A Day in the Life of Mistress Jaffrey by Kathy Lynn Emerson

Mar 3, 2015 | A Day In My Life

Murder in the Queens WardrobeOccupation: Gentlewoman of England

I was born Rosamond Appleton, the illegitimate child of a wayward knight. His widow took on the duties of a foster mother. She raised and educated me—in a manner far beyond what most young gentlewomen are taught—and spoiled me as if I were her own. Jaffrey is my married name. At sixteen, I eloped with the steward’s son to avoid being married off by my birth mother to an annoying sprig of the nobility.

In the usual way of things I live in a pleasant house in Bermondsey, just outside of London, with my faithful tiring maid, Melka, and several other well-trained servants. Since, by various machinations, I have gained control of my own fortune, I answer to no one. I have the leisure to sleep late, break my fast with bread and beer when I do rise, and spend the rest of my day reading, attending plays performed in the inn yard of the nearby Horse’s Head Inn, or visiting the shops in the Royal Exchange. I dine at eleven and sup at five, as is the custom among the gentry in Queen Elizabeth’s England. In the evenings, I amuse myself with card games or, if I can find a worthwhile partner, by playing chess. I have never been all that fond of music or dancing, or particularly skilled at performing either. My singing voice leaves much to be desired and my lute-playing . . . let us just say that everyone is happier if I do not attempt to strum the strings.

My husband Rob, from whom I am currently estranged, is supposed to be studying at Cambridge. Instead, as I have only just learned, he has gone off adventuring under the auspices of the Muscovy Company. Muscovy, also known as Russia, is not a particularly safe place for foreigners and it is because Rob may be in danger there that my pleasant routine recently underwent a sea change.

With great reluctance, I agreed to be installed in a noblewoman’s household as a waiting gentlewoman. My assignment is to report to an agent I feel certain is employed by Sir Francis Walsingham, the queen’s spy master, any conversation I overhear, particularly any that are conducted in the Russian language. I have a working knowledge of that tongue, thanks to one of my foster mother’s friends—the same friend who made the arrangements for Rob to travel to Muscovy. The noblewoman in question, Lady Mary Hastings, has been proposed as a bride for Tsar Ivan the Terrible.

Subservience does not come easily to me. I am the one who has always been the pampered pet. I do not like being at Lady Mary’s beck and call, nor do I not care for rising at first cockcrow. Most of my time is spent in dull pursuits. Chief among them are various sorts of needlework. I have no skill at sewing, whether it be simple stitching or complicated embroidery. Such tasks are made even more tedious because they are accompanied by readings from “improving” books.

I would much prefer to hear the Hastings chaplain read from a romance—a tale of King Arthur and his knights, or mayhap a story about Robin Hood and his Merry Men—but any such suggestion would be met with disapproval. You see, I have been sent to spy on a Puritan household. Anything that amuses or entertains is frowned upon.

There is one saving grace. We will soon visit the queen’s wardrobe of robes in preparation for spending Yuletide at Queen Elizabeth’s court. Lady Mary has been given permission to pick out one of the queen’s gowns for her own use. While she tries on clothing, I plan to slip away to meet my contact and make my report.

What could possibly go wrong?

You can read more about Rosamond in Murder in the Queen’s Wardrobe, the first book in the new “Mistress Jaffrey” historical mystery series, published by Severn House.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 p.m. eastern on March 10 for the chance to win a copy of Murder in the Queen’s Wardrobe. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your SPAM folder.

About the author
Kathy Lynn Emerson is the author of over fifty books written under several names. She won the Agatha for mystery nonfiction for How to Write Killer Historical Mysteries. Currently she writes the contemporary Liss MacCrimmon Mysteries as Kaitlyn Dunnett (Ho-Ho-Homicide, 2014) and the historical Mistress Jaffrey Mysteries as Kathy Lynn Emerson. Murder in the Queen’s Wardrobe, available in hardcover in March, is the first book in this series and is a spin-off from her earlier Face Down Mysteries. It is set in England in 1582-3. For more information, visit KathyLynnEmerson.com.

39 Comments

  1. Jen
    Jen on March 3, 2015 at 1:15 am

    Kathy Lynn Emerson is a new author for me, and I am curious about Murder in the Queen’s Wardrobe. The books sounds delightful, and I have added it to my TBR list. Thank you for a chance to win this book.
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com

  2. Barbara Hawk
    Barbara Hawk on March 3, 2015 at 1:30 am

    Intriguing.. I will have to read this to find out what could possibly go wrong. Thanks for the chance!

  3. kuzlin
    kuzlin on March 3, 2015 at 1:55 am

    I enjoy reading historicals occasionally and this one sounds like fun. Thanks for the giveaway.

  4. Lindar
    Lindar on March 3, 2015 at 2:20 am

    I enjoy reading historical mysteries. And I’ve some of Kathy Lynn Emerson’s books- Susanna, Lady Appleton series. Looking forward to reading this new series. Thank you for the giveaway chance.

  5. ktbeeblog
    ktbeeblog on March 3, 2015 at 3:28 am

    Murder in the Queens Wardrobe sounds very promising. Kathy Lynn Emerson is a new author for me, but not for long. I’m adding this & her other titles to my TBR list. I’d love the chance to win this.

  6. Marilyn Watson
    Marilyn Watson on March 3, 2015 at 5:21 am

    ooh…a Historical Murder Mystery…count me in and love it..
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

  8. Gram
    Gram on March 3, 2015 at 6:58 am

    Sounds like a good start to a new series.

  9. griperang
    griperang on March 3, 2015 at 7:21 am

    This sounds like a great book. Thank you for the chance to win

  10. Lisa Cobb Sabatini
    Lisa Cobb Sabatini on March 3, 2015 at 8:15 am

    I love historical mysteries! This one is so intriguing!

  11. Lisa Brown
    Lisa Brown on March 3, 2015 at 8:39 am

    Great story, would love to read it, thanks for the chance 🙂

  12. Robin Coxon
    Robin Coxon on March 3, 2015 at 8:46 am

    I love historical mysteries and your review has me adding this one to my want to read list. Thanks so much for the chance to win a copy.

  13. Patricia
    Patricia on March 3, 2015 at 9:42 am

    Thanks, Dru and Mistress Jaffrey/Kathy! This sounds SO good! I enjoy historical mysteries and Kathy is a new author, to me.

  14. Betty
    Betty on March 3, 2015 at 9:48 am

    This sounds great! Thank you for a terrific review and contest!

  15. anne
    anne on March 3, 2015 at 9:59 am

    A fascinating historical and great feature and lovely giveaway. Many thanks.

  16. marylouh
    marylouh on March 3, 2015 at 10:02 am

    I haven’t read a historical mystery before. Sounds like fun. Good to be back in the olden days – makes you appreciate what we have now.
    thanks.

  17. rochf
    rochf on March 3, 2015 at 10:22 am

    Sounds like a great start to a new series.

  18. Cheryl Corbitt
    Cheryl Corbitt on March 3, 2015 at 10:30 am

    initially I didn’t think I would be interested in this series, but the more I read the more intrigued I became!

  19. Nancy Roessner
    Nancy Roessner on March 3, 2015 at 10:52 am

    This sounds like a fun read and educational, too!

  20. cjreynolds52
    cjreynolds52 on March 3, 2015 at 11:39 am

    Looks like a great book.

  21. Libby Dodd
    Libby Dodd on March 3, 2015 at 12:02 pm

    Those famous words: “What can possibly go wrong?”
    This sounds quite intriguing.
    Muscovy ducks are popular for eating.

  22. carlrscott
    carlrscott on March 3, 2015 at 12:11 pm

    This sounds like a very interesting story. I’m particularly interested in the Muskovy connection. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

  23. suekey12
    suekey12 on March 3, 2015 at 12:13 pm

    What could go wrong? I’m anxious to read and find out. Historicals always add a lot to the depth of the story. Thanks for the contest.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

  24. Judy
    Judy on March 3, 2015 at 1:23 pm

    How am i ever to read all 50 books? But I’ll try. Help me out here. Thanks.

  25. tlwalcher
    tlwalcher on March 3, 2015 at 4:15 pm

    I love Kathy Lynn Emerson’s historical mysteries. Thank you for a chance to win a copy of Murder in the Queen’s Wardrobe.

  26. Darlene Peterson
    Darlene Peterson on March 3, 2015 at 4:55 pm

    I love any novel based in England. This one sounds good. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

  27. Angie Young
    Angie Young on March 3, 2015 at 5:48 pm

    I love the time period in which this book is set. I’ve always been fascinated with it! I would love the chance to read this book. I’ve not read anything as of yet by this author. But after reading the review of this book, I can say I’m very intrigued.

  28. Nancy B
    Nancy B on March 3, 2015 at 6:52 pm

    This sounds very Intriguing. Thanks for the chance to win.

  29. Priscilla Caporaletti
    Priscilla Caporaletti on March 3, 2015 at 9:11 pm

    So excited to read this book. I love historical fiction, mysteries and England. This has all three.

  30. ladyjanel
    ladyjanel on March 4, 2015 at 6:52 am

    Sounds delightful. Love this time period and the dresses they wore. Thanks for a chance.

  31. Kathy Lynn Emerson
    Kathy Lynn Emerson on March 4, 2015 at 2:42 pm

    Thank you to Dru for inviting me to blog and to everyone for your flattering comments. I wish I had more than one book to give away. Do, please, urge your local public library to make a copy available in your town. If nothing else, they should be able to borrow it through inter library loans. Happy Reading!

    Kathy Emerson

  32. Marcy X
    Marcy X on March 4, 2015 at 10:01 pm

    Oh my goodness, love this interview, historial espionage.what’s not to like. definately adding to my wish list

  33. CarolBEE
    CarolBEE on March 5, 2015 at 6:03 am

    Historical books are one of my favorites. I will have to check this book out! Thanks!

  34. cyn209
    cyn209 on March 7, 2015 at 6:32 am

    LOVE this cover!!!
    Need to read!!
    Thank you for the giveaway!!

  35. cjreynolds52
    cjreynolds52 on March 7, 2015 at 2:20 pm

    My wardrobe is dead too. Not current and not retro

  36. Anita Yancey
    Anita Yancey on March 8, 2015 at 7:30 pm

    I love historical mysteries, and this one sounds amazing. I love that cover. Thanks for this chance to win it.

  37. Sharon Baker
    Sharon Baker on March 8, 2015 at 8:01 pm

    Love these books. Hope this is as good as the others.

  38. Pat Walker Pinkston
    Pat Walker Pinkston on March 10, 2015 at 1:28 am

    Sounds like a terrific book. Would love to read it.

  39. Dru
    Dru on March 10, 2015 at 2:48 pm

    contest is closed.