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karizard-ao3 · 22 days

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I love how much effort you put into researching for each of your fics. You have talked a little about this before, but could you share some fun facts about your fic researching?

Sure! Let's see...

So I mentioned the ketchup research, but for the Lady's Liaison I spent more time looking up Regency facts than I did creative writing. For instance, I was originally going to have them run for the coast in a private carriage the whole way, but then I was like, "No, I'd better check." So I spent probably an hour or more reading up on Regency modes of travel, and then also to see whether there would be possible boat routes to get to Scotland, because I wanted it to be plausible for Jean to believe that they might sail there instead of going over land. I also looked up Regency outerwear and undergarments to ensure that they were undressing each other in the most historically accurate way possible.

For Little Mice, besides reading the book on the topic, I searched old newspaper articles on the Boston Molasses flood, read up on racism against Asians (and Italians) during the early 20th century, miscegenation laws, Italian anarchists, typical courtship and honeymoon traditions, etc. I also found a website with a transcript of an old document by a social worker of the period going over what a typical Italian immigrant family ate in a day. For that little bit at the end when Eren and Mikasa are talking about what to get at the lunch counter, I looked up old restaurant menus of the time period to see what kinds of meals they could order.

For my cabin fic that I don't like to talk about I watched several videos about traditional salt production.

For Clueless Teens I watched several videos about how to use a Ouija board to commune with spirits and did some reading on runes and rune magic (although I forgot most of what I learned).

For Anamnesis... Oh boy. I was looking up how to destroy DNA evidence, what kind of bullets could cause the kind of injuries I was picturing for the characters who got shot (it's hollow points. If you want the bullet to be doing significant, explosive damage, you want a hollow point or one of those illegal butterfly bullets). I also looked up the statute of limitations for different crimes, whether you could survive a slit throat, what kinds of injuries would necessitate stitches (to make sure it was reasonable for Mikasa to have gotten stitches on her hands without having any significant damage to her muscles that would require PT), different kinds of scarring, gubernatorial term limits... I tried reading up on quantum theory but the scientific articles I found were all a bit over my head, so I figured I'd just have to go on vibes for that one. I've read plenty of fiction books featuring quantum universes so I was just like, "I won't stray too far from the typical rules and won't get into the theory. I should be fine."

Let's see if I can think of any other research I've done. I don't know, I am often popping over to google to look something up when I write, so it just kind of blends together. I've been looking up developmental milestones a lot for the single parents au to make sure what I'm describing is accurate, such as Eren's daughter being bad at jumping and how many words she should use in sentence lol. Of course, some of that info is based on my own parenting experiences, but it's been a while since my kid was 3.

I'm not sure those are fun facts, actually. So, here we go:

Historically, there are multiple types of ketchup. Mushroom, walnut, tomato, anchovy (I believe), and sometimes you can still find the lesser known versions. In the Philippines (?) they have, I want to say, banana ketchup. It was originally a fermented fish sauce from China and ketchup or catsup is the anglicized version of the original name (which I cannot remember). Ketchup was a popular condiment in Regency England.

You can "make" your own salt by collecting sea water and boiling it in a pot until all the water is gone, leaving just the sediment behind.

Keloid scars are not the only type of protruding scars. Hypertrophic scars also heal incorrectly so that they kind of bubble from the skin, however unlike with keloids these scars are soft, typically fade from pink to blend in better with your skin, and often will flatten out somewhat over time. Some people are gentically disposed towards keloid scarring and I want to say it is more common on certain parts of the body but I can't remember what exactly those parts are.

In the late 1800s and the early 1900s, the newer, Western states were the ones that had laws against interracial marriage because they included them when they took on statehood. In the East, despite being equally racist, they did not tend to have laws against interracial marriage because the original state founders did not anticipate it would become a "problem". I just find that interesting, since the West Coast is supposed to be so liberal, but look at how they started.

There are only three Japantowns left in the US and they are all located in California.

Regency men's shirts did not have buttons all the way down. They were more like tunics, so a solid panel over the belly and then perhaps buttons at the top over the chest. I can't entirely remember, but I know because of it I nixed a scene I'd been thinking of where Mikasa rips Eren's shirt off and the buttons fly everywhere, then later we see her sewing them back on lol.

#writing research #ask me things #my asks #answered asks #fun facts #writing #fic writing #research

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triviareads · 11 months

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ARC Review of The Husband List by Ella Quinn

Summary:

Lady Madeline Vivers is looking for a conventional match, and Harry Sterns doesn't quite fit the bill. He's not a peer, and he's also a politician. Harry, on the other hand, falls for Madeline at once, and he has a season to convince her to set aside concerns about his career and her mother's objections to marry him.

My review:

This is a ballroom romance set during the social season. The characters take part in ton activities like rides and dances and drawing room calls, and lot of the nitty gritty when it comes to courtship is shown— dance strategizing, parental and sibling approval, how social status factors in, etc.. That being said (and bear in mind this is coming from an amateur history buff), this story is not set in a vacuum, and I appreciate that Ella Quinn took the time to do some research, particularly because the hero is political, and the heroine comes from a political family. Women's property rights are discussed. The Corn Laws are mentioned. Harry is explicitly a Radical MP.

I feel like the notion of political hostesses and upper-class women's contributions to politics is an aspect of the Regency Era that isn't explored enough. I think if more authors caught on, they could have a lot of fun with it, particularly with newer HR stories having more explicit feminist themes. That being said, was this a book where the heroine had fun with politics, per say? No, but I did appreciate that she found a worthy cause to champion (helping homeless people, especially children), and that the hero was supportive of her efforts, taking it as a sign of her being politically-minded.

The plot itself is centered around the courtship between Madeline and Harry. Madeline has a list of traits (that's vaguely referenced throughout the book) she desires in a husband. Basically, the two obstacles for her is that a) Madeline doesn't know if she wants to be the wife of an MP, and b) despite having a strong support system by way of the majority of her extended family, she still wants to please her mother by marrying a peer, which Harry is not. There's also the sideplot of Madeline helping kids off the streets. Otherwise, the book is split between a lot of low-stakes family drama (ex: her sister and her suitor that she seems to have beef with) and Madeline and Harry going on a lot of rides, trips to Gunters, and balls.

As a sidenote, it might be worth reading the books prior to this one in the series, and even the series this one is a spin-off of, because a lot of the characters consistently interact with Madeline.

The sex:

There's a lot of "oh if only she knew what KIND of exercise I wanted to do with her" kinda thoughts coming from the hero. Man's playing the long game when the only sustained contact he has with her for the majority of the book is when he helps her off her mare everyday. The sex itself is a couple pages and low-heat. I've never read Ella Quinn before, so this just might be standard for her.

Overall:

For me, this book was a nice change of pace from all fast-paced HR I've been reading of late. It was very low conflict, and family-centric. The Husband List wasn't personally for me, but I would recommend this book to fans of Julia Quinn, or even people who like Austen-esque novels of manners.

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.

#arc review #arc #ella quinn #historical romance #kensington books #netgalley #kensingtonbooks

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brownandblackpearls · 3 years

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📜 🖋 𝒞ourting with 𝒟r. 𝒟evorak (Julian x BlackReader) Pt.2

PART 2 SUMMARY:

You are a reputable, young beauty of means in Vesuvia, enjoying the winter courting season. An odd letter from an odd doctor finds its way to your door. You are on the first segment of your first date, attending a medical convention in Vesuvia.

─── Julian x black female reader

─── imagery + fiction

─── explicit smut

─── regency/historical/fantasy, courtship rituals, wealthy! MC, love letters, drama, handsome redheads

☾ previous. ☾ next

.・゜゜・✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:.・゜゜・✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:・゜゜・．✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: *

Sitting across from Julian in this grand carriage is a fascinating journey all on its own.

The doctor is an eccentric one, telling you tales of wild cases, interesting cure possibilities, and lesser known homeopathic solutions to common Vesuvian ailments.

His sheer passion is more than enough to hold your interest, and hearing his innermost thoughts on his work is enough to spread the contagion of enthusiasm for this medical convention you were arriving upon. You were admittedly squeamish when it came to gore, but you did find an interest in the workings of the body, and more than that, you found an interest in him.

Unfortunately...you weren’t the biggest fan of leeches. When you let him know honestly, he couldn’t hide his disappointment.

“I apologize,” Julian says to you honestly, looking sheepish. “I should’ve realized.”

You shake your head, smiling.

“It’s quite alright. Your line of work is very different from what I know. I simply manage my estate and related businesses, but you...? You help the people of this city. If you say leeches are a helpful medicine for people in need, then I’ll believe you and do my best to rid my trepidation. At least, for this evening.”

Julian stares at you for a long moment before suddenly reaching across the space between you for your delicately-gloved hand and kissing it soundly, intimately. His eyes focus on you through dark lashes before he lowers his gaze as well as your hand.

He clears his throat, sitting back stiffly.

“I…that was forward of me. I must beg your forgiveness.”

“Yes,” you agree in jest. You found nothing wrong with the act, regarding it as more endearing than anything. Clearly, the doctor liked the fact that you were happy to try and see the value in the world he clearly loved so much. “You’re forgiven.”

Julian seems to deflate at your words instead of soothe, wrangling his fingers together anxiously. He forces a laugh and nods, looking out the window. Had he missed your humorous tone...?

You don’t like him looking dissatisfied. You like him looking away from you with that wary expression even less.

With a slow, confident reach across the space, you use your own hands to gently cup his anxious one. Raising it between you both, you pinch the fingertip of his thick, leather glove before slowly lifting it off to unveil his hand of its leather casing. It is easy to pull his large hand towards you and observe the white, open palm.

His hand is large, long, and elegant for a doctor’s, yet clearly worn in certain places from fervent use. He must help so many, with these hands. Your mind drifts to other possibilities that those long fingers may be capable of, but you settle yourself quickly.

No need to rush. Not in courtship.

Instead, you use the subtle imaginings to move your lips, pouting and pressing them long and gentle against the palm of his hand. You linger there, flicking your gaze up and watching him freeze through the gaps of his fingers, before pulling away with a sweet release. Your eyes flick down to the lipstick-stained kiss mark left on his hand.

Your mark.

Smiling with satisfaction, you gently tug his glove back on and pat his hand before releasing him.

“That was also forward of me,” you say casually enough. “Am I forgiven…?”

Julian fumbles, a hot blush crawling up his cheeks.

“Y-yes,” he barely breathes, leaning towards the window once more. You settle with the thought that it is for some air, likely...instead of apprehension.

You feel your own face heat from the thrill of the forbidden, enjoying the slight cover that your dark, warm skin gives you. It would take more exertion than thrill or embarrassment to reveal you. The act of kissing his hand had been deviant, but delicious, and you thoroughly enjoyed teasing the doctor. He probably had expected no mischief from a respectable, established woman such as yourself. He may have even thought he had to hold himself in a certain manner to gain your favor.

Little did he know, he already had it. You wanted him, and you wanted him to understand you better, as well as lower his guard around you. You were certainly high in the Vesuvian aristocracy circles, but you were human just as anyone else, and you could make the same mistakes...the same missteps...as anyone else.

Your idea seemed to work well enough. Mr. Devorak no longer seemed to be upset, or appeared as if he felt alone in his forwardness.

Now, he seemed bewildered, if not highly intrigued.

You were pleased to think that later on, when you were no longer together, that Dr. Devorak would still have your mark on him after the day was done. A pretty reminder.

But no more of that. The day was just beginning.

“Ah, there it is!” He exclaimed, beckoning you to the window. “That’s the hall the gala will be held in!”

.・゜゜・✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:.・゜゜・✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:・゜゜・．✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: *

Though you were never one to feel overdressed at any occasion, you could certainly feel the eyes draw onto you as Dr. Devorak escorted you towards the large building.

Leaving the warm space of the carriage allowed you a reason to stay close with him in the crowds. His offered arm is strong and warm, but you keep your admiration to yourself for the moment. You take it as if its second nature, letting him lead you both towards the great hall in an easy step.

Your eyes span the people crowding near the entrance way, and you realize there are several other young beauties here with courting partners as well. Perhaps this event was more popular for Vesuvians than you once believed? You were curious to find out about the draws of this event that you had been unaware of prior.

The doctor flags down one of the door staff, smiling. The doorman spots him and grins back, calling out his name.

“Dr. Devorak! Welcome, welcome. You’re on the list of course, so you can come right in. Here’s your pin.”

Your date smiles, allowing the man to pin a medical emblem on his lapel. You realize it is likely a determiner for others in the event to understand who he is, and know that he is also a medical professional participating, not just a socialite.

“My lady,” the doorman greets, bowing to you kindly before stepping back. You don’t miss the sly wink he shoots to the doctor, who funnily pretends as if he did.

You greet the man back pleasantly before allowing Julian to lead you both into the event, past the crowds.

“Oh!” You gasp aloud, seeing the dioramas inside.

There were huge displays of freeze-dried human musculature, stuck in stasis while posing as if they were alive. Some were running, others jumping, and some standing. You mistakenly thought before that such sights might be grotesque, but the preparers did such a good job in making all the displays neat, clean, and scentless, you couldn’t help but feel only fascination.

Other tables were covered in medical tools, some from ancient Vesuvian history, and others from the current times. You could spy syringes, hacksaws, casts, all kinds of tools and oddities. Another table held medicines, their respective bottled forms, only for the bottles and pills to be under-laid by the real ingredients that went in them. One bowl of tablets showed huge ferns beneath them, and you wondered to yourself how pharmacists and herbalists could ever mash up such large plants to fit into such tiny capsules.

You didn’t realize you’d forgotten to interact with your date since entering the hall until Dr. Devorak pulled up beside you, smiling as you gawked at everything.

“Fascinating, isn’t it?”

You startle a little, turning to him with wide eyes. A smile comes to your face.

“Yes! Very!”

You point out the bottles to him, revealing the question that had run through your mind.

The doctor seemed highly pleased to hear of your interest, and even moreso to engage in it.

“Well, you see,” he began, “though some professionals settle for the old mortar and pestle, there are new devices made just in the last year to assist with the refining process! In my offices, we’ve also experimented with rollers, stones, pressers, as well as the normal affects.”

“Like what?” You wonder, leaning in.

“Oh…” He pauses, unsure of himself now. “I, erh...I wouldn’t want to bore you. Are you in need of refreshments? I can—“

“You’re very kind,” you insist, trying to redirect back to your question. He’s gotten you interested and now you want to know! “What affects did you mean? From before?”

He pauses, analyzing you for a moment before breaking into a somewhat fond grin.

“Well...things like heat or chill can help separate what we need from the ingredients used. Though I had to study all arenas of medicine and practice in my youth, I focus more on diagnosis, prescription, and research these days. I used to do surgery and medicinal preparations but with the recent expanding we’ve undergone, I’ve been sidetracked with indulging in more hypotheticals and innovation than tried-and-true practice. So, I’m very excited to see what my colleagues have come up with!”

You smile, watching him speak and taking in his words. He seems so bright, so glad and inspired.

“I am happy to hear your expansions allow you the pursuits you desire. It must have been difficult.”

The doctor laughs then, and it is a warm, rich thing.

“I am only lucky. I’ve come a long way, from dingy old ships to grand palaces. Compared to all that, starting my practice and training younger medical professionals was easy.”

You could’ve kept walking beside him, conversing easily...but suddenly, a group of older doctors crowd you both, eyeballing your date.

“Devorak!” One crows. “We’ve been looking for you! Grimmes delivered the best speech on those new splints you both collaborated on, I wanted to congratulate you.”

“Why, thank you!” Julian says happily, shaking hands. “Grimmes did more of the work, she’s a natural.”

He seems to be in his element, amongst all the chatting doctors. Another one steps forward, completely bypassing you and fixated on Julian. You felt like a fly on the wall, drinking up all the curious interactions. This conversation was a world away from politics, estate dealings, and nobility gossip.

“Did you see Asif’s chiropractor module? It was quite horrific.”

“Really...?” Julian wonders. “I thought he sorted out the vertebrae counts for the model?”

“So did we! However the model looked rather poor. Shoulders up to here!” The doctor explains, displaying what he saw by shifting his shoulders as far up as his body could manage.

“Goodness…” Julian worried. “Was his gait irregular?”

“Irregular? Why, it looked like he’d been hung up on a coat rack Devorak, starched to high hell, and left to waddle out the practitioner’s office. There’ll be hell to pay, that one.”

Julian shakes his head, sighing.

“I can refer the poor man to the southern branch if I see him. The one on Marigold? God knows the trainees could use the practice. Perhaps we can fix it.”

The doctors nodded their assent and boasted of Julian’s generosity, before finally glancing at you. They all seemed somewhat shocked out of their reverie, glancing between the two of you with increasing disbelief.

“Hello,” you greet, ringing off your name politely.

The doctors bow politely, before looking to Julian. An older one shoots him a wide grin.

“Don’t you worry about any referencing, Devorak. We’ll let him know, ourselves. You just focus on your engagement with the lovely young woman you’ve caught here.”

“Right,” another one agrees quickly. “Been holding out on us, haven’t you? Who are we to interrupt a courting? Enjoy! Ladies, gentlemen, to the tinctures tables!”

The others agree, bumbling off in their crowd to find more of the convention to see.

You watch them go before turning to Julian.

“How many practices do you possess?” You inquire. You are genuinely curious, but there is an underlying meaning to your question.

As much as you adore the doctor, these courting dates are very necessary to glean information from potential partners. Julian clearly held standing amongst the other doctors, and was regarded with much respect. You didn’t doubt his ambition or success. But...since he held no large property or titles, so you needed to see how he could help benefit your estate and those that lived and worked in your home. You also needed to ensure that he held few vices or flaws that would conflict with your own…it was a superficial process that could not be completed in one engagement, and you didn’t particularly enjoy seizing people up like items on displays, but…it was better to do it now while you could rather than risk hearts, coin purses, and marriages down the line.

Besides, you expected the same from Julian, to interrogate you on your end in his own way. You weren’t the only one with assets to think of, and liabilities to consider! And only a fool would assume a wealthy beauty is all they needed in a match.

You felt Devorak could be silly in his own odd little way...but he didn’t strike you as a fool.

‘Hmm. Marriage.’

You watch the doctor, your heart thrumming a little faster at the thought.

‘One thing at a time,’ you remind yourself. ‘I don’t know if I’m even ready for the convention with anyone, him included. Slow and steady wins the race.’

Dr. Devorak stands a little taller, pushing his shoulders back and preparing a bolder facade than you believed he actually felt. He seemed to understand what time this was, what the question really meant, and was eager to please with honesty and transparency.

He wanted to prove himself to you, you realize.

“I am but a humble man,” he begins. “I own one practice, with several branches throughout Vesuvia. It has grown to the point where I now simply stop by each one weekly, and oversee the operations. I have three locations in the city’s center, and five in the outer regions. Those locations range from general practices to apothecaries.”

You nod, highly impressed.

“Eight branches is hardly humble, Julian. It sounds very admirable.”

The doctor blushes, pulling at his collar and pretending nonchalance.

“Eh…well...”

“You must be quite good at what you do.”

“Well...It was not without considerable help, I cannot lie. In the beginning, I had a generous investor that believed in my vision and potential. That investor was the central Countess, and without her I doubt I could’ve gathered together the startup costs. But...I take pride in taking the best care of Vesuvians that I can. And so word spread, and now they come to us for all sorts of ailments and needs. We’ve fairly profitable year after year since. I..I could make more, raise prices, yes, but...I always wanted affordability to be important. Everyone in Vesuvia deserves access to quality healthcare.”

“That’s amazing,” you say. “Not many businessmen in Vesuvia are transparent about their journeys, and not many can honestly say they value ethics.”

You briefly review his words to yourself.

He was hinting near the end that though he had his personal reasons for not breaking his profits ceiling in a way that would truly impress a run-of-the-mill blue-blood, that neither he nor his businesses would be a liability to your estate.

There was another implication in his words that you couldn’t help but notice.

“You know Nadia…?” You ask suddenly.

“Yes! Do you…?” He inquires back, curious.

“Ah...yes,” you respond kindly, tightening your lips on why. You didn’t want to appear rude mentioning your other current courting potentials. Ritually, that was only to be used in situations of dire need for leverage. It was one thing to review each others ways of living and financials, whereas it was quite another to throw into the face of hopefuls…all the other hopefuls…unless asked, of course.

Julian seemed to catch on. He did not seem upset, though.

“Hm,” he wonders quietly. “...I am not surprised that you are getting house calls from all walks of Vesuvia.”

You pause, unsure of what to say. Had you offended him?

“I…”

The doctor is kind, and fills in the empty silence with warmth.

“I am just glad that you answered my letter, that I get to have you for myself today. I am happy that you like the gala and…I only anticipate enjoying the rest of our time together.”

You beam at him, tugging his arm closer to your body.

“I feel the same, Julian.”

He pulls you tighter as well, circling you both around the event to watch more displays and pass by speakers who were taking charge in different corners of the venue. You overhear some very interesting ideas and concepts, and Julian leans over every so now and then to comment on them in your ear.

Soon enough, Julian offers to take you for a break near the venue’s indoor patisserie. You agree joyfully, all too eager to spy the cute little confectionery cakes and pastries as the both of you walk up near the outdoor seating.

Julian hunts down a seat for you both amidst all the other couples, some wedded, some courting, and some just having a casual meetup.

He pulls out your seat gingerly for you, and you sit graciously. He takes his own seat as a waiter arrives, bringing you both a drink and dessert menu. Together, you and Julian order coffees and a cake to share before sitting back, watching one another.

‘Wait,” you think.

You realize very suddenly that the doctor is being too gracious in not asking on your situation in return, and so you decide to open the floor up to him so there is no risk of offending. Perhaps he is nervous because of your status...? Perhaps those things matter so little to him, that he is willing to break courtship convention to avoid asking after them...? Perhaps he is simply forgetful...?

“Is there anything you’d like to know about my estate or my courting season, Julian?”

He pauses, thinking to himself for a stretch.

“Well…I must admit, I know little about you besides what I saw from the theater and what I’ve heard from the grapevine. I’m not fond of gossip and would rather hear it from you, but...I knew so few in your circle...I know nothing, really. Besides your distaste for leeches of course, and your penchant for…” he coughs, adjusting, “….for...adventure.”

You giggle, covering your mouth before leaning in.

“You find me adventurous? Some would say I am just an aristocrat, perfectly happy to hole up in my estate with no influence on the outside world. Not like you. You do so much good.”

He shakes his head, frowning.

“Don’t discount yourself for me. I…I do know of your philanthropy around Vesuvia. Generous donations for the citizens, for the disenfranchised. That is good in its own way. And class is no barrier to who possesses the heart of an adventurer and who doesn’t. You proved it today.”

“How?”

Julian laughs.

“Like you know few honest businessmen, I know few women of your stature who would eagerly come here for a first engagement. Especially after my confidant revealed that I had sent an inquiry letter in a poor manner, to a poorly-picked event. You came—and even better—you enjoyed yourself.”

You gift him a wink.

“I think I may enjoy myself wherever I go, with you at my side, Doctor.”

There goes his flush again, as clear as a bounty of roses! You love the way it matches his hair. He hides his face behind a gloved hand, sinking into his seat as you laugh generously.

“You’ll be the death of me,” he insists, “with your teasing.”

You fake a pout, looking at him innocently.

“I am no tease, sir.”

“Right,” he says simply, smiling. “And I am no doctor.”

You laugh once again, batting at him lightly with a gloved hand before sitting straighter.

“Enough about that,” you say, “I should inform you of my situation, just as you informed me of yours. I would be very rude not to.”

Julian stiffens, sitting straighter as well.

“You don’t have to—“

“Oh but I do,” you insist. “You are too kind and too subtle to ask on such things as blatantly as my aristocrat self can, but the courting traditions demand it. You shall peruse my purse and pursuants as I have yours. There will be no barriers here.”

You clear your throat, and Julian waits patiently.

“I possess the estate of ———, as you already know. I am —— years old, with a long lineage. Most of my family has moved away outside of Vesuvia to our ancestral nation of origins, but I am a Vesuvian-born and Vesuvian at heart, so I chose to stay and take over the household. Like any baron or baroness, I oversee properties, farms, accounts, and merchandise. My estate largely relies on profits from renters on our land, but I began a perfumery and garden a few years ago. Using the florals from the garden, the business has become a success and sells in local tailor shops. So we bring profit in on that end as well, my endeavor alone, since the family that left have their own means in the ancestral country.”

Julian nods, interested.

“A perfumery...?”

“Yes,” you answer, happy. “I really enjoy it. With scents, I can create candles as well. I would love to show you sometime, if you’d like.”

Julian perks up more from the sound of that, than your financials.

“There will be a next time…?” He wonders aloud.

“If you will have me.”

Julian beams then, wider than you’ve seen all day. He nods and sips at his coffee happily, taking the olive branch and leaving so much unsaid. There was no need to.

You both seemed to be on the same page.

“Scents are interesting,” he says suddenly. “It is considered flimsy medicine, but I’ve often thought of aromatherapy. I wonder if it could help patients with mood difficulties…?”

Your eyes widen at the thought.

“It’s certainly worth a try. I can spare some scents for your practice when you visit me.”

Julian seems awed, amazed at the opportunity and you giving it.

“Are you real...?” He asks suddenly. “Am I dreaming?”

“No,” you laugh. “I am quite real. Do you need a pinch to prove it?”

Julian makes a very odd face at that, straightening up and moving swiftly past the question, diving into how delicious the cake is.

You watch, noticing. You could only wonder what it was that set him off.

“I will not pinch you…” You explain, hoping to ease him.

“Ah!” He shakes his head, trying to wave off your worry. “It’s not that. You’re fine. You can, uh…I want it- wait, no, that’s…never mind! You’re real, that much is certain.”

You watch him flail before shrugging internally and refocusing on the cake. You mentally file the ‘pinching’ reaction away for later thought.

“Is it good?” You ask.

Julian nods eagerly, forking off a piece and raising it to you. You see he is angling the fork for you to grasp yourself, but you decide to forego that idea.

What’s life without a little pleasure?

Sure that no one is watching either of you, you lean forward and eat the cake off of his offered fork, skillfully sucking the remnants off entirely. You look demurely away from him, but you know you’ve hit your mark when you hear him squawk. You chew, assessing, before glancing over to him feeling pleased.

“This is very, very good,” you agree.

Julian looks a little pained, watching you with wanton desire and intrigue.

You gently take the fork from his fingers and cut him a piece, offering it up to him kindly.

“Say ‘ah‘, for me,” you request pleasantly enough, yet you know that your gaze you’re pinning him with is a little less collected than your tone.

Slowly understanding, the doctor leans forward and takes the offering with his own mouth, too flushed to look at you directly. You’re thrilled to see him clear the fork in the same manner before he pulls back, focusing less on the cake he just ate and more on how you’re making him feel.

“Does it taste better, now?” You wonder aloud.

“Yes,” he nearly whispers. “Much better.”

You smile demurely, supporting your face on a relaxed hand.

“That, dear doctor,” you say, “is a tease.”

“I…I’ll remember that,” he says quietly, shifting under your gaze.

You’re sure that he will.

“You don’t have to,” you insist. “I can always help you, if you forget.” The promise sounds very sweet from your lips.

“Uh…Ah!” Julian pretends suddenly, checking his watch with faux vigor. “Wouldyoulookatthat, the theater! We’d best be on our way, we have box seats, you know.”

You giggle and he mirrors your humored grin, laughing himself.

“Of course, Julian.”

He assists you up before grabbing his cane and coat. Together with your funny doctor date, you are led out of the venue and into the afternoon of the day.

.・゜゜・✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:.・゜゜・✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:・゜゜・．✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ: *

AN: Do not copy, repost, translate, or edit any of my work. If you see someone do so, please let me know.

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fictionadventurer · 4 years

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The feedback on my Lily Between Worlds post has been very kind and very motivating. It reminded me which areas the story needs to focus on (namely, the portal fantasy part of it!) and it motivated me to play with the world a bit more. Via my usual “throw things at the page and see what sticks” method, I’ve come up with a few possible world-building pieces that could add texture to this world and story. Nothing really defined yet, just throwing sand into the sandbox. I’ll list a few of possibilities below, and if anyone wants to comment on points that seem particularly interesting or fun or dumb or whatever, I’d love to hear any thoughts!

I think I can stick with the Regency-esque setting. Because that Jane-Austeny atmosphere lends itself well to a portal fantasy that’s more about exploring the finer points of assimilating to a new culture. And if there can be thousands of fictional worlds based on medieval Europe, why can’t I get away with multiple worlds based on the 19th and 20th centuries?

Animals are different in this world. Different in size--for example, people ride giant dogs instead of horses. Possibly also some chimera animals. (And them falling the other way through the portal influenced some of our world’s mythology).

Several animals seem to be more intelligent than their Earth versions, and are relied upon to do more complex tasks (sort of like a more serious version of The Flintstones).

Which could lead to a slightly Cinderella-ish vibe of Lily just talking at various animals when she’s tired of not being able to talk to any of the people around her.

Also a scene where Lily just, like, throws some annoying animal out of the house. And everyone’s just standing there, jaws dropping, like, “You have nerves of steel. That griffin could have torn your face off,” and Lily’s like, “I thought??? It was just an ugly cat???”

There could still be flying sailing ships, but I also want to consider: Long distance air travel on giant eagles.

Social events tend to involve more physical activity. Sports, sparring, etc.

The general culture has some lingering war-like habits. Men tend to be armed. High value placed on defending homeland from outsiders. (Making it a little awkward for outsiders to get accepted among them).

There’s a common phrase, loosely translated, that’s something along the lines of, “A woman must be beauty, create beauty, and defend beauty.”

When Lily’s faced with entering the marriage market, she assumes (based on the Regency-esque vibe of the rest of the culture) that she’ll be okay, since she’s decently pretty and naturally gravitates toward feminine artistic skills. Until she learns that (because of the philosophy in the last point) that martial arts and swordsmanship are considered a vital womanly arts.

(However, this would require me to actually research sword fighting. And try very, very hard to avoid any of the sword fighting romance cliches).

Are matchmakers somehow involved in courtship proceedings? Could be an unneeded complication, but it could be fun to throw such a character into the mix and watch their brain explode when faced with a young woman who has no family and no history within this universe at all.

The world has two suns. Because.

In autumn, foliage turns gold and silver. (Why would I pass up the chance to add a Twelve Dancing Princesses vibe?) This leads to a very 19th-century pastime of gathering leaves in the fall to gild various knickknacks.

Once the leaves are gone, bare tree branches become bioluminescent. These are commonly gathered and used for indoor lighting throughout the winter. There may be ways to plant some of these types of plants indoors and provoke year-round lighting.

As far as government goes, I’d kind of like to avoid a straightforward monarchy. Perhaps a government where much more power is concentrated at the local level.

Children are commonly schooled at home. (Making it easy for Lily to sit in on lessons with the younger children in the house, and for her to be horrified that she’s back to a less-than-elementary-level knowledge about how the world works).

I’m having fun developing the family that Lily stays with. The Earth scholar who takes her in. Some children around Lily’s age and a couple much younger children. But I’m obsessed with the character of the scholar’s wife. Because her husband has always had this eccentric, harmless interest in a hypothetical parallel universe and she’s been okay with it, and suddenly this girl falls out of the sky, validating most of the claims he’s ever made and sparking even wilder ones, dressing strangely and speaking no language ever heard in this world. And she has to let this girl live with her. And let her near the children! And it seems utterly insane to let her in, but at the same time, she’s not much more than a child, and she literally has no one else to turn to, so you don’t even have the option to turn her away. How to you begin to come to terms with that?

Communication with the scholar can be interesting, since his contact with Earth materials hasn’t made much differentiation between the different languages. So he’s got, like, Japanese and Norwegian and Russian words mixed in with his understanding of English with no knowledge that these are coming from different languages.

The language of this world could be harder for Lily to learn because there are parts of speech that vary based on characteristics of the speaker. (The way some real life languages do, but not based on like, your social standing, but on other random characteristics.) Like, “I said that the same way you said it, why is it wrong?” “No, you don’t say it that way. You say it this way because you’re a girl and you’re shorter than me.”

I feel like most of these details don’t do much to move this world beyond the cliche “well-mannered fantasy society”. Do I need more originality? More details that are different from our world? Or is it okay to stick with a mostly familiar atmosphere and concentrate on just a couple unique points to the world?

#adventures in writing #lily between worlds #this story may not go anywhere but it's fun to have a world in the sandbox stage #and i'd forgotten how nice it is to bounce ideas off of people

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marveloussupernerd · 3 years

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Crowns and Courtships - A Mysme AU

Chapter 5 - The Prince

Chapter 4

A regency era fic where the readers get to choose the romanced LI! All Casual and Deep story LIs are options.

Words: 2075

Summary: you take a long walk with Prince Jumin, then decide to spend some time with Mr. Saeyoung Choi. Maybe you can teach him, or his horse, some manners.

“Alright then.” Jumin turned to you. “Would you accompany me for a walk?” You nodded, taking his arm as you walked towards the door. Before leaving, you put on a hat to hide your face from the bright sun, then went outside. The Prince was leading the way and went backwards: towards the stables first. It would be interesting to gain a new perspective on the lands by going this route.

“Your lands are quite beautiful. You will have to come to our kingdom sometime to see ours,” he proposed.

“Of course, it would only be fair-”

There he was. The bastard who had almost killed her with a horse. Same horse, this time not running at a ridiculous speed, but going in slow circles. He hopped off the horse when he saw you. “Princess, you’re looking much better,” he greeted cheekily. He looked over at the prince. The slight paling of his face made it clear that he had no clue who the man was. “It’s nice to see that somebody is able to tolerate her.”

“It’s nice to see that my stable boy is finally learning how to ride a horse,” you retorted, eyes trained on the horse in the field.

The Prince let out a laugh. It was nice that he wasn’t immediately insulted by her tone. “I’m guessing this is the cause of your accident?”

“Mr. Choi, this is Prince Jumin. He’s from the kingdom next to ours. Mr. Choi was employed when he helped my father on his journey back from your kingdom; his horse had gotten injured,” you explained.

“Well it is an absolute pleasure to meet you, Your Highness,” Mr. Choi greeted, bowing to the Prince. Your mouth taped slightly; he did not address you in that manner.

“We must be continuing on,” you urged ever so slightly. You really didn’t want to deal with him anymore. You weren’t sure if he looked down on women, or if for some reason he just really didn’t like you, but it made you mad that he would address others formally but address you in such a manner.

They continued on. “It seems that you don’t like him,” Prince Jumin caught on.

“I will keep my thoughts to myself, but he did almost run me down with his horse the other day.”

“Well, you’ve certainly showed him. By going out and about, and with your remark,” he glanced at you and smiled, then you continued on towards the garden.

“I don’t mean to make retorts like that; I apologize you had to witness it.” You confessed.

He picked a flower. It was a rose. “I think you are quite like this rose. Thorns down here,” he lifted up his finger; he had cut himself, “to protect you from people. But to those who persevere, you show yourself as one of the most beautiful flowers of all,” He carefully handed the flower to you, warning you to be careful of the thorns. Two flowers within a week. You could not show him your flush. This was so embarrassing.

“You could just take the flower off its stem, that way you would not have to worry about poking yourself,” you commented, holding the flower carefully in order to prevent yourself from getting a cut.

He was dabbing the light amount of blood with his handkerchief. “I think it loses a lot of its personality if you take it off its stem, though.”

“The thorns are a method of self-defense: keeps animals from trying to eat them,” you explained, admiring the flowers.

“Then you understand that it would be a crime to take away such an important feature, even if they may be more flawless without it.” He put his handkerchief back into his pocket. He was ready to continue the walk.

“I quite like the way you think about life.”

“I quite like the way you handle yourself, especially with people like him.”

You continued on the walk in near silence, except for the few times the prince would compliment something about the castle. He seemed to thoroughly admire architecture, paying note to how the roof was designed and the stones were laid.

“Thank you for the walk Prince Jumin; I thoroughly enjoyed your insights,” you expressed graciously.

He bowed to you in return: “It was my pleasure. I cannot wait to see you soon; when is your family traveling to the city?”

“In six days.”

“Then I will see you in six days,” he kissed the top of your hand, “Have a good evening, Princess.”

After parting ways with the family, you were able to go upstairs and finally rest some more. However, when you looked out your bedroom window, you saw Mr. Choi, still sitting on the problematic horse and moving in circles. It hardly seemed like he was working. You changed into a pair of pants and a long riding skirt and headed out to see what he was up to.

He didn’t seem to notice you at first, still insistent on making the same turns with the horse. You decided it would be fun to tease him: “Oh my, I wonder what could be next… perhaps another left turn! Horse riding is oh so exciting.” You made your way closer to the horse.

“I know it may seem like the same thing over and over again, but it’s important to train the basic movements before stepping it up to full-out riding.” He hopped off the horse to face you. “Small steps.”

“Did you decide that before or after it tried to run me down?”

He paused, scratching his neck. “Well, after. In my old town I was good at helping animals with their injuries. I never really grew up taking them.” You were surprised to hear him sharing a bit about his personal life. He rolled his eyes. “Oh close your mouth. I might never share anything with you again.”

“I’d like to try riding the horse.” You decided.

“I don’t think it’ll take well to you, especially considering it’s never been ridden by a lady.” Another moment of ladies not having enough power over something. Perhaps it was because ladies did not straddle the horse? You would prove that you could take on the challenge and face it better than him, despite the odds being more difficult for you. He realized you would not give in, and went into the stables to grab a saddle appropriate for your riding position. He offered his hand to help uou mount the horse, but you ignored it; instead lifting yourself aboard the horse.

“Now watch and learn.” You started the horse out slowly, moving in a straight line to get a real for its gait; it was actually not a bad horse to ride: not too bumpy, not too tall. Time to make a right turn: shocking! The horse had never done this move before! The horse turned pretty simply. It was finally when you brought the horse to a gallop that you began to question its integrity. It did not take the instruction well, and a gallop turned into a stride. One quick turn, and you had fallen off the horse. This time, you took Mr. Choi’s hand and let him help you off the ground.

“That was quite an impressive right turn,” he teased, “but it seems neither of us can get it to control its gallop yet.”

He had a point. You ignored his comments though and mounted once again. When it started to speed up during the gallop, you pulled the reins tightly. It came to a quick stop, throwing you forward, but you managed to stay on. You waited for a witty remark, but it never came. You turned the horse slowly and urged a gallop again. This time, it refrained from going too ridiculously fast. The slowing down still went horrible, and you were knocked off once more; but the horse understood the gallop at least! Mr. Choi seemed surprised.

“It wasn’t that hard. I can’t believe you’ve been doing left turns all this time when you could have been doing something more beneficial, like this.”

“Yes well there’s still a lot to do. Don’t think that by making the horse gallop one time, you’re suddenly the horse whisperer,” he argued back.

“Isn’t that what you seemed to think the one time you helped my dad’s horse’s injured leg? Or is it different because you’re a man?” You hadn’t meant to pull the sex card on him, but it just slipped out. It was about time you pointed it out, though.

“That’s not why it’s different-”

You ignored him entirely; focusing your attention on petting and rewarding the horse, speaking softly to it. “Does he have a name?” You asked, changing the subject.

“Not yet.”

“Thomas.”

“Ew, that’s an awful name for a horse,” he replied, his nose scrunched up, almost in disgust. It made you laugh.

“I’m pretty bad with names so you’ll have to let me think it through for a while. Until then, you better not give it a name.”

“I’d rather not face your wrath anymore than needed,” he winked at you, laughing.

“Have a good night; hopefully by this time tomorrow he’ll be able to stop smoothly. However, if you need assistance with your own job, you know where to find me.” You turned, a smug smile on your face, then walked away.

The evening passed more quickly than anyone could have anticipated, and the time to travel to the city was quickly approaching. It was decided that Mr. Choi and Jaehee would accompany the family to the city for your debut. The time flew by uneventfully: you started teaching Jaehee how to embroider, Mr. Choi had taught the new horse how to stop, just in time for the trip. Sir Zen was going to stay back at the castle and do some research into who was targeting you. The houses were much closer together in the city and far smaller, therefore more safe from conspirators.

Jaehee was pushing your clothes down to fit into the trunk for travel. You were leaving for London in the morning; the town’s seamstress had brought a brand new dress for you to wear for your first garden party in the afternoon. You couldn’t help but admire the pearls detailing the blush pink skirt. It was absolutely beautiful and you couldn’t wait to wear it.

“I believe you are all packed Princess,” Jaehee announced, hooking the latch on the chest. “I will have Sir Zen carry it downstairs to be loaded into the carriage in the morning.”

“Thank you Jaehee. Now please! I insist you start packing your own belongings. We’ll be there for a few weeks, so make sure you bring everything you can’t live without,” you urged. Jaehee nodded, pushing the chest into the sitting area so that Sir Zen could carry it down, then got set to her own room to pack her things. You could hardly keep your eyes open any longer, and drifted to sleep.

You were awoken abruptly by a knock on the door. You didn’t even have time to compose yourself before the door swung open. “Princess,” it was Sir Zen; he sounded frantic, “while I was bringing your trunk down, somebody left this at your door.” He handed you the note.

The ink was smudged and the handwriting was sloppy. It was evident that it was written in a hurry. “Be wary of who you choose in London.” it warned. It was horribly ominous. “Who could have written this?” You asked, shocked, although you knew the answer.

“My guess is the people who don’t like what you’re doing with your courtship,” he pulled out a dagger: “It was pinned to your door with this.”

You felt faint. “Sir Zen, I’d prefer if you stayed watch in my room tonight, if that’s alright with you.” It was embarrassing to ask, but there was so much danger.

He took a seat near the window, a decent distance from your bed. “Anything to keep you safe from those people.”

You tossed and turned. It was nearly impossible to sleep knowing that the group was making threats on your life now. “It’ll be okay,” Zen comforted. He scooted slightly closer to you so he could look into your eyes; his were comforting and warm. “You can sleep; I won’t let anything happen to you.”

With those comforting words, you were finally able to fall asleep.

#mystic messenger #mysme #crownsandcourtships #Jumin han #707

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maddie-grove · 4 years

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My Top Ten Victorian (Ish) Romance Novels

Notes: Queen Victoria’s reign lasted from 1837 to 1901, but I learned in a literature class that sometimes the Victorian era is defined as lasting from 1832 (when the First Reform Act was passed) to 1901 (when Victoria died). When it comes to historical romance novels, I think the second definition works better; a romance set in 1831 usually comes at the tail end of a series or universe beginning in the 1810s/1820s and still has a Regency flavor, while a romance set 1832-1836 has a decidedly non-Regency feel. Incidentally, I’ve noticed that 1830s-set Harlequin Historicals are labeled “1830s,” rather than “Regency” or “Victorian.” No one knows what to do with the 1830s! Also, many of these novels are set in the USA. Three are specifically set in Chicago, which is kind of weird!

1. The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan (2013)

Exact Setting: 1860s England.

Premise: Politician Oliver Marshall has ambitions of enacting egalitarian laws, including the proposed Second Reform Bill, but his illegitimate birth and non-aristocratic upbringing make that an uphill battle. Then a marquess makes him a peculiar offer: in exchange for supporting the Second Reform Bill, he wants Oliver to publicly humiliate Jane Fairfield, an heiress who is despised by high society for her bad taste and oblivious rudeness. Oliver, too often the object of aristocratic bullying, has no desire to harm Jane, but he doesn’t feel that he can refuse the marquess outright. Then he realizes that Jane isn’t what she seems; instead, she’s a brave, clever, lonely woman who’s putting on an act so she can stay unmarried and continue protecting her younger sister. Also, he likes her and finds her wildly attractive, despite her nightmarish fashion sense.

Why I Like It: This is my favorite romance EVER. Jane is an all-time-great heroine: intelligent enough to engineer a complicated marriage-repellent scheme (and change it when circumstances require), strong enough to expose herself to ridicule out in the world (and come home to an uncle who thinks she’s inherently a bad person), and vulnerable enough to break your heart. Oliver, a bruised idealist who must reassess his go-along-to-get-along approach, is nearly as compelling. Their romance is full of top-notch banter and solidarity in the face of a world that wants them to be enemies. And there are almost too many excellent subplots to count: Jane’s sister’s secret romance with an Indian student at Cambridge, Oliver’s younger sister’s foray into activism, and Jane’s brittle frenemy-ship with the Johnson twins, to name a few.

Favorite Scene: The first time Jane drops her act in front of Oliver, or the defeat of the marquess.

2. A Hope Divided by Alyssa Cole (2017)

Exact Setting: North Carolina, USA, during the Civil War.

Premise: Marlie Lynch's life has always been complicated. The daughter of a free Afro-Caribbean root worker, she spent half her childhood with her mother before being sent to live with her white paternal relatives. Now she works for two different secret organizations: the Underground Railroad (with the help and approval of her white abolitionist sister) and the black-Unionist-run spying organization the Loyal League (with the knowledge of no one). When she’s not doing that, she’s pursuing her scientific interests while still honoring and using her late mother’s rootworking practices. Her situation becomes even more fraught when she agrees to harbor Ewan McCall, an escaped Union POW, in a secret chamber behind her bedroom wall. They bond over their shared intellectual interests, but is there any time for romance when Marlie’s home is being overrun by loathsome Confederates?

Why I Like It: Many historical romances have good love stories but don’t do much with the setting, while a few excel at portraying the past but fail at creating a compelling central relationship. Alyssa Cole’s Loyal League novels are the total package, and the Southern-Gothic-tinged A Hope Divided is the standout among them. Marlie and Ewan’s courtship is portrayed with tenderness, intelligence, and delicacy. Cole brings just as much sharpness and nuance to her portrayal of the time and place, representing groups of people who tend to disappear in popular discussions about the Civil War. I also really appreciate Ewan as a character. His mind works differently from most people’s (in that he would probably now be considered to be on the autism spectrum), and he worries that he’s a bad person because he doesn’t feel a lot of angst about some morally complicated decisions he made in the past. The narrative does a good job of showing that Ewan is no better or worse than anyone else for using tools other than empathy in his moral reasoning. Also, Marlie is a top-tier Gothic heroine.

Favorite Scene: Marlie reflects on the villain’s oh-so-convenient conception of Southern womanhood. I’m also a big fan of the entirety of the bedroom-wall courtship.

3. The Suffragette Scandal by Courtney Milan (2014)

Exact Setting: 1870s England.

Premise: After his hateful father and self-serving brother abandoned him to a grisly fate in war-torn Strasbourg, Edward Delacey narrowly survived, with his faith in himself and the world around him shattered. Now he’s back in England, and his younger brother stands to inherit the viscountcy that legally belongs to him. He’s not interested in the title; however, he does feel compelled to stop his brother from ruining the life of Frederica Marshall, a daring investigative reporter who writes about discrimination against women. As he lends his (jaded, reluctant) assistance, Frederica’s optimism begins to infect him...and that’s not the only reason he wants to stay around her.

Why I Like It: I love Frederica as Oliver’s little sister in The Heiress Effect, and she’s even better as the cocksure firebrand heroine of her own story. It’s rare that a heroine is allowed to be so successful in her chosen field at the beginning of a romance novel, but Milan accomplishes this while still giving Frederica enough vulnerabilities and flaws to make her interesting. Yet Edward, a wounded cynic who chooses to do good despite believing that he’s a garbage bag and the world is a shit-pile, is what really pushes the novel to all-time-great status. Their story is a wonderful illustration of the best things that love can do; his faith in the world is revived by her ideals, and her worst impulses are tempered by hearing about the lessons he’s learned in his darkest moments. Plus, they have some really funny banter.

Favorite Scene: Edward explains why torture is ineffective and wrong. (I put years of hard work into getting my torture degree at torture college! Fuck off!)

4. After the Wedding by Courtney Milan (2018)

Exact Setting: 1860s England.

Premise: After her father was accused of treason and committed suicide, Lady Camilla Worth was passed from home to increasingly shabby home, eventually fading into obscurity as Camilla Winters, a housemaid in a corrupt clergyman’s home. Adrian Hunter, the son of a black abolitionist activist and a white duke’s daughter, is visiting the clergyman in disguise to gather information when he and Camilla fall victim to a dastardly plot. Force to wed at literal gunpoint and thrown out of the house, they must work together to annul their marriage and get to the bottom of the clergyman’s sinister doings.

Why I Like It: Camilla is the first bisexual heroine I ever encountered in romance, so I was already primed to love her, but it would’ve happened regardless of her orientation. Desperate for any kind of affection after losing her family in a particularly cruel way, her struggle to find love while trying to protect herself is extremely moving. Adrian also has an affecting arc, in which he learns how to let go of family members who don’t really care about him and acknowledge his grief for his brothers who died in the Civil War. Finally, the conspiracy plot is absolutely explosive.

Favorite Scene: Camilla deals with trauma through legal research.

5. An Unconditional Freedom by Alyssa Cole (2019)

Exact Setting: USA (mainly Illinois and Mississippi) during the Civil War.

Premise: Daniel Cumberland once believed that freedom and justice would prevail for black people in America, but then he was kidnapped and enslaved for several months. Now free, he works for the Loyal League, fueled not by hope but by pure rage. Janeta Sanchez, a mixed-race Cuban-Floridian lady from a wealthy Confederate family, is also working for the Loyal League...as a double agent, because she believes that’s the only way to save her father. Paired with Daniel to gather intelligence about possible European aid, she begins to question her loyalties as she sees more of the world and gets to know the people her hypocritical white family has kept her away from. Daniel, meanwhile, begins to see a way of coping with his trauma and an uncertain future.

Why I Like It: Historical romance often shies away from the worst parts of history, or at least frames them as remaining firmly in the past. Alyssa Cole not only starkly portrays the horrors of American slavery, but also confronts head-on the terrifying realization that things do not inevitably improve over time. Yet Cole’s frankness doesn’t reduce the novel to a horror show; there is plenty of joy and kindness and hard-won hope between Daniel and Janeta. Deceived and guilted by her family into supporting an appalling cause that hurts her, Janeta is a complex heroine who develops wonderfully throughout the novel. Daniel is also one of the best-written heroes in romance. Finally, as in A Hope Divided, Cole sheds light on an aspect of the Civil War (the involvement of Europe) that doesn’t get a lot of attention in popular culture.

Favorite Scene: Janeta and Daniel talk alone for the first time.

6. Wild at Heart by Patricia Gaffney (1997)

Exact Setting: 1890s USA (Chicago, Illinois).

Premise: Lost as a child and raised by wolves in the wilds of Canada, the Lost Man has been discovered by “civilized” people and forced to “live” with a Chicago anthropologist for study. (Really, he’s being held captive.) Only Sydney Darrow, the anthropologist’s widowed daughter, has the sense/compassion to say, “Hey, maybe we should treat this man like a person and not keep him locked in a glorified cell where a disgruntled employee can taunt him.” She gently introduces the Lost Man back into human society, and the two find themselves getting along better and better. But can the Lost Man ever truly adjust to the human world? Or will he forever express his love by giving dead fish to people? Or is okay, sometimes, to express you love with dead fish?

Why I Like It: This is one of the most bizarre romances I’ve ever read. It sounds like a romance that someone made up for a sitcom. It sounds like a fever dream. It’s absolutely brilliant, too, because Gaffney commits. The Lost Man thinks of everything in animal terms; he accurately identifies Sydney’s aunt as the “dominant female” of the household, he has decided opinions about which animals are neat and which ones are pains in the ass, and he shows his love with a beautiful, freshly caught fish. There’s a real sense of loss in his arc; it’s necessary for him to transition into human society, but he’s also lost a beautiful, meaningful world. His romance with Sydney is also a great version of the Monster Boyfriend story; she’s the one who sees his humanity and recognizes many of his more “animal” traits as positive. The backdrop of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition is also charming.

Favorite Scene: Michael reflects on who’s hot (otters) and who’s not (wolverines) in the animal kingdom.

7. To Love and to Cherish by Patricia Gaffney (1995)

Exact Setting: 1850s England.

Premise: Jaded Anne Verlaine moves to the tiny village of Wyckerly after her wildly unhappy and unpleasant husband Geoffrey inherits a viscountcy. They’re greeted by Christian “Christy” Morrell, the local vicar and Geoffrey’s childhood best friend. Christy is dismayed to see the man Geoffrey has become, but he’s even more disconcerted by the attraction he feels for Anne...who returns his feelings.

Why I Like It: Although she stopped writing historical romance in the late nineties, Patricia Gaffney remains one of the most stylistically inventive and emotionally intense authors in the sub-genre. Anne, a warm and witty bohemian atheist, is a wonderfully unique heroine, while the sweet and scrupulous Christy is a similarly refreshing hero (and, really, an ideal clergyman, with high standards for himself and hardly a judgmental thought towards others). Despite the (delicious) angst involved in their relationship, they’re one of the most convincingly happy couples I’ve seen in romance; they don’t just grow close because of sexual chemistry or their shared complicated feelings about Geoffrey, but also because of their shared interests, oddly compatible senses of humor, and respect for each others’ differences. The village of Wyckerly is vividly portrayed, plus Gaffney makes great use of Anne’s writings and correspondence with Christy to shape the narrative.

Favorite Scene: Anne gets angry with Christy for being so good in the face of Geoffrey’s bullshit.

8. Silk Is for Seduction by Loretta Chase (2011)

Exact Setting: Mid-1830s England and France.

Premise: After emigrating from Paris to London, Marcelline Noirot and her two younger sisters started a dress shop catering to newly rich and middle-class women. Thanks to Marcelline’s innovative designs and her sisters’ sales/accounting skills, they now stand a chance to be the favorite shop of the entire aristocracy...but first they need an early adopter. Help comes in the form of Lady Clara Fairfax, a beautiful but dowdily dressed girl who’s starting to have doubts about her perfect-on-paper betrothed, the Duke of Clevedon. As Marcelline devises a new wardrobe for Clara and spends more time with Clevedon, it becomes more and more clear that Clevedon is perfect...for Marcelline.

Why I Like It: I’m a simple woman; I like elaborate descriptions of over-the-top 1830s fashion. What’s more, I love Marcelline. She’s a fully realized character with interests, talents, and history that have nothing to do with Clevedon; she misses the sweet husband she lost to an epidemic, is anxious to build a future for her young daughter and her sisters, and spends a lot of the book demonstrating her talents in gorgeous detail. Just like the massive gigot sleeves on her dresses, she takes up space. Overall, the romance resembles a really good 1930s romantic comedy; Clevedon is a great straight man, the love triangle is elegantly resolved, and everything just feels beautiful.

Favorite Scene: In one of the best sex scenes in romance, Marcelline tells Clevedon that she loves him, knows they don’t have a future, and wants him for one last night just the same.

9. The Hostage by Susan Wiggs (2000)

Exact Setting: 1870s USA (Chicago, Illinois and Isle Royale, Michigan)

Premise: Beautiful new-money heiress Deborah Sinclair has always done what’s expected of her. When her aristocratic betrothed shows his true colors, though, she works up the courage to tell her dad that she wants out. Unfortunately, Mr. Sinclair is not receptive...and the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 is literally happening around them...and this random dude just showed up to kidnap her in all the chaos! Before she knows it, she’s on a boat to remote Isle Royale with Tom Silver, a rugged frontiersman who lost many of his friends and his adopted son in a mining accident caused by Mr. Sinclair’s negligence. Because Mr. Sinclair was found not legally liable, Tom has resorted to holding Deborah for ransom. Although he has no desire to harm her, he’s prepared to hate the daughter of his greatest enemy; she’s also not too fond of him, given that he kidnapped her and all. As they wait for Mr. Sinclair’s reply on Isle Royale, however, they get to know each other better.

Why I Like It: I never thought I’d love a kidnapping romance that wasn’t Beauty and the Beast, but Susan Wiggs can sell me on pretty much anything. (It helps that Tom has excellent motives, yet isn’t validated by the narrative for choosing to kidnap Deborah.) This is one of the best adventure-romances that I’ve ever read; much of the first act is an incredibly tense, complicated chase sequence through the flaming inferno of Chicago, while the later chapters consist of their trying to survive together on Isle Royale in the depths of winter. The emotional journeys of the characters are just as compelling as their physical ones. One of my favorite romance tropes is when one protagonist feels like they should hate the other one, but instead ends up going “wow, this person is obviously not doing okay...wait, am I worried? Should I help them? Actually, I kind of admire them now???” The Hostage has this trope in abundance.

Favorite Scene: The entire part where they’re trapped on Isle Royale together. So many survival details! So cathartic!

10. The Firebrand by Susan Wiggs (2001)

Exact Setting: 1870s USA (Chicago, Illinois)

Premise: Outspoken and awkward, Lucy Hathaway (Deborah Sinclair’s BFF) is a failure at being a lady, but she’s far too passionate about women’s suffrage and dress reform to care (much) about society’s scorn. On the night of the Great Chicago Fire, her world is upended in two ways: her family loses most of their money, and she catches a baby who got thrown out of a burning hotel window. Years later, she’s a kick-ass activist and single mom running a proto-feminist bookstore. Then she learns that her daughter’s father, banker Randall Higgins, is still alive. Once a proud, thoroughly conventional family man, Rand has been a practical recluse since the fire that scarred his face, ended his marriage, and (he thought) killed his daughter. He’s overjoyed to have his daughter back, but now he and Lucy must figure out a way to raise the child that they both love so much.

Why I Like It: I was worried when I began this novel, because Rand starts out as a smug, boring sexist who thinks that a woman’s place is in the home. I would probably hate the book if Rand didn’t end up completely changing his worldview, agreeing with Lucy’s parenting methods, and risking the wrath of his bank colleagues by joining Lucy at a protest. As it is, Rand’s character development is incredibly satisfying, particularly because it’s emotionally realistic. (Instead of being swayed entirely by romantic love or overwhelmed by Lucy’s vast superiority, he learns to see things from her perspective and recognizes that her actions make the world a better place.) Lucy, for her part, is probably one of my top ten heroines. She’s an active, thoroughly engaged progressive who listens to people more marginalized than her without making a big show of it; she’s a thoughtful mom who genuinely likes her weird kid; and she’s got massive insecurities and a stubborn streak that keep her from being too perfect.

Favorite Scene: Rand sees Lucy’s ideals reflected in their daughter’s response to his kind-of-messed-up face.

Further Note: Is Victorianish my favorite type of historical romance? I think it is!

#romance novels #books #reading #the heiress effect #a hope divided #the suffragette scandal #after the wedding #an unconditional freedom #wild at heart #to love and to cherish #silk is for seduction #the hostage #the firebrand #courtney milan #alyssa cole #patricia gaffney #loretta chase #susan wiggs

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captainderyn · 5 years

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Deryn’s Full Fic Rec Masterpost

The fanfic writer appreciation day post here reminded me that I’ve been wanting to do a big fic rec post...so we’re gonna do it. It isn’t all the fics I can recommend, but there’s gonna be at least a handful and you can read these author’s works further if you so wish (and hopefully you will wish!)

*word count only included so that people who want a shorter read can get a shorter read, or people looking for long fics can read long fics~

Complete:

By the Guidance of the Stars by @greyias : SWTOR, 47,544, F!JK/Theron: Look, Grey is adorable and precious and we don’t deserve such an adorable bean. Exploring the aftermath of Yavin IV, this fic takes a look at what happens between the final battle and the goodbye our characters face and does so with just the right amount of jaunty moments and heartfelt interactions that pull at your heartstrings. 10/10 would recommend.

Courtship and Lies by @riajade01 : SWTOR, 117,287, F!SW/Quinn: Regency AU! R e g e n c y AU! That should be enough to make you read it but if it isn’t then it is wonderfully written, more Mara and Quinn interactions and plenty of spice to keep things ah, spicy if you will. A really interesting twist of the Sith Warrior story and characters into a blend of SW and history that makes nerds like me very happy lmao.

Where the Light Doesn't Reach by rosegardenlake on AO3: Voltron: Legendary Defender, 229,972, Shiro/Keith: Read the tags on this! But wow, okay, it’s the high school murder mystery AU I never knew I needed. I consumed this fic, was glued to it with how well it was written, how twisted the story was and how nothing you thought you knew seemed to be right! Would recommend if you like a good murder mystery and some really good angst.

In Progress:

Rising Son by @lumielles : SWTOR, 19,329,/ This fic follows the life of Idan Lumielle--eventually a Jedi Consular--with a stunning attention to detail and plotpoints that make you promptly make and/or join the Idan Defense Squad to protect him at all costs.

Reduced To Ash by @riajade01 : SWTOR, 260,314, SW/Quinn/ Follows the Sith Warrior storyline; constantly melding both personal character points and takes and the canon storyline seamlessly. Just the right blend of spice, angst, and action to keep you reading until oh-god-it’s-3am o’clock

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Weak by dramasweety on AO3: DA,106,460, Dorian/M!Lavellan: Read the tags carefully on this one. A beautiful AU fic exploring the angst of an Inquisitor losing their memory and what it takes to rebuild a relationship that one side doesn’t even remember. Hurts like hell in an amazing way and has some truly tender moments in all the hurt.

Chaos and Opportunity by @inquisitorhotpants : SWTOR, 259,446, F!SI/Marr: Kryn is a snarky gift upon the universe. Unhappy with canon? Good, canon is merely a suggestion here and it is AMAZING. Glorious amounts of worldbuilding make you scream for what SWTOR’s Empire could’ve had and when we get into the politics--and you guys know I love my political intrigue stories--everything is intricately tied together in a way that keeps you riveted.

Scenes From the Boundless by @spectrum270 : SWTOR, 39,593, M!Smuggler/Risha: Want some jaunty, wholesome character interactions within the smuggler story? Longing for the crew of the smuggler to seem more like the family you’re dying for them to be? Then this is the fic for you! Wonderfully written with references from this world tied wonderfully into the SW-verse it’s a fun read and worth the time!

Equivalent Exchange by @inyri : SWTOR, 189,622, F!IA/Theron: Follows the end of SOR and onward, beautifully written and you can’t help but get attached to--and a little afraid of--Nine. Weaves in some personal flair within the story itself and really builds on character relationships where the game sometimes lacks. And there’s some top tier spice, if that’s a benefit for anyone ;)

Kintsukuroi by @storyknitter: SWTOR, 38,099, F!JK/Theron: A collection of scenes from Fractured Alliances that have one point either made me squee or sob or both depending on which one! Knitter really does angst beautifully and the moments between Sanna and Theron are always so, so emotionally filled that they either hit you like a freight train with feels or melt you onto the floor...with feels.

a star in another sky by neonheartbeat on AO3: Marvel, 148,348, Steve Rogers/Peggy Carter: Look, I’m not usually that into Marvel or fics but I was on a Peggy and Steve kick after rewatching Captain America: The First Avenger and found this gem. It takes what happens at the end of Endgame and makes it make sense. Want some angst? Bam! Want some wholesome family interactions! Whoo! Are you a history nerd like me and want some research in your fic dammit? Here you go! Worth the read even if you know nothing about Marvel.

And I’m Your Lion Heart by Lee_Whimsy on AO3: The Hobbit (Movies), 71,701, Bilbo/Thorin: Did the end of the Hobbit make you cry and wish you’d never read/seen it? Good, you can forget it happened here. A beautiful fix it fic where things end up happier, beautifully building on the relationship between Thorin and Bilbo and what the reclamation of Erebor means for them.

Eternal War by @anchanted-one : SWTOR, 40,097, M!JK/Lana: I have not officially finished this fic yet, however, it’s the KOTFE retelling you definitely need. Arro is an intensely interesting character and from what I have read and seen of this fic it is shaping up to keep you riveted and draw you into walking the path alongside him throughout KOTFE.

The Hands of Fate Are Your Own by @elveny and @kunstpause: DA, 31,196, F!Hawke/Cullen F!Hawke/Isabela F!Hawke/Fenris: I haven’t had the pleasure of reading this fic yet but from what I have read from the teasers posted and the snippets given it is shaping up to be absolutely divine. Writers who can collaborate on a big fic have the dedication beyond measure and I’d truly suggest giving it a read!

Heat by @elveny: DA, 13,386, F!Lavellan/Solas: Another fic I haven’t been able to sit down and read yet but would highly recommend from the teasers and snippets posted! It’s on my to-read list!

This isn’t my full fic recommendation list, mostly missing a lot of tumblr exclusive prompts, however you can check out my “fic rec” tags and my “other people’s writing” to find some more fics! Hopefully this was helpful to any readers looking for some new material and go show these authors some love!

#fic recommendation #fanfiction #fic rec #I don't even know how to start tagging this so #swtor #dragon age #swtor fanfiction #dragon age fanfiction #marvel fanfiction #the hobbit fanfiction #vld fanfiction #feel free to reblog or make your own fic rec posts #this was a lot of fun to do #make me remember all the fics I really love #also felt very wholesome to do

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bookmania2020 · 4 years

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Subgenres of Romance in Literature – Jane Robinson

Author Jane Robinson inherited a very unique habit from her late mother. Both of them have had the habit of spinning up intricate stories in their minds. Her mother never got the chance to share her stories, but Robinson is taking her chance to do so. Her debut novel, Jacquet (ISBN 978-1952263170), tells the story of love, romance, passion, and reunion. Following a girl, who just graduated high school, on her search for true love over the years. Robinson’s writing is passionate and charming, sure to leave a mark on the reader’s life,

Romance genre in literature has always been one of the most popular in every passing era. Telling the story of love and passion is the true goal of romance, how you can do that are endless. From Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to Andre Aciman’s Call Me by Your Name, there is a variety of subgenres of romance that can evoke the emotions of love and passion in readers. As per MasterClass, here a few subgenres in detail:

· Contemporary romance. One of the largest subgenres of romance, contemporary romance is often set in the time it’s written, encompassing the time after World War II all the way to the present. Contemporary romances reflect the current conventions of a more recent time period, giving the genre a more modern approach. Some contemporary romance topics include true love in the workplace, like in a hospital or at a startup company, LGBTQ stories featuring romantic relationships between individuals of that community, or romance fiction that features an empowered heroine who doesn’t fit the conventional standards of beauty.

· Historical romance. Historical romance novels are set before 1945 and rely on the accurate portrayal of the period. Everything that occurs or exists in a historical romance is affected by the limitations of that era, and attention to detail is an integral part of the writing process as well. For example, characters in a story set during the Civil War era would not be driving cars or using phones. Researching the rules of courtship, the culture, clothing, and customs of the historic period you plan to write your romance in will help give your novel more depth and realism. Regency romance is an example of a historical romance subcategory, portraying stories set during the British Regency (around early nineteenth century), and made popular by famous author Jane Austen.

· Romantic suspense. Romantic suspense novels combine mystery and thriller elements with the main relationship of the plot. Two love interests must solve a crime or uncover a secret together, with one character serving as the victim, and the other as the protector. In romantic suspense, the pacing of the romantic story often dovetails with the pacing of the premise, providing a satisfying blend of both danger and romance.

· Inspirational romance. Inspirational romance stories feature religious themes or spiritual beliefs that play a central role in the main love story. For instance, the romantic themes in a Christian romance story are generally purer, gearing towards a moment like an explosive kiss, rather than the more risqué intimate interactions typical of other types of romance genres. Characters in an inspirational romance are driven by their faith, whether the character is finding their faith, or the writer is using faith as a plot device.

· Speculative romance. This subgenre includes a number of subcategories, such as paranormal romance, which can involve a variety of futuristic or fantasy elements. Some common themes in this genre of the story include time travel romance or gothic romance stories involving ghosts, vampires, or werewolves. These particular stories may involve supernatural or magical occurrences that go beyond the realm of scientific explanation. However, paranormal romance also has much overlap with science fiction romance, which can include alien love stories or complicated romantic entanglements with artificial intelligence (AI). Worldbuilding is an important aspect of any fantasy or science fiction novel, and it is useful in speculative romance writing to keep your world consistent and grounded, providing a solid backdrop for your love story to unfold.

#jacquet

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writingwife-83 · 7 years

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OKAY. I need writing advice now. Since I haven't gone through all your works, I'm not sure if you've ever written a regency piece before but if you have, do you have any general advice on going about it? (I have been prompted this and I don't wanna mess it up.)

My first writing advice customer lol! First of all, yes I have written Regency era AU. It’s actually my longest sherlolly fic! It’s called Benefits of Boredom. http://archiveofourown.org/works/3340565/chapters/7306391 There it is in case you feel like diving into a long one lol.

Anyway, I do remember having to do a fair bit of research for that one. (Including beekeeping, which just FYI was VERY different back then!) Partly it depends on what your prompt is about specifically. But venturing a guess, I’d imagine you need resources on courtship and social behavior. I remember finding some good resources online for that stuff. Wish I had saved them, but if you google something like “regency era courtship” you should find info. It’s often extensive though, so it can be hard to sift through. I remember there being seemingly endless details about the ins and outs of things like courtship and engagement. So depending on your plot, make your search specific. Like, “regency ball etiquette” or “regency popular dances.” Stuff like that. 😉

#wifey's writing advice #wifey answers things #regency sherlolly #oooh how I love that AU #let me know if you have other questions #you can message if you don't want to give plotting away

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austenmarriage · 6 years

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New Post has been published on Austen Marriage

New Post has been published on http://austenmarriage.com/judy-ogrady-and-the-purchased-lady/

Judy O'Grady and the Purchased Lady

While researching The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen, my trilogy on the life of Jane Austen, I ran across a fascinating book called Judy O’Grady and the Colonel’s Lady: The Army Wife and Camp Follower Since 1660. The work is titled after a Kipling poem, in which he says the poor enlisted wife (“Judy”) and the well-to-do officer’s wife (Colonel’s lady) were “sisters under their skins.” This history of women following their soldiers into battle was written by Noel St. Johns Williams, a retired UK army officer, in 1988.

As the last of my trilogy involved a military expedition, I needed to understand the campaign from a woman’s point of view. I already knew that married women sometimes followed enlisted men off to war during Austen’s time, but I did not have any details. Nor did I know whether the wives of officers, as opposed to the lower ranks, went along. This was a critical question for my series.

Williams’ book explained the process by which women—and children—generally came along. There was a limit, usually six camp followers per hundred men, plus their kids. Women cooked, cleaned, did laundry, supported their husbands in all the other usual ways, and scoured battlefields for loot. They also sometimes clogged roads, slowing the army down, or created other trouble. Women were sometimes flogged for misbehavior.

The women received only half-rations. On difficult campaigns, they would be the first to starve. If a husband died on the campaign, the woman would need to remarry, or she would be left behind, as she was no longer a wife! Wives, however, were in great demand. New widows often had multiple marriage proposals. One woman received an offer from a sergeant, only to lament that she had already accepted a corporal. Williams confirmed that some ladies did accompany their officer husbands. Susanna Dalbiac, Lady Charlotte Harley, Colonel MacKenzie’s wife, and Lady Waldegreave are individuals known to have ridden alongside their men in the Peninsular campaign of 1808-12. Sometimes the sight of a woman on horseback on the front lines would motivate the soldiers to greater courage.

Following my rules of historical fiction, I was able to work these details in naturally over the course of a dozen scenes. My rules are three: 1) Start with as much actual history as you can. Absorb it all, enabling the information to flow naturally. 2) Use as few of the details of that history as possible so you don’t bury your story in historical asides. 3) Don’t string together historical events for their sake but create your characters’ story and use only those actual events that support it.

I also learned from Judy O’Grady another fascinating point that I felt compelled to work into my trilogy: It was legal and not uncommon to sell your wife. This point came up in an anecdote in which a military drummer stopped by the Hythe market and purchased a wife who was “not more than twenty years and of a likely figure.” We think of that time as being highly religious and marriage as being sacred. Divorce was practically impossible—it took an act of Parliament, limiting divorce to the wealthy. But women were also legally the property of their husbands. Couples from the “humbler classes” resorted to sales to end a marriage. The wife had to agree and often was as eager to shed the husband as he was to shed her.

In the illustration at the top of this post, Thomas Rowlandson shows a wife sale during the Regency era–evidently from a civilian to a soldier. The wife was brought in a halter (often a ribbon), which was handed to the purchaser as a symbol of the transfer. In this instance, the wife appears pleased with the exchange.

Though the practice was controversial, the legality was upheld more than once. The sale of wives carried on from the late 17th Century to at least 1901. Sales were usually conducted at the regular town markets to establish a large audience and increase the visibility and credibility of the actions. Notices were published in the local newspaper and the woman was auctioned off like any other stock. In July 1797, The Times apologized for failing to report “the average price for Wives for the last week” at the Smithfield market near London. The newspaper added, however, that the price had been rising at Smithfield and was now about three guineas and a half. Sales in the early 1800s showed prices ranging from about two to five shillings, indicating the relative poverty of those involved. One wife went for three shillings plus a quart of ale, showing a certain joie de vivre in the pricing structure.

Many times, the sale involved a lover and was arranged in advance. One quite expensive sale at Smithfield must have been prearranged and also must have involved people of some wealth. The woman sold for 50 guineas and a horse. She rode off with her new husband in a handsome curricle.

A fiction writer would love to juxtapose this wife-selling practice against the propriety and decorum of the courtships and marriage of the gentlemen and ladies about whom Austen wrote. It was such a juicy tidbit that I tried to find several spots to place it in my trilogy about Austen herself. As a complete scene, however, it was a wonderful but irrelevant detour. Much as he might have wanted to buy Jane for seven sheep and a goat, Ashton courted her the good old-fashioned way. As a passing reference, something that Jane might have seen out a carriage window, a wife sale was too out of context for the specific scenes in which it might have happened. It would have raised more questions than could be answered in the few words warranted by a momentary glimpse. (Imagine Austen dropping in such a reference as Catherine Morland or Anne Elliot promenaded past the market in Bath.)

Unhappy as I was at the decision, I had to leave it out. Wife-selling checked off Rule 1—not many people know about this practice—but it violated Rule 2 and 3—don’t force the story to follow history if it isn’t integral, and don’t add history just to show off your knowledge. I include it here because it’s interesting enough to carry a blog, as well as to make my points about using history in fiction.

—

The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen, which traces love from a charming courtship through the richness and complexity of marriage and concludes with a test of the heroine’s courage and moral convictions, is now complete and available from Amazon and Jane Austen Books.

#Jane Austen #Judy O'Grady #Napoleonic war #Noel St. John Williams #The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen

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victoriabondblog · 7 years

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Riding Sidesaddle in Regency England

. Riding sidesaddle also effectively proclaimed one’s wealth and status. Sometime during the 17th Century, ladies started riding sidesaddle, also known as aside. Prior to that they rode astride or sat in an awkward riding seat and hung on for dear life.

In order for a lady to be a good rider in Regency England, she had to have both time and money. She must take riding lessons, have time to practice the art of riding, and be wealthy enough to afford a horse trained as a lady’s mount. Work horses could simply graze; riding horses called for more expenses–a stable, feed, grooms, tack, farrier fees, etc. A lady competently riding aside, combined with a stylish riding habit, spoke louder than words of her social standing.

Riding habits were usually made by tailors, although some sources cite ladies dressmakers, or modistes, making riding habits, too. Riding habits included a fitted bodice with long sleeves, or sometimes a spencer, that fit well through the torso and shoulders. A long, full train covered the legs while riding. Regency ladies’ riding habits did not include a split skirt–those didn’t appear until the late Victorian Era. They seem to have come in a variety of fabrics, depending on weather, velvet being very popular.

Little girls were taught to ride astride on a pony or donkey. Then, as they grew in competence and size, they learned to a sidesaddle and usually graduated to a horse. This was a sign of skill and distinction. In urban areas, riding donkeys seemed to be pretty common, but riding in London seemed to require a beautiful horse, since in London, appearances became crucial.

Very few grown ladies rode astride in the city or country; not only was it unladylike and downright scandalous, it could be viewed as a declaration of one’s incompetence at riding side saddle.

Jane Austen herself didn’t learn to ride until nearly at the end of her life. Historians believe Jane had a fear of riding. If this is true, it may be due to a dear friend of the Austen family being killed while riding. Jane’s personal records cite this loss. It’s also possible that Jane didn’t ride in her youth because her family simply didn’t have the money for such a luxury. Most of her novels suggest a certain disapproval of ladies riding, and in a few cases, a touch of envy.

The Countess of Coningsby in the Costume of the Charlton Hunt, circa 1760

A common misconception about riding sidesaddle is that it was uncomfortable. In truth, it’s actually comfortable. The seat and pommel are both padded. In addition, one does not sit twisted, but rather with one’s back straight. It’s a lot like sitting in a chair with the right leg crossed over the left. I often sit sideways on the sofa with one knee propped up higher than the other. This is not much different than riding sidesaddle.

Others claim that riding aside is hard to do. However, many women today who learn sidesaddle prefer it to astride. Both ways of riding are more about balance. When I ride astride, especially if the horse is large, I get sore in the soft tissue in my inner legs. Riding more frequently would help, I am sure, but sidesaddle would at least alleviate discomfort due to the girth of a horse.

Also, a trained lady’s mount stands very still for mounting or dismounting, they have a smooth gait, a light mouth, and are a pleasure to ride.

Many critics claim that it’s easy to fall off and therefore dangerous to ride sidesaddle. This is true of riding in general. Some riders, as my writer friend and horse expert Shannon Donnelly says, could fall off a merry-go-round horse; other riders can stay on anything–even a bucking bronco. Look at rodeo riders. They don’t rely on strength; they stay on by keeping their center of gravity over the horse. Again, riding is all about balance and skill whether a person rides astride or sidesaddle.

Another common myth about riding aside is that one can’t gallop or jump. Again, this goes to skill–a skilled rider and well-trained horse can jump, gallop and do haute echole (dressage movements)–anything that can be done astride can also be done sidesaddle. There are numerous documented recordings of Georgian and Regency ladies riding side saddle as they “rode to hounds” which required a fast pace and much skill to charge through the country side after a pack of hounds chasing a fox.

Riding sidesaddle is fun! Part of the trick is a well-trained horse. Some horses have a harder time adapting to his rider’s legs both on one side but others pick up on it quickly.

Now, like everything, the side saddle has evolved. However, the Regency side saddle was very similar to today’s side saddle. The main differences are that there was no no leaping horn, and the Regency stirrup is a ‘slipper stirrup’ which is different from today’s.

Some images from the Regency Era show ladies riding with a sort of seat belt wrapped around them. As far as I can tell, it was uncommon. Certainly it appeared in engravings which suggests they were used, but I doubt any lady who prided herself an expert would have been caught dead using one.

Is today’s saddle safer? Probably. But many Regency ladies managed to ride anywhere they wanted, and as fast as they wanted, just fine, thank you very much.

Sources:

Much of this information came through years of research. However, some recent sources are:

Shannon Donnelly on Historical Hussies

Jill Ottman on the Jane Austen Centre of North America

Kathy Blee on Ladies Ride Aside

Regency Gentlemen’s Coats

Historical Accuracy–How Important is it?

Love and Courtship in Regency England

The London Season

Intertwining Fantasy and History

Riding Sidesaddle in Regency England published first on http://donnahatch.blogspot.com/

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dianelyman1 · 7 years

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Riding Sidesaddle in Regency England

Riding sidesaddle was the epitome of genteel upbringing for the Regency lady. It provided a convenient form of transportation, a good method of obtaining fresh air and exercise, and a great way to socialize–especially with gentlemen . Riding sidesaddle also effectively proclaimed one’s wealth and status. Sometime during the 17th Century, ladies started riding sidesaddle, also known as aside. Prior to that they rode astride or sat in an awkward riding seat and hung on for dear life.

Very few grown ladies rode astride in the city or country; not only was it unladylike and downright scandalous, it could be viewed as a declaration of one’s incompetence at riding side saddle.

The Countess of Coningsby in the Costume of the Charlton Hunt, circa 1760

Another myth is that it’s hard to get on a horse with a sidesaddle. Actually, one only needs a mounting block to mount a horse. Of course, having a handsome gentlemen nearby to give on a “leg up” is always welcome Also, a trained lady’s mount stands very still for mounting or dismounting, they have a smooth gait, a light mouth, and are a pleasure to ride.

Riding sidesaddle is fun! Part of the trick is a well-trained horse. Some horses have a harder time adapting to his rider’s legs both on one side but others pick up on it quickly.

Is today’s saddle safer? Probably. But many Regency ladies managed to ride anywhere they wanted, and as fast as they wanted, just fine, thank you very much.

Sources:

Much of this information came through years of research. However, some recent sources are:

Shannon Donnelly on Historical Hussies

Jill Ottman on the Jane Austen Centre of North America

Kathy Blee on Ladies Ride Aside

Regency Gentlemen’s Coats

Historical Accuracy–How Important is it?

Love and Courtship in Regency England

The London Season

Intertwining Fantasy and History

Riding Sidesaddle in Regency England published first on https://donnahatchromancenovels.wordpress.com/

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