Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Family Portraits...Pamela Lynne

Available on Amazon
Please help me welcome, author Pamela Lynne, back to 
More Agreeably Engaged. Her latest release, Family Portraits, is a Dearest Friends continuation. That is good news for us readers. 

Pamela shares an excerpt with us to tempt and tease! Yes, it will make you want to read more! She is also giving away one eBook copy so be sure and share your thoughts.

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Hello everyone! I’m so happy to be back here at More Agreeably Engaged. Thank you, Janet, for being such a lovely host. I’m so grateful for your hospitality that I won’t even push to see who is #2 of your Austen Men in Film + 2, though I am dying to know!

Speaking of pushy, I bring with me an excerpt from Family Portraits that shows the effects of living with, and enabling the bad behavior of, Caroline Bingley. One of the themes flowing throughout Family Portraits is the comparison of strength versus weakness. We see it with Mary and Jane, and below, with Mr. Gardiner and Bingley. Mr. Gardiner has just spoken to Jane and is quite unhappy with the state of affairs at Netherfield.
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 “What did you find out, Remy?”

“The maids had much to say, eventually.”

Gardiner suppressed a smile, assuming Remy’s irritation was caused by the maids’ attempts at flirting or extorting their own bits of information. Likely both.

“Did you confirm anything from my sister’s letter?”

“Yes, sir. They said the village has been buzzing for months. The worst of it is that the small Miss Bingley is not actually a Bingley.”

Gardiner nodded, not the least bit surprised that Miss Bingley would abuse the reputation of a child in such a way. “What did they say of the elder Miss Bingley?”

“That they never know who they will encounter. She seems to be two people occupying the same body. She is either calm and calculating or irate and irrational. It is always clear, however, how she despises Miss Jane.”

“And Mr. Bingley?”

“They did not speak of him at all.”

“Well, let us see what he has to say for himself.” They stopped outside the study door where a footman was standing guard. “Is your master in?”

The man nodded in confirmation, and Mr. Gardiner opened the door and entered without being announced, and Remy followed close behind.

Bingley sat behind his large wooden desk, staring down at some ledgers in concentration. It was a moment before he noticed his visitors. He rose and greeted his wife’s uncle amiably.

“Mr. Gardiner! I did not know you were here. Jane did not tell me she was expecting you.”

“I came unannounced, Mr. Bingley. I received a letter from my sister Phillips that caused some concern.”

“Oh? Are she and Mr. Phillips well?” Bingley gestured for Mr. Gardiner to sit, and he did the same.

“Yes, yes, they are well. She actually wrote to me about Jane and all the rumors that are going about the village.”

“Oh.” Bingley slinked back in his seat.

“You are already aware of what is being said?”

“Yes.” He sighed and ran his hand through his hair. “My steward had heard some tales, and he spoke to me. He has always lived close to Meryton and knew the Bennets. He did not believe the rumors and attempted to set the gossipers to rights. I assure you, sir, none of what is being said is true. You must not think poorly of dear Jane.”

Gardiner leaned forward slightly and stared down the fool in front of him. “Mr. Bingley, I did not come here to ask if the rumors are true. I came to ask what you are doing to stop them. I assume, since you know of their existence, you also know their origin.”

Bingley shifted nervously in his seat. “Jane and Caroline had a disagreement. It is possible that Caroline…overreacted. It will blow over soon enough. Anything I say will likely make the situation worse. It is best if I do not interfere.”

“Best for whom, Mr. Bingley? Certainly not for Jane and not even for your sister, for if she continues her current behavior, she will eventually harm her own reputation, and more importantly, Claire’s. If you care about either of those women or your daughter, you had damned well better interfere and repair what you have helped damage.”

Bingley rose and moved to stand behind his chair. It was the move of a weak man, desperate to put a barrier between himself and the man carrying the power of honest words.

“How have I damaged anything? The disagreement was between the two of them. I remained neutral through the entire argument.”

“And since then, Mr. Bingley, how has your sister been able to spread these rumors about your wife?” 

He stood as his anger began to rise. “Whose carriage does she take to the village? Who pays for the paper and ink that carry her lies to her friends? In whose home does she entertain those who wish to make your beautiful wife feel lowly and plain? You may not form her words, but you give her every opportunity to deliver them. If you were in ignorance, I would be more likely to excuse your inaction, but you know it all and do nothing!”

The strength of Mr. Gardiner’s voice caused Bingley’s to stammer. “Caroline gets upset easily now, and calming her is becoming harder. Jane is so sweet and forgiving. I know she will overlook Caroline’s misdeeds when she understands what little control she has over the strength of her feelings.”

“Mr. Bingley, your sister has no need to control her emotions when it is so easy for her, instead, to control you.”

“I do not understand you.”

“Well, sir, while you think on the meaning of those words, contemplate these as well. When I see someone I love in distress, I am not content to let things blow over. If you do not hold your sister responsible for her actions, I will hold you responsible for yours.”

Bingley said no more and watched as Mr. Gardiner turned to leave. The tall footman who accompanied him stayed a moment longer, staring through him, before following. Bingley sat once more and contemplated Mr. Gardiner’s words. For him to have come to Hertfordshire, which he seemed to avoid as much as possible, perhaps the situation was not going away on its own as he had hoped. He would have to speak to Caroline.

*~*
Available on Amazon
What will Bingley say to his sister, and, more importantly, will it do any good? Comment below for your chance to win an ebook copy of Family Portraits, now available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords.  Thank you again, Janet, for hosting me. I hope you all have a lovely day!

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Thank you for visiting, Pamela Lynne. You are a pleasure to have stop by and I'm so glad you did. The book sounds fascinating and one that I cannot wait to read. I just need more time! You know I am a fan of your writing and am sure this one will not disappoint. Pamela Lynne's Sketching Character won a 2016 MAE Award in the favorite books category.

So, you are dying to know who is #2 is for the Austen Men in Film + 2 Calendar for 2017. Well...here's a hint. He made women swoon when he was doing hard labor shirtless! :)

As Pamela Lynne mentioned, she is giving away one eBook of Family Portraits and it is international. Please leave a comment with your contact info to be entered. Tell us what you think of Mr. Gardiner's words to Bingley. What will Gardiner do? What will Bingley do? Will anything make a difference with Caroline? Giveaway will end at 11:59 P.M. on the 21st of September, 2016. Good luck to all.

24 comments:

  1. Regarding your question at the end, nothing will EVER make a difference with Caroline. I think she's a tad too self-absorbed.
    Miss Pamela Lynne, I very much look forward to this book! [So, what does Remy say about being a part of this story? ;-) ]

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    1. Ha Ginna! One day I might let the kids read a 'classified' version on the books and see what they say. When you read Family Portraits, you will likely recognize another little guy in one of the scenes. Thanks for commenting and good luck!

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  2. I think Jane, who is not so very angelic in this story, must be so very miserable being married to a wimp like Bingley.

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    1. Who wouldn't be! It's always annoying to see grown people be too afraid or weak to do what is right. Thanks so much for commenting. Good luck in the giveaway!

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  3. Probably time someone spoke to Bingley sharply about his sister, certainly seems to have a blind spot for her. His wife should always come first

    meikleblog at gmail dot com

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    1. I agree! Darcy warned him about Caroline in Dearest Friends and it did no good. Hopefully Mr. Gardiner's words will have a little more weight. We'll see. :) Thanks for commenting!

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  4. I thoroughly enjoyed Dearest Friends and have reread it many times. Have been waiting, rather impatiently, for more of this story. There were so many things that didn't have an ending.
    Will we finally see Bingley grow a backbone and ditch his sister? Or, will Jane finally end up telling her husband how disappointed she really is?
    Will we find out how Mrs Bennet was able to live with her daughter since she found the letter telling her exactly what Jane thought of her or will Jane tell her to her face?

    Anne and Richard and Sebastian and Mary. Can't wait to see how their stories unfold. And of course the rest of the Fitzwilliams.
    Uncle Gardiner and Remey seem to be the defenders of the family, especially of the weakest links in the family.
    Of course I'm counting on Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship to just get stronger and stronger.

    There were so many hints to so many things to come. I have watched the boards religiously to see if any new posts have happened and up until now have been disappointed to find nothing new.
    Will be interesting to finally see how all of the characters ended up in their lives.

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    1. Hi Sandy! I'm so glad you enjoyed Dearest Friends and hope you enjoy Family Portraits just as much. Good luck in the giveaway!

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  5. I just love Mr Gardiner....he protects Elizabeth and Jane like a father. This snippet was interesting. I surely hope Bingley protects Jane!

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    1. I love him, too! He provides strength when they need it, and, unfortunately, Jane doesn't get that anywhere else. Thanks for commenting and good luck!

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  6. Look at Pamela trying to wrangle out the answer to the mystery man #2. ;)

    I do love this book and found Caroline's plottings to add good flavor, but it was fun to see this assertive Mr. Gardiner taking care of it.

    Please don't enter me, thanks Janet!

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    1. LOL! Whatever it takes, Sophia!Thank you so much. <3

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  7. Wow! This is a very different take on not only Bingley, but Jane and Bingley's relationship! His inaction in the face of something that is obviously quite troublesome puts me in mind of Mr. Bennet!

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    1. I think he's so much worse and that's saying something considering how much I dislike Mr. Bennet. Thanks so much and good luck!

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  8. I hope Bingley finds his cojones and stands up to his viper of a sister. WTG Mr. Gardiner!

    Congrats on the new book, Pamela! I'd love to win a copy!
    Thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. Thanks so much! Mr. G is rather impressive. Good luck!

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  9. I love Mr Gardiner in these books. He and Remy really take care of Elizabeth and now Jane. It's a pity Bingley is too weak to stand up to Caroline -bad choice Jane! This is a lovely book and I already have a copy so please don't enter me in the giveaway. Thanks Pamela ��

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    1. Hi Glynis! Thanks so much for your comment and your review. I am so glad you liked it! Take care!

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  10. Good for Mr. Gardiner! I really hope that Bingley gets his head down from the clouds and does something!

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  11. My goodness!! What a vile creature Catoline is!!
    I can't believe the depths she's sunk to,to cast aspersions on the paternity of her own niece,to stain Jane's character and to do so without fear of any fallout or retribution from Charles.

    It's incredible to think that he would allow this verbal assassination of his wife and daughter,protest his 'neutral' stance and stand idly by without realising that by saying nothing,he is silently saying a lot.

    I mean this is the rumour mill going overdrive,with the people he holds most dear in all the worlds,at its centre,and yet he fails to act.

    Thank heavens for Mr Gardiner-at least Jane has one man who remembers what it is to be a man,to stand in defence of his loved ones,a man not afraid to raise his head above the parapet.

    Can't wait to find out what happens next!!!

    Thanks to all concerned for the giveaway!


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    1. Hi Mary! Yes, sitting on the sidelines and watching the bad behavior of those you 'love' with the excuse of neutrality is pretty pathetic. In the long run, his enabling makes everything much worse. Caroline is who she is. Bingley having the power to stop her, yet doing nothing, makes him the real bad guy. Good luck in the giveaway!

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  12. Wow! Based on that conversation, I can't fathom what Bingley will say to Caroline, but I'd be surprised if either of them changed for the better. I'm disappointed by this Bingley, but the book sounds fantastic!

    diaryofaneccentric(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Thank you, Anna! I hope you do enjoy the books whenever you have a chance to pick them up. Good luck in the giveaway!

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