Step in the Past

With the charming and disarming Catherine Ellis, the heroine in Lynda Dunwell's soon to be released Aurora Regency Captain Westwood’s Inheritance.

Thank you for coming to chat with us today. Why do you think Lynda Dunwell chose you to represent her?
We are both independently-minded women who believe everyone has the right to make their own way in the world. Lynda loves to write, whereas my talents are artistic.

Tell us a little about yourself?
My ambition is to become a professional portrait painter, but my father will hear none of it. He brought me south to Hampshire to stay with my aunt and uncle at the parsonage in Aston. The visit was arranged most speedily because I was about to elope with Rossi, my Venetian art master, until it was discovered he was already married. Being most particular about my reputation, Papa insisted I remove from the county. I know eloping was a foolish notion but the life Rossi promised me was so appealing. He said I could assist him in his London studio. He flattered me, and I believed he loved me.

What is your birth date?
I was born June 18th 1782, so I haven’t yet reached my majority.

Where do you live? What is it about that area that drew you?
Currently I am residing in Hampshire. It is a fine county, I like it exceedingly and the company is very congenial. My aunt, she has a tendency to talk too much but she has a good heart and helps the poor of the parish, considers it her duty to introduce me to eligible gentlemen. Why I had only been in the neighborhood for three days when I met Captain Sir Jonathan Westwood. I was struck by his dashing good looks, charm, and excellent manners. I understand his father has met with a violent death, and Sir Jonathan has been cheated out of his inheritance.

How do you feel about being in a sequel?
I’m not sure I understand. Do you mean Lynda has used the same setting and some of the characters from her debut novel? If so, I am very pleased she chose me to be the heroine of her new novel. The neighborhood and society are new to me, but there is one gentleman I would dearly like to introduce you to, of course, you’ll have to read “Captain Westwood’s Inheritance” if you wish to meet him.

What’s your favorite music?
Your question has made be blush, because Sir Jonathan converses about music the night he stays at the parsonage. I am playing some Mozart on the pianoforte and he comes to listen to me. When I ask him about his life in His Majesty’s Britannic Navy, I can’t resist playing Hearts of Oak. Little do I expect him to sing the chorus and verse. He has the most engaging tenor voice.

As an artist, what do you think about the cover of Lynda’s book Captain Westwood’s Inheritance?
It is most appealing and I do not believe I could have painted Aston Grange better. I stay there for a few days as Mrs. Quentin’s guest. She is the daughter of Admiral Richmond. The Richmonds featured in Lynda’s debut novel Marrying the Admiral’s Daughter which was also published by Musa. But I digress, I am a portrait painter and I am indebted to Lynda because she allows me to sketch people around the village of Aston without hindrance. Of course, I draw Sir Jonathan several times and, unwittingly, also Admiral Richmond’s nephew which proves very useful in the story, but I must not give the plot away, that would ruin your enjoyment of the novel. It has been most pleasant making your acquaintance and I hope we meet again soon.

Can love triumph over treachery and abduction?

Home from the sea after six years absence, Captain Sir Jonathan Westwood receives news of his father’s violent death and discovers his family fortune decimated through treachery. Until he has recovered his family estates he declares he is in no position to offer any lady marriage, even the pretty Miss Ellis.

Talented artist Catherine Ellis is staying in the neighborhood recovering from a fortunate escape from an unsuitable elopement. She wants to become an artist, but her mill-owner father will not allow it. She falls in love with the dashing Sir Jonathan but believes she is unworthy of him.

With the help of friends, Jonathan struggles against skullduggery and attempted murder to restore the Westwood fortune. He has almost succeeded, when Catherine is abducted by pirates bound for France. Can he save the woman he loves and find happiness?

Lynda Dunwell loves reading and writing historical romantic fiction. Her novels are usually set in the 19th or 20th century. She adores the period settings, the costumes and the escapism the past provides. Short story writer, genealogist and researcher, she loves anything nautical and unusual. She is based in the English Midlands and is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and the Historical Novel Society.

Learn more about Lynda Dunwell on her website.