Railroaded in the Regency, a Guest Post from Colin Rowland

Posted on May 25, 2022 by Regina Jeffers

Outlining plots, which I have been engaged in for severak weejs, is always a voyage of discovery for me. Not having lived during the Regency (no, really? who’da thunk!), I got to thinking about the movement of goods in the early 19th century. How did shops in England get the goods they sold?

I realize that much of a merchant’s inventory was locally sourced, especially when it came to food, but there were many items that had to have been produced elsewhere and brought to the business. How these items were transported got me wondering how common rail travel was. Turns out, not very, at least not in the first three or four decades of the century. They existed, but their usage was limited to a select few applications, such as mining and quarrying, for the most part.

The first recorded operation of a steam locomotive was February 21, 1804, in Pen-y-Darren, South Wales, and seemed to come about as a result of a bet. Its inventor, Richard Trevithick, built an engine that hauled 10 tons of iron and 70 men nearly ten miles from Pen-y-Darren at a speed of five miles per hour, winning the railway owner 500 guineas in the process. The man was too far ahead of his time(about 20 years), and his invention was regarded as a novelty. His creation never made him any money, and he died penniless.

Mr. Trevithick’s was not the first attempt to harness the power of steam, though. The idea had been kicking around since the late 1700s and various tinkerers had attempted to create a working model. In 1784, a Scottish inventor built a small-scale prototype of a steam road locomotive, and a full-scale one was proposed by William Reynolds around 1787. But Trevithick’s idea was taken by others, and by 1845 there were over 2,400 miles of track, carrying more than 30 million passengers per year in Britain alone.

Rail lines themselves were not new. Britain had them in the 18th century, but they were horse-drawn and used almost exclusively in quarries.

As the network expanded, rail’s advantage as a cost-effective way to move both goods and people made it ubiquitous in Britain, and throughout the world. Here was a form of transportation that anyone could use, for a myriad of reasons. It was almost impervious to the whims of mother nature and was incredibly efficient as well.

This is where the expected nugget of information from me is passed along. In comparing any type of wheeled conveyance, from horse-drawn wagons to trucks, or cars, or trains, and yes a train is a wheeled conveyance, the rolling resistance of a train is far and away less than that of any other vehicle. It turns out that steel on steel is extremely efficient!

That’s not to say that the trains were comfortable. This new mode of transportation used wood to fire the boilers and some of the obvious by-products of burning wood were ashes, which tends to settle on anything handy, and burning embers, which were known to start fires. Unfortunately, the fires were not always confined to the surrounding forests and fields. Passengers had to pay attention to embers landing on clothing and starting fires that could quickly get out of control because the first iterations of passenger cars did not have much in the way of windows to keep the outside world at bay.

Conditions did not improve a whole lot with the transition to coal. While the prevalence of burning exhaust was reduced, soot and odor replaced ash and embers. Coal is not a clean-burning fuel, as anyone who has ever lived in a home with a coal-burning furnace can attest. My family lived in a couple that I can still remember from my childhood, and I can clearly recall two things from those years. The smell from the furnace used to permeate your clothing, and the coal chute into the basement made a fantastic slide for a five-year-old boy. (Mom used to get so mad when it came time to wash clothes because she had to wash my blackened trousers and shirts separately from everything else. Ah the joys of youth,)

This blog came about because I wanted to find some way to introduce travel by rail into the plot of a potential story. I suppose I could, but then Mr. Darcy would have to either own a quarry or work in one, and that might go over like the proverbial lead balloon. Bringing Elizabeth into the tale would be even harder. The only person I can see as easy to include would be Wickham. Him I can see as a train robber, although a bit of a bumbling version. Of course, my vision of him is close to Don Knotts’ character in The Apple Dumpling Gang. He’s an easy fellow to make fun of.

Until I can find a way to incorporate my idea into a novel it will have to remain on the back burner. Ms. Austen might have heard of such a thing as a train, but they would have been in their infancy when she passed away, and as much as I’m tempted to stretch the setting of a story I can’t move it by 20 years or more. I guess it’s back to the drawing board for this plot point, although I have some ideas for other new for the era inventions.

Posted in American History, Austen Authors, British history, commerce, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Guest Post, history, Industrial Revolution | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Turning Urine into Gold and Hennig Brand’s “Folly”

Posted on May 23, 2022 by Regina Jeffers

Hennig Brand, (flourished 1670, Hamburg [Germany]), was a German chemist (alchemist, really) who, through his discovery of phosphorus, became the first known discoverer of an element.

The Famous Scientists website (see link below) provides us a bit about Brand’s personal life.

“In his late teens, Brand served as a soldier, perhaps a junior officer, in the 30 Years’ War (fought 1618–1648). This was a ruinous war in which millions died. It resulted from Ferdinand II’s desire, as Holy Roman Emperor, to impose Roman Catholicism on Germany’s Protestant northern states.

After the war, Brand is known to have done several things before he discovered phosphorus.

Earned money as a physician, calling himself Doctor, and adding M. D. behind his signature, although he had no recognized qualifications in medicine. (In fact, he was not known to understand Latin, so he was not educated in the sense we think of the word today.) He

  • Carried out alchemical research.
  • Learned the art of glass blowing, one of the essential skills of alchemy and chemistry. (There were no apparatus catalogs in those days: glassware was made locally, usually by the alchemist or his assistant.)
  • Married a wealthy wife, whose sizable dowry enabled him to fund his alchemical research.
  • Became a father.
  • Married a second wealthy wife, Margaretha, after the death of his first wife.”

Yet, Brand had not “supposedly” set out to discover phosphorus. He reportedly had planned to turn urine into gold. They are both yellow in cold, right? One must remember that in the 1600s, collecting urine was not as weird as it might seem nowadays. Urine was used to fertilize crops and soften leather and (yuck) even clean one’s teeth.

Alchemy was a medieval science and philosophy. Those who practiced it had hope to turn base metals into gold through a process called “transmutation.” Therefore, Brand thought that he could create gold by altering urine, which was supplied to him by his fellow soldiers. Brand spent months collecting urine in buckets, until he had accumulated such buckets. He placed said buckets in his basement to “age,” permitting the water to evaporate and the urine to concentrate.

https://www.sciencehistory.org/distillations/hennig-brandt-and-the-discovery-of-phosphorus ~ The Alchymist (1775) by engraver William Pether, after the 1771 painting by Joseph Wright of Derby.

A military officer and self-styled physician, Brand has often received the undeserved title “last of the alchemists” because of his continual search for the philosopher’s stone, which reputedly could change base metals into gold. About 1669 he isolated from urine a white, waxy material and named it phosphorus (“light bearer”), because it glowed in the dark. Although Brand kept his process a secret, phosphorus was discovered independently in 1680 by an English chemist, Robert Boyle.

In his experiments, Brand ended up with a vibrant blue-green substance which seemed to glow both in the daylight and in the dark. Yet, he could not get the substance to do anything except to glow.

Later, Daniel Kraft, who was also a German alchemist (about 1675) purchased Brand’s blue “goo,” turning into “Magic Tricks.” He would light candles with the “goo.” He would make explosions. He would write blue-green words with it. He made a fortune on Brand’s discovery by marketing it to the rich and famous and to royalty as a “gimmick” for entertainment purposes. So, although Brand did not turn urine into gold, people have made millions using the phosphorus he discovered.

If you want more check out the video listed below. It is quite entertaining!

Resources

Famous Scientists

Hennig Brand (Britannica)

Know the History of Alchemy and Its Chemical Experiments (Video)

Science History Institute

Posted in history, real life tales, research, science | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Militia Officers’ Enlistment + the Release of “Mr. Darcy’s Inadvertent Bride” + a Giveaway

Posted on May 20, 2022 by Regina Jeffers

Mr. Darcy’s Inadvertent Bride Releases Today!!!

When I first conceived this book, I planned to have Mr. Wickham compromise Elizabeth Bennet with a kiss and then disappear from the militia, but, before I put pen to paper, I had to attempt to have the historical details correct, which, unfortunately, for me, were not as easy as I had planned. First, I consulted with the fabulous Nancy Mayer who filled in the following details about the militia:

  • The Lord-Lieutenant of the county was in charge of the militia. The militia never left the country, but they usually trained and stayed elsewhere so that they were not called on to fire on their neighbors. A man lived in the county where he joined the militia. [This works as I make many in the Meryton militia from Derbyshire and Yorkshire, which is something I do in most of my Austen-inspired books.]
  • Ms. Mayer was not certain whether the names of those in the various militias were turned into anyone in the cabinet. [As that was to be a key point in the story as to whether a man could simply walk away from his duties to the militia without repercussions.]
  • Each regiment had an agent who took care of the sale of commissions. Some agents might serve several regiments. This man or these men would be the ones who knew who had purchased commissions. 
  • The regiments were run and controlled by the colonels with the money going through them to their paymaster.
  • The names of commissioned officers were sent to the secretary of war. Only a third of commissions were purchased. Most were free. 
  • There were quite a few Army agents.  
  • Men in the artillery units, as well as the engineers, had to go to school for training before being commissioned.
  • It was hard for the men to just disappear because they had a place in the county and served with neighbors. To disappear they had to leave home, work, and all belongings. [This might be true for Captain Denny, but Wickham had no loyalties to anyone but himself.]
  • The man would be in more trouble for slipping away from the militia without permission than for ignoring his obligations to the lady.
  • The Militia unit would not care about the necessity of an engagement. Such would not have them searching for the man. Leaving his post would be the issue.
  • It would be friends of the heroine who would search for him, though why they would want him unless she were pregnant, I don’t know.  A Bow Street Principal officer could be hired to track him down privately.
  • The Commandants of the militias would send a list of deserters to the Home Office. 
  • There was the militia from outside the shire and the local parish militia. Generally, both were disliked.

Ms. Mayer suggested the following book for more research: The County Lieutenancies and the Army, 1802-1824 by Sir John William Fortescue.

Next, I asked another member of the Beau Monde who specializes in military history what might be appropriate based on the story taken place at the end of 1812 and beginning of 1813. He told me something I did not know. So, if you have characters in your books who are tied to the militia, you might wish to learn more of these situations.

Between 1792 and 1812 Britain had no less than six types of ‘militias’ operating, some types of militias overlapping. There were three types of militias, yeomanry and fencibles, the Volunteers and the Reserve Army. It was a mess. 

He also shared the following:

By then (1812/1813), there were only really three ‘militia’ organizations, the Yeomanry, the Militia [the third iteration] and the Volunteers. By 1812, there was only two real militia organizations. The Militia, which was now a more general British organization rather than a county/parish organization and far more uniform in implementation. The Yeomanry still existed, raised by the wealthy and almost all cavalry. [The same kind that was involved in the Peterloo massacre.] There were a few Fencibles still in existence from the 1790s, but they were now more quasi-regular units sent to Canada and other colonies.

So, your hero would have been accepted into the militia as an officer. He would not have bought a commission. The Colonel of the regiment would have been the one to choose him. The colonel could have been from another part of the county or even outside of the county. Again, he could have been able to leave at any point without any legal issues. There may have been social pressures involved, leaving his duty, friends, etc.  There is one other possibility. Several militia regiments/battalions were inducted directly into the Regular Army during this time. It was a ‘semi-voluntary’ action on the part of the Militia. I say semi-voluntary because often the government gave militias, particularly ‘unruly’ groups the option of enlisting or being disbanded. If the Militia agreed to join the Regulars and leaving England for the Peninsula or elsewhere [There were several regiments that showed up in Spain that were ex-militia units] he might see that as a ocean too far. 

Did you learn something new about the militia? I certainly did.

GIVEAWAY: To be included in the giveaway of two eBooks of Mr. Darcy’s Inadvertent Bride, comment below. Winners will be contacted privately by email.

Mr. Darcy’s Inadvertent Bride: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary

Love or Honor or Both?

Miss Elizabeth Bennet cannot quite believe Lieutenant George Wickham’s profession of affection, but young ladies in her position do not receive marriage proposals every day, and she does find the man congenial and fancies she can set him on the right path. However, the upright, and, perhaps uptight, figure of another man steps between them and sets her world on its head. 

When Fitzwilliam Darcy spots Miss Elizabeth Bennet slipping from the Meryton Assembly to follow a man who favors George Wickham into the darkness, he must act. Although he has not been properly introduced to the young woman, he knows Wickham can be up to no good. Later, when he comes across the lady in London and searching for Wickham, Darcy does the honorable thing and assists her. Yet, when they are discovered alone in her uncle’s house, the pair find themselves being quickstepped to the altar for all the wrong reasons. Can they find happiness when they are barely speaking acquaintances?

Excerpt:

“Miss Elizabeth,” he said with a bow of respect. “Imagine encountering you in London.” Darcy filled his eyes with the woman’s unconventional beauty. Like it or not, he was more than a bit glad to have the opportunity to speak to her again.

“Mr. . . . Mr. Darcy.” She appeared as surprised by their meeting as was he, for he had thought the only opportunity he would have to see her again would be at Bingley’s wedding, but only if she had avoided Mr. Wickham. “I hope this finds you well, sir.” 

“Very well, Miss Elizabeth. And you?” This conversation was becoming more awkward by the second. 

“Excellent, sir.” 

People streamed around them on both sides, but Darcy made no effort to remove from the way. “What brings you to London?” He glanced up to notice no servant awaited her. “Pardon my impertinence, ma’am, but I pray you are not out without a maid or one of your father’s footmen to aid you. Is Mr. Bennet in London on business?”

“You ask a grand number of questions, sir,” she said in obvious irritation, “for someone I barely know.” 

Darcy forced himself not to flinch from her intended insult. “I do apologize, Miss Bennet. If you are alone,” he said softly, not really knowing how to speak to such a fiery woman, “I would gladly serve as your escort. I cannot, in all good faith, allow you to proceed alone. London is a very dangerous city, even in some of the better neighborhoods.” 

He knew she studied him for the truth in his words, for a frown formed on her forehead. “I would be glad of your assistance, sir,” she repeated dutifully. “However, I feel it necessary to make you aware my mission in London involves learning of Mr. Wickham’s whereabouts.” 

Mr. Wickham’s name on her tongue was like a blow to his heart, but, beyond stiffening briefly, he managed to ask, “Have you reunited with Mr. Wickham?”

A scene from his youth flashed before Darcy’s eyes. Sweet Marjorie Thistle, a girl Darcy had favored for nearly a year, stood before him and confessed her preference for his long-time companion, George Wickham. Later, her father had approached his own dear parent, along with the elder Mr. Wickham, to explain how Miss Thistle was with child. Likely suspecting the worst, Wickham had disappeared for several months, and Mr. Thistle begged both Darcy’s father and old Wickham for redress. Other than some money, there was nothing to be done to save the girl’s reputation, for no one claim knowledge of Wickham’s whereabouts. Darcy looked upon Miss Elizabeth again and prayed she had not followed Miss Thistle’s road to shame.

“I have not,” she admitted in apparent reluctance, and Darcy said a private prayer of thanksgiving. 

He glanced about him to take a quick inventory of their location. “There is a tea room along the street. Perhaps you will join me. You might explain your purpose in London. Despite our previous exchange of harsh words, I would offer myself up as your companion.” 

“If you could oblige me in claiming a hackney, such would be well done. I would not have you soil your hands in a matter you will surely find repugnant.” 

“I never thought—” he began, but shook off the rest of what he wished to say. He had always been welcomed at the balls and musicales marking every London Season since he was a young man of one and twenty, but Darcy understood his appeal rested more with Pemberley and his ten thousand pounds a year than it did with his social skills, which were awkward at their best. He knew he was too exacting to be thought of as amiable in the eyes of the ladies of the haut ton. Certainly, each of those women would have immediately accepted his hand in marriage and been grateful for his notice of their person, but Darcy had always wanted someone as devoted to him as Miss Elizabeth was to Mr. Wickham. It hurt him to think she would be wasting her youth on such a callow fellow. 

Unfortunately for each of them, Mr. Wickham’s fine countenance and pleasing manners always prevailed. Darcy’s former companion knew how to please a woman with more than intimacies. Whereas, Darcy often found it difficult to be more than polite to many of his female acquaintances. 

“Where do you wish to travel?” he asked as he directed her out of the way of those rushing around them to their own destinations. 

She looked down briefly before clearing her throat. “I had hoped someone at the Home Office would know how to reach Mr. Wickham,” she admitted. 

At the age of thirty, Wickham had successfully tempted another woman into losing her heart to him. The idea made Darcy sad, for the inkling of interest he might have mustered in the young lady standing before him would not truly have time to take root. Not that he required another woman setting her cap for him, but it would be nice to outmaneuver Wickham just one time. 

Even as he thought they might find a common ground if under different circumstances, he studied how her expression changed from hope to despair. When he first laid eyes on her, her auburn hair had reminded him of Marjorie, but Miss Elizabeth’s eyes—a pair of very fine eyes— were so expressive, he could not drag his gaze from her features.

“I see you think me a fool,” she murmured as she pulled herself up taller, although “taller” was certainly not relative when it came to the lady. “I shall not bother you—” she began to gather her wits about her again. 

“I sincerely wish, Miss Elizabeth, you would quit assigning me emotions or conclusions I do not hold,” he said in exasperation. The lady met his gaze, not blinking or looking away, which spoke to her mettle. Darcy noticed for the first time a sense of weariness about her. Not asking her permission, he caught her elbow. “We will have tea, and you will explain the necessity for your discovering Mr. Wickham’s directions. From there, I will determine how best to aid you.” 

She purposely stopped walking beside him. “I did not ask you for your assistance beyond flagging down a hackney,” she asserted. 

He checked his temper, but, even so, his tone sounded harsher than he wanted. “Even if you could safely reach the Home Office on foot, you will require another hour or more of walking, assuming you do not become lost in some neighborhood where you will easily be robbed of your reticule and, perhaps, even your innocence. Even if you possess enough force of character to avoid such dire outcomes and you did not become fair prey for some street thug, the chances of you being admitted to the Home Office is nearly nil. The Home Office is a man’s world, and, at this moment, it is a world consumed with the progress of the war, not with some wastrel of a lieutenant, who broke your heart.” 

“There is no need for you to be so unkind, sir,” she declared boldly, but tears misted her eyes, touching off Darcy’s strong sense of protectiveness. 

“Tea, Miss Elizabeth,” he ordered, attempting to remove her from a very public view of their conversation. 

She asked softly, “Do you possess a means to locate Mr. Wickham? Mr. Denny says you paid the commission for Mr. Wickham’s lieutenancy with the regulars.” 

“Captain Denny?” he asked, a frown marking his brow. Darcy did not appreciate when others made his business theirs. 

“The captain is courting my sister Mary,” she explained. 

“He is mistaken. I simply was called upon to sign off on Mr. Wickham’s request to join the regulars,” he lied. He would not say it was her chastisements that had hung heavy on his conscience and which had induced him to act. Naturally, Wickham had proven himself to be as devious as ever, but, in Darcy’s mind, spending four hundred pounds to silence Wickham and change the opinions of the others within the Meryton militia was money well spent. He had even considered how sending Mr. Wickham away would be a means of separating Wickham and Miss Elizabeth Bennet, thus, clearing her reputation, but, now, the foolish chit meant to track Wickham to wherever the dastard landed and destroy any chance of her discovering a better man than Wickham would ever be. 

“However,” he continued, sucking in a steadying breath. “I do possess connections in the British regulars who may be able to aid you in your quest.” 

“You would truly assist me?” she pleaded. 

Darcy briefly considered only to pretend to search for Wickham and then send her home broken-hearted, but better off, in his opinion; yet, he knew he could not betray her in that manner. “I would.” 

She closed her eyes briefly as if offering a prayer of gratitude. “I find I am quite thirsty, Mr. Darcy,” she said calmly. “You mentioned a tea room nearby.” 

He wondered when maggots had taken up residence in his brain, and he suspected such had occurred during a country assembly he should never have agreed to attend, but he offered the lady his arm. Despite the turmoil surrounding her, Darcy found he liked the feel of her hand around his elbow, and he once again enjoyed the lavender wafting off her skin and filling his lungs with the scent of her.

Posted in book excerpts, book release, British history, George Wickham, Georgian England, Georgian Era, giveaway, historical fiction, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, military, Pride and Prejudice, publishing, real life tales, Regency era, Regency romance, research, Vagary, war, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Courtship and the Prospect of Marriage in Jane Austen’s Time + the Release of “Mr. Darcy’s Inadvertent Bride” + a Giveaway

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Regina Jeffers

Felix Friedrich von Ende (German, born 1856)
Title: Courtship

When a man of the Regency era proposed to the woman he wished to marry, there was still the need for parental approval. After all, the father could still without any “fortune” allocated to his daughter. Even if the couple was “in love,” which was a relatively new concept in the early 19th century – the idea of marrying for “love” did not receive universal appeal.

Courtship was considered a “business transaction” rather than an emotional one. Men of the landed gentry and the aristocracy often married to bring more money into the family coffers, for, naturally, maintaining great estates was an expensive business. Men could marry below their status if the woman had a large dowry and a sparkling clean reputation. However, such was not the luxury of females. The idea of marrying for love was still considered déclassé: One was not expected to show too much passion for one’s spouse.

Manners and particular patterns of conduct were expected from potential participants in the “marriage mart.” Certain actions were expected: One was to make his or her availability known, but without being vulgar [think upon Lydia Bennet’s actions at the Netherfield ball] and without deception.

Although Jane Austen lacked a large dowry, she was still expected to choose a mate worthy of her mother’s connections to the aristocracy and her father’s place as a man of the cloth in his community. More than one suitable young man considered courting Jane, but she presented them no encouragement, for our Miss Austen could not think upon accepting “the misery of being bound without love.” Hers was a bold and somewhat controversial move. Not only did Jane’s rejection of Harris Bigg-Wither name her forever as a resigned spinster, but, to a large extent, she became the burden to her family which Charlotte Lucas in Pride and Prejudice wished to avoid by marrying the supercilious Mr. Collins.

Certain conventions, such as marrying for money, power, or position, did not change. David Shapard writes in The Annotated Pride and Prejudice:

Marriages among the upper classes frequently involved people whose families were related, or allied, in some way, for such marriages could further strengthen the family ties that were so crucial in this society in determining power, wealth, and position, especially among the upper classes. (p 645)

We know that arranged marriages – those specifically arranged when the children were nothing more than infants had gone out of fashion by the early 19th Century. Lady Catherine addresses this in the first line of her speech to Elizabeth Bennet regarding Mr. Darcy’s supposed engagement to his cousin Anne.

The engagement between them is of a peculiar kind. From their infancy, they have been intended for each other. It was the favourite wish of his mother, as well as of her’s. While in their cradles, we planned the union: and now, at the moment when the wishes of both sisters would be accomplished in their marriage, to be prevented by a young woman of inferior birth, of no importance in the world, and wholly unallied to the family! Do you pay no regard to the wishes of his friends? To his tacit engagement with Miss De Bourgh?

Lady Catherine also addresses the unsuitable differences between Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s fortunes. Darcy could name his wife with a simply flick of his wrist, but the fact he proposes TWICE to Elizabeth speaks volumes of the passion he felt for her, and it provides us, Austen’s loyal readers, our HEA – one that rivals many fairy tales.

My daughter and my nephew are formed for each other. They are descended, on the maternal side, from the same noble line; and, on the father’s, from respectable, honourable, and ancient – though untitled – families. Their fortune on both sides is splendid. They are destined for each other by the voice of every member of their respective houses; and what is to divide them? The upstart pretensions of a young woman without family, connections, or fortune. Is this to be endured! But it must not, shall not be. If you were sensible of your own good, you would not wish to quit the sphere in which you have been brought up.”

A woman out in Society had but one goal, to bind a suitable husband to her. Of Miss Mainwaring in Lady Susan, Austen wrote:

Sir James Martin had been drawn in by that young lady to pay her some attention; and as he is a man of fortune, it was easy to see HER views extended to marriage. It is well know that Miss M. is absolutely on the catch for a husband…” (XIV, Mr. De Courcy to Sir Reginald)

Needless to say, from its title, you understand my latest Austen story does not have Elizabeth and Darcy thinking of each other as a potential mates. As to Elizabeth, all she knows of Darcy is what Mr. Wickham has shared, and Darcy is not best pleased to be forced to accept his long-time enemy’s “left overs,” so to speak. Yet, they have been “caught” together and must pay the piper, meaning Mr. Bennet. Enjoy this excerpt from the novel and then leave a comment to be included in the giveaway.

Mr. Darcy’s Inadvertent Bride: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary is available for preorder and will release on Friday, May 20, 2022.

Love or Honor or Both?

Miss Elizabeth Bennet cannot quite believe Lieutenant George Wickham’s profession of affection, but young ladies in her position do not receive marriage proposals every day, and she does find the man congenial and fancies she can set him on the right path. However, the upright, and, perhaps uptight, figure of another man steps between them and sets her world on its head. 

When Fitzwilliam Darcy spots Miss Elizabeth Bennet slipping from the Meryton Assembly to follow a man who favors George Wickham into the darkness, he must act. Although he has not been properly introduced to the young woman, he knows Wickham can be up to no good. Later, when he comes across the lady in London and searching for Wickham, Darcy does the honorable thing and assists her. Yet, when they are discovered alone in her uncle’s house, the pair find themselves being quickstepped to the altar for all the wrong reasons. Can they find happiness when they are barely speaking acquaintances?

Elizabeth listened in complete bewilderment. Her father and Mr. Darcy discussed her as if she was not even in the room. She knew she had acted unwisely; however, her mother’s insistence on Elizabeth marrying Mr. Collins had had Elizabeth reaching for desperate measures. “There must be another solution,” she stated the obvious.

Her father stood. “I will provide you two a moment of privacy to settle things between you.” 

“I shall not agree,” she argued. “Under English law, I still hold the right of refusal.” 

Her father ignored her fit of temper. Instead, he crossed the room to exit the drawing room. When he closed the door behind him, finality arrived. The room filled with lost hopes. 

“Please tell me you are not truly going to participate in this farce,” she directed her anger to Mr. Darcy. “A marriage means we will be tied to each other for the remainder of our days.” 

Surprisingly, Mr. Darcy’s lips twitched in what could only be called amusement. “At the very least, now you will be forced to admit your judgement in men is lacking.” 

“For all you know, if you had not interrupted my conversation with Mr. Wickham, I might already be married to the lieutenant,” she accused. Elizabeth would not mention the many doubts she held around such a joining. 

“True,” Mr. Darcy said calmly. “Yet, what type of husband would you have earned in the bargain? No real gentleman would have made arrangements to have you meet him in a dark wooded area,” he asserted. 

“I shall not stay in a room with such an odious oaf as you have proven to be,” she attested and stood to make her leave.

“No. You are the type of woman who prefers a man who fills your pretty head with lies.” 

Without a response, Elizabeth walked away. Although she could not marry such a man as was Mr. Darcy, she doubted she could convince her father otherwise. 

As if he read her mind, Mr. Darcy said coldly, “As you are well aware, your father demands I restore your reputation by my speaking a proposal.” 

There was unexpected bitterness in Mr. Darcy’s voice, which stayed her progress, and she turned in complete dismay to look upon him. She had never anticipated how her choices would also ruin Mr. Darcy’s life. “Mr. Bennet will see reason when his temper recedes,” she ventured. “This notion of a marriage between us is ridiculous!”

Mr. Darcy’s voice held contempt when he spoke. “Unless I am severely mistaken, neither of us possesses a choice in this matter. You cannot think to return to Hertfordshire and simply go forward with your life. Too many people have knowledge of your interlude with Mr. Wickham. Both Colonel Forster and I attempted to curb Mr. Wickham’s explanations of what occurred; yet, the lieutenant is not one easily confined, for he lacks discretion where women are concerned.” 

“You cannot wish this marriage any more than I,” Elizabeth reasoned. 

“You would never be my first choice of wife,” he admitted in bitter tones. “How can you think I would rejoice in the inferiority of your connections? Did you not hear me say my uncle is the Earl of Matlock? I am descended, upon the maternal side, from a line of the nobility, and, on my father’s, from a respectable, honorable, and ancient, though untitled, family. You think I should congratulate myself on the hope of relations whose conditions in life are decidedly beneath my own!” He gestured to their surroundings. 

“I am grieved,” she said sarcastically, “to bring you into a place far below your customary standards! You could not offer me your hand in any possible manner which would tempt me to accept it!”

“Elizabeth!” her father barked from the now open door. “Apologize to Mr. Darcy this very minute!” 

For an elongated second, no one in the room moved. After the silence became too much for any of them, Mr. Darcy spoke into the quietness surrounding them, “Pardon me, Mr. Bennet. I should speak to the Archbishop’s secretary today. I will send word of the necessary details.” 

“You have yet to offer me a proposal, Mr. Darcy!” she called to his retreating form. 

He paused at the door to look back at her. “I will not propose. I will offer you no sentimental admiration of your ‘more endearing’ qualities. No words of praise for your ‘fine’ eyes. A proposal would be the height of the absurd, which will know completion when I return tomorrow to speak my vows!”

Mr. Darcy continued on his way, slamming the door behind him as he exited the house. From somewhere off to her left her father declared, “I knew from my first encounter with Mr. Darcy I could admire the man.” 

If the gentleman had not infuriated her to her core, Elizabeth might have agreed. 

Posted in book excerpts, book release, British history, customs and tradiitons, excerpt, George Wickham, Georgian England, Georgian Era, historical fiction, history, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, marriage customs, Pride and Prejudice, publishing, Regency era, Regency romance, romance, Vagary, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Fencibles: Defending the Homeland + an excerpt from “Mr. Darcy’s Inadvertent Bride”

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Regina Jeffers

Fencibles were the British “defense” (from the word ‘defencible’) forces raised for a specific war. They were raised for defense against the treat of invasion during the Seven Years’ War, the American War of Independence, the French Revolutionary Wars, the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. They were local military units, composed of residents of a particular area and commanded by Regular Army officers. They customarily performed duties, such as patrolling the coastlines, in order to free up the Regular Army to perform offensive operations abroad. They did not see oversea service, meaning one would not find them fighting on the Continent or in America.

They were enlisted for “service at home” and for the duration of whatever war was going on at that time. Many fencible units were raised by wealthy men who funded their service. This man would often serve as the unit’s commander, generally accepting the rank of “colonel.”

The majority Fencible Regiments were formed between 1793 to the peace arranged at Amiens in 1802. New regiments were formed after that date, but most were for colonial service in British North America.

Engraved portrait of Sir James Grant with a view the Strathspey Grant Fencibles ~ Public Domain ~ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fencibles#/media/File:+Sir_James_Grant_by_John_Kay.jpg

In England, county/shire militia regiments were raised for internal defense in the absence of the regular army, but Scotland, at least in the opinion of many, were more volatile and were not “encouraged” to form such military units. People worried for insurrection. That does not mean Scottish units did not exist, for the first regiments were raised in Scotland in 1759.

For example, Lord Hugh Montgomerie, 12th Earl of Eglinton, entered the army in 1756. He served in the American war as captain in the 78th foot, and afterwards as captain in the first royals. On the outbreak of the French war in 1788 he was appointed major in the Argyll or Western fencibles, raised jointly by the Argyll and Eglinton families, with Lord Frederick Campbell as colonel. In 1780, and again in 1784, he was elected to parliament as member for Ayrshire. If we may trust the testimony of Burns, in his ‘Earnest Cry and Prayer,’ Montgomerie’s oratorical power was less conspicuous than his courage: —

⁠I ken, if that your sword were wanted,
⁠⁠Ye’d lend a hand;
⁠But when there’s ought to say anent it,
⁠⁠Ye’re at a stand.

(Dictionary of National Biography)

Montgomerie served in the 77th (1st Highland Regiment) from 1757-1763 and was senior Major of the Argyll Fencibles during the American Revolutionary War. He raised the West Lowland Fencibles in 1793. Ironically, although most of the West Lowland Fencibles were from Ayshire and other lowland areas, at Montgomerie’s insistence, they wore highland dress.

1790 Oil on Canvas from John Singleton Copley – Hugh Montgomerie, 12th Earl of Eglinton, 1739 – 1819. Soldier; Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire ~ Public Domain ~ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Montgomerie,12th_Earl_of_Eglinton#/media/File:John_Singleton_Copley–Hugh_Montgomerie,_12th_Earl_of_Eglinton,_1739–1819._Soldier;_Lord_Lieutenant_of_Ayrshire-_Google_Art_Project.jpg

“Most fencible regiments had no liability for overseas service however there were exceptions. Ireland while not united with the Kingdom of Great Britain until 1801 was the destination for several British fencible regiments during the Rebellion of 1798 where they fought in some minor pitched battles. The 3rd Argyllshire Regiment, who like some other fencible regiments had terms of service that extended to any part of Europe, garrisoned Gibraltar (as did Banffshire Fencibles, 2nd Argllshire Fencibles, and the Prince of Wales Own Fencibles) The Dumbarton Fencibles Regiment was raised in Scotland, garrisoned Guernsey, fought in Ireland, and detachment escorted prisoners to Prussia.The Ancient Irish Fencibles were sent to Egypt where they took part in the operations against the French in 1801.

“Fencible regiments were less effective than regular troops for military duties, with problems of lack of education and disease. In Ireland the regiment troops would take part in inter-regimental brawls and attacks on army soldiers. Some regiments of Fencibles, however, were noted for exceptional service.” (Fencibles)

From “The Forgotten Army: Fencible Regiments of Great Britain 1793 – 1816“ on the Napoleon Series website, we find . . .

Below is an example of a Royal Warrant to raise a Fencible Regiment:

Warrant for the Raising of a Regiment of Fencible Men under the Command of Col. M. H. Baillie, [signed George R]

Whereas we have thought fit to order a Regiment of Fencible men, to be forthwith raised under your command, which is to consist of ten companies, of 4 sergeants, 5 corporals, 2 drummers, and 95 men in each, with 2 fifers to the Grenadier Company, besides a sergeant-major and quartermaster-sergeant, together with the usual commissioned officers; which men are to serve in Great Britain and Ireland only.

Given at our Court at St. James, the 24th day of October 1794, in the 34th year of our reign.

By His Majesty’s Command (signed) W. Windham

To our trusty and well-beloved M. H. Baillie, Esq., Colonel of a Regiment of Fencible men to be forthwith raised or to the officer appointed by him to raise men for our said regiment.

Other Sources:

Musteen, Jason R. (2011), Nelson’s Refuge: Gibraltar in the Age of Napoleon, Naval Institute Press, p. 218.

Scobie, Ian Hamilton Mackay (1914), An old highland fencible corps : the history of the Reay Fencible Highland Regiment of Foot, or Mackay’s Highlanders, 1794–1802, with an account of its services in Ireland during the rebellion of 1798, Edinburgh: Blackwood, pp. 353.

Mr. Darcy’s Inadvertent Bride: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary

Love or Honor or Both?

Miss Elizabeth Bennet cannot quite believe Lieutenant George Wickham’s profession of affection, but young ladies in her position do not receive marriage proposals every day, and she does find the man congenial and fancies she can set him on the right path. However, the upright, and, perhaps uptight, figure of another man steps between them and sets her world on its head. 

When Fitzwilliam Darcy spots Miss Elizabeth Bennet slipping from the Meryton Assembly to follow a man who favors George Wickham into the darkness, he must act. Although he has not been properly introduced to the young woman, he knows Wickham can be up to no good. Later, when he comes across the lady in London and searching for Wickham, Darcy does the honorable thing and assists her. Yet, when they are discovered alone in her uncle’s house, the pair find themselves being quickstepped to the altar for all the wrong reasons. Can they find happiness when they are barely speaking acquaintances?

************************************************

Her father had summoned Elizabeth to his study early on Thursday morning. “I fear, Lizzy, an awkward situation has come to my attention. We must make a decision regarding Mr. Wickham sooner, rather than later.”

“Has the militia returned to Meryton?” she asked, not certain she any longer wished for Mr. Wickham’s attentions. The fact the lieutenant had made no attempt to speak to her before he departed for Brighton with his fellow officers had created a disturbing suspicion she could not quite shake. It filled her chest with nothing but ill will for the gentleman. 

“No, and I understand it will be at least a fortnight before Forster and his men return to Hertfordshire,” her father explained. 

“Then we continue to wait,” she observed with disappointment marking her words. 

“I have the latest letter from Captain Denny before me. Permit me to share what Mr. Denny wrote. As the gentleman is aware I read what he writes to our Mary before I turn the letter over to her, I cannot help but to think the following was purposeful information on the captain’s part.” He lifted the letter where he might read it without squinting. “One event of importance has occurred during the last few days: Mr. Wickham has joined the regulars. Some of the other men say Colonel Darcy made arrangements for Wickham’s commission, but no one can say for certain why Colonel Darcy would extend a hand to a man he supposedly abused previously, but such is the tale.” 

“Then Mr. Wickham does not mean to return to Hertfordshire: I am free to choose elsewhere.” 

“Not quite,” her father was quick to say. “You and I have been under the assumption your mother has not heard the rumors regarding your relationship with Lieutenant Wickham and your little ‘indiscretion.’ We erred. She breezed in here this morning to inform me Mr. Collins has indicated his purpose in coming to Longbourn was to choose among my daughters to claim himself a wife. Naturally, his first inclination was Jane, and, reportedly, my cousin was greatly disappointed to learn both Jane and Mary are spoken for. Mr. Collins suggested you are equal to Jane in beauty and essentials. When your mother learns Mr. Wickham will not return, and she will learn, for, most assuredly, Mary will tell one or more of your sisters of the gentleman accepting a commission elsewhere, Mrs. Bennet will insist you ‘save’ her and any unmarried sisters remaining at home when I pass.” 

“You are saying my choices are to decide between a man who appears not to want me and a man who appears to become more of a fool with each phrase he utters. If I were to marry such a man, I would be miserable. His fatuous praise of this ‘Lady Catherine’ person alone would be enough to drive me insane.” She fought back the tears rushing to her eyes. “What am I to do, Papa? It is not as if I hold the legal right to seek information from the Lord-Lieutenant of the shire regarding Mr. Wickham. Moreover, if the lieutenant has joined the regulars, then the Lord-Lieutenant will no longer keep him on the roles of the militia. Will the man even have knowledge of Mr. Wickham’s whereabouts? To whom do I turn for information? I am not Mr. Wickham’s wife.” A sob caught in her throat. “We hold no official understanding between us. I am simply some girl to whom he presented a ring which once belonged to his mother.” 

“Mr. Wickham gave you a ring?” her father charged. “Why was I not made aware of this previously?”

Elizabeth recoiled from his anger. “I thought you knew. It is not a ring I can wear on my finger. It is the type presented to a young girl on a momentous occasion, say, a special birthday or going off to school. Mr. Wickham said it had belonged to his mother.” She would not tell her father of the lieutenant’s professions of affection. Those sweet words had been the sticking point for Elizabeth. If Mr. Wickham’s words had been a mere flirtation, she would have immediately sent him packing. However, the gentleman had spoken of affection—deep affection for her—something she had never expected to hear on any man’s lips. 

“Where is this ring now?” her father questioned. 

“Wrapped in a handkerchief in a drawer in my bureau,” she confessed. 

“I see.” Her father sounded exhausted, and Elizabeth knew regret at having caused him such distress. “This is another wrinkle in what feels to be a never-ending fabric wrapping us all in shame.” He sighed heavily. “I will make private inquiries into Mr. Wickham’s new position in the regulars. His presenting you a ring is a ‘promise’ we must insist he keep or officially deny so you might choose elsewhere. A ring, even one which can only be worn on a chain about your neck, indicates a betrothal exists between you. This situation is more serious than I first suspected.” 

Posted in book excerpts, book release, British history, Georgian Era, giveaway, historical fiction, history, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, Living in the UK, military, Pride and Prejudice, real life tales, Regency era, Regency romance, research, war, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The Polite Way to Pay Social Calls, According to Jane Austen, a Guest Post from Eliza Shearer

Posted on May 13, 2022 by Regina Jeffers

Paying and receiving social calls was one of the keystones of social etiquette during the Regency, and as such is a constant in Jane Austen’s novels. 

The socially acceptable time for ‘morning calls’ was between breakfast and dinner, so they spanned a good few hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or thereabouts, and an hour or so later in the case of fashionable urban households. 

Certain rules were to be observed at all times, as Jane Austen shows in her work. Here are some of the things she had to say about the behaviour of visitors. 

Visitors Should Always Have Calling Cards to Hand

Calling cards were beautifully printed pieces of paper with a lady or gentleman’s name and title, to which one could add by hand their address or an “at home” note. On arriving in Town, the carrier would leave calling cards in the homes of friends, relations and acquaintances, with an expectation that the call would be returned.

Calling cards were often placed on a silver salver or tray in the entrance hall, like Sir Elliot in Persuasion likes to do to show off his friendship with members of the nobility. 

The Art of Polite Conversation Was a Must

Visitors were expected to ask about the other person’s health, or that of their family. After satisfactorily settling those points, it was proper to follow-up with polite questions on the other person’s comings and goings, or their on the area and the entertainment (or lack thereof) on offer. Beyond that, finding common ground (and avoiding controversial topics) was ideal, but small talk sufficed – the weather was a subject that never failed to get conversation going.   

Calls Had to Be Returned Promptly

Social calls had to be returned promptly, or risk causing offence. In Pride and Prejudice. Jane Bennet, freshly arrived in London, pays a call to Caroline Bingley, but her supposed friend does not return it for two whole weeks. By the end of the encounter, Jane knows they are no longer on intimate terms, as she writes to her sister Elizabeth:

Caroline did not return my visit till yesterday; and not a note, not a line, did I receive in the meantime. When she did come, it was very evident that she had no pleasure in it; she made a slight, formal apology, for not calling before, said not a word of wishing to see me again, and was in every respect so altered a creature, that when she went away aI was perfectly resolved to continue the acquaintance no longer. 

Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 26

A social break-up of this kind wasn’t pleasant, and it was pretty final: in any future encounter, the parties were allowed (even expected) to behave as if they didn’t know each other. 

Certain Social Calls were Unavoidable

As well as visits of pleasure to friends and family, there are visits of duty, which one must not avoid. Classic examples are visits to the bereaved, newly-weds, or charity visits. Visits to those in reduced circumstances also fell in this category. 

In Emma, Mrs and Miss Bates are a prime example of this. Emma abhors visiting them, although she knows she must. Even Mr Weston tells his son Frank Churchill when Jane Fairfax arrives to stay with the Bates that he should call on them early, as particular attention is due to them (little does he know…). 

Visitors Should Occupy Themselves 

After servants brought in refreshments, and once the conversation was flowing, visitors may also look at doing other things. Ladies were welcome to do needlework by helping themselves to the communal work basket in the room, containing perhaps baby clothes or clothes for the poor (no undergarments or stockings needing darning, please!).  

Gentlemen may pick up a newspaper, like Mr Darcy does in his first encounter with Elizabeth when he finds her alone in the Parsonage (probably more to hide his awkwardness more than anything else). However, doing it systematically, ignoring all conversation (like Mr Palmer in Sense and Sensibility), may come across as ever so slightly rude. 

Visitors Should Not Stay too Briefly

Visits had to be a quarter of an hour at least – anything less risked causing serious offence. In Emma, Emma doesn’t allow Harriet to pay but the briefest of calls to the Martin household, until then firm friends (and in the case of the son, suitor) of Harriet’s: 

The style of the visit, and the shortness of it, were then felt to be decisive. Fourteen minutes to be given to those with whom she had thankfully passed six weeks not six months ago!-Emma could not but picture it all, and feel how justly they might resent, how naturally Harriet must suffer.

Emma, Chapter 5

The shortness of the visit in effect tells the family (and her suitor in particular) that Harriet is no longer interested in continuing the acquaintance. 

Ladies Must Never – Ever! – Call Upon a Gentleman

Like in so many other things, women weren’t on an equal footing with men during the Regency. An unattached gentleman may call on a lady he is interested in courting to continue the acquaintance, for example after a night of dancing, if she was his main partner. However, such visits should always be undertaken with care, so as not to encourage gossip, or lead others to believe that the couple had entered a secret engagement. Ladies, however, were not allowed to do the same, or they may be thought wanton. 

Can you think of other does and don’ts for visitors during the Regency? Do you expect (or like) your visitors to behave in a certain way?

Posted in Austen Authors, British history, customs and tradiitons, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Guest Post, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on The Polite Way to Pay Social Calls, According to Jane Austen, a Guest Post from Eliza Shearer

The Babington Plot to Kill Queen Elizabeth I

Posted on May 11, 2022 by Regina Jeffers

Anthony Babington, the third child and eldest son of Henry Babington, was born into a wealthy Catholic family in Dethick, Derbyshire, in October 1561. The bells of the church announced his birth to the world; yet, his plotting would destroy his family. At an early age, around 16, he served as a page to the captive Mary Queen of Scots and reportedly “fell in love” with her courage and beauty. It is said, while wearing a disguise, he often visited her at Sheffield, where she was imprisoned.

Portrait of young gentleman said to be Anthony Babington ~ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Babington

“The sixth Earl of Shrewsbury was entrusted with the care of Mary, Queen of Scots, when she was detained from 1569 onward, in his various houses around Derbyshire, Wingfield among them. In August 1569 the Earl was eager to move Mary from Wingfield. He wanted to take her to Sheffield because Wingfield needed cleaning. There were over 240 people in residence and the manor “waxed unsavoury.” At Sheffield, the Earl had two houses, Sheffield Castle and Sheffield Manor and could easily move the queen between them when cleaning was necessary. [ Fearnehough, David. (2010). Derbyshire extremes. Stroud: Amberley. p. 117.] 

“The Earl of Shrewsbury heard of a plot to release Mary at that time. The Earl of Northumberland and his wife had come to stay nearby at Wentworth House. The alleged escape plan involved the Countess of Northumberland pretending to be a nurse and coming to attend Christine Hogg, the pregnant wife of the embroiderer Bastian Pagez. The Countess was “something like the queen in personage” and would take Mary’s place while she escaped. [Bain, Joseph, ed., Calendar State Papers Scotland, vol. 2 (Edinburgh, 1900), p. 671.]

“Queen Elizabeth wrote to the Earl of Shrewsbury on 14 March 1570 giving permission for him to move Mary back to Wingfield because the water supply at Tutbury Castle was inadequate. The Earl had hoped to take Mary to Chatsworth House and also made preparations there.

Wingfield Manor. The view from the tower at Wingfield Manor, looking North to North East with the village of South Wingfield in the background. Little known, Wingfield Manor is a huge grand ruin of a country mansion built in 1440 by Ralph Cromwell and is one of the many places Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned. It sits atop a small hill over looking the valley below and is quite imposing on the landscape. The ruin is looked after by English Heritage. ~ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wingfield_Manor#/media/File:Wingfield_Manor_-geograph.org.uk-_6280.jpg

“Mary was back at Wingfield in 1584 and Ralph Sadler described in October how the “castle” was guarded by soldiers armed with pistols, muskets and halberds, and the difficult terrain nearby which would deter escape. He wrote about the unsatisfactory conditions in November, when she was to moved to Tutbury Castle. Mary’s bedchamber at Wingfield was too close to the kitchens and the “smoke and scent of meat” from below, despite being the best lodging in the house.

It was thought that was when Mary met Babington, who organised the abortive Babington Plot, a Recusant Catholic plot against Elizabeth I.

Henry Babington died in in 1571, leaving Anthony as his heir under the guardianship of his mother. About 1579, Babington married Margery Draycot and he appears to have spent some time at Lincoln’s Inn the following year.

Anthony Babington’s looks and his quick wit made him a favorite at Queen Elizabeth’s court, but he did not realize he was being watched carefully due to being a practicing Catholic.

In March 1586, Anthony Babington and six friends gathered in The Plough, an inn outside Temple Bar, where they discussed the possibility of freeing Mary, assassinating Elizabeth, and inciting a rebellion supported by an invasion from abroad. With his spy network, it was not long before Walsingham discovered the existence of the Babington Plot. To make sure he obtained a conviction he arranged for Gifford to visit Babington on 6th July. Gifford told Babington that he had heard about the plot from Thomas Morgan in France and was willing to arrange for him to send messages to Mary via his brewer friend.

Sir Francis Walsingham ~ Portrait c. 1585, attributed to John de Critz ~ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Walsingham

However, Babington did not fully trust Gifford and enciphered his letter. Babington used a very complex cipher that consisted of 23 symbols that were to be substituted for the letters of the alphabet (excluding j. v and w), along with 35 symbols representing words or phrases. In addition, there were four nulls and a sybol which signified that the next symbol represents a double letter. It would seem that the French Embassy had already arranged for Mary to receive a copy of the necessary codebook.

Gilbert Gifford took the sealed letter to Francis Walsingham. He employed counterfeiters, who would then break the seal on the letter, make a copy, and then reseal the original letter with an identical stamp before handing it back to Gifford. The apparently untouched letter could then be delivered to Mary or her correspondents, who remained oblivious to what was going on.

The copy was then taken to Thomas Phelippes. Cryptanalysts like Phelippes used several methods to break a code like the one used by Babington. For example, the commonest letter in English is “e”. He established the frequency of each character, and tentatively proposed values for those that appeared most often. Eventually he was able to break the code used by Babington. The message clearly proposed the assassination of Elizabeth.

In 1586, Babington wrote to Mary and outlined the plan to use money and troops, provided by Philip of Spain, to sail up the Thames and capture London and Queen Elizabeth. Elizabeth was to be murdered and Mary would become the Catholic queen of both England and Scotland.

Sparatcus Educational tells us, “Babington home was searched for documents that would provide evidence against him. When interviewed, Babington, who was not tortured, made a confession in which he admitted that Mary had written a letter supporting the plot. At his trial, Babington and his twelve confederates were found guilty and sentenced to hanging and quartering. ‘The horrors of semi-strangulation and of being split open alive for the heart and intestines to be wrenched out were regarded, like those of being burned to death, as awful but in the accepted order of things.'”

Gallows were set up near St Giles-in-the-Field and the first seven conspirators, led by Babington, were executed on 20th September 1586. These seven men were first dragged behind a horse, face down, through the streets of London. Next they were hung upon gallows in Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Finally, they were taken down, while still alive, to have their insides ripped out.

Babington’s last words were “Spare me Lord Jesus”. Another conspirator, Chidiock Tichborne, made a long speech where he blamed Babington “for drawing him in”. The men were hanged only for a short time, cut down while they were still alive, and then castrated and disembowelled.

The other seven were brought to the scaffold the next day and suffered the same death, “but, more favourably, by the Queens commandment, who detested the former cruelty” They hung until they were dead and only then suffered the barbarity of castration and disembowelling. They were officially the last victims to be hung, drawn, and quartered.

Posted in British history, Elizabeth I, England, history, kings and queens, real life tales, religion, research, Scotland | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on The Babington Plot to Kill Queen Elizabeth I

Pride and Prejudice and Card Games, a Guest Post from Lelia Eye

Posted on May 9, 2022 by Regina Jeffers

When you think of Jane Austen, you often think of ballrooms and conversations, but the characters who her novels focus on are often playing card games! I initially intended to showcase quotes from all of Austen’s novels concerning different games, but as I looked at Pride and Prejudice for certain key terms, I found myself entertained by what the text surrounding them revealed. Part of it is just my renewed interest in card games lately. As a child, I played a lot of different card games, but it has been quite some time since I’ve been able to play them, and I miss having the time for such things!

I found no mention of more exciting terms like “Snapdragon” or “Charades.” But I did find success with card game terms:

  • Game
  • Card
  • Fish
    • A gambling chip.
  •  Loo
    • “Loo” is short for “Lanterloo.” It involves 3 to 8 players who play for tricks.
  • Piquet
    • Piquet is a two-player card game.
  • Whist
    • Whist is a 4-player card game that involves playing for tricks.
  • Lottery
    • In this game, you win if you hold the winning card.
  • Cassino
    • A “fishing” game for 2 or 4 players (preferably 2).
  • Quadrille
    • A trick-taking game involving 4 players.
  • Commerce
    • This involves 3-10 players. The goal is to have the best three-card combination.
  • Vingt-un
    • “Vingt-un” is French for 21, so naturally the game is about trying to reach a score of 21. There are typically 3-7 players.

When you look at these games in a simplistic sense as plot devices, you can see how the number of players and the method of winning can be quite important. (More later on that.)

We will start with just some simple references to card games:

  • Elizabeth was so much caught with what passed, as to leave her very little attention for her book; and soon laying it wholly aside, she drew near the card-table, and stationed herself between Mr. Bingley and his eldest sister, to observe the game.
  • When Lady Catherine and her daughter had played as long as they chose, the tables were broken up, the carriage was offered to Mrs. Collins, gratefully accepted and immediately ordered. The party then gathered round the fire to hear Lady Catherine determine what weather they were to have on the morrow.
  • Elizabeth allowed that he had given a very rational account of it, and they continued talking together, with mutual satisfaction till supper put an end to cards, and gave the rest of the ladies their share of Mr. Wickham’s attentions.
  • Elizabeth, who had a letter to write, went into the breakfast room for that purpose soon after tea; for as the others were all going to sit down to cards, she could not be wanted to counteract her mother’s schemes.
  • She then hastened away to her mother, who had purposely broken up the card party, and was sitting up stairs with Kitty.
  • When Lady Catherine and her daughter had played as long as they chose, the tables were broken up, the carriage was offered to Mrs. Collins, gratefully accepted and immediately ordered. The party then gathered round the fire to hear Lady Catherine determine what weather they were to have on the morrow.

Here is a brief reference to a few card games we do not otherwise see in action:

  • “Yes; these four evenings have enabled them to ascertain that they both like Vingt-un better than Commerce; but with respect to any other leading characteristic, I do not imagine that much has been unfolded.”

The game of lottery tickets is one of luck, and as such, it appears to be especially enjoyed by those who do not seem, shall we say, as intelligent as others:

  • This was agreed to, and Mrs. Phillips protested that they would have a nice comfortable noisy game of lottery tickets, and a little bit of hot supper afterwards.
  • Lydia talked incessantly of lottery tickets, of the fish she had lost and the fish she had won; and Mr. Collins in describing the civility of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, protesting that he did not in the least regard his losses at whist, enumerating all the dishes at supper, and repeatedly fearing that he crowded his cousins, had more to say than he could well manage before the carriage stopped at Longbourn House.
  • Mr. Wickham did not play at whist, and with ready delight was he received at the other table between Elizabeth and Lydia. At first there seemed danger of Lydia’s engrossing him entirely, for she was a most determined talker; but being likewise extremely fond of lottery tickets, she soon grew too much interested in the game, too eager in making bets and exclaiming after prizes to have attention for anyone in particular. Allowing for the common demands of the game, Mr. Wickham was therefore at leisure to talk to Elizabeth, and she was very willing to hear him, though what she chiefly wished to hear she could not hope to be told—the history of his acquaintance with Mr. Darcy.

In all fairness, however, Mrs. Phillips does seem to enjoy the 4-player, trick-taking Whist:

  • When the card-tables were placed, [Mr. Collins] had the opportunity of obliging her in turn, by sitting down to whist.
    “I know little of the game at present,” said he, “but I shall be glad to improve myself, for in my situation in life—” Mrs. Phillips was very glad for his compliance, but could not wait for his reason.

Quadrille being a 4-player game and Cassino being a game for 2 or 4 players, you can see here how the games fall in line here:

  • When the gentlemen had joined them, and tea was over, the card-tables were placed. Lady Catherine, Sir William, and Mr. and Mrs. Collins sat down to quadrille; and as Miss de Bourgh chose to play at cassino, the two girls had the honour of assisting Mrs. Jenkinson to make up her party. Their table was superlatively stupid. Scarcely a syllable was uttered that did not relate to the game, except when Mrs. Jenkinson expressed her fears of Miss de Bourgh’s being too hot or too cold, or having too much or too little light. A great deal more passed at the other table. Lady Catherine was generally speaking—stating the mistakes of the three others, or relating some anecdote of herself. Mr. Collins was employed in agreeing to everything her ladyship said, thanking her for every fish he won, and apologising if he thought he won too many. Sir William did not say much. He was storing his memory with anecdotes and noble names.

However, despite the fact that money seems to be frequently involved in card games, the notion of someone being a “gamester” (gambler) and owing debts to folks is a horrifying one:

  • He owed a good deal in town, but his debts of honour were still more formidable. Mr. Gardiner did not attempt to conceal these particulars from the Longbourn family. Jane heard them with horror. “A gamester!” she cried. “This is wholly unexpected. I had not an idea of it.”

In fact, Austen seems to indicate that an obsession with cards is something to beware:

  • Miss Bingley was engrossed by Mr. Darcy, her sister scarcely less so; and as for Mr. Hurst, by whom Elizabeth sat, he was an indolent man, who lived only to eat, drink, and play at cards; who, when he found her to prefer a plain dish to a ragout, had nothing to say to her.
  • When tea was over, Mr. Hurst reminded his sister-in-law of the card-table—but in vain. She had obtained private intelligence that Mr. Darcy did not wish for cards; and Mr. Hurst soon found even his open petition rejected. She assured him that no one intended to play, and the silence of the whole party on the subject seemed to justify her. Mr. Hurst had therefore nothing to do, but to stretch himself on one of the sofas and go to sleep. Darcy took up a book; Miss Bingley did the same; and Mrs. Hurst, principally occupied in playing with her bracelets and rings, joined now and then in her brother’s conversation with Miss Bennet.

Elizabeth remains cautious when the stakes are high, as her family is on the poorer side, which leads to a misunderstanding of sorts:

  • On entering the drawing-room [Elizabeth] found the whole party at loo, and was immediately invited to join them; but suspecting them to be playing high she declined it, and making her sister the excuse, said she would amuse herself for the short time she could stay below, with a book. Mr. Hurst looked at her with astonishment.
    “Do you prefer reading to cards?” said he; “that is rather singular.”
    “Miss Eliza Bennet,” said Miss Bingley, “despises cards. She is a great reader, and has no pleasure in anything else.”
    “I deserve neither such praise nor such censure,” cried Elizabeth; “I am not a great reader, and I have pleasure in many things.”

Mr. Collins seems glad to indicate he has no need to worry about losing a bit of money at cards:

  • “I know very well, madam,” said he, “that when persons sit down to a card-table, they must take their chances of these things, and happily I am not in such circumstances as to make five shillings any object. There are undoubtedly many who could not say the same, but thanks to Lady Catherine de Bourgh, I am removed far beyond the necessity of regarding little matters.”
  • The whist party soon afterwards breaking up, the players gathered round the other table and Mr. Collins took his station between his cousin Elizabeth and Mrs. Phillips. The usual inquiries as to his success was made by the latter. It had not been very great; he had lost every point; but when Mrs. Phillips began to express her concern thereupon, he assured her with much earnest gravity that it was not of the least importance, that he considered the money as a mere trifle, and begged that she would not make herself uneasy.

Here we see evidence of the importance of numbers when determining what card games can be played, who can sit with who, and how the presence or absence of a player can make a difference:

  • The entertainment of dining at Rosings was repeated about twice a week; and, allowing for the loss of Sir William, and there being only one card-table in the evening, every such entertainment was the counterpart of the first.
  • When the tea-things were removed, and the card-tables placed, the ladies all rose, and Elizabeth was then hoping to be soon joined by him, when all her views were overthrown by seeing him fall a victim to her mother’s rapacity for whist players, and in a few moments after seated with the rest of the party. She now lost every expectation of pleasure. They were confined for the evening at different tables, and she had nothing to hope, but that his eyes were so often turned towards her side of the room, as to make him play as unsuccessfully as herself.
  • [Mr. Collins indicates that Lady Catherine had] asked him twice to dine at Rosings, and had sent for him only the Saturday before, to make up her pool of quadrille in the evening.
  • It now first struck her, that she was selected from among her sisters as worthy of being mistress of Hunsford Parsonage, and of assisting to form a quadrille table at Rosings, in the absence of more eligible visitors.
  • Mr. Collins: ” . . . Twice has [Lady Catherine] condescended to give me her opinion (unasked too!) on this subject; and it was but the very Saturday night before I left Hunsford—between our pools at quadrille, while Mrs. Jenkinson was arranging Miss de Bourgh’s footstool, that she said, ‘Mr. Collins, you must marry. A clergyman like you must marry. Choose properly, choose a gentlewoman for my sake; and for your own, let her be an active, useful sort of person, not brought up high, but able to make a small income go a good way.’”

In fact, cards can be exclusionary in a way due to the need to match numbers to the game. Piquet is a two-person game, so when Hurst and Bingley play it, that means no one else can play with them:

  • Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley had spent some hours of the morning with the invalid, who continued, though slowly, to mend; and in the evening Elizabeth joined their party in the drawing-room. The loo-table, however, did not appear. Mr. Darcy was writing, and Miss Bingley, seated near him, was watching the progress of his letter and repeatedly calling off his attention by messages to his sister. Mr. Hurst and Mr. Bingley were at piquet, and Mrs. Hurst was observing their game.

These quotes make me appreciate Austen’s humor all the more. What were the alternatives to traditional occupations like card games, reading, playing the pianoforte, and the like? Well, Sir William, as we saw earlier, chose to store “his memory with anecdotes and noble names.” The Rosings party at one point gathers “round the fire to hear Lady Catherine determine what weather they were to have on the morrow.” (I suppose she is like the proverbial groundhog!) And at one point, Mrs. Hurst occupies herself “in playing with her bracelets and rings.” These all seem like quite important occupations, no?

Do you have a favorite quote that seems to be a sort of snide Austen comment like those? Have you played any of the games referenced? It’s always fun to hear from you! When my kids are older, I am hoping to pick back up War, Spades, and Bridge, along with some new ones. At this point, I’ll even go for “Go Fish” and “Old Maid” if I could just find some time to play!

Resources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanterloo

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piquet

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whist

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twenty-One_(banking_game)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadrille_(card_game)

https://pemberley.com/janeinfo/pptopics.html#cardgame

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassino_(card_game)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commerce_(card_game)

Posted in Austen Authors, British history, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Guest Post, history, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, Pride and Prejudice, Regency era | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Pride and Prejudice and Card Games, a Guest Post from Lelia Eye

Brook, New Forest, Hampshire + the Release of “The Jewel Thief and the Earl” + a Giveaway

Posted on May 6, 2022 by Regina Jeffers

Today, I am celebrating the release of my Regency novella, The Jewel Thief and the Earl. If you missed this tale in last summer’s Regency Anthology, now is the time to claim it. You can find it HERE on Amazon Kindle, and it will also be available to read for free on Kindle Unlimited. (Chapter One can be found on Wednesday’s post, if you wish to read it before the one below.) Comment to be a part of the giveaway. I will contact winners by email.)

The heroine, Miss Colleen Everley, has been taught her father’s skills of being a master thief. Her father, Thomas Everley, is an interesting mix of loving father and self-centered #%@&*&^.

Thomas Everley is a notorious thief from a place called Brook in Hampshire. Thomas has been presented the moniker of “Brook’s Crook.” He is a man of many faces—a younger son of a viscount, who, early on, simply found sleight-of-hand an interesting skill. At school, he “practiced” pulling coins from the ears of his friend, but when his family, meaning his late father, turned Thomas out after Thomas’s scandalous elopement to Gretna Green with Miss Genevieve Saunders, who was to marry another, Thomas often found it easier to “borrow” a quid or two, rather than to discover a marketable trade. As the second son, he was intended for either the British Army or the Royal Navy, neither of which would have suited him, for, although Thomas Everley would fight like a rabid dog if cornered, he was essentially a kind man—a man who doted on Colleen when she was a child. He was a man who had shown Colleen much of the world through the eyes of an artist. Her father was a man who loved the finer things in life, despite being set adrift with only a pauper’s purse. As the story begins, Thomas has been caught in Brook, tried, and sentenced to transportation.

Mrs. Genevieve Saunders Everley, Colleen’s mother had been blind to her husband’s faults until he was too steeped in his “craft” to consider quitting. The realization of how far Thomas had sunk broke Genevieve’s heart. One day the woman took to her bed and never came out, leaving Colleen’s education to Thomas, who taught his daughter more than her letters and figures.

Brook is a hamlet in the civil parish of Bramshaw, in Hampshire, England. It lies just inside the New Forest. The hamlet contains a mix of 18th and 19th century cottages,[just south of the village of Bramshaw. There are two inns in Brook on opposite sides of the road – The Green Dragon and The Bell Inn. Both buildings date from the 18th century, albeit with 19th and 20th century alterations. Brook is also home to the club-house of Bramshaw Golf Club, which claims to be the oldest golf club in Hampshire.

Just south of the village at Lower Canterton lies the Rufus Stone. This stone is said to mark the place where in 1100 the then King of England, William Rufus, was killed by an arrow whilst out hunting. The arrow was fired by a French nobleman, Walter Tyrell, but it has never been established if the death was an accident or murder.

Brook: the green A largeish wedge-shaped green on the acute junction of the B3078 and a small side lane. The Bell Inn is in the distance. ~ CC BY-SA 2.0
File:Brook, the green – geograph.org.uk – 1444359.jpg ~ Created: 15 August 2009 ~ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brook,New_Forest#/media/File:Brook,_the_green–geograph.org.uk-_1444359.jpg
Grave Marker for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle at All Saints Church in Minstead, about 2.1 miles from Brook

Book Blurb:

Grandison Franklyn, 8th Earl Harlow, has earned the moniker “Grandison, the Great” for a variety of reasons: his well-honed attitude of superiority; his appearance; and a string of mistresses, most notably Lady Jenest, who created a “great” row when he cut her loose. 

Miss Colleen Everley is the daughter of England’s most notorious thief, a man called “Brook’s Crook.” Colleen has been taught many of her father’s skills, along with an eye for the value of each item in a room. Unfortunately, the lady does not possess Thomas Everley’s daring. 

Lord Harlow and Miss Everley must combine forces to return Queen Charlotte’s sapphire necklace before Her Majesty learns it is missing. Toss in a healthy sprinkling of quirky characters and missteps in the investigation, and the reader will find a delightful tale that goes beyond the “Cinderella” effect and opposites attract.

Excerpt from Chapter Two:

Colleen should have permitted Caro or Jones to respond to Lord Harlow’s knock, especially as she still wore the day dress she had worn to her meeting with the lady who assisted in overseeing the foundling home, which Colleen had organized and supported for more than three years, but she could not quite quash her curiosity. She could easily recall how she had observed Lord Harlow, then Lord Franklyn, once in Hyde Park. She had been upon her father’s arm, and it had been glorious to be among those of society, for, at the time, all of London had no idea of the notoriety that would one day fill her life. Lord Franklyn had been with several other young gentlemen, who bowed and doffed their hats to her, Lord Franklyn going so far as to speak his “good day” before walking on. 

Colleen had been hard-pressed not to turn and look more closely upon the young man who was the most strikingly handsome man she had ever seen. Ironically, although she had hope he had not aged well, the same fluttering of anticipation she had known on that fateful day in Hyde Park had settled in her chest when she looked upon his lordship’s fine countenance today. 

After that day, she had combed the newsprints for word of Lord Franklyn. She knew when his father had passed—knew when he took his seat in the Lords—knew the names of his various mistresses over the years—and knew something of his reputation for quirkiness. In the sketches of him in the more gossipy news, he was referred to as “Grandison, the Great,” a wealthy lord who was very regimented in his ways and who had earned the praise and loyalty of those populating the higher positions of England’s government and society as a whole. He was so popular among the lords and ladies of fashion, he had been dubbed “the great” for more than the uproar caused by Lady Jenest when he released her as his mistress. The man was said to possess a great mind, great wealth, and great . . . Well, young ladies of society were not supposed to be interested in his other “great” attributes. The idea made Colleen smile when she looked upon him. 

It was also said that Harlow collected artifacts and relics of ancient civilization, as well as rare books, with a robust interest, equalled by his desire for the “jewels” of fine society. Her father had often spoken of the man’s collections as if they were the Holy Grail. 

Tall. Muscular. Dark hair and eyes. A well-honed attitude of superiority, one that would certainly name her as far below his notice. Such was the reason Colleen had used her own fully-developed skills to remove a variety of items from his person. 

“You have earned my attention, Miss Everley.” 

“It is not your attention I require, your lordship, but rather your cooperation,” she said, never allowing herself to forget the disdain apparent in his eyes and what she named as his patronizing way of speaking to her. It made her wonder what had happened to the young man who had briefly flirted with her all those years prior and why she had ever privately claimed a fascination with him. 

Colleen considered simply sending Lord Harlow on his way. If she chose to find the necklace, she could certainly do so without his lordship’s presence at her side. Harlow would more likely prove to be a detriment: his disapproval of her lineage serving as a plague upon her ability to meet with the necessary people to locate the necklace. Jones could escort her just as easily as could Lord Harlow, and Jones, her butler, would, most assuredly, be better trained than was his lordship in the event of trouble. It was time to set her terms and learn Lord Harlow’s response. 

“As you can easily determine, my lord, I possess particular skills that, once it is located, shall permit me to remove the necklace you seek. I do not require your participation or your permission in order to serve both my friend and Lord Liverpool.” 

“I assure you, Miss Everley, a simple sleight of hand will only infuriate those you seek. I know London’s worst neighborhoods and the habitué within.” 

“Do you, Lord Harlow? I wonder,” she said as a means to present him the gauntlet of a challenge. “Are we or are we not to be partners in this endeavor?”

Colleen forced herself to meet his steady gaze. The same heat of recognition she had experienced that day in Hyde Park and earlier when she opened the door to him had returned; yet, she refused even to blink. 

After an elongated pause, he said, “For the time, I will follow Lord Liverpool’s orders.” 

She wished to dance a jig in celebration, but, instead, Colleen presented him a simple nod of acceptance. “Although you may not disclose the owner of the necklace or its location when it disappeared, might you tell me if other items were removed from what I must assume was a home safe?”

Lord Harlow frowned dramatically, indicating hers was a question he had not asked of his employer. “Not to the best of my knowledge,” he admitted in reluctant tones. “Is such important?”

“It is to us. We must determine whether the theft was one of opportunity or one designed to make a statement,” she explained. 

His eyebrow rose, announcing his question before it was spoken. “A statement?”

“Did the thief take the necklace because he might never have another opportunity to claim such a priceless piece, or did the thief wish to prove the ease with which he could remove the necklace, despite what I must assume were precautions to prevent such an eventuality. Before you ask, my father was, generally, of the second type.”

Again, his brows drew together in an obvious acknowledgement of the consideration he gave her questions. “Before I can respond properly, I must ask for clarification from Lord Liverpool.” Which meant he could not speak on the theft itself with any certainty. He grudgingly asked, “What else should we know before we go further in this search?”

Colleen wanted to purr with satisfaction: She had bested Grandison the Great. When his lordship departed, she would be dancing that jig, after all. Rather, she said, “It would be helpful to be aware of how many knew of the necklace in the safe. If nothing less, did the servants possess knowledge of the necklace’s presence? Were any doors or windows left unlocked for the night? After all, whoever managed to enter the property to open the safe avoided encountering both servants and the house’s residents, am I correct in my assumption?”

His lordship nodded his head in agreement. 

She continued, “The person must possess very specific skills. Stealth, for example, not to mention the ability to open a safe. Was the safe itself one of the more secure models found in many finer homes or was it a simple lock and key style? Also, do we know how the thief came by the knowledge of the necklace’s value and whether he, or she,” Colleen said with a mischievous grin, “possessed any accomplices. I am assuming, at this time, you do not possess the answers to these questions.” 

“Perhaps the house proved convenient pickings for the thief or thieves,” he suggested lamely. 

Colleen shook off his suggestion. “I would again assume the owner of the necklace holds a prominent position in Society if both you and Lord Liverpool are involved.” He kept his lips sealed, indicating her assumption correct. “A common thief would not take the chance of being caught by such auspicious personages, for he would hang because of the notoriety of the deed.” 

“Then we are searching for someone of your father’s skills?” he asked with a lift of his eyebrows, insinuating she, herself, could be a suspect. 

“As the British government has seen to my father’s permanent place of residence for the remainder of his days, your thief cannot be Thomas Everley,” she responded, irritation lacing her tone. 

His lordship’s predictable accusation arrived. “Perhaps the thief is someone Thomas Everley has trained.” 

Colleen set her tea aside and stood abruptly. “I believe our business is at an end, my lord. I shall have Mr. Jones see you out.” She started for the door, but Lord Harlow was quicker.

“Not so fast, Miss Everley,” he said as his hand wrapped about her forearm. “Our ‘business’ is not finished until I say it is.” 

“I am not your property, my lord. I am of age, and I can say with whom I keep company, and you are not among those I choose to entertain. I shall thank you, first, to remove your hand from my person, and, then, likewise, remove yourself from my house.” She glared at him until his fingers lifted from her arm. “Good day, my lord.” With that, she strode from the room, allowing the door to swing hard against the wall as she shoved it from her way. 

Posted in book excerpts, book release, British history, eBooks, excerpt, Georgian England, Georgian Era, heroines, historical fiction, Living in the Regency, publishing, reading, reading habits, Regency era, Regency romance, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Brook, New Forest, Hampshire + the Release of “The Jewel Thief and the Earl” + a Giveaway

Release of “The Jewel Thief and the Earl” + a Giveaway

Posted on May 4, 2022 by Regina Jeffers

Today, I am celebrating the upcoming release (Friday, May 6) of “The Jewel Thief and the Earl” by including an excerpt to tempt you. To enter the giveaway, comment below. I will reach out to the winners by email after the Mother’s Day weekend.

The Jewel Thief and the Earl will be available on Amazon Kindle for $0.99 and Kindle Unlimited. You may purchase it HERE.

Grandison Franklyn, 8th Earl Harlow, has earned the moniker “Grandison, the Great” for a variety of reasons: his well-honed attitude of superiority; his appearance; and a string of mistresses, most notably Lady Jenest, who created a “great” row when he cut her loose. 

Miss Colleen Everley is the daughter of England’s most notorious thief, a man called “Brook’s Crook.” Colleen has been taught many of her father’s skills, along with an eye for the value of each item in a room. Unfortunately, the lady does not possess Thomas Everley’s daring. 

Lord Harlow and Miss Everley must combine forces to return Queen Charlotte’s sapphire necklace before Her Majesty learns it is missing. Toss in a healthy sprinkling of quirky characters and missteps in the investigation, and the reader will find a delightful tale that goes beyond the “Cinderella” effect and opposites attract.

Chapter One 

Late June 1817 

“We require an expert thief to capture an expert thief.” Lord Liverpool stated the obvious, as Prince George paced his private chambers in a fit of anxiety. The quickness with which the Prince Regent covered the distance from his bed to the door and back amazed Grandison Franklyn, 8th Earl Harlow, for the Prince’s bulk had, in Grandison’s opinion, greatly increase since the last time, perhaps a year prior, Grand had been summoned before His Royal Highness. 

Grandison’s role in Prince George’s latest complaint was to correct the “error” made by His Royal Highness before it became public knowledge. Grand’s position in the Home Office called for his ability to respond quickly and with discretion. He often referred to himself as a “coordinator.” He possessed connections to a variety of resources and people; yet, even he held his doubts about the return of a royal sapphire necklace, likely presented to the Prince’s latest paramour, a woman too flighty for the necessary secrecy of any woman who became one of Prince Regent’s mistresses. Certainly, a woman placed in such a position could not expect others never to discover she was willing to accept the prince’s attentions, but to discuss openly the gifts His Royal Highness presented her only asked for censure and a rebuke from the prince. 

“Find the best and offer the man a reprieve if he secures my mother’s sapphire necklace,” Prinny instructed.  

“Queen Charlotte’s sapphire necklace?” Grand asked, suddenly comprehending the urgency of his being summoned to Carlton House. 

Prinny purposely turned his back on Grand, in obvious disapproval for not attending to the conversation, but Liverpool answered in soft tones, “Yes, part of Her Royal Highness’s bridal gifts from the King.”

Grand swallowed the series of questions and “reprimands” rushing to his lips. Instead, he said, “The best thief in England is currently on a ship to a penal colony, a reprieve from the hangman’s noose presented to him in return for his agreement to surrender more than a dozen pieces of Egyptian relics and an equal number of pieces of priceless jewelry waiting to be returned to the appropriate owners.” 

“Then turn the ship around!” the prince demanded. 

Grandison said evenly, so as not to offend his future king, but, rather, to practice reason, “As the ship departed London nearly three weeks prior, even if another was launched immediately to give pursuit, it would take more than a handful of months to overtake the prison ship and return Brook’s Crook to London. I assume we require a quicker resolution.” 

Even with Grand’s simple explanation, the prince’s face turned a purplish-red with anger. “I would prefer to have the necklace in my hands by the day’s end!”

Grandison warned, “I suspect we will be fortunate to know success by week’s end.” 

“Week’s end!” the prince screeched. 

Lord Liverpool stepped before Prinny to say, “Lord Harlow’s warning was purely standard, Your Highness. Naturally, we will have more than a dozen men searching for the necklace within the hour.” 

Those words appeared to sober the prince. “I would prefer only a few were made aware of my shortcomings,” he announced with an air of superiority ingrained in Prince George’s nature. 

Lord Liverpool reasoned, “Then I cannot guarantee your wish to know a resolution by day’s end.” 

“How soon?” Prinny asked, while a frown marked his forehead.

Grandison admired Liverpool’s calm while soothing their future king. It was the odd man who stood toe-to-toe with Prince George and won an argument. 

“As Lord Harlow says, a week. We will attempt to resolve the situation sooner, but I cannot warrant the deed done until it is done. May I ask, Your Highness, of the urgency lacing this commission?”

Prinny glanced to Grandison before lowering his voice. Because he was not meant to hear the prince’s confession, Grand looked away, but he remained in place, knowing, quite well, he would be held responsible if he failed the Home Office. “Her Royal Highness means to wear the necklace for a family gathering set to mark the King and Queen’s anniversary in early September. She has asked me to have the jeweler at Mr. Grose’s establishment to have it cleaned and the settings tightened before then.” 

Liverpool kept his voice soft, as if soothing a baby or a puppy, but loud enough for Grandison to hear. “Then you did not present the necklace to the Marchioness of Hertford?”

The prince lowered his voice further. “I had imbibed too much brandy and trusted those I should not, who said someone might think to remove the necklace from my person without my knowledge.” 

Liverpool continued to ask the necessary question to which Grandison would require answers in order to conduct an investigation. “Did you view Lady Hertford placing the necklace securely away?”

The prince puffed up in indignation. “I never said I was with Lady Hertford at the time. Her ladyship is beyond respectable. In fact, she remains unaware of my indiscretion.” 

“I see,” Liverpool said gravely. “Then please explain what occurred. Lord Harlow must be made aware upon whom to call.” 

Prince George’s countenance screwed up in defiance. “I would prefer this incident was handled with the greatest discretion.” 

“Naturally, Your Highness. Yet, Lord Harlow must have a starting point,” Liverpool insisted. 

The prince shot a wary glance toward Grandison. “Perhaps we should claim the assistance of someone other than Lord Harlow.” 

Lord Liverpool directed a steady gaze on Grand, warning him to remain silent until the Prime Minister “handled” Prince George. “Most assuredly, Your Highness, Lord Harlow can be replaced by another, but you must understand that his lordship possesses specialized skills, as well as a number of connections in such circles as will be required to assist us in retrieving the necklace before it is sold to a rich count or marquis upon the Continent.” 

After a long pause, the Prince huffed his disapproval, but he nodded his agreement, nevertheless. “I was with Ridgeworth and Spratt. We all had had too much to drink; yet, we still called upon Lady Jenest. She was having her bi-monthly gaming ‘at-home’ gathering on Friday evening.” 

Grand swallowed the words forming on his lips. Olivia Brownstone, Lady Jenest, had, at one time, served as Grand’s mistress. A widow, Lady Jenest had chosen the freedom her “widowhood” had provided, rather than to shackle herself to another. As Lord Franklyn, Grand had frequently enjoyed the pleasure of bedding a woman “with experience”; however, as Lady Jenest demanded more and more of his time and his allowance from his father, Grand had cut her loose in what turned out to be a very public breakup; thus, his moniker, “Grandison the Great,” meaning a “great” uproar occurred with their separation, although he had heard himself spoken of for both a ‘great’ sense of self consequence, as well as ‘great’ ease when it came to wooing the finer sex. 

After a very awkward pause, Grand said, “Perhaps, His Royal Highness has the right of it, my lord. I doubt Lady Jenest would respond to any request from me to meet with her on this matter, despite the urgency of the investigation.” 

Before the prince could agree, Lord Liverpool announced, “Nonsense, Lady Jenest will do what is necessary: I will assure it. Moreover, I possess an idea of how we might proceed. Trust me, Your Highness. Lord Harlow is your best choice for settling this matter quickly and with significant discretion.”

* * *

Dawn’s light barely streaked the sky as Grandison set his key to the lock and turned the latch. It surprised him to view his butler reaching for the door, for it would be nearly an hour before Mr. Shelby would be expected to be on duty. 

“You took me unawares, Shelby,” Grand murmured as he handed his waiting servant his hat and gloves. “What are you doing on duty at this ungodly hour?”

Mr. Shelby tilted his head toward the passageway. “Lord Liverpool arrived an hour prior. He is enjoying his breakfast in the morning room.” 

Grand nodded his understanding: When called upon by necessity, his servants could respond with a moment’s notice. “Extend my gratitude to Cook and her staff for rising to the occasion. Assure all I will reward their loyalty at the next quarter day.” 

“That is very gracious of you, my lord.” 

Before more could be said, Liverpool stepped into the hall to say, “Ah, it is you, Harlow. Please join me. I have been anticipating your return for some time now.” 

Grand inclined his head in acceptance of the Prime Minister’s request, while his insides groaned with the idea he would be made to wait a bit longer before he could claim his bed. “I will require coffee and my usual fare, Shelby.” 

“Right away, sir.” 

As he made his way to his morning room, he set his shoulders in expectation of Liverpool’s disappointment when Grand made his report. “You have risen early, my lord,” he said as he permitted his footman to hold his chair.

“You would be surprised how few hours of sleep a man requires. I believe such is a prerequisite before assuming the role of Prime Minister,” Liverpool countered. 

“If that is all that is required for the position, perhaps I should place my hat into the ring of candidates,” Grand said with as much levity as he could muster, especially as he was bone-tired and frustrated by his lack of leads to the necklace.

Liverpool nodded sagely. “If you do not discover the necklace, neither of us is likely to retain our position in government, let alone be Prime Minister.” 

Mr. Shelby appeared at Grand’s side with a steaming pot of coffee, which he poured into Grand’s cup, essentially bringing a momentary end to Liverpool’s poorly veiled threat. The footman who had followed set a plate of coddled eggs and ham before Grand. 

“Will there be anything else, my lord?” Shelby asked.

“As long as Lord Liverpool requires no further service, I am content,” Grand instructed. 

“I, too, am content for the time being.” 

With Liverpool’s flick of his wrist, Grand’s servants disappeared into the nearby servants’ hall to wait for another summons.

“Tell me, you, at least, have a lead as to the whereabouts of Her Royal Highness’s necklace,” the Prime Minister said in exacting tones. 

Grand sucked in a steadying breath before responding. He wished he had known then what he knew now of the intricacies of keeping a mistress in London society. “Permit me to say before we go further, I would prefer not to be the one required to speak to Lady Jenest. I do not think my doing so would be wise. We both know the woman lacks discretion. Yet, I completely understand the necessity of interviewing her ladyship in this matter.” He sighed heavily, “I am grieved to say, my lord, that no one appears to know anything of someone attempting to sell the gems as individual jewels, rather than in a gold setting, as we thought the person might do, nor selling the necklace itself.” 

Liverpool’s frown lines deepened. “Just as I feared.” He placed his fork upon the plate. “It sounds as if we are to squeeze out a suspect, we must search where only the lowest of the low dare to venture.”

Grand did not like the sound of the charge, obviously being dumped into his lap. “I will claim a few hours of sleep and then return to the streets,” he assured. 

Liverpool wiped his mouth with the serviette. “As I said to the Prince Regent, although I had hoped for a ready resolution, I have an idea of someone who may be of assistance to us. I will send over the person’s directions after I have made arrangements for your house call.” With that, the country’s Prime Minister strode from the room. Within seconds, the door leading to the street closed behind him. 

Grand sat looking down at his plate of food in stunned silence. He did not want to know what Lord Liverpool planned for him. “Not much chance of sleep,” he grumbled, “as my good name and reputation is on the line.” He took a long draught of the coffee. “I wonder what his lordship has in mind for me.” 

* * *

Grandison glanced about him as he stepped down from his carriage in the early afternoon sun. He could easily imagine his name being bandied about at a variety of soirées this evening if anyone of importance observed him entering this unassuming town house on Milk Street. Likely, many would think he had taken the woman within as his latest mistress, but, in truth, he chose his mistresses based on their circumspection equally as well as their ability to please him. That was a lesson he had learned at the hands of Lady Jenest. The notoriety associated with the woman within would not meet his exacting standards for his mistresses to be removed from the public’s eye. 

The house before him was unremarkable, as likely was its mistress, he told himself. Liverpool had sent his message saying the Prime Minister had secured the services of none other than the daughter of Brook’s Crook. 

“If the most notorious thief operating in England is on his way to a penal colony, we must satisfy ourselves with the likes of Thomas Everley’s daughter and pray the lady is as skilled in her father’s trade as Lord Hampton assures me she is. If nothing less, Miss Everley possesses connections we do not have.” 

“A woman,” Grand uttered the words as if they were a curse. “What connections to Lord Hampton does she possess?” The idea bothered him more than he would like, for he knew Hampton to be quite elderly. Surely the woman within was not Lord Hampton’s mistress. “What does that say of me if she is?” he argued aloud, as he approached the door. “You do not want her for your own. Lord, you have not even laid eyes upon her! And the idea that a woman might ‘assist’ me is ridiculous! What might she know, other than how best to steal a necklace, not how to return it!” He shook his head in disbelief. “She is no more than a plague upon my patience. I have no doubt that is exactly how she will prove to be.” With a sigh of resignation, he released the knocker on the door and waited. 

And waited. 

And waited. 

He was just about to pound on the door with his fist, when it swung open, and, like it or not, for the briefest of seconds, Grandison forgot to breathe. Before him stood the most handsome woman he had ever beheld. Tall, certainly taller than most, yet, still significantly shorter than he. Slender, though womanly curves were quite evident. Hair the color of burnt gold, worn in a heavy braid at the nape of her neck. Pale green eyes. 

A small frown lifted her brows and brought him from his stupor. His own frown formed when he realized she wore a simple dress of forest green. “Not the daughter, but rather a servant,” his mind announced. He never consorted with servant girls, no matter how fair of face they might be. 

He extended his hand, presenting the girl with his card. “Lord Harlow to speak to Miss Everley.” 

Her brows hitched higher, and a knowing smile graced her lips. “You were expected, my lord. Please follow me.” As he stepped inside, she brushed past him, briefly touching his elbow in an innocent movement that had him inhaling the fresh scent of lemons.

She turned on her heels and led the way along the passageway to a small room at the back of the house. Stepping aside to permit him to enter the room first, Grand expected to find Miss Everley waiting for him, but a quick scan of the room said it was empty. Turning to face the servant, his brows drew together as he said, “Might you fetch your mistress?”

“There is no need,” she said as she walked past him, only slightly bumping him as she came to stand before a comfortable-looking wing chair. “For I am she.” She gestured to a seat nearby. “Please be seated, my lord.”

Grand hesitated, and the lady lifted her eyes in a challenge, daring him to walk away. As he had never been the type to know fear when it presented itself to him, he flipped the tails of his afternoon coat from his way and sat, before placing his hat and gloves on a low table to the side. 

Immediately, the lady rang a tinkling bell resting on a side table. “I asked for water to be heated in preparation for tea,” she shared. “Although, if you prefer, I also have port and brandy available on the table near the window. I am told both are particularly fine.” 

“Tea is more than adequate, ma’am,” he said in response, before presenting her a practiced smile. “You had me at a disadvantage. I am familiar with your father’s countenance, and I expected you to favor him; otherwise, I would not have mistaken you for a servant. It is unusual for the mistress of the house to answer her own door.” 

She permitted herself the faintest hint of a smile, but Grand suspected the lady meant to mock him before she pronounced her response. “It is not as if many dare to call upon the daughter of Brook’s Crook. They fear to be tainted by the connection. Moreover, like you, I possessed two parents. After all, you did not think you were to meet with a queen bee or an ant or a lizard, did you? You could not have thought my father capable of ‘selfing.’ I assumed you to be more intelligent than that, especially as you are employed by Lord Liverpool in the government.”

Grand forced the reprimand rushing to his lips to remain silent, for, he supposed he deserved a bit of a set-down: He had offended her, and, so, she meant to return the offense. Even though he was unaccustomed to those below his standing in society speaking to him with anything but the highest deference, he knew a bit of approval for the lady before him. Few above his rank dared to cross him, but she had. 

“You appear to be very well-educated, Miss Everley,” he said through tight lips. 

“I am, my lord. My father believed a woman had the right to study science and languages and . . .” She paused for emphasis. “And, naturally, art and music.” 

“Naturally,” he said grudgingly. 

“One might say, in many ways I am more educated than many gentlemen sitting in the Lords and Commons,” she challenged a second time. 

Although Grandison enjoyed her deceivingly delicate features and admired the sheer force of will she displayed, he would prefer not to be tested by a mere miss. Unfortunately, for him, even through his annoyance, a visceral tug of attraction had him wondering if Miss Everley found him even half as attractive as he did her. Heat crackled between them, and it had nothing to do with her obstinacy. Ice versus fire, he thought. Despite himself, Grand smiled. “I would expect nothing less of Thomas Everley’s daughter, Miss Everley. From what I know of him, your father holds a variety of interests. That being said, if you do not mind, might we discuss the business that brings us together. Time is of the essence.” 

Before the lady could respond, a maid rolled in a tea cart. “Should I serve, miss?”

“Thank you, Caro. I shall pour. Please leave the door set ajar upon your exit.” 

“Yes, miss.” 

With the maid’s exit, the lady took up the strainer and the hot water. “Milk? Sugar, my lord?”

He waved off the offer and rose to accept the cup of tea from her. As their fingers brushed against each other, a frisson of heat crept up Grand’s arm. It was all he could do not to shake off the feeling and, therefore, spill the tea. 

He waited for her to pour her tea before he continued. “I am assuming Lord Liverpool has apprised you of the nature of my business.” 

“In truth, he did not. His lordship contacted a ‘friend,’ who arranged for our meeting,” she corrected. 

Grandison suddenly desired to know the nature of her friendship—whether the “friend” was another female, or a male—someone she held in affection. Naturally, he assumed from Liverpool’s orders that the friend was Lord Hampton, but he could not be certain. If so, perhaps, Lord Hampton had contacted her directly. The idea displeased him. He knew no man of his circle of society who would align himself with such a scandalous family as was hers, but a man could easily ignore her connections if he were of a lower class. Most assuredly, her “friend” could be the man to whom she showed her patronage, but the idea she could be some man’s mistress went against Grandison’s sense of rightness; therefore, he ignored the possibility that another might enjoy her body when he could not. 

“Would you speak of why you wished to take my acquaintance?” she asked after sipping her tea, and Grand belatedly realized he had not responded to her remark about her “friend.” 

He stalled a bit longer, also sipping his tea while deciding how much to share with her. At length, he said, “A sapphire necklace of great importance and value has gone missing. I was asked to examine the ‘usual suspects,’ so to speak, but there is no word of the necklace or a theft circulating through those quarters of London.” 

“And Lord Liverpool believes I have knowledge of this necklace because I am Thomas Everley’s daughter?” She regarded him with ill-disposed stillness. 

“If his lordship thought you involved, I imagine he would have had you arrested and questioned, rather than to order me to meet with you,” he corrected. 

The faintest glint of a mocking smile edged the corners of her mouth. “Then, if my assistance is required, I must be made aware of the particulars of the necklace and of the theft itself. Who is its owner?”

“I am not permitted to say,” Grandison replied. 

She sighed heavily. “I see you do not mean to make this easy. Might you inform me of where the necklace was being kept before it went missing?”

“Again, I am not at leisure to speak of the circumstances,” Grand said evenly. 

“Then, pray tell, how am I to assist you if I know nothing of the crime?” she demanded. 

Regarding her with remarkable self-possession, he said, “I do not believe Lord Liverpool considered your personal involvement in the investigation. It is my understanding, his lordship simply requires the names and locations of those likely to be involved in what can be called a crime ‘demanding’ his personal attention. I will take the initiative to locate and question the possible suspects.” 

The lady raised a sleek eyebrow. “I assure you, my lord, you would not last five minutes in the seamy underside of London that I suspect we must travel without my assistance. Where we must go, being an arrogant earl holds no standing. If you truly wish the necklace’s return, you will convince Lord Liverpool that he requires more than a list of possible suspects. You will require my personal assistance.” 

Annoyance came to rest fully on Grand’s shoulders. “If such is so, I suppose I will be required to detain you until you change your mind and cooperate with the investigation, Miss Everley.” 

Instead of responding to his threat, the lady asked, “Might I borrow your handkerchief, sir?”

Grandison frowned in confusion. “My handkerchief?”

She presented him a cursory glance. “Never mind,” she said with a too sweet smile. “I already possess it.” She pulled a handkerchief bearing his family crest in its corner from a pocket in her dress. “Along with your monogramed button cover.” She placed both on the low table beside the tea service. “And a note which either contains my directions or that of another.” A folded-over card followed the other items. “My education, as you observe, contained more than numbers and letters and history and science,” she explained. 

A simmering vexation arrived. Grand did not enjoy being made to appear the fool, but he knew Liverpool would expect him to place that emotion aside in order to return the queen’s necklace to the Prince Regent. “You have earned my attention, Miss Everley,” he grounded out through tight lips. 

“It is not your attention I require, your lordship, but rather your cooperation.” 

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