Today we have the lovely Ellie Thomas back on the blog. Keep on reading to learn more about her most recent release, Pantaloon and Petticoats. And as always, welcome Ellie, it’s a pleasure to have you here 😊
Thanks, lovely Ofelia, for having me as your guest again! I’m Ellie, I write MM Historical Romance novellas. I’m here today to chat about my new story, Pantaloons and Petticoats, currently in the 20% new release sale at JMS Book until November 17th.
In Town Bronze, the first book in this three-part series, my MC Jasper discovered a surprising propensity for spanking with older gentleman, Sir Mortimer Cleverly. During Petticoats and Pantaloons, Barney Marshall meets his match in Rose and gets a surprise during their first intimate encounter. In the daytime, Rose must dispense with their nighttime petticoats to become Ross, a banking clerk.
Ross may have been born male, but identifies as female, embracing that identity whenever possible at night in the playground of Covent Garden and the shelter of their landlady Grace’s house in nearby Soho.
Although it was fun to return to Barney, who appeared as Jasper’s London roommate in Town Bronze, Rose’s character intrigued me while I was writing Petticoats and Pantaloons. I admired how they juggle a double life, enduring male attire at work to become Rose in the evenings.
In the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, cross-dressing was far from uncommon, particularly in the molly houses of Covent Garden, the equivalent of modern gay clubs. Despite the stringent laws and frequent raids, in the molly houses, bagnios, taverns and even Covent Garden Piazza, the gay community was vibrant and even defiant.
Rose might have friends and passing lovers but doesn’t expect to find love until meeting Barney. It was a joy to write how Rose finds all the respect and acceptance they richly deserve. Barney might be initially attracted to them for superficial appearances, but he falls in love with Rose as a person, however they choose to appear.
Pantaloons and Petticoats
Sequel to Town Bronze
Barney Marshall, the son of a wealthy manufacturer, is tolerated by London high society for his great wealth. In the autumn of 1812, Barney relishes all the high living and low indulgences of a young man about town in the fleshpots of Covent Garden.
In one of the many surrounding taverns, he encounters Rose. They spend a memorable night together despite Barney’s initial surprise that Rose is not all she seems.
Rose leads a double life as Ross, a respectable clerk at Coutts Bank. When Barney comes across Ross in his work setting and recognises him, complications abound.
Can these two find their way through the twist and turns on the path to true love?
Excerpt:
Barney steered Ross towards St. James’ Park, hoping that green space away from the crowded streets would convey his friendly intentions and give them a semblance of privacy. Even when they reached more leafy environs, Ross did not unbend. His gaze stayed firmly ahead and his cheeks, still smooth by late afternoon, were pale.
Once they were on a less populous path Barney began tentatively.
“It must have been a bit of a shock to come across me in the bank this morning. I assure you that it was pure coincidence. I only entered the bank to withdraw funds. It was a complete surprise to come across you.”
At least Ross was listening and showed no signs of fleeing. Bolstered, Barney continued, “Although seeing you was unexpected, it was fortuitous. I had hoped to bump into you, I mean Rose, in the tavern where we met, without any luck. If I hadn’t found you today, I was even considering braving the Dean Street house over the next few days.”
Ross still looked straight ahead, but his shoulders dropped a few notches at that declaration.
“Believe me,” Barney insisted, “I had no idea that you were employed at Coutts. If I had been aware, I wouldn’t have dreamed of accosting you at your place of work.”
They walked amongst the greenery in silence while Ross digested Barney’s attempt at reassurance. Covertly, Barney examined the subtle but distinct differences between Ross and Rose. In male apparel, Ross was on the short side, his features even but unremarkable, showing none of Rose’s spirit. That distinguishing factor was reflected in his drab office wear, his tamed curls appearing more brown than red and his hands bearing recent ink stains from his daily labours.
“I thought you’d followed me,” Ross said very quietly.
“Good God, no. You have my word on that. I couldn’t find you in Covent Garden so it would never have occurred to me to search for you on the Strand.”
The tension was easing from Ross’ slight frame. Encouraged, Barney said, “I’m sorry if I gave you a fright, but I’m glad I’ve caught you now so I could explain and ease any concerns you might have. I mean you no ill will.”
Ross risked a sideways glance at Barney as he continued, “I have to admit that I very much wanted to see you again.” He was rewarded by a flicker of warmth in those wary brown eyes, a glimpse of Rose peeping through.
“You can always leave a note in Soho with Grace for Rose any time. She’ll make sure it’s delivered safely.”
Distracted by the completely unfitting name for the dragon of the doorway, Barney missed the distinction that Ross had drawn between himself and Rose.
“Now I have found you again, I don’t want to let you go too soon. If you have some time to spare, perhaps we could repair to Dean Street together. I don’t mind waiting for you to don your skirts,” he added with what he hoped was roguish charm, “Since that seems to entertain and titillate us both.”
Ross whirled around to face Barney, his features tight with anger. With his chin raised and eyes sparkling hotly with indignation, he bore no resemblance to the timid clerk Barney had accosted outside the bank.
“How dare you. I’m not one of your actresses to amuse you with a change of costume to incite your lust,” he hissed. “Or some toy to array in a gown for the sole purpose of your entertainment. In future, I request you treat me and Rose with greater respect. If you’ll excuse me, sir.”
Ross gave a stiff bow and stalked away, the picture of affronted dignity. Barney stared after him, wondering how the interview could have gone so disastrously wrong.
Book links:
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Bio
Ellie Thomas lives by the sea. She comes from a teaching background and goes for long seaside walks where she daydreams about history. She is a voracious reader especially about anything historical. She mainly writes historical gay romance.
Ellie also writes historical erotic romance as L. E. Thomas.
Website: https://elliethomasromance.wordpress.com/
Facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/8308047409266947
Twitter: @e_thomas_author
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19835510.Ellie_Thomas
Ofelia Grand 