2021 Anniversary Blog, Part 1

You're invited to the Word Wenches' Anniversary Garden Party! (Part 1)

Collected by Mary Jo

The Word Wenches blog is 15 years old!  This is ancient beyond words in internet terms, yet we're still here because we love talking about our books and our travels and delicious odd bits of history. Most of all, we like the chance to interact with our readers. 

Our characters have so much to say that this blog will be divided in two with Part 2 posted on Monday the 24th.

The invitations are going out now.  Will you join us?

 

Patricia Rice's characters arrive:  

“A party, Max!” Lydia Wystan Ives waved the ragged edge parchment as she raced down the library’s curved staircase. “The Wenches have invited us to a garden party!”

His dark curls littered with wood dust, Maxwell Ives glanced up at his bounteous bride and grinned. “A garden party? And you’ll leave our daughter to yon rascals so we can parade around in our finery and nibble bits of nothing?”

He nodded at his sons, who were hauling in lumber for their project to create a hidden room between the library and the tower dungeon.

“They make excellent guardians. Our daughter will be just fine with two such strapping lads, a nanny, your mother, and a houseful of servants to provide her every wish.” Lydia handed over the crinkled invitation. “Look at this! Our library will be the portal to a special party. It says we may come as we are.”

Max deliberately crossed his eyes and made a face trying to read the scribbles, but he would never deny his wife anything she desired. “A garden party where I come at my worst? You have very odd friends.”

“You know you like my friends, and you’ll enjoy this.” She retrieved the invitation and read it for him. “Adventurers from around the world. Just your sort of thing. And I will have a glimpse of a London garden!”

Checking that his sons were all right with being abandoned, realizing from their grins that they needed a break, Max set down his tools and dusted himself off. “Right now? let us be off—lead me to the food!”

She took his arm and waved the paper at her wall of magical journals. “Show us the way, please!”

And to no one’s amazement, the books opened to show the path through a wisteria arch into a green garden festooned by couples in such a variety of garments that Max, the engineer, leaned over and whispered to a beaming Lydia. “I think we entered another dimension. Is that a Viking over there?”

“Books,” Lydia murmured in awe. “They open whole new worlds.”

The Librarian's Spell, a School of Magic book 

 

Christina Courtenay sends three brothers and their beloveds:

A group of six people arrive in a haze of mist, their hands touching an illuminated manuscript with jewelled bindings. Three massive, blond Vikings peer suspiciously at the many shelves of books that surround them.

‘What is this place? It smells of trolldomr – magic,’ one of them says, sniffing cautiously.

‘That’s because it’s a magical library. Those are books, like this one and the ones we looted from the Christian men in Northumbria, remember?’ Sara, his wife, replies. She’s short and curvaceous, with rich chestnut hair, and like the other two women, she’s dressed in her finest apron dress with silver tortoise brooches at the shoulders and row upon row of beads hanging in between – amber, gold, silver and carnelian.

‘These look worthless,’ her husband Rurik retorts. ‘They don’t even have any gold on them. And why would anyone need to write so much? Can’t these people remember anything?’

Linnea, tall and blonde, giggles. ‘Not everyone uses skalds to keep track of their daring deeds. Never mind that now. Let’s go outside and mingle. Look through those French doors – what an amazing garden!’

‘It’s full of strange people,’ Linnea’s husband Hrafn grumbles. ‘I hope they have some decent ale at least.’

‘Not one of them has brought any weapons.’ The youngest man, Geir, looks around in astonishment. ‘And Odin’s ravens, what are they wearing? There are men in skirts!’

His red-headed wife, Maddie, laughs out loud. ‘Scotsmen, and they’re kilts, not skirts. I think they’ll say the same about you.’

She turns to the other two women and in unison they say ‘Ah, men in kilts!’ with a happy sigh. Cue three puzzled Viking men.

‘What do you mean? This is my finest tunic. You made it for me yourself.’ Geir frowns at her.

‘I know, unnasti, and you look gorgeous, as always, but come on, I’m starving.’

All six troop down the stairs and onto the lawn, where they gaze around in amazement. ‘Isn’t this lovely!’ Sara scans their surroundings. ‘All these pretty flower beds and a gazebo!’

‘A what?’ Rurik scowls, hanging onto her hand for dear life. ‘I don’t want you talking to any of those men. They look very untrustworthy and they’re staring at you like you’re a tasty morsel.’

‘The women are doing the same to you. Either that, or you should have left your sword at home – I told you! Now taste this.’ Sara grabs two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter and a couple of sweet tarts.

Rurik chokes on the champagne bubbles, then demolishes the tart in one bite. ‘Mm, perhaps this place isn’t so bad after all, but I’m with Hrafn, I’d prefer ale. I suppose we’d better go and talk to the other guests.’

‘Indeed – I can’t wait! This should be fun …’

Whisper of the Runes: Link 1 and Link 2

Anne Gracie introduces:

The third shelf of the second bookcase of the Word Wench magical library quivered, then shook. The books parted, and a tall, elegant, Regency-era gentleman stepped down. He glanced around, then turned back. "Come along my love, it all looks perfectly safe." He held up his hand to assist her.

            A small lady peeped out, then carefully climbed down. She looked around her. "All these books, how wonderful." She began to read the titles aloud.

            "Now, Prudence my love, you know you can't read at a party. It would be an insult to our hostess. We must circulate."

            "Yes, of course. I wonder who else is here, if there's anyone we know." Glancing past her husband she gasped and clutched his sleeve. "Gideon, there's three couples over there and I think they're . . . Vikings."

            Gideon turned and saw three tall blonde men and their more varied mates looking curiously around. The men looked wary, the women, positively delighted.

            "Vikings, eh? How intriguing."

            She gave him an anxious look. "Vikings are—were—supposed to be very fierce."

            "Yes, but Lady Putney won't have invited any nasty ones. Let's go and meet them."                       Tucking her arm in his, they strolled over to the nearest Viking couple. "How do you do? I'm Gideon, Lord Carradice, and this is my lovely wife, Prudence, Lady Carradice." He held out his hand

            The man frowned, as if perplexed rather than annoyed, but he responded with a firm handshake. The woman said, "I'm afraid my husband doesn't speak English. I am Linnea and this is my husband, Hrafn." She spoke with a faint Swedish accent.

            Gideon frowned. "Bit of a cough you have there, Lady Linnea. Can I get you a drink?"

            She laughed. "No, his name is Hrafn." She repeated it, and Gideon nodded. It still sounded like a cough to him.

            "Vikings, eh? Or is this a costume?" He indicated their clothing.

            "No, we're from the 9th century," she said.

            "Good heavens," Gideon said. "This library really is magical, isn't it? I gather you're in a book too, like Prudence and me."

            The tall blond man spoke. "Yes. In a book. And I can understand you." He glanced at his wife. "I can speak English. But how?"

          "Must be the magic," Gideon said easily. "Some sort of party it would be if we couldn't all communicate. Now tell me, Hruffle—"

            "Hrafn," Prudence said.

            "Yes, Harffon, any of your relatives ever settle in Britain—the north?"

            "Britain?" the tall man repeated and glanced at his wife.

            "Norðimbraland," she said. 

            He turned back to Gideon. "Yes, my cousins went a'viking and ended up staying. They both married Engilskir women."

            Gideon nodded. "My grandfather used to talk about our Viking ancestors. It occurs to me we might be related."

            "Related?"

            "Why not? Now ladies, can I fetch you something to drink?" He glanced at his wife. "Champagne I assume for you, my dear, and you?" He turned to Linnea.

            "Oh yes please," she said eagerly. "It's been years since I drank champagne."

            Gideon raised a brow. "Didn't know Vikings had champagne."

            "They don't," Linnea said.

            Gideon gave her a bemused glance, then shrugged. If he knew his wife, Prudence would find out the story there. "Right then, champagne for the ladies, and Hruffyn, I'm guessing you'd prefer something a bit stronger. How about whisky?"

            "I do not know this whisky. Is there no ale?"

            Gideon shook his head. "Not at an event like this. Let's try you on whisky."

            The tall blond Viking shrugged. "Why not?"

            "Right then." Gideon signaled a passing waiter, and gave him the order.

            "I want to explore that beautiful garden," Prudence said, gesturing to the open French doors. "Look at that wisteria arch. So pretty."

            "Oh yes, I haven't seen a proper flower garden in an age," Linnea said. "I'm named after a plant, you know."

            "How interesting. I'm dying to know your story," Prudence said. The two ladies linked arms and strolled out into the garden.

            "Now Hruffyn," Gideon said as their whiskies were delivered, "You look like a chap that's had a lot of adventures. I'd love to hear about them."

The Perfect Rake, Merridew Series 1, is available now.  The Scoundrel's Daughter will be released on August 24th, 2021

Anniversary Part 2 will be posted on Monday and includes guests invited by Nicola Cornick. Andrea Penrose, Mary Jo Putney, and Susan King. 

In the meantime, join us for some champagne, and tell us what Wenchly couples you'd like to accompany you!

Mary Jo

 

Comments

[theo]

Delighted to read bits and pieces from all of you! And an appearance from Pru and Gideon. Gideon always makes me laugh.

Happy Anniversary! Can't remember when I started following your blog but it's close to when you started. I'm so glad you're still here and always read, even if I don't always comment. I've learned a lot of history through all of you as well as being able to travel vicariously with you. Here's to another 15 at least!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

[Sue McCormick]

Thank you so much for the invitation. I have met some of these guests and am eager to meet the others. And also to see those who will arrive on Moday.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks so much, Theo. You have indeed been following this blog almost since the start, as did I, before I became a wench myself. Glad you enjoyed Prue and Gideon, and yes, I hoped Gideon would give someone a smile. I did enjoy pairing him up with one of Christina's wonderful Vikings.

[theo]

I did love it because it reminded me of his exchange with Otterboots! lol

This anniversary post also made me think of something you all did a long time ago. You each posted a nameless snippet of one of your stories and asked us all to name the writer of each one based on their style. You all should do that again. It was a lot of fun!

[Gail]

What a wonderful way to celebrate an anniversary! It's so much fun to mix everyone together! Can't wait for Monday's post.

[Mary T]

Congrats ladies! Lovely way to celebrate. Looking forward to Monday's post.

I've only been following you for a few years, but I always find this blog interesting - and the responses as well.

Here's to many more years!

[Elaine Fearnley]

Happy Anniversary Wenches!! It was amazing to watch the library work it’s magic, and to see all the wonderful characters interact with each other.,I loved it!! Thank you for bringing some much-needed magic to my day!

[Patricia Rice]

And it's wonderful to have all our faithful readers gathering with us! Virtual champagne to all and settle in for a good gossip or two...

[Patricia Rice]

Nothing like a four-day party, is there?

[Patricia Rice]

We'll try not to get as cranky as the Almack's hostesses. You needn't wear white to this party and anyone may waltz!

[Patricia Rice]

Entertainment is our goal, glad you're here!

[Constance]

Love the idea of Waltzing Wenches! In honor of your anniversary, I'll share my favorite champagne toast, discovered in a secondhand bookstore in San Diego CA many years ago, when I was hunting down Ngaio Marsh mysteries:

Some take their gold in minted mold,
And some in harps hereafter,
But I'll take mine in bubbles fine,
And give me the change in laughter!

Thank you for so many years of laughter and romance and curiosities! Can't wait to see who shows up next -- I know the party is for couples, but there must be chaperones, too, and I'd love to see Lady Beatrice Davenham accompany Abby and Max to the garden party!

[Pat Dupuy]

What fun! I love the men's reactions to the garden party. Isn't that typical! I can't wait to see who else shows up. Happy Anniversary, wenches!

[Karin]

I miss going to parties, and this is shaping up to be a great one! I don't remember when I started reading this blog, but it has been quite a few years.

[LilMissMolly]

Congratulations! I’ve been following along the entire time and enjoying all of your blog posts.

I’d love to accompany Captain Kenneth Wilding and his wife Rebecca from Mary Joe’s fabulous Fallen Angels series (or any of the Fallen Angels, especially Robin Andreville - sigh). Or the Chance Sisters and their husbands from Anne Gracie’s fabulous quartet. They are such fun to be around!

[Kareni]

Wow, fifteen years! Congratulations to you all. (But wasn't it thirteen years just a minute ago?)

Thanks for the invitation to the garden party. I'm looking forward to meeting more guests soon.

[April]

Happy Anniversary! What a lovely celebration! I have enjoyed the informative posts and the captivating novels.

[Christina Courtenay]

So glad you're enjoying it, Elaine - the party continues all weekend!

[Christina Courtenay]

Thank you and what a lovely toast, Constance, our couples should definitely use that during the party! Enjoy the champagne and canapes!

[Christina Courtenay]

Thank you, Pat, glad you're having a good time!

[Christina Courtenay]

I've been a reader for years as well, long before I became part of the Word Wenches, so I'm very much enjoying this party! As you say, it's been a long time since we got to attend one!

[Christina Courtenay]

Those are all great - perhaps they'll drop by!

[Ruth]

Congratulations on this amazing anniversary! My visits to your site were always a pleasure and filled with fun as the characters give me so much to think about.

[Annette N]

Thank you for the invitation. Your current guests seem quite intriguing as well as charming. I look forward to meeting more people when they arrive.

Congratulations on your longevity. I have been here for quite some time. Unfortunately for me, I did not find you in that first year. My loss.

I do have one request.....another 15 years would be nice, if you don't mind. Thank you.

Hope everyone is well - happy and safe.

[RobinC]

I mostly lurk, but I have to chime in to say "Congratulations on 15 years!" I love this blog and I'm so happy its still around and so active.

The idea of the garden party is so fun. I wish you would extend it for your anniversary week.

Thank you for all the years of fun, interesting, informational, and touching words!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Theo--I remember when we did the posting of bits, and it seemed mostly a fail--the bits weren't long enough for most people have any idea who the writer was. Parties are more fun. *G*

[Mary Jo Putney]

Kareni--"Time keeps on slippin' into the future, the future...." Truer words were never sung!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Thank you, April! We have fun and hope our guests do do also.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Thank you, Ruth. We like to think our characters are as complicated as real people are. That makes them interesting!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Annette, all posts are archived and you could probably find that first year with some searching if you have a really dull day coming up. I don't know about another 15 years, but we're still having fun, so who knows??

[Mary Jo Putney]

You're very welcome, RobinC. You're always welcome no matter how deeply you lurk.

[Teresa Broderick]

I've been a long time Word Wenches reader too but not sure just how long. I LOVE seeing it dropping into my email and look forward to reading it. I've learned so much history from you all and the post I love best is 'What We're Reading'.
So here's to the next fifteen years.
An Irish blessing:
May the road rise with you
And the wind always be at your back
And may the good Lord hold you in the hollow of his hand.

[Andrea Penrose]

Thanks for all the lovely comments, everyone! Our wonderful readers are the reason we still have such fun doing the blog.it's your interaction that makes the Wenchly family such a great community. So please help yourself to champagne! (The chocolate is coming on Monday!)

[Andrea Penrose]

Thanks, Teresa!

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks so much, Constance, for the good wishes and that wonderful toast, which I'm going to try to remember. And I'm sure among the people wandering through the garden, or tucked into a corner —or the gorgeous summerhouse —with a good book, Abby and Max and Lady Davenham would be there. I see Lady Davenham in the summerhouse, holding court. There will definitely be single guests — we're not "couple-ist" here at the wenches.

[Anne Gracie]

Theo I remember doing that, and it was fun, but as Mary Jo said, the snippets weren't really long enough for people to guess. But you never know, it could still happen again. And thank you for remembering Otterboots.

[Michelle H]

Congratulations! Fifteen years is indeed an accomplishment. I don't comment very often, but I do thank you lovely ladies for all the history, wonderful stories, and travelogues. I haven't forgotten the humor, either. Long life and health to all of you.

And here's to all the Wenches, past and present.

[Patricia Franzino]

What a great anniversary! Fifteen years! Fun excerpts. I look forward to Monday's stories.

[Kareni]

I will definitely be here for the chocolate! (Someone else is welcome to my glass of champagne.)

[Patricia Rice]

We're so glad you took time to join the party today!~ And thank you...

[Patricia Rice]

It's great seeing old friends gathering! Wish we could do it in person...

[Susan King]

Thank you all for joining us for our 15th Blog Anniversary Garden Party & Magical Library Celebration! ;) We're delighted to see so many familiar names here and so many new ones too (and a few quiet lurkers, welcome as well!). Our anniversary party continues all weekend -- and on Monday, more Wench characters will arrive via magical library portals. Be sure to check back to see what's happening, and please comment. We love hearing from each of you!

[Janice]

I love a good garden party. Champagne, bees to watch, beautiful plants and sneezing. I'll be under a tree, somewhere around the edge of the garden, drinking champagne, and reading a book by one of the Wenches. I think One Perfect Rose by Mary Jo, since she appears to be the Hostess in Chief today. I've had it since its first publication and never started it because I am squeamish about heroes with illnesses, and the mini-hardback format hurt my thumb. The champagne should be able to deal with both problems :)

Congratulations, ladies, on running the best and friendliest regency blogsite on the planet. Wishing you all continued success.

[Tai Smith]

I so deeply appreciate this blog, all of your research, and books. 2006 was when I had two small children and was beginning desperately needed therapy. Reading this blog helped me and encouraged me.
Thank you each for your work, your stories, and for continuing to promote romance and healthy relationships!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Thank you, Janice. WE are indeed friendly because your are all such nice people! I'm sorry the little hardcover of One Perfect Rose hurt your thumb, but a happy ending is guaranteed.

[Mary Jo Putney]

Tai Smith, what a wonderful tribute to the Wenches and to romance novels. I'm glad the positivity and hope of romances helped you through a difficult time, and I hope you're looking back on 2006 from a much better place.

[Quantum]

I suffer from 'cocktail party syndrome' so normally avoid live parties. Virtual parties are OK though, so many congrats on the 15th anniversary! I think that with a good romance on my mp3 player, stimulating discussion and fabulous Wenchly company, who could ask for more. This blog provides fantastic holistic therapy .... I always end up with a smile on my face. Keep it going for ever ladies ... may the creativity never die!

[Glenda M]

Has it really been 15 years? WOW! Congratulations Ladies! I honestly cannot choose one couple to attend the party with me since there are so many interesting ones from past books to choose from!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Quantum, we'll do our best to keep you smiling!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Glenda, feel free to bring a whole series of couples if you like. The supply of champagne is virtually limitless!

[Pamela DG]

Happy Anniversary, Wenches! What a fun idea, all of your characters coming out to play together! I'm looking forward to reading the rest!

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks for popping in, Pamela, and for being one of our regular Wenchly readers.