Hello, Reader! If you're curious about the personalities that bring life and depth to my stories, then you've come to the right place. Think of it as your guide to the colorful cast of characters you'll meet. Knowing them better will surely enhance your reading experience. Please note that this list of characters may be extended in the future as the story evolves. So, let's dive in.
A bit of backstory
Before Robert and Cathrine Carnahan were eminent archeologists and adventurers, they were parents torn apart by the disappearance of their baby girl, Marguerite. Abigail Layton, a mysterious friend who came too late to prevent the kidnapping, brought news that Marguerite was not just missing but was a child of prophecy meant to return on her 30th birthday. Fueled by this revelation and unwilling to wait three long decades, Robert and Cathrine took destiny into their own hands, venturing out into the world to follow clues and tips and gather information. Though they never found Marguerite, their adventures and archeological finds brought them considerable wealth.
Robert Carnahan
A scholarly man who once graced the hallowed halls of Eton as a history professor, Robert Carnahan is an authoritative yet inspirational figure. He inspires loyalty and respect in his students, making history not just a subject but an epic tale to be lived and relived. While he is authoritative, he never lords his expertise over others, rather using it to inspire. He loves a good debate, almost as much as he loves a dusty old tome. He's the sort of professor students fondly remember for years to come.
Cathrine Carnahan
Kindness and curiosity define Cathrine Carnahan. A former librarian, Cathrine's love for books and history made her an ideal companion to Robert in his pursuits. She has transformed their ivy-covered London townhouse into something akin to a museum, filled with artifacts from the couple's travels. She is a woman whose kindness is as expansive as her curiosity. Whether she's turning the pages of a 17th-century manuscript or listening to a friend's troubles, she's wholly present.
Emily Carnahan
Emily shares more than just her parents with her sister Marguerite; their striking silver eyes and dark, curly hair make them almost mirror images. However If Marguerite is the enigma, Emily is the open book—and what a delightful read she is. Emily takes after her mother in kindness but is far more outgoing. She's the person who enters a room and leaves it brighter, drawing people into her sphere of warmth effortlessly. She's a social butterfly who revels in the dynamism of the Roaring Twenties. Emily's acute emotional intelligence allows her to connect deeply with people, which she uses not for manipulation but for offering unconditional kindness and support. As a budding writer, her understanding of human motivations adds depth to her storytelling.
Lady Elisabeth Roxton
Lady Elisabeth Roxton is the epitome of British aristocracy: elegant, poised, and stoic. She governs her household with just the right blend of authority and compassion, making her respected among her kin and staff alike. A stoic and proud matriarch, she has a fondness for strict comments but is unflinchingly just. She values capability and merit, which explains her fondness for her new daughter-in-law, Marguerite. She may have a stony exterior, but break through that, and you find a woman fiercely protective of her family.
Aiden Sinclair
Aiden Sinclair is a dashingly handsome man with brown eyes, short brown hair, and a hint of a beard. He's an important figure from Marguerite's past and now Emily's love interest. Initially trained by Gunther Harold, he found a sisterly figure in Marguerite when she mentored him in the art of deception. He's sharp-witted, has an eye for detail, and can slip out of tight situations with effortless ease.
Gunther Harold
Gunther Harold is a spry man in his 60s, sporting silver hair, a goatee, and a mustache. An homage to Sidney Sheldon's Gunther Hartog, he's a seasoned con artist and a fatherly figure to Marguerite and Aiden. His charisma and experience make him a compelling character, with an influential role in shaping Marguerite and Aiden's lives. You might say he's a scoundrel, but he's the kind you can't help but like.
Albert Wilkins
Albert Wilkins is a stout inspector in his 50s at Scotland Yard with graying hair and a cleanly shaven face. Once eager to capture Marguerite, his focus has shifted to Aiden, who proves just as elusive. A relentless pursuer, he embodies the challenges the protagonists face in staying one step ahead of the law. Though their roles set them at odds, Albert and Marguerite developed a grudging mutual respect over the years, recognizing in each other the keen intellect and cunning that made their "game of cat and mouse" endlessly intriguing.
Dominic Archer
Dominic Archer is another blast from Marguerite's past, but unlike Aiden or Gunther, he is an adversary. Often an acquirer or financier of the items Marguerite stole, Dominic has transitioned from a collaborator to a formidable rival. He's a collector, an opportunist, and a man whose morals lie in the gray areas. Smooth as silk and sharp as a tack, he keeps everyone, including Marguerite, on their toes.
Charles Goodwin
Charles Goodwin, the butler at Avebury Manor, is a man steeped in tradition. His demeanor is formal, yet warm—a reflection of his commitment to the standards and customs that have defined his profession for generations. He values the historical legacy of Avebury Manor and works diligently to preserve its customary ways. Goodwin is the one who answers the door with an air of formal grace, serves meals with a flourish of old-world etiquette, and ensures the household adheres to time-honored protocols.
Mildred Keys
Mrs. Mildred Keys, the housekeeper, is the epitome of efficiency and organization. She runs Avebury Manor with a schedule so precise it could set a clock. Mildred oversees the household staff, manages inventory, and ensures that every room is in perfect condition for any occasion. Her eyes catch the slightest disorder, and she prides herself on maintaining the manor to the highest standards. In her capable hands, the manor is not just a home, but a well-oiled machine that operates smoothly and predictably.