Once Upon a Christmas Past
Page 30
From the autumn of 1819, a “general rising” had been expected, hence the rumors that made their way to Arbroath that December. And perhaps that is one reason for the government’s harsh treatment of George Kinloch. All these events culminated in what became known as the “Radical War” of April 1820.
George Kinloch, you will be pleased to know, safely reached Brittany, France and wrote to his wife at the end of December that he was in perfect health and good spirits. (He was a great correspondent and we know much of his thoughts from his letters to his wife Helen.) I took some poetic license with his point of departure; he sailed from Dover not Arbroath. The prior year, when he had gone to France with his two sons, he sailed from Dundee. But, to me, Arbroath seemed like such a reasonable place for him to sail from on this occasion. Don’t you agree?
Henry Hunt was finally released from prison in 1822, wearing an elegant tartan courtesy of the Greenock Radicals. George Kinloch was pardoned in 1823 and, in December 1832, after passage of the Reform Bill, he was made the first representative in Parliament for the people of Dundee. Ailie was right. He was, indeed, a hero.
Inns, Taverns, Churches, Streets and Newspapers. All these were real. My readers know that the research to make my stories authentic is important to me. The Ship Inn and the taverns mentioned were actual establishments. Some are open to this day but others are historical. The churches were actual places of worship, open at the time. (The Covenanters’ Stone in the Dunnottar churchyard did exist at the time and today.) The streets named were real streets. And the newspapers referenced were journals read at the time.
The Language of the Scots. As you might imagine, Scots living on the Northeast coast of Scotland spoke a unique dialect, as they do today, except in prominent families such as the Stephens, who spoke the King’s English. (Their journals read like ones written by English men and women). They might have spoken with an accent, of course. Most of the common people would have spoken the Doric dialect. Since Doric would be hard for readers to understand, I used it sparingly and sprinkled the book with a few Scottish expressions to give you a flavor for the local speech, particularly in the taverns and for Ailie’s grandfather.
Scot, Scotsman, Scotch or Scottish… how to refer to the Scots? The terminology can be confusing. Robert Burns, Scotland’s poet, referred to the people of Scotland as “Scots”. As you know from reading my stories set in Medieval Scotland, the people have always been “Scots” and their kings were never Kings of Scotland, but Kings of the Scots, the people being of first importance, not the land, as in England. The Scots themselves refer to their stories and language as “Scottish”, but in past times they used the word “Scotch” in place of “Scottish” or “Scot”, something not done today.
In Reminiscences of Scottish Life and Character by Edward Bannerman Ramsay, first published in 1857, the author looks back “forty years” (which would be to the Regency era) and describes the unique “Scottish dialect”. In one place, he says, “I recollect old Scottish ladies and gentlemen who really spoke Scotch.” He also refers to “the Scotch” as a people and describes himself as “an out and out Scotchman”. So there you have it.
Clans, Septs and Tartans. In 1815, the Highland Society of London asked all the clan chiefs to authenticate their tartans. Thus, by the time of my story, many tartans had been recorded. The Stephens were a sept, or a part of, Clan MacDuff; and Angus Ramsay was of Clan Ramsay. Each had its own tartan.
Horticulture in Scotland and Orangeries. An orangery (or orangerie) was a room or a building on the grounds of fashionable estates from the 17th to the 19th centuries where orange and other fruit trees were protected during the winter, similar to a greenhouse or conservatory. Pineapples were grown in Scotland’s orangeries (sometimes called the pinery) from the early 18th century, most often in pits filled with a source of heat. Oak bark in water was often used. When the oak chips fermented, they released heat at a slow and steady rate.
It was not until the 19th century that orangeries were able to develop into efficient glass houses for plants. By 1816, piped hot water had been introduced into Britain, making it possible to locate stoves outside the orangery.
Food and Drink. In the late 18th century, Georgian hostesses entertained in grand style in their new dining rooms. Instead of the usual two large courses of food at dinner, wealthy families in Scotland offered guests several smaller courses including soup, fish, game, roast meat, pudding and dessert. Food was richer with more complicated recipes and there was a greater emphasis on cream and sugar in desserts.
Kale. THE Scots national vegetable was the green kale, particularly among Lowlanders. Nettles, leeks, onions, sorrel, carrots, and turnips were all considered inadequate rivals. The cotter’s garden is still called “the kaleyard”, and the time-honored vegetable still holds a place of honor in the nation’s esteem.
The Absence of Whisky. Some of you might wonder why my Scottish characters weren’t drinking whisky. While distillation of whisky had been going on for a long time, most of the distilleries were illicit. The invention of the column still by Scotsman Robert Stein in 1828 revolutionized whisky making in Scotland. Then in 1831, Aeneas Coffey invented the Coffey or Patent Still, which enabled a continuous process of distillation leading to the production of grain whisky, a less intense spirit than the malt whisky produced in the copper pot stills. Andrew Usher & Co improved upon this invention in 1860, blending malt and grain whisky together to produce a lighter flavored whisky.
In the early days, Scotch whisky was mostly considered the equivalent of moonshine—a drink enjoyed by unrefined Highlanders, aged in sheep bladders and filtered through tartan. Men of William Stephen’s stature would be drinking the finest European wines, along with sherry, port, brandy and cognac.
Shipmasters, like the Powells, sailing to France, would have brought back such drinks. In To Tame the Wind, we learned that Claire Powell was the daughter of Jean Donet, comte de Saintonge, who owned cognac-producing vineyards in France. From The Holly & The Thistle you might recall that Muriel’s favorite drink is Madeira, the wine from Portugal popular in the Regency era.
Auld Lang Syne. A version of the song existed decades before Robert Burns wrote it down. It’s said an old man dictated the words to him. Before Burns wrote it down, the ancient song had been passed on by word of mouth. The melody we know today that accompanies the lyrics didn’t appear until after Burns’ death in 1796.
The phrase “Auld Lang Syne” means “old long ago”, which can be translated as “days gone by” or “back in the day”. Thomas Keith, a Burns scholar, says the song symbolizes reunion, not parting, as some mistakenly believe. The song looks back over happy days from the past, a separation and then coming back together.
Author Bio
Regan Walker is an award-winning, Amazon bestselling author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval romances. A lawyer turned full-time writer, she has seven times been featured in USA TODAY’s HEA column and nominated six times for the prestigious RONE award. (Her novels, The Red Wolf’s Prize and King’s Knight, won Best Historical Novel in the medieval category for 2015 and 2017, respectively.) In 2017, her novel The Refuge: An Inspirational Novel of Scotland won the Gold Medal in the Illumination Awards, and To Tame the Wind won the International Book Award for Romance Fiction.
Years of serving clients in private practice and several stints in high levels of government have given Regan a love of international travel and a feel for the demands of the “Crown”. Hence her stories often feature a demanding sovereign who taps his subjects for special assignments. Each of her novels includes real history and real historical figures as characters. And, of course, adventure and love.
Follow Regan on Amazon and BookBub.
Keep in touch with her on Facebook, where you can join Regan Walker’s Readers. You can sign up for her newsletter on her website.
Robbie’s story, Rogue’s Holiday, is coming in late 2019. Watch for it!
Books by Regan Walker
The A
gents of the Crown series:
To Tame the Wind (prequel)
Racing with the Wind
Against the Wind
Wind Raven
A Secret Scottish Christmas
Rogue’s Holiday (coming in 2019)
The Donet Trilogy:
To Tame the Wind
Echo in the Wind
A Fierce Wind
Holiday Novellas (related to the Agents of the Crown):
The Shamrock & The Rose
The Twelfth Night Wager
The Holly & The Thistle
The Medieval Warriors series:
The Red Wolf’s Prize
Rogue Knight
Rebel Warrior
King’s Knight
Inspirational
The Refuge: An Inspirational Novel of Scotland
www.ReganWalkerAuthor.com
A Highlander for Christmas
Paula Quinn
Copyright © 2019 by Paula Quinn
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
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Blurb
A SEASON OF MAGIC
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As the bard of the MacGregor clan, Finlay Grant is a natural-born charmer. He can easily win the heart of any lass . . . but somehow, the right words to express his love for stunning Leslie Harrison have eluded him. Yet as Christmastide approaches, Finn knows he must find a way to propose to the raven-haired beauty who has stolen his heart.
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A BATTLE FOR TRUE LOVE
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A furious Leslie Harrison could run her brothers through for promising her to another. But she will do anything to save her family from dishonor . . . even though in her heart she knows no other man but Finn will do. When Leslie's betrothed makes a dastardly deal, putting her family and the MacGregor clan in danger, Finn will prove that he's just as fierce in battle as he is sweet in song. Can these two lovers find a Christmas miracle that will grant them a happily-ever-after?
Dedication
To my Father, Who loves me so much He sent His Son to be my Champion
Praise for Paula Quinn
New York Times bestselling author, Paula Quinn to date, has had four of her books garnered Starred reviews from Publishers Weekly
She has been nominated as Historical Storyteller of the Year by RT Book Reviews, and all the books in her MacGregor and Children of the Mist series have received Top Picks from RT Book Reviews
Her work has also been honored as Amazon's Best of the Year in Romance
In 2008 she won the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence for Historical Romance
Her faerie series has been nominated for the 2017 Rone Award and has won the Sceal Award of Excellence from Books and Benches, as well as taking 2nd place for the 2016 Best Series award from the Paranormal Romance Guild
To date, two of her dragon-shifter romances have garnered Crowned Heart reviews from Ind'tale Magazine
Top Picks from
Night Owl Reviews and The Romance Reviews
What people are saying ….
"Quinn's steamy and well constructed romance will appeal to fans and newcomers alike."
--Publishers Weekly on The Wicked Ways of Alexander Kidd
"Rich, evocative historical detail and enthralling characters fill the pages of this fast-paced tale."
--Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Conquered by a Highlander
"What could be better than being wrapped up in a cozy plaid in front of a fire? Reading Paula Quinn's historical romance featuring wounded but hunky Highlander Cailean Grant, that's what."―Omnivoracious, The Amazon Book Review on A Highlander's Christmas Kiss
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"4 stars! Quinn and her Highlanders are a perfect match, and Malcolm Grant is the ideal Scotsman for a tale that's humorous, poignant and highly romantic. Quinn understands and motivates her characters carefully. She delves into their deepest thoughts and makes readers truly care about their lives."―RT Book Reviews on The Taming of Malcolm Grant
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"4 1/2 stars! With its quick-moving plot, engaging characters and historic backdrop, the latest installment of The MacGregors: Highland Heirs is a page-turner. Quinn twists and turns the tale, drawing readers in and holding them with her unforgettable characters' love story."―RT Book Reviews on The Scandalous Secret of Abigail MacGregor
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"Seduced by a Highlander is sparkling, sexy and seductive! I couldn't put it down!"
--Karen Hawkins, New York Times bestselling author
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"Scottish romance at its very best! Deliciously romantic and sensual, Paula Quinn captures the heart of the Highlands in a tender, passionate romance that you won't be able to put down."
--Monica McCarty, New York Times bestselling author on Seduced by a Highlander
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"4 1/2 stars! Top Pick! The final book in Quinn's Children of the Mist series is Scottish romance at its best: captivating, tender and sensual with characters readers care about."
--RT Book Reviews on Conquered by a Highlander
Praise for A Highlander for Christmas
“A HIGHLANDER FOR CHRISTMAS by Paula Quinn is delightful Medieval Scotland historical romance. Fast paced and quick read. Ms. Quinn knows how to write with Scottish heroes ,even if the hero is not a warrior. Powerful but fun story! Another hit for this author. A must for all who love Highlanders, warriors, Scotland, and Christmastime fun.” My Book Addiction and More. RATING: 5 HEAT RATING: MILD
“Fitting perfectly into Quinn’s Children of the Mist series, this short novella is brimming with colorful historical details, plenty of sensuality, danger and a well-crafted plot in a very short space. Quinn fills in areas of the MacGregor/Grant chronicles and utterly satisfies her fans.” 4 STARS! RT Book Reviews
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“Do yourself a favor, after you read this and get to know Finn and Leslie and a couple of the boys, go back to the beginning, to Laird of the Mist and get to know the family… I think you’ll like them.” The Window Seat
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"This novella was a fun filled adventure and several times had you smiling at Finns smooth talking ways especially with the ladies.” 5 stars! Angels with Attitude
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#1 at I-tunes Top 50 Romance Short Stories!
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"The Scottish historical stories created by Paula Quinn are amazingly realistic at all times. In A HIGHLANDER FOR CHRISTMAS, there are a number of traditions related to the holidays that make many events even more believably compelling. Add in plenty of brawny warriors from this time period, and the book is totally entertaining on every page." Single Titles
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“Ms. Quinn knows how to write with Scottish heroes, even if the hero is not a warrior. Powerful but fun story! Another hit for this author. A must for all who love Highlanders, warriors, Scotland, and Christmastime fun.” 5 Stars My Book Addiction & More
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"A touching story where one must let go of the past to start anew and what better time to do so then at the Christmas Holidays which bring love laugher and miracles..." 5 Stars second reviewer from Angels with Attitudes
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“A Highlander for Christmas is a delightful holiday tale that is both fierce adventure story and lovely romance exemplifying the celebration of love under the season's holly and mistletoe! Thrilling and charming!” From Crystal Book Reviews
Chapter 1
Skye, Scotland - December 17, 1688
The frigid, bracing wind snapped the woolen plaid about Finlay Grant’s shoulders and knees and cooled the blood from his lips. It was the kind of cold that made his eyeballs sting, the kind that froze his breath. From where he stood upon the braes of Bla Bheinn, most people preferred the view in spri
ngtime, when the vales were painted in shades of lavender and amber. Not him. He favored winter and the crisp clarity of the raw world that surrounded him.
He looked across the windswept vale toward Camlochlin Castle, home to the MacGregors, the Grants, and any other soul who sought refuge from the weather or something worse. Despite the frigid climate, warmth seeped deep into his bones. He could almost smell the aromas of Christmas black buns and shortbread baking in the kitchens, the sweet boughs of evergreen and holly being prepared for Yuletide. If he listened hard enough, he thought he could hear laughter and music on the wind.