Good morning! It’s the start of another week, and we’re that much closer to the release of Mr. Darcy’s Mirror! The preorder is now available on Amazon, so I hope you’ve clicked on the link and reserved your copy. If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out the first two chapters, I have those posted at Austen Variations!
I’m so excited for you to read what I have been stressing over. Today, we’re going to look at places in the story, most importantly Pemberley. Everyone has their own Pemberley, particularly when you travel to England and tour both Lyme Park and Chatsworth. Some love Lyme Park (Pemberley 1995) and find Chatsworth (Pemberley 2005) more of a showplace than a home (which it was), and some enjoy Chatsworth more.
Personally, I enjoyed the grounds of Lyme Park, but as an artist, I was really drawn to Chatsworth. Yes, a great deal of the tour are the rooms they decked out for royalty, but I like to think of there being a part that is more homey. I certainly wanted to curl up with a book in the library, even if I could only view it from the doorway.
Since Ellie is an art restorer, I did choose to model Pemberley after Chatsworth. When she is first introduced to the great house, she walks into an opulent Great Hall inspired by the Great Hall at Chatsworth and if you look, you’ll find other references that resemble Chatsworth–the cascade, the fountain, the Canova sculptures (like in the sculpture gallery). It was very easy seeing Ellie as an artist being overwhelmed and awed by a Pemberley so grand, yet so in need of lots of work.
Photo by eHeritage on Pexels.com
I’ve mentioned the Palais Garnier in Paris more than once during the story, and of course, the ballroom is similar, but at the same time, not. In the foyer of the great opera house, there are mirrors lining the wall, giving the feeling that the show is as much about the audience as it is what happens on the stage. Even in Regency times, people went to the theatre to see and be seen. The Hall of Mirrors in Versailles gives a similar feeling. That same sense is what was supposed to be conveyed by this ballroom. However, in my mind, there is one mirror that is larger than the rest, and despite its age, is immaculate. No black in the mirror itself that comes with age, no layer of dust on the frame. Of course, Oliver will assume there is some on the top because how could a 250 year old mirror in a long abandoned house not be dirty? Then Ellie gets a good look at it, and the rest is in the book 😉
If you want to see more of my inspiration for The Peculiarity of Mr. Darcy’s Mirror, check out the Pinterest inspiration page.
Preorder The Peculiarity of Mr. Darcy’s Mirror by clicking below! Release day is Sept. 22nd!
L.L. Diamond 
I can see why you chose Chatsworth! I love them both, the grounds of Lyme Park were of course featured prominently in P&P 1995 but the house interior wasn’t suitable as Pemberley so those shots were elsewhere. There wasn’t as much of the exterior of Chatsworth shown in 2005 but the interior was used. I loved Elizabeth viewing the sculptures and wonder if she helps with them in your book. Obviously she’s taken with the Darcy portrait and has a definite link with Elizabeth! I must try and plan my reading so I’m ready for the release day! 🤩🥰
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I can understand why they didn’t use the interior of Lyme Park. I was underwhelmed, though I know people who liked it. The gardens were lovely though! I was amazed by Chatsworth. Of course, it’s hard as an artist not to see the frescoes, the Gainsboroughs and the Canovas and not have some wide eyes. 🙂 Thanks, Glynis!
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I’m so eager to read this book, Leslie. I haven’t read the published chapters, I prefer to be surprised this time. It sounds like an exciting read. The photos make me long to visit. But I’m getting a museum fix next month, yay! Congratulations! Best of all luck and blessings on the launch. I can’t wait. ❤ 😀
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Thank you so much, Michelle! I’m so nervous on this release, so it’s nice to now someone can’t wait 🙂 Thanks again!
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