Welcome to a stop on the Coffee Pot Book Tour for Muskets and Masquerades by Lindsey Fera. This is book two of her American Revolution tri...

#HistoricalFiction #HistoricalRomance #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub Book Title: Muskets and Masquerades Series: Muskets Trilogy Author: Lindsey S. Fera Publication Date: 18th April 2023 Publisher: Pompkin Press Page Length: 500 Genre: Historical Fiction / Historical Romance Jack and Annalisa are married only five months when, enroute to France, a shipwreck separates them. On different shores, each believes the other dead. But when Annalisa learns Jack is alive, she returns to America and discovers much has changed. After a betrayal, she flees town as her alter ego, Benjamin Cavendish, and joins the Continental Army. Unbeknownst to Annalisa, Jack has also joined the Continentals, harboring shameful secrets from his days in mourning. Against the backdrop of war with Britain, façades mount between Jack and Annalisa, and the merry minuet of their adolescence dissolves into a masquerade of deceit, one which threatens to part them forever. Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/mYxkoV Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Muskets-Masquerades-Lindsey-Fera-ebook/dp/B0BWKGCSH1/ Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Muskets-Masquerades-Lindsey-Fera-ebook/dp/B0BWKGCSH1 Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Muskets-Masquerades-Lindsey-Fera-ebook/dp/B0BWKGCSH1/ Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Muskets-Masquerades-Lindsey-Fera-ebook/dp/B0BWKGCSH1/ Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/muskets-and-masquerades-lindsey-s-fera/1143036124?ean=9798986756509 Muskets and Masquerades Excerpt Abigail smiled, then looked toward her great stone mansion. “Charles can’t refute what I say, and for that, I’m thankful.” She paused. “But I’ve reason to suspect he’s not the man he says he is.” A gust of chilly air lifted the hat from Annalisa’s head. She bristled as she grabbed it, though was unsure if it was the breeze, or her friend’s ominous conjecture, puckering her skin. “Whatever do you mean?” Abigail removed two letters from her pocket. “I’ve been meaning to show you these for weeks but could never find the time to steal them from Charles’s desk.” She unfolded the pages and handed them to Annalisa, who scrutinized the broken seal. “The Prime Minister?” “Yes. Lord North.” “Why is Lord Essex in correspondence with Lord North?” Annalisa asked. “The Prime Minister is not a Whig.” “It says here,” Abigail reached for the second letter and read, “My old friend, I will do whatever you ask of me, so long as I have your support in Parliament.” She scoffed. “Is it not clear enough? North is vying for Charles’s support in Parliament.” Annalisa bit her lip. “In my time at Devonshire House, I learned from the duke’s Whig Party dinners, Lord North is wildly unpopular these days. Perhaps he’s merely trying to gain votes by whatever means possible.” “La!” Abigail groaned. “But why write to Charles? Think you ’tis possible North’s written similar letters to other Whigs? Think you the Duke of Devonshire holds a similar note?” “I know not. The duke is rather taciturn. But I should think Lord North, a man in danger of losing his popularity, and hence, his position of power, would do anything necessary to secure himself.” Annalisa reached for Abigail’s hand. “Be not too quick to render your husband a traitor to his party.” Looking quite uncomfortable, Abigail diverted her gaze. “Perhaps you’re right. But I’ve a sour feeling about it.” Annalisa glanced at the house. “Is Lord Essex hunting all day today?” “Yes.” They both stared at the mansion. “Care to peruse his study with me?” Abigail asked. Inside, they dallied on the first floor until the nursemaid ascended the stairs with Louisa, then slipped down the hall. Abigail led them through a wide, white painted corridor affixed with bronzed sconces, until she reached Lord Essex’s study. She lifted the latch and closed the door behind them. With floor to ceiling windows and white bookcases, natural light bathed the space in unusual brightness, far unlike the dark mahogany study Annalisa had imagined it to be. “I’ll search his desk if you look through that ledger,” Abigail said. Annalisa took the large leather book from his desk to an oak Windsor chair and sat, setting the tome on her lap. She flipped through the pages, all of which had written numbers upon them. “These are his accounts.” Her brows knit. “Wish you to know the expenditure of his estate and finances?” “No. Charles assures me I may buy whatever I like—” “He’s in debt.” Annalisa looked up to meet her friend’s anxious stare. Abigail, seated at the desk, faced her. “I beg your pardon?” Annalisa rose from the chair and took the ledger to the desk. “Look, his account can barely afford this house. Pray, who is his bookkeeper, his estate manager?” “La!” Abigail cupped her mouth. “Whatever could he be spending his money on? He’s assured me countless times…how could I have been so foolish?” “Don’t be too harsh on yourself.” Annalisa returned to her chair. “How could you have known? He probably wishes not to worry you.” She read another page and scratched her head. “But he may have to let this house. I can’t see how you can continue living beyond your means.” “Let the house?” Abigail looked as though she would weep. Frantically, she reached for another letter from the pile upon the desk. “This estate has been in his family for hundreds of years…Mr. Darby has been the estate manager since Charles’s father was alive. I can’t imagine he’d lead Charles astray.” She unfolded another letter, and her gaze darted across the page. Her face grew wan. “Abbie, what is it?” The page wavered in Abigail’s hands. “A letter from George.” Annalisa rose from her seat. “What does it say?” “He wrote of his position within the Continental Army.” With a wistful upturn of her lips, added, “He’s a captain now…they’re in New York.” Her hand flew to her mouth. “Zounds!” “You frighten me. What is it?” Abigail’s eyes rounded with disbelief, and she whispered, “Jack’s alive.” LINDSEY S. FERA is a born and bred New Englander, hailing from the North Shore of Boston. As a member of the Topsfield Historical Society and the Historical Novel Society, she forged her love for writing with her intrigue for colonial America by writing her debut novel, Muskets & Minuets, a planned trilogy. When she's not attending historical reenactments or spouting off facts about Boston, she's nursing patients back to health. Muskets & Masquerades is her sophomore novel. Website: https://www.lindseyfera.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorLinzFera Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLinzFera/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonduchess/ Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lindsey-S-Fera/author/B09598KYNM Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21491352.Lindsey_S_Fera Tour Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2023/03/blog-tour-muskets-and-masquerades.html

Join The Coffee Pot Book Club on tour with… Muskets and Masquerades Muskets Trilogy by Lindsey S. Fera May 1st - May 5th, 2023 Publication Date: April 18th, 2023 Publisher: Pompkin Press Pages: 500 Genre: Historical Fiction / Historical Romance Jack and Annalisa are married only five months when, enroute to France, a shipwreck separates them. On different shores, each believes the other dead. But when Annalisa learns Jack is alive, she returns to America and discovers much has changed. After a betrayal, she flees town as her alter ego, Benjamin Cavendish, and joins the Continental Army. Unbeknownst to Annalisa, Jack has also joined the Continentals, harboring shameful secrets from his days in mourning. Against the backdrop of war with Britain, façades mount between Jack and Annalisa, and the merry minuet of their adolescence dissolves into a masquerade of deceit, one which threatens to part them forever. Buy Links Universal Buy Link Amazon UK • Amazon US • Amazon CA • Amazon AU Barnes & Noble Lindsey S. Fera Lindsey S. Fera is a born and bred New Englander, hailing from the North Shore of Boston. As a member of the Topsfield Historical Society and the Historical Novel Society, she forged her love for writing with her intrigue for colonial America by writing her debut novel, Muskets & Minuets, a planned trilogy. When she's not attending historical reenactments or spouting off facts about Boston, she's nursing patients back to health. Muskets & Masquerades is her sophomore novel. Social Media Links: Website • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram Amazon Author Page • Goodreads Tour Schedule May 1st Candlelight Reading Let Your Words Shine The Historical Fiction Company Ruins & Reading May 2nd The Book’s Delight Let Us Talk of Many Things Catherine Meyrick’s Official Blog May 3rd Archaeolibrarian Kahleena MacCarthy’s Official Blog Historical Fiction Blog May 4th Viviana MacKade’s Official Blog MJ Porter’s Official Blog Crowvus Book Blog When Angels Fly May 5th Linnea Tanner’s Official Blog CelticLady’s Reviews A Darn Good Read The Coffee Pot Book Club

Welcome to a stop on the Coffee Pot Book Tour for Muskets and Masquerades by Lindsey Fera. This is book two of her American Revolution tri...

Muskets and Masquerades Muskets Trilogy by Lindsey S. Fera Publication Date: April 18th, 2023 Publisher: Pompkin Press Pages: 500 Genre: Historical Fiction / Historical Romance Jack and Annalisa are married only five months when, enroute to France, a shipwreck separates them. On different shores, each believes the other dead. But when Annalisa learns Jack is alive, she returns to America and discovers much has changed. After a betrayal, she flees town as her alter ego, Benjamin Cavendish, and joins the Continental Army. Unbeknownst to Annalisa, Jack has also joined the Continentals, harboring shameful secrets from his days in mourning. Against the backdrop of war with Britain, façades mount between Jack and Annalisa, and the merry minuet of their adolescence dissolves into a masquerade of deceit, one which threatens to part them forever. With Candlemas upon them, Twelfth Night felt to be years ago, not mere weeks. Annalisa and Mary sat in the parlor. Her sister worked on her needlepoint, and Annalisa reread Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. The pamphlet was now two years old, but the radical words still rang true. She harkened back to the night at the Black Water Inn when Jack, William, and Quinnapin gathered about to read the pamphlet for the first time; before any of them, save George, had left for the army. George was returning from the Black Water today, and would be home within the hour, she supposed. Three years had passed since he last stepped inside his own establishment, and two years since Annalisa had seen Elisha Porter. She glanced at Mary and smiled. Her darling younger sister would have her debut come spring. Annalisa pondered the kind of gentleman who would ask Mary to dance, and perhaps, court her. My little sister, my dearest Mary. She can’t be courted by just anyone. But who remains to attend these local balls? What young, eligible gentleman hasn’t joined the war? Mary seemed unaffected. Her little needle pointed up, then down, her fingers fast at work embroidering a rose. Mary was far better than she or Jane ever purported to be at needlepoint. Annalisa bit her lip to hide her smirk. Her own stitching was base at the best of times, and Jane had always been the accomplished one among them. Now, Mary seemed to surpass even Jane. “You’re quite good,” Annalisa said. Mary looked up. “I suppose with you and Jane gone I’ve had much time to master these old, hackneyed patterns.” Annalisa set aside her pamphlet. “I’m sorry I left you alone here.” “Don’t be. You were married, and then terrible things befell you. I could never blame you for any of it. I’ve only missed you, ’tis all. Would that I could’ve joined you.” “Mary, you know ’tis too dangerous.” Mary set down her canvas. “What makes you think I don’t wish to partake in this war? What makes you think I couldn’t learn to fire a musket as you have?” “I wouldn’t wish what I’ve seen upon anyone, especially you. Battle is full of horrors. If you wish to partake, then weave your own textiles, as other ladies are wont to do—” “How can you rebuke me so? You of all would scoff at such trite displays of rebellion.” Annalisa frowned. Mary was right. She could hardly sit by and spin her own fabric while the men left for battle. “Well, if you don’t fight, and you’ll not weave or spin, what will you do?” “I go with Henry every other week to George’s tavern. I’ve taken to listening.” “Listening?” “Aye. I’ve come away with quite a bit of information,” Mary replied. “And to whom have you relayed such knowledge?” Though Annalisa chuckled, she remembered the few times she’d been at George’s tavern and overheard Loyalists speaking of British generals and such. A tavern was an easy way to garner intelligence, but it was a matter of ensuring the news ended safely, and in the right hands. “I’ve told Henry, of course,” Mary replied. “Ah, then he takes it to his contact?” Annalisa asked. “I suppose. I know not where he takes my information.” Mary picked up her canvas and continued with her perfect rose. Espionage. ’Tis what Mary does. She spies. Perhaps she could be employed by someone within the Continental Army. No one would suspect her… The thought covered her in goosebumps. Spies, if uncovered, always received capital punishment. No, I can never involve her. The dangers are too great. She suddenly understood the fear George felt all these years about her masquerading as a man. He cared too much for her to see her languishing in a prison, or potentially hanged. The front door swung open, and George strode into the parlor. “My two favorite sisters,” he bellowed. “I come bearing gifts from Elisha.” He handed them each a parcel wrapped in paper. Annalisa tore it open and sniffed the beef mince pie. Her mouth watered at the buttery crust. “How I’ve missed these.” Mary carefully put away her canvas then ripped open the paper, and bit into the pie without moving to the kitchen. Annalisa and George laughed. “These pies are so delicious, George,” Mary said, her mouth full and her eyes rolling back into her head. “Careful, with such vulgar manners, Mother won’t let you have your debut this spring,” George howled. He sat beside Annalisa and drew up the pamphlet she’d been reading. “I’ve read this thing nearly a hundred times.” “I’ve but read it twice.” She leaned against him and closed her eyes. A knock sounded at the door, and Annalisa lifted her head. Abigail hurried inside the parlor with Louisa clutched to her breast, her eyes wild, and frantic. “What is it, Abbie?” Annalisa asked. “You look a fright.” Shaking, Abigail handed her a letter. “Read it, I don’t mind.” Annalisa unfolded the page, and George leaned in to read alongside her. When they finished, they peered at one another, then to Abigail, who bit her lip. “He’s here. He’s coming for me,” she whispered. “Who?” Mary asked. “Lord Essex,” Annalisa and George said in unison with Abigail. “What should I do? Where should I go?” Abigail cried. Louisa shrieked in her arms, and George reached for the girl. How much smaller she looked tucked against his strapping chest, snuggled within his bulging arms. “We can go to the Black Water,” Annalisa said. “He won’t know to look for you there.” “No.” George rose from the sofa with Louisa. He paced for several moments, then turned to face them, huddled together with Mary. “Come with me to Valley Forge. You, too, Annie. Essex will never know you’re there. ’Tis a secluded place, a day’s ride from Philadelphia—” “But the British hold Philadelphia,” Mary said. “What if he travels yonder?” “A sound thought, Mary, but unlikely,” George replied. “Let me come, too,” Mary said. “No,” Annalisa said with George. They looked at one another, then Annalisa added, “You’re more valuable here. When Essex comes for Abigail, listen to everything he says, but play the unwitting coquette, then write to us. Can you do that?” Mary nodded. “No, don’t involve her,” George barked. “She wishes to help. Whyever can she not?” Annalisa asked. Abigail added, “’Tis true, George, no one will suspect her.” The way George looked upon Mary with devastation, made Annalisa’s blood run cold. “She and Henry are the last of us to be removed from this war. I wish to keep it so,” he replied. Mary crossed her arms. “I’m hardly removed from it, George.” George towered over her. “Is that so, young miss?” “I can keep to myself, I swear it,” Mary said. “We don’t even know for certain Lord Essex poses any threat to us. Should he call here, Mamma and Papa, and Henry and I shall host him as fondly as we ever hosted gentry.” Annalisa asked, “Is William leaving with you, too? Or can he remain here?” George shook his head. “Wilhelmina has been honorably discharged. After the year he’s had, I doubt he wishes to sign on for another.” “What is this?” William asked, stepping into the parlor. “Lord Essex has written,” George replied. “He’s landed in Boston and means to come for Abigail. I’ve insisted she, Louisa, and Annalisa return to Valley Forge with me. Mary has offered to garner intelligence on Lord Essex should he come to the house seeking Abigail.” “Why should Annalisa go with you and leave me behind?” William said with a scowl. “Surely I’m of greater assistance at Valley Forge than here—” “No, you’ve been honorably discharged,” George said. “You’ll be better help here. You and Henry can guard the house should anything suspicious arise because of Lord Essex’s presence within the province. I doubt it not he has allies within the colony and means to use them.” “But why would he call here? Should we not warn the Perkinses?” William asked. “My papa already knows, and Ollie is aware,” Abigail said. “They’ll ensure he does nothing to compromise my family.” “Only until Congress reconvenes,” Annalisa added. “Then your father will be away. Think you Ollie and Andrew will be sufficient?” “Of course, which is why William and Henry must remain here,” George said. At this, William nodded. “Aye, but when will you, Quinn, and Jack return?” “Jack’s been ill since Twelfth Night, else he’d be here now, perhaps to remain. Quinn won’t return until Jack’s beyond his convalescence.” William sighed. “Aye, sir.” “Mary, you’ll be in charge of writing to us with any information. I’ll put you in contact with an individual I met while stationed at York Island. He’ll instruct you on learning to write in cypher and will supply you with sympathetic stain.” Mary nodded. “Aye, sir.” George kissed Louisa’s forehead, then regarded Annalisa and Abigail. “Ladies, we ride at dawn.” Universal Buy Link Amazon UK • Amazon US • Amazon CA • Amazon AU Barnes & Noble Lindsey S. Fera Lindsey S. Fera is a born and bred New Englander, hailing from the North Shore of Boston. As a member of the Topsfield Historical Society and the Historical Novel Society, she forged her love for writing with her intrigue for colonial America by writing her debut novel, Muskets & Minuets, a planned trilogy. When she's not attending historical reenactments or spouting off facts about Boston, she's nursing patients back to health. Muskets & Masquerades is her sophomore novel. Connect with Lindsey: Website • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram Amazon Author Page • Goodreads

Publication Date: 18th April 2023 Publisher: Pompkin Press Series: Muskets Trilogy Page Length: 500 Genre: Historical Fiction / Historical Romance Synopsis Jack and Annalisa are married only five months when, enroute to France, a shipwreck separates them. On different shores, each believes the other dead. But when Annalisa learns Jack is alive, she returns to America and discovers much has changed. After a betrayal, she flees town as her alter ego, Benjamin Cavendish, and joins the Continental Army. Unbeknownst to Annalisa, Jack has also joined the Continentals, harboring shameful secrets from his days in mourning. Against the backdrop of war with Britain, façades mount between Jack and Annalisa, and the merry minuet of their adolescence dissolves into a masquerade of deceit, one which threatens to part them forever. Excerpt The discharge of muskets and fowlers resounded a deafening boom! Through the clouds of gun-smoke, the British and Hessians advanced. “Load your firelock,” George ordered. Any well-trained militiaman or soldier could fire three volleys a minute; that was what he’d taught Annalisa when they fired Bixby in the clearing beyond their house. Now, he must set an example with his men. “Make ready. Fire!” His militia assaulted again. Still, the Bloodybacks pressed on. George glanced about the fort for his superior, Colonel Magaw. Only he could give the command to surrender. “Load and prime, rogues,” George ordered. “Make ready. Fire!” His chest rattled with another eruption of musket-fire. “Colonel Magaw,” George called. “We can’t hold them off any longer, sir!” The colonel appeared through the thick gun-smoke, his chubby face sagging with defeat. “Retreat, men, retreat,” the colonel shouted. George turned to Bartlett, who stood by. “Bartlett, gather as many of our militia as you can. Colonel Magaw is surrendering. Any of us remaining will fall prisoner.” Bartlett rubbed his grime-covered face. “Where will we go, Captain?” “Across the river to Fort Lee. But I daresay, it won’t be for long. Go. Now!” Bartlett and eight others of their militia dashed toward the river, but Bartlett turned back for George. “Captain Howlett, you’re coming with us, no?” “Aye, I’ll be along presently. I need to gather the others of our militia. I’ll not abandon them. Now, make haste. ’Tis an order.” His friend delayed a moment, gripping his coat. “Aye, sir.” Bartlett fled after the others, down to the river. George turned his back on the river and hastened through the barracks. “Cogswell’s regiment,” he hollered. “Cogswell’s regiment!” John and Matthew Whipple, a father and son duo from Ipswich, sped toward him. “Captain Howlett?” the father asked. “Whipple, I’ve ordered our militia to cross the river to Fort Lee. Make haste, man. And bring any of ours you see along the way.” John Whipple’s harried stare darted across the encampment about to fall to British and Hessians. “Aye, sir.” George ventured deeper into the camp, seeking the rest of his militia. Gun-smoke ebbed through the air, and another round of musket-fire rumbled the barracks. “Cogswell’s regiment,” he bellowed over shouts and clamor. “Halt! Bleib wo du bist.” George started. Three Hessians breeched the redoubt, weapons engaged and aimed at him. His hand gripped his fowling piece. “Come at me, you dilberries.” “Stay where you are, Provincial.” A British officer, presumably a sergeant, joined the Hessians. “This way.” “’Tis Captain Howlett, you Bloodyback bastard.” George charged the sergeant. Two Hessians held him back, and the third joined the British officer, laughing. “My apologies, Captain Howlett,” the sergeant chuckled. “Militia, I presume? You wear no epaulets, Captain.” “Aye, reptile. I’m captain of Cogswell’s regiment, per General Washington himself. You’ll treat me with the dignity and privilege deserving of a field officer. Is that understood, Sergeant?” The sergeant shifted uncomfortably and glanced behind him. Higher ranking British officers, a colonel and a major, crested the mount, and entered Fort Washington. He nodded. “Yes, Captain, of course. Such are the rules of war, sir.” Though he clenched his jaw, George sighed, somewhat relieved. A prisoner of war, he was destined to one of their prison ships now docked in the harbor, but as a captured officer, he might be offered parole. Where to Purchase Universal Link Amazon AU : Amazon CA : Amazon UK : Amazon US : Barnes and Noble : Meet the Author LINDSEY S. FERA is a born and bred New Englander, hailing from the North Shore of Boston. As a member of the Topsfield Historical Society and the Historical Novel Society, she forged her love for writing with her intrigue for colonial America by writing her debut novel, Muskets & Minuets, a planned trilogy. When she's not attending historical reenactments or spouting off facts about Boston, she's nursing patients back to health. Muskets & Masquerades is her sophomore novel. Connect with Lindsey: Website : Twitter : Facebook : Instagram : Amazon Author Page : Goodreads Blog Tour Schedule Tour Schedule Page is HERE.

I'm thrilled to share bestselling historical fiction author Siobhan Daiko 's brand-new release – The Flame Tree . Do check it out! I...

#HistoricalFiction #HistoricalRomance #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub Book Title: Muskets and Masquerades Series: Muskets Trilogy Author: Lindsey S. Fera Publication Date: 18th April 2023 Publisher: Pompkin Press Page Length: 500 Genre: Historical Fiction / Historical Romance Jack and Annalisa are married only five months when, enroute to France, a shipwreck separates them. On different shores, each believes the other dead. But when Annalisa learns Jack is alive, she returns to America and discovers much has changed. After a betrayal, she flees town as her alter ego, Benjamin Cavendish, and joins the Continental Army. Unbeknownst to Annalisa, Jack has also joined the Continentals, harboring shameful secrets from his days in mourning. Against the backdrop of war with Britain, façades mount between Jack and Annalisa, and the merry minuet of their adolescence dissolves into a masquerade of deceit, one which threatens to part them forever. Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/mYxkoV Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Muskets-Masquerades-Lindsey-Fera-ebook/dp/B0BWKGCSH1/ Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Muskets-Masquerades-Lindsey-Fera-ebook/dp/B0BWKGCSH1 Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Muskets-Masquerades-Lindsey-Fera-ebook/dp/B0BWKGCSH1/ Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Muskets-Masquerades-Lindsey-Fera-ebook/dp/B0BWKGCSH1/ Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/muskets-and-masquerades-lindsey-s-fera/1143036124?ean=9798986756509 Muskets and Masquerades Excerpt Abigail smiled, then looked toward her great stone mansion. “Charles can’t refute what I say, and for that, I’m thankful.” She paused. “But I’ve reason to suspect he’s not the man he says he is.” A gust of chilly air lifted the hat from Annalisa’s head. She bristled as she grabbed it, though was unsure if it was the breeze, or her friend’s ominous conjecture, puckering her skin. “Whatever do you mean?” Abigail removed two letters from her pocket. “I’ve been meaning to show you these for weeks but could never find the time to steal them from Charles’s desk.” She unfolded the pages and handed them to Annalisa, who scrutinized the broken seal. “The Prime Minister?” “Yes. Lord North.” “Why is Lord Essex in correspondence with Lord North?” Annalisa asked. “The Prime Minister is not a Whig.” “It says here,” Abigail reached for the second letter and read, “My old friend, I will do whatever you ask of me, so long as I have your support in Parliament.” She scoffed. “Is it not clear enough? North is vying for Charles’s support in Parliament.” Annalisa bit her lip. “In my time at Devonshire House, I learned from the duke’s Whig Party dinners, Lord North is wildly unpopular these days. Perhaps he’s merely trying to gain votes by whatever means possible.” “La!” Abigail groaned. “But why write to Charles? Think you ’tis possible North’s written similar letters to other Whigs? Think you the Duke of Devonshire holds a similar note?” “I know not. The duke is rather taciturn. But I should think Lord North, a man in danger of losing his popularity, and hence, his position of power, would do anything necessary to secure himself.” Annalisa reached for Abigail’s hand. “Be not too quick to render your husband a traitor to his party.” Looking quite uncomfortable, Abigail diverted her gaze. “Perhaps you’re right. But I’ve a sour feeling about it.” Annalisa glanced at the house. “Is Lord Essex hunting all day today?” “Yes.” They both stared at the mansion. “Care to peruse his study with me?” Abigail asked. Inside, they dallied on the first floor until the nursemaid ascended the stairs with Louisa, then slipped down the hall. Abigail led them through a wide, white painted corridor affixed with bronzed sconces, until she reached Lord Essex’s study. She lifted the latch and closed the door behind them. With floor to ceiling windows and white bookcases, natural light bathed the space in unusual brightness, far unlike the dark mahogany study Annalisa had imagined it to be. “I’ll search his desk if you look through that ledger,” Abigail said. Annalisa took the large leather book from his desk to an oak Windsor chair and sat, setting the tome on her lap. She flipped through the pages, all of which had written numbers upon them. “These are his accounts.” Her brows knit. “Wish you to know the expenditure of his estate and finances?” “No. Charles assures me I may buy whatever I like—” “He’s in debt.” Annalisa looked up to meet her friend’s anxious stare. Abigail, seated at the desk, faced her. “I beg your pardon?” Annalisa rose from the chair and took the ledger to the desk. “Look, his account can barely afford this house. Pray, who is his bookkeeper, his estate manager?” “La!” Abigail cupped her mouth. “Whatever could he be spending his money on? He’s assured me countless times…how could I have been so foolish?” “Don’t be too harsh on yourself.” Annalisa returned to her chair. “How could you have known? He probably wishes not to worry you.” She read another page and scratched her head. “But he may have to let this house. I can’t see how you can continue living beyond your means.” “Let the house?” Abigail looked as though she would weep. Frantically, she reached for another letter from the pile upon the desk. “This estate has been in his family for hundreds of years…Mr. Darby has been the estate manager since Charles’s father was alive. I can’t imagine he’d lead Charles astray.” She unfolded another letter, and her gaze darted across the page. Her face grew wan. “Abbie, what is it?” The page wavered in Abigail’s hands. “A letter from George.” Annalisa rose from her seat. “What does it say?” “He wrote of his position within the Continental Army.” With a wistful upturn of her lips, added, “He’s a captain now…they’re in New York.” Her hand flew to her mouth. “Zounds!” “You frighten me. What is it?” Abigail’s eyes rounded with disbelief, and she whispered, “Jack’s alive.” LINDSEY S. FERA is a born and bred New Englander, hailing from the North Shore of Boston. As a member of the Topsfield Historical Society and the Historical Novel Society, she forged her love for writing with her intrigue for colonial America by writing her debut novel, Muskets & Minuets, a planned trilogy. When she's not attending historical reenactments or spouting off facts about Boston, she's nursing patients back to health. Muskets & Masquerades is her sophomore novel. Website: https://www.lindseyfera.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorLinzFera Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLinzFera/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostonduchess/ Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lindsey-S-Fera/author/B09598KYNM Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21491352.Lindsey_S_Fera Tour Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2023/03/blog-tour-muskets-and-masquerades.html