Several
months ago, when author Shannon Winslow was still in the research phase of her
just-released novel, she sat down with one of the principle subjects of her
story. As it turned out, the lady was less that fully cooperative.
Winslow:
Thank you
for meeting with me, Lady Catherine. As you know, I am writing a novel entitled
The Ladies of Rosings Park, and so
naturally I wanted to speak to you, among others – to get your opinions and some
background information. You understand.
LC: You are wise to come to me
first, for I can save you a great deal of time. You shall find there is no need
to speak to anybody else afterwards, because I can tell you what you need to
know. I am very well informed.
Winslow: I don’t doubt that for a
minute.
LC: Now, to begin with, I will
set you straight about your title. What do you mean by ‘the ladies’ of Rosings
Park, as if there were more than one? I
am the mistress here. Certainly your title should more correctly be The Lady of Rosings Park or perhaps Portrait of an Illustrious Lady. That
has a nice ring to it.
