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Protecting Abbie ~ Excerpt from 'A Holiday Code for Love'
Rathbourne’s steely gaze seemed to apprehend every frustrating thought whizzing through Jack’s brain. The man also had the ability to wait out any conversation, which was more than Jack could ever do. Jack was always at the ready to jump into any fray. He wasn’t sure if his impulsiveness came from spending too much time with his impetuous younger brothers or if it was a family trait. When he reflected on the escapades of his siblings, there was no doubt about it—it was a family trait.
“I know how important Abbie’s work is.” Jack admired Abbie’s ability to decipher French codes, but her work had also almost gotten her killed. And what had she said earlier about finding a connection to the French spy ring? If she had found a connection, would it put her in more danger? Jack’s heart punched against his chest in aggressive jabs.
How did a husband, a protective, overbearing person like Jack, protect his wife? Jack knew taking responsibility for his family at a young age had forced him to mature in a way that none of his peers understood. Witnessing his father’s despair after his wife’s death had made Jack leery of caring that deeply until he met Abbie. And now, if he lost her, he wasn’t sure he’d survive.
“We share something that no other peer can comprehend. Our wives, unlike all other ladies in society, are doing secret dangerous work for our country. It is not an enviable position.”
Jack guffawed. “That’s describing it mildly.”
“Learn from your mistakes. Believe me, I’ve made them. Like you, I assumed responsibility for a large estate at a young age and then I started working for Intelligence. I was used to having control, having my commands followed. I had to discover the hard way that Henrietta didn’t agree with my assumption that she should always follow my orders. In fact, she was fully capable of making decisions for herself.”
“You’d be roasted alive if any man at our clubs knew.”
“I didn’t see you as man who cared about popular opinions.”
“I don’t. It’s the danger. Abbie is oblivious to the threat.”
“Isn’t that what we want?”
“You want Abbie to not recognize the danger? I wake in a cold sweat remembering that French spy holding a knife to Abbie’s throat.”
“Our job is to protect our wives without ruffling their pride so they can use their prodigious minds to unlock codes. That is why we have so many bloody soldiers on the estate, and why they are heavily guarded when in society. It has been easier with Henrietta’s confinement, however that is soon ending.”
Rathbourne did understand. “Abbie gets mad whenever I try to warn her or instruct her. Is it the same with Hen? She was always game for adventures as a girl.”
“My wife is very good at ignoring orders she doesn’t agree with.”
Rathbourne’s revelations eased Jack’s trepidations.
“I do remind her periodically that I’m the Head of Intelligence, to no effect. Not that I want anyone to know my wife doesn’t always follow my direction. Not good for a man in my position.” Rathbourne chuckled.
“Does it get better with time?”
“Easier?” Rathbourne ran his hand through his hair, a familiar gesture signaling his frustration. “No. What I’ve accepted is that Henrietta is perfect for me. There are many men who couldn’t tolerate Henrietta’s independent mindset and capabilities. Though I can’t imagine not having an accomplished wife who challenges me.”
Keep reading: A Holiday Code for Love
Tips from Jack Bonnington on creating a romantic sanctuary
In A Holiday Code for Love (The Code Breakers, Book 7) coming May 1, Jack Bonnington wants to create a luxurious, intimate sanctuary as a Christmas gift for his wife, Abbie. Here is a description of his renovations to the rustic hunter’s hut where he and Abbie first tasted passion.
A large bed was at the center of the space with a small table and chairs placed in front of the fireplace. Covered in red damask, with the creme linens and silk pillows, the bed was fit for the finest courtesan, not for an aristocratic arranged marriage. Opulent Persian rugs covered the floor and candles were spread throughout, giving the room an exotic and sensual air.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to spend an indulgent afternoon or weekend in such a place? While most of us cannot afford our own “love shack”, here are some tips on creating a romantic boudoir. Whether it is your space alone or shared with someone special, the key is focusing on sensual details.
- Create a sumptuous ambiance with textures and layers. For the bed, add plump pillows, silk sheets, a super-soft throw. For the room, add a thick area rug that tickles the bare feet, billowing drapes and maybe a dramatic canopy.
- Lighting is one of the most important elements of creating a romantic boudoir. Candlelight is wonderful, and if you go with flameless LED candles, you never have to worry about safety. Avoid harsh overhead lighting; instead, opt for bedside tables or floor lamps with pearl/pink bulbs no higher than 60w.
- Use fresh flowers, pillow mists, scented candles, fragrance plug-ins, etc. for a sweet-scented boudoir.
- Declutter the space of unwanted, unnecessary items so your sanctuary is always ready to welcome you.
- Add a comfortable chair or chaise lounge for a few minutes of indulgent relaxation.
- Set up a station for your iPod or other device to mood music is just a touch away.
Do you have tips for creating a romantic sanctuary? Share them here!
Click here for more information and and excerpt from A Holiday Code for Love.
Past and Present Easter Customs
During the Regency era, the Easter season was a time for celebration, much like it is nowadays. Here are three customs that were observed back then and are still popular today.
New Clothing – Roman tradition launched this custom to greet springtime and Easter with something new to wear. During the Regency period, white or pale gowns and bright bonnets were a change from the somber tone of Lent.
Colored Eggs – Eggs are a symbol of fertility and many cultures give eggs as gifts during springtime. Dying eggs was a common custom during the Regency period. In addition, decorated eggs, such as those created by Faberge, also became popular.
Celebratory Feasts – After observing Lent, the Easter meal was a time to savor a wealth of savory foods. Lamb and ham were customary, as were hot cross buns.
What is your favorite Easter tradition?
Source: Jane Austen’s Easter
Nine Ways to Support Indie Authors
Most readers don’t care if a book is traditionally published (i.e. Harlequin, Simon & Schuster) or self-published by an indie author. Many times, you can’t even tell the difference. What some readers don’t know is that being a self-published author means that author does everything – production, distribution, marketing plus writing. It’s a lot of work to bring a book to market, which is why I am so grateful for each and every reader who picks up one of my books.
If you’d like to show your support for self-published authors (including me!), here are nine easy things you can do.
- Buy the book.
- Review the book.
- Request the book from your library.
- Tell a friend about the book.
- Talk about the book on social media.
- Buy the book as a gift for someone else.
- Buy your books at local indie-owned bookstores.
- Connect with your favorite indie authors online.
- Let the author know you enjoy their books.
Thanks so much for everything you do as a reader. You might not know it, but sometimes these acts of kindness are what keep authors writing!
Regency Era Pregnancy Fashion
As a Regency romantic suspense author, I often write characters and scenarios that parallel modern life. Things like transportation and meals and holidays. I must then translate that familiar event into a historical context.
With all eyes on the Duchess of Sussex who is due to deliver her first child sometime this month, I’ve been fascinated by what it would have been like to be pregnant during the Regency Era, especially when it came to fashion.
A quick Google search revealed this interesting tidbits:
Society didn’t force women to hide their pregnancies during the Regency era, and the high-waisted fashion of the time was “baby-bump” friendly so women were able to were the same gowns for some time. (Source: Retro Maternity Style)
The average number of children for women during the Regency period was eight. When “in the family way,” they continued with regular social interactions until the birth of the child. (Source: A Life of Perpetual Pregnancy for Regency Women)
Some of the Georgian and Regency period styles were easily adaptable to pregnancy and nursing, which became increasingly popular in the upper classes. (Source: Maternity Fashions in Regency England)
Love Regency romance? Look for the release of A Holiday Code for Love, coming to ebook in May.
