Life With No Regrets...Rose Fairbanks

As most of you are aware, there are many new books being released this summer. If you notice my list of calling cards that have been presented, June is booked to two guests per week. We will be having much to look forward to for this month. I hope you will check in often to hear from each of these authors plus, as an added bonus, most of them are having giveaways. Great news, yes?

Today Rose Fairbanks returns to More Agreeably Engaged for a third time. I was fortunate to have her visit first in August of 2014, when her novella, The Gentleman's Impertinent Daughter, was released and then again in December 2014 with the release of Letters from the Heart. Now she is back with a new book, No Cause to Repine. Thank you for keeping us enticed with your books and your writing. Below is a wonderful excerpt with Lydia and 'Wicked Wickham'. He is so devious! Enjoy! 

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If you’ve followed the blog tour then you’ve seen a lot of excerpts. The last two have been sweet courtship ones between Darcy and Elizabeth, but while they’re falling in love, Wickham is up to no good.

Thursday, June 25, 1812

Wickham descended the steps of the mail coach and dusted himself off. They had made excellent time, as the night before had been a full moon, and had arrived in about one full day and night of travel, but he was sore from travel and hungry. Taking his small trunk, he walked the short distance to one of the more affordable but still respectable inns of Weymouth. After a bath and rest, Wickham intended to dine in the tavern and hear the latest gossip before walking along the street of the most fashionable shops with every hope of being seen by Lydia Bennet. As he frequently heard in letters read by Mrs. Forster, Lydia shopped daily at a certain milliners to see and be seen.

Wickham knew from the latest letter from Lydia that she and the Lucases intended to attend a ball hosted by Mrs. Hay, wife to the new governor of the Royal Military College, the following week. He knew of the lady, another young, insipid, and flirtatious thing married to a much older major-general who had quickly moved up the ranks. His little wife was likely bored out of her mind and, therefore, susceptible to Wickham’s exceptional skills at flattery and charm. Undoubtedly, all he needed was an introduction and a few days to enchant Mrs. Hay, and he could procure an invitation to the ball. The atmosphere of the evening would contribute to his plans for Lydia, who reportedly drank heavily at the Netherfield Ball. Additionally, he would have courted her for nearly a week by that point, and she should be entirely captivated by his attentions. Even the prudish Georgiana Darcy succumbed after two weeks of careful attention.

At the fashionable hour, Wickham strolled in front of the main shops and successfully feigned surprise when he heard “Mr. Wickham!” from the familiar voice of Lydia Bennet.

Turning, he affected his most charming smile and was not surprised to see her accompanied by Maria Lucas. He took little notice of the gentlemen with them.

“Mr. Wickham, we had heard you were gone up to Newcastle,” Lydia said breathlessly.

He was surprised that she knew that piece of information but bluffed quite believably. “Aye, an express reached me before I even made it to London that my grandmother suddenly recovered, and she insisted I not trouble myself to travel so far. Instead, the dedicated soldier that I am, I could not miss the chance to visit Weymouth and see Melcombe Regis, the King’s Statue, the Osmington White Horse, and other enchanting sights.” He gave her a meaningful look, which seemed to have met its mark.

“Mr. Wickham, as our particular acquaintance, we must introduce you to our friends, Captain Sloane and Mr. Henry.” Both gentlemen bowed to Wickham, and the first man seemed vaguely familiar to him. Captain Sloane made no sign of displeasure at meeting Wickham, and any brief fears he had of previously knowing and offending the gentleman disappeared.

Lydia soon tugged on his arm, without releasing Sloane’s. “Come, Mr. Wickham. We are enjoying a merry walk, and you must join us!”

Wickham gave her a sincere smile. Things seemed to be progressing exactly as he anticipated.

Author bio:

Rose Fairbanks fell in love with Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy twelve years ago.  Coincidentally, or perhaps not, she also met her real life Mr. Darcy twelve years ago.  They had their series of missteps, just like Elizabeth and Darcy, but are now teaching the admiring multitude what happiness in marriage really looks like and have been blessed with two children, a four year old son and a one year old daughter. She proudly admits to her Darcy obsession, addictions to reading, chocolate and sweet tea, is always in the mood for a good debate and dearly loves to laugh.

You can connect with Rose on Facebook, Twitter, and her blog: rosefairbanks.com

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I am so happy you chose to come back for another stop, Rose. Thank you for sharing this excerpt. I am anxious to see what Wickham is planning now.  Readers, Ms. Fairbanks is giving away one eBook of No Cause to Repine and the giveaway is international! Isn't that fantastic! Thank you, Rose Fairbanks. As always, we love you to have your share in the conversation, so please leave a comment below. Include you email or contact info so you may be reached should you be the randomly selected winner. This contest will end at 11:59 PM on Monday, June 15. Good luck!