For the intended beneficiary of all this magnificence is not the wife to the heir, but the wife to the duke himself.

Yes, dear reader, you read that correctly. The Duke of Depravity is married. Little is known about Her Grace. What kind of woman has convinced His Grace to dip his toes once more into marital waters? The Teatime Tattler will, of course, bring you her name and her story as soon as we discover all.

One thing is certain, if Her Grace expects the duke to change his wicked ways, the poor lady is doomed to disappointment. A leopard cannot change its spots.

The Duke’s Price

By Jude Knight
As a governess, Ruth Henwood has always put her pupils first, sometimes sacrificing her own interest. The choice facing her now could become the highest sacrifice of them all.

Two men want her as their mistress. The Spanish war hero, the Duque de la Sombras, plans to wed the Princesa Isabella, Ruth’s fourteen-year-old pupil, but promises not consummate the marriage if Ruth will come willingly to his bed. The English rake, the Duke of Richport promises help her and Bella to escape Isabella’s tiny Pyrenean kingdom, but his price is the same.

Ruth’s decision must be guided by what is best for Bella. No matter that one man repels her, and one man is a risk to her heart.

Richport lost his heart to his wife when he was seventeen, and had it broken and trampled on. He has managed very well without a heart in the twenty-six years since, gaining the nickname Duke of Depravity. His offer to Ruth is a heartless joke—he always intended to help her and her charge. But if she takes him up on the offer, he will be happy to school the governess in the ways of the flesh.

Little does Richport realise that his heart is back on the line once more.

But love is not their worst risk. The duque is in hot pursuit, and is determined to take back what he believes to be his own.

https://books2read.com/u/4A0gGK

A Royal Scandal on Harley Street: Secrets, Shadows, and Stolen Glances

By Alina K. Field

On April 2, 2025

In Teatime Tattler

Dearest Readers,

I bring you the following most interesting letter from a correspondent:

Dear Mr. Clemens,

The streets of London are buzzing, and one cannot help but be drawn to the peculiar activity surrounding the esteemed practice on Harley Street (I shall not mention the exact address). While this column exists to inform, amuse, and, dare I say, tease, even my pen trembles at the sumptuous scandal unfolding.

It all began with whispers of a new arrival, a woman shrouded in mystery and appearing at the most respectable hours for reasons unknown. Clad in garments far simpler than her bearing suggests, this “governess” is none other than Princess T of [ahem] well, that would be telling, wouldn’t it? Yes, dear readers, you heard correctly! A runaway royal walking among us common folk. But why, pray tell, is she under the good Doctor A F’s protection?

As you all know, our dear Dr. F has been the subject of many admiring glances across the ton. With his Mediterranean charm, untouchable skill, and the kind of brooding look that one only acquires from keeping secrets, he has won hearts and healed bodies alike. But this? Keeping company with a princess on the run? Could it be that he holds connections to her royal House, ties so strong they tether her to his doorstep? Or perhaps the answer is more passionate than political.

And what of the cherubic little girl who accompanies Princess T? While she is far more interested in spinning hoops than courting scandal, the true question remains. Is she a mere ward under T’s care… or could she be of royal blood? Whispers suggest the princess gave up more than her tiara in her flight from duty. Could this child be her greatest secret yet? How scandalous it would be if a royal heir were hidden among London’s cobblestone streets!

This arrangement raises more questions than answers, yet one thing remains certain: Princess T and Dr. F’s connection is far from ordinary. Simple acts of medical care do not explain the stolen glances between the two at odd hours of the day… and, dare I say, night. For one who has long preserved his spotless reputation, the good doctor seems to be teetering on the edge of propriety. Is he her savior, her confidant, or perhaps something far more thrilling to my quill? Surely the gentle press of his hand as he guides her into his practice is not just medical assistance.

But beware, dear hearts, for shadowed figures have been seen prowling nearby. Villains on the scent of a fugitive royal? Or another twisted piece of this tangled thread? One cannot say, but rest assured, the game afoot is as dangerous as it is delectable.

This column shall remain vigilant, for secrets like these have a way of unraveling. Until then, keep your parasols high, your ears pricked, and your hearts braced. For when forbidden love meets a society teeming with judgment, one must always expect fireworks.

Yours in observation and mischief,
An anonymous friend from across the street.

A Touch of Charm

Her love is forbidden. His secrets are unforgiveable. But their hearts will risk everything… Welcome to Miracles on Harley Street, where love defies society’s rules.

Dr. Andre Fernando has poured his heart and soul into healing others at the renowned 87 Harley Street practice. To his colleagues, he is the handsome Italian doctor with unmatched skill, but only Andre knows the painful secret he keeps—a truth that bars him from claiming the life he truly wants. When a nighttime highwayman attack thrusts Princess Thea into his arms, his carefully constructed world begins to crack. Escorting her to safety is one thing—but falling for the spirited woman desperate to escape her royal chains may cost him all he’s worked for.

An impossible love in a world that won’t allow it.

Princess Thea ran away from an unwanted betrothal and thought she’d escaped. Hoping she’d abandoned a crown for freedom, hiding as a governess, she doesn’t realize that the villains followed her. But when a dangerous encounter lands her in the care of a stunningly selfless—albeit frustratingly loyal—doctor, she falls for his calm strength and piercing kindness. As Andre’s brilliance and his tender kisses set her ablaze, can Thea fight for this impossible love and still escape the chains of her royal station?

He doesn’t just see her title; he sees the woman beneath the disguise—the woman she wants to be.

Their connection is unmistakable, their passion undeniable. But every stolen moment comes at a cost. Secrets threaten to destroy them; danger looms with every heartbeat. Beneath the weight of society’s rules and the pull of duty, their hearts forge a bond that defies reason.

But danger looms over every step they take. As she faces threatening villains and his secret looms, their fragile love comes at high stakes.

Forbidden love. Dangerous secrets. A passion that demands to be free—step into a world of the doctors on Harley Street where intrigue, irresistible attraction, and a circle of doctors bound by loyalty set hearts ablaze with hope.

This is the third book in the Miracles on Harley Street series, perfect for fans of steamy Regency romances featuring forbidden love, swoon-worthy doctors, and secret identities among aristocracy.Read in Kindle Unlimited!

Note: This series is part of Dragonblade Publishing’s Flame line, so this is a scorching-hot read with open-door steam.

Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DY2XDBCX

Miracles on Harley Street series
Book 1: A Sight to Behold
Book 2: The Scent of Intuition
Book 3: A Touch of Charm
Book 4: The Sound of Seduction
Book 5: A Taste of Gold
Book 6: Bring Me A Winter Miracle

About the Author

Bestselling author Sara Adrien writes hot, heart-melting regency romance with a Jewish twist. As a law professor-turned-author, she writes about clandestine identities, whims of fate, and sizzling seduction. If you like unique and intelligent characters, deliciously sexy scenes, and the nostalgia of afternoon tea, then you’ll adore Sara Adrien’s tender tear-jerkers. She is the author of the series Infiltrating the Ton, Diamond Dynasty, Check Mates, and Miracles on Harley Street.

Find her at:

Instagram: @author_sara_adrien

Substack: https://authorsara.substack.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSaraAdrien

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22249825.Sara_Adrien

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sara-adrien

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3ASara+Adrien

A Questionable Bride for our Illustrious Viscount

By Alina K. Field

On March 26, 2025

In Teatime Tattler

Dear Readers,

A letter has arrived with alarming news regarding the pending nuptials of Viscount H and Miss E T. One can scarce believe our finest citizen is bound to someone with so much unresolved mystery surrounding them.

Do read on and decide for yourselves!

Dear Mr. Clemens,

As all members of the ton will be aware, Lord H, Munro’s most influential gentleman, has chosen to cast his eye beyond our proud city and found his bride in the nondescript country town of Ermenbrough.

Miss E T’s father is a wealthy merchant, sans title or connections other than the fact that his bespoke furniture is admired by our Regent. Miss T has been selected to be the new viscountess despite the availability of a myriad worthy daughters from good families in our great northern city.

One can only wonder what sort of negotiations must have occurred between the viscount and Mr. T for the banns to be called in the young lady’s absence and for her to arrive in Munro only ten days before the wedding. How confident can his lordship be in his choice when he has not yet met his bride?

But that is not the worst of it. I have it on good authority that even the simple arrival of the young lady was not without incident. There is talk of a carriage accident, necessitating her to spend the night alone in the woods and then be rescued in the morning by a farmer and his wife on their way to market. I cannot be the only sensible voice in Munro who questions such a story.

It is far more likely that Miss T was not, in fact, alone. Either she is not of the delicate constitution that one would wish for in a fine lady, or she was given assistance during her time in the woods. It was, I recall, a particularly rainy night, and cold. How did she not catch a chill in such conditions? Was there truly a carriage accident at all or was the coachman bribed to allow her a secret rendezvous?

It would not surprise me in the least if she had some country lad who pined for her and could not bear to be parted from her. What if she is no longer all she should be? Does Lord H not deserve a bride whose virtue is without question?

I am sorry to say, but it seems his lordship has chosen poorly. We can only hope no further shocking discoveries are made regarding her character. After all, Lord H’s estate needs an heir, and the question of this heir’s parentage must be beyond reproach.

Let us hope this stranger in our midst, who takes our most eligible gentleman as her prize, does not bring shame to his family, and, thereby, to our fine city.

If anyone has more information before his lordship is bound in marriage next Friday, let them speak up.

A concerned citizen

Ellena’s Secret

An arranged marriage, sight unseen. Or have they met before?

George Howell, a viscount and the most eligible bachelor in Munro, has almost given up on finding a bride. The ladies of the ton only want him for his title, mocking him behind his back for his tongue-tied ways. So when he hears of Ellena Trenton—beautiful, unjaded, and raised to know her duty—he seizes the chance to claim a wife who might accept him as he is.

Ellena believes herself fated to repeat her parents’ joyless marriage. When her ambitious father negotiates her betrothal to Lord Howell, without her even having met him, it seems her worst fears are about to come true. But fate has other plans. As she reluctantly journeys to the city of Munro, a carriage accident leaves her stranded overnight in a woodland cabin with a handsome stranger.

Torn between duty and the stirrings of real feeling, Ellena faces a new challenge when her unscrupulous cousin, driven by greed, stirs up trouble with the viscount. With both her engagement and any hope of a happy marriage at risk, a desperate Ellena decides to take matters into her own hands, with disastrous results.

Lord Howell finds his betrothed a lot more trouble than he expected. What is worse, he suspects her heart lies elsewhere. If only they had had a chance to make a proper first impression… But maybe, just maybe, they can start again.

To be released on 28 March (available now to pre-order)

Buy Link

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSQHVQSL

Ellena’s Secret is Book 2 in the 5-book “Ladies of Munro” series.

Ladies of Munro
1) Sophia’s Letter
2) Ellena’s Secret
3) Verity’s Choice (due for release in June)
4) Jillian’s Wild Heart (Due for release in September)
5) Irene’s Fall (Due for release in December)

Note: This series is part of Dragonblade’s Sweet Dreams line, so this is a sweet, wholesome Historical Romance where passion beyond the bedroom door is left to the reader’s imagination.

About the Author

Elizabeth Donne writes award-winning sweet Regency romance, a natural outpouring of a lifelong love affair with English literature.

She has spent most of her life in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2015, Elizabeth moved to Iowa with her husband, their two children, two cats, and their African bush dog.

When she’s not writing, or discovering the secret wonders of the Midwest, she is enthusiastically introducing her visitors to the joys of drinking rooibos tea. With a biscuit, of course.