Pouring them both a generous measure of brandy, the Reverend went on, “Indeed, I’m of the opinion that the whole undertaking would actually be described as heroic should it become common knowledge.” Handing Percy a glass, the Reverend frowned slightly and adopted a thoughtful tone. “Perhaps I should try my hand at a novel.”
The curate spat out his brandy, staring at his superior in horror. “Of course, your contribution would not be forgotten in the narrative Percy,” the Reverend continued obliviously before pausing slightly. “Or mayhap it would be better turned into a play such as William Shakespeare was wont to do. What do you think?”
Percy opened his mouth to respond but nothing came out aside from a small “err...” In the end, he simply helped himself to another brandy.
“Steady on Percy,” the Reverend admonished, “It won’t do for you to be foxed before attending your first reception, and we’ve both experienced first-hand the consequences of an uncontrolled manner.
“Indeed, it has to be said you’ve revealed a disturbing proclivity for unrestrained behaviour in recent weeks Percy which should have a man in your position mindful of the slippery slope downstairs.”
The Reverend nodded his head sagely after imparting this piece of advice, pointing downwards to emphasise his point.
Percy, who had absolutely no clue as to the meaning of ‘a disturbing proclivity’, simply adopted an air of thoughtful piety and took another sip of his brandy.
The silence lengthened as it became evident the Reverend was still awaiting the curate’s opinion of his literary aspirations.
“But what about the rest of ‘em,” Percy eventually questioned, clearly grasping at straws.
Reverend Shackleford frowned, pondering for a second. Percy had unquestionably raised a valid concern. There was indeed a long way to go before he could be certain his son would be accepted in the finest drawing rooms in England.
“Tare an’ hounds Percy,” he finally stated decisively, “You’re absolutely right. No good will come of resting on our laurels and being deuced frivolous. I still have another seven daughters to marry off.
“Mayhap I’ll save such an inspiring exposition for my memoirs…”
THE END
The Reverend will undoubtedly throw a rub in the way of true love when he returns in Temperance: Book Two of the Shackleford Sisters…
Turn the page for more…
Author's Note
The Battle of Trafalgar in context
The Napoleonic Wars (1800–15) were a continuation of the French Revolutionary Wars (1792–99), and together they represented 23 years of nearly uninterrupted conflict in Europe.
By 1801 Napoleon Bonaparte had achieved unchallenged supremacy all over mainland Europe. In 1803 the Peace of Amiens - a temporary armed truce between Britain and France - broke down, and for nearly two years British strategy rested on the defensive, waiting for the French navy to make the first move. Late in 1804 however, Spain joined the war as an ally of France, giving Napoleon the ships he needed to challenge and potentially invade Britain.
This was the context of Trafalgar. Napoleon was looking for an opportunity to strike at Britain without having to fight Admiral Nelson and the Royal Navy, while all his attempts to attack British Interests were thwarted by expert seamen who countered his every move.
The Battle of Trafalgar took place on October 21st 1805, and although the Napoleonic Wars continued for another ten years (only concluding with the Battle of Waterloo in 1815), Britain’s success at Trafalgar was of huge strategic importance.
In winning the Battle, the Royal Navy annihilated the greatest threat to British security for two hundred years. It guaranteed Britain’s control of the oceans, the basis of her global power for over a century.
And lastly, the Battle of Trafalgar witnessed both the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte’s plans to invade Britain, and the death of the country's national hero, Admiral Lord Nelson. It was never going to be any ordinary battle, and quickly acquired a heightened almost magical reality that lasts to this day.
You can read more of the article about the battle by clicking on the following link:
Battle of Trafalgar
If you’re interested in finding out more about Admiral Lord Nelson - still considered Britain’s greatest naval hero, click on the following link:
Horatio Nelson
For still more information about the whole of the Napoleonic Wars, click on the link below:
Conflict in Europe
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Grace is set in an era before Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was given a name.
However, I have no doubt it was as real then as it is now, and given the events leading up to the beginning of the story, I wanted to convey the possibility that Nicholas Sinclair may very well have been suffering the effects of PTSD.
While it is not only veterens who suffer such trauma, if you'd like more information about PTSD in the Military, click on the following link
PTSD in Military Veterans.
Keeping in Touch
Thank you so much for reading Grace, I really hope you enjoyed it.
For any of you who'd like to connect, I’d really love to hear from you. Feel free to contact me via my facebook page.
If you’d like me to let you know as soon as Temperance is released, sign up to my newsletter and I'll keep you updated about that and all my latest releases.
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And lastly, thanks a million for taking the time to read this story. If you’re unable to wait until Temperance is available, you might be interested to learn that the Reverend’s Great, Great, Great, Great Grandson appears in a series of Romantic Comedies currently available on Amazon. Book One: Claiming Victory is a funny contemporary romantic comedy that will appeal to every woman who still believes fairy tales can come true…
Turn the page for a sneak peek...
Claiming Victory
‘Victory Shackleford is a spinster, or at least well on the way to becoming one. She is thirty two years old, still lives with her father - an eccentric retired Admiral, and the love of her life is a dog.
She thinks her father is reckless, irresponsible, and totally incapable
