Strong Women or the Weaker Sex by Jan Selbourne

MUSE MONDAY

Writing is more than just listening to our muse and getting inspired to create. There is usually a good deal of research authors put into their stories. Jan's post is about the work, and I know you'll find it interesting. Read on!

Historical fiction requires research. If we want to transport readers back to another time and place, our characters must be living there with its customs and laws and beliefs.

For example – coaches of the early 18^th century were devoid of springs and lumbered along at four miles or less an hour. By 1820, with lighter, well sprung coaches and improved roads, they travelled at the dizzying speed of ten to twelve miles an hour, stopping frequently to change horses. Today driving 50 miles means nothing more than putting the car into gear and the foot on the peddle.

It took my ancestors three long arduous months to sail the 13,000 miles from Britain to Australia via the Cape of Good Hope. Today I can travel the 10,573 miles in 22 – 23 hours.

What stands out during research is the influence of women throughout our history. Dubbed the “weaker sex” or “imbecillitas sexus”, derived from Roman law, literally meaning the weakness of female mental power, women stepped up time and again to face adversity and deprivation. It’s hard to believe that before the 1960s married women couldn’t own a bank account without their husband’s permission. Worse, over a century ago, husbands had the right to prevent their spouses from working.

It’s no wonder women’s suffrage grew in the mid-19^th century and the First World War had a huge impact on their struggle. Despite early opposition, thousands of women joined the war effort, working in areas that were previously male only occupations.  

Before I talk about my character Gabrielle, I must relate an amusing true story of that early opposition. In 1914, the British War Office turned down an offer of help from Scottish doctor Elsie Inglis with “My good lady, go home and sit still.” Undeterred, Dr Inglis set up the Scottish Women’s Hospitals on the fighting fronts.

Gabrielle, Perilous Love, was a product of the genteel upper-class world of servants and country homes in pre-war England. She was expected to marry well, and she did, to Adrian Bryce whose wealth spread from England to Europe. They soon discovered they had little in common and after two children led polite separate lives. In truth, they can barely stand the sight of each other – until Belgium in the summer of 1914. There, a terrible betrayal reveals the real reason why Adrian decided to join her, forcing them to flee as World War One erupts over Europe. From pampered comfort to hiding in a barn loft without money or food Gabrielle has no choice but trust the man she despises. The enormity of their predicament hits home when he’s injured. It’s now up to her to find food and means of escape. An abandoned farmhouse almost breaks her because she’s never boiled water, let alone cooked, and has no idea what to look for.  But, gnawing hunger, fear of capture and two children at home are powerful teachers. Grabbing what she hopes is edible she finds filthy farmer’s overalls in the washhouse. Shedding her torn dress, she struggles to put them on, unaware they are back to front. She runs out the rear door – and stops. In front of her is their escape in the shape of a scruffy plough horse. If she can catch it, if she can find a harness and wagon, they might, just might, blend in with the thousands of Belgians fleeing the brutal invasion. 

Like so many women of that era, Gabrielle discovered what she was truly capable of.

Perilous Love blurb -

Gabrielle Bryce’s plan to end her miserable empty marriage is thwarted when her estranged husband Adrian abruptly announces he’ll accompany her and their two children on the annual trip to Belgium. Unknown to anyone, Adrian is under orders from the British government to find proof Gabrielle's Belgian uncle is secretly supporting the German Empire’s quest for war.

The proof Adrian finds could kill them, and they run for their lives as the German forces cross the border. With only a stolen horse and buggy to their name and facing danger, brutality, and painful truths about themselves, they reach safety as two different people. Waiting for them are charges of treason and a woman who’ll stop at nothing to see Adrian dead. 

Excerpt – 

“What’s the matter, Adrian? The cat got your tongue?” Gabrielle whispered nastily. “You owe me the truth, because I am the poor fool who is the last to know about anything.” Her face flared red with anger. “You and Uncle Henri shared the delectable German harlot, you knew Belgium would be invaded, Uncle Henri has German guards ready to shoot us. What else has been going on behind my back?” 

When he didn’t reply, the bubbling volcano erupted. “Stand up and talk to me you devious, lying bastard!” She yelled then looked fearfully at the closed door. 

Her jaw dropped when Adrian shrugged dismissively. “What does it matter now? We have no feelings for each other.” 

“What does it matter?” She spluttered. “I’ve just been told your  German woman who is also Uncle Henri’s German woman, followed you to meetings with the Secret Service Bureau. Has it escaped your    attention that we have two children relying on us? No, they rely on me, and I am stuck  in this room with you.” 

She stepped back as Adrian scrambled to his feet, his eyes blazing. “Don’t yell at me, Miss Pure as the Driven Snow. I have a question for you, what does Brian Charlton find so interesting in my home? 

Buy links –

Perilous Love - Kindle edition by Selbourne, Jan. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

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Jan Selbourne

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