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It's an exciting time in the run-up to The Mystic Marriage. This past weekend I worked through my editor's comments and I'm currently just finishing up one last read-through before sending the manuscript back. The next time I see it will be the proof copy.
ETA: This update may have been incorrect as the webpage has now changed. I will wait for positive confirmation from my publisher before commenting further.ETA: The Bella Books website has The Mystic Marriage listed as a forthcoming book. The publication date given is August 17, so I guess I'm a little behind the curve on schedule changes. But there's a draft cover there to look at, if you want.
* * *
The alchemical commission from Princess Annek was not the triumph of Antuniet's work, rather its greatest challenge. The properties she had requested in the gemstone talismans seemed simple enough until one attempted to implement them. That called for more than technical knowledge--it needed insight into the personalities of those who would receive the gifts. Antuniet knew her own weakness in that field, but she no longer balked at seeking Barbara's help.
* * *
Barbara bit her lip and thought through the problem Antuniet had described. “I see what you’re thinking,” she said. “And for Albori, that could work as you suggest. He has no lack of confidence, only a weak sense of what and when to push. Perhaps…” She leaned over the notebook and ran her eyes down the list. “This one. I think something can be done here as well.” They set to work paring away at the layers of the project to find what might be possible.
At the end, the edge of panic had faded from Antuniet’s manner. As they bade farewells, Barbara impulsively offered, “We haven’t seen you outside the workshop for too long; you look tired. Could you find time on Friday for a dinner? There’s a concert—some French alto and they say Fizeir has done some settings of Pertulif that I’m eager to hear. Are you fond of his verses? We’re having some friends here beforehand.”
Antuniet managed a wry smile. “I’ve refused one offer of dinner for that night already. I have so little time to spend on entertainments at the moment; I think Jeanne would be cross if I squandered it on anyone but her. But I’m hoping to join her for the concert. There’s a late working that day and Anna can’t stay to tend it. But if I can get free in time, I’ll come.”
“Antuniet, don’t—” Barbara hesitated. What did she mean to say? Don’t pin your hopes of happiness on Jeanne. She’s a butterfly and you’re only this season’s blossom. But there was no ground between them where that could be spoken. Her cousin had never yet acknowledged aloud that she and Jeanne were more than friends. And the rules must be followed. “Don’t fret about the New Year’s gifts,” she finished after an awkward pause. “We’ll make it work somehow.”
ETA: This update may have been incorrect as the webpage has now changed. I will wait for positive confirmation from my publisher before commenting further.
* * *
The alchemical commission from Princess Annek was not the triumph of Antuniet's work, rather its greatest challenge. The properties she had requested in the gemstone talismans seemed simple enough until one attempted to implement them. That called for more than technical knowledge--it needed insight into the personalities of those who would receive the gifts. Antuniet knew her own weakness in that field, but she no longer balked at seeking Barbara's help.
* * *
Barbara bit her lip and thought through the problem Antuniet had described. “I see what you’re thinking,” she said. “And for Albori, that could work as you suggest. He has no lack of confidence, only a weak sense of what and when to push. Perhaps…” She leaned over the notebook and ran her eyes down the list. “This one. I think something can be done here as well.” They set to work paring away at the layers of the project to find what might be possible.
At the end, the edge of panic had faded from Antuniet’s manner. As they bade farewells, Barbara impulsively offered, “We haven’t seen you outside the workshop for too long; you look tired. Could you find time on Friday for a dinner? There’s a concert—some French alto and they say Fizeir has done some settings of Pertulif that I’m eager to hear. Are you fond of his verses? We’re having some friends here beforehand.”
Antuniet managed a wry smile. “I’ve refused one offer of dinner for that night already. I have so little time to spend on entertainments at the moment; I think Jeanne would be cross if I squandered it on anyone but her. But I’m hoping to join her for the concert. There’s a late working that day and Anna can’t stay to tend it. But if I can get free in time, I’ll come.”
“Antuniet, don’t—” Barbara hesitated. What did she mean to say? Don’t pin your hopes of happiness on Jeanne. She’s a butterfly and you’re only this season’s blossom. But there was no ground between them where that could be spoken. Her cousin had never yet acknowledged aloud that she and Jeanne were more than friends. And the rules must be followed. “Don’t fret about the New Year’s gifts,” she finished after an awkward pause. “We’ll make it work somehow.”
