Home of the Bluestocking Belles

1919: Letters in a Time of Epidemic

On April 4, 2020

**The Teatime Tattler has come into possession of a cache of letters and notes from the Kinmel Repatriation Camp, Wales. They appear to be from another time.**

Elks Corner, Saskatchewan, January 15, 1919
Dear Harry,
It is glad we were to receive your Christmas greetings, even though they reached us the first week in January. Now the war is over I can tell you of the relief with every letter that came; it meant you were alive and well. This time we can breathe a permanent sigh of relief, no?
As to your question, yes, the influenza found the province, but we got off easy here in Elks Corner. A few folks came down sick. Old Mrs. Butterworth, you may remember from church when you visited us summers—she was ninety—didn’t make it. Come November the epidemic died back mostly. Your grandmother and I escaped it entirely.
Christmas in Ypres, huh? Maybe next year we’ll see you here at the farm again. Your grandmother is already planning what to bake.
She tells me to stop writing nonsense and just send her love.
Grandpa Matthews.

Ypres, Belgium, January 16, 1919
Dear Madame Laporte,
It is my sad duty to report that your son Emile, corporal in my unit, passed away in the army hospital in Ypres. He fought bravely alongside my company through three years of the war, only to succumb, worn out by fighting, to the demonic Spanish flu. He was buried with honors in the cemetery near Elverdinghe, along with hundreds of his fallen comrades. I was with him in the end; he died peacefully.
Lieutenant Henry W. Wheatly, Canadian Expeditionary Force

To: The priests remaining at the cathedral, Amiens, France, January 16, 1919
Reverend fathers,
I write again in hope you have some word of Rosemarie Legrand, resident of Les Hortillonnages Amiens. We lost touch some months ago, and it is imperative that I find her. I am currently confined to the Kinmel Repatriation Camp near Bodelwyddan in Wales. They plan to send us home. I need to find Rosemarie and marry her quickly so I can arrange passage as a war bride.
I continue to hope that my old friend Abbé Dejardins has returned.
Lieutenant Henry Wheatly, Canadian Expeditionary Force
letter marked returned to sender

January 27, 1919, Regina, Saskatchewan,
Dearest Harry,
Just the one letter after Armistice telling us you are well? Not well done of you.
Your father has been bursting with pride since word of your promotion came and he is anxious—we both are frantic, really—to have you back. He heard your regiment has been delayed in some pokey camp in Wales waiting for transport home, and he is furious. He has taken the lieutenant-governor to task, I can tell you.
Please write often.
Love, Mom

February 5, 1919
My darling Rosemarie,
I am writing once again to your cottage among the islands of les hortillonnages. I pray that you and Marcel have returned there safely. Send word to me at the address on this envelope and I will come immediately. Your letters to me have gone astray and I suspect mine to you as well.
Please know that I love you and that has not changed.
Harry
letter marked undeliverable and returned

February 10, 1919
Mother,
Sorry I have not written often. Even though the fighting has stopped, my life is not my own. Please tell Father to stay away from the lieutenant-governor and to stop sending me letters about what he wants me to do when I get home.
Harry

To Sabine Legrand, Rue du Moulin Neuf, Amiens, France, February 18, 1919
Madam
We have not had the best of relations in the past. I write to beg, however, for any word of your sister-in-law Rosemarie. I am frantic to find her.
Lieutenant (formerly Corporal) Henry Wheatly
A note on the returned envelope :
Monsieur Wheatly, Sabine fled to Marseilles when the Krauts advanced in the summer. She has not returned.
S. Thierot, neighbor

February 24, 1919
To whom it may concern:
It has come to our attention that no action was taken on our recommendation of commendation for Pvt. Ezekiel Willard for his actions at Vimy Ridge. As we wrote, he charged into a gun nest, capturing the gun and several enemy single handedly, likely saving two of our squads during the first day of the offensive. Witnesses can be supplied, but they will soon be repatriated and dispersed. We urge action on this.
Lieutenant Henry W. Wheatly
Sergeant Angus McNaughton

Telegram
February 28, 1919
From: Lieutenant Henry W. Wheatly, Kinmel Repatriation Camp, Wales
To: Mrs. Martha Wheatly, 538 West Marlboro, Regina, Saskatchewan
Mother: Tell father to cease writing to Gen Fitzgibbon. STOP Tell him I demand it. STOP Don’t listen to stories about Spanish Flu. STOP Have things to do before I come home. STOP Be there soon.
Harry.

March 5, 1919
Willard,
Tell the boys the Spanish crap got the lieutenant. He’s in hospital. He says watch your back from Walker. Get me if you need me.
Mac

Telegram
March 18, 1919
From: Lieutenant Henry W. Wheatly, Kinmel Repatriation Camp, Wales
To: Mrs. Martha Wheatly, 538 West Marlboro, Regina, Saskatchewan
I am well. STOP. Don’t listen to Father. STOP Down with influenza but recovered. STOP Do not worry.
Harry

March 21, 1919
Regina, Saskatchewan,
Dearest Harry,
Your father tells me you’ve gone off in search of a woman. She obviously means the world to you. Go get her Harry, and bring her so we can meet her. Ignore your father’s interference, I beg you. He means well, truly.
Please take care of yourself, darling boy. You haven’t been well. Find your Rosemarie and come home.
Love,
Mother

About the Book

After two years at the mercy of the Canadian Expeditionary force and the German war machine, Harry ran out of metaphors for death, synonyms for brown, and images of darkness. When he encounters color among the floating gardens of Amiens and life in the form a widow and her little son, hope ensnares him. Through three more long years of war and its aftermath, the hope she brings keeps Harry alive.

Rosemarie Legrand’s husband left her a tiny son, no money, and a savaged reputation when he died. She struggles to simply feed the boy and has little to offer a lonely soldier, but Harry’s devotion lifts her up. The war demands all her strength and resilience, but the hope of peace and the promise of Harry’s love keep her going.

In the confusion at war’s end, will their love be enough?

More information and buy links: https://www.carolinewarfield.com/bookshelf/christmas-hope/

About the Author

Caroline Warfield grew up in a perapatetic army family and had a varied career (largely around libraries and technology)before retiring to the urban wilds of Eastern Pennsylvania, and divides her time between writing and seeking adventures with her grandbuddy and the prince among men she married.

Harry’s lovely story is a departure. She writes primarily family-centered Victorian and Regency novels and believes firmly that love is worth the risk.

Pranksters—Beware!

By Bluestocking Belles

On April 1, 2020

In Teatime Tattler

The reporter we sent to investigate the rash of pranks and pratfalls that have plagued London today was unable to identify any single culprit. On the contrary, his report, reprinted below, implies this is a well known custom! Really? One can only shake one’s head!
S. Clemens. Editor

There are several theories regarding this holiday, which encourages pranks and mischievous behavior. One popular legend is that April Fools’ Day began with France’s 1564 Edict of Roussillon, which decreed that New Year’s Day be moved to January 1^st.

Those who continued to celebrate the old New Year around Easter were called “April fools.”

Another possible precedent is the Greco-Roman festival called Hilaria, which was March 25. The festival honored Cybele, the ancient Greek Mother of Gods, and its celebrations included parades, masquerades, and jokes.

And yet, a third idea suggests that April 1^st became the fool’s holiday due to Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, wherein he includes a playful reference to “32 March,” or April 1^st. However, most scholars consider it to have been a mere copying error.

Wherever it may have originated from, April 1^st has become world renowned with practical jokes and amusement.

About the Author

This interesting report came to us from Tabitha Waite. Her sources:

https://www.dictionary.com/e/fool/

https://time.com/4276140/april-fools-day-history/

This is her new series!

A Season Full of Promise!

By Bluestocking Belles

On March 25, 2020

In Teatime Tattler

The Tattler hears from an anonymous lady…

In truth, I find most teas to be dreadfully dull. There are only so many biscuits one can consume while listening to the other ladies gasp and giggle over the same weary gossip as was discussed at tea the day before. But propriety–and appearances–dictate I attend, just the same.

No one knows the inner goings on of a household better than the maids or housekeeper or the occasional footman, and it is not unusual to overhear them talking about their mistresses and masters or the rest of the peerage when they think we are sufficiently occupied.

Yes, dear reader. I admit I attend teas more so I can stand in darkened corridors, behind heavy doors, or in out of the way corners, and simply listen to the staff! I realize it is scandalous. And you now realize I may know your secrets, as well. But it has been this guilty pleasure that allows me to bring you two tidbits of gossip you have not heard elsewhere.

First, I only just learned the Marquess of Castlereagh has returned to London after a year’s absence. Much to the chagrin of the young ladies of the ton, as he is not only one of the most handsome of the eligible peers, but one of the wealthiest, he left London unexplainably at the beginning of last Season, immediately following the fire at the Darkshire ball.

If you will remember, that fire claimed the lives of several in society, including the aged Viscount Manderly and the young Lady Katherine, daughter of the Marchioness of Windham, whom we have not seen since the fire. The event put a damper on the Season, to be certain, but it doesn’t explain the marquess’s unseasonal absence.

Near the end of the Season last year, I heard the marquess had taken up with an Irish woman while in Ireland–a commoner, no less. That could certainly explain his extended absence.

Then, this week during my wanderings at one of the teas, I overheard the housekeeper tell the butler that the housekeeper of another house had told her there was an Irish peeress she’d never seen before being fitted in Madam Boutrey’s for the Gloushire ball.

Are these two Irish women one and the same? Will Lord Castlereagh be looking in the lines for a wife this Season? Or does he have a surprise in store for all of us?

In other news, sadly, I must report the passing of Gerald, Earl Dodson, the fourth cousin of the dowager Duchess of Wiltshire. It seems the earl left a young daughter behind, and Lady Maris has become the ward of the duchess. The girl was quite lovely on the one occasion I’ve had to make her acquaintance, and the duchess beyond delighted to introduce her to society.

I have yet to speak to anyone who personally knew the earl, but the duchess has referred to him at tea as her “country cousin”. Perhaps it is because Lady Maris has been kept in the country that the duchess’s nephew, former naval captain and the Marquess of Wellesley, is said to be so very protective of his young cousin.

Of course the staff of many houses are already wagering amongst themselves on his intentions, now that the Duke of Wiltshire (the duchess’s nephew by marriage) is escorting Lady Maris to the ball at Pepperstill’s. And at another tea, just this week, I heard one maid whisper that is the reason Lady Twila has at put her foot down and demanded the Marquess at last make good on the marriage arrangement that’s been in place for years.

As for me, dear reader, I suspect both the Marquess of Castlereagh and Lady Maris will make this Season one of the more interesting in ages!

Yrs Truly,
Lady Doe

About the Book

THE BRIAR…
One moment Raven is alone in the world and working as a maid in the gardens of a grand estate in Ireland; the next she finds herself handed the life of a lady by the dark and handsome Marquess of Castlereagh. Devan insists his intentions are honorable, and that he only wishes to help reunite her with her family. But Raven finds herself in a constant struggle to deny the smoldering attraction between them, and in her secret heart, wishes he wanted more.

THE ROSE…
Devan, Marquess of Castlereagh, is tormented by his past and determined to live out his days in quiet solitude at his Ireland estate. That is until Raven enters his life. With the face of an angel, the body of Aphrodite, and the tongue of a drunken Irishman, he’s never met any woman so infuriating… so seductive… so… his match.

THE LEGEND…
From historical Ireland and its mystical legends to the elegant ballrooms of Regency London, together Devan and Raven discover the truth of the past and a love so strong it cannot be denied. ORIGINAL VERSION: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X3747H6 PG VERSION (closed bedroom door): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081QPPVBG

About the Author

Laura Mills-Alcott’s first love was music, and she began her writing career at the age of eleven, when she wrote her first song. After graduating high school, she moved to Nashville, and some of her music was published.

Though she wrote her share of love songs, Laura’s favorite was the story songs–the modern day equivalent of the old ballads. However, she often found herself frustrated when attempting to fit a single title novel into three verses, a bridge, and a chorus. So one day she decided she’d try her hand at writing a book. “After writing the first paragraph,” she says, “I was hooked.”

In The Briar and the Rose, she combines her love of music with her love for romantic novels and history.

Laura and her work have been featured in Romantic Times Magazine, on the “Talk America Radio Network”, and she acted as a consultant for the daytime talk show “The Other Half” on a segment dealing with why women read romance novels. Her non-fiction interviews have been published in newspapers and online, and her short stories have been published in a variety of print and electronic formats.

Laura currently resides in NE Ohio with her husband, where she spends her time restoring historical homes, and owns a remodeling company – Regency Remodeling – with her husband. She loves spending time with her children and two beautiful grandchildren, as well as her three dogs, and too many cats.

FB page: www.facebook.com/lmalcott2

Slipping through time…

By Sherry Ewing

On March 21, 2020

In Sherry Ewing, Teatime Tattler

Ella Fitzpatrick sat on a bench watching her sister’s grandchildren playing nearby. Jennifer had insisted that Ella accompany her family on an outing to the Fountain of Youth. She had been here many times in the past but for whatever reason she was uneasy. She scanned the area. There was nothing to be afraid of. It was a beautiful day, the children were laughing, and she was certainly not alone as one tourist after another passed her by.

She shrugged off the premonition that something bad was about to happen. Instead, she reached into her purse and pulled out an old newspaper sealed in a protective covering. An old friend had sent it to her thinking she might enjoy it. Considering Ella was always looking for something of the past to uncover, she was sure to enjoy this bit of history. Perhaps that’s why she loved living in St. Augustine, Florida. The place was surrounded by a past life lost long ago.

The Teatime Tattler… she began carefully pursuing the dated copy and smothered a laugh as she read about someone who claimed they had traveled to the past and twelfth-century England. No one could travel through time, for heaven’s sake! What kind of fool did her friend take her for?

Jennifer came over and sat down. “What are you reading?” she asked.

Ella handed over the copy. “Just some old gossip rag from the Regency era. I think my friend Raymond is trying to get the better of me.”

Her sister looked at several of the pages. “It looks legit, although why would anyone want to read such trash is beyond me. And traveling through time? Please…”

“Exactly my thoughts,” Ella replied with a chuckle. “I think Raymond is trying to tell me I read too many romance novels.”

“I might have to agree with him,” Jennifer said with a raised brow. “I know a lovely man from church who…”

A low moan came from Ella’s throat before she held up her hand and stood. “No.”

“But, Ella…”

“I said no! Please stop trying to fix me up with men whom you think might make me a good husband. If I haven’t found him on my own by now, I’m certainly not going to find him through you or any of our other siblings.”

“We just want you to be happy,” Jennifer said with a worried frown.

“Who said I’m not happy?” Ella scoffed as she watched her sister open and close her mouth several times. They meant well but it was becoming more and more irritating that they couldn’t believe Ella was happy living on her own. Or was she? She glanced at her sister’s grandchildren playing in the distance and a small measure of envy filled her heart.

Jennifer reached out and grabbed Ella’s hand. “You know how much we all love you, sis.”

“And I love you but you’ve got to stop trying to play matchmaker,” Ella replied. “I think I’ll go for a walk. I’ll meet you all back at the planetarium in an hour.”

“Don’t you want this?” Jennifer asked holding out the pages of the Teatime Tattler.

Ella laughed. “You keep it or better yet, throw it in the garbage. I have no idea what Raymond thought I would find interesting in something so silly as an old article about some deranged person claiming they slipped through time.”

Ella left her sister and the children behind. The path she walked was eerily empty but she ignored that feeling in the pit of her stomach for a second time. She should have watched where she was walking. One moment she was pondering the fact she never found someone to love and the next she stepped into a glowing ring of rocks and slipped through time…

This is an original piece by Belle Sherry Ewing. Ella Fitzpatrick is the heroine in Sherry’s soon to be released novel, Love Will Find You: The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time (Book 4). Read on to learn more about this long-awaited novel.

Excerpt:

Yanking on the reins of his mount, Killian moved forward to stand before Ella. Looping the leather straps around the pommel, he offered her his assistance in order to mount the huge animal.

“May I, Lady Ella?” he inquired, holding out his hand to her.

She gave a weary sigh. There was no sense in attempting to remain indifferent to the orders he had been given. “If you must obey your lord, then I suppose I must too. But for heaven’s sake, please call me Ella.”

“’Tis not seemly ye should ask such of me, my lady.”

Her brow rose at his obstinacy. ’Twas most irritating and she preferred to forget the part of her past that made such a statement true. “I must insist. I do not profess to be a lady of high rank and refuse to be treated as such. I am just Ella.”

He turned his back on her momentarily, walking towards the ocean waves grumbling to himself about the stubbornness of some women. He returned with his decision. “If ye insist, then I must needs humor ye, I suppose. Let us away, Ella.”

“A wise choice, Sir Killian.”

“Just Killian,” he replied, and his eyes twinkled in suppressed merriment, as if he expected her to resist dropping all formality between them.

With a small smile, she nodded her head. “Killian, then.”

Love Will Find You:
The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time (Book Four)
Available for Preorder
Release Date: May 19, 2020

Sometimes a moment is all we have…

Ella Fitzpatrick is a woman with a secret. As she comes and goes from Berwyck Castle, seeking refuge within its gates, she yearns to be reunited with the one for whom she crossed time from the twenty-first century. She has lived another lifetime in the twelfth century waiting for the date of their reunion and it is almost upon her. But how could she have known the man she believes she loves is not the person she needs?

Killian of Clan MacLaren has been infatuated with Ella for many a year but has guarded his heart, knowing her affection lies with another. When Ella must flee Berwyck, Killian vows to escort her to her encounter with destiny. But passion flares between them and there is no doubt the bond they have is far greater than either of them expected.

Their time together is running out. Killian has a decision to make that might give him and Ella a future together. If you could change someone’s past, would you seize the moment?

Buy Links:

Amazon US | Apple Books | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About Bluestocking Belle Sherry Ewing:

Sherry Ewing picked up her first historical romance when she was a teenager and has been hooked ever since. A bestselling author, she writes historical and time travel romances to awaken the soul one heart at a time. When not writing, she can be found in the San Francisco area at her day job as an Information Technology Specialist.

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Website & Books: www.SherryEwing.com

Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/33xwYhE

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Springtime and Babies

By Guest author

On March 18, 2020

In Teatime Tattler

By undercover reporter, Bellanna Banders

My Dearest readers,

This reporter has become aware of several authors who may or may not find themselves in a rather interesting condition together.

Lords, Ladies and Babies, yes. I mean babies; six of them!

Lady Meara Platt may or may not have exposed the going-ons of a certain duke who has discovered a rather unlikely surprise on his doorstep!

Lady Tabetha Waite writes of a lady who has taken (ahem) drastic measures to escape an unwanted betrothal. Drastic measures with a handsome highlander and now she faces rather drastic consequences.

Lady Tammy Andresen keeps company and has written all about the Earl of Sin—a gentleman who has quite sworn off marriage until… well, you’ll have to read the story to find out.

Lady Annabelle Anders has penned the memoirs of a troubled Duke who is desperate for an heir. The muddle-headed fool requires help from a levelheaded lady. Don’t they all?

Lady Merry Farmer will expose the scandalous deal that a disgraced miss strikes with another muddle-headed fool. Won’t they ever learn?

And Lady Scarlett Scott’s has penned of the scandalous goings on at a country house party… and oh, my… consequences here as well?

This reporter thinks it just may be springtime, what with all the birds and the bees flying about. She’ll be keeping a watchful eye on these six feisty author ladies. You ought to as well!

***********

About the Book

LORDS, LADIES & BABIES: A REGENCY ROMANCE SET WITH LITTLE CONSEQUENCES…features heroes and heroines who’s happily ever afters are “helped” along by six little bundles of joy.

The Duke’s Surprise by Meara Platt: Cheyne Lyon, Duke of Mar isn’t surprised when his wastrel brother dumps a wife and baby on his doorstep, but Jennifer is intelligent, nurturing, and sweet, just the sort Cheyne could love, if only she wasn’t already taken. When unsavory strangers come around looking for a runaway young lady, Cheyne realizes Jennifer isn’t who she claims to be, and he isn’t about to give her up.

The Scot’s Bairn by Tabetha Waite: Damaris Honeywell suffers from an unwanted betrothal. Her solution? Ruin her reputation. But one night with a handsome Scotsman leads to certain…complications that can’t be ignored. When Callum Murray, Laird O’Donogue encounters her again, he intends to show her that they are meant to be.

The Earl of Sin by Tammy Andresen: The Earl of Sinclair vowed never to marry again. But when a pretty spinster befriends his daughter, he begins to wonder.

The Perfect Little Marquess by Annabelle Anders… His father dies before turning forty. His oldest brother, the original heir, turns up his toes at the age of two and thirty. And this year, the spare is killed most suddenly in a duel. Things aren’t lookin good for this second spare turned heir. The new duke of Warwick needs a son… And Quickly!

The Substitute Lover by Merry Farmer… Lord Benedict Killian needs an heir of his own blood as fast as possible, but he has no intention of marrying. Disgraced Miss Meg Wallace needs money, and a lot of it, to start a new life. Agreeing to a deal to conceive a child for Benedict to pass off as his own seems like an easy solution for both of their problems. Until the red-hot passion between them proves irresistible.

Wooed in Winter by Scarlett Scott… The Marquess of Haven has finally decided to do his duty and settle upon a bride, preferably before the new year begins. What better place to find her than a country house party? There’s just one problem, and she’s the beautiful widow who once owned his heart. Surely there’s no harm in indulging in one night of passion with her to get her out of his mind. But Haven is about to discover old habits are hard to break, especially when the consequences last forever…

***********

Universal Book Link

https://books2read.com/Lords-ladies-and-babies

Love doesn’t always go as planned and sometimes it results in adorable little consequences! Six tales of Regency love, each enhanced by a little bundle of joy. Don’t miss this very special set of books written by your favorite Historical Romance authors!