It’s always a pleasure to feature Amy D’Orazio on the blog, so I’m delighted that she’s back today to celebrate the release of A Lady’s Reputation. Today she’s here to talk about a fan favorite character, Viscount Saye. Please give her a warm welcome!
****
Back when I began writing my stories and posting them online at AHA, a character sort of wormed his way into my writing. He wasn’t part of the first two I wrote but by the third story, A Willful Misunderstanding (unpublished), he had begun to make himself known.
I can’t say I’ve always had a clear idea of him— it might sound odd to say so but he really sort of forced his way in and took on a life of his own. He’s the elder brother of Colonel Fitzwilliam, an unnamed and vaguely present entity that doesn’t appear in canon but who has come to figure large in my stories!
I have named him Viscount Saye, Antony Fitzwilliam. He is about 3 years older than Colonel Fitzwilliam which makes him around 5 years older than Darcy. He is heir to his father’s earldom (which in my stories is usually called Matlock) as well as his fortune.
Saye is a little bit rakish, and enjoyed the London scene very well as a young bachelor. He is wealthy, handsome, irreverent and impertinent. He knows his is a rarefied and privileged position and he enjoys every bit of the status and wealth afforded to him.
Although he likes to tease, and even torment, however, he loves his brother and his cousin Darcy. As a good friend of mine once put it, “Saye loves to do good as long as he’s sure no one will catch him at it.”
The love of his life is a young lady of the ton called Lillian—her maiden name was Miss Goddard and in my most recent book, A Lady’s Reputation, they are engaged. Sometimes they’re already married, it all depends on the story!
I have something of an enormous crush on my Saye (sometimes even more than Darcy but shh, don’t tell!) and it was a huge compliment to me when a recent reviewer wrote “He’s such a natural extension of the Fitzwilliam family that it’s hard to believe that he wasn’t in Austen’s original.”
From A Lady’s Reputation
The scene within the Gardiner residence was not one Darcy could have contrived in his wildest imagination.
His aunt sat in a chair next to Elizabeth on a small settee. Colonel Fitzwilliam sat across from them on another sofa with Mr and Mrs Gardiner on either side. As Darcy and Saye were shown in, all save Elizabeth turned to look at them. Uneasiness made Darcy pause, but Saye had no such scruple, all but leaping into the room with eagerness and going directly to Elizabeth.
“So then! This is Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the centre of our most recent Fitzwilliam Family Furore!”
Elizabeth looked at him in shock as he strode towards her, belatedly rising for the introduction. Saye bowed low over Elizabeth’s hand, boldly kissing it as she watched with clear amazement.
“Enchanté, my dear. Is it too soon to call you Cousin?” Saye settled himself on the settee, still holding Elizabeth’s hand, thus forcing her to sit as well.
“Saye,” Lady Matlock said, a warning tone in her voice.
He disregarded his mother, leaning so close to Elizabeth it almost appeared he would kiss her. “Fitzwilliam Family Furore…I challenge you to say it twenty times fast. I thought of nothing else but that for the entire journey here. Try it with me. Fitzwilliam Family Furore, Fitzwilliam Family Furore, Fitzwilliam Family Furore—”
He stopped suddenly, leaning back and looking concerned for a moment. “Though to be perfectly just, I must own that perhaps it cannot truly be regarded as a Fitzwilliam Family Furore since Darcy is the originator of all this. Or can it? For we must concede, he is half Fitzwilliam…and his given name is Fitzwilliam…so yes, I must conclude it works, much to the delight of all.”
He beamed at Elizabeth as she recovered from her astonishment and, to the great surprise of everyone in the room, began to laugh, her fingers pressed to her lips and her eyes twinkling merrily.
Colonel Fitzwilliam closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose while Lady Matlock admonished, “Saye, stop being ridiculous at once.”
“Why should I? I daresay, of us all at this moment, I am likely Miss Elizabeth’s favourite Fitzwilliam. Can you deny it?”
He addressed the last to Elizabeth, and she replied with laughter still in her tone, “I have no wish to deny it, sir. This is indeed the most enjoyable five minutes I have had these three days together.”
“You see?” Saye gave his relations a smug little smirk.
****
About A Lady’s Reputation
“Mr. Darcy, I am eager to hear your explanation for the fact that quite a few people believe we are engaged.”
It starts with a bit of well-meant advice. Colonel Fitzwilliam suggests to his cousin Darcy that, before he proposes to Elizabeth Bennet in Kent, perhaps he ought to discuss his plans with their families first.
What neither man could have predicted however was that Lord Matlock would write the news to his sister or Viscount Saye would overhear, and tell his friends, or that his friends might slip a little and let their friends know as well. The news spreads just as quickly through Hertfordshire once Mrs Bennet opens the express Mr Bennet receives from Mr Darcy, and in a matter of days, it seems like everyone knows that Mr Darcy has proposed marriage to Elizabeth Bennet.
Everyone, that is, except Elizabeth herself.
Her refusal is quick and definite—until matters of reputation, hers as well as Jane’s, are considered. Then Mr Darcy makes another offer: summer at Pemberley, so that Jane can be reunited with Mr Bingley and so that he can prove to Elizabeth he is not what she thinks of him. Falling in love with him is naturally impossible…but once she knows the man he truly is, will she be able to help herself?
Buy on Amazon
****
About the Author
Amy D’Orazio is a long-time devotee of Jane Austen and fiction related to her characters. She began writing her own little stories to amuse herself during hours spent at sports practices and the like and soon discovered a passion for it. By far, however, the thing she loves most is the connections she has made with readers and other writers of Austenesque fiction.
Amy currently lives in Pittsburgh with her husband and daughters, as well as three Jack Russell terriers who often make appearances (in a human form) in her book.
Amy’s other releases include “A Short Period of Exquisite Felicity” and the “The Best Part of Love,” a Readers Choice Gold Medal Winner for 2017. She has also contributed short stories to “Dangerous to Know: Jane Austen’s Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues,” “Rational Creatures: Stirrings of Feminism in the Hearts of Jane Austen’s Fine Ladies” and “Yuletide: A Jane Austen-inspired Collection of Stories.”
****
Giveaway
You are encouraged to visit all the stops on the blog tour and comment. Quills & Quartos Publishing will be giving away one $50 Amazon gift card to one enthusiastic follower! You get one point for every blog stop you visit and leave a comment. Good luck! (See Blog Tour banner)
A big thank you to Amy for being my guest today. Congratulations on your latest novel!
Funnily, I just saw the real Lord Saye’s ancestor on UK Antique Roadshow. Not near as handsome as Amy’s Lord Saye.
LikeLike
The family line degraded 😉 Thanks Christina!!
LikeLike
He had great bit about how one of the earliest Lord Saye’s had his head chopped off because he was a terrible master but since then, the rest have all been wonderful stewards.
LikeLike
Oh, Saye’s a fascinating guy! Lovely pictures too! But given that he had a hand in creating Elizabeth’s trouble, perhaps it’s not fair to recommend himself as her favourite.. Although, of course, it has to be acknowledged that at the root of Elizabeth’s problem is a rather less charming, more controversial, more difficult to understand young man and his less than adept handling of courtship and proposal.
Thank you for the giveaway, I look forward to reading this again!
LikeLike
Well he makes her laugh when she felt more like a cry so he probably was the favorite, at least at that moment!!! Thanks Agnes!
LikeLike
“A little bit rakish” is always a lot of fun to read.
LikeLike
Thank you Mary!
LikeLike
Lord Saye is definitely my favorite non-Austen character in fanfic. I always think of Rupert Everett in “An Ideal Husband” when I read him.
LikeLike
I don’t think you’re alone in that one Gail! Thank you!!
LikeLike
Darcy needs to be careful, Saye is much nore interesting than he is
LikeLike
Thank you Vesper!
LikeLike
I have never before met Lord Saye, but he brought a smile to my face. Darcy had better be cautious. I am looking forward to reading this story.
LikeLike
Thanks Deborah!
LikeLike
What a delightful scene, Amy! Saye is my favorite jaff non Austen character by far! He is so much fun and I just adore how he can push Darcy’s buttons. lol. I would have to reread all your books at once to know for certain but I think he is at his best in A Lady’s Reputation.
Anyway, congrats on your new book!
LikeLike
Yes he certainly has his bit of fun in ALR! Thanks Daniela!
LikeLike
Such an amazing story really enjoyed reading it.
LikeLike
Thank you Amy!
LikeLike
I love Viscount Saye and look forward to reading more scenes with him.
LikeLike
Thank you so much DarcyBennet!
LikeLike
Wonderful. Thanks for this feature.
LikeLike
Many thanks Anne!
LikeLike
Oh my lands, this post was wonderful. Have a real soft spot in my heart for Saye! The book is purchased and on my list to read–soon. Thanks for the give-away.
LikeLike
Me too! Thanks so much and hope you enjoy the read!
LikeLike
A delightful scene. Saye is such a fun character. The story sounds interesting, and Amy’s skilled writing is always an enticement!
LikeLike
Thank you so much Kelly! You are too kind!
LikeLike
AHHHH!!! I am so excited about this book. Another one for the TBR list!! I just hope I live long enough to read them all!!! Thank you, Amy for the chance of winning the giveaway!
LikeLike
Thank you Sharon! I hope I too can one day read my TBR list… too little time haha!
LikeLike
When I read an earlier excerpt, I noted the name Viscount Saye and thought it was familiar. I loved him in A Short Period of Exquisite Felicity and it is clear he has not changed a note in this story. I cannot wait to read it.
LikeLike
He has wormed his way in and I don’t think I’ll be able to do another novel without him! Thanks Bronwen!
LikeLike
Loved your post Amy! Such a fun tale. Best Wishes with the blog tour and success with your new publishing venture.
LikeLike
Thanks so much Jen! I appreciate it!
LikeLike
Well, Saye is certainly not shy and retiring! He does like to interfere but his intentions always seem to be good when it concerns people he cares about.
Luckily Darcy is one of these. I loved this book and will definitely be re reading it.
I like your pictures of Saye – the first two especially! Yes I can indeed picture him, confident in his ability to charm! Yes well, if Darcy wasn’t in the room I think I would possibly succumb to his charm as I do love a good sense of humour 😍😂😍
LikeLike
No, shy and retiring he certainly is NOT! Loves to charm and beguile for sure! Thanks Glynis!
LikeLike
I haven’t ‘met’ Saye before, Amy, never having read any of your books, but he’s clearly a fun character who you’re obviously fond of. I enjoyed the excerpt. It’s interesting that Elizabeth seems rather taken with Saye who’s making her laugh, when perhaps Darcy couldn’t – at this point anyway. Good luck with your release!
LikeLike
Thanks so much Elaine! And yes Saye is providing Elizabeth with momentary relief from her troubles but its OK, her heart is still for Darcy!!
LikeLike
Saye is one of my favorite original JAFF characters. Great post.
LikeLike
Thanks Kate!
LikeLike
LOL Every time I read one of your excerpts I find myself laughing and wishing I had the whole book in my hand. Can’t wait for more. Thank you Amy
LikeLike
Thank you so much Maria!
LikeLike
Anna thank you so much for having me here and allowing me to tell everyone about my second favorite book boyfriend! Its been super fun!
LikeLike
In most of the P & P variation, always loved when they inclde funny Col Fitzwilliam. Aside from EB, I like some moments/characters that lighten up the seriousness of the story. Anyway, i like this Saye. For the time being in this excerpt I like him more than the Col. Thank you for the excerpt. thank you for the chance to win this generous prize.
LikeLike
What an intriguing character and storyline! After reading your excerpt, I must say, “…with laughter still in [my] tone,” that “This is indeed the most enjoyable five minutes I have had these three days together.” 😉
PS. Is this a series of books or a stand-alone?
LikeLike
Ah the delights of the rumor mill.:)
LikeLike
Lord Saye sounds rather interesting, looking forward to reading this new book Amy 😀
LikeLike
Reading this excerpt has been the most interesting 5 minutes I’ve had in days too ;D What a fun story this prommisses to be!!!
LikeLike
I love the excerpt!
LikeLike
I’ve been detained from posting a comment. Dang! Spent the day at the garage with a broken car… then… oh, never mind. I just want to spend the day with Viscount Saye. I love him in any story at any time. When he is in a scene, I know it is going to be good. You have created a most excellent character. Thank you for the pleasure of reading about him. In fact, I like him almost as much as I do our Colonel Fitzwilliam. Now THAT is saying something. Blessings on the success of this launch. I loved it as a WIP and I am enjoying it as an ARC. Love it. Thanks to Anna for hosting this part of the blog tour.
LikeLike
This sounds like a fun read – I like your pictures too.
LikeLike
Though I am in love with my dear Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, I must admit that Lord Saye is delightful and more charming than Darcy. Pity he is not available
LikeLike
I am intrigued. Looking forward to this variation!!!
LikeLike
Thanks for this lovely scene.
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing the story of how Lord Saye was created, Amy. He sounds like a terrific character to get to know. I’m sure Darcy will be jealous of his cousin’s easy manner in getting on well with his beloved when he isn’t privileged to make Elizabeth laugh yet.
LikeLike
❤️ the pictures. I read the blog tour out of order and realized you answer the question about Lord Saye’s character development. Gosh Colonel Fitzwilliam is going to have a hard time being my favorite Fitzwilliam… I do love Amy’s Fitzwilliam clan! Congrats Amy on another new release!
LikeLike