Happy Easter

 

Wherever you are and whatever you do this Easter holiday, 

I hope you have a wonderful time with loved ones and friends.

Language: Regency Style

While the weather is so unpredictable, it is a good time to settle down with a good book. Whether you are a reader or a writer, here are a few of my latest Language: Regency Style posts. You can find the rest by clicking on my  Writer's Tool Kit  here on my blog and on Pinterest at:  Milly Jane's Writer's Tool kit   

Don't forget to check out my Regency romances on Amazon too.

You can find my books at my Amazon Author Pages:

Milly Jane Maven US 

Milly Jane Maven UK 

Milly Jane Maven CAN  

Milly Jane Maven AUS

It was common for a Regency gentleman to be referred to as 'Foxed' 

or 'In his cups' if he was drunk or tipsy. 

Something we often refer to in our Regency rakes.

Many of us who love to read these days, may have fallen into the category of 

bluestocking in Regency England. Though books would have been enormously expensive, 

you would have needed to find a lending library.

The cut direct was a very public and purposeful way of humiliating someone

 in Regency England, usually by simply turning away.

Hello and Welcome

Hello! I had to take a little break from writing for a while, but I've decided to return by putting all my books back into Kindle Unlimited, so perhaps anyone who hasn't read my books yet would like to give them a try. I will be writing again and publishing soon, but in the meantime, whether you just love the Regency genre, or you are a fellow writer, I've decided to add a few more posts to my writers tool kit that I hope you will enjoy. 

Did you know that reading aloud is quite good for you? It helps you to retain information as you're hearing as well as seeing the words. So if you have a tough day writing, start by reading aloud a favorite chapter, or simply one of the word lists in my writers tool kit, it might help you to decide exactly what color hair, eyes, temperament etc; to give your characters, and to get those creative juices flowing.

I'm also begining a series of small snippets of Regency Language, they would make great little posts to stick on your notice board, so whether you like a long list, or a short little nugget of information, you'll find them right here on my blog for free.

You can find my Tool Kit posts here on my blog at:  Writer's Tool Kit and on Pinterest at:  Milly Jane's Writer's Tool kit  

You can find my books here at my Amazon Author Pages:

Milly Jane Maven US   Milly Jane Maven UK   Milly Jane Maven CAN   Milly Jane Maven AUS

Here is my latest list:

A couple of examples from my new series of small snippets of Language: Regency Style posts

You can find the rest of my Tool Kit posts here on my blog at:  Writer's Tool Kit and on Pinterest at:  Milly Jane's Writer's Tool kit  

First Chapter

Below I've posted the description and first chapter from my lighthearted Regency romance, The Curious Curate and the Opera Singer. This is book 4 in my Seductive Regency Romance Series, but can be read as a standalone.

The Curious Curate

(and the Opera Singer)

Book Description

 

When is a curate not a curate? When he is a dashing rogue sent to assist his Reverend uncle as penance for his unruly behavior.

When the Marquess of Tyden learned of his youngest son, Lord Aiden Renford’s, roguish behavior in Town—duels, fist fights, and gambling—he knew there was only one solution for it. To send him to his uncle for a year. Under the Reverend Matthew Renford’s gentle guidance, Aiden would learn humility and to behave like a gentleman. The penalty if he refused? He would be cut off, not only from his funds, but from his family and all access to the family’s estates.

While the locals are happy to embrace the new temporary curate and welcome him into their homes, Aiden soon discovers that although he is counting the days until he regains his freedom, a year in Harelton is not such a bad bargain, especially when an unexpected guest arrives at the vicarage only a week before he is free to leave.

Miss Amelie Rouen is an opera singer, something many Londoners unfortunately appeared to equate with being a Cyprian. While being pursued by an ardent admirer, she takes refuge at the Harelton Parish Vicarage, and finds herself in the care of an unusual curate with twinkling eyes and a mischievous sense of humor, who looks like he belongs anywhere but there.

Please note that this is a steamy love story

 

Chapter One

 

Aiden Renford walked into the small Harelton village church of St. Augustine’s, and looked around. He breathed a sigh of relief, looking up into the eaves at the ancient wooden beams stretching across the aisle, the gilded domed ceiling, the colorful stained-glass windows and exquisitely embroidered altar cloths. Beneath his feet on the ancient stones were inscribed the names of many of the ancestors of local families who had resided here many generations ago, the church was centuries old. It had all become so very familiar to him now.

Was it only one year ago when his father, the Marquess of Tyden, had arrived at his townhouse in London with two of the Tyden estate’s burliest footmen? At his father’s direction the two men had thrown him into a chair, pinning him there and forcing him to sit still and listen. No matter how hard he fought, he’d soon realized he wasn’t leaving that room without hearing his father out. So finally, though infuriated he had succumbed, intending to leave the moment that he was released.

It was all still so vividly clear to him, his complete and utter fury at being manhandled, and eventually being given an ultimatum that he’d deemed absolutely horrific at the time—join his uncle, the Reverend Matthew Renford, as a curate for a year, or he would be cut off from the family, his inheritance, his allowance and all access to the family estates.

Reluctantly, even though incensed, he’d understood his father’s annoyance with his recent behavior. He’d been in a scuffle or two after imbibing a little too freely at his club, fought three duels, and had racked up a few gambling debts. But what his father hadn’t known, was that he had won a considerable fortune on the last game, which he had since invested, and therefore would not need his father’s funds.

The only reason he had initially agreed to his father’s insane request that he become a temporary and yet unofficial curate to his uncle, had been to give his father time to calm down and see reason. But that hadn’t happened. He had in fact, been bundled into a carriage and delivered to his uncle’s door the following day by his own groom and valet, who had been instructed to report to his father when their task was completed. They would be employed at the Tyden estate until his year was up when he could resume his normal life. He was expected to fend for himself during that year, without the benefit of personal servants, other than the delightful Mrs. Comfrey, the cook sent down from the Tyden estate to keep house for him and his uncle.

Hearing the creak of the heavy oak and iron studded door, Aiden turned as the door swung open and daylight flooded the small church.

“Collins!” He hurried forward to greet his valet, reaching out with both hands to grasp the older man’s work worn hands between his own. Collins looked a little surprised, not only at the effusive greeting, but at seeing his employer dressed as a conservative curate all in black and looking quite the part.

“Sir?”

Aiden looked down at his attire and threw back his head and laughed. “You think it suits me, Collins?”

“Black always did favor your complexion, sir!” Collins answered dryly.

Aiden slapped him on the back. “You are here with a message?”

“Yes, sir. Your father, his lordship, has sent me to inform you that you have only one week left of your…um…stay in Harelton Village, and you may now instruct your staff to open up your London townhouse in readiness for your return a week from today…unless…”

“Unless?” Aiden waited, clenching his hands at his sides, hoping the hesitation and the blush staining Collins’ cheeks did not have foreboding consequences for him, involving new rules and requirements. Much to everyone surprise, including his own, he had fulfilled everything his father had asked of him.

“Unless you have found your calling and wish to stay, sir!” Collins finished.

“Stay?” Aiden’s eyes grew wide and he sat down hard in the nearest pew. Collins’ lips were twitching as he tried hard not to grin. “No, Collins, I think not, though I have to admit it has not been quite the unpleasant experience I had expected.”

“Due to Mrs. Comfrey, sir?” Collins asked with a quirk of one of his thick black eyebrows.

“Indeed, Collins. A very welcome and most unexpected concession from my father.” Mrs. Comfrey had been the long time cook at the Tyden estate since he was a small boy. His father had sent her to work as cook/housekeeper at the vicarage during his stay. And although he knew she was there to keep an eye on him—having been sworn to secrecy about the true reason for his stay, as was his uncle—she was a motherly and comforting sort, who had always welcomed him to the kitchen as a child with hugs and a smile.

“We have all missed her cooking at Tyden Hall, sir.”

“I don’t doubt it! In fact, I am certain it is about lunch time, Collins, shall we?” Aiden rose and swept his arm to the open door.

Collins grinned. “There’s no chance we could take her back with us to your London townhouse, is there, sir?” Collins asked hopefully.

“Sadly, no, she has been instructed she must return to Tyden Hall. However, I will leave it to you to engage a decent cook for us, you have good taste and as much a desire for a decent meal as I do myself.”

“Will do, sir!” Collins grinned.

“And the rest of the staff, Collins? Are they still in place?”

“Just the skeleton staff as requested, sir. With a new housekeeper and cook, you will be set. Gibbins will arrive with your mount tomorrow morning…”

“A week early, too?”

“Another small concession from your father, the marquess, sir.”

His father had refused to allow him to take his Thoroughbred, Nero, to Harelton with him, informing him that a simple curate would not own such a horse and therefore he would have to either walk or use his uncle’s cart and horses.

He’d missed Nero, but he knew that Gibbins would have taken good care of him. A race through the open countryside, leaping the low stone walls and hedgerows on Nero’s competent back sounded like pure bliss to him now. A year of abstinence had been grueling. And it wasn’t the only thing he’d been forced to abstain from. He’d also had no choice but to remain celibate for a year. The new curate could hardly be seen visiting local taverns or keeping company with a mistress. Not that he had a mistress! He sighed, getting back to his normal life would be seventh heaven.

Mrs. Comfrey greeted Collins like a long-lost son, making the pair of them smile. She was a slightly rotund, rosy-cheeked, middle-aged woman who loved to cook. She wasn’t shy about bossing them about in her kitchen either. It was her domain and she ensured everyone knew it. They laughed when she shooed them out to wash their hands before she served them lunch. The relaxed environment of the vicarage was one of the unexpected perks of his year-long banishment. His uncle was an affable and well-read man who could converse on any subject, so the long winters’ nights had been spent in comfortable conversation. He cringed when he thought how foreign that idea would have been to him a little over a year ago. Should he tell his father he’d been right, at least about some of it?

Many other evenings had been spent visiting the parishioners, and he’d been gratified by their easy acceptance of him. Most had no knowledge of his life before he came to Harelton. He’d found himself helping with organizing parish events, but for the most part, he’d volunteered to assist when actual physical labor was required, when a husband was injured and his wife could not do the manual labor, or a roof needed repair, anything that helped to keep him in shape as he no longer had a horse to ride, or Gentleman Jackson’s Bond St. boxing saloon to attend.

He’d even organized a small archery group. There had been numerous village fetes, and musicales at local manor houses, not to mention a few local girls who had frequently thrown themselves into his path. But he had easily resisted. Being leg-shackled to a local girl for the rest of his life held no appeal, and he’d done his best to ensure he did not allow himself to be placed in a difficult position where he felt honor bound to offer. But most of the villagers were easy-going and welcoming, happy to take whatever he was willing to give without pressing for anything more of him, but then, he was only the curate.

He’d developed an interest in one local woman, Verity Sommerville, of Harelton Grange, when he’d first arrived, she was cheerful, pretty, and a total bookworm with an impressive library, but she had recently married. Her future husband had given him a few warning looks when they had first met. At first he’d thought he may have been recognized from some of his more nefarious London pursuits, but no, it turned out the man had merely been jealous. Though from all he heard, Viscount Allum had been about as pleased to be forced into an arranged marriage in Harelton, as he himself had been when he’d initially been compelled to come here. Though on meeting Verity, Allum’s opinion had quickly changed. The oddly matched pair had pretty much fallen for each other from the moment they’d met. His uncle had performed the wedding ceremony for the beaming pair only days after the man had arrived.

Aiden had assisted his uncle in organizing many wedding ceremonies, though he had no right to officiate, that was purely his uncle’s domain. Marriage was not something he currently wanted to contemplate. He would have his freedom back in a week, and he intended to make the most of it.

Mrs. Comfrey nudged him. “Day dreaming, Mr. Renford?” she teased. “The gates of freedom will be open in a week. What do you plan to do first? Or should I not ask? My ears are delicate, as you know!”

Collins almost choked on his food. Mrs. Comfrey was a lovely woman but perfectly capable of delivering a blistering set-down when it was required. She’d had three husbands and four children, it was doubtful anything would shock her.

“I plan to do all the things you are no doubt imagining I will do,” he told her with a grin.

Mrs. Comfrey crooked an eyebrow and turned to Collins, “Do not enable his bad behavior! I’ve no wish to spend another year out here at the vicarage, pleasant as it has been!”

“Have no fear, Mrs. Comfrey, if my father should ‘suggest’ it again, I will forcefully decline,” Aiden told her wryly.

She grunted as she took their empty plates from the table and pulled a large pot from the boil, carefully lifting out a covered dish. “You made steamed pudding?” Collins’ eyes were round with hope.

“Indeed I did.”

“My favorite!” Aiden grinned.

“Mine too,” Collins agreed.

She scooped the sticky pudding into bowls and topped it with steaming custard, the pair dug in hungrily.

“I would follow you up north for this, Mrs. Comfrey,” Aiden admitted. “Unless I can persuade you to come to work for me in London?”

“Stealing your father’s favorite cook might not be the best start to your upcoming freedom!” she cautioned with a grin.

“You are worth the risk!” he teased.

“You need a wife.”

“One who can cook? Unlikely in the beau monde.”

“Then look elsewhere,” she advised. “Surely your year here has opened your eyes to other types of women?”

“True, an heiress is not the only option.” One of the benefits this year had brought was the numerous invitations to dine with local families and experience some truly magnificent but simple fare. And as a third son, his choices in a bride were a little less restricting than those of his older brothers. He was unlikely to ever inherit the Marquisate.

The clatter of galloping hoof beats in the stable yard had Aiden leaping to his feet. “Nero!” he exclaimed with a grin. “He’s a day early!” But it was not Gibbins and Nero that flew past the window, but a white horse bearing a rider in a flowing red habit.

“Unless Nero has changed color and Gibbins is wearing a red riding habit…you have an unexpected guest!” Mrs. Comfrey said with a grin, her arms up to the elbows in flour.

Collins and Aiden exchanged a quick glance, and as one they dashed for the door.

To continue reading please click the links below to Amazon:

The Curious Curate and the Opera Singer

 US   UK   CA   AUS  

Or find The Seductive Regency Romance Collection: Books 1-6 here:

Amazon:  UK     USA    AUS    CAN   

Ways to Describe Your More Querulous and Irksome Characters

 

Here is my latest addition to my writer's tool kit. Even a hero or heroine can get a little grumpy at times, until true love intervenes, that is! As always feel free to download and use it.

 You can find the rest of my Tool Kit posts here on my blog at:  Writer's Tool Kit and on Pinterest at:  Milly Jane's Writer's Tool kit  

The Third Dance

 Life in Regency England had a very strict set of rules if you were a virginal young woman from a wealthy family. Your hopes of making a good marriage could be compromised in so many ways. And far too many of them could occur accidentally if you didn't know the rules. A stolen kiss in a secluded garden is something we would consider not just fun, but quite tame today, but two hundred years ago, if caught, it would most likely have been your undoing. You would have been forced into matrimony with whoever your co-conspirator was, or returned to your country home in disgrace if he chose not to marry you, and likely you would have been considered fast, ostracized, and remained a spinster for the rest of your days.

Dancing with the same gentleman more than twice was one of these many rules, a third dance would most likely require a declaration of intent to marry. That is the premise behind this novella. It is a fun and playful story, filled with mischief, sensuality, and the oh so controversial Third Dance.

The Third Dance

Rex Rosslare, the Duke of Remstone, is back in England, it’s not his favorite place, but duty calls. He’s a self-sufficient adventurer who has spent more than a decade travelling the world and has learned a task or two most dukes would never contemplate undertaking themselves. So when his horse casts a shoe and the blacksmith is somewhat ‘indisposed’, he takes on the challenge himself; his prize Thoroughbred is more friend than mount and he wants to assure his well-being. But while rendering the new shoe in the blacksmith’s stead, he meets Lady Caprice, a capricious young woman whose horse has also cast a shoe. Caprice, he’ll never think of her as anything else! 

Young Lady Caprice is enjoying one last afternoon of freedom before going to London to begin her Season, in a compromise with her grandmother she informs him, she has agreed to attend just the Little Season. She is a year or two older than the typical debutante, and a whole lot more worldly-wise. She rides astride without a groom in tow, carries a small flask of brandy on her hip. And is not remotely cowed by meeting him—an unknown man complete with scars and an eye patch—wielding the heavy tools in the blacksmith’s place. He agrees to shoe her horse for her, but in return he requests one small thing—a kiss—and he is instantly aware that the kiss is her first.

Unfortunately, she is leaving for London the following day. So obviously he must follow. Daggert, his manservant/friend and helper is highly amused by the way Lady Caprice is able to twist his jaded employer around her little finger. But then Daggert has never seen the man fall in love before.

Only days into his sojourn in London, Caprice is tying Rex in knots. And Daggert can’t wait to see what will happen next. The girl doesn’t even bat an eyelid when Rex, who is known for his infamous temper, roars like a baited lion when she attempts to sneak into his home via the garden trellis.

But the question is, when Caprice asks Rex for the one thing a debutante would never dare risk, a third dance with the same man, almost the ton’s equivalent of a public declaration, will he comply? Has he met his match? Or does the thrill of travel and adventure call once more?

In the US Find The Third Dance here

In the UK Find The Third Dance here

In Canada Find The Third Dance here

In Australia Find The Third Dance here

Pen Name/Pseudonym/Nom de Plume

 I thought you might find these little facts about pen names interesting.

 

Pseudonym/Nom de Plume/Pen Name

The three Bronte sisters began writing in an age (Victorian) when women writers were not taken seriously. In order to be judged on their work alone, they published as Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell.

Each keeping their own initials.

Currer Bell—Charlotte Bronte

Ellis Bell—Emily Bronte

Acton Bell—Anne Bronte

It is thought that they took idea for the name Bell from a curate named Mr Bell-Nicholls who had come to Haworth to work for their father. Later, he married Charlotte, so Bell did indeed become part of her name.  

Also:

Instead of a pseudonym, Jane Austen merely stated 'By a Lady' on the cover of her novels. Though eventually she became well known by her own name. So much so, that the Prince Regent (Prinny) invited her to dedicate her novel Emma to him.

Hot, Spicy, and Funny!

In honor of Valentine's Day I am reintroducing you to my very spicy book An Aspiring Courtesan, it  documents the rise of a young woman hell bent on becoming a high class courtesan and the man who simply cannot let her go.

An Aspiring Courtesan

Olivia Everton—Livvy, wants to be a courtesan. She has a naturally sensual nature and a good idea of what the position entails, thanks to a little verbal tutoring from her aunt who was once a courtesan herself. The only problem is, she has absolutely no experience, at least… not yet.

Livvy’s older cousin Alina, has been head housemaid to Derek Hansford, the Earl of Devensley, for more than ten years. He is a kind man, the job is secure and comfortable, and he has a delicious friend in Dalton Bayworth, the Duke of Borden, who has been Alina’s occasional lover on his many visits to Devensley Castle for years.

The only problem with this arrangement is that Alina has now determined to marry George, the head footman, so her dalliance with the delightful duke must come to an end. And Livvy’s can begin, that is, if the sensual rogue is willing to take on and train a young and willing virgin as his lover. And to assist her on her path to becoming a high class courtesan.

The duke agrees to allow Livvy to spend the week with him during his stay at Devensley Castle, while he dodges the matchmaking machinations of two visiting families, and soon finds himself entranced with the naturally sensual beauty and her eagerness to learn.

Livvy’s impact stretches to his best friend the earl, and a curious young debutante in this playfully sensual and erotic tale. (This book contains two love stories in one.)

In the US Find An Aspiring Courtesan here 

In the UK Find An Aspiring Courtesan here

In Canada Find An Aspiring Courtesan here 

In Australia Find An Aspiring Courtesan here

Passion

 Passion can be both physical and emotional, be sure when describing your characters to give them emotional as well as physical passion for one another. 

You want them to have passion in their hearts as well as between the sheets.

Here is my latest addition to my writer's tool kit, it seemed approriate as it is almost Valentine's day!  As always feel free to download and use it.

 You can find the rest of my Tool Kit posts here on my blog at:  Writer's Tool Kit and on Pinterest at:  Milly Jane's Writer's Tool kit  

How to Describe a Look

 If you're searching for the right word to add a little pizzazz to the description of a certain look for one of your characters, here is my latest addition to my writer's tool kit. As always feel free to download and use it.

 You can find the rest of my Tool Kit posts here on my blog at:  Writer's Tool Kit and on Pinterest at:  Milly Jane's Writer's Tool kit  

The Latest Addition to My Writers Tool KIt

Writers, do you ever feel stuck for just the right word to describe your heroine?  Below you will find the latest additions to my writer's tool kit.  Two lists of Ways to Describe Your Regency Heroine. As always, feel free to download and use them.

 You can find the rest of my Tool Kit posts here on my blog at:  Writer's Tool Kit and on Pinterest at:  Milly Jane's Writer's Tool kit  

My Box Set

All six of my Seductive Regency Romances are now available as a collection. You'll find handsome heroes and headstrong heroines, arranged marriages and love matches. A large wolfhound named Rufus, a cat named Artemis. Balls, secret passages, snowball fights, a frost fair, caverns and much more.

Find The Seductive Regency Romance Collection: Books 1-6 here:

Amazon  UK     USA    AUS    CAN

The Clothes Hanger Didn't Exist During the Regency

 

The Clothes Hanger

It’s easy to forget when we have been so used to seeing the simple clothes hanger in our wardrobes each day, that they haven’t always been there. And it is essential to remember if you are writing a Regency novel not to write them into your manuscript. Clothes were most often stored folded in drawers in an armoire, placed on a shelf, or hung on a hook or peg. 

Clothes hangers didn’t exist during the Regency.

There is some dispute about who actually invented the first wooden clothes hanger, but what is clear is that it didn’t appear until around 1869. Some attribute it to a man named O.A. North in Connecticut, and some to the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson who was himself an inventor.

In later years, the hanger would evolve to suit the needs of fashion. Victorians made great use of clothes hangers for their increasingly complicated attire, bustles, petticoats etc., and there were hundreds of patents submitted for variations of the hanger in the early 1900s. It is said the first wire hanger was created by Albert J. Parkhouse who worked for a novelty company in Jackson, Mississippi in 1903, and the first molded plastic hanger was created in 1967 by J.H. Batts.

So, if you're planning to have your Regency heroine hide in a wardrobe, closet, or armoire, it might be more plausible to have her hiding in the dressing room.

Word to Describe Tone of Voice

 

Here is the latest addition to my writer's tool kit. Words to Describe Tone of Voice. How it is said, can be  as important as what is said. Please feel free to download and use it.

The rest of my tool kit can be found here on my blog by clicking the link at the top of the page (on the right) or here at:  Writer's Tool Kit and on Pinterest at:  Milly Jane's Writer's Tool kit  

Ways to Describe Your Wealthy Historical Character's Home

 

Here is the latest addition to my Writer's Tool Kit, Ways to Describe Your Wealthy Historical Character's Home. Please feel free to download it.

The rest of my tool kit can be found here on my blog by clicking the link at the top of the page (on the right) or here at:  Writer's Tool Kit and on Pinterest at:  Milly Jane's Writer's Tool kit  

Favorite Moments from My Books

 I thought I would begin posting a few favorite moments from my books. It's not always easy to get a real feel for a book merely from a blurb, so I will be posting a series of short scenes or 'moments' from my novels that I am particularly fond of.

This is a moment from The Curious Curate and the Opera Singer when Amelie and Aiden first meet. She is being pursued by an ardent admirer and has taken refuge in a stable: 

The sound of the main stable door creaking open secured her attention. Quickly grasping her whip firmly in her hand she ducked down behind the closed half-door to Calliope’s stall out of view. If that odious man had followed her here after all…

“Hello?” a masculine voice called.

“Go away, I have no intention of becoming your mistress!” she called out.

A cultured and slightly amused voice answered her. “Indeed, madam! I am not currently seeking one!”

With her whip held aloft in readiness, Amelie popped her head above the half-door to see who the man was and gasped in mortification. A vicar.

The Curious Curate and the Opera Singer

 US   UK   CA   AUS  

Interesting Quote by Lord Byron

 

A cheeky sort of quote from the infamous Lord Byron who was, as many know, considered "Mad, bad, and dangerous to know,". However, it does appear he had a sense of humor. "All tragedies are finished by a death, all comedies are ended by a marriage."  

Often as Regency romance writers, we love to feature Byron in our books. While Byron doesn't actually apear in my book The Curious Curate and the Opera Singer, one of his poems does, along with many references to his notorious reputation.

In The Curious Curate and the Opera Singer when Amelie (my heroine) discovers more about Aiden (my hero) she compares the two, after all, Aiden has only been sent to act as a temporary curate to his uncle for a year due to his own bad behavior. Amelie teasingly refers to each of them as a scapegrace. 

Despite his notoriety, Byron was a very talented writer and I discovered a poem while writing this novel that I fell in love with and gave a very special place in my book. (Aiden quotes the poem in my book)

It is called, She Walks in Beauty

She Walks in Beauty

She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!

George Gordon Byron was born in London1788 and died in Greece in 1824.

I have been lucky enough to visit his ancestral home Newstead Abbey, and you can find my photographs of that visit here. Or simply look to the right under pages and click on Pictures of Newstead Abbey.

The Latest Addition to My Writer's Tool kit

 

Here is the latest addition to my writer's tool kit: Happy and Cheerful Ways to Describe Your Characters. If, like me, you love to read or write about characters with loads of humor, then this is the list for you. The rest of my tool kit can be found here on my blog by clicking the link at the top of the page or here at:  Writer's Tool Kit and on Pinterest at:  Milly Jane's Writer's Tool kit  

What is a Gentleman?

 

I found this quote quite interesting. The definition of a gentleman can vary greatly depending upon your opinion and the era you have in mind. But the definition of a wolf never changes.

A wolf is: A caring highly intelligent animal, very playful and devoted to his family/pack and ferocious in their defence when necessary.

No quite what you were expecting? I will be posting lots more quotes in the coming days. Have an opinion? Feel free to share it below!

While away a couple of hours in the pages of a book this weekend.

 

While away a couple of hours in the pages of a book this weekend. Enter another world, where nothing is quite as it first appears.

A little trouble, a little laughter, love, and a whole lot of sensuality feature in this Regency romance, In Devlin’s Arms.

Devlin Rochdene, the fourth Earl of Cariston, is at his wits’ end. He has been backed into a corner by Lady Clarissa Dravenbrook—a young woman he was caught in a compromising position with—a situation she orchestrated. Now she is insisting that he announce their engagement in The Scottish Daily Times the next day, or she will destroy not only his good name but his reputation in the shipping business.

He is only one voyage away from solvency, so now, faced with losing either his financial freedom or his personal freedom, he must make a choice. But just when he thinks things can’t get any worse, in walks his young neighbor Lady Chantal Havonford—Tally, with a dueling pistol, demanding his assistance with a problem of her own.

Can he solve one problem with another? As he is leaving on his ship the next day he has to act quickly. If he marries Tally, Clarissa will be thwarted, but will that be the end of it? Or is it just the beginning? And is the feisty Clarissa all that she seems? That lies with his best friend Vincent Harper, Viscount Braden, to discover. (This book contains two love stories in one.)

In the US Find In Devlin's Arms here 

In the UK Find In Devlin's Arms here

In Australia Find In Devlin's Arms here 

In Canada Find In Devlin's Arms here

Favorite Quotes

 

I love this quote from Jane Eyre. "I would always rather be happy than dignified." Jane was ever the practical heroine. I think it is something that happens to us all when we fall in love. We worry far less about how we might appear to the world. And in most romance novels, it's not long before the hero or heroine are getting their priorities straight and realizing what truly matters. Love conquers all. Especially in romantic comedy.

Stuck inside because of the heat?

 

If you're stuck inside, whatever the reason, take a little time to read a lighthearted romance. Need a new book boyfriend? Well, I have just the one for you. He will take you to another world. Regency England awaits. A fun and playful story, filled with mischief and sensuality. 

The Third Dance

Rex Rosslare, the Duke of Remstone, is back in England, it’s not his favorite place, but duty calls. He’s a self-sufficient adventurer who has spent more than a decade travelling the world, and has learned a task or two most dukes would never contemplate undertaking themselves.

So when his horse casts a shoe and the blacksmith is somewhat ‘indisposed’, he takes on the challenge himself; his prize Thoroughbred is more friend than mount and he wants to assure his well-being. But while rendering the new shoe in the blacksmith’s stead, he meets Lady Caprice, a capricious young woman whose horse has also cast a shoe.

Caprice, he’ll never think of her as anything else!

Young Lady Caprice is enjoying one last afternoon of freedom before going to London to begin her Season. In a compromise with her grandmother, she informs him, she has agreed to attend just the Little Season. She is a year or two older than the typical debutante, and a whole lot more worldly-wise.

She rides astride without a groom in tow, carries a small flask of brandy on her hip. And is not even remotely cowed by meeting him—an unknown man complete with scars and an eye patch—wielding the heavy tools in the blacksmith’s stead. He agrees to shoe her horse for her, but in return he requests one small thing—a kiss—and he is instantly aware that the kiss is her first.

Unfortunately, she is leaving for London the following day. So obviously he must follow. Daggert, his manservant/friend and helper is highly amused by the way Lady Caprice is able to twist his jaded employer around her little finger. But then Daggert has never seen the man fall in love before.

Only days into his sojourn in London, Caprice is tying Rex in knots. And Daggert can’t wait to see what will happen next. The girl doesn’t even bat an eyelid when Rex, who is known for his infamous temper, roars like a baited lion when she attempts to sneak into his home via the garden trellis.

But the question is, when Caprice asks Rex for the one thing a debutante would never dare risk, a third dance with the same man—almost the ton’s equivalent of a public declaration—will he comply? Has he met his match? Or does the thrill of travel and adventure call once more?

In the US Find The Third Dance here  

In the UK Find The Third Dance here

In Canada Find The Third Dance here  

In Australia Find The Third Dance here

Pineapples Were Once A Sign Of Great Wealth

 

Pineapples Throughout History

If you have ever attended a stately home and wondered why there are so many carvings of pineapples on finials, panelling and even newel posts, wonder no more.

For about 250 years, up until the Victorian era, pineapples were so expensive that they literally cost a small fortune. Initially called pine apples, the name later became one word. But few people actually ate the sweet fruit. At dinner parties it was displayed usually in a specially designed ceramic dish, surrounded by other sliced fruits for the diners to eat, while the pineapple remained untouched. The pineapple itself would be displayed until it became rotten.

Shops sprang up where one could rent a pineapple for a special event, much like someone renting an exquisite piece of jewelry or a fancy car today.

If you want people to believe you are wealthy, you have to look the part.

In the Victorian era, it became easier to both grow and import pineapples so they quickly lost their cachet.

The next fad? Celery. Did you ever look at a humble bunch of celery and imagine simply owning it in Regency England would have made you appear wealthy? It was particularly hard to grow, and just as in the case with the pineapple, it was displayed in specially designed vases for the owners to show it off to their guests, and was often a target for thieves.

We often think of thieves stealing into a stately home in search of valuables, silver, jewels, etc, but did you ever imagine that they may have simply been there to make off with the pineapple and celery? Well, its food for thought anyway.

 

This is why I write romantic comedy!

This is why I write lighthearted books and romantic comedy. With a hero who can laugh and a heroine who likes to tease him into it, the possibilities are endless. All of my books contain humor, some more than others.

My Most Sensual Title--An Aspiring Courtesan

 

Looking for a little spice, but with a genuine and heartfelt love story? Then check out my most sensually explicit and romantic love story.

An Aspiring Courtesan

Olivia Everton—Livvy, wants to be a courtesan. She has a naturally sensual nature and a good idea of what the position entails, thanks to a little verbal tutoring from her aunt who was once a courtesan herself. The only problem is, she has absolutely no experience, at least… not yet.

Livvy’s older cousin Alina, has been head housemaid to Derek Hansford, the Earl of Devensley, for more than ten years. He is a kind man, the job is secure and comfortable, and he has a delicious friend in Dalton Bayworth, the Duke of Borden, who has been Alina’s occasional lover on his many visits to Devensley Castle for years.

The only problem with this arrangement is that Alina has now determined to marry George, the head footman, so her dalliance with the delightful duke must come to an end. And Livvy’s can begin, that is, if the sensual rogue is willing to take on and train a young and willing virgin as his lover. And to assist her on her path to becoming a high class courtesan.

The duke agrees to allow Livvy to spend the week with him during his stay at Devensley Castle, while he dodges the matchmaking machinations of two visiting families, and soon finds himself entranced with the naturally sensual beauty and her eagerness to learn.

Livvy’s impact stretches to his best friend the earl, and a curious young debutante in this playfully sensual and erotic tale. (This book contains two love stories in one.)

In the US Find An Aspiring Courtesan here 

In the UK Find An Aspiring Courtesan here

In Canada Find An Aspiring Courtesan here 

In Australia Find An Aspiring Courtesan here