Category Archives: real life tales

Gregor McGregor, an Extraordinary Regency Era Con Man + an Excerpt from “Mr. Darcy’s Bargain”

In writing my Austen-inspired vagary, Mr. Darcy’s Bargain, I researched LOTS of scams occurring during the Regency era. We are peppered with them every day, and A/I is making it harder and harder to tell what is real and what is … Continue reading

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Rochester Cathedral and the Villages Surrounding It During the Regency Era and How They Fit Into My Writing Process

I wrote this post on New Year’s Eve 2025, with the idea I would need this information for the release of the 5th book in my Dragonblade mystery/romantic suspense series, which officially released 17 June 2026. Yes, I know that … Continue reading

Posted in architecture, British history, buildings and structures, Church of England, Georgian England, Georgian Era, history, Living in the Regency, real life tales, Regency era, religion, research | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Breaking Regency Myths: A Lesson for Beginning and “Season”ed Writers on What Could and Could Not Happen Regarding a Regency Era Marriage

I belong to a Facebook Group called Regency Kisses: Lady Catherine’s Salon. Many of those found on the group are authors of Regencies novels (but not necessarily authors of Jane Austen Fan Fiction novels). These are often people who have … Continue reading

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Hair Dyes and Other Cosmetics in the Regency Era

When I was younger, though my hair was blonde, I would upon occasion use a mixture of Ivory Flakes™ (powdered detergent), peroxide, and bleach. Yes, as in Clorox™. If bleach was good enough for Jean Harlow, it was good enough … Continue reading

Posted in aristocracy, British history, customs and tradiitons, fashion, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Living in the Regency, real life tales, Regency era, research | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Obsession with Money and Society in Jane Austen’s Novels

Austen’s novels speak loudly with society’s obsession with money and connections. Money and status was obtained through marriage. What we soon come to accept as a reader of Jane Austen’s novels is that her heroines marry for love (and a … Continue reading

Posted in aristocracy, British history, commerce, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Great Britain, historical fiction, Inheritance, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, real life tales, Regency era, research, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on The Obsession with Money and Society in Jane Austen’s Novels

The Tolpuddle Martyrs, Changing the Face of Employment Rights in Victorian England

This year is the 192nd anniversary of when six Dorset farm labourers were sent to an Australian penal colony, but their ‘crimes’ helped change the face of employment rights for generations to come – and it all began in the … Continue reading

Posted in British history, history, Industrial Revolution, laws of the land, political stance, real life tales, research, Victorian era | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on The Tolpuddle Martyrs, Changing the Face of Employment Rights in Victorian England

The Franklin Syndicate, a Scam That Serves as the Basis of “Mr. Darcy’s Bargain”

When I came upon the idea of a “bargain” between Darcy and Elizabeth, I required an impetus to bring them together in my vagary, Mr. Darcy’s Bargain. That impetus was a scam perpetrated on the citizens of Meryton by none other … Continue reading

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“Bonus” Traitor Thursday ~ Celebrating 250 Years of the United States as a Separate Nation: Benjamin Rush, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and “Father of American Psychiatry”

  This year, the United States of America celebrates 250 years of   being a nation. Throughout this year, I will highlight those who   took a stand, specifically in signing The Declaration of   Independence. I will feature a variety of signers … Continue reading

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Traitor Tuesday ~ Celebrating 250 Years of the United States as a Separate Nation: William Whipple, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, a Man Whose Slaves Fought Along Side Him

Today we have a look at another signer of the Declaration of Independence, one of which you likely are not familiar. William Whipple was 46 years of age when he signed The Declaration of Independence. A merchant by trade, he … Continue reading

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What Exactly Did It Mean to be an Officer on Half Pay in Jane Austen’s England?

Question from a follower: I’ve often wondered about the term “half-pay officer.” Does an officer who sells out still receive half pay or only officers who retire without selling their commissions (if there is such a thing). My question concerns a … Continue reading

Posted in aristocracy, British history, customs and tradiitons, Georgian England, Georgian Era, historical fiction, history, military, Napoleonic Wars, real life tales, Regency era, research | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments