The Silver Season

A few blank days due to a cataract removal on Friday 26th June

Almost back to normal now, and during the days when I didn't want to use the computer because of the brightness of the screen (even at its lowest level!) I have now worked out on paper what will happen to my characters in Silver Season. My progress had slowed somewhat because I really didn't know where I was going with it, but now I do, so it will be full steam ahead  and on to publication later in the year.

The Silver Season is set in the year 1911, which marked the end of the Edwardian era. Think of the opening episode of Downton Abbey, and you have the clothes and fashions of the time. It was a year of a heat wave in the UK, when  temperatures hit the nineties with appalling regularity and drought was widespread by August. Edward died and the new king George was crowned. Seventeen-year-old Prince Edward, he of abdication fame 25 years on, was crowned Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle

The Duchess of Devonshire thought the prince still rather young for his years, and his mother thought
him a contented person who never rushed about after amusement. Still, the ceremony went off well and everyone was pleased.

The long, hot summer

1911 was remembered as the year of the heat wave.

Summer temperatures climbed after May and hovered between 80F and reached 92F (33C) in King's Lynn in Norfolk breaking all previous records for East England. By the end of July the lack of rain and scorching sun resulted in a paucity of grass as pastures turned brown. Farmers were forced to raise the price of milk. By late July song birds were silent in the fields and lanes. In early August the health of England was faltering in the continuing heat.

The sun continued to burn down, and activity in meadow and field ceased. Water pumps and village wells ran dry. The relentless sunshine became oppressive. People crossed to the shady side of the street.

Sun-darkened skin was undesirable and acceptable only in the labouring class and sunburn was a serious hazard

On 11 September the average temperature suddenly dropped by 20 degrees and prospects of rain before long were expected

The Lady magazine was already devoting several pages to new autumn fashions, and sumptuous furs had arrived on the rails of the new department stores. The long, hot summer was over.

This is the background to my latest writing. Seen through the eyes of Ellen, an American dollar princess who finds herself in trouble because she seems unable to become pregnant – and there is a large estate dependent on there being an heir.