Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Who's Your Daddy?

Surprise! It’s Regina posting today. I’m being a blog hog this week because today marks the official release of An Honorable Gentleman. As we always do when Marissa or I have a new book out, we’re going to dedicate this week to celebrating. Today starts with a prize offering: a signed copy of An Honorable Gentleman. Read on, and I’ll tell you how you can be entered into the drawing.

You see, my hero in this book, Sir Trevor Fitzwilliam, has had a rough upbringing. His father and mother weren’t married to each other. Being raised without a dad can be tough on any kid, but in the early nineteenth century in England it was particularly hard. Back then, the rules of primogeniture, as they were called, still held firm. That meant, in most cases, the oldest legitimate boy of the family inherited everything. No splitting down the middle, no shares for younger brothers, and nothing for girls.

Oh, there were certainly exceptions. Fathers and mothers could leave certain pieces of property or small bequests to their children in their wills. The only legitimate child who was a daughter might receive enough to be considered an heiress. But the bulk of all titles and lands went to that oldest son, of the first marriage. No father could play favorites (“I like your brother Parsimmon better, so he gets to be the earl.”) or disown a son he found less than respectable (“You don’t deserve to be earl, so I’m giving it to your cousin Englebert.”)

Sometimes fathers would at least acknowledge the son they’d had out of wedlock, giving the child money for schooling or helping him become a secretary to a rising politician or land steward, something gentlemanly even if he wasn’t exactly a gentleman. Fathers might also help daughters born out of wedlock make suitable marriages, offering a dowry or connections. Other times, fathers never let on they even knew the girl or boy, leaving the girls to fend for themselves and the lads wondering how they might become honorable gentlemen.

That’s the case with Sir Trevor. His father won’t publically admit that Trevor is his son. In fact, the father’s name is never mentioned in the book. But I’ve put in some clues as to who his father MIGHT be.

So, here’s the deal. The first person who correctly guesses the real-life historical figure who might be Trevor’s father, without giving away how she/he figured it out, will win an autographed copy. Just post the name in your comment. I’ll reveal all on Friday, when I’ll give you another chance to win. Here are your clues:
  • Trevor’s last name is Fitzwilliam, which is not his father’s or mother’s last name.

  • His father was a Navy captain at one time.

  • His father is connected with the reigning family in 1815.

  • His father had a tendency to fall in love with actresses, from an early age.

Let the guessing begin.

12 comments:

QNPoohBear said...

Congrats Regina! I plan to order the book from B&N soon after I finish exams. I have a really good guess as to who the father might be based on your clues. I'll leave someone else to figure it out though.

Marissa Doyle said...

And can we squee over Regina's delicious cover?!?!

Congratulations, my dear friend!

Regina Scott said...

Thank you, QNPoohBear and Marissa! I always love launch days. There's something about knowing the book is really out there, that people might actually be picking it up and buying it. Humbling and exciting at the same time!

Cara King said...

Congrats, Regina!

And I think Sir Trevor has come a long way on his own, to be a knight. Very impressive. (And oh, those naughty royals! Well, if I'm correct, at least he could have had worse blood in his veins...)


Cara

Regina Scott said...

Thanks, Cara! He's actually a baronet, recently awarded for services to the Crown. Think perhaps Papa had something to do with that? :-)

ettie said...

I cant wait to read it!
I feel that the name is on the tip of my tounge. But I cant work it out :(
Ill keep thinking

Faith E. Hough said...

My guess would be George, the soon-to-be prince regent, for reasons I won't disclose....
Congratulations on the release!

Cara King said...

Oh goody, I do like baronets. I don't know why, but I do. Perhaps because it's such an oddball title!

Regina Scott said...

Thanks, Ettie and Faith! And I like baronets too, Cara, though they can be difficult to explain to people who have never heard of one before (no, no, he's not a female baron!). :-)

Rose de Guzman said...

I can't wait to read it -- it sounds very interesting.

I think his father is the future William IV of England.

Gio said...

Congrats! It sounds great! Can't wait to rad it.

Beebs said...

I think Rose is right, Prince William, Duke of Clarence and future William IV.