Elizabeth: Obstinate Headstrong Girl

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Excerpt:

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

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

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

I could do naught but reply.

My Dear Fitzwilliam,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Elizabeth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck to everyone in the giveaway.

Georgiana...Sue Barr

It is a pleasure to welcome Sue Barr back to More Agreeably Engaged. Sue has a new release, Georgiana, and is sharing an excerpt with us from her novel. Before we move on to the excerpt, take a look at the Book Description and the cover. Isn't the cover stunning. The colors are lovely.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

She longs for true love... 

A dowry of thirty thousand pounds places a hefty weight upon the shoulders of Miss Georgiana Darcy. Her tender heart has been broken before by a cad who cared not one whit for who she was, but as a prize to be won, and she fears no man will ever see the worth of her heart.

Duty and honor... 

These are the stalwart columns which hold up the life of Maxwell Kerr, Fifth Duke of Adborough. After rescuing Miss Darcy from an inescapable compromise, an offer of marriage is as natural to him as breathing air. When he discovers this is not the first compromise she has evaded, anger becomes his faithful companion and threatens their tenuous bonds of love and respect.

First and foremost, thank you for hosting me and sharing an excerpt from my latest release, GEORGIANA: Pride & Prejudice continued… Book Three. I’m sharing from near the beginning of the story to lay the foundation of what Georgiana’s family expects from her upcoming curtsy to the Queen and introduction to the social elite of London.

**Read an Excerpt**

Before the week was out, the Darcy’s had arrived in London and were almost immediately beset upon by Lady Matlock and Colonel Fitzwilliam.

“Aunt Lucinda, Richard, you are here at an ungodly hour. We have only begun to break our fast.” Fitz stood and gave their aunt a kiss on the cheek.

Georgiana and Lizzy started to push away from the table to stand, but Lady Matlock waved them down. Richard called out a cheery ‘good morning’ and promptly attended the sideboard. Lady Matlock settled beside Georgiana and accepted a cup of tea from one of the footmen.

“To what do we owe the honor of your company so early, Aunt?” Fitz asked once he’d resumed his place at the table. “Richard, I know, came only to stuff his face with my food.”

He gave his cousin a mild glare as his cousin sat next to Lizzy after filling his plate to near overflowing. Richard’s reply was to raise an eyebrow and take a bite of his fresh baked roll.

“We have no time to waste,” Aunt Lucinda began. “Elizabeth and Georgiana’s presentations are but a scant eight weeks away. Not near enough time to accomplish everything I’d like. I have arranged several fittings at Etienne’s, for which I am eternally grateful to the Duchess of Adborough. Normally, Madame Etienne has a line weaving down the street for her services, but Margaret was able to exert her influence and hire her exclusively to attend all our girls.”

“Caroline and Kitty, as well?” Lizzy asked.

“Oh, yes. Margaret adores both of them and is determined to have them shine this upcoming Season.” Lady Matlock let out a satisfied sigh. “There are rumors the Prince Regent himself may attend in honor of Lord George’s loyalty to the Crown. I would not be surprised if he doesn’t bestow on George his own dukedom.”

Georgiana’s memory briefly touched on the near-scandal a few days before Nathan and Caroline’s wedding. Guests at Pemberley had been informed that a gun accidently discharged in the stables and Viscount Stanhope had been tragically killed. She knew that to be a falsehood as she’d overheard Fitzwilliam and Cousin Richard discussing Stanhope’s treachery.

“I hear the Barwick Duchy is vacant.” Richard volunteered the information around a mouthful of ham. “At least two hundred acres of valuable farmland and long-term tenants.”

“Yes, of course. And there are the secondary titles of Marquis of Glanworth and Viscount Mandeville.” Lady Matlock enthused.

“You are a veritable walking and talking volume of Debrett’s, dear aunt,” Fitz teased.

“You laugh now, Fitzwilliam, but when you and your lovely bride begin to move among London’s finest, you will be glad to know whom to avoid and whom to curry favor with,” she decreed with an elegant sniff. “If not for your sake, then for Georgiana’s. We expect her to make a splendid match this season. Already there are rumors the Marquis of Trevayne is on the hunt this year.”

“Dear God, Mama. You make it sound like he’s about to call the hounds.” Richard exclaimed. “Trevayne needs to find a wife, that’s a certainty, but he is not about to stalk the halls of Almack’s and pounce on innocent debutantes their first night out.”

“Be that as it may, I expect the foyer of Darcy house to be filled with flowers and cards when eligible gentlemen discover how beautiful my niece is.” Aunt Lucinda patted her niece’s hand.

Georgiana’s insides shrivelled at her aunt’s sentiments. Her aunt meant well. However, she knew, just knew, many eyes would be on her because she was a Darcy and because she was wealthy. Not for the first time she was grateful Elizabeth, Caroline and Catherine would be by her side the whole season.

“Mama would be in raptures if Kitty became a titled lady in her own right,” Lizzy said with a laugh. “She will be hard put to remain humble if that happens.”

“As soon as you are finished with breaking your fast, we shall meet the Duchess at Etienne’s. With six of us to outfit, she will need all hands-on deck.”

“Mother, where have you learned Navy terms?” Richard slathered more creamy butter on yet another roll. “Your second and most favored son is an army colonel” – Lady Matlock raised an elegant eyebrow – “one would assume you would use terminology more suited for land warfare.”

Lady Matlock waved a hand in Richard’s direction, as though shooing his concerns away from her thoughts. “I do know a few Admirals and Navy Captains, Richard. My social circle is quite wide, which you would know if you attended some functions with me.”

“Ah, but then you’d expect me to dance attendance on some fresh-faced chit of a girl and make polite talk with dewy eyed innocents.”

“Richard!”

“Sorry, Mother. That was quite unchivalrous,” Richard apologized, casting a slight eyeroll in the direction of his cousin, Fitz.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

“The prairie dust is in my blood but no longer on my shoes.”

Sue Barr coined that phrase when once asked where she came from. Although it’s been over thirty-seven years since she called Saskatchewan home, her roots to that straight-lined province and childhood friends run deep. The only thing strong enough to entice her to pack up and leave was love. When a handsome Air Force pilot met this small-town girl, he swept her off her feet and they embarked on a fantastic adventure which found them settled in beautiful Southwestern Ontario when hubby retired from the military and began his second career as an airline pilot.

Sue started writing in 2009 and sold her first manuscript in 2010. For four years she was published under the pen name of Madison J. Edwards, and in 2014 began to write sweet contemporary romance under her own name. Always a reader of Regency romance, she discovered Jane Austen Fan Fiction through a childhood friend who writes under the name of Suzan Lauder. Almost immediately a question popped into her head, “Whatever happened to Caroline Bingley after her brother and Mr. Darcy became engaged to a Bennet sister?” and the “Pride & Prejudice Continued…” series was launched.

Sue is a member of Romance Writers of America and its satellite chapter, The Beau Monde. She is one course away from achieving her Professional Creative Writer’s certificate from the University of Western Ontario’s continuing study curriculum. In her spare time, she cans and preserves her own food, cooks almost everything from scratch and grows herbs to dehydrate and make into seasoning. Hubby has no complaints other than his trousers keep shrinking. At least that’s what he claims…. Oh, the kids and grandkids don’t mind this slight obsession either.

AMAZON BUY LINKS

US:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083XPS7V4

CA:  https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B083XPS7V4

UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B083XPS7V4

AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B083XPS7V4

Be sure to check all the stops for the blog tour. I'm sure Sue will have lots of interesting posts and excerpts for us.

GIVEAWAYS

Sue is also gifting three e-copies of GEORGIANA to three lucky winners via Rafflecopter. Open internationally through March 12.

Rafflecopter link

Thank you for stopping by on your blog tour, Sue. It was great to have you visit again. Thank you to Christina Boyd for organizing the blog tour. 

I wish you much success with your new novel, Sue. It sounds really good, and the cover is so pretty. Thanks for the generous giveaway to all the visitors to the blog tour.

Karen M. Cox...Tenth Anniversary Edition of 1932

More Agreeably Engaged welcomes Karen M. Cox today. She is here to celebrate the 10th Anniversary Edition of 1932. Karen is sharing an excerpt from her book and has a giveaway. The excerpt is intriguing and the giveaway is generous. Enjoy!

Thank you for hosting me today at More Agreeably Engaged to celebrate the Tenth Anniversary Edition of 1932: Pride and Prejudice Revisited! I’m so excited about this re-release because there are several new scenes added, giving readers even more Elizabeth and Darcy time. Which is always a good thing, right?

For those who aren’t familiar with the story of 1932, it takes place in the US South during the Great Depression (you might have guessed that from the title.)

In this excerpt, Jane and Elizabeth Bennet have been at Netherfield for several days, sewing evening dresses for Caroline and Louisa Bingley (no Mr. Hurst in this story.) Mr. Darcy has become intrigued by Elizabeth Bennet and has ventured another visit to Netherfield before the sisters return to Longbourn…

Darcy strode by the hedge separating the driveway from the flower garden. He made a beeline for his roadster, halting in mid-step when he heard female voices. He froze in place, hoping he remained unseen. The last person he wanted to see him escaping was Caroline Bingley. The woman always made him squirm, like his tie was too tight. Louisa was less problematic; she actually seemed to realize she was too old for him. Caroline, though, was only a few years older than he—and for her, that meant he was fair game. In another life, he might have even considered her had she not been such a cold, detached shrew.

As the voices continued, he realized that they didn’t belong to the Bingley sisters but to the Bennet sisters. Now he froze for a completely different reason. He strained to hear their conversation, chastising himself for eavesdropping. As he listened, he realized, from their conversation, they hadn’t seen him at all.

“I sent a message to Uncle Ed this morning.” That was Jane’s voice. “He should be here around one o’clock tomorrow.”

Elizabeth sighed. “Oh, Jane.” He glanced around guiltily and closed his eyes. He was going to indulge himself in the sound of her voice, just this one last time. “I never thought I’d say this, but I’ll be glad to get back home.”

“It hasn’t been so bad, has it?”

“No, I suppose not so bad. Your charming friend Mr. Bingley is very kind and attentive.”

“He’s not my friend, really. Although he is charming.”

“But his aunts seem to want little company at all, except for Mr. Darcy. They certainly don’t seem to be very fond of us. I keep waiting for Miss Caroline to bark at me to serve her tea until I see poor sweet Nan appear. Boy, wouldn’t you hate to have that job?”

Jane giggled.

Elizabeth lowered her voice. “I tell you one thing I will miss, though.” Darcy leaned closer to the hedge, his hope rising. Might she say she would miss his company? 

“What?” 

“The bathtub.”

Darcy could hear the smile in her voice, and unexpectedly, he smiled too.

“I know the housekeeper must think I’m crazy. I’ve been in that tub every night—warm running water, lavender soap, soaking as long as I want.”

Darcy found himself visualizing the scene—sensations all but forgotten igniting his blood. 

“It’s heavenly.” Elizabeth’s voice was as warm and fluid as the water in the tub.

He audibly swallowed.

“That crunched-up little metal tub in the kitchen at home just won’t be the same.”

Darcy’s eyes opened. Of course, old farmhouse, not lived in for years. No indoor plumbing. No bath. His hand reached up and touched the hedge. The wistfulness in her voice tugged some place deep inside him.

He remained still, letting the rest of their conversation wash over him. Jane and Elizabeth’s voices slowly moved away, leaving him alone beside the hedge. A cold, sharp wind kicked up, and he turned toward his car, feeling all the heaviness of the world in his bones.

*****

So, Mr. Darcy isn’t above eavesdropping on the woman who’s captured his attention. As fans of Pride and Prejudice, we’re all pretty sure he’s going to act on those feelings at some point. The question is…

How? 

Book Description:

“…do anything rather than marry without affection.”

—Pride and Prejudice

During the upheaval of the Great Depression, Elizabeth Bennet’s life is torn asunder. Her family’s relocation from the bustle of the big city to a quiet family farm has changed her future, and now, she must build a new life in rural Meryton, Kentucky.

William Darcy suffered family turmoil of his own, but he has settled into a peaceful life at Pemberley, the largest farm in the county. Single, rich, and seemingly content, he remains aloof—immune to any woman’s charms.

Until Elizabeth Bennet moves to town.

As Darcy begins to yearn for something he knows is missing, Elizabeth’s circumstances become more dire. Can the two put aside their pride and prejudices long enough to find their way to each other?

1932, Karen M Cox’s award-winning debut novel, is a matchless variation on Jane Austen’s classic tale. 

Winner of the Bronze Independent Publishers Book Award in Romance, 2011

Author Bio:

Karen M Cox is an award-winning author of five novels accented with history and romance, a novella, and several short stories.

Karen was born in Everett WA, the daughter of a United States Air Force Officer. She had a nomadic childhood, with stints in North Dakota, Tennessee, and New York State before settling in her family’s home state of Kentucky at age eleven. She lives in a quiet town with her husband and works as a pediatric speech pathologist.

If you would like periodic bits of authorly goodness delivered to your inbox, be sure to get Karen’s News and Muse Letter. Updates, sales, book recommendations, etc. are yours for the asking.

News and Muse Letter

Social Media Links:

Website

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

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Pinterest

Giveaway:

1932 Tenth Anniversary Edition Launch and Birthday Party
To celebrate the 10th anniversary edition of 1932, Karen is giving away
a signed copy of the book and some Jane Austen swag: fun notecards
from The Quill Ink, What Would Jane Do? book of quotes, and Austen
coffee mug (if US winner) or an ebook copy of the book and 25$
Amazon Gift Card (if International Winner - cause #shipping :)

To enter the giveaway, click this link.
























Oooh, I enjoyed that excerpt. Hmm, I wonder...will Elizabeth get running water and a new bath tub? My curiosity is raised. :)  Thank you for asking me to be a part of your tour, Karen. I wish you the best with your Tenth Anniversary Edition  of 1932.

Mr. Darcy's Perfect Match...Kelly Miller

Happy February to everyone. I can't believe that January is already gone for 2020! It was a busy month for me. How about you?

*****
I guess everything is going too fast for me. I'm a day behind this week. I had it in my mind that tomorrow was the 3rd of February and was getting my post ready to go. Then I got an email from Kelly asking me if all is okay and when might my post go live? UGH! I organized the blog tour and missed my own stop! That's pretty bad! I apologize to you, Kelly Miller, and to all of you readers! 

Now on with the post below!

*****
I'm taking part in Kelly Miller's blog tour for her newest release, Mr. Darcy's Perfect Match. Sophia Rose is giving us her "First Impressions" of Kelly's book, with a full review to follow at another time. Before posting her thoughts on what she has read to date, I'll give you the book description.

Book Description:

When secrets are revealed and a family agenda works against him, can Fitzwilliam Darcy recover his damaged spirits and find happiness?

Following his disastrous proposal to Elizabeth Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy returns to London from Kent broken-hearted and dejected. One bright spot penetrates his sea of despair: his sister, Georgiana, has finally recovered her spirits from the grievous events at Ramsgate the previous summer. She has forged a new friendship with Miss Hester Drake, a lady who appears to be an ideal friend. In fact, Lady Matlock believes Miss Drake is Darcy’s perfect match.

Upon Elizabeth Bennet’s arrival at the Gardiners’ home from Kent, she finds that her sister Jane remains despondent over her abandonment by Mr. Bingley. But Elizabeth has information that might bring them together. She convinces her Uncle Gardiner to write a letter to Mr. Bingley providing key facts supplied to her by Mr. Darcy.

When Mr. Bingley discovers that his friend and sisters colluded to keep Jane’s presence in London from him, how will he respond? Given the chance, will Darcy and Elizabeth overcome their past misunderstandings? What will Darcy do when his beloved sister becomes a hindrance towards winning the lady he loves?

Early Impressions Post by Sophia Rose:

Mr. Darcy’s Perfect Match by Kelly Miller

Without glimpse of cover or blurb, I eagerly accepted Janet’s invitation to share my impressions at the start of Kelly Miller’s latest, a Pride and Prejudice variation story.  This will be one that depends on the reader to already be familiar with Austen’s Pride and Prejudice to some extent because it assumes the reader knows what has come before the point when Mr. Darcy approaches a hostile Miss Lizzy in Rosings’ grounds to deliver his fateful letter.

The title told me to anticipate a luscious amount of time with Mr. Darcy and, from the first sentence, I saw this to be true.  Darcy is narrating and the reader feels his sorrow and bit of anger at being rejected and the shame for his own previous conduct.  He must win back the good opinion of his lady even if he can never hold her heart.  So he is prepared to deliver his defense in a letter.

And, this is where the story blazes a new trail. 

Right when I anticipated Darcy getting comfort from his cousin, his friend, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy have a falling out over Darcy’s unilateral decision to share Georgiana’s secret with a woman who is the barest of acquaintances to the Colonel. 

Next, Georgiana takes the narration in their London home as she excitedly tells her brother about a new friend, Miss Drake, and at the same time notices her brother’s melancholic state. 

Miss Drake’s name comes up again when Darcy wisely checks out her credentials with Georgiana’s companion and his aunt, Lady Matlock, who introduced the girls.  He does not notice the gleam in Lady Matlock’s eye over his interest quite like the reader does.  Look out Darcy, she’s matchmaking.

But, just as the reader believes Georgiana has made a lovely new friend who isn’t cozying up to get to her brother, Miss Drake gets to narrate and we learn that this fresh-faced, pretty mannered lady is no better than Caroline Bingley- merely more cunning and clever.  What will she get up to in order to bag her prey?  Stay tuned, gentle reader!

Meanwhile, the readers rejoice when Lizzy arrives in London and lands upon a fantastic scheme to bring about her sister, Jane, and Bingley’s happiness.  Darcy gave her the intel for what action was needed in his letter.  Ouch!  Every time she recalls the letter and the letter writer, she feels shame and remorse for her behavior and words.  She doesn’t love him and can’t because he was arrogant, but she is well aware that she was no better and possibly worse.

Charles might have come across as wishy-washy in the original, but when he gets all the facts, boy howdy, did the man leap into action to gain his lady love.  And, wasn’t that a brazen encounter when he crossed swords with his sisters and came out the winner of that skirmish.

What is this?  Oh no, Georgie… spilling secrets and trusting the wrong party!!!!

And, that was where I left it off.  Twenty five percent in and I was captivated.  My mind is racing over where this story will take me.  Such fantastic foreshadowing of the conflict that is to come.  Such engaging characters!  And, I love getting all those perspectives and changes of scenes so I could get inside the heads of so many.

My early impression leads me to predict that Ms. Miller’s latest will be a ‘perfect match’ for many readers who adore Austenesque historical romance.  And, with that last bit, I’m off to finish the rest of Mr. Darcy’s Perfect Match.

Thanks for letting me stop by today, Janet!

Author Bio:

Kelly Miller is a native Californian and Anglophile, who made her first visit to England in 2019. When not pondering a plot point or a turn of phrase, she can be found playing the piano (although like Elizabeth Bennet, she is errant when it comes to practicing), singing, and walking her dogs. Kelly Miller resides in Silicon Valley with her husband, daughter, and their many pets.

Mr. Darcy’s Perfect Match is her second novel published by Meryton Press. Her first was the Regency novel Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley, a Pride and Prejudice romantic sequel with a touch of fantasy. Her third novel, Accusing Mr. Darcy, will be released later in 2020.

Contact Info:

Amazon Author Page

Goodreads Author Page

Facebook

Twitter

Blog

Buy Info:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Mr. Darcy’s Perfect Match Blog Schedule             

January 27 Austenesque Reviews

January 28 My Jane Austen Book Club

January 29 Austenprose

January 30 So Little Time…

January 31 Babblings of a Bookworm

February 3 More Agreeably Engaged

February 4 Savvy Verse & Wit

February 6 Donadee’s Corner

February 7 Diary of an Eccentric

February 10 From Pemberley to Milton

February 11 My Vices and Weaknesses

Giveaway:

Meryton Press is giving away 8 eBooks of Mr. Darcy’s Perfect Match. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter the giveaway. Good luck to all.

Thank you for sharing your first impressions with us, Sophia Rose. I'm glad to read your thoughts. I felt the same way about the entire book. It grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go until I finished it. I hope everyone gets a chance to read it soon. 

If you have missed any of the stops, be sure to go back and read the excerpts, interesting guest posts, and vignette that Kelly has written for us.

Best wishes to you, Kelly, with this new release. I look forward to your next book! I'll try to keep my days straight next time around! :)

Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jayne Bamber...Strong Objections to the Lady

Happy 2020 to everyone! I hope all of you had good, memorable holidays, and I wish you a healthy and wonderful new year!

My first guest of 2020 is one I have enjoyed having visit in the past, the lovely Jayne Bamber. Jayne is back sharing an excerpt and giveaway from her new release, Strong Objections to the Lady. You are going to love this excerpt! I certainly did. It has mystery and romance! Delightful! 

Welcome, Jayne!

Hello! It’s great to be back at More Agreeably Engaged! My newest book, Strong Objections to the Lady is out now, and I’m here today to share another excerpt with you. This variation brings us to a unique new setting, when Anne de Bourgh inherits a castle (and Rosings too!) Humphrey Hall is part medieval castle, part modern structure, where Anne and her friends get up to nocturnal hijinks….

Elizabeth trembled with excitement as she pulled back the black curtain in the dark, quiet corridor. Anne slipped through first, then Jane, and lastly Elizabeth, who glanced back to make sure the curtain had fallen back in place, concealing the flickering light that now lit this side of the hall.

Holding her candle aloft, Elizabeth spun about and took in the sight of the corridor beyond them, and tentatively stepped forward. The long hall extended further than the light, fading to black at the end, and for a moment it was eerily silent. “What grim horrors and ghastly delights await us,” Anne said with a morbid laugh, and Elizabeth shivered with anticipation as she moved out in front. Anne and Jane followed her slow lead, moving through the section of the corridor still connected to the Tudor part of the structure. To their left were wide windows facing to the south, though many had been boarded up. The first door on the right was slowly opened, revealing nothing more frightening than a long-neglected library. Much of the furniture was covered with linens, the flickering of their candles casting wide shadows on the walls as they moved into the room. There were deep wooden shelves on three sides of the room, full of books that looked so old they might crumble to dust if they were touched, and on the other side were several elaborately painted panels depicting curious events that none of the ladies could identify in history.

“How very uncanny,” Jane breathed, moving her candle closer to examine the panel depicting a frigate being devoured by a large sea-monster.

Elizabeth grinned over at Anne. “Excellent.”

The three ladies went back into the corridor, exchanging a silent glance of agreement as they pressed on. The next room was entirely empty, though an alarming skittering sound prompted their swift retreat, and Anne pulled the heavy wooden door closed with a grimace. Jane moved deeper into the corridor. “Where shall we look next?” There was a narrow passage to their right, while ahead the corridor seemed to expand outward, the wooden paneling giving way to older stone walls and floors. 

“This corridor must be the one that leads to the north side, where Mrs. Templeton warned us not to go,” Anne said. “I wonder what lurid secrets lay hidden,” she said with a waggle of her eyebrows.

Elizabeth gestured the other direction. “This way must be the old castle – she told us not to go there, either.”

“Oh Lizzy, I am frightened,” Jane whispered.

“Do you wish to turn back?”

Jane giggled, hugging her shawl around her shoulders. “No indeed!”

They chose to explore in the direction of the old castle, and as they moved across the stone floor, the hallway grew wider and the ceiling lower. Elizabeth raised her candle and glanced upward, but as far as she could see, the roof at least remained intact. The stone walls glowed gold in the light of their candles, and in many places the old brick had been patched over, though even the new brickwork looked aged. To their left, the windows grew smaller and farther between. They were cut into the stone, no more than a foot wide, with thin panes of glass that had been added over the rough metal grating, though in some places the glass was broken, and the whooshing of the wind coming through intensified Elizabeth’s sensations as she proceeded anxiously forward.

On the other side of the corridor hung large tapestries, some too ruined to make out, while others remained miraculously intact. It was clear they were all many centuries old, and Elizabeth drew closer to examine one of them. It was a large piece, hand embroidered, depicting a monarch on horseback, surrounded by knights and archers, a great many of them run through with swords. Elizabeth stood in awe of it. There was much detail to take in, for the tapestry seemed to tell a story, and a very horrific one. “But this is magnificent, Anne. Truly, this belongs in a museum!”

Anne glanced back at the tapestry, her eyes wide with fearful mirth, before moving further into the corridor; Jane followed her, their candles illuminating an alcove to one side. Elizabeth trailed behind and joined them in peering at the gleaming suit of armor that had been mounted upright in the alcove, with a sword and a battle axe mounted above it in an ominous ‘X’.

Jane stepped forward to examine it, running her fingers over the white rose emblazoned on the breastplate.  “Colonel Fitzwilliam said that the castle was commissioned by the Lancasters, centuries ago. I wonder that they should display York armor.”

Anne grinned. “Perhaps the souvenir of a defeated enemy?”

“The Earl of Warwick would have passed this way on his way to take London,” Elizabeth said, staring at the relic with wonder.

“My, Lizzy, you are quite the bluestocking,” Anne chided her.

“These artifacts are magnificent,” Jane observed. “I wonder that you do not sell them to a private collector.”

Anne made a thoughtful sound. “What a fine idea, though I am still hoping we might find something truly horrid.”

They pressed on together, past a rounded turret with wider windows, and though Elizabeth peered out of them, she could spy nothing in the pitch-black darkness that enveloped the fortress. The windows had the same thick metal grating here, which Elizabeth understood was meant to allow arrows to be fired from within, while preventing enemies from climbing through. It was a structure designed for siege, and the thought made her shudder. 

Beyond that was the great hall, and the three ladies let out a collective sigh of awe as they moved into the expansive room. Here the roof was much higher, with wooden buttresses angling upward into the darkness. At the far side of the hall, there was a dais with a long wooden table and ornately carved chairs along one side, facing into the room. Two rows of tables filled the other side, with a wide space in between that fed into a large open area near the dais; guests of old might have danced and made merry here, or minstrels and jesters performed for high lords and ladies.

There was a row of long, narrow windows on the back wall, arranged in such a way as might have filled the room with shafts of sunlight during the day, though the cuts in the stone were high above their heads. Below the windows were more tapestries, some drooping and others falling out of place entirely. 

Elizabeth set her candle down on one of the tables and looked about; she smoothed her skirts and gave way to her imagination, wondering what it must have been like to be one of the courtiers who would have visited the castle when it was new, reveling and feasting in the great hall of an imposing medieval fortress. 

A sudden noise cut through the silence – footsteps, and then a great thundering voice, “Boo!”

Anne let out a shriek and Jane jumped with fright; both ladies dropped their candles in surprise, and they were extinguished on the cold stone floor. 

As Elizabeth’s eyes adjusted to the dimmer light, she saw another flickering flame, and heard a familiar guffaw. Colonel Fitzwilliam lifted his candle as he stepped closer. “Did we frighten you?”

“Damn and blast, Richard,” Anne cried. “I hoped you might be a real ghost!”

Richard laughed at her, but approached Jane. “And you, Miss Bennet?”

“I am very relieved that you are not a ghost,” Jane said with a nervous laugh. 

“I am sorry about your candle. You may have mine, if you like. Darcy dropped his, too.” 

Mr. Darcy stepped into the light, looking very much like a figure from a gothic novel as he came out of the shadows. “I did not mean to frighten you – I cannot speak for my cousin.” 

Anne laughed at them. “Yes, I daresay you have come to keep us from mischief, though Richard may rather be seeking it.”

The colonel shrugged. “I suppose I should like to see a ghost as much as anybody, but we really did wish to make sure you were safe.”

“This part of the house is dangerous,” Mr. Darcy said. As if to punctuate his point, there was a tremendous peal of thunder, and a moment later a flash of lightning lit the sky, white light flickering through the windows above before everything fell dark again.

Anne laughed again. “Perfect.”

A moment later came the sweeping sound of heavy rain beginning to fall, and Elizabeth darted to the side as a cold stream of water poured down her sleeve from an unseen leak above. Mr. Darcy was quickly at her side, lifting her candle and pulling her out of the way – she found herself clinging to his arm for longer than necessary in the near-darkness, as the sudden storm closed in around the castle. 

Anne picked her candle up from the floor and relit the flame from Elizabeth’s, while the colonel did likewise for Jane’s candle. “I am not so easily frightened,” Anne said. “I think you would not have come all this way if you did not secretly wish to have a look about yourselves.” 

“It is a magnificent structure,” Mr. Darcy breathed. “So much history has unfolded in these halls, it feels almost irreverent to come seeking frights and thrills.”

Elizabeth peered up at him with a teasing smile. “And ghosts,” she whispered. 

Jane and Colonel Fitzwilliam had moved away to examine one of the torn tapestries, which depicted a scene of medieval lords and ladies dancing, and they whispered together for a minute. “Look here,” the colonel said a little louder. “It seems this is just the place to come in search of thrills and amusement.” He caught Jane by the hand and twirled her under his arm, and then did the same with Anne, who spun merrily, her skirts whooshing about her. She laughed and spun again, spinning Jane with her, and the two of them reached out for Elizabeth, who gave in and danced about with them, laughing at the sheer madness of it all.

Anne twirled Elizabeth under her arm with a playful giggle, and then Jane again, as the colonel leaned back against the wall and regarded them with amusement. Anne gave Elizabeth another dizzying spin, and this one sent her reeling, arms outstretched, directly into Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth began to instinctively recoil but he caught her hand in his and drew her nearer, before making a little bow. A smile played across his lips in the candlelight, and his dark eyes drank her in. He slowly lifted her hand, their arms forming a graceful arc as he spun her, first slowly, and then faster a second time, the two of them moving in a smooth circle together. He stepped closer, and the candle flickered – Elizabeth thought he might have blown it out himself, and then he slowly lifted her hand to his lips and placed a gentle kiss there. Elizabeth froze in place as she looked up at him, dizziness overtaking her again. To her mortification, the sensation was far from unpleasant, and she studied the curve of his lips in the darkness as he stared back down at her. 

Behind them, Jane and Anne were still laughing and dancing together as the colonel looked on and teased them, but for an instant Elizabeth could think of nothing but the nearness of Mr. Darcy. Some strange longing had pushed her onto the tips of her toes, and she had just raised her fingers to brush the lapels of his coat, her lips pursing, when another great burst of thunder rolled across the sky. The very room around them seemed to rattle and shake, and bits of stone clattered down from above this time. 

Mr. Darcy drew a protective arm around Elizabeth, who was too caught up in the air of mystery about them to protest. She leaned into the warmth of him, faintly humming. He let out a ragged breath. “We had better get you ladies back to your rooms before any ill befalls us here,” he said. 

Elizabeth trembled and nodded her agreement, almost disappointed when he released her. Perhaps he was right, for she began to feel she might be in some danger after all.

I hope you enjoyed this excerpt! I will be sharing more excerpts throughout my blog tour, and there is an e-book giveaway. You can enter by clicking here. You can also follow me on Facebook and my new blog [Link to blog] for more updates!

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Jayne, I don't know about the readers, but I certainly enjoyed the excerpt. Wow! I felt I was right there with Jane, Anne, and Elizabeth! The sparks between Darcy and Lizzy were magnificent! This is definitely on my TBR list! Thanks so much for stopping by this morning and sharing with us. From looking at Amazon, it seems your book is doing great! Congratulations! I wish you the best!

Now for the giveaway, it is for an eBook of Strong Objections to the Lady. There is a Rafflecopter as Jayne already mentioned. Be sure to click on the link above or you may click here. Good luck to all and thanks for stopping by! Thank you, Jayne for visiting my blog and for including my readers in your giveaway! 

If you missed any stops on the blog tour, you still can stop by.