As we approach Thanksgiving, I’m reflecting on the many blessings in my life, and you—my wonderful readers and followers—are chief among them.
While the English in the Regency era didn’t celebrate Thanksgiving as we know it today (that particular holiday being rather American in nature), they certainly understood the importance of gratitude. Jane Austen herself wrote of being “determined to be happy,” and I am determined to express my heartfelt thanks to each of you who make this work so rewarding.
Thank You For…
Your Curiosity – Whether you’re here for obscure historical trivia about Regency fashion, the intricacies of the ton’s social rules, or to escape into another era for a few moments, your enthusiasm keeps me researching and writing.
Your Engagement – Your comments, questions, and shared excitement over a perfectly turned phrase or a newly discovered historical tidbit remind me why I fell in love with this period in the first place. We’re not just a blog—we’re a community of fellow enthusiasts.
Your Support – To those who read my books, leave reviews, share posts, or simply return week after week—you make this possible. Writing can be a solitary pursuit, but you remind me I’m never truly alone in my passion for the Regency world.
Your Patience – For when I disappear down research rabbit holes and emerge with seventeen facts about Regency-era breakfast customs, or when I can’t resist another tangent about the proper way to address a duke.
A Toast
If we were gathered in a Regency drawing room, I would raise my glass and offer a toast in your honor. Since we cannot, please accept these words instead: I appreciate you more than you know. Your presence here—whether you’ve been following for years or stumbled upon this blog just yesterday—means the world to me.
May your Thanksgiving be filled with warmth, good company, and perhaps an excellent novel or two. (Might I suggest something set in the Regency era?)
With deepest gratitude and warmest regards,
Donna
P.S. – Regular historical content will resume next week. I have an announcement and Regency-based holiday piece prepared for you.
Author of Historical Romance and Fantasy, award-winning author Donna Hatch is a sought-after speaker and workshop presenter. Her writing awards include the Golden Rose and the prestigious Golden Quill. Her passion for writing began at age 8 she wrote her first short story, and she wrote her first full-length novel during her sophomore year in high school, a fantasy which was later published. In between caring for six children, (7 counting her husband), her day job, her work as a freelance editor and copywriter, and her many volunteer positions, she still makes time to write.
After all, writing IS an obsession.
All of her heroes are patterned after her husband of over 20 years, who continues to prove that there really is a happily ever after.
Mrs. Hancock beamed as Alicia reached her side, put an arm around Alicia, and brought her into their circle. “Miss Alicia Palmer, allow me to introduce Lord Amesbury.”
Even more devastating up close, Lord Amesbury turned to her. His piercing blue eyes threatened the strength in her knees. Though taller than most ladies, Alicia still had to look up to meet his gaze. No other color existed in those eyes; no green or gray, only deep, dark blue, like the fathomless depths of the ocean.
All the other men she had met lately, namely those her uncle insisted she consider for a husband, had taken careful note of her figure. But this gentleman only looked into her eyes. Very deeply.
Lord Amesbury inclined his head. “Miss Palmer.” His resonant, bass voice touched her very soul.
Alicia met his frank gaze and a sensation she did not quite understand stirred within her until breathing became a conscious effort. Mrs. Hancock discreetly coughed, and Alicia realized she’d been locked in eye contact with the Viscount much longer than appropriate.
Unable to pull her eyes away, Alicia sank into a curtsey. “My lord.”
No longer merely polite, his smile broadened, warmed, transforming an already handsome face into a perfectly stunning visage. Sensuality radiated off him, not in a manner that left her feeling threatened, but in a way that left her breathless for more. More of what, she did not know. But she wanted to find out.
“Miss Palmer,” Lord Amesbury said, “May I have the next dance?”
Alicia blinked. She looked back at Elizabeth who smiled encouragingly. Mrs. Hancock also smiled and nodded, but a touch of disappointment tainted her approval, reminding Alicia the dear lady had hoped her own daughter would attract the attention of the very eligible Lord Amesbury. That he’d singled out Alicia seemed a dream.
She squelched all hope that she might hold his interest. Surely only politeness motivated him to dance with the plainest girl first. He’d soon turn his attention to the beautiful ladies.
Finding her voice, Alicia replied, “I would be delighted, my lord.”
As the final notes of the current dance ended and the next began, Lord Amesbury offered his arm. She took it, an unfamiliar quiver beginning in her stomach. The art of dancing, she found as the set began, had not abandoned her as completely as her wits. The handsome viscount danced with athletic grace, his attention focused upon her. The warmth of his hand seeped through their kidskin gloves. He held her gently, firmly.
A playful glint touched his sapphire eyes. “I must warn you. Now that we’ve danced, my aunt will take it upon herself to ask you your opinion of me. She will most certainly interrogate me regarding you.”
She met those probing eyes and her mouth curved. “Oh? Has your aunt become your self-proclaimed matchmaker?”
A wry smile touched his lips. “Of course. I’m thirty and not yet married. She feels it her duty to ensure I produce an heir before I’m too old. Despite my efforts to delay that obligation, she persists.”
Alicia nodded, her smile deepening at his indelicate statement. “That is a dilemma.”
“Since you and I have only just met, it will be difficult to offer a fair assessment of your character. And if I say anything positive about you, she’ll plan the wedding.” His smile brightened, lighting up his stunning face.
Alicia missed her step. Even while dancing with the very handsome Duke of Suttenberg two Seasons ago, such a keen attraction for a man had never overcome her as it did tonight. Yet she was nearly twenty, for heaven’s sake, not a missish schoolgirl!
“Your aunt is a strong woman and a kind lady, my lord. I am sure you can reason with her.”
“I suppose she possesses a good heart deep, deep down inside, but be truthful; she’s sharp-tongued and outspoken.”
She laughed and then clapped her hand over her mouth. “My lord! She might hear you.”
He chuckled. “Fear not. We needle each other as frequently as possible. I say worse things to her face. I enjoy watching her squirm and plot a counter- attack.”
That reminded her of the playful banter she shared with her cousin Robert. “I don’t recall her ever mentioning you, my lord.”
His smile turned self-deprecating. “I’m one of those relations no one mentions.”
Subscribe Now for Updates!
Enter Your Best Email to Receive Updates From www.DonnaHatch.com
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you for introducing me to this genre so many years ago!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.