You’re very welcome. I was most pleased to receive the invitation to call.
As to why Miss McDonald chose to write about what happened during my London season in 1816, I haven’t a clue. I’ve heard that the Scots often do unusual things. (Charming as her hat is, it does support what people have said about Scots.) But, with the war with France finally at an end, I daresay there were many other stories to tell from that year that were more dramatic than my own.
Tell us a little about yourself?
Of course. My father was a captain in the Navy and, tragically, died at sea when I was still in the nursery. A year later, my dear Mama married Sir Gerald Craethorne, and we removed to Craethorne Manor in Dorsetshire. I grew up in the country with a governess and, when I was older, with music teachers and a dancing master, as well.
What is your birth date?
I was born on the second of September in 1797, so I will be nineteen very soon.
Where do you live? What is it about that area that drew you?
I believe I shall always wish for Dorsetshire to be my home. I enjoy riding my horse, Venilia, especially in the spring and summer months, when the weather is warmer, and the hills and grazing commons are particularly green. I like the history of the old churches, traveling down the quiet country lanes, and visiting the lovely shops in Dorchester.
What’s your favorite music?
I do enjoy Mozart, although I fear I am hopelessly inept at playing his etudes for the pianoforte, as they are prodigiously difficult.
Will we be seeing more of you or are you stepping out of the limelight?
(Puzzled) Forgive me. I’m not certain what the “limelight” even is. Is that something one would find at a theatre like Drury Lane?
Sort of, it means attention, but let's go on. Tell us about William Wycliffe…what drew you to him?
Will and I have known each other since childhood, and I have been the best of friends with his younger sister, Lyvia, since I came to live at Craethorne Manor. He and I are very much alike, well-matched in our sensibilities and intellect, I believe. But, truly, we are more than friends, and always shall be. Of course, as is often the case, I realized our sameness long before he did.
Do you believe in ghosts?
I have never seen one, even during my visit to the Tower, but England’s history is rife with tales of hauntings. I do believe that the spirit of my deceased father has always watched over me and, more than once, kept me from harm.
Why should the readers be interested in your story?
My story is really a very simple one of finding the way to one’s true love. Although, as Mr. Shakespeare wrote in his play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, ‘the course of true love ne’er did run smooth,’ and thus it has been with me. But I would think that any gentleman or lady who enjoys spending a rainy afternoon with Shakespeare or the poetry of Lord Byron might enjoy reading about what happened with me, as well.
(Laughs) I most certainly hope not. ’Tis a picture of Craethorne Manor, where I have lived most of my life. Still, I suppose I do resemble it in some ways, as I intend to be as strong and steady it has always been.
Now here, I invite you to take a peek at Marisa's Choice and form your own opinions as to why Miss McDonald wrote about my London season.
A determined young Regency lady...three eligible suitors...one true love.
Marisa Landon agrees to a whirlwind London Season because it seems to be the only way to prove to William Wycliffe that their lifelong friendship can turn into something more. She has loved Will since she was only fourteen. Now that she’s grown up and he’s returned from the war, she’s more determined than ever to make him her own.
But first, Marisa must deal with her step-father’s attempt to engage her to an eccentric viscount and the unexpected attentions of Will’s best friend, a charming young earl who can offer her wealth and status.
What will Marisa choose to do if Will won't offer for her?
To read an excerpt from Marisa's Choice, please click HERE.
Kadee McDonald grew up in the heat and humidity of the Texas Gulf Coast, but often dreamed of the cool elegance of the early-19th century London ballrooms that she read about in Regency romances. She decided to put her dreams on paper (well, at least on the computer screen), and the result is her first release from Musa, a traditional Regency novel, MARISA’S CHOICE.
Learn more about Kadee McDonald on her website. Stay connected on Twitter and Facebook.
1 comment:
Thanks for letting Marisa share her opinions on the blog today. and, in my defense, may I say that the hat was borrowed?
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