A Regency Era Timeline 1796 Revisited and a new Regency Novel-The Heir
My previous posts I’ve explained that I was working on the Regency timeline. I posted my entries for 1788 thru 1798.
Now I have the 1796 Timeline again. I went back added a significant amount of graphics. This is the last of the original years that I have had to revisit and add graphics to. With this posting, I will then turn to alternating between our pages for Regency Era Prime Ministers and new timelines. The next will be 1799.
I have uploaded all these years to the Regency Assembly Press website. You can see a little preview of this below in the picture. I especially like how the Duchess of Alba by Goya looks a lot like Cher.
My sources which include the Internet and The Timetables of History by Grun and Stein
as well as the Chronology of CULTURE by Paxton and Fairfield should cover a lot of events. There are now over 5000 listed for the period between 1788 and 1837 when Victoria comes to the Throne. I have also just found a third book I own with timelines in it, very USA centric though. 
What Happened When by Carruth. I also have added a Dorling Kindersley book 
, History of the World.
I may post a year at time every so often in between scanning through all these to find something that will be a good article for this blog and the blog at English Historical Fiction Authors. I will also have the full listing up shortly at Regency Assembly Press.
Those who have feedback, it is appreciated or if someone would like a specific year in a future post. The very first entry is to show who was Prime Minister of Great Britain, later it was the United Kingdom, during the period of the chronology. In choosing our dates, 1788 is the first sign of madness in George the III, it is the beginning of the end of the French Monarchy with the riots in Paris, it is the time when the mama’s of the girls during the true Regency would be girls going to London for their own season, and when our heroes are young lads or babes as well.
We need to know of the events that occurred when they were children, as well as what happens when they are on stage in our stories.
Click on the link below or the picture to go to the entry. More years coming. The list is now over 5000 event entries long and growing.
After the Regency Timeline, I plan to do a short addition on Regency Era Prime Ministers. They always come up in my research and I think we need a page where we can find out all about them in one place. Then, the Edwardian Timeline. I am thinking the years 1890 to 1918 (The end of WWI)
Regency Assembly Press 1796 Timeline
The Writing LIfe
My new writing project, The Heir finished. I will finish off Chapter 3 here, and then advise through the blog when I revisit the draft for publication. My new project will be a Fantasy, the third part of my trilogy on the son of Duke.
The Heir is about the heroine of course can not stand the hero, who is trying to understand why she dislikes him so. Part of the action takes place in St. James Square, where I have located our Heroine’s home. That was written about, in a blog post from fellow writer Angelyn Schmid on her post about Let’s do Business in Bed.
I enclose a few more paragraphs from the first draft.
Chapter 3 continues
Spend a little money, or actually a lot of money to be elected and the well versed politician could make much more. And the honest politician, were there such a creature, could well go broke making friendships and seeking to support justice, rather than ones pocket book.
Mr. Perceval took a moment and then let out a bombastic laugh. “Well said. Yes we shall need your services. Can you make a speech? Did you not tell me Lennox that he was the best read man of your acquaintance. I do hope my lord that you acquaintance is as large as your stables, then we shall expect such oration from this young man that perhaps he will one day serve his majesty by taking upon himself my small job.” Perceval laughed once more and then waved himself off.
“Well my lad, the Prime Minister knows your name.”
Sebastian replied, “And has a notion that soon I am to take Mr. Poppets seat? I agree that Poppet does little credit to the Tories and to yourself, sir. I had no quest to take his seat however.”
“Shh, we do not refer to ourselves as Tories any longer. We all think of ourselves as Whigs of course, though we are Tories in practice. Now as to Mr. Poppet, the by-election for our borough is upon us this year. I am not offering my support to the man.”
Sebastian took but a second to reflect, “But my lord, there is only one vote cast in that borough. Your own. If you do not offer him support, none shall stop you from choosing another.”
“It is so, that I am the only man who may vote, but I do want the tenants to know who represents them. They shall look to the man elected as their champion. Do you know, before I met the first Countess, Lady Samantha, who your sister is named after, and before I was Earl but only heir to my father, that I held the borough. That it was I who spoke in front of the tenants. It was long ago now. Before you were born, that I was the member. Great days that was. Great days, with Pitt leading us. I would speak to a question on occasion and well was I heard.” The Earl was lost in his memories then. Sebastian did not want to interrupt for there was a look of rapture upon him.
“Now you, I know you to be a man of letters. It was certainly costly enough to send you to the university, though I do not begrudge what I have spent on you and your siblings. You are my heir and I have learned to face the notion that Lady Elizabeth and I will not have a child. I have spent too long neglecting my teaching you the responsibilities of our station. You do realize that soon enough you will be called on to be the lord down at Combe Edinsley. I should like you to consider a long stay with us at the end of the season as well as of course making the house your residence when you attend the hustings.”
Sebastian felt he was being guided in life again, and once more his choices were being made for him. Not he making choices. “My lord, I am obliged to you, but you can not be sure that I shall be any more attentive than Mr. Poppet.”
“Oh, I am sure you will do your duty much better than Poppet. He is a sick man, and he uses drink as his medicine. That is no cure for what ails him, and it has gone on so long that death may be the only means he has to be rid of his ailment. Poppet though is not your concern, but tell me, were you Earl, what would you do with such a man? If I was gone and this instant you were Earl, to go into Lords and help the country, or would you return to our estates and ignore what is happening. By sitting in the hall below, you may effect what your brother James and Henry do. You realize that, do you not? And were you the member in Commons, then you may influence what the endure in their travails as well now. Before I am called to meet the lord. I do not fear that I shall going below for as profligate as I have been, I do not think I have given myself over to the devil.”
“No, my lord. No tale I have ever heard of you has said anything near that. You are considered an example for most men.”
“Except I spend too much time with my horses.” The Earl said.
Sebastian had to agree, “It has been said. And that you mayhap should spend time with your friends outside of those that you meet with here at Lords.”
“Ha,” he laughed, “That is what the Countess has said as well. Poor thing, been sick for a week and telling me that I must entertain should I wish to be a part of Perceval’s cabinet. So we have you to dinner and our other relations, then we shall try to discuss politics with those I must impress. She has little faith that I can talk about other than horses.”
“Can you my lord? Surely you would have me join you here in the work that Parliament does and I must speak of more than the classics. It, I do not think, will inspire those others of the Commons, nor those on your estate that I should speak to if I were to speak at the hustings.”
The Earl then went on to tell Sebastian of his early days in the House of Commons and the several speeches he had given in detail, one the second to last before the vote was called so he knew that what he had said had bearing on the matter. That he had helped determine the course of empire. Sebastian listened with half an ear. One had to stop listening and think.
That was what he needed to do then. Think. Sebastian of course could have asked for time to tender an answer, but he usually did not see the man for six months again. Yet he was to see the man in three days at his home. It meant, Sebastian thought, that he would see his cousin Annabella who had shown her contempt for him last year.
He had never done anything to warrant such hatred except for his being born, and there being no other man to inherit between her father and he. Sebastian thought it quite petty for the woman to take a hate towards him. If she could not control her spleen so, it was not his loss. Most likely it was his gain, for she had been thrice a ninny the year before with the men she had allowed to throw themselves at her.
If they had made an offer for her, he was sure the Earl had sent them packing. They each had offered for a dozen other women who had great wealth, but guardians who knew that the suitors were made of paper and nothing else. If he was a rake, at least no one would say he was made of paper. Or would they? Had he done anything to prove that he was someone who was serious. Not since he had returned from Corunna.
None could point and say that he had done much but spurn the acquaintance of all women he acknowledge by their sixth meeting.
He indeed was tending towards rakeishness, for that would quite fit the definition of a man who used a woman ill. If a man did that to his sisters, he would have to call them out. Considering the number of women Sebastian had shown interest in, he was surprised that no brother or father had challenged him, but then Prinny had made him a baronet because he had been quite good with gun and saber in battle. The truth of that was that he had survived, more than any other tale that was set about the Ton.
So to be serious, was that worthwhile. He had wanted occupation, and this would be it.
“I know that these tales are perhaps not so profound now, but in the day, they meant everything to me. It was how I met Lady Samantha and her admiration for more work allowed me to know she admired me entire. I knew then to offer for her and none other, for no other cared a fig at all what I did at night here at the House.”
“I am sure that your time in Commons was important and you must tell me more of it. I am looking for direction, and of course your support will carry me in such an endeavor. You are aware that should you have an heir, as I have long prayed for, then I must find a means to support myself…”
The Earl held up a hand. “As I said, I do not think that Countess Elizabeth shall be so blessed, so the line shall pass to you. Annabella could marry and I could make allowance were she to have a boy, but if that is the case, I shall draw up documents with my lawyers that you current allowance shall be entailed on you and any wife of yours. Should that not suffice?”
“My lord, were you to have an heir other than myself, it is too much.”
“Hardly. Here then, you have bought some little property but need more in order that you support yourself. What if we gift you with some lands we have. Enough that there is an income. You would have them when you become Earl, and if your line were replaced, it would still give you a comfortable income all your days. I have some little lands I may do this with. I am told that you have been lucky at the tables and I do not know that such a sobriquet attached to my heir is something that Bath should have. I know that you are not a reckless gambler else my banker would be asking that I sign your debts, yet he tells me that for near two months you have not drawn on your allowance, and that the bills for your household have gone elsewhere.”
Sebastian said, “I took the liberty of establishing mine own accounts my lord. It did seem prudent.”
The Earl shook his head, “You are a credit to your father, and I should have taken a greater hand in your rearing when he died. I am sorry that I have not now. And it is too late to have anything to say with your brothers. There careers are foreordained now. The girls, you will allow me to act like an indulgent uncle. I spoil Anna terribly, I know, but I should do so with your sisters and perhaps show that I am not some ogre. I should imagine the expense of their trousseau for the season shall be large, I know that Anna and the Countess have already told me that it shall be more this year than last since last year the men we had call were not those that should have.”
“I had heard somewhat similar my lord. There are men, and then there are men who do not care whom they wed, but do care if their bride will weigh as much as their portion.”
The Earl laughed, “Well Anna is quite a piece but not large at all. Yet I think any who are serious will see she is to get a good dowry. Your sisters, your father’s estate made allowance. If there is help needed to encourage a man, rather than an afterthought, you will speak to me. If the lands were already yours, you could attend to your sisters. No need for them to make a marriage that they will be unhappy with because you do not have the money you need now, but will have it ten years hence.”
“I am sure it would be longer than that, my lord.” The Earl had talked about his demise in nearly every interview the two had since Sebastian had returned from the Peninsula. Sebastian had always wondered if it was some way of pointing out that he needed to not consider an adventurous life which could end in disaster. That the Earl did not want to change the titles succession again.
“I am near sixty and know that I am certainly closer to my end then I am to my start. Now, let us talk more about the seat in the House. Naturally all your expenses as a Member will be paid for by me. You need not worry about anything extra that being a member should cost, and if you succeed and need to socialize, host functions as I know one should when aspiring to be taken seriously in our circle, then I shall pay for that as well. In fact, the Countess assures me that if I have you to represent our borough, then you should attend all our soirees as she calls em, for the rest of the Season.”
Sebastian could only allow how that made sense. “Politics is not made so well on our speeches in the Houses, but on our suppers in our houses.”
The Earl looked up at that and smiled, “Speeches in the, suppers in our houses. I like that. But that does seem to be correct. We can talk amongst ourselves and often bend and shape laws to what is needed to get them passed in the Houses. I have been remiss in that I had forgotten that was the case. I had spent too much of my time thinking I need not bring home my work, but using my home is part of the work. The great lords that dabble in politics know this. We adopt our favorites, our clients and see to it that England rises and shall not fall.”
Sebastian said, “I see that. Might I have some time to think on this? You would not maneuver me into the corner without allowing to ponder this. I had not thought to worry so about politics until, well until I had to take you seat in Lords, my lord.”
“No, of course you may give my your answer in time. But you really do not have the luxury to wait for when I am gone. There is much to learn about politics and governance. Did not these last years show you that managing a household of so many people is not easily done? And then you purchased land. Have you not learned again that having tenants who rely on you is also not so easily handled. The same with the nation. There are many things that will seem to be just, but they also may seem to be shortsighted. Government needs to be a long game. A very long game, and even when you look at the victory of a year or two, you must plan for that victory to be forever. You may even admit defeat if it will bring true victory later on. Do you not think we would let Wellesley flounder if it meant that we were assured of success against the Tyrant through some other action. We aren’t of course, but we would.”
Sebastian had never considered that but it gave him something to ponder. He took his leave of the Earl, looking forward to dining at St. James Square some few days in the future. In the meantime he had to introduce his sisters to his friends and begin their calls. Though should the Earl’s other family be at his house, as he mentioned, then his sisters were destined to meet the Beauchamp’s. The very handsome and fashionable Viscount Christopher would dazzle their eyes and then he would say something that was witty, and Sebastian’s sisters would cover their ears.
“When are you to take us out, brother? We have been home all day, and we dined in last night as well.” Jennifer said later when they had gathered for dinner.
“I did explain that our cousin summoned me to speak with him. That we could make no plans, though we shall meet with some of my friends tomorrow. They have assured me that they will call.” He said.
“Jennifer is just impatient. I am glad that we do not have do dine with the Chaperones at every meal,” Samantha said.
Sebastian “No, if we are just family, then we do not have to eat with them but can have time to ourselves. It is only should we have other society that we will have the ladies join us. Now it is through the fortune of blood that we can afford to sit at such a table for dinner, for I have earned no money, nor had our father earned much either. Henry, who has successes, shall no doubt make a name of himself and it will be up to you two to help guide him to a wife when he returns from the sea. He shall want to have a family, and be of society I think, as will James. Though James shall take matters into his own hands.”
“As you have done? We may not have had any callers other than Lady Margaret today who wished to meet our chaperones, but she told us what news she had when she arrived at her daughters house. Twenty ladies all expected an offer, and you have given none any sign that they have held your heart. At first it was thought that you were to be caught and all the mamas wanted to have you hooked for their daughters. The Earl’s heir. You are to have a fortune. But for three years you have played with the affections of every young lady of means. You are labelled…” Jennifer had a lot to say.
Sebastian added before she could say it, “a Rakehell? It is not a name I would call myself. I had little idea that so many women expected an offer. I never, I assure you gave them such presumption. I did not kiss their fingers. I did not read, or worse, write poetry to them. They had no indication from myself that they were the true beating of my heart.”
Samantha asked, “Have you met the woman who is the true beating of your heart?”
Jennifer looked as if she had wanted to say something that was sure to lead to another argument, but that seemed to stop her. Not that he felt that he was arguing with his sisters, but there certainly was an interrogation occurring.
“If I have, I assure you that I would not tell you, unless I could say with confidence that such a lady reciprocated those feelings and you could wish me happy. To do so before I was sure of such could only lead to my being truly labelled Rakehell. I assure you, it is not a name I am deserving of.”
Jennifer said, “It will stand you well in the House of Commons. Women and mamas will despise you were you truly a Rake, but men, they all must admire such character and action.”
Sebastian shook his head, skewering a prawn on his plate so that he could chew it. “Now that I am not sure of. Many in the House are unmarried of course. Men of the world, but there are many fathers as well. I can not think that a father should like his daughter to be taken advantage of by such a man. I may have more work to do this year to repair my reputation. I may have a great deal of work to do to be sure that whatever has been attributed to me does not become attached to you.”
Jennifer had not seemed to think that would occur. “You do not mean to imply that you have behaved so improperly that my chances shall be ruined.”
“No. Not at all. And should any many say so, they shall find that they will have me to deal with the matter as much as father would have. You will not remember him much as he has been gone for many years now. But he would have challenged a man to a duel at the mere thought, let alone mention of such. James has met several captains in the Navy who were good friends with father and say he was quite skilled in such matters.”
Samantha asked, “Are you skilled in dueling? I would not like you to defend our names and end up dead over the matter. James and Henry risk enough as it is. I thought you were heroic to venture to the war but I was a child then. Now I think you were very foolhardy to have chanced it.”
Sebastian smiled, “You are right. I was very foolhardy. It made me aware that I would never do something like that again. Do not fear. But I would not let an insult against you or our name go unpunished.”
“But you could be hurt in a duel. You could be killed.” Samantha said. He could see that Jennifer was upset by this as well. Then it dawned on him that all them had lost their parents some years before. Left alone with only each other, and he and his brothers abandoning them to have careers. They were terrified that he, or the other two would die. And the other two were in careers that put them in a great deal of danger.
“I would only do so should I have to.” He said choosing his words with care.
Samantha said, “Even so, you could still be hurt. What do I care how others think a name is so important. Isn’t it enough that the French want to attack us, that we would have to fight amongst ourselves.” Then Sebastian knew that his sister was right. Why would he fight another englishman to defend honor, when they were fighting the French to stop tyranny.
“I will give the matter thought. You are concerned and I shall not quickly say a thing to make you calm, and then later when it seems expedient do another action entirely opposed to such a promise. No, I shall think on the issue. The Earl even advised me today that successful government must be carried out the same. That one must look long at a problem and think what the solution shall be in the years to come. Not just in the months that are at hand.”
The conversation turned and then later, as a custard was offered for them before the ladies went through to the drawing room, and he would have some port, a cigar should he wish it, it came back again to the Earl and his family. “Did you not tell us that you met with Lady Anna our cousin last year?”
“No, I became acquainted with her at a ball where I do believe, I was given the cut direct. She wrote an apology that I believe that the Countess directed her to do so. She knew who I was, but when I asked her for a dance, all had been taken. I was snubbed.”
“Oh my. Our own cousin as well.” Samantha said.
Jennifer observed, “It must be something more that that. You must have been a complete bore to her earlier. She came out at the beginning of last season.”
“Our paths did not cross till the one ball, and then I made sure that they did not cross again. I did not want all the Ton to think of this as an ondit. I am her father’s heir and were the Ton to think that there was animosity between us, it would not be well. The Earl would suffer by it as well, and he, we owe much too. We should surely have been in dire straits should he have not come to our aid when father was killed.”
The girls nodded. Each year they wrote very nice letters to the Earl at Christmass time thanking him for his generosity. Sebastian did not know if the Earl read them, but he had told the girls that making the letters personal, spending time with them, would one day reap them benefits that they could not begin to imagine. And of the offer to help with the dowries was what had come of those letters, than Sebastian had proved prescient.
Their father had died at the Battle of Copenhagen, and their mother a few years after. Sebastian was quite sure that Samantha had little remembrance of their father, and Jennifer probably only saw the man a little more, though he had been home for a spell when Jennifer was small. They even went to Plymouth as a family while father outfitted his ship before going forth. Henry had thought that a great adventure. Sebastian hated it for it meant that their father would once again be at sea for months and they would not see him. Other boys in their village saw their fathers each day. Sebastian and his siblings were lucky to have that luxury only when their father was in quest of a new command, and then he would venture to London often and wait at the Admiralty to try and get a posting.
That was humiliating, he remembered his father saying, and Henry agreeing when he too had waited nervously with other officers for such luck to come his way. It had with the influence of the Earl of Bath and of politics. Now more than ever, Sebastian was sure that Henry had gotten his ship because someone wanted favors from the Earl. And the Earl was happy to agree to them.
It was truly a foregone conclusion. Sebastian was the head of his branch of the Lennoxs. A branch that had owed all it had to the generosity of the Earl. His education, James commission, the girls expenses boarding with Aunt Margaret, and the augmentation of their Dowry. The Frigate that James commanded allowing him to accumulate prize money. If the Earl crooked his finger and said that he wanted Sebastian to represent a pocket borough, then he would. If the Earl said to vote against all the beliefs Sebastian held, he would do that as well. Part of being groomed for becoming the lord of Bath was to know who you owed and how you would pay them back.
