Today's snippet is taken from

Figgy Pudding by Francine

Old Timey Holiday Kitchen series

Also part of  Eclipsed by Love, Books 4-6

1878 Solar Eclipse Inspired Romance Vol. 2

 by Zina Abbott 

          “That’s good to know.” Jason foldedhis arms and looked to the side. “There has been some speculation amongastronomers that she was more interested in advancing women in science.”

          For several seconds, Francine staredat Jason in silence. I suspect you were one of those speculatingastronomers. “From everything I’ve studied, Miss [Maria] Mitchell is aleader in her field. Thirty years ago she discovered a comet that is namedafter her.”

          “I’m aware she is a leader in ourfield.” Jason cleared his throat. “I…ah…not knowing her personally, but byreputation, felt she might be more intent on proving women could be goodscientists than in advancing the field of astronomy itself. Especially afterthat ridiculous report by Dr. Clarke that claimed educating women would stunttheir growth and cause them to become less feminine―”

          “I’ve read the report.” Her voiceharsh, Francine’s expression hardened as she stepped away from Jason. “Iattended college. I don’t have the same standing as Miss Mitchell, but I’vestudied math and science. I have no idea if I’m able to have children, sinceI’ve never tried to reproduce. However, in your opinion, have I, as Dr. Clarkeclaimed, ruined my health and, because I constantly use my brain, turned into asterile, masculine invalid?”

          “No! No, of course not. As far asI’m concerned, his conclusions are rubbish.” Jason wiped his mouth and chinwith his palm. “Your intelligence is one thing about you I find attractive. Ican talk to you and, rather than agree amiably even though you don’tunderstand, you know what I’m saying. I think many looked at the fact herentire expedition of scientists were female.”

          “Jason, she teaches at an all-femalecollege. I’m sure there are male instructors there, but most of her associateswho have graduated from the college and with whom she’s worked are female.”Francine tipped her head to the side. “Tell me, when you went to Rawlins, howmany women did you have in your expedition?”

          “None. There were just the three ofus—myself, Eli, and Rand.”

          “The Draper expedition went there,too. How many female scientists were in his group?” Unwilling to let the topicgo, Francine leaned toward Jason.

          “I recall there were two wives whostayed at the same hotel we did.” Jason cleared his throat.

          “Wives? But they were not a workingpart of studying the eclipse, I take it.”

          “They...I’m sure they viewed it. However...no, they were notthere as scientists.” Jason turned his head to the side and blew out hisbreath. “I’m sorry. I never should have brought it up.” In spite of the dimnessof the light, he focused again on Francine. “I didn’t know you then, Francine.If I had, I would have invited you to be part of our expedition.”

          “In what role, Jason?” Francinelifted her chin. “As a scribe? As a hostess to provide food and drink beforeand after the event?”

 
 
Eclipsed by Love, Books 4-6, is  available on sale for 99c today, April 13th and tomorrow, April 14th. After, it resumes its usual price. It is also available on Kindle Unlimited. Including Figgy Pudding by Francine, Ellie, and Loving Lila, this volume is compiled in chronological order as we follow the romances of Eli Morgan's two associates, Jason Sewell and Rand Poechet, as well as learn what became of Francine's teenage student, who accompanied her to view the eclipse in Denver.To find the book description and purchase options, please CLICK HERE      
Today, Saturday April 13th, is the final day the boxset my first three books that are connected to the total solar eclipse of 1878 will be on sale for 99c. After, they will resume their usual price. This boxset is also available on Kindle Unlimited Compiled in chronological order, this first volume includes Mail Order Blythe, A Bride for Devlin, and Lauren.  To find the book description and purchase options, for
Eclipsed by Love, Books 1-3 ,Please CLICK HERE  

     Florence's Good Deed, Book 6 in the Rejected Mail-Order Brides series, is now on pre-order. The ebook is scheduled for release on April 15, 2024.For the book description and pre-order link, please CLICK HERE







Lucy, Book 46 in the Prairie Roses Collection, is now on pre-order. The ebook is scheduled for release on May 2, 2024.For the book description and pre-order link, please CLICK HERE


    Jocelyn's Wedding Dilemma, the second book in the series, The Matchmaker and the Mother-in-Law, is now available as an ebook for purchase or at no additional cost with a Kindle Unlimited subscription.For the book description and link, please CLICK HERE