Spotlight: The Baronet's Lady Biologist by Alissa Baxter
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Publication Date: February 28, 2023
Vinspire Publishing
Genre: Traditional/Sweet Regency
Series: The Linfield Ladies Series, Book 3
Georgiana Linfield is a lady biologist who is determined to travel the world. Upon arriving in London for the Season, she decides the best way to fulfil her dreams is to find an amenable husband to indulge her every whim. Refusing to give up her interest in natural history for a dull domestic life, she sets out to forge a different path for herself.
When her father’s elderly cousin asks her to set his natural history collection in order, she accepts his request with joy. However, the task brings her into almost daily contact with his godson, Sir Giles Tavistock, a renowned entomologist, who regards her with some suspicion. When Sir Giles discovers her skills as a scientific illustrator, he asks her to sketch his South American butterfly collection, and they forge an uneasy truce.
Their tenuous connection is shattered, however, when Sir Giles believes a rumour casting Georgiana in a far from flattering light. Vowing to have nothing more to do with him, she keeps him at a distance. But when the baronet’s butterflies attract unwanted attention, a series of events unravel that make Georgiana wonder if the famous collector might have done the impossible and captured her heart.
Excerpt
Georgiana pressed the palms of her hands together. “I am delighted you have come to London, particularly as I have been hoping Cassy will assist me with my scientific illustrations.”
Her mother’s brow creased. “I am sure Cassandra will give you some useful advice regarding her technique, my love. But I trust you plan to draw such things as flowers and landscapes as well?”
“An excellent notion, Mama. It is a fine idea to place insects among flowers in their natural environment.”
“I thought you could perhaps...er...occasionally leave the insects out?” She cleared her throat. “They do not have to be present in all your drawings and paintings, my love.”
“No?” Georgiana’s mouth tilted up at the corners.
“No!” Her mother shook her head when Georgiana let out a peal of laughter. “You persist in teasing me, my love.”
Rothbury chuckled. “Well, you do rise so beautifully to the bait, Mama.” He turned to Sir Giles. “We should be off.”
The two men took their leave. However, a few moments later, Sir Giles stepped back inside. “I shall bring my butterfly collection to show you tomorrow if that suits you, Miss Linfield?”
“Oh, yes. Thank you, sir. I look forward to seeing it.”
He studied her thoughtfully. “Would you consider drawing the various specimens for me if Lady Linfield has no objection? I am seeking an artist to sketch each butterfly.”
He glanced at her mother, who nodded and smiled. “An excellent plan, Sir Giles. It will put my daughter’s talents to good purpose. She is always seeking out opportunities for scientific illustration.”
“Miss Linfield?” Sir Giles spoke quietly, but there was a thread of laughter in his voice.
Georgiana clenched her jaw. He was studying her very much as she imagined a stoat would examine a rabbit. But she was not so easily intimidated.
“I would be pleased to assist you,” she said in a calm voice. “It sounds like the sort of collection that would be dear to any natural historian’s heart. I want to do your butterflies justice, but I imagine you will need the collection when you write your paper?”
“I have a duplicate of each specimen, so I will keep the one collection with me while you work on the other.” He bowed. “Thank you, Miss Linfield. And au revoir.”
He left the room, and Georgiana stared at the door, which the footman closed after him. “Au revoir?”
“Sir Giles’s mother is French.”
“Ah.”
“I am glad you appear to be warming to him, my love. He would be an excellent match for you, you know. Your father and I would welcome it.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I am not warming to him at all, Mama. I was merely trying to be civil.”
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About the Author
Alissa Baxter wrote her first Regency romance during her long university holidays. After travelling the world, she settled down to write her second Regency novel, which was inspired by her time living on a country estate in England. Alissa then published two chick lit novels, The Truth About Clicking Send and Receive (previously published as Send and Receive) and The Truth About Cats and Bees (previously published as The Blog Affair).
Many years later, Alissa returned to her favourite period with her Linfield Ladies Series, a trio of Regency romances that feature women in trend-setting roles who fall in love with men who embrace their trailblazing ways…at least eventually. Alissa currently lives in Johannesburg with her husband and two sons. She is a member of The Beau Monde – Regency Fiction Writers.
