Editorial Content for Mona of the Manor: A Tales of the City Novel

In a little village in the midst of Britain’s Cotswolds sits Easley House, a grand English manor whose glory days appear to be behind it. Lord Teddy Roughton, Easley House’s most recent heir, married Mona Ramsey, a colorful American woman, so that he could run off to live his dream in San Francisco. Lord Teddy left his wife behind to run the manor. Being Her Ladyship suits her when it suits her, which is to say when paying guests arrive. It turned out that Easley House had some rather costly issues --- like a leaky roof --- and simply keeping it heated nearly requires a mortgage, thus the need for extra help. So they present Easley House as a sort of B&B.

Aiding in the endeavor is Mona’s adopted son, Wilfred, who is more than willing to help. There is also old Mr. Hargis, the gardener who, in reality, has seen better days himself. Mona’s girlfriend, Poppy, from the village occasionally drops by with some odd surprise and fashions special calligraphic place markers or other classy adornments to impress guests. This works its magic on American couple Ernie and Rhonda Blaylock, who are booked for a romantic weekend at Easley.

"In this 10th and last Tales of the City novel, MONA OF THE MANOR brings together Armistead Maupin’s most beloved characters in this tale of tales for a very satisfying finale."

Aside from the impressive place markers --- which are entirely unnecessary since Ernie and Rhonda are the only guests at the manor --- the weekend doesn’t get off to an impressive start. They arrive in a driving rainstorm. That’s to be expected; it’s England. But Ernie immediately settles into a sour mood. First, guests can’t use the front door. In fact, no one can; it's nailed shut. Once inside, they are confronted with buckets set strategically around the rooms to catch the myriad leaks. By now, Ernie nearly blows a fuse. He can’t believe they paid a thousand pounds for this! Rhonda is charmed by it all, even though Mona drops the Lady Roughton act almost immediately. Mona can be anything but refined, and usually she is. The evening struggles along. The best part might have been Wilfred’s delectable food. But Rhonda doesn’t exactly get to enjoy dinner as Ernie’s demeanor takes a very dark turn.

By morning, though, Ernie seems much more chipper. After breakfast, he suggests to Rhonda that they take a walk in the bluebell woods. Along the way, Mr. Hargis meets them, inquiring about the state of the bluebells and warns them about a Gypsy who sometimes roams the woods. Rhonda doesn’t quite get what that’s all about. Mona hadn’t mentioned any sort of danger out there. Back at Easley House again, Ernie clouds over once more while Rhonda goes up to soak in a tub and reflect on their trip so far. Enjoying her bath but not her thoughts, she dials the house phone to ask Mona to come to her room. Thereafter, situations change.

The days that follow are busy ones leading up to the Midsummer festival, a made-up affair concocted by Mona herself. Their dear friend, Michael Tolliver, is coming for a much-anticipated visit, and it will be at just the perfect time. Wilfred has been at loose ends lately. Now and then, he takes a run into London to try hooking up with someone, but the pickings have been slim. From what he’s learned, Michael broke it off with his most recent paramour, so…maybe? Just the possibility makes him eagerly watch the calendar. Easley House hosts a few visitors after Ernie and Rhonda, but the focus is mostly on Midsummer. The festival is the culmination of many things. Not only is Wilfred hoping for new love, Michael is bringing a surprise along with him. And Mona has a surprise of her own. At least one.

In this 10th and last Tales of the City novel, MONA OF THE MANOR brings together Armistead Maupin’s most beloved characters in this tale of tales for a very satisfying finale.