Alissa Baxter's Linfield Ladies

An interview with Alissa Baxter:

By Mary Jo

I'm delighted to have as my guest today my friend Alissa Baxter, a South African romance writer who has written a trilogy of sweet Regency romances with heroines who have unconventional interests. The first, The Earl's Lady Geologist, has just been released. 

Kirkus Reviews called it, "A playful and poignant historical romance that’s certain to please fans of the genre."

Bestselling author Mimi Mathews said, “A gentle Regency romance, full of sweetness and intelligence. Alissa Baxter’s writing is period perfect.”

An Amazon reviewer said, "At times touching, at others humorous with snappy dialogue between the main characters, this was an entertaining and satisfying read from beginning to end."

There's also a fun video for the book. 

 

MJP: Alissa, will you tell us something about your path to publication?

AB: I wrote my first historical novel, a traditional Regency romance, when I was at university. However, it was a dying genre at the time, so I switched to writing contemporary romances, publishing a couple of chick-lit books set in South Africa.

It was lovely to meet you, Mary Jo, when you came out to South Africa all those years ago. The South African writing organisation for romance writers, ROSA, didn’t exist then and you were the first Regency romance writer I had ever met in person, although I’d been fortunate enough to receive lovely feedback from Mary Balogh and Edith Layton, who were kind enough to read my first Regency romance, The Dashing Debutante.

Many years later, I decided to return to my favourite time period and was delighted to sign a three-book contract with Vinspire Publishing for my Linfield Ladies Series, which features women in trend-setting roles who fall in love with men who embrace their trailblazing ways... at least eventually!

It’s wonderful that some authors are publishing the more traditional kind of Regency romance again. Things have a way of coming back into fashion even if you have to wait 15 years!

 MJP: How did you become interested in writing women in science in the Regency? And please tell us about some of your research!

AB: The Earl’s Lady Geologist features a female geologist, Cassandra Linfield, who lives in Lyme Regis during the Regency period. A few years ago, I read an article about Mary Anning, which set me on a fascinating research trail. I discovered that Britain’s emerging industrialisation at the end of the 18th century led to an era of canal digging and quarrying operations which revealed fossils in the sedimentary strata.

Collecting fossils and mineral specimens became a popular pursuit amongst the landed gentry. It was a topic discussed at dinner parties and other social functions. Women were allowed to participate within informal, nonprofessional venues as paleontology fit into the role of women as “caretakers of life”.

Various scientific societies were formed at the time, such as the Geological Society of London (13 November 1807) which women were not allowed to join. However, the wives of prominent geologists often worked with their husbands, and they were referred to as “wife-assistants”.

The most prominent of these women was Mary Buckland (1797-1857), wife of Reverend William Buckland. She accompanied her husband, William Buckland, on trips and assisted in the collection of specimens and the preparation and writing of papers.

Other 19th century British women worked independently. Etheldred Benett of Wiltshire (1776-1845) was a financially independent spinster and collected fossils over a 34-year period. She wrote several manuscripts which are now in the collections of the Geological Society of London.

In about 1805, the Philpot sisters settled at Morley Cottage, 1 Silver Street, Lyme Regis, and soon afterwards they began collecting fossils. The Philpot sisters, most noticeably Elizabeth, amassed an important collection of fossils from the Lower Lias of southern England. The Philpot Collection of approximately 400 specimens is now housed in the Oxford University Museum.

Despite her low social station, Mary Anning (1799 –1847) has become the most celebrated of the 19th century British women who worked in the field of geology and palaeontology. Mary searched for fossils in the area’s Blue Lias cliffs, particularly during the winter months when landslides exposed new fossils that had to be collected quickly before they were lost to the sea.

Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpot feature in The Earl’s Lady Geologist as my heroine, Cassy’s, fossil-collecting friends.

MJP:  Could you give us a short excerpt of your story?

AB: Excerpt

The beach between Lyme Regis and Charmouth, England, December 1817

NOTE: "cury" was a slang word of the time for "a curiosity."

A cry rang out from the other end of the beach. Cassandra Linfield spun towards the sound. Mary must have found something of interest. Clutching her fossil finds in her hands, she hurried in her friend’s direction, stumbling over a jutting rock in her haste. Regaining her footing, she peered up at the blue-hued cliffs. The limestone-and-clay structure leaned ominously forward. She shivered a little and continued to where Mary crouched on the foreshore, below Black Ven.

After the violent storm last night, the cliff face was unstable. Should a chunk of mudstone dislodge and tumble onto Cassy’s head, it would render her insensible—or worse. Fortunately, in all the years she had lived in Lyme Regis, she had never sustained injury while fossil hunting.

She took even greater care these days. Cousin Agnes made it clear when she came to live with Cassy after the death of her mother that she disapproved of her foraging activities. If she so much as sprained an ankle, her cousin would probably write to Aunt Ella, who would then insist that she come to live with her.

The wet brown sand crunched beneath her iron pattens as she threaded her way around the fallen rocks to Mary’s side. “What have you found?”

The other girl shoved her hat to the back of her head, leaving a streak of dirt on her forehead. She peered at a nodule sticking out of the mud and then chipped at it with her hammer. “It’s a fossil fish.”

Cassy bent over. “What a fine specimen. The scales are perfectly preserved.”

Mary squinted at her. “It’s a good cury and will fetch a good price.” She returned her attention to the fossil. “See how the skull is undamaged? Ma will be pleased. Have you found anything?”

“Only a couple of belemnites and a sea urchin.” She opened her palm to reveal the treasures, but her friend didn’t even glance at them. Instead, she fixed a wide gaze something behind Cassy.

What had so captivated the other girl’s attention? Alarm gripped her stomach in a painful clench as she swung in a slow half-circle.

A large male figure strode along the foreshore in their direction. Within minutes, he was upon them, and his expression did not bode well. Tall and broad, he wore buff breeches, black boots, and a form-fitting double-breasted riding coat. A slate-grey gaze swung from Cassy to Mary and then back to Cassy again.

“Miss Linfield?” The clipped tone did nothing to relieve the ache in her stomach.

She nodded. How did he know her name? If she’d ever seen this man before, she did not recall the occasion. She doubted it not, as his was a face not easily forgotten. His hair was dark—nearly black—and a slightly piratical cast to his features brought to mind legends of wild men upon the seas. However, the rigidity of his square jaw and his flinty eyes gave the lie to her initial impression that this was a man ruled by his passions.

His gaze swept from her well-worn straw bonnet to the pattens over her visibly muddy boots. His gaze narrowed on her gloved hands. Stained and filthy, they must present a peculiar appearance to this gentleman who somehow knew her name. For he was a gentleman, that she did not doubt—a gentleman in none too pleasant a humour.

She raised her chin. “I am Miss Linfield.”

He removed his hat and bowed. “I…” He paused as his gaze shifted from Cassy to Mary and the spherical-shaped stone beside which she knelt. Frowning, he took a hasty step forward. “Cease your hammering, girl, before you damage that fossil.” He bent down and studied the nodule Mary had split open. “It appears to be a remarkable specimen.”

Cassy clicked her tongue. “Mary is an experienced fossilist and is in no danger of damaging anything.”

He straightened and glanced at Mary, who now stood defiantly before him. “You are Mary Anning?”

Mary bobbed her head.

“My friend Buckland has spoken of you. My apologies.” His gaze returned to the nodule. “Will you sell me this fossil?”

The dark storm clouds gathering on Mary’s face cleared at these magical words. “Yes, sir…for a crown.”

The man agreed to the price without demur, and the girl’s eyes lit up. “I will take it back to Lyme and clean it for you, sir. Where must I deliver it?”

“I am staying at the Three Cups inn.”

The man’s penetrating gaze returned to Cassy. “Mrs. Linfield requests that you return home directly. I shall escort you.”

She took a step back. “My cousin sent you?”

“Indeed. She is perturbed that you are out here on the beach alone.”

“But I am not alone. I am with Mary, and Miss Elizabeth Philpot is further along the shore.”

“Nevertheless, Mrs. Linfield is in high fidgets, and it would be well to return home directly.”

She took another step back. “With a stranger?”

He bowed. “I have been remiss in introducing myself. Rothbury at your service.”

“Lord Rothbury?”

He bowed again.

Cassy swallowed. So this was the legendary Lord Rothbury. Even though they were related by marriage, she had never met Aunt Ella’s eldest son, Edward, the Earl of Rothbury.

MJP: Stubborn earls are such fun. <G> Will you tell me about the books that come next?

AB: The second novel in my Linfield Ladies Series features Harriet Linfield, who is a lady novelist. It will be published next year. I'm not sure of the publication date of the third book, which features Georgiana Linfield, who is a lady biologist.

MJP: Alissa, thanks for visiting us today!  Alissa will be giving away a copy of the book to someone who comments in the next two days.

Do you like reading about historical women with unusual but plausible occupations?  Tell us what unusual Regency women you admire! 

Mary Jo

 

Comments

[Alissa Baxter]

Thanks, Mary Jo! Lovely to be here. 💗

[Mary M.]

It's icing on my literary cake when an author teaches me as well as tells a story well. Especially a Regency story, with so much going on in so many fields and facets of life then. Very much looking forward to this book. Sounds like a real treat to me.

[Quantum]

The Jurassic coast is a must-see world heritage site if you are interested in fossils. A wander along the beach after a storm will reveal lots of specimens. I particularly enjoyed Tracy Chevalier's 'remarkable Creatures' which focuses on Mary Anning and also wondered whether Anning was the inspiration for the geologist heroine in Amanda Quick's 'Ravished'. Both books wet my appetite for this latest exploration of early female geologists. If an audio version becomes available I will be very interested.

[Quantum]

The following part of my post was deleted!

I'm especially interested in women scientists and from the Regency period I would pick Ada Lovelace (Lord Byron's daughter) for work on early computers and Caroline Herschel (sister to William Hershel) for work in astronomy. I think both would be fascinating subjects for a novel,

[Sue McCormick]

Those who know me well, will recognized the compliment! Oh GEE! another author to add to my list!

The story does sound fascinating!

[Mary T]

I do enjoy reading about women who have unconventional interests and plausible occupations. When you read about the few "well known" women with these interests and occupations you know there must have been many, many more who were not known of because of the mores of the times. Look forward to reading this book.

[Alissa Baxter]

Thanks, Mary! It was fascinating to research!

[Alissa Baxter]

Mary Anning’s life story is so inspiring, Quantum! So many books and even movies are based on her life. Hopefully there will be an audio version of my book available at a later date.

[Alissa Baxter]

I believe Tessa Dare wrote a story inspired by Caroline Herschel. Her book, The Governess Game, has an astronomer heroine. I haven’t read it but I saw her post about it online.

[Alissa Baxter]

Thanks, Sue! I really enjoyed writing this book. I learned so much!

[Alissa Baxter]

Thanks, Mary T. It was a fascinating subject to research! Women were only allowed to join the Geological Society 100 years ago!

[Pat Dupuy]

I first heard of Mary Anning ten years ago or so. I was volunteering in our natural science museum and got to work on some specimens in the paleo lab. I'm so glad to see that she is getting major recognition now. As I kid I liked nothing better than looking for fossils when we visited my grandparents.

[Gail Eastwood]

Congrats on the new release, Alissa! So especially appropriate for here in the U.S. where it is "Women's History Month." I love that you included Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpot as friends for your heroine. I already have the book and am looking forward to reading it!

[Alissa Baxter]

Oh wonderful! Thanks so much, Gail. I hope you enjoy it. I realised the other day that it was International Women’s Day on 8 March, which ties in so well with my new release. I didn’t know it was also Women’s History Month!

[Alissa Baxter]

It is wonderful that so many people are acknowledging Mary’s great contribution to science. It must have been so exciting to look for fossils as a child!

[Binnie Syril Braunstein]

Mary Jo- Great interview! As to regency-era women with plausible/unusual occupations - I'm reminded of Lady Kiri Lawford in your novel Nowhere Near Respectable, who created perfumes/scents that were designed to suit each individual recipient.

[Annette N]

Thanks for the terrific interview. You have introduced me to a new-to-me author. I loved the excerpt. This sounds like a good story to remind the world that women have had brains, even as far back as the Regency period.

I have always thought it would be fascinating to seek fossils. I have found some small pieces here near my home on the rocky land which is Austin Texas. Evidently there was a time when Texas was under water. Now, we value every precious drop.

I hope everyone is taking care and staying well.

[Christina Courtenay]

Lovely interview, Alissa and Mary Jo! I have visited Lyme Regis and walked along the beach looking for fossils - such fun! (Not that we found much, but still ...) I love the sound of your earl and lady geologist!

[Alissa Baxter]

What an interesting premise for a story!

[Alissa Baxter]

It’s amazing how women managed to achieve success in this field in spite of the many obstacles in their path. It was such an interesting subject to research. Stay safe in Texas, Annette!

[Alissa Baxter]

How wonderful that you’ve visited Lyme Regis, Christina!

[Kareni]

Thank you for a lovely interview, Mary Jo and Alissa. How wonderful that the tides have turned (so to speak) and you're able to publish books now that are set in your favorite time period, Alissa. Thank you for sharing the excerpt.

Lady Hester Stanhope with her interest in ancient history and her unique clothing choices sounds like a fascinating regency era woman.

[Alissa Baxter]

Lady Hester’s biography reads like the outline of a novel! What a fascinating life she led. Apparently Byron described her as "that dangerous thing, a female wit", and remarked that she had "a great disregard of received notion in her conversation as well as conduct". She sounds like a perfect example of an unconventional Regency lady!

[MaryJane Rings]

I am new to the genre. What I like are stories where women defied the norm of what women's status in society was considered to be. I am a fan of independent women and their ability to beat the odds. I have read several books about these ladies who were able to excel in the field of math and science. So this trilogy would be very interesting to me.

[Karin]

The book sounds great. I love reading books where the heroine has an important occupation or cause that she is passionate about. Speaking of unusual careers, I recently read an article about the Blackwell sisters, Elizabeth and Emily, who were respectively the first and third women doctors in the U.S. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/02/01/the-blackwell-sisters-and-the-harrowing-history-of-modern-medicine

Although Elizabeth especially seems to have been an ornery character, and some of the medical treatments that were used then sound horrifying to us now, they were trailblazers in their time. My favorite fictional book about a woman doctor is "The Prince" by Katherine Ashe.

[Teresa Broderick]

I really like the sound of your book Alissa. It's hard to believe how women were so kept down and it's not all that long ago when you think about it!
I have some strong women in my family, I wish I took after them.
I'm so looking forward to the up coming film about Mary Anning, whatever stream we'll be able to watch it on. I love historical stories based on real people.
Good luck with the books. Looking forward to reading them.

[Alissa Baxter]

I have written all three books in the trilogy, MaryJane. It was so interesting to learn about trailblazing women in the 19th century and how they succeeded in against the odds.

[Alissa Baxter]

Oh wow! I must read that article. Thanks for sharing.

[Alissa Baxter]

Hi Teresa, thank you! I love researching the lives of these 19th century women. Women have always needed to be strong but there are different kinds of strength! A good thing to remember. I hope you’ll enjoy my books. 😊

[Vicki L]

Great interview and I really loved the excerpt of your book. I will have to keep my eye open and put it on my wish list. So many books on my list...

I love learning more about "unknown" history and the people who achieved but were never recognized.

[Patricia Franzino]

Very enjoyable interview. I like knowing about women during the Regency and later in the nineteenth-century who went beyond conventional roles to live independent lives and contribute their ideas and examples to other women beyond their era.

[Alissa Baxter]

I know what you mean, Vicki! My TBR list is ever-growing. 😊

[Alissa Baxter]

I’m amazed at how enterprising these women were! Such a fascinating subject to research.

[Michelle H]

This book sounds great and I'm looking forward to reading it. I'm so glad you came back to Regency, Alissa. Hopefully it will prove very successful for you because this series sounds wonderful.

I have been fascinated with Mary Anning's story for years, and I want to see the new movie based on her life.

It's often difficult to read about our real sister heroines from history because so often their stories ended sadly. It's nice to have a book with which to visit those times in history, but with happy endings.

[Alissa Baxter]

Hi Michelle, that’s what I thought... Mary Anning had a hard life and she died at the age of 47 of breast cancer. It was so nice to create a happier story for my heroine, Cassy!