No Conventional Miss. Eleanor Webster
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‘Do other women look spellbound, as if you’ve said something witty?’
‘Naturally.’
He took her gloved hand and felt it tremble within his palm. The dance started and they broke apart in time to the music.
‘Even when you haven’t said anything either inspiring or witty?’ she asked as they came together again.
‘Especially then.’
‘How tiresome for you.’
‘Why so?’
‘Well, it must make you feel as though you’re not a real person but just a viscount.’
He laughed. ‘That’s the first time I’ve been called “just a viscount”.’
‘I meant no offence.’
‘I know.’ And it was true, he thought, surprised by her perception. Few people saw him as a person, and women never did. He was a good catch, with a title, an estate, and ample income.
‘Now you’re much too serious,’ she said. ‘Aren’t you supposed to look as though I’ve also said something remarkably entertaining?’ She stepped under his raised arm. ‘Or does it not work both ways?’
I am drawn to the slightly unusual character—the individual with quirks. I enjoyed Rilla for her character’s strength, her paranormal abilities and her love of invention. As an added bonus, I learned about many unsung female inventors.
Ada Lovelace collaborated with Charles Babbage and developed the first mechanical thinking-calculating machine. Sadly, she didn’t patent her work as it was considered socially inappropriate for women to be filing patents.
Margaret Knight designed and fought to keep the patent for the flat-bottomed paper bag. She won, by the way, despite a certain gentleman who claimed that a woman could not possibly have the mechanical knowledge required for such an invention.
Other inventions created by women include windscreen wipers, disposable nappies, the dishwasher and liquid paper.
For me, Rilla’s character is an acknowledgement of the contributions women have made, and still make— particularly when they step from the realms of what is considered ‘appropriate’.
No Conventional
Miss
Eleanor Webster
ELEANOR WEBSTER loves high-heels and sun—which is ironic as she lives in northern Canada, the land of snow hills and unflattering footwear. Various crafting experiences, including a nasty glue gun episode, have proved that her creative soul is best expressed through the written word. Eleanor is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in psychology and holds an undergraduate degree in history. She loves to use her writing to explore her fascination with the past.
No Conventional Miss is Eleanor Webster’s enchanting debut for Mills & Boon Historical Romance!
To the little girl who played with Barbie dolls, weaving stories of romance, adventure and intrigue.
To the mother who tirelessly made minuscule frocks and dress-up gowns, so wonderfully fostering all things imaginative.
Contents
Author Note