News from Chase Abbey

Hello my Friend from Chase Abbey,

I thought I would take a few moments to write down the latest on dit here at Chase Abbey. You would not believe the events.

First, Caroline is finally married and installed at Teague Manor, not a few hours away. Thank goodness for small favors and big brothers. Barrington put his hand in on this one but he was hard pressed before he did. Caroline should thank me for the push for I found myself sitting more gingerly for the push but Barrington loves his sister and genuinely likes Ravens so it wasn't quite the hardship my dear husband pronounced it to be.

And once Caroline was finally settled, next rolled in yet another worry. Her Grace is rather upset at the news that Barrington's brother Nathaniel has indeed married the late Lord Anthony's hostess and companion, Mary Elizabeth Harlow. I cannot adequately relay to you the concern that this action has brought with it. (Secretly, I love the excitement but not the drama. alas I don't think one can ever have one without the accompaniment of the other).

Nathaniel has always been the quiet one, the one who would step out of the fray rather than charge full on into it. Now, here we are, in the midst of a conflict he has started! Amazing how the result of one decision can turn the tide for so much more reaction. His Grace has gone silent as a stone. That in and of itself is frightening and then Her Grace has done the absolute opposite, decorum be damned. (sorry Barrington, it was the most appropriate expletive for the occasion).

Now to hear that he is bringing home much more than a late introduced bride of undetermined background and breeding, he is bringing another with them. And they intend to visit Caroline prior to arriving at a new, permanent abode, the location of which no one will enlighten me. The susp\\ense is cruel and I shall have to affect the headache or some other such equally cruel repayment later

There is a bright bit of news, however, Caroline did paint a small portrait of Nate's bride so that we might know her on sight. She is quite taken with our new sister-in-law. I must admit a liking for her face. I enclose it here for we shall meet Mary Elizabeth in the flesh soon.

With Loving Regards,

Lady Amelia Barrington, Chase Abbey

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News From Chase Abbey

Hello and Greetings from Chase Abbey,

This new posting system is now working rather well from Chase Abbey,  so I didn't think it too extravagant to let you in on my wonderful news. Well, it isn't really news yet, but it will be.

Nathaniel may have a bride. Or soon, anyway, and I cannot tell you the loose tongues it has induced. Barrington has already had words with Caroline and I, simply for mentioning the prospect. His Grace was quiet, but Barrington has threatened to take me home if the chatter doesn't stop and he was looking at Her Grace when he said it! That was bold, even for Barrington.

Oh, what fortune, that as I was writing this missive, Barrington has ushered in Alexander. On second thought, looking at his dark countenance, it might not be a good thing. I shall continue to sit in the corner desk and listen as I write. I shan't be the one in trouble this day for I have been careful to be quite proper while my husband is in such a mood. It would not bode well for my bottom if I am too bohemian today.  Everyone knows if Barrington is in a mood, it is best to remedy the problem quickly and I have taken care to not be the problem that needs correcting. Today.

Here, I'll let you listen vicariously:

"Where is Caroline, Barrington?"

"About, I imagine. What is it that has you thundering about so?"

"That sister of yours..."

"You mean that woman of yours..."

"Yes, yes, my sweetheart, has found it necessary to not only ride my best steed, but without her sidesaddle, without her groom, and into the shops."

"Sorry, old man. I know all about those types of wifely choices. Father is going to go home in a few days, I would entice Caroline to go with him. You can attend her after we have a moment's discussion on this Nathaniel thing."

"I'm not sure I am ready for all this husbandly duty. It at first seemed such a harmless thing to engage in but now..."

"Now it appears to be quite a handful. Yes, it certainly is that. But the rewards are greater than the trials, of that I can assure you."

"That is an assurance I shall hold you to."

"Father, mother and I are invited to discuss the Nate matter this evening at dinner."

"Her Grace is taking this well, I can assume?"

"No, she is not. She is refusing to go, and His Grace is not demanding she does so. Would work better if it were just the men this time round, anyway."

"Yes, well, I have even more to add to the situation ... I say, Amelia, I didn't notice you there."

"Oh, yes, I am here. Pray, do not let me disturb you."

"Still writing that letter? I have my suspicions you are more listening than writing so why don't we go into my study, Ravens, and sit down. We won't be disturbing you then."

Well, they have gone. Sorry, I did try to be as quiet as I could, but there is nothing for it. I must say goodbye for now. I need to find Caroline before her Alexander does for she might not be sitting as pretty as she is now without some interventions of the womanly sort.

Must Go,

With all good thoughts,

Amelia Barrington

Chase Abbey

Time was Running Out

Lord Thayer needed to make a choice and he was finding it hard to do.

Lord Thayer's Choice Cover Reveal

Without further fanfare...

He had particular needs in a wife...

Coming January 27th

Lord Thayer's Choice

By Alyssa Bailey

Tomorrow is cover reveal day!

Today is the first excerpt

 

“Stephen, are there any women who have even piqued your interest in the slightest way?” asked his father.

“Well, not that Landry woman. Gad, her manners are atrocious, absolutely astonishing.”

The three men sat with ale that had silently appeared to contemplate further Stephen’s fate.

“There is no help for it, but she guffaws,” continued Stephen. “I cannot, will not live with

a laughing horse.”

“Stephen, be kind, son,” Lord Thayer admonished. “Although, I must agree with your

assessment, don’t tell your mother.”

James added to the conversation, “Now Lady Roundtree is interesting.”

“Yes, James,” Stephen agreed, “very fair to look at but then I danced with her, and she

has very little to support an original thought.”

“Oh? Shame, that. Her children would have been handsome,” observed his father.

Stephen laughed. “Yes, however, I suppose I should find occasion to speak to the woman

I choose to marry, not simply bed her.”

“And what about that blonde you danced with last night?” James asked. “She was

comely, and you were laughing and speaking quite well with her.”

His father joined in, “Oh yes that was the Donnelly lass? She would have plenty of strong

children.”

“Yes, but she was quite clear about being desirous of Lord Madison. As a gentleman, I

should not usurp that option from her.”

“Yes, it wouldn’t do. You’d have an immediate discord. Better not to start out with any,”

pointed out James. “Lady Johnstone?”

His father replied dryly, “Hips too narrow. How about the recent widow Lady Aaron?”

“Too many children. I do want some of my own.”

“Lady Winchesterly?” suggested James.

Stephen snorted, “Too tiresome and too jaded.”

“I’m not sure I have much more to help you with, brother.”

“I know. I’ll find one. I am not a particular man,” he said, to which his companions laughed in disbelief. He continued defensively, “There are just some things a man cannot forfeit,

and peace of mind is one of those things. Affection is another he should not sacrifice.”

“Yes, well, I hope it keeps you warm at night. That piece of mind.”

Stephen turned to his brother. “How did you choose Elizabeth?”

“She was everything I wanted. I didn’t have to decide; the choice was already made when I met her.”

“Yes, well too bad she came with a mother cut from a different cloth.” His father looked at James. “Don’t tell your mother that either.”

“Quite right. Father, how about you with mother, how did you know?”

“The moment I danced with her I knew. The minute she stomped her small foot at me in agitation, I made the deal. I knew she was perfect.”

“Well, then I shall look for a woman who is not too long in the tooth, but not a schoolgirl, with a brain but not a bluestocking, one who can make me laugh but not rudely so. She must have ample hips, stomping feet, with manners. She must have a rounded arse for spanking and no more than two added straphangers. Let’s see, anyone come to mind?”

“Sorry, old man, I don’t think that girl exists.” Both men sadly mumbled, no prospects in

their memory.

“Well then, that means I close up the house and go to the country for the winter entertainment, and maybe I’ll find someone in the New Year.”

More tomorrow...

Find Alyssa Bailey Books here...       Alyssa Bailey