Here we have to imagine a Phone call to friend:
'What are you doing this evening? Thought we could get together over a bottle of best Vino.'
'No, no, can't come over this evening, I'm holding a dinner party for a character.'
'You what? Are you kidding?'
'No, I said character, as in novel, fiction novel.'
'OK, so who've you invited?'
First off I love Mr Darcy from Pride and Prejudice, er Colin Firth, but I feel sure a conversation would drag in talk of books and estate affairs and little action would result from such an engagement.
Such a pity because he's devilishly handsome!
'He's a bit too suave, and so up his own... Well, you know what I mean.'
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Then of course there's Mr Rochester from Jane Eyre, psst, (Toby Stephens - Black Sails) though I fear his moody Rochester brooding nature and dour countenance may leave me suffering the pangs of boredom, and he has difficulty in raising more than a grunt in response to female chatter.
A pity because he has eyes that see beyond his immediate surroundings and seem so full of sorrow.
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'Rochester? Oh yeah, but bet his carnal grunts are worth suffering the boring bits.'
So my choice then is that of Sharpe, Richard Sharpe, (Beano) for I know conversing will be no hardship with this bold warrior. In truth I fear words will be few and humour all the greater.
We shall dine, partaking of black Russian caviar and champagne, best beef and claret, and lemon mousse. With brandy for him and coffee for me we shall retire to the orangery. What then, who knows, and I wager it won't all be chat - much laughter!
Friend on phone: 'Oh my, Oh my. Always knew you had the hots for Sean Bean. On my way. It's so long since we caught up on things. See ya - kissy kissy.'
Reply as phone goes dead: "Another girlie night reminiscing over characters in novels it is, then."
