Authors Interviewing Characters: R. K. Harrington interviews the Marquess of Rochester
“An entertaining period love story, nicely balancing breathless lust with social satire and high-mindedness.” -Kirkus Reviews
Kindred Schemes takes place in 1809, and follows Lady Alaina through her first season in London. Displeased with her start in society, she decides to set her sights on the most eligible bachelor of the season, the Duke of Ashford. But, unbeknownst to Lady Alaina, she runs into the duke’s best friend first. Now she must choose between the duke and his best friend, the Marquess of Rochester. He is broody and infuriating, but maybe there is a soft heart under all the gruffness.
Since Kindred Schemes takes place in 1809, this interview was a bit tricky. Let’s imagine I traveled to the past, and took some modern interview equipment with me (microphone for recording, etc.). However, the gentleman I am interviewing is in his formalwear. He has just come from one of the many society events in London and has agreed to talk with me, my sound person serving as my chaperone.
R. K. Harrington interviewing the Marquess of Rochester, catching him at the end of an evening of dreaded society events.
R. K. Harrington: “I am here with the Marquess of Rochester, Christopher Kendall, in the middle of the London season. How are you today, Christopher?”
Marquess of Rochester: “My lord.”
R. K. Harrington: “Pardon?”
MoR: “It is proper to call me ‘my lord’. We are barely acquainted. I would not wish for anyone to get the wrong idea. You should have a care about your reputation.”
R. K. Harrington: “My apologies, my lord.”
MoR: “Your apology is noted. And I am well, thank you.”
R. K. Harrington: “That is wonderful to hear, …my lord. Now if I may ask…?”
MoR: “That is the purpose of this conversation, is it not?”
R. K. Harrington: “You are correct [clearing throat sound]. How are you enjoying the season?”
MoR: “As I do any season: abominably, but all in service to a friend.”
R. K. Harrington: “That is the Duke of Ashford?”
MoR: “True, not that he needs me. Ballrooms are his forte.”
R. K. Harrington: “Well, you are a good friend. At least it sounds that way. So, I guess, there is nothing in it for you?”
MoR [pause]: “Not nothing, I would say, but not much good.”
R. K. Harrington: “Well, let’s focus on the good, shall we? Have you met anyone interesting, my lord?”
MoR: “Highly improper topic of conversation. But, if you must know, I have met some people, some infuriating and…”
R. K. Harrington: “And others? Anyone in particular?”
MoR: “Well, there is one person, but the lady is… maddening and …”
R. K. Harrington: “And…?”
MoR: “Intriguing? I am not sure if we should be discussing this.”
R. K. Harrington: “Are you intending to court the lady?”
MoR: “What?! Preposterous! No, I just told you she is maddening. Besides, she is being courted presently.”
R. K. Harrington: “Maddening may have been the wrong term. It sounds to me that she may have vexed you.”
MoR: “Vexed? No. I mean…”
R. K. Harrington: “Nevermind, let’s change the subject. Who is courting her?”
MoR: (silence)
R. K. Harrington [pause]: “Oh, so you are jealous of your friend, the duke? Like a ‘Jessie’s Girl’ situation.”
MoR: “Who is Jessie? You are certainly free with given names, madam.”
R. K. Harrington: “No matter on who Jessie is, my readers will know. But you do sound jealous.”
MoR: “My feelings are of no account.”
R. K. Harrington: “Of course your feelings matter.”
MoR: (silence)
R. K. Harrington: “So what are you going to do?”
MoR: “There is nothing to do.”
R. K. Harrington: “I think there may be something you could do.”
MoR: “But… [throat clearing sound]. If you will excuse me.” (Sound of a microphone being dropped)
R. K. Harrington: “It sounds like the Marquess of Rochester finally knows his heart. Let’s hope he gets what he desires.”
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R. K. Harrington is a debut historical romance author, combining swoon-worthy romance with a bit of mystery. Her first novel, Kindred Schemes, was released February 2026.
In 2021, R. K. Harrington found that her daydreams were yearning to spill over to the written page, and, ever since, has been writing historical romance with a dash of mystery in hopes of publishing her work one day. After much editing, and long hours designing, she is excited that her first book has been released.
When R. K. Harrington is not writing or reading (or working her day job as an engineer), she is having fun with her husband, their kids, and her very cute dog, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Maximus. They all live in the DMV area, where the summers are hot, the winters are cold, and the two days of spring and fall are beautiful enough to open the windows!
Category: Interviews, On Writing
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