Character Interview–Adele Linley | My Heart Belongs Niagara Falls, New York

 

Hi Adele,

thank you so much for agreeing to this interview today! I’ve heard readers have mixed feelings about you, so I’m hoping we can help everyone get to know you better.

Thank you for having me. (smiles demurely)

So I’m just gonna throw all kinds of questions at you. Feel free to answer some or all of them ?
What was the “last straw” so to speak that made you decide on the journey to America?

Well, since Amanda is quite insistent I answer these questions, I’ll do so, though I’m reluctant to speak of some of this. The last straw that started me on my journey was, quite simply, lack of finances. My mother hasn’t been strong since my father’s death, and my brother spends most of his time drinking and gaming. My relatives in America were willing to have me as their houseguest, and in a land across the sea, the shame surrounding our family is not known.
Did you have any reservations about sailing to America to find a wealthy husband?
(Lifts her chin.) I couldn’t allow myself any, though I confess, they did creep in. A woman of my station is bred for one occupation—marriage. I cannot seek actual employment, so marrying a man of means is the only way I can save my family. I know I must give up any thought of love with the course I’ve taken. It hasn’t been easy. But it’s necessary.

What were your first thoughts when you met Drew?

(Twists her fingers in her skirt, face flushed.) I…I did not know what to think. When I first saw him on the deck of the Maid of the Mist, I actually thought he was contemplating jumping overboard. He had a rather strange, transfixed expression on his face. Then, when I met him again, in the garden at the Fargo Mansion, I found his kindness welcome. Out of all those I’ve met, he seemed to actually possess compassion. And….he has rather riveting eyes. Like the sea during a storm.

What was one life-changing decision you don’t regret making?

Allowing myself to have a friendship with Drew Dawson. Though it hasn’t radically altered my life or circumstances, it has given me a measure of peace. A sense of freedom, when otherwise I feel so entrapped.
And maybe one you kinda do regret?
I almost wish I’d stayed in England. My mother’s letters are brimming with bad news about our finances. Perhaps I’d have been of more use to them, had I simply given up the idea of marrying well, and forsook my dream of saving Linley Park. But what’s done is done. I’m in America. And I’ve met Franklin Conway now, who seems desirous to make me his wife. I’m sure he will help save our family home.

Now I’ll get a bit lighter ? cause honestly how can we get to know you without some fun and personable questions!

What’s your favorite item in your reticule right now?

(Blushes furiously.) That really isn’t any of your business! But since Amanda is FORCING me to answer these questions, I’ll honestly do so. Drew Dawson’s button. It was falling from his shirtsleeve. That day on the sidewalk, it was so easy to tug it the rest of the way and slip it into my bag. A gesture born of utter absurdity, I know. This American air is really doing something to my mind…making me steal a man’s shirt button!

Do you have a favorite book?

I enjoy Shakespeare’s Sonnets. But I haven’t had much time for reading over the past years.

Which of your dresses is your favorite?

Lately, my maid has to remake my dresses so the ladies of New York won’t notice I’m wearing the same ones over and over. But I love my emerald green one. It’s so shimmery and elegant.

And what’s your favorite pastime?

These days, my life hasn’t been about doing what I want, but what I must do. There are so many social engagements required of me… But at home in England, I love riding across our family’s land. There’s such safety in knowing it’s ours, and freedom in riding my horse. I haven’t done that in many months, and long to ride again.
Now, I’m afraid I must go and dress for a dinner party tonight. My young cousins insist I chaperone them. Thank you so much for having me today!

Well thank you Adele for stopping by and for answering my questions even if you did so reluctantly…and thank you so much Amanda for “forcing’ her to cooperate!!

ECPA bestselling author Amanda Barratt, fell in love with writing in grade school when she wrote her first story – a spinoff of Jane Eyre. Now, Amanda writes inspirational historical romance, penning stories that transport readers to a variety of locales – from the sweeping coastline of Newport, Rhode Island, to the rugged landscape of Central Texas. Her novella, The Truest Heart, was a finalist in the 2017 FHL Reader’s Choice Awards.

A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she lives in the woods of Michigan with her fabulous family, who kindly put up with the invisible people she calls characters.

These days, Amanda can be found reading way too many books, watching an eclectic mix of BBC dramas and romantic chick flicks, and trying to figure out a way to get on the first possible flight to England.

Find her on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AmandaBarrattauthor
Sign up for her author newsletter on her website— http://amandabarratt.net/
Journey to Niagara Falls, New York, 1870
She avoids danger at all costs. He makes his living by rushing headlong into it.

Outwardly, Adele Linley’s trip to visit her American cousins is nothing more than a summer vacation. In reality, she’s the daughter of an English aristocrat with barely a penny to her name seeking a rich American husband.

Having grown up in an overcrowded orphanage, Drew Dawson is determined to make a name for himself. He’ll take any honest job to provide for his sister—even crossing Niagara Falls by tightrope.

In New York, Adele meets incredibly wealthy and pompous Franklin Conway who takes an immediate fancy to her. But she would truly like to marry for love. When she encounters the mysterious Drew in the garden, Adele is confused by her feelings for someone who is everything she is NOT looking for. Will they both stay the course they have chosen for themselves?

Check out the book on Amazon

Posted By: Alecia · In: Amanda Barrett, Character Interview · Character interview, historical fiction