Concert with friends
Happy Friday! In the midst of a busy Merola Opera Program Summer Festival and work on my WIP, Mélanie and I are managing to squeeze in some summer fun, like a picnic and outdoor concert last night with friends and their kids.
I have some exciting news – all the Malcolm & Suzanne books and novellas are now available as ebooks in the UK. You can kind them on Kindle here and they should be available on all platforms by next week. They have gorgeous new covers – here is His Spanish Bride. I’ll have all of them posted on the site soon.
Though I edit my manuscripts a lot, I don’t often cut whole scenes. But writing in the wonderful program Scrivener, I find it easy to write scenes without always knowing precisely where they will fit in the finished book. Usually they fall nicely into place but I wrote a quarrel between Malcolm and Suzanne for The Mayfair Affair that, though it seemed to fit with where their relationship was, never found a place in the finished book. I thought I would share it here.
Have a great weekend!
Tracy
“Malcolm, I think we should talk about this.”
“No.” His voice had the force of a sword cut. “I think that would prove fatal. Once words are spoken they can’t be taken back.”
“You’re afraid of what you’ll say to me?”
He turned to the drinks trolley, but tension was in the set of shoulders. “I don’t like myself very much just now, Suzette. There’s not much point in inflicting that on you.”
“I hate that I’ve done this to you.”
“Not everything is due to you, Suzette..”
She moved toward him and put her arms round him. “There are other things we could do than talk.”
He spun round and caught her wrists. “No.”
He was so close she could feel the warmth of his breath. “You don’t want—“
“To be manipulated.”
“You’ve been manipulating me since we met, Suzette. Perhaps in bed more than anywhere.”
“You can’t think I was pretending—“
“No.” He hesitated a moment. “Perhaps I’m a fool not to consider it, but no. But how many times have you got me into bed to end a difficult conversation? Or because you wanted me asleep so you could slip out of the house or ransack my dispatch box?”
The memories couldn’t but rush into her mind.
Malcolmreleased her wrists. “Precisely.”
“Darling—“
“I know what we have, sweetheart. But even when we couldn’t talk of love, it was the one place I thought we had honesty.”
July 18, 2015 at 2:34 am
Ouch. I hate to see them fighting but this does really ring true. It’s also hard to see how you would phase into their next scene after this one.
July 18, 2015 at 2:43 am
I thought it was one shading of their relationship to explore but every night time scene they have together was too tender for this.
July 18, 2015 at 3:46 am
Ouch, as Karin said. I think I’m glad you didn’t use that scene. It is just a little harsh. But it is fun to see another perspective. Speaking of which, I finished Secrets of a Lady and am almost done with Mask of Night. I love that they have a different slant on the issues we found out in Berkeley Square. And the stories are pretty darn good, as well!
July 18, 2015 at 5:39 am
It definitely didn’t fit in Mayfair, Lynne. I thought about trying to work it or a version of it into the scene where they are alone in their bedchamber the night Craven is shot, but Malcolm is too concerned about Suzanne at that point and I liked the “let’s get to work” ending.
So glad you enjoyed Secrets and are enjoying Mask. I love that you’re reading them after Berkeley Square. So interesting, as most readers who’ve read both who I’ve heard from read the older books first.
July 18, 2015 at 3:22 am
They are all available on Amazon Aus already. How exciting!!! I do prefer to read books in paper form when possible but big trade paperbacks are too heavy and awkward to carry about, so I tend to read the paperbacks at home and switch to my kindle when I go out. Even better, I can now take the whole series with me when I go away.
Are any more of your Anthea Malcolm books going to be released in kindle?
July 18, 2015 at 5:42 am
So glad you’ve found them on Amazon Aus! Yes, we’re working on getting the rest of the Anthea Malcolm Warwick House Regencies up as ebooks as well. It involves scanning, cover design, and most time-consuming from my perspective, proofing, but we definitely want to make them available.
July 18, 2015 at 4:11 am
You may not remember I wrote you years ago that, when I first starting reading “Daughter of the Game/Secrets of the Moon”, I didn’t like Charles. He was so angry at Melanie, called her names and verged on physical abuse. But when I re-read it, I found the anger he expressed really fit in well with the circumstances of his discovery of her secrets and with his own background. It also made Melanie’s fear of losing her children more vivid. Finally, it made the way he worked out his feelings about her secrets (“I’ve been thinking of you as my wife”) a tremendous testimony to her right to be her own person and to Charles’ ability for honest self-criticism. That’s when I fell in love with Charles.
As painful as this cut scene is, it has that same direct verbal communication of raw angry emotion that Charles and Melanie exchanged in DOG/SOM. A change I regret in the Malcolm/Susanne series is that their communications are more verbally muted – they use single words, looks, gestures, voice tones, quick understandings and silences to communicate whole ranges of emotions.
Historically, this may be more accurate. I vaguely recall that Edith Wharton wrote about how couples in the time of the Age of Innocence didn’t communicate directly but through silences. Probably that was true in the 1810s and 1820s as well.
It’s my feeling, though, that Malcolm and Suzanne are getting along too well. Yes, Malcolm may feel betrayed and worried and, yes, Suzanne may feel guilty and conflicted, but they exercise such restraint that we, the readers, are only occasionally told it, barely get to hear it and never see it. I find myself longing for at least one angry word, one glare, one spinning around and catching of wrists, one refusal to be seduced.
The dramatic tension of wondering if their marriage will recover seems over already. I sense you are trying to replace it with tension over will Melanie be found out. I find that less believable and, to this romance reader, it just doesn’t have the same zing.
I still love every book and I still pre-order on the first day. I am a loyal reader forever. But couldn’t we have just one good fight?
July 18, 2015 at 4:16 am
Sorry, I think I mixed up the titles a bit. I should have said: “Daughter of the Game/Secrets of a Lady”.
And I buy both paper and kindle versions too! And I think I’m going to buy the audio versions as well for the car. Oh, I am a fangirl, that’s for sure.
July 19, 2015 at 5:58 am
I should have added that it’s super cool you have both the paper and the kindle versions and may get the audio ones – that’s the sort of thing that warms an author’s heart :-).
July 18, 2015 at 5:53 am
Hi Jeanne! Great to hear from you! I do remember your comments about Charles, which intrigued me because to me he’s always been a very empathetic sort of person, though he is driven to the edge of endurance in Secrets.
I think part of the difference you are noting is that Malcolm is somewhat different from Charles, or more accurately, my understanding of Charles changed quite a bit, starting with Beneath and continuing with Mask and then that carried on into the Malcolm & Suzanne books. He is much more self-aware of his own role as a spy than I envisioned when I first wrote Daughter/Secrets. That affects how he takes the revelation of Suzanne/Melanie’s deception. He’s just as hurt, but a part of him has to acknowledge that she did something he might have done himself. The part of him that’s an agent can even admire the brilliance of what she pulled off at the same time he’s feeling betrayed and played for a fool. I loved that Berkeley Square let me return to those revelations with my new understanding of Malcolm/Charles.
I actually have incorporated some of the dialogue from this cut scene in my work in progress, hopefully in a scene you will enjoy.
I think the question now is not so much will their marriage recover but, as Suzanne says to Raoul, that it “will never really be the same.” What does that mean, have they lost something irretrievable, or can it possibly be better?
That said, I’ve heard from at least one reader who is seriously concerned that Suzanne will leave Malcolm for Raoul (even after Mayfair) so at least for some readers the question of if their marriage can/will recover is far from settled :-).
July 19, 2015 at 5:27 am
Tracy. I like your explanation of how Charles became Malcolm, so to speak. As I’ve now read both new and old books, I think it puts into words what I have thought about as I read. As I finish Mask, I have that sense that Charles was angrier and not as realistic about himself. I do like Malcolm better because he has more depth. That comes, in part, from your growth as a writer as much as the changes in the characters.
As to their marriage, they’ll make it – partly because you won’t let them fail and partly because, in the historical context, a divorce or separation was just not done in their society. They might live separate lives but I believe they love each other too much in spite of the recent revelations. I’m an optimist at heart…they’ll work it out and be stronger for it in the end.
July 19, 2015 at 5:55 am
I’m glad you like Charles/Malcolm’s evolution, Lynne. As I said, I was glad to revisit the revelations about Melanie/Suzanne with my increased understanding of him. It’s interesting that he still reads as angrier to you and not as realistic about himself even in Mask compared to Berkeley Square and Mayfair.
It’s a good point that, historically, it really isn’t possible for their marriage to end. They could as you say lead separate lives (or maybe even legally separate as William and Caroline Lamb did) but even when Malcolm is still raw in Berkeley Square, he quickly realizes that that isn’t possible for Colin’s and Jessica’s sakes. And yes, they do love each other too much. But even if they didn’t, they are rather forced to find a way to coexist.
July 18, 2015 at 5:56 am
I love that the range of comments on this brief cut scene range from “ouch, I’m glad you didn’t use that” to “I wish they would fight more.” I’d love to know if other readers feel as Jeanne does that Malcolm and Suzanne fought more as they struggle to move forward with their changed relationship. Not because I would necessarily change the way I write their scenes, but because readers’ view of the characters intrigues me!
July 18, 2015 at 10:59 am
This scene made me wince, but it’s exactly the sort of thing which I think Charles must have wondered about when he found out about Melanie. He was bound to think about it. Maybe the reason it didn’t feel right for The Mayfair Affair was because by that book they seem to have already worked through much of the aftermath of the disclosure? I did feel slightly disappointed that we didn’t see more of the aftermath, that the book started a bit too late really. On the other hand, if it hadn’t, the book would probably have been unbalanced and all about their relationship, with little or no room for a mystery.
July 18, 2015 at 6:23 pm
It’s a juggling act, Helena – I think they did have to be at a point where they could realistically work together to investigate a mystery. On the other hand, I think there are some issues they haven’t really confronted yet, that will undoubtedly come to the fore in subsequent books (such as the one I am currently writing). I also think part of the reason this fight didn’t feel right for Mayfair is that Laura is in prison for much of the book and they are both very focused on saving her. I think it would have felt self-indulgent if they spent too much time on their own issues.
July 18, 2015 at 6:19 pm
I really want to know what what happens between Raoul and Laura next. I think you’ve also introduced this new element so as to allow M and S to strengthen their relationship
July 18, 2015 at 6:25 pm
That’s good to hear, MC! Laura and Raoul play a large role in the novella that will be out next fall and as well as in the next novel that will be out in May. What would you like to see happen between them?
July 19, 2015 at 11:53 pm
WOW – That was harsh, but it felt real. It felt like a conversation that Malcolm and Suzanne would have in private so that they could show a united front to the world. I think Malcolm and Suzanne still have issues to resolve, but the murder made it less important. I am looking forward to the next book and hopefully they will have time to address the betrayal that Malcolm has to feel from both Raoul and Suzanne.
July 20, 2015 at 3:40 am
Thanks, Kim! Yes, as I said above I do think the murder investigation takes precedence over the issues between Maloolm and Suzanne. Also, I don’t think the issues between them are the sort that get resolved in a few weeks or even a few months. Especially with two people like Malcolm and Suzanne who are likely to try to move forwards and seek refuge in their work rather than stopping their lives and talking everything through. Malcolm in particular is the sort to bury everything so deeply even he may not be aware of what he”s feeling,. Suzanne is more likely to want to confront things, but having put Malcolm through so much, she’s going to be inclined to follow his lead. So definitely look for more in the next book and beyond!
July 20, 2015 at 6:47 pm
Wow! Such an interesting exerpt and post. I have enjoyed all of the comments from other readers, and am now going to attempt to add my thoughts.
First, I need to clarify that I have not read the earlier books (I do intend to at some time), so I am speaking purely from the standpoint of Malcolm and Suzanne as I have come to know them. The cut scene was intense, but I feel it would be believable. I kept thinking I had read parts of it before, but a brief serach only brought me to the discussion between Malcolm and Suzanne at the end Berkeley Square which you alluded to above. By Mayfair, I feel they have definitely decided they will stay together because of the children and are trying to figure out what their relationship will be. The murder mystery also gives them time to revert to their roles of working together before Malcolm knew about Suzanne and Raoul. I also could see them remembering and trying to reconcile the new information with the relationship that had blossomed between them earlier. I think that will be stronger in the end because they both had come to truly care about each other, even if one doesn’t completely feel like he/she knows the true feelings of the other – does that make sense?
Another point I want to make is about Raoul, Suzanne, and Malcolm all being spies. That vocation has allowed them to respect each other and their work, even though they weren’t on the same side. Raoul at times seemed to consider his choices based on his relationship with Malcolm and Suzanne. While ultimately stlll working toward his own goal and beliefs, he moves through both worlds and is able to consider consequences and effects on those he has come to love, making him a more compassionate person. Raoul doesn’t push Suzanne to continue working for him through threats or self-interest, which is one reason we come to like Raoul. I feel he really wants to have a relationship with Malcolm and Colin, so he must watch his actions and be careful not to do something that will destroy any chance with them. Your scenes where Raoul is looking on at the family activities, sometimes from the sidelines and others as a participant, are poignant. The same holds true with Malcolm and Suzanne as they all try to forge into this knew relationship that exists and will develop between them all. As Malcolm thinks through many events of the past, he is able to view them with a different kind of understanding, showing the depth of his character, rather than resorting to feelings of pure anger and betrayal. Both Malcolm and Suzanne are willing to consider points of view from the opposing British and French sides, which will help in their understanding and forgiveness toward each other.
These reactions are entirely believable. In the espionage community throughout history, various opponents have been able to appreciate the expertise and strategy of the other side. Trying to understand motivations is important to success and achievement. Military men study the history of past wars and opponents to glean information to guide them, even back as far as Julius Caesar. I am personally aware of this since my husband is a retired Marine officer who fought in Vietnam. While his primary designation (called MOS in the Corps) was as a communications officer, he had a secondary intelligence designation requiring him from time to time to spend active duty with the Naval Security Group and in other intelligence billets. I knew from the very beginning that there were many things he could never tell me about and that I couldn’t ask about. I accepted this and tried to support him in any way I could, by providing a normal home life and not delving into matters that he could never divulge. It is so funny as he reads various spy novels to hear him sometimes call out, “How can they get away with telling that?” Or, “I don’t see how that ever got past the review authorities.” At the same time, I was aware that there is a deep respect among intelligence people for the members of “the othe side”. It’s almost like figuring out who can discover the missing piece of the puzzle first – a challenge and appreciation for others in the field, even enemies. That is why I can certainly understand the relationships between Malcolm, Suzanne, and Raoul – a lot of it comes down to respect for the other person. Also, they live with the knowledge that all wars must end at some point, so they must be prepared to go on.
Well that is certainly enough from me. Thanks, Tracy for creating such interesting characters and situations for them to be involved in.
July 20, 2015 at 8:24 pm
Thanks for the wonderful, thoughtful comments, Betty! How fascinating about your husband’s military career. i think you’re exactly right about how having all been agents makes Malcolm, Suzanne, and Raoul able to understand what the others have done and even admire it from the perspective of sheer craft. That’s why I think Malcolm/Charles’s greater acceptance and understanding of his role as a spy is key to his differing reaction in Berkeley Square as opposed to Secrets of a Lady.
It’s also an excellent point that, though Malcolm and Suzanne have decided to stay together, they are still feeling their way towards what that new relationship will look like. In Mayfair Suzanne tells Raoul it will never be the same and Raoul asks if she’s considered that it may be better. I think he’s right that it may be, but I don’t think Suzanne really believes that yet.
And as you say Raoul is also feeling his way towards what is relationship can be with both Malcolm and Suzanne. And Malcolm, as much as he’s struggling to recast his relationship with Suzanne, is also struggling to recast his relationship with Raoul. Both knowing he was a French spy and Suzanne’s lover but also knowing he’s Charles’s father and what that means for their relationship going forwards. Raoul as you say desperately wants a relationship with Charles and Colin, but also knows he can’t push. Layer all of that with all of them being spies, and there’s a lot to explore which makes the books so fun to write!
July 21, 2015 at 5:54 pm
And also makes the books such fun to read! I am really looking forward to seeing the relationships develop between all of our favorite characters. Hopefully, by next May, I will have read the Charles and Melanie books.
July 22, 2015 at 6:49 am
Betty, your comments about your husband’s career are fascinating, especially the bit about having respect for the other side. When I worked in IT in a large bank we had the IT security team on our floor. One of the men in it formerly worked for the US military in Berlin during the cold war days. He said the his people knew all of their Russian counterparts well and some of them were even good friends.
July 22, 2015 at 7:35 am
So great to know readers are excited to see where the series is headed. I’m having a lot of fun with my WIP – and I’ve also been thinking about the arc of the next few books in the series. I think it’s gong in some interesting–and unexpected–directions…
July 23, 2015 at 5:00 am
Terrific, insightful commentary…and how interesting that you were able to relate it to your own circumstances.
July 23, 2015 at 5:52 am
I have to say as a writer, I find it particularly wonderful when readers can relate anything in my books to their own circumstances!