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Tea with Rebeka and Arik

“Rebeka.” Lord Arik called for his wife as he took the steps two at a time as he hurried into the tower room at Fayne Manor.

Rebeka, with her staff in hand, looked up from the small desk and papers. “I’m here.”

His sanctuary as a boy, he stared at the walls filled with runes and the cheval glass that stood at one end of a pentagram on the floor. She had placed it across from the hearth with its blazing fire as he had instructed.

“I’m looking forward to meeting Her Grace. Are you ready?” Rebeka asked.

Arik nodded his agreement and brought her to the center of the pentagram. The flames from the hearth danced and caressed their reflection in the mirror. He gave her a tender kiss, and then they turned toward the Eastern wall and began the ritual.

“Hail, Guardians of the East. I summon the power of air.” Arik’s voice echoed through the room.

“By the air in her breath, be with us now,” Rebeka replied and tapped her staff.

They turned to the South. “Hail, Guardians of the South. I summon the power of fire.”

“By the fire in her spirit, be with us now,” came Rebeka’s reply, along with a tap of her staff.

They faced the West. “Hail, Guardians of the West. I summon the power of water.”

“By the waters of her womb, be with us now.” Another tap from Rebeka’s staff.

They turned North toward the hearth. “Hail, Guardians of the North. I summon the power of the earth.”

“By the earth that is her body, be with us now,” Rebeka said with a strong final tap.

“As above, so below. As within, so without. Prepare Haverford’s door of time and present us to the duchess sublime. So mote it be.”

The air stirred, at first rustling Rebeka’s long hair then catching Arik’s loose-fitting shirt. Yet everything else in the room was still. They repeated the chant. Even though they were deep into the ritual, they sensed that the room changed.

The flames leaped high in the hearth when the last word was spoken. Soft sounds gathered into whispered words that grew more insistent until a voice called to them, “Lord Arik. Lady Rebeka.”

The smooth surface shifted and swirled. The image of a man materialized. They stepped to the mirror. “Berkeley Court?” Arik asked.

“Her Grace the Duchess of Haverford is expecting you, my lord.”

Arik took Rebeka’s hand, and together, they stepped into the mirror. Rebeka glanced behind her to see a partially draped cheval glass. The rest of the small tower room was empty. The hearth was cold.

“Good afternoon, my lord, my lady.” A footman stood before them, unshaken at watching two people walk through the mirror. “Welcome to Berkeley Court. If you will come this way I will show you to Her Crace.”

The footman took them down the tower stairs to the second floor. From there, he took them to the garden room where a mature lady, eleganty dressed, waited for them, a full service of tea at her side.

“Please do come and sit with me. Lady Rebeka would you like to pour tea?” asked Eleanor, the Duchess of Haverford.

“Your Grace, I am honored at the request, but I’m afraid my skills at pouring tea would appall you. In the United—. In America, we put the tea leaves in small bags and then dunk them in boiling water. Lord Arik can pour tea better than I can.”

Arik placed his hand over his wife’s. “Rebeka underestimates her abilities. It’s her way of easing into the differences in time.” Before Arik could act, the duchess took command of the pot.

“I am certain there are many things you both had to reconcile, pouring tea only a minor one.” The duchess glanced at Rebeka. “Sugar? Cream?”

“Black, please.”

“Same for me, if you please,” Arik said.

The duchess handed the tea to her visitors. “A biscuit?” She motioned toward the plate. “Cook makes delicious treats.”

Arik dutifully put a biscuit on his plate. Rebeka declined.

“Traveling through time. I dare say I never gave it a thought. After all, time is what time is. Or so I thought.”

Rebeka noted the excitement in the duchess’ eyes. “I agree, Your Grace.” Rebeka put down her teacup.

“Please, call me Eleanor. No need to be so formal.” Eleanor sat back in her chair with her teacup in her hand and a large smile on her lips.

“By all means. We were surprised when we received your invitation. I will say we questioned it. Of course, the Haverford name is well known even in our time. And with your Somerset estate a day’s ride from ours, Arik sent his brother, Logan, for a visit. Your ancestors were quite cordial. Logan returned telling us what a lovely time he had. He also confirmed the tower room.” Rebeka looked at the biscuits on the plate.

Eleanor turned to Arik. “I found a notation in the estate journal about Fayne Manor and decided to meet you. Once I learned about Rebeka’s traveling through time, I had many questions. What was your first impression of Rebeka?”

“He thought I was a pain in the…” Rebeka glanced at Arik.

“Arse.” Arik smiled at her and then turned to Eleanor. “My wife is quite correct. She had this compulsion to interject herself and her opinions everywhere. She didn’t know her place.” He turned to his wife. “And you, madam? What did you think of me? An actor?”

Arik’s exasperated expression said it all. He returned his attention to Eleanor. “Can you believe it? The Druid Grand Master and Lord of Fayne Manor, and she thinks I’m some carnival performer.”

“What did you expect? I had no idea I had traveled four hundred years into the past.” Rebeka put down her teacup, her eyes on the biscuit. “When I arrived, I encountered Doward, the old tinker.”

“Tinker?” Her Grace asked.

“It was Beltane, and with the way Doward was dressed and riding on a horse-drawn wagon, I naturally assumed he was an actor going to some enactment. They are popular in the twenty-first century. Then we came upon Arik and his men, all on horseback and dressed like Doward; well, what should I have thought? Arik was marching through the woods all proud and self-important, playacting.” Rebeka took a biscuit from the plate.

Arik raised his eyebrow and controlled his temper. “I was patrolling my domain. We were under attack, as you soon found out.”

Rebeka nibbled on the biscuit.

The duchess put down her teacup. “Oh, no.” She leaned toward Rebeka. “And you thought it was all a charade. What happened?”

“We were traveling and came to the river at the crossing. The bridge was damaged, and Arik and his men had to repair it so we could get the Doward’s wagon across. There was no room for the wagon at the shore, so Doward, me, and Logan, Arik’s brother, made camp up the road. The thieves attacked the wagon. They must’ve thought with only one soldier, a woman, and an old man, we would be easy to subdue. This biscuit is delicious.”

Her Grace smiled and offered her the plate. “Please, have another.”

“Subdue?” Arik didn’t try to hide his anger. “They meant to kill you. All three of you.”

“What happened?” Eleanor was not fooled. This was a man who cared dearly about his people and more so about his wife. She had read it in the diary he left in his library.

“The attackers were as shocked as I was. You see, both camps were attacked at the same time. We quickly took care of the marauders who attacked us by the river and went to help the others upriver. I didn’t know what to expect.” Arik shook his head and chuckled. “Rebeka dispatched three attackers before I got there.” He faced the duchess. “She did well. No, she was excellent. She used her walking staff as a weapon in a way I’d never seen. I would have her at my side in any battle.”

“I have read about the ancient Amazonian women and thought that all a fantasy,” Eleanor said.

“I am not a warrior. In college, I studied the Japanese physical movements that help build your physical, mental, and spiritual development. I enjoyed the mind-body connection. I had no cause to use them in combat until I was back in time. At the river, I fought for my life.”

Arik took her hand. “And you did well. That was when I knew there was more to you than I thought. Doward led me to believe the King had sent Rebeka to do research in my library.”

“That’s not exactly what Doward told you.” She took another biscuit from the plate. “You see, Eleanor, by the time we reached Fayne Manor, Doward and I discovered that I was in the wrong time. We also thought that the information I needed to go back would most likely be in Arik’s vast library.”

“I see.” Eleanor nodded her agreement as she refreshed everyone’s tea.

“I’m not certain you do. It was a dangerous game we both played. Arik was certain I was sent by his enemy, Bran. I was certain Arik would think I was a witch and that he would kill me if he knew I traveled through time.

“I began to research his family journals and diaries. I had no idea where to look or what to look for.” How clearly she remembered going through the vast library. She learned so much about his family, about him.

“And everything she did made me suspicious. I was certain the King or the King’s men had sent her. I will say she did excellent work with her research. I read it several times without letting her know.”

“Be that as it may,” Rebeka interjected. “I came from a time when women spoke their minds. On that count alone, I didn’t endear myself to him. No, not at all. But emotions stewed underneath it all. We wanted each other. We just didn’t trust each other.”

“Rebeka, why didn’t you tell Arik your mission? Surely, he would have helped you.” Eleanor smiled.

“I am a proud woman. In my time, I am a renowned history professor. I thought I’d made quick work of it. Besides, it was 1605. No one, not even Lord Arik, would believe that I had traveled through time. And with King James I sharpening the English Witchcraft Act I dared not say anything. I feared for what they might do to me.”

“But, Rebeka—.”

Rebeka put up her hand. “Before you say anything, yes, Arik is the Druid Grand Master, but I didn’t know it then, and I didn’t believe in magic. At least not at that time.”

“Not believe in magic? Then how do you explain your time travel? Surely that was magic,” the duchess said.

“You’re correct, of course. It’s amazing how we hold on to our prejudices. But Arik taught me about magic—on many levels.”

“And I understand from Arik’s journal that together, you saved Fayne Manor. I can see it in your eyes. You are a strong and vibrant pair. I wish you both well.”

Arik put down his serviette. “Thank you for your invitation and tea. We have a long journey ahead of us.”

Eleanor stood and walked her guests to the door. “The lesson I learned from your story is a very profound one. Love can transcend time, even four hundred years. Please, do visit again.”

How It All Began

In ancient times, druids and magic reigned supreme. Valor, courage, honesty, honor, and heart were their ingrained values. Destined for greatness, over the centuries this family rose above the others, but not without its own struggles.

This is the story of the druid Grand Master Lord Arik of Fayne Manor and his effort to protect all he holds dear from the Dark Magic that wants to destroy it all. Amid the spells and incantations, will he discover that the magic of the heart is the most potent force of all?

Knight of Runes

Rebeka Tyler, a distinguished expert in medieval and Renaissance studies and a casual martial arts enthusiast, never envisioned herself as a warrior. However, thrust into the 17th century, she finds herself caught in the conflict between two powerful druid masters. While deciphering ancient runes and unraveling a family secret to secure her return, Rebeka engages in battles for survival against in a society she knows well from her studies, as well as against the malevolent druid, Bran.

Amidst the struggle, emotional complexities arise with Lord Arik, the druid knight, as long-buried truths about their shared past come to light. The key to triumph lies not in individual efforts but in a partnership between Rebeka and Arik. Yet, this alliance comes at a steep price – her heart and, if fate favors her, her rightful future. For Rebeka, this journey isn’t a mere journey into the past but a return to where she truly belongs. In this riveting tale, the boundaries between love, destiny, and sacrifice blur as Rebeka navigates a world of ancient mysteries and profound connections.

Review: “Friends. FRIENDS. Oh my gosh, listen to me. If you only pick up one book this upcoming summer, it needs to be Knight of Runes. Imagine Game of Thrones and Outlander having a lovechild whose nanny was Jane Austen. Yes, I am serious. No, I am not kidding. It’s that good.” – Stacie T. 5 Star Review

Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2C73zRV
Ruth’s Website: https://ruthacasie.com/books.html

Excerpt:

Prologue

England – May 1605

I should not have stayed away so long.

Unable to shake the ominous feeling of being watched, Lord Arik kept the small group moving quickly. On high alert, his eyes continually swept the underbrush bordering the rain-slicked forest trail. He and his three riders escorted the wagon with the old tinker and the woman quickly through the forest. At length, he slowed the pace. The horses winded as they neared the Stone River.

“The forest is flooded,” he said. “I suspect the Stone will be as well. Willem, ride ahead and let me know what we face at the crossing.”

Willem did his lord’s bidding and quickly returned with his report. “The river ahead runs fast, m’lord. The bridge is in ruins and cannot be crossed.”

Arik raised his hand and brought the group to a halt. “We must make repairs, Doward,” he said to the old tinker, “there’s no room for the wagon at the river’s edge. You and the woman stay here and set up camp. Be ready to join us at the bridge when I send word.”

Logan, Arik’s brother, spoke up. “I’ll keep watch here and help Doward and Rebeka.”

Arik nodded and, with the others, continued the half mile to the bridge. “I am not pleased with this new delay.”

“It can’t be helped, m’lord,” Simon said. “We would make better time without the wagon.”

“We cannot leave Doward and the woman in the forest on their own, not with what we’ve heard lately. We’ll have to drive hard to make up the lost time,” Arik said as they came to the crossing.

The frame of the bridge stood solid, but the planks were scattered everywhere, clogging the banks and shallows. Arik leapt from his horse onto the frame to begin the repairs. “Hand me that planking.” Arik pointed to the nearest board.

Simon grabbed the nearest plank and examined it. “Sir, these boards have been deliberately removed.”

Arik reached for the board just as an arrow whooshed out of the trees and slammed into the plank’s edge. Willem pulled his ax from his belt. In a fluid, practiced movement, he spun and sent his ax flying. The archer fell into the river and was swept downstream, Willem’s ax lodged in his forehead.

A dozen or more attackers broke through the stand of trees. Poorly dressed fighters carrying clubs and knives moved toward them. There was only one sword among them, held by the leader—Arik’s target.

Arik tossed the board into the river and readied his sword. “They plan to pin us here at the river’s edge. Come, we’ll attack before they form up.”

Arik and his men surged forward, driving a wedge through the enemy’s ragged line, forcing what little formation they had to scatter and fight, each man for himself.

A man, club in hand, rushed at Arik. Before the attacker could bring his weapon into play, Arik pivoted around him. He raised his sword high and slammed the hilt’s steel pommel squarely on the man’s head and moved on before the man’s lifeless body collapsed to the ground.

Willem and Simon, on either side of Arik, advanced through the melee. Their swift swordplay moved smoothly from one stroke to the next, whipping through the air. They slashed on the down stroke and again on the backswing, sweeping their weapons into position to repeat the killing sequence as Arik and his soldiers steadily advanced, punishing any man who dared to come near them.

“For honor!” Logan’s war cry carried from the small camp to Arik’s ears.

Arik stiffened. Both camps were now under siege. He pulled his blade from an enemy’s chest. The body crumpled to the blood-soaked ground. Arik breathed deeply, the coppery taste of blood in the air.

“For honor!” he bellowed in answer. His men echoed his call, arms thrown wide, muscles quivering, the berserker’s rage overtaking them.

The remaining assailants fled headlong back into the forest.

Motioning to his men to follow, Arik raced toward Logan and the camp. He could hear shouts and cursed himself for not seeing the danger earlier. He crested the hill and came to an abrupt halt.

Logan’s sword ripped through the air as he protected Doward. The tinker drew his short blade and did as much damage as he could. But it was the woman Arik noticed. Her skirt hiked up, she twirled her walking stick like a weapon, with an expertise that left him slack-jawed. She dispatched the enemy, one by one, in a deadly well-practiced dance.

A man rushed toward her, knife in hand. The sneer on his face didn’t match the fear in his eyes.

She stepped out of his line of attack, extended her stick to her side and, holding it with both hands, swept the weapon forward, striking the intruder across the bridge of his nose. Blood exploded from his face in an arc of fine spray as his head snapped back. Droplets dusted her face, creating an illusion of bright red freckles. As he fell, she reversed her swing and caught him hard behind his knees. He went down on his back, spread-eagled. The woman swung her stick over her head and landed a precise blow to his forehead that knocked him unconscious.

As the woman spun to face the next threat, her glance captured Arik’s and held. In the space of an instant, time slowed to a crawl. Her hair slowly loosened from its pins and swirled out around her. His breath caught, and his heart quickened as a rapturous surge raced through his body. Something eternal and familiar, with a sense of longing, unsettled him.

In the next heartbeat, she tore her eyes away, leaving him empty. Time resumed its normal pace. Another fighter lay at her feet.

Arik joined the fight.

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Spotlight on Sherry Ewing’s sale

Sherry is having a sale right through December. Here’s what she has to say about it.

🎄🎅🏻 $0.99 Sale for the Holidays! 🎅🏻🎄

Santa is coming early with this holiday sale to stuff your Kindle or eReader full of my ebooks. My next release, Knight of Darkness: The Knights of the Anarchy (Book One) is available for preorder and releases February 9th. Plus, I have several more books that are series starters. Everything is on sale through January 2nd.
Grab yours now and feel free to blame me for your next book hangover!
Knight of Darkness ~ Sometimes finding love can become our biggest weakness: https://amzn.to/47Gu0Hp
If My Heart Could See You: The MacLarens, A Medieval Romance (Book One) ~ When you’re enemies, does love have a fighting chance? books2read.com/u/bP5QJ3
Hearts Across Time ~ A special edition box set of my medieval time travels For All of Ever and Only For You, Katherine and Riorden’s complete story in one book! Sometimes all you need is to just believe… books2read.com/u/meqPgm
A Kiss for Charity: The de Courtenay’s (Book One) ~ Love heals all wounds but will their pride keep them apart? books2read.com/u/bzpzg9
Under the Mistletoe ~ A new suitor seeks her hand. An old flame holds her heart. Which one will she meet under the kissing bough? books2read.com/u/4j9vvm
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Choosing period appropriate language in historical fiction

A guest post from Rue Allyn

Today I want to talk about the difficulties period appropriate language can cause authors and readers alike. It isn’t that some words common in a given period may be unfamiliar to 21st century readers. The problem is much deeper. One key aspect of using period appropriate language is that meanings and connotations change.

The words used today to discuss the history of people of color in the United States are very different than those used in the past. Mostly this is so because the words used during the period while people of color were enslaved in the US of A have come to be regarded as offensive.

I ran into this problem when I decided to write The Creole Duchess. This novel is about A duke in disguise, a creole miss determined to get her own way, a curse, and the battle of New Orleans.

I sent my duke on a secret mission to try to halt the coming battle. While he was in New Orleans he fell in love with Miss Celestine St. Cyr Duval. That Miss Duval was American, and technically an enemy, was bad enough but she wasn’t just an American or just a Louisiana creole (a person whose family descends from one of the original settlers of that territory), she was also a quadroon.

Today, ‘quadroon’ is a highly offensive word, and with good reason. But in the United States in 1815, quadroon was one of a number of terms used both in everyday language and in legal documents to describe a person of color whose ancestry was composed of only one quarter color. The other 75 percent being white. Very often people with this sort of background exhibit extraordinary physical beauty and rarely are they obviously ‘black’ or ‘white.’

The definition of the term is credited to Thomas Jefferson, himself an owner of enslaved people of color. In a letter to a Mr. Francis C. Gray, Jefferson defined quadroon in purely mathematical terms. Proving, although no doubt without intention, how owners de-personalized enslaved people of color.

“let the 2d crossing be of h. and B. the blood of the issue will be h/2 + B/2, or substituting for h/2 it’s equivalent, it will be a/4 + A/4 + B/2. call it q (quarteroon) being ¼ negro blood …” https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-08-02-0245

Such was how the term was used in 1815.

However, I was writing a novel about human people. People who, regardless of what they might be called had hopes, dreams, working lives and families. How do I resolve this difficulty created by the changing meanings and connotations of words throughout history.

The easiest way might have been to simply avoid the problem and write a different story. But my research into the term and the people it described fascinated me. Celestine was a quadroon in the setting of the story, and she deserved in my opinion to have her story told. Yet, if I use those words throughout the story that offend modern readers, readers whom I pray will continue to purchase and read my books, I risk losing that audience. What to do?

I used a twofold approach. You will notice that the title of the book is The Creole Duchess. Celie was both Creole and quadroon. Why limit her to one descriptive term? So, I used the term ‘quadroon’ where absolutely necessary in the way early 19th century people would have understood it. However, I took great care to balance that descriptor with other terms that would show the range of Miss Duval’s personality and history. Quadroon. Daughter. Wife. Free woman of color. Creole. Freedom runner, for she did in the story assist a number of enslave people of color to escape their bondage. And eventually, Duchess.

Language is not the only area in fiction writing where history and modern sensibilities are at odds. My strong belief is that we owe it to ourselves, our readers and to history to represent that history with accurate plausibility no matter how unpalatable to 21st century readers.

About The Creole Duchess:

A duke in disguise, a creole miss determined to get her own way, a curse, and two nations at war, is love even possible?

New Orleans Creole, Miss Celestine St. Cyr-Duval refuses to live under the thumb of some man chosen by her parents. Celie will do everything to keep freedom of choice for herself and others. But fate interferes in the form of a duke disguised as British businessman, Caleb Elmond. A relationship with Caleb would find approval with her mother, but both Celie and Caleb have secrets that put them on opposite sides of a great conflict and could destroy them both.

With the Battle of New Orleans looming, can these two strangers from warring countries compromise and protect each other, or will fear and betrayal end both their lives?

The Creole Duchess, Duchess Series Book Three is expected to launch in late 2023. The pre-order price of $0.99 for this long-awaited conclusion to the Duchess Series ends on release day, Oct. 30, 2023

Buy Links: Amazon   Other Retailers

About Rue Allyn:

Author of historical and contemporary romances, Rue Allyn fell in love with happily ever after the day she heard her first story. (She claims she was a precocious little brat who read at the age of two but could hear much earlier than that.) She studied literature for far too many years before discovering that writing stories was much more fun than writing about them. One of her greatest pleasures as an author is being able to read the story before anyone else. Rue is happily married to her sweetheart of many, many years. Insatiably curious, an avid reader and traveler, she loves to hear from readers about their favorite books and real-life adventures. Crazy Cat stories are especially welcome. You can contact her at Rue@RueAllyn.com. She can’t wait to hear from you.

Find Rue Allyn Online:

Website~~https://RueAllyn.com

Facebook~~ https://www.facebook.com/groups/RueAllynCrew

Amazon~~https://www.amazon.com/Rue-Allyn/e/B00AUBF3NI/

Goodreads~~https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5031290.Rue_Allyn

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by

Tea with England’s Newest Duchess

Her Grace of Haverford watched her guest enter the room. What a stunning young lady.

England’s newest duchess was dressed in a peach-colored gown of the first stare. It fit her to perfection. She carried a reticule that matched the pattern of the dress, and wore short gloves in a slightly paler shade. Discreet diamonds sparkled at her ears and a delicate pearl and diamond pendant lay on her chest suspended by a chain of what looked to be white gold.

However, Eleanor was used to such displays. What caught her attention was the woman’s eyes. Dark, nearly ebon eyes possessed of a penetrating depth that could have frightened, had the expression they held not been so openly curious. She had raven wing hair, a cream and honey complexion, and deep rose-hued lips. A delicate slope of nose sat between two symmetrical and classically high cheeks. Her slim figure moved with a thoughtless grace that the most practiced diamond of the season would never be able to match. Stunning yes, but all paled beneath that depthless stare.

Eleanor knew next to nothing about the wife Margris had chosen, but she needed only to see the woman to know she was formidable.

“Welcome to Haverford House, Your Grace.”

An impish smile formed, lighting up those eyes. “I am not certain I will ever become accustomed to having a title, Your Grace.”

“I suspect you will do very well with it.” Smiling back, she gestured to a chair that faced her own. “Please sit. And please address me as Aunt Eleanor, as your husband and many of my younger friends do.”

“Thank you, Aunt Eleanor.” A very slight quaver in the lady’s voice revealed that she suffered some uneasiness. Possibly she’d been told the Duchess of Haverford was a powerful woman who could make or break a young woman’s hopes and dreams with a single word. “My full name is Celestine, but my intimates call me Celie. Of course, you may be more comfortable calling me niece.” The new Duchess of Margris settled herself. “I am very pleased to meet you.”

“As I am pleased to meet you. It is fortunate that we could both be available this afternoon. I understand from my son that between shopping and your husband you are being kept quite busy. How do you take your tea?”

“Just lemon, if you please.”

Eleanor filled a cup and handed it over.

Celie added two small biscuits to the edge of the saucer and placed the beverage and all on a tiny pie crust table beside her chair.

“Caleb—my husband—is occupied nearly all of every day with business at the home office. He says that even though Britain is now officially at peace with the United States there is much work to be done to ensure the treaty of Ghent remains strong.”

“Aldridge, too, is very occupied with what is happening in Europe. Too many lives have been lost or changed forever, and not usually for the better. We must pray that the next encounter with Napoleon will settle matters for once and for all.” Her Grace paused to sip her tea. “Do I understand correctly,” Eleanor continued. “That while you lived in New Orleans, you helped enslaved people escape to freedom.”

“I was one of many.”

“But you are here and others are not. You must have been in danger much of the time.”

Celie looked down at her tea. “Helping the enslaved to escape is against the law in New Orleans. Had I been caught; I could have been enslaved myself.”

“Oh heavens. Would that happen to anyone who helped escapees, or just…” Her Grace of Haverford let her words trail off. She blushed. “I’m sorry, I don’t usually make such gaffs.”

Celie laughed. “Yes, I have one quarter negro blood in my veins. However, I do not trade on it. I prefer to make my way by my merits. Just as I prefer people who ask questions instead of leaping to unwarranted conclusions.”

Eleanor accepted the reassurance that Her Grace of Magris had taken no offense. “You are wise for one so young.”

“Wisdom is not exclusive to the elderly” the younger woman chided gently. “It is the purview of any who learn from experience. I was fortunate to have not only my own experiences to learn from but also those of my mother.”

“Tell me about her.”

Celie seemed eager to do so. “She is what is known as a ‘free woman of color.’ Meaning she is not enslaved. She possesses documents that prevent her ever being enslaved. However, that did not make her life easy, just easier than most people of color. She was born and raised in St. Domingue where she met my father. Because laws and custom forbid the marriage of white and colored, she became his ménagère, and moved to New Orleans where he had his sugar plantation.”

“Ménagère? That is a contractual relationship between a man and woman much like a marriage but there is no marriage involved.”

“You are very well informed, Your Grace.”

“I’ve had cause to study marriage law and contracts and ran across the term in my research.”

Celie raised an enquiring brow, but Eleanor’s marriage and the other problems her family suffered because of that institution were not for discussion, even with women she’d known for years. Time for a change of subject.  “Being Duchess of Haverford affords me a number of advantages few women possess.” One must always focus on the positives. “One of the advantages is the ability to support a number of charities. Last February, when the Thames froze over, the merchants of London held a Frost Fair on the frozen river. My friends and I took advantage of the opportunity to host a ball with the intent of raising funds to help returning soldiers and their families also the families of our deceased heroes.”

“I would love to help if there are charitable organizations that assist the men returning from war.” Celie spoke with an enthusiasm Eleanor could not doubt.

Eleanor smiled, and set her tea aside. “In that case. Let me tell you about the Ladies’ Society For The Care of the Widows and Orphans of Fallen Heroes and the Children of Wounded Veterans.”

Celie’s response to the ridiculous name was diplomatic. “That’s a very long name.”

“And we do some very difficult work. At last year’s ball and other events during the year, we raised several tens of thousands of pounds and have put it to very good use. However, treating the wounded in body and spirit, helping to support families, to house, feed, clothe and school orphans is a tremendous undertaking. We’ve almost exhausted the funds we raised last year.”

“We are, if I understand correctly, in the height of the London season,” Celie observed. “I’m sure I could persuade Caleb to allow me to hold a charitable ball or reception for your organization.”

“That is very kind of you my dear, but what if I, and the other committee members hold a reception to welcome you into the ton,” Eleanor suggested. “We could have a number of English artists create paintings and sculptures for auction during the reception.”

“I like that idea, Aunt Eleanor, “but only if we hold the reception for a large number of returning veterans. They deserve public recognition for the great work they’ve done. You could still introduce me to the ton, but I would not like to be the center of attention when those men need it so much more that I.”

“Your modesty does you credit. Since you are agreeable, let me ring for my secretary and we can start planning immediately. The Ladies Society will meet next week. I’d like you to attend the meeting so I may introduce you. Then you and I can present our plans and seek the aid of the other members of the Society.”

“That is an excellent idea. May I use one of your footmen to send a note round to my husband at the home office explaining that I am delayed. We had dinner plans that may need to change.”

“Certainly. I’ll instruct my secretary to bring pen and paper for you. Now here is what I think we should do first….”

Celie is the heroine of the third book in my Duchess series, here’s a little more information about the book.

About The Creole Duchess: A duke in disguise, a creole miss determined to get her own way, a curse, and two nations at war, is love even possible?

New Orleans Creole, Miss Celestine St. Cyr-Duval refuses to live under the thumb of some man chosen by her parents. Celie will do everything to keep freedom of choice for herself and others. But fate interferes in the form of a duke disguised as British businessman, Caleb Elmond. A relationship with Caleb would find approval with her mother, but both Celie and Caleb have secrets that put them on opposite sides of a great conflict and could destroy them both.

With the Battle of New Orleans looming, can these two strangers from warring countries compromise and protect each other, or will fear and betrayal end both their lives?

The Creole Duchess, Duchess Series Book Three is expected to launch in late 2023. The pre-order price of $0.99 for this long-awaited conclusion to the Duchess Series ends on release day.

Available for Pre-order at .99 cents until October 30, launch day. Amazon   Other Retailers.

About Rue Allyn: Author of historical and contemporary romances, Rue Allyn fell in love with happily ever after the day she heard her first story. (She claims she was a precocious little brat who read at the age of two but could hear much earlier than that.) She studied literature for far too many years before discovering that writing stories was much more fun than writing about them. One of her greatest pleasures as an author is being able to read the story before anyone else. Rue is happily married to her sweetheart of many, many years. Insatiably curious, an avid reader and traveler, she loves to hear from readers about their favorite books and real-life adventures. Crazy Cat stories are especially welcome. You can contact her at Rue@RueAllyn.com. She can’t wait to hear from you.

Find Rue OnLine: WEBSITE   FB    AMAZON    GOODREADS   BOOKBUB

 

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Tea with Queen Guinevere

Gwen came through a dark swirling tunnel into what looked like the kind of historic townhouse that has public tours, except that it was polished to the nth degree and many of the items looked new. A man was waiting for her, and if he wasn’t a butler she was a marshmallow. He conducted her through a pair of double doors and onto a terrace where a woman of mature years was seated on a cane chair beside a table laden with cakes and tea. Tea – something she’d sorely missed in the Dark Ages.

“Queen Guinevere, I assume,” the lady said.

“The Duchess of Haverford,” Gwen replied, for that was the name on the invitation she had received.

“Please be seated, your majesty,” said the duchess. “Would you like some tea?” 

Taking the offered seat, Gwen looked at the offerings on the table. “Yes, please. I’ve often longed for a nice cup of tea back in the 5th century. Sadly impossible. It’s all watered beer and some rather rough wine. We do get some Falernian imported from the Mediterranean from time to time though, and that’s worth having.”

“I have coffee, too, if you prefer it,” the duchess offered. “Or hot chocolate, though I personally find that a little bitter.”

“Definitely tea—hot and strong as I’ve so often longed for. And some of those fancy cakes.” Another thing that didn’t really exist in the Dark Ages, and which Gwen had often found herself daydreaming about.

“Please, your majesty,” the duchess said, as she passed over a cup of hot strong tea and a plate of little iced cakes, “tell me a little bit about yourself.”

“I’m very happy to be here with you, Duchess. Is that the right way to address a duchess? I’m not used to the gentility of this period, and there were no duchesses back in the Dark Ages. In fact, the term ‘your majesty’ didn’t exist then so I’m more at home with being just called my Lady by my subjects, or Gwen by my friends. I’m more used to a thatched Great Hall and a roaring fire with the carcass of an ox roasting over it. What would you like to know about me?

“Do call me Eleanor,” the duchess said with a smile. “And I’ll call you Gwen, if I may. The note that said you were coming commented you were from the twenty-first and the fifth centuries. How did that come about?”

Gwen nodded. “I consider you a new friend so Gwen will be fine. And as to my origins – I suppose you’d say they were a little unusual. I was born at the end of the 20th century and married in the 5th, about 1500 years before I was born.  But I’m afraid I can’t give you an exact date, as back then no one used the same way of dating as we do nowadays, or in your time. That didn’t come in until later. I tried guessing but it was all ‘the twentieth year of the reign of High King Uthyr’ or such like.”

Gwen took another sip of her tea and continued. “I arrived in the 5th century quite by chance, or so I thought, but it turned out I was expected by at least one person.” She smiled. “I’d gone with my boyfriend to scatter my father’s ashes. My dad was an Arthurian scholar, convinced the legendary king was real. I went up Glastonbury Tor first thing in the morning and found a gold ring inside the ruined tower on the top. I picked it up and whoosh, I was back in the 5th century. Of course, time travel was furthest from my mind. I just thought I was lost to start with, and then that I’d stumbled upon a reenactment group. Some might say I was stupid not to realise from the start what had happened, but think about it – if it happened to you, you just would be looking for a rational explanation and time travel would not be it.” She gave a wry smile. “And Merlin was the one expecting me.”

“So there really is a Merlin?”

Gwen nodded. “There is. A lot of characters from the oldest legends really existed. But there’s no Lancelot or Galahad – they were later medieval additions, and Lancelot was French! Not a sign of him in the Dark Ages. It was quite fascinating seeing which of the legends turned out to have been based on fact.” She smiled. “As I’ve said, my dad was an Arthurian scholar, convinced the legendary king was real. I can’t help thinking he’d be impressed to discover his only daughter ended up being Queen Guinevere! After all, he named me and my twin brother after the king and queen. It’s rather surreal being named after yourself.”

“You met Arthur in the fifth century and married him. Or is that just a legend?”

Gwen said, “No, that much is true. I married in the last year of the reign of King Uthyr Pendragon. Actually, right before he died—it was his last command to his son Arthur before his death. And I had no way of refusing. If I had, I’d have risked ending up being married to his older son, Arthur’s not at all attractive half-brother. Not a fate I relished. I found Arthur attractive, but I wasn’t in love with him at that point. It was just the safest thing to do. So I agreed to marry him.”

Eleanor nodded thoughtfully. “In my own time, women often have little choice about whom they marry, as I know to my cost. Please, do have another cake and continue. I am fascinated.”

“Back then Glastonbury Tor was an island in a lot of low lying wetlands and the monks at the abbey escorted me along their secret causeway to the local lord’s stronghold. I was silly enough to ask Merlin, who I met there, if it was Camelot. He’d never heard that name before. I should have guessed that, as it’s really based on the Roman name for Colchester—Camulodunum. Camelot never existed – it was added in about the same time the Lancelot stories were created. Where I found myself was a place called Din Cadan, which back where I come from was known as South Cadbury Castle—not a stone castle, you understand, but a refortified Iron Age hillfort. Not much in the way of mod cons. I don’t know about you, but I was used to flushing toilets. What I got there was a leather bucket in a corner. A rather smelly leather bucket.”

“It must have been a shock,” Eleanor commented.

Gwen nodded her agreement. “It took me quite a while to accustom myself to life in the 5th century. At first, all I wanted to do was get back to my old world, but there was no chance of that. Firstly, it was a good ten miles back to Glastonbury across marshlands I could drown in, and secondly, I couldn’t get out of the fortress. Guards on all the gates. So I just had to put up and shut up. And then Arthur came back. He’d been away fighting somewhere on the south coast – against Saxon raiders. And, well, wow. Quite wow.”

Eleanor sighed. “I have felt that wow,” she confided. “We have stories about your husband in our day, of course, but stories don’t always represent the man.”

Gwen chuckled. “Talk about unreconstructed and totally out of touch with his feminine side (as we’d say back in my old world but probably not in yours). Do you know what the first thing (not quite but pretty nearly) he said to me was? You have good childbearing hips. Not the way to a girl’s heart. I nearly gave him a slap, only I thought it might get me into trouble.”

“Good childbearing hips are an asset,” Eleanor replied, seriously. “I take it, though, that he won you around?”

“He did,” Gwen confirmed. “It helped a lot that he wasn’t hard on the eye. Tall, muscled but not huge, a real horseman. Dark hair and dark eyes, bit of stubble going on. And quite sharp and witty when he wants to be. But whatever I do, I can’t undo his first 23 years of being a Dark Age lordling used to women knowing their places. He has his moments. Moments when I’ve thought a few angry words about his attitude.”

“Stubborn arrogant men can be difficult to live with,” Eleanor said, with feeling.

“And then I discovered I was pregnant,” Gwen said. “Normally, this would make a young newly wed wife happy, but I wasn’t, and the reason I wasn’t was that I was terrified. I knew all about how women died in childbirth back then and I didn’t want that happening to me. I wrestled with my conscience about this for a while, and in the end I asked Merlin what he could see of my future. And he was his typical self—non-commital. What he said was ‘I see you with him to the end, if there is one’. As if that was any help. But I did feel a bit better about the pregnancy after that.”

“Tell me, what aspects of the legend have you found to be true?” Eleanor asked.

“Well… I found out straight away that Arthur really existed, and Merlin, but as I said, there was no sign of a Lancelot or Galahad. I was pleased about that as this vindicated my father’s research.” She bit her lip. “The sword in the stone turned out to be all my fault, and at the risk of giving away some spoilers, so did Excalibur and the Lady of the Lake. And my father had told me about a list of battles written in a ninth century book by a monk called Nennius—they turned out to be true as well. Lots of the people from legend appeared and became my friends.”

Gwen frowned. “At first, I thought my only friend was Merlin, but I made a few mistakes with him. He’s pretty manipulative. And he insisted I was the one who’d make Arthur the king of legend. So I told him no, it was him, and that he’d set a sword in a stone which only the true High King could pull out. Big mistake. That one came back to bite me on the bum. If you don’t mind me saying that. Possibly not a saying you’d use as a duchess. In fact, Merlin has turned out also not to be the sort of person you play chess with. That would be my advice—never play chess with a man who can see the future, at least some of the time. And that was my fault too because they didn’t have chess back then so I introduced it.” She grinned. “I also introduced stirrups which made riding a lot more comfortable. And thank goodness there were no sidesaddles back then – I got to ride astride as I was used to doing.”

Eleanor shuddered. “A manipulative man is a dangerous thing. I can only imagine what it is like to have one with magic.”

Gwen nodded. “He’s had his moments. Luckily for me he’s never really got angry with me, nor I with him, but I know exactly what he’s capable of because I’ve seen it. I can’t tell you, as that would be a huge spoiler for book six.”

“But I can divulge something else. Something not a lot of people know. Arthur had children. I expect you guessed that as I said I became pregnant. I can’t tell you anything else about that though, as that would also be to spoil the story. The children are very important to the story and have major roles to play. And of course, there’s Medraut, called Mordred in later legends. Not a nice fellow at all, but again I can’t give too much away about him. All I’ll say is watch this space as he grows up.”

Eleanor poured more tea. “What would you most like to have been able to share with your father?”

Gwen smiled. “The first time Arthur and I went to bed together after we were married, I decided that was NOT something I wanted to share with my father! I’d been wanting to share some of the other stuff but not that. Little did he know he’d end up being grandfather to his hero’s children. That’s one thing I’ve often wished I could tell him.” She shook her head. “And something a little weird – before one of the battles, Arthur and I were in a location both of us had visited as children but fifteen hundred years apart. We’d both been there with our fathers and stood virtually on the same spot. I wish my father could have known that. I believe my biographer has also stood there. Odd, but rather poignant, don’t you think?”

“And what about the end of the legend?” Eleanor asked. “Is that true? Does Arthur lie sleeping still, waiting for the moment when Britain needs him? Did he go to Avalon?”

Gwen smiled a secretive smile. “Now that would be a spoiler, wouldn’t it? You’ll have to read the last book, The Road to Avalon, to find that one out. I’ll just say this – I think you’ll like the ending.”

Look here to read The Dream of Macsen Wledig, an article on the Welsh story of Emperor Maximus, whose sword comes to Fil’s Arthur.

Meet Fil Reid

Fil Reid, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, writes historical fiction with romance from a canal boat in the South of England. She won the Dragonblade New Writers’ Competition in its inaugural year with book one of her six book Guinevere series. Next year she has a four book regency series coming out – The Cornish Ladies. She has ridden for most of her life and worked with horses in many fields, as well as a spell as a rent collector – a job that involved a lot of cups of tea and cake with old ladies who didn’t believe in paying with Direct Debits. In what little spare time she gets from writing, she likes to knit and sew and has made clothes and toys for her grandchildren.
The Guinevere series:
  • The Dragon Ring
  • The Bear’s Heart
  • The Sword
  • Warrior Queen
  • The Quest for Excalibur
  • The Road to Avalon (to come)

Buy from series page on Amazon, or read from KU.

Fil’s links:

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The Dream of Macsen Wledig

Welcome to Fil Reid, guest author of today’s Footnotes on Friday. Thanks for being with us today, Fil.

Several times in my books I’ve had characters refer to The Dream of Macsen Wledig. This is a story that’s survived to today as one of the tales in The Mabinogion, stories compiled from earlier oral traditions in the 12th and 13th centuries. I thought it would be nice to infer that these were stories being recounted around the fireside in kings’ great halls only a hundred years after Prince Macsen’s own time.

Although he’s classed as a Celtic ‘hero’ he’s based on a real person – a Roman general born in Spain called Magnus Maximus, who served in Britain where he acquitted himself heroically and briefly became the Western Roman Emperor in AD383. Unfortunately, he led a lot of the forces defending Britain, including native British warriors, away to fight in Europe and was himself killed on the 8th of August AD388.

Those are the facts about him, but for some reason, the British tribes took him to heart and he became one of ‘theirs’ rather than a member of the occupying force. This was helped by his defeat of the rampaging Picts and Scots (the Irish) in the North in AD381. In a time when the British themselves were not able to defend themselves against invaders, Magnus Maximus did it for them, and they loved him for it.

And of course, he went off and had a tragic end that the bards could transpose into being both romantic and heroic. Thus was born The Dream of Macsen Wledig, which is how they came to refer to the man they thought of as Prince Macsen.

The content of the dream is as follows – the emperor of Rome (Macsen – already emperor unlike in reality) dreams one night of a lovely maiden in a faraway land and sends his men off to search for her. Eventually, they find her in a splendid castle in Wales, the daughter of a chieftain based at Segontium (Caernarvon) and lead the emperor to her. Everything is just as in his dream. The maiden is Elen and he marries her and, as she is a virgin, makes her father king of all Britain.

However, in Macsen’s absence, a new emperor seizes power and warns him not to return, and that Rome is his now. Macsen, being a hero etc, takes an army (in the dream strictly a Celtic army) and marches on Rome. He gets himself killed, and Elen receives the news on the road and promptly lies down and dies as every romantic heroine should on hearing of her loved one’s demise.

What’s interesting about Macsen is his presence in so many genealogies as a founding father: he crops up in the lists of the Fifteen Tribes of Wales, has a prominent place in the Welsh Triads, and he’s given as an ancestor of a Welsh king on a monument – the Pillar of Eliseg – 500 years after his own death. Luckily this inscription was recorded in 1696 by Edward Lluyd as nowadays it’s illegible. But it’s interesting not just for its mention of Maximus (in that spelling) but also for its mention of Britu, son of Guarthigirn (Vortigern) and Sevira (described as a daughter of Maximus presumably by Elen) having been blessed by Germanus (a saint who we know visited British shores in Rome’s fight against Pelagianism).

Of course, none of this is really relevant to how I use Maximus in my stories, but in the current book, Excalibur turns out to have belonged at one point to Maximus, and to have been returned to Britain after his final battle, when he knew he was about to die, and hidden until his true successor could discover it. That might be a small spoiler, but you’ll have to read the book to find out the complicated ins and outs of how it ends in Arthur’s hands.

Excerpt  (Merlin shows Gwen where the sword has come from)

The younger man reached for the sword with reluctance, his stubbly cheeks tear-stained, eyes anguished. Filthy fingers closed around the hilt. “My Lord, I will not rest until this sword lies in the hands of your wife.” His head bowed in supplication.

The dragon ring winked at me in the raw daylight, as the Emperor laid a hand on the young soldier’s bare, short-cropped head in benediction. Withdrawing his hand, the Emperor fumbled at the ring with awkward, bandaged fingers as the young man rose wearily to his feet, and slid the sword into the scabbard by his side.

The Emperor, his own cheeks wet with tears, held out the ring, gripped between finger and thumb. “Take this as well. It was my wife’s.”

It fell into the soldier’s open hand, and the young man turned it over, so the dragon rested uppermost on the filthy palm.

An overwhelming urge to reach out and snatch it washed over me, but the vision vanished. My eyes flicked open.

I was back on the wall-walk again, with Merlin still holding my hands and the dragon ring on my finger glinting in the afternoon sunlight.

My breath came hard and fast. “Was that sword Excalibur?”

“I don’t know, but I think so. This is the clearest I’ve seen him. All I can tell you is that every time I look, I see this sword gripped in that hand. That hand with that ring. This ring.” He indicated the ring on my hand. “And I believe that what I’m seeing, what I’ve just shown you, is Macsen’s defeat by the Emperor Theodosius. I think he knew execution awaited him and wanted to send his sword back to Britain. Perhaps it was a British-made sword – even linked to the Princess Elen, his wife.”

The Quest for Excalibur

Book Five of the award-winning historical romance series based on Arthurian legend.

Twelve years ago, 21st-century librarian Gwen decided to remain in the Dark Ages with the man she loves above all else – a man around whom endless well-known tales of legend and magic have been spun. King Arthur. Over the years, she’s carved a life for herself by her husband’s side, gently steering him in the direction she wants him to go, but always with an awareness that he’s a Dark Age king with a Dark Age view of the world.

Equipped with her prior knowledge of Arthurian legend, Gwen’s sole aim has long been to save her husband from the legendary fate she dreads hangs over him. But always, at the back of her mind, is the nagging doubt that whatever she does is already set in stone, and nothing she can do will change his future which is already her past.

Now, in book five of the Guinevere series, she’s all too aware that time is marching on, and that this fate might well be drawing closer to the man she gave up everything for.

Danger lurks in the most unexpected places, and long-hidden secrets threaten to rise to the surface. After a long, cold winter in their hilltop fortress, Gwen’s pleased to welcome traveling players to Din Cadan. But these players are hiding secrets of their own, and one of them has come with black deeds in mind. Gwen will have to fight harder than she’s ever done to save herself and thus her husband. And all evidence points to the hand of Morgana, Arthur’s wicked sister, manipulating everything from afar.

Throughout all of this, simmering in the background, is young Medraut, Arthur’s nephew. Unnoticed, despite still being only a boy, he’s been exerting his malignant influence over those around him, in particular, Gwen and Arthur’s son and heir. The wedge he succeeds in driving between Arthur and his son will carry forward into the cataclysmic events of the final book, The Road To Avalon.

But even Morgana can’t prevent Gwen discovering the truth behind the story of Excalibur and setting the legendary sword in her husband’s hands.

Read Free in Kindle Unlimited! https://www.amazon.com/Quest-Excalibur-Guinevere-Book-ebook/dp/B0CF6RN38F/

 

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Spotlight on Because of You

Because of You by Cerise DeLand

Book 2 in Matrimony

Love does not advertise. Love is not proud.
But when a young woman has nothing left but pride, she places an ad and hopes for a husband to treasure.
Miss ‘Daisy’ Molyneaux is desperate. All her family is dead. Her home in Normandy, attacked by mobs. Now that the little general has abdicated, she has a chance to gain back her lands. But she needs a husband who will help her regain her rights. So she pays to post an advert for a husband.
When the man who answers is not one she could ever love, but his nephew could be, can she accept his proposal?
Garrick Ruxton appears to her like a golden-haired hero, a handsome creature who saves her from an imperfect marriage. Garrick vows to accompany Daisy to France and, in the bargain, solve his own problem. His shipments, meant for British forces on the Continent, constantly go missing. He knows not who or how or why the thieves steal his goods. Worse, someone has attempted to kill his uncle. Daisy, too.
Garrick must find all those guilty before he is accused of treason. Before Daisy loses all hope of regaining her rights. And before they both lose the one chance they have to find happiness together.
BUY LINK:
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Spotlight on A Fairweather Friend

A Fair-Weather Friend

An enemies-to-lovers sweet historical romance

Book 2: Summer (A Year in Cherrybrook)

Is the wrong brother the right man?

Marian Lyle, the vicar’s daughter, has a talent for sewing and a memory for details. Give her something to memorise or sew, and she’s sharp as a pin. But when it comes to understanding men.… She’s hopeless!

Marian’s ready heart tells her that newcomer Jonas Talbot is more than a fair-weather friend, he might be the man she can say “yes” to. But just when Marian is expecting a marriage proposal, Jonas disappears from Cherrybrook unannounced, leaving her hurt and confused.

When Jonas’s curmudgeonly brother John arrives to discover his brother’s whereabouts, he finds that Jonas has apparently won the affections of naive Miss Lyle. Well and good, for if Jonas marries her, it might save the Talbot family from another scandal it can ill afford. But soon John begins to doubt the wisdom of insisting upon the match for Marian’s sake…. and maybe even his own.

When threads are untangled and truths are told, which brother is the right brother, and what will come of summer love?

Excerpt

… a stranger stood before them with all the friendliness of an executioner awaiting his next job. The sunlight was pouring in through a window behind the man and she could not make out his features at all, only that he was stocky and stood with his arms crossed menacingly.

“Which of you is Miss Lyle?” he barked.

From behind the looming silhouette, Marian was relieved to hear Mr. Jennings’ solicitous voice, “Miss Lyle, Esther, do come in! Mr. Talbot, step aside.”

Marian’s hand flew to her mouth and she stifled a gasp. Esther grabbed at her arm painfully.

The uncongenial human door block stepped aside, and the ladies pressed into the room giving him ample berth, their eyes wide.

While Mr. Jennings was hurrying from his cluttered desk with his hand extended in welcome, the door closed behind them with a shocking slam.

Mr. Jennings did his best to make them comfortable in two soft chairs that were in the corner of the paneled room, and only after Marian concluded that Esther looked none the worse for the shock, did she dare to study the stranger who no longer appeared as a frightening dark shape against the sunlight.

This Mr. Talbot was nothing like the Mr. Talbot she knew.

Meet Charlotte Brothers

Delighted to add story-crafting to her life adventures, Charlotte is fortunate to have experienced many rather ordinary, wonderful things like mothering, wife-ing (should be a verb), reading, traveling, and gardening as well as an extraordinary art education which carried her and her family to Italy for a couple of years.

As life got busier she took a hiatus from fiction in favor of lots and lots of art books. Fortunately, that all changed one particularly dreary January day when her husband brought home a genre romance novel to cheer her up.

She began reading stories again (funny how one can find the time), and soon discovered a desire to write her own.

Her books have been described as having “light, flowing prose” with “well-developed characters” who often engage in “witty” dialogue. She would never claim to have the mastery of Austen, Heyer or L. M. Montgomery, but those beloved authors are her guiding lights.

Website: www.charlottebrothersauthor.com

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/charlotte-brothers

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomcharlottebrothers

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Spotlight on Before I Found You

I have followed Miranda de Courtenay’s quest for a title since she first appeared in her sister Grace’s story, in the Bluestocking Belles collection Holly & Hopeful Hearts. I wondered how Sherry Ewing was going to redeem her, for she was, beyond question, a brat. But Sherry did it, in this lovely story, where Miranda at last faces the reality that she has been seeking the wrong goal. I adore the man who taught her to want more, and I love the woman Miranda becomes. Read this book!

Before I Found You

A de Courtenay Novella (Book Three)

By Sherry Ewing

Miss Miranda de Courtenay has only one goal in life: to find a rich husband who can change her status from Miss to My Lady. But when a handsome stranger crosses her path at a Valentine’s Day ball, her obsession with titles dims. Might love be enough?

Captain Jasper Rousseau has no plans to become infatuated during a chance encounter at a ball. He has a new ship to run, passengers to book, and cargo to deliver. But one look into a young lady’s beautiful hazel eyes, and he becomes lost. Does love at first sight really exist?

Their paths continue to cross until they are both stranded in Fenwick on Sea. Their growing connection is hard to dismiss, despite Miranda’s childish quest for a title at all cost. But what if the cost includes love?

Released on 21 April. Preorder now through Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/4XDrva

Excerpt

She was not sure what to expect. Being outside alone with a man she did not know was a bold move. If she needed reinforcements, she could easily call out for help, but that would hardly do her reputation any good. It had barely recovered from her last scheme. Society’s memory was short, remembering scandals only until something new came along for them to gossip about—or until something happened to remind them. She couldn’t afford to give them new fodder to chew on.

She could not resist. Miranda took the remaining few steps until she stood next to him, and he rose to his full height, his hair tousled by the evening breeze. She suppressed the urge to push back the lock of hair across his brow that refused to stay in place. Oh my, but the man was tall!

Miranda did not even realize she offered him her hand until he leaned down and kissed the air between her knuckles. His fingers were warm even through the silk of her gloves. How would they feel if her hand was bare? Good heavens! What was coming over her?

“Mademoiselle,” he whispered in a husky French accent, causing goose bumps to rise on her arms. His voice was utterly divine!

“Miranda,” she said offering only her first name. It was hardly appropriate, but she did not wish to see his disinterest when he learned she was a “Miss” and not a “Lady”.

Although it might not matter. Many gentlemen present this evening were on the lookout for a well-dowered heiress to enrich their estate. The man before her could be one of them. Even though she could not attach “lady” to her name, she was still wealthy in her own right… or would be when she finally wed.

Love had nothing to do with what really mattered in life—marriage to a husband within the nobility, one with enough wealth to keep her and her children in luxury. Not for her a boring life as a country matron, with nothing to do or to talk about beyond counting sheets and breeding children. She wanted a glittering life as a Society hostess! It would be an adventure. Or so she had always thought, and she would not allow her heart to rule her head.

She bit her bottom lip before she realized she had done so. The man before her could not know it was an automatic reaction when she was worried. She watched his brow arch in surprise before a grin turned up at the corner of his lips.

“Jasper,” he finally replied in return, examining her reaction to his touch. “The evening has become brighter now that you have joined me for a breath of fresh air. Look how the stars above beam in approval that they may gaze down upon you.”

Miranda’s lips twitched at the compliment. Very nice, though she sensed that he used this phrase often. She realized he still held her fingertips and she reluctantly pulled them away before waving her hand towards the crowd inside.

About 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. You can learn more about Sherry and her books on her website where a new adventure awaits you on every page!

 

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by

Spotlight on Lady in the Grove

Lady in the Grove

By Jane Charles

When Orion Drakos was told that not only was a mysterious lady in the grove, but that she lived there, he knew that he must investigate, even though she was likely the imagination of a child. After all, Nightshade Manor had been in his family for generations so certainly he would know if someone was living there. What he learns, however, is that the lady isn’t the only secret that had been kept from him.

Lady Nina Jourdain has lived in the Sacred Grove of Nightshade Manor for most of her life. For the most part she had been content. She also could not leave.

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Excerpt:

On the steps near the water, with sunlight cast upon her from a break in the trees, a redhaired young woman sat reading. A rich emerald skirt of silk or satin fell about her, as well as an underskirt of orange. A scarf of deep blue wound around her neck and trailed down her back. Not only were her shoulders bare, but so was the foot that stuck out from beneath her skirts. And if Orion wasn’t mistaken, the garment covering her breasts and abdomen was a corset of cream and gold.

He blinked and wondered if he was the one with the vivid imagination.

Consumed with curiosity, Orion was nearly pulled toward the temple and the woman within when his boot snapped a twig in his quest.

The young woman’s head jerked up and he sucked in a breath. The vision, sitting on the step of the folly was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Red hair curled about her shoulders, light eyes stared at him, full, pink lips parted in shock as her perfectly rounded cheeks lost all color.

Slowly she closed her book, set it aside and stood.

“Why are you here?”

“Nephele mentioned the lady and I thought to meet her myself,” Orion answered as he drew closer.

The woman shifted her eyes to Nephele and offered a stern glare, but Orion was mesmerized by her. He had thought her eyes were blue given they were light in color, but they were grey, and growing stormier by the moment.

Nephele glanced down. “I know you were to be a secret. I am sorry.”

“Why must you remain a secret?” Orion asked.

The woman speared him with her pewter eyes. “It is best if I am. Now please, go away.”

“Not until I know your name.”

Her grey eyes shifted, taking in the top of his head down to his Hessians before meeting his eyes once again. “Is it so important?”

“It is to me.”

“If I give you my name, will you go away?”

Orion didn’t want to tell her yes. He had too many other questions.

“No.”

“Then I shall go.”

She bent, picked up her book and turned. Her back straightened and her chin lifted as she crossed to the opposite side of the folly. Orion hurried forward, hoping to catch the lady before she disappeared.

“Wait,” he called.

She paused and glanced over her shoulder, grey eyes narrowed, a thin auburn eyebrow arched.

“Where did you come from?” Orion asked.

“Good day.” The woman then hurried down the steps and away from him.

Orion rushed up the steps nearest him, but by the time he reached the other side of the folly and the worn path he assumed she had taken, the lady had already disappeared. He would have still pursued her if the path hadn’t then branched off in two separate directions. With no idea which way to go, Orion slowly returned to the folly with the weight of disappointment accompanying him.

Meet Jane Charles

USA Today Bestselling Author Jane Charles lives in the Midwest with her former marine, police officer husband. As a child she would more likely be found outside with a baseball than a book in her hand, until one day, out of boredom on a long road trip, she borrowed her sister’s romance novel and fell in love. Her life is filled with three amazing children, two dogs, two cats, community theatre, and traveling whenever possible. Jane may have begun her career writing romances set in the Regency era, but blames being a Gemini as to why she’s equally pulled toward writing Contemporary/New Adult as well as Historical romances.

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