Madame's Double Life by Keegan Lace
Virtual Book Tour Dates: 11/4/13 –
11/18/13
Genre: Historical Romance
Blurb:
Lady Victoria was born into high society
and high standards in the the English country side. The dictates of Victorian
society do not provide a good fit for a 17 year old free spirit. Lady Victoria
is as wild as the lavender growing on the white cliffs of Dover. She is a
dreamer when her life is thrown into turmoil with the arranged marriage to the
much older Lord Hawthorne.
He is the Duke of Wellington, a womanizer looking for his next conquest. Lady Victoria is just the type of woman the Duke can love and leave.
Will Lady Victoria give in to the dashing Duke of Wellington and risk causing a scandal to her husband’s name? Or will the Duke of Wellington discover love for the first time.
Excerpt:
Chapter One:
It was late morning and
Victoria was deep in slumber beneath piles of linen sheets and goose down
puffs. Heavy emerald velvet covered enormous windows to shield out the early spring
sunshine. The sun was a tease at this time of year. Boots were beginning to dry
from the winter rains and the lawn was ready to explode with fresh sprouts. The
staff at the Markham Estate was busy preparing the equipment for spring sports.
The moment before the bloom, the deluge reared its head again. This Saturday
was a bonus day. A peak at the summer that all of Dover would welcome.
“Good morning my Lady.
There you are love. Come. It is time to reveal yourself. Tea, before we prepare
for repast with the man and your brother and sisters? Your Mother is half-way
to London by now. She will be with her sister at Persimmon house. She is
already preparing for June social season. Your father is about and out on
horse. You will want to be ready upon his return.”
Lady Victoria was in her
seventeenth year. She was hopeful. Her world was getting larger as time passed
and she had dreams of finding love like all girls of her age. She was
sandwiched between an older brother and two younger sisters. Peter was 19, his
military plans delayed due to sickness. Elaine was the baby at 15 and Mary was
16 years of age. Her mother was quick to have her children but for unknown
reasons she stopped producing after Elaine. It left The Countess with time on
her hands at an early age.
Countess Tompkins travelled
to London in the springtime to assist her sister. Lady Sterling was preparing
Persimmon House for the social season beginning in June. Peter met an
appropriate girl in London the year prior and the marriage between the two was
to be officially finalized. They had shared a lengthy courtship. The Honorable
Jane Marley was a worthy match for Peter. She was 18 years old and guaranteed a
healthy virgin. Peter would eventually inherit the entire Markham Estate and
Jane was well suited to fill it with children. Victoria noticed a change come
over her cherished brother with the mention of Jane. A delicate love born of
mutual respect had blossomed between them. It gave Victoria hope that a similar
love would fill her world someday.
“Lady Victoria. I sense the
daydream in which you are lost. Time does not allow for it at this moment.
Rush, you father will be waiting.”
The Earl was a brutish sort
to most who only briefly made his acquaintance. Victoria knew her father was a
solitary man who loved his wife and children very much. He was actually a
humorous gentleman, especially among his girls who were a constant source of
amusement. He was like a cat in ways. Lady Victoria’s father retained a sense
of mystery and aloofness, but when treated in distinct manner by those close to
him he was embraceable.
“I will be ready Esther. I
want to roam the grounds in comfort today. Presentable yes, but something which
allows for free movement.”
Esther pulled out a light
pink cotton dress with sky blue flowers and a velvet sash. It was high in the
neck. She would go uncorseted. Her coltish figure did not require such
impediments when not necessitated by custom. Victoria ran wild when allowed.
With the Countess away in London and Father reading in his study, she would be
free to do so. Esther had been with Lady Victoria since infancy. She was her
maid, but so much more. Esther was a mother figure to Victoria, as her mother
was busy with the younger girls. She shared and kept all of Victoria’s
privacies as she bolted through adolescence into young womanhood. Esther knew
that matters between Peter and Jane were to be finalized but she was also aware
that Victoria’s betrothment was keen on her mother’s mind. There was certainly
something at hand. Powerless, she hoped for the best.
Victoria emerged from the
washroom ready to be dressed for the day. Her alabaster skin showed a natural
peach glow. Her sapphire eyes showed a good night’s rest and a lack of years.
She sat at the vanity to have her gossamer hair pulled back sensibly.
“My Lady, your golden locks
look as though you have just emerged from a gale. I dare not imagine your
dreams as you toss and turn so much. Your night cap is always discarded next to
your bed by morning.” Esther tamed her hair with a pearl handled hairbrush.
“Esther. Please, gentle. My
tender scalp.” Victoria fussed until Esther laid down the paddle. She stepped
into her dress and fussed a bit more. A quick glance in the head to toe mirror
tilted to welcome her presence and led to a nod. “Perfect as always Esther. I
love you.”
Victoria ran down the long
corridor, which led to the imposing mahogany staircase. Portraits of people who
Victoria had never known frowned upon her through ornate frames. She vowed
never to sit for such a depiction. What could cause such ominous scowls? She
thought for a moment about slithering down the black bannister. It was
something she did often as a young girl, but her 5’5” delicate frame was not
suited for such folly.
“Good morning father.”
Victoria gently bussed her father before taking her seat at the dining table.
She sunk into the ivory upholstered chair, which had become accustomed to her
form. Her place was designated between her two sisters who were first to
arrive. Peter sat alone across the table and father took the head. Mother’s
chair remained vacant due to her travels.
“Good Morning Victoria. You
are late to arrive which has become the custom. Peter is about to lead prayer.
You are just in time.”
Victoria smiled at young
Elaine who was rarely at a loss for words. Elaine was at times a plaything to
her older siblings but even Elaine herself knew it was heartfelt affection. She
enjoyed the ribbing, as it gave her relevance among the Tompkins children.
“God bless all present and
Dear Mother, may she be safe in her travels. Please make the food sustaining
and palatable. Amen.”
“Clever Peter. You always
have a way of getting to the significant part. Your brevity is appreciated,
although the words are hardly prosaic.”
“Thank you Victoria.” Peter
waited until Father and his sisters were served before he devoured his oysters
and bacon.
“I am happy to see you all
this morning. We have no callers today. With your Mother at Persimmon House, I
thought it best we not receive today. I am certain you can all busy yourselves
on a sunny day. I gave notice at the stables should any of you wish to ride the
grounds. I may take a jaunt myself. I would like to have tea with you Victoria,
in my study at half past three”
“Yes father. I plan to
stroll the hop gardens but I will plan tea. I promise to be timely. I will
alert Esther of my engagements.”
****
Victoria spent the day on
the many acres gardens of the Markham Estate. It was her favorite spot,
encircled with stonewalls covered in early spring hops. Azalea beds showed no
bloom as of yet but they would burst in bright hues come summer. As Victoria
walked, she dreamed of life beyond the Estate grounds. She welcomed what London
would bring. The adventures ahead seemed endless. Victoria was unaware that the
machinations of the Earl and Countess. As her parents they had already forged a
path towards her future.
At 17 and the eldest of 3
girls it was dictated by society that a suitable mate be found for carefree
Victoria. Peter was the male heir. He would inherit the title of Earl and
everything that would entail including land and other assets. A man of means
and title would care for Victoria. She would provide him with an ample flock of
descendants. Dreams of ambling down the Champs Ellysees with a man whom she
loved were to be just that – dreams. It was not an urgent reality. She remained
blissful.
“Come along now Victoria.
Your Father will look for you at half past. We must begin our journey back to
the house. You have a time for a quick refresher before tea.”
“Always prompt Esther. We
must arrange for a change of fragrance. I am tired of Lavender. It has become
too youthful and common. I prefer something mature. Fetch me some samples as
the week passes. More sophisticated and dare I say – alluring.”
Esther laughed, amused by
the request.
****
“Hello Father. I am weary
from the afternoon and ravenous.” Victoria fell onto the cushioned sofa.
“My dear Victoria, I need
not ask you to make yourself comfortable.”
“If you expect formality
you u have chosen the wrong Tompkins to join you to tea.” Victoria filled her
mouth with smoked salmon on toast. It was rare to have tea alone with her
Father in his study. It was a dark and comfortable room. To be invited to his
inner sanctum was an honor. Books lined the shelves, which reached the ceiling.
She imagined he had read them all, as he was not one for show in his private
space.
“Victoria, we anticipate
your mother’s arrival home by next week end. Any longer and I worry she will
never find her way back to Dover. She gets lost in the excitement of London as
the season approaches.”
“I shall welcome her of
course. She will need time to recover before we should receive visitors. The
staff will be alerted. Everything will be in place for her return to Markham.
Is there anything specific I should arrange upon her return?” Victoria shifted
as she expected to receive instructions.
“We will receive a caller
the day following the Countesses return. He is a gentleman. He is Lord
Hawthorne from the upper region of Kent. He has joined us for a hunt in years past
here at the estate. He travels with his brother, Lord Damian. He is a widow and
a pal from years ago. Victoria, he is a dear friend similar in years to me and
a man of superior manners.”
“Yes father. I shall make
plans for his arrival. Are overnight accommodations required?”
“Juliet and Samuel are
preparing quarters for them. I will expect you to be dressed in your finest
attire for receiving a guest of his high honor. Preparations have already begun
for Lord Hawthorne’s arrival.”
Victoria became confused by
the grandeur behind Lord Hawthorne’s visit. She awaited her Father’s
explanation.
“My dear daughter, you are
to be married to Lord Hawthorne.”
“Oh.” Ann was speechless
and astonished by her father’s announcement. She was not planning to be
promised to another before laying eyes upon him. Her dreams only hours past
were unattainable musings. A man her father’s age was a sour joke. “No father.”
Her face grew wet in reaction to the horrible news.
“Your mother and I have
considered the matter carefully. It is to be Victoria. Lord Hawthorne can
provide you with substantial wealth and a proper place in society. You are
betrothed to Lord James Hawthorne. Go to your quarters and rest up before
dinner. Allow time for the shock of the announcement to settle in.”
“I ask to be excused from
dinner father. The day has proved too much.”
****
Victoria returned to her
room and collapsed on a chaise. She was devastated with a hyperventilating fit.
Drops fell from her eyes. Esther came to console the sweet girl she helped
bring into the world. She cradled Victoria’s head in her fleshy arms.
“Esther, I must tell you
what my parents have done. They….” Victoria was cut off.
“I knew this was coming me
dear. I was powerless.”
“Oh, Esther. You knew and
you held it a secret? You are like me mum. How could you keep secrets? The
whole world is against me.”
“I let you dream. I could
not devastate you with the impeding arrangement.”
“I will not be happy. I
will wish for the day I die.”
Author Interview:
1.
How will you describe your book within a sentence?
When you are not in
control of your destiny, there is still hope and love can be found.
2.
Genres you like to read? Genres you prefer to write?
I like to read historical
romance novels. I prefer to write historical romance novels, but I may venture
into contemporary romance novels.
3.
When and how did the thought of this story come up?
The idea for this book
came to me as I was walking my dog. I made a note in my cell phone and
developed the story over the next few days. I often create stories in my mind.
Ideas normally pop in my mind when I am driving, so I keep a notebook on the
front seat to write down my ideas.
4.
How do you plan out your writing?
Once I have an idea, I
write it down in a notebook and create an outline for the book. I have a vivid
imagination and keep a notebook near at all times.
5.
Tell us about your inspiration and how it motivated you to
become a writer?
I became a writer due to
my love of historical romance novels. I am motivated by my idols, Virginia
Henley and Johanna Lindsey.
6.
How do you feel now that you’re a published writer? Are you satisfied
with your achievement?
I am so pleased to have a
published novel. This was a major achievement for me and I hope that readers
enjoy my novel.
7.
Do you prefer self-publishing or the traditional form of
publishing?
I have found it very
rewarding being a self-published author. I am able to have control of my work
and it is very self-gratifying.
8.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Confident, Smart,
Dependable
9.
Any secret or fact about you that will surprise your readers and
others as well?
I am a sucker for action
movies.
10.
How do you spend your leisure time except for writing? Are you
into sports?
I am a fan of the NFL,
NBA, and tennis.
11.
Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not then what was your
previous ambition and what made you change your decision and step in the field
of writing?
I have always enjoyed
reading and writing but never dreamed of being a writer. I had dreams of being
a nurse but I didn’t realize that being a nurse required being apt at Chemistry
and Anatomy. I quickly realized nursing was not in the cards for me. I decided
to take writing seriously after the explosion of self-publishing authors. I
always had the mentality that I would need to submit my manuscript to get
published. I am so grateful that I discovered self-publishing.
12.
Are you currently working on a project? If yes, would you like
your readers to have a sneak peek into it?
I have two novels, The
Rakish Duke and Meet Me at the Masquerade that are in the process of being
edited.
13.
Your top three favourite authors?
My top three favorite
authors are Virginia Henley, Johanna Lindsey and Stephanie Laurens.
14.
Your top three favourite books of all time?
The Private and The
Pagan, Defy Not The Heart, and Gentle Rogue.
Buy Links:
About Keegan Lace:
Keegan Lace was born and raised in
North Carolina, currently residing in the Charlotte area. She has
always loved books, especially romance novels and wished that everyone would
find love, romance and happiness.
When she is not writing, reading, or
being a wonderful mother to her children; she can be found enjoying some of her
favorite hobbies: yard sales, house hunting and traveling.
Author Links:
Website: http://www.keeganlace.com
Bookista Profile: http://www.bookistapublishing.com/#!keegan-lace/c21gy
Bookista Publishing: http://www.bookistapublishing.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/keeganlace
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keegan.lace
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KeeganLace
Check out the Book Trailer here and on the Author's Website
Other Links:
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/353118
Diesel E-books: http://www.diesel-ebooks.com/item/SW00000353118/Lace-Keegan-Madame-s-Double-Life/1.html
Paperback
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