Monday, July 11, 2016

J Dawn King...Forgotten

Available on Amazon
Thank you so much for letting me drop by at the last minute, Janet. You are always so gracious. I brought some goodies for you: a basket of assorted pastries, two different brands of tea, and a lovely Brown Betty teapot. I hope you have time for a visit…and a short story I’ve resurrected from last year’s archives. If you will turn on the kettle, I’ll sort the pastries into your favorites and mine. Why don’t I read my story aloud so you do not have to interrupt your tasks? Would you mind?

It is my pleasure to have you drop by anytime and ohh, the goodies look delicious! Thank you so much for bringing them. What an adorable teapot! I will be very happy for you to sort the pastries for us while I rinse the teapot and get the tea on. Then I would absolutely be delighted for you to read your story aloud. What fun!

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FORGOTTEN!

Darcy was uncertain what it was that woke him from a sound slumber. His mind was filled with impressions as he opened his eyes. It was the master’s bed chamber at Pemberley. The sun had risen. And, there was a woman snuggled next to him. A woman!

He pulled his head back to see who had infiltrated his private sanctuary and found dark curls that his left hand had somehow entangled themselves in. His right arm was positioned underneath the woman’s head and his hand was… well, his hand was where it ought not to be. His body stiffened in panic; his movement waking the woman. What should he do now?

“William?” the woman muttered.

He knew that voice. He was sharing his bed with Miss Elizabeth Bennet!  His mind raced as it screamed for answers. How had she gotten from Hunsford to Pemberley? She had, only the night before, refused his offer of marriage. Why is she now here? How is she here now?

He could feel panic rising in his chest and it threatened to squeeze the breath out of him.

Elizabeth must have sensed his discomfort because she turned in his arms and faced him.

“Fitzwilliam, are you well?” She reached her hand up and soothed his brow. “My love, how can I help you?” She had never seen her husband in this condition. All that life had thrown at him since their marriage, he had handled with ease. Yesterday’s accident resulting in a small bump to his head surely had not caused him this amount of distress. The doctor had said that there might be some memory loss, but it would most likely be a quick recovery.

“We are married?”

“Yes, dear, we are. We have been married these nine years.”

“You share my bed?”

“Every night of those nine years, William.”

“Have we children?”

“We have two sons. Richard is seven years and Henry is five.”

“I named my heir after my cousin?” He was incredulous; even more so than waking to find he had married Elizabeth Bennet.

“You did, William.”

“Why?” Darcy was completely confused. Certainly, he had deep regard for his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. However it was the custom of the Darcy’s to name the first born after the family name of the mother of the child. His firstborn should have been named Bennet Darcy.

Darcy was unaware that his hand continued to stroke his wife’s hair. Apparently his body remembered what his mind had forgotten.

Lizzy chuckled. “My love, I have never been told all of the details of your agreement with the colonel, but he is Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam no more and our son is named for him. Richard retired his commission and is married to a lovely woman with a strong hand that only just prevented their first son from becoming Fitzwilliam George Fitzwilliam.”

Darcy shook his head, completely perplexed by the events of the morning.

“You have several times called me “my love”. You love me?”

“More than my life, dear man.”

“And, we have two sons?”

“Yes, the same two boys as when you asked me but a moment ago.”

“And, what of Georgiana?” His mind easily pictured the shy, reticent fifteen-year-old whose heart was crushed after Wickham tried to elope with her. He wondered if she ever recovered.

“She is here at Pemberley and is an excellent aunt to our sons.”

His mind added the years of his marriage to the last he remembered of his sister. When he realized she had long passed her majority, he wondered that she was still in residence in his home.

“She is not married?”

“No, she is not yet married. Though, your frantic ride on that ridiculous stallion after her heart’s desire asked you for her hand yesterday might have resulted in your fall.”

“I fell of a horse? Impossible!” He reached up and soon found the lump on the back of his head; evidence that he might be wrong.

Elizabeth did not answer, but her right brow lifted. Darcy imagined it was a look that was often required for their boys.

“I fail to understand this, Elizabeth.” He thought for a moment. “I… I am pleased that we are wed and we have been blessed with children. I am also content that Georgiana has found someone to love and that she does not still suffer over Wickham. Why, though, would I not be pleased over her choice of a husband?”

“Because, my husband, it was George Wickham who asked for her hand in marriage.”

Two things happened at once. Darcy sat straight up in the bed while exclaiming, “WHAT!”, and he felt the immediate impact of the blow he had sustained during his ride the day before. He quickly laid back down. His mind was in turmoil. As the moments passed, vestiges of memory returned and started piecing themselves together.

George Wickham running off with Miss Lydia Bennet.

Hunting them down and forcing them to wed.

Returning to Longbourn to ask for Elizabeth’s hand.

Their wedding day.

The birth of their sons.

The purchase of that infernal colt.

Receiving the express from Longbourn that Lydia had run off with another officer and the two had perished in a coaching accident not far from Newcastle.

Wickham returned from battle, scarred and weary.

George Wickham courting Georgiana.

Yesterday.

“How could she, Elizabeth? How could a woman as sensible as Georgiana accept a man like him?

Elizabeth smiled at the expression on Darcy’s face. She clearly remembered the day George Wickham presented himself at Pemberley. Six years of marriage to Lydia Bennet and serving under the firm hands of superior officers had wrought a change in the man that was extraordinary. He was everything a gentleman should be and had spent the past few years proving it to himself and to others. It had taken those years to change Darcy’s attitude towards him. Eventually, he had been pleased to welcome back the friend from his youth. However, to welcome him as husband to Georgiana? That had been altogether different.

“She loves him, Will.”

“Truly?”

“She does.”

He sighed. “Then there is nothing left but to give her permission, is there?”

“No, my dear, there is nothing left. It is a testimony to her love and his respect of you that your approval was asked. She is plenty old enough to make her own choice and act on it.” She wrapped her arms around her husband and held him tight.

“Then I shall say yes.” It was quietly muttered. He felt Elizabeth’s smile on his neck, then he felt her quick kiss.

“You are a good man, Fitzwilliam Darcy.”

“I try to be.”

“Then, tell me about the bet you made with Richard.”

Yes, he lived his life each day trying to be the man his father wanted him to become. However, as memories came rushing in, he chuckled at the memory of why he had a son named Richard. It was a story worth telling, but one he would never share.

“And, what have you found such delight in, my husband?”

“Only you, my beloved. Only you.”

The End

My question to you, Janet, is what sort of wager between Darcy and Richard Fitzwilliam would have resulted in having their firstborn named for each other. Do you suspect it may have to do with the recalcitrant colt? It has been exactly 14 ½ months since I wrote this and I still cannot figure it out. Do you believe you or your friends might be able to assist me? I’m sure they know both Darcy and the colonel as well as I do.

BTW, I’m coming bearing gifts for a few who offer comments below within the next few days. The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL. Stunning gifts I would love to have myself. There are two autographed print copies of The Abominable Mr. Darcy, two eBook copies of the same book, and one copy of Colours of Jane Austen, the most extraordinary coloring book I have ever seen that is only available from Indigo in Canada. Along with Colours will be a box of 72 colored pencils. It is so lovely that even the inside dust jackets have pictures to decorate. Swoon!!!

Oh, dear. Janet, I believe I am needed back in Hertfordshire. Mr. Darcy has gone and gotten himself in a bit of trouble with the locals and Miss Elizabeth Bennet is after his head. I’d best see if I can restore peace. Goodbye!

Joy, you must hurry along to Hertfordshire. I do hope you can sort things out for Mr. Darcy. That man! He does have his troubles, doesn't he? Bless his heart, they are usually of his own making, too. And Miss Elizabeth...goodness, I do wish she would not go after that handsome head of is. Please, please, restore the peace. 

Thank you J. Dawn King for stopping by and visiting today. The pleasure has been all mine and you are welcome to pop in anytime. Do consider bringing more of that delicious tea and those scrumptious pastries when you do too! :)

1 Colouring Book
2 Signed Paperbacks
2 eBooks
            
Colored Pencils go with Colouring Book

Now Dear Readers, it is time for you to have your treat! Ms. King has a special surprise for one lucky person as she has already mentioned. Just take a look above at these lovely things in the giveaway. There are five giveaways...two autographed print copies of The Abominable Mr. Darcy, two Ebook copies of it and one copy of a lovely Colours of Jane Austen colouring book with 72 colored pencils. I know I am just repeating what J. Dawn King already told you but, my goodness, don't you think such a generous giveaway is worth repeating? As you see, I definitely do. Thank you, Ms. King, for your generosity. I must tell you, I do love the cover of your book, The Abominable Mr. Darcy! :)

Tell us what you think may have been the wager between Darcy and Fitzwilliam. I must say, I am a bit stumped. I must continue to think on this one! As always, somewhere in your comment, please leave me your contact info so that you may be entered to win. If I cannot reach you, sadly, you cannot win. The giveaway will end at 11:59 PM on the 18th of July, 2016Good luck to all!

45 comments:

  1. Completely charming! Some bet, eh? Perhaps it had something to do with whether a certain Hertfordshire maid might ever accept Darcy's second proposal?

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  2. Maybe was about the result of a horse race?

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    1. I suspect you might be onto something, Tere. I appreciate your input.

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  3. Perhaps it was a bet as to the sex of the Darcy's first child. As Lizzy's mothrr had only birthed daughters. Lovely letle story.

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    1. I'm pleased you liked it. It could be that was the wager. I sure wish they were here to ask.

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  4. Earl Grey with a slice of lemon and a double chocolate chip muffin for me please ladies!

    angmardee ( at ) hotmail ( dot ) com


    What about:

    Richard betting Darcy that Elizabeth would never be able to bring Lady C. to accept their marriage. Darcy is so certain of Elizabeth’s powers of persuasion that he offers to name his heir after Richard. Richard accepts in the belief that their Aunt is so recalcitrant that it'll never happen. A condition of the wager is that neither tells their respective spouses about it.

    Please could I just be entered in the draw for the colouring book and pencils? I already have a signed copy of the book (thanks so much, Joy)

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    1. Forgot to mention that I loved this story when I first read it last year. Very much enjoyed re-reading it during my lunch break today.

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    3. OH, Angi, what an idea. Lady Catherine accept Elizabeth as Darcy's wife? Hmmmm! I'm thinking. That would really be a challenge. It might be it.

      I brought both Earl Grey and Irish Breakfast tea. The pastries were double chocolate muffins, cream scones, and some lovely French gooey things that I can't pronounce or spell.

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    4. Hi again! I've just got around to reading part two of "Forgotten", Joy. I have to say, "I didn't see that coming!" Very enjoyable and satisfying nonetheless.

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  5. or Darcy bet that the Colonel could not win the hand of his love

    meikleblog at gmail dot com

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    1. Oh! Oh! Oh! What an idea. Put it on the colonel's shoulders. Hmmm! Clever! Thank you. I'll have to really think about this one.

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  6. I wonder if the bet could be that Darcy could have the colt trained to saddle and not by a certain date. As I already have the ebook and signed copybwoukd you possibly enter me in the drawing for the coloring book.

    I remember this post and enjoyed it as much today as I did then. Thank you for the generous give away.

    skamper25 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Wouldn't it be just like Darcy and the Colonel to do something like that. Men!!! I'll ponder this one.

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  7. I wonder if the bet could be that Darcy could have the colt trained to saddle and not by a certain date. As I already have the ebook and signed copybwoukd you possibly enter me in the drawing for the coloring book.

    I remember this post and enjoyed it as much today as I did then. Thank you for the generous give away.

    skamper25 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  8. Enjoyed the excerpt. Have the colouring book and ebook. It is simply gorgeous.

    Richard found out about what caused Darcy's anguish after Kent. Richard and Darcy had a bet about bith of them marrying for love, and whether Darcy could ever get Elizabeth to marry him. Richard would also have to marry for love.

    Pattyedmisson at gmail dot com

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    1. Do you think the good colonel would do that to his cousin? I sure do. You might be onto something here. Let me think about it. (Glad you liked the colouring book. Yes, it's simply gorgeous.)

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  9. Absolutely loved the Abominable Mr. Darcy! Definitely one I'd love to have in my collection!

    zinger393 at gmail. com

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    1. Why thank you, Leah. It was a project made more enjoyable by working for the first time with editor, Christina Boyd. She is remarkable at her craft. Best wishes for the giveaway.

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  10. Oh what an excerpt! cant wait to read Ms King's new book. Thanks for the giveaway.

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    1. I hope you get the opportunity soon, Pricilla. These little ideas pop into my head and stay there until I put them down on paper. It's frustrating when I'm in the middle of another project. But, it's fun as well. Best wishes for a win in the giveaway.

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  11. Being as proud as he was I imagine Darcy might have bet his cousin that Elizabeth would accept his offer of marriage. When she did not Richard decided to start trying to win her affections and the only way Richard was willing to back off a while longer for Darcy to try again was for Darcy to agree to name his first son after Richard if he did win her hand. If Richard could not have her hand in marriage he wanted to be comforted knowing she might think of him daily when seeing her son.

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    1. I've already started typing the follow-up and you are remarkably close. Well done, Angie. I'll post the next chapter on my website at: www.jdawnking.com

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  12. What a delightful post!!! Joy, I can't tell you how much I loved it! So sweet and poignant and such perfect D & E voices! Beautiful! Thanks for sharing this delish with us and for the ever so generous giveaway. I loved the title of your new book from day 1 and I'd love to win it in paperback! Best of luck and keep writing!

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    1. You are kindness itself, Joana. As a fangirl, I'm thrilled you want to read my story. Best wishes.

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  13. I have had this blog sitting open while I contemplated your dilemma all day...while I was reading. But upon returning and reading all the other suggestions I cannot come up with anything better - that is why I am not an author. Good luck with your book and I did enjoy the snippet. Hoping Darcy sorts it all out. Your tea party sounds delightful. Earl Grey is one of my favorites. Good luck to all the people putting forth guesses, also.

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    1. Why thank you very much, Sheila, for taking the time to ponder my character's situation. I feel like I'm getting close and I've already started typing, but I'm only doing the initial set-up so Darcy and Richard can have their discussion. I wish I only knew what they were going to say.

      I'll have it figured out soon, I'm sure and plan to post it on my web site on Monday the 18th. I'd best get to thinking and typing.

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  14. what a lovely short story, joy! loved it! Thanks for sharing and thanks for the giveaway!
    about the bet, first, in the beginning of the story, I thought it must be about richard helping darcy to win lizzy's love. but then with the colt...it must have been a terribly disgraceful fall and then richard got to name darcy's first born and swear his secrecy to his grave! lol.

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    1. I'm pleased you liked it, Daniela. Your idea seems to be popular. I'm still meditating on what the cousins would have done. Darcy is so honorable and Richard...well, he is full of mischief, isn't he?

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  15. I'm glad that Darcy's memory loss wasn't permanent but I don't think he should keep secrets from Elizabeth!!! I think he was upset at Hunsford because he thought Richard was trying to win Elizabeth and so he told him that if he backed off that when he and Elizabeth were married (obviously he was so sure this would happen!) then they would name their first son Richard. - Obviously I am not a writer or I would have come up with many great ideas! But in the meantime many many thanks for this and for the giveaway and I would like Earl Grey and one of the French cakes please? :)

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    1. You are completely correct, Glynis, it's not too smart for anyone to keep secrets from their mate - especially a man as proud of his intelligence as Darcy is. Your idea has merit. Do you take cream, lemon, or sugar with your tea?

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  16. The bet, how long it would take Darcy to get Lizzy to forgive him, to marry him, and to bear him sons.

    Denise

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    1. That's really very good, Denise. I've started the next chapter and set up the discussion between the two men already. I'm needing to fill in the blank page with an explanation. Thank you for your input. We shall see on Monday.

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  17. Great post!

    It's hard to come up with an idea that hasn't already been taken, but maybe the bet was that the Colonel could tame the horse before Darcy could get Lizzy to accept his proposal.

    Oh, and the name Fitzwilliam George Fitzwilliam, that just made me laugh!

    Thanks for the generous giveaway. I look forward to reading your latest book!

    Maureen (maumar at Verizon dot net )

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    1. Maureen, now that would have been a wager I could see the two men making. And I laughed when I typed Fitzwilliam Fitzwilliam. My computer autocorrect went crazy so I had to add George in the middle as it didn't like the same word repeated. I don't think Richard would have liked it for his son's name either.

      Thank you so much for commenting and best wishes for the giveaway. It's coming up soon.

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  18. I cannot begin to guess 🤔 Thanks for these lovely items! My email is accessible upon clicking my profile, should I win

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    1. You are most welcome. Best wishes in the giveaway. For a year I too could not begin to guess. However, I may be onto something. I'll post it tomorrow.

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  19. I've posted the completed story on my website at: www.jdawnking.com

    There needed to be a few details changed on the first chapter to accommodate the second, so I'd recommend reading the whole of the story. It's less than 4,000 words so should take about ten minutes to read. I'd love to hear your opinion as to the wager. Also, I gave them another son. Three children in nine years should be about right.

    Best of wishes to you all for a happy MONDAY!!!

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  20. This has been such fun, Joy. I loved reading all of the ideas and suggestions for the wager! I have read the entire story now and it was quite fun. The cousins behaved exactly as I would have imagined! Thank you for giving us 'the rest of the story' and tweaking the first of it.

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    1. The tea and pastries were delicious! I'm ready for more! :)

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    2. You are most welcome. Janet, you are an excellent hostess. You provide such a relaxing environment for a visit. And I am so pleased you didn't eat all the chocolate ones. I'll probably finish them in the car on the way home. Until later!

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    3. Oh, but I was tempted with those chocolate one! Yummm.
      Thank you. :)

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    4. Snicker!!! Duncan Donuts would not be safe if we were both in the area. (Or, Krispy Kreme)

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    5. No, they would not! I love the Chocolate Eclair! Oh my, I wish I had one right now! Delicious! We much go someday and indulge our cravings!

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