Character interview with a handsome hero…

I recently sat down with (the fictional…but don’t tell him that) Hugo, Earl Wanstead, an erstwhile Captain in His Majesty’s Army for a brief chat and I am delighted to share it here with you.

His story is told in the Michele Ann Young’s recent release, The Lady Flees Her Lord, which is available in stores now!

 

Thank you, Lord Wanstead, for seeing me today. How are you? 

It is a pleasure, dear lady, and please call me Hugo, since we are going to be close friends for the next few minutes. Please be seated and I will ask the housekeeper to bring tea. And biscuits. Sophia, Lucinda’s little girl, loves biscuits. Unless you’d prefer something stronger?

 

*He looks a little bit hopeful, then colors faintly*

 

Not that I would join you of course.

 

Biscuits and tea are fine. Thanks for asking. So, Hugo, what have you been up to lately?

Aah, well, there is always a great deal to occupy my time on the estate. Tenants with concerns knocking on the door at unexpected moments. Riding around the estate, not to mention the occasional trip to London to buy cattle. For the uninitiated cattle means carriage horses, not cows. Just thought I’d make that clear. Then there is this pesky village fare. Can’t seem to get away from all the fuss.

 

*The housekeeper brings the tea and I pour for us both*

 

So I hear that your story was recently published, have you had a chance to read it yet?

Published? Hurrumph. Didn’t know it was going to be published. Lucinda talked about telling our story, but published? Like that Byron fellow? Or Caro Lamb? Not sure I like that idea. All those people reading about us.  I have read it, of course. I like the end. And the good bits. Read them a couple of times, just to make sure Michele got it right. Of course, reading about it is one thing, living through it is quite another. Some of it is very good.

 

*Gets a dreamy look in the eye, and breathes a bit too fast. I cough and bring him back to the present.*

 

Oh, yes, dear lady. A very good story. A bit tense at the beginning though. Wasn’t sure it would all work out.

 

Well, that’s good and I am sure readers will enjoy reading about you and Lucinda.  Have you read any of the author’s work?

Lord no. I read the Gentlemen’s Magazine and the Times. The London Times, that is. And Shakespeare of course, Plato, Aristotle. I really like Henry Fielding. Mostly I leave those sort of books to the ladies. I do understand her No Regrets was a big hit though.

 

Yes, No Regrets was a wonderful book and I really enjoyed it. Well, let’s talk a little about you and your story. I am sure readers are wondering how you and Lucinda met.

That occasion was a near disaster, I’m afraid. I almost ran her daughter Sophia down while riding Grif, my war stallion. The little girl ran out from among the trees. Good thing Grif is well trained or it would have been a very nasty accident. Not that Lucinda, Mrs. Graham as she was then, went into a fit of the hysterics or anything, as I expected. Took it all in her stride. Very admirable. Struck me as a very sensible woman. And gorgeous. All those lush curves a gentleman is not supposed to notice. I tried not to notice for a very long time.

 

Oh no!  Well, it’s good things turned out okay…I guess.  How are things now between you?

I should let you read the story, but suffice it to say, we had our troubles and we seem to have come through them. Though there are some things I’m worried about, quite frankly.

 

Can you tell us more about her?

Lucinda. Wonderful woman. Deserves nothing but the best, which probably isn’t me.  And that body. Well what can I say? I’m a big man. I like my women in the statuesque style. A man needs something soft to keep him warm at night. But Lucinda is much more than that. Clever with numbers, you know. She can turn a penny into a shilling overnight.  And she plays a wicked game of chess. She plays some other games too – but those I will leave for the story.

 

She sounds wonderful and a nice match for you.  How about telling us a bit more about yourself?  What do you like to do for fun?

Fun?  Oh, you mean enjoyment. I like to ride. I’m teaching Sophia to ride at the moment. I love teaching that child new things.  A quiet game of chess with Lucinda in the evening, or reading a book to her out loud, are perhaps my favorite ways to spend time. We go to London occasionally, as I mentioned. I’m not a great one for balls and routs, but if Lucinda wants to go, then I’m not going to allow anyone else to escort her.

 

*He looks a bit thoughtful*

 

We usually have a really good time, too.  I love anything I do with that woman, I suppose.

 

Aw…that’s nice to hear.  I won’t keep you from her then.  I really appreciate you taking the time to talk with me.  Is there anything you’d like to ask or tell my blog readers before you run off? 

Blog? Is that some newfangled machine? I put a new bathroom in my house. Hot running water and a bath big enough for two. It is the latest thing.

 

*He gets that dreamy look again and I blush a bit as I cough*

 

It is like a newspaper.

Oh.

 

*He looks disappointed*

 

All I would say to your readers is, never judge a book by its cover, although this one is pretty accurate.

 

*He grins as I shake my head and blush…again.  Then I try to check him out inconspicuously and realize that he isn’t really all that wrong*

 

Readers, you can read all about Hugo and Lucinda in The Lady Flees Her Lord.

You can learn more about its author, Michele Ann Young by visiting her site:  http://www.micheleannyoung.com/

And be sure to check back sometime Sunday as I post my review here on the blog of this wonderful historical!