Book Title: ART OF THE CHASE – Book 1 of the Bostwicks of Trillium Bay series
Character Name: Emerson Joan McKenna… um…Talbot
How would you describe your family or your childhood?
My childhood? Hmm, I suppose that depends on whether I deliver the unvarnished truth or provide you with my standard, slightly-less-than-honest answer. I have a reputation to protect, you see, and a lady is entitled to her secrets. However, I can tell you that my father was a well-respected portraitist with an eye for the ladies he painted. They didn’t seem to mind. My mother was not a part of our lives because she passed away soon after I was born. (Pssst… that’s not true. She abandoned us, leaving my father to raise me on his own.) Growing up in 1880 Chicago was an exciting time. The city was burgeoning with new industry (especially after the great fire) and although our home was modest, we had a fair number of well-to-do friends. Still… I often felt as if was on the outside looking in.
What was your greatest talent?
Ah, that one is much easier to answer! I’m an artist, just like my father. I could hold a paintbrush before I could hold a pencil and my father taught me everything he knew. In fact, most people couldn’t tell my work from his…
Who is your significant other?
Hmm, another tricky one. I have a husband… I just have no idea where he is. One thing I do know for certain, though? He never loved me. Our marriage was a ruse – a game where I was his unwitting pawn. But Chase Bostwick? There’s a man a girl can trust with her whole heart. He’s handsome, wealthy, and best of all – he loves me for exactly who I am. For all my flaws and shenanigans, he says he wants to marry me. (Don’t go thinking he’s perfect, though. He has a few flaws of his own. He is a man, after all!)
What is your biggest challenge in relationships?
Having a derelict, missing husband while falling helplessly in love with another man certainly tops the list, but Chase being a member of Chicago’s elite society while I’m an anonymous painter without a dime to my name is a close second. Chase’s mother thinks I’m a scamp – an opportunist just out for the family money. Fortunately, his sister, Daisy, has become a dear friend to me, and she’s on our side.
Where do you live?
I was born in Paris but have spent most of my life in Chicago. Paris beckons to me, though. I very much want to go back.
Do you have any enemies?
Mrs. Constance Bostwick, for one. She’ll never accept me as an equal. Mr. Beeks, the sweaty-pated manager of the Imperial Hotel is none too fond of me either. He’s a portentous toad of a man, and of course, there is the little matter of me tricking him into giving me a job…
How do you feel about the place where you are now?
At this very moment, I am blissfully content – but if I tell you precisely where I am, I’ll be revealing too much! Suffice it to say, I’m sure I am right where I’m meant to be, and surrounded by people who love me.
What is your greatest disappointment?
I’m very sad that my father is no longer with me. I think he’d be tickled (and proud) of all I’ve accomplished since he passed away. Of course, he’d also be annoyed by some of the things I’ve done… but as my dear friend Ruth says, “A girl has got to eat!”
What is your greatest source of joy?
Painting en plain air on the front porch of the Imperial Hotel brings me a bounty of joy, but even more so when Chase is sitting nearby and reading one of our many favorite books. He wasn’t much of a fiction reader before we met but I’ve turned him into a devotee.
What do you do to entertain yourself or have fun?
See above! But in addition to painting and reading, the Imperial Hotel offers a myriad of leisure pursuits such as golf, sailing, lawn tennis, even doggie-paddle races (with actual dogs!) but that’s a story for another time. I also enjoy traveling. Chase used to say his favorite place was his office at fifty-five East Washington street in Chicago, but just like reading for pleasure, I’m teaching him to look up from his desk every once in a while, and enjoy the view.
What is your greatest personal failing?
Trusting the wrong man was certainly my biggest mistake, but becoming duplicitous like him was the wrong way to go about solving my problems. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Now I’ve learned my lesson. No more secrets from me – except when it comes to Chase’s mother. She already dislikes me, so I’ve kept a few things from her.
What keeps you awake at night?
Before coming to the Imperial Hotel, my life was an unmitigated mess, and I had no idea how to save myself from greater disaster. That kept me awake, as did the lumpy cot I resorted to sleeping on, but I’m happy to report that my current bed soft as a puffy cloud and my peaceful slumber is interrupted only by Chase’s welcome kisses. TMI?
What is the most pressing problem you have at the moment?
My corset. I’m a fan of the loosely flowing aesthetic dress movement but until America catches on, it’s whalebone stays for me.
Is there something that you need or want that you don’t have?
After my father died and that scallywag of a husband left me, I had nothing. No home, money, or security. It was a frightening time and circumstances forced me to make some rather questionable choices, but I’m proud to say I’ve landed on my feet. My artistic talents are finally being recognized and I’m surrounded by a delightful bevy of new friends – plus one very special man. I’m happy. What more could a gal ask for? I do hope you’ll read all about me in ART OF THE CHASE!
ART OF THE CHASE by Tracy Brogan
The Bostwicks of Trillium Bay #1
Above the glistening waters of Trillium Bay, the majestic Imperial Hotel awaits its first guests. It’s the summer of 1888, and names like Carnegie, Astor, Pullman, and Bostwick line the premier resort’s registry as society’s elite gather on its grandiose front porch to see – and be seen.But Chase Bostwick isn’t interested in being seen. As the second son of a wealthy financier, he’s only interested in work – in Chicago – so being tasked by his father to chaperone his wearisome mother and boisterous little sister during their Michigan summer holiday is Chase’s personal purgatory masquerading as paradise – for never was a man more ill-suited to leisure.Emerson McKenna isn’t interested in being seen, either – but she does want her artistic talents to be noticed. As the illegitimate daughter of a renown portraitist more infamous for his romantic dalliances than for his work, Emerson has schemed her way into a position at the hotel teaching doe-eyed debutantes to paint. She says her goal is to commission enough portraits from the resort’s wealthy patrons to finance her dreams of studying in Paris.But Chase has his suspicions…Thinking to ease his ennui, he sets about to unravel the mysteries of this enigmatic Miss and her tattered satchel full of secrets, but what he learns – from her questionable marital status right down to the potentially felonious embellishment of her artistic credentials – leaves him feeling captivated. And protective. When his misplaced chivalry sets in motion events which may do more harm than good, Chase and Emerson must work together to keep her safe – and in his arms.
Romance Historical [Oliver-Heber Books, On Sale: December 5, 2023, e-Book, / ]
Buy ART OF THE CHASE: Kindle | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR
About Tracy Brogan
USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon Publishing bestselling author Tracy Brogan writes happily ever after stories full of laughter and love. A three-time recipient of the Amazon Publishing Diamond award, a three-time finalist of the RWA® RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction, and a winner of the Booksellers Best award, Brogan’s books, including both the Bell Harbor and Trillium Bay series, feature re-imagined versions of her favorite Michigan locations and have been translated into more than a dozen languages worldwide. Although best known for her laugh-out-loud contemporary romantic comedies, she’s currently at work on several historical projects including a gilded age series – The Bostwicks of Trillium Bay – the long-awaited sequel to Highland Surrender, and a dual-timeline rom-com that just may include ghosts. (Psst… it totally has ghosts.)
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