Maggi Andersen's Blog, page 51

Thoughts on Historical Marriage

 

"You know what to expect from me, as you have seen my character of a good wife. Suppose I tell you now, what I, in my turn, expect, and how you may best please me and make me happy.—Thus then I begin—Let me ever have the sweet consiousness of knowing myself the best beloved of your heart—I do not always require a lover’s attention—that wou’d be impossible, but let it never appear by your conduct that I am indifferent to you."
Margaret Davenport Coulter to John Coulter, May 10, 1795.

BRIDELOPE dates back to A.D. 950 when it was called brydlopa. Part of this custom, called the ‘run for the bride-door,’ was an ancient tradition in which the bride was both symbolically and physically swept off on horseback to her husband’s home by him and sometimes a helper who was later known as the ‘best man’.



The Anglo-Saxon root word wedd (‘to gamble, wager’) first referred to livestock or other payment by the groom to the bride’s father, as a more civilized alternative to abduction.

In the 17th Century, before it became associated with romantic images, elopement was a legal term for the act of a woman who leaves her husband and ‘dwells with the adulterer, by which she shall lose her dower’. (Thomas Blount Glossographia 1656.)
As a symbol of resistance, the well-prepared Saxon bride’s wedding attire often included knives, which she ‘gracefully hung from her girdle’. John Heywood listed other bridal equipment in his 1545 work The Four Ps: Silke swathbonds, ribbands, and sleeve-laces, Girdles, knives, purses and pin-cases, Fortune dothe give these knives to you, To cut the thred of love if’t be not true.
Bridesmaids were originally a maid’s closest friends who might attempt to defend her from an unwanted groom and make sure she didn’t panic and run off, especially in arranged marriages. In a custom known as ‘charming the path,’ the bride was hidden or disguised when the groom’s party came for her. ‘This was a common practice at old-fashioned weddings in Wales, among other places. The bride is generally expected to make a great show of resistance to her departure, and to lament loudly.’ (Burne, Charlotte S. The Handbook of Folklore. London 1883)
As late as the 18th Century, a custom that often accompanied weddings in Wales was a race by the male members of the wedding party to the couple’s future residence, with food or a silk scarf (originally the bride’s garter, a potent love charm) typically awarded to the winner.
At Scottish country weddings, a related custom, to ‘ride the brose,’ with the first to arrive receiving a ‘cog of brose,’ or ‘good fat broth made for the occasion.’ (John Jamieson. An Etymological Dictionary of the Scottish Language 1808)  ‘The boast of the winner was how far on with the brose he was before the rest of the company arrived.’

 In Georgian England marriage in the upper classes was mostly arranged.




AMAZON
My Amazon bestselling Georgian romance, THE RELUCTANT MARQUESS is a marriage of convenience story, set during the Georgian era.
Charity Barlow wished to marry for love. The rakish Lord Robert wishes only to tuck her away in the country once an heir is produced.

A country-bred girl, Charity Barlow suddenly finds herself married to a marquess, an aloof stranger determined to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself. She and Lord Robert have been forced by circumstances to marry, and she feels sure she is not the woman he would have selected given a choice.

The Marquess of St. Malin makes it plain to her that their marriage is merely for the procreation of an heir, and once that is achieved, he intends to continue living the life he enjoyed before he met her.

While he takes up his life in London once more, Charity is left to wander the echoing corridors of St. Malin House, when she isn’t thrown into the midst of the mocking Haute Ton.

Charity is not at all sure she likes her new social equals, as they live by their own rules, which seem rather shocking. She’s not at all sure she likes her new husband either, except for his striking appearance and the dark desire in his eyes when he looks at her, which sends her pulses racing.

Lord Robert is a rake and does not deserve her love, but neither does she wish to live alone.

Might he be suffering from a sad past? Seeking to uncover it, Charity attempts to heal the wound to his heart, only to make things worse between them.

Will he ever love her? Source: Forgotten English Jeffrey Kacirk, Quill William Morrow NY.S Further reading: Thomas Blount recognized that many of the new words entering the English language were those spoken in the street. He saw that tradesmen and merchants were collecting words as well as wares on their journeys overseas. And therefore many of these new words, such as coffee, chocolate, drapery, boot, omeletteor balcony, were those used in shops or other public places - drinking houses, tailors, shoemakers or barbers. Charlotte Burne (1850–1923) served the Folklore Society (FLS) for forty years. She was editor of the massive Shropshire Folklore (1883–6), and the second revised edition of the FLS's only official guide, The Handbook of Folklore (1914). She authored over seventy folklore papers, notes and reviews in Folklore and its predecessors, as well as several articles in newspapers and magazines; she was the first woman editor of this journal (1900–08) and the first woman President of the FLS (1909–10). This appreciation is the first part of a two-part study of her life and works. The second part will be a provisional bibliography of her published works. John Jamieson FRSE(3 May 1759 – 12 July 1838) was a Scottish minister of religion, lexicographer, philologistand antiquary.

Monday image - guess who?

Guess who the actor is playing Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights - the movie of Emily Bronte's famous novel.

Snippet from What a Rake Wants - the Spies of Mayfair Series, Book Three

WHAT A RAKE WANTS - The Spies of Mayfair, Released in August


Sunday snippet


“Well?” Aunt Catherine leaned forward.   
“Well, what?”
“Did you arrange an assignation?”
Althea took up her fan and waved it in front of her hot face. “Of course I didn’t. It would have been most improper.”
“Silly girl. Do stop that action with your fan, you look as if you’re swatting at insects. You have missed an opportunity.”
“I declare you wish to live vicariously through me, aunt.”
Her aunt snorted. “A widow must make her way in the world. Montsimon talks now to Maria Broadstairs. See how she laughs with him and how elegantly she employs her fan.”
“The Duchess adores her husband, everyone know it. She just likes to flirt.”
Her aunt’s eyebrows rose. “Have you never enjoyed a lighthearted dalliance?”
Althea sighed. “It would be dishonest of me to encourage anyone when I am not in the least interested in them.”
 “Flirting is one of the few enjoyable pastimes a woman can participate in without censure.” Aunt Catherine shook her head despairingly. “I believe you need lessons, Althea.”

The Auction for the BEST basket of E-BOOKS EVER is now Live!!

 Brenda Novak Auction for Diabetes 
                     
That's right, here's your chance to bid on a whole heap of books donated by more than a few wonderful Aussie Writers.
 Thanks to the hard work by the lovely  Christina Phillips   a large bunch of us Australian writers donated some of their favourite books to this worthwhile cause.

This is the 9th Annual On-Line Auction for Diabetes Research New York Best Seller Author - Brenda Novak has held.
Follow the links to find out more details and how to sign up if you'd like to put in a bid.

And if you want to know more about the auction go here: Brenda Novak - Auction for Diabetes

To take a look at the Basket of E-Books on behalf of the Historical Hearts Group click the link  HERE

This magnificent collection of Romance Titles takes in Historical, Sci-Fi, Paranormal, Outback, Erotic & Spicy & Contemporary Reads. Something for everyone  OR Everything for some-one lucky Bidder!!



I'd like to acknowledge the support of ALL the Authors who made the donation basket, from the Historical Hearts RWA group of Writers, such a marvellous item to bid for.

Tamara Gill     Erin Grace ,    Maggi Andersen    Carol Hoggart    Euphrasia Holmes    Alison Stuart 
Jo Duncan   Suzi Love    S E Gilchrist  Catherine Evans   Kylie Scott   Marianne Theresa  Beverley Oakley
Annie Seaton    Keziah Hill    Mel Teshco    Rhian Cahill    Nicole Hurley-Moore    Rhyll Biest    Shona Husk   Tracey O'Hara

There is also A virtual Gift Basket of Critiques for Writers from HERE
This basket Includes:
**From developmental & copy editor  Annie Seaton :
1 10-page edit**From author  Erin Grace
One 3-Chapter Critique**From author Euphraisa Holmes
1 10-page edit.Thanks Ladies :))
And check these out from the Hot Downunder Authors as well.  My Spies of Mayfair is on the top right :)



You can Connect with Historical Hearts Authors Here on Facebook   AND  Here on their Historical Hearts Blog page
To see what I donated go here          

Brenda Novak Auction for Diabetes The Auction for ...

Brenda Novak Auction for Diabetes   The Auction for the BEST basket of E-BOOKS EVER is going Live in 4 DAYS!!
                     
That's right, here's your chance to bid on a whole heap of books donated by more than a few wonderful Aussie Writers.
 Thanks to the hard work by the lovely  Christina Phillips   a large bunch of us Australian writers donated some of their favourite books to this worthwhile cause.

This is the 9th Annual On-Line Auction for Diabetes Research New York Best Seller Author - Brenda Novak has held.
Follow the links to find out more details and how to sign up if you'd like to put in a bid.

And if you want to know more about the auction go here: Brenda Novak - Auction for Diabetes

To take a look at the Basket of E-Books on behalf of the Historical Hearts Group click the link  HERE

This magnificent collection of Romance Titles takes in Historical, Sci-Fi, Paranormal, Outback, Erotic & Spicy & Contemporary Reads. Something for everyone  OR Everything for some-one lucky Bidder!!



I'd like to acknowledge the support of ALL the Authors who made the donation basket, from the Historical Hearts RWA group of Writers, such a marvellous item to bid for.

Tamara Gill     Erin Grace ,    Maggi Andersen    Carol Hoggart    Euphrasia Holmes    Alison Stuart 
Jo Duncan   Suzi Love    S E Gilchrist  Catherine Evans   Kylie Scott   Marianne Theresa  Beverley Oakley
Annie Seaton    Keziah Hill    Mel Teshco    Rhian Cahill    Nicole Hurley-Moore    Rhyll Biest    Shona Husk   Tracey O'Hara

There is also A virtual Gift Basket of Critiques for Writers from HERE
This basket Includes:
**From developmental & copy editor  Annie Seaton :
1 10-page edit**From author  Erin Grace
One 3-Chapter Critique**From author Euphraisa Holmes
1 10-page edit.Thanks Ladies :))
And check these out from the Hot Downunder Authors as well.  My Spies of Mayfair is on the top right :)



You can Connect with Historical Hearts Authors Here on Facebook   AND  Here on their Historical Hearts Blog page
To see what I donated go here          
With thanks to Maryde who put this together.

Kindle Giveaway on offer at Embracing Romance!

https://www.facebook.com/EmbracingRomance/app_228910107186452

I have a new review for Taming a Gentleman Spy.

Amazon.AUBuy in USA
AmazonKnox Robinson PublishingMY THOUGHTS: TAMING A GENTLEMAN SPY by Maggie Andersen is an exciting Regency Historical Romance set in England. The Spies of Mayfair #2, but can be read as a stand alone. See, “A Baron in Her Bed“. Meet, John Haldane, Earl of Strathairn and Lady Sibella Winborne.Fast paced tale of passion, danger, mystery, intrigue,spies and romance. Oh did I mention passion! Ms. Andersen has done a wonderful job of pulling the reader into Regency England, as well as written a tale that is emotional, dramatic, intriguing and romantic. I loved this story! A must read for anyone who enjoys a fast paced, adventure filled tale filled with passion and romance. And a bit of danger, oh, and a few interfering siblings along the way. You don’t want to miss this delightful tale of intrigue and romance. A must read! Received for an honest review from the author.RATING: 4.5HEAT RATING: HOTREVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

Excerpt from A Baron in Her Bed - The Spies of Mayfair Book One

Horatia Cavendish has been caught out while riding her father's stallion dressed as a groom. She must now continue the masquerade while sheltering from a snow storm with an injured Frenchman.


“You look most uncomfortable.” He lay down with his hands clasped behind his head. “Aren’t you going to take off your coat and hat?”
“No. Too cold and the hat keeps my ears warm,” she mumbled, aware that her breasts showed through her shirt.
“No man wears a queue these days. You should get your hair cut short like mine. Short hair is de rigueur.” He ran his hands through his hair, and a dark lock flopped over the bandage on his forehead.
Frenchmen were far too concerned with their appearance. Fops, many of them, she thought, warming to the idea. It was uncharitable of her and possibly unfair, but it helped her
keep her distance.
“I don’t think so.” She wished her voice didn’t sound so strained. The gruff voice made her throat hurt.
He raised his head to gaze at her with those blue eyes, his well-defined lips stretched into a grin. “You do not know?”
She shook her head.
“Even in this poor light I can see your cheeks are smooth as a juene fille. I take it you are not old enough to have enjoyed feminine company?”
Horatia shifted her gaze to the cobwebs on the ceiling as she tried to think of a way to extricate herself from this mess of her own making. “Old enough yes ... but no.”
His deep laugh made her catch her breath. “We men are always old enough, nous ne sommes pas? You have much to enjoy when you do throw a leg over. Ah, mademoiselles.” He gave an appreciative sigh. “What would we men do without them? I’ve known some great beauties in my time.”
How boastful! She wished she wasn’t so intrigued.
“You must become a good lover, my friend. It is a skill that requires much study to perfect.”
“In what way?” Oh why had she asked that? She’d just invited him to tell her. She bit her lip, half wanting to hear it and half fearful of what he would say.
“By listening,” he said, surprising her. “What she tells you gives many clues.”
“And if she tells you nothing?”


AMAZON

I'm visiting Susanne Bellamy's lovely blog today. I talk ...

I'm visiting Susanne Bellamy's lovely blog today. I talk about my choice of actors to play the part of John and Sibella in Taming a Gentleman Spy. Guess who?
ALL THE WORLD'S A PAGE 

"The chemistry between Sibella and John is electric..." Great review of Taming a Gentleman Spy plus an excerpt!

Review: Taming a Gentleman Spy by Maggi Andersen Taming a Gentleman Spy   by Maggi Andersen          Taming a Gentleman SpyBook 2 The Spies of Mayfair SeriesFormat: PaperbackISBN: 978-1-9084836-4-5Dimensions: 203 x 133mmPage Count: 314Excerpt
Linden Hall Yorkshire, 1818
“I trust we’ll bag a few birds on the moor tomorrow, Chaloner.” John Haldane, the 4th Earl of Strathairn, glanced at the guests enjoying the Hunt Ball in his ballroom. Bright chatter rose in the warm smoky air as decorative ladies mingled with the more soberly dressed gentlemen. “My chef plans a grouse dish flavored with juniper berries for our dinner.”
“Excellent.” The Marquess of Brandreth raised his glass. “We will be out at the crack of dawn, I daresay.” He took Strathairn’s arm and drew him into a quiet corner. “I don’t wish to strain a friendship I value, John, but I must offer a word of advice.”
“Oh?” Strathairn eyed him warily. He had liked Chaloner better before his father died. The man seemed to lose his sense of humor after inheriting the title.
“You are often seen in Sibella’s company. Don’t get too fond of her.”
Strathairn moved his shoulders in a shrug of anger. He glanced over at Sibella in her white muslin, talking earnestly to Mrs. Bickerstaff. “Your sister is intelligent and good company. I enjoy our conversations. Nothing strange about that.”
“I struggle to believe it is just that. I may not be privy to the details of the work you perform for the military, but rumors do float about the House of Lords. You must admit that due to those circumstances, alone, you would not make her a good husband.”
Chaloner’s determination put him in mind of a robin with a worm. Useless to argue. With a sigh, Strathairn acknowledged that he only strove to protect his sister from possible hurt. “No need for concern,” he said. “I have no wish to marry your sister, or anyone else for that matter. I do intend to ask Lady Sibella to dance, though. Unless you think my waltzing with her will ruin her reputation.”
Chaloner huffed out a laugh and rubbed the back of his neck. “Don’t be ridiculous. I don’t enjoy having to say this to you, John, but it befalls me as head of the family. Sib has a love of home and hearth. She looks for a husband who will sit by the fire with her at night. That isn’t you, is it?”
“She deserves the best, and no, it isn’t me, Chaloner.”
After a fruitful day in the fields shooting grouse, Strathairn and his guests made their way over the lawns to the Hall.
The gamekeeper, beaters and handlers departed for the stables with the hounds while servants came to take the birds to the kitchen.
On the terrace, Lady Sibella, in a gown the color of lilacs, sat playing cards and drinking tea with the other women in the late afternoon sun.
Strathairn mounted the steps, carrying his shotgun over his shoulder, intent on returning it to the gunroom. “I trust you ladies enjoyed your day?”
“We did, my lord.” Lady Sibella’s sister, Viscountess Bathe, smiled. “Or at least those of us who have not lost our pin money at whist.”
“I see you had a successful day, my lord.” Lady Sibella eyed his gun with a faint shudder.           
“I saw your kill on its way to the kitchens.”
He smiled. “I hope you’ll enjoy our efforts once served in a tasty sauce.”
“I expect I shall. It’s contrary of me, isn’t it?” Lady Sibella frowned up at him. “But please don’t suggest that all women are so.”
He eyed the expectant faces of the other ladies and held up his hands with a laugh. “I wouldn’t be so bold.”
“Perhaps you would like a cup of tea, Lord Strathairn.” Lady Sibella gestured to the teapot a servant was refilling with hot water. “You must be thirsty after your arduous day.”She well knew how much he hated tea, for he’d been forced to drink it at a morning call at their house in Eaton Place. She had naughtily offered to pour it into a potted plant when her mother was distracted by another guest.
Her playful smile was delicious, and he couldn't help grinning back. Aware of the sharp-eyes on him from around the table, he shook his head. “I’m afraid I must decline for I’m not fit for company. But, thank you.” He bowed and entered the house leaving them to resume their card game.
Strathairn cleaned his gun and left it on the rack in the gunroom. He’d enjoyed Lady Sibella’s friendship like no other lady of his acquaintance. Her humor seemed so in tune with his and he often found she understood his thoughts before he expressed them. Damn Chaloner, he was such a stickler for convention.
Purchase LinksAmazon UK Amazon.AU Amazon Knox Robinson Publishing 
My thoughts
Maggi Andersen gives her readers a wonderfully charming Regency romance in her latest novel, Taming a Gentleman Spy, the latest addition to the Mayfair Spy series.  Maggi Anderson is a master of portraying the complicated emotions of the Regency era and the societal confines on women.  In love and life, Regency women must be innovative in order to circumvent the male domination of their lives and live the life they want and the love they deserve. 
Taming a Gentleman Spy's Sibella is one such woman, swearing off marriage for independence but still bound by family and societal responsibilities.  There is one man though who has captured her heart; John, Earl of Straithairn.  John, a longtime family friend of Sibella's, is our Gentleman Spy, but Sibella does not find him an eager suitor.  John has returned from war shunning the desire for a family after experiencing the devastation and loss of war. 
There is no doubt that the chemistry between Sibella and John is electric and no doubt he completely returns her feelings, but he denies his them and does his best to dissuade her interest in him.  So then, how is a gentile Regency woman go about getting the man she wants?  Sibella struggles to make a marriage of love and not for duty.  She is feisty and intelligent, but will this be enough?
Maggi Andersen is masterly skillful in describing emotion and in so doing takes her reader on a journey of love and life.  Taming a Gentleman Spy is wonderfully integrated in the history of the Regency period, full of rich and complex characters, romance and a touch of intrigue combine to create a wonderfully engaging page turner leaving me wondering where is my gentleman spy anyway?
About the Author
Maggi Andersen and her lawyer husband are empty nesters, living in the countryside outside Sydney with their cat and the demanding wildlife. Parrots demand seed, possums fruit, ducks swim in the stream at the bottom of the garden, and the neighbours chickens roam their yard providing wonderful eggs. 
She began writing adventure stories at age eight. Three children, a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts in Creative Writing degree later, her novels are still filled with adventure and suspense, but are also passionate romances. Georgette Heyer among others, brought inspiration to her seductive Regencies and she also writes darker, Victorian novels, contemporary romantic suspense and young adult.  She supports the RSPCA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals) and animals often feature in her books.
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