Home of the Bluestocking Belles

Baron Fishes Girl From the Sea

On August 24, 2016

Hunting through a bundle of medieval manuscripts, recently found stuffing the bottom of a trunk purchased at auction, your faithful editor found the following. Surely the interviewer was a Teatime Tattler columnist, born 600 years before his time?

Yesterday off the shores of Great Yarmouth a Scottish ship went down in a sudden storm. We have learned that, Baron Conlin de Braose of Sandwich, Baron of the Cinque Ports, risked his life as well as his ship and the lives of his crew trying to save his future Scottish bride. But sources tell us his betrothed was not even on the ship and what he fished out of the sea is very interesting indeed. We interviewed the baron’s squire, Toft, to learn more on the horrific situation.

Toft, can you tell us why Lord Conlin de Braose risked his life taking his ship into a storm and what he got from this heroic act?

Aye. I’d be glad to. Lord Conlin as we all call him, thought he was saving his betrothed, Lady Catherine MacEwen from Kirkaldy when the Scottish ship and its crew was lost at sea. But it seems his betrothed wasn’t on the ship after all, although he managed to save two people. One of them happened to be a beautiful young lady named Isobel MacEwen, the betrothed’s cousin . . . and proxy.”

Proxy? So, you’re saying the girl he fished from the sea has been sent to marry him in his betrothed’s stead?

That’s exactly what I’m saying. And if I’m not mistaken, Lord Conlin seems a bit smitten with the girl.

He does? But what about his betrothed? Do tell us more.

His betrothed, Lady Catherine, is known as horse face and Shrew of the Scots, if that answers your question without being too direct. Of course no one’s actually seen the shrew yet, but her reputation precedes her.

I see. I’ve also heard Lady Isobel – the baron’s bounty – has been witness to a murder. Can you tell me who has been murdered and if she’s seen the murderer and can identify him?

The one murdered was King Alexander of Scotland, although it seems someone wants everyone to think it was an accident. And Lady Isobel only saw the feet of the murderer, but can identify people by their shoes and the way they walk.

She can? Isn’t that an odd ability to have?

There’s a good explanation for her unique skill. But it’s not half as odd as what the baron found in her trunk that he also fished from the sea.

BaronsBountyAudio500 To find out more about the mysterious Isobel MacEwen and what she has in the trunk that not only shocked the baron but will surprise you as well, read The Baron’s Bounty, Book 2 of the Barons of the Cinque Ports Series by Elizabeth Rose. The book is also available in paperback and audiobook form.

Excerpt from The Baron’s Bounty:

Isobel ran to the edge of the cliff and peered over just as the moon broke through the clouds once again. She gasped when she saw King Alexander lying on the beach with his neck twisted at an odd angle, obviously broken from the fall. More twigs snapped underfoot, and she heard the sound of someone hurrying through the underbrush – headed in her direction.

baronsbountylogo2500 Her heart beat furiously, and her body shook in fear. The murderer of the king was not going to be in a hurry to be caught. She couldn’t let him see her, or he’d kill her as well. Without her escorts she was unprotected and very vulnerable. She had only a dagger at her side – no match for the broadsword of a knight, or even the strong hands of a crazed serf. She had no choice but to hide in order to save her own life.

She hurried behind a tree and hunkered down behind a bush, not able to believe what she’d just witnessed. She heard the person free the king’s horse and slap it on its rear to send it off. Hoofbeats sounded loudly as the horse ran through the foliage. Leaves crunched underfoot and she heard the killer coming toward her.

Step, Drag, Swish. Step, Drag, Swish, echoed in her brain as she focused on the sound of their footsteps. She couldn’t keep her body from shaking as the murderer walked past her, so close she could have reached out and touched him.

She moved her hand slightly, and a twig snapped beneath her palm. The killer stopped right in front of the bush that concealed her presence. She didn’t dare move or even breathe, for fear the man would hear her and she’d end up at the bottom of the cliff alongside their ruler.

Her eyes fastened onto the man’s feet, and his boots immediately took her interest. She’d never seen any like these before. They were side-laced riding boots that looked to be made of two-toned Cordoba leather. They were of the finest quality, and obviously very expensive since Cordoba leather came all the way from Spain. They were made from the hides of Musoli goats, tawed in alum in a secret method only known to the Moors. That’s what the cordwainer in town had told her. They were good friends since she spent so much time in his shop, and she’d learned everything she could about making shoes. He’d also said this type of leather was brought back by the Crusaders and very expensive. So expensive that cordwainers only made these shoes on special order from nobles who paid dearly for them.

Meet Elizabeth Rose

LizrosesSaug2500 Elizabeth Rose is a bestselling, multi-published author of over 50 books and an amazon all-star. Her books have received rave reviews and The Oracle of Delphi was even featured on the History Channel. She is a native of the Chicago suburbs but a country girl at heart. Married to the same wonderful man for over thirty years, they have two grown sons who inspired Elizabeth to start self-publishing by telling her she couldn’t do it. She is an artist who creates all her own covers as well as her booktrailers. Her books are all available on amazon as ebooks, papaerbacks and some are in audiobook form as well.

The Baron’s Bounty http://www.amazon.com/dp/B015DGNMAK

Website: http://elizabethrosenovels.com

Facebook: Elizabeth Rose – Author (Don’t forget the dash)

Twitter: @ElizRoseNovels

Can Love Cross the Boundary of Time?

By Aunt Augusta

On August 20, 2016

In Nicole Zoltack, Regency (19th century Britain), Teatime Tattler

Landon entered White’s and asked for a drink. His dreams had been trying as of late, the mysterious lady who haunted his nights visiting him often and was beginning to invade his every thought. If he could only drink away her beauty, forget about it, make on with his life as if she did not exist…

With a start, he realized a man had sat beside him, his shoulders hunched, his face closed.

For whatever reason, perhaps because he felt a sudden kinship with the man whose eyes seemed to mirror the growing swell of emotions Landon himself felt, he cleared his throat. “Would you like a drink?” he asked.

“Ale,” the man said after a moment. “The stronger the better.”

Landon ordered one, and it wasn’t until they had shared several rounds without a word that the man felt moved to speak further.

“This be a strange place,” he remarked, glancing around.

Landon frowned. “Have you never been before?” White’s was a staple, where a man could enjoy drink and dice and cards and more.

“Never been to anywhere here,” the man muttered. He glanced around some more and then leaned in close. “Can you be… Who are you?”

“Landon Philamore.”

“A lord, I take it.”

Landon nodded. “And yourself?”

“Sir Gerald of Hanover.”

The man seemed to want to say more, and Landon waited, giving the man time to reason through his thoughts.

“Do you think,” Gerald said slowly, but then he halted.

“I think I great many things.” Landon would have smiled, but the man’s countenance bore too heavy a burden. “Tell me what ails you.”

“I do not think…” Gerald took a deep breath and then said in a rush, “I am not from this time.”

At once, Landon’s heart began to race. The lady from his dreams, the things she sometimes said, her mannerisms, her jokes… On more than one occasion, he suspected the same thing of her.

“I know I must sound daft,” Gerald continued.

“I think you need another drink,” Landon said.

At Gerald’s nod, Landon motioned for two more drinks.

“What is it that you miss most from your time?” Landon asked.

“You believe me?”

He shrugged. “It matters not what I believe. Your beliefs take priority.”

“I do not know what I belief, what I think, who I love.” Gerald stared glumly at his mug.

“Well, I believe that love can transcend anything. Even those from other lands… or other times.”

“Do you?” Gerald asked, the light of hope shining in his eyes for the first time since they began their conversation.

“Yes,” Landon said firmly, but whether he said it for Gerald’s sake or his own, he could not be certain…

Landon is the hero in The Test of Time, whereas Gerald is the hero in Love Before Honor.

Thetestoftimesmall Katia jumps at the chance to go to England with her best friend after Rose ditches her deadbeat boyfriend. While walking through the market, she spies a large mansion and recognizes the guy out front as her high school friend Tony. Just as they start to reconnect, Katia passes through times and lands in the arms of Lord Landon, who looks like Tony but certainly doesn’t act like him.

Soon, Katia learns that this 1815 is different from the one in history books. Trapped in a parallel world, Katia struggles to not fall for Landon but his charm proves too much for her. Just when she is about to confess her love for him, Katia travels through time yet again.

The course of love never did run smooth and if Katia can’t figure out and master the test of time, she’ll never see her friends again, or worse, never be reunited with Landon.

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Nicole is one of the Belles. You can learn more about her here.

Scandal and Murder in Eastbourne

By Bluestocking Belles

On August 17, 2016

In Guest author, Teatime Tattler

the-mediaeval-walled My Dear Mr. Clemons;

You would not know my name but suffice it to say that it is of little concern, as I wish to keep my family’s name protected. I shall therefore be writing under the assumed name of Miss Avamund and will henceforth be providing you with information, such as to be considered scandalous, from the city of Eastbourne where many of our prominent London citizens take in sea bathing. With that in mind, I present to you the following.

On or about 1 August of this year, a “Miss J”, a respected spinster of St. Aubyn’s Road, was seen with a certain man in her garden. That is not a scandal within itself but the man, a very big and strange-looking man, has lately been seen in her garden daily with “Miss J”. She always seems disturbed when he is near. Because my family lives within proximity of Miss J’s” home, I have seen this occurrence daily and, being curious, waited one day for “Miss J” to do her marketing before slipping into her garden and confronting the man. The story he tells is shocking, as I shall relay forth. After identifying myself politely, I asked of him the following:

Miss Avamund: Good sir, are you a relative of “Miss J”?

Man (identified himself only as ‘de Russe’): I am not, my lady.

MA: If you are not a relative, then why are you here? You do understand that the neighbors are whispering about your ‘visitations’ with “Miss J”. You threatened to ruin her reputation, sir.

DR: It is not my intention, my lady. Be it known that “Lady J” has been most helpful to me under… confusing circumstances.

MA: Confusing? May I inquire as to the nature of these circumstances, sir?

DR: It should not concern you.

MA: Please, sir, as I vow I shall not repeat what you tell me. My concern is for “Miss J”. She is a friend.

DR: Then I shall tell you the truth, since you are her friend. I still do not know how it happened, but the circumstances are this – Henry is my king. I was in battle at Ludgershall Castle in the midst of a driving rain storm when, in the course of battling an opponent, I fell backwards into the well. The blow to my head rendered me unconscious and when I managed to emerge, it was out of the well in “Lady J’s” garden. I do not know how I got here, by what devilry or dark magic, but all I want to do is return to my wife and time from whence I came. I do not belong here.

MA: You… you climbed out of “Miss J’s” well?

DR: I did, my lady.

MA: And you said that your king is Henry? But our ruler is young George!

DR: Henry of Bolingbroke is mine.

My Dearest Mr. Clemons, I did not believe him. I am sure he was quite mad.

Although I will admit that de Russe did not look like any man I have known, as he was quite large and his hands were terribly ruined, I will say most emphatically that I believe him to be “Miss J’s” lover. I told him so and shamed him and ran to tell my mother, who did not believe me until she, too, saw him in “Miss J’s” garden the next day. He was by the well and “Miss J” was with him. I fear that “Miss J” was weeping.

This is where the story becomes frightening – when my mother went to “Miss J’s” home to confront both her and her lover, “Miss J” informed my mother that de Russe had returned home to his wife. She said that he returned the way he came and would say no more. We, my mother and I, believe that not only did “Miss J” have a scandalous love affair with a married man, but that she killed her lover and disposed of the body! She is a murderess as well as an adulteress, but fear keeps us silent. That is why I have written to your paper, sir, to tell you of the terrible things that are happening in Eastbourne today.

Proper citizens beware!

With kindest regards,

Miss Avamund

The Iron Knight

KathrynLeVeque_TheIronKnight_800 Read Lucien de Russe’s story in THE IRON KNIGHT, due to be released August 23, 2016 on Amazon. Time-travel to Regency England notwithstanding (or included), it’s a beautiful English Medieval Romance of an older knight and a widowed woman who both have a second chance at life. We will assume Lucien’s brief transportation 400 years into the future happens AFTER his story takes place – and it would make for a wonderful novella!

The Iron Knight on Amazon

Meet the author

KATHRYN LE VEQUE is a USA TODAY Bestselling author, an Amazon All-Star author, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance and Historical Fiction. She has been featured in the NEW YORK TIMES and on USA TODAY’s HEA blog. In March 2015, Kathryn was the featured cover story for the March issue of InD’Tale Magazine, the premier Indie author magazine. She is also quintuple nominee (a record!) for the prestigious RONE awards for 2016.

On Amazon: https://goo.gl/zXhv5s
Facebook: https://goo.gl/bHir6s or @kathrynlevequenovels
Twitter @kathrynleveque
Website: www.kathrynleveque.com

From Paris, With Love: Boots for Achilles

By Aunt Augusta

On August 11, 2016

In Bluestocking Belles, Jessica Cale, Teatime Tattler

De_bestorming_van_Coevorden,_30_december_1672_Rijksmuseum_SK-A-486.jpeg

De bestorming van Coevorden, 30 December 1672. Pieter Wouwerman, 1672-82.

After years studying a cache of the Marquis de Saint Croix’s personal correspondence, one of his many ciphers has at last been cracked and a portion of his letters can now be read. The first of these letters appears to be a copy of one sent to the infamous spy Jack Sharpe at the end of the Franco-Dutch War in 1678:

September 18th, 1678

Monsieur Sharpe,

It took me a great deal of wine to digest the contents of your last letter. You write so beautifully of the horrors of war and childbirth alike, I cannot help but feel I lived them beside you. I am most relieved to read Madame Sharpe is well. She is a most remarkable woman and very dear to my heart. Best wishes to you both on the birth of your son! I cannot believe you named him for me — this is one of your peculiar English jests? As he was born in the midst of battle, perhaps Achilles is appropriate. I have enclosed a pair of small boots with silver heels for his protection. One can never be too careful, you understand.

Word has reached us in Paris that the Peace of Nijmegan has brought an end to this war, though the thousands dead at St-Denis may beg to differ. Will another peace be issued after this last, late battle? I will rest easier when you and your small family are out of harm’s way. You are most welcome to stay at any of my properties for as long as you wish.

Should you happen to venture to Paris, you will find me engaged in a battle of my own. My niece has wholeheartedly embraced life as a gentlewoman, and between shopping and visiting her own divineress (God help me), she has begun a flirtation with none other than the Duc de Languedoc! Although I have ever so slightly more patience for him after what he did for us last autumn, the fact remains that he is a wolf (and a married one) and poor Laure is a naive little lamb.

I regret that I have not yet completed the task Madame Sharpe entrusted to me, but I shall leave for London as soon as I am satisfied Laure will be safe from Languedoc’s advances. I look forward to seeing your homeland for myself and meeting Madame Sharpe’s fabled blonde sisters. If they are half as lovely as she is, I will sleep with my heart under lock and key.

Faithfully,

Achille

The Long Way Home

(The Southwark Saga, Book 3)

By Jessica Cale

A paranoid king, a poison plot, and hideous shoes…it’s not easy being Cinderella.

After saving the life of the glamorous Marquise de Harfleur, painfully shy barmaid Alice Henshawe is employed as the lady’s companion and whisked away to Versailles. There, she catches King Louis’ eye and quickly becomes a court favorite as the muse for Charles Perrault’s Cinderella. The palace appears to be heaven itself, but there is danger hidden beneath the façade and Alice soon finds herself thrust into a world of intrigue, murder, and Satanism at the heart of the French court.

Having left his apprenticeship to serve King Charles as a spy, Jack Sharpe is given a mission that may just kill him. In the midst of the Franco-Dutch war, he is to investigate rumors of a poison plot by posing as a courtier, but he has a mission of his own. His childhood friend Alice Henshawe is missing and he will stop at nothing to see her safe. When he finds her in the company of the very people he is meant to be investigating, Jack begins to wonder if the sweet girl he grew up with has a dark side.

When a careless lie finds them accidentally married, Alice and Jack must rely on one another to survive the intrigues of the court. As old affection gives way to new passion, suspicion lingers. Can they trust each other, or is the real danger closer than they suspect?

“Really brilliant writing that’s so engaging with such endearing characters! I especially love the way Jack and Alice are both so devoted to each other! I was totally absorbed in this exciting and fascinating world Jessica Cale created from the very first paragraph to the last! I read this all in one sitting, staying awake late to finish, just had to!” – Romazing Reader

Jessica Cale is the award-winning author of the historical romance series,The Southwark Saga. Originally from Minnesota, she lived in Wales for several years where she earned a BA in History and an MFA in Creative Writing while climbing castles and photographing mines for history magazines. She kidnapped (“married”) her very own British prince (close enough) and is enjoying her happily ever after with him in North Carolina.

Jessica is also a Bluestocking Belle. You can visit her page here.

An Unexpected End to the Wincanton-Stuart Feud?

By Guest author

On August 10, 2016

In Guest author, Teatime Tattler

Dear Readers,

Like many of you, last night witnessed the scandalous, public ruination of Lady Constance Stuart at the Renshaw Ball by Mr Aaron Wincanton. Mr Wincanton, who has recently returned a hero from the Peninsular, and Lady Constance were found in flagrante in the library by none other than the lady’s own fiancé and a huge crowd of eager onlookers. However, what you may not yet know, is that despite the bitter feud between the two families I received word that Lord Aaron procured a special licence and married the girl before the sun had risen the very next morning. 12498710_552117861604451_573223318_n The unlikely newlyweds removed themselves promptly from town to honeymoon at the Wincanton estate- Ardleigh Manor. Obviously, spurred on by my desire to provide you, dear rear, with all of the pertinent facts, I followed. Fortunately, the groom himself granted me this short interview which I print here for your titillation and amusement.

S. Clemens

Lord Aaron, it is fair to say your hasty marriage surprised a great many of us, especially in view of the long and bitter feud between the Stuart and Wincanton families and the fact that Lady Constance was already engaged to the Marquis of Deal. Is it true, the Earl of Redbridge has disowned his only daughter?

That is merely rumour and speculation. The earl happily gave us his blessing to marry. We had a cosy ceremony in his own study.

Then the three-hundred-year old feud is over?

Not exactly. Relations between our respective fathers are still… tense, however, I am hopeful, given time, this situation will improve once they see how happy my darling Constance and I am together.

That is interesting and contrary to what I have been told. My sources have reliably informed me that Lady Constance said, and I quote, ‘I would rather be cast out onto the streets than marry a vile Wincanton’ just minutes before the wedding ceremony. Those are hardly the words of a happy woman.

My Connie has a warped sense of humour at times Mr Clemens. She was merely joking. We are deeply in love. We tried to resist our strong feelings for each other, but alas, we could not. Like Romeo and Juliet, our love was too strong for a silly feud to prevent us from being together. But unlike Romeo and Juliet, our love story has a happy ending.

I see- if you do not mind me saying, that is a very impressive, purple bump you are sporting on your forehead. I overheard the servants saying you received it when your devoted, love-struck wife threw a projectile at you. Would you care to comment?

Oh that was merely a misunderstanding. One of those silly tiffs couples have from time to time. Connie discovered me reading The Taming of the Shrew and assumed I was consulting the play for tips on how to deal with her. She threw the book at me- quite literally as it turned out- because like all redheads she does have a fiery temper. I can assure you all is cordial between us again now.

Lady Constance does have rather vibrant red hair and she is a very… statuesque woman. Has she forgiven you for branding her with the unfortunate nickname you gave her at her come-out?

Again, another misunderstanding Mr Clemens. Connie is well aware I said what I did in jest and I had no idea the name would stick for so many years. In fact, I was shocked to hear it still being used when I returned from the war.

She must be a very understanding lady indeed to not be offended at being called the Ginger Amazonian, especially as the name has stuck. I do believe your expression gives you away Mr Wincanton. Did I just see you wince?

I am not particularly proud of myself Mr Clemens, if that is what you are alluding to, however Constance is a forgiving, good-natured woman and she realises I was very young and foolish when I came up with that terrible name. It is all water under the bridge now that we are so happily married.

So happily married that she throws books at you and has locked herself in her bedchamber and has refused to come out since her arrival?

I shan’t keep you Mr Clemens. It is a long drive back to London and I am sure you are keen to be on your way…

About the Book

Scandal broke last night when Lady Constance Stuart was discovered in the arms of Aaron Wincanton, the son of her family’s greatest enemy! But now we can reveal an even more shocking development. Our sources say a special license was obtained and the two were married before sunrise!

It’s been confirmed that Aaron has stolen his new bride away to the country to begin their unexpected marriage. We’ll be watching closely to see exactly what happens when a gentleman invites his enemy into his bed…

Amazon link: http://amzn.to/242XLtS

About the Author

When Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Her first Regency Romance, That Despicable Rogue, was published in May 2016 by Harlequin and Her Enemy at the Altar is published this month. Despite this, it still takes her forever to fall asleep.

Website: http://www.virginiaheathromance.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VirginiaHeath_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virginiaheathauthor