Kathryne Kennedy | A Letter To Papa

Dear Readers:

I'm so very glad to be back here again at Fresh Fiction, and very excited about my upcoming Victorian romance releasing in December, My Unfair Lady. Funny, adventurous and as always, a bit naughty, I’m introducing you to the heroine of the novel, Summer Wine Lee, through a letter she wrote to her father upon arriving in London in the summer of 1885 (that isn’t in the book!). As always, wishing you happy reading! Kathryne Kennedy.

Dearest Papa:

I have arrived in London and I must say it is not unlike New York, except that everything is so old here. If society knows I exist they do not care, for I have yet to receive a single invitation. But do not despair, Papa, for I am confident that my plan will be a resounding success. Indeed, I have met the gentleman who I have retained to insure my introduction to society, and he is a superior example of the breed. The Duke of Monchester (who has already instructed me that his proper form of address is His Grace--my head spins with titles and formalities, Papa!) is rather stuffy and formal, but there is a gleam to his blue eyes that tells me there is more to the man than what lies on the surface. Although he is feared by all of society for his lethal wit and influence on the prince, I find him rather amusing. (He is so easily shocked!)

I’m afraid that I did not make a terribly good first impression. I will leave out the embarrassing details, but apparently the duke isn’t familiar with the Chihuahua breed, and I’m afraid that Chi-chi rather scuffed up the ankles of his boots. But despite my odd household, the duke agreed to sponsor me, for it is apparent that he is sadly lacking in funds, and we are off to Paris in the morning to acquire a new wardrobe from Worth. I’m afraid that you may have to wire me more money.

But I assure you that I have every intention of studying my hardest to be a proper lady, and that I shall not fail you or Monte.

Please do not work so hard while I am away, Papa, and remember to apply the poultice for your cough every night. And don’t forget to instruct the dog-walker in the care of my critters. Lefty has a knack for looking quite pitiful, but I assure you that he gets along quite well on three limbs, and needs his exercise. And despite being the size of a small pony, Sweetie is rather shy, and must be coaxed outside.

I will write again, soon.
Your Loving Daughter,
Summer

P.S. A bit of fish will coax Moo-moo down from the curtains.
P.P.S. The duke truly is a most fascinating man.

My Unfair Lady by Kathryn Kennedy in stores December 2009! Pygmalion meets the wild west in this lively and unusual historical romance by award-winning author Kathryne Kennedy!

A wild west heiress, Summer Wine Lee knows that she's not an acceptable bride for her fiance's knickerbocker family. She grew up in an Arizona mining town, cares more for critters than people, carries a knife under her skirts, and, worst of all, she has a highly improper secret from her past. But she also has high hopes that a real English Duke can teach her how to be a lady...

Were it not for his father's gambling debts, the Duke of Monchester would never have stooped to civilize Summer. But the more time he spends with her, and the more social scrapes he has to rescue her from, the more he finds it impossible to change her into a proper lady. How could he, when he's falling in love with her just the way she is?

About the Author
Kathryne Kennedy is the author of the Relics of Merlin series, acclaimed for her world-building and best known for her historical paranormal romances. She has also written a fantasy romance and this Victorian historical romance. She has also published nearly a dozen short stories in the SFF/Romance genre, receiving Honorable Mention twice in the "Writers of the Future" contest. She has traveled a great deal and has lived in Guam, Okinawa, and several states in the U.S. She is a business owner and currently lives in Arizona with her husband and two sons. For more information, please visit www.KathryneKennedy.com.