Character Interview: The Broken Tree (Book Three of the Laurelhurst Chronicles) by Kellie Butler

Today’s character interview is from the Family Saga, Historical Fiction The Broken Tree (Book Three of the Laurelhurst Chronicles) by Kellie Butler. It was published by Raleigh Hills Press and is currently available as a paperback and Kindle ebook. The Broken Tree (Book Three of the Laurelhurst Chronicles) is suitable for book lovers aged 18+ especially as it has very few swear words, some domestic violence but nothing overtly graphic.

 

Synopsis of The Broken Tree (Book Three of the Laurelhurst Chronicles) by Kellie Butler

Lancashire, Summer 1959. Fifteen years ago, Lydie Cavert Bainbridge left the dark memories of her youth at Laurelhurst Manor behind her.

Now thirty-two, an expectant Lydie returns with her family of five with two goals: to protect her children from her horrific experience at Laurelhurst and to spend a peaceful summer before the arrival of her fourth child.

When Lydie comes across an ancient oak tree split in the middle on the edge of the estate along with her husband Henry, it reveals an old secret from three hundred years ago involving an enemy along with the specters she had hoped to leave behind.

Old fears emerge along with new rivalries for the leadership of the manor, which could put Lydie at odds with her older brother, Edward.
All the while Elliott Cutterworth has plans for the Cavert and Bainbridge families of his own.

Lydie faces a heartbreaking choice: stay loyal to the brother who has protected her since her youth, or the family she’s forged in a new world. Will her relationship with her brother stay solid, or will it split apart like the fate of the broken tree in the garden.

Name of character to be interviewed: Lord Elliott Cutterworth

Why was this character chosen for this interview?:

He’s the villain in the book, and readers chose him.

Question 1: A lot has transpired since we last saw you in 1950 New York in Before the Flood. What has been going on with you?

Answer: Well, quite a bit, actually. My father and stepmother passed away within a short span of time from each other, leaving me to run the family enterprise. That takes most of my time. Other than that, I have a lovely lady in my life these days, Mrs. Kate Douglas.

Question 2: Henry Bainbridge’s sister? How did that come about? Of all the society women for you to date, you chose Kate Douglas.

Answer: One never knows how they are going to become enamored with someone. I suppose with Kate, well, there’s a certain fragility and precociousness that I find endearing. When I met her in that hotel in Monte Carlo, I felt so much for her. A friendship began then and there. You see, men like to be needed. We love to be needed, and I don’t just mean for our wallets, although that could be a part of it. No, I mean that is no greater gift you can give us gentleman than for you to tell us that you rely on us. Kate’s needs go beyond a financial relationship. She has such emotional depth that I can’t help but want to help her. Despite what people may think of her, Kate has a lot of strength in her. She wants to make a go at life without depending or relying on her family, and I admire that. I suppose we have much in common that way.
On the contrary of what some sources might say, none of it was designed on my part.

Question 3: Do you think it’s leading towards something substantial like marriage?

Answer: Well, I suppose that is largely left up to her. She is much younger than I am, after all. With all the parties she attends, she’s sure to find a much younger suitor. I have offered my hand in marriage and it will be up to her if she says yes.

Question 4: Have you lost all your affections for Lydia, then? You seemed highly enamored with her, almost obsessed when you were courting her

Answer: My dear, Lydia chose to marry Dr. Bainbridge, and I accept that choice because I’m a gentleman. Not that I agree with it, because what man would put her against her own brother, but that is her dilemma, not mine. Ladies like Lydia are loyal to those that they love. I don’t see her ever divorcing her, because I doubt divorce would enter her vocabulary unless a certain catastrophic event occurred. Now, if something happened to Dr. Bainbridge or if Lydia chose not to be married to him, well, I suppose we would just have to wait and see where things are then. I’m rather happy with Kate, and let’s face, I’m a sixty-four-year-old man. I’m not getting any younger.

Question 5: You stated a few moments ago that Dr. Bainbridge may have pitted Lydia against her brother. With you being with Kate, have you not also interfered with Kate’s relationship with her family? How do you feel about that?

Answer: You know, I find it humorous that I’m seen as a scheming sort of man that’s pitting people against each other. If anything, I’m the kind of man that frankly wants to be left alone to do as I like. However, I’ll answer your question. It’s Kate that has the greater leverage in this relationship and she always has. If anything, Kate wants to be independent of her family. She always has the choice to visit her parents and her brother freely. It’s they that don’t accept me, not the other way around.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a board meeting to attend. Thank you for a lovely conversation.

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This character interview from the Family Saga, Historical Fiction The Broken Tree (Book Three of the Laurelhurst Chronicles) by Kellie Butler was submitted by the author. If you enjoyed reading it, please support the author and purchase your own copy of The Broken Tree (Book Three of the Laurelhurst Chronicles) via your favourite book retailer or using my Amazon affiliate links below