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The Spinster's Christmas - Chapter 4a #Christianfiction #Regency #romance

I’m posting my Regency romance, The Spinster's Christmas , so all my blog readers get a chance to read it! It’s the Prequel novel to my Lady Wynwood’s Spies series.

A Regency romantic mystery

Miranda Belmoore has never felt attuned to the rest of society. Her family has never understood her blunt speech and unwillingness to bow to conventional strictures, and so they have always made her feel that there is something wrong with her. Now as a poor relation in her cousin’s house, she makes plans to escape a life of drudgery and disdain from her own family members.

Naval Captain Gerard Foremont is having difficulty adjusting to life back on land, frustrated that his career has been cut short by his severely injured knee. Guilt haunts him as he sees the strain his long convalescence has had upon his parents. As they spend Christmastide with the Belmoores, he wants to help fulfill his mother’s wish to have her orphaned niece come to stay with them.

However, an enemy has infiltrated the family party, bent on revenge and determined that Twelfth Night will end in someone’s death …

All the posted parts are listed here.

***
Chapter 4a

December 24th

The morning had dawned crisp and cold, but clear enough for the annual Christmas greens collecting. Laura, Lady Wynwood, finished tying the scarf about Sally’s neck. The little girl had grown so much since Laura had seen her last Christmas here at Wintrell Hall. “There, now you are ready to gather mistletoe.”

“William says mistletoe is for grown-ups.”

“And who is William?”

“He is the rector’s son. Back at home in Sussex.”

Laura smiled and smoothed the brown curls peeking out from beneath the girl’s hood. “Mistletoe is for the kissing bough, so I suppose he’s right, after a fashion.”

Sally made a face. “Why do grown-ups like kissing so much? William said that sometimes when grown-ups kiss, they make babies.”

Laura choked back a laugh. “No, they most certainly do not make babies simply from kissing. But grown-ups do enjoy it.”

Sally gave her a suspicious look. “Do you enjoy kissing?”

“I enjoy kissing you.” Laura grabbed her in a hug and rained kisses upon her round cheeks.

Sally squealed and giggled. “Now you must kiss Paul,” she told Laura.

Sally’s cousin, who had been pulling on his mittens nearby, scowled and backed up a few steps. “I’m too old for kissing. Kissing is for babies.”

“I’m not a baby.”

“You’re the baby cousin. There isn’t anyone younger than you.”

Sally turned to Laura. “Cousin Laura, you should have babies so that I will no longer be the youngest.”

It surprised Laura that the innocent remark caused such a sharp pang in her heart, even after all these years. She imagined she could feel an answering pain in her stomach. She gave Sally a bright smile. “Babies require a papa, and I have no husband.”

“You should marry Mr. Drydale.”

“No, Mr. Drydale and I are friends. Like you and William, the rector’s son. Now off with you.” She gave Sally a little push out the front door as the other cousins also filed outside.

No, Sol deserved better than someone like her. She was not being self-pitying, but practical. He needed a woman who could bear him an heir, and she would not put herself under the control of a man. Never again.

Laura secured her own hood and followed the troupe of children. They all headed across the lawn in front of the house toward the edge of the forest. A pale winter sun squinted through the hazy clouds, turning the grass a sage-green color. Her breath blew around her head, and when she inhaled, she smelled woodsmoke.

She was watching Paul chase Sally in circles around the lawn when she became aware of someone who had come to walk beside her. “Good morning, Miranda.”

“Good morning, Cousin Laura.”

“Where is Ellie?” It had been obvious that Ellie clung to Miranda like a barnacle on a ship, and no wonder—the child had lost her mother less than a year ago, and then been thrust into Cecil’s cold household. And Miranda was the sort of person you could cling to, who wouldn’t mind you doing it.

“Ellie is there.” Miranda pointed to a small figure walking with Augusta’s youngest daughter, who was fifteen. “Liliana has promised to make snow angels with her if they find a patch of snow.”

“Snow? Not yet, I fear.”

“Ellie is still hopeful.” Miranda smiled, and it transformed her face from plain to pixie-like. But the smile was fleeting, and as it faded, lines appeared on the sides of her mouth. “Cousin Laura, I have a favour to ask. But I should like it if you did not tell Cecil about it.”

Laura raised her eyebrows. “Cecil?”

Miranda’s cheeks turned rosy, but Laura did not believe it was from the biting winter wind. “I have already spoken briefly with Aunt Augusta, and she was quite distressed at my request. I should not wish to upset Cecil.”

“Of course. I will not speak to him about our private conversation.”

“Thank you.” Miranda’s exhaled breath hung like a cloud about her head. “Cousin Laura, you have a great many friends and relations. Do you know of any ladies who might need a paid companion?”

Laura was not surprised by the question. While she knew very little about Miranda’s situation, she had noticed that Felicity treated Miranda with less respect than her relationship as Cecil’s cousin deserved. However, it was not uncommon for poor relations to be treated like servants—she had seen it in other households, with women even more arrogant than Felicity Belmoore.

And yet Miranda’s face never betrayed any discomfort. She had always kept her feelings to herself.

“Of course. I shall write to my friends directly,” Laura said.

“Thank you. If you do hear of a position, please write to me at the home of Felicity’s cousin, Polly Beatty, outside of Weymouth.”

A chill raced up Laura’s spine, and it was not from the winter wind. But perhaps she was mistaken. “I did not know you were close to Felicity’s cousin,” she said lightly. “How long will you be visiting?”

***
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Formosa Ruby 18 Black tea review - Mastersteas.com by @AdagioTeas

Today I tried the Formosa Ruby 18 Black tea from Mastersteas.com. They sent me several black teas to try and review for my blog, but I got so busy that I never got around to this until now. I was excited to be trying for the first time a tea I normally wouldn’t have bought—new tasting experiences are always fun for me.

From the website:

A very fine version of the Ruby 18, otherwise known as Red Jade, it is intense with surprising licorice notes. The long, dark leggy leaves, contain some lovely buds. The licorice cup also has a cooling menthol effect. There are notes of spice, a hint of caramel, and a whisper of toasted vanilla bean. The dry finish completes what is a very interesting, dynamic experience. In a word, excellent.

Ruby #18 is a unique cultivar from Taiwan, and a relatively new invention, only surfacing in the late twentieth century after over fifty years of research. A cross between a wild Formosa tea plant and an Assam from Burma, it was developed specifically with the intent to make phenomenal black tea.

This tea contains a high level of caffeine | Steep at 212° for 2-3 minutes.

This was definitely one of the more unusual black teas I’ve ever tried, and I found I really liked it. The leaves are long and beautiful, so I used an airy 1 tablespoon in 500 mL of water at 212°F for 3 minutes.

When drinking it plain, I found it a very light and soothing cup of afternoon tea. It was not as strong as my English Breakfast black tea, but not as light as a green tea, and with none of the grassy flavors of an Oolong tea. I don’t always taste the flavors described for teas, but in this case I definitely tasted the licorice, which gave it a very nice, dry finish. Even when I oversteeped the second cup, it was not bitter at all. It went very well with my blueberry bagel, although I think it would go well with any type of sweets or snacks.

I also tried it with a little milk and honey, and that’s where it got really interesting. The licorice and spice flavor suddenly was enhanced, which made it an unusual flavor for a black tea. I found I enjoyed it a lot, and ended up getting a slice of a pumpkin roll from the fridge to pair with it. The tea tasted great paired with the spicy pumpkin roll.

Overall, it was an unusual but delicious cup of tea. It would go well with anything if it were plain, but with milk and honey I could only see it pairing well with other spiced sweets, for my personal preference. For people who enjoy black tea without milk and sugar, this is definitely a complex cup of tea that is great for afternoon snacking.

Journaling for productivity and motivation

I think the biggest change I made in December was that I started journaling again, except that I’m using an electronic journal instead of a paper journal. The decision was a tough one to make because I love the tactile feel of a paper journal, but I also had to consider what I wanted to get out of journaling.

I wanted to do a variety of things, including logging my meals (I needed to figure out what I was eating that might be triggering some health issues) and my exercise, and recording what I did during the day for my writing and also outside my writing.

I was originally going to use the SparkPeople app for my meals and exercise, but I decided to give e-journaling a try and found that I am more likely to log my meals when I don’t have to figure out portions and calorie count. I still can see where I overeat and when I snack mindlessly, I just don’t see the calorie count. Also I have a reminder on the journal page template to exercise, and I found myself being motivated to check that box every day.

I tried out the Day One Journal app for the 7-day trial period and ending up really liking it. It lets you have several journals, so I have a journal for food and health, a journal for general activities, and a journal for writing.

What surprised me was that I started using my e-journalling to also help with my To Do list, which I had previously used a Reminder app for. I have found myself being much more productive because I am in my e-journal intermittently during the day (it’s on my phone), and so I am reminded of what I need to do that day. I found myself more likely to get those things done and check off each item in the list. During the day, I add things to the To Do list as I think of them, and I’m more likely to get to them in a timely manner.

I also took the idea from the Bullet Journal about having a month at a glance page and a year at a glance page. I use both to list different types of To Do lists, and I have been using the Month at a Glance page to list my accomplishments as well as record events. For example, I recorded when I cleaned up my office, when I cleared out my email inbox, and when I finished taking notes on some key research papers I had been meaning to read. I’ll probably condense that down to list in my Year in a Glance page.


I’ve also added photos I snap with my phone, so I have a nice visual record of things I’ve done, like the things I’ve knit or how my trees in the garden are flowering (my plum tree was budding right after the new year!).


So far, I’ve enjoyed journaling on my phone like that. It has helped with my productivity and my health, and it also helped with my writing goals and writing To Do list. I hope to continue to journal consistently to record what I do, my thoughts, my memories of events, and improve my productivity.

Do you guys journal? What do you use? I’m always curious about other people’s journaling methods, so please leave a comment.

The Spinster's Christmas - Chapter 3c #Christianfiction #Regency #romance

I’m posting my Regency romance, The Spinster's Christmas , so all my blog readers get a chance to read it! It’s the Prequel novel to my Lady Wynwood’s Spies series.

A Regency romantic mystery

Miranda Belmoore has never felt attuned to the rest of society. Her family has never understood her blunt speech and unwillingness to bow to conventional strictures, and so they have always made her feel that there is something wrong with her. Now as a poor relation in her cousin’s house, she makes plans to escape a life of drudgery and disdain from her own family members.

Naval Captain Gerard Foremont is having difficulty adjusting to life back on land, frustrated that his career has been cut short by his severely injured knee. Guilt haunts him as he sees the strain his long convalescence has had upon his parents. As they spend Christmastide with the Belmoores, he wants to help fulfill his mother’s wish to have her orphaned niece come to stay with them.

However, an enemy has infiltrated the family party, bent on revenge and determined that Twelfth Night will end in someone’s death …

All the posted parts are listed here.

***
Chapter 3c

He thumped his way down the hallway. His bedroom was smaller than the bedrooms in the other wings, but it was close to the drawing room, just past the library and the ballroom. The carpet runner narrowed here, and he stumbled when the tip of his cane slid a few inches because it had touched down on the polished wooden floor rather than the rug.

He and his father were sharing a valet during the visit so that Cecil would not need to house an extra servant in his bursting household, but Gerard did not bother to call Maddox to assist him. His evening wear hung loosely on his frame since his returned home, and he had become used to dressing himself while on board ship. He easily shrugged out of his coat, waistcoat, and shirt, although the clean shirt he pulled on was not quite as creaseless as Maddox would have wanted. Gerard pulled out the first waistcoat he saw, which was striped in grey and blue and perhaps more suited to morning wear, but the cravat he tied was unexceptionable, if not overly elaborate.

He made his way out of his room, but he could faintly hear a woman’s voice, shrill with displeasure. At first it sounded like Miss Church-Pratton, but then he realized it was Felicity. A low man’s voice answered her—Cecil. The voices came from the library door, open a crack, and it was obvious they were arguing.

“Things take her twice as long as anyone else,” Felicity said. “Or she does something completely ridiculous. Last week, the governess was ill so she was supposed to take over Ellie’s instruction. Instead, she took her skating on the pond. She said it was to teach her mathematics!”

He couldn’t be certain, but he thought they might be speaking of Miranda. She had always had an unconventional way of thinking of the world, which had made her a delightful playmate when they were children. She was also the type of person who was patient no matter what the task.

The library was far enough from the drawing room that no one there would hear them, but Gerard’s room was closer. He began thumping along as quickly as possible, hoping neither of the angry couple would suddenly storm out of the library and see him skulking like a thief. The distance to the drawing room seemed like a mile.

“She’s impossible,” Felicity hissed. “She does it on purpose to upset me.”

“I hardly think she does it on purpose,” Cecil said. “She’s always been like that, a bit touched in the head.”

“Well then, I don’t want a madwoman in my home. I shall be heartily glad when she goes to my cousin Polly’s house.”

Gerard moved to the far side of the hallway as he passed the library door. Calling Miranda a madwoman was a bit much, even for Felicity’s spiteful nature. Miranda had always been unique, uncaring of what others thought of her, comfortable in who she was and unapologetic about it. But perhaps in Felicity’s mind, the fact that Miranda wouldn’t scurry to obey her every command would seem like the actions of a madwoman.

Suddenly his cane again landed on the wooden floor, a good foot of which lay between the edge of the carpet runner and the wall. This time, the tip slid quickly. His knee twisted at the sudden loss of support. A sharp pain sliced up his leg. He didn’t feel the impact as he hit the floor, just saw the carpet runner rise up to meet him. As he lay there, he panted heavily and screwed his eyes shut, focusing on pushing past the pain in his knee so he wouldn’t faint. He could smell dust, mold, and the faintest hint of lemon polish.

He didn’t realize he had blocked out all sound until Cecil’s voice broke into the haze of pain.

“As to that, Mr. Foremont wanted her to go with Ellie, to help out for a few months.”

Gerard had to get out of this hallway. He couldn’t bear it if someone came along and saw him on the floor, or worse, if Cecil and Felicity left the library and realized he had fallen nearly across the threshold. He pushed at the floor, rising on his good knee. His entire leg was shaking.

“Absolutely not,” Felicity said. “Polly didn’t come this year because her youngest broke his leg and they lost yet another nursery-maid. She needs Miranda.”

“What your cousin needs is to learn how to keep her maids from quitting her service.”

“It is the best solution for us to loan Miranda to Polly. Miranda cannot quit service.”

Gerard got to his feet and leaned against the wall for a moment, catching his breath. His heart pounded as if he’d run up ten flights of stairs. He continued toward the drawing room at a slower pace, his knee aching with each step.

But even more than the pain in his leg, he felt the burning of injustice and frustration in his gut. Miranda was little better than a slave in this household. He could not bear to see her so abused.

His only goal had been to become well in body, but oughtn’t he to exercise his conscience, as well? How could he stand to allow Cecil and Felicity to treat her so? Surely he could do more to convince his mother to change her mind.

There had been so many men, so many friends he had not been able to save during the war. Now that he was ashore, at the very least he could save one childhood friend.

***
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The Spinster's Christmas - Chapter 3b #Christianfiction #Regency #romance

I’m posting my Regency romance, The Spinster's Christmas , so all my blog readers get a chance to read it! It’s the Prequel novel to my Lady Wynwood’s Spies series.

A Regency romantic mystery

Miranda Belmoore has never felt attuned to the rest of society. Her family has never understood her blunt speech and unwillingness to bow to conventional strictures, and so they have always made her feel that there is something wrong with her. Now as a poor relation in her cousin’s house, she makes plans to escape a life of drudgery and disdain from her own family members.

Naval Captain Gerard Foremont is having difficulty adjusting to life back on land, frustrated that his career has been cut short by his severely injured knee. Guilt haunts him as he sees the strain his long convalescence has had upon his parents. As they spend Christmastide with the Belmoores, he wants to help fulfill his mother’s wish to have her orphaned niece come to stay with them.

However, an enemy has infiltrated the family party, bent on revenge and determined that Twelfth Night will end in someone’s death …

All the posted parts are listed here.

***
Chapter 3b

They all returned to the drawing room. One of the cousins was pounding away at the pianoforte while some of the furniture at the far end of the room had been rearranged to clear space for a few couples to dance.

Gerard sank into a chair near his mother, while his father sat beside her on the sofa.

“All went as expected, my dear,” his father said to her. “Ellie shall come home with us when we leave.”

His mother gasped with delight and clasped her husband’s hands in her own. “How wonderful it will be to have Ellie with us. The house has been so gloomy lately.”

Gerard looked away, but found he was staring down at his injured leg. At the very least, Ellie would distract his mother from the task of nursing him, which she had come to resent more in the past few weeks.

“The village seamstress is not as skilled as Madame Fanchon in London, but Ellie must have a new wardrobe,” his mother said. “And perhaps we might refurbish the nursery. Yes, a trip to Bath would be of utmost importance. Frilled curtains at the windows, a new table and set of chairs, a new canopy for her bed. Oh, there is so much to do.” She looked elated at the prospect.

“Mother, I wondered if we might bring Miranda with us, as well, to help with Ellie,” Gerard said.

Some of the annoyance crept back into her face. “Whyever would we do that?”

“Ellie has become very attached to Miranda, and she could serve as Ellie’s nursery-maid.”

“Ellie will soon become attached to me,” his mother said. “And we could hire a nursery-maid from the village.”

He should not have mentioned Ellie’s attachment, for it was making his mother defensive and possessive. “It is only for a few weeks, or a few months at most.”

“All the more reason for her not to stay with us,” she said. “Ellie will only miss Miranda the more when she leaves.”

“My dear, we only are thinking of your own comfort,” his father said.

“You needn’t be concerned about me,” his mother replied. “And I must say, John, that I am rather surprised that you would agree with Gerard in this. A penniless young woman, not related by blood, under our roof? It would be most improper.”

Heat crawled up Gerard’s neck and jaw. “I am in no danger from Miranda. We know each other too well.”

“You are not alleviating my concern,” she said.

“I don’t think Miranda has a heart to be captured by any man,” Gerard said. “She is still as quiet and self-controlled as ever she was as a child.”

“Your mother is correct, Gerard,” his father said. “A young woman under our roof …”

“If you are ill at ease, I will move to Foremont Lacy.” He had not seen his property, inherited from his grandmother, since he had come ashore. “I will soon be well enough that I can do with only a manservant.”

“But that is only …” His mother checked herself. “I am still unconvinced that it is necessary to bring Miranda with us.”

Gerard had not considered his marital prospects since becoming injured, but he now realized that nothing had prevented his mother from thinking of such things, especially now that he was living in his father’s house. And apparently, in his mother’s opinion, his residence at the neighboring farm of Foremont Lacy would still be too uncomfortably close to Foremont Court, should Miranda take up residence there.

His father’s look convinced Gerard to abandon the subject. “I would not distress you, madam.”

“Yes, your convalescence has been quite distressing enough,” she said peevishly.

He was rescued by the appearance of their evening tea, which also included an ornate silver punch bowl of wassail. However, on his way to get a cup of the Christmas drink, he was waylaid by Miss Church-Pratton, one of Felicity’s cousins.

“Now why were you men sequestered together for so long?” She gave a trilling laugh. “I had begun to fear you had abandoned us.”

“Business, I fear,” Gerard said politely.

“Oh, you mustn’t work during Christmastide.” She smiled, and dimples appeared in her cheeks. “Is not the company amusing enough?”

“Indeed.” She had been seated next to him at the dinner table, and while she spent a few scant minutes talking to her partner on her other side, she spent the rest of the time talking to him. About herself.

Even aside from that, Gerard was mistrustful of her smiles. He’d heard from Lady Wynwood, who obviously disliked Miss Church-Pratton, that she had broken her engagement earlier this year to an officer who had been wounded at Corunna. However, the season in London had not resulted in a second engagement, and Gerard could see that her charm had an edge of bitterness and desperation.

He had no intention of being her next matrimonial target. With his injury, he was in no condition to even consider a more distant future with any woman. He must concentrate on the most immediate needs, namely being able to discard his cane and to relieve the burden upon his parents.

It was a cowardly thing to do, but he simply grasped at the first idea that came to mind. He took a small glass of wassail from the maid serving the punch at a side table and then wobbled on his cane, spilling the drink on his waistcoat. The scent of wine, nutmeg, and apples grew stronger, and he felt the warmth as the hot beverage soaked through his shirt.

“Oh, dear!” Miss Church-Pratton fished out her handkerchief, a thin lawn square the size of a playing card, and swabbed at his chest.

Her hand seemed to be touching a larger area of his chest than the spill, and he hastily stepped away from her suspicious ministrations. “I do beg your pardon, Miss Church-Pratton. I must change my waistcoat before it stains.” He turned and left.

***
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Tie Kuan Yin tea review - Mastersteas.com

In my teens, I traveled to China and drank various types of Chinese teas everyday (black, green, oolong, and even red). I also bought some good quality tea to take home to my mom, who is a true tea snob, and tasted that, too. I don’t hate Chinese black teas by any means, but I always find myself preferring the more tannic, maltier English black teas.

That being said, I always try teas with an open mind. However, my natural inclinations most certainly influenced my review, so take it with a grain of salt.

Today I tried the Tie Kuan Yin Black tea from Mastersteas.com. They sent me several black teas to try and review for my blog, but I got so busy that I never got around to this until now. I was excited to be trying for the first time a tea I normally wouldn’t have bought—new tasting experiences are always fun for me.

From the website:

Tie Guan Yin, often translated as Iron Goddess of Mercy or Iron Buddha, is a variety of Chinese oolong tea. However, this version takes the classic Tie Kuan Yin leaves and processes them in a black tea style. This unique combination culminates in the velvet savory texture of black tea with the unique floral charm of traditional Tie Guan Yin tea. When brewed, this intriguing handcrafted tea has a reddish-brown liquor that hints towards dark chocolate and a whispery licorice finish. A Masters Teas favorite!

About the leaves:

Our Tie Kuan Yin Black is grown at 1000 meters above sea level in Xiang Hua, Anxi, Fujian province. This is a special tea as it is a cross between black and oolong. Its picking standard is that of one bud and 3 to 4 leaves. The 8-10 cm leaves were harvested in May of 2019 from 15-year-old plants. It was also roasted for 5-6 hours at a temperature of 70 degrees. Fired for no more than 10 minutes it is considered to be a medium-fire oolong.

This tea contains a high level of caffeine | Steep at 212° for 2-3 minutes.

Upon opening the bag, it has a slightly stronger dry grass smell than my other English black teas, with a markedly less malty scent. It’s not unpleasant, and something about it does bring to mind some high-end Chinese restaurants I have eaten at.

I did one airy tablespoon in 500 mL of 212 degree water for three minutes.

Plain, it tasted like a typical black tea, although a little more grassy and less malty. I didn’t taste the chocolate notes. It’s a very nicely soothing tea while being full-flavored. I like how it’s only slightly acidic on the tongue, and there are no bitter notes even though it’s a strong cup of tea.

The tea was excellent with American style coffee cake. It wasn’t as good a pairing with Japanese cookies. I didn’t have Chinese food on hand to eat with it, but I could see how the slightly acidic, grassy flavor would be a good compliment with something salty and saucy like fish with black bean sauce.

However, I just tend not to like black teas without milk and honey, so after one cup plain, I tried a cup with milk and honey. It was terrible—the tea suddenly tasted like drinking damp grass and I threw out the rest of the cup.

Overall, it was a rather good cup of tea, if you like plain black tea. Since I don’t, it was only a nice tasting experience, but not a tea I would reorder for myself.

Goals for 2020

I’ve had a good start to the new year so far, but haven’t sat down to think about my goals until now.

I love setting New Year’s resolutions. Some people think that’s weird and I know all about the low probability of keeping resolutions, but I still like to make them. It makes me feel positive about myself and the upcoming year, and for me, that just feels good.

So I came up with some goals/resolutions for the new year that I hope to keep.

1) Three novels in 2020

Since I write full-time, this isn’t an unrealistic goal for me. Last year, I was still suffering from several bouts of writer’s block. Some was because of personal issues, but because I got nothing done during that time, it then made me doubt what I should be writing. I ended up flipping between several different projects as I tried to figure out what I wanted to work on, and the indecision itself also triggered writer’s block when I tried to write any particular project, because I wasn’t certain if that project was what I should be spending my time on.

But in mid-2019 I was able to break through my last bout of writer’s block as I finally decided what I wanted to work on (my Regency Lady Wynwood’s Spies series) and also how I wanted to structure the series. Once the indecision was gone, I was able to get words written and finished the rough draft of Lady Wynwood’s Spies volume 1 on November 2nd.

The hard part about figuring out the structure of the series is now done, so writing the other books in the series has been easier. I finished a rough outline of volume 2 in December and started work on the manuscript.

Based on my writing speed for volume 1, I think that four months to write a book isn’t too hard for me. My writing speed has been even faster when I started using dictation, but I’m still getting used to that and my words per hour rate isn’t consistent yet.

2) Daily Editing and Word Count

I started trying to do a daily editing habit, which I’ve never done before. Usually I’d just edit my manuscript all in one go after letting it sit for a few weeks, but since I detest editing, I found myself procrastinating early in December. When I started my daily editing goal, I found myself more likely to edit a scene or a few pages every day and make some progress. I’m hoping to finish editing Lady Wynwood’s Spies volume 1 and have it ready for release in February or maybe early March, depending on how things go with my graphic designer for the cover. Once I finish editing that, I’ll start editing the beginning of volume 2 even if I’m still working on the rough draft.

I also am utilizing what I learned about writing sprints last year to do a daily writing sprint so that I’m doing at least a few words every day, no matter how busy the day gets with family or home stuff. Normally I have several hours for writing, but lately I’ve been trying to clean the house up after the craziness of the holidays, so I’ve been spending time on housework instead. My writing fell by the wayside for a week, but I’ve started the habit of writing again. Some days I only get 500 words done, and other days I get a few thousand. I’m making progress, which is what’s most important.

I’m also still working on tracking my writing statistics to optimize my writing process. I started this last year, tracking the length of my writing sprints and words per hour rate, but this year I’m also tracking how long each process takes, including the research I have to stop and do when I’m editing the manuscript, the outlining I have to do if I’m writing the rough draft and come across a plot hole, and planning a detailed scene outline before I write each scene. My words per hour might be fast, but those other things take much more time, so I want to know how efficient (or not) I’m being. I hope to have a good understanding of my process by the end of the year so that I can write more quickly.

3) Blogging three times a week

I won’t lie, I dislike marketing. It might be because marketing feels like me running around naked shouting, “Look at me!”

But I enjoy blogging—I had only blogged occasionally during my writer’s block phases, but ultimately I really do enjoy it. So I decided to focus on blogging since I’m not great at Facebook or Twitter or Instagram. I’m going to try to blog 3 times a week and see how that goes. I have lots of knitting projects I want to blog about, including some things I knit because I was inspired by the Regency series I’m writing.

4) One short story a month

This is related to my blogging goal. I want to write a short story each month to post on my blog. I enjoy writing short stories, especially from picture prompts, but I often found myself hesitating if the story genre wasn’t something I usually wrote.

This year, I am giving myself permission to write whatever I feel like. I’m also aiming for flash fiction rather than longer stories, unless I feel motivated to expand a story idea.

5) One devotional a month

This is also related to my blogging goal. I finished a Bible study on the book of Luke in 2018, and I want to use my notes on that to write some devotionals that I can post on my blog. Eventually, if I write enough devotionals, I’ll collect them in an ebook and print book, and I’ll also hire a translator to translate the book into Japanese.

I would really like to release another Japanese devotional that I can give to the non-Christian Japanese women who come to my church outreach ministries. Because of my personal issues and writer’s block and just some unforeseen problems, I was very bad about finally releasing the devotional in Matthew that involved several other authors, so this time I think I’ll just write all the devotionals myself so that I don’t leave the contributors hanging like I did before.

6) Spiritual accountability

I wasn’t terribly consistent with my daily Bible reading last year, although I did manage to complete a lengthy study on Genesis. So my new resolution is to be better this year and do my quiet times every day.

I started doing the devotionals in the YouVersion app on my phone again. Some of them are really good, and I’ve given myself permission to stop any of them that I don’t particularly care for. I have started a Bible in a Year devotional which I’ve enjoyed so far, plus it gets me in the Word and not just reading other people’s words about the Bible.

If you’re also using YouVersion, be sure to look me up and add me as a friend! I’ll add you back. It’ll be fun to see everyone’s daily Bible reading.

I also have been reading My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers again this year, this time using the My Utmost app. I have always loved this devotional book because he focuses on complete surrender to God, and that’s something that really resonates with me spiritually. The hardest and best parts of my relationship with God have been related to complete surrender.

Consistency

I suppose the majority of my goals for 2020 involve consistency—in writing and blogging, in my quiet times. I love the beginning of the year because all my goals are shiny and new, and the year is full of potential. I have great motivation to create good habits and the year looks bright.

What are you goals for this year? Feel free to comment to share them. Also if you’d like me to pray for you, feel free to share that too.

The Spinster's Christmas - Chapter 3a #Christianfiction #Regency #romance

I’m posting my Regency romance, The Spinster's Christmas , so all my blog readers get a chance to read it! It’s the Prequel novel to my Lady Wynwood’s Spies series.

A Regency romantic mystery

Miranda Belmoore has never felt attuned to the rest of society. Her family has never understood her blunt speech and unwillingness to bow to conventional strictures, and so they have always made her feel that there is something wrong with her. Now as a poor relation in her cousin’s house, she makes plans to escape a life of drudgery and disdain from her own family members.

Naval Captain Gerard Foremont is having difficulty adjusting to life back on land, frustrated that his career has been cut short by his severely injured knee. Guilt haunts him as he sees the strain his long convalescence has had upon his parents. As they spend Christmastide with the Belmoores, he wants to help fulfill his mother’s wish to have her orphaned niece come to stay with them.

However, an enemy has infiltrated the family party, bent on revenge and determined that Twelfth Night will end in someone’s death …

All the posted parts are listed here.

***
Chapter 3a

For the better part of the last ten minutes, Gerard had been staring up Cecil’s hairy nostril. It was most unpleasant, but Cecil had kept his nose upturned during their entire discussion here in the library, which had taken place directly after dinner. Gerard wondered that Cecil didn’t get a crick in his neck from looking down at all the world. Or perhaps Cecil simply had extraordinarily large nostrils.

“I assure you it is no hardship for Eleanor to continue her stay here,” Sir Cecil said, playing with a pretentiously large silver paperweight upon his desk. “She is firmly fixed in our home. Indeed, the entire neighborhood is aware of it and approves.”

Ah, now Gerard understood. Cecil would never admit it, but he did not want it known that he had “cast out“ a little girl dependent upon him, especially because he obviously had the means to continue to keep her. It might reflect poorly upon his reputation, which was not otherwise known for its generosity.

“Surely you would not object to such a small sacrifice on your part for my mother’s health and happiness?” Gerard asked.

Cecil blinked rapidly, unable to think of a suitable response.

Gerard’s father turned to Mr. Belmoore, Ellie’s grandfather, who sat in an overstuffed chair. “Mary has always loved children, and they love her. She has always wanted a girl.”

“In addition to her most excellent son,” Gerard added with a grin. Mr. Belmoore returned it, but Cecil sniffed.

“We have the added advantage of more children Ellie’s age in our neighborhood than there are around Wintrell Hall,” Gerard’s father said.

Seeing Cecil’s brows draw low, Gerard added, “I assure you they are all of good family.”

Cecil said nothing, obviously thinking better of calling the statement into question because it would be insulting to Gerard’s father.

“Cecil, you recall I expressed some concern on that head a few months ago,” Mr. Belmoore said to his nephew. “John is perfectly right. Ellie would have more playmates if she were to go with him. She has been lonely and of low spirits since her mother died.” Mr. Belmoore reached over to clap Gerard on the shoulder. “My only real concern, dear boy, is your health.”

“I’m strong as an ox. Don’t let the cane fool you. Come, I’ll wrestle you, and you’ll see.”

Mr. Belmoore laughed. “I don’t doubt your enthusiasm, but I simply wish to be assured that you are recovered enough to have a lively young girl underfoot.”

“I have improved considerably, or I would not have put forward this scheme.”

“Are you … completely recovered?” Mr. Belmoore asked.

Gerard knew what he was asking. “The doctor tells me that I shall walk with this cane for many months yet, perhaps years. But a full recovery is entirely within my grasp.”

“Years?” Cecil said. “And what manner of accidents may befall a child? That cane is downright dangerous.”

“I hardly intend to bat at her like a cricket pitch,” Gerard protested.

“No one is accusing you of anything of the sort,” Mr. Belmoore said, “but Gerard, I speak from experience when I say that a young girl Ellie’s age can be dangerously unpredictable, especially for a man with difficulties getting about.” He took his walking stick from where it leaned against his chair and tapped his left foot. “My gout has its good and bad days, but after Edmund died in action and Beth and Ellie came to stay with me, I had any number of accidents. Ellie likes to run, and will often run into things like legs, even when she does not intend to do so.”

Yes, Gerard had seen Ellie running about earlier this evening before their dinner in the nursery, darting here and there. She and the other children had not sat down to behave themselves until Miranda had arrived in the room half an hour later, restoring order.

But he disliked the caution in Mr. Belmoore’s tone. Gerard was a sailor who had fought, and he’d had enough of being treated like a porcelain figurine or a gouty old man. “I assure you, sir, I will have no difficulties with Ellie. I quite look forward to playing with her.” The memory of the nursery also reminded him of his promise to Miranda, and he turned to his father. “Sir, I have not had opportunity to speak to you of this, but I thought we might take Miranda with us, if only for a few months, to assist Mother with Ellie.”

His father looked thoughtful. “That may be a good plan, although you will need to persuade your mother. And obtain Cecil’s permission, naturally.” He inclined his head toward Cecil.

Cecil frowned. “It matters not to me what happens to Miranda.”

His tone made Gerard’s teeth grind together.

Cecil continued, “However, Felicity had hoped to send the girl to her cousin’s home after Twelfth Night. They have lost yet another nursery-maid.”

Gerard had expected Cecil to object to losing his unpaid servant, but this unexpected need of his wife’s close relation would perhaps take precedence over Gerard’s family.

“Cecil, you must order your household as you think best,” Mr. Belmoore said. “As for Ellie, I have decided she will go to the Foremonts at the end of the Christmas celebrations.”

“Thank you, sir.” As Gerard shook Mr. Belmoore’s hand, he determined to spend every moment that he could playing with Ellie within sight of her grandfather, to show him that his injury was not affected in the slightest by having a child about. Regardless, he would need Ellie to become accustomed to him. She had been shy when he’d introduced himself in the nursery earlier.

He desperately hoped that having Ellie’s company would improve his mother’s temperament, which was wearing on both himself and his father. He had brought such difficulties to them because of his injury, and he only wanted to make his mother happy again.

***
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The Spinster's Christmas - Chapter 2b #Christianfiction #Regency #romance

I’m posting my Regency romance, The Spinster's Christmas , so all my blog readers get a chance to read it! It’s the Prequel novel to my Lady Wynwood’s Spies series.

A Regency romantic mystery

Miranda Belmoore has never felt attuned to the rest of society. Her family has never understood her blunt speech and unwillingness to bow to conventional strictures, and so they have always made her feel that there is something wrong with her. Now as a poor relation in her cousin’s house, she makes plans to escape a life of drudgery and disdain from her own family members.

Naval Captain Gerard Foremont is having difficulty adjusting to life back on land, frustrated that his career has been cut short by his severely injured knee. Guilt haunts him as he sees the strain his long convalescence has had upon his parents. As they spend Christmastide with the Belmoores, he wants to help fulfill his mother’s wish to have her orphaned niece come to stay with them.

However, an enemy has infiltrated the family party, bent on revenge and determined that Twelfth Night will end in someone’s death …

All the posted parts are listed here.

***
Chapter 2b

“The children are eating dinner at the moment,” she said. “Perhaps if you visited them later tonight?”

“When have I ever stood on ceremony with the brats? I’ll pop in to say hello, wrestle a few of them to the ground, and make them cast up their accounts.” He grinned. “I shall see you at dinner, then.”

She considered giving a noncommittal answer because she knew the unvarnished truth would upset him again, but he would know the truth eventually. “I will not be downstairs. I am having dinner in the nursery.”

He had been about to head toward the nursery but he stopped. His cane halted in midair for a split second before it snapped down on the floor again. “Why would you do that?”

She bit her tongue so that she would not say the first thing that came to mind, namely, Felicity is exercising her ability to count heads at table.

However, the expression on her face must have given her away, because he said incredulously, “Felicity has barred you from the dining room?”

“Nothing quite so barbaric. You know how fanatically she values order and appearances. She does not wish an odd number of guests at table tonight.”

Gerard’s face grew thunderous. “That is outside of enough.”

“Gerard, I shall not be missed in the least.” While she knew it was true, saying it out loud seemed to hammer it into her chest with a hollow blow. No one would notice her absence, and indeed, some members of the party would even welcome it.

Her words seemed to have shocked him. Finally he sputtered, “Of course you will be missed. We all grew up together. It would not be the same without you there.” He checked himself, then added, “You and everyone else, of course.”

The spark of warmth that had involuntarily risen at his words was doused by the splash of reality. Gerard had never looked at her as other than a friend, and surely by now, after years apart, she had outgrown her childish infatuation with him. She gave him a rueful smile to hide her feelings. “Gerard, when have you known me to speak more than a dozen words at table? No one will pine for my brilliant conversational bon mots.”

A flicker of a smile on his face. “I want it all to be as it was the year before I went to sea. I have looked forward to Christmas in England these many years past.”

There was an echo of longing in his voice, and she could imagine what his Christmases had been like on his ship, far from home and family.

“I shall speak to Felicity,” he said.

“Pray do not,” she said fervently.

“She is treating you like a servant.”

“Because we have never gotten along and she is resentful that Cecil was forced to take me in. If you insist I sit at dinner, she will do something else.”

“It is not right, Miranda.”

“There is nothing you can …” An idea suddenly formed in her mind, vague like the sun straining to shine through mist over the fields, but slowly gaining strength. And hope.

“Miranda?” he asked.

“Do you wish to help me?”

“Of course. Name it.”

“Will you speak to your mother on my behalf? Will you ask if she will consent to allow me to travel to Foremont Court with Ellie after Twelfth Night?”

He sighed. “You saw my mother’s temper in the carriage,” he said in a low voice. “She is not best pleased with me. I fear I could not sway her.”

“Please, would you try? Ellie is very attached to me. You would have no need to hire a nursery-maid.”

His dark brows drew low over his eyes. “Miranda, I will not have you treated like a poor relation at our home, as well.”

“Gerard, my situation is intolerable.” She could not bring herself to speak such disgraceful gossip about Mr. Beatty to a young man—and certainly not Gerard—but she was desperate. Even admitting her desperation to him was difficult for her, who had always had to take care of herself.

A step on the stair made them both turn to see one of the under-maids, Jean, appear at the top of the stairs. She gave Miranda and Gerard a saucy, appraising look. Jean always seemed reluctant to serve Miranda or Miss Teel, the governess, and Miranda had the impression that Jean resented their place in the household, neither fish nor fowl, as it were—neither genteel nor of the servant class.

“What is it?” Miranda said, a bit shortly.

“Lady Belmoore requires you to fetch her rose-embroidered petticoat from her room and repair it before tomorrow.”

That was a task for Felicity’s abigail. “What about Hobson?” Miranda asked.

“She has to alter some fancy gown for milady at the last minute and is too busy.”

“Very well.” Miranda nodded to Jean, but the girl lingered at the top of the stairs, regarding Gerard with obvious interest.

He cleared his throat. “Thank you, that will be all.”

Jean’s mouth pinched, but she turned to walk back down the stairs.

“I am shocked at the forwardness of Felicity’s staff,” Gerard said.

“It is only Jean, I assure you. Felicity runs a tight ship.”

He laughed. “Just so.” He hesitated, then said, “I will speak to my mother, Miranda. But I do not wish to falsely raise your hopes.”

She realized that in those short moments, she had begun to rely upon Gerard. No, that would never do. She had long ago learned that it was futile to rely on anyone else besides herself.

He suddenly reached out and grabbed her hand. Neither of them wore gloves, and she felt the callouses of his fingers, the warmth of his palm. Somehow, his touch made her feel more substantial than she usually did in this household. He knew her, he saw her, where everyone else tried to forget her. She realized she had been growing accustomed to the feeling of having lost her identity.

“I meant what I said,” Gerard said. “I am happy to see you. For me, you are part of the Christmas season.”

She smiled and turned to go downstairs to Felicity’s room while he continued toward the nursery. But his words had caused a twinge in her chest, like a harp string too harshly plucked.

His anger on her behalf had made her feel less alone, and his kindness was a balm to her spirit after two years under Felicity’s thumb. But in truth, Gerard and his family would leave after Twelfth Night, and Miranda would be sent to Felicity’s cousin’s home.

She could only rely on herself to save herself.

***
Buy The Spinster’s Christmas ebook for only $0.99!
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The Spinster's Christmas - Chapter 2a #Christianfiction #Regency #romance

I’m posting my Regency romance, The Spinster's Christmas , so all my blog readers get a chance to read it! It’s the Prequel novel to my Lady Wynwood’s Spies series.

A Regency romantic mystery

Miranda Belmoore has never felt attuned to the rest of society. Her family has never understood her blunt speech and unwillingness to bow to conventional strictures, and so they have always made her feel that there is something wrong with her. Now as a poor relation in her cousin’s house, she makes plans to escape a life of drudgery and disdain from her own family members.

Naval Captain Gerard Foremont is having difficulty adjusting to life back on land, frustrated that his career has been cut short by his severely injured knee. Guilt haunts him as he sees the strain his long convalescence has had upon his parents. As they spend Christmastide with the Belmoores, he wants to help fulfill his mother’s wish to have her orphaned niece come to stay with them.

However, an enemy has infiltrated the family party, bent on revenge and determined that Twelfth Night will end in someone’s death …

All the posted parts are listed here.

***
Chapter 2a

“Miranda.” Felicity’s sharp, displeased voice echoed harshly from the wainscoting along the walls of the nursery wing’s corridor.

Miranda stopped on her way to her room and turned. Felicity stood at the head of the stairs. Waiting for her to come to her.

She headed back down the hallway. “What is it, Felicity?”

Felicity gave an impatient huff and strode to meet Miranda halfway. “For goodness’ sake, you walk as slowly as a slug.”

Miranda’s mother had complained of that, as well, but she and others among the Belmoores had equated Miranda’s slowness of foot with slowness of mind, also. Probably because in moments like these, Miranda simply said nothing. It made others uncomfortable, which was why Miranda did it.

Felicity waited, and when the silence stretched on, she blinked several times before saying, “I only needed to tell you that we won't be needing your presence at dinner tonight. We are already even at table, because there are a few guests who will be arriving tomorrow.”

Miranda kept her eyes lowered as her hands fisted in the fabric of her skirts. “Of course,” she said evenly.

“But do come to me in the drawing room after dinner. I might need you. And what do you mean by accepting a ride in Mr. Foremont’s carriage? I was ever so embarrassed that they’d seen you in that shabby gown.”

“I had thought you would want the ribbons I fetched for you a half hour sooner.”

Felicity’s lips pursed. They barely cracked open as she said, “Very well. But do try to spare a thought for my feelings. The less you are noticed, the better.”

Miranda felt as if she had been plunged into the lake. Her hands began to shake, making the fabric of her gown tremble.

“It will be better for all of us when you go to my cousin Polly’s household after Twelfth Night,” Felicity added.

“Felicity, I beg you to reconsider sending me,” Miranda said. Her hands now trembled with a darker emotion than mortification. “One of the maids has told me that there are … rumors about Mr. Beatty. The people who live near the Beattys spoke of maids who ran away from their posts.”

“Polly has always had difficulty retaining her nursery staff,” Felicity said impatiently. “It is reason I am sending you.”

“But the maid said there were some indelicate stories. Two of the maids were thought to be pregnant, and a third killed herself.”

“Miranda!” Felicity’s cheeks flamed with color. “Listening to spurious gossip—nay, repeating it!”

As an unmarried young woman, it was highly improper of Miranda to say these things, but she had to try to make Felicity see the truth and change her mind. “Villagers nearby will not allow their daughters to work at the Beatty home, no matter what the wages are. Felicity, do you not understand?”

“I understand that you are being disobliging,” Felicity snapped. “After we have taken you into our home, for you to go and serve my cousin is the least you could do.”

Miranda would be an unpaid servant in a household with a man rumored to have a penchant for forcing the maids. “Please, Felicity,” she said.

“I will hear no more of such horrid lies about my cousin’s husband,” Felicity said. “Cecil would be shocked if I were to tell him what you have said to me, you ungrateful wretch of a girl.” In an angry whirlwind of skirts, Felicity left Miranda standing alone in the nursery wing corridor.

Was she ungrateful? Were the rumors untrue? And yet her cousin’s wife should be more concerned about the possible danger to her relation, even if she was not connected by blood.

Miranda squeezed her eyes shut, all her limbs fluttering like leaves in a stiff winter wind. Life here with Felicity was difficult, but she simply could not go to the Beattys. She must find a way to save herself.

She shivered violently. She had been in the stillroom, which was pleasantly warm from the heat of the kitchen next to it. However, this wing of the house had terrible drafts, and so she went to her room to collect a shawl. She exerted herself to calm her jumbled emotions.

As she exited the room, she nearly collided with a large male figure. She had been too preoccupied even to hear his footsteps.

There was a clatter of wood upon the floor, and then warm hands clasped her shoulders. She caught a whiff of sea rushes and mint and knew without looking that it was Gerard. He had not touched her like this since they’d played together as children, and she remained perfectly still, not wanting him to release her.

“Miranda, what are you doing?” He peered at the governess’s room behind her. “Why were you in there?”

“It is where I am sleeping for the holidays, since we are full to the rafters with guests.”

“In the nursery-maid’s room?”

“No, I am sharing the governess’s room. We have no nursery-maid.”

He frowned at her as his hands dropped from her shoulders. “Surely Cecil can afford one?”

“He has no need of one while I am here.”

His face grew dark. “He ought not to treat you this way. You are his cousin.”

“I am a poor relation now, Gerard. That is how poor relations are treated.”

“Not all poor relations are treated this way.”

“Did you expect an outpouring of love from Cecil or Felicity?”

His eyes, the color of cinnamon, narrowed as they surveyed her. “Who is in your bedroom, then?”

“The nursery-maids that Aunt Augusta and Aunt Anne brought with them.”

His brows furrowed. “Maids? In your bedroom?”

It took her a moment to understand his outrage, and she quickly said, “My bedroom is not in the family wing of the house. It is there.” She pointed to the door opposite.

But it seemed to make him even more shocked and angered on her behalf. “Do you mean to say that you sleep in the nursery-maid’s room?”

“It’s closer to Ellie’s bedroom, and to the younger boys when they are home on holiday from school. I don’t mind.”

“Miranda …”

“Ellie needs me sometimes in the middle of the night. She still misses her mama—it’s been barely a year since Beth died. And I can give her the kind of attention that no stranger would give to her.” She added, “I don’t want you to become upset on my account.”

To forestall his reply, she bent to pick up his cane. He’d dropped it when he’d grabbed her to prevent her from running into him. “Here you are. Soon you will no longer need it.”

He held her gaze, and she couldn’t look away. He was aware of her attempts to change the subject, but he acquiesced. “I suppose I should be grateful I can stand without aid now, but it is still frustrating to need this.” He set the foot of the cane on the wooden floor with a sharp snap.

He would never know the agonies she had suffered, praying fervently for him each night when she had first heard about the severity of his injuries from a letter his father had sent to her uncle Edward.

“Are you here to see Ellie?” she asked.

“Yes. I can hear the noise from the nursery all the way down the staircase.”

“All the children are excited to be with their cousins again.”

“I recall we were that way, at their age.”

She had lived for the times when he had joined their large family gatherings. His father’s close friendship with her uncle Edward had enabled him nearly to grow up with her and her cousins, at least until he went to sea. He had never known how much she cared for him, how she had pined for him with girlish tears. She was a girl no longer, but she still felt remnants of that wistful longing for him, that little gasp of excitement in her chest when he looked at her.

Gerard would never know. He must never know.

***
Buy The Spinster’s Christmas ebook for only $0.99!
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