The Girl in the Steel Corset: Character Interview: Finley

MTR: What reaction did you have when you first experienced your abilities and darker side?

Finley: Well, I reckon I was shocked. Who wouldn't be surprised to discover she had a monster inside her? Although, it was extremely satisfying to hit that fellow who was making sport of my dress. Flew a good twenty feet, he did. Mum was quite upset -- of course I didn't know my father had been like me. Silas pretended to be angry, but he gave me a sweet and a book on pugilism after that.

MTR: What was your childhood like with your mother and step-father?

Finley: I never knew my real father, so Silas is the only one I've had. He's a good man, and loves my mum to distraction. It was odd at first, but once I learned to read and fell in love with books he and I got on just fine. I always wondered about my real dad, though. I think Mum thinks about him too. She and Silas would fight about him sometimes. That was the only time I ever heard the two of them go at one another -- when my father came up. 

MTR: What draws you to oriental fashion?

I quite fancy the look of it, plus the slits up the sides of the skirts make it right easy to do a high-kick. I'm not the kind of girl who likes all those layers of skirts and petticoats -- too cumbersome. And honestly, I think my bum looks big in trousers. 

MTR: Why did you become a servant and not simply work in your parents shop?

Don't tell Silas I said this, but I'm not sure he could afford to pay me. I didn't want to live off him and Mum. I wanted to make my own way and be independent. Besides, I made more as a lady's maid than Silas could ever pay me. Or rather, I made more while the job lasted. Can you imagine what might happen if my darker self came out while in Silas's shop? What if I hurt one of his customers? I don't want to think about it. 

MTR: Can you tell me what drew you to each of your suitors, Dandy and Grif?

Well, Jack's just a bit of naughty - what girl wouldn't like that? He's quite pretty as well, with those dark eyes of his. Jack accepts me for what I am -- or at least the darker part of me. Griffin... Griffin's gorgeous -- and very much out of my sphere, but he's so very loyal to those he loves. And he wants to help me become who I am meant to be.