Hello, dear readers! I have a treat for you today! As many of you know, I’ve edited all of Victoria Kincaid’s Pride and Prejudice variations, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each one, but there was something special about her latest: When Jane Got Angry. Oh yes, an angry Jane! What a delight it was to see Jane act much differently in this novella, and I couldn’t help but cheer her on.
Victoria is here today to talk about women and anger and to share an excerpt and giveaway. Please give her a warm welcome!
One of the reasons I like writing about the Regency time period is that it makes a great escape from the sometimes overwhelming and stressful news that we hear every day. Their issues weren’t ours, so I can escape into their world for a while. Except sometimes there’s unexpected crossover. The week that When Jane Got Angry was released, there was an interesting and thoughtful review in the Washington Post of two different books that analyzed why women are angry today.
Anger is usually something women are told to control because it’s not ladylike, but—as the Post reviewer pointed out—sometimes anger can be empowering for women. Which is what happens to Jane Bennet in my story.
Most readers of P&P identify with Elizabeth—not just because she is the protagonist but also because she represents a kind of independent spirit that we would like to see in ourselves. She becomes a middle way between Lydia’s heedless flouting of social norms (with attendant consequences) and Jane’s passive acceptance of what happens. Compared to Elizabeth, Jane is dull, bland, too good.
When I thought up the plot for this book, I wanted a Jane who would fight back and shake things up a little, but I wanted it to be believable—to stay in character. After all, I could have written a Jane who was suddenly as conniving as Caroline Bingley and turns the tables on the other woman. But that wouldn’t be believable within the bounds of what we know about Jane’s character. The only way I could think of for Jane to change the course of her life—to be an active player—was for her to get angry.
Of course, she’s been fighting anger her whole life—it isn’t ladylike. But when she embraces it, she finds it’s unexpectedly empowering. I could just hear a whole chorus of female readers sighing and saying, “At last! Jane finally got a backbone!”
Although we are frustrated with Jane’s passivity, I think we also empathize with her journey. I’m not as passive or accepting as Jane, but I certainly have had moments in my life when I swallowed my anger and accepted what was happening. Later I would wish that I’d gotten angry. I would wish that I’d fought for myself. That I hadn’t stayed silent. So, in writing this story I can share Jane’s anger—and her empowerment as well.
****
An excerpt from When Jane Got Angry, courtesy of Victoria Kincaid
Aware of Jane’s scrutiny, the maid dipped her head but made no move to depart. “Begging your pardon, miss.” The girl bit her lip. “But are you, perhaps, sweet on Mr. Charles Bingley?”
Jane’s eyebrows shot upward. Her mother would have chastised a servant for such forwardness. Not that Jane was surprised the maid had guessed the truth; servants were always eavesdropping and sharing gossip. But never had a servant asked Jane about her personal life.
Recognizing Jane’s shock, Maggie started backing toward the door. “I’m sorry, miss! I shouldn’t have said anything. Never you mind—”
The maid clearly had images of being sacked for her impertinence, but Jane was not so easily offended. She held out her hand in a reassuring gesture. “It is quite all right, Maggie. I was merely surprised. What prompted the question?”
The girl’s hands twisted in her apron as she considered for a moment before speaking. “Well, I noticed what you and Mrs. Gardiner were saying today…and I couldn’t help but overhear some of what Miss Bingley said….”
Jane was tempted to smile. She imagined that Maggie’s “overhearing” was not particularly inadvertent. “Miss Bingley did seem out of spirits today.”
Maggie made an indignant noise. “She was awful, that Bingley woman. If my friend treated me in such a way, I would give her the back of my hand.”
Jane could not quite picture it. “That would have shocked Miss Bingley,” she said.
Maggie gestured wildly. “I don’t know how you stay so calm about it. Me, I’d be spitting mad by now. If you don’t mind me saying so.”
Suddenly the accumulated tension of the day caught up with Jane; her legs could barely support her. Sinking onto the stool of the dressing table, she caught a glimpse of her drawn face in the mirror.
Many other women would be angry, Jane supposed. Lizzy. Lydia. Her mother. But Jane was the sister who did not make a fuss. She did not demand. She did not protest. Papa called her “the quiet one.” Jane could be counted upon to bring Mama her tea when she had an attack of nerves. Or to mediate any dispute between Kitty and Lydia. To remain calm no matter what happened. That was who she was.
Even when your friend was revealed to be false.
Of course, none of this could be shared with the maid. “Are you at all acquainted with Miss Bingley?” Perhaps Maggie had heard some rumors; Jane could conceive no other reason to raise the subject with her.
“No, miss. Not at all. But I am acquainted with Mr. Bingley’s valet, Joseph. That is to say, Mr. Harvey.” The girl colored faintly. She had red hair and the very pale skin that often accompanied it.
Jane felt a faint spark of hope, although she did not know how Maggie’s acquaintance might benefit the lowly Miss Bennet. “I see.”
“Miss Bingley gives her brother a world of trouble. He has complained about her to Joseph.”
“Do you know if Miss Bingley encouraged her brother to leave Netherfield?” The words were out before Jane could have second thoughts. She should not be gossiping with her aunt’s maid, but the question was one she often had wondered about—and it was such a relief to share her woes with a sympathetic listener. Aunt Gardiner attended to Jane’s anxieties, but she was very busy with her children—and often inclined to give advice about “forgetting” Mr. Bingley. Jane did not believe such a feat was possible.
“I don’t know, but I can ask.”
Jane said nothing, torn between her need to learn the truth and her quite proper desire to avoid gossip.
She caught another glimpse of her wan reflection in the mirror. What did it signify? “No, it matters not. My path and Mr. Bingley’s are unlikely to cross again.”
Maggie’s reflection—standing behind Jane’s—frowned. “Why is that?”
“We do not run in the same circles, and Miss Bingley seems inclined to discontinue the acquaintance.”
Maggie shook her head, making her red curls bounce. “Och, people of quality make everything so hard. If I liked a fellow, I would just go up and knock on his door.”
Jane stifled a laugh. “Would that it were so simple.”
Emboldened, Maggie stepped a little closer to Jane and lowered her voice. “I could ask Joseph about Mr. Bingley’s schedule so you might find him and speak with him.”
Jane gave the maid a sad smile. “I thank you for the offer, but I could not possibly approach Mr. Bingley. It would be unpardonably forward.”
“But if you was to know where Mr. Bingley would be, you could arrange to encounter him—all accidental like—with him none the wiser.”
****
About When Jane Got Angry
When Mr. Bingley abruptly left Hertfordshire, Jane Bennet’s heart was broken. Since arriving in London to visit her aunt and uncle, Jane has been hoping to encounter Mr. Bingley; however, it becomes clear that his sister is keeping them apart. But what would happen if she took matters into her own hands? Defying social convention, she sets out to alert Mr. Bingley to her presence in London, hoping to rekindle the sparks of their relationship.
Bingley is thrilled to encounter Jane and renew their acquaintance, but his sister has told him several lies about the Bennets—and his best friend, Mr. Darcy, still opposes any relationship. As Jane and Bingley sort through this web of deceit, they both find it difficult to retain their customary equanimity.
However, they also discover that sometimes good things happen when Jane gets angry.
Buy on Amazon
****
Giveaway
Victoria is generously offering an international winner’s choice giveaway for When Jane Got Angry. One lucky winner will get a choice of an ebook or paperback. To enter, please leave a comment with your email address. This giveaway will be open through Sunday, October 7, 2018. The winner will be chosen randomly and announced in the comments section of this post. Good luck!
Thank you for being my guest today, Victoria! It’s always a pleasure to share your books with my readers.
Congratulations, Victoria! A book with a feisty Jane sounds quite intriguing 🙂 Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
LikeLike
Hi Virginia, Thank you for your interest! Good luck with the giveaway.
LikeLike
I do like the idea of an angry Jane, in fact I’m with the maid – she should have slapped Miss Bingley and thrown her out 🙂
I hope that when she and Bingley do get together she convinces him to get Caroline out of their home.
See, I’m angry too and I haven’t even read it yet 🙂
LikeLike
Hi Glynis, Sometimes anger is the best response. 🙂 Good luck with the giveaway!
LikeLike
I agree, a stronger, more determined Jane is going to be fun to read.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
LikeLike
Hi Mary, Yes, sometimes I get tired of a wishy washy Jane. Good luck with the giveaway!
LikeLike
I like the notion of a different Jane, she is usually such a passive, and yes, a boring character
meikleblog(at)gmail(dot)com
LikeLike
Hi Vesper, Yes, anger does make her more interesting! Good luck with the giveaway.
LikeLike
Congratulations! I am looking forward to reading a Jane who sets her foot down.
LikeLike
Forgot to add my email:
skamper25 at gmail dot com
And thank you for the generous give away.
LikeLike
Hi Deborah, It’s refreshing, isn’t it? Good luck with the giveaway!
LikeLike
I always love it when an author makes Jane a bit less ‘rainbows and unicorns’. Go Jane!
Congrats on the new release and thanks for the giveaway!
LikeLike
Hi Arjanne, Less rainbows and unicorns is a good description! Good luck with the giveaway!
LikeLike
I love Jane but I have always wished she was less passive so I think I would really enjoy this story. Thanks for the giveaway. jadseah4(at)yahoo(dot)com
LikeLike
Yes, passive is definitely the way to describe her. Good luck with the giveaway!
LikeLike
I agree that a Jane who takes her future in her hands is intriquing! I love all of Victoria’s books too so I can’t wait to read this one.
Thanks for the excert and giveaway.
LikeLike
Hi Theresa, Thank you for being a faithful reader. Good luck with the giveaway!
LikeLike
I can’t imagine what is about to happen. Yikes!! Caroline… you scheming b-witch… Charles is about to find out just what you have done. This sounds like fun. I already have the book so don’t include me in the giveaway. Thanks to Anna for hosting and congratulations to our author Victoria Kincaid for this launch.
LikeLike
Hi JW, Thank you for getting my book! I hope you enjoy it.
LikeLike
Love Victoria’s books so it is a given I plan to read this one. I am curious to see this new angry Jane. Congratulations and thank you for the giveaway. Cherringtonmb at sbcglobal dot net
LikeLike
Hi Becky, Thank you for being a faithful reader! Good luck with the giveaway.
LikeLike
We know that Jane is all goodness and sweetness in expression, but as she is also a human being, of course there is some anger and resentment that is not expressed because of propriety. The premise of letting Jane BE angry is wonderful, whether it be active or passive, physical or verbal, I love it, because it makes her a real human being (and hopefully does the same for Charles Bingley). Thanks to the study of psychology, we know today that anger unexpressed turns inward and is very damaging in time.
I was never beautiful like Jane, but I spent my first 25 years never showing anger, despite verbal, physical, and sexual abuse from my family and acquaintances – all because I thought one should be accepting and passive in order to be loved. One of the reasons I love Jane Austen’s books is that I can identify with every one of her characters in some way. This book is on my wish list and I’m saving up for it!
LikeLike
Hi Cheryl, Thank you for your thoughtful note. I’m glad you identify with Jane’s struggles. Good luck with the giveaway!
LikeLike
What a delightful feature and giveaway. Jane is wonderful in this version.
LikeLike
Hi Anne, Thanks for your interest and good luck with the giveaway!
LikeLike
I cannot wait to see an angry Jane, she had many a reason in the original to be upset at the least. This sounds wonderful. Thanks for the giveaway
LikeLike
Hi Serena, I’m glad you find her intriguing! Good luck with the giveaway.
LikeLike
Yes, I do want to read about what happens when Jane gets angry. Other stories have made her into an evil sister or even a manipulative sister but this sounds so much better. She can still be close to Elizabeth but set things straight without Elizabeth having to manage things behind her back. Thanks for sharing. odara7rox(at)rcn(dot)com
LikeLike
Hi Sheila, Making her angry or manipulative goes against her original character, and I don’t like to do that with Austen’s people. Good luck with the giveaway!
LikeLike
A different Jane is a nice and fun change.Can’t wait to read your work again Victoria.Congrats!
LikeLike
Hi Christina, Thanks for your interest and good luck with the giveaway!
LikeLike
Well this is a different angle. I look forward to seeing what Jane gets up to.
Don’t know how you come up with all of these ideas, Victoria.
LikeLike
Hi Ginna, I’m glad you find it intriguing. Sometimes I don’t know where the ideas come from either. 🙂
LikeLike
Oh yes! Bring it on! Jane doesn’t like conflict, nor do I for that matter, but I’m liking the maid’s suggestion! Thank you for a chance at the giveaway!
LikeLike
Hi Carole, A lot of people don’t like conflict which makes so many of these situations high stress for the characters. Good luck with the giveaway!
LikeLike
I’ve seen several posts about this book on FB and it looks like a like a lot of fun with Jane standing up for herself. Best Wishes with your new book, Victoria.
LikeLike
Thank you, Jennifer. People seem to be enjoying it.
LikeLike
Get angry, Jane! I love stories where Jane gets to be angry. And why shouldn’t she? I love it! Thank you for the giveaway and congrats on the book! kneyda(at)yahoo(dot)com.
LikeLike
Hi Talia, I love it too. Good luck with the giveaway!
LikeLike
I wish Jane would get angry enough to let Miss Bingley have it. I also agree with the maid. I like her way of doing things. Congrats on your new book. (haircare 125at verizon dot com)
LikeLike
Hi Mary, I like the maid too! Good luck with the giveaway!
LikeLike
Lovely excerpt! Yes, the Quality’s notions are sometimes rather strange…
Thanks for the chance of a giveaway!
LikeLike
Hi Agnes, The ton did have some odd ideas! Good luck with the giveaway!
LikeLike
Ooh, I love the idea of an angry Jane! Sweet Jane deserves a backbone. I can’t wait to read this! Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
Congrats on your newest release Victoria! Looking forward to reading a fiesty Jane!
LikeLike
I like a bold Jane who knows what she wants and sets out to make it happened. Thanks for fleshing out this version of Jane who is to still bound by the conventions in Regency society. And congrats on this new release, Victoria!
LikeLike
I forgot to put my email address. It’s evangelineace2020(at)yahoo(dot)com Thank you.
LikeLike
Thanks to everyone who stopped by to check out Victoria’s new book! The winner is Mary Campbell. Mary, please check your email! Congratulations and happy reading!
LikeLike