A Change of Station: Being Memoirs by Clorinda Cathcart, that has been a Lady of the Town these several years

The Comfortable Courtesan #3

by L.A. Hall

Clorinda returns to Town after her supposed sojourn at Carlsbad helping Miss G- out of a pickle. She is now in a loving triad relationship with the F-s, hindered by distance and concerns for their reputation, and has given them her beloved baby daughter Flora to bring up as their own. Can she regain her former position? Will her circle recover from Miss A-'s wild behaviour?

ebook

Published February 23, 2018

Reviews

[Pamela Shropshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just completely adore this series. In this volume, Madame C-, famed courtesan, receives a proposal of a Marriage of Convenience from the Marquess of Bexley. The Marquess is an old friend of Madame’s friend and supposed long-time lover, Viscount R-. Actually Viscount R- is “of the brotherhood” and in a long-term relationship with his secretary, Alexander MacDonald, known as Sandy. The Marquess is also of the disposition and needs a wife only because he is very ill and doesn’t trust his legal heir to administer certain bequests that must remain discreet.

The Marquess doesn’t live long after their marriage, but Clarinda becomes quite fond of him and genuinely mourns his death. Then, of course, she is obliged to observe the formal mourning rituals required by society, which she finds quite tedious.

She is quite skilled at discretion, however, and contrives to have a few “romps” nonetheless.

There are births and another quite sad death. Clarinda is able to occasionally visit the Ferrabys and Flora, her child by Mr. Ferraby, who the F-‘s are raising as their own. Clarinda is fond of all the F- children and has become Aunty C- to them all. Not to mention enjoying the longstanding ménage à trois with the F-‘s!

Clarinda’s first book, The Gypsy’s Curse, published anonymously, has been quite successful. She continues her writing: she publishes another novel, The Fateful Philtre, and adapts The Gypsy’s Curse as a stage play. Sandy takes care of all the publishing matters. I just love the relationship between Clarinda and Sandy.

I realize this is a very rambling and perhaps incoherent review. I do love this series!

[Sadie Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very glad that the Comfortable Courtesan series is now appearing in book form, as it's absolutely perfect when I want to read something fluffy and charming which also features a fabulously diverse cast of characters and showcases a whole spectrum of historical queer existence. The third published volume takes Madame C- out of the demimonde and into Society; on re-reading, I realised that this allows the introduction of a much wider range of female characters who the rules of polite society wouldn't have allowed to come into the orbit of Madame C- the top courtesan, as well as the continued development of existing characters. It's touching and funny and really just utterly wonderful, and while I suspect that this review is mostly preaching to the choir if there is anyone reading this who hasn't encountered Madame C- yet you really should try her.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue to absolutely adore this series! I love like how diverse the cast of characters is, and I particularly like how the series introduces (or reveals) more queer characters as it continues. I can't wait to read the next volume!