Anne Gracie chats about The Rake's Daughter

Mary Jo here. As always, I'm delighted to interview sister Word Wench Anne Grace on her delicious new book.  The Rake's Daughter  is second in her Brides of Bellaire Gardens series.  Besides being a lovely romance, it's a moving story of friendship and sisterhood.

The book was released yesterday, July 26th. 

MJP: Anne, will you tell us about  the set-up and setting for this series?

AG: The series is based around a large private garden in Mayfair, with access only from the back of the houses that surround it. In some of these house live young women, young women who will one day become brides . . . 

MJP:  How did Leo, Lord Salcott, a sober and hard working young lord, find himself landed with the guardianship of a young woman he's never even heard of?

AG: It was a mistake. The father of the two young women, the Rake of the title, meant to leave the guardianship to Leo's father, naming him "Josiah Leonard Thorne, the sixth earl of Salcott." But Leo's father was the fifth earl, and seeing both Leo and his father had the same Christian names, and his father had predeceased the rake, the document was legal.

MJP: Tell us about the two half-sisters, Clarissa and Isobel.

AG: Clarissa is the legitimate daughter. She is plain, shy, a little plump, and an heiress. Isobel, her illegitimate half sister, is beautiful, outspoken, and penniless.

The two lonely, motherless little girls met by accident, just before their ninth birthdays, and defying their father, who planned to dump the newly bereaved Isobel in the nearest orphanage, decided to stay together. You can read part of this scene here. The two sisters grew up together in the country, and are very loyal to each other.

MJP: I would describe Leo as a decent man wanting to do the right thing, but rather…clueless?  How do you see him?

AG:  Yes, he's decent and honorable, but also rather clueless — especially in dealing with women. He's been in charge of his family estate since the age of sixteen and, being used to everyone obeying him, he's become rather autocratic. As well, just when it looks like his life is going to be his own to live, he is lumped with yet another unwanted responsibility. So when the two girls don't obey his instructions, he's baffled and frustrated. But he's a good man at heart, and as you say, trying to do the right thing. He's also been warned against Izzy by her horrid father, and it takes him a good while to realize that it was, in fact, a terrible act of spite.
Leo is also not exactly in touch with his emotions, and Izzy really gets under his skin from the start, and he really doesn't handle that well at first. 
I do like to see a hero learn. <g>

MJP: And he does. And there are complications! How does that happen?

AG: Leo is insistent that Izzy cannot make her come-out in society with Clarissa, that having her illegitimate half-sister with her in public, as an equal, will reflect badly, and since Clarissa is his ward, he wants to protect her from that.

But the girls don't agree. First he makes Izzy what he thinks is a generous offer, which she refuses, much to his bafflement. Then when Leo is needed on his country estate they take matters into their own hands. Much to his fury. And alarm — because of course, it's bound to come crashing down on their heads and cause a huge scandal.

MJP:  Not surprisingly in an Anne Gracie novel, there is a splendidly eccentric old lady!  Please tell us about Lady Scattergood and her furry friends. 

AG:  I must admit, I do like my eccentric old ladies.  Lady Scattergood is Leo's aunt, who also lives on Bellaire Gardens, and since he's a bachelor and it would be improper to have the girls live with him, he houses them with his aunt.

Lady Scattergood is somewhat of a recluse and lives surrounded by a dense clutter of ornaments and items from all over the world that her late husband sent back from his extensive travels. She's outspoken, a bit of a misandrist, though very kind-hearted, and her views on marriage are . . . unique. She doesn't go out, but she collects strays — mainly little dogs, but also a starving young urchin found in a gutter, who she brought home and is training to be a footman.

MJP: Can you give us an excerpt to whet reader appetites?

AG:  Of course. This is when Leo first meets the two girls. They've just arrived in London. Clarissa is speaking.

"We are so looking forward to shopping in the capital. We've heard so much about it—the Pantheon Bazaar, the Western Exchange in Bond Street—we passed Bond Street on the way here—"

"Hatchards bookshop," her half sister interjected.

"Oh yes, we are desperate for new books, and then of course we will want new dresses for our come-out—the village dressmaker is good, but she is not au courant with the latest fashions. Perhaps your aunt—"

Leo stopped the eager flow with a raised hand. "Spare me! I know nothing of feminine fashions." His aunt, as they would discover, knew even less but that wasn’t his concern. "Just have your bills sent to me and they will be taken care of."

He turned to the half-sister. "And you, Miss Burton, what are your plans? Are you seeking employment? Perhaps I could help you find something suited to someone in your position." 

"Someone in her position?" Miss Studley glanced at him, surprised. "Izzy will make her come-out with me, of course. And—"

"I’m afraid that's not possible," Leo said. "The circumstances of her birth—"

"Are not her fault," Miss Studley cut him off vehemently. "Izzy and her mother were very badly treated by my father—our father—"

"Who ain't in heaven," her half-sister interjected sotto voce. "Unhallowed be his name. . . Because of course, he's in the other place."

Leo gave her a sharp look. She responded with a faint mischievous smile and raised one shoulder in an infinitesimal shrug.  Nothing shy or demure about this one.

You can also read Leo's reaction to the news of his unexpected guardianship on amazon — click here.

MJP: I've already read this story twice and it was delightful both times. What might we expect in the next book in this series?

AG:  The next book is Clarissa's story, and because her guardian is away on his honeymoon, he asks his friend Lord Randall to keep an eye on Clarissa. Which, as her sister said: "That's like setting a fox to watch the chickens." Lord Randall, you see, has something of a reputation as a rake. 

MJP:  Now I'm looking forward to Book 3!  Will you be giving away a copy of The Rake's Daughter to a commenter on this blog?

AG:   Most definitely — and it doesn't matter where in the world they live.

MJP: Thanks so much for giving me an early read of this lovely book, Anne.  I'm so glad you've returned to Bellaire Gardens.

AG:  Thanks for interviewing me, Mary Jo, and for your very kind words about my book. I'm enjoying Bellaire Gardens, though there are so many possibilities for more stories set there, it's hard to decide where to go. 

Question for readers:  There are plenty of rakes in historical romance, though very few of them are as unredeemable as Izzy and Clarissa's father. Generally we love seeing them fall for the right woman, because when a rake falls, he falls hard — unless he is a complete villain, of course. Do you have any favorite rakes from historical romance?
I'll send a copy of The Rake's Daughter to someone who leaves a comment. 

 

Comments

[Mike]

Lord Damerel, since it seems a bit disrespectful to call the Duke of Avon a rake.

And I can't help wondering whether the plot device of the wrongly numbered Earl is just a matter of chance or a deliberate homage to Heyer's Julian St John Audley, Fifth Earl of Worth, who acquired a pair of wards in similar circumstances?

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Mike. Yes, Damerel is a favourite rake of mine, and disrespectful or not, I think it would be fair to say that Avon was a rake, also. And both of them were beautifully redeemed once they fell in love.

As for the plot device of the mistaken title and guardianship, I did indeed lift it from Heyer's Regency Buck. Neither chance nor homage, but barefaced piracy.

[Katja]

Funny, I was going to comment and say the Duke of Avon. But only one comment in and he's already been mentioned.

I somehow missed the release date of the new novel, so now I need to remedy this oversight a.s.a.p. After all, with long summer evenings reading material is very important. (Well it is also important for cold winter days, colourful autumn afternoons or balmy spring mornings ;))

I usually can't wait, so no point in sending me a book. Please don't consider me.

[Quantum]

I like my romance a little more spicy than Heyer's books and think the first two Cynster novels by Stephanie Laurens are memorable 'Devil's Bride' and 'A Rake's Vow'. From an online profile I think that Laurens lives near Melbourne, writes romance to escape from boring science and likes cats. I can somehow envisage an eccentric old lady evolving from there!

Just started the audio of 'The Rake's Daughter' ..... Fabulous!

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks so much, Katja. Yes, having a good book to read is important at any time of year. As for the Duke of Avon — he's like that — he has Presence.

[Anne Gracie]

Devil's Bride is my all-time favourite Laurens. I remember when I first read it, I immediately phoned her up to gush! (We've been friends since before I was published.) Yes, she lives in the country not far from Melbourne and your other info is correct, but she's very far from becoming an eccentric old lady.
Glad you're enjoying the Rake's Daughter. Thanks.

[Mary]

Love all your books, Anne. Looking forward to reading another. You mention that this book is second in the series Brides of Bellaire Gardens. What is the first? Want to read them all! 😊

[Christina Courtenay]

I would agree about Lord Damerel, he's great! But I love all rakes so I'm not fussy So looking forward to reading this book, Anne - I'm starting tonight!

[Kareni]

What a wonderful interview, Mary Jo, and introduction to your new book, Anne.

As for rakes, I'm rather fond of Mary Jo's Reginald Davenport from The Rake.

Best wishes, Anne, for the success of The Rake's Daughter!

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Mary. The first book in the series is The Scoundrel's Daughter. Hope you enjoy it.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Christina. There are many good rakes in Romancelandia.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Kareni — yes, Mary Jo's Reggie Davenport is a good one, I agree. Thanks for your good wishes.

[Sally Fortney]

Tracey the Duke of Avon in These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer. He was a bad guy in an earlier book. I love all your series and look forward to reading the second book in this one.

[Linda Ortiz]

I have read so many that I cannot just pick one. I look forward to reading your book. Can't wait!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Anne, Damerel is a favorite of mine, too. Historical romances really romanticize rakes as dashing and charming, but I once read a book about real rakes and they were horrible--bankrupting and breaking the hearts and ruining the lives of the people who loved them. The rake father of your sisters was certainly of that type. Bad to the bone. But the girls saved themselves!

[Binnie Syril Braunstein]

Mary Jo - Great interview! I also love rakes - Anne's Gideon in The Perfect Rake, Lisa Kleypas's Devon Ravenel in Cold Hearted Rake and Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent in her Devil in Winter. And, of course, Reggie Davenport in your own The Rake and the Reformer. But Mary Jo - since you mentioned how awful the real rakes were - where did we get the expression, "Reformed Rakes Make the Best Husbands?" Is it just a figment of Romancelandia? Just wondering...

[Karin]

Favorite rakes? The list is long! Vidal, from Devil's Cub, St. Vincent from Devil in Winter, "Lord Sin" from Meet Me at Midnight by Suzanne Enoch, and Piers Verderan from Jo Beverly's Emily and the Dark Angel, just to name a few.

[Constance]

I’m with Christina — a good rake is hard to hate, and I like them even when they are secondary characters! Too hard to name a favorite! I’ve finished The Rake’s Daughter and was hoping/guessing Lord Randall would be the next hero in the Garden! And I must say, Clarissa is a wonderful sister and friend, so can’t wait for her to find her HEA! Congratulations on another winner, Anne! And thanks for the lovely interview, Mary Jo! (Obviously, I don’t need a copy)

[Jcp]

The hero of a Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas and the hero of Dreaming of You also by Lisa Kleypas definitely count as reformednrakes

[Mary M.]

Got the book yesterday afternoon, will finish it this morning. Such a satisfying read! It feels like a homecoming, with old characters reappearing lovely new ones to get to know, and another memorable Gracie line: "She's my sister and I'm keeping her!” But now the long wait for Clarissa's story …

[Patricia Franzino]

Hi Anne, your latest in the series sounds like such great fun!

I remember a rake called Sebastian, St. Vincent in "Devil in Winter" by Lisa Kleypas.

He was a masterful rake, and Evie, the wallflower, just the right lady to undo him into monogamy.

[April]

A rake gives me great enjoyment since their character is fascinating and unique. Your book is a treasure.

[Ruth]

Many rakes which I admire. So much to think about and ponder since rakes rule. I always enjoy your captivating books.

[Annette N]

Thank you both for the interview and thank all the responders for reminders of wonderful rakes - and some not so wonderful rakes.
I am so looking forward to reading this book.

Hope everyone is well.

[Caryl Kane]

I don't have a favorite rake.

[Pat Dupuy]

I happen to love Villiers from Eloisa James's books. Witty, chess playing, infuriates husbands, and slowly redeems himself by collecting all his children out of wedlock.

[Jeanne Behnke]

I ordered the book in trade paperback & can't wait to start reading! Obviously I don't need to be in the drawing. I'm with Linda on not being able to choose a favorite rake.

[SARAH TAYLOR]

Thank you for this amazing giveaway sounds like such a great book Please enter me as I haven't read this book yet!

[Teresa Broderick]

Damerel----swoon!!!! I love him!! I do love how he is redeemed by Venetia. The last chapter in the book is so moving.
Looking forward to the new book Anne. What drew me to the series is the garden. I love books that have settings in old houses or cottages or gardens.
Best of luck with it.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Sally. I've never been quite convinced that Andover was Avon, (I think that's who you mean isn't it?) though I can believe he was a forerunner character type that Heyer decided to explore further. I might have to reread them both again. Oh, the hardship.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks Linda. Good luck in the draw.

[Anne Gracie]

Yes, Mary Jo, I am sure a lot of them were vile, having no concern for the ruin they left in their wake. It's a fantasy beloved to many of us that the love for a good woman would make them change, but no doubt that remains between the pages of a book.
Mary Balogh's new book deals with this issue in a really interesting way.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Binnie Syril — Lisa Kleypas's Lord St Vincent is one of my all time favorite rakes as well — he reforms so beautifully without it being in the slightest unbelievable.

[Anne Gracie]

Thank you, Karin — you've named some excellent rakes there. This discussion is making me want to reread some old books — and the Susan Enoch one is new to me, so that'll be in the pile as well. Such a chore!

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks so much for your very kind words, Constance. I can't wait for Clarissa to find her HEA as well. (Progress was slowed by house-moving.)

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, JCP and yes, they're both in the "good rake" category, aren't they? I love Lisa Kleypas's books.

[Anne Gracie]

I'm so pleased you're enjoying it, Mary — thank you for those kind words. And for the mild whip-crack about getting Clarissa's story finished. Much appreciated.

[Anne Gracie]

Hi Patricia — yes, Devil in Winter is a wonderful book, and St Vincent an ideal reformed rake, I agree. Thank you for adding to the conversation.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks so much for those very kind words, April. And yes, it's the exploration of their character that's the source of much of the fascination -- and watching them change.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks so much, Ruth. Good luck in the draw.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Annette — this conversation is sending me down the path of some lovely rereading of rakish favorites — and a few new ones as well. I hope you enjoy The Rake's Daughter.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Caryl. There are some good ones mentioned in the comment stream if you want to chase them up. Thanks for visiting the wenches.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Pat — yes, he's another good one, I agree. You have to love a man who cares for his children.

[Anne Gracie]

It's hard choosing a favorite, I agree Jeanne — I keep reading comments and going "Oh yes, and him!" LOL
Thanks for buying my book. I hope you enjoy it.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks for visiting the WordWenches, Sarah. Best of luck in the draw.

[Anne Gracie]

I know -- Damerel is deeply romantic, I agree. But I also love his interactions with Nurse, as he goes in her estimation from evil seducer to a Man with a Proper Respect for Nurses. The mix of humor and emotion in that book is just wonderful.

Glad you're enjoying my garden setting, Teresa. I've had fun pulling photos together from all kinds of places to make it up. Plus I watch the BBC's Gardener's World (Monty Don) which is so inspiring.

[Vicki L]

Loved the interview. No need to include me in the drawing as I just raced through the book that arrived this afternoon. I'll have to pause and reread it now. Grin.

As for my favorite rake...too many to pick from. So many of my favorites were mentioned in previous comments.

[Camille Biexei]

I am looking forward to reading this!
Although he may never have been actually called a "rake," Adrain, sometimes Adrian Hawkins, Hawk, Hawkehurst, and The Black Hawk, from the works of former Word Wench Joanna Bourne may be my all-time favorite rake.

[Judy Marcus]

Already mentioned, but my favorites are from Georgette Heyer, the first historical fiction novels I read in the 60s,The Duke of Avon and his son 'These Old Shades' and 'Devil's Cub.' I've been hooked ever since.

[Linda S]

We can’t forget the Marquess of Ashart in Jo Beverley’s Winter Fire. He meets his match in Genova and ends up on his knees begging her to marry him!

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks so much, Vicki — I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. It is hard to pick a favorite, I agree.

[Anne Gracie]

Good suggestion, Camille. Hawker is a great character.

[Anne Gracie]

Judy, Heyer hooked me, too, from age 11. And These Old Shades was my first.

[Anne Gracie]

Thanks, Linda, I'd completely forgotten him. Thanks for the reminder.

[Anne H.]

I've enjoyed reading about many of the rakes in historical fiction. Like many other people, my first introduction to those rakes was in Georgette Heyer's novels, like 'These Old Shades' and 'Devil's Cub'. TOne of my current favourites is Reginald Davenport from 'The Rake', particularly because his struggles to become and stay sober are so compelling.
Like others, I have read about real rakes in history and they are by no means even slightly attractive personalities.

[Beverly Abney]

I have been buying and reading most of you for many years, and loving every minute of it. Thank you all. I used to have many more books in the house, but have had to ship many of them out due to space concerns. Also many new to me authors are becoming favorites. I enjoyed THE RAKE'S DAUGHTER and will look forward to the new title whenever it comes.