Thank you for stopping by, Bronwen. I turn the floor over to you.
*****
Hello! I am so pleased to be here with you today at More
Agreeably Engaged. You may or may not know that I have recently released a new
novel, Mrs. Collins’ Lover, and one of my characters was able to join us to
share her insights into the story. Before we begin, I would like to share a bit
about the book.
Elizabeth Bennet was raised with a strong belief and
faith in God's plan for her life. She knew He had a plan, even if the details
were hidden from her. But, when placed in an untenable situation, she turned
instead to the arms of a man to find brief moments of joy. Finally, when able
to realize the happiness which was always intended for her, the weight of her
guilt over her past sins convinces her of her unworthiness. Only through
reconciliation with the Lover of her soul can she truly fulfill the life He
planned for her. But first, she must forgive herself in order to find
redemption.
Remember: In order to be redeemed, there must be sin.
This story is intended for mature audiences.
Trigger Warning: There are incidents of abuse in this
story.
B: Elizabeth and Darcy were unable to join us (other than their
children, no one has seen much of them since their wedding), but their sister,
Mary Bennet, was more than happy to fill in for them. Thank you, Mary, for
taking the time to speak with us today.
M: Yes, well, your request was quite unique, and I thought it
might be interesting to participate.
B: You might be aware that many readers have a, shall we say,
rigid view of you and your sister Jane. In this story, the two of you have
stepped out of those normal roles. What do you think caused this?
M: Life, of course. Even in Miss Austen’s original work, I believe
the reader can see how Jane learned not to be quite so trusting. Life and Miss
Bingley taught her that lesson. In this story, your readers do not have the
opportunity to see what was happening in Jane’s life. Would you want my mother visiting nearly daily
asking if you were with child yet? It would drive anyone mad, even sweet Jane.
B: I can see your point. But what of you, Mary? Jane Austen
painted you as having strong religious views and quoting Fordyce’s Sermons to
Young Women. You seem to have stepped away from that now.
M: I would have to answer in the same manner: life. When Lizzy
returned to Longbourn for Jane’s wedding, there was such a change about her. I
hardly recognized my impertinent older sister, but she seemed to be doing
everything Mr. Fordyce would have expected of a wife. I missed her, though she
was before me. I could not accept this was what God intended.
B: That must have been difficult for you.
M: For a time. My first instinct was to protect Lizzy. I did speak
to my father, but he appeared as defeated as I felt. Instead of being dependent
upon a man’s interpretation of the Bible, I returned to the source. In
discussing it with Papa and our rector, I became hopeful that I could help
Lizzy once she was ready. In the meanwhile, I prayed for her nightly.
B: You are a good sister, to all your sisters.
M: Some are easier than others.
B: Well, I thank you for taking time to speak to us. Please pass
along our love to your family.
M: Thank you for having me. Oh, I nearly forgot. Lizzy asked me to
say hello from her and Darcy. They hope everyone enjoys their story.
And now, a GIVEAWAY! Just make a comment on this
blog and Janet will pick 1 lucky winner to receive an ebook copy of Mrs.
Collins’ Lover. Good luck! And I hope you enjoyed our visit as much as I did. I
can’t wait to read your comments.
Bronwen Chisholm
began her writing career working on suspense romance, but finally became a
published author with her Pride and Prejudice variations. She takes great
pleasure in searching for potential “plot twists” and finding the way back to a
happy ending.
Her love of writing has led her to several writing groups,
and she is currently serving as the vice president of the Riverside Writers and
organizes the Riverside Young Writers.
For more information, visit her at www.bronwenchisholm.com.
7/31 Austen Authors
8/9 Babblings of
a Bookworm
8/10 Diary of an Eccentric
8/12 From Pemberley to Milton
8/14 More Agreeably Engaged
8/17 My Love for Jane Austen
Thank you for visiting my blog, Bronwen. I enjoyed your interview with Mary, and I thank you both for sharing it with us. I am intrigued. I hope you will come back again soon. You are welcome anytime. I wish you the best with your new release.
Dear Readers, don't forget to leave a comment. The giveaway will end on August 19th at midnight. Good luck to all.
I hope Mary has her own happy ending in this story, preferably with the Colonel
ReplyDeleteI remember a novel where they met and married, Vesper. I'm glad to hear she has her HEA anyway.
DeleteI did write a story, Mistress Mary and the General, where Mary and the former Colonel Fitzwilliam did marry. It holds a special place in my heart as it was a birthday present for my neighbor, one of the first people to read any of my stories.
DeleteThat's neat. I bet your neighbor felt special!
DeleteHmm ... Did Mary and the Colonel meet? Well, I'm sure they did, but it was not within the pages of the story.
ReplyDeleteMary did find her HEA, but the details were not shared. (I chose to follow Jane Austen's suggestion and have her marry one of Uncle Phillips' clerks.)
I am intrigued but unsure if I can stomach the angst...
ReplyDeleteI struggle with the stories where either of ODC are romantically involved with anybody else, although I doubt there is much "romance" involved in Elizabeth's marriage to Collins. I do wonder though, how far I would have to read before that relationship is at an end? I think I can manage a few chapters but not an entire book...
You are correct - romance and Collins are not synonymous.
DeleteI will tell you that, due to the adultery, there are some lovely scenes between Elizabeth and Darcy for much of the book and those who have read it were "pleased" with Collins demise. This is an emotional roller coaster (to write and to read), but I hope the redemption and HEA are enough to make up for the angst.
Hi Elin. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
DeleteI’m glad you managed to get this interview with Mary! She was definitely my favourite of Elizabeth’s sisters in this book.
ReplyDeleteFor anyone who is wary of reading this book, you must read it and see. You’ll feel so sorry for Elizabeth but she does have her happy moments and gets her reward in the end. To be honest I’m not an angst lover but I read this while posting and will definitely read it again now it’s published.
Thank you, Glynis!
DeleteThank you for telling us how you feel, Glynis. I know you are not an angst lover so it is gratifying to know you will read this again. We must have that HEA, mustn't we! :)
DeleteI like Mary when she doesn't have her nose in Fordyce’s Sermons to Young Women. I enjoyed hearing what she had to say. I look forward to reading this book. Good luck to everyone in the drawing. Thanks to Janet for hosting and to Bronwen for the generous giveaway. Beautiful cover by the way... just saying. I read somewhere where it was your tartan so I know that makes it even more special. Blessings on the success of this book.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes, that is my family's tartan and the model is my best friend's daughter. I am glad you have enjoyed this so far. Good luck!
DeleteYou're welcome, Jeanne. I'm glad you stopped by.
DeleteI, too, struggle with the idea of ODC romantically involved with others. That said, the story sounds interesting. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! "Romantically involved" is a bit of a stretch with Mr. Collins, but I understand what you are saying. ;)
DeleteThanks for commenting by Kelly.
DeleteI'm not a fan of Darcy or Elizabeth paired with someone else, but the plot is intriguing. Thanks for the chance to win your book!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Good luck!
DeleteFrom the comments, you are not alone in those sentiments. :)
DeleteEnjoyed the interview with Mary as she is one of the characters I relate to the most.
ReplyDeleteThank you! She is probably one of my favorites also.
DeleteThanks for sharing. Isn't it neat when we relate to some things about these characters. Human nature stays the same.
DeleteI liked Mary's interview. The story sounds interesting. Looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I hope you enjoy it.
DeleteIt was a good interview, wasn't it Debbie. I'm glad you dropped in and read it.
DeleteI really like and appreciate your post.Thanks Again. Keep writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I promise!
DeleteThanks for stopping by and good luck.
DeleteI think Mary would make a more suitable wife to Mr Collins than Elizabeth. But I don't wish any woman to marry that horrid clergyman. I'm curious about Elizabeth and Darcy's children and the timing of their wedding. Is the children the product of their affair or is it Elizabeth and Collins' flesh and blood?
ReplyDeleteI feel the same as you about anyone marrying Mr. Collins. Good question you left us with. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteThank you for commenting! I also wouldn't wish Collins on any one.
DeleteAs for the children, it is pretty obvious that Will is Darcy's child, but he will never be able to claim him as such. Anne could go either way as Elizabeth was still married to Collins when she was conceived. I have played with the idea of writing a sequel which will center around Will and possibly Anne, but there are a few other projects lined up in front of that.
Great to know Mary will have an active role in this book. She is often left out in most of the variation stories
ReplyDeleteIt is good to know, isn't it. I like it when she has an active role and a good one.
DeleteI think Mary is one of my favorite side characters. She can grow in so many ways.
Delete