Book Title: THE VISCOUNT WHO VEXED ME
Character Name: Emma Clark, Lady Dearborn
- How would you describe your family or your childhood?
Lovely. My sister Fanny and I spent many idyllic years in the countryside before we entered society. I was a bit wilder, and Fanny wiser, but we complimented each other in that way. We carried on until it was necessary to be singularly focused on finding the perfect match, because what else is a young woman of a certain age to do? It’s a daunting task when you think of it, determining who will be your lifelong partner with only a few conversations in the company of parents or chaperones.
- What was your greatest talent?
One I discovered after I’d married. I don’t mean to boast, but I am very good at hosting parties. Garden parties, teas, balls—whatever social gathering you can imagine, I excel at putting together all the necessary ingredients—drinks, entertainment, guests—to guarantee a spectacular event.
- Significant other?
I suppose you mean my husband, Lord Dearborn. I would not like to disparage him, but he was neither as handsome nor as dashing as Mr. Olivien, the Weslorian earl who came to call one day, quite out of the blue. And he’s been on expedition for almost two years!
- Biggest challenge in relationships?
I should think it is communication. If one has a partner who is reluctant to communicate, and when he does, only in biting remarks and wild accusations, it’s difficult to find a middle ground. On the other hand, if one finds a partner who is willing to listen to you, no matter the subject, it becomes quite a bit easier to find that middle ground. And far more enjoyable, I must say.
- Where do you live?
I reside at Butterhill Hall in the English countryside. It is a gorgeous estate, surrounded by yellow wildflowers. I’d give you the precise direction, but it wouldn’t do to have gawkers. I’ve got quite enough that come from Rexford, the village nearby.
- Do you have any enemies?
Not yet. But I fully anticipate having one or two when it’s all said and done. My sister-in-law has been searching for a good reason to be an enemy for quite some time.
- Do you have children, pets, both, or neither?
Alas, I have longed for children, but have not been blessed in that way. We have some hunting and sheep dogs at Butterhill Hall, and when outdoors, they are often my companions.
- What do you do for a living?
I am a countess, darling, and that is my living. Without the title, I suspect I’d be destitute and forced to rely on the kindness of strangers.
- Greatest disappointment?
My expectations for marriage were too lofty. I wish someone had sat me down and told me not to create fantasies of how wonderful it might be, as my expectations were clearly too lofty.
- Greatest source of joy?
My freedom. I cannot begin to describe the utter joy in not having to live up to anyone’s notion of what is proper behavior other than my own.
- What do you do to entertain yourself or have fun?
I take long walks around the lake every day without fail. The sun and fresh air revitalize me. And I host parties, as I mentioned. Fabulous parties. The talk of London and beyond, which I say with all due modesty.
- What is your greatest personal failing, in your view?
I have many failings, but I suppose the single greatest one is a bit of important information I did not pass along as I should have done. The omission created quite a debacle. Unintended, of course!
- What keeps you awake at night?
Wondering what would happen to me if I were ever to be banished from Butterhill Hall. Which looks increasingly possible, if I’m honest.
- What is the most pressing problem you have at the moment?
That pesky omission of fact and all the trouble it’s causing. At the time, it seemed so… Well, I don’t know what it seemed. I will agree that it was unwise, but on my life, I thought it was fixable.
- What is next for you?
A very good question and one I don’t have an answer for. It is both my pleasure and my curse that I tend to live in the moment and put off worrying about consequences until the moment they become inevitable. And the consequences for what I’ve done are inevitably approaching like a runaway train. Ah well. At least I am throwing a party tonight. There will be acrobats and fire eaters! You really must come.
Royal Match #3
Daring. Darling. Determined.
Next to the Season’s newest diamond, Harriet (Hattie) Woodchurch feels like a plain Jane. But that’s of no consequence, since Hattie’s plan for her future is to earn enough to live far, far away from her embarrassing family.
That is until Mateo Vincente, Duke of Santiava and newly minted Viscount Abbott, arrives in London. While the shy European’s spoken English is impeccable, his writing is less fluent. The ton is eager to meet the handsome bachelor, and so many invitations flood in that Mateo needs a correspondence secretary.
With her perfect penmanship and way with words,Hattie is recommended, and the two bond over books and the ton’s eligible ladies. But when Hattie’s friend Flora becomes smitten with the viscount, things get complicated. Flora is tongue-tied in his presence. To help, Hattie feeds her information about Mateo’s interests. Soon things turn around and Flora appears on track to become his duchess. Yet for Mateo, something’s not quite right. Conversation with Flora isn’t as scintillating as it is with Hattie…
Romance Historical [Canary Street Press, On Sale: May 23, 2023, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781335498229 / eISBN: 9780369706362]
Brooding hero keeps the pages turning!
Fiction for all women and a few good men
Julia London is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty novels. She writes historical romance and contemporary women’s fiction, including the popular Highland Groom historical series, and the acclaimed The Princes of Texas contemporary series. She is a recipient of the RT Book Reviews Best Regency Historical Romance award for THE DANGEROUS GENTLEMAN, and a six-time finalist for the renowned RITA Award for excellence in romantic fiction. She resides in Austin, Texas.
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