Today I am so pleased to welcome Edale Lane to Joyfully Jay. Edale has come to talk to us about her latest release, Daring Duplicity. She has also brought along a great giveaway. Please join me in giving her a big welcome!
Edale is sharing a character interview with us today!
Reporter: Today I am speaking with Miss Stetson Goody, receptionist and general assistant to ace detective Xavier Wellington, who is as reclusive as he is successful. Hopefully, Miss Goody can shine some light on this eccentric enigma… and tell us a bit about herself as well. Miss Goody, how did you come to work for Mr. Wellington?
Stetson: Nearly ten years ago I was working in the law office of Solicitor William Cain as a clerk along with Mr. Wellington’s nephew, Jonathon McGrath. I helped Mr. McGrath out of a pickle and he recommended me to his uncle for the post.
Reporter: Clerk at a law office, not a typical occupation for a young lady. What did you do before that and what led you into such a male-dominated field?
Stetson: My mother was an actress on the London stage and I grew up working in the theatre, but when she died, it seemed her spirit lingered in every corner. I wanted to find employment elsewhere with wages that would continue to provide the middle-class lifestyle to which I was accustomed. The theatre manager put in a good word for me with Solicitor Cain. Honestly, I found nothing about the job as clerk to indicate a woman was not as well-suited or more so to perform splendidly in the post.
Reporter: Indeed. But a private investigator’s assistant must be much more exciting. Tell us what duties you perform for Mr. Wellington.
Stetson: As you know, Mr. X goes to great lengths to keep his identity secret. This provides the anonymity required to get the drop on criminals since no one knows what he looks like. My primary responsibility is to act as a liaison between the detective and our clients. In addition, I run errands, perform correspondences, and on the rare occasion act a minor role in his schemes to catch felons in the act of committing a crime.
Reporter: Miss Goody, you mentioned Mr. Wellington’s insistence on concealing his identity, but Londoners are curious. Isn’t there something you can tell us about him?
Stetson: I can tell you that Mr. Wellington is the most brilliant detective in the business and a master of disguise. Why, even if you knew what he looked like, he could pass you on the street without you having an inkling. He enjoys a game of chess with his friends, a good pipe tobacco, and classical music. He is also a most generous employer.
Reporter: How so?
Stetson: Mr. X keeps his home address secret from everyone, even me; but he allows me to stay in the apartment he keeps above the office for Xavier Wellington Private Investigations rent free. It works well for both of us; I can spend my salary on other things and he has someone to watch over the office in case a client has an after-hours emergency.
Reporter: You mentioned his use of disguises; what else can you tell me about the methods of investigation the sleuth employs?
Stetson: Mr. Wellington has a keen sense of observation and notices miniscule details that others overlook. He then employs logic and deduction to draw credible conclusions based on what he has observed. Intuition is one of his most useful talents, coupled with an uncanny ability to read people. He’s also an excellent shot with a revolver.
Reporter: In our newspaper we report on criminal cases involving Scotland Yard and often Mr. Wellington is credited on an assist. Can you describe your employer’s relationship with the police?
Stetson: As you are aware, some private investigators see themselves as rivals of Scotland Yard, but that is not the case for Mr. X. He finds that working in conjunction with the police is beneficial to all involved. Our agency is paid by private clients for many reasons, not all of which involve crimes. When they do, our clients wish to have stolen items—or persons—returned unharmed. Mr. Wellington can do that, but to prevent the criminals from repeating their offenses, they need to be arrested, charged, put on trial, and pay their debt to society. Once we find the perpetrator and have sufficient evidence for an arrest, we like to notify Inspector Ruben Perry of Scotland Yard, a capable man who has become a friend of Mr. Wellington’s, as well as a colleague.
Reporter: Miss Goody, can you tell us what you do when you are not performing your duties for Mr. Wellington?
Stetson: I am most devoted to my work and am often needed at odd hours; as you know, Xavier Wellington is a most eccentric man. But I socialize with family and friends, like people do. I enjoy taking in a lecture or a trip down memory lane at the theatre. I love music and have recently discovered the burlesque extravaganzas. They have something for everyone, and I found aspects of their musical productions which I simply adore.
Reporter: I can’t help but notice that while you present some rather impressively attractive attributes, you remain single well past the common marrying age. May I be so bold as to ask if there is anything of an intimate nature between you and your employer?
Stetson: Now, you know I could not possibly divulge such sensitive information; but since the answer is an unequivocal “no,” I feel it is safe for me to do so. While my relationship with Mr. X is indeed as close as any can be, it is not that of a lover or paramour. I follow such trail-blazers as Mary Wollstonecraft, Barbara Bodichon, and Lydia Becker, who teach that a woman can accomplish anything a man can and should be granted equality in the workplace and the right to vote. Some men seem to be of the opinion that marriage is the only road available to a woman, and I assure you that is not the case. I conduct a happy and fulfilled life without a husband.
Reporter: Well, on that note, I believe it is time to conclude our interview. Thank you for filling us in on a few details about your work with the incomparable Xavier Wellington.
Blurb
Solving mysteries is her business. Finding love is her dream. Will combining the two get her killed?
Victorian Era England. Stetson revels in being unconventional. So when society shies away from her independent nature, the bold woman creates an imaginary boss and opens her own detective agency. And her keen observational skills, convincing disguises, and Holmesian methods quickly bring in a string of tough-to-crack cases.
Struggling to squeeze a personal life in around a series of hazardous investigations, Stetson worries she’ll never find a woman of like-passions. But with her heart set on true love despite the risk, she carries on hunting for the perfect relationship.
Will her clever escapades lead to death… or delight?
Daring Duplicity: The Wellington Mysteries, Vol. 1, Adventures of a Lesbian Victorian Detective is a collection of five sequential novellas, each encompassing its own exciting mystery while furthering the story of Stetson’s life in London. If you enjoy crime dramas, Victorian era fiction, or a sweet lesbian romance, then you’ll love award-winning author Edale Lane’s Daring Duplicity. Order yours today!
Buy Links:
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QDTF9YN
- Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60119173-daring-duplicity-the-wellington-mysteries-vol-1
Bio
Edale Lane is an award-winning author (Rainbow Awards, Imaginarium Awards, Lesfic Bard Awards) who is realizing her dream of being a full-time writer. She is the alter-ego of author Melodie Romeo, (Tribute in Blood, Terror in Time, and others) who founded Past and Prologue Press. Both identities are qualified to write historical fiction by virtue of an MA in History and 24 years spent as a teacher, along with skill and dedication regarding research. A native of Vicksburg, MS, Edale (or Melodie) is also a musician who loves animals, gardening, and nature. After driving an 18-wheeler cross-country for eight years, she now lives with her partner in beautiful Chilliwack, B.C. Canada.
- Author Website: https://pastandprologuepress.lpages.co/
- Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/melodie.romeo/
- Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/Pastandprologuepress/
- Author Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/EdaleLane
- Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edale_lane
- Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15264354.Edale_Lane
- Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/edale-land/
- Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/edale-land/
- Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Edale-Lane/e/B07GRFPDRZ
Giveaway
Edale is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card with this tour:
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Welcome, Edale, and thanks for the interview with Stetson as well as the giveaway chance. Edale is a name I’ve not encountered previously. Will you share how you pronounce it?