Reading Guide - Pippa & Edmund

[Tracy]

The Westminster Intrigue4th question from the Reading Guide - what do you think lies ahead for Pippa and Edmund? How do their chances of happiness now compare with when they were younger? How might they fit into the series going forward? And as a bonus, what Shakespeare play inspired the Langdon sisters and Blayney brothers?

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[Deb]

I think that Pippa and Edmund stand a very good chance of being able to move forward with their lives as a couple. She is a widow and while the ton may not understand, I think Pippa has made it more than clear that she plans to be with the man she has loved and the father of one of her daughters. And I think Edmund realizes that sometimes you need to grab these moments. So personally I am encouraged.
As for Shakespeare play - I think I need to think about it more

[Betty]

I think they have a good chance of success. I like them and would like to see Edmund reunited with his daughter.

[Tracy]

Betty wrote: "I think they have a good chance of success. I like them and would like to see Edmund reunited with his daughter."

Deb wrote: "I think that Pippa and Edmund stand a very good chance of being able to move forward with their lives as a couple. She is a widow and while the ton may not understand, I think Pippa has made it mor..."

I'm glad you liked Edmund and Pippa, Deb and Betty. I really enjoyed writing about them and plan to do more with them in the future.

[Diane]

I agree that Edmund and Pippa will succeed in their marriage.

The only play I can think of with three sisters is King Lear.

[Tracy]

Diane wrote: "I agree that Edmund and Pippa will succeed in their marriage.

The only play I can think of with three sisters is King Lear."

You're spot on, Diane! I was thinking about Lear with the three sisters and Goneril and Regan both in love Edmund (the Lear Edmund) who is using both of them in his power schemes. In the 19th century when Shakespeare was rewritten to have happy endings, there was a version where Cordelia ended up with Edgar, Edmund's brother. So originally I have going to have Phoebe end up with Edmund Blayney (who to make this confusing is the parallel for Edgar in Lear). But then I decided it would be more interesting to have Jamie Blayney involved with all three sisters and pair Pippa with Edmund Blayney. But Lear was the inspiration, just at Wickham from Pride & Prejudice was the inspiration for Jamie Blayney (with Pendarves as the Darcy figure and Phoebe as Georgiana Darcy). I'm often inspired by literature but this was unusually strong.

[Kimberly]

I like Edmund & Pippa and hope they grab their happiness no matter what society thinks. I think Pippa will support Edmund and encourage him to continue with his paper and articles because I think she know it is who he is and has always been. I think the girls will come to love Edmund so I don't know if they ever need to tell his daughter the truth or if it will really matter. I think children just need to feel and be loved.

[Tracy]

Kimberly wrote: "I like Edmund & Pippa and hope they grab their happiness no matter what society thinks. I think Pippa will support Edmund and encourage him to continue with his paper and articles because I think s..."

I like Edmund and Pippa a lot too, Kim! I think we see them on the path to grabbing their happiness. And we have clues Pippa may not only support the paper but want to get involved herself. Some interesting possibilities for them as the series continues...

[Diane]

As with Ben and Nerezza, Edmund and Pippa will have the support of all the other couples. I think the group of couples, as well as their extended friends outside the circle, will be supportive and help make the marriage a success.

[Tracy]

Diane wrote: "As with Ben and Nerezza, Edmund and Pippa will have the support of all the other couples. I think the group of couples, as well as their extended friends outside the circle, will be supportive and ..."

Such a good point that having a strong support system helps all the couples. A support system is always is always helpful and perhaps particularly when society is so insular. No matter what society thinks, they have each other.