Painting of the parish church of St James the Greater, Stirchley, Shropshire, seen from the southeast. Circa 1850. John Holmes Smith, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
I liked sharing a full chapter last in the previous Story Connections post, that I decided to do it again. 🙂 I’m also sharing the full chapter to give you a good understanding of who Philip Dobney, the hero of And Then Love, is — just in case you haven’t already met him. If you have, it’s always fun to revisit an old friend.
Philip, as well as Lucy, in this story are good friends of Fitzwilliam Darcy. They’ve grown up together, so the friendship is of long standing. Philip is the person to whom the living at Kympton fell when Wickham refused it.
The fact that Philip is a parson is why I picked the painting above to share with this post today. I thought it was a pretty little church, even if it is in Shopshire and not Derbyshire. 🙂 I also liked that it includes a graveyard because that is the setting for the excerpt below that sets up why Lucy needs Philip’s help.
Oh, and one more note about the setting of this story. It begins at the time when Wickham is petitioning Darcy to give him that living he refused. Between him and Lucy’s uncle (who is far worse than Wickham), there’s most certainly going to be some trouble in this story.
“Bonchurch Old Church, Near Ventor” (From the book Isle of Wight), painted by A. Heaton Cooper. 1908. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
“Lucy, I am here to offer comfort to you, not garner your praise.” He (Philip) chuckled.
“Passing on my father’s praise gives me comfort. It makes it seem less like he is gone.”
“Then, I shall attempt to receive his compliments graciously.” He leaned back and looked toward the grave next to which she had been kneeling. “You said you were sharing news with your father. Is it anything with which I could be of assistance?”
She tilted her head and gave him a searching look. She had promised her father that she would speak to each of the men on his list. However, she had intended to do so with her Aunt Tess present, not while alone in a churchyard.
PUBLISHED TO YOUTUBE BY ROBIN SPIELBERG – TOPIC ON JUNE 23, 2015
This week’s choice from my Music to Write By playlist on Spotify, After All*, seemed well-titled to go with today’s short excerpt from The Tenant’s Guest.
In this excerpt, Darcy and Elizabeth have met to talk the day following their surprise reunion at Willow Hall.
“What do you wish?” Her heart drummed fast and heavy in her chest as she voiced the question.
He smiled sadly. “My wishes and desires remain as they were.”
Her cheeks reddened, and she had to look away as she asked, “And what if my wishes have changed?” She looked back at him briefly before looking away once again. “Is there any hope that we might ever be more?” She shook her head. “I know I do not deserve it, but might I have a second chance?” Nearly before she had finished speaking the words, she found herself wrapped in his embrace, and then just as quickly, she was standing on the path looking at his back.
“Forgive me. I should not have — ”
“I am uninjured, sir,” she interrupted.
“But I had no right — ” Her smile as he turned toward her snatched all thought from his head.
“I am uninjured, sir,” she repeated. “In fact, I find I am quite well — more well than I have been in months.”
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*The link in the first paragraph is to the song on Spotify. This is not an affiliate link. It is just my way of attempting to help out the artists whose music I share.
This was one of those songs that I just happened upon while doing some random listening and the dishes. The line in this song “I like you walking next to me” made me think of the scene from And Then Love that I am sharing below. At this point in the story, neither Philip or Lucy has figured out that they might more than like each other — although Darcy seems to see it. 🙂
The rain had only started to fall lightly as the parishioners began to file out of the small church in Kympton. The migration of people from pew to door was a slow one as each took a moment to comment on Mr. Dobney’s sermon and to congratulate him on his upcoming marriage.
Rather than joining the numbers that lined the aisle, Lucy remained seated near the front of the church but turned so that she might watch the man she would soon call husband. He smiled and laughed. He ruffled the hair of children and shook the hands of their fathers. He had always greeted people with such ease and welcome — as if he had always known them.
She rested an elbow on the back of the pew and her head lightly on her hand as she watched him nod his head and tap his lip with a finger before replying to Mr. Evans. She knew from the actions that he was giving some bit of advice, for he never did so without at least a moment’s thought. Even when they were children, he had been the one to whom the others had looked to for guidance, and he had provided it without ever making one of them feel as if they were lacking in any way.
She smiled as he leaned his tall frame down to speak closely into Mrs. Walcroft’s ear. Others might have raised their voice to talk to the woman, but he never did. Philip was cautious not to injure the dignity of others, no matter their age or frailties. It was something she had always admired about him; however, not all had found the trait admirable. In fact, there were those who, at one time, had thought it a weakness and had teased Philip relentlessly.
It was not the only thing about which Philip had been teased. He had been gangly as a young man. His arms and legs seemed to grow rapidly, much more rapidly than his ability to use them with grace and dignity. He had also been rather skinny until he had gone away to college. However, during those years, his body had finally righted itself. He had not added another inch to his height, and he was no longer skinny.
She ducked her head as she felt a bit of colour creeping into cheeks when she realized just how fine he now appeared to her. He was still taller than most, but his clothes no longer hung on him. She turned her mind away from admiring how his jacket now stretched across his back and wrapped snuggly around arms that were well-muscled and strong.
Lucy rested a gloved finger on her lips. She had chosen him for his admirable character, but since that kiss two days ago…
She swallowed and rose from her seat. This was not the place to be contemplating fine figures or kisses. However, she could not resist taking one more look at Philip before she ducked out the side door.
Welcome to a new week. I have information about a free Kindle book later in this post, but let’s first start with a little teaser excerpt from tomorrow’s Sweet Tuesdays story. (Are you ready to start making our way through some interesting twists and turns in this story?)
“Are you engaged for the next dance?” Mrs. Love asked as Felicity batted her lashes.
“No,” Walter replied, “nor do I plan to be. There is a cardroom which is, no doubt, missing my presence, although I may have to do my duty in regard to Mrs. King’s niece as I did promise to dance with her at least once after her arrival. It seemed the least I could do to help the girl settle into her new surroundings.” As he smiled at a somewhat affronted looking Felicity, his eye caught Grace’s attention on him.
“If you will excuse me.” He gave Felicity and her mother a bow and made his escape.
“I say, Blakesley,” Roger said as Walter joined him and his wife, who had just completed their set, “Miss Love is looking daggers at you.”
“Yes, I suppose she is.”
[from Her Secret Beau, Touches of Austen book 3]
Published to YouTube by Petru Dimetru on November 27, 2013.
Next, how about a gorgeous song that I think could definitely inspire a romantic scene or two. 😀 This one is on my Whatever for Whenever Spotify playlist which I was listening to again on Saturday as my husband and I drove around on a day trip that was successful but not as expected. (I have a few pictures below.)
Why was our trip not as planned? Well, we hit a detour on our way to view the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, and it turned us around a bit in our directions and delayed us enough that we did not get to go on the beach and find any fossils because the tide was coming in. So, we went down as far as we could toward the beach, took a few pictures, and then climbed back up to the parking lot where we decided maybe we could visit Fort Beauséjour – Fort Cumberland National Historic Site. Well, we were able to tour the grounds of the fort but the interpretive centre was closed for the season. 🙂 And yet, despite missing the objective of our journey due to the tide coming in and our alternate plan being closed, it was an enjoyable and therefore, successful day.
Can you see how fast the tide is coming in?
Another portion of the beach as the tide is coming in.
The picture includes that area of the fort. I’d be standing in the way of the cannon being hauled up the hill.
This is the storehouse/place for prisoners which you could see in the previous image.
An insignia on one of the cannons. This was a British fort during the reign of George III and the Regency Era.
My hubby only spent a few minutes in that chair waiting for me. It was a sunny, but cool and oh, so windy day.
In writing news, which is going to be excessively brief today, I had a very successful week of writing. I feel like I might just be settling into my new routine. I know it felt great to get so much writing done (over 11,000 words!) even if I am still behind on a few projects. I am not sharing from what I wrote this week, as I have decided to do something a bit different for a few weeks.
Getting back into a routine — especially if you are having to let go of summer — can make Monday’s more challenging than they normally are. 🙂 Therefore, I intend to give you something to look forward to on Mondays for a while by marking one of my currently in KU books down to the rock-bottom price of FREE. 🙂 This week, And Then Love will be free today and tomorrow (Sept. 16 -17, 2019).
Below is an excerpt from And Then Love. Make sure to pick this book up if you don’t already have it, and if you know someone who likes free books, tell them. 🙂
A note about the book:
And Then Love is a prequel to the events which happen in Pride and Prejudice. It is set at the time when Wickham is coming back to Darcy, looking to claim the living he refused. This book establishes the identity of Willow Hall and how it plays a part in Darcy's life. Se nsitive readers should be aware that Lucy's uncle is an evil, manipulative, abusive sort of fellow and does things which some might find unsettling. However, he gets his just reward.
[This excerpt is the true beginning of Lucy’s trouble, and Wickham is the nicer of the two villains when compared with Lucy’s uncle.]
The following morning, having already made her selections, Lucy stepped outside the milliner’s shop to wait for her aunt. A soft, cool breeze blew, tugging gently at her bonnet. She turned her face to the sun. It was pleasant to feel its warmth on her cheeks for the few brief moments she allowed them to be tilted upward. She would like nothing better than to remove her bonnet and drink in the sunshine, but her skin was fair, and where others would turn brown from the sun, she only turned painfully red. She glanced through the shop window and watched as the milliner’s assistant showed her aunt ribbons and lace. She smiled. Her aunt was never without an exquisitely decorated cap.
“Miss Tolson.”
Lucy’s heart skipped a beat at the voice. Slowly, she turned to face the speaker. “Mr. Wickham,” she said in greeting, with a quick curtsey and a nervous glance toward the shop.
“It is a fine day for shopping, is it not?” He shoved the small package he was carrying into the pocket of his greatcoat. “The sun is warm, the breeze is cool, and the shops are filled with smiling faces.”
“Indeed, it is a lovely day, Mr. Wickham. My aunt is just finishing placing an order for a new bonnet,” Lucy took a step toward the door to the shop. Although he wore a friendly expression, she knew better than to trust that there was anything akin to friendship behind his greeting. He had always been able to convince people of his sincerity with his flowery word and pleasant smile, but she had seen his true character displayed more than once while they were growing up. She also knew that he had been unsuccessful in his meeting with Mr. Darcy, which meant he would be looking for a new slant, a new approach, to gaining that which he desired.
“I was sorry to hear of your father’s passing.” Wickham stepped towards her. His features drooped with feigned grief, and his shoulders sagged just a bit. “He was a good man from all accounts.”
“He was,” agreed Lucy, watching him warily. His posture shifted just slightly. His shoulders rose and his countenance brightened, though Lucy was not certain if it would be more accurate to say he smiled with restrained delight or just mere cunning.
“I also understand that you are to marry. I believe the younger Mr. Dobney is the lucky fellow, is he not?”
Lucy glanced again toward the shop. She heart was beginning to beat more rapidly the longer she stood here talking to him, and her stomach began to twist into a knot. She wished desperately for her aunt to conclude her business and step outside. “He is,” she said.
“A rather sudden engagement, I hear.” An eyebrow flicked upwards as he smirked at her.
Lucy heard the hidden implication in his tone and read it in his expression. She wished to pull her pelisse more tightly about herself and turn away from his roaming eyes. “You have been busy catching up on all the news, have you not?” she said somewhat sharply.
He chuckled and allowed his eyes to roam her figure once again. “One hears things,” he said as he took his watch from his pocket. “Well, I must be off, or I shall be late.” He took two steps away before turning back with a most evil smile on his face. “Do you wish me to give a greeting to your uncle?”
Panic gripped Lucy’s heart. The world felt as if it was shaking, causing her to sway and struggle to keep her balance. “My…my…uncle?” she eventually forced out the words.
Wickham stepped closer once again and placed one hand on her elbow to steady her while he placed his other hand inappropriately low on her back. “Well, Tolson told me his arrival would come as a shock to you, but I had not expected you to nearly swoon.”
She pulled her arm away from him and took a step forward. “I did not almost swoon,” she snapped. “I was merely surprised that you know my uncle so well.”
He shrugged. “If you say so, but I suppose any lady who wished to pass herself off as chaste enough to be a parson’s wife would be worried to the point of swooning if she knew the stories that could be told about her.”
She wished to end this conversation and run to her aunt, who was still inside the shop, but her feet were rooted to the spot where she stood. Her eyebrows furrowed, and she shook her head. “There are no stories,” she said.
He shrugged once more. “If you say so.”
“I do say so. There are no stories.”
He laughed. “Oh, Miss Tolson, there are stories.” He picked at a piece of lint on the jacket of his coat. “I am sure an arrangement can be reached where you can continue to be thought of as a paragon of virtue.”
“An arrangement?” She remembered the same word being used by her uncle when he had discussed her becoming the young bride of the man to whom he owed money. The pieces were beginning to fall into place in her mind. Although still wary and fearful, she was becoming increasingly angry at Wickham’s hints of knowing some secret. Pushing her fear to the side, she drew a fortifying breath and asked the question that would confirm her suspicions about her uncle and Mr. Wickham being associates. “Mr. Wickham, exactly how do you know my uncle?”
Again, he shrugged. “I grew up here. Everyone knows your uncle.”
She shook her head. “No, he left when I was quite young, and you are not that much older than I am. You would not have been old enough to have formed such an intimate acquaintance before he left.” She cocked her head to the side and studied Wickham’s face. His eyes shifted uneasily under her scrutiny. “You have met him since.”
“Very well,” admitted Wickham. “We have been friends and business associates for just over a year.” He took a step closer to her, and any false pretense of friendliness left his features. “But, I assure you, there are tales that can be told. You would do well to be more receptive to his offer when he visits you this time.”
Dread settled in Lucy’s stomach, but she dared not acknowledge it. He had seen her fearful reaction once; to offer him a second glimpse of the terror her uncle brought to her heart was not something she was willing to do. “Tell him,” she said as calmly as she was able, “that he may call for tea tomorrow. I am sure he is anxious to see that the estate is in order and ready for its transfer. You may assure him that it is.” The door to the milliner’s shop creaked behind her. “Good day, Mr. Wickham.” She bobbed a quick curtsey and turned toward her aunt, who was just exiting the store.
