Meet Lady Celinda Graham

Since I’ve been posting some snippets of my Victorian short romance Heart of Deception, I thought you might like to learn a little more about the heroine, Lady Celinda Graham.  So I’m having a little chat with Celinda this morning over tea.

Jenna:  Lady Celinda, how good of you to call this morning.  I’m very glad you agreed to talk with me and my readers about yourself.

Celinda:  Good Morning, Miss Jenna.  I am always happy to accommodate you.  This tea is excellent.  And such delicious cakes.  You must have a wonderful cook.

Jenna:  I, uh, made these myself, Lady Celinda.

Celinda:  Your cook is indisposed?

Jenna:  My cook is non-existent.  But I am glad you are enjoying them.  I was hoping you could tell my readers a little bit about your plight.

Celinda:  Well, yes, I am in such distress these days.  You see, I’m in love with the most wonderful man imaginable, but my father refuses to allow us to marry.

Jenna:  Why would he do such a thing?  He does not approve of the match?

Celinda:  No, he doesn’t!  And for such a silly reason.  Andrew, Viscount Hurston, the most handsome, most gentle, most loving man a girl could ask for, has unfortunate ancestors.  His great-great-great grandfather was a scandalous man during the days of the Restoration.  A very wicked man, indeed.  He kidnapped my father’s great-great aunt and…*whispering* well, he ruined her, and *resumes normal voice* then refused to marry her.  She died in disgrace and the families have never spoken since.

Jenna:  Well, that does sound like a valid reason not to want you to marry into that family.  Such wild streaks run in families sometimes.

Celinda:  But not in Andrew!  He would never consider dishonoring a woman.

Jenna:  You’ve known him long?

Celinda:  For three months.  But I know Andrew.  He is above reproach.  He has only ever treated me with the utmost respect.

Jenna:  What makes Andrew so wonderful, Celinda?

Celinda:  Oh, he’s very tall, and handsome, and looks divine in his evening dress!  And when he waltzes with me, with his hand on my waist, I feel quite…quite…

Jenna:  Lustful?

Celinda:  *gasps* Miss Jenna!  How could you say such a thing?

Jenna:  But you admit you are attracted to the man?

Celinda:  *blushes* Yes, of course.

Jenna:   And he is extremely good-looking?  With a well-built body?

Celinda:  Ah…yes, Andrew is a handsome man.*fans self with hand*

Jenna:  And when he dances with you, you are quite overcome by the feelings his touch excites in you?

Celinda:  *voice rising to a squeak* Excites! *takes a fan from reticule and fans herself rapidly*  I believe it is time for me to go, Miss Jenna.

Jenna:  I’m sorry if I’ve upset you, Celinda.  But I feel I must advise you to take caution where Andrew is concerned.  Your deep feelings for him may lead you to actions with grave consequences.

Celinda:  You mean his plan to allow us to wed?

Jenna:  *suspiciously* He has a plan, does he?

Celinda: *proudly* He does, indeed.  A plan that’s a bit…scandalous he says, but that will make Papa insist that we marry.

Jenna:  What is his plan, Celinda?

Celinda:  *rises* I’m sorry to have to rush off, Miss Jenna, but I’m to meet Andrew you see, this afternoon.  We’re finalizing his…our plan.

Jenna:  Celinda, please, you mustn’t do anything rash.  What if Andrew really isn’t the man you think he is?  What if he’s just like his ancestor?

Celinda:  I’m sure you’re wrong, Miss Jenna.  Andrew loves me.  And I’ll do anything to assure that we can be together always.

Jenna:  Anything? Celinda, just what is Andrew asking you to do?

Celinda:  Thank you so much for your hospitality, Miss Jenna.  You must call on me after my marriage, when I am Lady Hurston.  Good morning.

Jenna:  *sighs* I only hope that will be possible, Celinda.

If you’d like to learn the outcome of Celinda  and Andrew’s plan, pick up a copy of Heart of Deception, available for .99 at Amazon, Books to Go Now and most other e-retailers.

Thanks for coming by to meet Celinda.  I only hope everything turns out all right for the poor girl.