I’m thrilled to announce the release of Rose Fairbanks‘ novel, No Cause to Repine, which I had the pleasure of editing earlier in the year. We’re celebrating with an excerpt and a giveaway!
A misinterpreted accident threatens Elizabeth Bennet’s reputation and her fate seems sealed as Fitzwilliam Darcy’s wife. While the bride is resigned, the gentleman could hardly be happier until betrayals and schemes threaten to take the matter entirely out of their hands. Overcoming the plots before them will take all the patience, perseverance and collaboration they can muster, but a partnership requires truth. Self-discovery and trust await Jane Austen’s most beloved and willfully blind couple as they attempt to master their own destiny in life and love.
Here’s an excerpt, courtesy of Rose Fairbanks:
Mr. Bennet was just beginning to recover from his confrontation with Darcy, after confirming his family did not overhear him and finding himself thankful they were a noisy lot, when the butler showed his cousin, Mr. Collins, into his study. He did not attempt to stifle a groan and clutched his head between his hands for a brief moment.
Mr. Collins’ eyes seemed unusually glassy as he said, “Mr. Bennet, I have come with the express purpose of seeing to the safe reception of a letter of utmost urgency from my esteemed patroness. I shall allow you to read it without delay.” He fumbled in his pocket, even less coordinated than usual, before finding the sealed parchment and laying it on the desk in front of him.
Mr. Bennet looked on in annoyance at his cousin’s obvious inebriation. Given the circumstances of the previous few days, he felt it better actually to read the letter. He ignored his cousin sermonizing on the improper behaviour of his most favourite daughter. If he had not already expended so much interest and energy on Darcy, he might have even been moved to anger at the gentleman before him. Instead, he turned his attention to the note, praying fervently to find some amusement within.
Rosings, Kent
Monday, March 30
Mr. Bennet,
You can be at no loss to understand my reason for writing to you. I understand your second eldest daughter, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, has presumed an engagement with my nephew, Mr. Darcy. This union cannot take place. He is engaged to my daughter. I am ready to settle twenty five thousand pounds for the silence of your household on this matter and to supplement your daughters’ dowries so they might make beneficial matches. You may rest assured that no scandal shall come from the compromising position in which they were found yesterday morning, as my staff and clergyman’s household have all been instructed to silence. You may relay your acceptance of the arrangement and the particulars of your choosing to me when Mr. Collins returns to Hunsford.
The Rt. Hon. Lady Catherine de Bourgh
Mr. Bennet was more than a little tempted by her ladyship’s offer. He certainly could use the money, and he would not need to lose his Elizabeth to the despicable Mr. Darcy. He did have his reservations about his cousin, among others, and his ability to abide by Lady Catherine’s edict of silence on the matter.
“Mr. Collins, has Lady Catherine commanded your silence on a matter of some delicacy?”
“Yes, Mr. Bennet, and she is worthy of all obedience…” Collins had to cease his speech due to a round of hiccoughs.
Mr. Bennet seized the opportunity, giving Collins a stern look. “Then I suggest you practice that silence now. My wife and youngest daughters remain ignorant on this subject, and so do the servants. If you do not wish to incur her ladyship’s wrath, then you must control your tongue.”
“You are, of course, correct, sir! And it is so affable of you to remind me so diligently. May I presume that you have agreed to her ladyship’s proposal?”
Mr. Bennet had not entirely decided. In fact, he was rather tired of the subject for the day and just about to make a request for more time to decide when Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy barged into his study.
“Papa! I must speak with you at once.” He immediately recognised Elizabeth’s glare of disdain at Mr. Collins as she spoke.
“Yes, and I should like to speak with you.”
Elizabeth continued to eye Mr. Collins, insisting, “I must request a private audience.”
“And so I agree.” Mr. Bennet’s lips curled up in amusement. “Mr. Darcy, could you show Mr. Collins the way to his wife? Afterwards, you may wish to sit with the ladies in the morning room again or leave entirely.” Mr. Bennet did not trust Collins near his wife and daughters and hoped Mrs. Collins could convince her husband to depart for Lucas Lodge.
Mr. Bennet was annoyed that his attempts at baiting Darcy were unsuccessful. He had expected the man to be more affronted when asked to leave the library and told to escort Collins, as a servant would. And wonder of wonders, the proud man showed no reaction to being forced into more company with Mrs. Bennet or to leave for Netherfield. Darcy only looked towards Elizabeth and gave her a little smile and a nod, then graciously obliged.
Once alone, he looked at his daughter and began, “You shall not have to marry Mr. Darcy, Lizzy. Her ladyship has graciously condescended to ensure silence on the subject.”
“How can you trust a woman who so carelessly demanded to send me away? Who insulted me and our family with the vilest language? You must see we cannot be so assured! If gossip were to get out, it will materially harm the reputations of my sisters.”
“With a dowry of six thousand pounds, surely they shall draw the attention of some respectable men. It shall be more if I invest wisely.”
Elizabeth gasped in disbelief. “Of what are you speaking?”
“Her ladyship confirms Mr. Darcy’s engagement to her daughter and, in the interest of seeing that union preserved, has offered a sum of twenty five thousand pounds in addition to her earlier assurances.”
“Mr. Darcy has vigorously denied any engagement with Miss de Bourgh. He refuted it to his aunt’s face!” Elizabeth’s face took on an unexpected expression of panic. She soon recovered and calmly stated, “He has declared our engagement just as openly.”
“The general expectation of Mr. Darcy’s marriage to Miss de Bourgh is well-known. I daresay few would believe any gossip of an engagement with you.”
“Can you not see this is an outrageous attempt at bribery? I very much doubt that, should there be no scandal and I release Mr. Darcy from our understanding, he shall marry his cousin. Lady Catherine would be incensed, and I believe her to be vindictive.” She paused a moment and narrowed her eyes. “In fact, she might act against us even if he would marry her daughter. I also find it hard to believe she would honour the payment or that she even has the monies.”
“I would do anything, rather than see you in so unequal a marriage guaranteed to bring you nothing but misery.”
“Even putting all of my sisters at risk? You must be sensible!”
“I know you can never respect the man after all he has done.”
“You know nothing of the sort! Pray, have you read my uncle’s letter?”
Mr. Bennet snorted in disgust. “I am sure your uncle has only been intimidated, or perhaps charmed, by Mr. Darcy in coming to his defence. There is little use in my reading it.”
Elizabeth snatched the letter from her father’s desk and began to read aloud…
Giveaway: Rose is generously offering one ebook copy (open internationally) and one paperback (U.S. only) of No Cause to Repine. Simply leave a comment about what intrigues you most about this novel, and please include your email address. This giveaway will be open through Sunday, May 24.
© 2015 Anna Horner of Diary of an Eccentric. All Rights Reserved. Please do not reproduce or republish content without permission.
Intrigues me most, well it’s a variation, that is enough for me 😀 But I do love the they must marry thing
Ebook Intl
booksforlife01 at gmail dot com
LikeLike
I really have quite a fondness for forced marriage situations. Good luck in the giveaway!
LikeLike
Elizabeth is sounding desperate to stay engaged
LikeLike
Hehe, you’d think her father could pick up on that, huh? Good luck!
LikeLike
It definitely sounds as though Elizabeth is warming to Darcy if she’s defending him like this. I don’t know if I’ve missed any other excerpts (I’ve read the one where Darcy speaks with Mr. Gardiner) but does Elizabeth know what’s in her Uncle’s letter. Sounds like she might do.
This is all very vexing! I want to know it all!
angmardee(at)hotmail(dot)com
LikeLike
That’s the only other excerpt so far. I need to make a list of stops and put it on my blog. I hadn’t yet because I was finalizing a few dates with others. She has not read her uncle’s letter but knew what it would contain. Good luck!
LikeLike
I just love the new ways that Lady Catherine can stick her nose in where it doesn’t belong! This sounds great, and you, my friend, edited it…should be even more fantastic!
LikeLike
There are certain things I like to stay pretty close to the original on, a meddlesome Lady Catherine is one of them! I hope you enjoy! I think Anna did a great job with the editing!
LikeLike
This sounds like a very intriguing variation. Mr. Bennet is making many assumptions without having garnered any new information. I really like the fact that Lizzy is defending Darcy vociferously — and he is polite!
Yes, I would like to be considered for the book version. My email is julia(dot)ergane(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you
LikeLike
Choosing excerpts is so hard! I don’t quite tell you what chapter this is from or what’s gone on to get them to this point of politeness and acceptance, do I? Good luck!
LikeLike
Well, reading this has got my interest peaked! I was going to wait to open my Kindle til next week on the train but I think I will start reading right after supper.
It seems like Darcy and Lizzy were ok when they entered her father’s book room because Darcy smiled at her and what is the problem here? Hum!!!!
I have the ebook and would love to have the real book.
Thanks for the chance to win. Great story that has peaked everyone’s interest.
MaryAnn Nagy
Tollygal55@comcast.net
LikeLike
I hope you enjoy! Good luck in the giveaway!
LikeLike
I would love to read this. I want to know what Mr. Gardiner said in his letter! This is the first excerpt from the book I’ve seen. Just WHAT was this compromising situation Lizzy and Darcy found themselves in…intriguing.
LikeLike
Amazon will let you read a sample so that can answer one of your questions. I just posted my schedule for other blogs on my own: rosefairbanks.com so you can keep track of the excerpts. Good luck in the giveaway!
LikeLike
Now I have to know what the letter says! I want to read the story! tgruy at netscape dot net
LikeLike
I was a tease, wasn’t I? Good luck!
LikeLike
A very good one!
LikeLike
Don’t count me in but I do like that cover!
LikeLike
Thanks! My graphic designer did an awesome job. It was a lovely image she found to start with but the changes made it perfect. I love the image too. He’s all into her and she’s like…”oh, my pretty fan.” It felt perfect for Darcy and Elizabeth’s feelings at the beginning of the story.
LikeLike
It sounds like Elizabeth has comes to terms with marrying Darcy and the Gardeners consent! I’m intrigue to find out how Lady Catherine reacts to the response from Mr. Bennet and if Mr. Collins can keep quite. Looking forward to reading your novel Rose! Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to be entered for both giveaways. My email address is tdungnvu (at) yahoo (dot) com.
LikeLike
Thanks! I think this plot has a lot going on: forced marriage between Darcy and Lizzy with unequal feelings, Lady Catherine doesn’t want the marriage, Mr. Collins is the a concern of gossip, Mr. Bennet seems relieved to have another option for Lizzy and well…there may be another concern or two yet to be exposed! How can it all wrap up? Good luck!
LikeLike
I’ve already read it, so no entry for me. Just wanted to say how much I LOVED this book! Mr. Bennet was a bit of a hard head in this book. But I liked that he cared so much!
LikeLike
Thanks! I’m glad you got that feeling from Mr. Bennet too. He seems a bit foolish and selfish here. How can that be love? Allow me a shameless plug for one of my other books: Letters from the Heart.
LikeLike
I love the P&P variations and am especially fond of the marriage of
covenience-forced marriage plot.
I can’t wait to read this!
ladysusan46(at)yahoo(dot)com
LikeLike
Thanks, Lady Susan! I actually have to slap my hands away from doing more of these plots (my next one is a forced marriage too). Good luck!
LikeLike
What intrigues me most are 3 things. What compromising position were they found in?How is Lizzy’s father convinced not to accept Lady Catherine’s offer? How do ODC learn to trust one another. As I love Rose’s books I have no doubt this one will be just as wonderful! I’m in the US.
skamper25 (at) gmail (dot) com
LikeLike
Poor Elizabeth, it really was an accident. Darcy tripped over the rug and his face landed in her lap! I’m sure to someone like Mr. Collins it looked like a lover’s position…Darcy certainly struggles with some memories of that himself later. 😉 As with most compromising situations the real issue is gossip and the fact that it can change an innocent accident and make it so much worse. Keep your eye out for a few more excerpts which may answer your other questions…or just add more. Good luck!
LikeLike
What intrigues me the most is that what will be the road of Elizabeth and Mr.Darcy to HEA in this new forced marriage variation:) Very interesting excerpt! Thank you for the giveaway! I’m international so I would like to be entered into ebook giveaway. oloore at gmail dot com
LikeLike
I promise a HEA! There’s a lot going on for them. Sometimes having a common enemy can help things. Good luck!
LikeLike
What intrigues me? These excerpts that leave me wanting more! Thank you for the giveaway.
Cherringtonmb at sbcglobal dot net
LikeLike
You’re welcome! I hope to see you on the other posts then! Good luck!
LikeLike
Win or not…this is one I am definitely adding to my Wish List.
odara7rox(at)rcn(dot)com
LikeLike
Thanks! Good luck!
LikeLike
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all who entered. The winners will be chosen randomly and emailed.
LikeLike