John and Emma

A serious-minded, scientific man of learning seeks a complex and chaotic practitioner of all things superstitious who will upend his well-ordered life.

England, January 1815

Dr. John Edward Hartwell needs assistance, though not quite the kind of help he might think. True, he is well-organized, tidy, and pathologically set in his ways—a more serious-minded man one might never find. But in his ways, I have determined, lies misery.

Enter Miss Annie Merryweather—a woman who is as lovely as she is chaotic. She is the perfect candidate to complement our man of numbers and logical focus, bringing sunshine and superstition to redirect him away from a future of certain wretchedness.

Oh, aye, I said superstition.

And now that she has been categorically convinced that they are destined to be together—the signs, you see—no one can stand in her way, for she is as tenacious and optimistic as she is beautiful. And none can resist her smile.

If I have anything to say about matters, and I always have something to say about matters, the signs will point the way.

They already have.

With warmest regards, etc…

Lady Harriett Ross

Self-proclaimed Motley Meddler

Mistress of Destiny

Wielder of the Infamous Umbrella

I'm just an old woman with opinions. On everything.

*John and Emma's story originally appeared in Valentines from Bath, a Bluestocking Belles Collection. This new standalone version has been edited and updated with never before seen deleted scenes and is rated for mature audiences.