Regency Fashion For July

by Michele Ann Young

The Season is over in London and Ladies have retired to their country homes, or those of others. There are still evening entertainments to be had as the following gowns will show.

This is an interesting picture.

It is evening wear from La Belle Assemblee, listed as Parisian Fashions, Taken from a Group of Conversation Figures at the Frescati, in Paris.

Only the lady's gown is described, but I just love the gentlemen.

A white Italian crape robe, over a white satin slip, ornamented round the bottom and drapery with a border of shells, painted to nature. Plain scolloped bosom cut very low, and made to sit close to the form. Waved sleeves, easily full, formed of alternate stripes of crape and pink satin. Hair, bound in smooth bands, confined on the forehead, and ornamented behind with wreaths of wild roses. Earrings and necklace of pearls. Shoes, pink satin, trimmed with silver. White kid gloves, rucked.

We have seen this print before, in a comparison of the old and the new, but the the new is a July gown and is charming and very much in the classical style. The two silhouettes of the ladies are so very different, the new styles must have been quite a shock to the older generation.

Appearing in the Ladies Monthly Museum as a Full Dress, the hair seems to take prominent place as the description reads:

Hair fashionably Dressed ornamented with white Flowers and Ostrich Feathers.

A Train of clear Muslin over a Dress of Lilac Sarsenet; round the Bottom of the Train a deep White Lace; the sleeves made very full, and looped up with a Diamond Button. White Gloves, and Lilac Ridicule.

Well that's it for me for this time. I don't know how your weather is doing this summer, but this past week has been nothing but rain. Until next time, I hope your Rambles are Happy, even if they are soggy.

Blarney House

by Ann Lethbridge
It's not everyone who gets to sit on the floor in a Smiths' bookshop in Bluewater and have their photo taken with their book. All right, so the staff did look at me as if I was mad, but what the heck. My sister in law was just as thrilled as I was. And we went on to repeat the event in Waterstones.

I left bookmarks in every copy while I was there. So now I am wondering if anyone found one.

But to return to our topic for the day.

This is Blarney House. Built in 1874 it is by not stretch of the vivid imagination anything to do with the regency. But the guide was welcoming and the history fascinating. But what made it perfect was the Irish Government's decision to allow the owners to keep their home. Rather than have the equivalent of the National Trust take it over, an organization I respect highly, Ireland decided to help the original owners keep their home and live it in by a financial grant to help with upkeep on the condition that they open it to the public for a percentage of time each year.

Our guide informed us that the family sleep in the beds in the bedroom, that the dog hairs are quite the problem, and that they battle with the dust. Charmingly domestic.

The interior contains a lot of history about the family, a joining of the Jeffries and the Colthursts. It contains artifacts dating back through the ages. The house itself would make a wonderful centrepiece for a gothic novel, with its turrets and towers. The grounds were lovely and the weather turned gorgeous just for us.

Unbeleivably, next week is July and we will interrupt our trip to Ireland with our regular programming.

Until next time Happy Rambles.

Ireland and Blarney Castle

By Michele Ann Young


As we learned last day, Blarney could well have been one of our Regency characters must see places.

It is certainly fascinating, with its rock close containing everything from a fairy ring to a sacrificial alter. But for me it is always the castle itself that holds the attraction and what a visitor in the regency might have found of interest.




The castle is set on an eight metre cliff and dates back to the mid-15th century. This particular view shows the cliff foundation and a rather fine casemented oriel, the window of the room known as the earl's bed chamber. It really shows the wealth of this family MacCarthy.

Unfortunately, as with so many castles in England, Cromwell caused their downfall.

The stairs up to the top of the tower are very steep. They are also winding and narrow. A great setting for a gothic novel.

It is hard to imagine anyone climbing up there in the long slim skirts of the regency.

But the best part of climbing to the top was the view. This is what I really wanted to get a sense of, the countryside, the green. Isn't it beautiful.


But the best part of Blarney is yet to come. So until next time, Happy Rambles.

Ireland in the Regency

By Michele Ann Young

Our trip to the Emerald Isle began on a misty rainy late May day. Well we had expected rain, so we were not unduly perturbed. And because of that, the sun came out.

Our first stop was Blarney. Well no self respecting visitor can go to Ireland and no kiss the Blarney stone. Many famous people have done so, therefore why should I be embarrassed and if it help with my loquacity, then I'm all for it.

Okay, so probably no one else is impressed, but I must say leaning backwards with a huge drop below was quite unnerving. And people have been doing it for years. The Blarney Stone is a block of bluestone built into the battlements of Blarney Castle. According to legend, kissing the stone endows the kisser with the gift of gab.

Hopefully that holds true for a gift of the pen too. Now what, you might ask does this have to do with the Regency. Well at least one famous man of regency times went to the castle Sir Walter Scott. A writer no less. And there is a rumour, unconfirmed, that Byron also kissed the stone. Well I am in alt.

And while we are at it, here is an entry The 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, by Francis Grose)

‘Blarney’: He has licked the blarney stone; he deals in the wonderful, or tips us the traveller. The blarney stone is a triangular stone on the very top of an ancient castle of that name in the county of Cork in Ireland, extremely difficult of access; so that to have ascended to it, was considered as a proof of perseverance, courage, and agility, whereof many are supposed to claim the honour, who never achieved the adventure: and to tip the blarney, is figuratively used telling a marvellous story, or falsity; and also sometimes to express flattery. Irish.

We have pictures and more to show you of Blarney, but those must wait until next time.

Until then, Happy Rambles

Flora and Fauna of Regency Britain - June

by Ann Lethbridge

June is my favourite month of the year in Britain. Perhaps because its my birthday month. Perhaps because strawberries are ripe and ready for eating straight from the fields, or perhaps because the weather is warm.

Having returned from England in June, I feel as if I can talk first hand this time, except of course I must beware, because climates change over the centuries. A degree here and a degree there.

One exciting thing that did bloom in June, was the UK edition of The Rake's Inherited Courtesan. What a thrill to see it on shelves in my old home town. Chills down the spine. Must get the pictures up on the website.


Everywhere we travelled were the dog roses in the hedgerows. Rosa Canina. It is the rose of medieval heraldry and the official flower of Hampshire. As you can see, it is a plain single petaled rose that is primarily pink but can also be white, and sometime on the same stem. It has very sharp thorns.

What is lovely, is to see a spray of these, a burst of pink, in the green hedgerow.

I can imagine a man of our time risking bloody fingers to retrieve one for his lady love so she can enjoy their perfume as they walk in the country. Although he should be wearing gloves.

Oh my, I can see just where such a scene would fit in a work in progress. It is amazing where inspiration comes from, isn't it.

Of course, these common little flowers would not be seen in the parks or walled gardens of great houses, but personally I love them.


This bird is a magpie and very much in evidence during our trip. It is as striking bird and there are many superstitions surrounding them.

"A single magpie in spring, foul weather will bring". The book from which this quote is taken further explains that this superstition arises from the habits of pairs of magpies to forage together only when the weather is fine.

The fondness of all its family for bright objects is well known.

Of course, there were many more sights and sounds to share, but time eludes me as always.

Until next time, happy rambles.

Regency Fashion ~ June

by Michele Ann Young

Well, it is so long since I posted, I had trouble remembering what to do. Did you miss us? We missed you.

We had a lovely time in England and Ireland, and have lots of pictures to share, over the next little while, but first we need to get our regular features out of the way. Oh, I really shouldn't say that, because I love the fashion feature.

This delightfully classic gown, right down to the lyre our model is holding, is a wonderful example of an early Regency gown.

It appeared in the Ladies Monthly Museum for 1812

Evening Party Dress.—A Egyptian robe of peach blossom, evening primrose or lilac, shot with white or day primrose colour, apron sleeves and front crape en suite, trimmed with rose buds and terminated with silver acorns; white satin hat with regency plume; white gloves and shoes; armlet and earrings of gold.

Once more we have the text calling it an evening gown while the picture is labelled afternoon. But as we know, afternoons during the regency did not begin until four or five o'clock it is no wonder they are just as confused as we are.

This version of the gown is the lilac one, by my reckoning. The description 'apron sleeves' is interesting for this gown along with the silver acorns. Very pretty. I was particularly fascinated by the term "regency plume".

Now if you look closely, you will see that her hands are bare. But she is wearing gloves. Is this an example of those gloves that are slit at the wrist so the hand can emerge for eating and in this case playing a musical instrument? I believe so, looking at the rumpled material at the wrist. What do you think?

This young lady certainly knows how to sit on a chair. Would that some of today's young women would take note!

One of the interesting things about the regency was their passion for white or pastel gowns. I think I have mentioned it before.

Because the ancient statues had lost their colour, they assumed that classical clothing was white, we are told.

I added this picture found on a Greek vase, because it has a lyre and a lady and a costume that is not white at all. She could almost be a regency lady, don't you think?

Then I went off in Wikki looking at lyres, found my way to Wales and found all kinds of interesting things. Then I realized I'd run out of time!

Back on Thursday with Flora and Fauna.

Until then, Happy Rambles.

Coming Home

by Ann Lethbridge

No matter how perfect a vacation is, no matter how nice the hotel and how welcoming your family and friends (and they were, let me tell you), there is nothing quite like sinking into your own mattress at the end of a long trip and knowing you are home. Aaaah.

And nothing quite like the excited dog who can't bark because he is sooo happy to see you his tail is taking up every ounce of his energy and his voice. And nothing quite like your daughter's grin at the loot you brought back.

Of course there is the pile of mail (bills mostly) and the weeds and the all the worries you forgot while you were away, but they are all minor.

Coming home is a hugely lovely part of going away.

We are so happy to be back, and next week look for June fashions, flora and fauna and lots of new pictures from our trip.

Until then, Happy Rambles.

Where we are

by Michele Ann Young
We are travelling in Ireland at the moment and will have lots to tell you on our return. Oh, this is Blarney Castle for those who are wondering. The weather has been good so far and we are looking forward to telling you all about our Happy Rambles.

The London of the Ton - Part VII

By Ann Lethbridge



Just a little reminder that The Rake's Inherited Courtesan, with special UK cover, is out next month in the UK. But you can still purchase in North America on line, or order it at your bookstore. All right shameless, but there we go.

This, as you can see from the header, is Parliament Street in 1829.

I have a bit of a thing for streetscapes, probably because my characters walk about on the street, as well as dance at balls and when you get such a graphic picture it is so helpful.

This one is a little bit late, but still very indicative of our period. I particular like how crowded it is, and the different social strata, and the various vehicles.

This one is of Hyde Park in 1814. As the caption says, it is a model of the fleet at Anchor on the Serpentine as part of the 1814 Peace Celebrations.

Note, this was before Waterloo in June 1815 and the 100 days of Napoleon. They really thought the war was over. But it would take one more battle.

To me what is interesting about this picture is the level of detail of the ships and the cost. This would be a huge undertaking, even today. And is also a great view of Hyde Park from this angle.


That is all from me for today, until next time, Happy Rambles.

Dowagers

by Michele Ann Young
This is a peek at the Spanish ebook cover for No Regrets. I'm an international author!! The print book is due out in September.

Don't you think it looks intriguing with "SIN" in such large letter. Of course I'm assuming it means "No", but I really like the design. Very baroque.


What do you address the widow of the previous title holder?

Ah, back to earth. Dowagers result in much discussion and therefore deserve a heading of their own, even though most of them would prefer not to be labeled such, especially if they are young and pretty.

Dowager ~ is a widow who holds a title or property, or dower, derived from her deceased husband. All very straightforward.

When it comes to the widows of peers, then we seem to add complications. A dowager peeress is the mother, stepmother, or grandmother of the reigning peer, and the widow of a preceding one.

For example, if you are Joan, the wife of Earl Goodbody, you are Countess Goodbody or Lady Goodbody. You become a dowager on the earl's death. Your son, hopefully you did your job and produced the next heir, becomes the earl.

If he is not married you continue to be Countess Goodbody

If he is married you become Dowager Countess Goodbody, because his wife is now Countess Goodbody. You will be addressed as Lady Goodbody. The Dowager designation only becomes truly important at formal occasions, or introductions when both the widow and the current Countess are present at the same time.

If you are introduced or formally addressed when the current countess is not present, then you are Joan, Countess Goodbody, again remembering that only the current peer's wife if Countess Goodbody.

If the previous countess is still living, the current peers grandmother, she retains the title of Dowager Countess Goodbody, and you are Joan, Countess Goodbody.

If you are wondering why I have burbled on about this, it is so I can find this information here, next time I need it.

Until next time, Happy Rambles

The London of the Ton - Part VI

Counting down to the UK release of UK edition of The Rake's Inherited Courtesan. Due out June 6 over there. I might just see it in stores while I am over there. which would be very exciting. Isn't the cover pretty? A little different from the North American version, which I also liked very much.

I digress.

---

On to London. The Great Wen. Which means The Great Tumour or Wart. Who knew? Oh, you did? One can understand why it became called that as it grew and grew during this period.


London of the ton was of course the London of entertainment for the rich. This is the Pantheon on Oxford Street in 1809 (The current site of Marks and Spencers). Designed by James Wyatt and opened in 1772, alas none of the old building remains, though the frontage as shown here did survive at least until around 1834 when additional columns were added.

This view not only gives us a view of the building, but once more gives us an idea of the street itself and those shopping.

The picture shows a masquerade ball no less. Of course this is a tad earlier than the Regency, but not by much. It also shows that the original domed interior had been replaced by a flat ceiling.

The popularity of masquerades was declining by this time, and therefore so was the popularity of the Pantheon. Looking at this picture, cartoon though it is, I'm not exactly surprised.

As usual I find the issue of lighting interesting. All those candles. No wonder things burned down so often. It must have been terribly hot and smokey. I wonder if that is why the gentleman in the forefront appears to be just about naked.

There are lots more sights to see in London, and lots more to do. But our time has run out, so until next time, Happy Rambles.

Flora and Fauna of Regency Britain ~ May

By Michele Ann Young

In the spring time, the only pretty ring time,
When birds do sing, hey ding a ding;
Sweet lovers love the spring.
William Shakespeare

Must be the rain and the smell of green things making me wax lyrical this morning.

I must say, May always makes me think of dancing around the May pole on the village green. I just could not resist this picture, so antique looking and the little girls dresses are so sweet.

And of course one of the shrubs, bushes or trees most associated with May is the May tree. It's real name is the Hawthorn and it flowers in May at least in the south of England. In ancient times, Beltane or May Day celebrations, were when people and houses were decked with may blossoms ("bringing home the May"). The popular rhyme "Here we go gathering nuts in May" is thought to have been sung by the young men, gathering not "nuts" (which do not grow in May) but "knots" of may blossoms for the May Day Celebrations. These celebrations included a May Queen, representing the Goddess, and a Green May, representing the God and the spirit of the new vegetation. It was known as the "Merry Month" and folk went about "wearing the green", decking themselves in greenery and may blossom.


Some of these traditions, although pagan, continued long into our era, although the church repressed the more sensual erotic side of the celebrations. Hawthorn was everywhere in England, particularly in the hedges so the sight of white blooms would have been beautiful and still is in some areas.

And of course May is a great time for nesting birds. Our Naturists says this:

The spotted fly-catcher (muscicapa grisola), the most mute and familiar of all our summer birds, builds in a vine or sweet-briar, against the walls of a house, or on the end of a beam, and sometimes close to the post of a door.

What our naturists doesn't say, is that this little bird is very clever. It can tell the difference between a cuckoos egg and one of its own, which some other birds, like the dunnock, cannot.

Well much as I would like to continue this ramble, since there would be so many more things to tell you about May in England, chores are calling.

Until next time, Happy Rambles.

Regency Fashion - May

A real Andalusian dress, formed of a bodice of pink or rose coloured velvet with a puff sleeve of white satin; the rest of the dress being of the same materials and edged at the bottom a la Vandyke, and ornamented with tab fringe; the bodice is terminated in a jacket behind and edged with the same fringe as the dress; the stomacher crossed with white lacing, in braid, fastened at each lacing with a diamond or paste button; ridicule of rose or pink coloured velvet; white gloves and shoes of white with the quarters the colour of the bodice; ear-rings of plain pearl. The Sevigne curl is the most prominent fashion for the head dress.

While the title on the picture says afternoon, the description says evening. My interpretation is a flexible gown, but I must say the jacket concept sounds more like the afternoon. I really like the idea of a stomacher. something we don't often see in the regency.

This is a walking dress from 1817 from La Belle Assemblee

This is a fussy gown, and very blue, but it would be perfect for Spring Weather.

That is all from me today. Until next time,
Happy Rambles

The Rake's Inherited Courtesan

by Ann Lethbridge
It is the writer's day today.




Since today is the last day of April and the last day you will find The Rake's Inherited Courtesan in stores in North America, (if there are any left), I thought I would give you a little reminder. However, don't forget, it can also be found at the following on-line stores:

From The Publisher:
E-Harlequin

In the US:
From :Amazon
From: Barnes and Noble
From Borders



In Canada:
From
Chapter's Indigo


In the UK: (in June, preorder now):
Mills & Boon
Blackwell Books
Foyles for Books

We will continue with London next time. Until then Happy Rambles.

Making Your Debut in the Regency

by Michele Ann Young
A while back I did an article on the peerage and there was a bit of a discussion about whether the debutante thing was popular during the Regency.
The picture is of a Court Dress from 1817.

The London Season started in March/April time and went to sometime in June. It was tied to Parliament. Each year the Queen held Presentation Drawing Rooms two or three times a week during the Season. Wives and daughters of peers, members of parliament, or the landed gentry were allowed to be formally presented at Court. For the daughter, this was called her come-out or her debut. Young men made their bows.

When the young lady in question was about 17 or 18, her mother would send in a request to the Lord Chamberlain indicating she wished her daughter to be presented. Only a lady who had herself been presented could sponsor her at the drawing room. The King and Queen did not recognize anyone who had not been presented to them.

It provided the young woman with an gilt-edged entry into society. However, a young lady who had not been presented could still go to balls, routs and other entertainments, if she was invited.

here we have a lady and gentleman in court dress for 1807.

During the Regency, the presentations took place at St. James's Palace at events called Drawing Rooms. Hoops and white feather plumes, as shown in the picture above, were required dress. After waiting for hours, and only permitted to stand in the presence of the Queen, the young lady would be announced by the Chamberlain and walked to where the Queen sat and made a deep curtsy — which had been practiced and practiced while wearing the hooped skirt. A few pleasantries were exchanged, the young woman answering any question the Queen put to her, but no more. When the Queen indicated she was dismissed, the young woman made one more deep curtsey, and then walked backwards out of the royal presence all the while praying she wouldn't trip over her train.

There were several years in which no Presentation Drawing Rooms were held during the Regency because of the King's illness. Between the King's birth day in 1810, and April 30 1812, no drawing rooms were held. You can imagine the preparations and the requests after that length of time had passed.

So while presentation to the Queen was not required, it was certainly expected for the members of the ton.

Until next time, Happy Rambles

Flora and Fauna of Regency Britain - April

by Michele Ann Young
April always seem like a soft month to me. New grass, soft underfoot, new leaves, soft and moist to the touch, new flowers, soft on the eye, and new fauna who are just ... soft on the heart.

Did you guess]? I like Spring.

I thought I would start with this old friend of mine, the hedgehog because they are cute, and they are the only spiny mammal in Britain.

They live on insects and grubs and they emerge from winter hibernation in early Spring, so around now. They have their four or five babies any time between April and September. They are primarily nocturnal, but can often be seen scurrying around at dusk.

My second choice for this month is Britain's Early Purple Orchid.

Yes we have our orchids too. Flourishing in particular in broadleaved woodland and coppices it is scene here amid the bluebells (which you may recall is a favorite of mine).

It is widespread throughout the British Isles, especially in the southern half of England it flowers in late April hence its appearance today.

Lots more to know, but time has run out too quickly today. So until next time, when Ann is going to talk about debutantes as a follow up to an earlier post, Happy Rambles.

The London of the Ton - Part V

by Ann Lethbridge

Here is our routine reminder. This blog will move to http://www.regencyramble.blogspot.com

The Thames River Police Continued

What kinds of crimes were committed on the River Thames that it required its own police force?


This picture is the entrance to the London docks. A great many people who worked on the river saw it as a right to help themselves to anything they could. Remembering how hard life was for the poorer members of society in this era, one can understand why. Coalheavers, for example, made it a practice to take two or three bushels of coal with them every time they left the collier they were unloading. It was this kind of stealing the magistrates office was set up to defeat.

The Police Establishment had a number of rowing galleys, each manned by a Surveyor (equivalent rank to today's Inspector) and three waterman Constables under the direction of a Superintending Surveyor. He had his own supervision galley with a crew of four. All Surveyors were empowered both by the crown (an oath taken before the magistrates) and also sworn and issued with an excise warrant by Customs and Excise Service.

Additionally during those two years, many ship and quay guards were also employed on a part time basis. They were visited and supervised by the boat patrols, these constables were employed only when the West India fleets were in the river and being discharged when there was no need for them. They were in time to become the first River Police Special Constables.


The same vigilance which had suppressed thieving had also put a considerable stop to smuggling which 'was an organised system and carried to extraordinary heights by the aid and connivance of many of the revenue officers.' Even 'the almost incredible plunder of Naval stores from the King’s Yards at Deptford and Woolwich had been suppressed to some degree' by the attention on land and water of the Thames Police, whose boats sometimes went as far as Sheerness and Chatham.

They also had to deal with foreign sailors who often became desperately short of funds and were known to plunder and engage in knife fights.

The Thames Police Institution was given another seven yeas of life by Act of Parliament in 1814, and in 1821 an Act for the More Effectual Administration of the Office of Justice of the Peace in the Metropolis and for the More Effectual Prevention of Depredations on the River Thames brought the River Court (but not Bow Street) under the same umbrella as the other seven public offices.

In 1839 Metropolitan Police Courts Act brought all the metropolitan police offices, including Bow Street, into one organisation, changed their description from 'Office' to 'Court', authorised the establishment by Order in Council of other courts, and limited the number of magistrates to 27.

As the result of this and of the Metropolitan Police Act, 1839, the Thames Magistrates ceased to be responsible for the control of the Marine Police, which became the Thames Division of the Metropolitan Police.


For much deeper look at this very interesting police force do visit the Museum website at http://www.thamespolicemuseum.org.uk

Until next time, happy rambles.

Happy Easter

Posted by Michele Ann Young

Today, Good Friday, my daughter and I are making hot cross buns.


Hot cross buns,
Hot cross buns,
one ha' penny,
two ha' penny,
hot cross buns.

If you have no daughters,
give them to your sons,
one ha' penny,
two ha' penny,
Hot Cross Buns

The first recorded use of the term "hot cross bun" is 1733 although it is believed that buns marked with a cross were eaten by Saxons in honour of the goddess Eostre (the cross is thought to have symbolised the four quarters of the moon);
Others claim that the Greeks marked cakes with a cross, much earlier.

James Boswell recorded in his Life of Johnson (1791): 9 Apr. An. 1773 Being Good Friday I breakfasted with him and cross-buns. The fact that they were generally sold hot, however, seems to have led by the early nineteenth century to the incorporation of hot into their name."

As you can see, this was definitely an ongoing tradition and would have been part of an English family breakfast on Good Friday

Until next time, Happy Rambles.

Regency Fashion ~ April

Ooops, sorry I'm late. Down to the wire on edits. Don't forget the Regency Ramble is moving house to http://www.regencyramble.blogspot.com

Fashions for April

Are we expecting snow? Well I doubt that they were in London, but we have it here in Toronto today. And its not April fool's day.

These are from the 1810 La Belle Assemblee

Evening Dress.
A robe of amaranthus figured sarsnet, made to sit high in the neck, with a full cuff of lace; long sleeves with short loose tops trimmed with swansdown. A turban of amaranthus crape and velvet. Gold brooch and earrings. Swansdown muff. White kid gloves and shoes. Hair in light ringlet curls.


Evening Dress.
A round dress of white muslin made high over the bosom, with short sleeves trimmed with lace, and ornamented round the bottom with three rows of small tucks. A spotted ermine tippet. A cap composed of fluted satin and lace, bound in tight to the head, and ornamented with a full bunch of apple blossoms. Earrings and broach of gold. Gloves and shoes of white kid. Hair in light round curls.

Curls come other than round? Who new. I guess they mean what I call kiss curls. Remember those?

And if we were dressing in swansdown and fur in 1810. outside in 1817 we were looking like this:

From La Belle Assemblee April 1817.

Walking Dress

Round dress of fine cambric, under a pelisse of emerald-green reps sarsnet, ornamented and faced with flutings of green and white satin, elegantly finished by British silk trimming; the waist girt by a rich silk cordon of the same manufacture, with full tassels. Spring bonnet of green curled silk, the crown and ornaments of white satin and emerald-green, to correspond with the pelisse. Green satin half boots and Limerick gloves. Berlin ridicule of green and white satin.



The only comment I had about this one was - its very green.

Until next time, Happy Rambles.

A Minuet

The regency equivalent of Happy Dancing. Well here it is, my first book with Harlequin Historicals, on the shelves. Which reminds me, we really should do something about dancing here at the Regency Ramble.

I have a similar picture from another store, but really how man pictures of the same book do you need to see to believe that the book is on shelves in Walmart and our local Shoppers Drug Mart.

If anyone else spots one, I'd love to hear about it.

Off to hunt the rest of my local area.

Back to normal programming next week. Promise. We will start with our Fashions for April.

Squeeee. OK I am excited.

This is the new Regency Ramble. You have come to the right place. See as I promised all the archives and the links are here.

Until next time, Happy Rambles.