To those who have my read my novels to date, my love (read obsession) with the Georgian era is clearly evident. For those of you who have not, I invite you to open the pages and immerse yourself in a fascinating paradox that is nowhere better represented than in the lives of Georgian aristocrats – many of whom adopted an outward veneer to hide the sin within.
In FORTUNE’S SON I explore the gaming world and how it often served as more than a mere diversion, but as a last resort for those with reduced circumstances whose social position did not allow any manner of gaining a more honest income. Compelled to wager, many faced financial devastation and social ruin, while occasionally (and incomprehensibly), Fortune seemed to smile on particular individuals for no particular reason. One such colorful example (whom I delighted in bringing to life as a secondary character in FORTUNE’S SON) was William Douglas – third Earl March and Ruglen, later the Fourth Duke of Queensbury, nicknamed “Old Q”.
Although many young aristocrats lacking more worthy pursuits, squandered their days at race tracks, cockpits, or over the green baize tables, Lord March’s exploits and love of a wager are legendary even for the gaming Georgians. His most infamous wager has come to be known over the ages as Lord March’s “race against time” and plays a significant role in FORTUNE’S SON.
