Should I mention to her that I'm planning to write two sequels, both loosely connected enough to work as standalones?

Yup. I'm thinking that's definitely something to include.

I think I'll play it kinda cool then, and just say I have ideas for possible sequels involving the secondary characters Anna and Portia. Because both are going to require a certain amount of research to pull off. For Anna, I have to figure out in as much detail possible what was going on in the Peninsular Wars in the summer and fall of 1811, so I can figure out the best way to get her widowed, captured by the French, and determined to escape. And for Portia, I need to learn as much as possible about the American political climate circa 1818 or 1820, what Washington society looked like then, etc. Neither are things I know much about as yet, but I figure I'll go into research mode for Anna as soon as I've finished Lucy's story.

For Anna, I have to figure out in as much detail possible what was going on in the Peninsular Wars in the summer and fall of 1811, so I can figure out the best way to get her widowed, captured by the French, and determined to escape.

Have you read Heyer's "The Spanish Bride"? It covers that in exquisite detail (the campaign itself). Based on a true story.

"Random Shots from a Rifleman" was John Kinkaid's memoir of his years on the Peninsula, but I think it's been OOP for decades. Which sucks. Because it was a brilliant vivid memoir.

There's also Harry Smith's memoir, which I find rather dry. Heyer got all the good bits of it.

Betsy, me too - I never finished Smith's. Kinkaid's was lovely, though.

It makes me so sad that the Smiths never had children. That has to have been devastating for them.

Oooh. Check out this page on the 95th.

Juana would have made an interesting parent, methinks. Not too much sentiment in there, if I've read her right.

Damn! Now I really want a copy of Kinkaid's book. Last seen in the library of a friend in London, who now lives in Australia.

edit; SUSAN!

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