A knighthood. Sounds like something King Arthur bestowed
(and likely did). But being knighted wasn’t just something from medieval times
(as we detailed here).
During the early part of the nineteenth century, many gentlemen were knighted
for various services to the crown, but the type of knight mattered in the
level-conscious Society.
At the bottom of the knighthood ladder was the Most
Honourable Order of the Bath, begun in 1725 for military or civilian service to
the King. At ceremonial events like crownings or royal christenings, Knights of
the Bath wore almost fuchsia silk cloaks emblazoned with a large gold sunburst
with a center showing three crowns and the motto “Three joined in one” in
Latin. In 1815, the order was split into three classes to include more military
heroes from the war with France.
Near the top of the ladder was the Order of the Garter,
founded in 1348. At ceremonial events, they wore deep blue velvet cloaks and
short-brimmed hats with white ostrich plumes. Their emblem was an embroidered
garter (see the buckle in the picture?) with the words “Shame on him who thinks ill of it” in Latin in gold. 
Not to be outdone, the Prince Regent founded his own knightly honor in April 1818. The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and
St. George awarded commanders serving on the Continent. Their ceremonial garb
were blue silk cloaks, and their emblem was a silver star surmounted by a
crimson cross, a picture of St. George slaying the dragon, and the words “Token
of a better age” in Latin.
While quite showy at times, none of these knighthoods was
hereditary. You might be Sir William Pompousface, but your son would be Mr.
Pompousface. A baronetcy was considered a hereditary knighthood. You would
become Sir William, and your son would become Sir Frederick. Note that neither
is Sir Pompousface. A baronetcy was not considered an aristocratic title like
duke, earl, etc. And you had to do something rather special to earn it.
Like save the Prince Regent’s life.
Such is the case of my hero in Never Kneel to a Knight, available for preorder now. Some of you
may remember Matthew Bateman and Charlotte Worthington from Never Vie for a Viscount.
When the thoroughly poised Charlotte Worthington requests
that Miss Thorn and her cat Fortune find her a position, she never dreams the
savvy employment agency owner would reunite her with Matthew Bateman, her brother’s
former bodyguard. Matthew is about to be knighted for an act of valor, and he
and his sisters could use some polishing if they’re to enter Society after his
elevation. Yet how can Charlotte maintain her calm, cool demeanor as their
sponsor when she harbors a secret love for him?
Matthew Bateman cannot forget the beauty who is miles out of
his league. Once a boxer called the Beast of Birmingham, Matthew would like
nothing better than to be worthy of Charlotte’s hand. As old enemies and new
ones attempt to bring him low, can Matthew prove to Charlotte that their love
is meant to be?
Preorder now from fine online retailers such as
And look for more information when the book launches in mid-March.
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