A day in the Life of Logan Winthrop
Mr. Logan Winthrop, Thornbrook Park’s estate agent, rises at dawn and begins his day with a quiet breakfast in his own cottage. He prefers not to dine with the family, though he is often invited to do so, being one of the more important members of the Earl of Averford’s household. Logan’s first duty for the day is to meet with Lord Averford to go over the household budget. An estate the size of Thornbrook Park spreads over hundreds of acres of land and employs many servants to keep it all running smoothly.
In addition, the village counts on the earl’s generosity to fund the school and patronize the church. And of course, the earl has a responsibility in caring for his dependents: his mother, his wife, unmarried female relatives, and any children (though the earl hasn’t managed to produce any living heirs… yet). A man like the earl is expected to entertain lavishly and frequently, another expense to the estate.
After arranging payments and balancing the budget, Logan’s next order of business is to visit with the butler, the housekeeper, the groundskeeper, the stablemaster... It isn’t necessary for a man of his standing to meet with others in positions of authority, but Logan Winthrop is a man who prefers to be aware of everything that goes on around him. If there are problems in the making, he likes to be the one to offer a solution before troubling the Earl of Averford.
Next, Logan will try to go off and see the tenants, have words with the local farmers, and collect rents. Try, because the intriguing Lady Alice Emerson, with her green eyes glowing mischief, somehow manages to seek him out before he can mount his horse almost every time. How she prattles on about any and every little thing! But he finds he has grown accustomed to her chatter and the longer she talks, the more he puts off leaving. The sister of Lady Averford, Lady Alice is determined, difficult to avoid, and someone Logan doesn’t wish to offend.
Eventually, he manages to beg his leave and complete his business. Upon his return, he often meets with Lord Averford again to go over his successes of the day, and failures if there are any. Together, the Earl of Averford and his estate agent might strategize for the next morning, or call it a day.
Logan can eventually return to his cottage for a quiet meal, or decide to join the servants downstairs if he is feeling sociable. Very occasionally, he accepts an invitation to dine with the family… but usually only when Lady Averford needs someone to round out the number of guests.
Logan Winthrop prefers to keep to an early bedtime. But lately, when he turns out the light, he is enchanted by the memory of the sparkle in Lady Alice’s eyes when she sought him out, or the peal of her laughter when he inadvertently made a witty retort. Falling asleep with Alice on his mind has become quite difficult indeed, perhaps the most challenging task of his day.
An Affair Downstairs
(Thornbrook Park #2)
by Sherri Browning
Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Published January 6th 2015 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1402286821
The Countess of Aberford is determined to make a match for her sister, Lady Alice Emerson, but each man she brings to Thornbrook Park only inflames Alice's improper interest in unsuitable Logan Winthrop, a rugged man once accused of murdering his great rival.
Logan's determined to shelter himself from the pain of unrequited love—he knows the feeling all too well—but something about Alice stirs his desire to start living again. Though they fight their urges, the pair can only resist for so long; eventually they must choose between bowing to society's rules or breaking them...
About the Author:
Sherri Browning writes historical and contemporary romance fiction, sometimes with a paranormal twist. She is the author of critically acclaimed classic mash-ups Jane Slayre and Grave Expectations. A graduate of Mount Holyoke College, Sherri has lived in western Massachusetts and Greater Detroit Michigan, but is now settled with her family in Simsbury, Connecticut. Find her online at www.sherribrowningerwin.com.
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i like the ones set in the victorian era
ReplyDeleteI won't want to live in the pass , but I like reading about it.
ReplyDeleteI usually read more Regency but it's all entertaining to me so I read it all. Thanks for the chance. Definitely going to read these 2 books.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol ( dot) com
I love them all as long as it historical. But maybe just maybe I love Regency a bit more.
ReplyDelete