The Art of Deception
or Pride and Extreme Prejudice
Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors. This week continues a spy story set in late Georgian England, the year before Trafalgar. Last week Lucy received an invitation to go for a ride. In a 1920’s gangster book that would seem a tad sinister, but this is just on horses, properly chaperoned, and to a civil war monument. They’ve decided this is an excellent opportunity for Miss Aldershot to investigate the men’s rooms at the Pelican. Unfortunately, Mr Stanton is ill, the sausage having disagreed with him.
Alice’s frustration with her horse showed, “I see these are gentle beasts, suitable for young ladies and other invalids.”
Edward smiled, “It will leave us with the time for conversation, and I should never forgive myself if Miss Haytor’s mount should bolt.”
“Thank you for considering my comfort.”
“These slugs, bolt? Not likely.” Alice was still not amused with the horses; her mare spotted a stray cur and sidled with a loud snort of displeasure; she pulled its reins and the horse quieted, “At least this one shows a little spirit.” She glanced at the groom, “but no manners.”
He ignored her.
After they had ridden off, a plainly dressed, middle-aged woman left the Christopher, bound for the Pelican; on the way she passed a rather good looking, similarly disguised, man heading the opposite direction; neither one of them noticed the other.
Now that you’ve read my hackery, please see the talented writers in Weekend Writing Warriors.
My apologies for creative punctuation.
Having women ride astride is a very common error in historical films. Women generally rode sidesaddle. There were practical reasons for this as what the English call “pants” weren’t worn by the gentle gender. They did have leggings and stockings, but wore something closer to a suspender belt than modern undergarments. (for what it’s worth men wore something much like a cross between modern swimming trunks and “boxers”, with a drawstring and without the mesh inside.) Personally, the few times I’ve been on horseback I’ve been very glad to have both feet in stirrups and being able to grab the horses’ back between my knees. I can’t imagine what it was like to sit sideways. The young lady in the cartoon is “fast” and the Tar knows it. The featured image shows what could be done, if you had the guts. (If you look carefully, she’s raised from the seat and having significant “air time!”)
Like poor Cecelia, “The Curious Profession of Dr Craven” is back from the dead.
I’ve released a sweet regency romance, Miss DeVere 
This is a fun read.
Frankenkitty is available.
What happens when teenagers get to play with Dr Frankenstien’s lab notebooks, a few odd chemicals and a great big whopping coil? Mayhem, and possibly an invitation to the Transylvanian Neuroscience Summer School.
R. Harrison, Creative Enterprises 
I’m guessing that Miss Aldershot and Mr Stanton are passing each other in the street, on their way to break into each other’s rooms. It’ll be interesting to learn what happens next.
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Thank you, It will be fun.
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What do they say about great minds and fools not differing? I trust that Miss Aldershot and Mr Stanton are not compromised, just yet.
I love the comments about the nature of the horses. I guess our ladies are revealing a little more about themselves than perhaps they should.
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Not yet. Thank you.
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Oh, you’ve got me curious! Very smooth weaving of history into the story. LOVE Alice!
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Thank you, I love putting the history into the stories.
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This is such an amusing story, everyone spying on each other and employing subterfuges. Great snippet!
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Thank you.
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‘Young ladies and other invalids’ – that made me laugh. And your last sentence is super intriguing!
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She’s going to find it isn’t quite such smooth going. The historic term is ‘Figging’
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Great snippet, and the last paragraph makes me want to know what happens next. 😀
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Thank you. I do my best to keep my readers guessing. (Don’t always succeed.)
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Spies crossing each other! I hope they don’t meet unexpectedly.
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Thank you. They won’t, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be a meeting.
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I’m curious to know more. Love the history woven into the mix too.
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Thank you.
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Okay, you’ve got me hooked. I definitely want to know what happens next.
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Thank you.
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Hehe, great snippet and it was funny to see the spies passing each other by.
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Thoroughly enjoyed her displeasure at his equestrian choice.
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Great snippet! I’m curious about what’s going to happen next. And love the little historical note. Thanks for that 🙂
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