Welcome to weekend writing warriors. Many fine authors, and me, contribute short snippets for your delectation.
Since it seems that our Regency spy romance is much more popular than our science fiction, this post introduces the sequel to The Art of Deception. Amanda’s reading was interrupted by a summons to attend on her mother. Amanda’s mother made it clear that she must attend the assembly. After a short carriage journey, it only being six or so miles between Coalpit Heath and Chipping Sodbury, they have arrived.
The young man, who stood next to her father, said, “I should like the honour of the next dance, if I may?”
Amanda blushed, “Yes,” She rose to curtsey to him; her notes lying, unbidden on the table.
Mr Jameson glanced at them; then he reached over and folded them, neatly, and gave them to her, “Don’t forget your work.”
Amanda curtseyed and blushed again, “Thank you,” she took the paper and replaced it in her reticule.
He said, “It looked important.”
“Just some scratchings – a problem from Dr Hutton’s book.”
“His course in mathematics? I’ve been told it’s an excellent work.”
The orchestra reached the end of the 2/3; the final chords echoed through the room and interrupted Amanda’s reply; a pause in the music preceded the introduction of the next set.
Mr Jameson inclined his head, “Would you care to dance?”
My sincere apologies for abusing semi-colons.
There’s a revolution in transportation that is underway during the time frame of this story. Canals would connect large parts of the UK withing ten-fifteen years. The Kennett and Avon Canal was finished in 1810. The featured image shows the canal in Bath. Jane Austen would have been familiar with it, although it was a rough place in her time.
This bridge, in the middle of farmland, and almost literally in the middle of nowhere shows Regency decorations. It feels as if it were Mr Darcy’s moonshot, and in some what that’s true.
This lock, in Bradford on Avon, would have been there while Amanda worked on her math problems.
As would this, the Avoncliff Aqueduct. It’s next to the Cross Guns which is an elegant pub – though that doesn’t stop the chavs from decorating the path with technicolour yawns (I know that’s Australian).
The last locks to be finished, in 1810, were the Devizes steps. They make for an exhausting day, even with modern canal boats.
If you’re a yank and want to try a canal trip, the trick is to go directly to the UK sites. The US ones tend to double the price.
I’ve put up a couple of things on instafreebie. The first is a short story, To Court a Dragon.
The second is the start of a science fiction story in the same universe as Cynthia the Invincible, but set in 1893 Dartmoor, The Curious Case of Miss James. It’s available on Amazon.
The Art of Deception, first in a series of late Georgian/early Regency spy novels is now up.. You can get the first part here.
It’s a pity Mr Jameson has not done the math course.
Excellent snippet. I hope they enjoy their dance. I also like that she is showing her intelligence up front.
An interesting snippet. I liked his reaction to the issue of her notes and her implied ‘bluestockingness’.
I like her attitude–this is who I am; deal with it. 🙂 He hasn’t run away screaming, so maybe he can “deal” with her.
What a nice telling exchange! She’s not afraid to be who she is and he’s still interested.
Oh, yay! He’s familiar with Dr. Hutton’s name. Maybe he also likes math.
I’m surprised he wasn’t more taken aback with her interest in both books and mathematics. Fun snippet. 🙂
He doesn’t seem to be at all put off that she’s interested in mathematics. That’s promising.
I thought the same as others. He immediately knew who Dr. Hutton was. This means he is mathematical as well, or has someone close involved. Nice snippet.