Why is it that I feel like I’m just sort of settling into a new month – I’ll be thinking, “Okay, ready. Let’s get this month started” – and then, I look at the calendar and see that it’s nearly half over? It seems to happen every month. It’s likely because the beginning of a new month is rather busy around here for this author, and then, this month also came with a holiday on the first of the month and a return to work after vacation for my hubby.
On the first of September, I shared an update about all that is going on in my personal and writing life over on The Sigh-worthy Romance Tearoom. So, instead of just restating what I wrote there, I’ll just share THIS LINK so you can pop over there and get caught up.
Nothing much has changed since I wrote that. I’m still working on all the things I mentioned there without adding anything new just yet or completing anything so that it falls off the list. As I scan through that article, I think the only updates to it that I have are as follows:
We have reached VACATION month! August is when my hubby is finally allowed to take vacation time from his job. That means I’ll have an extra person around for a few weeks and that I’ll be taking off a few days to go do some fun stuff. Hopefully, I’ll still be able to keep up with most things, but a few might fall by the wayside for a while. Fingers crossed that I’ll find time to write another portion of our Harriet and the Colonel story before next month’s broadsheet.
Another thing that has me taking time away from writing is that (necessary) part-time job that I mentioned last month. I’ve put in a few days with it so far, and so far, I’ve been enjoying it. I’ve even found that it has given me some time to contemplate story and writing business things a bit as I drive around delivering prepared food and groceries a couple of days a week.
I will say that my nervous system has not been overly pleased with the extra activity I’ve thrown at it, but I think slowly it is learning that I’m really not trying to kill myself so it can just calm down and stop trying to warn me of danger when there isn’t anything to fear. (Disregulated nervous systems can be such drama queens! LOL)
I still don’t have any new Leenie writing projects to tell you about. I’m still plugging away at that Annilee Nelson novel. I just can’t handle more than that one writing project right now (other than the story for this newsletter, that is – which you can find a new section of at the end of this newsletter).
That’s it for my personal update. Now, let’s dive into all the book news.
It was Zoe Burton’s month to post in the Tearoom. In case you missed her post about the curses and blessing of summer, you can find it at this link.
AUDIOBOOK UPDATE
July’s audiobook release on YouTube was None So Accomplished as Mary.
August’s YouTube audiobook will be From Tolerable to Lovely, and it will be live and free to listen to by all on August 16 (next Saturday). I currently have the YouTube video scheduled to share with my patrons (free and paid) tomorrow. And I will have the download link for paid patrons who want to download a copy to keep in their Bookfunnel library.
This will make ten full audiobooks on my YouTube channel.
The summer schedule has begun around here. That means earlier starting and quitting times for my husband, earlier bed times for both of us, and afternoon work schedule interruptions for me. I’d like to say we’re all adjusted to the new schedule, but I can’t. Shifting schedules is never a super fast thing.
And I might be shifting it even more since, at the time when I am writing this, I’ve just been accepted for a flexible, I-set-the-schedule, part time job. This change has to happen to meet living expenses, and maybe, it’ll give a bit of breathing room when it comes to writing – less pressure to hurry and write that next book.
I don’t know if you read Rose Fairbanks’ most recent Tearoom post called “Let Freedom Ring”, (you can find that article by clicking here) but what she wrote resonated with me. Not directly or for the same reasons, but as a call to reclaim what I loved about writing to start with — as a reminder of how I used to write with more joy than I do now.
I need to just take a step back, look at what I’ve accomplished and what I still want to do. I have some series that need to be finished. I’ve wanted to work on them for years. I’ve even added them to the schedule for writing more than once. But those series aren’t great earners, so they got set aside. Maybe, if this part time job works out, I’ll feel more freedom to pick those projects back up. Writing is so much easier to do – the creative ideas flow much better – from a relaxed mind. Maybe this change will help with that.
I’m not going to lie though. I’m nervous about adding a part time job into the mix. I struggle to keep up now. How will I do what I’m doing and add something new? I don’t know. But I do know that if this is what I’m supposed to do, then, God’ll help me figure it out.
Health wise, I seem to be making some really good progress towards full recovery. (The new job is flexible enough to work around my health so that’s a plus.)
Well, that’s it for my personal update, and I don’t have any new writing projects to tell you about.
I’m still working on my Annilee Nelson novel. It has reached a point where things are getting really complicated for the couple, and we’re heading to the moment where things seem darkest and then get resolved. It’s both the most difficult and fun part to write. So, it can take time.
While I haven’t started any new Leenie book project, there is a new section of Harriet and the Colonel’s on-going story at the end of this newsletter for your enjoyment. (But be warned: It ends on a cliffhanger. 🙂
——-
AUDIOBOOK UPDATE
June’s audiobook release on YouTube was How to Marry an Accomplished Lady. July’s YouTube audiobook will be None So Accomplished as Mary, and it will be live and free to listen to by all on July 16 (Wednesday). This will make nine full audiobooks on my YouTube channel.
Speaking of YouTube… I am closing in on 500 subscribers! That’s when I can apply for some monetization perks like memberships, supers, and shopping (if I had a store). But it is only half way to the 1000 subscribers needed for full monetization. BUT I am halfway there! WooHoo! Thank you to all who have subscribed to my channel!
(The current number of subscribers on Friday afternoon is 465)
The audio edition of None So Accomplished as Mary is already available on Patreon for my $2 or more subscribers, and it is set to release everywhere else on August 1.
How to Marry an Accomplished Lady was released for distribution in a variety of places on July 1. The places to which Findaway distributes digital narrated audiobooks (and where you should be able to find my books) are:
Baker & Taylor (library) / Bibliotheca (library) / Overdrive (library) / Audiobooks.com / Everand / Kobo/Kobo Plus, Walmart (I have not found my audiobooks on Walmart) / NOOK Audiobooks / Spotify / TuneIn
As I mentioned last month, I am uploading my books to ElevenReader with a goal of uploading at least one book per week. I have been able to keep up that schedule so now I have 16 titles listed in their library. (Maybe 17 by the time you read this – if my schedule goes as planned for the week.) Remember these are not produced books, but rather just a good quality AI voice of your choosing reading a book to you.
LEAVING KU / GOING WIDE
A Dash of Darcy and Companions left KU in June and is slowly being returned to all the other stores, as well as Patreon and ElevenReader. So, watch for those to show up at your favourite eBook retailer / subscription service.
The Choices series is leaving KU on Wednesday, July 16. That’s the last day you can download it to read either now or later with your KU subscription. After that, it’ll be queued up to be returned to all the other stores. I expect that will go faster for this series than for the Dash series since they just recently went through a revision process so their front and back matter and file format will be up-to-date. The Dash series needs all that tweaked.
In August, my final series in KU will be returning to all the wide distribution stores and subscription places (including Patreon). The final day for downloading Marrying Elizabeth to read with your KU subscription will be August 9.
So grab the Choices series and the Marrying Elizabeth series while you can. You can find these stories in three box sets which would be fewer downloads. You can find links to those box sets at leeniebrown.com/box-sets.
Please watch for an email about a special ONE DAY multi-author JAFF promotion on MONDAY! There are over 40 authors participating in this promotion. And all the books will be free. This promotion includes books of various time periods, tropes, and heat levels.
This is my book that will be in this promotion. You can grab it now at your favourite retailer, and then, have one less click to make on Monday. 🙂 As stated on the graphic, this book is free now until July 16, and it is free at all the main eBook retailers.
Smashwords is having a July Summer/Winter sale, and all my books (both pen names) are included in it at 50% off the regular price. This promotion uses a coupon code that will be applied automatically, and it ends at the end of the month.
JULY’S PATREON FREE READ and MEMBERSHIP PERKS
FREE READ: If you follow me for free on Patreon, there is a series starter that can be read for free each month. This month’s series starter read is Two Days Before Christmas, which is part of my Darcy Family Holidays.
MEMBERSHIP PERKS: Each month, I offer an eBook or two to download and keep to my $2 or more Patrons, and every time there is a new audiobook finished, I also make a link to download that available to them.
This month’s eBook offerings are Mr. Bingley Plans a Ball, Two Days Before Christmas, and Sketches and Secrets of Summer. And this month’s audiobook edition is None So Accomplished as Mary.
SOMETHING NEW TO READ.
Our story continues this month with Richard cluing up his report to Edmund about the events you can read about in Oxford Cottage. And then, it turns towards what is next… (and it only just turns so expect a cliffhanger this time).
Please remember that there are sections where previous chapters from this story can be read on whichever platform you subscribe to.
On my blog, look for Harriet and the Colonel in the menu options.
On Substack, look for the Harriet and the Colonel section on the home page.
On Patreon, look for The Colonel’s Lady in the collections tab.
Chapter 2, part 1
For the next thirty minutes, Richard shared all that had happened in Hertfordshire – from his return from town to Netherfield with the first part of the money Wickham had demanded. To the following letters demanding more funds be delivered. To the hours spent watching various locations. To the final confrontation at Oxford Cottage – the one Elizabeth had demanded to be part of.
For all of that, he had sat next to Harriet, holding her hand and drawing support merely from her presence.
However, once he came to the portion of his report regarding the sorting out of details at Netherfield, he simply could not remain seated any longer.
Pacing a circle around the room, he relayed what he knew about the maid who had been ruined. He told Edmund and Harriet what Georgiana and Elizabeth had shared about the situations in which they had been placed. And then he had spoken about how Elizabeth had summoned her courage to help Georgiana through the ordeal.
“Since I am thankfully still on speaking terms with Darcy,” Richard said as he concluded his tale, “and I wish to keep it that way, I will need to be in Hertfordshire in July for a wedding. I will not miss it.”
He leaned heavily on the back of the chair in which he had earlier been sitting. The weight of all that had transpired still hung on his shoulders. It was a weight he both felt he should bear, but knew it was only there by his own doing. Darcy, Elizabeth, Georgiana, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet – everyone had forgiven him. It was just he, himself, who was the hold out in that regard.
“By the by, thank you for your letter.” Whether it had eased Darcy’s mind or not was nearly immaterial, for it had been an exoneration of sorts in the court of Richard’s own mind — of sorts, because a removal of all guilt had still not been accomplished.
“It was the least I could do.” Edmund shifted uneasily in his chair. “This is not a position I relish to be honest.” He cast a wary look at his sister. “No matter what some may think.”
Richard bit back a smile. He knew exactly to whom his friend was referring. Perhaps such an admission would go a good distance in calming the recent disagreements between sister and brother.
“But he will still fulfill all its duties as if he does,” that very sister muttered quite unhappily.
Richard chuckled. “Would you truly have it any other way?”
She shrugged but admitted she would not.
“It is the best way to be to make sure the job is done as it should be,” Richard added so Edmund would not have to and peace could remain in the room.
“There was no damage done to either of your relations?” Edmund asked.
“None to their persons beyond a few blisters and scratches from being moved from one place to another. However, time will tell what other effects linger.” Richard retook his seat and Harriet’s hand.
Edmund nodded. “And the maid is in good hands.”
There was a weightiness to the simple comment.
“I am just grateful she did not end up like Penny,” Harriet said softly. “But still… Her feelings of shame and fears about disease…” She shook her head. “The poor dear.”
Richard squeezed her hand. “She has a good home and the best mistress for which any maid could wish to serve.”
This earned him a small smile. His Harriet was a lady of great passion to see that right ruled the day, but that desire bubbled forth not from a need to be seen as great and noble as some might. Rather it proceeded naturally from a heart that overflowed with care for others. That was from where Elizabeth’s courage to see to Georgiana’s safety also flowed, he supposed. And from whence his burden of guilt sprang.
“On a happier note…” Harriet’s eyes dance with amusement and her lips wore a smirk as she cast a glance first at her brother and then Richard. “I do think I will like your soon-to-be cousin, Elizabeth. She does not sound at all dull and boring.”
“You will get on well,” Richard assured her with a laugh, while Edmund groaned. “She has always possessed quite the indomitable spirit. I am glad she was there for Georgiana.”
“If I am not already married and in my own home, we will have to have a dinner and invite the Darcys to it when they are returned to town, Edmund.”
“We will do that,” her brother agreed, though he looked rather uneasy at the thought. As well he should.
Richard would feel sorry for his unease, save for the fact that he was still somewhat put out with the fellow for his part in hiding Mrs. Younge’s connection to Wickham.
He blew out a breath. “Now, what is it that prevents me from marrying your sister straightaway?”
Harriet rose to pour the tea, which had been brought in somewhere in the midst of Richard’s report on the events in Hertfordshire. “Yes,” she said, “I would like to know that as well, for I am of the belief that I could be of greater service to the colonel and whatever you have for him to do as his wife.”
“Harriet,” the word rumbled from her brother. “I will not have you put yourself any further into this mess than you have already put yourself.”
She stopped moving with the teapot poised but not yet tipped to pour into a cup. “This mess? Do you mean the whole kidnapping maids to shuffle them from brothel to brothel?”
“Harriet!” This time Edmund’s tone was sharp. “Must you speak so plainly?”
“I am talking to you – my brother – and the man I am going to marry. I do not see the need to pretend as if I am too stupid to know about such things.” She gave Edmund a glare before she returned to pouring tea. “Now answer my question.”
Her brother pushed up from his chair and crossed to the door to his study.
“Leaving the room will not dissuade me from discovering the truth,” she called after him.
“Perhaps a trip to Gretna Green would not be such a bad thing,” Edmund spat back.
“No,” Richard inserted, “we will marry properly.”
“Of course, we will,” Harriet whispered to him. “But I am still irritated with him for waiting so long to allow you to offer for me. I most sincerely must make sure he does not forget that I am capable of dealing with hard things.”
Richard captured her hand after she had given him his cup of tea and placed a kiss in her palm. “I think you have done a good enough job of that, and I am now able to speak for you, too. Perhaps it is time to desist in riling him – at least, some?”
“Perhaps,” she said before leaning forward and pressing her lips to his just as her brother re-entered the library and grumbled her name yet again.
“That part of annoying him, you may keep doing,” Richard whispered, causing her to laugh.
“I am still awaiting your answer, my dear brother.” She went to the tea tray to retrieve his cup of tea.
He handed a paper to Richard. “The shop owner who sold Andrew’s watch to Harriet apparently stumbled into the Thames last night.” He paused and looked to his sister, who had gasped. “His body was found in nearly the same place where Penny was found.”
Thank you for being my readers! Your support in purchasing my books and sharing about them helps make this writing life possible.
This month, I’m going to keep this personal update as short as possible because my audiobook news is going to be rather longish.
I’ve been busy just trying to keep up with work and adjusting the schedule to fit in my physiotherapy exercises and to see if I can fit in a part-time job (because royalties are low and the cost of everything keeps going up – I’m sure you know how that goes).
I actually had to take a two week break from the exercises since I ended up catching a cough and cold that lingered. I’m doing fine now and need to rebook the appointments I had to cancel because of being ill.
There have been several rainy weekends here so we haven’t gotten out to do much other than to get groceries because of that (and because of my being sick).
My youngest son just had a birthday, and my hubby and I just celebrated 33 years since we said I do.
So basically, just regular and wonderfully normal life stuff has been happening since the last Saturday Broadsheet.
In a couple of weeks, my husband’s work schedule will shift to summer clean up hours since school will finally be out. That shift comes the day after Canada Day (July 1).
And that’s about it from here. Make sure you don’t miss the book deals below and the next section of The Colonel’s Lady at the end of this newsletter.
Leenie
WRITING and AUDIOBOOK UPDATE
In writing news, I am still in the midst of writing my next Annilee Nelson novel, Don’t Tell My Best Friend I Love Her. I’m about halfway through it.
I have started working on some edits of Harriet and the Colonel (which I have retitled To Win Her Colonel’s Hand) so that I can get that novelette ready to publish. I have not started any new Leenie works other than the one for this newsletter.
In audiobook news, there’s a lot more to mention. I have just finished editing all the files for None So Accomplished as Mary, and I’ll have that books scheduled to release to my Patrons on July 15 and my YouTube subscribers on July 16 before you read this. I have not decided on the release date for it everywhere else just yet.
How to Marry an Accomplished Lady will be available to my patrons tomorrow (both my free and paid patrons) and to my YouTube subscribers on Monday, June 16. And it will be available everywhere else July 1, 2025. (Some of these places may have it on pre-order/pre-save before that time.)
So where exactly is this “everywhere else” I’ve mentioned? Well, everywhere that Findaway Voices publishes digitally narrated audiobooks, and those places are …
Baker & Taylor
Bibliotheca
Overdrive
Audiobooks.com
Everand (Scribd)
Kobo, Walmart (I have not found them on Walmart yet, but they are on Kobo and part of Kobo Plus)
NOOK Audiobooks
Spotify
TuneIn
Currently, I have seven audiobooks that are on YouTube and Patreon, and are published through Findaway. On July 1, How to Marry an Accomplished Lady will make that eight, and I hope to have a new audiobook to add each month, barring any setback in my audiobook work schedule.
This month, I have also started adding my catalogue of nonKU books to an digital reading app called ElevenReader. I have elected to do this for accessibility reasons and as a way to earn more income.
I will still work on getting digitally narrated audiobooks produced and distributed, but this takes time. Each produced book takes about 2 hours per chapter to produce to get it to the quality of recording that I am happy to put out for you to listen to. There are only so many hours I can work on these per day, since I have other things like writing and marketing and administrative tasks that must also be done.
It’s going to take a long time to get my catalogue of 70 or so Leenie titles produced as audiobooks.
This is where ElevenReader comes in. I can upload a book per week to their library without it taking too much time and effort to do. This means that if you need or want one of my books read to you, you should be able to find it in their library a lot faster than waiting for the produced book to be made available.
Here’s how ElevenReader works:
I upload my book file to ElevenReader and check that it looks okay.
Then, I fill in all the details about the book that they ask for and hit publish.
A reader finds my book on ElevenReader and adds it to their library. They select a voice and begin listening either right away or later.
When they have listened long enough for it to be a qualified listener (eleven minutes), I get paid $1.10 for that listen, and this is how listening via this app supports me as the author.
It should be noted that this is not a produced audiobook so there could be some changes in speed of reading, pronunciation issues at times, and other small glitches while listening. I’ve listened to a book or two using this app and these instances were few, but there were some. For the most part, it does an excellent job of reading and I know that Elevenlabs is constantly working on improvements.
I have a page on my website dedicated to listing the books that are on ElevenReader. You can find that here. (Currently as I write this, I have ten books listed there.)
If there is a book that you would like me to bump up towards the top of my schedule for listing on ElevenReader, please let me know, and I’ll see if it is possible to move it up or not.
And I think that’s the end of my audiobook info.
IN THE TEAROOM (on Substack)
In case you missed it, it was MY turn to post in the SWR Tearoom this month. I talked about anxiety and how that is playing a role in my new Annilee Nelson novel. (And there’s an excerpt) You can find my article here.
LEAVING KU
The Dash of Darcy and Companions Collection of stories will be leaving Kindle Unlimited on June 22, 2025.
The Choices Series will be leaving Kindle Unlimited on July 16, 2025.
Please make sure you’ve downloaded the stories you want to read with your KU subscription before then. For your convenience, all the stories can be added to your KU reading library in three box sets (two Dash of Darcy box sets and one Choices box set).
As far as I know, they will remain in your KU reading library until you return them – even after they are no longer in the KU program.
For the month of June, Overdrive (a library catalogue) is having a sale. All of my nonKU Leenie ebooks (except for the Willow Hall series) are included in this sale and are marked 50% off. So June is a great month to request for my books to be added to your library’s eBook selection.
The Beginning of Prudence is just $0.99 (USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and NZD, with all other currencies also reduced) at all retailers this month.
Discovering Mr. Darcy is FREE on Amazon until Tuesday, June 17.
JUNE’S PATREON FREE READ
If you follow me for free on Patreon, there is a series starter that can be read for free each month. This month’s series starter read is From Tolerable to Lovely, which is part of my Teatime Tales Collection.
JUNE’S PATREON MEMBERSHIP PERKS
Each month, I offer an eBook or two to download and keep to my $2 or more Patrons, and every time there is a new audiobook finished, I also make a link to download that available to them. (The audiobook of How to Marry an Accomplished Lady will be available tomorrow, June 15.)
This month’s eBook offerings are The Tenant’s Guest and From Tolerable to Lovely.
SOMETHING NEW TO READ.
Our story continues this month with Richard arriving in town.
Please remember that there are sections where previous chapters from this story can be read on whichever platform you subscribe to.
On my blog, look for Harriet and the Colonel in the menu options.
On Substack, look for the Harriet and the Colonel section on the home page.
On Patreon, look for The Colonel’s Lady in the collections tab.
Chapter 1, part 2
Many hours later, Richard dismounted his horse in front of Lillesley House in Leicester Square. He had both a report and petition to be made before he could retire for the night – and he was weary. Just not weary enough to wait to see Harriet until tomorrow. Therefore, he had sent word that he would give his report today.
He handed his horse to a groom and drew three deep breaths as he rolled his shoulders and shook out his legs. He looked at the time on his watch. It was only ten minutes past the time when he said he hoped to arrive. Lillesley should be waiting.
With that thought in mind, he turned toward the door, but before he could do more than begin to ascend the steps, that very door opened. A grin split his face as he saw who it was who had come to welcome him.
“Has your brother fired the butler and given you, his position? Perhaps as a punishment for not doing something he thought you should?”
Harriet Phillips laughed and shook her head. “You will be please and perhaps shocked to know that I have not provoked him since before your last visit.”
Which had been less than a week ago, but, knowing Harriet as he did, that was a noteworthy feat.
“May I take your hat?” She held out her hand in expectation of his compliance. She never expected anything less than acquiescence to her petitions – or demands, as the case might be.
And that was why it was notable that she had not provoked her brother in the short time since he had last seen her, for her brother’s temperament was just as unyielding. Though to be honest, Harriet was often the victor in any standoff with her brothers. Edmund had a soft spot in his heart for his youngest sister that was nearly as deep as Andrews had been. Not that one would know it if one were to witness one of their battle of wills.
Richard doffed his hat but hesitated in handing it to her. The rule at Lillesley House was that he was to keep all of his things with him when visiting Edmund on official business, and this was a visit of that sort – at least, in part.
“I will put it on the table in the little library,” she added, as if she knew what had caused him to pause.
And this was one reason why she tended to get her way. She was excellent at anticipating objections and providing a solution.
“In that case, you may have it,” he said, handing her his hat. “It is good to see you, Harry, but as you most assuredly know, I am here to see your brother.”
“For more than just business, I hope.” She gave him a teasing smile that shone in her eyes.
“As do I,” he agreed, as she closed the door behind him.
“A moment please, Colonel,” she said before he could begin the short trudge down the hall to the little library.
When he turned towards her, she rose on her toes and pressed her lips to his. Her brother would be far less than pleased to see such a demonstration in the entry to his house, but Richard was not. His right arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her close as he returned her kiss.
“Harriet!”
Richard broke their kiss at Edmund’s bellow.
“I will thank you not to accost our guest in the hall.”
Harriet’s cheeks were rosy, but her eyes were filled with defiance. Goodness! She was a delicious sight to behold. At least, when that defiance was directed at her brother on his account.
“I am not accosting our guest. I am simply welcoming him and reminding you that this is the man I intend to marry.” She stepped around Richard and began walking towards the little library.
“Yes, well, that will come … in time,” Edmund replied.
Richard’s left eyebrow rose of its own accord as he followed Harriet. In time? What exactly did that mean?
“Before Christmas,” Harriet replied.
“Perhaps and then, again, perhaps not.”
Harriet placed Richard’s hat on the table inside the little library and turned towards her brother. “Before Christmas.”
“Spring might be better,” he replied in a soft and somewhat cajoling tone.
A scheme was in play – likely not one of Lillesley’s making, but a scheme none the less. Richard shook his head. This was the part of his current profession that he found both exhilarating and bothersome.
It was exhilarating because the objective was often shifting and moving forward. It was bothersome because the shifts and moves were not always predictable and rarely in his power to make of his own free will.
“Am I still able to offer for her? Or will I be led along a merry path that includes some other task that must be completed first?” Richard demanded.
“No, no. You are free to make your offer – though it does seem a bit redundant to do so since she has made it abundantly clear that she will not marry anyone else.” He gave his sister a piercing glare before turning back to Richard. “However, I do not know how long the next part of sorting out this…” He waved his hand in a small circle. “Situation will take.”
He sighed. It was as he had suspected. The next step must be made quickly. Mr. Wickham and Mrs. Younge were only the beginning of uncovering what was a foot.
“Surely, it will not take nearly half a year.” Richard could hear the annoyance in Harriet’s tone as she mounted her protest. “Indeed, it would not, if you would let me help you.”
“No!” Richard and Edmund said in unison.
She huffed and crossed her arms. “I found that watch much faster than you would have.”
“I will grant you that,” Edmund said, “but I am not entirely certain that that was in our best interest.”
Richard cocked his head. “What do you mean?”
“I will explain after I have had your report. Harriet, would you be so kind as to see that we have some refreshment?” Edmund asked.
She smiled. “It was ordered before the colonel had even dismounted his horse. Jimmy will arrive shortly with all that is needed.” She motioned to the chairs in the library. “Do you wish to meet here, or shall we go to your study?” She took a seat next to the chair Richard always sat in when he waited her for her brother in this room.
Edmund scowled. “Apparently, here is acceptable.” He sat down, and Richard followed. “Shall we begin with your report on how things stand in Hertfordshire?”
“That is one of the reasons why I am here.” The other reason was the feisty and precious lady who took his hand as soon as he was seated.
April showers bring May flowers … but will those showers be rain or snow? One never knows around here.
Two days ago, there was snow enough for schools to be cancelled, and today, we’re almost back to bare ground and the sky is blue and the sun is shining. And then, I hear we might get rain over the weekend.
It’s just spring in the Maritimes. 🙂
I adore spring. Even with it’s less than predictable temperatures and weather. I think what endears it to me is that it’s a time of new beginnings. Kind of like how I love a new blank calendar in January, new notebooks just waiting to be filled, and so on. The possibilities are tantalizing. It’s a rather energizing season.
PERSONAL UPDATE
One thing that is new for me this spring is that I’m reading again! *waves streamers and toots a kazoo*
Finally.
It’s been nearly three years now since I first came down with THE virus that left me with some post-viral issues. Part of those issues involved the ability of my brain to have enough energy to function in just mundane, everyday tasks and to write without becoming overwhelmed and hurting (not with a standard headache, but with a brain ache).
Reading wasn’t part of the picture at all for a very long time. There just wasn’t enough energy for it.
And that’s tough when you love books like I do.
Slowly as I worked on getting my brain stronger and regulating my nervous system, I started adding in my books. I re-read so many of my books (more than once). It was easy for my brain to deal with them as it wasn’t deciphering things in the same way a new story would be.
From there, I moved to re-reading books in my library. Again, because it seemed to take less energy to do. I knew what was going to happen. I didn’t need to wonder or try to figure it out.
Then, I went to new but short reads that progressed to longer reads. I would read one new book per month. Then, I could do two per month, and then, one per Sunday. Recently, I read two books in one weekend (and didn’t suffer for it), and I thought the world was finally opening up to me.
And you know what? It was. At least in the reading realm.
I’ve been reading several books per week for a few weeks now. They aren’t long books, and it’s not done without discomfort. My brain still hurts at the end of many days. But, it and my nervous system seem to be recovering fairly well after a night’s sleep. (Not perfectly well, but so much better than it has for the past couple of years.)
So, I’ll keep working on that as I add in another new item for this spring that I hope will open up another part of my world that has been locked away for the past three years. I’ve started adding a short walk on a trail to my weekends. And the occasional treadmill walk during the week. I’m hoping that getting back to walking as I love to do won’t be too far down the trail. (pun intended LOL)
WRITING and AUDIOBOOK UPDATE:
In my writing life, I’ve been working on getting back into my Annilee novel, as well as producing some audiobooks. I actually got one finished and uploaded to YouTube just at the beginning of April – right around the same time that None So Accomplished as Mary was released.
That audiobook is His Beautiful Bea, and this time, I’ve submitted it to a new audiobook distributor called Findaway Voices, which is owned by Spotify. I hope that they will eventually add it to their Spotify offerings. But getting it distributed to all the places that will allow digital voice recording can take up to a month. So maybe by May it will be on Spotify and at Everand and in a few other places as well.
Just a heads up here, but previously released books on Kobo may disappear for a bit once I have this Findaway thing figured out a bit better. That’s because I cannot choose who to distribute to on their website. It’s all or nothing. And since they distribute to Kobo, I will need to unpublish that audiobook there before I can publish it again with Findaway.
I have not begun working on any new Leenie stories yet. I have, however, written the final segment of my Harriet and the Colonel story (for now). You can read about that at the bottom of this broadsheet, and let me know if you want more. 🙂
IN THE TEAROOM (on Substack)
In case you missed it, it was Rose Fairbanks’ turn to post in the SWR Tearoom this month. She was also talking about spring and connecting it to her writing. You can find her article here.
LEAVING KU
The Willow Hall Series will leave the Kindle Unlimited program this month. So, make sure you have it downloaded before April 21 if you want to read it using your KU subscription.
Shortly thereafter, it will be published everywhere and should be available with your Kobo Plus or Everand subscriptions. It will also be added to the library on Patreon so you’ll be able to read that with your paid subscription there as well.
His Irreplaceable Belle is just $0.99 (USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and NZD, with all other currencies also reduced) at all retailers this month.
As I write this, With Quill and Ink is free everywhere but Amazon. I have a price match request in to them, and I hope that by the time this broadsheet goes live, it will be free there as well. This book will be free until May 12 because it will be taking part in a “Stuff Your eReader” type promotion between now and then.
If you follow me for free on Patreon, there is a series starter or novelette that can be read for free each month. This month’s series starter read is His Beautiful Bea.
Each month, I am offering at least one ebook to download and keep to my $2 or more Patrons, and every time there is a new audiobook finished, I also make a link to download that available to them.
This month’s offerings are Oxford Cottage and His Beautiful Bea (both as an ebook and audiobook)
SOMETHING NEW TO READ
And now for the final installment of Harriet and the Colonel, which needs a better title. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them.
Also, I am torn between just writing an epilogue for this story and being done with it, or possibly writing a second story that takes these two from where they are in this installment to their wedding. Do you have a preference? Cast your vote in the comments.
Chapter 5 (part 2)
Harriet paced the hall outside the little library. The footmen she had gone to fetch had already entered her brother’s study. Surely, they would be finished soon.
The door to her brother’s study opened and one of the men exited quickly. He was likely going to fetch other men. That seemed to be how these things worked with her brother.
A footman would be holed up in Edmund’s office for a bit of time, and then, he would scurry away through the servant’s halls and entry way.
She expected to see a half-dozen other men arrive to call on her brother within the hour. The little library would be well-used today!
She took one more circuit of the hall, from top to bottom, before entering that little library and creeping softly to the door that adjoined her brother’s study. She strained to hear anything, but the most she could decipher was the tone of voice.
That was her brother.
That was the colonel.
One of the footmen asked a question.
Ah! There was a promising sound. Shifting chairs and the opening and closing of the door to the hallway.
Quickly, she made her way to the small table that held the colonel’s hat. She ran her finger along the edge of it as she held it. He would not leave without this, and she was not going to give it to him until she had receive a few minutes of his time.
She glanced at the miniature of her eldest brother that stood next to similar pictures of her parents, as well as she, Samantha, and Edmund.
A lady simply did not know when someone she loved would leave her for the final time.
And knowing that her brothers – and likely her father before them – as well as Richard, were employed in dangerous, but necessary, pursuits, there was absolutely no way she was going to let her colonel leave without him knowing that he was cared for. So very dearly.
Several minutes ticked by before the secret door opened, and Richard exited. Alone.
“Is my brother behind you?” She placed his hat behind her back.
“No, he said he had some work to do.” His expression was one of amusement. “Are you planning to keep my hat?”
“Only as long as necessary,” she replied.
“And how long will that be?” His tone was teasing but not as carefree as it would normally be. Of course, that was understandable.
“My brother is …” She paused and shook her head. “What he did was deplorable, and I will be speaking to him later.”
This caused a genuine chuckle to escape Richard’s lips.
“Will I be allowed to have my hat before then?” he asked.
“Oh, yes,” she assured him with a smile. “But not until you know just how greatly I am upset with him on your behalf and that of your cousin and Miss Elizabeth.” She sighed as her shoulder sank. “They will be well. We must believe that.”
She held out her hand to him, and he took it. “You are the best my brother has to offer, since he refuses to enlist my services,” she added with a playful smile to lift the heaviness of the emotions that surrounded her.
“He had better not enlist your services,” Richard growled. “Someone needs to keep you safe.”
“And you would trust him to do that after what he has done to you?” She gave him a pointed look.
“He does not work alone.”
“Oh, I know that.”
“No, I mean he has men in your household.”
Harriet blinked. “Of that I am aware, though to be honest, I have not yet figured out just how many.”
He shook his head. “I should have known that you would know.” He placed the hand he held between both of his. “I am tired and should be on my way, but before I go, I must ask you what exactly you have done.” His left eyebrow arched over a pointed look.
“What do you mean?” she asked cautiously.
“Your brother has informed me that I am no longer unacceptable as a suitor for you, and that I can present myself to him to offer for you after this particular assignment has been completed.”
Harriet chuckled as a wide grin engulfed her features. “It seems he was quite serious about wishing for someone else to take care of me. I thought that he was, but one cannot be too certain until the proof has been presented as irrefutable.”
Richard closed his eyes and shook his head as he repeated his question. “What exactly have you done?”
“I simply proved to him that there is one female who would make an excellent partner for his best man and dear friend.”
“How precisely did you do that?”
She swallowed and looked away. He was not going to be happy to hear this. “It had to be done,” she said to preface her admission.
“What had to be done?”
She bit her lip as she met his gaze. “I found Andrew’s watch.”
His eyes grew wide, and he dropped her hand to run one of his through his hair. “You did what?”
“I went shopping with Jimmy – he is one of Edmund’s men, you know.”
“Yes, I know.”
“And while shopping, I just happened to find a place that deals in loaning money to people in exchange for various items.”
“A pawnbroker? You went to a pawnbroker?” He huffed and shook his head as if he could not believe her.
Harriet crossed her arms and glared at him. “I had to. My brother needed to know that I could be an asset and not a liability to you. And I will have you know that Edmund did a fine job of scolding me already, so you do not need to.”
“I believe I do,” he returned. “For I have a feeling that you did not bow to his admonishments. He has always had trouble being anything but generous with you.”
“That is not a fault, is it?” She smiled at him and fluttered her lashes. “I took precautions. And, as I said, it had to be done, because I will not marry anyone but you. I do not care how many Mr. So and So’s or Sir or Lords he tries to push at me. You are the only man I will ever love.” She placed his hat back on the table before taking his hands. “I have told Edmund so before. Many times. However, he refused to listen. So, I showed him just how serious I am.”
Once again, Richard was shaking his head. “You are…” He seemed lost for words.
“Edmund said I was impossible when he was yelling at me regarding the watch. To which, I replied that I was passionately independent, and that led to him saying I was staunchly recalcitrant. And that was right before he threatened to punish me.”
“He yelled and threatened to punish you?” He turned to look towards the door to Edmund’s office. “Your brother?”
“Yes.” She waited until she had his full attention again. “Which is how I know that what I did was excessively dangerous. But you, my dear sweet colonel, are worth it.”
“Harry, when are you going to learn that it is my job to say such things to you and not the other way around?” He placed a hand on her cheek.
“Can we not both say them?”
“You are a treasure. Do you know that?” He sighed. “Please, do this one thing for me, and keep my precious treasure safe. Can you do that for me? I have enough people to worry about. I do not wish to add you to that list.”
How could a lady say anything but yes to such a delightfully romantic thing? Well, a lady who did not immediately promise to do just as requested would have to be a lady very unlike Harriet. For Harriet was the sort who was incapable of not occasionally being daring. Therefore, the best reply should could make was, “I will do my best.”
He chuckled. “See that you do. For when I am finished rounding up some scoundrels and returning Georgie and Elizabeth to their families, I will be back for you.” He pulled her into his embrace. “I am broken because of the danger that threatens them,” he whispered. “But I would be beyond repair should anything happen to you.”
Tears gathered in her eyes, both at the thought of his pain and how treasured she was. “Then, I will do so well that Edmund will wonder what has happened to his sister.”
“Just do not do so well that he changes his mind about you being my burden to bear,” Richard teased before preventing her from any retort by claiming her lips with his.
Harriet wound her arms around his neck and held him firmly to her. He deepened the kiss, and she responded in kind. She was passionate. So very passionate about many things but none so fiercely as this man who held her heart and who trusted her with his. There was nothing that would keep her from seeing him safe and well – even if it meant making changes to her own behaviour.
Surely, she could be inquisitive and even a touch daring and still make sure that she was not the cause of him being broken forever.
“Take care,” she whispered when her head rested over his racing heart as he simply held her tightly. “For if you do not, I will not refrain from coming to your aid.”
A chuckle rumbled through him. “I would say the same.”
He pulled back from her and then took her face between his hands. “Do not ever change, my darling Harry. Always be as ardent as you are now. Just please, apply that zeal to your safety as strongly as you do to provoking your brother, for in keeping yourself safe, you will be protecting my heart.” He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.
Then, taking up his hat, he said, “I shall return when this mission is done.”
She snatched his hand before he could leave her. “Send word as soon as the ladies are safe.” She kissed his knuckles and then allowed him to depart.
As she watched the door to the house close behind him, she smiled and sighed for she knew that soon he would return to claim her as his forever.
So, epilogue or another story? Let me know in the comments.
