Today, let's explore the unsung hero of storytelling - the setting. Just as a passionate dance sets the stage for a blossoming love in our beloved regency romances, so does the setting frame the tale we weave.
Let's journey together to a Regency townhouse in London, circa 1814. Close your eyes and allow yourself to be transported. The cool touch of marble underfoot in the grand entrance hall; the soft rustle of damask drapes in the drawing room; the heady aroma of roast duck wafting from the bustling kitchen; the gentle clink of crystal glassware in the dining room; the crackle of a warm fire in the parlour. Each sensory detail breathes life into the setting, transforming it from mere backdrop to a living entity that interacts with our characters.
This house, with its elegant architecture and opulent interiors, sets the tone for our story. It's not just a place; it's a testament to the societal norms and expectations of the regency era. The grandeur speaks of status, the intricate decor whispers of wealth, and the hidden corners hint at secrets waiting to be unveiled. The setting is a silent character, creating an atmosphere of romance, suspense, and intrigue.
For my Lyon’s Den books, I have made sketches of the buildings where the Doctors on Harley Street live and work – some of them even fell in love there. Next year, you’ll get to read the new books of my Miracles on Harley Street series. For now, I’m glad that you can meet some of the doctors in the Lyon’s Den books already.
Consider 91 Harley Street, for example. Alfred, Phil, and Dustin are doctors who go in and out there. Shira is the beautiful nurse who steals Phil’s heart there in The Lyon’s First Choice. Alfred starts a clinic there with the help of his beloved Ada, the heroes from Don’t Wake A Sleeping Lyon.
The upper floors house the private quarters, where bedrooms are furnished with four-poster beds draped in silken hangings. These rooms serve as sanctuaries, their decor reflecting the personal tastes of their occupants - from floral wallpapers to hand-stitched tapestries.
Finally, a modest garden behind the house offers a green respite from the bustling city. Essential back rooms, such as the kitchen, are located here, away from the main house. The kitchen, with its large hearth and array of copper pots and pans, buzzes with activity, providing nourishment for both body and soul.
Like many of its era, this townhouse is a testament to the elegance and sophistication of Regency society, a place where beauty, comfort, and social rituals seamlessly blend to create a world that is as enchanting as it is intriguing.
Will you join me and check out the stories of the doctors on Harley Street?
