Welcome to a new week. This week, the blog will be sparse as I took a couple of days off last week and will be taking a few more this week so that I can go do some fun stuff with my husband before he heads back to work.
Published to YouTube by LadySweet321 on November 6, 2011
That being said, I did get a few workdays in between the fun days. 🙂
All the Willow Hall books which will be entering Kindle Unlimited later this week (Thursday is the plan) have been completed and uploaded. I still need to read the sequel and get that updated, but the rest is done. As I am writing this on Sunday evening, the print version of the series omnibus is in review at Amazon and hopefully will be live before the books enter KU. This is the first time I have created a print version of this series omnibus.
I wrote two chapters of Addie’s story last week, and things are getting nice and tangled up with trouble. You see I read this book, or more accurately, I am STILL reading this book. (It is rather long, and I have been reading only on the treadmill when I go to the gym.) In that book, Story Trumps Structure by Steven James, he says that an author should approach the story not asking what happens next but instead asking what goes wrong. (Or something very similar to that. I could not find the exact quote on my Kindle in the myriad of notes I have highlighted. 🙂 )
So, I have been approaching each chapter with that question in mind. Now, I can’t have trouble compounding in every chapter as I wish to have the hero (Robert) and the heroine (Addie) get to know and love each other, but then, something “going wrong” doesn’t have to mean a horrible outcome. It can just mean the plan a character had has been turned on its head resulting in something even better. OR, as is the case in the majority of the recent chapters I have written, it could mean that trouble compounds. 😀 (The villain is very villainous in this one.)
Other than working on Willow Hall and Addie: To Wager on Her Future, I wrote a possible Austen Author’s post for the 27th, and I submitted the two prize packages I will be offering in the Austen Authors Autumn Giveaway.
Remember, there will be no Tuesday or Thursday story update nor will there be a Wednesday visual inspiration picture post this week.
That is it for my writing news. In fun news, I thought I would show you a couple of photo collages from a couple of places we visited this past week. (We are just doing local trips this summer.)
In the first picture, from the top left and moving in a clockwise fashion, we have a moose who was not all that pleased to be photographed while he was eating, a herd of elk resting in the shade, a black swan swimming in a pond while ducks and geese made a great deal of noise nearby, and one of the many paths in the park. This path led up to the black bear enclosure.
In the second picture, we have the map of the trails in Hemlock Ravine Park, which was originally the estate of Sir John Wentworth, who was the lieutenant governor of Nova Scotia.
We did the purple trail from the heart-shaped pond up to the second opening of the blue trail which we took to the red trail. We then took the red trail around to where it rejoins the blue trail. After which, it was back to the purple trail and a return walk to the pond and our car.
The heart-shaped pond (which I mentioned to I think it was Michelle one week not long ago in the comments for Persuading Miss Mary) has had work done on it to preserve its shape as you can tell by the nice modern retaining wall in the bottom left picture. However, it’s actually a very old man-made pond — over 200 years old. In fact, it dates back to 1794 when it was built by Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, who later would become Queen Victoria’s father. The pond is known today as Julie’s Pond and is named after Prince Edward’s mistress Julie St. Laurent who spent time with Prince Edward on Sir John Wentworth’s estate. It is an interesting bit of history if you care to look it up.
And now for an excerpt from a previously published book which can be found in the Kindle store and in Kindle Unlimited. This excerpt shows the heroine of the book finding that place that feels like home at the side of the hero. (The very conclusion of this scene ends with a lovely kiss, and then, well, things start to get tangled and troubled until the end of the book.)
AN EXCERPT FROM Mary: To Protect Her Heart:
“You look lovely,” Gabe whispered as he and Mary approached the theatre’s entrance. “All will be well.”
He had been telling her that for the past two days – ever since Henry’s invitation to join him at the theatre had arrived during one of Gabe’s daily calls on Mary. The calls were not all made during regular calling hours. Gabe’s schedule did not always afford such luxuries, but Mary was happy to see him at any time of the day. Today, she had not seen him until now, and she had missed having him sit in the chair near the hearth, telling her about his day and inquiring after hers.
“Did you get the lace you needed?” he asked as they entered the building.
“No, Margaret and I were otherwise occupied today with a bit of knitting that the cat unravelled. We will get it tomorrow.”
“I will be unable to call tomorrow. There is still a matter to argue about concerning the new letter of marque, and then I am engaged with another matter after that.” He pulled her closer to his side as they reached the top of the stairs leading to the saloon where the private boxes were. “I will miss you.”
Mary could not help smiling and blushing at his words. He knew her for all her faults, and yet, he liked her. He did not want anything from her in return – no connections, no introductions, no forced flirting or smiles. In fact, she was quite certain if she attempted a false smile, he would frown.
“I will miss you as well,” she admitted so quietly that he had to tip his head towards her to hear it. She was finding herself very attached to him. It was becoming more and more difficult to keep the wall around her heart neatly intact.
“Here we are.” He allowed her to enter the box ahead of him. “Mr. Crawford,” he said with a smart nod of his head.
Henry returned the greeting and immediately set about making introductions. It was a small gathering of Henry’s intended, Constance Linton; his friend, Charles Edwards; and Charles’s fiancé, Evelyn Barrett.
“My brother could not be bothered to join us,” Constance said as she settled into a chair. “And my aunt is keeping Mrs. Barret company.”
“So that we can be rid of her for an evening,” Evelyn added with a smile.
Charles smiled. “I shall find the lack of glaring to be refreshing.”
Evelyn shook her head and laughed. “Mother no longer glares at you. She watches carefully, but she does not glare.”
He shrugged. “I really do not mind either a careful observation or a glare as she can do nothing to prevent us from marrying. The papers have been signed and sent from my solicitor to your father’s solicitor.”
“Charles is only partially reformed,” Henry whispered.
“I am not!” Charles cried. “I have left my dissipate ways behind, but I reserve the right to behave rakishly with my soon-to-be wife.” He placed an arm around Evelyn’s shoulders, which she swatted away.
“And this is why my mother watches closely,” she said, leaning toward Mary. “But that is enough about us. We know very little about either of you.”
Mary’s cheeks burned. “I believe you know enough about me.” Gabe took her hand. “I must apologize for the grief I had a part in creating for all of you.” She blinked rapidly. Those blasted tears were far too ready to fall, and they mustn’t.
“Miss Crawford is not who she was,” Gabe added. “She is something far better.”
Mary’s smile wavered.
Charles’s brow rose. “Time will be the proof of that, I suppose.”
Gabe shook his head. “No, she is something far better than her old scheming self now, and with time, she shall only grow better and better.” He tipped his head. “You are the fellow doing charity work, are you not?”
Charles nodded. “I have been working with some boys at Mrs. Verity’s and helping feed the hungry.”
“And informing me if he hears of anyone who is in need of a valet or footman or the like,” Evelyn added.
“How long have you been doing this?”
Charles shrugged and looked at Evelyn. “A few weeks.”
“That is not very long,” Gabe replied with a grin, “but I suppose time will prove if this interest is a lasting thing or a passing fancy, is that not right?”
Charles shook his head and laughed. “I see your point. I have very little upon which to build my argument.”
“Indeed,” Gabe replied. “Miss Crawford is not very many days into her new journey, but I, for one, expect it will be a successful one. She is a most determined sort of lady.”
Henry chuckled. “I can vouchsafe for that.”
“Henry says you are in trade, Mr. Durward,” Constance inserted, smiling at Mary, who was feeling, and likely looking, rather unsettled by the turn of the conversation.
She was delighted to hear Gabe defend her so valiantly, but it was a strange feeling and seemed out of place here where she sat with those she had offended. She deserved Mr. Edwards’s censure. Miss Linton’s compassion was not what she deserved.
“She has a good heart,” Henry whispered in his sister’s ear while Gabe told Evelyn about having a warehouse and ships. “She does not hold your actions against you.”
“How can she not?” Mary asked in surprise.
Henry shrugged. “As her brother always says, ‘A shepherd does not beat the lost lamb when it returns to him.’”
Mary’s brows rose high at such an odd statement.
“Trefor enjoys speaking in metaphors,” Henry explained. “Unusual metaphors. You were lost, much as I was.” He smiled at her. “But we are lost no longer.”
Mary returned his smile and looked at Gabe. “No, we are not.”
She had found her place in this world next to a gentleman whom she could trust and who demonstrated his belief in and care for her without apology. Moreover, she had not had to do one thing to convince him that he should attach himself to her. She laughed to herself. Mr. Durward did not strike her as the sort of man that anyone ever easily convinced to do anything if he did not wish to do it.
“Miss Crawford has visited my establishment,” Gabe said, holding Mary’s eyes with his intense gaze.
“Did you?” Evelyn asked eagerly. “I have only seen Mr. Gardiner’s warehouse and only once, and I admit I was not paying particular attention to the building.” Her cheeks coloured.
“Gardiner?” Gabe repeated.
“Yes,” Evelyn answered. “Mr. Edward Gardiner. He also provides some assistance at Mrs. Verity’s home for orphans.”
“He is a fine fellow,” Gabe said. “Runs a good business, he does.”
“It does seem to be prosperous,” Charles said.
“I can assure you it is,” Gabe replied. “He and I have made a deal or two since I arrived in London. He has a very discerning taste. You say you were at his warehouse?”
“The night Evelyn accepted my offer,” Charles replied, once again putting his arm around her shoulders.
This time, Mary noticed, Miss Barrett did not swat him away. Instead, she ducked her head and blushed.
“I was there helping him with a project to see people in need given a warm meal.”
“He runs a charity out of his warehouse?” Gabe asked.
Charles nodded as the actors began to take their places.
“Come see me at some point,” Gabe whispered. “I may be in a position to help you with that.”
“Business at the theatre?” Mary teased. “What would Mr. Bertram say?”
Gabe smiled and winked at her. “One must strike the deal wherever it presents itself.” Once again, he took her hand, and, leaning closer to her, whispered, “Do you mind?”
Mind him holding her hand? She thought not and gave his hand a squeeze as she shook her head. The warmth of his touch spread like a delicious wave through her body. It was a good thing she was familiar with this play for, with as distracting as his nearness was, she would otherwise be very confused as to whom Agatha Friburg, Fredrick, and Baron Wildenhaim were and how their lives were entangled.
*Do you know which play Mary and Gabe and the rest are watching? Hint: If you’ve read Mansfield Park, you have heard of it.
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Enjoy your time off with your husband. Schools started last week here in my state. College will be starting soon and life will be back to something we call normal. Your pictures look like you were having a lot of fun. Enjoy!
It has been a while since I read Mary’s story. I am still honked at you for making me like her. I was determined to loathe, hate, and despise Mary Crawford for all time and you changed that. Grrr! I was surprised that you could make me like her but I did.
In answer to your question… It has been a while since I read this story… but I think it was ‘Lover’s Vows.’ by your hint. Don’t throw rotten veggies or fruit if I am wrong. It’s still early here and I am having my coffee. My brain doesn’t work well until I’ve had my coffee.
Enjoy your vacation and no worries on the post for this week.
You got the play! Good job. 😉 I’m always surprised when I take on a character we aren’t supposed to like and find myself caring for them and wishing to help them improve. Mary was no exception. I’m glad that the discovery that she could be likable carried over to you and didn’t just remain with me LOL We have had a bit of fun (I’ll share pictures next Monday) and will do a bit more fun stuff next week. However, I also managed to do something to my hip and spent a day in bed (yesterday) attempting to let it recover. Today, I am up and moving more, but I plan to be careful with it for the next few weeks.