I’m Out of the Closet!

It feels like it’s been ages since I did a personal post.

There have been lots of changes for me over the last few months, so I thought it was about time for an update.

The main change is I quit my day job. I could no longer manage the stress and pressure of working in pre-school education and writing. I knew something was wrong when I started to lose enthusiasm for both and couldn’t give either the focus they needed. Now I have the four-book publishing contract, I felt it was time to prioritise my writing, or I may always regret it.

I’m now working weekends only for my local library service which frees up my week for writing. I also get to spend my weekends with books so it’s a win-win. Add to that some freelance work as a content writer, which is proving more difficult than writing fiction. Anyway, it brings in the pennies.

Now things have settled down a bit I decided to come out as a romance writer to people I know personally. I had told my former work colleagues about my secret life as a writer, but there were a lot of my friends who had no idea what I got up to in my spare time.

It took me a while to drum up the courage because romance shamming is rife, but it’s time for me to own it. I have to say, so far I’ve had nothing but good wishes and support. Why didn’t I do this sooner?

As a result, I’ve gained a few extra followers on social media and I’ll admit, I’ll need all the help I can get when it comes time to promote my book. My former colleagues are very excited about a launch party, as long as alcohol is involved. I’m sure I can oblige them.

Regarding my books, I have drafted all four of my late Georgian Men of Trade series. The first two are with my editor at Scarsdale Publishing while book three and book four still need a lot of work.

The series focuses on four unconventional women who get involved with men of trade (or former men of trade as is the case in book 3). I hope it will not be long before you can read The Whitney Heir, The Daring Dowager, The Reluctant Earl (working title), and The Scandalous Heiress.

As a treat, here’s an excerpt from book one, The Whitney Heir (be kind, it’s still a work in progress):

Lady Jane released a wistful sigh while she and Alice lounged on the sofas in the blue sitting room. “I have to say this season has been most tiring. I will be glad to return to Dorset next week if only to rest.”

Charlotte tried to ignore them and entered the latest expenses into the household accounts ledger. Why did they languish in her favorite room while she worked?

“I hate the country, Mama,” Alice whined. “It is so dull.”

Without looking up, Charlotte said, “I am sure I could find plenty for you to do.”

“I do not enjoy handing out baskets to the poor or enduring those unsophisticated country assemblies. When I marry, I plan to remain in town all year.”

Charlotte turned in her chair. “What of your tenants? Is it not a lady’s responsibility to ensure their welfare? How are you to do that if you never see them?”

 “I am sure my husband will have a man to handle such things.” Alice waved her hand as though sweeping away something unpleasant.

Charlotte bit back further argument. It would be a waste of time. She already pitied Alice’s future husband and his tenants.

“If you remain unmarried, you can live with me.” Alice offered with a bright smile.

So, Alice expected Charlotte to fulfill her duties, just like Lady Jane did. They could think again. Lady Jane prevented any retort.

“How kind of you to offer, Alice, but you will have to wait. You know how I cannot do without Charlotte.”

What a wonderful future they planned for her.

A knock on the door halted their scheming. They sat up when a footman entered, carrying another elaborate bouquet of hothouse flowers, beautifully arranged in a porcelain vase.

“An offering from Lord Baxenby for Lady Alice.” The footman bowed.

Alice hurried forward. “Oh, how beautiful! Charlotte, would you be kind enough to find a space for them? We cannot seem to move for flowers this morning.”

Charlotte set down her quill and took the flowers from the footman.

“I think there is space on your writing desk, my dear,” said Lady Jane. “It will give you something nice to look at. It is such a shame you have no flowers of your own to display. I worry for you, Charlotte.”

Charlotte returned to her desk and placed the flowers to one side. She would find new homes for them later, along with the rest of the blooms that invaded every available surface.

Lady Jane chuckled. “I cannot convey how delighted I am that your first season has been such a success, Alice. Now you have established yourself, I know we will secure you a fine husband. If only I could ensure the same for you, Charlotte. We will have to remedy that next season. Do you not agree?”

“Yes.” Charlotte returned her attention to the ledgers.

“I do not understand why you have such difficulties. Heavens, I have introduced you to some fine gentleman over the last few years.” Lady Jane paused and released a despondent sigh. “I see you have chosen the lavender again. I wish you would take my advice and not wear that color, my dear. You appear sallow.”

“I thank you for your concern, but I must attend to these ledgers, and we are not at home to guests today.”

“Nonsense, my dear. A lady should always look her best.” Lady Jane now stood next to her.

“Indeed,” Alice agreed. “I would not dream to appear anything other than polished, even for a quiet morning at home. Do let Mama help you, sister, I hate to see you looking so pale.”

With a reluctant sigh, Charlotte raised her face to Lady Jane.

 “Here,” Lady Jane reached out, “let me help bring some color to your face.” Lady Jane pinched her cheeks. The sharp sting made her eyes water, and she blinked.

The door flew open, and Papa strode in with a huge grin on his face.

Lady Jane straightened.

Charlotte clenched her fists beneath the desk, holding them in check and refusing to rub her tingling cheeks.

“My dear family, I have wonderful news!” Papa tugged the front of his rumpled waistcoat.

“Good heavens, Whitney.” Lady Jane looked her husband up and down. “Where have you been and why are you still wearing yesterday’s evening clothes?”

Papa pulled at his battered neckcloth and balled it in his hands.

Lady Jane’s nose wrinkled.

“While you ladies have been idle, I have secured the future of the Whitney title.” Papa sank onto the sofa next to Alice and nodded at Charlotte. “Of course, I am certain you have not been idle, my dear.”

Lady Jane grimaced. “What do you mean, you have secured the future of the Whitney title?”

Papa ran a palm over his stubbled chin. “I have had an eventful evening with my old friend Prince George at Carlton House. Over a few drinks, we discussed my situation. As my wife could not provide an heir, the Prince has taken pity on me.”

Lady Jane sniffed.

On a pang of sympathy, Charlotte intervened. “Papa—”

Her father held up his hand. “The Prince understands the disgrace of lacking a male heir.”

“Oh, Whitney, must you remind me of my failings?” Lady Jane placed her hands over her heart. “I tried so hard to bring forth the heir you desired. If only I was not of such a delicate constitution.”

“Never mind that.” Papa clapped his hands together. “Now I can ensure a Penrose will inherit after I pass on.”

“Papa, whatever do you mean?” Alice asked.

“My good friend, Prince George, has agreed that if one for my daughters brings forth a grandson before I die, I can petition for the boy to be granted the title of Earl of Whitney after my death.”

A gasp rang round the room.

“Papa, surely that is not possible.” Alice frowned. “We cannot provide the heir.”

“The Prince, my old friend, has assured me he will make it so.”

“Papa, we all expect that without a son to inherit, the title and any entailed estates will go into abeyance until we find an heir.” Charlotte’s brow rose. “It is the law.” What on earth had put this impossible notion into his head?

“The Whitneys have supported the Crown for centuries. Heavens, we harbored Charles the Second when he was on the run from the Parliamentarians at significant risk to ourselves. It’s about time the Crown returned the favor.”

An unpleasant sensation crawled up Charlotte’s spine. So, this was why her father needed funds; to bribe his old friend to ignore the law. “Papa, are you certain the Prince will grant you this dispensation?”

“Do you question your Papa’s and the Prince’s word?” Lady Jane stepped forward. “This is wonderful news, Whitney. The chance for which we have waited.”

“Well, I have done my part. Now it is time for you to do your duty, Charlotte.”

“What of Alice?” Lady Jane’s shrill tone echoed off the walls. “It is likely she will marry first. Charlotte has been out for three years yet is still to receive a proposal.”

“Then you must try harder. I do not understand what young men have in their heads if they cannot see what a beautiful, intelligent daughter I have.”

“I have tried, but she continues to scare them off. Only the other day I introduced Lord Fotheringay and he ran a mile when she spoke of economics. You really should not have given her such an unladylike education.”

“I have educated my daughter how I see fit. She will need those skills, when she provides the heir, to ensure the estate’s success, and prevent others frittering away my hard work. Besides, Lord Fotheringay is older than me.” Papa grimaced. “Can he provide an heir?”

Alice’s shoulders shook and she covered her mouth.

Papa scowled. “I do not appreciate your amusement. I have lost count of how many simpering idiots I have refused on your behalf.”

Alice straightened her face.

“Papa,” Charlotte rose, “You have had a long and tiring evening. Perhaps you should rest, and we can discuss this later.”

Lady Jane pulled back her shoulders. “I am doing my best, Whitney. I have raised your daughter as my own.”

Charlotte held back a sigh. Why did Lady Jane pursue this when Papa was tired and grumpy and more likely to make hurtful remarks?

“Charlotte, I expect you to make a better choice of husband. We cannot have any old chap fathering my heir and expecting to take over the estate. At least you have the intelligence and skills to monitor things once I am gone.”

“Alice is just as capable of producing the heir. Besides, look at all the tokens of affection several gentlemen have left for her only this morning.” Lady Jane waved her arm in a wide arc.

Papa wrinkled his nose. “Are these for Alice? The young fools should have spent their money on something useful rather than a bunch of flowers.”

“Oh, how can you be so unromantic, Whitney?” Lady Jane lamented.

“I have more important things than romance to occupy my mind.” Papa turned and fixed his gaze on her. “I have faith in you, Charlotte.”

If what Papa said was true, this was her chance to prove her worth. If only Stephen would hurry and make his offer. Then she would prove Lady Jane and Alice wrong. She could find a husband and she would be the mother of the Whitney heir. If this worked, she would show them all that she was more than a docile, disappointment. “Papa, I promise I will do my best to provide the heir.”

“Do not forget me, Papa.” Alice pouted. “I promise to try my best too.”

“That may be so, but I would prefer Charlotte to find a husband first. She is beautiful, kind, and intelligent, just like her beloved mother.” Papa looked away with a wistful smile before he brought his attention back to Charlotte. “I cannot believe I have yet to receive a single request to court you. What are these young fools playing at? Is there anyone you like?”

Lord, she needed to speak to Stephen about his intentions. Dare she be so forward?

“I believe Charlotte is waiting for a particular gentleman to sweep her off her feet.”

Charlotte’s gaze darted to her sister.

Alice dared to smirk.

Papa’s eyes widened. “Why have I not noticed this gentleman’s attentions?”

“Alice is only teasing, Papa.” Charlotte’s throat tightened. What if Stephen did not intend to offer for her? His words and gestures conveyed more than familial affection. Stephen was a gentleman. Surely, he would not behave that way if he did not wish to marry her. He was simply waiting for the right moment.

“I thought you had developed an interest in a certain gentleman, dear sister.” Alice pouted. “I will be so disappointed if I am mistaken.”

“It is unfair to tease your sister, Alice.” Lady Jane rested a hand on Charlotte’s shoulder. “I believe Charlotte will attract a husband in her own time.”

“Well, I expect you to marry before it is too late. I am not getting any younger, my dears.” Papa rose from the sofa and groaned. “I am certainly too old for long drinking sessions with Prince George.”

“Why do you not rest before dinner, Whitney?” Lady Jane ushered Papa out. “We will do everything we can to ensure we do not waste your efforts and provide you with the heir you desire.”

“Excellent. I could not bear it if I were to be the Penrose who lost the title.” Papa turned to his wife with a furrowed brow. “Before I retire, did I mention I invited Mr. Thornton for dinner tonight?”

“Mr. Thornton?” Lady Jane wrinkled her nose. “You cannot possibly have invited your employee to dine with us.”

“He has been my associate for almost ten years. Considering all the money he has helped me make, I think he has earned an invitation.” Papa snorted. “Besides, I will invite whomever I please.”

“Lord Rothmere dines with us this evening.” Lady Jane gestured towards her. “Charlotte has spent a great deal of time planning the meal. It would be unfair to expect her to change those plans with brief notice.”

“What nonsense, Jane. Lord Rothmere dines with us every evening so it will be like any other family dinner. I am certain Charlotte can accommodate one more guest.”

“Of course, Papa.” Charlotte nodded.

Mr. Thornton was always pleasant. When Papa was late for their meetings, she often kept him company, under the watchful eye of their butler, Watson, of course. Mr. Thornton was the only man, besides her father, who enjoyed conversing with her about business and, Lady Jane’s favorite topic, economics.

“Excellent.” Papa headed to the door. “Now let me get some rest before my head explodes.”

Once Papa left the room, Lady Jane harrumphed and flopped onto the sofa. “Inviting a man of trade to dine with us. What on earth is your father thinking?”