At last I have a title to the second book I’ve been working on all year. I recently started reading The New York Times to keep up with what’s going on in the States and as I was scanning it the other day for anything interesting or weird (I love the weird and bizarre) I found an article about this man who makes a good living off betting tickets other people have thrown away. Half way through the article I found my title. I swear the four words were practically flashing. My brain came to a full stop and then the light went on I’ve wracked my brains for months, but nothing seemed right. Once Upon a Wager is a perfect title and I’m so excited about getting it finished. May that be soon! If I could have anything for Christmas I’d wake up to find the manuscript finished. That would make my year. I’m at about 46,000 words and I think I’m nearing the end. I could be wrong, but I hope I’m not! I’ll keep you posted and send out a newsletter when I’ve put it on line. If you’re a member of regencyromancenovels and you’ve recently changed your e-mail address and you want to get the newsletter (I only send them when I’ve put something on line so yes it’s been a year, but hopefully you’ll get several this next year) make sure you update your e-mail address on the member’s page.
Today I had an urge to walk into town so I did. I looked around to see if I could find any gifts for the Goblin and found a book at the charity shop I had to have for me. It was only £1.50 which was good because I only wanted it for one picture, a print of a mid 18th century portrait of a Frenchman. I was familiar with the artist, Maurice-Quentin de la Tour who worked in pastel (it’s like chalk), but I’d never heard of the sitter, Louis Duvas de L’Epinoy. All I could learn was that he was councillor and secretary to the French King Louis XV.
Louis Duval de L'Epinoy 1745
I think he looks like a genial sort of person. Now I have to see if I can find out whether his face is true. I’d wager it is. I love his clothes. I think all men should dress like this! What do you think? Would you say he looks like a lovely person or not?
The real painting hangs in the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian; Lisbon, Portugal
That sounds so good! I love it! 🙂