Botanical Liaisons

by Caroline Palmer | Dec 16, 2018

Burgundy, France - the REAL Burgundy, not Bernhard’s Burgundy Spring, 1634   “I’ve got a gardener,” the baron said around a mutton chop. “Two of them. And a boy to do the weeding.” “Sieur,” André Le Nôtre started, but the baron interrupted him. “Why should I take...

Charlotte’s Threads

by Caroline Palmer | Aug 14, 2018

Salisbury, Wiltshire, England 1637   "Honestly, I can't stand you anymore!" Charlotte screamed at the sewing machine in front of her. "Every time I get close to making my quota on time, you break! And do you have any idea how much I get fined for your tempers?"...

An Iconic Mystery

by Caroline Palmer | Apr 15, 2017

Limoges Cathedral, France February, 1636   "Glorious, Master Renoir, simply glorious," François de Lafayette said, trailing a finger down the palm-sized icon. "Their Majesties cannot help but be pleased when I present your gift to them at the christening." Master...

The Vanity Fair

by Caroline Palmer | Jun 1, 2015

My name is Roger Crowley, formerly of Hutton Manor in England. I shall not say which county, for fear of embarrassment, save to say it lies in the North. From my Lady Mother, Alys Hutton, I inherited a small manor house and estate, in such a state as to make the rents...

M. Klein Fashion Dolls

by Caroline Palmer | Nov 25, 2012

Ronneburg Saxe-Altenburg, 1636Margarethe Klein looked at the half-carved wooden figure on her workbench and tried not to break out in tears. Even though she had been carving dolls since she was a little girl at her parents’ knees, she could not seem to create...