Your Faithful Correpondent is thrilled to share with you that among those sheltering from a dreadful storm in the Queen’s Barque Inn in Fenwick has come a new bride, the lovely Lady S—!
She arrived in a hired hack (of all things!) with her little dog…but without her husband!
Did the new couple quarrel? Over what? So soon after the nuptials too! The ton had speculated that theirs was a love match, especially because the bride is of the merchant class, so far beneath his lordship’s vaulted status.
But we do have sympathy for dear Lord S—. As we are all well aware, this revered hero of the Peninsula Wars did not enjoy wedded bliss in his first marriage! We feared he’d never find happiness again. And yet we’ve come to this debacle!
I ask you, why would the new countess leave her husband? And why hare off to Fenwick?
Does she seek someone else? Alone?
Who can it be?
Your Faithful Correspondent promises for reveal more as news develops!
*****
Josephine crushed the horrid newspaper, seething at the very idea that she had abandoned her bride groom on a whim! Or worse because they’d had a falling out!
Never!
Who was this person who had taken too much upon themselves? Whoever they were, they had gall. And opportunity to observe not only her but so many who’d taken shelter in the Inn. Josephine had a mind to send the scoundrel out into the flood from the storm. What drivel to write this and publish it for the world to read!
“We have work to do to defeat that hideous little Corsican!” She balled up the paper and threw it against the wall.
“My darling!” Stanton addressed her, the door to the hall opening as he entered their intimate little room in the Queen’s Barque Inn. “What vexes you so?”
“Gossip! I hate it.”
He strode two steps, picked up the crinkled pages and read. Then he arched two long dark brows high. “You hate it only when it does not benefit you or your network. This is harmless, my love.”
She pouted. And relented with a sigh and a smile. “You’re right, of course, Russ. If this person were one of my spies, I’d praise them.”
“Perhaps they need a new employment?”
She rolled her eyes at him. “Or you do.”
“Now that idea,” he crooned as he strolled forward and took her in his arms for the third time today, “is the best you’ve had yet!”
*****
WHO IS THE SNOOPING REPORTER?
As told in Storm & Shelter in eight original novellas, refugees—the injured, the devious, and the lonely, lords, ladies, and simple folk; spies, pirates, and smugglers all sheltered at the Queen's Barque Inn. Now concern is buzzing in Fenwick on Sea and across these United Kingdoms, as scurrilous gossip about the goings on during the recent storm spread through the reports in that scandal rag, The Teatime Tattler. Who is the snoop?
YOU CAN HELP
Correctly identify the reporter and be entered to win a $100 gift card and other great prizes. There are details and instructions for entering here: https://bluestockingbelles.net/.../wanted-the-snooping.../
CLUES
There are clues in every story in Storm & Shelter. Find more clues by following on to each stop in our Snooping Reporter Blog Hop. The next stop is https://alinakfield.com/blog/
ABOUT THE BOOK ~ Storm & Shelter: A Bluestocking Belles Collection with Friends
When a storm blows off the North Sea and slams into the village of Fenwick on Sea, the villagers prepare for the inevitable: shipwreck, flood, land slips, and stranded travelers. The Queen’s Barque Inn quickly fills with the injured, the devious, and the lonely—lords, ladies, and simple folk; spies, pirates, and smugglers all trapped together. Intrigue crackles through the village, and passion lights up the hotel.
One storm, eight authors, eight heartwarming novellas.
MY CONTRIBUTION TO THE SET: Lord Stanton’s Shocking Seaside Honeymoon by Cerise DeLand
She is so wrong for him.
Miss Josephine Meadows is so young. In love with life. His accountant in his work for Whitehall. Her father’s heir to his trading company—and his espionage network.
Lord Stanton cannot resist marrying her. But to ensure Wellington defeats Napoleon, they must save one of Josephine’s agents.
Far from home, amid a horrific storm, Stanton discovers that his new bride loves him dearly.
Can he truly be so right for her?
And she for him?
Buy Links:
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A GIVEAWAY FOR THIS STOP!
To be in the running for an eCopy of REGENCY ROMPS, Box Set comment below and tell me where is your favorite place to vacation. I’ll generate a random winner Sunday, April 18th.
Good luck and don't forget to continue on to the next stop on our blog hop at CarolineWarfield’s : https://www.carolinewarfield.com/an-earls-daughter-hits-hard-times/
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