I’m in the midst of finishing up the wedding novella. Colin is not yet born in the novella, but he’s a very important part of the equation as Suzanne/Mélanie and Malcolm/Charles’s agree to marry. Suzette/Mel’s pregnancy is the reason Malcolm/Charles proposes and the implications of the marriage for the child she’s carrying are a major part of her considerations as she weighs whether or not to accept him. This seems a good time to post another of the Imperial Scandal discussion questions:
6. How does being parents affect Suzanne’s, Malcolm’s, Cordelia’s, and Harry’s actions in the course of the book? Do you think their lives and relationships as couples would have evolved differently if they didn’t have Colin and Livia?
Speaking of Cordelia, I’ve just posted a new Fraser Correspondence letter from her to Lady Caroline Lamb.
Tracy Grant - Novelist 
May 23, 2012 at 1:55 pm
I liked that Cordelia’s a loving mother. It shows a side of a character that might easily be dismissed otherwise.
Obviously, Malcolm and Suzanne’s life would be different – he married her because of her pregnancy.
In some ways, the children do make the adults stop and think, “OK, what are we doing? There are children who need to be considered in this.”
May 24, 2012 at 1:44 am
I’m glad you liked Cordelia as a mother, Jan Marie – I thought that was an important side of her character – it shows her as not heedless and self-absorbed. I think that’s an excellent point that children make the adults stop and think about what they’re doing and the consequences. Not only would Malcolm probably not have married Suzanne without her pregnancy, I think the shared parenting helped create a bond between them. And I think Livia forces Harry and Cordelia to deal with each other more than they might have done without her.
May 25, 2012 at 2:49 am
I just wanted to say that your Mélanie looks gorgeous!
May 26, 2012 at 1:36 am
Thanks, Karin! My Mélanie is actually quite appropos to this discussion. I found out I was pregnant just after I turned in Imperial Scandal and I did the revsions, copy edits, and galleys during my pregnancy. By the time I did the revisions, I was about as far along in my pregnancy as Aline is in the book, and I actually changed a few details (notably that she didn’t look pregnant – I was already subtly starting to show at the point). Anb obviosuly children and how they infuence one’s life and choices were very much on my mind as I worked on revisions of the book.
May 31, 2012 at 1:55 am
Charles/Malcolm and Melanie/Suzanne often remark that parenthood has forced them to become more conscientious about his and her actions. Like many parents with a history of extracurricular activities (that are less than safe), Malcolm and Suzanne often has to stop and think before running headlong into danger. And when danger cannot be avoided, they often have to remind themselves to stay alive, to keep on fighting and to come home. Parenthood is without a doubt the toughest adventure, and yet, the most rewarding. — Odd coming from someone who hasn’t yet become a parent! =)
I’m in accordance with JMM; Cordelia’s love for her child is very tender and enjoyable to read. I love your portrayal of familial relationships in your novels, from betrayal, to lust, to love, and even to murder. Your web is wholesomely intricate, making it all the more pleasurable to read!
June 1, 2012 at 8:52 am
Glad you also enjoyed Cordelia as a mom, Linhie. I love playing with the conlfict between Charles/Malcolm and Mel/Suzette’s lives of adventure and lives as parents. I think the fact that they’re parents injects a note of reality into their lives and creates an interesting tension in their adventures because, as you say, they have to stop and think before running risks. And speaking as someone who’s just embarked on parenthood – I agree it’s a very rewarding advetnure!
June 1, 2012 at 6:18 pm
You are most definitely correct! As a reader, I think your scene construction (of everyday life – though filled with adventure) is very realistic. By simply having Jessica grasp Charles hand whilst he speak about a suspect or acknowledging Colin as he plays with his wooden sword in the background gives the story a sense of realism, of normalcy in the face of danger.
It makes Charles and Melanie tangible and relateable on a personal/familial level, if not a professional one – I can’t name you a single person I know who acts as an undercover agent ‘spy’ for the country in which I live. =D Sometimes it is the most mundane activities (e.g. feeding a child or playing with him/her) that gives you a sense of being ALIVE; in many ways, it grounds you! And in that, you excel!
June 3, 2012 at 8:25 am
Thanks so much, Linhie – that’s exactly what I aim for in the details of MalcolmCharles and Mel/Suzette’s interactions with Colin and Jessica. It’s a counterpoint to the adventure, and I do think it helps ground the books in reality, because as you say those are details we can all relate to. And though it may be hard to relate to being a spy, I think many of us can relate to the juggling act of balancing work and parenting (or any personal commitments).