Thursday, March 18, 2021

Dangerous Magic...Monica Fairview

 It's such a pleasure to welcome Monica Fairview back to More Agreeably Engaged. Monica has a new book with a little magic! The title, Dangerous Magic, is intriguing without knowing anything else about the book. Then there is the cover. Take a look at it to the right. Isn't it pretty. I love the two colors. It lends the look of magic to the cover and also draws us in. Besides the title and cover to get our curiosity going, we are in for a treat because Monica is sharing the back cover copy and an excerpt! Not only that, but Ms. Fairview is giving away one eBook to a lucky reader. More on the giveaway later. For now, let's read what is on the back cover. 

*****

BACK COVER: 

A sparkling tale of Regency England, a forced marriage, and two magicians who must work together to save the Kingdom.

Elizabeth Bennet is stunned when the Royal Mages come to her peaceful country home of Longbourn to take her away. She is even more bewildered when she is commanded to marry a powerful mage by the name of Fitzwilliam Darcy. She has always dreamed of marrying for love, and an arranged marriage with an arrogant stranger was never part of her plans.

But Darcy and Elizabeth have no choice in the matter. Uniting their two forms of magic is essential if the Kingdom is to defeat Napoleon’s mages. They may dislike each other on sight, but Darcy and Elizabeth have to overcome their differences and find common ground before it is too late. Fortunately, it is not long before the sparks begin to fly between them. 

Join the author of ‘Fortune and Felicity’ in this Jane Austen Fantasy Variation, an enchanting story of determination, love, and hope against all odds. 

*****

EXCERPT: DANGEROUS MAGIC

Darcy paced up and down in his practice hall, for once unable to keep his mind on his training. He was not a member of the Council, but he had expected to be invited to Elizabeth Bennet’s assessment. However, they had refused to allow him to be part of it, on the grounds that he might influence the proceedings. He had never heard anything more ridiculous. Why would he want to do such a thing? He did not particularly like the idea of marrying her, true, but he was hardly going to stand in the way of the only candidate who might be able to help him win the war.

Or did they think he would try to influence the proceedings in her favor? That he might find a way to help her? He would never do that, either. There was no point appointing a Janus Mage who could not live up to their expectations.

The ways of the Council were often mysterious to him. It would all be a great deal easier if Lord Matlock would not be so tight-lipped about the whole business. After all, Darcy was the one who had to live with their decision. He ought to have a say about whether she was suitable or not. Instead, he was forced to wait it out.

He hoped his uncle would remember to inform him of the outcome, and that Darcy would not be forced to go to the Council Chamber himself to find out the verdict.

He was on the verge of doing that very thing when there was a knock at the door and his uncle appeared.

“Well?” said Darcy, dreading the answer, one way or the other.

Matlock smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. “The results are impressive, Darcy. Very impressive. She has all the qualities we require. She is able to stay calm even in the most adverse situation, her magic is powerful, and she is creative.”

Darcy let out the breath he was holding. “Thank heavens. We can finally get on with it.”

Then he registered something in his uncle’s words. “Did you say ‘creative’? What does that mean, exactly?” It was not a characteristic that people normally associated with mages.

His uncle smiled. “I am sure you will discover what I mean very soon. Meanwhile, you can be easy. We have found you a Twin, and I think you will be satisfied. Though I have the feeling that you will not be as pleased about it as I am.”

“I wish you would speak plainly for once, Uncle, instead of always speaking in riddles,” said Darcy. “Will she do or will she not?”

“If that is all you wish to know,” said Lord Matlock. “Then I will answer plainly. Yes, Darcy, Miss Bennet will do.”

Darcy nodded. “Good. Then the wedding will take place as planned.”

“Yes.” Lord Matlock turned to leave. As he walked out of the door, Darcy thought he heard his uncle say, “and heaven help you, my boy.”

But when he called out for the earl to explain himself, Darcy did not receive an answer.

*****

Are you ready to read more about Dangerous Magic?

AUTHOR BIO

Monica Fairview writes Jane Austen sequels and variations as well as Regencies. Her latest novel is a Pride and Prejudice fantasy variation, Dangerous Magic. Her biggest claim to fame is living in Elizabeth Gaskell’s house in Manchester, long before the house was restored. After studying in the USA, she taught literature, then became an acupuncturist. She now lives near London.

Monica loves anything to do with the nineteenth century, and obsessively follows every period drama she can find. Some of her favorites are ‘North and South’, ‘Bright Star’ and ‘War and Peace’, and a dozen others that she couldn’t possibly list here. Of course, she has watched Pride and Prejudice (1995 and 2005) more times than she could count on her hands and toes. 

Monica enjoys reading fantasy and post-apocalyptic novels but avoids zombies like the plague. She loves to laugh, drink tea, and visit National Trust historic properties [those were the days!], and she is convinced that her two cats can understand everything she says.

CONTACT INFO

WEBSITE | BLOG |GOODREADS |  FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST

BLOG TOUR


GIVEAWAY

As I already mentioned, there is one eBook being given away by Monica Fairview. The giveaway is international. Leave a comment below to enter the giveaway. Be sure I have a way to contact you. The giveaway will end at midnight on the 23rd of March. Good luck everyone!

Now tell us what you thought about the excerpt? Did you like it? What about some of the others that you have read? I'm fascinated with what I've read so far. The line that Lord Matlock uttered in the next to last paragraph above hooked me. The entire excerpt had me wanting to read more, so I purchased the eBook! Have any of you read it yet? I hope to soon. 

Thanks for stopping by, Monica. I appreciate you including my blog your tour. I wish the best with this release. It looks like it is already doing quite well! Congratulations!

Saturday, March 6, 2021

And the winners are...

There have been several posts with giveaways. All winners have been contacted and books delivered. Congratulations to all the winners. A special thank you to the authors hosting the giveaways. The winners were excited to have won. 

Thank you to everyone who stopped by and left a comment. I appreciate your support of my blog, and I know each of the authors thank you for reading their posts and commenting. 

The winners, starting with the most recent first, are:

Elaine Jeremiah's novel Elizabeth and Darcy: Beginning Again

2 eBook winners

DarcyBennet and Nightstitcher


Came a Flight Gently by Leigh Dreyer and Paul Trockner

1 eBook winner

Deborah Ann


Angel in Her Pocket by Brenda J. Webb

2 eBook Winners

Luthien84

Kelly Miller


Congratulations to everyone. It's always fun to read your comments. 

Friday, February 19, 2021

Elaine Jeremiah... Elizabeth and Darcy: Beginning Again

It is a pleasure to have the lovely Elaine Jeremiah as my guest today. She has a new release, Elizabeth and Darcy: Beginning Again. Have you been seeing it around the blogosphere? Have any of you read it yet? If you have, please let us know in the comments.

Since we all love excerpts, Elaine is sharing one with us today. Isn't that great! We will be able to learn a little more about the book. She is also giving away two eBooks! Thank you for your generosity, Elaine. 

Let's take a look at the blurb before we read the excerpt.

Blurb:

Little does Elizabeth Bennet think the journey across muddy fields from her home at Longbourn to Netherfield Park will change her life forever.

But an unexpected encounter with the proud and haughty Mr Darcy leaves her injured and vulnerable. Worse still, she is left alone with him for a significant amount of time. Her reputation at risk, she is forced to make a decision about her future. Now her life will never be the same again. 

Can Elizabeth ever be happy? Or will she always loathe Mr Darcy?

*****

I like the sounds of this book. Lots of Darcy/Lizzy time is always a plus for me. What about you? Do you like them to spend much time in company? Maybe the excerpt will give us a peep into some of that together time! :)

Excerpt:

They had been trapped together for hours now. The rain was still pouring down outside and yet Darcy was immeasurably relieved. Conversing with Elizabeth on the subject of their favourite novels had been the most pleasant discussion he had had with her in the history of their short acquaintance. During their previous heated exchange, he had thought that they would never be able to get past their difference of opinion. He did so wish not to be at odds with her. Why exactly that was he could not have said. And yet she was like no other young woman he had ever met.

Her manner was so unaffected and natural. There appeared to be no guile in her nature. In spite of their somewhat precarious situation, he found himself glad to be in her company. How it would end he knew not. He supposed that when the rain died down he ought to go and get some help. Walking to Netherfield Park would most likely be the easiest solution. It was not so far from here. 

But for the moment there was nothing he could do except to remain seated next to her in the tiny hut. He found it was no hardship to him however and he wondered if after today’s events, her feelings towards him would thaw a little. Perhaps that was too much to hope for though, and he should just be gratified that fate had thrown him together with her for a while.

He shook his head at his jumbled thoughts. What is wrong with you, man? he asked himself. What is it to you if the lady likes you or not? Even if she did and you liked her in return, there would be nothing to be done about it. She is unsuited to you in every way. She is

‘Mr Darcy?’

He started and turned to see Elizabeth staring at him with a puzzled expression on her face. He cleared his throat, which was suddenly dry. ‘Yes, Miss Bennet?’

‘Are you quite well?’

He felt his cheeks growing warm. ‘Yes, thank you, quite well.’

She gave him a searching look. ‘I am glad to hear that. Only, you appeared lost in thought and you shook your head as if something were the matter.’ She paused, leaning her head to one side as she regarded him. ‘I hope I am not the cause of it.’

Egad, how did she succeed in reading his mind? ‘Not at all,’ he said. Would she see through his lies?

But it appeared that she believed him, for she said, ‘I am glad to hear it, sir. Goodness knows I’ve caused enough trouble to last you a lifetime.’

He shook his head. ‘Not at all, madam. I have… I am enjoying being in your company. In any case, I should say that of the two of us you are the worse off. After all, you have the injured ankle.’ He gestured towards it. ‘Are you still in great pain, or is it improving somewhat?’

She scrunched up her nose. ‘My ankle has seen better days. But the pain is less when I do not put any weight upon it.’

Before he knew what he was doing or could stop himself, he reached out a hand to her and touched her arm for a brief moment, then removed it as swiftly. Mortified, he said, ‘Forgive me, Miss Bennet, I am not quite myself. I am concerned for your welfare and that is all.’

Elizabeth looked at him with a curious expression on her face. It seemed to him to be a mixture of outrage and something else. What that was he could not have said. But when she spoke, she merely said, ‘Please do not trouble yourself, Mr Darcy. I am not affronted. After all, you have handled me a great deal more than that already today.’

He nodded, biting his lip and dropping his gaze to the floor with a smile. ‘You are right, I suppose. But in truth, my carrying you all that way was out of necessity rather than will.’

‘So you wished to touch my arm?’

He sat up swiftly, his cheeks burning. He could not meet her gaze. ‘I did not entirely… that is to say…’ He trailed off, unable to finish.

‘Sir, it is of no matter to me whether you wished to or not,’ Elizabeth answered him. When finally he felt equal to the task, he risked a glance up at her. To his surprise she looked as though she were trying to suppress a smile, a laugh even. ‘In fact I am glad that you are not finding my company a trial.’

‘A trial? Oh no, Miss Bennet, I could never say that.’

She nodded, pursing her lips. ‘Then, Mr Darcy, perhaps we may draw a line under the truly terrible turn of events at the assembly and continue to be cordial in one another’s company, as we are being now?’

He smiled at her hyperbole and at the knowledge that perhaps she no longer hated him. ‘Of course, Miss Bennet. Nothing would please me more.’

 *****

This sounds like a good read. Darcy was caught! I loved that he was blushing and unable to meet Elizabeth's gaze. I'm ready to find out what happens next! 

Author Bio:


Elaine lives in Bristol, South West England with her husband and their golden retriever, Dug. But she was privileged enough to grow up in Jane Austen country, in Hampshire.
 

She’s always loved writing, but it’s only been in recent years that she’s been able to devote more time to it. She decided to self-publish with the help of her wonderful husband who’s very tech-savvy! In 2013 she self-published her first novel, but it was only with her fourth, her novel ‘Love Without Time’, that she felt she finally found her niche: Jane Austen Fan Fiction! 

She’s always loved Jane Austen’s writing and the Regency era, so this felt like a natural thing for her to do. ‘Elizabeth and Darcy: Beginning Again’ is the first ‘Pride and Prejudice’ variation she’s written.

If you want to connect with Elaine online, her Facebook page can be found here:

https://www.facebook.com/elainejeremiahauthor/ 

Her Twitter handle is: @ElaineJeremiah

Her website is here: https://elainejeremiah.co.uk/

Giveaway:

It's time for the giveaway! Yay! Two of you will get the eBook, Elizabeth and Darcy: Beginning Again, and get to find out for yourself, what happens next. To enter, please share your thoughts on the excerpt. Be sure I know how to reach you, should you be the winner. The giveaway will end at midnight, Central Time, on the 23rd of February. Good luck to all of you.

*****

Should you want to go ahead and purchase your own copy, the links are below:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

*****

Elaine, thank you so much for including my blog in your tour for this new release. I loved having you visit. Thank you also for the generous giveaway for my readers. Best wishes on your book.

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Came a Flight Gently...Leigh Dreyer and Paul Trockner

My guests are Leigh Dreyer and Paul Trockner. I am happy to have both of you visit my blog. Leigh has been a guest before, but not Paul, so welcome, Paul. I am fascinated that the two of you wrote this together, especially since you are father and daughter. That must have been a great experience for both of you. Congratulations! 

We have a giveaway and an excerpt, but first I'll let you learn a bit more about the authors, post the blurb, then get to the excerpt and giveaway. Thanks to all of you, Dear Readers, for stopping by.

Author Bios

Leigh Dreyer is a huge fan of Jane Austen variations and the JAFF community. She is blessed to have multi-generational military connections through herself and her husband, who she met in pilot training. She often describes her formative years in this way: “You know the ‘Great Balls of Fire’ scene in Top Gun (Goose, you big stud!) when Goose and Meg Ryan have their kid on the piano? I was that kid.” Leigh lives with her pilot husband, a plane-obsessed son, a daughter who was a pink pilot for Halloween, and a one-year-old son who is so used to F-16 noise, he does not even startle to sonic booms.      

Paul Trockner was an Air Force fighter pilot for twenty-eight years. He flew the F-111, T-37, A-10, and T-38. He currently teaches fighter pilots using simulator instruction. He has been happily married for thirty-six years to his lovely wife Elizabeth. Leigh is the oldest of his five children. 

Blurb

In the exciting conclusion of the Pride in Flight Series (The Best Laid Flight Plans and The Flight Path Less Traveled), our dear couple Elizabeth and Darcy have moved to Pemberley to begin their lives together. An outsider to New York society and the affluent world of Darcy, our heroine uses her characteristic drive and wit to begin her marriage and all that comes with him.  Helped along by Mrs. Reynolds and a curmudgeonly airplane mechanic, Elizabeth discovers a new path to the civilian flight world. Darcy, ever the hero, supports her and learns to trust her instincts. Fast-paced and dramatic, Came a Flight Gently soars through love, adventure, and intrigue as it races through Reno to the finish.

Excerpt from Chapter Five

“How’d you find this place?” he asked as he sat down with a cup of coffee.

“Mrs. Reynolds sent me down.”

 “I don’t need any help. I’m fifty-nine, not seventy-nine, for heaven’s sake. I can handle the airplane.”

Elizabeth stifled a smile with her cup. “Maybe she thought with two you’d like an assistant.”

“We’ve had two planes before. When Will and Richard were learning to fly, we had a Citabria and the Bonanza. Mr. Darcy and I taught them. Will’s become a great little pilot, though I shouldn’t let him hear me call him little.” Chuckling, the mechanic continued. “No, not Mr. F-22 fighter pilot.” He straightened himself. “Of course, it’s not an A-10. Now, I think he just got done flying ‘38s.”

“Did you fly in the service?” Elizabeth asked, taking a sip.

“Yep, F-111s, two tours, T-37s in between, A-10s and T-38A and Cs. Around forty-three hundred hours. But what I’m most proud of is over two thousand instructor hours.”

“How’d you become a mechanic?”

“Retired from the service. Got into some financial trouble with my ex-wife. Mr. Darcy, Will’s dad, hired me as an assistant mechanic. I apprenticed for a year, then took over when the other retired.” He looked at her over his glasses. “You aren’t in trouble, are you?”

“No, no.” Elizabeth laughed.

“By the way, I’m Steve Weston,” he said, reaching out his hand.

“Elizabeth Ben—I mean—Elizabeth Darcy.”

“You one of their cousins or something?”

“Or something,” answered Elizabeth, not wanting to ruin the moment.

“Well, hot chocolate’s done. The salt’s probably worked so we have no excuse.”

They donned their gloves again and went back to the doors. The salt had worked and the ice on the doors only required a little persuasion with the sledgehammer. Elizabeth felt a thrill run through her with the physical labor and banging the ice off the door. It’s been too long since I’ve felt useful. After several minutes of work, the large doors creaked open, filling the warmer hangar with cold air.

“We need to work quick,” Mr. Weston called loudly to her from the other side of the hangar. “The block was heated, and it’s been in the hangar, but we need to get the runup done before it cools.”

The aircraft positioned and chocked, Mr. Weston opened the back door and started the engine to let it warm and cycle the propeller. Once shut down, he motioned over to Elizabeth and showed her where to look for leaks. When they found none, they closed the hangar doors and turned up the heater. It was six when they got all the covers put on the plane and it was ready to fly again another day.

“What can you tell me about the Lancair?” she asked, pointing to the candy apple red plane next to Darcy’s Bonanza.

“Not much,” Mr. Weston said as he filed various tools away into their places. “A friend of mine flew it in for Will a couple weeks ago on a ferry permit. The builder did a good job but didn’t fly it. I’ve got the paperwork and books on it. I’ve got to do a condition check and go through all the systems. It’ll take about two months. It has better technology than the Bonanza, well at least newer, composite fuselage, fuel injection. Updated glass cockpit inside. Comfortable, stable, fast, but you have to pay attention more than a 172. You got any time?”

She let her hand glide along the smooth painted wing as she listened. “I’ve my private license and about seventy hours in the T-6.”

“Tailwheel time, eh?”

“Uh, no. The new T-6. I was in the Air Force.”

“Was?”

She shifted uncomfortably as he examined at her. She could practically see the questions running through his mind, though he had not paused his work.

“Yeah, I had a mishap and was medically retired.”

“Hmm, you’ll have to tell me about it sometime. I worked as a safety for a bit, so I enjoy hearing about those things.”

After a pause, Elizabeth summoned the courage to ask: “Mr. Weston, do you still teach?”

“Flying or mechanics?”

“Flying is what I’m most interested in at the moment. I think I would like to get my commercial and become a CFI.”

“Can you afford it? The 172 down the road rents for a hundred and fifty dollars an hour.”

“I think so—my husband has a pretty good gig, and he’s a pilot, too, so I’m sure he’ll be supportive.”

“You’re young. How long have you been married?”

“Almost four months.”

“It will take some time away from him.”

“I think he’ll be okay with it.”

“Huh, let me check with the boss. I don’t think he’d be upset. He just moved back so hopefully no more random trips across the country. Though, with more consistent flying, he might need me around a little more often than in the past.”

“How much will you charge to instruct?” Mr. Weston laughed, a jolly sort of chuckle that Elizabeth found appealing, contrasting his initial porcupine-like personality. He seemed a teddy bear sort of person, one who was initially gruff, but quite warm once he welcomed you to his circle of trust.

“You live near here?”

A smile crossed her face, and she said, “Pretty close.”

“How about you come clean and sweep the hangar, help me with the aircraft, and bring me donuts once a week?”

As she reached out her hand to make the deal, an artic blast came whooshing through the door. Both of them yelled, “Come in or go out, but shut the door!” Shaking hands, they grinned at each other.

“All right. I’ll get it!” They heard as the door slammed shut.

Will Darcy stepped into the hangar. He looked between Elizabeth and Mr. Weston and gave a half-smile.

“Hello, Mr. Weston. How’s the Bonanza?”

“She’s great. Fresh oil. Run up and leak check done. Ready to go again. You put twenty-five hours on her in two months. She’s not flown that much since your dad flew her on business.”

“I know, it got busy there for a while.”

“Will, Mrs. Reynolds sent Elizabeth down for some work.”

Will raised an eyebrow at Elizabeth. “She did, did she? Mrs. Reynolds does a good job making sure everyone stays busy and has the help they need.” Darcy bowed to Elizabeth. “Hello, madam. Captain William Darcy at your service.”

“Pleasure to make your acquaintance, kind sir.” Elizabeth held Will’s outstretched hand and curtsied. Neither could keep a straight face and burst out laughing.

Steve Weston looked confused.

“Mr. Weston, may I introduce my husband, Captain William Darcy.” She elbowed Darcy, teasing him about their courtly introduction.

Mr. Weston shook his head and narrowed his eyes at her. “Cousin or something—you had me going. Why didn’t you say something? Oh no. And I had you chopping ice, grabbing tools—”

Elizabeth interrupted. “I was having such a good time, doing something, learning something, I didn’t want to spoil it.”

“I should have thought to introduce both of you before now,” said Darcy. “Mr. Weston was on the board until a few years ago when his son, Frank, took his place.”

Weston smiled sheepishly. “I’ll teach you anytime you want after the thaw, and you’re welcome to stop by anytime to learn something.”

Elizabeth grinned. “I hope our deal’s still on then. I’ll bring the donuts! When do you want me here?” 

*****

Have you read the first two books in this series? If so, what did you think?  We would love to hear your thoughts. What about this excerpt? (I loved that Elizabeth didn't specify exactly who she was!) Make you want to know more? You can go ahead and preorder with the universal links below.

Universal Links for the February 14th Preorder:

US Link: http://bit.ly/CameaFlightGentlyUS

UK Link: http://bit.ly/CameaFlightGentlyUK


If you haven't read the first two books, they are on sale right now. There are buy links below. The sale is through the 14th of February, so now is your chance to own these eBooks. 

The Flight Path Less Traveled Links

Amazon US: http://bit.ly/FlightPathLessTraveled

Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/UKFlightPath


The Best Laid Flight Plans Links

Amazon US link: https://amzn.to/2IkAWTF

Amazon UK link: https://amzn.to/2SfGA9m


Contact Information

Author Name: Leigh Dreyer and Paul Trockner

Email: leighdreyerauthor@gmail.com

Facebook: Leigh Dreyer

Facebook Page: @leighdreyerauthor

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/leighdreyer

Website: http://www.leighdreyer.com/

Giveaway Time: 

The authors are giving away one eBook and it is worldwide. Leave a comment below to enter, and be sure I have an email or some way to contact you, should you be the winner. The giveaway will end February 15th at midnight central time. Good luck to everyone. 

Thank you to Leigh and Paul for visiting my blog and hosting a giveaway for my readers. We wish you the best with your book.

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Riana Everly...Death in Highbury: An Emma Mystery

 My guests today are Riana Everly and London's premier society paper, Regency Scandals Today. Ms. Everly is being interviewed about her new series, Miss Mary Investigates. The latest book in this series is Death in Highbury: An Emma Mystery. We will talk more about it later, and Riana Everly has an excerpt for us as well.

Before we sit down for the interview, I would love to share a little bit more about this latest release. Here's the blurb for Death in Highbury: An Emma Mystery

Blurb

When political chaos in London forces Mary Bennet to take refuge in the picturesque town of Highbury, Surrey, she quickly finds herself safe among friends. Emma Woodhouse welcomes her as a guest at Hartfield, Jane Fairfax is delighted by her love of music, and Frank Churchill can’t stop flirting with her. But it is not long before Mary starts to suspect that beneath the charming surface, Highbury hides some dark secrets.

Alexander Lyons is sent to Surrey on an investigation, and at his friend Darcy’s request, heads to Highbury to make certain Mary is comfortable and safe. But no sooner does he arrive than one local man dies, and then another!

Soon Alexander and Mary are thrust into the middle of a baffling series of deaths. Are they accidents? Or is there a very clever murderer hiding in their midst? And can they put their personal differences aside in time to prevent yet another death in Highbury?

*****

Since we know a bit more about the book, I invite you to sit in and enjoy the interview before it goes to press.

Greetings, Gentle Readers. Regency Scandals Today, Regency London’s premier society paper, is delighted to publish this interview with our favourite authoress of matters romantical and mysterious, Mrs. Riana Everly. We beg your indulgence as we relate every word to you, as follows.

RST: Mrs. Everly, thank you for slipping through time from your own futuristic era to speak with us.

RE: The pleasure is mine. And I must thank you for inviting me to talk to you, as well as to this lovely blog for allowing me the space to speak.

RST: What can you tell us about your new series, Miss Mary Investigates? I have heard of it, but know very little and would be illuminated.

RE: Gladly. Miss Mary Investigates chronicles the adventures and detection skills of Miss Mary Bennet. You know her, of course, from Miss Austen’s wonderful novel Pride and Prejudice. But whereas Miss Austen focuses her tale on the older two Bennet sisters, Elizabeth and Jane, my own tale allows Mary to step forward and out of her sisters’ shadows. In Death of a Clergyman, it is Mary who acts to save Elizabeth from the most dreadful accusation of murdering their vile cousin, Mr. Collins.

RST: Poor Miss Elizabeth! How fortunate that Mary was there to save her. But what of this second adventure? Surely Elizabeth is not so accused again?

RE: No, not at all. Now Elizabeth is quite safe from all blame and is happily married to Mr. Darcy. But Mary’s adventures are not over. In this novel, Death in Highbury, she removes to the world of Miss Austen’s novel Emma, where a new set of deaths puzzle her.

RST: Murders! How horrid! And how exciting. But I must ask, why Mary Bennet? If I recall, she is not the most interesting character in Miss Austen’s work. Surely Miss Elizabeth – or, rather, Mrs. Darcy – would be better suited to the role.

RE: You are quite correct, and others have, indeed, allowed Elizabeth to step into the shoes of the detective, shoes which she fills very well indeed. But Mary is not the unassuming wallflower some believe her to be.

Indeed, Mary Bennet has some particular qualities that make her a very good sleuth. The main one, ironically, is the fact that she is so forgettable. She is the sister that everyone ignores and pays no attention to, which means she sometimes hears and sees things that should probably be kept secret.

She is also smart. She might not have Lizzy’s sparkling wit, but she is studious and well-read, and she has a great deal of time to think and mull and ponder. All that time poring over her books of sermons and her piano studies has done something to improve her mind, after all, even if people don’t always want to hear the results.

RST: Miss Mary seems more than qualified for her role, then. Does she undertake these adventures alone?

RE: No, she is not always pleased by the connection, but she does have a confederate, an investigator from London by the name of Alexander Lyons. He is an annoying Scot with red hair, a strong accent, and no time for the upper classes, even though they’re the ones who keep him in business.

RST: A Scot? Does he (brings out fan) wear a kilt, by chance? La! Is it getting warm in here? Ahem. How did Mary come to know him?

RE: Alas, he dresses quite as any other Londoner would dress. When Mr. Collins was killed, Mr. Darcy engaged Alexander to help solve his murder and save Elizabeth from the gallows.

RST: Mr. Darcy? How was he connected to this investigator?

RE: It seems that Alexander helped Mr. Darcy with a problem of his own the previous summer. You can read about this in the novella The Mystery of the Missing Heiress, available at Amazon or at Smashwords.

RST: If Mr. Lyons is present again in Highbury, Mary must be quite delighted to see his kilt… I mean, his face again.

RE: Sadly this is not the case. When Mary is stranded in Highbury because of tragic events in London, Mr. Darcy sends Alexander down to see to her wellbeing. But Mary is not entirely pleased by this. Here. Rather than having me talk further, let me offer you an excerpt from the novel.

Here is an excerpt from Death in Highbury: An Emma Mystery.

The sun had brightened and grown hot, and the village was now quite busy, with shopkeepers calling from doorways and windows, children dashing from building to building, tradesmen and village folk scurrying about in their daily routines. A small group were clustered outside of the Crown, talking loudly of the news from London, and a larger crowd seemed to be gathered within, from the noise that spilled out onto the street. Behind the inn, which sat in a sort of island off the main square, Mary could see the stables and yard, where a carriage stood devoid of its horses. It must have arrived some time ago, the team that drew it even now being tended by the ostlers, its occupants taking nourishment in the inn and tending to their needs. 

She had not thought Highbury to be a usual place for carriages to stop and take rest, since it was off the main roads and on the way to nowhere in particular, but people would travel where they must, and a respectable inn was not to be sneered at. Having spent her own time in its warmth last evening, she congratulated the travellers on their fine choice.

“Come, Miss Bennet, come with me,” Emma dragged her towards a tea shop that sat to one side of the inn. “You must try Mrs. Latimer’s ices. They are quite as fine as those in London, from what my sister tells me, and she has cakes and other treats as well. Do join us, Mr. Knightley. I shan’t tell Papa, for he would be angry at you.” 

A sweet ice sounded the very thing, and Mary was happy to oblige. As Mr. Knightley trailed behind them, she allowed Emma to pull her past the crowd by the inn and towards the door, but as they passed the narrow lane that ran down the far end of the Crown, she heard a voice she never thought to hear again.

“Now, now, Mr. Cox, this is a very fine tale you’ve told me.” She would know those deep tones and that broad Scots accent anywhere. “I admit it seems alarming, although such things are not unusual. I shall make some inquiries and will return to you as soon as I have something to relate. You’re staying in the inn as well? Then I shall see you anon. And thank you again for the ride down. ‘Twas much more comfortable a way to travel than by post.”

It was him. Whatever was he doing here? He could hardly be seeking her, for he had not come to visit as he had promised before. What strange business could have drawn him to this village in the middle of Surrey, near no town or location of major importance? And moreover, could she possibly avoid him? She hurried her steps to move to Emma’s side, the quicker to enter Mrs. Latimer’s tea shop, but it was too late.

“Miss Bennet! Mary.” He had seen her. There was no recourse but to halt her steps and turn to face him.

“Mr. Lyons.” Her eyes were narrow and cold. She had not forgiven him, and she wished to let him know it.

“I say,” Mr. Knightley exclaimed. “Lyons—I know that name. Darcy has mentioned you. Miss Bennet, this must be the very man you spoke of in your account of the incident last autumn. Can it be?”

With no good grace, Mary introduced the two men. “Mr. Knightley, may I present Mr. Alexander Lyons of London. Mr. Lyons, Mr. Knightley.”

“We’re back to Mr. and Miss, are we, Mary? Well, so be it.” His voice was resigned, his expression sad, but Mary cared not. They had parted as friends, and then he had broken his promise. Now that the introductions were over, they might go their separate ways once more. 

But Mr. Knightley shattered those thoughts. “We were about to take ice at the tea room. Do join us, sir. I would be pleased to know a friend of Mr. Darcy and of Miss Bennet too.” And so the invitation was accepted, much to Mary’s displeasure.

“What brings you here, Mr. Lyons?” Mr. Knightley sat back in the delicate chair in the tea room. The foursome had ordered their treats and were waiting for the serving girl to return with them.

“Two matters really,” the red-headed Scotsman replied. “I had been engaged to look into a situation that pertains somewhat to these parts, and matters had progressed to the point where I felt I must come down to make my inquiries, but it was a commission from another source that brings me to Highbury itself.” His eyes landed upon Mary and she forced herself to meet them coldly and then look away.

*****

Doesn't this make you want to read the book? It certainly did me. I'm hoping to start it soon. Thank you, Riana Everly, for including me in your blog tour. I wish you much success on this book and series.

For those of you following the blog tour, the schedule is below! Don't forget to enter the giveaway for this stop on the tour. The Rafflecopter is below, or you can enter another way. See below!


Biography

Riana Everly was born in South Africa, but has called Canada home since she was eight years old. She has a Master’s degree in Medieval Studies and is trained as a classical musician, specialising in Baroque and early Classical music. She first encountered Jane Austen when her father handed her a copy of Emma at age 11, and has never looked back.

Riana now lives in Toronto with her family. When she is not writing, she can often be found playing string quartets with friends, biking around the beautiful province of Ontario with her husband, trying to improve her photography, thinking about what to make for dinner, and, of course, reading!

Contact Links

Facebook: www.facebook.com/RianaEverly
Website: www.rianaeverly.com
Email: riana.everly@gmail.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Riana-Everly/e/B076C6HY27

Buy Links

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/deathinhighbury

Amazon Link: http://mybook.to/deathinhighbury

Giveaway

Riana Everly is giving away five eBooks worldwide over the course of the blog tour, chosen randomly from people who enter. To enter, please use the Rafflecopter..

If you don’t like Rafflecopter, you can still enter. Just send an email to (riana.everly@gmail.com) saying so, and she will add your name to the list for the draw.
The giveaway will close at 12am EST on February 27, 2021.

Rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

My share of the conversation...An Angel in Her Pocket

Today I am sharing my thoughts with you on a novella I read during the Christmas holidays. If you haven't read it, I hope you will. It is Brenda J. Webb's An Angel in Her Pocket. It is a lovely story and a feel good story. Sometimes those are just what I need. 

My review will be rather brief because I do not want to give away too much of the story. I hope it is enough to make you want to read it too. It will be well worth your time.

To give you an idea of what it is about, here is the blurb.

This story was inspired by my favorite Christmas movie, “It’s A Wonderful Life” with Jimmy Stewart. Whilst my story does not follow that plot, I wanted to write a tale about an angel who helps Elizabeth Bennet one bleak Christmas. Here is the blurb for “An Angel In Her Pocket.”

Life had been hard for Elizabeth Bennet in the months since she refused Mr. Darcy’s proposal at Kent. Lydia eloped with Mr. Wickham, and her father died shortly thereafter. Mr. Collins took possession of Longbourn, forcing her family to live apart to survive. She and Jane left to live in London with the Gardiners, and Elizabeth’s hope of finding employment there was fading quickly as Christmas approached.

Grace Angelini is on a mission from St. Peter to right a wrong. For her plan to work, Fitzwilliam Darcy has to overcome his pride and propose to Elizabeth Bennet a second time, although neither is a part of the other’s circle. Undeterred, Grace does her best to unite the couple by securing a position for Elizabeth as Darcy’s goddaughter’s governess.

Will Grace’s help prove to be a blessing or a curse when Elizabeth’s position is put in peril through no fault of her own?

You’ll find the answer in “An Angel in Her Pocket.”

*****

My share in the conversation...

An Angel in Her Pocket is such a delightful story. I loved every minute of it. Brenda J. Webb did an excellent job with the writing and editing of her Christmas story. I was invested from the beginning and was sorely disappointed when I had to stop reading for the rest of the day! I couldn't wait to start reading again and see how the angel, Grace, was going to bring Darcy and Lizzy together. 

There was a puppy and a young girl in this story! It was enjoyable seeing Darcy and Elizabeth interact with both. 

I loved Darcy and Lizzy, and the author kept them true to their characters. I will stop here because I do not want to give any spoilers. It's short, delightful, and easy on the pocketbook. Don't miss this one!

*****

I'm giving away one eBook copy of this novella, An Angel in Her Pocket, by Brenda J. Webb. It may be after Christmas, but this story is good any time of the year!

Let me know if you have read it. What did you think? Would you like a chance to win it? If so, leave a comment below. Be sure I have your contact information. Thanks to everyone, and good luck. The giveaway ends Saturday, the 6th of February at midnight, Central Time. The giveaway is US only. I'm sorry for that, but unless there is a way to gift it to you through Amazon, I'm limited to US only.

Monday, February 1, 2021

And the winners are... Rosings Park by Jack Caldwell

Several of you stopped by for Jack Caldwell's visit. We appreciated your thoughts and comments. 

The two winners of the eBook, Rosings Park, the last book in the series, are:

RS  and Sophia Rose

Congratulations, ladies! I hope you enjoy the book. You will have to let us know what you think of it. Thanks to the rest of you for visiting.

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Jack Caldwell...Rosings Park

Jack Caldwell is visiting at More Agreeably Engaged, and he is always a welcome guest. Today he is going to tell you about Rosings Park, the last book in his Jane Austen's Fighting Men series. I haven't read all the books in this series but have loved the ones that I have read.  I'm eager to have the time to start at the beginning and read through to the end of the series. What about you? Have you read them? I'm hoping to review this latest one in the not too distant future. 

Let's take a few minutes and hear from Jack. Oh, but first, did I mention there is a giveaway? Yes, there is! Okay, now back to you, Jack! :)


Greetings, everybody. Jack Caldwell here.

I’m happy to have the opportunity to talk about my latest novel, ROSINGS PARK: A Story of Jane Austen’s Fighting Men. This book is the closing chapter to the series I started with THE THREE COLONELS: Jane Austen’s Fighting Men. There are currently two other books in the series, THE LAST ADVENTURE OF THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL and PERSUADED TO SAIL.

The Jane Austen’s Fighting Men series is a unique one in Austen fiction. I take the immortal characters created by Miss Austen and insert them into the historical events of the Regency period, the most notable being the Hundred Days Crisis of 1815. I also assume that all of her characters knew and interacted with each other. This leads to some interesting stories, I can assure you!

The first three books were companion novels—separate stories that happened in and about the same time, but with some limited interaction. They can be read as stand-alones, but it is more fun to read them all and enjoy the small amount of interweaving between them all.

ROSINGS PARK is different. A sequel to THE THREE COLONELS (which was itself a sequel to PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and SENSE AND SENSIBILITY), ROSINGS PARK acts as the concluding chapter to the series. THE THREE COLONELS was about the Battle of Waterloo. ROSINGS PARK is what happened afterwards. And boy, did a lot happen! Economic depression, rapid industrialization, volcanic explosions, civil unrest, and crop failures. Regency Britain was in turmoil and our favorite characters are caught up in the midst of it.

Who are those characters? Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy, of course, are major players in my little drama. Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam has been knighted, married Anne de Bourgh, and lives at Rosings with the irksome Lady Catherine. Meanwhile, Sir Richard’s good friend, Sir John Buford, suffers grievous injuries received at Waterloo, and his wife, the former Caroline Bingley, struggles to nurse him back to health. Meanwhile, there are unknown forces out to destroy Rosing Park.

Excited yet? I hope so!

Now to the excerpt. To set the scene, it is a summer morning in 1817. There is a house party at Rosings Park, now controlled by Sir Richard and Anne Fitzwilliam. Visiting are Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy and Sir John and Caroline Buford. Buford lost an arm at Waterloo and still suffers because of it. Richard tries to help:


Richard was at the breakfast table early the next morning in his riding clothes, eating a bit of the fowl from the night before, when Buford limped in. “Good morning. I left a leg for you.”

“Some people would take offense at that, you know.” Buford poured a cup of coffee.

“I have said worse.” Richard then noticed that Buford looked terrible—his eyes red and his complexion pale. “I say, old man, do you wish to put off our ride this morning?”

“I am well, I assure you,” he said, making a point of dropping the leg onto a plate. “Let me gnaw on this a bit, and we shall be off. Does Darcy join us?”

“No, he has already eaten and left.”

Thirty minutes later, the two gentlemen made their way to the stables, accompanied by Sergeant Gregory and Corporal Frost. Quicksilver and Hannibal were saddled and ready, as well as a mount for Gregory. Frost helped his master to the mounting block, and soon Sir John was safely astride his horse.

“Let Lady Buford know we have gone,” Buford instructed his man. “We should be back before midday.”

“Aye, sir. Good ride, gentlemen.” Frost waved as the three men set out.

It was a fine, June day, if a bit cool. The sun was high in the sky, and the grass was green. Richard led the way, slowing Quicksilver’s pace in deference to Sir John. His friend did not like it.

“Deuce take it, Fitz! I am not in leading strings! Ride on!”

Buford spurred Hannibal into a gallop, forcing the others to give chase. The three dashed along the hills and dales of Kent, enjoying the exercise and comradeship. They slowed as they neared the village.

“I must leave you, sir,” said Gregory. “I have business with Mr. Evans and Mr. Clarke.” The majordomo rode towards Hunsford, and the two former cavalrymen loped off in the opposite direction.

The pace easier, conversation could be had. “I say, the crops here are as bad as they are in Wales.”

“Blasted weather! Mr. Evans tells me the planting was at least a month late. If the weather would just warm!” He turned to Buford. “You take an eager interest in my harvest. Since when did you pay the least attention to farming?”

“I had nothing else to do, living with my brother.”

Richard frowned at that. The pair came to a creek, and Fitzwilliam suggested they rest the horses. He quickly dismounted and rushed to his friend before he tried to climb down from the saddle.

“Leave off! I can do this,” Buford growled at him.

“Stop being a mule and allow me to help you.”

“Go to the devil, Fitzwilliam!”

Richard grinned. “No doubt I shall. Caroline will make certain of it should any injury befall you, so be a good fellow and take my hand.”

Buford glowered and reluctantly did as he was bidden. The horses were secured to a low branch, permitting them to graze, and the gentlemen made their way to a fallen log. Buford sat down, but Richard did not. Instead, he tossed his friend a small flask.

“Brandy,” Richard answered Buford’s unasked question. “Drink up and tell me how you are faring. And none of that folderol from last night. We are brothers in arms, blast it, and you will tell me true!” He crossed his arms.

Buford managed to open the flask with one hand and took a sip. “I have been better. Is that what you want me to say?”

“Are you in pain? Is there nothing you can take for your relief?”

Buford stretched his leg. “No, nothing. The hip is not so bad most days—just stiff. Other times…sitting in a coach for hours is hard work.”

“And the arm?” Richard leaned against a tree.

Buford glanced down at the half empty sleeve. “I am coming to terms with it, I think. Oh, it does not hurt in the least. Strangest thing though. Sometimes it itches. Not the stump—my forearm. The missing forearm.” He looked up at Richard. “How can I feel something that is not there?”

Richard shook his head. “I never heard of such a thing. What does the doctor say?”

“Macmillan says it is usual in cases like mine but gives no other answers. It is deuced distracting, I can tell you.”

The two old comrades were silent for a time, enjoying the morning air.

“Do you have nightmares, Fitz?” Buford asked quietly.

“Sometimes. Not as much as when I first came home. You had one last night, I take it?”

“I look that awful? No, do not answer me. Yes, I did, a bad one. Too often I get no rest.”

“Surely, Mr. Macmillan can concoct a draught of—”

“By the infernal, no!” Buford cried. “Do you remember General Norwich, who lost his leg in Spain? The man is now a complete drunkard. I may be useless, but I shall not lose myself in drink or draughts!”

“Yes, I saw poor old Norwich in a sad shape last year at Boodle's. But what is this about being useless? You are not useless, Buford—far from it!”

“That is easy for you to say. I cannot fence, or shoot, or fish. All sport is beyond me.”

“That is not true.” At Buford’s furious look, Richard quickly added, “I do not mock you. You know me better than that. You can ride, for example.”

“Yes, the cavalry taught us to ride one-handed,” Buford held up his right arm, “but with the wrong hand! I am still not used to using the reins with my right.”

“You have no need for a sword in England, Buford.”

“I might, with your impertinence!”

Richard laughed. “You would have to catch me first, and you have never been able to do that.”

“Just wait, you popinjay! I shall have you singing another tune soon!”

“I look forward to it. And what is this about fencing? You still can hold a foil.”

Buford sighed. “The balance is all wrong. Besides, with this hip, I cannot push off in attack.”

“Then I might actually have a chance against you.”

For the first time, Buford grinned. “That I doubt!”

“We shall practice together and strengthen that leg. And Darcy gave me a pair of rifled pistols. What say to a spot of target shooting, eh?”

“I suppose.” He took another pull of the brandy.

“Buford, forgive me, but all this sitting about does you no good. You are like me. You must have an occupation. What happened to your plans to stand for Parliament?”

“I may still do that…someday.”

“What are you waiting for? If there is no open seat in Wales, you can find some pocket borough that will suit! My family controls a few in the north.”

“I dislike the idea of rotten boroughs, Fitz. Besides, where would I get the thousands of pounds I would need to get elected?”

“As you will. What about the Foreign Office or Whitehall? Surely Castlereagh or York can use a man with your gift for languages.”

Buford was incredulous. “Go back into the army or work as a clerk?”

“That is not my meaning! You know there are many gentlemen, even peers, who serve the King in Whitehall. Write to Wellington. You worked with him before. He likes you and few have his connections. He will help you if you but ask.”

“It may mean travel outside the country.”

“What of it? Caroline adores travel. She glows when she speaks of Vienna. She is not attached to an estate, and to tell the truth, I do not think she would care to be.” At Buford’s incredulous look, he added, “I know a fashionable country house is expected of a gentleman, and Caroline is a wonderful hostess, but an estate is more than that. Think of your brother’s responsibilities. He thrives because he is like Darcy. There is nothing that needs to be done that he does not do himself. He and Mrs. Buford are hardly in town. I do not think that is the life Caroline desires.”

“True,” Buford allowed.

Richard saw that Buford was carefully considering the idea. “If you need another opinion, talk to Darcy or write to Brandon.”

Buford looked at his friend. “I shall think on this, Fitz, I promise you. Thank you.” He tossed the flask back to Richard. “But I believe the ladies should be at breakfast by now. Shall we ride back and join them?”


ROSINGS PARK – a Story of Jane Austen’s Fighting Men is now available in print, Kindle, and at Kindle Unlimited.



To celebrate, I am giving away two (2) ebook copies of ROSINGS PARK – a Story of Jane Austen’s Fighting Men in your choice of MOBI (Kindle) or EPUB format!

Oooh, what do you think? I'm definitely excited! What about you? I'm eager to hear from any of you who have read this book and any or all of the Fighting Men series. If you haven't read it, would you like a chance to win it? As Jack stated above, he is giving away two eBook copies. To be entered have your share of the conversation in the comments below. The giveaway will end on the 30th of January at midnight, Central Time. Thanks for stopping by and spending some time with us. Jack, thank you for the generous giveaway for my readers!

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Determination...C. P. Odom


Welcome to More Agreeably Engaged today. Due to circumstances beyond her control, Dee from Donadee's Corner is unable to post her review, which will come at a later date, possibly outside the scheduled blog tour. I am happy to host C. P. Odom in her place and will share an excerpt from chapter fifteen. Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway at the end of the post.

In case you haven't read it, let's take a look at the blurb first!

Blurb

“Love at first sight” is a laughable concept in the considered opinion of Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and never occurs in real life—certainly not in the life of an experienced soldier. In fact, until he observes the smitten nature of his cousin Fitzwilliam Darcy, he doubts that fervent love truly exists. Marriage, after all, is a matter of money, social standing, and property.

But his cousin becomes besotted with Elizabeth Bennet, the lovely but penniless daughter of a Hertfordshire gentleman, and is determined to make her his wife. Unfortunately, emotions overwhelm his good judgment, and he botches an offer of marriage.

When the colonel attempts to untangle the mess, his own world becomes almost as chaotic when he makes the accidental acquaintance of Miss Jane Bennet, Elizabeth’s beloved elder sister. Can emotions previously deemed impossible truly seize such a level-headed person as himself? And can impassible obstacles deter a man of true determination?

*****

This excerpt is from Chapter 15 of my new novel, Determination. Previously, Colonel Fitzwilliam has been in romantic pursuit of Jane Bennet and has now called on her at her home, Longbourn. During that visit, he and Jane walk into Meryton along with Darcy and Elizabeth. Jane and Colonel Fitzwilliam lag behind the other two and thus see Wickham and three other officers step out of a shop, and Wickham confronts Darcy in the street. This excerpt deals with the events of that confrontation. Janet Taylor and her son put together an image of that confrontation on the back cover of the novel.

Chapter 15

My lord cardinal (Cardinal Richelieu), there is one fact which you seem to have entirely forgotten. God is a sure paymaster. He may not pay at the end of every week or month or year; but I charge you, remember that He pays in the end.

— Anne of Austria

Saturday, May 9, 1812
Meryton, Hertfordshire

Despite their attempt to walk faster, it was a simple fact that Jane was not nearly as accomplished a walker as Elizabeth. And while Richard could easily have increased his own pace, he could only have done so by forging ahead by himself, a thought that never crossed his mind. So it was that Elizabeth and Darcy were still about thirty yards ahead when, as they reached the outskirts of Meryton, George Wickham stepped out of a shop in company with three other officers.

Richard was close enough to hear Wickham utter an exclamation of surprise as he caught sight of the two walkers who were just passing the shop, which caused both Elizabeth and Darcy to stop in the middle of the road and turn towards Wickham and his friends. Richard could see from the piping and the cut of their uniforms that all four red-coated men were lieutenants from the same regiment, undoubtedly the local militia of which he had heard. The regiment had spent the winter months in Meryton and were being sent to summer quarters on the southern coast.

But such mundane thoughts were inconsequential to the cold, savage fury that swept through him at the thought of finally being in the presence of the scoundrel who had nearly ruined the life of his dear Georgiana.

Because Wickham and his friends had stepped out in the road to face Darcy and Elizabeth, they did not see Richard and Jane, who were walking up the road behind the officers. But Richard was close enough to hear the familiar voice of Wickham. That sneering tone, which had merely been objectionable when he had known him at Pemberley as a young man, now served to increase his already smouldering anger to the seething point.

“Ho, Miss Elizabeth,” Wickham called loudly. “And Mr. Darcy walking out with her. Such a fine couple, eh, lads?”

A titter of amusement went through the other three, which must have encouraged Wickham, for he stepped closer.

“I am disappointed, Miss Bennet, to find that you have been enticed by the Darcy fortune and consequence. I thought better of you—I really did—even though you and your sisters have no dowry and your father’s estate is entailed to another. But who can account for desperation—right, lads?”

Richard saw Darcy step forward, his jaws clenched in rage, which caused Wickham’s companions to step forward also. This threatening manner caused Darcy to stop since it was clear that, if he confronted Wickham physically, the other three would likely come to his aid.

“I know you would love to thrash me, Darce old man,” Wickham said mockingly, “but all your fortune will not help you if you raise a hand against me and my friends. And, since you yourself have no friends hereabouts, I would recommend that you be on your way like a good little boy. After all, everyone here is well aware of all your offences against me.”

“Still the bully, I see,” Darcy said icily, and Richard was now close enough to see the contemptuous expression on Elizabeth’s face. It was clear that whatever lingering doubts she might have held regarding Wickham had long since been dispelled and in the most thorough fashion.

Darcy’s contemptuous comment had evidently infuriated Wickham; he put a hand on his sword and stepped towards Darcy, who showed no inclination to retreat but rather stepped in front of Elizabeth to shield her.

“I do not have to take that kind of abuse any longer…” Wickham began.

Richard was still ten yards behind Wickham and his fellows, but he knew he could delay no further; the situation gave every appearance of getting out of control very quickly. He knew he had to do something immediately.

“Well, if it is not Lieutenant George Wickham,” he boomed in a voice shaped by innumerable shouted commands to mounted troops at drill and on the battlefield. “I never expected to come upon you in this place—and wearing the King’s uniform. Will wonders never cease?”

The unexpected nature of the shout from behind them, as well as its strength, broke the concentration the four officers had trained on Darcy, and they whirled about instantly.

“Please remain here, Miss Bennet,” Richard said quietly but firmly before stepping towards the four officers, all of whom were staring at him in surprise and even alarm. That alarm was undoubtedly the reason their hands had gone to their sword hilts at his unexpected comment. They had reacted to the harsh overtones of the statement even if the words themselves had been quite benign. Beyond them, further up the road, Lydia and Kitty had turned around and now stared at the scene in open-mouthed wonder and confusion.

“Where the devil did you come from, Fitzwilliam?” Wickham blustered loudly, and Richard shook his head in mock disappointment.

“Now, that is not a very respectful comment, Lieutenant, especially when speaking to a superior officer,” Richard said easily as he came to a stop several yards away. His speech was calm and collected, but it ought to have woken alarms in the mind of the other men, had they the experience and wit to know they had just wandered into treacherous waters. “I have to wonder whether your training in military courtesy has been sadly neglected. Or perhaps you were just asleep when that topic was taught? But it is not at all what I would have expected from four officers such as yourselves—even if your regiment is of the militia.”

While the other men now were expectant and alert, if a bit confused, Richard appeared totally relaxed, standing with his arms behind his back. Despite his size, he hardly presented a formidable picture, especially since his comments had been spoken so mildly. Wickham ought to have known better from their years together at Pemberley, but his blood was up, and he had friends to stand with him.

***

Jane had stopped in the roadway as Richard had ordered her to do, responding instinctively in the manner of a maiden when her protector steps forward in her defence. She was now about ten yards from the group of red-coated men, but she clearly recognised something the militia officers had not perceived. Richard was not standing in an unconcerned manner—not at all. His hands were behind his back, true, but he had turned his sword belt around so that his sheathed sabre hung behind his leg and out of sight of the four who confronted him. One of his hands—huge hands, Jane now realised—held the scabbard of boiled leather while the other gripped the wire-wound hilt of his heavy cavalry weapon. She felt prickling along the back of her neck and down her back.

This is not a trivial affair—this is real. There is danger, real danger, in this situation, and I have never encountered anything like it. Does Mr. Wickham see that? Does he understand his peril? Certainly, Colonel Fitzwilliam is prepared for anything. I can see it in the tension of his shoulders even if these four fools cannot. He is prepared to draw that sword instantly if events force him to do so.

The thought brought her eyes back to the hilt of his sabre, and a single glance revealed its well-worn appearance.

That is not a dress sword, she realized with a jolt of wonder. Why did I not see it before? I have seen the swords these militia officers wear, shining and adorned with gold gilt about the hilt and scabbard. This sword is weathered and worn. Not dirty, certainly, but stained and well-used.

She had no idea from what those stains might originate, but she did know that some stains did not wash out. Her neck prickled again as her racing mind pictured Colonel Fitzwilliam holding that sabre in one of his huge hands on the drill field or on the field of battle. Instinctively, she knew he had seen life and death situations completely foreign to her experience, all with that fearsome weapon in his massive hand, and she was deathly afraid of any impending confrontation.

However, it did not seem that the colonel was worried. Except for the tension in his shoulders—visible to her but not to Wickham and his friends—she could see no other signs of concern on his part. Instead, he seemed composed and confident despite facing possible odds of four to one.

“In fact, young sirs,” Fitzwilliam continued in the same mild tones, “as I stand here, a colonel in the regular army of His Majesty, commanding a regiment of his dragoons, I am quite surprised to see four hands on the hilts of four swords, all belonging to four mere lieutenants of militia.”

A number of people from the village had gathered around the tableau in the street by this time, and several shopkeepers stood just outside the doors to their shops to see what was happening.

“I have to wonder,” Fitzwilliam said softly, the mildness gone from his voice as he bared his teeth in the rictus of a smile, “whether you four lads understand that, if even half an inch of sword shows out of one of your scabbards, I shall kill you, one and all, right in this street.” His words fell into the stillness with the impact of heavy weights hitting the ground from a great height.

“And I have to wonder whether you pups are aware that, by merely putting your hands on your sword hilts, you have all made yourselves guilty of the capital crimes of mutiny and threatening a superior officer, His Majesty’s realm now being in a state of war. I could have all four of you miserable excuses for King’s officers in front of a court before the afternoon is over and dangling from a rope before tomorrow’s sun is fully over the horizon.”

Not a sound could be heard in the street as all those around, including the four officers in front of the colonel, realized the truth of what they had just heard. No one moved a muscle, and Fitzwilliam’s grin grew wider though no less mirthless.

“Those of you who do not desire to be killed in this street had best assume a less threatening posture,” he said quietly.

The four officers had never seen anything as fast as the sudden blur of the colonel’s sword leaving his scabbard. Before they could take a breath, they found themselves facing their adversary, who stood easily with sabre in hand, balanced on the balls of his feet and ready for anything. The tip of his heavy, dull-gleaming sabre was downward, but the face of each of the four red-coated officers was pale as they saw death look them in the eye.

As if the drawing of that sabre had restored their minds to consciousness, all four men immediately took their hands off the hilts of their dress swords. Jane was not surprised to see that all of those swords, even Wickham’s, were decorated much more lavishly than Colonel Fitzwilliam’s, but not one of them wanted to pit their blades against that of the frightening figure before them.

“Ah, much better but still not adequate, lads,” Fitzwilliam said coldly. “The custom we have in the King’s service is that junior officers are at the position of attention when in the presence of a superior officer.”

The other three officers instantly braced to attention, followed somewhat belatedly by Wickham.

“Now that the formalities are complete, Lieutenant Wickham,” Fitzwilliam continued, his voice mild again, “perhaps you could tell me why I just heard a lieutenant of His Majesty’s militia foully slander my cousin Darcy in public—preparatory, it seemed to me, to what looked suspiciously like the intent of administering a beating to said cousin?”

Wickham said nothing, but his eyes were dark pools of hate as he stared at Fitzwilliam.

“Nothing to say, eh? I suppose that is not too surprising since I feel certain no one here is aware that most everything you have told them about my cousin has been a complete and absolute fabrication—in short, Wickham, a series of outright, bald-faced lies.”

There was a rustle and whispering among the onlookers at this statement.

“These ordinary people are probably not aware that you were given a legacy of a full thousand pounds upon the death of old Mr. Darcy, the father of my slandered cousin.”

A spate of whispering broke out but was instantly hushed as Colonel Fitzwilliam continued. “Nor, I am sure, are they aware that the present Mr. Darcy made a bargain in which he gave you three thousand pounds in return for your relinquishing any claim to a living in the church. I daresay my cousin Darcy should have known better, but he was obviously indulging more in wishful thinking than cold logic.”

These statements, delivered in a matter-of-fact voice that carried to the back of the now-larger crowd, brought about renewed whispering, and Wickham’s expression was that of a trapped man.

“Four thousand pounds, Wickham. Many of these people will not see that much money in their whole lives, and you had it in your hands before you were four and twenty—put into your hands by the man you have foully slandered in this neighbourhood. Of course, that figure does not include the several times Darcy paid off the debts you left behind. And now, I daresay, you have none of that fortune left.”

Fitzwilliam looked around at the crowd, and he could see the suspicious looks being directed towards Wickham by several of the shopkeepers. Then he looked back at the older of Wickham’s three companions.

“You appear to be the senior, Lieutenant. What is your name?”

“Denny, sir.”

“Well, Lieutenant Denny, then be aware of this. I have known George Wickham since I was twelve years old, and I have personal knowledge that what I say is true. My parents, the Earl and Countess of Matlock, are also aware of it. If, as I suspect, Lieutenant Wickham owes money to the officers of the regiment, might you have any idea how he intends to pay off those debts?”

The glance Denny gave Wickham had little of friendship in it.

“No, sir, I do not know. And yes, sir, he does have a number of debts of honour.”

“Gambling debts. Well, George never was as good at any of the games of chance as he thought he was. But now, I believe you three have things you should be doing—such as taking a fellow officer before your colonel, perhaps? In fact, I shall make that an order. Do you understand me, Lieutenant Denny?”

“Yes, sir,” Denny said, beads of sweat now visible on his brow.

“And I would advise you to take care as you escort him to Colonel Forster, for I give you fair warning that George Wickham is quite accomplished at running out on debts. I hope that also is clear, Lieutenant.”

“Yes, sir. Completely clear.”

“Very good. Well, that seems to be all. That being so, you gentlemen—if I may use the term loosely—are dismissed to your duties.”

Wickham was not close to being quick enough to flee. He was still gaping at Fitzwilliam when two of his erstwhile friends had him by the elbow and were urging him down the street, followed by Denny. Jeers and catcalls sounded behind him, drowning out his sudden protests at the manner in which he was forcibly marched on his way.

Lydia and Kitty appeared not to know what to do at first, standing stock still, their heads swivelling back and forth between Colonel Fitzwilliam and their former favourite, who had just taken a drastic fall from grace. Finally, after whispering together for a moment, both girls ran up the street to catch up with the red-coated quartet.

Jane was not nearly as bewildered, and she now noted several shopkeepers exiting their shops with notes and receipts in hand as they made haste to catch up with the men surrounding Wickham.

Fitzwilliam turned back towards Jane, and he looked quite satisfied as he did some kind of complicated pirouette with his sword before smoothly sliding it into his sheath, a movement so rapid and fluid that Jane knew it must be the result of thousands of repetitions.

“Well, that was certainly exciting,” Darcy drawled wryly as he and Elizabeth joined his cousin and the four continued their interrupted walk.

“Yes, it was,” the colonel said, and Jane was surprised at the harshness in his voice. “And it need not have happened if you had not become so distant and reserved. You should have exposed Wickham the first time you met him here in Hertfordshire. Then he could not have cheated these shopkeepers and his fellow officers. And that does not even take into account the probability that he has been dallying with the daughters of these simple folk.”

Darcy stiffened at Fitzwilliam’s cold, slicing voice, his anger plain to see. “I was trying to protect Georgiana—”

“I never mentioned Georgiana when I related my story to Miss Elizabeth and her aunt, so there is no reason you could not have done similarly.”

Elizabeth’s eyes were on Darcy now, and Jane could read the question in them.

“Tell her, Darce,” Fitzwilliam said forcefully. “If she is worth marrying, she has to be worth trusting with the Darcy family secrets. But it is best that you explain yourself. I have no idea what transpired while I was gone these five years, but the Darcy I grew up with never would have allowed things to get so bad. I suspect Miss Elizabeth would find that man much easier to understand.”

Darcy looked at his cousin angrily for a moment, but as Fitzwilliam watched his cousin’s anger visibly fade, his own stern visage softened accordingly. But when Darcy nodded in agreement and turned towards Elizabeth, he stopped him with an upraised hand.

“That subject should be discussed later and more privately, especially since Miss Elizabeth’s sisters appear to have decided to rejoin us.”

Again, Darcy nodded in agreement as the two girls came running up to them and skidded to a stop.

“Colonel Fitzwilliam, Colonel Fitzwilliam,” Kitty burst out, panting breathless either from bewilderment or exercise. “What just happened?”

“Why are Mr. Wickham’s friends taking him away like that?” Lydia said, glancing up the street as the quartet of militia officers turned aside from the road towards their encampment. “They did not look very friendly when we ran up to them. And they would not even stop to talk though Mr. Wickham was pleading with them to let him go.”

“What you just observed, my dear ladies,” Fitzwilliam said, “is justice being done.”

“Justice?” Lydia said in protest. “But Mr. Wickham—”

“—is going to get what he deserves,” Jane said firmly. “You saw all those shopkeepers hurrying after the officers, did you not?”

“Well, yes, but why does that matter?” Lydia cried.

“Because they just learned that your Mr. Wickham is never going to pay what he owes them. He has no money to do so, and he leaves debts wherever he goes. I watched Mr. Wickham as Colonel Fitzwilliam said as much, and I recognised the truth of what he said. In fact, I have been castigating myself for being so gullible as to be taken in by Mr. Wickham’s well-spoken and amiable nature. And Mr. Darcy could also give testimony to that, because the colonel says his cousin has assumed Mr. Wickham’s debts several times previously.”

“And I have just decided that I shall do so one more time,” Darcy interrupted harshly. “My cousin Fitzwilliam is right: this is my fault because I did not make Wickham’s true nature known to everyone, and I cannot allow these tradesmen to suffer because I did not do what was right.”

“And Colonel Fitzwilliam revealed that Mr. Wickham is not only a gamester but never had any intention of making good his losses to his fellow officers,” Jane said, looking sternly at both Lydia and Kitty.

“That is the primary reason those officers are taking Wickham to their colonel,” Fitzwilliam said coldly. “An officer’s honour is highly important to him even though he be only a lieutenant in a militia regiment rather than being in the regulars like me. That is why gambling debts are referred to as ‘debts of honour’ since an officer is honour-bound to repay them. But Wickham has no money, and I daresay he was exceedingly anxious to be away from this country town. He always has an instinct when his string is about to run out. Doubtless he would have found it necessary to flee the regiment at some point. This encounter today just accelerated that moment.”

From the looks on her younger sisters’ faces, Jane had her doubts that they truly comprehended much of these explanations. But she also saw their expressions change to craftiness, and she did not need to read their mind to know they had just realized that they possessed pearls of gossip they could relate to all their friends. Without even a goodbye, both girls turned and scurried off up the street.

“I suppose I should try to stop those two,” Elizabeth said in mortification, “but I am feeling so drained that I simply cannot summon the willpower.”

She looked at Fitzwilliam with an indecipherable expression. “I thought I was going to see blood in the street just now, Colonel. I always looked at those swords the militia officers wore as simply an adornment, somewhat like a woman’s necklace.”

“My cousin can be somewhat formidable,” Darcy said with obvious fondness. “He usually manages to maintain a semblance of politeness and good manners to keep it concealed, but he has lived much of his life in a different world than the three of us.”

“Look,” Elizabeth exclaimed in amusement. “You have made him flush in embarrassment, Mr. Darcy.”

Only then did she notice that Darcy had rather tentatively offered his arm preparatory to continuing their walk up the street. She looked at him for only a moment and then took it, tucking her hand around his forearm.

As they walked slowly away rather stiffly, Jane, her violet eyes shining, said softly, “Bravo, sir.”

Fitzwilliam only shrugged then offered his own arm before they began to follow Darcy and Elizabeth.

“Well, someone had to do something,” he said, a trifle apologetically.

Jane nodded in agreement. But you stepped forward to do that something, she thought, while everyone else just stood about looking at what was happening without any idea what to do. I certainly had no idea things like this could happen, and I had no more clue than everyone else about what to do. Colonel Fitzwilliam may be fair spoken, but he is a man used to action and getting things done.

This led to another, more disturbing thought. And he has said he intends to make me his wife. After witnessing what just transpired, I find myself wondering how I could possibly doubt that he will fail in his intent—Mr. Bingley or no.

With these thoughts in mind and after walking past several shops, Jane shook her head firmly. “I cannot allow you to dismiss what you did so casually. It was like nothing I have ever witnessed before, and I suddenly understood how sheltered my life has been. That was a real situation, completely outside my experience. As Lizzy said: men could have died.”

“Possibly, I suppose, but I hope I am not indulging in false modesty when I say that it was not likely. None of those four, especially Wickham, had the stomach for a fight with someone who knew what he was about. I have been in dangerous situations before, unlike any of those four, and I was confident all of them would back away if I pushed hard.”

Jane looked at him a long moment. “I hope you will not take this amiss, Colonel, because it is not meant as a criticism. It is a mere statement of fact when I say you are totally unlike anyone I have known before.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam’s teeth gleamed as he looked down at her cheerfully. “No offence taken, Miss Bennet. Such an assessment bodes well for the ultimate success of my endeavours, I believe.”

Jane felt her cheeks warm at again hearing this…this rather unsettling man…so forthrightly state his desires. She cast about desperately for a way to change the subject.

“Another thing I found fascinating,” she finally said, a bit lamely, “is the way your speech seemed to change so easily. At one moment, you were taunting those men in gentlemanly tones, and then the next your speech sounded more like it came from the…the…”

“From the docks?” Fitzwilliam asked cheerfully.

“Well, I have no way of knowing, really, but it seems likely.”

“I command a regiment that was originally raised in Wales, but we have added a mixture of odds and ends from just about everywhere over the years. When things get a bit exciting, I sometimes talk like old Sergeant Jones, the grizzled veteran who first taught a very, very young Lieutenant Richard Fitzwilliam how to be a soldier.”

“I see,” Jane said, smiling slightly as she glanced over at the sturdy man with the sun-darkened face and the gleaming teeth. Then her eyes swung back to Darcy and Elizabeth walking rather slowly ahead of them, and her smile grew warmer. It certainly seemed as if Darcy and Elizabeth were talking more easily. She certainly hoped so because she thought he could make her sister happy if Lizzy would just give him a chance.

But, as concerning as Lizzy’s situation was, Jane’s thoughts kept returning to the tension-packed encounter just concluded. As she had commented, the danger had seemed paramount at the time, but she was not remembering the danger right now as much as some odd little snippets about Fitzwilliam himself. For example, she had been shocked at the size of his wrists when he put his hands behind his back, one hand on his sword and the other on his scabbard. The curl of his arms had pulled the cuffs of his uniform jacket upward revealing wrists of a more impressive thickness than she had ever before seen on a man, even the blacksmith in Meryton. And then she had realized that his hands had been equally large with fingers thick and wide. She had already seen how his hand could swallow her own when he raised it to his lips previously, but seeing those fingers curl around the hilt of his sword had brought home the power in those hands.

And in his arms and shoulders also. She had previously thought his uniform coat had been badly tailored, but seeing the fabric strain as he jerked his sword from the scabbard had shown her to be in error. His uniform had been tailored to allow the necessary freedom of his shoulders, chest, and arms. She was certain she had never seen a gentleman with shoulders like that. From their first meeting, she had recognised he was a much wider man than his cousin was, but she had not realized the true extent of the difference until she had seen him uncoil and set himself, ready to move if Wickham or his friends had drawn their swords.

She remembered the slender hands and fingers of Mr. Bingley, which were, in her experience, the rule for most gentlemen. She supposed she ought to feel disdain that Colonel Fitzwilliam’s wrists and arms were more like those of a farmer or labourer than of a gentleman, but she felt nothing of the kind. She actually felt a thrill at the thought of his large hand holding her own on the dance floor. And as for the thought of those strong fingers on her waist…or elsewhere…

An exciting tingle ran up and then down her spine, and Jane carefully looked away at the shop windows as they walked, hoping she was thus able to hide the blush she felt warming her cheeks.


What did you think of this encounter? It should have made those officers know it was no trivial affair! Several readers have said this was one of their favorite scenes when Colin was posting this story at Hyacinth Gardens. It is still a favorite scene! 

Contact Info

Colin Odom Facebook page

C. P. Odom Amazon Author page  

C. P. Odom Goodreads page  

C. P. Odom Meryton Press page

 

Buy Links  

Amazon US eBook, Paperback, Kindle Unlimited

Amazon UK eBook, Paperback, Kindle Unlimited

 

Blog Tour Schedule

01/18 Babblings of a Bookworm

01/19 So little time…

01/20 Diary of an Eccentric

01/21 My Vices and Weaknesses

01/22 Austenesque Reviews

01/25 Interests of a Jane Austen Girl

01/26 Donadee’s Corner

*****

Giveaway time is here! Good luck to everyone. There are 8 eBooks of Determination in this giveaway. Please use the Rafflecopter to enter.


a Rafflecopter giveaway