Today on the blog, Barbara Russell is treating us to a little slice of the world of her new novel, The Viscount’s Marriage of Inconvenience.

Hertfordshire’s Ladies Weekly, volume 32, issue 2, 1882. Look at page fifty-two for our new article on how to ditch your chaperone without causing a scandal.

After the article on how to reject the wallflower’s curse and get noticed at the next ball by using only your fan and eyelashes, we have an interview with Hertfordshire’s lady of the week, Miss Violante Sharpe.

Mrs. Davis: Miss Sharpe, what an inspiration for young ladies you are. Tell our eager readers about you.

Violante: I’m Violante. I live in Sharpe Manor with my father, who’s a former army doctor. My mother…

Mrs. Davis: Yes?

Violante: My mother was Italian. My own name is Italian, a variation of Viola.

Mrs. Davis: Sorry about your loss. Such a tragedy to lose a parent at such a young age.

Violante: I have Papa. We love each other very much. For my last birthday, he prepared beautiful fireworks.

Mrs. Davis: Fireworks?

Violante: He’s an expert in gunpowder.

Mrs. Davis (concerned): Interesting. Let’s talk about the little incident that happened recently.

Violante (flustered): It wasn’t my fault. I mean, I guess it was, but the sledge slipped off the slope, and I couldn’t control it.

Mrs. Davis: What are you talking about? I was referring to the scuffle between your father and Sir Howard Glenister about a young servant.

Violante: Oh.

Mrs. Davis: Rumour has it that one of Sir Howard’s servants is now working in Sharpe Manor after a disagreement between your father and Sir Howard.

Violante: Oh, that. Yes, Mr. Keith Ryan now works at Sharpe Manor.

Mrs. Davis: You’re blushing. Is there something between you two?

Violante: Heavens, no. I mean, Keith is my friend. We play cricket together, ride together, and read books together.

Mrs. Davis: People say he can’t read.

Violante (Stiffening): He didn’t know how to read, but I’m teaching him, and he’s a great student. He’s very clever, kind, and well-mannered.

Mrs. Davis: I sense a romantic entanglement budding.

Violante:

Mrs. Davis: What? I didn’t hear you.

Violante (clearing her throat): We’re just friends as I said.

Mrs. Davis: Besides, your father wouldn’t approve of a servant as your suitor, would he?

Violante: Papa wouldn’t care as long as I like the suitor, and I like Keith, and— (clamps a hand over her mouth.)

Mrs. Davis (ecstatic): I knew it. I was right as usual. To my readers, if you want to know if Miss Sharpe’s feelings are reciprocated, follow our next issue. Coming next, “What to do when he says that you’re just tolerable.”

 

Love stories have always captured my imagination. What’s better than two people falling in love with each other?

I write steamy romances, usually with a paranormal twist in an historical setting. Add a touch of suspense and mystery and a pinch of darkness.
I love stories with strong, sexy heroes and mischievous heroines who pull no punches.
I live in the City of Sails, New Zealand, drinking tea (coffee gives me anxiety) and devouring books.

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