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| About the Books |
Novice Threads
A thirst for education. Shattered dreams. Fragile relations.
1840s Scotland
Being sent to school is the most exhilarating thing that’s ever happened to young Margaret Law. She sharpens her newly-acquired education on her best friend, Jessie Morison, till Jessie is spirited away to become a scullery maid. But how can Margaret fulfil her visions of becoming a schoolteacher when her parents’ tailoring and drapery business suddenly collapses and she must find a job?
Salvation from domestic drudgery – or never-ending seamstress work – comes via Jessie whose employer seeks a tutor for his daughter. Free time exploring Edinburgh with Jessie is great fun, but increasing tension in the household claws at Margaret’s nerves.
Margaret also worries about her parents' estrangement, and the mystery of Jessie's unknown father.
When tragedy befalls the household in Edinburgh, Margaret must forge a new pathway for the future – though where will that be?
Buy Links:
Kindle https://mybook.to/NTsss
Paperback https://mybook.to/NTPBnow
About Nancy
If not writing historical or contemporary fiction, you’ll find Nancy pottering around her garden. All historical time periods appeal immensely but so far the early Roman Britain, Victorian, and Edwardian eras have been explored in her published work.
Her novels have achieved Finalist status in prestigious UK book competitions and have gained various noteworthy Online Book Awards.
Published with Ocelot Press, current memberships include – The Historical Novel Society; Romantic Novelists’ Association; Scottish Association of Writers; Federation of Writers Scotland; Alliance of Independent Authors.
Media Links:
Website: www.nancyjardine.com
Amazon Author Page:
Blog:
X/ Twitter: @nansjar
Instagram: instagram.com/nansjar2023
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| Read An Excerpt |
The Interview
“Close the door!” The tone of voice brooked no alternatives.
Doing as bid, Margaret then turned back to her interrogator.
“I know that Jessie has been writing to you, so I am sure that she will have explained some of Rachel’s situation. I have seen your letters which means I know that you write reasonably well, and your penmanship passes muster.”
Margaret was almost shocked into making a reply. Her letters were for Jessie to read, not for anyone else!
The dreadful woman droned on. “You should know now that it is my husband who is the one who has decided that Rachel needs to continue her education. I fail to see why, since the doctors we have consulted give no indications that she can ever lead a normal life. But since he insists, I therefore have particular requirements for the person filling this post.”
Margaret wasn’t sure what Mistress Duncan could mean. The woman was so cold and calculating when speaking of her own daughter. However, she hoped her expression didn’t show any of her uncertainties.
“You already know that the successful candidate will continue with Rachel’s education. She had barely started her schooling when this disaster descended upon us. I would teach her the basics myself, but I have her little sister Elspeth to look after every day.”
Margaret bent her head slightly in acknowledgement, her gaze fixed on the woman whom she had hoped would be her employer, though now she wasn’t so sure she could work for such an unfeeling woman. She also wondered where little Elspeth was, because the child was not in the parlour.
Mistress Duncan continued; her fern-green eyes brittle. “Since Rachel tires very easily, her lessons across in the parlour will need to be much shorter than in a normal school classroom. I have absolutely no intention of paying for a tutor to be idle in between those teaching times. As such, I will expect other household tasks to be undertaken during Rachel’s naps. Is that understood by you?”
Margaret bit down a huge wave of disappointment. Had she come all the way to Edinburgh to do the kind of skivvy job that her father had sought to prevent her from doing? Though, what alternative did she have but to agree to the conditions? The travel to get to Edinburgh had been long, and she had no intention of going back to Milnathort to work in a mill.
“I understand,” she answered in as steady a voice as she could manage, banishing the crushing apprehension.
STEP INTO THE PAST WITH
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12th October Elizabeth St.John
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