Jane Odiwe Jane Austen Sequels

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

2012-01-30T10:42:00.000Z

I went to see the Dickens Exhibition recently at the Museum of London. I really enjoyed it, and loved seeing many examples of manuscripts which showed his tiny writing, (I felt for his editor) as well as seeing personal items like his desk and chair. It's well worth a visit!
As I hadn't been to the museum for a while, I thought I'd take a look round at the rest of the exhibits. I've always enjoyed this unique museum, and it's lovely to see they're adding new displays.
I especially loved the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens which has been set up as a walk-in experience to give you a flavour of what it would have been like. With costumes from the era, and a film projected on the walls which show actors in various situations from family groups to lovers' trysts, you can sit amongst candlelit trees to watch the performance.
I noticed they have an event, a Pleasure Garden Ball taking place on February 14th, Valentine's Day! Details from their website below:

Enjoy a night of dancing, drinking and decadence as we recreate Georgian London’s quintessential pastime – the pleasure garden. Learn to dance with an 18th century girl band, watch risqué poetry and theatrical performances, discover dandy fashion, then design and wear your own alluring masquerade mask. Costumes are encouraged but not required!

Rice Portrait Update

2012-01-26T08:19:00.000Z

If you've visited my blog before you will know that I've written at length about this delightful portrait of Jane Austen by Ozias Humphry.
There's a lovely article in JASNA news this month by Anne Rice, the owner of the portrait, and her brother, Robin Roberts, which is introduced by the editor, Sheryl Craig. Click on the picture for a larger image.
There are some exciting developments happening as I write - all I can say at the moment is to keep watching the website The Rice Portrait of Jane Austen for more information!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-04T13:24:00.000Z

Wishing you all a Happy New Year - I hope it is a blessed, peaceful and joyous one!

I was in Bath for New Year, and thought you'd like to see a snippet of the wonderful fireworks we saw as we stood by the weir near Pulteney Bridge - thank you to the person who filmed this last minute for us to enjoy! The Abbey bells rang out to herald in the New Year - a brilliant start to an exciting 2012.

Jane Austen Birthday Soiree! Winner announced!

2011-12-27T10:17:00.000Z

The winner of the Jane Austen mug and copy of Mr. Darcy's Secret is Danielle! Congratulations!
Thank you to all who entered - please keep a lookout for future competitions.

A Jane Austen Advent Calendar: Part Two

2011-12-23T12:54:00.001Z

A Jane Austen Advent Calendar

Part Two

There was no sound so Lizzy turned the handle feeling all the while that she really wasn’t very sure if she was doing the right thing. Entering a narrow vestibule where a fire crackled in the hearth of the fireplace another door with a glimpse of the room beyond beckoned her on. She saw a rapid movement, caught sight of a dashing figure, and heard light, running footsteps ascending on creaking wooden boards, as if rising upwards to rooms out of sight. A muffled laugh echoed above, a deliciously bright and happy noise which echoed in the silence, and Lizzy couldn’t help wondering if Jane Austen had made her escape on purpose, if indeed that was whom she’d glanced.

Cautiously stepping into the room she found it empty save for the dining table and chairs, a cupboard and a cabinet on either side of the fireplace, and a small table and writing desk placed before the window. A kettle hissed and steamed in the fireplace, the smell of toast, a pot of honey, and the scatterings of pretty china on the table were the remnants of what appeared to be a breakfast meal. Lizzy was drawn to the writing desk by the sight of several leaves of paper, a bottle of ink and a quill pen, but as she approached she saw that the even handwriting in brown ink was partially hidden by a plain sheet which had been placed on top. She tried not to stare, and though the temptation to nudge the paper slightly to reveal more was great, she knew she could not. However, she was intrigued by the words that caught her eye. Charlotte herself was tolerably composed. Lizzy couldn’t see any more than that, and in fact, it seemed this was where the author of the piece had decided to stop writing for the time being.

A movement through the window caught her eye. A figure of a girl trudged through the snow towards the house. Lizzy heard a knock at the door, the sound of welcoming noises, and the door behind her opened to admit two young ladies clearly very pleased to be in one another’s company.

“Charlotte, you came! I did not expect to see you today.” The lively girl who spoke these words took her friend’s hands in an affectionate manner and drew her towards the fire. She was a pretty girl with dark eyes that sparkled under fine arched brows.

Neither of the girls seemed to notice Lizzy who was so surprised that she plumped down on the little chair by the writing table. Even when the chair scraped they didn’t react, but then they were so wrapped up in their conversation, Lizzy assumed they had just not seen her. It was only when she coughed to alert them of her presence that she realized that they couldn’t see her, or perhaps they pretended not to, and by that time she was so intrigued she decided to stay put to watch the scene unfold.

The girl called Charlotte seemed tolerably composed. Not as outwardly attractive as her friend, she had a homely face, and a gentle expression.

“Elizabeth, I have some news to impart, my dear friend. I could not wait to tell you even though I am not certain what you shall think about any of it. No, that is not true. I have a very good idea what you will think about it, but I hope you will be able to reconcile yourself to the idea of such an attachment.”

“An attachment? Charlotte, this is news indeed!”

“And one, however uncertain of bringing happiness is more than I could ask given that I have reached the age of twenty seven, and have very little fortune. I beg you do not disapprove.”

“Charlotte, this is all so sudden. Do not leave me in suspense any longer.”

“He will be my husband however irksome you might find his company, however disagreeable you have proclaimed his society. Elizabeth, I can delay telling you no longer. I am engaged to Mr. Collins.

Lizzy saw the flush rise on Elizabeth’s face, her dark curls trembling with every expression of indignation and surprise.

“Engaged to Mr. Collins! My dear, Charlotte, impossible!”

Lizzy saw Charlotte’s face falter momentarily. She bit her lip before raising her eyes to meet those of her friend with a steadiness of purpose.

“Why should you be surprised, my dear Eliza? Do you think it incredible that Mr. Collins should be able to procure any woman’s good opinion, because he was not so happy as to succeed with you?”

Elizabeth looked as if she realized she’d been too hasty in giving her opinion so candidly. “My dear, Charlotte, I am wholly thankful to think of your relationship, to consider that we will be true cousins when you are united by this marriage. Please believe me when I wish you all imaginable happiness.”

“I see what you are feeling,” replied Charlotte; “you must be surprised, very much surprised, so lately as Mr. Collins was wishing to marry you. But when you have had time to think it all over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I have done. I am not romantic, you know; I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins’s character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.”

“Undoubtedly.”

Lizzy sensed the awkwardness between them, and felt the change in the strained atmosphere, which settled in the room like the cloak of snow smothering the landscape outside. After an awkward pause, the two girls got up and left the room.

“Elizabeth Bennet and Charlotte Collins,” Lizzy mused. “I recognize most of that scene from Pride and Prejudice, and I suppose if I think about it, Charlotte must have become engaged to Mr. Collins at about this time.”

She didn’t quite know what to do next or where she should go. Lizzy had no doubt this was all part of an elaborate entertainment put on by the museum, and she was so glad she’d decided not to go home. The sound of the front door shutting once more had her looking through the window for Charlotte who she reasoned would most likely be going home now she’d imparted the news that must have been so difficult to divulge. If Pride and Prejudice were unfolding before her eyes surely that would happen next.

To her great astonishment Lizzy saw somebody else. He was tall, and broad-shouldered, what Jane Austen would have described as a good-looking gentleman. A more Darcy-like figure Lizzy could not have imagined with his greatcoat flapping around him like the great wings of a solitary bird, smooth breeches delineating a muscular physique, and his dark hair tumbling in curls to his collar. It was only when he glanced towards the window that she cried out in surprise and recognition. Looking quite unlike the man she’d met briefly before, Mr. MacGourtey looked directly into her eyes.

A Summer scene of me sitting in Jane Austen's garden at Chawton

More coming soon! If you'd like to see a lovely article about Jane Austen's house at Christmas do visit Julie Wakefield's wonderful Austenonly site where you can read all about it, and see a short film which shows you the dining parlour that features in my story.

Winner of His Good Opinion by Nancy Kelley

2011-12-22T08:33:00.000Z

Thank you to everyone who participated in the competition for a copy of Nancy Kelley's new book, His Good Opinion.
Congratulations to Laura Hartness who is the winner!

I'd also like to thank Nancy Kelley for being my lovely guest and offering such a fabulous prize!!!

Jane Austen Birthday Soiree!

2011-12-16T01:55:00.002Z

It's Jane Austen's birthday! I must thank Maria Grazia and Katherine Cox for their kind invitation to join this event to celebrate the occasion. If you'd like to be in with a chance of winning my prize of a Jane Austen mug, and a signed copy of Mr. Darcy's Secret please leave a comment below by December 23rd 2011.
I was going to write a fairly straightforward letter to Jane, but somewhere along the line it turned into a story, which is what I like to do best.

Dear Jane,

I wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday, and because I love writing stories I've written one in celebration! I do apologise for borrowing your characters, and can only hope that you will forgive me. This is my present to you, but I hope you won't mind sharing it with a very special lady who is a very brave and beautiful person. I know she's fond of Christmas so I wrote this with her in mind. Adalgisa, I hope you enjoy it!
This is Part One and I shall be posting the rest during the next couple of weeks.

The Jane Austen Advent Calendar

Part One

It really did look like a Christmas card. The red brick house glowed with yellow light through frosted windowpanes brightening the gloom of the wintry day. Lizzy wrinkled her nose as feathers of snow tickled her face and settled like iced stars on her scarlet beret. It had been a bit of a nightmare to find it, a train, a bus ride, and a twelve-minute walk along snow-covered lanes, but now she considered it had all been worth it. Jane Austen’s house buried in the countryside in the village of Chawton couldn’t have been more perfect to Lizzy’s eyes. Perhaps deciding to visit the house in the middle of winter hadn’t been her brightest idea, but there was no denying her excitement. Lizzy felt a sense of anticipation, the house looked enchanted as if under a fairy spell, and she half wondered if she might bump into Jane herself at the door.

Jane and Cassandra at Chawton

The entrance was through the shop housed in a barn at the side but when she reached the door it was locked and there were no lights on. It occurred to her then that despite all appearances the house might not be open. The snow was drifting ever higher and showed no signs of stopping. Looking up, dizzying spirals of feathery showers whirled through the air making her blink, and for the first time she prayed that the snow falling from grey clouds like a Christmas goose being plucked might blow over. Setting off that morning Lizzy hadn’t even considered the house might be closed or that there might be a problem getting home, and she began to think that perhaps she should head back along the lane when she heard the sound of a door opening. From the main building opposite the head of a tall man peered round the glass-paned door.

“Look, we’re really short-staffed. No one’s turned up, and to be honest, I thought no one in their right mind would come today. I assume you’re here to see the house?”

Lizzy nodded whilst simultaneously thinking she’d never met anyone so rude. He hadn’t even said hello. “I’ve come from London. It’s taken me a while to get here, but I suppose if you’re closed, there’s not much I can do.”

“Cassandra’s will give you a cup of tea, I expect.”

Lizzy thought he was talking about Jane Austen’s sister for a minute until she remembered that the café across the way shared the same name.

“No, they’re shut too,” she said.

The sign for the café had been a welcome sight on the way as she’d trudged up the road, but she’d known with a sinking heart that it was closed before she’d even reached it. As Lizzy waited for him to speak again, she heard the crunch of footsteps in the snow behind her.

“I’m here now, Mr. MacGourtey, you can get back in the warm. I’ll open up!” cried a cheerful voice.

Lizzy turned to see a lady with a pleasant face advancing gingerly towards her picking up her long skirts to avoid getting them wet. Dressed from head to foot in Regency costume she appeared to be totally at home in her clothes, and Lizzy supposed it must be a kind of uniform she wore when showing people round the house.

“Come in out of the cold, dear. I am sorry I couldn’t have been here sooner, but what with the weather and I know not what to tell you about first, I am in quite a dither this morning. My nerves are apt to plague me, but you’ll forgive me for running on so. Mr. MacGourtey would have attended you in any case, I am sure.”

The door opposite resounded with a loud bang as it shut. Mr. MacGourtey disappeared.

Lizzy didn’t like to say that the rude man had told her to go home, and decided to say nothing. She followed the lady into the barn blinking as the bright strip lights were flicked on in the shop.

“Do make yourself at home, dear. I’ll just make sure everything is in order in the main house so have a look round at your leisure. My youngest daughter was here yesterday, and though a delightful companion, she is inclined to be untidy. I daresay the dining room table will be littered with bonnets and ribbon, but that’s my Lydia – never happier than when she’s pulling apart a hat and making it her own.”

Jane Austen Mug

The lady laughed like a young girl, her curls trembling as she shook her head.

After she’d gone Lizzy looked around at the wealth of books and gifts in the shop most of which she longed to own. The shelves were lined with the books Jane Austen had written and revised in the very house she was about to see, and there were mugs and bags, bookmarks and fridge magnets to tempt the pennies out of her purse. On the counter was a pile of Advent calendars with a scene like the one she’d witnessed earlier. A painting of Jane’s house in the snow was sprinkled with twenty four windows to be opened during the festive season, some of which lay exactly over the place where the real windows were situated, and some of which made up the doors or were hidden in the snow-clad trees and sky. Lizzy was just making up her mind to treat herself to one when the lady came back.

“Oh, my dear, you’ve made an excellent choice, and one you won’t regret, I’m sure,” she said, and as Lizzy took out her purse to pay for it, the lady added, “Don’t trouble yourself about paying for it now. There’s time enough to do that later. And, as it’s December the first, you should make haste, and open number one!”

Encouraged by the lady’s enthusiasm Lizzy carefully tore round the perforated edge of the window and peeled it back. She’d never grown out of the childish excitement of having an Advent calendar, and this was extra special. Behind a beautiful gothic window the picture gave a glimpse of the room itself. There on a chaise longue lay a pink satin bonnet.

“Oh, that means you must go to the drawing room first,” said the lady. “Look for the signs and you’ll soon find it.”

Lizzy picked up her bag, and clutching the calendar set off around the back of the house following the path until she came to a white door. The thought that this was a doorway through which Jane had passed many times was thrilling, and turning the handle she crossed the threshold with a reverent step.

“Lord, is that you, Kitty? I thought you were never coming home!”

The room Lizzy entered was strewn with ribbons and lace, yards of satin and silk flowers covering every surface and tumbling onto the floor. A young girl seated on the chaise longue looked up expectantly.

“Oh! I thought you were Kitty, but I suppose you must be here for one of my sisters, though I have to say you look as if you’ve just stepped out of my mother’s monthly magazine, and are not at all the sort of plain girl they usually keep for company.”

Apart from being completely taken aback at the sight and manner of the girl who looked just like an image from an illustrated edition of Jane Austen’s novels, Lizzy couldn’t think what she could be talking about. At least, until she noticed the scarlet coat she was wearing, which fell in voluminous folds to the floor. No, the word for it was pelisse, she thought. A glance across at herself in the looking glass over the fireplace showed a picture of someone she hardly recognized. A fur-trimmed bonnet with green satin ribbon matched her mittens, and framed her face, which at this moment looked wide-eyed with astonishment.

Mr. Darcy's Secret

“I’m so sorry,” Lizzy began, “but I was told to come here.”

“And I expect that person was a round plump lady, who talks too much, and quivers like a jelly not quite set. My mother! Lord knows she cannot help herself, but she will interfere. You’re not the first, and I daresay, you will not be the last. However, do not be alarmed. I am delighted you are here. You can help me trim this wretched bonnet. I cannot do a thing with it!”

Lizzy was feeling most peculiar. It’s not everyday that you find yourself completely decked out in Regency costume without having gone through the process of actually putting it on, and unless she’d suffered temporary memory loss, she couldn’t fathom out how she’d managed it. However, before she managed to say or do anything else, the young girl spoke again.

“Are you here for Jane or Elizabeth? I expect they’re closeted away somewhere telling their secrets to one another. I am not interested in their dull tales. Anyway, I have a secret of my own. I shall tell you if you like.”

“I don’t think…”

“Good, I knew you would want to hear it. I know Miss Austen doesn’t like it when we peep, but I cannot help wanting to know what will happen next. All I wished for is to take our dreary cousin, Mr. Collins, away, but I know there is much better in store!”

“Miss Austen is here?” asked Lizzy.

“Yes, of course, she’s in the next room where she sits scribbling on her little pieces of paper about us all. I should be vexed for it has to be said she can be very unkind about me, but she has promised to send me to Brighton. I heard her say it out loud, and I cannot wait!”

Lizzy was sure her suspicions were correct. The girl who was clearly brilliant at role-playing must be acting the part of Lydia Bennet. She’d visited houses and museums in the past where actors were employed to play the parts of historical figures, but she’d never seen anything quite so real or convincing. How they’d managed her costume change she couldn’t think, but surely it would be fun to go along with it, now she was here.

“Do you think I could see Miss Austen?”

Lydia looked doubtful. “She may see you, but then again, she may not like to be disturbed. You will soon find out if you go beyond the door.”

Lizzy followed Lydia’s pointing finger to the door ahead, which was firmly closed. “Do you think I should? I wouldn’t like to interrupt her if she’s writing.”

“Only you can decide what is best, but if you take a leaf from my book, nothing ever stops me from pursuing the wishes of my heart.”

Lizzy was most undecided, especially when she considered that it might not be wise to take advice from Lydia Bennet. But, surely this was all part of the exhibition, and she was being guided, even invited to go through the door. And if she didn’t hurry, time would run out, and she would have to go home. With a delicious mixture of fear and excitement Lizzy took her cue, and knocked on the door.

Look out for Part Two coming soon, and don't miss out on the rest of the fun and prizes - there are lots of other people to visit - here are the links!

Participants

Alyssa Goodnight
Austen Authors
Austenprose, Laurel Ann Nattress
Brant Flakes, Marilyn Brant
Choc Lit Authors’ Corner, Juliet Archer
The Fiction vs. Reality Smackdown, Karen Doornebos
First Draft, Cindy Jones
The Heroine’s Bookshelf, Erin Blakemore
Jane Austen Brazil, Adriana Zardini
The Jane Austen Film ClubJenny Allworthy
Jane Austen SequelsJane Odiwe
Jane Started It! Laura Hile, Susan Kaye, Pamela Aidan, and Barbara Cornthwaite
Jane Austen in Vermont, Deb
Jennifer Becton
Kaitlin Saunders
Mesmered’s Blog, Prue Batten
O! Beauty Unattempted, Emily Snyder
One Literature Nut, Becky Rhodehouse
Patrice Sarath
Pemberley Variations, Abigail Reynolds
Reading, Writing, Working, Playing, Jane Greensmith
Regency Sketches, Farida Mestek
Regina Jeffers
El Salón de Té de Jane
SemiTrue Stories, C. Allyn Pierson
Sharon Lathan
Stiletto Storytime, Courtney Webb
Urban Girl Takes Vermont, Vera Nazarian
vvb32 reads, Velvet

Nancy Kelley, author of his His Good Opinion, and a Competition!

2011-12-12T09:58:00.001Z

My lovely guest today is Nancy Kelley whose book, His Good Opinion has just been released! Congratulations Nancy!!!

I had the pleasure of meeting Nancy recently when we met up at the British Museum to gaze at Jane Austen's desk together. We'd 'met' on Twitter, and when I heard Nancy was coming to London I suggested a day out-we had a lovely time discussing all things Jane and our writing dreams. Nancy's first dream has just been realised, now that her book is out. I wish you huge success, Nancy, and hope that many more of your dreams are fulfilled!

Nancy kindly agreed to be a guest on my blog, and she is offering a copy of His Good Opinion as a prize. Her question is this:

What behind-the-scenes Darcy moment would you most like to read?

Leave a comment below to have a chance to win!

I had a few questions I wanted to ask her, and she's also treated us to chapter one of her book!

1. Have you always wanted to be a writer? What inspired you to start writing?

Earlier this week, I found a folder filled with stories I started writing in about third grade. I loved books, and the next step after reading was to write. I kept writing stories, and in middle school (age 12 or 13), my English teacher encouraged me to actively pursue it. I’ve wanted to write professionally ever since.

2. This might sound like a daft question, but why write Darcy’s story?

Not daft at all! There are several excellent Darcy stories out there—why add another one into the mix?

The answer is simple, but it might make me seem daft: Darcy told me to. I was listening to Pride and Prejudice, and he started giving his commentary on various scenes. Once I understood his point of view, I knew I had to tell his story.

3. Which is your favorite scene from His Good Opinion? Can you tell us why?

I think my favorite scene is the first proposal. He walks into the parsonage absolutely certain of her answer, and when you read the previous chapters from his point of view, you can understand why. Her rejection is not just a blow to his pride, as it seems in the novel. He is actually heartbroken.

4. Apart from Pride and Prejudice which novels of Jane Austen’s do you enjoy most?

I started to ramble about how much I love all of her works, with the exception of Sense and Sensibility and Mansfield Park. However, the short answer is probably Persuasion. It is short and poignant, and has the perfect happy ending.

5. Which writers inspire your own writing apart from Jane Austen? Do you read contemporary writer’s work or are you only a fan of historical novels?

My other favorite genre is fantasy. The Lord of the Rings is perhaps my favorite book ever. As an author who struggles with setting description, I am in awe of some of the passages Tolkien wrote.

I also like romance, young adult fiction, and mysteries. Currently on my TBR stack: Supernaturally by Kiersten White, The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson, and The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig.

6. Which characters apart from Mr. Darcy did you enjoy writing?

Colonel Fitzwilliam. In fact, I enjoyed writing him so much, I decided to devote an entire novel to him. I just finished the rough draft of that story during NaNoWriMo, and hope to release it by the end of the summer.

7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I tend to cycle through activities—I’ll spend three or four months doing/collecting/watching one thing, and then move on to another love. My current obsession is Doctor Who. A friend started me on series 5, and then I had to go back to series 1 and watch from there.

8. If your house was on fire and you could only take three possessions, what would they be?

My laptop, my cat, and the box with letters from my dad.

9. Can you describe your perfect day?

I have a vague idea that it would involve lots of good tea and chocolate and uninterrupted time to write—with no wrist pain resulting.

10.What is next for you? Will you write another sequel?

I have a few sequels up my sleeves. There’s the aforementioned Colonel Fitzwilliam story, and then I’ve got an idea for Frank Churchill. I’d also like to write about Captain Wentworth’s missing years, but I don’t have any solid plot ideas for that one yet.

In addition to the Jane Austen stories, I have a series I started last year. It’s a new take on the Robin Hood legend, set in the Spanish Main ca 1720. Yes, Robin Hood: Pirate. My hope is to begin working on the first novel in that trilogy this year and release it sometime in spring of 2013, but that’s really a guess at the moment.

The first chapter of His Good Opinion follows:

Chapter One

"I will never understand, Darcy, why you insist on going out in Society only to be displeased with everyone you meet."

Fitzwilliam Darcy poured two glasses of brandy and handed one to his friend before he took the chair opposite him. "I go out because it is expected of me, Bingley. You know that."

Charles Bingley pointed at him. "Ah, but that does not answer the question, does it?"

Darcy conceded the point with the barest shrug of his shoulders. Here, in the comfort of his own study, there was no need to pretend. "I admit that I find little in Society of which to approve."

"Only because you are determined to disapprove." Bingley protested. "What of the young lady you sat out with tonight? Let me hear your opinion of her."

Darcy ran his fingers down the side of his glass. "Her aunt approached me and said her niece had sprained her ankle, and would I be willing to keep her company? Good manners forbade I refuse, though you know how little I enjoy making conversation with someone I am not intimately acquainted with. I have not your ease of speaking on subjects in which I have little or no interest." His lips curled in disdain, and he took a sip of brandy to wash the sour taste from his mouth.

"That is a commentary on your own character, not the lady's."

He ignored the familiar needling. "After two minutes of idle chatter, I inquired after her injury."

Satisfaction gleamed in Bingley's eyes. "Ah, you are capable courtesy after all."

Darcy leaned forward, his forehead creased in a frown. "Perhaps you will not be so victorious, Bingley, when you hear the rest of the story. She did not understand what I spoke of. When she returned to her aunt shortly thereafter, she did not have a limp. The entire incident was manufactured so she could gain my attention. No doubt they have heard that I do not dance often —"

"Or ever."

The leather chair creaked in protest when Darcy stood. He took Bingley's glass and strode to the table, glad to have something to do, even if it was only refilling their drinks. This topic never failed to rile him, but he found a measure of calm in pouring the liquor into their glasses.

"They sought a way to get time with me, and they found it. You wish to know why I so seldom give my good opinion to those I meet; it is this dishonesty, this deception of which I cannot approve. I cannot—I will not—marry a woman I do not trust."

Bingley took his refilled glass, and Darcy noted his frown with some vexation. "You are being a bit presumptuous, Darcy. How can you be so certain she wished to marry you? It was simply a dance."

Darcy set the decanter down on the tray with a hard clang. "Surely even you will acknowledge that a single woman in possession of no brothers must be in want of a husband."

Bingley shook his head and laughed. "You can hardly claim that to be a universal truth."

Darcy ran his hands through his close-cropped dark curls. Has it truly escaped his notice that he too has received such attentions? Though it was this very ability to see nothing but the good in people that recommended Bingley to him, at times his amiable nature bordered on naiveté.

"Perhaps not universal, but a truth nonetheless." He paced the confines of the study. The paneled walls, usually calming, pressed in on him tonight. London always wore on his nerves, but this Season had been worse than most. "I need to get out of town, Bingley."

Bingley eyed Darcy over the edge of his glass. "You sound as if you had a plan in mind."

Darcy stood in front of the empty fireplace and tapped his fingers on the mantle. "I believe it is time I visited Georgiana in Ramsgate."

"Is that what has made you so tense of late? I know you take great care of her."

Bingley's insight startled Darcy. "Yes, I imagine so. I trust Mrs. Younge of course or I would not have consented to the plan. Still, I will feel better once I see for myself how she is getting on." He turned back to his friend, at ease for the first time in weeks.

"When will you leave?"

"Tomorrow morning."

Bingley raised his eyebrows. "That is rather spontaneous, Darcy—indeed, it is the kind of precipitous decision you often tease me for."

Darcy tossed back the rest of his brandy before he answered. "In truth, I have been thinking about it some weeks," he replied. "I just did not realize it until tonight."

"Well, if you are decided, then I wish you safe travels."

Bingley rose and shook his hand in farewell, and Darcy retired for the night soon after. He slept well, content with the knowledge he would soon be free of the artifice of town.

Nancy Kelley is a Janeite, an Austenesque author, and a blogger. During the writing of His Good Opinion, a version of Mr. Darcy took up residence in her brain; she fondly refers to him as the Darcy in my Head, or DIMH.

If Nancy could possess any fictional device, it would be a Time-Turner. Then perhaps she could juggle a full-time library job, writing, and blogging; and still find time for sleep and a life. Until then, she lives on large quantities of tea, of which DIMH approves.

You can find Nancy on Twitter @Nancy_Kelley, on her blog, and on IndieJane.org.

His Good Opinion is available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Amazon.uk, Amazon.de, and Amazon.fr.

Thank you so much, Nancy, for being my guest today. Don't forget to leave a comment below if you'd like to be in with a chance to read Nancy's book. The competition will be open until Sunday 18th December 2011, the winner's name to be drawn at random and announced on Monday, 19th!

The RNA London Chapter Christmas Party!

2011-12-09T10:21:00.000Z

Here are just a few photos of the lovely authors who gathered to meet for the London Chapter, Romantic Novelist's Association Christmas Party last Saturday. I wish I could describe for you the amazing atmosphere these occasions merit - take a group of authors who don't see one another very often - and I think you can imagine the cacophony of sound - a mixture of discussion and much laughter. Of course, this sort of affair wouldn't be the same without the added delights of festive food and drink, and the whole so wonderfully orchestrated by Jean Fullerton and Juliet Archer! From seasoned writers to the very newest on the New Writer's Scheme, a brilliant time was had by all!!!

Anita Chapman

Helen Hollick

Alice Peterson, Pia Fenton

Jean Fullerton, Jenny Haddon, Elizabeth Hawksley, Jenny Barden

Juliet Archer

Talli Roland and Monica Fairview

If you are a budding writer of romance and live in the UK, I can't recommend this association enough. The New Writer's Scheme exists to help those who want to improve their writing, or for those seeking publication. Do have a look at the website for more information. I joined a few years ago, and have never looked back since!

Competition Winner - Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James!

2011-11-29T08:49:00.000Z

Congratulations to Babette's Ffest - you are the winner of the copy of Death Comes to Pemberley!
Can you please contact me with your details so I can send you your prize!
Thank you to everyone who entered-keep an eye out-there will be more prizes before Christmas!!!

Mr Darcy's Secret-Inspiration and an Extract - Jane Odiwe

2011-11-28T02:25:00.001Z

When I was writing Mr. Darcy's Secret I was lucky enough to take a trip to Derbyshire for inspiration and research. In my book Elizabeth Bennet's aunt, Mrs. Gardiner, has a friend, Mrs. Butler, who lives in Lambton. We know, of course, that Mrs. Gardiner lived in Lambton herself once upon a time so I assumed she would have made friends there.
I stayed in the village of Beeley on the Chatsworth estate and it was here that I was very taken with the house below which I thought would be a good starting point for Mrs. Butler's house. Although not quite exactly as the house I'd imagined in my head, it certainly ran on similar lines. I'd imagined a stone house with mullioned windows - perhaps a little more set back from the road, a little larger in size, and with a grander front door, but I was very pleased with this one nevertheless.

The interior of Mrs. Butler's house was inspired by a house that I knew as a child. The room belonged to a friend of my mother's and I can still remember it very clearly now. I think the memory has stayed with me partly because I wrote about it in a story when I was about seven years old, and also because my Mum's friend was a lady who encouraged me to pick things up and play with them. I remember a beautiful music box - I'd never seen anything like it, and I was allowed to turn the key and play it to my heart's content. There always seemed to be a fire roaring in the grate, interesting objects on the shelves and windowsills, and the added delight of a dog who allowed me to pet and stroke him. Again, the room in my head is a little different to the one I knew, but there are elements that are the same.

I've included the extract from Mr. Darcy's Secret which describes Elizabeth and Georgiana Darcy calling on Mrs. Butler with Mrs. Gardiner. I hope you enjoy it!

Georgiana was delighted to join the party that set out next morning after breakfast, driving along in the carriage away from Pemberley taking the road to Lambton. The three women travelled alone with the coachman and his boy, leaving Mr Darcy and Mr Gardiner to their shooting and all the little Gardiners to their lessons with their governess.
“Thank you so very much for inviting me, Mrs Gardiner,” said Georgiana. “I’m rather embarrassed to admit that I am not really acquainted with anyone in the village, though I’ve always longed to have more friends in the area. But having been in London for such a long time meant I did not have the opportunity to meet with many people round about, apart from the families that called when I was here in the summer.”
“There is no reason why you should be acquainted with anyone in Lambton, Miss Darcy,” replied Mrs Gardiner. “I know the circles you have moved in all your life are very different to those of my own and I am sure there was never the chance to enjoy a very wide society.”
Georgiana looked thoughtful. “I do remember my brother telling me that my mother was very conscientious in her duties and often called in the village especially on the needy and sick. It is a practice I would like to rejuvenate; I know my mother was very well regarded in Lambton. What do you think, Elizabeth? Would you like to revive the habit?”

“We shall go together if you should like it,” agreed Elizabeth warmly. “I know Mr Darcy has always tried to help the poorer families where he can, and I think we could certainly find other worthwhile occupation and enterprises to which we may give a helping hand, especially if it can be done without giving offence. The people here are very proud, hard-working, and for the most part self-sufficient, but we can do much to improve their general happiness and condition, I am certain.”
“If any two people can undertake such work with sensibility and discernment, I am sure you both can,” said Mrs Gardiner. “There is always someone or something that needs attention in a place like this, where those who do fall on hard times often find it difficult to ask for largesse.”
The carriage turned into the High Street and Elizabeth could not help noticing the excitement their arrival was causing amongst the inhabitants going about their business. Being Mrs Darcy was going to take some getting used to, she decided, as she witnessed passers by nudging one another, curtseying or bowing and doffing caps, as they travelled the length of the thoroughfare to a good-sized stone house with gables set back from the road.
“Here we are, I am so looking forward to seeing my friend, though I have to tell you, it shall be a visit tinged with sadness,” declared Mrs Gardiner. “Dear Mrs Butler’s lovely husband passed away last year. He was a naval captain until his health took a turn for the worse and an upstanding member of the community, always willing to help those less fortunate than himself. He succumbed to consumption after a long illness and poor Martha is left quite alone. Her only surviving son has gone to seek his fortune in London and is doing well, I believe, and although he has tried to persuade his mother to join him there, she would never consider leaving Derbyshire or the home she shared with John.”

“I can easily understand that,” said Lizzy peering out at the house before them. “To leave a house full of memories shared with the one you love would not be easy, even if you were going to make a new home with those you adore. Her son must be a generous, affectionate young man to take such care of his mother.”
“I have not seen him for some time, but I do remember that he was the very image of his father and with the same gentle ways. I know he would have tried very hard to persuade his mother to join him.”
The coachman was at the door in a moment and the ladies stepped down to make their way along the flagged path leading up to the house with its central door set between mullioned windows. They were soon shown into a comfortable yet old-fashioned parlour furnished in country style. On one side of the gleaming mahogany fireplace was an oak dresser displaying a wealth of pewter, illuminated by the bright flames of the fire in the grate, and in the opposite corner, a grandfather clock with a painted face of flowers and cupids stood ticking the hours away. Placed before the hearth an ancient settee draped in chintz and a sturdy settle adorned with blue check cushions were arranged to make the best use of the heat of the coals.

Georgiana looked around her with wonder. Such a cosy room and stuffed with objects of varying interest, though not necessarily of great worth. It had the feeling of what she imagined it would be like to enter a ship, with its low, beamed ceiling and dark, panelled walls. Every surface displayed some treasure, from exotic shells, oyster pink and glossy with a finish of pearl, to spiky sea urchins and stiff, bony sea horses. A mahogany box brimming with bright fishing flies lay open on the shelf before the window, in between a Chinese bowl decorated with peonies in vivid blue and the skeletal remains of what appeared to be a large and rather sinister looking fish.

Martha Butler bade them sit down after the introductions and immediately addressed the Darcy women, telling them what an honour it was to receive them. “And to see you again, Mrs Gardiner, after all these years and under such splendid circumstances. I cannot think of anything that would have pleased you better than to see your niece as mistress of Pemberley. Lambton was always so dear to your heart and now you have an excellent excuse to visit us both very often, I hope.”
“I am very lucky to have been invited to stay so soon and I hope to visit you often, my dear friend,” Mrs Gardiner replied.
Mrs Butler glanced at Georgiana who despite herself could not help look with fascination at everything around the room. “It’s a very queer room, is it not, Miss Darcy?”
“Oh, Mrs Butler, on the contrary, it is a lovely room, but you must think me so rude for staring.”
“Not at all, my dear, and if there is anything takes your fancy for a closer scrutiny, I hope you will have a look. See these old panels on the walls? My late husband rescued them from a ship he served in that was broken up for scrap. I never felt so far away from him when he was at sea, so long as I could see these lovely pieces of timber worked on and polished by his own hand to fit into my parlour.”
“Mr Butler was a skilled carpenter as well as being an admirable sea captain,” joined in Mrs Gardiner. “I remember he made you a sewing box on your marriage, a most beautiful object to my mind.”
“I have it still, though it is locked in the cupboard this morning. I’ll fetch it out in a minute, Miss Darcy, and you can see what my husband had to keep himself occupied on during those long days on board ship when he was a mere midshipman.”
At that moment the party heard the sound of the front door shutting and a man’s voice booming with cheerful resonance to the maid in the hall.
“Oh, my goodness me, I quite forgot to tell you in all my excitement in seeing you again,” Mrs Butler declared, her face lighting up with pleasure. “Master Thomas is home for a holiday. He has just finished on a scheme of work at Lord Featherstone’s house in Richmond, but I expect he will tell you all about it himself.”
Just as she spoke, the door of the parlour opened to admit a tall young man with an air of affable good nature and with such pleasing looks that Georgiana, who had started to become quite at ease, felt quite unequal to meet the eyes of those which alighted so eagerly upon her countenance.

© Jane Odiwe Mr. Darcy's Secret 2011

Competition - Win a copy of Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James!

2011-11-21T08:22:00.001Z

I have an enormous treat for lovers of Jane Austen sequels and P. D. James! Faber and Faber have very kindly sent me a copy for a competition, and all you have to do if you wish to be entered is leave a comment below saying why you'd like to read Death Comes to Pemberley.

From the publisher: The year is 1803, and Darcy and Elizabeth have been married for six years. There are now two handsome and healthy sons in the Pemberley nursery, Elizabeth’s beloved sister Jane and her husband, Bingley, live within seventeen miles, the ordered and secure life of Pemberley seems unassailable, and Elizabeth’s happiness in her marriage is complete. But their peace is threatened and old sins and misunderstandings are rekindled on the eve of the annual Autumn Ball. The Darcys and their guests are preparing to retire for the night when a chaise appears, rocking down the path from Pemberley’s wild woodland, and as it pulls up, Lydia Wickham, an uninvited guest, tumbles out, screaming that her husband has been murdered...

About Death Comes to Pemberley, P. D. James said:

‘It has been a joy to revisit Pride and Prejudice and to discover, as one always does, new delights and fresh insights. I have to apologise to Jane Austen for involving her beloved Elizabeth in a murder investigation but this fusion of my two enthusiasms – for the novels of Jane Austen and for writing detective stories – has given me great pleasure which I hope will be shared by my readers.’

Watch the video below to see Baroness James interviewed at her home.

The competition will be open for a week and the winner announced on Tuesday, November 29th 2011.

Mr Darcy Forever - Victoria Connelly

2011-11-14T11:26:00.001Z

My lovely guest today is Victoria Connelly, the author of A Weekend with Mr Darcy, and The Perfect Hero, two books inspired by Jane Austen. She has a new book out, Mr Darcy Forever, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and if you've read any of Victoria's other books, I'm sure you'll enjoy this too! I have lovely memories of showing Victoria around Bath during the Jane Austen Festival, taking tea in the Pump Rooms and looking at all the wonderful costumes in the Fashion Museum. I seem to remember we spied a particularly dashing Mr Darcy figure on the promenade walk...

I asked Victoria to tell us a little more about her books and the characters she writes about.

What made you want to write novels inspired by Jane Austen?

I’d been visiting lots of the Jane Austen locations: Chawton in Hampshire, Lyme Regis and Bath and I was really inspired by how beautiful they were and I thought they’d make great settings for novels. I quickly came up with an idea for a trilogy: three separate books about modern-day Jane Austen addicts, each set in a different Austen location.

I’d also just watched ‘Lost in Austen’ and had laughed out loud when Amanda Price declared ‘I just want to read my book’ after her drunken boyfriend interrupts her evening’s reading of reading ‘Pride and Prejudice’. I wanted to explore what it was like to be an Austen addict in a world that can often seem far from romantic.

Can you tell us something about the characters in Mr. Darcy Forever? Who is your favourite?

‘Mr Darcy Forever’ is about two estranged sisters, Sarah and Mia Castle, who are loosely based on Elinor and Marianne Dashwood from ‘Sense and Sensibility’. I kept wondering what Austen’s sisters would be like if they were alive today and my heroine, Sarah, has OCD – she’s incredibly controlled about everything in her life – measuring, counting, cleaning etc. It was fascinating to learn about OCD and she was a fun character to write about. There’s also a naughty dog called Bingley who’s a lot of fun too!

For you, which comes first? The plot or the characters? How long does it take for you to outline your book before you start writing, or do you just dive in and plot as you go along?

It’s often hard to tell which comes first – plot and characters both often go hand in hand for me. I come up with a very rough idea eg: estranged sisters or a Jane Austen conference (as in ‘A Weekend with Mr Darcy’) or a lottery winner who gives it all away (for ‘Molly’s Millions’). I do a very rough plot outline which gets padded out as I go along. But I do rather like the surprise of diving into a new project and seeing where it takes me.

What research for your book surprised you the most, and which bit of research did you enjoy most?

To research this book, I stayed in Bath for three nights during the Jane Austen Festival. It was amazing. I loved every minute of it from the grand costumed promenade to the dancing and the talks about Regency costume. I met some fabulous people and was probably most surprised by the continuing popularity of Jane Austen and that people had come from all over the world to celebrate her work. I talked to people from Italy, America, Scandanavia and Australia. It’s incredible that she’s still so loved 200 years after her first book was published.

Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?

Recently, the biggest influence has been Jane Austen! I have a lot to thank her for – she’s inspired my trilogy which broke me into the American market and has got me into the Top 100 Amazon Kindle Chart. Growing up, though, I have to say I was influenced more by films than books – I devoured romantic comedies and adored the films of Doris Day, Judy Garland, Deanna Durbin and Marilyn Monroe. Romantic comedies are my favourite genre and I feel very privileged to be writing them now.

What is the one thing your readers would be the most surprised to know about you?

They might be surprised to know that I love a good thriller and I adore gangster films from the 1930s and 40s. Alongside the Doris Day movies, I love anything starring James Cagney and I adore ‘Public Enemy’ and ‘Angels with Dirty Faces’ – basically, any film where James Cagney ends up dead. That might surprise my readers!

If you weren’t writing, what would you be doing?

Going mad, probably! I can’t imagine not writing but, before my writing took off, I was an English teacher. Other jobs that appeal are anything creative – something in the world of film or working in Jim Henson’s creature workshop! I’m also passionate about conservation and animal welfare – I have a rescue spaniel and some ex-battery hens so maybe a job helping animals. But I think I’d always be writing - no matter what other job I did.

Thank you, Victoria, for being my guest today, and I wish you much success with Mr Darcy Forever!

A Harry Potter moment on Bonfire Night!

2011-11-08T14:51:00.003Z

My husband took these magical images on bonfire night-I think they're all fantastic but the romantic in me is very taken with the heart - ah, young love! What fun you can have with a packet of sparklers!!!

Gone Reading, Brad Wirz, and Jane Austen Gifts!

2011-11-03T11:09:00.000Z

I was contacted recently by Brad Wirz, the founder of a remarkable new company set up to benefit people in parts of the world where reading is a luxurious privilege not open to everyone. It's very hard to imagine not having access to libraries, teachers and books in our societies so when Brad wrote and said that 100%of the profits that are made from the gifts they sell go towards making reading and literacy a real possibility in the developing world, I was very happy to help spread the word! I think you'll be particularly interested in the range of

Jane Austen Gifts which will not only make fabulous presents, but will be helping others less fortunate than ourselves.

I also love the fact that Brad has risen to the challenge of attempting to read Jane Austen himself, and you can read his thoughts on our favourite author.

Here's a little more about Gone Reading and its founder, Brad Wirz.
Gone Reading International – maker of the GoneReading brand of gifts for readers – was founded to bring the magic of reading
to places where it doesn’t exist. “We believe that when people have open access to great reading materials, life always changes
for the better,” says founder Brad Wirz.

That’s why GoneReading, founded in 2011, has pledged all company profits to fund new reading libraries and other literacy
projects in the developing world. By purchasing GoneReading brand products, you’re changing the world while treating your
friends and family to great gifts.

During a volunteer trip to Central America in 2010, Wirz helped to build a library in the middle of the Honduran jungle.

“Hundreds of villages, thousands of people, had basically no access to books or reading materials at all. That just blew mind," says Wirz. "Six months later I quit my job and ended my 20 year career to try and put books into the hands of all who don't have that advantage," Wirz continues.

The result is GoneReading and its unique brand of gifts for the reading lifestyle. GoneReading gifts feature original designs and slogans. Each design is available for purchase on an array of apparel, drink ware, book bags, baby clothing, pet products and more.

What were you doing before you began GoneReading?
“I had a better-than-I-deserved career in marketing for 20 years. I spent the last 10 running the North American event marketing division of a global
consortium called Euro RSCG.”

What made you want to start an organization like GoneReading?
“Reading has always been my #1 hobby. I can’t imagine a world without books. But one day I read (in a book, oddly enough) that almost a billion people in the world don’t have access to books. They’re basically living in the middle ages. I couldn’t just sit by and let that fact stand.”

Do you remember the exact moment you decided to quit your job?
“Yes. My corporate life had taken its toll. I’ll spare you the details, but I found myself curled up in the fetal position in a hotel room in New York City. I called my wife and said ‘I can’t do this anymore!’ By coincidence I had previously committed to going on a volunteer trip to Honduras in a few weeks’ time. Our project involved helping to build a library in the middle of the Honduran jungle. That’s what got the wheels turning in my mind.”

So how does GoneReading work?
“Rather than start another charity that relies on donations, I decided to put my marketing background to work. We market a lifestyle brand of merchandise and gifts – called GoneReading - specifically for book lovers like you and me. Our current offering consists of original designs, each coupled with a slogan to pique the interest of readers. Our designs are available for purchase on a variety of shirts, mugs, book bags, baby clothes and even dog t-shirts. Everything is available for purchase at www.GoneReading.com. We’re donating 100% of the company profits in perpetuity to fund new libraries in the developing world. We actually wrote that into our corporate charter.”

How do you develop the designs and slogans on your merchandise?
“It’s a collaborative process between myself and an amazing illustrator by the name of Danny Wilson. Danny and I worked together throughout my corporate career. We develop most of the concepts internally, and Danny brings them to life visually. I need to give Danny more credit though, as he developed the entire concept for one of our most popular designs, called Take Me To Your Reader.”

How does all of this actually result in more libraries and literacy projects?
“One of the things learned in the first five minutes while volunteering in Honduras is that I bring absolutely nothing to the physical process of building libraries. Mixing cement is not as much fan as it sounds! That’s why we’re donating 100% of company profits to help fund non-profit organizations that
already specialize in developing libraries in the poorest parts of the world. My wife and I went to India and Nepal earlier this year to meet with such groups, to see the work they are doing on the ground. It’s amazing to see how a simple library can profoundly effect a local community. Reading is a primary tool of self-improvement; without it, you don’t stand a chance.”

I'm sure you'll all agree this is such a fantastic way to bring the gift of reading to everyone. Thank you Brad for contacting me - I'm so happy to help spread the word!

The Mysterious Death of Miss Austen - Lindsay Ashford

2011-11-01T07:55:00.000Z

I don't write reviews as such, but when I was contacted about this book I was absolutely intrigued! Once I started the book I actually couldn't put it down - it's the kind of book I love to read, beautifully written and wholly believable - I wish I'd written it myself! Here's a little about the book below. Yes, you do have to suspend belief about everything we've ever been told about Jane Austen, but it's so well done and cleverly backed up by written evidence that I'm not sure I shall ever think about Jane's death in the same way ever again. Having just written a book myself with a new theory about Jane I found it particularly satisfying!

Here's a little about the book from the publisher:

No one has ever been able to provide a satisfactory explanation for the tragically early death of beloved author Jane Austen and recently, when some surviving strands of the author’s hair were tested, they were found to contain abnormally high amounts of arsenic...

Natural causes or murder? This intriguing new mystery novel by acclaimed crime novelist Lindsay Ashford delves into the private lives of the Austen family and comes up with a new and shocking possibility.

Miss Anne Sharp holds the position of governess at the Godmersham home of Edward Austen where she becomes friendly with his sister, Jane, when the latter arrives for an extended stay. Another frequent visitor to the house is younger Austen brother, the maverick, charming and seductive Henry. Anne, fascinated by the intertwining lives of the Austen family, gradually becomes convinced that Henry is having an illicit affair with her employer’s wife only to find that Jane too holds similar suspicions.

When Jane Austen dies at the age of just 41, Anne is devastated. As she grieves for the loss of her dear friend, she begins to suspect that something is afoot. Could it be true that someone wanted Jane out of the way because she knew too much? As Anne’s suspicions grow, her fears are heightened by the death of yet another Austen family member. Anne is determined to get to the bottom of the mysterious death of Miss Austen… no matter what the cost.

Lindsay Ashford

Lindsay Ashford divides her time between the West Wales coast and Chawton House in Hampshire. The home of Jane Austen’s brother, Chawton House is in the village where Jane Austen spent the most productive years of her literary life. The building now houses a unique library focusing on women's writing in English from 1600 to 1830.

Lindsay was the originator of the Jane Austen Short Story Award, the first anthology from which, Dancing with Mr. Darcy, edited by Sarah Waters, was published in 2009. Lindsay also has a degree in Criminology from Cambridge University and has published four critically acclaimed crime novels in The Megan Rhys Series, one of which was shortlisted for the Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. The Mysterious Death of Miss Austen is Honno’s first ever ebook.

Jane Austen Made Me Do It - Competition Winner!

2011-10-31T09:56:00.001Z

Congratulations! The winner of the copy of Jane Austen Made Me Do It is Sophia Rose! I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did, Sophia.

Laurel Ann Nattress: You Pierce My Soul Persuasion: A Look at Jane Austen’s Most Romantic Novel

2011-10-23T00:01:00.002+01:00

It's my great pleasure to welcome my guest, Laurel Ann Nattress, editor of Jane Austen Made Me Do It to the blog today. Everyone knows Laurel Ann from her wonderful blog, Austenprose, and now she's just become a published author! Over to you, Laurel Ann.

You Pierce My Soul Persuasion: A Look at Jane Austen’s Most Romantic Novel

Hi Jane, thanks again for hosting me during my Grand Tour of the blogosphere in celebration of the release of my new Austen-inspired anthology, Jane Austen Made Me Do It.

Besides being total Jane Austen enthusiasts Jane, you and I share an affinity for Persuasion, Jane Austen's last and most romantic novel. I was so excited then you shared with me that you were inspired to write a short story for Jane Austen Made Me Do It based upon Jane Austen’s characters Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot. I adore their love story and was so interested to see what you would do with the backstory of their first meeting and early romance that is only alluded to in the original novel. I was thrilled with the result Jane, and I hope readers will enjoy your sojourn with one of our favorite Jane Austen couples.

Persuasion is really a unique novel in Jane Austen’s canon. It is the last novel that she completed before she died in 1817 at the age of forty-one, and reflects her more mature style with an intriguing introspective narrative.

At age twenty-seven, its heroine Anne Elliot is considered “on the shelf,” – past the marriageable age to catch a rich husband worthy of her snobbish father, Sir Walter Elliot’s approval. She and our hero Captain Wentworth’s failed romance and separation for over seven years is the center of the story. Themes of regret, misdirection, and lost hope all fuel the plot. This may sound very dour, but Austen’s brilliance as a writer, tempers the bad with the good to create conflict and humor with a wonderful resolution. The famous “you pierce my soul” letter by Captain Wentworth at the end of the novel is one of the most romantic ever written, and their eventual reunion and prospect for life together the most fulfilling “happily-ever-after” in literature. Even though Pride and Prejudice gets all the attention, I think Persuasion is a refined and mature work of a brilliant storyteller, and is really her masterpiece.

During the editing process of Jane Austen Made Me Do It, I was really delighted to see a few authors interested in writing stories inspired by Persuasion. The end result is some of my favorites in the anthology. Here is a brief preview of them:

“The Love Letter,” by Brenna Aubrey
Young doctor Mark Hinton thinks his life is perfect. He is just about to finish his residency and has accepted the offer of a fabulous new job. Things could not be better… until the arrival of an anonymous letter in the mail forces him to confront the truth he’s been hiding from for seven years.
Sent on a quest by the mysterious contents of the letter, he is forced to discover the contents of his own heart thanks to Jane Austen, a canny librarian, a cantankerous patient, and a coolly observant sister.
“Waiting: A story inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion,” by Jane Odiwe
Captain Wentworth and his beloved Anne Elliot have waited almost nine years to be together. At last all misunderstandings are swept aside. They have declared their love for one another, and all that remains is for their union to be blessed by Anne’s father, the irascible Sir Walter Elliot, and for the family members to be told. As Anne and Frederick ponder their futures each is reminded of the past, and all that has happened. Anne recalls the heady days of their courtship, but Frederick finds his memories overshadowed by the recollection of Sir Walter’s former hostility. Anne waits patiently for the outcome, but is disappointed by her sister Elizabeth’s reaction to the news, and further dismayed when she sees Captain Wentworth’s expression telling her all has not gone well with his interview. However, Anne is resolute. Despite being persuaded in the past against the match, she is determined to marry the Captain whatever the opposition. To her relief she discovers that Sir Walter has given his blessing, albeit grudgingly, and that at least one of her sisters is moderately pleased for her. Anne and Frederick know there are more obstacles to their happiness to come, but rejoice in the old adage that ‘good things come to those who wait.’
“Heard of You,” by Margaret C. Sullivan
In Jane Austen’s Persuasion, we are told that Admiral and Mrs. Croft married a shockingly short time after their first meeting, but that they had heard a great deal about each other before they met. How could they have known each other so well? In the midst of war, an unlikely Cupid brings together one of Austen’s best married couples in a story inspired both by Persuasion and by Captain Frederick Marryat’s novel Peter Simple.

I hope that readers will be as charmed and delighted with how Persuasion inspired these three writers to create their unique stories.

Thank you Jane for your wonderful contribution “Waiting,” and for hosting me today on your blog. It was a pleasure.

Cheers, Laurel Ann

Thank you, Laurel Ann, for joining me today. I’m so thrilled to be a part of your wonderful book, Jane Austen Made Me Do It, and have enjoyed reading all the fabulous stories!

Editor bio:

A life-long acolyte of Jane Austen, Laurel Ann Nattress is the author/editor of Austenprose.com a blog devoted to the oeuvre of her favorite author and the many books and movies that she has inspired. She is a life member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, a regular contributor to the PBS blog Remotely Connected and the Jane Austen Centre online magazine. An expatriate of southern California, Laurel Ann lives in a country cottage near Snohomish, Washington. Visit Laurel Ann at her blogs Austenprose.com and JaneAustenMadeMeDoIt.com, on Twitter as @Austenprose, and on Facebook as Laurel Ann Nattress.

Jane Austen Made Me Do It: Original Stories Inspired by Literature’s Most Astute Observer of the Human Heart, edited by Laurel Ann Nattress

Ballantine Books • ISBN: 978-0345524966

Giveaway of Jane Austen Made Me Do It

Enter a chance to win one copy of Jane Austen Made Me Do It by leaving a comment by November 6th 2011, stating what intrigues you about reading an Austen-inspired short story anthology. Winners to be drawn at random and announced on Monday November 7th 2011. Shipment to US and Canadian addresses only. Good luck to all!

A Lydia Bennet Moment! Jane Odiwe and Monica Fairview at the RNA Regency Day.

2011-10-17T12:43:00.003+01:00

Jane Odiwe, Monica Fairview and the officers at the RNA day

In Lydia's imagination, a visit to Brighton comprised every possibility of earthly happiness. She saw, with the creative eye of fancy, the streets of that gay bathing place covered with officers. She saw herself the object of attention to tens and to scores of them at present unknown. She saw all the glories of the camp -- its tents stretched forth in beauteous uniformity of lines, crowded with the young and the gay, and dazzling with scarlet; and, to complete the view, she saw herself seated beneath a tent, tenderly flirting with at least six officers at once.
Pride and Prejudice

A fun day was had by all at the Romantic Novelist's Association Regency Day held at the Royal Overseas club in Mayfair. As you can see, Monica Fairview and I experienced a 'Lydia Bennet' moment when we met a group of redcoats who were there to add a touch of authenticity to the proceedings. Thank you, Monica, for the lovely photo!
We also met fellow author Juliet Archer who was there to talk brilliantly on a panel about Sense and Sensibility, which included quite a bit of discussion about Mr. Willoughby and Colonel Brandon (would you believe?)
I got to dance with Georgette Heyer biographer, Jennifer Kloester, who gave a fascinating talk on Georgette, and I managed to get my book signed! The Regency dancing was brilliant though I must admit Mr. Collins would probably look like an expert next to my efforts. Still, we laughed a lot, and had a good time. There are excellent reports on the day on the RNA blog and by Juliet Archer on Austen Authors.

Here's an extract from Lydia Bennet's Story:

Lydia Bennet, Mr. Wickham, and Kitty

Chapter 1

The true misfortune, which besets any young lady who believes herself destined for fortune and favour, is to find that she has been born into an unsuitable family. Lydia Bennet of Longbourn, Hertfordshire, not only believed that her mama and papa had most likely stolen her from noble parents, but also considered it a small miracle that they could have produced between them her own fair self and four comely girls—Jane, Lizzy, Mary and Kitty—though to tell the truth, she felt herself most blessed in looks. Lydia’s greatest desire in life was to be married before any of her sisters, but a lack of marriageable beau in the county and her papa’s reluctance to accompany her to as many Assembly Balls as she wished had thwarted her efforts thus far.

The youngest Longbourn ladies, Lydia and Kitty, were employed in preparations for a trip out into the nearby town of Meryton. Their bedchamber was strewn with cambrics, muslins, and ribbons, all cast aside for want of something better. Slippers and shoes, sashes and shawls spilled over the bed and onto the floor. Feathers, fans, and frills flowed from open drawers like a fountain cascade. Amongst the spoils, Kitty reclined against propped, plump cushions to regard her sibling, one arm resting behind her head whilst the other held back the heavy bed drapes, so as not to obscure her view. Lydia sat before the glass on her dressing table, scrutinising her reflection as she put the last touches to her toilette. She dusted a little powder over her full, rosy cheeks and twisted the dark curls on her forehead with a finger, patting them into place until she was satisfied with her appearance.

“Is it not a face designed for love?” she asked Kitty with a chuckle, practising several expressions she thought might stand her in good stead with the officers, or at the very least amuse her sister for five minutes. She was perfecting what she could only describe as a “passion promoter” to great comic effect, pouting her generous mouth and flashing her wide, black eyes with slow sweeps of her lashes, which had Kitty reeling on the bed with laughter. “No doubt, I shall capture Mr Denny’s heart once and for all!”

“I do not think making faces at Denny will make one jot of difference to his regard for you,” Kitty declared, spying a bauble amongst the strewn bedclothes and sitting up to clasp the necklace about her throat. “But, in any case, is it wise to spend so much time on a young man who has such a glad eye? I should have thought you would have learned your lesson by now!” Kitty was the sister with whom Lydia shared all her fears and secrets, cares and woes, secure in the knowledge that she was acquainted with as many of Kitty’s confidences, as her sister was of her own. Lydia would never divulge what followed when Charles Palmer detained Kitty in the conservatory and proposed to show her the illuminations, nor disclose intelligence of the letters that passed between them afterwards. Their confidence was absolute.

“I do hope Denny will like my new hairstyle,” Lydia went on, tying a length of coral silk around her tresses and ignoring her sister’s comments. “I daresay he will; he is always very attentive to every little thing. Why, I only changed the ribbons on my straw bonnet from white to coquelicot last Sunday and he had noticed before the first hymn was sung in church. Oh, Denny, he is so very sweet, though perhaps he is not quite so gallant as Mr Wickham, whose compliments are without doubt the most accomplished. I wonder what he will have to say. Do you think Mr Wickham will notice my hair?”

Kitty did not think Lydia really expected an answer to her question but ventured to comment on the fact that Mr Wickham, one of the best looking officers of their acquaintance, might have his attentions engaged elsewhere. “I do not think Mr Wickham’s notice extends much beyond that of his present interest in Miss Mary King. I hate to disappoint you, Lydia, but quite frankly, you could have Jane’s best bonnet on your head and he would not notice you! Pen Harrington believes he is quite in love.”

“Well, I am not convinced he is in love with Mary King,” said Lydia, liberally sprinkling Steele’s lavender water on her wrists, “but with her ten thousand pounds! Money will certainly give a girl all the charm she needs to attract any suitor. If you and I had half so much, do you think we should still be single?”

“Well, be that as it may, whatever Mr Wickham’s true feelings are on the matter, I declare that I shall never forgive him for his conduct to our sister. I think he used our Lizzy very ill,” Kitty cried, as she drew a white chip bonnet from its pink and white striped box and pulled it on over her ebony locks. “No wonder Lizzy went off to Hunsford to visit Charlotte Collins. I think Mr Wickham quite broke her heart.”

“Mr Wickham is a very amiable, but wicked, man and if he were not so charming or so handsome, I swear I would snub him forever,” Lydia replied. She stood up to smooth her muslin gown over her hips, pulling it down as hard as she could and sighing at its length in despair. Jane, the eldest of the Bennet daughters was a little shorter than herself, Lydia reflected, tugging at her cast off gown. Indeed, none of her sisters were as tall. And whilst she enjoyed her superior height, she knew that nobody else had to suffer the indignity of wearing clothes that were too small. If only she could persuade her papa that she really needed a new dress for herself alone, she knew she would be the happiest girl alive. But that was impossible. There was never enough money and, if there was any left over for the occasional luxury, as the youngest of five daughters, Lydia knew she would be the last to feel its effects. Tacking on another length of fabric from the workbox was the only answer but there just wasn’t time for that now. If they were not careful, they would be late and miss all the fun.

“If I know Lizzy, she will not be downhearted for long and her letters from Hunsford parsonage are cheerful enough,” Lydia added, pinching her cheeks between thumbs and forefingers for added bloom. “She expresses no feelings of regret and certainly there is no mention of moping for Mr Wickham, though how she can possibly be having fun with our dreary cousin Collins is quite beyond me. Poor Charlotte! I know you and I used to joke about the “Lovebirds of Longbourn” but, now she is married, I cannot help but feel sorry for her. Can you imagine having to live with William Collins for the rest of your life? Well, at least Lizzy managed to avoid that, although I am not sure our mother will ever completely forgive her for refusing to marry him.”

“Even sister Mary was not keen on the idea of becoming a parson’s wife, despite her penchant for bible study and religious tracts,” added Kitty, tying blue ribbons under her chin. “Although as I recall, if pressed, she might have consented to the match.”

“But Mr Collins never asked her!” Lydia giggled. She adjusted her bonnet, setting it at a jaunty angle before winking at her sister. “To be married with a house of my own is my ambition, I admit, but I declare I could never love a clergyman, not in a million years. Come, Kitty,” Lydia urged, picking up her reticule with one hand and taking her sister’s arm with the other. “Let us make haste. If we delay much longer, the morning will be gone and we will miss all the gossip!

Lydia and Kitty Bennet admiring the soldiers

Such a pretty scene met Lydia’s eyes on their arrival in town that she didn’t know which way to look: at the ravishing bonnets in straw and silk in the milliner’s bow-fronted windows or at the figured muslins, crêpes, and linens ruched and draped across the width and length of the tall windows of the mercer’s warehouse. Vying for her attention was a highway teeming with those captivating visions in scarlet; officers were everywhere, strutting the pavements and swaggering in step. A whole regiment of soldiers had arrived in Meryton several months ago, along with the changeable autumn winds, blowing every maiden’s saucy kisses like copper leaves down upon their handsome heads. Lydia and Kitty had been far from disappointed when line upon line of handsome soldiers and debonair officers had come parading along the High Street, a blaze of scarlet and gleaming gold buttons, laden with muskets and swords, clanking in rhythm as they marched. It had not been very long before both girls had made firm friends with all the officers, helped along by the introductions from their Aunt and Uncle Phillips who lived in the town.

Harriet Forster, the Colonel’s wife, was fast becoming Lydia’s most particular friend, and it was to her elegant lodgings that the Bennet sisters now hastened on this spring morning. As was expected, they found her in good company. Penelope Harrington and Harriet’s sister, Isabella Fitzalan, were regaling Harriet with the latest news. The three ladies were most elegantly dressed to Lydia’s mind: Harriet in a white muslin, Penelope in blue with lace let into the sleeves, and Isabella in lilac, to match the blossoms on the trees outside. Lydia thought Miss Fitzalan was elegance personified, with her golden curls dressed just like the portrait of Madame Recamier she had seen in her mother’s monthly periodical.

“I am so glad you have arrived at last, Lydia and Kitty,” Harriet exclaimed, as she rang the bell for tea, “for I have some news which cannot wait to be told. You will never guess what has happened!”

Jane Austen Made Me Do It - Publication Day, and a Competition Winner!

2011-10-11T11:05:00.003+01:00

Jane Austen Made Me Do It edited by the wonderful Laurel Ann Nattress is launched today. I'm thrilled to be a part of this book and have enjoyed reading all the amazing stories written by all the fabulous authors. The launch party is being kindly hosted over at Austen Authors with guest posts written by Laurel Ann Nattress, Monica Fairview, Diana Birchall, Jane Rubino and Caitlen Rubino-Bradway, and Me!

I also found this lovely review

Stories by: Lauren Willig • Adriana Trigiani • Jo Beverley • Alexandra Potter • Laurie Viera Rigler • Frank Delaney & Diane Meier • Syrie James • Stephanie Barron • Amanda Grange • Pamela Aidan • Elizabeth Aston • Carrie Bebris • Diana Birchall • Monica Fairview • Janet Mullany • Jane Odiwe • Beth Pattillo • Myretta Robens • Jane Rubino and Caitlen Rubino-Bradway • Maya Slater • Margaret C. Sullivan • and Brenna Aubrey, the winner of a story contest hosted by the Republic of Pemberley
“My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” If you just heaved a contented sigh at Mr. Darcy’s heartfelt words, then you, dear reader, are in good company. Here is a delightful collection of never-before-published stories inspired by Jane Austen—her novels, her life, her wit, her world.

In Lauren Willig’s “A Night at Northanger,” a young woman who doesn’t believe in ghosts meets a familiar specter at the infamous abbey; Jane Odiwe’s “Waiting” captures the exquisite uncertainty of Persuasion’s Wentworth and Anne as they await her family’s approval of their betrothal; Adriana Trigiani’s “Love and Best Wishes, Aunt Jane” imagines a modern-day Austen giving her niece advice upon her engagement; in Diana Birchall’s “Jane Austen’s Cat,” our beloved Jane tells her nieces “cat tales” based on her novels; Laurie Viera Rigler’s “Intolerable Stupidity” finds Mr. Darcy bringing charges against all the writers of Pride and Prejudice sequels, spin-offs, and retellings; in Janet Mullany’s “Jane Austen, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!” a teacher at an all-girls school invokes the Beatles to help her students understand Sense and Sensibility; and in Jo Beverley’s “Jane and the Mistletoe Kiss,” a widow doesn’t believe she’ll have a second chance at love . . . until a Miss Austen suggests otherwise.

Regency or contemporary, romantic or fantastical, each of these marvelous stories reaffirms the incomparable influence of one of history’s most cherished authors.

Competition Winner announcement!

The winner of Definitely Not Mr. Darcy by Karen Doornebos is Renee Reardon - Congratulations! Thank you to all who entered!

Fairfax House, York: Dress in the Age of Jane Austen

2011-10-04T07:54:00.001+01:00

Click here to see a video!!

Fairfax House, York

FASHION SEMINAR: AN AIR OF ELEGANCE AND FASHION

Dress in the Age of Austen with Hilary Davidson

RIDAY 7 OCTOBER 2011

Opening time: 7.00pm
Location: Fairfax House
Cost: £14.00 (York Civic Trust members and Friends of Fairfax House £12.00, Students £8.00)

Jane Austen's lifetime and her career as a writer encompass one of the most interesting periods of fashion development. This talk, by Curator of Fashion at The Museum of London Hilary Davidson, will look at this time of great change, from the French Revolution to the Regency: how events great and small influenced fashion, and Jane Austen’s own relationship with dress in her life and novels.

Tickets: £14.00 (York Civic Trust members and Friends of Fairfax House £12.00, Students £8.00)

For tickets contact Fairfax House on 01904 655543 or call in during House opening hours.

From their website:
Come and unlock the splendour within the finest Georgian town house in England. A classical architectural masterpiece of its age, Fairfax House was originally the winter home of Viscount Fairfax. Its richly decorated interior was designed by York's most distinguished eighteenth-century architect, John Carr.

Extensively adapted in the twentieth century as a cinema and dance hall, Fairfax House was saved from decay and returned to its former glory by York Civic Trust in 1982-84.

Today, Fairfax House once more transports you to the splendour of city-living in Georgian York, the centre of polite society. The superb Noel Terry collection of furniture, clocks, paintings and decorative arts, described by Christie's as one of the finest private collections of the twentieth century, perfectly complements the house, bringing it to life and creating a special lived-in feeling.

With an exciting programme of special events and changing exhibitions, there is always a reason to visit Fairfax House.

Bath in the Sun!

2011-10-03T14:47:00.001+01:00

I was in Bath at the weekend enjoying the sunshine and the soaring temperatures-though it has to be said I didn't really take the right clothes with me. I just didn't believe it was going to be quite that hot-scorching is the word! I took a few pictures of the fabulous street entertainers who turn out each week whatever the weather. I met the talented artist, Adrian Sykes, (above) and bought a gorgeous painting of Marlborough Buildings (where Colonel Wallis lived in Persuasion). I did suggest he ought to paint some Jane Austen street scenes - not sure if he was convinced, but he did say he might venture out in Regency attire perhaps when the Jane Austen Festival is on!
I hope you enjoy the pictures of Bath in the sun!

Win a Book! Definitely Not Mr. Darcy - Karen Doornebos

2011-09-27T08:43:00.000+01:00

The Author of Definitely Not Mr. Darcy, Karen Doornebos, is my lovely guest today and she

raises the Question: Is There An American Equivalent to the English Mr. Darcy?

Comment below and share on Facebook or twitter for a chance to win a signed copy, two teabags, and two coasters that ask the rhetorical question, “Coffee? Tea? Or Mr. Darcy?”

Jane, thank you for hosting me here as I celebrate the launch of my debut novel, Definitely Not Mr. Darcy. I’m thrilled to be here, in virtual England with you!

Let me introduce myself as an American author that has been, since childhood, enamored of all things English, all the way from Winnie the Pooh and Alice in Wonderland to the latest incarnation of Dr. Who (or more accurately Downton Abbey). No surprise then, that I traveled to England to live and work, after graduating in (what else?) English Literature. That was some twenty years ago, yet the obsession (along with many others, I assure you) continues.

I’m not alone. Here in America there are thousands of members of the Jane Austen Society of North America, and plenty of card-carrying Jane Austen fans that partake of festivals, Jane Austen teas held at libraries, and consumers a-plenty to buy “I Love Mr. Darcy” mugs, t-shirts and tote bags galore.

I have often wondered that Americans have fabulous, hunky film stars like George Clooney, Bradley Cooper, or Johnny Depp, but do we have a literary hero that comes close to Jane Austen’s Mr. Darcy?

Hmmmm. Perhaps Rhett Butler of Gone With the Wind…but does Rhett or Jay Gatsby hold a tallow candle to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy? I’m curious to know what the readers out there think, because frankly my dear, I’d choose Mr. Darcy in a heartbeat.

Thank you, Jane Austen, for providing us with him! Captain Wentworth, Colonel Brandon, and Mr. Tilney do come close to rivaling your Mr. Darcy, but not quite.

There is of course, Mr. Rochester, but wait a minute, he’s English too! And he doesn’t intentionally change for his heroine, as Mr. Darcy changes his behavior because of, and with a remote hope over winning over, Elizabeth. And, so, in one fell swoop, Mr. Rochester is bested by our Mr. Darcy.

I do blame some of the Mr. Darcy obsession on the fact that Pride and Prejudice has been, for decades now, on required school reading lists across the nation. At very impressionable ages, American girls are introduced to the natural charms of Mr. Darcy. He becomes, essentially, our first literary love. And the fact that he’s so wealthy just feeds into our Cinderella-marries-the-Prince fantasy that we Americans are spoon-fed from birth!

It’s no coincidence then, that my heroine in Definitely Not Mr. Darcy fell for Darcy at an early age. She owns the entire collection of “I Love Mr. Darcy, Captain Wentworth, Mr. Tilney” etc. coffee mugs, too.

I had a lot of fun with my American heroine, Chloe Parker, who really is more Austen-obsessed than I, and feels as if she were born two centuries too late. Chloe joins what she thinks is a documentary set in Jane Austen’s England…but soon discovers that she’s up to her stays in a reality dating show…competing to snare the “Mr. Darcy” of the show. The only problem is she can’t get two other men on the set off her mind!

Yes, there are three potential heroes in Definitely Not Mr. Darcy. But is one of them a real Mr. Darcy? I leave that for you to decide!

I enjoyed having a 21^st-century American navigate (or not navigate!) the social intricacies of upper-crust 1812 English society. I also enjoyed the wish-fulfillment aspect of bringing my heroine’s fantasy to life—will her beloved Jane Austen’s England be everything she’d hoped? As the back of the book says:

This is no ordinary Regency romance. It’s reality.

Chloe Parker was born two centuries too late. A thirty-nine-yea-old divorced mother, she runs her own antique letterpress business, is a lifelong member of the Jane Austen Society, and gushes over everything Regency. But her business is failing, threatening her daughter’s future. What’s a lady to do?

Why, audition for Jane Austen-inpsired TV show set in England, of course.

What Chloe thinks is a documentary turns out to be a reality dating show set in 1812. Eight women are competing to snare Mr. Wrightman, the heir to a gorgeous estate—and a one-hundred-thousand-dollar prize. So Chloe tosses her bonnet into the ring, hoping to transform from stressed-out Midwestern mom to genteel American heiress and win the money. With no cell phones, indoor plumbing, or deodorant to be found, she must tighten her corset and flash some ankle to beat out women younger, more cutthroat, and less clumsy than herself. But the witty and dashing Mr. Wrightman proves to be a prize worth winning even if it means the gloves are off…

You can learn more about Definitely Not Mr. Darcy at Karen's website become a fan of mine on Facebook or follow me on twitter @karendoornebos.

But in the meantime, I do have to ask:

Is there an American literary equivalent to the English Mr. Darcy? Leave a comment for your chance to win! Increase your chances by sharing this post on Facebook or twitter!

Huge congratulations and thank you, Karen for joining us today. I've enjoyed hearing all about your book, as I'm sure my readers have too. Don't forget to leave a comment to win a copy of the book. The competition will run until October 10th and the winner's name drawn from a hat to be announced on October 11th 2011.

Cooking with Jane Austen and Friends: Laura Boyle

2011-09-19T09:45:00.001+01:00

As the Jane Austen Festival in Bath gets underway, I am delighted to welcome the lovely Laura Boyle who I've known for a number of years. When I heard she had a book out which combines both my love of Jane Austen and food, I had to investigate! The result is a scrumptious book (believe me, I have been tempted to devour the pages) and she very kindly agreed to stop by to tell us all about it. Over to you, Laura!

I have a love affair with cookbooks. Books in general, my family would say, but cookbooks in particular. I have cookbooks on my shelves that I’ve never even used, simply because the pictures were gorgeous and the dinners so nicely staged. Any trip to the bookstore will eventually find me with the cookbooks…and often walking out the door with one, convinced that I, too, can cook Cantonese in “only three easy steps” or that my family will love the meals that “whip together in minutes to simmer invitingly for hours” in my crockpot.

Naturally, when David Baldock, curator of the Jane Austen Centre in Bath asked me if I would be interested in turning their website’s regularly featured recipe collection into a cookbook that could be carried in the Centre’s shop, I was delighted. For over ten years, I’ve been researching period recipes each month for their online magazine feature, always searching for something that was popular during Jane Austen’s lifetime; something, perhaps, that the Austen’s themselves might have enjoyed. From this was born Cooking with Jane Austen and Friends.
Although I live in the United States, I’ve been working with the Centre almost from their opening, in the late 1990's. I have loved Jane Austen’s work ever since I first read Pride and Prejudice as a young teenager and since then I have greedily read all I could about Jane Austen, her life and the period in which she lived. This fascination has spilled over into my work, inspiring my company, Austentation: Regency Accessories, where I offer custom made hats, bonnets, reticules and gift baskets, along with other accessory items of the period. It has truly been a perfect match and I am grateful for the opportunities I have had and the wonderful people I have met along the way.

I well remember my first visit to Bath, about a year after I began working with the Centre. At the close of that visit I was given a vintage copy of The Jane Austen Household Book with Martha Lloyd’s Recipes by Peggy Hickman…a little volume I have turned to again and again over the years as I’ve tried to learn more about the foods the Austen’s ate and how they were prepared. This book is a collection of recipes that Martha Lloyd, a dear friend of the Austen’s (later in life she married Jane Austen’s brother, Francis), kept throughout her life. The recipes range from main dishes to soup, to puddings, to shoe blacking and ink (perhaps Jane’s own recipe?) Delightfully, Martha Lloyd also noted the names of the friends from whom she obtained the various recipes; names that are familiar from reading Jane Austen’s own letters.

In writing Cooking with Jane Austen and Friends I looked first to Jane Austen’s letters and novels in order to see what dishes she mentioned and then tried to find authentic Regency recipes for these dishes, in order to discover just what the food would have tasted like. Many of these recipes came from Martha Lloyd’s household book, suggesting that they were tried in the Austen’s own kitchen. Other recipes came from Maria Eliza Kettleby Rundell’s New System of Domestic Cookery (London, 1808) and Hannah Glasse’s The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy (London, 1774) among others, titles which would have been household names among Regency wives and housekeepers.

The next decision was, “What type of cookbook to make?” There have been many Austen adapted cookbooks over the years. Cooking with Jane Austen shares history and recipes, while Jane Austen and Food provides innumerable accounts of what the Austen’s ate and why. The Jane Austen Cookbook is a modern take on Martha Lloyd’s household book, while Tea with the Bennets and Tea with Jane Austen provide countless recipes for treats and sweets as well as the history of tea as it relates to the Austen family. Why reinvent the wheel, so to speak?

We finally decided on an affordable, full color cookbook that would include period recipes along with modern equivalents, as well as historical tidbits and quotes from Jane Austen’s work showing why each dish was important. I was adamant that we would include a color photograph of each dish, something which had not previously been done. This meant that each recipe had to be converted into modern measurements (there were no standard cups and teaspoons at that time) cooking temperatures (a “quick” oven?) and times, as well as experimented with, prepared and photographed.

I started with the recipes themselves, hoping to have enough variety to allow the reader to host their own Regency inspired party. With that in mind, we also included information for the hostess on arranging and serving her own dinner party, card party or tea. After deciding on the recipes, they were sorted out by category: Breakfast, Dinner, Sweets and Beverages, and named for the character or person that the recipe seemed to suggest.

If on first reading, Jane Austen’s books seem to say little about food, her letters more than make up for this with a wealth of information about what she ate, what fruits were coming into season in the family garden and even what provisions cost in the various cities she visited. A closer look at the novels, however, proves that once again, Jane Austen never misplaces a word. The foods she mentions are purposeful, from Donwell Abbey’s strawberries (readers would recognize that the forward thinking Mr. Knightley had been busy improving his property…cultivation of this fruit was new to the Georgians) to Mr. Hurst’s Ragout (a “fashionable” French dish compared to Elizabeth Bennet’s plainer, sensible tastes).
Jane Austen even uses the food on the table to set her stage; recall “the milk, a mixture of motes floating in thin blue, and the bread and butter growing every minute more greasy” served in the Price household, versus the “cold meat, cake, and a variety of all the finest fruits in season…beautiful pyramids of grapes, nectarines, and peaches” served at Pemberley. One, in an instant, paints a picture of poverty stricken, slovenly housekeeping, while the other puts you in mind of a gracious table, laden with carefully cultivated fruits and a bountiful harvest.

Months of research resulted in weeks of cooking and testing and tasting. While the children were sleeping, I was cooking. Naptimes became an opportunity to try cookie and cake recipes. After bedtime, I would attempt more complex dishes, such as the meats and Broiled Eggs. My husband became my chief taster, ever ready to photograph my “newest” creation, working to get the lighting just right and the shadows just so.

There were disappointments, of course, but for the most part it was surprising just how straightforward and delicious the recipes turned out to be! My “modern” appliances made quick work of what was once a time consuming chore (one recipe suggested that you “whisk it up for a full hour”) taking the place of any number of kitchen maids. I have never used as much cream and butter as I did in creating these dishes, but the results were amazing!

There was so much satisfaction in creating a dish from scratch in this age of fast food and microwave dinners. The tastes created by these recipes, where layer upon layer of flavor blended to create creamy sauces and hearty gravies, were unbelievably delicious. It was strange, too, how cooking these recipes, over 200 years after they were written, seemed to bring me into a closer connection with not only Jane Austen and Martha Lloyd, but with my own grandmothers and great grandmothers, centuries of women who prepared food for their families using recipes passed on to them by prior generations.

Most of these recipes were unlike anything I had ever prepared before, but thankfully, Hannah Glasse and her “sisters” were at my side. Women who wrote to “the ignorant and unlearned” in such a way that in but a few lines they could convey an entire dish from start to finish. It is my hope that in reading and cooking from Cooking with Jane Austen and Friends others too will enjoy not only the sights, smells and tastes of the Regency, but that they will come away with a better appreciation of Jane Austen’s works, as well as a renewed kinship with those generations of old, from Eve on, who have worked to provide nourishment for both body and soul to those they hold most dear.

Laura Boyle is fascinated by all aspects of Jane Austen's life. She is the proprietor of Austentation: Regency Accessories, creating custom hats, bonnets, reticules and more for customers around the globe. Cooking with Jane Austen and Friends is her first foray into the world of print publication. Laura's greatest joy is the time she is able to spend in her home with her family (1 amazing husband, 3 adorable children, a red fish and a strange dog).

Thank you, Laura, I wish you every success with your book!

Juliet Archer: Celebrating the launch of her new book, Persuade Me.

2011-09-12T08:37:00.001+01:00

I'm delighted to welcome Juliet Archer to the blog today! Juliet is the author of a new book, Persuade Me, which is her second book in the series, Darcy and Friends. I am looking forward very much to reading this book as I so enjoyed her first, The Importance of being Emma. Over to you, Juliet!

DARCY & FRIENDS by Juliet Archer

I’m thrilled to be doing this guest blog – so thank you, Jane, for inviting me and ‘hi’ to everyone out there! I’m here to celebrate the launch of my new book, Persuade Me, and will be meeting up with Jane later this week to celebrate in person – with wine (I’m so looking forward to that!).

First, let’s get one thing straight: I don’t write Regency. Instead, I’m on a mission to modernise all six of Austen’s completed novels. I’m two down – Emma and Persuasion – with four to go, in a series entitled ‘Darcy & Friends’.

You see, it is a truth universally acknowledged that Darcy is the best loved of all Austen’s heroes. A series called ‘Ferrars & Friends’ or ‘Bertram & Buddies’ would be less than enticing! But it’s one thing to decide on a name, and quite another to make it fit the series it’s describing.

When I was writing Persuade Me, however, I discovered a strong link between Wentworth and Darcy: both are resentful types if wronged. Wentworth can’t forgive or forget Anne Elliot, while Darcy bears a bitter grudge against Wickham, because of first Georgiana and then Lizzy. What if they met shortly after the earlier incidents, and Darcy found he could relate to Wentworth on precisely this point? Here’s Persuade Me’s Foreword by Will Darcy:

A magazine headline, circled in black ink: ‘Never forgive, never forget’. You can tell a lot from what’s on a person’s desk …

Some years ago, just before I met Elizabeth, I took my sister Georgie to Australia for a much-needed holiday. She was going through a particularly difficult time; so, when she showed a spark of her previous passion for saving the planet, I encouraged it in every possible way.

During a brief visit to Melbourne I discovered that there was an expert in marine conservation based at one of the local universities, a Dr Rick Wentworth. I sent him an email, using the pretext of possible interest from the Pemberley Foundation in his Save the Sea Dragons campaign – although I usually avoid the ‘grand benefactor’ act at all costs. When I received a terse and somewhat begrudging invitation to meet in his office, I immediately pictured an old, cross, bespectacled nerd.

I couldn’t have been more wrong. He turned out to be young, charming and, judging from Georgie’s sharp intake of breath, very easy on the female eye. And he was English, with a northern accent that had apparently resisted all attempts at Australianisation.

He even apologised for the tone of his invitation. He told us that, with his work attracting more and more media attention, he’d become wary of requests like mine. This led to a brief discussion about the drawbacks of being a modern celebrity, especially a reluctant one.

As we talked, I realised that he was meticulous about his research – and not just on sea dragons. I’d given him no indication of my sister’s troubles and had taken the necessary steps to gag the press, although inevitably some details had leaked out. Yet I sensed he knew – and understood – what she’d been through …

So I watched in genuine admiration as he drew Georgie out of her dark shell into the wider world, if only for an hour. He held us both spellbound with stirring tales of battles against natural elements and man-made disasters, often in the form of short-sighted bureaucracy, and showed us stunning footage of the fragile creatures he was fighting to protect. Of the man himself I learned very little – until we got up to leave.

At this point he scrawled his personal email address on a piece of paper and handed it to a blushing Georgie, urging her to get in touch with any questions. That in itself made me warm to him and decide on a generous donation from the Foundation for his campaign – an unusual instance of my heart ruling my head.

But the piece of paper had been hiding something on his desk, a magazine article with a big bold headline. A headline that obviously had a greater significance because he’d drawn a brutal black ring round it: ‘Never forgive, never forget.’

They were words I could relate to completely. Except that I was thinking of the man who’d broken my sister’s heart, whereas he – as I discovered much later into our friendship – was thinking of the girl who’d broken his.

Although neither of us knew it then, their paths would cross when he wrote a book and, despite some misgivings, visited England to promote it.

This is their story …

Next I turned to The Importance of Being Emma, which had been published at the end of 2008. What did Darcy have in common with Knightley? Well, I’d already taken on board Austen’s hint that the relationship between Emma and Knightley was for a long time one of ‘brother and sister’. While this was based on her sister being married to his brother, it also became the rationale for Emma to suppress any romantic feelings she has for Knightley throughout most of the book.

My version starts with a scene between Emma and Knightley some years earlier, where he finds out that she has a teenage crush on him and he completes her humiliation by telling her that he thinks of her as a little sister. Ouch! Therefore, in the reprint of The Importance of Being Emma (see below for the beautiful new cover) there’s another Foreword by Will Darcy, concluding with a description of the connection he felt with Knightley: Little did I know that Georgie, fifteen years old at the time, was harbouring a teenage crush of her own – one that would have far-reaching effects. While the little incident between Mark and Emma had caused a rift that he only discovered years later.

I have no idea whether Jane Austen ever linked her heroes in this way. To me, these connections are yet another example of the sheer complexity of her books. As well as being beautiful studies of how young men and women learn to love, they are a reference point for human nature in all its richness and diversity.

So what’s next in the ‘Darcy & Friends’ series? To quote the title of a wonderful book penned by my hostess, that is Mr Darcy’s Secret!

Juliet, thank you so much for being my wonderful guest today. I'm looking forward to seeing you very soon to celebrate the launch!

You can find Juliet on twitter and Facebook. If you're in Bath at the end of this week you can also meet Juliet:

16th September, 2011 4.00-5.00pm - Mystery Walking Tour of Jane Austen’s Bath - start/end at Waterstone’s, Milsom St

17th September, 2011 1.30-4.30pm - Jane Austen Festival, Bath - book signing at Country Fayre, Guildhall and afterwards at private reception for the Festival Friends

18th September, 2011 2.00-3.00pm - Mystery Walking Tour of Jane Austen’s Bath - start/end at Waterstone’s, Milsom St

Sue Wilkes celebrates the launch of a new book: The Children History Forgot

2011-09-07T09:34:00.001+01:00

I'm delighted to welcome Sue Wilkes to my blog this morning! Sue has a new book out entitled The Children History Forgot, to add to the other wonderful collection of non-fiction history books she has penned.

From the publisher, Robert Hale:

Once upon a time, Britain forged a mighty industrial empire - built with the blood, sweat and tears of society's most vulnerable members. Children History Forgot explores young people's working lives during the late Georgian and Victorian eras, when boys and girls created almost every item in our ancestors' homes: bricks, glass, cutlery, candles, lace, cotton and more. All over Britain, from the coal mines of Wales to the flax mills of Ireland, children toiled in factories and workshops, underground and on the land. A chosen few like Samuel Slater began new lives in America but thousands of others have been forgotten by history: killed by unguarded machinery or poisoned by metal or pottery dust. Many were conscript workers: pauper apprentices trapped by their poverty. Sue Wilkes tells the story of the long, heartbreaking fight for reform. The story of men like Lord Shaftesbury, Richard Oastler and the tireless factory inspectors who battled, not only to improve youngsters' working conditions and opportunities for education, but also to change society's attitudes towards childhood. Children History Forgot takes a fresh look at the true cost of Britain's industrial success story.

Holywell Mill, North Wales

Sue is a regular writer for Jane Austen's Regency World Magazine. Here is what she says about poor children in Jane Austen's period.

Jane Austen enjoyed a privileged childhood compared with that of many poor children. She was taught to read and write, and went to school with her sister Cassandra. The Austen family were not entirely free from the pressures of having to earn a living, as Jane's father George Austen had only a limited income. Jane's aunt Philadelphia was apprenticed to a milliner in her teenage years, and Jane's brothers entered the Navy and clergy (except for Edward, who was adopted by the wealthy Knight family).
But while Jane learned 'the usual female accomplishments' at home and school, all over Britain, the children of the poor began work at an early age. They helped their parents in workshops or on the land. Pauper children were apprenticed by parish overseers into many different trades, and domestic service. When the first cotton factories were built, like this mill at Holywell in North Wales, pauper children were apprenticed miles from home to the mill owners. Thirteen hour shifts were not uncommon. The work these 'apprentices' learned was easy to learn, and did not equip them to earn their own living when they grew up.

Thank you Sue, I am so looking forward to reading this book which I'm sure will be as fabulous as the others!

Jane Austen Made Me Do It - New Website!

2011-09-05T09:47:00.000+01:00

I think I may have mentioned how proud I am to be a part of this fantastic collection of short stories, but if that wasn't enough, now I am thrilled to tell you about a new website which is up and running to celebrate all things about this new book.

Laurel Ann Nattress, the wonderful editor of the book writes about the chance to win a book:

Jane Austen Made Me Do It officially releases on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 – which is over a month away. I hope that you are as anxious to read it as I am to hear your reactions. If you want to be one of the first to peruse the pages of this new anthology, you could be one of the lucky Janeites to own a copy before publication. In celebration of the website’s official reveal, we are offering you the chance to win one of four advance reading copies. Just check out the details to qualify for a chance. Good luck, and thanks for sharing with me in my excitement of the publication of my new book.

Do have a look on the website for news about how you can win a book, read all about the authors and their stories, and who won the competition to have their short story included in the book!

I can't wait to see my story amongst all those written by fabulous authors.
“Waiting: A story inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion,” by Jane Odiwe

Captain Wentworth and his beloved Anne Elliot have waited almost nine years to be together. At last all misunderstandings are swept aside. They have declared their love for one another, and all that remains is for their union to be blessed by Anne’s father, the irascible Sir Walter Elliot, and for the family members to be told. As Anne and Frederick ponder their futures each is reminded of the past, and all that has happened...

Dressing the Stars in Bath at the Fashion Museum

2011-08-25T09:03:00.001+01:00

There's a few days left to catch a fantastic exhibition at the Fashion Museum in Bath. It's called 'Dressing the Stars' and features the talents of costume designers who work in film. This has to be one of my favourite museums, not least because it is housed in the Assembly Rooms which feature in Jane Austen's novels, so it's always a treat to visit.

Over forty costumes are on display in total in the exhibition, worn by stars including Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Carribean, Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter in The King’s Speech, and Keira Knightley in The Duchess, some of which was shot at the Assembly Rooms in Bath. Other costumes include those worn by Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth, Gwyneth Paltrow in Shakespeare in Love, and Meryl Streep in The French Lieutenant’s Woman.

My favourite, and the ones I couldn't wait to see in detail were the costumes worn by Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman for the wedding at the end of Sense and Sensibility. The wedding scene is over so quickly, and Kate's dress only flashes onto the screen for a few moments, but I've always thought it was beautiful. Designed by Jenny Beavan and John Bright, the costumes lived up to my expectations, and Kate's dress, in particular, is divine. I'm always amazed at the detail that goes into these costumes even when they're seen from a distance. One of Emma Thompson's dresses is also featured - the other striking feature I noted was that these film stars are all so tiny!

You can also see an exhibition of over 30 of the Fashion Museum’s most exquisite cream, ivory and white wedding dresses at the ‘What will she wear? The enduring romance of the wedding dress’ exhibition. Many of the exhibits are over 100 years old, delicate silks with gossamer fine lace and embroidery, all carefully hand-picked for the new display.

'WHAT WILL SHE WEAR?' includes wedding dresses made of silks brocaded with metal thread, lustrous silk satins, even crisp white nylons; some of the dresses are decorated with ribbons and bows, some with antique lace.

White has been the colour most associated with wedding dress in western cultures for well over 200 years and 'What will she wear?' includes historical examples from the early 19th century. The most up to date wedding dress in the exhibition is a white lace dress, with an asymmetric hem by designer Alexander McQueen worn in Summer 2010, and especially lent to the Fashion Museum for the display.

Finally, there are some beautiful examples of Regency muslin dresses and accessories in the main gallery, which provide wonderful inspiration!

Jane Odiwe

Austenesque Extravaganza - A Short Story in Celebration!

2011-08-02T01:26:00.004+01:00

In celebration of Meredith Esparza’s Austenesque Extravaganza, I decided to write a short story, which I hope you will enjoy.

I am dedicating it to a very special lady.

Adalgisa, this story is for you with much love.

An Invitation to Pemberley:

A short story inspired by Mr. Darcy’s Secret.

Miss Kitty Bennet of Longbourn House in the county of Hertfordshire considered she must be the most fortunate girl in the world. Such excitement at the end of October was most unexpected, but as the fading sun burnished the leaves to gild them with gold, an invitation to visit her sister Elizabeth at Pemberley arrived. It was enough to send her into a spin of excitement, and although her mother’s ecstatic effusions on the subject of Mr. Lloyd’s being behind the urgency of the matter gave her a moment of pleasure, she quickly dismissed such an unlikely event. Mr. Lloyd was the rector of the parish at Pemberley, and Kitty had been introduced to him during the previous Christmas season.

“But Mama, I only danced with him once,” said Kitty, trying very hard to sound calm. She did not want to betray the very real warmth of her feelings towards her favourite clergyman whom she considered was not only a good-looking young man, but also a perfect dancer.

“My dear girl, in my day, one dance meant you were practically engaged!” said Mrs. Bennet sucking in her cheeks, and pursing her lips as if she need say no more on the subject. But Kitty knew she would not be silent for long. “Now remember, Catherine, do not hold back this time or Eleanor Bradshaw will win the day as she did once before. I do not wish to scold you like other mothers do, and I wouldn’t dream of telling you the best way to catch husbands as some people who call themselves my friends are apt to instruct. However, I will say this. Young men will not dally unless they are encouraged.”

“Mama, how can you say such a thing?” Kitty was incensed by her mother’s advice.

“Oh, poof and nonsense! If you idle by, and take your eye off the prize, you will be disappointed. Eleanor Bradshaw will be ensconced in Pemberley Rectory before Mr. Lloyd has written his Christmas sermon, mark my words! How do you think your sisters got their husbands? Not by studying their feet, and the chalk lines on the floor, I can tell you.”

Kitty could hear the droning of her mother’s voice, but had long practised the art of not listening to the actual words she was saying. She kept her silence as she looked out of the window, and only knew that despite the tirade, she was looking forward to leaving for Derbyshire the very next day.

Autumn had arrived at Pemberley heralding clear, cool skies, and apple boughs drooping under the weight of crisp, red fruit to tumble into the mellow, decaying leaves, which lay in drifts of lemon, amber, and nut brown at the foot of the trees scattered in the orchard. Kitty gazed out of the carriage window at the parkland, and found she was craning her neck to watch for any signs of life as they neared the rectory next to the church on the side of the estate. The imposing house looked quiet, and she’d quite given up hope when rolling past the limestone garden walls she saw him. Dressed as he was for the outdoors she almost didn’t recognise him. A glimpse of Mr. Lloyd between the flowerbeds revealed a young man toiling beside his gardener as if this was his usual habit. To her great astonishment Kitty saw him straighten, and before she could prepare herself he was returning her gaze with a smile and a wave. Caught like a moment in a painting, the image stayed with her as they bowled along. Dark brown hair swept back by the breeze from his smiling face, white shirt sleeves rolled up to display strong arms, and black breeches tucked into boots soiled from his labours were combined in a picture to making Kitty grin with pleasure, at least, before she scolded herself.

Kitty had been bent on a course of self-improvement ever since her last visit to Pemberley. Determined to shake off her reputation as silly and flighty, more than anything she was hoping to astound the inhabitants at the great house with what she considered were her improved new manners, and her sensible demeanour. Above everything else, she hoped to make a good impression on Mr. Lloyd who had made an enormous impression on her.

This gentleman was soon forgotten, however, on seeing her sister Elizabeth and the new baby who’d arrived the month before. Swathed in ivory linen, his sweet face rosy with contentment, Kitty was soon begging to hold young Fitzwilliam in her arms when Mr. Darcy came into the room to greet her warmly.

“Kitty, what a pleasure to see you again. How do you like your young nephew?”

“He is utterly adorable,” she replied, kissing the top of his head as the baby gripped her finger tightly.

“And he looks as if he’s thinking quite the same about you,” said Mr. Darcy. “It’s clearly love at first sight. But, we know all about such matters at Pemberley; love is in the very structure of the building.”

Kitty watched her brother-in-law as he gazed into the eyes of his wife with the expression of love she’d witnessed many times before. He turned towards her again. “And now with my sister Georgiana happily engaged to Mr. Butler, we have much to celebrate. The very air is redolent with romance.”

The smirk that played around his mouth convinced Kitty that he was teasing her, and she wondered what on earth he meant by it or what he might say next. She was surprised for Mr. Darcy was inclined to be serious, and she also knew that he had not at first been entirely happy with Georgiana’s choice of partner.

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. “Dare we ask what has brought on such effusions, Kitty? Mr. Darcy has never spoken so eloquently on the subject of amour in his life before.”

Kitty giggled then, her resolve not to do so temporarily forgotten. It was very hard trying not to laugh out loud when she’d never before heard Mr. Darcy being so amusing, and was sure he had no idea that he was actually being very funny. However, when he next spoke, she was soon brought back down to earth.

“I hope you do not mind, Kitty,” he continued, “but besides ourselves, Georgiana, and Mr. Butler, I have invited another guest to dine with us this evening. He is a young man you have met before; I believe you danced together at the Christmas ball. He has told me as such on more than one occasion. Indeed, I think he’s mentioned the fact every time I see him.”

Kitty held her breath, and felt her face flush, which she knew had not escaped the attention of her sister and brother-in-law as they exchanged glances. Before Mr. Darcy or her sister could speak again, the door opened. In flew Georgiana, her eyes bright, and her arms outstretched. Kitty thought what a contrast she now made compared to the shy girl she had been in the past. Finding Mr. Butler, and falling in love with him had clearly had a wonderful effect on her character and constitution. Kitty also knew what a difference it had made for Georgiana being back at Pemberley with her brother, and with Elizabeth who had done much to bring her out of herself, and improve her confidence.

“I’ve been longing for you to return once more, Miss Bennet,” Georgiana cried. “Has Fitzwilliam told you about our guest this evening?”

“Mr. Darcy was just telling me that someone was coming for dinner,” said Kitty, who couldn’t decide how she felt about the prospect of Mr. Lloyd arriving, and being seated near him at the dinner table. That the invitation had been issued to anyone else, she did not even consider.

“We are all looking forward to seeing him again,” said Georgiana, sitting down upon an upholstered, velvet sofa. “Do you remember Mr. Bradshaw, Kitty?”

Eleanor Bradshaw’s brother, thought Kitty. She did recall dancing with him. A pleasant gentleman with handsome, good looks was all she could remember. There had been no spark, no animation between them. Kitty did her best to arrange her face so as not to look disappointed. Had she given the impression that she liked William Bradshaw, she wondered.

“He is not our only guest,” said Mr. Darcy, “his sister is also accompanying him.”

Kitty’s heart had leapt with anticipation at the idea that the other guest might possibly be the one she hoped, but realised that Eleanor was bound to have been coming with him.

And then Elizabeth spoke. “You’ve forgotten Mr. Lloyd.”

Kitty turned to regard her sister who in turn was looking at her husband in dismay.

“At least, I hope you haven’t forgotten him, Fitzwilliam. Miss Bradshaw will be most distressed if you have.”

Mr. Darcy smiled. “No, I’ve not forgotten having recalled the ball so well at the assembly rooms in Lambton last month. Mr. Lloyd and Miss Bradshaw both seemed very taken with one another. You think I do not observe such things, Elizabeth, but I did notice how particular he was in securing a dance or two. It would be a good match for her, I know. And her brother William is to inherit a sizeable estate of his own, Kitty. Do you remember Miss Bradshaw? She is a similar age to yourself, and a lively girl who loves to dance as you do. I’m certain you shall be firm friends.”

As Kitty smiled and nodded in the hope of convincing her brother-in-law that she was sincere, she was aware of the ache in her heart. So that was how things were settled. Miss Bradshaw and Mr. Lloyd were virtually engaged, and William Bradshaw was being drafted in to soften the blow. Not that anyone knew her true feelings for Mr. Lloyd, though Kitty did wonder if Elizabeth had suspected her partiality for the rector. But, that couldn’t be the case. After all, they had only danced together once, and exchanged glances across the church, and even then Kitty was now certain she’d read far too much into the way Mr. Lloyd had held her hand, and looked into her eyes. She put on her bravest smile.

“I’m sure I shall be great friends with the Bradshaws. How thoughtful to arrange such a lovely surprise on my arrival.”

Mr. Darcy looked particularly pleased before he left saying he had to attend to some estate business, but was looking forward to seeing them all again in the evening. Elizabeth ordered tea, and the baby was taken for its afternoon nap. Kitty did her best to join in the conversation answering all her sister’s enquiries about the family, punctuated with news from Longbourn, trying not to feel a stab of envy as Georgiana chatted about plans for her wedding at Christmas. Soon the little party broke up with Elizabeth hurrying away to see Mrs. Reynolds about the dinner, and Georgiana seeing to the matter of sending a carriage to Lambton to pick up Thomas Butler later on.

There were two whole hours before she needed to dress for dinner. Feeling a desperate need to get out into fresh air and sunshine, Kitty donned her sturdiest boots, and her warm pelisse before heading off. Crossing the formal garden, the wild landscape beyond seemed to call her to the woods and rocks high on the horizon, and the summit of Darcy’s Hall, the folly Elizabeth had commissioned Mr. Butler to design for her husband on their marriage. She’d only been up there once before, but remembered the spectacular walk, and the rewarding view from the top of the building. Following the ancient wall jewelled with lichen, along the slope like a pointing finger, she could see the larch wood in the distance, and the patchwork of fields sloping down to the chasms of the valley and the river below. Who could feel miserable in such surroundings? The exercise she loved, and all her despondent thoughts seemed to magically disappear as she marched across the landscape and jumped over stiles. The tower of the stone folly stood like a fortress guarding Pemberley itself, and as she pushed open the heavy wooden door at the entrance, Kitty’s heart began to race. Suddenly, she felt very alone as she mounted the spiral steps in darkness. After what felt like an age she reached the top, and sat down upon the bench placed specifically to take in the view across the blue hills ahead on the horizon.

Such beauty had to be drunk in slowly. Kitty watched the shadows made by the clouds sweep over silver grasses waving in the breeze, and admired the circle of beech trees on the crest of the hill from whence the wind came ruffling the coats of the sheep as they nibbled their way down the incline. Nestled in the valley close to the curving river, the golden stone houses of Lambton basked in the mellow, afternoon light. It was like finding earthly paradise, she thought, as feelings of pure happiness overwhelmed her.

Kitty remembered her sister saying, “What are men to rocks and mountains?” once upon a time, and she chuckled at the recollection. How could anything matter when surrounded by such sublime splendour? And she decided there and then, that even if she had to spend a whole evening in Mr. Lloyd’s company knowing he was in love with Eleanor Bradshaw, she would take it in her stride. After all, Elizabeth had at one time believed herself in love with someone else, and she’d married an entirely different gentleman. Could it be there was a fate waiting for her that as yet she knew nothing about?

Kitty was impressed with her stoical philosophy, even if she was aware that her brave thoughts didn't quite match her fluctuating feelings, and could only hope that she’d be able to convince her very soul by the time Mr. Lloyd arrived. For it was one thing to instruct yourself not to blush in the presence of a man who induced the most alarming effects on one’s complexion, but it was quite another when it came to the actual event. Oh, the treachery of one’s bodily functions! She closed her eyes, and felt the sun on her face. Lady Catherine and her mother would scold her for not bringing a parasol, she knew, but they were not here to spoil her fun. As she felt the autumnal sun brightening her cheeks, she tried to banish the image of Mr. Lloyd as he popped without warning into her head. But it was impossible to forget the expression on his face as he’d waved. He’d looked genuinely happy to see her, his dark eyes twinkling with creases in the corners made by that wide smile. She tried very hard to be sensible, dismissing all thoughts of his billowing white shirt, which like a carving by Michaelangelo had delineated every contour of his muscular torso. And, she told herself very firmly not to think about his shiny black boots or the long legs encased in breeches, which emerged as if growing from the leather sheaves leaving nothing to the imagination. No, Kitty was sure she could think of something or someone else, or at least, she could if she put her mind to it.

Lost in reverie, she came to when startled by a noise below. She sat up; her eyes open wide. Had she heard the scrape of the door? Straining, she became increasingly alarmed as the clip of footsteps were heard on the stone staircase. Kitty was frozen, unable to move. All at once, the very worst of thoughts came into her head. She’d heard Mr. Darcy talk of poachers who stole onto his land looking for hares, pheasants, and all manner of animals they could kill to feed hungry mouths. He’d always seemed to have quite a relaxed attitude about them, never prosecuting those who trespassed, for he had a kind heart, and turned a blind eye in the hard days as winter approached. But to Kitty whose imagination knew no bounds, a brigand climbed ever higher, she was sure, with a knife between his teeth. The oncoming footfall was deafening to her ears, each step louder than the last. As Kitty opened her mouth to scream, she was shocked to see the curly head of one she knew very well emerge from the stairwell.

“Mr. Lloyd!” she gasped with a shriek. Aware that she’d made an almost inhuman noise, she then proceeded to stand up before she sat down again, and knowing that her face was scarlet, all she could do was turn away in the hope that he would not notice.

“Miss Bennet, I heartily apologise,” the rector called, rushing to her side, and sitting next to her on the bench. “It is my usual habit to call out as I approach, but I confess I did not see you, and was quite sure I must be alone. I do hope I did not alarm you.”

Kitty summoned up all her courage to turn. It was so very hard to look into his eyes, which fringed in dark lashes seemed to pierce a part of her soul she had never realised existed before. “I was surprised...I did not expect.” Stammering, she scolded herself for her stupidity before trying again. “I didn’t dream that anyone else would come up here this afternoon. I wanted a walk, and my feet seemed to direct my way. It is very beautiful up here.”

“It is indeed, and I understand you completely. I found myself at a loose end, and unable to have any influence over making the arrival of the dinner hour come sooner than it will, I decided my restlessness might be cured with a walk. My feet led me here also.”

Kitty laughed before she remembered that it was clearly Miss Bradshaw that Mr. Lloyd could not wait to see. She spoke out before she realised what she’d said. “I confess I was not wishing for time to pass any faster.”

“My admission has not pleased you, I can see, and yet, I hoped it would. It is a pleasure to see you again, Miss Bennet.”

Kitty looked in surprise, and wondered if she’d heard him correctly, but of course, he was only being polite. She must not read any more into the warmth of his voice, its tone and expression. Knowing she must excuse her folly in speaking her thoughts aloud, she immediately spoke again. “I am delighted to see you, Mr. Lloyd, and it is wonderful to be at Pemberley with my sister, Mr. Darcy, and Miss Georgiana. Of course, I must not forget my delightful baby nephew who has stolen my heart forever.”

“I am sorry to hear that, Miss Bennet.”

Kitty didn’t quite know what to make of her companion. “I’m sorry, Mr. Lloyd, forgive me, but I do not understand you.”

“I was rather hoping that your heart was intact, or at least, not wholly given over to another.”

Turning her head to look once more at his face, Kitty was startled by the earnestness of his expression, but deciding she must have misheard him knew she must change the subject if she were to stop imagining that Mr. Lloyd seemed to be almost flirting with her. Besides, she’d been told he was courting Eleanor Bradshaw, blatantly making it plain to everyone that she was his heart’s desire.

“It will be very pleasant to meet Miss Bradshaw again,” she said, waiting to see how he would answer.

“Yes, she is one of the sweetest girls I know. I imagine you and Miss Bradshaw would be the best of friends if you could spend more time with one another.”

Kitty did not think that would now ever be possible admitting to herself and her heart the very place Mr. Lloyd occupied.

“And when she is married,” he added, “nothing would please me better than to know she has a friend in you.”

Trying to smile, Kitty acknowledged again the ferocity of the feelings that arose from the depths of her being. Never more would she come to Pemberley after they were married. That would be too much to bear even if she told herself not to be ridiculous for thinking she could ever have had a chance with Mr. Lloyd. He clearly had been in love with Eleanor all along.

“I hope to marry her in the spring.”

Kitty’s eyes spontaneously filled with tears. So it was true. To the last second she’d hoped there was a mistake. Willing herself to stop being so emotional, she blinked rapidly, but felt a solitary tear roll down her cheek. Thankfully, Mr. Lloyd was looking into the distance, and she brushed away the moisture as if she’d been bothered by a flying insect passing by.

“It is wonderful when life turns out as it should, and when the secrets of our hearts reveal themselves,” he went on. “I think I always knew it would turn out this way, and I’m so happy.”

Unable to bear it a second longer, Kitty stood up to leave. Putting out her hand, she said, “I do hope you and Miss Bradshaw will be very happy, Mr. Lloyd. Please forgive me, but I must be going now if I am to be ready in time for dinner.” How she was going to cope with seeing them together in the evening, she couldn’t contemplate.

Mr. Lloyd was on his feet in a second. He put out his arm to stop her. She couldn’t believe he was laughing. “Dear Miss Bennet, please forgive me. I have not explained myself. Please sit for a moment longer.”

Kitty returned to her seat reluctantly. Was it her imagination or did Mr. Lloyd sit even closer? “When I said I was to marry Miss Bradshaw in the spring, I did not mean I was to marry her myself. I hope to marry her to Mr. Calladine.”

Kitty looked on askance. “Miss Bradshaw is to marry Mr. Calladine?”

Mr. Lloyd nodded. “They have declared their love for one another, and despite the fact that he did once believe himself to be in love with another, he's now recognised that Eleanor has only ever been his one true love. Miss Bradshaw may have no fortune, but he's finally realised at last that money is not everything.”

“But, I thought you were in love with Miss Bradshaw,” Kitty said before deciding whether it was wise to speak. “Mr. Darcy seemed to think you were courting her.”

“I have danced with Miss Bradshaw at the local assemblies, it is true, and only did so at the couple’s request. They knew there would be much gossip after what had happened before, and a little diversion of the truth was only meant to protect the young lady who knew what others would make of the news. Mr. Calladine is very sorry that he behaved so badly in the past, and I am assured that his character is transformed for the better.”

“I cannot think what they will all have to say at Pemberley,” said Kitty, hardly daring to recognise the thoughts that were surfacing. “This news will be so unexpected.”

“And yet, I think they will recognise the truth that love holds the key, and we must follow our hearts. Do you not agree with me? Shouldn’t we always believe in our feelings?”

“I do agree, Mr. Lloyd,” Kitty murmured, knowing that she spoke from her heart. “Our feelings tell us everything we need to know about the truth of love.”

Mr. Lloyd took her hand. “Miss Bennet, do you think Mr. Darcy will be very shocked to hear the truth about you and me?”

Kitty hardly dared look up, and when she did found she couldn’t answer. Mr. Lloyd raised her hand to his lips, and planted a kiss. “There is a truth in your looks, I see love in your expression. I sincerely hope I am not mistaken, but in any case, I can only declare my love for you. In short, Miss Bennet, do you think you could ever love me enough to marry me?”

Darcy’s Hall had witnessed one or two lover’s meetings before, and one might be forgiven for thinking it had been built for this purpose alone, but none seemed quite as sweet as the scene, which took place now. Kitty answered the question she’d always hoped might be asked with love in her heart, and as the pair strolled leisurely back towards Pemberley House, they looked forward to an evening which held the promise of joy, not to mention a few diverting moments, and a future filled with everlasting happiness.

Thank you, Meredith, for asking me to join the wonderful celebrations on your blog! Don't forget to leave a comment here or on Austenesque Reviews for a chance to win a copy of Mr. Darcy's Secret. If you leave a comment below or email me, you can choose which of my books you'd prefer. You can choose from Mr. Darcy's Secret, Willoughby's Return, Lydia Bennet's Story, and Effusions of Fancy.

Jane Odiwe

Winner announced!

2011-07-25T09:41:00.000+01:00

Thank you to everyone who entered the competition to win a copy of Mr. Darcy's Secret - I really enjoyed hearing about your ideas.
The name drawn from the hat was:

Shelly

Congratulations, I hope you enjoy reading all about Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, and Georgiana!