Claiming the Tower
Hereswith Rowan has built a career as a diplomat in Albion's Ministry. She is, however, rather limited in what she can do in the larger world by the expectations placed on a Victorian woman. Everything she does has to be hidden under acceptable masks.
Bess Marley has ended up as a lady's companion, ever at the beck and call of someone with specific tastes, needs, and demands. Any change might be worse, and many people are worse off.
When Hereswith and Bess begin talking, they both begin to explore new options, with all the ups and downs of taking a chance. Including, but not remotely limited to Hereswith's Challenge for the Council.
Content notes for Claiming the Tower (click to read)
The book begins shortly after the start of the Crimean War, with increasing mismanagement and needless death mentioned. Both characters deal with issues around limitations due to being female. The death of a character's (much loved) father during the course of the book. Those who've read the Mysterious Fields trilogy (later in their lives) may realise that Hereswith later marries a man, while continuing her relationship with Bess. (That will be a later book in the series.)
Places
The Field, Horse House club in Trellech, London, Dinas Emrys, and the Rowan estate near Bath.
All text material (articles, books, stories) copyright Celia Lake 2018-2023 except as noted.
Covers by Augusta Scarlett : Maps by Michael MB : Character images via PortraitWorks
Last updated as of Harmonic Pleasure, August 2025.