• Yes, I invented the harem tales book that the girls are always hiding or sneaking around to read. BUT it was based on a real book of the late Regency period called The Lustful Turk, which described in detail the deflowering of a woman in a harem and her subsequent sexual adventures. What can I say? When I was young, the whole woman in a harem thing fascinated me, so I am positive I would have been clamoring to read it along with all the others.

• The school is located in Richmond, just outside of London (now part of London). Why? Because my brother lives in Richmond, Virginia. I couldn’t resist making that little connection.

• I got the idea for Cousin Michael from, believe it or not, the TV show “Charlie’s Angels.” I always loved the anonymous Charlie, so I just had to do my version of him. Besides, one of the angels was named Sabrina, so how could I resist? 

   

1. Who among the heiresses did NOT get to read the harem tales book?
a. Lucy Seton
b. Venetia Campbell
c. Elinor Bancroft
d. Amelia Plume