Riana Everly's Blog, page 3

Death in Sensible Circumstances: A Sense and Sensibility Mystery

Interestsofajaneaustengirl

Hello to all, and welcome back to my desk and this weeks visit by a much beloved authoress and friend, Riana Everly! She has written another mystery where Miss Mary investigates alongside of her partner Alexander. This time around, it is Sense and Sensibility which is visited by a mystery. But now I will leave you in Riana’s capable hands. I will close off the visit at the end. For now, welcome Riana and her next book.

Thank you so much to Sophia for welcoming me once again to your wonderful blog. It’s always such a comfortable and friendly spot to visit, like sitting down to tea with a friend.

I’m most delighted to talk a bit about my newest mystery in the Miss Mary Investigates series, Death in Sensible Circumstances: A Sense and Sensibility Mystery. In this adventure, Mary Bennet meets and befriends Elinor Dashwood, whom we know…

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A Long-delayed return

It is far too long since I’ve written anything here.

It started with being busy. Writing, reading, editing, beta-reading, and all that, eats up my time. Then it continued with not having anything particular to say. And then it became embarrassing, because it had been so long since I last put words to these pages.

And then it became paralysing. What should I say? What could I write that would be amazing and profound and brilliant? Like Elizabeth Bennet, I was reluctant to speak unless I could expect to say something that would amaze the whole room. And so, I ended up not saying anything at all.

So, I have decided that it’s alright not to have some Grand Statement to make. Instead, I’ll just natter on a bit about a few things I’ve been doing. I’ll write more expansively about all of these over the next few weeks, but here is a brief run-down.

Death in Sensible Circumstances: A Sense and Sensibility Mystery

For my mystery-loving friends, I am delighted to announce the recent release of the fourth book in my Miss Mary Investigates series.

This new book takes Mary Bennet and her friend, investigator Alexander Lyons, into the world of Sense and Sensibility, when Mary befriends Elinor Dashwood. When one of Elinor’s circle dies tragically, Alexander is engaged to investigate the affair. But Lucy Steele has something she isn’t saying, Elinor is in love with a prime suspect, and Maryanne is nursing more than a broken heart. And, furthermore, Mary and Alexander have their own personal issues to explore as well.

Here is a little taste from the novel:

Mary fought to maintain her composure. She smiled at Elinor and tried to give all due attention to her words, but her mind was full of only one thing: Alexander.

Whatever was he doing here? When Colonel Brandon suggested bringing in an expert to assess Lucy’s claims on Robert’s estate, she never imagined that man would be Alexander. She had pictured an elderly solicitor, or some crusty pedant in clothes from the last century and whose vowels could cut glass. Not this young, disturbingly handsome, redheaded Scot who had torn out a piece of her heart.

But of course it made sense. Alexander was a brilliant investigator and a trained lawyer; he was the perfect person to determine whether Lucy’s claims were valid. She wondered if Colonel Brandon had his direction from her brother Darcy’s cousin, also a colonel, or if Alexander were merely that well known amongst the first circles of society. It mattered not. He was here and she must confront him. Again.

I’ll talk more about this book later, but in the meantime, you can read the full blurb at Amazon, where the book is for sale in eBook and paperback, and is free to read on Kindle Unlimited. https://mybook.to/deathinsc

Preludes: A Modern Persuasion Improvisation

If pure romance is more your thing, and you love classical music, you’ve got to read Preludes. This contemporary reimagining of Jane Austen’s fabulous Persuasion is set in the present, in the vibrant city of Toronto, Canada, where Anne is a brilliant composer, and Fred is the conductor who she jilted eight years ago. Now he’s back, and they have to work together. Will they ever make beautiful music together again?

Readers and reviewers have loved this book. A recent five-star review at From Pemberley to Milton concluded:

Preludes is a compelling, and endearing love story where music gives mature characters a second chance in love. The narrative takes its time to develop, and events are never rushed which gives us a better understanding of the character development, and I certainly recommend this book to all readers.

If you want to know more, take a look at your favourite electronic bookseller at https://books2read.com/preludesmodernpersuasion

What’s in the Pipeline?

As for what’s next, I have a few projects burbling away. One is a full-length Lizzy-and-Darcy Regency tale, where things don’t quite go according to plan for either of our dear couple. It involves a rival for Bingley, a bloodthirsty Wickham, and an inadvertent kidnapping! The tentative title is Pride and Pursuit, and I’ve almost completed the first draft.

There will also, of course, be another Miss Mary mystery coming out before too long. This one will be called Death in Still Water, and will introduce Mary and Alexander to the wonderful characters from Persuasion.

A Big Announcement! I am delighted to tell you that I’ve been offered a contract by Romance Cafe Publishing, for three novellas loosely based on Jane Austen’s fabulous novels. I’ve completed one of these already, and am preparing it to send to the editor. I’ve started writing number two, and I’ve got a great outline in mind for number three.

Details will be forthcoming, but I’m so excited about this series, and I had to shout it out to everyone.

Two Fundraisers in support of the Ukraine

I don’t usually post about matters political, but this is too important to ignore.

I am involved with two charity fundraisers to help the people of the Ukraine, and I’d like to tell you about them.

One is an anthology put together by Romance Cafe Publishing. Over 60 authors have written everything from flash fiction to poetry to short stories, and everything has been donated, including the model and cover art. All proceeds go to Save the Children’s efforts to help Ukrainian children.

Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09TVTBCLZ

Here’s the blurb:

Protect the innocent.

Provide for families.

We stand with Ukraine.

Across the globe authors have come together to provide stories filled with hope, heart and understanding, inspired by the events of February 2022.

STAND FOR UKRAINE is a collection of romance, women’s fiction and poetry. Proceeds go to Save the Children’s efforts to provide Ukrainian children with food, warmth, shelter and psychological support.

Authors:

A McCarty, A.M. Roark, Aarti V Raman, Alana Ash, Ally Vance, Amanda Cuff, Anna Klein, Anne Mercier, Annee Jones, April A. Luna, April D. Berry, Bee Murray, C.A. Rene, Candace Sams, Caraway Carter, Carol Van Den Hende, Cassie Simon, Chele Maccabe, Christine Ashworth, Corinne M Knight , Danielle Pays, Dawn McGraw, Di Jones, Dylan Quinn, Gwen Dylan, Caia Daniels, Elizabeth St.John, Élodie Garroway, Emery LeeAnn, EmKay Connor, Guinevere Jordan, H. D’Agostino, Harlow Layne, Harper Michaels, Heather Scarlett, Helena Novak, J. P. Uvalle, J. T. Silver, Jakki Frances, Jane Suen, JCC Downing, Jen Stevens, Jennifer M. Miller, Joslyn Westbrook, Judith Lynne, K. R. S. McEntire, Karigan Hale, Kasey Hill, Katherine Moore, Kathleen Ryder, Katie Rae, Kristie Leigh, Leila Coltyn, Lesley Hoover, Lisa Wells, Lissa Lynn Thomas, Liz Martinson, Maida Malby, Mandy Bee, Margo Bond Collins, Maria Macdonald, Maya Lemaire, Megan Ryder, Merrie Destefano, Miranda Jameson, N.J. Ember, Olivia Rhymer, P.T. Macias, Pandora Snow, Renee Dahlia, Riana Everly, RJ Gray, Robin Andrews, Rosie Wylor-Owen, Rubi Jade M.Culler, S.C. Principale, Sarah Stein, Shannon O’Connor, Sharon A. Mitchell, Simone Leigh, Skye MacKinnon, Skye Turner, Jo Seysener, Suki McMinn, T.R. Weatherly, Tanya Dawson, Tanya Nellestein, Tasha Blythe, Taya Rune, Tina Glasneck, Toni Denise, Tracy Broemmer, Tracy Reed, Trinity Wood, Yolanda Olson, Zoey Indiana.

The second joint effort is thanks to the tireless work of a group of fabulous JAFF authors Melanie Schertz, Elizabeth Adams, and Abigail Reynolds. They have coordinated a page where, in exchange for a donation, all sorts of JAFF authors are offering goodies like free ebooks and cameo appearances in upcoming novels. The charity they have selected is Global Giving, but if you choose to donate through another charity, you can still join the effort. All the details are on this Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/donate/2086858224798617/3145567882369886/

I hope you will check these out.

Whodunnit? A New Mystery is Coming

I have been busy for the last while editing the third book of my Miss Mary Investigates series, and I am thrilled to say it is almost ready. The book has been past my editor and a small army of intrepid beta readers, and my fabulous cover artist has worked her usual magic. This new mystery is nearly ready for the world!

In this novel, Mary and Alexander are traveling back to Hertfordshire after visiting the Darcys at Pemberley and have broken their journey in Northampton, where Alexander has a friend. There, they find themselves in the middle of a muddle, because Tom Bertram, heir to Mansfield Park, has vanished, and Alexander is asked to take the case.

The household itself is most busy, with the presence of friends and neighbours alike, all eager to rehearse the play that Tom has found for them, and matters are not always as they seem. When disaster strikes, will Alexander and Mary be able to solve this case? And Alexander has a secret of his own that might destroy his tentative friendship with Mary.

I won’t say more now, but be on the lookout soon for release information on this new adventure, Death of a Dandy: A Mansfield Park Mystery.

A Valentine’s Day Short Story

For my blog post at Austen Authors this month, I have written a short story. Valentine’s Day is coming up soon, and one of my favourite characters needs his own Happily Ever After.

You can read my post here: https://www.austenauthors.net/a-valentines-day-short-story/

And here is the story. Enjoy!

The Valentines Cards

“I beg your pardon, sir, but you seem to have dropped something.”

Richard’s feet stopped moving almost before his brain comprehended the words. His arms were full of the packages he had promised his cousin he would pick up and he was in something of a hurry. He ought to have brought a footman along as Will had suggested, but what colonel needed someone trailing after him like a minder? He had survived Napoleon’s armies. He could carry a box or two.

Or five. And a linen bag of sweets, and that soft pouch with something that sparkled for Elizabeth that he had stuffed in a pocket, and the envelope of cards that he had just now collected from the printer. Valentine’s Day cards! Whatever had possessed Will to have those cards specially printed? The man was already married. Surely, he had no more need to woo his wife.

He gave a snort and turned around to find whatever it was he had dropped. The envelope of Valentine’s Day cards lay on the ground a few paces away. It would be those.

“I thank you,” he replied to his unknown sentinel.

His eyes flickered upwards to locate the speaker, who bent down to pick up the fallen package. He traced the form of a soft glove, a dark woollen sleeve with a fur cuff, a fashionable winter outer coat, and a large bonnet, suitable for early February. And then there was the lady inside all this winter clothing. For a moment he could not move his eyes.

A very pretty young woman faced him, head slightly atilt, a small furrow between her brows. She looked familiar in some way, although he could not find a name, and from her expression she knew him as well. That was not so uncommon amongst London’s upper set, and he made to bow and somehow retrieve his lost package and be on his way. With his arms so full, this would be a challenge, but he was a colonel. He would manage somehow.

“Major Fitzwilliam, is it not?” the lady asked. “Or, rather, Colonel. We have been introduced, but it was many years ago, long before your elevation to your current rank, and I cannot imagine that you remember me. The ball was crowded, and you were surrounded by admirers. I was merely another face.”

“Never just another face, Madam.” He now offered his bow, hoping that nothing more would tumble from the tower of packages he held. She really was quite lovely to look upon. “Please remind me…”

“Miss Rollings. Sophie Rollings. My aunt is acquainted with your mother, I believe.”

Richard’s smile was easy now. “Of course. How could I forget? It was the ball Mother held to celebrate my promotion to Major. What was it? Six years ago? Before I went to Spain.”

“It was my first ball; I had just come out into society and I was terrified. I was all of seventeen and wished to melt into the walls.” Her eyes sparkled. “But I recall so clearly how handsome you looked in your new regalia.” She paused for a moment and chewed her bottom lip as her face flushed red.

Of course. A lady ought never to be so forward. Richard did not mind a bit; he had never been called handsome, and he enjoyed the sound of it. His smile widened even more and he sought for something to say that would continue this unexpected conversation. The half-smile on Miss Rollings’ face, the slightly parted lips, suggested she would appreciate it too, but propriety must be observed at all times. He could hardly take her aside and suggest they renew an acquaintance barely formed six years ago.

“And how does your aunt do?” This was a safe topic, and one that was more than appropriate. “She is Lady Aldren, is she not?”

Miss Rollings nodded. She was still holding the envelope of valentines, and she stepped closer to the building at their side so as not to impede other passers-by. Another indication that she, too, wished to converse? They spoke for a brief moment on the health and wellbeing of those they knew in common, but this was no place for further talk. Then, with a gasp, Miss Rollings looked up.

“My chaperone has seen me. I must go. She will tell all manner of horrid things to my aunt, for she is quite the martinet. Please pass my regards to your mother, Colonel.” She bobbed a curtsey, placed the envelope of Valentine’s Day cards on the top of his pile of boxes, and disappeared in the direction of a rather stern-looking lady who had just now emerged from a shop.

A pity. He had enjoyed this encounter, short though it had been. How could he contrive to see her again? Could he perhaps ask his mother to invite Lady Aldren and her niece to visit? No, Mother was not in London at the moment. Did Elizabeth Darcy know the young lady? They were about of an age, and might rub along well together if this brief conversation were any suggestion of the lady’s character. But Elizabeth was redoing the main salon at Darcy house and there was no place to receive anyone but the most intimate of friends.

He let out a sigh. He was far more disappointed than he ought to be, having spent only moments in Miss Rollings’ company. Perhaps he would encounter her at another ball. And yet, as polite and friendly as she had been, she had given no indication of wishing to continue the acquaintance. Rather, upon seeing her guardian, she had turned and run almost without a word. His shoulders fell. She had merely been polite, making general conversation to pass the time. He hugged his pile of packages closer to his body and set off in the direction of Darcy House where he could set down his burden.

“Ah, Richard! I had all but given you up for lost,” his cousin greeted him a few minutes later. “Let me relieve you of some of those. Why did you not take a servant? No matter, come in. Elizabeth and Georgiana are in the music room. Did you bring the sweets? And the bracelet for Lizzy? Excellent. And what of the valentines? Did Mr. Blakey have them ready as he had promised? Georgiana will be delighted.”

Will Darcy led Richard into the house. Since his marriage, Will had become much easier in company and more voluble than ever Richard had known him. Even as a boy, Will was the quiet one. Marriage had been good for him; love had been as sunshine to a closed bud, coaxing it to grow and bloom and open to the world. A pang struck Richard in his heart. Would he ever find someone who loved him as Elizabeth loved Will?

They set down the boxes and began to sort through the goods. The bracelet that Will had bought his wife was a beautiful creation with pearls and topaz, and a set of hair pins would bring a great smile to his cousin Georgiana’s face. Even the specially printed valentines – such a frivolous purchase! – were lovely. Mr. Blakey had done a fine job in creating delicate, elegant little cards. One for Elizabeth, one for Georgiana, one for their cousin Anne, even one for Aunt Catherine, and a few spare ones.

“What is this?” Will held out something in his hand.

Richard frowned. “I cannot say. It is not something I collected today. What is it?”

Will turned the object in his fingers and held it out for Richard to see. “It was in the envelope with the valentines, caught within the folds of the paper. Might someone have dropped it?” It was a pendant for a necklace, a little silver heart with filigree and the initials SR entwined in the design.

SR.

Sophia Rollings.

Richard fought the urge to burst out laughing.

“Whatever has overcome you, Richard?” his cousin asked. “You are smiling like a fool.”

“I must be off, Will. Please excuse me to your lovely wife and sister. I must return this to its owner.” He grabbed the pendant, his heart beating a jig in his breast.

Will’s eyebrows rose but he said not a word, and a grin crept across his normally stoic face.

“And, if I may, one of those extra valentines.” Richard grabbed one of the additional cards and put it in his pocket along with the pendant.

Miss Sophia Rollings, it seemed, had made her wishes known after all. And Richard had a call to make.

© Riana Everly, 2022

Shakespearean Insults and Austen

Fie! Shakespeare could lay on the insults, but Jane could hold her own, in her own elegant and inimitable style. In this month’s post at Austen Authors, I talk about exactly this.

https://www.austenauthors.net/shakespearean-insults-and-austen/

The Blog Tour Continues

The next stop on my blog tour for Much Ado in Meryton continues at Interests of a Jane Austen Girl. Here, I talk about finding the balance in the novel between the bitterness in Shakespeare’s play and the eventual meeting of minds in Austen’s novel. Do I find the line between too nasty and too nice? Tell me!

You can find the link here: https://interestsofajaneaustengirl.wordpress.com/2022/01/10/much-ado-in-meryton

And do read the other posts on her blog.

Blog Tour for Much Ado in Meryton

My blog tour for Much Ado in Meryton starts today, and I’m thrilled to be at Babblings of a Bookworm for my first stop. The host there is such a lovely person, and I always enjoy chatting with people in the comments.

For this visit, I’m talking a bit about home theatricals during the Regency, and how it plays out (pardon the pun) in my book. Come and take a look. There’s an excerpt too, and a place to enter your name for a draw for a copy of the book!

https://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.com/2022/01/much-ado-in-meryton-by-riana-everly.html

A Wonderful Review for Much Ado

Authors love reviews, and we especially love glowing ones. And they don’t get more wonderful than this. Thanks so much, Kate Westwood, for your amazing words. I’m just delighted that you enjoyed this so much.

Here is what she said. You can get your own copy of Much Ado in Meryton at www.books2read.com/muchadoinmeryton

Just when I think that there couldn’t possibly be another storyline left to explore seeing as there are so many Pride and Prejudice variations, I am pleasantly surprised, yet again. More than pleasantly surprised, actually. Delighted is more the word. Once again, Riana Everly has brought us a fresh, new way to view Austen’s original characters— this time by superimposing over Austen’s wonderful regency background and characters, Shakespeare’s comedic ‘Much Ado About Nothing.’

This wonderful new Darcy/Lizzy love story has had enough reviews giving it a thumbs up that I can hardly do justice to another. What I can say is that for me, it was a roller coaster of delicious, witty barbs and taunts, dastardly devilish characters and plot twists, and hilariously funny situations, tempered with beautiful, and sometimes bitter-sweet, introspective moments where lovers are forced to examine their motives and feelings.

As a mash-up of two timeless classics it exceeds expectation. Ms. Everly’s expert writing skills really come to the fore in the way she incorporates the plotlines and witty sarcasm of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing seamlessly into the polite, etiquette-orientated Regency world of Lizzy and Darcy as they maneuver around each other in order to avoid, then embrace, love.

The parallels between the two texts are clear: the sharp-witted Lizzy and equally scathing Mr Darcy are perfectly reimagined as Beatrice and Benedick. Likewise, the subplot between Bingley and Jane is also executed in such a way as they make a perfect Claudio and Hero. But although the novel bases its plotlines on the similarities between the two canonical texts, the reader is never caught yawning.  Ms Everly cleverly introduces enough variations to the P & P format that readers can expect to be surprised and delighted with the results. Colonel Fitzwilliam now has a pivotal role in bringing his two friends together, and when Jane breaks her ankle and is forced to stay at Netherfield, this sets the scene for most of the action to occur within the walls of Bingley’s home, making possible several other surprising detours from the original Austen text. All the while, Wickham is as wicked as ever, Lydia as hoydenish, and as for Mr Collins—he almost manages to redeem himself in an interesting turn of events.

As an examination of the human condition, Much Ado in Meryton stands true to Shakespeare’s tendency to bring motives and emotions into close examination. But the novel also preserves Austen’s delightful sarcasm and wit, and her parallel ability to examine the workings of the human heart. Much Ado in Meryton combines the best of these two worlds, and what more can we ask than for than a skilled and insightful novelist such as Ms Everly to do this for us. Perfect, as usual!

Some Christmas Magic – A New Book

I’ve been busy these last few weeks, but I’m thrilled to announce I have a new book out, a special story just for Christmas. It is called A Midwinter Night’s Dream, and it is available on Amazon and is free to read on Kindle Unlimited. I have posted about it at Austen Authors this week, but here is what I said.

https://www.austenauthors.net/a-midwinter-nights-dream-a-novel-and-an-excerpt/

When I sat down on November 1st to start my NaNoWriMo project, I never imagined I would have it completed and published within a month and a half. Usually I write quickly but then work slowly, interspersing other projects between each stage of the work-in-progress. But I had decided to write a Christmas story, and I wanted to have it out for lovely readers to enjoy before Christmas.

Oberon, Titania, with fairies dancing
William Blake, c. 1785

My poor editor looked at me with horror in his eyes when I told him of my plans, but he dropped everything and came through. Rewriting ensued, followed by spell checks, grammar checks, a panicked final proofreading which (I hope) caught any remaining errors, and after a bit of a scramble, the novel is now available for purchase or for reading through KU.

But let me tell you a bit about it. I had so much fun writing my previous release, Much Ado in Meryton, that I thought I would tackle another Shakespeare/Austen combination. While A Midsummer Night’s Dream is not quite my favourite play, I have seen some fabulous performances of it and it brings back lovely memories. And as I thought about the play, and realized that Christmas was around the corner, a plot bunny hopped across the page and inspired me.

Helena and Demetrius

In A Midwinter Night’s Dream, the Darcys have been married for over a year and have an infant son. They are looking forward to their first Christmas together at Pemberley, having spent the previous year in London, when suddenly they are stuck with not one, but two houseguests. One of these is Prudence de la Pole, an old friend from Will’s childhood, now a young woman who is bored and is looking to make trouble. The other is Will’s cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, who is seeking to escape his mother’s matchmaking plans. Richard and Prudence were also friends once, but something happened that turned them against each other.

These are our Hermia and Lysander, Helena and Demetrius. And who steps in to take the part of Oberon with his magic love potion? Why, Mrs. Annesley, of course, with Georgiana as her tentative Puck. She delves deep into the ancient lore of Derbyshire’s mystical past to work her magic, but can she cast the right spell to bring Richard and Prudence together in time for Christmas? Or will her magic go horribly, disastrously wrong?

A Midwinter Night’s Dream is available at Amazon and is free to read on Kindle Unlimited. This link should take you to your country’s store: mybook.to/amidwinternightsdream

Here is an excerpt from A Midwinter Night’s Dream. I hope you enjoy it.

“I hope your sister is pleased. Georgiana was insistent that we not change too much.”

Will chuckled. Until they were married, Elizabeth had hardly heard him laugh at all, so serious was he. But marriage seemed to have eased some of the strictures he placed on himself, and he was, when in the right spirits, almost as quick to smile now as his friend Bingley.

“Georgie hardly remembers our mother, so young was she when she passed. She was concerned more about the idea of the room than the reality of it. From the times I have seen her sitting in here and smiling, I do not think her upset at all. We have a future to look forward to, all of us, and should not dwell in the past. Especially now.” His large hand came down to caress the sleeping baby’s downy head with a tenderness Elizabeth could never have imagined.

“The room is alive again, as is Pemberley, thanks to you.” He sat in silence for a few moments. She rested her head against his side, content in the warmth of his arms and lulled by the soft thrum of his heartbeat. She stifled another yawn. “Let me call Mrs. Cotton,” he echoed Mrs. Reynolds’ suggestion. “You look like you would do well to sleep a spell.”

“Not quite yet, Will. I have still not decided where to put the mistletoe. All of the other greenery will be well displayed on the ledges and the tables, but I cannot think where best to put the mistletoe. It is quite distracting me. Allow me to ponder it for a few minutes more, and then I shall yield up my beautiful burden,” she smiled down at her sleeping son, “and retire to my room for a rest.”

She closed her eyes and imagined the mistletoe, picturing the sprig of small yellowish leaves and waxy white berries. Georgiana had suggested hanging it from the lintel over the main doorway to the hall, but in her mind it looked… wrong. “If we place it there,” she gestured, “you will have to duck every time you enter the room.”

She was rewarded with another low chuckle. “Then I shall have to ensure that I am compensated for my troubles.” He kissed the top of her head again before she turned her face towards him and presented another part of her to kiss.

***

And here is another.

Elizabeth blinked away her sleepy memories and surveyed the scene now before her. Yes, the beautiful snow-bedecked fields still lay pure and white beyond the large window, the baby still slept in her arms, and she was still cuddled against Will’s side as Prudence batted her long lashes in Will’s direction. Will and Prudence might have shared memories of Christmases spent together in childhood, but Elizabeth was the one Will held in his arms; she was the one with his name. Soon Prudence would be gone, and there would be nothing to worry about.

Everything would be fine. She was quite prepared for Prudence’s little quips and comments and would comport herself with the dignity that her station as Mrs. Darcy of Pemberley demanded. There was nothing that could trouble her now.

A footman appeared at the door and caught everyone’s attention with a discreet cough.

“A visitor has arrived,” he announced. “Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.”

The footman disappeared back into the hall where his duties lay and another figure appeared in his place. This one was a man a little older than Will and not quite as tall, with the same dark hair and enough of a resemblance to mark him as kin.

Will twisted about in his place to face the door, pulling his arm from about Elizabeth’s shoulders and setting the baby to crying once more.

“Richard?”

“Will!” the newcomer boomed. “I do hope you have a room for me, because I have come to spend Christmas!”

To all who celebrate, I wish you a Merry Christmas, and to everyone I wish a wonderful and healthy 2022.