If you have not checked it out yet, A Worthy Woman is free on Amazon until September 25th!!
Category: Uncategorized
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We’re nearing Thanksgiving, and in the grand tradition of Black Friday, I have a couple of books on sale in the United States and the United Kingdom. All three only 99¢ for a limited time! This is a great opportunity to pick up a couple of fun books for a great price, so make sure you get them now while they’re on sale!
In the United States:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HL15Q9TIn the United Kingdom:
I hope you enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate!
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Happy Friday! Today, The Unexpected Heir is out on Kindle Unlimited, Kindle, and paperback! Just click the links to read/purchase. If you did not follow the preview, then click on the links to read the prologue and first four chapters. Prologue, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4.
Happy Reading
To purchase, click here!
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I dove into some different research when I wrote The Unexpected Heir. My boss is into magical lore and Dungeons and Dragons, so we had several discussions while coaching about some of the magical theories. One discussion that stuck with me was ley lines, and I played with the concept for The Unexpected Heir, so I thought I would give you some background on why I described magic and its source as I did in the book.
So, what is a ley line?
The term “ley line” was coined by archaeologist Alfred Watkins during the 1920s. The theory is that ley lines are lines of energy that connect landmarks, such as megaliths and ancient monuments, across the Earth. For example, you could have a ley line that connected Stonehenge to Macchu Pichu or the Egyptian Pyramids. In fact, many of these sites sit at a convergence of more than one line. This really wasn’t a new concept since in 1870, William Henry Black made the claim that the monuments all over western Europe were connected by geometric lines.
Alfred Watkins first proposed these existed after noticing that the footpaths connecting the hilltops in Herefordshire all lay in straight lines, and when looking back, a lot of the old roads were formed in straight lines and people using hills and various landmarks to find their way through what was once a dense forest. More recently, the British Museum’s Reginald Smith and Captain Robert Boothby are said to have linked ley lines with underground streams and magnetic currents. Some believe you can find ley lines by metaphysical means, including using a pendulum or dowsing rods, which are L or Y shaped rods that are made to turn in your hand.
If you look at many of the sites linked to ley lines, they are all either mystical in some way or holy by a culture’s religion.
In The Unexpected Heir, I could not use the term ley line since it did not originate until the 1920s, so I used “veins” as the source of magic. However, I do not describe the veins as being a grid-like thing. I took some liberties with the theory. For example, the stone circle in Oakham Forest where Elizabeth walks lies on the same vein as Stonehenge. Nine Ladies is mentioned as being near Pemberley, but that stone circle runs on a different vein of magic running through the earth. The different veins can have slightly different properties, so you may find the magic from one vein lends well for certain charms and a different vein may lend well to others. I do not delve into this too much, but it is mentioned usually in conversation between Darcy and Elizabeth.
In this book, I have played with this theory as well as taken some liberties with an old Arthurian legend, in which Merlin was in love with the Lady of the Lake. She tricked him into teaching her his magic, then used what she had learned from him to trap him into a tree forever. Incorporating all of this made writing the book a lot of fun. I hope you enjoy the story as well!
Release day is my 27th wedding anniversary: July 11, 2025!
Prologue
21 December 1791
“I can see the head! Keep pushing, Frances. He is almost here, and he has a full head of thick auburn hair.”
Anne’s hand smarted as her friend bore down with an ear-splitting scream, the babe slipping into the waiting grasp of the midwife as though the entire process had been the product of minutes and not the long interminable hours that had actually occurred. The woman began to vigorously rub the babe, bringing forth a cry that was, no doubt, heard throughout the house.
“Is it the heir?” asked Frances, her tone urgent.
The midwife smiled. “You have a beautiful daughter.”
Frances’s face crumpled. “What? No! This child was supposed to be the heir! What am I going to do with another girl?” Anne’s heart sank. She would have been grateful for any child, but Frances had always been fickle. Still, how could anyone not cherish an innocent babe?
The midwife caught Anne’s eye and pointed to a distinct mark on the inside of the child’s arm. Anne gasped. “I shall clean her up and bring her to her father.” Without another word, she took the babe to a table near the fire where she wiped away the remnants of the birth. She turned the child’s arm to run a finger over the mark. How was this possible? By all that was known, this was impossible. She shook her head. All she could do was take the little girl to her father and hear his opinion on the matter, so she swaddled her in clean warm blankets. Anne could not help but give a tiny laugh. The wide-eyed little one watched her so intently. She almost seemed to be taking her measure while Anne cared for the infant. She had never seen such an alert newborn.
Once the babe was presentable, Anne gathered her up but paused on the way to the door. “She is truly beautiful. Would you care to hold her?” When Frances turned the opposite direction without uttering so much as a “no,” Anne’s heart split and bled. She looked down upon the small child in her arms. The poor dear! She had done nothing—except being born a girl.
As Anne departed and made her way down the narrow stairs, the babe’s eyes were still open and alert. She brushed her finger down the child’s soft cheek. How could anyone not love a baby? Anne had to shove the stirring in her stomach back down where it belonged. She and Frances had been friends for years now, but at this moment, Anne had to forcibly resist the urge to return to the bedchamber and shake the woman. Why was Frances so recalcitrant?
When Anne reached the library, she knocked and was bid enter.
Henry Bennet and Anne’s husband, George, jumped to their feet as soon as she stepped inside. “Well?”
She smiled. “You have a beautiful daughter.” She held her breath in her lungs while she awaited Bennet’s response.
He did no more than frown. “But I saw—”
“She bears the birthmark,” said Anne.
Both gentlemen gasped. “Are you certain?” asked Bennet, who hurried forward.
She handed the child to the father and with great care, showed him the four-point star on the inside of the babe’s left arm.
“A female has never borne the mark in any family.” Bennet’s voice was low, as though he whispered to himself.
“She will require protection,” said George. “A lady with the abilities of a man will be sought after—will be in great danger from those who would wish to use her for their own purposes.” A pang ripped through her. Her husband was correct of course. This child would not have an easy time of it. Those who understood the meaning of the mark would do anything to marry her into their families by whatever means necessary.
Bennet dropped back into his chair and stared at his new daughter. “My God. What am I going to do?”
George wagged a finger and took the chair across from his friend. “Do not despair just yet. I think I may have a solution.”
Chapter 1 will be posted soon!
Sources:
https://www.learnreligions.com/ley-lines-magical-energy-of-the-earth-2562644
https://prehistoric.org.uk/standing-stones/ley-lines/ -
Release day was yesterday! I am thrilled with the response to those few who have already read and left ratings and/or reviews. Thank you for taking the time to do so! If you haven’t already downloaded it, click the title to download A Novel Holiday! If you haven’t been around for the preview, click for the Prologue, Chapter 1, and Chapter 2. Chapter 3 will be posted below just in case you’re on the fence 😉
Now, since I do giveaways for releases, make sure you leave a comment and let me know what you think. I have a giveaway at Austen Variations. Please click here to enter on that site. Just leave me a comment 🙂
Chapter 3
Will
October 20
I stood on the sidewalk while I stared at the façade of the Buttercream Beanery and sighed. Of course, Georgiana would want her birthday cake from this particular bakery—of course, she had no idea what I’d said when Jane told me who I’d been talking to at the charity gala either. I’d be fortunate if Liz—Elizabeth Bennet—hadn’t put laxatives in any food she served me. I hadn’t missed the narrowing of her eyes when she’d heard my comment, and no one in eyeshot would’ve missed the roll of her eyes as she’d laughed and turned toward the bar to face away from me.
My behavior was abominable. I could admit it. Yes, I was shocked to know “Liz” was in fact Elizabeth Bennet, but I could’ve handled it better; not that I’d say as much to her! If I’d insulted my housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, that way, she would’ve baked my favorite brownies and put as much chocolate-flavored laxative in them as possible. and I have no doubt I’d be stuck on the toilet for days while I cried like a toddler. Mrs. Reynolds was like a second mother to me and had witnessed on occasion my less-than-sociable side, which she despised. As a teenager, she’d once hauled me out of a party at our home by my ear to read me the riot act over my haughty behavior. She’d have done it at the gala too if she’d been there to witness it.
Enough with the stalling! I sucked in a breath in case Liz was in the shop. Maybe she wasn’t and I’d get in and out without her ever knowing. My palms were coated in a sheen of sweat. Why was I so nervous? Yes, my aim was to avoid her. The problem remained: how do you avoid someone in their own place of business?
After I climbed the steps, I waited for a mother and daughter to exit before I stepped inside. The rich aroma of fresh espresso and decadent pastries hit me in a wave and beckoned me to take in a huge breath while I glanced around the interior.
The space was large and bright and likely took up the entire first floor of the building. Pristine white walls gave the shop a clean aesthetic with pale slate-blue accents and several windows that provided a view into a courtyard set up with brick pavers and large urns filled to the brim with autumn-colored mums, decorative brown grasses, and a colorful pumpkin here and there.
To the left was the entrance to Novel Books, the bookstore, while a large counter ran across the back wall and curved around the right corner of the shop. To the left, a display case filled with pastries, cupcakes, cookies, and cakes invited customers to indulge in every decadent chocolate and sugary morsel followed by the coffee bar and the registers before the counter where drinks were picked up near the door to the courtyard. Tables filled the rest of the interior but weren’t so packed people couldn’t walk through. To bring a touch of the season to the space, an orange pumpkin decorated with flowers adorned a place near the registers as well as smaller pumpkins, autumn flowers, and other décor that were sprinkled throughout.
My eyebrows were surely high on my forehead. I was impressed. When I’d heard Philips had given the go-ahead for a bakery and café, this hadn’t been what I’d envisioned. Liz had done exceptionally well. Even during the middle of the workday, people sat and drank coffee not only inside but also in the courtyard, men and women in business attire hurried in to grab coffee before rushing off to who knows where, and a few mothers allowed their young children to select sweets from the array of cupcakes and cookies on display. Liz had created a thriving business, but why had she stopped at one location? With the success she had here, why not market the same business plan in another part of the city? She was missing a golden opportunity!
As I stood, no doubt gaping at the sight in front of me, my gaze came to an abrupt halt at a familiar ebony-haired beauty, who wore an elaborate black witch costume, a tall hat perched on her head. Liz stood about ten feet away, one eyebrow arched just so, and her arms crossed over her chest. Shit! I was busted.
“Is there something you needed, Mr. Darcy?” My spine stiffened like someone had scraped her pointed green fingernails down a chalkboard. I much preferred when she called me “Will.” I also preferred a more friendly tone, but what could I expect after the gala?
I shifted on my feet. “My sister has raved about the cakes from here since not long after she started Julliard. Her birthday is next month, and I wanted to order a custom cake.”
This time, her eyebrows shot up. “From my bakery? Notwithstanding your sister’s praises, I would’ve thought you’d rather purchase from anywhere else in New York. Once, you were hoping our business would fail, weren’t you? Or maybe you still are. You also seem to know my sister—which is not an item in your favor.”
With a sigh, I prayed for patience. “Yes, Pemberley Books has hoped to acquire Novel Books. Your uncle’s bookstore is large enough to make it difficult to open our own location on the Upper West Side much less Manhattan. We did our research, and your uncle cornered the market here decades ago. Novel Books is big enough that we would be in direct competition. Buying this store out and converting it would’ve been much simpler; however, with your uncle’s death, we shelved the idea to see what happened with the lawsuit brought by your parents—”
“Who were represented by my sister Jane.”
“Yes, Charles Bingley, Pemberley’s legal counsel and a long-time friend, had the information on the trust and your inheritance of it from your sister. He has since become engaged to her.”
Liz shook her head with what had to be a snort. “Good luck to him. He’s going to need it. My sister cares about no one but herself.”
Although I’d met Jane only a handful of times, I’d guessed as much. Bingley was entirely too cheerful, but he did have an impressive demeanor in court. He could argue his way out of most situations—and had never paid for a speeding ticket despite his perpetually heavy foot.
“I’m not friends with your sister if that helps.”
“One mark in your favor.” She pursed her lips to one side for a moment. “Fine, have a seat.” She pulled out a chair at a nearby table before saying a few words to the girl behind the counter. A binder was handed to her, and she made her way back, sitting in the chair beside me.
“Before we get started, would you like a cup of coffee? I had come to grab one before helping to set up for the event.”
I glanced at the extensive chalkboard menu that covered the back wall. “You have peaberry coffee?”
“Yes, it’s imported from Costa Rica.”
I loved peaberry but most of the larger chain coffee shops didn’t carry it. “I’d like a cup of that.” I started to stand. “Here, I’ll come up so I can pay.”
She held up a hand. “I offered, Mr. Darcy. We’ll consider ourselves even after the Scotch you purchased at the gala.”
I frowned. “That was to make up for breaking your shoe.”
“I’d had those heels for a couple of years, and they weren’t expensive. No need to make up for what I probably should’ve replaced long ago.”
Before I could respond, she whirled around in a swish of black satin and some frilly fabric I didn’t know the name of. What was it about Liz that made my tongue thicken in my mouth and my brain muddle? I didn’t have this problem at the gala—not this bad anyway.
She spoke to one of the girls behind the register then returned. “We have a full staff behind the counter, and it gets crowded, even without this dress I’m wearing, so Mia will brew our drinks and bring them over.
“That’s an interesting outfit. Is that your normal work attire?”
She sat stiff and didn’t even crack the tiniest of smiles. “I’m reading for one of the Halloween story events at two.” She flipped open the book. “Do you want a fall-themed or a traditional birthday cake?”
“My sister is gluten-free.”
“That’s not a problem. Eight months ago, our renovations on the third floor of this building were completed, and we’ve now a dedicated gluten-free space as well as a peanut-free space, and every order is boxed or wrapped before being brought down for sale.”
My eyebrows lifted. “That’s an expensive endeavor.”
“Word of our gluten-free cakes spread, and the pantry-sized space we were using hadn’t been adequate for some time.” She pushed the binder in front of me. “These are the birthday designs we currently offer.”
I turned from page to page, finally stopping on a cake where the icing at the bottom was piped on to look resemble a beehive, the cake showing through for contrast. The pattern gave way to the icing at the top where a pair of bees decorated the confection. White flowers gave an extra touch and a nice decorative element. “Georgiana would adore this. She loves bees.”
Liz frowned. “Georgiana? Do you mean Gigi; a tall, thin girl who talks about almost nothing but the piano?”
I opened up my phone and showed Liz a picture from her last performance.
“Your sister is Gigi. She’s so sweet and kind. What happened?” The slight curve to one side of Liz’s lips gave away her tease. “Never mind, I shouldn’t have said that anyway. Forgive me. So, if this is for Gigi, you’ll need a vanilla sponge with hazelnut buttercream. I’ll add a little Frangelico to the buttercream for the center filling as long as that’s okay with you.”
“It sounds amazing, but you’re going to make her cake?” It was a legitimate question. How often did the owner get down and dirty in the trenches?
“My uncle made me attend the Cordon Bleu in London for over a year to learn the nuances of baking and pastries, and I absolutely loved every moment. When I started Buttercream Beanery, it was just me and Char, my assistant, in the kitchen. We have more employees now, of course, or we’d never keep up with the demands of the café or custom orders, but I still bake every morning. Most of the bookstore business is tended to later in the afternoon. Char and I both collaborate on the menus and specials for the coffee shop business—the sandwiches and salads served at lunch, as well as the cakes and pastries we offer in the shop.
“We have extensive kitchens between the baking and kitchen space on the first and second floor to the dedicated allergy kitchen and baking spaces on the third floor. I’ve never handed over the management of the Buttercream Beanery to another. I have a manager who makes the schedules for the front of the house. Char is my back-up in the kitchens.”
“Which is why you haven’t opened another location yet. Right?”
She clamped her lips shut and pulled a tablet from under the binder. “You need one Bees Knees cake, vanilla with hazelnut buttercream and a Frangelico filling. When did you need it?” I sat back. Was she always so defensive with everyone or just me? Her tone was more relaxed and open with Marianne King, at least the little I’d overheard.
“October 31st.”
She winced. “Oh, that must suck having your birthday on Halloween.”
“My parents always put my sister’s birthday first. She never had to share anything with the holiday like those who have their birthdays close to Christmas.”
Liz’s shoulders relaxed a little. “I love that they put her first. Your sister’s a sweet girl. She deserves to be made a fuss over.”
“I have to ask; how do you know one customer among so many?” I couldn’t name a customer, not that I spent much time in our stores.
“That’s easy. She came in all upset one day. I served her some coffee and a piece of cake, and she told me about a boy who’d made fun of her. I played the part of big sister and told her he wasn’t worth her time, and that one day, he’d no doubt live to regret his words. I believe it was her first week at Julliard. The next day, she came in as she did the day after. By the end of the week, she’d brought in a friend she’d made. Since then, she comes in frequently, and almost always with others from her classes. They study, have coffee and talk, and sometimes have lunch.”
“She’d mentioned what happened the first day,” I said, “but never about you. I remember being surprised she’d come to such a mature outlook without talking to me or our housekeeper, who’s like a second mother to us both.”
The sparkle in Liz’s eyes dimmed some. “Gigi told me about your parents. I’m sorry.”
My insides gave a jump at the mention of my mother and father. Georgiana rarely mentioned them to anyone unless she trusted that person completely. How’d I never known of her friendship with Elizabeth Bennet?
“Thank you.”
She cleared her throat. “Anyway, what time do you want to pick this up?”
“It’s a Saturday evening party. Why don’t you come? You can bring the cake with you, and I’m sure Georgiana would love to have you there.” I gave a start. Had I just invited Liz to the party? Where had that come from?
Liz’s chin hitched back. “Okay, first, I’m not a delivery service; however, if that’s requested, I can accommodate you. We have a company we hire out to at an extra charge. And second, Gigi hasn’t invited me.”
“So, it’ll be a surprise.”
She shook her head. “I don’t want to crash a party.”
“You won’t be.” I leaned forward and set my arms on the table. “Look, Georgiana never speaks of our parents to anyone—except maybe me and Mrs. Reynolds. The fact that she talked to you about them says loads about her trust in you.” Which was true.
“I caught her at a particularly vulnerable moment.”
“And have you talked to her since?”
Her eyebrows drew down a little in the middle. “What do you mean?”
“I mean does Georgiana seek you out or speak to you when she comes into the shop?”
One shoulder lifted. “Well, yes.”
“How often?”
She blew out a breath and sat back. “I see her a few times a week.”
“Then I think you should come.” I was going to be extraordinarily uncomfortable, but I’d already issued the invitation. I wasn’t going to take it back. Besides, inviting Liz wasn’t about me. Georgiana had never had an easy time making friends. Even if Liz was somewhat older, I’d move heaven and earth to ensure my little sister was happy at her party. What doting big brother wouldn’t?
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It’s almost October, and let’s talk Montford Cousins! As you may already know, Worthy in Every Way is out on Kindle, KU, and paperback. I’m hoping all of you who’ve read it have enjoyed it. If you’ve been waiting for the entire series to be published, you’re in luck! This is the final book, so if you go to the Amazon page, you can find all of the books listed on that page.
This morning, I’m proofing the first 15 minutes, which due wanting to check all of the voices, Deborah Balm (who produced the last 4 Montford Cousin books) is performing Worthy in Every Way. I’m looking forward to hearing the entire book. What I’ve heard of the first two chapters is as excellent as the previous books. I’m fully expecting this audiobook to come out in November.
You might ask that now, with the Montford Cousins all matched and wed, what do I have planned? Well, I’ve been working on a modern variation. I’ve often needed a reset of sorts after several Regency variations. This time was no different. I fully plan to write another Regency Darcy and Elizabeth variation after this current book.
Stay tuned for more!
Happy Reading!
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It’s been a while ladies and gentlemen, but I’ve had a busy late summer. Firstly, I never had the opportunity to share here that Worthy of her Love is now out in audiobook! I’ll have a sample after the chapter for you to try. In the meantime, Georgiana’s story is finally written and almost ready to see the light of day. I can’t wait for you to read it and see what you think. In the meantime, if you didn’t get to read the prologue, click this link to read Tuesday’s post at Austen Variations. Once you’ve done that, simply scroll down for chapter 1!
I don’t have the paperback cover yet since I haven’t formatted it (You have to have the page count for the spine width), but I do have the Kindle cover. I hope you like it!! In the book there are a couple of scenes with a field of poppies, so I depicted that on the cover.
Note: Charles mostly uses sign language (which had been around for a long time by this point) to communicate. Since he lost his hearing almost 30 years into his life, he still has the use of his voice, although his voice has changed. From my research, most who lose their hearing end up with a monotone voice. Due to this, Charles does not typically use his voice in front of anyone but Henry, Jane, and his valet. For that reason and to help the reader know when he is signing and when he is speaking, the font is normal, he is signing and in italics when he is speaking aloud.
14th April 1815
“Good morning, Miss Darcy. Welcome to Albemarle House,” said Bates with a warm smile. “I understand you are removing to Hemel Hill with His and Her Grace.”
“Yes, I am indeed. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy and the children departed for Nottinghamshire this morning with the Greenes and their children.” They planned to break their journey at Dereham, then continue on to Pemberley in a fortnight. Georgiana was not sure why Jane required her aid with the new baby, but her sister had insisted Jane needed her desperately. She could never abandon dear, sweet Jane, so here she was. She adored children, so any assistance she could provide with Clarissa or even Juliana and Emmeline, the duke’s children from his first wife, would be welcome.
“Of course, miss. The duke and duchess have yet to come down, but Lord Bath is at breakfast should you like to join him.” The earl had been Lord Charles when she had first met him. Of course, the death of Simon, his elder brother and the former Lord Bath, had meant Lord Charles assumed the title since it was separate from the dukedom. These things happened from time to time, yet this one would require more adjustment. The former Lord Bath was not a good man.
“I shall join Lord Bath then, thank you.”
The butler brought her to a small room with windows that curved outward and gave a lovely view of the garden behind. When she entered, Lord Bath stood and bowed as Bates pulled out a chair across from the earl. After she thanked Bates, she clasped her hands in her lap. Why did this gentleman sitting opposite from her rile her nerves so? He could not hear, but that did not matter. In essentials, he was no different from any other gentleman.
“Good morning, Lord Bath, I hope you are well.” she said, speaking with both her hands and her voice.
He tilted his head. “Where did you learn that?”
“My brother and his wife have been working with a master who came highly recommended from His Grace.”
“Mr. Creasy?”
“Yes, he has been kind enough to let me join. I still stumble and it is difficult to remember every…” Speaking of stumbling!
She bit her lip and was about to place her palm to her forehead when the earl lifted his eyebrows. He spelled then signed “word.”
“Yes, word.” She nodded. “My brother enjoys speaking to you on matters of estate management, and since you will be a part of our family party in the future, we would not want to see you left out of the conversations around you.”
His Adam’s apple bobbed, he blinked several times quickly, then nodded. Was he overcome? He would not receive a great deal of consideration from most, so if he was, his feelings were understandable. She poured herself coffee. Her distraction would give him a moment to compose himself.
He pointed to her cup. “You do not drink tea?”
“I do, but mostly in the afternoon and evening. Lizzy has converted me to coffee in the morning.”
One side of his lip quirked. “I hear she enjoys brandy. Do you partake of the gentleman’s drinks as well?”
“Lizzy drinks brandy, and my cousin Nicholas’s wife partakes of whiskey—she is Irish—but I have yet to try brandy, or whiskey for that matter.” Georgiana spelled the words she did not know. When she had a moment, she took a muffin from a plate and spread jam upon it before taking a bite. In her nervousness to stay with Jane and her family, she had not eaten that morning. Doing so now might not have been the best idea, but she would try.
Lord Bath returned to his food but mostly picked at what was on his plate. After a quarter hour in such an attitude, Jane finally entered with her husband behind her.
“Oh, Georgiana, forgive me. We overslept and took a tray in our sitting room. No one told us you had arrived.”
“Where is Clarissa?”
“Sleeping in her cradle for the moment,” said His Grace. “We did not want to disturb her before it was necessary.”
Jane glanced between the earl and Georgiana. “Have the two of you eaten?” she asked aloud and with her hands.
“Yes, I was not too hungry, so I had a muffin and some coffee. That should suit me for now.” She spoke as best as she could with her hands so Lord Bath could follow.
With a grin, Jane shook her head. “You have become too much like Lizzy.”
Georgiana pursed her lips. “Not too much. I could never be as forthright and witty as she is.”
“I believe you could if you wished it,” said Jane.
“Your Grace, the carriage is in front of the house. Your trunks are loaded, and the servants’ carriage awaits them in the mews.”
The housekeeper entered with the small bundle of Jane’s new babe in her arms. “I took the liberty of bringing your little lady to you, Your Grace. ’Twas so nice to have a babe in the house. I shall miss it.”
“Here, I should like to hold her if you do not mind.” With a slight lurch forward, Georgiana reached for Clarissa and took the small babe, cradling her with care to her chest. As soon as the wee thing was secure in her arms, Georgiana could have wept. More than anything, she desired a family—children to care for as Lizzy and Fitzwilliam did Alexander and Sophie—but how was she supposed to trust her heart to a gentleman? Wickham had wanted her for her fortune similar to the way Mr. Bingley had desired Jane for hers. Somehow Jane had overcome those scars, but perhaps she had not cared for Mr. Bingley as Georgiana had been fooled into caring for Mr. Wickham. How was she to overcome her reticence with most gentleman? She could not imagine being so open with anyone.
“She seems content in your arms,” said Jane, “but you have had plenty of practice with Alexander and Sophie.”
The housekeeper turned her attention back to her mistress. “Lady Emmeline and Lady Juliana are having their breakfast. They will follow with Miss Fletcher.”
“Good,” said Jane. “I know His Grace has business to attend at Hemel Hill, but I did not want the girls rushed this morning. If you have any issues or questions, do pen me a letter.”
After the housekeeper nodded, Jane hurried out on her husband’s arm. No sooner were they alone than Georgiana’s gaze met Lord Bath’s. What was he thinking? He was so unreadable all of the time. Here and now, he did no more than stare at her while the baby slept in her embrace. With a start, he held out his arm for her to go ahead of him, and she followed Jane and her duke with Lord Bath close behind her. The flesh of her back prickled. She had never experienced such a sensation before. Why would it happen now?
*******
No matter how he tried not to cease staring, Charles could not rip his gaze from the sight of Miss Georgiana Darcy holding his niece. What was it about this lady that disconcerted him so? He had been in company with her and her family more than once since Henry wed Jane, but he had not truly spoken to her until that night in the library—the night when Clarissa was born. That was the evening Miss Darcy had requested he teach her to sign, but what was he to make of her learning on her own? No, he would not consider it. As soon as he lost his hearing, he became unmarriageable. No lady—not even one reputed to be as timid and sweet as Miss Darcy would want him now.
Since that night in the library, he had taken great pains to avoid her company. When he knew she would be coming, he hid away in his sitting room with a book or rode Rotten Row. Most of the time, she called before the fashionable hour, so the Row was not crowded. Without his hearing, navigating the usually busy stretch of dirt track would be dangerous indeed.
His brother helped the ladies into the carriage then took his own seat before Charles climbed in and sat beside him. Thank heavens propriety demanded Jane sit beside Miss Darcy lest he be so close to her. He was attracted to her, but she was the maiden relation of his sister-in-law. He could not act on his desires.
At a light pat to his forearm, his head darted from the floor where he had trained his gaze.
“Are you well?” asked Jane, her mouth moving with her hands.
He nodded, but when the carriage began to move, he dropped his head back into the squabs and closed his eyes. The next couple of hours would be long with Miss Darcy in the carriage. Rather than attempt to join their conversations, he would sleep, or feign sleeping, whichever he could manage.
*******
Once they had all stepped down from the carriage, Charles followed his brother and the ladies towards the house. Jane hastened upstairs with Clarissa while the housekeeper, Mrs. Deaton, showed Miss Darcy to her own rooms, leaving him with his brother.
Unfortunately, Henry tugged at his forearm before Charles could disappear to his sitting room. “I wish to speak to you.”
His brother the door closed behind them after they entered the study. “You are avoiding Miss Darcy, are you not?”
Avoiding Miss Darcy? Of course he was avoiding her. Henry was aware of his aversion to people—aside from his close family that was. Why did he seem to believe Charles would do anything different today?
“Come now. You never sleep in the carriage. I am not stupid.” Well, that part was true.
“What does it matter if I eschew her company? I shall see her at meals and be as polite as possible, as I was this morning, but why must I spend any more time with her than necessary? She is Jane’s guest, not mine.” Unlike when he was in company, he used his voice. Henry had heard it as it continued to alter, so no reason existed for him to be silent with his brother and Jane.
Henry leaned back against his desk. “Miss Darcy is also exceedingly shy and uncomfortable around those she does not know well. She enjoys riding, as do you. Since I need to attend to some business of the estate, I cannot show her the property, but you can.”
After narrowing his eyes, Charles shook his head. “I thought her here to be of aid to Jane and the baby. When would she have time to ride?”
“She is not a nursemaid, and Jane will not require her every moment of every day. I do intend to take Jane to the grotto in the next week or so. The place is a special one for us, and I do not want that tarnished by what happened there.” Two men had ambushed Jane’s footmen just outside the exit and chased a very heavy with child Jane until they caught her and abducted her. “We had hoped Miss Darcy would watch Clarissa for us then and when Jane is required to attend her household duties, but otherwise, she will be tasked with entertaining herself.”
“Does she not have a companion?”
His brother took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. When his hand dropped, his shoulders mirrored the movement. “From what Darcy told me, her companion wed a local landowner a year ago—a country squire from what he described. Miss Darcy opted not to have another.”
“You and Jane are playing matchmaker.”
“Charles—”
“Do you think me ignorant? Do remember that I lost my hearing, not my wits.” Why would he do this? Why would Jane do this? Why could they not let him live his life in peace? One day, when he left this world, he would bequeath his title and lands to Henry’s younger son…if Henry ever had a son.
“I am very aware you did not lose your wits, Brother, but you have lost your confidence. I remember a man who would flirt with the ladies at balls and who, from time to time, even sowed his wild oats with a widow or two. You are not so changed—not in essentials.”
“But why would she wish to be tied to a man no one respects?”
“I respect you,” said Henry, accentuating his statement with a pound to his chest. “Jane respects you. Darcy and Greene speak highly of you as do their wives and Lord and Lady Richmond. Do you honestly believe Jane would introduce you to a lady who would think less of you because you do not hear?”
Charles sank into the chair by the fire. “I visited Mrs. Chapman.”
Henry frowned and crossed his arms over his chest. “When was this?”
“Before Jane’s abduction.” He dropped his head back and closed his eyes. “She has always been a compassionate lady, so I thought to try speaking to her when…” At a touch to his arm, he opened his eyes.
“Did she ridicule you?”
“No, I could not speak—I had no need to speak. I only ever visited Mrs. Chapman for one reason, and she was pleased to see me, so once I bowed in greeting, we adjourned upstairs.” He shook his head. He and Mrs. Chapman had been friends for a few years. She had lost her husband after a fall from a horse and had never intended to marry again. During a house party at a neighbouring estate, she had invited him to her bedchamber. He had not refused. They were not together often, but when they found themselves both in town, or found each other at some event in the country, they indulged.
He shook his head. “I could not bring myself to try to say a word. All I could do is worry that if I made a sound, she would be repulsed. In the end, I could not do it.” He squeezed his eyes closed at the burn. No, he would not cry!
Again, his brother touched his arm. “You never gave her a chance and were likely overcome by your fear of ridicule. That does not mean you will never again…”
“Pray, do not say it.”
Henry sat across from him and rested his elbows up on his knees. “Were you considering offering Mrs. Chapman your hand?”
“No, I do not care for her in that way, and she would never accept it. She is a wealthy widow and as you know, fifteen years older than me.” Most thought her younger—hell, he had believed her to be younger when he first met her.
Henry stood before him. “If I have naught but girls, the dukedom dies with one of us. You need to wed. We are not insisting you consider Miss Darcy but saw an opportunity to introduce two like-minded individuals.”
“Like-minded how?” No lady would want to be shuttered away at Bathwick Abbey with him. They would wish to attend performances and plays in town, which no longer appealed to him, for obvious reasons.
“According to Jane, she has always been uncomfortable around strangers and has no desire to spend time in town. She has been quite content to remain at Pemberley for the past several years.”
“You should have consulted with me before you agreed to this scheme.” He would have never capitulated to it, which is surely why Henry and Jane never mentioned it, but why force this lady into his company when he did not want her there?
“What are we supposed to do, Charles? You hide away from people more and more. The only reason you have come to know Darcy, Greene, and the Montfords is because you met them at the wedding, then were forced into their company when Jane was kidnapped. I do not want to see you lonely for the rest of your life. Would you wish that for me?”
Charles scrubbed his face with his hands and rose. “I shall not court a lady just because you want me to. Do you understand? Now, I do not wish to discuss this further.”
His brother tugged at his arm more than once, but Charles waved him off and departed. He strode upstairs and surely barked at his valet for his riding clothes—he could not know for certain if he barked, but Jennings had startled when he made the request. The assumption was reasonable.
Once atop his mount, he turned the stallion in the direction of the west fields and urged him into a gallop. What he needed now was a good run to clear his head—to for a short time, purge all thoughts of his future, his lack of wife, and the candidate his brother and sister thrust into his notice from his mind. He could not think on any of that now. It was all too much.
I hope you enjoyed the first chapter! Chapter 2 will be posted at Austen Variations on Tuesday and barring something major arising, I should have the release up by Thursday. I have a coaching conference next week, so it may go up earlier and the release celebration and final preview will still be on Thursday if that happens.
Now, for that sample of Worthy of her Love!
Now, as far as Georgiana and Charles go, I’m not sure what to think at this moment. Do you have any theories?
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Today’s the day! 58 JAFF authors giving away books for free. It’s a great opportunity to load up your Kindle. Link and QR Code are below! Don’t miss out!
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Happy New Year! Yes, I am well aware we’re 10 days into the new year, and I’m running a bit behind. December was a whirlwind of good and bad. I am blown over by the reviews on Catching Lizzy. Thank you to everyone who read and reviewed it. It was definitely a mood booster while I was ill over Christmas. Some virus decided it liked me, my husband, and my eldest daughter. They’re both over it, and the cough is still lingering with me. I do have my attention span back since that took a vacay while I was sick, but I admit to being lazy some days when the cough tries to make a come back.
January arrived with the news that An Endeavour to be Worthy came in 3rd place in the 1st Annual Members’ Choice Audiobook Awards! I’m just tickled pink that everyone loved the audiobook enough to vote for it. I’m in the mood to celebrate, so I have 5 paperback copies of An Endeavour to be Worthy that I am giving away (US only due to the crazy cost of postage these days! Sorry!). Please note that these were the first paperbacks I received after publication and I forgot to put the title on the binding (my bad!) but I will sign the binding in Sharpie if you want :). Just let me know when you enter in the comments. For worldwide, I will give away 3 audiobook codes for An Endeavour to be Worthy and 3 audiobook codes for A Gentleman of Worth (the 2nd book in the series). In your comment, please let me know which giveaways you’re entering as well as what audiobook code you will need (US or UK).
Now, to what’s coming! I’m thrilled to announce that Deborah Balm is currently working on narrating A Worthy Woman (3rd in the Montford Cousins series) and I hope it will be out next month. I also have Scarlett Mae Clarke currently working on Catching Lizzy. The first 15 minutes sounded great, and I’m looking forward to hearing more. She was doing great with drunk Lizzy so I’m really excited. I’ve also started working on Jane’s story. I’m over 20K words in and trying to get my pace back moving forward after the holidays.
I have also been working on a real office of sorts! For the past two years, I’ve been using my old Ikea kitchen island as a computer table on one side of the kitchen. With my younger daughter now moved out and at college/university, I have repainted the room and bought a real desk and office chair. I’m currently planning on repainting some of my daughter’s old furniture to use in there as well. I still need to make a place for the printer!
I’d love to hear about your holidays! Don’t forget to leave me a comment for the giveaway with which giveaways you’re entering and the market for the audiobook! Another chance to win will be on Monday at Austen Variations!
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If you missed the announcement on social media and Austen Variations. A Worthy Woman is now available on Kindle and KU. I am working on the paperback and it will be out sometime next week if I can get my ducks in a row 🙂
I absolutely love Nicholas’s journey to love and I hope you’ll read it and fall in love with it too. It was so much fun to write about different places and to meet some new people along the way. If you haven’t checked out the details on the book, here is the blurb:
Nicholas Montford is tired of the London Season, tired of the marriage mart, and most of all, he is tired of encountering a certain duchess from his past. The Hatton viscountcy has an estate in Ireland, a place his father wrote fondly of in his journal. By journeying to Ireland, Nicholas could escape the duchess he once loved as well as see to a property that a Montford has not visited since he was a boy. Despite his grandfather’s objections, he departs for County Antrim, eager to seek solace, but when he first espies a cloaked figure on horseback galloping across his lands as though fleeing for his life, Nicholas’s wishes seem for naught. He gives chase to the trespasser, but when a fiery redhead with a glare to match her locks emerges from the cape, he finds himself in a predicament he never imagined possible.
Lady Fiona Fitzgerald has no need of a gentleman to wed—not even the handsome viscount who just arrived at Montford, the neighbouring estate. As the Earl of Kildare’s only child and heir, she plans to live forever at Larchfield as a spinster. After all, her father raised her as he would a son: she rides astride, shoots with the men, and never reads romances, so why do as expected and marry a man? Why would she make herself subject to a gentleman’s whims? But what is she to do about Viscount Hatton? He has come to her rescue more than once, challenges her at every turn, and frustrates her to no end. He also stirs her like no other she has ever met. When her father poses an ultimatum, the irritating gentleman could be the answer, but can she entrust Viscount Hatton with her dilemma? By doing so, she might have to leave all she has known and cherished behind, but by taking such a huge risk, will she find something even greater—will she find love?
If it is a concern for you, the book contains scenes with adult content.
Now, for the giveaway winners of the audiobook codes for A Gentleman of Worth.
Congratulations to Char, Cyndy, and LeslieGB.
The giveaway winners of an ePub of A Worthy Woman are
LindaA, DarcyBennet, and SarahB.
Don’t forget to check out A Woman of Worth on Kindle and KU!
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and happy reading!!
