Help me brainstorm, y'all. I'm working on a scene in which Lucy is getting measured for her first-ever ballgown. I want to have her bitchy cousin (Portia) there being all bitchy, but in a way that doesn't quite cross the line into obvious torment that would draw the censure of the other people in the room. Any ideas for things Portia might say or do to try to undermine Lucy? All I've thought of so far is questioning Lucy's ideas about what she wants to wear, and/or trying to trick her into choosing something unflattering.

Ooh, Deb, that sounds perfect! One of the Deborah Crombie mysteries was set there, and she actually covered a lot of that -- the bombings, the yuppification, etc. I knew nothing about that area, and it was fascinating. (Not that I know much about London in general, but still.)

Also, you're very lucky to write the way you do. I think it must have to do with the confidence and power in your natural voice, which I think is very well suited to the stories you tell. And "speed-bard" made me grin. I'd love to sit in for that.

(drags head out of research on UXB methods and units, in preparation for starting fourth book)

Susan, who else is there? That makes a huge difference. Is it all women, or is James there, or Sebastian?

What about backhanded "compliments", Susan? Something like (and this will suck 'cause I'm really tired), "Yes that color will look lovely with your darker complexion." (Because being quite fair was all the fashion then, right?)

All women. Just Lucy, Georgiana, Portia, and the dressmaker. Maybe Lady Mowbray, but I don't think so.

Amy, have you read any Nicholas Blake? The Nigel Strangeways mysteries? He (Blake) was actually Cecil Day-Lewis, poet laureate of England (and yes, of course, Daniel and Tamsin's father), and one of his later mysteries is set partly on the Isle of Dogs.

Something about the color of the gown and Lucy's complexion? Like, Portia says that Lucy's very daring to wear a gown of [blue/cream/whatever], considering her complexion. Portia could phrase it in that catty way that, on the face of it, sounds like a compliment, but really is an insult.

t edit Heh -- funny x-post with AmyLiz!

Heh -- funny x-post with AmyLiz!

Great minds and all that.

any Nicholas Blake? The Nigel Strangeways mysteries?

Nope. But I love recommendations. Oh! I know! I meant to tell you I read a mystery called Haunted Ground that made me think of you, because the author (Erin Hart) uses some folk music in it. It's set in Ireland, and concerns the discovery of a bog body (and then there's a present-day mystery, as well). Really nicely written, and I liked the way she used the song lyrics as a way to puzzle out some of the mystery.

Hmmmm. That being the case, why precisely is Portia worried about not slagging off Lucy, whom she despises? The presence of other people have never stopped her before. Why would she watch her tongue? What am I missing?

The cross-conversation is really frellin' funny...