Elizabeth: Obstinate Headstrong Girl

Today I'm spotlighting the anthology Elizabeth: Obstinate Headstrong Girl. I will be featuring an excerpt from Elizabeth Adams' s story, "Something Like Regret." I hope you will enjoy it. There is also quite a nice giveaway, so be sure to check that out at the bottom of the post.

Before we get to the excerpt, allow me to show you more about the book.

About the book(e-book, trade paperback, pp.350): “Obstinate, headstrong girl!” For over two hundred years, Elizabeth Bennet has enchanted and inspired readers by being that “obstinate, headstrong girl” willing to stand up to the arrogance and snobbery of her so-called betters. Described by Austen as having a “lively, playful disposition,” Elizabeth embodies the perfect imperfections of strong-willed women everywhere: she is spirited, witty, clever, and loyal.

In this romance anthology, ten Austenesque authors sketch Elizabeth’s character through a collection of re-imaginings, set in the Regency through contemporary times. In ELIZABETH: OBSTINATE, HEADSTRONG GIRL, she bares her most intimate thoughts, all the while offering biting social commentary about life’s absurdities. Elizabeth overcomes the obstacles of others’ opinions, not to mention her own flaws, to find a love truly worthy of her—her Mr. Darcy—all with humor and her sparkling charm.

“I think her as delightful a character as ever appeared in print…” wrote Jane Austen in a letter to her sister Cassandra, January 1813―and we think so too!

Foreword by NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Tessa Dare.

Stories by Amy D’Orazio, Jenetta James, Christina Morland, Beau North, Joana Starnes, Karen M Cox, Elizabeth Adams, Leigh Dreyer, J. Marie Croft, and Christina Boyd. 

Excerpt:

An excerpt from in “Something Like Regret” by Elizabeth Adams, Elizabeth meets Darcy at Pemberley much like in canon, however, a little honesty helps them reach their happily ever-after sooner. This is an excerpt with a swoon-worthy letter exchange by the newly betrothed couple:

Our journey home was uneventful, and I reread Fitzwilliam’s letter more times than I can remember. One passage in particular made me blush in embarrassment, but I will admit, I read it more than any other.

I can hardly believe you will be my wife in little more than a month—more importantly, I will be your husband. Mine will be the privilege of sharing a life, a home, and a bed with you. Your kisses will be mine alone, your affection my reward—for what I know not, but I am grateful, nonetheless. My dearest, loveliest Elizabeth, you are all that I could ever wish for and more than I ever dreamed of. Speed time for me, my love. Five weeks now feels interminable…

I could do naught but reply.

My Dear Fitzwilliam,

How shocking it is to refer to you as such, and yet, how delightful. I have never written a love letter before. I am certain I will improve with practice, if you do not mind being the recipient of my fledgling efforts.

I have not opened your second letter, as requested (it really is quite cruel of you to leave me in suspense, teasing man), but your first has brought on more blushes than the whole of my life. I too look forward to our life together with eager anticipation. Was it only yesterday that I left Pemberley? It feels ages ago.

I watched the forest through the window as we left, wishing the trees and paths and animals a silent farewell. Is it strange that I feel Pemberley is already my home? Perhaps I feel that way because you love it so dearly and I love you so dearly. I have never been one to wax poetic on my feelings toward others, but if I am all you could wish for, you have far surpassed my wildest dreams.

I never dared to hope that such a man would be my husband. That he would love me, and want me with him forever, and hold me in such tender regard.

You honor me with your affection, Fitzwilliam, and you have mine in its fullest measure. All my heart has to give, I give to you. All my affection, my kisses, my embraces, my love, it is all yours. It is my privilege to be your wife and a source of great joy to have such a husband.

Have I made you blush yet? It is only fair as I was the color of a beet root while reading your letter and my aunt sat across the room, smirking behind her needlepoint as I did so. Have I told you how happy I am that you have become friends with the Gardiners? They are my dearest relations next to Jane and it pleases me greatly that you see their value.

I am quite a pathetic creature as I miss you already and I saw you only yesterday morning in Lambton. How ever will I maintain my equanimity for five long weeks? Hurry to Hertfordshire, my love. You will be greeted with open arms and warm affection.

Your Elizabeth

I followed instructions and waited until the third day of our journey to open his second letter. I was rather surprised to see practical suggestions of places to visit and a detailed travel guide. It wasn’t until I reached the end that I understood his game.

If you should visit Ravenswood Hall, explore the maze and pay special attention to the fountain in the northwest corner. It occurs to me that it would be an excellent place to steal a kiss, or three, when next we visit my friend John. He has recently married, and he and his wife will return to Ravenswood by the time I bring you home to Pemberley. (I do not think I shall ever tire of thinking of Pemberley as your home.) We can test the maze ourselves. You may tell me then if you approve my plan.

If you are not pleased with the maze, there is a ruin near Bellamy that has a very fine prospect; there is also the river at Peagram, with its secluded willows…

He went on, telling me of secluded glades and hidden follies he knew of. Truly, he was practicality itself.

ELIZABETH ADAMS is a book-loving, tango-dancing, Austen enthusiast. She loves old houses and thinks birthdays should be celebrated with trips—as should most occasions. She can often be found by a sunny window with a cup of hot tea and a book in her hand. She writes romantic comedy and comedic drama in both historical and modern settings and occasionally puts her sociology degree to use in nonfiction. You can find more information, short stories, and outtakes at www.eadamswrites.com.

Giveaway: The #OmgItsOHG (Oh-my-gosh, it’s Obstinate Headstrong Girl) Blog Tour began February 18 with announcement and cover reveal at Austenesque Reviews, and we hope you will continue to join us and connect with each author about their “Elizabeth” story. We’ve included a Grand Prize package giveaway (a book of your choosing from each of the eleven author’s backlist) as well as additional giveaway: my Silly Austen-inspired blank note cards and coordinating coffee mug. Open worldwide, so be sure to participate. 1) Enter the Rafflecopter for the Grand Prize package of books, and 2) comment on the blog stops to be counted for the additional giveaway (you need not comment everywhere to be entered in that drawing but we hope you’ll have your share of the conversation.) Ends March 31.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51329630-elizabeth

BuyLink: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998654051/

If you haven't made all the stops in the blog tour, the schedule is below.

This anthology sounds really good. The letter from Darcy was, indeed, swoon-worthy! Wow! Elizabeth's letter to Darcy was quite nice too! I loved this. Thanks, Elizabeth Adams. If this is any indication, I know I will enjoy reading the anthology when time permits.  We may all have plenty of time on our hands in the coming weeks. Some good reading will be nice. 

Thanks, Christina, for including me in the blog tour. I wish you and all the authors well. 

Good luck to everyone in the giveaway.