Friday, August 23, 2013

A Downton Abbey Inspired Tea is Happening NOW!



Facebook Author Page
 
 
 

You're invited, too!
Just click on this special invitation. . . .

31-Days of Giveaway



I'm a little late getting to the Tea. . . .Fashionably late--I hope. . . .The reason being--my computer got the flu (a virus) and is recuperating in the hospital. . . .I've been begging and borrowing computers from friends all month long. . . .It's been a challenge, to say the least. . . . But, the doctors (Geek Squad) say my computer will get over it's illness and will be home soon, safe and sound.

The real downside is that I've missed most of the Online Tea Party celebrating the first release of Jessica Dotta's Price of Privilege Trilogy "Born of Persuasion". . . It's been an on-going event this entire month of August.


 Back in July, Jessica sent me an early invitation for the Online Tea Party and 31-Days of Giveaways to celebrate the launch of  her book. . . .It was then that I learned Born of Persuasion was set in 1838--one of my favorite times in history . . . .She's worked on the trilogy for years--pouring her heart and soul into it. . . .I haven't received my copy, yet, but it's on it's way! . . . From the reviews I've read, I can hardly wait. . . .Here's just one of many. . . .

 Autumn Topping at The Silver Petticoat Review:
"Who doesn't love a good, old-fashioned Jane Austen like historical romance? Or an entertaining, Gothic and Bronte ‘esque’ suspense filled mystery? Well I know I eat these stories up faster than I can a piece of chocolate cake. Unfortunately, finding these types of stories (or at least good ones) outside the classics are sadly few and far between. In Jessica Dotta’s debut novel, however, I finally found one I could devour; each page hypnotizing me with its power to uncover what happens next.
. . . .Part Jane Austen (Mrs. Windham strongly echoes Mrs. Bennet) and part Charlotte Bronte, Jessica Dotta weaves a Gothic story effortlessly into the world of petticoats, scandals, secret engagements, and marriage proposals. Dotta is so good at suspense that she had me questioning the characters’ motives and feelings at every corner.
. . . .Romantic and entertaining to its core (with excellent mysteries thrown in for good measure), I was literally on the edge of my seat."

Autumn goes on to say, "This needs to be a television series, Downton Abbey style. . . ."

Intrigued? There's a sneak peek of Born of Persuasion at the end of this post.


I'm a huge fan of Downton Abbey so dressing in their style was just my 'cup of tea'. . . .(Pardon the pun. . . . I couldn't resist. . . .grin). . . .You know how I love to 'dress up and play'. . . .When I received the invitation in July,  I began to gather my own Downton Abbey inspired clothing. . . .a Summer hat, dotted Swiss gloves, pearls. . . .a vintage crepe dress. . . .No shoes. . . .Nothing seemed to look right. . . .but, if truth be known, my feet don't like shoes in the Summer. . . .never have. . . .a true Farmer's Daughter. . .Besides it was too hot for shoes. . . .In fact,  I almost opted for iced tea instead of hot tea. . . .Bare feet and iced tea go together you know. . . .at least in the Delta they do.


Everyone is welcome to join the Tea. . . You don't have to dress up like I did. . . .although it was sure fun. . . .Simply go to the Born of Persuasion Facebook page or to the Jessica Dotta website and join in. . . .Be sure and sign up for the Giveaways, too. . . .There's one each day. . . .I missed out on this charming hat. . . .(sigh)

Photo: We're counting down to the launch of Born of Persuasion with 31-Days of Giveaway!

To enter to win this hat from The Victorian Trading Company, visit my Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/BornofPersuasion

Isn't it wonderful?


 
To Jessica I wish great success with her Price of Privilege Trilogy . . . .To You my friends I wish luck at the Giveaways. . . .and to my ailing computer I wish a big 'Get Well Soon'. . . .While I'm waiting for it's recovery, I know of a good book to read!
 
. . .from my farmhouse to yours. . .
 
 
 


Book Blurb:

The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.

With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.



A Sneak Peek:

“I am quite vexed with you.” Mrs. Windham placed a slice of lard cake on a plate. She eyed my dress hanging loosely over my frame, then added another sliver alongside a gooseberry tart. “Why did you not tell us your mother was ailing? Had I knowledge, I would have visited before she passed; indeed, I would have.”

My hand faltered as I reached for the plate. While I’d known the topic of Mama’s death was unavoidable, I had not expected it so soon.

“Mama.” Elizabeth cast her mother a disapproving look over the rim of her teacup. “You can scarcely blame Julia for it.”

“Blame Julia?” Mrs. Windham dabbed her eyes with the corner of her gardening apron. “What a notion, child.” Then to me, “Did she linger in much pain? Did she send me remembrances? Did she call for me in her deep despair?”

Tightness gathered in my chest as I sought for an explanation, knowing full well the Windhams wouldn’t be fooled into believing Mama had pined herself into an early grave over my father’s death. I placed the plate on my lap, then set about tearing the cake into bite-sized pieces. “She called for no one. The cholera took her quickly.”

Elizabeth froze, midsip, as if detecting my lie. Mrs. Windham frowned, but I wasn’t certain whether she sensed deception or simply disliked being robbed of the notion that Mama had died crying out for her.
Mrs. Windham turned toward the window, pressing her lace handkerchief against her mouth. “Well, if you’re going to try to spare me, I am sure there is nothing I can do.” Her voice trembled. “I have lost my dearest friend, but why should anyone consider me?”

A long silence ensued, during which Elizabeth frowned and I twisted my cup in its saucer. We both knew trying to start a new conversation would be useless until her mother had been properly indulged.
After a minute, Mrs. Windham’s mouth puckered. “Humph. Well, do not think yourself cleared on all accounts. I am even more outraged you agreed to have this . . . this guardian. I scarcely believed my own ears when I heard the tidings. Nothing, no, nothing, could have made me believe you would choose this person over me. Whatever are you thinking?” I tore the cake into yet smaller pieces.
Elizabeth darted an apologetic look at me, wrapping her hands about her cup. “Mama, you can scarcely blame Julia for whom her parents selected as her guardian.”

“What else am I to think? Especially when Lucy wrote me a mere month before her death begging me to care for Julia should this very thing happen. Well, all I can say is that Julia has certainly made it clear whom she prefers. Surely this person has no tie, no claim over you. I never heard of such an odd thing in all my life. Not give a name, indeed! And that man who came. That rude man! Is it so unreasonable to assume your guardian would have taken it into account that I have a daughter, and as such made allowances? See if I merit approval. Of all the insults.” She snorted into her half-empty cup.

I shot Elizabeth a questioning look. She’d not written anything about my guardian sending someone to Am Meer. Instead of meeting my eyes, her gaze drifted to the open windows.

“I never met such a rude man as that Simon.” Looking at my untouched food, Mrs. Windham fluttered her handkerchief at it. “Indeed, I wish we’d begun dining amongst higher spheres before I listed our acquaintances. That would have swept the smug look off that Simon’s face.”

Elizabeth let out a short sigh. “His name was Simmons, not Simon.”
“I think I should remember better than you, missy. I tell you it was Simon, and I cannot imagine a more disdainful or trying butler.”
“Butler?” I asked, more perplexed than ever. “Are you saying my guardian’s butler came here?”
“He was no butler; trust me,” Elizabeth said. “He dressed the part of a gentleman. I think he was a solicitor.”
“You can hardly expect a butler to wear his black tie when travelling. Take my word, the man is a servant, one who holds much too high an opinion of himself.”

“But, Mama, think upon it. What sort of person sends a servant to make those types of inquiries? Who would run the household during his absence?”

“Are you never to tell me of what you are speaking?” I finally said. “What does this man and his lists of acquaintances have to do with my guardian?”

Elizabeth gave her mother a look that plainly asked if she was satisfied now that I was upset. “Well, we were not supposed to mention the visit.” She glared a second longer at her mother. “Three months ago he arrived, stating he’d come to make certain Mama was a suitable chaperone for a visit.”

“Very rude, he was, too. I should not have thought there was such a rude man in all of England.”
Elizabeth took a sharp, annoyed intake of breath. “He gathered the names of all our acquaintances—”
“He dared to ask what we required as compensation for keeping you here for a month or two. The very idea, expecting to be reimbursed for keeping Lucy’s child! He made it sound as though you were living on—” Mrs. Windham stopped suddenly and eyed the patch on my threadbare dress. The tinkling of the wind chimes was the only sound filling the space for a half minute.

“I heard nothing about this visit,” I said, forcing an even tone. “Pray, did he happen to mention the name of my guardian?”

“No, indeed. This is all very strange.” Mrs. Windham spooned more sugar into her tea. “I think your guardian must be very ill-mannered. What sense can there be in keeping one’s identity hidden, I ask?”
She paused, eyeing me for all she was worth. But I had no suitable answer. I no longer even wanted to know about the man who’d been sent here. His visit only increased my unease, making it harder for me to find the nerve to do what I must. If I succeeded in accomplishing my goal, then this Simon or Simmons person mattered little.

" A soft knock on the door interrupted us.

"Yes?” Mrs. Windham sank back into her chair, glaring. “What now?”

“I beg pardon.” Their stout housekeeper managed to open the door and curtsy at the same time. “Only the room’s ready, and Miss Lizbeth asked me to come fetch her.”

“Thank you, Hannah.” With undisguised relief, Elizabeth stood. “Mama, poor Julia must be exhausted. Surely you will excuse her.”

Mrs. Windham waved me away with her handkerchief. “I have no wish to talk further regardless, what with her upsetting the household. My poor heart is pounding after such a distasteful tea. When you wake, I insist you write your guardian. Tell him this whole affair upsets my digestion, and that you wish to be transferred into my care. For I cannot conceive he wishes such vexations upon me. And—”

“What shall we do about a lady’s maid for Julia?” Elizabeth had the mercy to interrupt. “Betsy scarcely has time in the mornings to arrange our toilette, much less someone else’s. What about that girl Nancy?”

“Yes, yes, anyone will do,” agreed Mrs. Windham, picking up her teacup. “I am quite certain Julia shall not mind.”



 

www.jessicadotta.com 
Born of Persuasion - Tyndale House, Sept 2013
Twitter: @jessicaDotta


9 comments:

Pamela Gordon said...

You look just lovely all dressed up for your tea. The book sounds really good so I'll be looking for it. Hugs, Pamela

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

Everything is just perfect right down to your bare feet - you created a lovely setting :-)

Florida Farm Girl said...

Oh, I haven't played dress up in many, many years!!! Glad you had fun.

The book looks to be a good one. I'll keep an eye out for it.

Anonymous said...

Always up for tea and a good book. Looking forward to this book. Thanks for the heads up. I do hope your computer comes home soon, so miss your lovely posts.
blessings, jill

cynthia lee designs said...

Beautiful photos!!
~Cindy

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Oh my Dru, you look like a privileged lady indeed! A girl after my own heart. I too am a barefoot kind of gal. Did I ever mention that I garden in flip flops? Next best thing to barefoot. I am a huge Downton fan also. Your tea is ever so lovely, but you stole the show!
hugs,
Jann

Fishtail Cottage said...

you are so darling! Jann Olsen just sent me to your blog! she mentioned you were lucky to read the Born of Persuasion book early as well....didn't you just love it! I couldn't get enough! anyway - it's nice to meet you! off to peek around and count me in as your new fan! xoxo, tracie

Heide at ApronHistory said...

What absolute fun!! Looks perfect.

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

Too fun! I love your high tea !

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