Jane hadn’t heard from Michael since the ball. She’d never mentioned the conversation with Sally to him and he hadn’t commented when she declined an after-dance drink. She’d claimed a headache and he’d let her go with a brief brush of his lips at her apartment door. She’d had her … Read More
Finding Inspiration for a Short Mystery
It’s not like I don’t have anything to write. I’ve got a novel to finish, a wine book to update and The Bodice Rips… to finish. But I’ve been toying with a mystery short story and found my inspiration a few days ago. My wonderful husband and I were on … Read More
The Bodice Rips on Page 25 (Part 18)
Sophie stared in bewilderment at the scene before her. “Close the door,” Jane hissed from a corner of the room. “Someone might see you.” “I suspect the only one who can see me is you,” Sophie said. She closed the door behind her and sank onto a small stool. “I’m … Read More
The Bodice Rips on Page 25 (Part 17)
Jonathan’s touch stirred embers within Sophie’s breast. If a mere touch could make her tremble like this, what would a kiss do? Or even the unbridled passion married women discussed in whispers when maidens were about? “Your aunt doesn’t like me very much,” Jonathan said. “She’s like that with all … Read More
The Bodice Rips on Page 25 (Part 16)
Sophie followed her aunt up the stone stairs to the entrance of the American Embassy the following Friday. The building was crowded with members of the ton, curious, perhaps, to meet their first American. Rumors and whispers had abounded for weeks that the savage people simply didn’t know how to … Read More
The Bodice Rips on Page 25 (Part 15)
In her imagination, Sophie saw Jonathan place his well-polished boot on the step of the gazebo. “Oh, you’re alone,” he said. “I was hoping to find you with the kitchen maid so we could speak.” He pivoted to go. “Please stay, Jonathan.” Sophie rose from her seat and took a … Read More
The Bodice Rips on Page 25 (Part 14)
An apron over her morning dress, Sophie ambled around the garden, dead-heading flowers and cutting a bouquet for the dining room table centerpiece. Dropping a zinnia in her basket, she took a deep breath of perfume-scented air and tried to sort out her thoughts. It had been a week since … Read More
The Bodice Rips on Page 25 (Part 13)
“Nice to see you again, Secretary,” Michael said to a Latino woman dressed in a bright yellow cocktail dress. “This is my date, Jane Edwards. She’s a writer.” “How very nice to meet you, dear,” the U.S. Secretary of State said as she shook Jane’s hand. “My husband is a … Read More
The Bodice Rips on Page 25 (Part 12)
The dress arrived at Jane’s apartment at two in the afternoon on Friday. Included instructions said they’d pick it up on Monday. The dress was a simple black sheath with spaghetti straps. A pair of Jimmy Chou strapless heels accompanied the frock. Michael knew how to do things with class. … Read More
The Bodice Rips on Page 25 (Part 11)
A tap on her shoulder shook Jane from her replay of Michael’s after dinner kiss the night before. “You’re not doing it right,” a young female voice said. Jane turned and stared at the figure dressed in an empire-waisted green dress. The woman’s light brown hair was swept up in … Read More