Character Inspiration for Toby Jackson
I confess to feeling under pressure.
Two big deadlines, both December 1.
The first is a work project.
The second is a new short story project for Etopia Press! :D
Moonstone Promise is a short story being submitted for Valentine’s Day and it gives a lovely HEA to one of my favourite supporting characters in Moonstone Obsession, Toby Jackson.
Also being submitted shortly is Moonstone Conspiracy, the unintended sequel. This time the villainous Lady Abigail Houghall finds a life and love of her own. I have that slated for publication first half of next year (fingers’ crossed!)
As for Moonstone Promise, this is a different romance with a different kind of heroine – a widow with a young boy to raise and an ambition to run her own business.
You’ll have to wait to meet the heroine Ann Sellars.
But, to find out a little about Toby, let’s go back to Moonstone Obsession:
Selina saw no point in beating around the bush. “You and James are equals,” she observed, “indeed more than that, you’re friends. Why do you play the role of valet?”
There was a long pause.
“It was my idea,” he confessed. “You’d be surprised how much you can find out if people think you’re merely the hired help.”
He then told of how he and James met, of life in America and some of misadventures they’d had in the four years they had known one another.
Listening to the stories over tea and cake, Selina suspected some of the tales had been embellished to entertain her—or sanitized so as not to shock her.
Nevertheless she was touched by the depth of the friendship.
“James is very fortunate to have a true friend in you.”
“It goes both ways,” Jackson responded. “And it extends to you too, Selina. I meant what I said at the beach,” he added earnestly. “If there is ever a time you need help or need a friend, I’ll be there for you as I am for James.”
Not trusting herself to speak, she merely whispered “Thank you,” and reached across the table to squeeze his arm.
In the next moment, a familiar voice called out, “Dearest Selina! My summer is now immeasurably better for seeing you.”
Selina stiffened at the sound of Viscount Canalissy’s greeting.
Selina and Jackson stood, offering the respect due the title if not the man.
Geoffrey wasn’t alone. Abigail had her arm through his as though lifelong friends had been recently reunited.
“Jackson, I’m glad I’ve found you,” said Abigail. “I have work for you; come with me, there’s a good man.”
Selina bit her lip, struggling not to smile at the look of distaste that washed briefly across Jackson’s features. His eyes held hers for the moment as if torn over the right course of action.
Selina’s nodded almost imperceptibly to him and he sighed and turned to Abigail. “How might I be of service, milady?”
Moonstone Promise Free on Amazon