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Thursday, July 25, 2019

His Choice of a Wife...Heather Moll

It is such a pleasure to have Meryton Press debut author, Heather Moll, visit my blog for the first stop of her blog tour for His Choice of a Wife. Some of you are probably familiar with Heather from her posts at A Happy Assembly. If you have not read any of her work there, then this is your chance to get to know her a bit. Her first book, His Choice of a Wife, was released on July 16th and is already getting positive reviews. Heather is sharing a character interview with us, and I think you will enjoy reading it! It is delightful! First, let's take a look at the blurb and also learn more about Heather. 

Welcome, Heather!

Front cover photograph of Heather Moll’s book courtesy and copyright RegencyCouture, Regency fashion for today's Jane Austenista!

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Blurb:

When a man’s honor is at stake, what is he willing to risk for the woman he loves?

After a disastrous marriage proposal and the delivery of an illuminating letter, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet hope never to lay eyes on one another again. When a chance meeting in Hunsford immediately throws them in each other’s way, Darcy realizes his behavior needs correcting, and Elizabeth starts to appreciate his redeeming qualities. But is it enough to forgive the past and overcome their prejudices?

Jane and Bingley’s possible reconciliation and Lydia’s ill-conceived trip to Brighton pose their own challenges for two people struggling to find their way to love. When scandalous news threatens their chance at happiness, will Darcy and Elizabeth’s new bond be shattered, or will their growing affection hold steadfast?

Author Bio:
Heather Moll is an avid reader with a B.A. in European history and a M.A. in library science, so it is astonishing that she did not discover Jane Austen until her late-twenties. Making up for lost time, she devoured all of Austen’s novels, her letters, and unpublished works, joined JASNA, and spent far too much time researching the Regency era. She is thrilled to have found fellow Janeites and the JAFF community, if only to prove that her interests aren’t so strange after all. Heather is a former librarian turned stay-at-home mother who struggles to find time for all of the important things, like reading and writing.

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Hello Janet and thank you so much for kickstarting my blog tour for His Choice of a Wife. First, I think your readers need to know that this book’s lovely cover design is your doing, as is organizing this blog tour— they should join me in giving you a round of applause.

I’m sharing an interview with Colonel Fitzwilliam. He’s a lively character and more than just a plot device in His Choice of a Wife. He’s loyal, he draws Darcy out, and, unlike his reserved cousin, the colonel had no problem sitting down with a gossip columnist three quarters of the way through the story.


An Interview with Mr. Darcy of Pemberley Colonel Fitzwilliam of the Household Cavalry

This morning I had an appointment in Berkeley Square at the home of Mr. Darcy. I intended to speak with him about Miss Elizabeth Bennet on behalf of the loyal readers of the “Mirror of Fashion” society column of the Morning Post. I was shown in to the drawing room and, to my great surprise, was greeted not by that gentleman, but by his cousin. When I asked that man where was Mr. Darcy, he said:

CF: Darcy left London on Monday for Bath. He asked me to meet with you and answer any questions you have.

That was kind of him, but I hoped—

CF: Truth be told, Darcy told me to cancel this appointment, take the knocker off the door, and refuse to engage in what he called “a frivolous waste of the valuable time of any man with good sense”. Fortunately for your readers, I had nothing else to do this morning.

I assure you that knowing about Miss Bennet is not frivolous! Mr. Darcy is rumored to be engaged to a Hertfordshire woman of no fortune and no consequence. Our readers wish to know the circumstances of how such a wealthy, well-connected young man—

CF: Why does no one ever want to read about me? Darcy is not so impressive a bachelor. He cannot flirt worth a damn, and I suspect he would spend more on his library than gifts for a woman. I have more charm in my thumb than Darcy has in all of his acres in Derbyshire. Did you know that I am the younger son of an earl? A colonel in the Royal Regiment of Horse Guards. I am posted at Windsor! Write it down.

That is impressive, Colonel, but our readers prefer to know about Mr. Darcy.

CF: * he heaved a weary sigh* They always do. Very well, let us get on with it.

By most accounts, save for Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s, Mr. Darcy is happily engaged, but to a poor and unconnected woman. Do you approve of his choice?

CF: Certainly. It was not clear to me that he admired her—he was often silent in her presence—but his sister mentioned that Darcy had written to her about Elizabeth Bennet many times since last autumn. Then it all made sense: putting off our departure from Rosings, the walks in the park, calling on her in London, following her into Hertfordshire. I told him to make a choice that would make him happy rather than please his family. Did you write down that were I to be engaged, I would lavish my betrothed with gifts? It is F-I-T-Z—

Yes, sir. If most of his friends and relations support him, and he is happy in his choice of a wife, why has Mr Darcy suddenly gone to Bath?

CF: *he paled and inspected his own watch chain*

Colonel Fitzwilliam? Why did Mr. Darcy come to London, and then hurry away to Bath when he ought to be in Hertfordshire awaiting his wedding day?

CF: Your damn papers rely on scandal and gossip to sell copies! This is why Darcy said tolerating this interview would be an insult to his self-respect. There was a, there was an incident with his betrothed’s family, one that cannot be hushed up…

Then you might as well tell our readers so we can be assured of the truth.

CF: Oh no! It is a terrible scandal, but you shall not hear about it from me.

Is Mr Darcy fleeing in the hopes that he can lessen his betrothed’s attachment by distance and convince Miss Bennet to give him up?

CF: *he rose* Does that sound like Fitzwilliam Darcy? A gentleman with his integrity and sense of honor?

He is a man known to take great pride in his reputation. His attachment might not be strong enough to survive whatever this scandal is. Would you tell our readers what happened with Miss Bennet’s family? A fortune lost in speculation? A sister eloped?

CF: If only that were all! If that was the matter, Darcy’s money and his influence might remedy the evil. No, this is worse and nothing can be done.

Then, sir, what does Mr Darcy hope to accomplish in Bath?

CF: *he paced with hands clasped behind his back* I know not why he insisted on going. Duty, honor, perhaps a misplaced sense of guilt? It was so important to him that he do all that he could for her sake. He was determined to try…

Try what, Colonel Fitzwilliam?

CF: *he turned suddenly* I must draw this interview to a close! I promised to join Darcy in Bath eventually, but if I leave now I might perhaps arrive on Thursday evening.

You would go to Bath? But, but why? You implied that Mr Darcy was wasting his time on whatever this endeavor is.

CF: I said I would join him—when I could—to share the burden of an unpleasant task. Although I doubt anything can be done to remedy this, it matters deeply to Darcy that he try. He is a loyal man, a determined man. This is important to him, and he is important to me. There is nothing I would not do for him. Do not print that! I must leave at once.

But I have learnt nothing about Mr Darcy!

CF: *he turned back at the door* What is there to know? He is wealthy, intelligent, proud with a reason to be, in love with a witty and pretty woman, and now he is alone on a fool’s errand in Bath, a place he hates more than any public assembly room. Oh, and his favorite color is green. Good day!


 *****

Thank you, Heather, for the shout-out and the round of applause! It is much appreciated. I enjoyed working with you on the cover. 


Awww, that was a great interview, even if it wasn't Darcy! I love Colonel Fitzwilliam, and he is always entertaining. His last sentence about the color green, made me laugh out loud! Thank you for talking with him and sharing with me and my readers. It was delightful! For a minute or two, I thought he was about to give away what Darcy was doing in Bath! lol 

Readers, what did you think of Colonel Fitzwillam and his interview? Did you feel a bit sorry for him that he never gets quite the attention that Darcy does? I did just a bit! Share your thoughts in the comments.

Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below. 

Heather has lots of good posts and excerpts for the tour so we hope all of you will visit each blog. Thanks for stopping by today.

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Contact Info:

Buy:

Blog Tour Schedule

Aug. 4 open





Giveaway
Meryton Press is giving away 8 eBooks of Heather Moll’s His Choice of a Wife.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*****

Best wishes with your new release, Heather. We hope to see much more from you in the future.

58 comments:

  1. I'd rather have a conversation with the Colonel than Darcy, lucky lady

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    1. Aha! Another Colonel fan! She is a lucky lady!

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    2. The colonel was a lot of fun! Thanks Vesper!

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  2. I love this Colonel! He’s obviously devoted to Darcy and willing to do anything to help and protect him.
    I am surprised that he let slip such personal information! Green! Who’d have thought?
    Heaven knows what the scandal is if it’s worse than an elopement?
    I have this book on my ‘buy next’ list so hopefully I will find out soon.
    I’m not entering the giveaway as I really, really don’t like Rafflecopter! I have struggled too many times to get the damn thing to work so I now refuse to even try. (Technology and me are not usually best friends!) Good luck to everyone else though.

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    1. Yes, green! Isn't that interesting! You will see more about that when you read the book. I wish Rafflecopter wasn't so much trouble for you. I would be happy to chat with you about it sometime and see if I could help. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.

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    2. Hello Glynis! The colonel is so devoted to Darcy, and Darcy is going to need the help! Thanks so much!

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  3. I enjoyed the interview with the Colonel. Congrats on the release!

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    1. Wasn't it a neat interview! I laughed when reading it. That Colonel is a mess!

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    3. Thanks so much! I’m glad you liked it.

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  4. This was a highly entertaining interview, and the Colonel has such a strange personality. We're all wondering about that scandal now...

    Best of luck having a fun time on your blog tour, Heather, and thanks to Janet for hosting!

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    1. Hi Suzan!The Colonel is quite a character, isn't he! I loved the interview! Glad to hear you enjoyed it too. Yes, that pesky scandal!

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    2. Thanks so much for all your support Suzan!

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  5. (Hoping my comment posts this time:)

    More charm in his thumb? More gossip on his tongue, more likely. I love that Colonel Loose Lips is a busy, busy man. Thanks for the fun post, Heather, and good luck on your grand, er, blog tour!

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    1. It posted, Jan! It was a clever interview, wasn't it! Thanks for trying until you got it! :)

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    2. I feel you about getting comments to post! But we’re here now and that’s what matters. Thanks Jan!

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  6. That was a fun interview! Congratulations, Heather. I look forward to learning more about your book!

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  7. Poor Colonel F, always the bridesmaid but never the bride! Thanks for the charming interview, Heather! Good luck on your new book. :-)

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    1. Those were my thoughts exactly, Nicole. I almost felt sorry for him, but don't we love the guy! Glad you dropped by.

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    2. Always the bridesmaid, indeed! May we the colonel will get his own happy ever after! Thank you Nicole!

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  8. I have always liked Colonel Fitzwilliam! He only wants some attention. And the bit about the color green was funny!

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    1. I like him, too, Teresita! Yes, he does need some attention! :) I agree with you on the green being Darcy's favorite color!

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    2. Isn’t he a fun character? Thanks for stopping by!

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  9. Nice interview, very cool books.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by, Calvin!

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    2. Thanks! I’m pleased you liked the interview!

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  10. So excited for this blog tour! Thanks!

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    1. Glad to hear you are excited for the tour, Maria! Thanks for stopping by.

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  11. Loved the interview, Heather! But then I’ve always loved Colonel Studmuffin. I’m so glad your book’s already generating great press. Here’s hoping it’s a big success.

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    1. Awww, Colonel Studmuffin! I'd forgotten about him being called that! Thanks for the reminder!It fits him so perfectly!

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    2. Thanks for your kind words and support, Jan!

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  12. Congratulations on your book release Heather, I have read it in AHA and really liked it! Thanks for the interesting interview with our dear Colonel, I agree with him that he should speak about himself for once and not about Darcy (as you have might have guessed I love the Colonel more than Darcy ��)

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    1. I think we have lots of Colonel lovers! Thanks for stopping by, Sophia.

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    2. Hi Sophia! I’m so happy that you stopped by! The colonel is such a fun character isn’t he? Even if he is a little too chatty! Thanks :)

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  13. This was hilarious. I have always loved the Colonel. I have trouble wrapping my brain around stories that pain him in a bad light or make him the villain. This was fun. I look forward to reading about him in this story. Congratulations on the launch and success of this work. And kudos to Janet for that fabulous cover. Man... you're good.

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    1. I’m so glad you found it funny, even though the dear colonel is a too chatty, he’s far from being a villain here! Thanks so much!

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    2. Thank you, Jeanne. You make my day!

      I'm not pleased with stories that wrap the Colonel in a bad light. I just can't get in to the them, or as you say, wrap my brain around those stories. This was a fun interview. Heather did him proud! Thanks for stopping by and supporting the authors.

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  14. Thanks for hosting me Janet and for kicking off what is sure to be a fun blog tour!

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    1. It was my pleasure, Heather. I know it will be a fun blog tour, because you have lots of neat things lined up for the readers! Congratulations on your release!

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  15. Great colonel Fitzwilliam, I love his character in your interview. Congratulations on the release

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    1. I’m glad you liked him here. He such a lively character, isn’t he? Thanks for stopping by!

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    2. Hi Kate. It's great seeing you here. I love the dear Colonel too. Heather did a good job interviewing him! :)

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  16. I love the Colonel! He’s such a hoot and loyal to his family! Great interview. Looking forward to reading it and congrats on your debut novel!

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    1. Isn’t the colonel a wonderful character? Thanks so much Dung!

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    2. Isn't he a hoot! I love him too, and the close relationship between him and Darcy. Good luck in the giveaway. Hope you get to read Heather's book soon.

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  17. I feel bad for the colonel. Everyone wants to learn more about his famous cousin and few would like to get to know him. Anyway this fascinating interview got me curious on what is going on in Bath. Guess I've to get the book to know.

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    1. I felt a bit bad for the Colonel, too, Sylvia. I think he is well-loved here though! We were all interested in hearing from him. Thanks for dropping by. I hope you get to read the book soon.

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    2. Colonel Fitzwilliam deserves a happy ever after, doesn’t he? Whatever is happening in Bath, it’s exciting! Thanks for saying hello!

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  19. I can't believe I almost missed this gem! lol
    Great interview! Colonel Fitzwilliam is always one of my favorites!

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    1. The colonel would be so disappointed to know he was overlooked! He is a little sensitive lol Thanks Daniela!

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    2. Hi Daniela. We are glad you didn't miss this one, especially Colonel Fitzwilliam!

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  20. Thanks for a great interview, Heather. I suspect that you probably got more out of the Colonel than you would have out of Darcy. Interviewing him would more than likely be like interviewing a clam! The Colonel's answers have raised a multitude of questions, haven't they? What happened? Why Bath? Who's involved?

    Janet, your cover is gorgeous! I'd love to know where that beautiful cottage is, by the way.

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    1. Lol interviewing a clam *snort*
      yeah the colonel is a fount of information, but just leaves us wondering more! Thanks for reading Anji!

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    2. Haha, Anji! I love your comment. I think you are right about getting more out of Colonel Fitzwilliam! Interviewing a clam would be spot on for interviewing Darcy! All those questions do beg to be answered!

      Thank you, Anji. I'm glad you love the cover.I don't know the location of the cottage. It is a stock photo. The caption was "a traditional pink painted English cottage." I thought it was lovely.

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