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As many of you may know, our beloved sister hostess SHARON DONOVAN, tragically passed away on 11th April 2012. We who knew her, loved her, and were inspired by her courage and determination to face head on whatever life threw at her. When she could no longer see to paint she turned to writing and showed her amazing talent in the Inspirational Romance and Romantic Suspense genres, and her story 'Charade Of Hearts' was awarded the coveted Predators and Editors Award in January 2011.

This Blog was a source of great delight to her, she was one of the founder hostesses and she contributed to the fun and silliness in her own original way, and was kind enough to let her unique creation, the hunky butler 'Oliver' join us for our Friday romp and prepare 'virtual breakfast' for the guests on the following morning. It's beyond hard to have to go on without her, but we know that she would have been the first to insist that 'the show must go on.' She is, and will always be with us in spirit.
Sharon, dear friend, we will never forget you.
The Author Roast and Toast is part of the legacy you left us. Let's raise a Toast to you as well as all our guests.
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Friday, June 24, 2011

Romy Gemmell throws a Regency Ball at the Author Roast and Toast.


The sun shines through the trees, dappling the wide driveway with dancing shadows. Inside the large country house, the girls are excitedly giggling and shoving and pushing as they each try to hog the long mirror in the large upstairs bedroom. Soon their very special guest Rosemary Gemmell, author of  the gripping novel 'Dangerous Deceit' will be arriving all the way from Scotland, for the banquet in her honour.  After the feasting there will be a ball and all the elegent ladies and their escorts  for miles around, have been invited. Longways dance, Cotillion  and Quadrille, the girls have been practicing their steps for weeks.

"You're in luck again Lyn ," Mary grins, trying to adjust the bodice of her empire line gown, over her hugely inflated hooters. "Your long dress will hide your huge feet nicely."

"My feet aren't big," Lyn retorts, it's your imagination. At least with this outfit you don't have to make me wear oversize shoes that I nearly walk out of."

"Now, now, sisters," Sharon says soothingly, no squabbling.  We want everything to be just right for when Romy arrives. Don't forget your fans!"

She smoothes her beautiful flowing gown over her shapely bubble butt and they make their way down the wide staircase to the dining room. 

"Fans?" Mary asks..  "Do we have fans?  I thought they were coming to see Rosemary, not us."

Lyn nudges her with an elbow and Sharon grabs her from behind as she almost falls flat on her face on the last step.  "Don't be silly, I meant these pretty lace fans.  Good job I remembered to bring them."
 
Through the open door of the withdrawing room, a table with a white damask cloth holds several piles of Rosemary's book.

Oliver, looking the image of Mr Darcy, in a gold waistcoat, wine coloured coat, white shirt and breeches, and long black riding boots, is putting the finishing touches to the tables. 





What a feast he has prepared! Vases of fresh flowers decorate the huge dining table, which  groans beneath the weight of  tourines of White soup (veal broth), Pigeon Pie, Oysters, creamy, lemon Syllabub, Seed cake, almond Ratafia Cake, Madeira Wine, Negus a mulled wine, and  Ratafia a sweet golden cordial, much loved by Jane Austen herself.




The sharp clip clop of hooves sends Lyn racing to the long narrow windows, looking out over the long drive.

"She's here, she's here!" she yells, jumping up and down and forgetting she's supposed to be acting like a Regency lady.
The hostesses rush outside as the phaeton drawn by a pair of matched black horses comes to a halt in front of the house. 

Rosemary looks exquisite in her Rose Pink empire line gown and matching bonnet.Oliver helps her down from the carriage, raising her hand to his lips and presenting her with a bouquet of white roses and forgetmenots. The hostesses hug her and escort her into the house, chirping away like the sparrows in the hedgerows.


Let Rosemary's banquet and ball commence and while we partake of the feast, a servant reads the blurb and an excerpt from 'Dangerous Deceit.'     

 Regency novel, Dangerous Deceit


BLURB

Spirited Lydia Hetherington is uninterested in marriage, until her brother's friend, Lord Marcus Sheldon, rides into her life to unseat her from her horse and unsettle her heart. An undercover spy for the government, Sheldon is equally unsettled. Lydia gradually finds her emotions stirred by Lord Sheldon. But what is his relationship with the beautiful Lady Smythe and his part in an old scandal? Spies, villains and a tangled web of deception bring danger, until a traitor is unmasked. 

EXCERPT
 
“I believe you have lost something, Miss Hetherington.”

Lydia’s eyes widened as she watched Lord Sheldon lazily hold out his hand. He was holding a gold ribbon such as Agnes had threaded in her hair earlier that evening! She put her hand to her head and realized, belatedly, that her hair had started to come undone at the back. The ribbon must have caught on the bush where she’d hidden. She couldn’t think what to say for a moment until she saw the challenge in his stare.

“I fear you must be following me, my lord. I was unaware that the ribbon had come loose as I took a turn around the garden. I wonder that you should know to whom it belongs.” She held out her hand. “Thank you for returning it.”

She saw his shoulders stiffen and was sure he knew perfectly well that she’d seen him with the Frenchman.

Then Lydia saw the speculation in his grey eyes replaced by amusement as he walked towards her. “Allow me, Miss Hetherington.”
Before she guessed what he intended, his hands were on her upper arms and for a moment he was looking into her eyes. Then he gently turned her away from him. Next minute, he was expertly threading the ribbon through her hair.

Lydia held her breath as she felt his fingers brush against her head. It was as if something was making her skin tingle. Too soon, he had secured the ribbon. Yet still his fingers lingered for a moment against her hair and she hoped he could not hear the loud beating of her heart. She tried to persuade herself that it was only because of her near discovery at eavesdropping. But she was far too aware of the nearness of his tall frame and the intimacy of the moment, and most especially the effect it was having on her.

Then he was turning her around once more to face him. He stepped back at once and bowed. “I trust you will be more careful where you walk in future, Miss Hetherington.”

Hoping she appeared more composed than she felt, Lydia replied as firmly as possible. “Thank you, my lord. It is my good fortune that you are so comfortable with a lady’s hair style and so solicitous of my well being.”

Lydia returned his stare, determined not to betray how bereft she’d felt as he stepped away from her. There was no doubt that he’d seen her in the garden and was warning her. But against what, she wondered.



Rosemary Gemmell is a freelance Writer and her short stories and articles have been published in a variety of magazines in the UK, US and online.Her first novel, Dangerous Deceit, romantic intrigue in Regency England, was published by Champagne Books in Canada, May 2011.
Her first children's novel for 10-14 years, Summer of the Eagles,  is being published by MuseItUp Publishing in Canada next spring!


http://www.ros-readingandwriting.blogspot.com 



***GIVEAWAY***
To win a copy of Rosemary's book, all you have to do is just leave a comment and your e-mail address.
Contest ends tomorrow and everyone who comments is elligible.

109 comments:

  1. Good day, my lovely hostesses and the gorgeous Oliver. I am so delighted to be here at the wonderful party you've arranged. It's still before lunch time here in Scotland, so there's plenty of time for guests to arrive.

    Looking forward to a dance!

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  2. Good Morning Romy

    How lovely you look and the weather looks as if it will be kind to us if we take a turn round the gardens.

    Congratulations on your book 'Dangerous Deceit' sounds like an exciting and intriguing read. Do have some Ratafia while we're waiting for the others to arrive.

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  3. Good morning, Hywela - you are looking so pretty in your gown. The gardens are beautiful today so we can stay outdoors for a while.

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  4. Hello Rosemary,

    Hope the ball goes well and that the partners are as dashing as your hero!
    And I love your outfit - something to wear to the EW dinner?

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  5. Hi Myra *waves*

    Welcome to Rosemary's party. She does look lovely, doesn't she!

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  6. Hello Myra - thank you for coming over. I would love to keep this outfit for ever!

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  7. Hi, Rosemary, Lyn, Sharon, and Mary. Another delightful party. I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I enjoyed mine. Great excerpt, byt the way.

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  8. Hi Roseanne - thanks so much for joining the party and for your comment! I'm trying to get my head round the time difference here.

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  9. Hi Roseanne *waves and blows a kiss*

    Lovely to see you again. Yes, isn't that a fascinating excerpt.

    We're about five hours ahead of Eastern time Rosemary - yes it gets a little confusing but when the other hostesses join us time becomes virtual! Like the calories! I hope Oliver is keeping you well supplied with refreshments!

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  10. Hello Hywela - the weather is so lovely that I'm enjoying walking round the grounds, glass in hand!

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  11. Good Morning Ladies - I love the costumes! Book sounds wonderful - I might write paranormal, but I have a soft spot for Regency Romances. Good luck with sales. Oliver looks smashing in the wine color! Play a waltz for me!

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  12. Wow..you sure do know how to throw a gala event. Awesome gowns that you girls are wearing and of course oliver looks the part. Thank you for inviting me in to share.

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  13. Hello, P.L. - thanks for visiting and for your good wishes! We certainly will have a waltz in your honour, if it's not thought too scandalous! Doesn't Oliver look amazing?

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  14. H Sharon - lovely to see you here. Thanks for coming over. Hope you have some ratafia to keep you going a while! Aren't the gowns just devine?

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  15. Hello Patsy

    so glad you could join us again for Roseary's party and Regency Ball. You;re like me - I write paranormal but just love Regencies. Eosemary's book certainly looks like one I want to read!

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  16. Hi Sharon

    Thanks so much for coming to the party and for the compliment on our gowns *blush*.

    Yes, Sharon (hostess Sharon that is) is so lucky to have Oliver as her butler, he would make a great Mr Darcy. We're honoured to have him 'moonlight' for us at our Friday roasts.

    May I join you in a walk around the garden Romy dear? The roses are looking particularly splendid at this time of year!

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  17. Yes, of course, Hywela - we can gossip about the eligible young men in the neighbourhood.

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  18. Oh yay! Another historical romance fan. (: I am eager to read your book Rosemary. No one writes historical better than those who live so close to the history. My fav historical authors are Kathleen Woodwiss (deceased) and Jo Beverley (who has honored me by being a guest on my blog next week!)
    Killarney
    killarneysheffield@gmail.com

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  19. *Giggle* You're so right Romy, I believe invitations were sent to all the elligible young men in the County!

    Oh look, there's another guest *waves8. Over here Killarney, by the rose bushes. Welcome to Rsoemary's party - I see we have something in common, another horse lover!

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  20. Hello Killarney - welcome to the ball and thanks for coming over! Glad to have some recommendations for more historical reading. Hope you brought your fan in case it gets too hot (I wish!).

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  21. My good friend, Joan, emailed me to say she had a lovely time at the party but couldn't leave a message, so I'm raising a glass to her!

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  22. Lyn raises a glass 'Cheers Joan.'

    (Perhaps you could ask her to try again - Blogger can be very funny sometimes,perhaps someone else was trying to comment at the same time or something!)

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  23. Really good party, hic, can't remember when I enjoyed myself so much. Already read the book so if I win donate it to a good cause. Must get back to the wine now, and another piece of pie, hic.

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  24. Hello Chris - welcome to the party! Hope you have on your slinky Regency gown!

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  25. Hi Chris

    Welcome to Romy's Regency Ball, lovley to see another 'Brit writer'.
    Glad you'e enjoping the pie - and the wine! :)

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  26. Hi Chris

    Welcome to Romy's Regency Ball, lovley to see another 'Brit writer'.
    Glad you'e enjoping the pie - and the wine! :)

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  27. Oh fun. I love parties. I think I'll have to wear my pink satin gown decorated in tiny white bows for the occasion. Oh my, where is my maid. She's always flirting with the footman.

    Congrats on the release!

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  28. Hello Ciara, welcome to Rosemary's Regency Celebration. May I say how pretty you look in your pink and white gown. You must let me have the name of your dressmaker!

    Do make yourself comfortable and partake of the refreshments!

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  29. Hi Ciara - great to see you here! Your gown sounds very pretty - now please remember your fan and reticule. And send that footman away! Oliver is very dashing, don't you think?

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  30. Good morning, Romy dear! Such a lovely gathering, and I thank you for your kind invitation.
    Could I perhaps have a glass of that delightful ratafia? Oliver can deliver it to my boudoir. (flutters fan and ogles Oliver)

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  31. Good day to you, dear Arabella. I'm so pleased you could join us, thank you. As for Oliver - well I've had my eye on him since I arrived! But you certainly may have a glass of ratafia.

    Looking forward to your Georgian novel - not long now.

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  32. Just popping in real quick Rosemary and I will be back to see Oliver..oops, I mean you all. Love the excerpt and the party. A Classy Event for a VERY Classy lady. Hi everyone! *blows Oliver a kiss and throws him a wink*

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  33. Hi Karen - great to see you, thank you! Oh, I know you mean Oliver - he's so dishy looking today!

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  34. What a wonderful party, I can't wait until the dancing starts. Now to get my dance card signed by all the delightful (and single!) young gallants I have seen. Must practice my sweetest smile for them all.

    Love the excerpt, Rosemary!

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  35. Darn it Lyn, why do I always have to wear dresses that are not made to fit over my perfect hooters? Look you've managed to cover those hoofs of yours. Mary brushes her face and smiles. Sorry dear friend she rushes to hug Lyn and Rosemary giggles at her. You too Rosemary come for a group hug. Now where has our handsome Oliver, oh yes, Hi there old man. No I didn't mean old, just trying to get into the lingo.
    Nibby stop biting my feet! Yes, Lyn has much bigger ones and maybe she will let you nibble on them. You are so bad, I really must get you to a dog whisperer. Rosemary what a lovely dress you look just splendid! Mary trips over Nibby and falls into Lyn. Lyn falls over and knocks into a table, the table falls into another table of lovely cakes that go flying up and Mary yells DUCK!

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  36. Hi Paula - thanks for coming over! We've arranged several eligible young bucks as partners - but (whispers) don't tell Oliver!

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  37. Good afternoon Arabella (though I think it may still be morning over the pond:) ) How lovely to see you here, and Karen too, high Karen (I see Oliver remembers you - now you two will just have to fight all the other ladies for him, until Sharon his Boss-lady arrives.

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  38. Hello, hello, my what a gathering. Welcome to your ball, Rosemary. You look so eloquent and certainly are surrounded by adoring fans. Congratulations on Dangerous Deceit, fabulous excerpt. Enjoy your special day, m'dear

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  39. Hello Mary, dear sister hostess.
    Lyn gets up and rubs her posterier delicately, trying not to wince and hugs her sister hostess, and Rosemary too.

    Tut tut Mary sweetie, that's the trouble with being so -er - well endowed, it makes you top heavy and then you fall over! Duck? Do we have duck on the menu too? Good job Oliver baked so many cakes so we won't miss the ones you manged to knock over, LOL!

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  40. *Waves* to Paula. Hello Paula, how nice to see you here at Rosemary's Celebration. Upon my soul, I see your card is full already, what a fine ball we're going to have.

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  41. Sharon, dear sister-hostes! You arrived just in time to see our dear Mary cause chaos,as usual! *grin*.

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  42. Hugs and air kisses, Lyn sweetie. Might I say how lovely you look in your gown. How well the era replica shrouds your tootsies. Just wait for the dancing to commence, giggle just don't go tramping on any toes.

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  43. Thank you sweet sister Sharon, you look lovely in your gown too - just make sure you stand facing everyone, dear one, and you'll be fine, your bubble butt is nearly hidden.

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  44. Waves to Roseanne, Patsy, Karen, Sharon, Killarney, Chris, Annabell, you ladies all look so divine in your satins and silks. Oliver will be here soon, but please, grab some wine and food. and enjoy

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  45. Sharon, (whine, whine), this dress is too tight on top. And Lyn made me fall into a table. She's being mean to me.
    Okay, I know I'm too sensitive.
    Did you see the hot looking guys on the dance floor. I think I'll look around and then...
    Ow, why did you pinch me?
    Nibby drank it not me. She is so bad and already she has bit the back off of Lyn's new clodhoppers. What do I do about her?

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  46. Hello Mary and Sharon, hugging both - you look so lovely in your gowns. Thank you for having me here. Nibby sounds just perfect!

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  47. Kiss kiss Mary dear, no need to wine unless you brought plenty of cheese. You can't help it you're top heavy any more than I can help being bottom heavy. I've learned how to be a wee more graceful with my fine asset is all. Wink. Poor Lyn, look at her lope across to the enhanced beverages. WHEW

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  48. My sincere apologies, Arabell, for mispelling your name. Let me buy a drink. Hi Paula, welcome to Rosemary's ball.

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  49. Boy Rosemary you have a lot of guests. I never saw so many people speaking all funny before.
    And Nibby just ate one of the cakes. She has some sweet tooth. No Nibby, Oliver will kill you if he sees you ate one of his cakes. Mary hides the empty plate. I know it's my fault for spoiling you. I think that bump on the top of your skull is horns growing. You are a devil for sure. Mary pats Nibby who suddenly sees a cat and runs off with one of Lyn's huge shoes in her mouth.

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  50. Speaking funny? Oh, you mean the Brit accents and the Regency lingo - just as well Lady Catherine de Burgh isn't here (she's still inside the pages of Pride & Prejudice!).

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  51. Mary, sweetie, you have frosting dribbling down your hooters that looks rather...I know you're easy but have some class sister

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  52. Rosemary, I've been to Ireland but not to the beautiful hills of Scotland. I would love to visit with my part Scottish blood, along with Irish, Polish and Welsh, like our fair Hywela. You must find it so inspiring to live and write.

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  53. Sharon - you must try and get over some time. It is inspiring, especially in the beautiful west coast where I live - not too far from Loch Lomond. Too much rain here, but it make it very green. It's a bit like Hyela's lovely Wales (my sister-in-law and her husband live there).

    I think it inspires transatlantic writers even more! Where do you and Mary make your homes?

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  54. Ladies ladies, I do declare I've never seen so many ravishing women in one room, a sight for soar eyes. But gentleman that I am, none so ravishing as Lady Rosemary, simply exquisite. A nice glass of wine for our lovely guest of honor, along with a nibble of everything my sweet.

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  55. Lyn, Sharon, Mary, allow me to complement your eloquence with a wink and a smile. Mead for Lyn, chardonnay for Sharon, strawberry smoothie for Mary.

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  56. Roseanne and Karen, my pretties, no need to fight over the goods. Now, a cocktail perhaps

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  57. My sweets Patsy, Killarney, Chris, Sharon, Arabell, Myra and Paula how lovely y'all look in your ball gowns. Now, name your poison

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  58. Oh, Oliver - you do know how to make a lady's fan flutter! Thank you for your fine words.

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  59. Not easy Dear Sharon, friendly. You are a bit of a snob, so you wouldn't understand. It must be the Polish in you, I am Polish too and I understand. LOL!
    Did I get the frosting off my face dear girl? Sharon throws a towel toward Mary that hits a waiter in the face so he cannot see. He drops his tray of food and Lyn skids across the floor in it landing on Sharon who then slides out the door and they both land in a heap on the lush lawn.
    Dear girls you must be more careful. Mary helps them up and Sharon swings at her. Mary ducks and Lyn gets decked. Both of them drop their mouths in shock as lovely Lyn lies cold cocked on the grass. Oh my!!!

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  60. Thank you so much for the mead Oliver dear, you always remember all theladies' favourite tipples.

    Come, come, Mary dear, you know I'm not mean. Let's see if I can loosen that bodice a little for you. You know if you didn't inflate your figure so much it would be a lot more comfortable... there that should do it ...ooops, perhaps I over did it there, quick put your shawl on and cover up, before the gentlemen get appoplexy! ;)

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  61. Good job Oliver was on hand with the mead to bring me roud! Mary, sweetie I'm SURE you didn't MEAN to knock me out! (whispers through the side of her hand - you just wait 'til we get home! It's not just Nibbie who's got the demon in her today, is it!

    Turning to Eosemary, Lyn smiles sweetly.

    So Romy, dear, have you another excerpt for us? That last one was so enticing!

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  62. Ladies, some nice tea and some of the cake I set aside just in case.

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  63. Rosemary love, come have a nice piece of your celebratory cake.

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  64. Wow, Lyn, get your hoof out of my finely sheathed asset, already. Mary, did you get bitten by the Duke last week. Oh, he didn't bite you. Winks at Lyn. That explains her surly atttitude, doesn't it sister

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  65. Sharon stands and brushes down her ball gown. Please, yes, Rosemary, another excerpt is in order.

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  66. How fabulous you look in your outfit, Rosemary - dashingly dangerous -I'd say!

    This is such a fun blog.

    Oliver is such a dish too. I'll take mine shaken but not stirred, thank you. Phew!

    Congratulations Rosemary!

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  67. Thank you, Oliver, I'll just nibble this piece of seed cake while I post another excerpt.

    To set the scene: My heroine, Lydia, is out for an evening with Lord Sheldon and their friends at Vauxhall Gardens in London and she unexpectedly becomes lost in the (sometimes) notorious surroundings.

    Excerpt
    She had to choose one of the paths in the hope it would take her towards the orchestra and supper boxes. But which one? She had no idea which way they’d walked as she had been too busy talking and exclaiming over the sights.

    Deciding to keep going as straight as possible, she took one of the paths just off center. Several couples were coming towards her from that direction which meant they had to be coming from somewhere. Gripping her shawl as much for comfort as for cover, Lydia walked as quickly as her slippers would allow over the gravel path, looking neither to left nor right and avoiding all eye contact from curious stares.

    She started as one young dandy came so near that Lydia could smell the ale on his breath.

    “Well, well, a fairy princess has crossed before me. Grant me a wish then, princess!”

    “No, you don’t. You have yer own fairy queen beside you, jackass, who’ll grant you anything you like!” The colorful woman beside the young man yanked him back to her and laughed at Lydia’s shocked expression.

    “Pretty young gal like you don’t want to be on yer own down here.”

    And they both walked on holding each other, their laughter echoing back as Lydia walked more hurriedly. She didn’t know whether she was more shocked by the woman’s
    clothes, her preposterous feathered hat, or her coarse language but she was certainly grateful for her presence and kind warning.

    She often longed for some adventure and now Lydia regretted the form the adventure had taken. She was a young female on her own and would seem easy prey to some enthusiastic young buck, or some reprehensible rogue. Not for the first time, she wished she could enjoy a similar type of freedom as that enjoyed by young men like James.

    Well, such musings did nothing to protect her at this present moment, she decided. She resolved that she would not let herself be easily intimidated should she be accosted again.

    Quickening her walk, Lydia wondered at the length of time it was taking to reach the end of the path. She had no recollection of such a long walk on the way down. Although there were lamps lighting the way enough to see by, it was still darker than she liked and she was disconcerted to hear whispers and subdued laughter at regular intervals along the path. She noticed the slight gaps in the hedge now and then, which presumably led to other paths and arbors, but she kept walking straight ahead. She wasn’t quite sure whether she was grateful she was alone, or more apprehensive at the eerie stillness.

    Suddenly, an arm shot out from one such gap that Lydia had failed to see. She barely had time to realize what was happening before she was being half dragged towards a secluded arbor. Gathering her wits about her, Lydia dug her heels in as far as she could and began to resist.

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  68. Hello, Janice - welcome and thanks for joining the party, especially with such lovely comments. It's great to see you.

    I'm sure our wonderful hostesses and the dishy Oliver would love to see you throw a Scottish party here!

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  69. Hello Janice, welcome to Rosemary's party. Yes she is rather captivating, look at the gents in waiting. Here comes Oliver with your martini.

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  70. Ah yes, a perfectly shaken, not stirred chocolate martini for my pet Janice.Wink

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  71. Now my pretties, who needs what

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  72. Mary holds her dress closed and stomps on Lyn's huge left foot. Sharon could you fix my dress? Don't want to shock these fine people do we?
    Sharon pulls the dress so tight Mary starts to turn blue. Sharon laughs and fixes it with a smile.
    Nibby go bite their feet will you baby girl...

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  73. Ooooooh (blushing and fanning herself furiously) my goodness, Oliver, what generous offer. Chocolate martini is my very favorite wee tipple....

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  74. I'm sorry Rosemary, I guess trouble is my name. Nibby is my familiar.
    Stop with the red eyes Nibs, they'll think you're mean not just bad. Here read Rosemary's excerpt and don't get any ideas!
    No I never let anyone bite me. Ahem, well not everyone anyways.
    I think I need some libation about now. Oh Oliver, spessssss. I just wanna shock her once okay??? Then I'll put the stun guy away okay?

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  75. What an exciting excerpt, Rosemary. Gosh it wasn't all embroidery and musical evenings for these Regency ladies, was it!

    Now, now, Mary dear, calm down. A Regency ball is now place to be practicing with your stun gun!

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  76. Hello Janice

    Lovely to have another Scottish lady at Rosemary's Ball - and so nice to meet a fellow RNA member!

    Yes, if you, or any of the other guests ever want to throw your own party just let us know - but be warned, we're always booked up several months in advance!

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  77. Hello again, Janice - don't let Oliver give you too much drink!

    There were a lot of dangers around in the Regency for innocent young ladies!

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  78. I didn't mean to practice. But yes, I'll behave. Just trying to have fun. Shoulda known that I would be bad and caged me today!
    I was thinkin' food fight. But Rosemary looks so pretty and she'd be a mess after it. Let explore this place Nibs. Where is the gardenerrobe anyways? You know when you have to ahem, sniff that pomi something we have to smell flowers??

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  79. LOL Mary sweet one, I remember what happened last time you ran loose with the stun gun.

    Now we must remember this is a Regency ball and we're meant to behave like ladies.

    Oh look there are a couple of very elegant and good looking gentlemen over by the gazebo. Do you think we might get an introduction?

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  80. Hello Henriette - welcome to the party! Hope you also have a lovely gown!

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  81. Okay, I'll behave. Though I'll be rather boring as a lady!!! BBRAAAHAHAHAHA! I promise to try.

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  82. Great roast and toast. Love the pink dress 'Romy'! I suspect Oliver is trying to get everyone drunk...

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  83. Hello Vikki - nice of you to drop in! I love my pink outfit - wonder if I'd be able to take it home.

    Did you have a glass of something?

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  84. No don't behave, Mary - there are more than enough well behaved young ladies at the ball!

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  85. Vikki love, bite your sweet tongue. Henni, might I be so bold, what drinks might I blend for you two lovelies

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  86. Hi Henriette, Hi Vikki, welcome to Rosemary's party.

    Rosemary, you shouldn't encourage our Mary, you know, LOL!

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  87. Shhhhhhh stopping by while at work - be vewy vewy qwiet! Has Fer Elise played yet!

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  88. I'm cuttin' loose. Rosemary said I could. Mary tears the excess length off her dress, kicks off her heels and after telling the musicians what to play gets down and dirty.
    Guess what they are playing???
    And join in!!!

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  89. Hate to have to tell you this when we're in the middle of a ball, but my computer has a major problem and I'm going to have to disconnect for the night. Sorry - will try and get back on sometime tomorrow to tell you the winner.

    Do keep the party going for a while if you can. It's almost bedtime here!

    Thank you so much to my lovely hostesses and to dishy Oliver for a fun time.

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  90. We have so enjoyed having you as our special guest Romy, and never fear - the our parties usually go on into the wee small hours, although like you I usually have to leave them to it because of the time zone thing. We keep the doors open as long as the guests keep turning up though.

    (And you're probably wise to to now, when our Mary starts kicking her heels up,who knows what will happen!)

    Your book sounds wonderful and here's wishing you many, many sales.

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  91. Hi Patsy, we won't tell a soul!

    Fer Elise is one of my favourites too - but we'll have to wait until Mary's had enough of stirring up the orchestra! I'll ask them to play it as the 'last waltz.'

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  92. Hywela Lyn softly approaches her friend Mary, who has fallen asleep on the dancefloor. It had to be the waltz she chuckles. She waves to Oliver who sends a handsome duo of hot men to help Lyn. A strong, muscular, green eyed, shoulder length chestnut hair,grins and picks Mary up like she was light as a feather. LOL! He walks away gently cradling her sleeping body.
    Lyn hooks arms with the other studly hunk, (I forget what he looked like, and strolls inside. Sharon hooked up with a guy awhile ago. She was smiling....
    Rosemary, well Rosemary decided to disappear. I don't think she had any say in it, but I sincerely hope she had the help of a dashing rogue of her own choice.
    Nite all!!!

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  93. Patsy, it's our secret. Sharon kicks up her heels, all foot loose and fanby free

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  94. Night Rosemary, we'll keep the party hopping. You've been a delight. Hope your book sells millions

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  95. We don't you ladies look lovely. And Oliver so handsome. Was wonderful good and a great party. Rosemary I love your book cover. And the story sounds delightful. I will try to come back tommorrow. Got a new job and somehow I am working both till my first one ends on the 3rd of July. LOL. Have a great evening all.
    Sue B
    katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

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  96. I love a good regency. this sounds just like my 'cup of tea' nicely done girls, nicely done. Oh, Oliver, which wine do you recommend? Is he coming over? take a breath. take a breath.

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  97. Hi Larion and Sue, welcone, just in time for a midnight buffet. Oliver will be happy to recommend a wine for you ladies. What's that rumbling, you ask. Oh, no worries, Scotland isn't having an earthquake. It's just Lyn and Mary's unlady-like snoring you hear. Oh, and the men in waiting are playing a game of billiards with Mary's hooters.

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  98. Here we go Larion my sweet, a nice glass of chardonnay, and I took the liberty of bbringing one for you too Sue my pet.

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  99. Lyn rises to greet the day and looks around at the guests recumbenton chaise-longues, sofas, tables, and even one or two curled up in a heap in the corner. The more lady like guest of course have retired to the upstairs bedrooms.

    Lyn grins as she spies Mary's hoo- er- enhancements lying on the billiard table and gentle retrieves them and lays them discreetly in a fold of Mary's dress.

    She looks through the window. Nibby and Cuddles have been having their own little party with the horses and ponies in the paddock and now lie dozing beneath a cherry tree in the orchard.

    Ah what fun we have had - and as someone in another time and place once said 'tomorrow is another day'.
    And it's tomorrow already!

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  100. Larion and Sue! *waves* Always good to see you. Congratulations on the new job, Sue.

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  101. Breakfast is served with a wink and a smile. Hot off the griddle waffles, hand-churned butter, freshly tapped and warmed maple syrup, crisp bacon and sausage, strawberries with cream, piping hot coffee and tea. Here we go then, Rosemary, love, a heaping platter my pretty.

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  102. Rosemary eats like a butterfly - she only has a wee fluttery appetite. I, on the other hand, have a hearty one after all that waltzing last night - so I will require my platter to be heaped big time, Oliver, my love. Bring on the waffles....

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  103. Here we go then, Janice my sweet petite, your wish is my command, served with a wink and a pump of my bicep.

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  104. Good morning Janice

    May I join you for breakfast?

    Thank you so much Oliver. Mmmmmmmm, waffles and maple syrup. Not Regency fare I know, but deeee-licious!

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  105. Good morning my lovelies. Hello Lyn! Huge apologies for disappearing so abruptly last night - I could say that my dashing hero carried me off in his arms, but...

    I have a really serious problem with my computer and risked losing everything by staying on! It is having to go in to my friendly repair man to be cleaned up and restored. Have sneaked on to husband's at the moment to leave this message.

    Thank you so much again to my lovely hostesses and dear Oliver for giving me a wonderful Regency evening. And thank you very much indeed to all my fabulous guests. Janice, I see you're still going strong!

    And so to the winner of an e-copy of Dangerous Deceit. Husband helped me choose a random name and the winner is... Killarney! Hope you enjoy the book. I might wait until after my own computer has been fixed to email it you, Killarney, if you don't mind waiting a few days.

    I do hope I haven't left you with too much clearing up, or sleeping guests. My carriage awaits to take me out for the afternoon, so I shall say thank you again and, to use one of our Scottish expressions: Haste ye Back!

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  106. So sorry to hear about your communication problems, hope it's fixed soon Rosemary, but thank you for being a fantastic Guest of Honour. We've loved our trip back in time to a more gracious age!

    Have a lovely afternoon and wishing you much success and many, many sales.

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  107. and so we come to the close of a wonderful regency ball. Now is I can find my glasses...
    Good show Rosemary you were a great guest!!!

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  108. Sorry about your computer. Had a buy a new one this year myself. Congrats to Killarney. Great fun again.
    Sue B

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