Let's read an EXCERPT before we get to the interview!
The woman had a stubborn streak in her that surpassed that of King Richard. Bryce frowned as he waited for a response from her. But instead of a response, she kept her folded arms before her and glared back at him. The wench not only had spirit, but she had courage. Bryce grudgingly admired that in her.
He didn't want to like or admire her. That complicated an already complex situation. He still hadn't figured out what to do with the woman. It might help if he knew what she kept from him and ---he paused in his thoughts---if she didn't get more beautiful every time he saw her.
Lord have mercy on him, but in the past sennight the swelling had gone down in her face and the bruises had began to fade, giving him a glimpse of her real beauty.
He continued to wait for her answer. Little did she know that her silence spoke volumes. It told him that she did keep something from him.
PURCHASE:
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And now let's see what Bryce and Deirdre are up to.
Bryce, what was your first impression of Deirdre?
You mean when she wanted me to believe she was a lad? If I am honest with you, I found her a bit annoying and I also found enjoyment irritating her.
What about you, Deirdre? What was your first impression of Bryce?
Weel, I dinna think my impression of Bryce was any better than his of me. I saw him as my enemy—an arrogant English enemy. He is still rather full of himself.
Bryce: What does that mean lass?
Deirdre: Nothing dearling. Just making an observation.
Oh my! Sounds like you two were off to quite an interesting start.
Deirdre: ’Tis a kind way of putting it.
Aye, becoming a knight teaches a man responsibilities if he learns under an honorable lord. He learns to defend and care for the weak and less fortunate. ’Tis dangerous at times, but a man will not die any earlier or live any longer than the good Lord wishes. I should have died two times by all accounts, but the Lord was not ready to let me go. The same would be for a son. God will watch over him.
Deirdre, if you have a daughter someday what would you like for her?
I wish for her tae always know the love of her parents and tae never doubt it. I would want her tae have love in her heart and no’ bitterness and anger. And I hope she will find a man worthy of her, who loves her and treats her with respect.
Bryce, is there one person in particular that you look up to?
’Twould be my father. He was a man who loved his family, believed in honor, and a man’s word. I would give up Rosen Craig today if I could bring him back.
Deirdre, who was the most influential person in your life?
I fear it would be my uncle, though his influence was no’ a guid one. He taught me tae hate the English, tae distrust people and fear my da. I am trying tae put that behind me and forget his lies.
I see you don’t still hate the English, Deirdre. What changed?
Weel, there is much tae be said for living amongst people. You are able tae see who they are instead of the lies one has been fed. What my uncle told me did no’ ring true as I watched and experienced the kindness of the English people.
Bryce: Me, lass? You experienced my kindness?
Deirdre: You mean like when you captured me and dragged me tae Rosen Craig?
Bryce: I did not drag you, lass. You rode on my horse.
Haha. Well, now I look forward to that story!
What would the perfect life look like to you, Bryce?
My parents would still live and could meet my lovely wife.
What about you, Deirdre?
I think I am living it. I have a guid husband, a child on the way, and a Lord who watches over us.
Bryce: You had to show me up, lass, did you not?
Deirdre: You are just jealous that you did no’ think of it.
Speaking of jealous, Bryce, were you ever jealous of your brother?
Nay. I had nothing to be jealous of. Now you may wish to ask Royce that question if you would like a different answer.
Deirdre: I am going tae tell Royce you said that.
Bryce: Now lass, do not be trying to stir up problems.
Deirdre: Oh nay, I would no’ stir trouble. However, the next time I need an ally, I ken I will find one in your brother.
Was it hard growing up without parents, Deirdre?
As I look back, I see the years were harder than I realized at the time, so aye, it was. I watched other children and longed tae have a mother and da like them. And although Mairi was guid tae me, she still was no’ a mother. And I had tae grow up pretending tae be a lad. I found myself trying tae find validation by being the best at anything I could. But it never worked because I was no’ who I pretended tae be.
Thank you for taking the time out of what I know is a very busy schedule with all of your responsibilities. Is there anything either of you would like to say to the readers, Deirdre?
Yes, please come visit us in Sword of Trust. We would love tae have you.
Bryce, anything you’d like to say?
See you in Cumberland.
Debbie Lynne Costello is the author of Sword of Forgiveness, Amazon's #1 seller for Historical Christian Romance. She has enjoyed writing stories since she was eight years old. She raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories that had been begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and live in upstate South Carolina with their 4 horses, 3 dogs, a miniature donkey, and 6 peking ducks.
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