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Author’s Note

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While the Tories and Whigs played a prominent role in early British politics, they weren’t political parties per se. I took the liberty of making them seem so for this story in order to connect with modern readers. Both names, Tory and Whig, were originally insults hurled by the opposition in the seventeenth century, but they stuck. Neither ever formed into an official party but were instead considered a sentiment, a way of thinking. While families and influential groups often clung to a tradition of one sentiment or the other, they sometimes changed their minds. In general, the Tories were considered more traditional and were associated with Anglicanism (religious conformity) and the squirearchy, while the Whigs were considered more progressive and supported the causes of the wealthy merchants and bankers and religious nonconformists. The Whigs were prominent supporters of the anti-slavery movement, Catholic emancipation, and limited parliamentary reform. The Tories, however, had the support of first King George III and then his son, the Prince Regent.

The Hampton Club was started in 1812 by Major James Cartwright and agitated for parliamentary reform. Over the next decade several offshoots of the club sprung up, though the one used here in this story is fictional.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

While I may write alone, I could never have produced this book without others. For their thorough critiques and unending patience with this story I want to thank the ladies of the Demimonde writing group: Alyssa Everett, Susanna Fraser, Vonnie Hughes, and Rose Lerner. For their continuing support and encouragement, I want to thank the Rainy Day Writers: Kristine Cayne, Josefin Kannin, Dawn Kravagna, KL Mullens, Shannon O’Brien, Anne Shaw, and Marianne Stillings. I am also very grateful for the deep historical knowledge of the members of Regency Fiction Writers. And finally, much love and appreciation goes to Shelly, who encouraged me to try this writing business in the first place. Thank you all!

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