Hello, friends! Ridgway Kennedy is visiting here with his new book Murder & Miss Austen's Ball, which sounds fantastic! I hope you enjoy it as Ridgway tells us a little about a secondary character in this story!
Please, give a warm welcome to Ridgway Kennedy!
Murder & Miss Austen's Ball
by Ridgway Kennedy
Approaching her 40th birthday in 1815, Miss Jane Austen, a modestly successful authoress, has determined to host a ball and posts a letter to Mr Thomas Wilson, the preeminent figure in the dance scene in London, to request his services.
When the dancing master arrives in the village of Chawton, Miss Austen discovers that this man may not be who he seems. The dancing master, for his part, discovers that this lady he is speaking with may not be who she seems. And together, they discover that life in rural Hampshire is undergoing serious disruption, that dangerous men are about, and the best laid plans may sometimes go terribly awry.
Through the course of the story, Miss Austen and her dancing master discover their mutual interest in music: for dancing, for singing, for playing, for entertaining, for delighting in the intimate glow that harmonious musicians may share.
There's a murder. There's an investigation. There's mystery, indignation and the pursuit of justice. And there is more. Much more.
Miss Austen’s brothers Frank and Charles serve in the Royal Navy, and have told her of life at sea. But there’s a different perspective when you’re looking out from between the decks.
After Waterloo, peace is breaking out, and the wartime economy is winding down. And yes, Miss Austen is caught in the downdraft. And what of the need for an income? And what of the need for a man of business? Cannot a lady chart her own course?
Of course, there is a ball and more dancing besides. Of course, we will find partners. Of course, we shall dance.
From Chawton to Bristol, from Alton to Bath; from the plains of Salisbury to the sea; there is no want of adventure.
A Gentleman is responsible for the telling of this story; he claims first-hand knowledge of the events. He is elderly, however. Perhaps his mind is failing? One cannot be completely sure. Your author can only attest that this is the tale as he tells it. And your author humbly suggests that you, dear reader, will find it engaging, at times amusing, and … no … no… You must make what you will of that.
CSI Chawton:
Law Enforcement and Justice
in Jane Austen’s World
The pursuit of justice in Regency England seems to have had much in common with a wild goose chase. Subjective, arbitrary and capricious along with a host of similarly unflattering adjectives seem to apply. That was the situation I found when I started looking into “police procedures” for Murder & Miss Austen’s Ball.
Certainly, there must have been exceptions – a few good men, magistrates or judges for example, who gave serious consideration to the evidence available and tried to render justice that today, we might consider fair. But most of the information I found suggested that justice, in the modern sense, barely existed.
I was concerned specifically about the police, or equivalent, who would deal with crimes committed in or near Chawton. By this time, London had its Bow Street Runners, not officially part of the government to be sure and unrestrained by official procedures, but active investigators and apprehenders of criminals. Over time, the Bow Street organization and personnel were absorbed into the newly created Metropolitan Police Department. But what about Chawton? Alton? Who was in charge of law enforcement there?
The parish constable! An individual appointed to the position annually to the position by the rector of the parish. As I delved into the role and responsibilities, I was stunned. Murder mystery writers frequently use a policeman (or two or three) as foils for their detectives. The author’s investigator can appear all the smarter and more insightful when contrasted with the stumbling, bumbling cops. But the parish constable provided me with a new level of incompetence which was, at the same time, accurate historically.
Ultimately, the measure of justice available through the constable would be determined by the measure of the man. For Murder & Miss Austen’s Ball, the man for the job was a busy merchant who was thoroughly disinterested in being the parish constable.
Our constable, Bolabus Claypoole, tells us how honored he is with his appointment to the job in a scene where he is leaving the scene of an investigation. He also provides a succinct job description for the post.
“’Tis a great honor, to be sure, to be named parish constable,” he said. “’Tis such a great honor that there is no need for a stipend or any other recompense. No, no, no. You are covered with honor. You delight in your privilege; your obligation to pursue petty criminals, house the indigent, chivvy vagabonds, punish drunks, transport soldiers, and, the most enjoyable task of all, collect taxes. Oh, how the townsfolk love you for that.”
Bolabus Claypoole is a minor character who plays an outside
role in our story. We first meet him as the owner of the Alton Assembly Rooms and the shops below. But it is in his role as Alton’s parish constable that he reaches his full glory. As in so much detective fiction, he provides an admirable foil for Miss Austen and Mr Worth in their investigations.
role in our story. We first meet him as the owner of the Alton Assembly Rooms and the shops below. But it is in his role as Alton’s parish constable that he reaches his full glory. As in so much detective fiction, he provides an admirable foil for Miss Austen and Mr Worth in their investigations.
Like all great fictional detectives, our protagonists ... well, to be sure and not to disclose any spoilers ... our protagonists and very much not like all great fictional detectives. But they will take readers on a memorable journey, and they will mete out a measure of justice in the end.
About the Author
You can find information on where to find Murder & Miss Austen's Ball and other books by Ridgway Kennedy go to Hedgehog House Books.
Buy: Amazon (paid link)
FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!
Blog Tour Schedule
Tues, Dec. 7 From Pemberley to Milton
Wed, Dec. 8 My Jane Austen Book Club
Thurs, Dec. 9 So Little Time... ~ You are here!
Friday, Dec. 10 Interests of an Austen Girl
Thanks so much for visiting us today, Ridgway! I have a soft spot for secondary characters! And I enjoyed learning about constables during the Regency period. I can imagine how haphazard they may be.
So, dear readers, what are your thoughts? I'd love to hear them!
I hope you have a chance to read this, Candy. Clever twist in JAFF.
ReplyDeleteHello, Christina! It does sound like a fantastic story! And a clever twist sounds intriguing! Thanks for stopping by!
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