Rosalind Thorne sits down for a Q&A with dru’s book musings responding to twenty or more questions so we can learn more about her. Are you ready? Let’s get to know Rosalind.

What is your full name?
Miss Rosalind Marianne Thorne

How old are you?
Twenty-five.

What is your profession?
As the daughter of a gentleman in these days, I cannot properly admit to having a “profession.” I have, however, made myself useful to ladies of London society, helping solve certain delicate personal problems that they would prefer were kept private.

Do you have a significant other?
Such an interesting term. But if I understand you correctly, not at this time. I do, however, have relationships that may grow into something more.

What is their name and profession?
At one time I was engaged to Devon Winterbourne, now Duke of Casselmaine, but that was before my father abandoned his family. I have also been fortunate enough to gain the considerate friendship of Adam Harkness, principle officer at the Bow Street Police Station.

Do you have any children?
None.

Do you have any siblings?
I have an older sister, Charlotte Thorne from whom I am estranged, to say the least.

Are your parents nearby?
As reluctant as I am to admit it, my family situation is fraught. My father is still living, but he abandoned our family when I was seventeen, taking my older sister Charlotte with him. The shock of it, and the necessity of having to deal with his debts afterwards, broke my mother’s health and she died shortly afterwards.

Who is your best friend?
Without question, Alice Littlefield. We met during my brief stay at a new boarding school. Alice is a writer and translator who writes the “Society Notes,” column for The London Chronicle.

Do you have any pets?
I am afraid not.

What town do you live in?
London, England.

Do you live in a small town or a big city?
London, at the time I am writing (summer, 1819), is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the United Kingdom or, indeed, the whole of Europe.

Type of dwelling and do you own or rent?
I rent a house in Little Russell Street. It is a small establishment, and I fear the neighborhood is not entirely fashionable, being closer to the neighborhood of Covent Garden than might strictly be deemed desirable.

What is your favorite spot in your home?
My front parlor, which is small, but comfortable and the windows afford plenty of sunlight.

Favorite meal and dessert?
I am very fond of spring lamb with fresh peas and parsley sauce. I also have a great fondness for an apple charlotte for pudding.

Do you have any hobbies?
I was raised with the usual accomplishments, most of which, I fear, I am not terribly proficient at, mostly due to lack of practice. I am very fond of reading, and, of course, I maintain a large and varied correspondence.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Unfortunately, I have not been able to travel simply for the pleasure of it for some time. And when I was younger, our summers were largely spent at the country houses of various family acquaintances.

What music do you listen to?
Whenever possible I attend the opera.

Do you have a favorite book?
I must own to being a novel reader. I am very fond of the works of Maria Edgeworth and Catherine Gore, although they can be a bit moralistic for my tastes. I very much enjoyed the novel Northhanger Abbey which I read recently.

What is your idea of a really fun time?
A morning stroll with like-minded company, an afternoon at the circulating library, a quiet dinner with good friends, followed by an evening at the theater.

If you were to write a memoir, what would you call it?
Some Observations Upon the Life of a Useful Woman.

Amateur or professional sleuth and whom do you work with?
I inhabit a somewhat middle ground. From where I write, there isn’t even an exact word for someone, much less a woman, who makes inquiries into matters such as private extortion, which is not, as you know, technically even illegal. But I am quietly compensated for my efforts by my aristocratic clientele. It must be quietly, of course, because to request, or accept money when one is a gentlewoman, is contrary to the rules of society.

In a few sentences, what is a typical day in your life like?
My day generally begins early, with a light breakfast, typically coffee and toast with jam and butter. Then, I will attend to correspondence, household accounts, and notes in my various journals or visiting books. Then, typically, there will be a round of calls and errands, either on my own behalf, or on behalf of one of my ladies. I will return home between five and six. If I am going out for the evening, I will rest and dress. If I am staying in, I will change and enjoy a simple supper, some more time with my letters (it is astonishing how much business is conducted by means of letters), and if time allows a good book. If I am most unlucky, there may be a murder.

A Lady Compromised is the fourth book in the “Rosalind Thorne” historical mystery series, released November 24, 2020.

Rosalind is pleased when she’s invited to Cassel House to help her friend, Louisa, prepare for her upcoming wedding. But that’s not the only event on her agenda. The trip will also afford Rosalind the chance to see Devon Winterbourne, the newly minted Duke of Casselmaine. Devon and Rosalind were on the verge of betrothal before the infamous Thorne family scandal derailed their courtship. Now Rosalind wonders if there’s a chance their love might reignite.

Devon is as handsome as Rosalind remembers and it’s clear the attraction they once shared hasn’t waned. But their time together is interrupted by one crisis after another–not the least of which is an awkwardly timed request for help from Louisa’s friend, Helen Corbyn.

Not long ago, the untimely death of Helen’s brother, William, was ruled a suicide, but few people truly believe he took his own life. Helen needs to know what really happened–especially since she’s engaged to the man some suspect of secretly killing William.

While Rosalind desperately wants to help, she fears her efforts might cast a pall over Louisa’s nuptials, not to mention her reunion with Devon. But when another untimely death rocks the ton, Rosalind has no choice but to uncover the truth before more people die…even if her actions threaten her future with Devon.

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Meet the author
Darcie Wilde is a Michigan based author of historical mysteries and romances. When not writing, she embroiders, hikes, bakes, spends way too much time watching cooking shows. She has a husband (Tim) and a son (Alex) and lots of opinions about nineteenth century novels which she mostly tries to keep to herself.

All comments are welcomed.