Word Wench Anniversary Ball

Compiled by Mary Jo

This year, we're holding a ball!  Each Wench will bring one of her favorite heroes. (Not the favorite, because how can one choose just one from among so many fabulous men?  <G>)  

I'm wearing the burgundy velvet gown I was married in, but I'm not the star of this occasion!  That would be Lord Ross Carlisle, hero of one of my earlier books, Silk and Secrets, second in my Silk Trilogy.  Though by nature he's rather reserved and scholarly, he's also deeply interested in all kinds of people and distant places.  Which is why he became one of those amazingly intrepid early Victorian explorers who crossed mountains and deserts and dared all kinds of dangers to explore the mysteries of the unknown. 

Ross was on his last expedition to Central Asia when he discovered his beloved, long estranged wife Juliet Cameron.  Together they risk the lethal journey to Bokhara in hopes of rescuing her brother--and in the process they discover each other again.  Ross and Juliet are generally inseparable, but she's starting the evening by joining a group of other wives in the library where they can sip brandy and claret and catch up on each other's news. 

I've now published Silk and Secrets as an e-book and later this year there will be an audio edition narrated by Siobhan Waring.  I chose this illustration from the NAL first edition because it's one of my all time favorite covers  and Ross and Juliet both look so gorgeous,  They are also dancing, though not anything you'd see in an English ballroom!  Ross, endlessly interested in all kinds of people, is looking forward to meeting the tribe of Wenches and our companions!

 

 

Pat entering the ballroom:

Choosing one of my heroes to accompany me to a ball wasn’t easy. I’ve been writing for over thirty years and probably have more than eighty heroes waiting expectantly behind the curtains. Well, some of them have probably grown bored and gone off to play cards or look for a tavern, but there are some quite tame ones in the lot as well. Do I choose tame? Dangerous? Fun to be with?

I think we all know Wicked Wyckerly would probably be the most entertaining. He’s had lots of practice earning his keep with wit. But the man’s a gambler, first and foremost. You would be too if you could count cards. He’d leave me for the first card table, where he’d probably find his wife Abby waiting.

And as much as I love an arrogant marquess—I have several formidable ones hanging around, starting with the scarred beast in The Marquess—they’re born and bred to look down on petty scribblers like me.

Now Simon, in A Bewitching Governess, loves a good romping dance. I might enjoy a few country dances in his company, but he can be a bit tetchy, and I’d probably set him off by talk of ghosts and auras.

So I think I’ll choose someone most like my real husband— the Scots inventor, Drew Blair, in Lessons in Enchantment. He’s no aristocrat, but the man is brilliant and patient and open-minded. And since I don’t waltz well anyway, we’ll sit on the sidelines and have a good chat about his current ideas, and he’ll catch me up on what adorable animal his wife Phoebe is talking to now.

I’d love to show you my gorgeous gown, it’s a deep gold silk with vanilla lace and I’m wearing a fabulous Kashmir shawl woven in autumn colors, but alas, the current state of photography can’t do it justice. You’ll just have to admire Wyckerly and his modest bride.

Nicola here!

My choice for the Wench Ball is a bit of a surprising one – Robert Dudley from my latest novel The Forgotten Sister. Robert comes out of the book pretty badly, more of an anti-hero than a hero. BUT he was the favourite of Queen Elizabeth I and she was a fascinating woman so there has to be something interesting about him, right? I want to discover where Robert’s reputation for charm and brilliance comes from and the Wench ball gives me the opportunity to find out.

 Not only was Robert renowned for being a great sportsman but he was also clever, funny and interested in books. Plus, he was a good dancer. I really love dancing although I don’t do much of it these days, so I’d want someone who is prepared to enjoy themselves whilst I let my hair down. Robert’s also supposed to be the sort of guy who gets on well with other men so he should be fine with the other heroes, though there’s a chance he might just opt for brandy and cards instead of dancing.

 The only drawback will be if Queen Elizabeth I gate crashes the event, looking for Robert. I suspect that neither I nor the other Wenches nor the wives will get a look in with him if that happens and she may well decide some of the other heroes are well worth flirting with as well! Nothing to worry about there, though, as they have all got immaculate manners and are devoted to their wives!

Christina's Contribution!

Just like Pat, I had a hard time deciding who to bring with me – as authors we fall in love with each and every one of our heroes and they all have their own attractions. I did consider inviting Haukr Erlendsson, my latest Viking hero, but he’s quite a big man and I don’t think ballroom dancing would be his thing. Instead he’d end up challenging the other men present to a bout of arm wrestling or something equally rowdy, so I thought it best to let him stay at home.

Out of my other heroes, I think the one who would be most at home in a ballroom is Killian Kinross from my first novel Trade Winds. He’s a Scotsman, although these days he lives in Sweden where he runs a very lucrative trading business with his lovely Swedish wife Jessamijn. He’s great fun to be with – a bit of a flirt, with a quick wit and great sense of humour, and he’s excellent at dancing. It doesn’t hurt that he has the looks of an archangel (according to his wife and I don't disagree) and I love watching his intensely blue eyes sparkle as he talks.

I have to admit, I don’t mind listening to his Scottish accent either! Like all Scotsmen, he’ partial to a glass or two of whisky (although Swedish akvavit will do at a pinch), so I’d better keep him away from the refreshment table. He also has the devil’s own luck at cards
– and in fact used to make his living that way – so I won’t let him anywhere near the card tables either as his playing often causes a fight. His opponents never want to believe he can be that lucky and frequently accuse him of cheating (which he never would and has no need for!).

As for a dress, I’ve dug out a vintage Laura Ashley ball gown I bought once in a sale. I’ve never actually worn it because this is the first ball I’ve ever been invited to (thank you Wenches - a dream come true!), but I couldn’t resist it anyway and I’m glad I can put it to good use at last. Although Killian is teasing me as he thought the colour meant I was in mourning for someone – he’s clearly never heard of the slimming properties of black  grey! He’s looking very dashing himself, despite being the type of man who doesn’t care much about fashion. His dark auburn hair is, as always, pulled back into an untidy queue – no hair powder or wigs for him, thank you! The truth is he’d look great in a sack, but for this ball he’s donned a deep blue frock coat with silver buttons – like the type Captain Jack Sparrow wears – and actually I wouldn’t mind one of those myself so I might have to ask him to lend it to me later … In the meantime, we’re heading for the dance floor. Enjoy the ball everyone!

Andrea Enters!

Honestly, it shouldn’t be so hard to find a handsome and charming hero to escort me to our grand 14^th Anniversary Ball. After all, I have a number of eligible prospects who owe me a rather large favor. (After all, I did create them!) So I should be fending them off with elegant flutters of my fan, right?

But alas, no. While my heroes are fabulously interesting and engaging conversationalists—as well as quite skilled at other forms of communication—to a man they pulled a long face when asked to participate in the frivolities of Polite Society (Really, you wouldn’t believe the lame excuses I heard, as one by one they’ve cried off.) There was one exception—though I would have had to bend the rules. You see, the Honorable Christopher Sheffield, a fun-loving and very sociable gentleman who adore dancing, was quick to offer his services. Unfortunately I had to inform that he plays second fiddle to Lord Wrexford in my Wrexford & Sloane mystery series, and thus wasn’t eligible. His feelings were hurt, but he was quite gracious about the snub.

However, in an act that he claims was altruistic (though in truth I think it was a trifle mischievous) he gave me a sneak peek at Lord Wrexford’s upcoming book, which shows that His Lordship actually does attend fancy balls, and knows how to waltz quite well. When presented with the evidence, Wrexford admitted that he had fibbed about not knowing how to dance. And so, voila, I have a very dashing hero to lead me out on the dance . (Ignore his frown—he tends to scowl at everyone . . . except for Lady Charlotte Sloane.)

Anne arrives in her gorgeous rose and cream gown and wishes us all a happy 14th anniversary!

I will attend the ball escorted by the Duke of Everingham, the male lead in my book Marry In Scarlet (out on Tuesday!) I've chosen him because  he needs to learn to be less arrogant and more charming. He's very intelligent, so I expect that closer acquaintance with the Wenches and all our lovely wenchly readers will rub off nicely on him -- at least I hope so. But he definitely needs a lesson in how to behave. This is how he treated Lady George at a ball . . . 

“A moment more of your time, if I may, Lady Georgiana.”

He’d taken up quite enough of her evening. “I’m sorry, I have an engagement for the next dance.”

“Your partner won’t mind. This won’t take a moment.”

“He won’t mind? I suppose you’ve fixed it so that he has relinquished his dance, too? How many more of my partners have you suborned?”

“Don’t be melodramatic. A quiet word in his ear was all that was required. The fellow went quite willingly.” He gave an infinitesimal shrug. “To the victor go the spoils.”

“I am not anyone’s spoils.”

His gaze moved over her in a leisurely sweep. “No, you’re not, are you?”

What did he mean by that? She didn’t know but she didn’t like his tone, or the way he looked at her, like a cat surveying his next dish of cream.

“How splendid to be you and have everyone fall in with your wishes,” she said sarcastically.

“It is, rather,” he agreed.

Don't you agree, he needs  a lesson or two? So, we will dance just before supper, and he will escort me in to the dining room and fill my glass with champagne and my plate with crab patties. I will wear this dress (only without the train) and he might even compliment me on it. Who knows? I hope he will bother to change out of his riding clothes. 

Jo admits:

I didn’t invite one of my characters to the ball. He just showed up.

“Here you are.” It was a British voice. Male. Impatient.

I hadn’t heard him come up behind me. Lots of chatter in all directions and the band was apparently getting paid by the decibel.

He wore faultless and expensive evening wear and a waistcoat that was making some kind of fashion statement with burgundy stripes. Dark hair, skin from the Mideast or the Mediterranean, not particularly tall. When he took the last couple steps in my direction he moved like an athlete—a dancer or a gymnast. Maybe somebody into martial arts.  I was almost sure I’d met him somewhere.

“Jo,” he said, brisk and businesslike, “we’ve got a French agent in this crowd. How do I spot him? Who doesn’t fit?”

“. . . Hawker?”

He looked at me as if I were stupid. “Yes. Of course, it’s me. And it’s up to us to stop him. I assumed you’re armed.”

“Only with my wits,” I told him.

“That’s good enough.”

And off I went with Adrian Hawkhurst, master spy extraordinaire, to save the day.

Susan just in from Edinburgh because Scots always do things their way!

 

Only the Word Wenches’ 14^th Anniversary Ball could lure me out of my writing cave at the moment, so here I am, on the arm of a lovely man, tall and lean, with gilded brown hair and deep blue eyes, wearing austere black and white for the occasion—may I introduce my hero and very good friend, James MacCarran, Viscount Struan, walked straight out of the pages of Laird of Twilight.

 

That takes a little magic, but that’s all right, his story involves magic. Fairies, to be exact. His grandmother’s will obliges him to find a real fairy for his bride. Struan is not very happy about this, being a professor and lecturer in geology, lately working on a theory about ancient seas covering parts of the Highlands. He plans to visit his Highland property soon, but to look for rock strata, not fairies.

 

Just now, we are at Holyroodhouse at the Ladies’ Assembly held in honor of King George’s visit to Edinburgh. It’s August, 1822, terribly hot, and the rooms and hallways are crammed with over 2,000 ladies and gentlemen all hoping to meet the king, if they can get past the Royal Archers guarding the doors to the audience room.

 

I am thrilled to be invited to join Struan, his twin sister Miss Fiona MacCarran, and their Edinburgh cousins. I’m wearing a cream satin court dress with the long, required, cumbersome train, and I have a tartan sash of soft wool (so hot though!) in my family’s Fraser plaid, as we are descended of Inverness Frasers (not that Outlander kind!). I’m under five feet tall, so a bit invisible beside the striking Viscount Struan, and the long blue feather in my headdress tickles his chin as we wait in the crowd.

 

Struan wishes he could escape back to his study and his books—but now I spy an acquaintance, Miss Elspeth MacArthur of Kilcrennan, a lovely fairy-like creature in pale blue satin, a whimsical girl with a fiery spirit. Struan sees her too—he can’t take his eyes off of her. I think I had better introduce them . . .  

 

As you can see below, we're each giving away one of our books to readers who comment here on the blog between now and midnight tomorrow. So who would you bring to the Word Wench Anniversary Ball??? 

Mary Jo

Comments

[Karin]

I had a hard time picking a hero to accompany me to a ball, because so many of my favorites are more the type to be found prowling around the edges of the room, spying on someone in the library, sneaking out into the garden or holding up a wall, rather than dancing with the ladies.
However I think I found one: Cyn Malloren, from Jo Beverly's book, "My Lady Notorious". He seems he would be a fun-loving guy, graceful enough to be a good dancer, and pleased to dance every dance, and charm everyone. He's a snazzy dresser too.
As far as my ball gown, I've afraid I don't have anything suitable in my closet that still fits. I'll need to go shopping, which of course is possible in this fantasy!

[Pamela Talbott]

I would bring Robin, Lord Robert Anderville, from Mary Jo Putney's "Angel Rouge". He captured me the first time he appeared. I love his sense of humor and of the ridiculous. As for what I would wear, I have nothing, so I would get my niece, who is like Daisy from Ann Garcia's books to design me a gown.

[Shelley Nolan]

Well, to start, I want Lady George's scarlet dress. What a way to make a statement! As for the hero to accompany me to the ball, I couldn't go past Gideon from Anne Gracie's The Perfect Rake. Reading as he unravelled Prudence Merridew's perfect plan was so much fun. I'm sure he would be a thoroughly entertaining escort. Though I may not want to give him back at the end of the evening.

[Quantum]

I'm coming incognito as the duke of Candover looking to reserve a dance with Margot Ashton (Petals in the storm). If Daisy Chance (Summer Bride) has a free slot I will also see if Rafe's charm works with her .... I bet Daisy has a stunning outfit! After that I think I will need a few drinks so as an audio book fan I will seek out Siobhan Waring for a chat. Listening to her should bring back memories of many wonderful heroines. Having thus filled myself with dutch courage and remembering that Rafe is a cool master of sensuality, I will seek to dance with whichever Wenchly heroine returns my rakish smile ..... fabulous party! 😊

[Sue McCormick]

Well! I'm early to this post, and already some of my favorites are already taken. I believe I'l go with the Notorious Atherton. I like his sense of derring-do combined with a sense of responsibility. I am sure he dances better than I do, but will forgive my ineptness. He will also gallently overlook my extreme age!

As to the dress, I will be wearing the sari-style formal my older daughter made for her senior prom. It doesn't match my age, but that's fine at a special ball like this.

[Sharon Seymour]

I would bring Jamie Fraser as my date and I would insist that he wear his kilt.

[Aparna]

I'd take someone who'd make me laugh - like Freddy in The Winter Bride by Anne Gracie. He's not as arrogant as a lot of heroes are. I think Freddy would be a lot of fun at as a partner at a ball. And he'd be kind enough to overlook my stepping all over his feet while we dance!

[Amy J]

Got distracted, think I need to read about that lovely couple living in Sweden. May have to forego the ball, as I see this may require re-reading shelves of books to select the correct hero as company.

[Kay]

I'd bring Reginald Davenport from Mary Jo Putney's The Rake. I think he'd be kind, and make me laugh. And, even if he wouldn't partake of any libation, he might be able to point out a good brew.

He's always been one of my favorite heroes.

[[email protected]]

Ooh a ball! A chance to dress up and trip the light fantastic, or in my case just trip. Seriously though, I love to dance even if I’m not quite excellent so one person I definitely would not bring would be my husband. He’d slink off into a corner with a glass of whisky and look dour. I think Nicholas Davies from Mary Jo Putney’s Thunder and Roses would be an excellent escort. With his gypsy blood he’s sure to set feet a-tapping.

[Lori B]

Most of them are fickle unlit they find their soul mate. I will settle for one who is a good dancer since I have my soul mate but he doesn’t dance. Ha

[Maree]

My all time favorite must be Reggie Davenport, rake extraordinaire! (The Rake) Intelligent, jaded, tormented, honorable to his core. I love his redemption! His sense of humor, and his dog!! Not to mention his complicated relationship with Lady Alys. ♥️♥️

[Lil]

Since it's a ball, I will wear a real ball gown—Venus from Dior's 1949-50 winter collection. You can see it here:
https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/christian-dior-ball-gowns/iwJyH3aCfHZxJQ
And to escort me, I will invite Rafael Sabatini's Scaramouche, the fellow who was born with the gift of laughter and a sense that the world is mad.

[SHARON SHERRY]

For me it could be none other than Gideon Carradice from The Perfect Rake. I hope Prudence won't mind - she's had the pleasure of him for years.

He would be a delightful companion and I would laugh all night at his wicked comments about attendees at the Ball. A funny man is my catnip. Add in a handsome form and a true heart and I am mush.

My dress is a cobalt blue with a daring neckline because...Gideon.

Gideon wouldn't approve of prudishness in woman of my age and I will enjoy the comments on the strong colour and the beautiful sapphires I will wear.

Off to make sure I am ready when he calls for me. So much to do in the next few hours. I can't wait.

[Bets]

What fun that was!

[Laini]

Lord Ashendon would be the ideal ballroom partner. Charming, educated, interesting and an evening filled with delightful conversation. I would wear a purple evening gown with jewels to match. Memorable and unforgettable experience.

[Rayna Alam]

I would bring Lord Devlin from the CS Harris Sebastian St Cyr series. He's highly intelligent, gorgeous, knows how to dance and can take out bad guys with ease. I would wear a green silk gown with emeralds and shoes to match.

Or maybe Sebastian Gage from Anna Lee Huber's Lady Darby series. He's handsome, is a private inquiry agent, and does woodworking on the sly so you know he has good hands. :)

Really hard to choose because there are so many good ones!

[Patricia Rice]

Oh, lovely Cyn, thank you for bringing him! And half the fun of a fancy dress ball is looking for the gown!

[Patricia Rice]

Oh you know Atherton, he's up for anything. He would have so much fun escorting someone as intelligent as you! And a sari-style formal is absolutely perfect, especially if our heroines are floating around in here somewhere. They do not settle for dull gowns!

[Patricia Rice]

There ya go, in fantasy we can have it all!

[Patricia Rice]

Oh my heavens, you look fabulous in that gown! Have a glass of champagne so you can look oh so sophisticated sweeping up to Rafael!

[Joanne Bourne]

I am such a fan of CS Harris and his complex, tortured characters.

Devin would be fun to dance with. Even more fun to stand beside him, watching the dance, making snide, politically astute comments back and forth.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Great choice, Karin! Cyn is one of my favorite Beverley heroes.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Pamela--Robin AND Daisy! Both great choices. Robin definitely has humor, and Daisy is the sort of modiste who brings out the beauty in all women.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Shelley--ah, Gideon! But wait till you meet the Duke from MARRY IN SCARLET. *G* He shaped up -very- well!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Quantum, I promise that ALL Wenches will return your rakish smiles!!!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Sharon Seymour, we DEFINITELY need men in kilts!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Aparna, Freddy really is a sweetheart. Frankly, after The Autumn Bride, I didn't think he'd make much of a hero, but after Anne got through working her magic, I was entranced with him!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Amy J, don't skip the ball! You can start reading when you've recovered from the dancing and champagne. *G*

[Mary Jo Putney]

Beaufoy, Reggie and Nicholas would both make great dates, so why not bring them both? Nicholas danced with the gypsies when he took Clare on her bride trip, and he'll be delighted to show you his moves. *G*

[Mary Jo Putney]

LOL! Good decision, Lori. *G*

[Mary Jo Putney]

Maree, Reggie is very special to me, also. And the man knows how to dance!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Lil, all those Dior gowns are STUNNING! But Venus is certainly the romantic choice.

[Mary Jo Putney]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Bets! We had a great time with the ball also.

[Christina Courtenay]

Definitely! Who doesn't love a rake? :-D

[Christina Courtenay]

I'll second that! I should have insisted Killian wear a kilt too, but he looks so good in a frock coat I didn't have the heart to make him change :-)

[Christina Courtenay]

Killian can be *very* distracting, Amy, I can vouch for that

[Christina Courtenay]

Oh wow, that is fabulous, Lil! I'm loving all these gowns and Mary Jo that red velvet you're wearing is exquisite!

[Robin Brock]

I wouldn’t mind showing up solo, as long as I knew certain families would be in attendance. Say for instance the swoon-worthy but notorious Eversea and Redmond siblings (Julie Anne Long)...my oh my...I feel a bit faint just thinking about so much testosterone in one room! And we’d best make sure they’re on opposite sides of the ballroom...no feud fights while dancing, please!

[Kareni]

Happy 14th anniversary to you all ~

Jo, if you're willing to share your escort, I'd request a dance (or more likely a promenade around the ballroom since I'm no dancer) with Hawker. Hopefully one of you can point me to a modiste who can outfit me appropriately as I have no gown to wear.

Mary Jo, what a lovely wedding dress!

[Annette N]

HAPPY 14TH ANNIVERSARY - to each of you.

My first thought is "I don't have a thing to wear!"

I am not sure who I would choose as an escort. There was a time in my life when dancing was something I did on a weekly basis.

Now it would be more difficult, I believe. There are so many wonderful and charming heroes available.

You know when I think of a dance partner the only picture I can get in my head is Colin Firth coming out of a pond. But, I digress...

[Pat Dupuy]

So many choices! I won't steal anyone else's escort at this time though it is tempting. I would arrive with Leopold Dautry, the Duke of Villiers from Eloisa James's world. He is witty, a rascal, has a super inflated ego, a very strong fashion sense, and a conscience under it all. As for what I would wear? No clue. I think I'll let Villiers provide something that hopefully won't clash with what he's wearing.

[Joanne Bourne]

I have no doubt at all Hawker would be up for a dance or a promenade about the edges of the ballroom, your choice.

You might get attacked by random villains while you were doing this, but he'd defend you with skill and verve and then fetch you a cool drink.

[Joanne Bourne]

I have no doubt Villiers' choice of a dress would be fashionable ... but could he be trusted to keep it respectable?

[Anne Gracie]

Shelley, I nearly asked Gideon myself — I agree he would be a very entertaining companion. Though you might have to fight over who gets to keep him. And yes to that scarlet dress — Daisy really outdid herself with that one. Enjoy!

[Anne Gracie]

Ooh lovely, Quantum — and thank you for seeking out Daisy. She will be a delightful partner, I'm sure. I don't think you'll need much dutch courage ‚ I'm sure with that rakish smile, you'll be spoilt for partners.

[Anne Gracie]

Aparna, yes, Freddy would be fun — especially now he's no longer in fear of muffins!

[Anne Gracie]

Oooh, Sharon, you look stunning in that cobalt blue, and oh those sapphires are stunning! I'm sure Gideon would be bowled over. He'd be a delightful companion too — a funny man is my catnip, too. Have fun.

[Anne Gracie]

Laini I'm sure he'd be a charming and attentive partner at the ball. All those former officers of Wellington were beautiful dancers too, so he'd swirl you around the dance floor and you'd feel like a thistledown princess. By the way, you look gorrrgeous in that purple gown, too.

[Anne Gracie]

Annette, no no no, you can't bring a dripping man to a ball and have him squelch around the dance floor. You must whisk him away immediately and dry him off — be sure to dry every inch! — then dress him in his best formal outfit and bring him downstairs to the ball. And oh! you're just in time for the supper dance. A waltz, I think, then he'd lead you in to supper and ensure your plate is filled with the most delicious morsels. And champagne.

[Anne Gracie]

Pamela, how lucky to have a niece like Daisy who can design you something gorgeous. Have a gorgeous evening — I'm sure Robin will be a charming partner.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Annette, I can but echo Anne's advice about drying Colin off very carefully. For his own good, after all!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Villiers' choice of gown certainly would not be respectable, but would surely be a perfect complement to his own clothing.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Robin Brock, you're right about the testosterone level! But all the gentlemen in attendance would be channeling that to their own devastatingly attractive mates, so there wouldn't be an explosion. Probably. *G*

[Ceres Creswell]

So much fun! I always love the ball scenes in romance novels!

[Jane]

What a fun idea! Who should I choose as an escort? But since I've just binge-read the Lady Arianna series, I think I will borrow Sandro, the Earl of Saybrook, for the evening. If nothing else, we both like chocolate!

[Helen Schubert]

I would have to bring Marcus Renfrew, of Anne Gracie's Devil Riders series. First, because I have a type and it's strong commanding men who learn to love. Second, because he's still not had a chance to have his story told and I think he needs a good party.

[maria ferrer]

My escort would be Freddy Monkton-Coombes from Anne Gracie's The Winter Bride. He is charming, easy to look at, and caring. He gets along with men and women both and would definitely ensure we both had a good time.

[Kelly Hunter]

Enormous congratulations, wenches. I've loved dipping in and out of this blog over the years and learning all kinds of things and finding new authors to read. My escort for the ball? Maybe a scoundrel. Dain? Then all the other lords can throw him out and send him on his way, and some fine woman may well shoot him. Again. Or is it not that kind of ball? In which case, Anne Gracie's Marcus is calling to me. Tho he's not yet written (probably because he's miiine and no other woman will do for him but me). Again, hearty congratulations on your 14th anniversary.

[Janice]

I'd probably not be dancing. I would be serving champagne or doing something else invisible, so as to watch the goings-on, like a movie.

Congratulations for 14 years of the most interesting romance blog there ever was.

[Jen]

I want to go alone to the ball. I can't just take one. If I must Julian Sinclair from Duke of Shadows , one of my all time favorite books.

[Anne Gracie]

Helen, thank you so much for thinking of Marcus. He has been waiting so long for his happy ending, and a ball would be just the thing to cheer the poor fellow up. And clearly you'd be a wonderfully sympathetic partner for him. May you dance the evening away.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Maria — yes, Freddy would be a charming escort — and he's an excellent dancer as well. Plus he will ensure you get all the best dishes from the supper table. Though I suspect you have some competition for his company (cough cough - I'm looking at Aparna, above who might claim first dibs) so you might have to share. Enjoy the evening.

[Malvina]

Oh, what fun! I wouldn't know which one to pick! How about I come alone to your ball, then dance the night away with *every single one* of your special heroes? But move aside, Anne Gracie, I might fight you for that beautiful ball gown.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks so much, Kelly. Dain would be a perfectly gorgeous surly scoundrel who can charm when he wants. And a brawl or a scandalous shooting might provide some extra entertainment — my but it's going to be a ball to talk about, what with your fight/shooting, and Joanna's French spies lurking around. As for Marcus, you're going to have to share him with Helen (above) — though he won't mind that. He deserves to have some gorgeous women fussing around him.

[Anne Gracie]

Janice, thanks for coming. You've been a wenchly reader and commenter since the beginning, I think. As for being invisible, you might well be like a friend of mine who used to go to the wildest parties and sit in the corner and read until it was time to go home. People would ask her why she bothered to come, and she said she liked to catch up with everyone, but wasn't interested in parties. So she'd say her hellos then fine a corner and pull out her book and read through the noisiest occasions.

[Anne Gracie]

Jen, the whole point of a ball is to have lots of different partners, and we wenches are all in favor of independent women, so by all means come alone, and then flit around the gentlemen guests, enjoying yourself to your heart's content.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks for coming, Malvina, that sounds like a lot of fun — all our heroes are at your disposal. But back off from my gown, lady — go get yourself one of your own. Daisy Chance will no doubt oblige.

[Vicki L]

Your idea of a ball for your 14th Anniversary is a fantastic inspiration. Love the idea of having to choose my escort and my dress.

Many of my choices have already been chosen so the two I've narrowed it down to are both Georgette Heyer hero's. Capt. John Staple (The Toll-Gate) and Major Hugh Darracott (The Unknown Ajax). Maybe I'll be really bold and have two escorts!

They would make the ball very lively since they both have a quirky sense of humor as do I.

As for a dress...well....I love the dress that Athena in Once A Soldier is wearing on the cover of the book. I'm not a redhead but that dress has been drool worthy ever since I've seen it. It doesn't even have to be fancied up too much either!

Reading through all the comments I kept going, oh yes, him. Yes him too. Though my Colin Firth hero would be Lord Alaric Wilde (Wilde in Love - Eloisa James). He has QUITE a roguish look and stance on the cover of that book. I have to admit that book remained on my Keeper shelf because of the cover...so I could look at it whenever I wanted to.

Sigh...I don't know that I'll be able to handle all those swoon worthy men! Flutter, flutter with my fan.

[pjpuppymom]

Happy Anniversary, Wenches! My, what a lovely ball. So many beautiful dresses swirling across the dance floor. I'm attending solo this evening so I can fill my dance card with an assortment of charming, slightly roguish devils who will keep me entertained while they sweep me off my feet. All very innocent, of course. I'll be returning them to their equally wonderful heroines following each dance. ;-)

Here's to many more years of Wenchly goodness!

[Mary T]

Happy anniversary you guys. What a lovely idea to have a ball. I'll be wearing a dress similar to the one George is wearing on the cover of MARRY IN SCARLET. Is red to daring for this ball? But I could not decide on an escort, so I will be coming alone and flirting shamelessly with so many of the gentlemen already mentioned above.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Oooh, a good choice, Jen!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Thanks for coming by, Kelly! Possibly Dain will deserve shooting, as long as it isn't fatal. *G*

Marcus is gathering a claque!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Janice, what a lovely thing to say! You're always welcome here, but I'll bet several of our more charming heroes will make a point of coaxing you onto the dance floor, a champagne glass in your hand!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Oooh, SANDRO! He's a favorite of mine, Jane. I like a man who can cook as well as he can fight. *G*

[Mary Jo Putney]

Vicki, Athena assures me that with the right shade of fabric, her gown will look fabulous on you! I'm a particular fan of Hugh Darracott and his reprehensible sense of humor. *G*

[Mary Jo Putney]

Mary T, this is definitely the sort of ball where one can wear red! After all, I did. *G* Lots of lovely fellows to flirt with here, too!

[Andrea Penrose]

A wonderful choice! And of course you get to go shopping. The Wenches will be happy to give you a list of the best modistes in Regency London!

[Andrea Penrose]

You will look smashing—Robin will be wowed!

[Andrea Penrose]

Oh, Quantum—fluttery sigh. You definitely have a spot saved on my dance card. (Maybe two!)

[Andrea Penrose]

Oh, Sue, I love the idea of a sari! You will cast all of our heroines in the shade!

[Andrea Penrose]

As you can see, the Wenches are VERY partial to men in kilts. (Be careful we don't steal your date!)

[Andrea Penrose]

Aparna, a sense of humor makes any evening more fun, and Freddy is delightful, isn't he. I know you'll have a fabulous time.

[Andrea Penrose]

Amy, you can put several books in your reticule and read in between waltzes! It's a very bookish crowd. Nobody will mind!

[Andrea Penrose]

Lori, I say you dance with all heroes that the others bring.

[Andrea Penrose]

Oh, FABULOUS, Lil! You and Scaramouche will will make quite a couple!

[Andrea Penrose]

How could Gideon possibly resist, Sharon!

[Andrea Penrose]

Rayna, please do bring Sebastian . . . and please let me have a dance with him!

[Andrea Penrose]

Robin. coming solo would be just fine. There will be plenty of sinfully handsome gentlemen to cut in on.

[Andrea Penrose]

Kareni, we'll send you some fashion plates from Ackermann's Repository from will to choose a stunning gown!

[Andrea Penrose]

Then by all means, bring Colin, Annette!

[Andrea Penrose]

Jane, Sandro would delighted to whisper sweet nothings in your ear as the two of you waltz. And Lady Arianna won't object because she's promised us to spend the evening making divine chocolate treats for the refreshment room instead of dancing!

[Andrea Penrose]

Thanks, Janice! You are welcome to sit and observe as you drink champagne to your heart's content!

[Andrea Penrose]

Isn't that gown stunning, Malvina! I think we all might join in the fray!

[Andrea Penrose]

Vicki, those Heyer heros are wonderful! As is Wilde. Please bring them all. The more, the merrier!

[Andrea Penrose]

Thanks so much, PJ! Please dance until dawn with all the gorgeous men!

[Andrea Penrose]

Mary T, with such a rakish array of heroes how could one possibly resist flirting!

[Patricia Rice]

Thank you, my dear. We'll sit in this corner behind the potted palm and have a nice little coze while the lovely footmen offer us dainty treats. I do believe quite a few of our dancing gentlemen will stop by to pay their respects, especially if they wish to meet a particular gal they've spotted on the floor. We'll have a fabulous time!

[Christina Courtenay]

Me too Ceres - so many people all dressed in their finest! And all those sparkling jewels, wonderful!

[Christina Courtenay]

I love the hero from the Toll-gate, he's just wonderful! Can I steal him from you for just one dance please?