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Oooh, we get to see another set of family dynamics, I’m excited! I really love these small scenes you depict, there’s always such depth in them – this small detail of Arthur having to turn in his chair, away from his work, to accommodate Hugh works really well for that. I think. It’s a small detail, but it paints the scene so vividly, and there’s so much you can read into, about how maybe Hugh – at ease and self-confident as he is – may not be entirely aware of other people having to defer to him in that way, or how Arthur may be too quick to put other people’s comfort above his own… I may be totally off here, but I love that it’s even possible for me to conjecture, that there’s already such depth to their dynamic, it’s an excellent way to contrast the two brothers, and it really feels like every word is significant!
And, oh, poor Arthur! It’s really easy to relate to him here, those feelings of anxiety, not being good enough, fear of failure, etc. can be so overwhelming and you did a great job showing them! I particularly loved the image of the candle in the wind, it’s such a strong visual and feels very period-appropriate, too! The flashback scene was great that way, too, I could really feel myself drowning in Arthur’s rising panic – no wonder he’ so anxious about this next case.
I’m really interested to find out more of the dynamic between the brothers! It seems like they really care for one another, but perhaps don’t exactly know what the best way would be to interact with each other? Hugh’s advice is not meant unkindly, but I still feel like it’s not exactly welcome, or even his to give in the first place, especially as he never lets poor Arthur finish his sentences – Though, I suppose, Arthur also has a tendency of putting his foot in his mouth, his words to his brother after Li left the room weren’t exactly the most comforting either, no matter how well-intentioned. Again, I really love all these subtle ways you show how communication can fail, even if everyone does their best, it makes their interactions feel very real.
Loved the ending, too! I suppose this unforeseen inheritance is how Arthur will eventually meet out heroine? In any case, I agree with Arthur, I think we all have questions for this messenger!
I can’t wait to find out more!
x Julia
Felicity is a nice character. Her matter-of-fact honestly and indifference is a nice balance to mama’s worry and nagging. The reference to her martial relations (or lack thereof) was a great example to show how different the mother and daughter-in-law are. It’s obvious that Felicity and Maria are good friends.
Too bad, mama discovered the wet skirts. I noticed Maria tried to distract her with a beautiful flower.
It’s obvious that everyone loves mama and through that she has pulled herself back into the world, although struggling.
I have a feeling Aunt Tessa is setting up to be quite a character. . . or perhaps she just loves to gossip and won’t let anyone, even a slow butler, slow her down.
Courtney,
You’ve done a nice job setting up three characters here. Naturally, the focus was upon the second son, but we have a nice character sketch of Hugh as well as one forming of his wife.
Poor Arthur! I can’t imagine being in front of a court and then unable to gather your thoughts. The court proceedings were easy to follow and you’ve created empathetic feelings as our new barrister bumbles through his case. However, I do disagree with Hugh. It’s not a bad thing to be emotionally connected to your cases although he might be taking it a bit extreme if it’s impacting his ability to handle other cases. (I looked up the difference between a barrister and a solicitor. I found it interesting that the solicitor seems to work directly with the clients and the barrister only works within the courtroom. I wonder if that is an 19th century methodology of is it still used today?
Although we don’t know what the letter says but I’m sure we can guess. Uncle Wallace has passed away and how can we have a regency romance without a bit of wealth inherited?
Courtney,
I can immediately tell that Maria will be a strong character. She’s able to stand up to mama and her fretting. (No doubt she could give Mrs. Bennet a run for her money) and won’t let a time of melancholy stop her from enjoying her reckless activities of venturing beyond the ground’s borders. (Although I question is the sewing scissors would really help if she was attacked by these unknown but equally worrisome fears her mother conjures up.)
Despite her mother’s nagging, I can tell that she comes from a loving family who not only looks after each other but the tenants around them. Both Francis and Gerry care for their sister in different ways and I sense a strong relationship that will carry through the story.
You’ve done a great job setting up the family situation through the lens of a Regency romance.
Oh, I love Maria already! She has such a unique, clever perspective! I love how fierce she is, standing up to her mother – even if it’s only in her imagination, that ferocity and determination really shine through in her tone of voice – and how practical she is, carrying her scissors with her to put up a good fight if it came to it!
I also really love how casually you’ve integrated the descriptions of her mental health, and of her what I suppose we would call depressive episodes in a modern setting. With the talk of humours, and of laudanum, it fits so seamlessly into the regency setting, brilliantly done! I bet that must have taken a lot of research to find out about contemporary treatments and attitudes, I’m impressed!
I love your descriptions of the setting, and how they serve a clear purpose in telling the family’s backstory – I wonder if this treacherous road and ‘the Incident’ are connected to how Maria’s father died; I feel like it must if it still weighs so heavily on their minds.
I’m also really intrigued to find out more about the family, and this cast of characters you’ve introduced! The contrast between Francis and Maria, and how they both take their father’s words to heart, but react so differently – with action, and with inaction and reflection, respectively – is super interesting, and I can’t wait to find out more about how it affects their dynamic! We already got such a wonderful glimpse into Gerry’s and Maria’s relationship – and I love how they so clearly care for each other, and know each other well, despite their bickering! – that I wonder how the oldest brother fits into it all. Maria seems slightly wary of him, if she thinks she has no ally in the house without Gerry, but their actual interaction still feels very familiar and comfortable, so I’m eager to find out more about the two of them!
Oh, no, Gerry! Several weeks without a letter is such a long time, and while I hope Maria may be wrong – that he is indeed fine, and just hasn’t bothered to write – I don’t think she is :/
I hope they hear from him soon!
This was a great opening chapter, good luck with the inkys!
Okay, so I love that Maria has hatched this plan to go to London in order to try to sleuth out the truth about Gerry. It sets up some exciting potential events for the future, both in terms of solving the mystery, and probably putting Maria in the uncomfortable position of having to attend events of the Season to maintain her cover story of looking for a husband to secure her future.
I also love that Arthur figures out pretty much right away why Maria is really going to London. And I love that he doesn't try to stop her--instead he wants to help her. I feel like they are going to make a good team, he already respects her so much.
Thank you so much for entering my challenge!! This is as far as I am going to review for challenge judging (though I will DEFINITELY be reading & reviewing the rest of the updates as you post them). You've got a great story going here, and I really look forward to seeing how it all turns out :D
Yours,
Noelle
Hi Courtney!
Okay, I loved all the conflicting emotions in the Arthur/Maria scene. There was tension and anxiety and grief and fear but also some laughter and a tiny tiny bit of flirting going on. I feel like these two could work well together as a couple, though I also sense there is going to be a very twisty road in getting there, since so many forces both inside and out are going to be pulling them apart.
How horrible for Maria and her family to read about this accusation against their brother. I hope that it isn't true, but even if it isn't true, it's already awful because the accusations are public and thus a scandal. Maria has a tough road ahead of her.
Yours,
Noelle
Hi Courtney!
Okay, I definitely giggled when Hugh said he heard their mother howling at the moon over Arthur’s not wanting to get married :D
Also, Li and Hugh’s banter is adorable. As are their kids.
It sounds like Arthur’s new estate might wind up having some debts to it. They were definitely living the high life before. I hope there aren’t too many financial problems ahead. I’m also very curious about this headline that Arthur just found.
Awww, Maria. I love her wanting to figure out how the embroidery was made, and also using that as a way to manage her nerves. It’s adorable that she’s thinking about Arthur :D
Oh, I love this simile about Maria drawing words out of Arthur like a freshly cut quill!
Arthur and Maria sort of dancing around each other is sweet, or it will be until Arthur drops this bomb about Maria’s brother. I loved that Arthur noticed Maria’s frayed embroidery and also knew why it was that way. It made me kinda sad when he recognized the look of fading interest. I felt like he’s probably seen that look a lot before.
Yours,
Noelle
Hi, Courtney!
I highly approve of Maria's taking matters into her own hands. The breakfast-room scene shows well the evolution of her determination. At first she thinks that if she wanted to learn what happened to Gerry, she would need Francis. I think she still feels that Francis, being the head of he family, should take the lead in this matter, and she is surprised to discover that he is not inclined to do so. He assumes that Gerry is guilty of murder.
This is a great line from Francis: "[Gerry's] misdeeds are already printed. Anyone worthy of you will likely steer clear." What a thing to say to his sister! Respectable people already consider you to be damaged goods. Doesn't he have any consideration for her feelings? I could hardly believe that line. It really wasn't necessary for him to be so blunt to his own sister. So I was happy when she decided "Rift mending be damned," and "She'd go regardless of his opinion on the matter."
I had assumed that she would go to London without taking in the London social scene at the same time, but now I see that she will partake in the social scene, both as a cover for her investigation about Gerry's predicament, and also in a faint hope that she can find a husband and a future for herself.
After having read this chapter over several times since it was posted, I suddenly noticed the parallel between Francis and Arthur. Francis feels burdened by suddenly having to lead the Wynstone estate. Arthur feels burdened by suddenly having to lead the Colbourne estate.
I wonder if the two of them will eventually confide in each other and provide each other with mutual support. Right now, of course, they keep their worries to themselves, although Francis, under emotional pressure, has confessed his worries to Maria. Who knows, maybe Arthur will someday do the same .
Both Maria and Arthur are attracted to each other, but both of them think that the other is merely being business-like and conventionally polite. Both of them have a low-self-image because of the things that have happeed to them in the past, but that's not the same thing as having low self-confidence. I think that they both have faith in their own capabilities and worth, if only the circumstances were favorable. What will it take for them to see this in each other?
I very much lliked the image of Maria sitting high up on her horse in her green riding clothes. It's an image of strength and nobility. And even though the conversation between Aarthur and Maria in the hallway was rather disjointed (especially on his part), I thin ke still sees her as having strength and nobility. Good for him to suggest Timothy Lemont, and to write to him promptly.
Great story. I'm really enjoying it, and I'm sure it will be full of historically accurate details!
Vicki
Hi, Courtney.
This is a meaty chapter. Nothing is hum-drum, that's for sure. Although nothing (well, almost nothing) is cheerful or positive.
It all takes place at the dinner party at Hapford House, and then on the ride home.
Gloomy topic number one: Aunt Tess and Gertie Colbourne suggest going to London for the rest of the social season and taking Maria with them so that Maria might have a second chance at finding a husband (to put it bluntly). And Maria knows she needs to find a husband and a home of her own -- she can't live with her brother forever -- but she dreads the London social scene and her low chance of finding any success.
Gloomy topic number two: After dinner, Arthur Colbourne takes Maria aside and informs her that her absent brother Gerry is being sought by the London police in connection with the murder of a woman.
Slightly cheerful topic: During her conversation with Arthur, Maria finds herself attracted to him in a way that she thought she would never feel again after her previous disastrous love affair. This scene is filled with little sentences that show that Maria finds him agreeable. "...general pleasantries slowly grew into something else altogether...", "...his chin dipped down in an agreeable way...", "...that tone in his voice...brought her some level of comfot...", "...his lips curved pleasantly,,,", "From the way his face dipped downward to meet her expectant gaze head on, Maria doubted there was anyone else she woud trust to aid them who wasn't Mr. Arthur Colbourne." Of course we readers can list all these little indications of attraction and try to make something of it, while Maria is only at the point of noticing them fleetingly. But still, this might be the answer to her prayers. Not to find a husband in the artificial check-the-boxes meat market of the London social season, decisions being made in haste over a few weeks concerning possible mates whom you really don't know from Adam, in a bustling carnival atmosphere of dinners, parties, and balls, but rather a slower, more genuine acquaintance in real-life settings and situations, without all the crowds, free of any compulsion to enact a conjugal contract immediately. Maria is not a wilowy blonde teenaged ingenue; this second route to finding a life mate is her most realistic route to success.
Gloomy topic number three: That was an interesting conversation in the carriage with Francis and Felicity on the way home to the Wynstones' house. Maria knows her older brother well enough to be able to detect when he is concealing something and to push him to reveal what he knows. She is not cowed by his bad temper. Good for her. And he caves pretty promptly. It's potentially bad news about Gerry's whereabouts in recent months and his enigmatic utterances to Francis suggesting that something is wrong with his life. I notice that Arthur Colburne is not mentioned in this in-carriage discussion, not yet, but no doubt Maria will mention Arthur's advice to the Wynstone family a little later, after the end of this chapter's narrative.
The plot is heating up in more areas than one! I foresee Maria taking a trip to London, but not to participate in the Social Scene!
Good suspense. We all want to know what happens next!
Vicki
Hi Courtney! What a great day for a review swap!
Oh? OH??? Mama is going to KNOW about all of this???? Argh! I knew she would not take it well at all. I think the only good that came of this was that it left Maria and Francis alone at the breakfast table, which honestly, could be a good thing, seeing as they have things to discuss.
I love the way you write Maria’s thought process of how she’s going to get what she wants, her own maneuverings and all. I know you’ve given lots of thought to this, and it came out beautifully! And even though the argument is full of uncomfortable silences and unexpected explosions, it was also very beautifully done! I am proud of Maria for her assertions here, and it shows a great amount of growth in her character.
The reconciliation in the stables went really well after all. I mean, yes, Francis has points that are worthy. However, Maria has an agenda, and I fully support her agenda. And I love the horses you chose, too! ????
Oh dear! Arthur has discovered stuff in books and it isn’t good. I suspected that it wouldn’t be, but the poor man is getting a headache over it. Maria needs to come over right now and help him with that. His headache. Oh, wait. We’re not there yet. Just… you know. I bet she’s good with headaches is all.
Okay, so you said penniless?
I don’t like the sound of that at all. (whispers insistently, “Sell the extra land, Arthur!”) Not that I know it’d do any good. Or if he’d listen to me. You know, these are decent, gentle people you’ve created, and it’s hard to watch them suffer so. I can’t help but want to jump in and assist in solving all their problems. Why do you do this, Courtney?
So, um, what is this here? Is this Flirting?? It’s perfectly forthright on her part, and perfectly bumbling and awkward, yet earnest on his part, and I do find that combination very pleasant! I also love that Maria is making plain her plans, which gives Arthur some things to think about, and it appears to me that he is now considering things differently. Things being perhaps a journey? To London?
And I’m glad that Arthur knows something of Miss Kelly and her murder, because that warning was very necessary. I don’t know if he thought it would change Maria’s mind about looking into things, or just to make sure she understood that she needed to be careful, but I’m glad that they are continuing to share information freely with each other. This bodes well for a working relationship in the near future. And it gives Arthur Reasons.
He seems like the sort of man who needs Reasons.
Awesome chapter!
Pix
Hi, Coourtney. Here for our review swap. :)
I see that a lot of mystery is beginning to develop in this chapter, and I like that. Not just a romance of manners, but unforeseen developments and serious, so far unanswered questions.
The more Hugh and Arthur dig into the records of their late Uncle Wallace's life,the more problematic that life appears. Why did he have so many carriages, so many horses, so many dwelling places in London? My first idea was that he was leading a sort of double life, but surely all this excess was not hidden from Aunt Gertrude (nine horses, for example).
The more that Arthur and Hugh investigate in their late uncle's records, the worse the situation looks. Arthur had thought that this estate was going to be a refuge for him, a comfortable living, but now... It looks like it may be more like an albatross around his neck, and the two brothers have only started unearthing the evidence.
The question occurred to me if Uncle Wallace not only incurred gambling losses, but also leaves gambling debts behind. If so, are they collectible after he has died? Would Arthur be liable for them? Or do they expire when the old man expired also? Arthur would probably know.
And as if that's not enough, Arthur stumbles upon a fairly recent newspaper article in his late uncle's study, involving the younger son of the neighboring family, the Wynstones, who is missing and wanted for questioning about a murder. Apparently Uncle Wallace was the person who kept that newspaper article, but why? Did Wallace know something?
The mystery is certainly heating up, and I expect we will be getting into some Sherlock-Holmesian sleuthing (thank heavens the setting of the story is too old-fashioned for car chases, and I don't imagine that carriage chases were verycommon in those days). Having recently watched two action movies with car chase scenes that were much too long, I am glad not to expect any such thing in your story.
A good job, and a great mystery so far.
Vicki
Hi Courtney! I’m back for more reviews :D
I like how you point out that it’s probably a little awkward to be dressed by someone you don’t know well. Obviously, Arthur would be used to having help with dressing, but it would be a little weird the first few times with a new servant.
The memories of Arthur and Hugh as boys in this house are lovely. I can totally see them sliding down the bannisters and stealing the neighbor’s figs.
Arthur is putting so much pressure on himself all the time. His final thoughts in the first scene about how he needs to figure out his new position and do it just right because so many people will be relying on him makes me want to give him a hug and tell him to breathe.
The conversation between Mama and Maria is very well done. The happy memory that Maria reminds her mother of is so bittersweet, because of course it immediately brings to mind all that her mother has lost. Her mother’s anxieties about being in company again come out as irritation and anger, which is understandable. I do hope that they have company over. It will likely be uncomfortable, but it might help shake Mama out of her funk.
Hi Courtney! Here for our swap <3
I was so intrigued by this Rosalind/Maria development. It must be, if not difficult, in the very least very awkward to have the mother of the girl you once fancied go on and on about this new boy she's seeing. I'm quite sure Mrs. Goodwin had no idea about what was going on between her daughter and Maria, so I am not blaming her for it. But, still, I felt for Maria having to listen to that and needing to act like it did not affect her at all.
I'm very interested to learn more about Rosalind and this past relationship of theirs. It sounds like the two haven't spoken in ages, and it makes me wonder who ended things with whom and for what reasons. And then there's this: Frowning at the thought, she willed herself not to think of the unopened letters she kept at the bottom of a box, housed in the bottom drawer of the bedside table. Are these letters from Rosalind? Had Rosalind attempted to make contact? I'm sure you'll reveal all in due time and it makes for very exciting suspense in the meantime.
Awe I feel like Maria's catching feelings! And I don't blame her. Arthur is so open and genuine, it's hard not to love him.
"Your hands are not always unsteady in the presence of new company." Ahhh this flirting is giving me life <3
This was such a great chapter. Thank you for sharing <3
Quilly
Hi, Courtney. Here I am for our review swap. Thanks for taking up this offer.
So here we see the beginning of Arthur's first full day as the master of Hapford House. One almost feels sorry for him, seeing how he is pussy-footing around, totally unaware of how to go about being the head of the estate. So he simply agrees with everything that the present residents (family, staff) say, almost as if he doesn't feel he has the right to have any opinions or make any decisions.
Lady Tess is an interesting person, not hesitating to take charge and make decisions. Well, that's to be expected, since Uncle Wallace is dead and Aunt Gertrude has withdrawn into the mourning role. Lady Tess is well-intentioned, but she is limited by the social assumptions of the culture she has been brought up in. Right is right and wrong is wrong. What will she think about Gerry and the Wynstones in general when the business about Gerry (whatever it is) becomes known? I guess we'll find out.
I reallly liked the moment when you say "...in most instances Arthur felt he had to hold his tongue. But he did not feel such a thing was required of him at present. This was his house now, and his opinions were free to live within it." Not only is he talking in his own house, but he is talking about something -- the law -- that he knows something about, as opposed to, say, funeral etiquette, dinner parties, or how to run an estate. It was good to see that under the right circumstances he can act as if he has self-confidence and backbone.
I loved the conversation between Maria, Felicity, and Mrs. Wynstone. It wasn't just small talk; every bit of dialogue had weight. I can see how Mrs. Wynstone's negativity and stubborn resistance to all of Maria's and Felicity's suggestions finally elicited an angry retort from Maria. Maria is a person who always puts other people's needs before her own, and it was good to see her momentarily stand up to her mother.
I see a similarity between the behaviors of the two widowed women in this story, and I wonder if the prescribed customs of the times (black clothing, black drapes over everything, withdrawal from social contact) didn't just make it harder for women to overcome the deaths of their husbands, or if perhaps they lived only through their husbands, and when they were widowed, the world just dropped out from under their feet. Sad to think of it.
Interesting and thought-provoking chapter. Thank you for writing.
Vicki
Hey Courtney, this was worth the wait. The way you wrote the whole sequence of Maria's breakfast conversation/argument with Francis, allowing her to gradually recognize his internal conflict and eventually bring him to a peaceful resolution worked very well indeed. She seems more inclided to take the bull by the horns a bit more than in earlier chapters, but that's the kind of growth essential to her ability to help Gerry, I expect.
The meeting with Arthur was cleverly done, too. I really liked how she managed to convey to him that she wasn't really husband-hunting on her visit to Town. He perked up nicely at that information. As usual with this pair, you created a charming scene that was really entertaining to read.
George
Author's Response:George, thank you so much for jumping at the chance to read and review this chapter! I spend A LOT of time editing the internal stuff throughout Maria's whole emotional journey with Francis. I am glad to see that that paid off and it made sense to the reader! I was attempting to show Maria's growth and also her dedication to her brother. She's not wrong in thinking that she could also benefit from clearing Gerry's name, but that is more or less just a sideplot in her mind. And I actually thought about Maria telling Arthur she was husband hunting, in fact, it was written into the very rought draft of it...but Maria is kind of private to that part of herself and she has only met Arthur so really, I think it worked better her omitting it. But again, the fact that you picked up on that shows how invested you are in this story.
Thank you so much for this review, it definitely was a nice surprise to see at the end of a very busy day for me!
<3 Courtney
Hello!
Responding to your last Author’s Response, being that I am completely and utterly oblivious to any Regency Fiction norms, I assume that you’re doing whatever you’re doing the way it’s supposed to be done, and telling an engaging story.
Poor Maria! She gets invited to London, but you tell us all the ways in which she is not looking forward to going, or putting herself out there in the ways that her family is hoping she might. You plead a very compelling case for all of that. She definitely doesn’t want a repeat of what happened last time, getting her heart trampled on again, and she seems to have no confidence in herself for making good decisions. It’s hard, when you look at yourself and see all the things that other people are that you are not. I am looking forward to hopefully see her finding the person who looks at her like she’s the one they’ve been searching for, for forever. I have a feeling it will be coming along slowly though. That’s okay. I’m patient. ;)
Also, when someone has forlorn eyes that are blue, one has to do what one must to remedy the situation.
Oh, no! She can’t blame herself for these events! That is too self-punishing, and no one needs to go down that road.
“And she felt the weight rest over her shoulders like a yoke thrust upon a single ox expected to plough a field.”
Such an awesome description of what Maria is going through here.
See? And this is where Arthur shows that he was good at his job. He’s caring and thoughtful and empathetic, and from the way I read it, heads off a panic attack. And he
“...one unruly portmanteau and a very devious hatbox.”
*chortle*
The picture of Francis and Felicity leaning out of the carriage to catch the light to read the paper was so unexpected, but also so very realistic, if you think about it… which I do. I lie about, thinking, “What would these people do if they had to do these things in those situations that we don’t even have to worry about?” Because, you know, we do that sort of thing.
Uh oh. Maria suspects that Francis knows something… and he does… and it isn’t good… not from their perspective anyway. Though I am glad the three of them pull together and agree to find out what happened… as a team. That bodes well. I’m assuming they’re not going to rush in and tell their mother all of this either, because that would start up another uncomfortable conversation and possible backlash.
So, I’m guessing mystery, and intrigue, and a little secrecy thrown in there?
However, if/when the constables come around, their mother will no longer be in the dark about any of it. Hmm…
Lovely chapter, with a LOT going on!
Pix
This is pretty cute at the beginning of this chapter where Maria is thinking about Arthur. I love that their hats got in the way of…whatever Arthur had leaned in to do. I also love that she has noticed, and appreciates, how Arthur is unlike a “typical” man in his openness about certain topics like nerves.
The softening like fruit about to turn into jam was a lovely turn of phrase.
Okay, now I am dying to know what is up with Rosalind??? Maria’s reaction to her being mentioned, her conspicuous absence, I need to know what is going on :eyes:
AHHHHHH Rosalind is a former lover!!! And it sounds like they didn’t part on the best terms, since they haven’t talked in five years. What torture it would be if Rosalind’s mother is successful in making Rosalind call on Maria :eyes:
I love that Maria and Rosalind are both artists, and I am definitely excited to meet this old flame.
Arthur helping get Maria put to rights after she falls trying to get in the carriage is perfect.
A HAND TOUCH AND SHE COMMENTS ON HOW STEADY HIS HANDS ARE AHHHHHH!!!
It’s adorable how Arthur is berating himself for “oversharing.” I want to give him a hug. Don’t worry Arthur, I think she likes you.
I really like how you have written Arthur’s inner life here. He worries a lot, and he spends a lot of time trying to figure out the “right” response to people’s questions and the “right” way to behave to appear normal. #relatable
Yours,
Noelle
I'm here horribly late for our swap, I'm so sorry. Particularly, what a wonderful chapter -- to think I missed it for nearly two months.
Even though we had some wonderful Wynbourne interaction in the first half of the chapter, Gerry is the news of the day and so I must comment on all of that first! Maria makes an astute observation, that if Gerry is a Naval officer the authorities shouldn't have to search for him at all -- nor could he have physically committed any murder in London. With that not making sense, and Francis's response to the news not making sense, Maria knows *something* has to be up. I like her reasoning. I hope we'll be seeing plenty of Wynbourne detective work into the mystery.
And it sounds like Gerry didn't desert, I hope? Maybe just resigned his commission? Who knows where he could be now. Who knows if he's even actually abroad anymore (though that would be the safest, if he wants to avoid the authorities).
That whole conversation about embroidering handkerchiefs was cute and also kind of funny. Your handkerchief is unembroidered! Don't you have anyone in your life to embroider your handkerchiefs? There must be SO many women competing to EMBROIDER YOUR HANDKERCHIEFS. I, Maria Wynstone, could EMBROIDER YOUR HANDKERCHIEFS better than anyone. There's symbolism here, there must be. Lmao.
(How fitting also since embroidery is a major hobby of Maria's. And then also, how intriguing that intricate embroidery is a major hobby of hers, and at the same time she is someone who anxiously picks apart the stitching on her gowns. I am positive there must be symbolism in this as well.)
<3 Melanie
AHHHH I’m so excited for Maria and Felicity and the kids, to meet Arthur, Hugh, Li, and the kids! I was hoping this would happen :D
Li is really getting a moment to shine here. We got to see her bristle when she misunderstood Maria and Felicity’s confusion over her being married to Mr Coulborne. We got to see her be polite and invite Maria’s party to ride in their carriage when the weather turned. And we got to see her totally take charge when Maria was being a touch stubborn. Like, I understand that Maria wants to get to town to finish her business, but dude, take the ride home! Especially since that means you get to meet Arthur :eyes:
I love seeing Li and Felicity hit it off so quickly. Poor Maria though, she’s turning into a bundle of nerves. I feel bad for her that this moment can cause her so much self doubt, trying to figure out how she fits into the picture when new people show up and things might change.
Lmao, poor Arthur! Trying to just be chill and normal and winding up smacking Maria with a trunk and then his forehead. This is a fun, light moment as they meet for the first time.
I really enjoyed the scene with Arthur and Maria in the carriage. There were a few false starts, but they manage to find their way into a conversation to start learning about each other. I think they are both wary of other people’s opinions, and so they are quick to assume that the other person will not be charitable to them. But then they are pleasantly surprised to find the other person is more open hearted than they had feared. I think it’s interesting that Arthur knows her older brothers. It makes him a little less of a stranger, even if he hasn’t met Maria herself before.
Yours,
Noelle
Hi Courtney! I’m here for another challenge entry review :D
Yay we get to see the kids! Unfortunately, this introduction to the kids is happening with them trapped in a carriage on a three day journey. That would be hard on anyone, let alone a two and four year old. It’s not wonder that everyone’s patience is wearing thin at this point. You did a great job depicting everyone trying to hold it together: Li and Hugh are trying to keep their kids under control, Arthur is trying to keep himself under control, and the kids are trying to manage the discomforts of being stuck in the carriage. It’s totally understandable when Hugh shouts at the kids, and then they have the meltdown, and Arthur seems pretty close to the meltdown. I liked the details about his playing with the watch and how he was counting the times he opened and shut it to calm himself down. At this point I’m wondering if he has OCD or is perhaps Autistic. I’m also wondering if his brother or sister-in-law is listening to him snap the watch open and shut and being irritated by the repetitive movement.
I LOVED when they jumped out to play Rounders! That was a good call on Hugh’s part. The last hour and a half is going to be a nightmare. A little break before we get into that was smart.
I feel so bad for Maria and her mother. Between the grief at losing her husband and her mobility, it makes sense to me that Mama would be wanting to stay in seclusion. It’s not fair, but Felicity is right that people can be cruel to those who are disabled or different. But I also understand Maria’s frustration that her mother won’t at least try to go out. I hope Mama can eventually go out again.
Yours,
Noelle
Hi Courtney! I’m here for another Challenge Entry review :D
Poor Arthur. He feels like he’s mucking up this first impression. I think it’s sweet that he doesn’t want to come off as mean to his new servant.
Nice simile with the carriage wheel in the mud.
I’m glad that Hugh, Li, and the kids are going to go with Arthur as he makes this enormous transition in his life. This is a big deal, and I’m not surprised that his head is spinning out in all directions trying to process it. But, I feel like this will be a positive change for him in the end. He feels a strong sense of obligation to his legal clients, and to uphold his role as a lawyer, but it seems to see that the act of being a lawyer doesn’t really make him happy, and causes him a lot of anxiety. I hope that he will like living in the country better, and that he will find something (and perhaps someone!) out there who will make him happy.
I liked how you introduced his concerns about getting married. It was well done: clear without hitting us over the head with it.
One thing at a time Arthur! It’ll be okay you precious bean <3
Yours,
Noelle
Hi Courtney! I’m here for your Challenge Review :D
Maria trying to hide her morning activities has me smiling. I wonder if she will be able to fool her mother. The flower she picked sounds beautiful. I hope it will help her get away with everything.
I think this scene where Maria is sneaking in through the servants’ entrance tells us a lot about her. First, you did a good job showing the reader her size without hitting us over the head with it. Second, we can tell that she’s a bit sneaky, and that she isn’t hung up on propriety as much as others might be. She’s very practical. She doesn’t seem to be going against propriety to scandalize—she’s doing it because it makes more logical sense to do so.
I feel bad for Mama. She’s officious, but it’s clear she’s been through a lot, and she’s still suffering from it every day. It’s hard, because she can’t very well keep all her kids home for the rest of their lives, but it’s hard to manage those traumatic feelings when they are out.
Felicity just trying to read her book is so relatable.
Ope, looks like Maria did not fool Mama with where she’d been.
A Lady :eyes: I spy a Jane Austen reference :D
Oh, I wonder why it is painful for Mama to talk about Gerry. Is it because he is in the military and in danger? Or is there something more there?
Ok, Felicity has a point about other people not wanting to hear every minute detail about somebody else’s kids, but Percy and Annabelle sound adorable.
AHHHH I am dying to know what Maria did that she thinks is so vile. What happened with Captain Forrester :eyes:
LMAO at Felicity’s “parts of the Bible” quip! Get it girl!
It looks like Maria is going to meet Arthur sooner rather than later. I wonder how this is all going to play out, when Arthur didn’t anticipate inheriting anything like this.
Mama is so calculating. Even in the midst of death she’s like “oh is he single and can I hook him up with my daughter Maria?” But I appreciate that from her, because she’s right that marriage is pretty much the only way Maria can have any sort of security for the future in this time period.
Loved the poisoned apple line!
Yours,
Noelle
hey courtney! here for some tag <3
i loved this chapter so much. i especially love chapters that take place as one scene, and this one goes a bit further by being just one conversation, and it was a delightful one at that. we learn so much more about maria and mama, and even felicity - but you manage to drop some hints that make me wonder what, exactly, happened to her in the last Season and everything else
i won't lie to you, i thought felicity was going to be a snob. and i wasn't sure about her at first, but then it was clear that she and maria get along famously and their back-and-forth tires mama out. honestly, i'm glad maria has that strong female support in the family because it really makes things a bit easier. i feel like felicity might have a better idea of what happened last Season than the rest of us, and i'm quite curious about maria "letting go of Captain Forrester" especially because she was really adamanet about it. it makes me wonder if maybe he proposed and she said no, which has me :eyes: about why she would say no if they were - as it seems to be - an agreeable match. you know i love me some good drama like this so i'll be here with my popcorn, hoping to find out exactly what happened between them
i do also like that you gave us a glimpse of mama and maria's relationship. it's obvious maria cares for her, and while they might not necessarily agree on everything, they're there for each other. although i do think mama's ideas about maria needing a husband are a bit dated, it of course, makes sense in a regency period novel, and i love how maria is not really for that lifestyle. she's willing to work, no matter what it would mean for her/her reputation. and i'm glad we got to see some of mama's trauma - it makes it a little easier for us to understand where she's coming from, and she genuinely seems to worry and care for and love her children
and then! aunt teresa comes in - and i can already smell the meddling mama's going to try to do from here, courtney. i mean, i can sort of hope that mama isn't wrong, either. a (potentially) hot new neighbor around maria's age has me reaching for the popcorn and eagerly anticipating what's going to happen
an excellent chapter, friend! thanks for sharing <3
Hi, Courtney! Here for some NaNo tag (that has been quiet for too long, hasn't it? :P)
Well, sounds like Gertrude is deep in grief at the moment... here are the black curtains explained... I hope she'll feel like getting back to live again soon...
Poor Arthur, he's got a lot to learn and get accustomed to, but at least it looks like he has a good support network and a lot of people willing to advise him and help him in his new responsibilities. I'm still not quite sure about what Aunt Tess' role is in all this, but I suppose we'll figure it out with time ;)
I did love their conversation, though, and especially the discussion they had in regards of Arthur's previous occupation. It's very easy to have strong opinions and feel like giving out judgement when you are in a position of privilege, but Arthur has a point, people (or the majority of them, at least) don't commit crime because they are evil, but because they are desperate and in a position where they feel they have no other option... and that's without considering all the people that get convicted without having actually done the crime at all... and Arthur would be very aware of that, having been in direct contact with all these situations (and probably being a bit more sensible/kind hearted than most people of his social background...) It made me smile seeing him getting a bit infervorated there, giving that he's probably used to just smile along and swallow it all. I suppose Tess didn't enjoy it quite as much, but I was rather proud of him in that moment :P
I'm so sad for Maria's mother... on one hand, I wish she listened to her daughter and daughter in law and tried to put herself out there a bit more, on the other I get her point of view... it's not just that she's grieving her husband, it's the fact that she can't be independent anymore, and that makes her feel useless and worthless... the idea that, even before, she would feel out of place with Gertrude and Tess because they had exciting lives to talk about and she felt like she couldn't match that is sad... it's hard when people are conversing around you and you feel you have nothing noteworthy to contribute... so I feel her...
I'm quite sure that now that Gertrude has gone through a similar loss, maybe they could really help each other out, give each other a push to enjoy life again, but I sort of understand that Demelza would be reluctant if they were never particularly close... although the idea that Gertrude might see herself/her future reflected in her and get even more depressed is such a sad take... and I'm sure not true, but still I can see where Demelza is coming from... :/
Oh, the Gerry mistery... I'm so intrigued by that, I want to know what happened... of course, news at the time would be sparse and delayed, so it's not surprising that Maria didn't manage to get much from the papers... I hope they'll find out something soon!
And now I'm very excited about this dinner! Looking forward to more Maria/Arthur interaction! I'll need to be back for more soon, I've fallen too behind! :P
Wonderful chapter as always! Thank you so much for writing and sharing! <3
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
Author's Response:Chiara, your reviews are always exceedingly thoughtful! I so appreciate you taking the time read and share your thoughts on this chapter. Both families have been through a lot and I am so glad you picked up on the many things I attempted to convey throughout this chapter!
Thank you again for your review!
Courtney
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