Home of the Bluestocking Belles

Who is the dowager Countess of Seahaven? It is a question that will be on the lips of many this Season in York.

You may remember that the Earl of Seahaven produced no legitimate sons, despite an effort that almost matched that of the famous Tudor king. Indeed, some wits dubbed him Henry the Fifth!

Not that the late earl lacked children. Five wives produced ten daughters between them, the last born posthumously to the dowager aforementioned a little more than four years ago..

But what became of the dowager, her daughter, and her nine stepdaughters?

Until today, the Polite World has not been able to answer this question.

However, dear readers, your Teatime Tattler correspondent has been indefatigable in search of the truth, which will be of more interest today than ever, given circumstances.

For Lady Seahaven and her charges are about to burst on the social scene here in York. Your correspondent has learned that the dowager is related to a respected, if eccentric, stalwart of York Society, Lady Rose St Aubyn.

Lady Rose is once again off on her travels, and has arranged for her niece to take over her townhouse.

So we in York are going to be privileged to see the debut of the countess and six of her stepdaughters. (The eldest had a London Season more than a decade ago, but did not take.)

Your correspondent went hunting for more information about the mysterious ladies.

The current Lord Seahaven was unhelpful. All he would tell us was that the ladies did not live in any of his properties, and that the fifth and surviving wife of his predecessor was no lady.

“Her parents were tradespeople, and I will leave it to you to figure out how a female like that enviegled her way into the earl’s bed,” he said.

Given that the lady is an acknowledged St Aubyn, I think we can ignore the earl’s remark. He was, before his unexpected assension to the oak leaves, a minor merchant himself.

However, while we know where the Seahaven ladies will be by the end of March (in Lady Rose’s townhouse), we have been unable to discover where they have lived in the four years since the old earl died.

Dear reader, we will watch this York Season with great interest, and will be sure to keep you informed.

Desperate Daughters

The next Bluestocking Belles Collection with Friends is out on May 8th, and tells the story of nine ladies, all related, who discover happiness awaiting them in York in the season.

Now on preorder at only 99c. Price reduction ends with publication. Click on the project page for more information and buy links.

Is she ‘Accidental’ or ‘Intentional’?

By Cerise DeLand

On March 2, 2022

In Guest author, Teatime Tattler

“Psst.” The man beckoned to Miss Forsythe when he nearly bumped into her at his friend Saintfort’s engagement ball. He knew of her, but she didn’t hold his fancy like a certain platinum-haired beauty did. In fact, the first time he’d met Lady Laughton’s sister and had seen her in the Bath chair, his heart had become engaged.

If anyone were to describe him, he was a veritable Greek Adonis, for he had those looks, but to his way of thinking, he was only average. Or rather, perhaps a notch above that since he would inherit a title one day. “Come closer. I have a bit of gossip you might wish to hear.”

“Why, Lord Randolph?” But her eyes were wide as she followed him into a corner near a grouping of potted palms and ferns.

It wasn’t well done of him to share such Drury Lane drama, but he rather thought of the chit as a little sister, and any time spent in his company was bound to help launch her in society. “Do you see that man over there?”

“The Earl of Laughton?”

“Yes.”

“He’s been blacklisted in the ton.” Her tone was well scandalized.

“True, but, he’s my best friend, and I’ll wager he’s about to be dressed down quite splendidly at this event by the Duke of Bradford—the man who wishes him dead.”

She gawked. “Is it because he jilted His Grace’s daughter and married her instead?”

The gossip, of course had made its way around society. “Just so. But if he can stay away from the brandy, he shall hold his own against that threat.” Then Lord Randolph moved his finger to the opposite side of the room. “And that is his wife, Lady Laughton. Isn’t she a looker?”

“I envy her the brunette hair and her eyes.” Miss Forsythe followed where he’d indicated. The countess carried herself with regal authority. How she managed to ignore the vicious whispers and stares was anyone’s guess. “But she looks both nervous and sad. Why?”

“I suspect she’s hopelessly in love with her husband, but she doesn’t think he returns that regard.” Lord Randolph chuckled. He had conducted enough conversations with the earl to know that was far from the truth. “The trouble is, good old Laughton has been mucked up with grief over his first wife that he thinks he cannot love again.”

“Is that a lie?” Miss Forsythe frowned as the two approached each other to partner in a country reel.

“Oh, quite. Percival has fallen tip over tail for the lady but is so riddled with doubts, has been unable to break free from the demon drink, that his confidence is shot.” Lord Randolph shook his head. It was a sticky wicket. Until he saw what his friends did, he would always stay stuck. “Look at them together, though. If that’s not a well-matched pair regardless of how they came together, I don’t know what is.”

“That’s a sad story, Lord Randolph. When a couple marries, shouldn’t they do so out of love?”

“Indeed, but you know how some things in the ton work.” He followed his friend’s progress with his gaze. Every so often, Laughton would grin and that would make his wife laugh. Damn, but why couldn’t the man see he was so much better off with the woman than without?

“Do you think they shall make a go of it?”

“It’s my fondest hope. Lady Laughton certainly knows how to handle him when he falls into a maudlin mood, and she’s been instrumental in keeping him off the drink, but even she has a breaking point.” Lord Randolph shook his head. “Only time will tell now… if the duke doesn’t drive a permanent wedge between them.”

“And doom them both?” Miss Forsythe tsked her tongue. “Surely love—and common sense—will prevail.”

“We can wait and watch.” But he frowned. He’d known Percival since their school days, and the man didn’t enter anything lightly. If he would just acknowledge how he felt for his wife, he’d be better off, but grief was as difficult to find distance from as the hold of alcohol. “However, I am of the mind that good always triumphs over evil.”

“Yes.” His temporary companion nodded. “That is indeed correct. Love is one of the most powerful things we can find. I wish your friend and his wife well.”

“As do I.” The country reel had come to an end, and the next set assembling was a waltz. “Perhaps you will do me the honor? I’ll tell you another story about Percival that happened while we were at Oxford…”

An Accidental Countess is a steamy, standalone Regency romance. It releases on March 3rd. Here’s the blurb:  True love doesn’t come from position or status but by the whispers of the heart.

Miss Lavinia Thompson’s life hasn’t been a bed of roses. Being born on the wrong side of the blanket ensures she’s not welcome within the glittering, respectable world of the London ton. Left with little choice, she embraced her status in the demi-monde, content to remain a mistress to whoever would pay the highest price. Until that life dimmed, and she wanted acceptance for herself.

Percival Hughes, the 12th Earl of Laughton is a powerful man who takes great pride in his title and position within society. Until one night of drunken revelry when he accidentally weds his mistress thinking her his real bride-to-be. As the repercussions of his ill-fated decision rock the ton and shift the foundation of his life, he struggles to make peace with the fact he married a highly unsuitable woman.

As the days go by, Lavinia and Percival grow close in their marriage of inconvenience. Outings in London with his young daughter form lasting bonds. While the new countess isn’t readily accepted into the beau monde, Percival’s determination to see her legitimate increases, but when forced proximity has romance blooming from desire, they retreat to keep their hearts aloof. To move forward together, they’ll need to rely on trust and love, and perhaps a bit of faith, regardless of what viper-tongued society gossips say.

You can preorder the book right now for .99 cents. The price goes back to regular after release: https://books2read.com/AnAccidentalCountess

And to make sure you don’t miss out on notifications of new books of mine, come follow me on Amazon: amazon.com/author/sandrasookoo

Is the duchess having an affair?

By Bluestocking Belles

On February 26, 2022

In Bluestocking Belles, Jude Knight, Teatime Tattler

“There’s a story here, Sam,” William Scattermole insisted. “Come on! Everyone will want to read it. The Duchess of Haverford is secretly meeting with the Duke of Winshire? The man she wanted to marry when she was a debutante?”

He waved the article he wanted Sam to print. “I saw them with my own eyes, going into the same private meeting room at your aunt’s bookshop. They were alone there for a full hour. What were they doing? I can’t tell you that. But I can guess, and so can our readers.”

“Not happening,” Sam told him. “We’re not printing that article, Will, and every newspaper printer in London will say the same.”

“But it’s news!” Will insisted.

Sam sighed. The boy was keen, he’d give him that. And a good writer, or he would be when he learned the use of a fullstop. One of the sentences in the article under discussion was one hundred and fifty three words long! But Will had not yet learned the realities of survival for Society commentators.

“Look, Will. Let me explain this to you point by point. First, what do you think the Duke of Haverford will do if I publish this story about his mother?”

“What can he do,” Will said, belligerently. “It’s the truth. Besides, we’d call her the Duchess of H. Like we usually do, to disguise her identity. People will know we mean her, but they won’t be able to do anything about it because we didn’t use her name.”

Perhaps the boy was an idiot. “That works for Mrs H., or even Lady H. But Will, how many Duchesses of H. and Dukes of W. are there? Disguising the name isn’t going to do us any good at all, and I don’t think you want two dukes out for your blood. I certainly don’t.”

“But it’s the truth,” Will insisted.

“Perhaps.” Sam held up his hand to stop Will’s objection. “I don’t doubt what you saw, Will, but my second point is that your article makes the direct inference that their graces are having an affair. You saw them enter a room, Will. You didn’t see what happened inside it. She’s a lady in her fifties with two adult sons. He must be sixty if he is a day. If they were having an affair, wouldn’t they be looking for more comfort than a room with upright chairs and a table?”

From the look on his face, Will was as uncomfortable with thinking about a dignified matron like the duchess in intimacy on said table or against the wall. He faltered, and then rallied. “We could soften that a little, perhaps.”

“Is there a story without it?” Sam asked. “They are both known for their charitable works, and the duchess has used my aunt’s rooms for philanthropic meetings before. Duke of W. and Duchess of H. meet to talk about scholarships for deserving students. Not much of a story there.”

It took a bit more persuasion, but eventually Will accepted Sam’s dictate. He cheered up when Sam gave him the job of looking into the rumour that the Earl of Ruthford had publicly accused his wife of infidelity, and the pair of them only married a matter of weeks.

“That’s safe enough,” he told Will. “There are any number of Lords and Ladies R.”

Once Will was gone, he counted off the other three points in favour of squashing the story.

“Three, one of our secret investors happens to be the Duke of Haverford, and while I’ve never hesitated to write about him, I’m not going to risk writing about his wife or mother. Not after what he said to me last year, when I published the rumours about Lady C, as she was then.”

He shuddered at the memory.

“Four, I know, better than most, how much good Her Grace does, using her status and her reputation as a most upright and moral lady. I’m a hardened newspaper man, but I’m not going to interfere with her work by painting her as a hypocrite.”

But the last reason trumped all the rest, and was the one he was least likely to disclose to anyone else. If there was one person in the world he feared, it was the formidable lady who ran the Book Emporium and Tea Shoppe. Miss Clemens prided herself on keeping the secrets of her guests (as she preferred to be known). He winced at the mere thought of her reaction to Will’s article.

He opened the folded paper that Will had left behind and read it again. Yes. William showed promise. But this article must never see the light of day.

Paradise Triptych

By Jude Knight

Long ago, when they were young, James and Eleanor were deeply in love. But their families tore them apart and they went on to marry other people. Paradise Triptych tells their story in three parts.

Paradise Regained

James Winderfield yearns to end a long journey in the arms of his loving family. But his father’s agents offer the exiled prodigal forgiveness and a place in Society — if he abandons his foreign-born wife and children to return to England.

With her husband away, Mahzad faces revolt, invasion and betrayal in the mountain kingdom they built together. A queen without her king, she will not allow their dream and their family to be destroyed.

But the greatest threats to their marriage and their lives together is the widening distance between them. To win Paradise, they must face the truths in their hearts.

Paradise Lost

In 1812, the suitor Eleanor’s father rejected in favour of the Duke of Haverford has returned to England. He has been away for thirty-two years, and has returned a widower, and the father of ten children.

As the year passes, various events prompt Eleanor to turn to her box of keepsakes, which recall the momentous events of her life.

Paradise Lost is a series of vignettes grounded in 1812, in which Eleanor relives those memories.

Paradise At Last

Now Haverford is deceased nothing stands between the Duchess of Haverford and the Duke of Winshire. Except that James has not forgiven Eleanor for putting the dynasty of the Haverfords ahead of his niece’s happiness.

Can two star-crossed lovers find their happiness at last? Or will their own pride or the villain who wants to destroy the Haverfords stand in their way?

Paradise Triptych contains two novella and a set of memoirs: Paradise Regained (already published), Paradise Lost (distributed to my newsletter subscribers) and Paradise At Last (new for this collection).

Order your copy now: https://books2read.com/Triptych

Unchaperoned Encounter between a Mysterious Earl and a Flame-haired Lady! Astonishing tattle!

By Cerise DeLand

On February 16, 2022

In gossip, Guest author, Regency (19th century Britain), Teatime Tattler

Dear Readers,

Gazette insiders tell us there was an unchaperoned encounter between a certain deliciously mysterious earl and a flame-haired lady who’s rumored to keep daggers hidden within her skirts. Both were apparently seeking a stolen journal and yet only one was the victor… And considering the gentleman in question was observed limping away from the encounter, wearing a ferocious scowl on his handsome brow, our money is firmly on the lady in question as having won the confrontation. Though if she did best the earl, one does wonder how she accomplished such a feat against what can only be described as a prime specimen of a male, whose athletic prowess is unparalleled and very much admired by the ladies of Society. One does wonder, indeed…

‘Tis a question we shall be pondering as we wait with bated breath to see what the earl will do in reply. After all, the gentleman is not known as a man who gives up easily, in fact his tenacity is both admired and to be feared. The lady would do well to be cautious, very cautious, indeed. Though we’ve heard rumors that this particular lady in question is unlike other ladies; apparently, she prefers to she throw daggers, not dinner parties…. How delightfully wicked!

We suspect things are about to get dangerously scandalous… So, stay tuned, dear reader, for what is sure to be an extremely entertaining and perilous journey ahead as we eagerly anticipate the antics these two undoubtedly have in store for us.

THE BACHELOR BETRAYAL by Maddison Michaels

Release date: 14 February 2022.

Buy link: www.books2read.com/TheBachelorBetrayal

BLURB:

He wants justice

Underestimating Marcus Black is the last thing his enemies ever do. After all, the respected Earl of Westwood is a deadly threat… when her Majesty needs him to be. And his only goal is to avenge his brother’s murder. Which would be much easier if the viciously-skilled Lady Kaitlyn Montrose wouldn’t swoop in, knee him in the bollocks, and then run off with his only lead…

She wants revenge

Kat is determined to avenge her beloved uncle’s murder and nothing will stop her. Especially not the devastatingly handsome, and equally lethal Marcus Black. The fact that he’s after the same target is a complication she hadn’t planned on. And as much as she enjoys taunting him, she has a job to do—one that doesn’t include sparring with the infuriating man at every turn. Except Kat has a new plan… one that Marcus will just hate.

Now they’ll have to work together… if they don’t kill each other first

Individually, Marcus and Kat are deadly. If they worked together, they could be unstoppable. But when attraction gets in the way of vengeance, it’s more than hearts on the line. And only one person can win…

AUTHOR BIO AND LINKS:

Indoctrinated into a world of dashing rogues and feisty heroines when she was a teenager and picked up her first ever historical romance, Maddison Michaels has been a prolific reader and writer of historical romance ever since. She is the bestselling author of six books, including THE DEVILISH DUKE which won the 2019 RWA Australia Historical Romantic Book of the Year.

Writing historical romance is Maddison’s way of time traveling back to Victorian London to experience a cornucopia of intrigue, romance and adventure all from the comfort of her living room! She also loves incorporating her previous 16 years experience as a police officer into the mystery and suspense elements of her books. She lives in Sydney, Australia with her own handsome hero, beautiful daughter and fur baby, and she always starts her day with a cup of liquid gold…coffee – just quietly, she’s addicted to the stuff!

Maddison absolutely loves to hear from her readers and you can find her at http://www.maddisonmichaels.com/ or on most social media platforms!

Author Links:

Website: http://maddisonmichaels.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaddisonMichaelsAuthor/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mmichaelsauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddisonmichaelsauthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17367583.Maddison_Michaels

Amazon Author Page : https://www.amazon.com/Maddison-Michaels/e/B079LXRLQ7

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/maddison-michaels

Scandal Brews in Scotland

By Rue Allyn

On February 12, 2022

In Teatime Tattler

Captain Brandon Gilroy

Dear readers,

This conversation was relayed to us by the person who overheard it firsthand, and just happens to be in our employ. You can be certain that person will keep us all well informed, since we know how much our readers love a scandal.

“I’m so glad you could visit today, Ivy.” Lady Furness took her friend’s hand and lead her from the parlor out into the rose garden of the Furness London home.

“Had I not received your note, I would have been on my way to the country. Honestly I thought I was the only person still in London so late in the summer.”

“No, I’ve been stranded here by my husband.” Julia Holmes, Lady Furness sniffled and dabbed at her dry eyes with a kerchief. “He seems to think that his business with the home office is the only important thing in the world. I’m tempted to ask if I could come with you when you do leave. Just to teach the dratted man a lesson.”

“Now Julia,” Ivy began to sooth her friend. “You are always welcome. . . .” She hurried to keep pace with her friend on the garden’s winding path.

“Yes, yes, I know. But we can discuss giving my husband his comeuppance later. I have the most urgent secrets to tell you.”

Ivy’s brows rose, and her expression took on an avid cast. “Really? Secrets? Do tell.”

Julia cast a quick look about the rose garden. “Not until we get to the table and serve tea. I had tea set up in this garden because it is the most private place I could think of. Absolutely no one must know. Besides you and I, and my cousin Lady Enid MacShennan, who wrote me of this impending disaster.”

With those words they arrived at a gazebo near the far end of the garden.

“You have to tell me, Julia.”

Lady Furness shook her head and gestured to one of the two chairs flanking the tea trolley. “Sit, sit. I’ll serve and then we’ll talk.”

Ivy issued an impatient sigh but sat, tapping her foot while her friend poured the tea.

Finally when all was arranged, Julia took a sip of her beverage then set the cup and saucer back on the trolley.

“Ivy, do you recall my distant relation, Captain Brandon Gilroy?”

“What woman wouldn’t. Honestly Julia, the Captain is not only a highly regarded naval hero, rich from the many prizes he captured during the wars with Napoleon, but he has also been named heir to the Duke of Cowal–his uncle. The Captain is one of the most eligible bachelors in all Britain.”

“Yes, yes. I know all that. I just wanted to be certain you did.”

“Never tell me he’s about to announce his engagement? All the gels coming out next spring will be devastated.”

“No, I can’t tell you that. Although if Enid’s most recent letter is to be believed the engagement was to be announced next month.”

“I gather that is no longer the case?” Ivy leaned in closer to whisper the question.

Julia nodded.

“What happened?”

“According to Enid, everything was set for Captain Gilroy’s betrothal to Lady Miriam MacNaughton.”

“The Duke of Rockerd’s sister? That would unite two very powerful houses.”

“Yes, but Enid wrote that suddenly Captain Gilroy is balking.”

“Really? Miriam is beautiful, rich, well-connected and possessed of an excellent pedigree.”

“I know. However, Enid’s last letter stated that a strange woman arrived in the middle of the betrothal festivities. This female, with the very common name of Crobbin, claims to be the daughter of the current duke’s long, lost daughter, Mary Katherine.”

“The one who ran away from home because she discovered she was in an interesting condition?”

Julia cast her friend a sidewise glance. “That’s only a rumor, and has never been confirmed.”

“Hmmm, I suppose,” said Ivy. “But why else would Cowal have disowned her and forbidden his family to mention her name.”

“Not being privy to his grace’s confidence I could not say. What I can tell you is this upstart imposter has somehow ensnared Captain Gilroy in her net of schemes, and snatched him right out from under Lady Miriam’s nose.”

“Oh no.”

“Oh yes. Further, Enid wrote that Lady Miriam was so incensed that this Crobbin person had even been permitted into the duke’s home that she, Lady M, was threatening to leave the house if the woman was not removed instantly.”

“Did she?”

“Not as of Enid’s last letter to me.”

Miss Esmaralda Crobbin

“Good, they young lady should not let a common trollop steal her fiancé.”

“Well, they had not signed the betrothal agreements. Although Lady Miriam was threatening to sue for breach of promise.”

“You and I both know that’s a ploy to buy time in which to discover how best to rid herself of the Crobbin person.”

“Indeed. Lady Miriam is no fool.”

“But it sounds like Captain Gilroy is a bit of a fool.” Ivy smirked.

“My relation is a man. Any man can be easily led astray by the right bait.”

“Well, you say the Crobbin person is common. That sort would never do as a future duchess unless she’s either wealthy or beautiful or both.”

“As far as Enid can tell this imposter has no fortune to speak of and is not half as beautiful as Lady Miriam. Why Enid’s description of the woman is that she’s skinny, excessively tall, and cursed with freckles as well as carroty orange hair. She does not dress well and her manners are only passable. Whatever can Captain Gilroy see in her?”

“An excellent question, Julia. Hopefully Enid’s next missive will reveal that, and the resolution to the problem before it becomes the scandal of the summer.”

“Do, please Ivy, remember that you are to tell no one.”

“Of course, I would never betray a confidence.”

Coming Soon: The Pirate Duchess – Duchess Series Book 2

She’s a famous pirate determined to rule her own life sailing the high seas. She’ll never be conquered by any man, or so she says. He’s a British naval captain bent on capturing her and seeing her hang for her crimes. When they meet the battle begins, but who conquers whom?

Watch for The Pirate Duchess, Duchess Series Book 2, coming in late 2022.