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The Mischief of the Mistletoe
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Series Read: Pink Carnation, #4.2: The Mischief of the Mistletoe, by Lauren Willig (Start Date: June 15, 2012)
Okay, ladies...Chapter Breakdown – Four Days
Date Chapters PPDQs*
June 19th Prologue – Chp. 7 Susan
June 20th Chp 8 – 15 CaroB
June 21st Chp 16 – 22 Lisa Kay
June 22nd Chp 23 - 29
*PPDQs = Person Posting Discussion Questions
So, do you still want to start on the 15th?
Yes, please :)
Fine with me, Susan! ☺
Can I lurk for this one again? I know I got to the questions fairly late last time.
Sure, CaroB. Posting late is fine, too.
I'm in, if we are not starting until June 15th I will have lots of time to order the book.
Great, Ann!
Are we ready to rock & roll with this one? How many chapters are we reading a day?
I'm ready to start, the last time we did 100 Pages a day but I'm easy so what everyone else wants is OK with me.
Great, Ann! I'll be listening to the audiobook, so I'll need someone to do a chapter breakdown. Maybe with two options - around 75 pages and 100 pages.
I'm now ready. I'm just updating my calibre software, then I can check out my copy and get back to you re: chapters
I've got this with me at mom's, so let me know what the breakdown is :)
Ok, my ebook copy says 29 chapters
So, how fast do you want to read this?
Fast. Say Monday to Friday? but that's just me. How about if we say 6-7 chapters a night?
Sounds good, CaroB. Who is posting the first DQs?
I can. I'll read the chapters tonight and post the questions tomorrow at work (your Monday night, I think). Unless someone else has already done the reading? in which case I'm happy to do the second lot.
CaroB? Were you going to post the first set of DQs?
I can do them in the morning(for me) if needed. It's the middle of the night and I've been awoken by some hoodlum children yelling outside at 2 in the morning....ahhh the pleasures of being back in a big city. Not really.
LOL! I have to figure out what thread I'm in. Yes... if CaroB doesn't post them by the time you arise, I say go for it. I'm almost done with the first four chapters. How far are we going to, six or seven?
Shall we do 8 chapters? That way we'll do 25% a day and be through in four days. We are behind on this one.
Posted two chapter breakdowns options above, in Post #2.
Susan's Questions for prologue - ch 71. Do you think the Jane Austen in this is the same Jane Austen of writing fame? Do you like it when authors put real people into fictional stories?
2. Do you get the impression Arabella thought she was going to get married and it's fallen through? Do you think her Aunt Osborne knew of her feelings for Captain Musgrove?
3. Is Mlle de Fayette the one passing notes on pudding? Who do you think was the intended?
4. I'm kind of feeling bad for Turnip. Even his sister talks down to him because of his dimwittedness. I had to giggle when Jane and Arabella were saying that Turnip was blessed with a good many endowments, but intelligence was not one of them.
5. Lord and Lady Vaughn are at the Frost Fair. Did anyone else immediately perk up and think, "uh-oh. There's going to be trouble now cause they're here."?
6. I don't remember Mary Alsworthy being SOOOO snippy and snobby. She was down right rude to Turnip and Arabella. Was she always this way or has marriage to Lord Vaughn done that to her? And can I just say I'm super excited that they ended up married! :)
7. Do you think the Count de whatever is part of the spy ring? Wouldn't the Vaughn's know him?
8. Have there been any laugh out loud moments for you yet? I giggled when Turnip was thinking about young lovers and the smell of straw and fresh milk always making him nostalgic for his milkmaid from when he was 13 LOL
My apologies for not doing through ch 8...I forgot we were going to lenghten the reading so we could catch up.
answers through ch 7.1. Yes I do think it is the real Jane Austen and yes I do like it when they put real people in their stories.
2. Yes, Arabella thought Musgrove was going to ask her to marry him. I do not think her Aunt knew what was going on.
3. I am still up in the air about who and why.
4. I think Turnip is charming, he knows he is not that smart and he can laugh at himself.
5. I was not at all happy with them. They think they are so much better then everyone else.
6. I don't remember her being that way either and I did not like her for it.
7. Yes
8. This is a fun story and I have laughed and smiled through most of it.
Ann, re #2, do you think Musgrove was out for money or did he care for Arabella? I am not far enough in to this yet to figure that out. But I can say that I hope he gets nothing LOL
I think he was out for money and that is why he married the Aunt and not Arabella. He may get the money but he is now married to a old lady and everyone knows way he married her.
How does everyone else feel about Turnip? Am I the only one who thinks he is charming?
I do think he's charming. He's been very thoughtful and sweet :)
Lisa Kay’s Answers to Susan's Questions for Prologue - Chapter 7 1. Do you think the Jane Austen in this is the same Jane Austen of writing fame? Do you like it when authors put real people into fictional stories?
Yes, I think she is supposed to be the same Jane Austen of literary fame. Arabella admonishes her not to use her real name, if she feels compelled to write about her. I think authors have to be careful when adding a real person to their story. If they manipulate them too much to fit their agenda (as in one I just read), it could backfire.
2. Do you get the impression Arabella thought she was going to get married and it's fallen through? Do you think her Aunt Osborne knew of her feelings for Captain Musgrove?
Definitely. A kiss meant ‘intention’ back then. Pretty much a step or two before betrothal, if not an actual one, right? As far as her aunt knowing... hmmm... I am very suspicious. I’m 50/50 right now - reserving judgment until they have a face-to-face. (Playing it save.) LOL!
3. Is Mlle de Fayette the one passing notes on pudding? Who do you think was the intended?
I’m wondering. It could be her. Or, crazy as this seems, could Catherine Carruthers be older than she’s lead everyone to believe and really be a spy? LOL! Sorry, I’m suspicious of everyone. But, no, I don’t know who is using the pudding as a vessel to pass notes.
4. I'm kind of feeling bad for Turnip. Even his sister talks down to him because of his dimwittedness. I had to giggle when Jane and Arabella were saying that Turnip was blessed with a good many endowments, but intelligence was not one of them.
LOL! Yes, I quite like Turnip. I also don’t think he is as dumb as everyone seems to think he is. He may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but he’s been painted with too harsh a brush.
5. Lord and Lady Vaughn are at the Frost Fair. Did anyone else immediately perk up and think, "uh-oh. There's going to be trouble now cause they're here."?
I did! I did! Both their personalities are the type to stir the pot.
6. I don't remember Mary Alsworthy being SOOOO snippy and snobby. She was downright rude to Turnip and Arabella. Was she always this way or has marriage to Lord Vaughn done that to her? And can I just say I'm super excited that they ended up married! :)
Oh, yes! I do before she appeared in her own book, I thought her quite a bit of a b!tch. Not a major one, just a snip of one. She was also a bit of a snob. Here though, she appears much snobbier – and ruder!
7. Do you think the Count de whatever is part of the spy ring? Wouldn't the Vaughn's know him?
Count? What Count? Do you mean the Chevalier de la Tour d’Argent, Mlle de Fayette’s cousin? (Argent to his friends, Nicolas to his very, very close friends.) I looked up ‘chevalier’ on Google Translator and it means ‘knight’ – does it also mean ‘count’? Anywayz…Maybe. Vaughn could just be playing it close to the chest.
8. Have there been any laugh out loud moments for you yet? I giggled when Turnip was thinking about young lovers and the smell of straw and fresh milk always making him nostalgic for his milkmaid from when he was 13 LOL
I haven’t had any LOL moments, but I’m quite enjoying the thought processes of Turnip. Definite giggles over those. I liked: “That’s just his way,” said Mr. Fitzhugh cheerfully. “Can’t take it too to heart. If I had a penny for every time the chap has greeted me with, ‘Oh, it’s you again…’” I think he also comes across as dimwitted because his really does have a good heart and gives people the benefit of the doubt. He is basically happier than other people, too.
@ Ann#1 – I probably would have said I liked it when authors added real people b/f one of the last books I read.
#4 – Great point, and great characteristic. Not everyone can laugh at themselves.
#5 – Really! They need to roll it back a bit.
#8 – Yes, just love this series.
Ann wrote: "How does everyone else feel about Turnip? Am I the only one who thinks he is charming?"Yes, he is a charming delight!
Susan (susayq) wrote: "My apologies for not doing through ch 8...I forgot we were going to lenghten the reading so we could catch up."Not to worry, Susan. ☺ Loved your questions, BTW.
As far as now, should we stick with a 5 day read, or pick up the pace and go with a 4 day read?
Thanks, Lisa Kay! And yes, I meant Chevalier. I just couldn't think of it LOLAs for the reading progress, it doesn't matter to me which say we do it. I'm on ch 10 (been visiting family today) and will be driving home tomorrow, so I won't be reading anything until later in the evening/night.
Susan (susayq) wrote: "Thanks, Lisa Kay! And yes, I meant Chevalier. I just couldn't think of it LOL"I don't know why... with a long name like that! Geez.
I wonder up is up with CaroB. Hmmm...
If we don't hear from her soon, I'll post Chapters 8 - 15, okay?
That's fine with me :)
Ladies, my apologies. I got caught on FB and GR on the computer at work and reprimanded... it has caused some tension at work and home. Needless to say, I was reluctant to turn on the computer when I got home from work yesterday and risk adding fuel to the fire of a worried husband. *gulp* Next set of questions coming up.
Susan's Questions for prologue - ch 7
1. Do you think the Jane Austen in this is the same Jane Austen of writing fame? Do you like it when authors put real people into fictional stories? I think it is supposed to be the same Jane Austen. I'm really not a fan of historical figures being put into fictional settings. Especially not as supporting characters.
2. Do you get the impression Arabella thought she was going to get married and it's fallen through? Do you think her Aunt Osborne knew of her feelings for Captain Musgrove? I hope her Aunt didn't know, that would be quite horrible. I think Arabella was expecting to receive a proposal from the Captain at any moment.
3. Is Mlle de Fayette the one passing notes on pudding? Who do you think was the intended? I was wondering if Mlle de Fayette might be the other Jane, the real Pink Carnation at this stage?
4. I'm kind of feeling bad for Turnip. Even his sister talks down to him because of his dimwittedness. I had to giggle when Jane and Arabella were saying that Turnip was blessed with a good many endowments, but intelligence was not one of them. I keep wondering if it's all a ruse and he'll acturally turn out to be a mastermind behind all that goofiness.
5. Lord and Lady Vaughn are at the Frost Fair. Did anyone else immediately perk up and think, "uh-oh. There's going to be trouble now cause they're here."? No, I can't say I expected trouble, but I was really surprised by how bitchy they are! They seem horrid when viewed from Arabella's POV.
6. I don't remember Mary Alsworthy being SOOOO snippy and snobby. She was down right rude to Turnip and Arabella. Was she always this way or has marriage to Lord Vaughn done that to her? And can I just say I'm super excited that they ended up married! :) lol, I think I answered a question ahead. I think Mary and Vaughn deserve each other, but I didn't remember them being quite so bad either.
7. Do you think the Count de whatever is part of the spy ring? Wouldn't the Vaughn's know him? Maybe they do, he certianly seems familair enough with Vaughn. I'm thinking he's a spy of some sort and maybe Mlle de Fayette is Jane, the real Pink Carnation?
8. Have there been any laugh out loud moments for you yet? I giggled when Turnip was thinking about young lovers and the smell of straw and fresh milk always making him nostalgic for his milkmaid from when he was 13 LOL No LOLs for me yet with this one.
CaroB's questions for chapters 8-15:9. Is anyone else missing the Eloise / modern day sideline that we usually get by now through the Pink Carnation sotries?
10. What do you make of the scandal of Catherine Carruthers? Is it just gossip being used to carry other news or is she somehow involved in espionage? Did anyone else think Mlle La Fayette is a bit suspect?
11. Who do you think is sending the light signals? And who is receiving them, any guesses? Am I right in thinking that Signor Marconi was the one who taught Henrietta? What do you think is the significance of this beign the second book he's in?
12. Why was Turnip trying to get into the school? Why does he think Arabella might not be safe tehre? And what is in that notebook?!?!
13. What on earth! Did that kiss take anhone else completely by surprise? And why did she ignore Turnip at teh rectal the next day?
question ch 8-159. No I did not miss it at all. I did not even think about it until I read you question.
10. I think she is meeting her lover.
I think Mlle La Fayette could be a spy.
11. I think the signals are to Catherine from her lover.
12. In his sweet strange way he is trying to keep Arabella safe. He has been in and out of the spy game in little ways so I think that is why he is worried about arabella.
13. Well Musgrove kissed her and then married her Aunt, and Turnip is rich and part of the Ton, I think she just does not want to get her hopes up.
Lisa Kay’s Answers to CaroB's questions for Chapters 8-15 9. Is anyone else missing the Eloise / modern day sideline that we usually get by now through the Pink Carnation stories?
I’m aware that it is missing, but I’m not disappointed over it not being there. I’d like to know what is going on, but I’m not agonizing over it.
10. What do you make of the scandal of Catherine Carruthers? Is it just gossip being used to carry other news or is she somehow involved in espionage? Did anyone else think Mlle La Fayette is a bit suspect?
I don’t know. I kind of threw it out there that she might be a spy – and older than she looks. I’m going to stick with that for now. I don’t know why I’m not as suspicious of Mlle La Fayette – not that I don’t suspect everyone, LOL!
11. Who do you think is sending the light signals? And who is receiving them, any guesses? Am I right in thinking that Signor Marconi was the one who taught Henrietta? What do you think is the significance of this being the second book he's in?
The French – to spies. ☺ Is that cheating? Otherwise, I don’t know. LOL! Signor Marconi taught Hen? I didn’t catch that; could be; makes him more of a suspect.
12. Why was Turnip trying to get into the school? Why does he think Arabella might not be safe there? And what is in that notebook?!?!
Yeah, he’s worried about her. The notebook? Maybe the code breaker?
13. What on earth! Did that kiss take anyone else completely by surprise? And why did she ignore Turnip at the rectal the next day?
No, I was ready for the kiss, it being the bedroom at all. It only took Turnip by surprise. LOL! I think Anabella is a lot shyer than our previous heroines in this series and she has a lot more to lose. She’s thinking Turnip is out of her class now.
@ Ann#10 – You think Mlle La Fayette has a lover? Hmm. That would make since, if he is a French spy.
#11 – Ah! Could be.
#12 – Yes, love that he is protective of her. Yes, all that about Turnip being in/out of the spy game was neat to discover – and excellent point about that being his reason! I didn’t think of that.
#13 – Ditto!
I thought I'd go ahead and post these early, just in case. I'll put them under a spoiler for now.Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 16 – 22
(view spoiler)
Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 16 – 22 14. Do you think the chevalier mean something else when he was asking Arabella about the Christmas pudding? I'm almost certain he has to be involved with the spy business. Almost :-)
15. Book Quote: “That depends on what’s at the top of the trellis.” Love that reply! Turnip doesn’t seem so dense at times, does he? Still, when telling him to leave her alone, Arabella has to spell it out. And he still left perplexed. Was it as painful for you as it was for me? How did the author get me to care for this character? I am loving Turnip. He's a sweetheart, and I think he may be bumbling and gauche, but he's not a fool.
16. Who accosted Arabella in the music room? He didn’t come prepared, as he had to grab her paper scimitar as a weapon of choice. So let me get this straight. There is a list (of Royalist agents in France) and a notebook? Or was it what was wrapped around the Christmas pudding found by Arabella and Fitzhugh at Farley Castle.? I think it'll either end up being the Chevalier or the gardener that Catherine Carruthers got caught with.
17. Did you sit up and take notice when Pinchingdale was familiar with Miss Climpson’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies? I think I saw it coming that this had to have something to do with the League of the Pink Carnation, so wasn't too surprised.
18. Book Quote: Turnip was very good at knocking people over and making it look natural. Most of the time, it was. Blethering on was also a particular talent, and if he could employ it in the service of England, he was more than happy to do so. Were you surprised that Pinchingdale had involved Turnip Fitzhugh in the mystery and subterfuge surrounding the Pink Carnation? Is Turnip’s I.Q. rising slowing, the more you read about him? Yes! I'm glad to hear he was asked to do it. From previous books it almost seemed that he added the carnation-like touches to his dress because he personally wanted the attention, or wanted to be seen as greater than he was.
19. Impressions of Aunt Osborne? Captain Hayworth Musgrave? Are they happy? Would you call him “uncle”? Ick. Not me. Too incestuous. But maybe it is her way of pounding it into her psyche. He tells her they would welcome her back; would you go? I'm still really unclear of Aunt Osborne, she doesn't strike me as a simpering old woman, so I'm puzzled as to why she's fallen for the captain. It doesn't seem like a happy marriage, and I think she calls him uncle to make it clear to him she's now drawn a line.
20. Is Penelope Deveraux using Turnip to make Lord Frederick Staines jealous? I think so.
21. **gasp** Catherine Carruthers is the daughter of the man who lost the list! Oh, it is not looking good for her, is it? Something the french teacher said is bothering me... when she was letting Arabella know about the girls at the school, she mentioned one that liked to "borrow from the other girls". I cant remember who it was now...
22. What awful young men who invited Arabella to play blind man’s buff. This time he’s prepared and has a knife. Yikes. Was that a set up for the ‘music room guy’ to accost her again about the list? They were horrible! Ooh, maybe the music room guy is the one whose ideas the prank on Arabella was.
23. Then they’re asking Turnip if he wants to join in the bet? Thank goodness for Turnip. For all of that, did you laugh when Turnip used “eyeteeth” again, as Pinchingdale had? Neat that Turnip told Arabella when he had been doing for the Pink Carnation; that he trusts her; and that he’s modest, too. They both pretty much came to the realization they were in love with the other within minutes/hours of one another. I liked that, too. Comments. He didn't realise that he not only made her laugh, but he was also her knight! I'm liking these two, it's such a sweet romance and the mystery / spy aspect just keeps us on our toes :-)
@ CaroB#14 – Yeah, I’m leaving room for doubt. Still…
#15 – Yes, ♥Turnip♥!
#18 – Yes, it did, didn’t it? Glad to see he actually has tons more integrity and kindness in him than many others. And now we can add brave, as he’s set himself up for attack.
#19 – I had a rough time getting a handle on her, too. The book says she was once a beautiful woman; I’m betting she’s not handling the fading of her looks well.
#21 – Hmmm… I vaguely remember that. I’ll have to do a search.
#22 – Could be.
#23 – It is a sweet romance! Very sweet. But, I like to raise my blood sugar level every now and then.
Susan's Answers to CaroB's questions for chapters 8-15:9. Is anyone else missing the Eloise / modern day sideline that we usually get by now through the Pink Carnation sotries?No! Unfortunately, I really don't care for the Eloise storyline. I'd be content to only have the historical one
10. What do you make of the scandal of Catherine Carruthers? Is it just gossip being used to carry other news or is she somehow involved in espionage? Did anyone else think Mlle La Fayette is a bit suspect?I'm not sure what to make of Catherine and what she's doing or not doing. Has anyone described her? Could she be a Tulip Petal? And yes, Mlle de Fayette is suspicious
11. Who do you think is sending the light signals? And who is receiving them, any guesses? Am I right in thinking that Signor Marconi was the one who taught Henrietta? What do you think is the significance of this beign the second book he's in? I thought the same thing about Signor Marconi...remember he was found rifling through someone's desk before...maybe Richard's. I do think he's part of the spy ring. As for the light signals, maybe it's for Catherine, but I don't know.
12. Why was Turnip trying to get into the school? Why does he think Arabella might not be safe tehre? And what is in that notebook?!?! I thought it was sweet that Turnip has been watching the school cause of Arabella. I don't know what was in the notebook, but I want to find out LOL
13. What on earth! Did that kiss take anhone else completely by surprise? And why did she ignore Turnip at teh rectal the next day? I think she thinks Turnip goes around kissing women all the time and that he couldn't possibly be interested in her. I did swoon at the kiss though LOL And I have to admit, I woke my daughter up laughing over the recital when Sally was tossing her halo into the crowd and saying that there were good tidings for all but her brother :D
Off to the grocery store and then more reading! I'll be back with answers to the next set in a bit!
Romance Lovers for the Challenge-Impaired
Books mentioned in this topic
The Betrayal of the Blood Lily (other topics)The Mischief of the Mistletoe (other topics)
Away in a Manger: A Very Turnip Wedding Night (other topics)
Ivy and Intrigue: A Very Selwick Christmas (other topics)
The Orchid Affair (other topics)
More...
Arabella Dempsey’s dear friend Jane Austen warned her against teaching. But Miss Climpson’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies seems the perfect place for Arabella to claim her independence while keeping an eye on her younger sisters nearby. Just before Christmas, she accepts a position at the quiet girls’ school in Bath, expecting to face nothing more exciting than conducting the annual Christmas recital. She hardly imagines coming face to face with French aristocrats and international spies…
Reginald “Turnip” Fitzhugh—often mistaken for the elusive spy known as the Pink Carnation—has blundered into danger before. But when he blunders into Miss Arabella Dempsey, it never occurs to him that she might be trouble. When Turnip and Arabella stumble upon a beautifully wrapped Christmas pudding with a cryptic message written in French, “Meet me at Farley Castle”, the unlikely vehicle for intrigue launches the pair on a Yuletide adventure that ranges from the Austens’ modest drawing room to the awe-inspiring estate of the Dukes of Dovedale, where the Dowager Duchess is hosting the most anticipated event of the year: an elaborate 12-day Christmas celebration. Will they find poinsettias or peril, dancing or danger? And is it possible that the fate of the British Empire rests in Arabella and Turnip’s hands, in the form of a festive Christmas pudding?
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We are planning a "buddy read" tentatively for June 15th. Answer discussion questions, volunteer to post some, or just lurk. Everyone welcome. But EXPECT SPOILERS!
Participants
Susan
Ann
CaroB
Lisa Kay
Lurkers
Elisha