Author Archives: Maria Grace

Lady Catherine’s Cat pt 4

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Continuing the August short story challenge. Getting Miss Elizabeth’s approbation was hard enough without Fitzwilliams “help.” If you missed earlier parts, find them HERE Lady Catherine’s Cat, Part 4 Ginger raced ahead of Darcy, breaking through a narrow opening in the hedgerow. Darcy started to follow, but paused at the sound of voices. “Your cousin’s conduct does not suit my feelings. Why was he to be the judge?” Was that Miss Elizabeth? “You are rather … Continue reading →

Georgian Cleaning Secrets

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Out, out damned spot! Ashes, tallow and turpentine to the rescue for all your cleaning needs! Keeping clothes clean has always been a challenge.  Today, we can simply go to the store and buy a specialized product according stain that needs cleaning, but this wasn’t the case in Jane Austen’s day. In centuries past, the mistress of the house needed to be well versed on what home preparations could be used to keep her household … Continue reading →

Reason # 65 Why writing takes so long

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Feline approval is difficult to achieve. #65 Reviewers too Critical So, as many of you already know, I’m currently posting a short story, Lady Catherine’s Cat, about an opinionated kitty named Ginger. You would think that would be enough to achieve feline approval amongst the household herd. But no, nothing could ever be that simple, especially not when you start seeking feline approval. Moving said cat up to title role in a story is hardly … Continue reading →

Lady Catherine’s Cat pt 3

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Continuing August’s short story challenge. A letter from Jane and a talk with Colonel Fitzwilliam. Which one is more vexing? If you missed earlier parts, find them HERE Lady Catherine’s Cat, Part 3 The woods in this part of Rosings were too thick for the early morning sun to penetrate deeply. Cool and dewy, they smelt of green and loam, and freedom, peaceful enough to make one forget all she might count among her troubles. … Continue reading →

Ice Cream Cups are not Teacups

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Luxury foods demand the luxury treatment! Take a look at the ice cream cups and other special serving vessels for ice cream. If you’ve been reading Random Bits of Fascination for a while, then you may remember talking about specialized china for luxury dishes before. If not, you might want to check out these posts on Chocolate Pots vs. Coffee Pots, and Chocolate cups vs. Tea cups.  Since ice cream was (during Austen’s day) a … Continue reading →