Mary Wine | Historical Accuracy
February 24, 2016
My favorite scene from HIGHLAND SPITFIRE is this
one, at the wedding feast. One of the challenges of writing historical is to
remember that these people are not modern ones. At least, that’s my personal
challenge. I don’t want to write a story about a modern woman with just the
‘fun’ parts of history. Sure, I draw the line at some of the more unsavory bits
that history has to offer but it’s important to me to try and make these people
real to their time. A lot of people think that because you were born the daughter of a laird, you
got to be waited on all day long. The truth was, a lady was someone who was
highly educated and her role in the future of the clan was set from the moment
she was baptized. This is very true for the laird’s son too. What they might
have personally wanted really didn’t factor in. For sure there were nobles that
were spoiled so badly that they lost touch with the real world but I don’t see
that happening in the Highlands. Life was simply too hard to allow for any
member of the clan to be so lazy and a burden on others. Here, in this scene, Bhaic and Ailis are sitting at a table while all of their
kin watch. Neither of them wants to be there. They have been raised to hate each
other, yet they were both also raised to shoulder the responsibility of putting
the welfare of their clan above their personal desires. I loved writing this
part, where Ailis sees her discarded wedding wreath and realizes she is giving
people a reason to fight. She also realizes that the staff is seeing her
attitude as just that, attitude. In this time, very few people wed for
affection, in fact, love was considered a form of insanity. Now that is where I move a little away from the historical realities. I want my
characters to fall in love because I believe people did, in spite of the harsh
realities around them. As for Ailis and Bhaic, if you want to discover how they
manage to grow close enough together to let love grow, you’ll have to read HIGHLAND SPITFIRE! Cheers! Mary Wine Excerpt-
There was a pretty table cloth on the table beneath her plate and beeswax
candles burning. Someone had made her a wreath of heather and greens for her
hair, but she’d tossed it in front of her plate, and it sat there looking sad.
Maybe she shouldn’t be so surly. The Head of house cast her a reprimanding look
from where she was overseeing the banquet. It wasn’t hard to tell what the older
woman was thinking. She was judging Ailis a brat. A girl in a woman’s body,
still throwing tantrums because everything was not as she wished.
Life was often unkind. A wise person learned to take joy when they could
find it.
The staff had no doubt been working for days to prepare the decorative
foods being presented. Every item set before her and Bhaic was gleaming from
recent polishing. Yet no one gave the staff any word of gratitude. All her kin
wanted was to fight with the MacPhersons.
The MacPhersons had exactly the same thing on their minds. Scathing
glances flew between tables as muffled curses mixed with the music. Ailis looked
up at the musicians in the alcoves. Music was a rare treat. Most of the time,
the days were too full of chores for anyone to have the inclination to play an
instrument during supper, and here her kin were, wasting the moment. Ignoring
the pleasures while they plotted more bloodletting.
Perhaps the earl had a point.
She felt guilty for even thinking it, but, she could see the logic in
ending the feud that had gone on for so many years.
Ailis sighed. She reached for the wreath and put it on.
“Pleased with yer circumstances after all?” Bhaic asked, cutting her a
hard look. “Was this all a plot yer father hatched to further steal from the
MacPhersons?”
Her eyes grew round as her temper boiled. He was a huge man,
intimidating. He was scowling at her, but that didn’t change the fact that they
were both being rude to the staff.
And she was done with it. She focused on that thought because ill
manners were more than MacPherson or Robertson.
“I’m thinking I’m past the age of sulking.” She reached for her goblet
and took a swallow, forcing a serene look upon her face.
Fury flickered in his eyes and he leaned closer. “Is that why yer father
had to resort to plotting with the earl to get ye a husband? Because no one in
their right mind would want to steal away a Robertson harpy who is long in the
tooth?”
The tiny bit of contentment she’d managed to cultivate shriveled and
died. But instead of allowing her temper to rise, what she felt was a twinge of
hurt that he might judge her so harshly.
His voice had risen, causing the men below them to look up at the high
table. Some of her father’s men growled, and there was a clear answer from the
MacPherson.
Bhaic stiffened and looked at their audience.
The goblet shook in her hand as she faced the very real circumstances of
their union. Mortons words rose from her memory.
Prayers for the living or the dead….
“I’ve made my choice so make yers….” Ailis whispered. “All they wait
upon is a small quarrel between us to begin the fighting. I confess I would
rather no’ give it to them. Being agreeable is no’ too much for me to
accomplish, no matter what insults ye care to label me with.”
He titled his head toward her so their gazes locked. Something in his
eyes sent a ripple of awareness through her. Her heart accelerated as she
realized there was no hope of success unless he joined her.
“Ye are more woman than lass.” There was a touch of something that might
have been admiration in his tone, if she were given to entertaining the idea
that he could feel anything but hate towards her.
“I’d rather no see blood spilt either,” he said slowly as he made an
effort to soften his expression. She could see the resistance glittering in his
eyes and knew he saw the same in hers. Yet she maintained her soft smile and he
forced his lips into an easy line.
A Robertson and MacPherson, united in a common goal.
Inconceivable, yet it sat on her shoulders and his in that moment.
A moment of unity she’d never imagined, but discovered herself proud of.
Yet it was a shared achievement.
She had no idea what to think of that fact.
Giveaway
What is your favorite scene in a romance set in Scotland that is "of its
time?" Tell us below and one person will win a copy of HIGHLAND SPITFIRE.
Mary Wine has written over thirty novels that take her readers from
the pages of history to the far reaches of space. When she’s not abusing a
laptop, she spends time with her sewing machines…all of them! Making historical
garments is her second passion. From corsets and knickers to court dresses of
Elizabeth I, the most expensive clothes she owns are hundreds of years out of
date. She’s also an active student of martial arts, having earned the rank of
second degree black belt. Mary lives in California with her husband and two
sons.
New from Mary Wine, the queen of sizzling, page-turning
Scottish Historical romance Passion flares between enemies Two
hotheaded Highlanders, the offspring of feuding
lairds, are tricked by the King's Regent into a desperate
choice: marry or die. Bhaic MacPherson is more disposed
to lead his clan into battle than stay married to the
daughter of his enemy. But perhaps the intensity of his
feelings has more to do with desire than hostility. And the Highlands
ignite Ailis Robertson wanted a husband, not a savage-but when
her family was faced with a deadly ultimatum, she had no
choice. The union of a MacPherson and a Robertson could
end three generations of hostilities between the two
families, but can bitter rivals truly become lovers?
Comments
25 comments posted.
Re: Mary Wine | Historical Accuracy
When the protagonist triumphs over his adversary and all is well. (Sharon Berger 11:27am February 24, 2016)
Hmmm, not sure... but I love when a story pulls me in... feel like I am there with the words of the author. (Colleen Conklin 12:09pm February 24, 2016)
I have not read many books that have taken place in Scotland. Although, I really enjoyed the movie Braveheart which was set in Scotland. (Lily Shah 12:13pm February 24, 2016)
I cannot say. You pose an interesting question but I don't think I have really read with the awareness of whether something is or is not "of it's time." Though if something is recognizably out of place whether in item or general norms it is jarring. (G. Bisbjerg 12:39pm February 24, 2016)
The one that many would know is when Jamie punishes Claire in Outlander. I'm not sure about it being a favorite scene, though! (Janie McGaugh 2:09pm February 24, 2016)
I love the scene in The Bride by Julie Garwood where Jamie's surprise was ruined and she's upset and telling about all the wars she's responsible for starting to the king of Scotland without realizing he was the king. I don't know if it's considered of it's time but it's one of my favorite scenes. (Kathleen Bledsoe 6:28pm February 24, 2016)
I enjoy them all. How strong and loving the men and women are. (Gwenn Ostman 7:48pm February 24, 2016)
The Devil Wears Plaid by Teresa Medeiros seems true to it's time. I would go for the scene where they were "camping" out after Jamie kidnaps Emmaline. (Sharlene Wegner 9:18pm February 24, 2016)
I can't think of a favorite one off the top of my head, but it does bother me when there is no - or very little - attempt to keep a book and characters in "it's time". (Glenda Martillotti 11:54pm February 24, 2016)
In Keira Montclair's Torrian, the importance of clan and automatic loyalty to their own regardless of personal doubts and loyalty to the laird above all, even when it is against their own best interest. (Sharon Mitchell 4:24am February 26, 2016)
I love it all!!!! Anything to do with Scotland and Highlanders are my favorite!!! (Bonnie Capuano 11:35am February 26, 2016)
There is an ambush scene in Claimed by Tarah Scott that is one of my favorites as the small party of men try to protect the heroine and two other ladies. The hero shows his battle prowess which he's famous for but the ladies aren't scared and wish they were able to draw a sword or break out a bow and arrow so they can lend the men a hand to kill a few of the bastards. :) (Tina Hairston 3:32pm February 26, 2016)
I love any Highland story that pulls me in and I feel I'm in the story. It just takes me away into another world!! (Bonnie Capuano 10:00am February 27, 2016)
I love the Highland stories and always love it when the two that have hated each others families for years ,then they are pushed together and suddenly realize that the hate has turned to a mad passionate love for each other . That makes for a very good romantic story that I can get into .I'd love to read this book and thank you for this chance to win . (Joan Thrasher 1:27pm February 27, 2016)
I do not know Scottish history so I would not know the difference in a book. (Melissa Basnight 3:51pm February 27, 2016)
I love historicals to begin with - but am really getting into "Highlanders" - thank you for sharing this part of history with us! :-) (Felicia Ciaudelli 2:26pm February 28, 2016)
I love historicals. I guess my favorite is that the character has to be believable, that I can picture him and feel like I'm in a different time. One of my favorites is Robert MacDarren in Iris Johansen's Magnificent Rogue. (Cynthia Powers 5:09pm February 28, 2016)
Not one I can think of. I read a lot of historical fiction but can't even think of one I've read taking place in Scotland (Vicki Hancock 6:06pm February 28, 2016)
Enjoyed the excerpt....I enjoy the period with the castles and the rugged landscapes. I like feeling like I have gone back in time when reading these. (Julie Parrish 6:07pm February 28, 2016)
I really enjoyed the excerpt. I don't have a particular favorite. I love when I feel like I am pulled into the story and everything is in the correct time period. (Cathy Phillips 6:37pm February 28, 2016)
When the story tells the history and about the people of that country , to the point where I want to visit that country. (Deb Pelletier 9:29pm February 28, 2016)
I love it when the woman performs a feat normally associated with males and he is just flabbergasted. (Diane Sallans 10:23pm February 28, 2016)
I agree with Diane - when a woman baffles a male, it's just, THE BEST! I also like it when a book of it's time paints the Scotland scenery :) (Nicole Potter 11:14pm February 28, 2016)
I love reading Scotland books. (Timberlee Ramsey 12:11pm March 4, 2016)
I have read some books that take place in Scotland...Love the historical romance books and the characters and hardships..and of course the love.. (Karen Dieffenbaugher 10:20pm March 18, 2016)
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