Darcy and Elizabeth – Page 11

Her Father’s Choice, Chapter 4

This has been a bit of a stressful week on the publication front. The Kindle version of Her Father’s Choice is still not available in the Kindle store despite being published a week ago. Something has gone wrong in the technical realm and after many emails to Amazon, their technical people are looking into the issue. They have told me that I should have an answer by the end of day November 12. However, the ebook is available at Kobo and the print version is available on Amazon.

I have not yet figured out how best to share my books here after they are published. So, for now, I will include an excerpt of the chapter below which will be followed by a link which for the next week will take you to the rest of the chapter. However, at the end of the week, this chapter will become unavailable and the next one will become available.

Chapter 4

Lady Sophia tapped her toe as she waited in the sitting room with Georgiana at Darcy House. “He should expect me to be early. I always am.” She straightened her sleeve. “I am curious to meet the lady who has finally captured your brother.”

“Captured would be the proper word for it,” said Richard entering the room and giving first his aunt a kiss and then Georgiana. “I did not realize you were coming today, Georgiana.”

Georgiana pursed her lips and looked at her aunt. “I was not supposed to come.”

“An omission made in error, I am sure.”

Georgiana looked at her aunt doubtfully. “My brother does not make errors of omission. He is the most fastidious correspondent.”

“Ah, well, your brother does not get married every day, either.” She smiled and raised her brows, which combined with the twinkle in her eye, made her look very impertinent. “He will see his error as soon as I have explained it to him.” She patted Georgiana’s hand reassuringly before turning to Richard. “Now, tell me why captured is the proper word.”

“It seems – ” began Richard.

“That I am the topic of gossip within my own home,” finished Darcy as he entered the room and gave Richard a stern look. “Georgiana! It is a surprise to see you.” He placed a kiss on his sister’s cheek while giving a questioning look to his aunt.

Continue Reading Chapter 4

Music Monday: Period Drama: A Thousand Years

“Period Drama: A Thousand Years.” YouTube. Video created and uploaded by TheDeathlyNight on May 5, 2012.

This is a song that I simply adore. It is on my Music to Write By in an instrumental version (no words are allowed on that list 😉 ). But, I also love this video of it.

I have begun working on my next book, and this song is one that I keep playing as I write it. (In fact, I think it could be an unofficial theme song for the story.)

In this variation, Elizabeth and Darcy are forced into a marriage by … nope, not telling yet. 🙂 But know that at the beginning neither are completely sure of their feelings for the other; though Darcy does suspect he is indeed in love with Elizabeth.

This little bit of the story is in its “Head to Page” version, and I hope it survives to the final draft because it is sweet. Darcy and Elizabeth are in the process of learning a bit more about the other. Elizabeth has just asked why Georgiana has not accompanied Darcy to Hertfordshire.

From Her Father’s Choice

“She is with her aunt and taking lessons from the masters. I did not wish to interrupt her education.” He smiled slightly and there was a twinkle in his eye. “And she did not wish to spend time with Miss Bingley.”

Elizabeth’s eyes grew wide. “But, Miss Bingley led me to believe she and Miss Darcy were close.”

“She knows how dear my sister is to me, so I believe she says it so that I will think she would make a good sister for Georgiana and, therefore, a good wife for me.” He stood and extended a hand to Elizabeth to assist her in rising from her seat on the stile. “She is mistaken if she thinks I would ever consider her for a wife.”

“Because she is from trade?”

Darcy laughed. “No, because she is annoying and rather dull.” He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and kept it covered with his own. “I have always wished for a companion in a wife. Someone with whom I can have discussions. Someone who has read extensively and has a quick wit. I wish for my sister to have a sister who is compassionate and caring as well as intelligent and strong.” His steps faltered slightly at the realization that dawned on him. “I believe…” He paused. “I believe I have been looking for you.”

Just Three Words

Sometimes a short story begs for a sequel. Well, at least in my writing world it does. A while ago now I wrote “A Change of Heart,” a story which takes place just after Darcy’s disastrous first proposal, but before he leaves the parsonage.

This story takes place shortly after that one, when Elizabeth arrives in London.

“Please, Brother? If I am to spent the whole of tomorrow afternoon sitting with Great-Aunt Margaret, might I not have a bit of new ribbon or lace in my work basket.” Georgiana peered out the window of the carriage as they traveled the streets of London. “It would make the task ever so much more enjoyable.”

Darcy chuckled. “Spending time with Lady Margaret is hardly a thing to be endured.” He noted the small pout that formed instinctively on her lips. It was not an attempt to procure his favour, but rather a small twinge of disappointment which would soon be replaced by a smile and accompanied by a ‘very well.’

Continue reading Just Three Words

Percival the Frog

Here is a throw back to last year. This story was written when I was feeling nostalgic about my eldest son’s birthday. I find I am feeling that way again and to perhaps a greater degree, since today, he is reaching that magical age of eighteen–the gateway between youth and adult.

This mucky, muddy little boy was the inspiration for this story. You see, when this picture was taken, he and his cousin had just captured a frog.

This story can also be found under the Tales from Pemberley tab in the menu.

Percival the Frog

Bennet scampered into the room. “Mama, Mama. Look at the frog, Mama!” He shoved a muddy, wiggling creature under his mother’s nose. “I found him near the pond. He was hard to catch.” His small face shone with triumph. Globs of mud dripped from his hands unto the floor. His feet were shoeless and a trail of muddy prints formed a trail from the door to the sitting room.

“Marie, there appears to be no need for the search party; the young master has found us. Please, instruct someone to draw a bath.” Elizabeth spoke to the nurse maid who stood at her side, mouth agape. “Bennet, do not move.” She gave him a stern stare. “Roger, a container with a lid, please.” The footman quickly fetched a small lidded crock. She pointed to the frog. “I believe, Bennet’s new friend would much rather be back at the pond with his family instead of in my house.” The footman carefully placed the crock under Bennet’s hands and the lid above. With a pout, Bennet released the frog, and Roger secured the lid before the frog could make an escape.

Continue reading Percival the Frog

A Change of Heart

About a week ago on a snow day, I sat down with my computer and decided to take part in a playground challenge at A Happy Assembly (a JAFF forum). The topic was grovelling and making amends. I thought about that horrible scene in Pride and Prejudice where Darcy’s proposal is firmly refused. I decided to give a unique reason to Elizabeth for her burst of anger and harsh words.

It is snowing again today, but I am at school and not home. Traffic was horrid, and I was late. I ended up filling in for a colleague and had part of a class taken for fundraiser. I am feeling rather growly, so I decided to share Elizabeth and Darcy’s story of what happened after the refusal but before Darcy could leave the parsonage.

A small bit of understanding, a kind word, a small gesture is sometimes all it takes to go from grumbly to contented…to have

A Change of Heart

“Forgive me for having taken up so much of your time, and accept my best wishes for your health and happiness.” Darcy turned to leave.

Elizabeth saw the hunch in his shoulders and the slight shake of his head. Was he deriding himself? Had she truly heard pain behind his anger? Her emotions threatened to overcome her, and without a thought, she called out to him.

Continue reading A Change of Heart