I’m delighted to welcome Belén Paccagnella back to Diary of an Eccentric today to celebrate the release of her latest Pride and Prejudice variation, When Duty Calls, and to kick off the blog tour. Belén is here to share an excerpt from the book, which I hope you will enjoy reading as much as I did. Please give her a warm welcome!
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Thank you, Anna, for hosting me again on your excellent blog and promoting my new book, When Duty Calls. I had a great time when I stopped here for my first novel, Obstacles, and I’m sure this time will be just as good.
Forced marriage scenarios have always been a favorite of mine. There is something about having our dear couple living together without tolerating each other —like in that week they spend together at Netherfield at the beginning of P&P— that makes us want to see more of that genius verbal sparring Miss Austen was so apt to create. We just want to see them butting heads all the time, sense that sexual tension Elizabeth and Darcy feel, and witness their struggle to repress it.
For this first stop of my blog tour I chose a scene that happens early in the book, in Chapter 5, right after Darcy’s first visit to Longbourn as a betrothed man. He is coming to terms with his sudden engagement, but he is still the same proud Mr. Darcy who hasn’t learned anything about selflessness or empathy. He thinks too highly of himself to understand that he has to try harder if he wants to conquer his bride’s heart. I had many doubts when I wrote this scene because I thought he was being too much of an oblivious jerk. I even asked my editor what she thought about this, if it was too much. Her reply was “you’re fine, this is just male reasoning” (no offence meant to my fellow gentlemen writers!). Well, if he’s an oblivious jerk or just an arrogant fool, it’s for you readers to decide. Have fun!
Darcy’s head rested against the leather upholstery of his armchair, his gaze fixed on the fire that warmed the room. Watching the flames dance inside the hearth always soothed him, more so when savouring the richness of an aged cognac. The goblet with the exquisite Frapin Colonel Fitzwilliam had smuggled from France on his latest military quest was perfect balsam for his restless heart. Lazily, he moved his hand in circles and swirled the golden liquid, freeing its robust scent. Smiling in appreciation, he stretched his legs ahead of him, finally letting go of the tensions of a most trying week.
Undoubtedly, his trip to Longbourn had been successful, much more than he had expected. He had left London with many doubts regarding Elizabeth’s disposition, yet the reluctance he perceived in her upon his arrival—understandable, given the circumstances—reverted as their intimacy progressed. These few days in her society had confirmed to him the compatibility of their dispositions and made him quite hopeful of their future together. The attachment growing between them was undeniable, and he left Meryton with the conviction that he was on his way to win his lady’s affection.
If not for the constant interference of her family and the contemptible behaviour consistently displayed by the mother and the two youngest sisters—Miss Mary, when she did not attempt to play the pianoforte, was quite tolerable—his stay would have been most pleasurable. Elizabeth’s father was an excellent shooting companion, and Darcy would have felt it no inconvenience to expand their acquaintance if not for his insufferable wife and Mr. Bennet’s occasional lack of conjugal decorum regarding his wife’s follies. This conduct he found highly reprehensible and only bore it for Elizabeth’s sake. A husband, no matter how silly and loud his wife was, should never expose her to the contempt of his own children or laugh at her in front of his occasional guests.
Fortunately, all this would come to an end after the wedding. Elizabeth would be removed from Longbourn to his town house and there would be no more Mrs. and Miss Bennets to endure. Once they became husband and wife, Elizabeth would be freed from their undesired influence, and she would be able to centre her attention on him.
Yes, we shall be very happy. Darcy let out a sigh of contentment. Very happy indeed.
“Brother?” Georgiana asked from the door. “You have been so quiet since your return. Is anything the matter?”
“Come here, my dear. There is something I must tell you.” Darcy extended his hand, inviting her to join him. “Forgive me if I have been distant lately.”
Georgiana sat in the armchair opposite his.
“I have important news for you.” Darcy thought this was a great moment to tell his sister about his betrothal. “I am engaged to be married, Georgiana.”
“Engaged? To whom?” The girl was all astonishment. “You are not marrying Anne, are you?”
Darcy chuckled at his sister’s expression. Georgiana tended to knit her brows in a most adorable manner when concerned. “No, dearest, I am not marrying Anne—or Caroline Bingley, if that is what you fear.”
Georgiana exhaled in relief. “Thank heavens!”
“I met a charming young lady during my stay in Hertfordshire,” Darcy elaborated. “Her name is Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“Oh yes, I do recall your writing about a certain Miss Bennet. She fell ill, and her sister tended to her. You never mentioned her again, so I thought you had stopped the connexion entirely.”
“Miss Jane Bennet suffered from a cold and stayed at Netherfield for about a week. Her sister Elizabeth came and looked after her.” Darcy preferred not to acquaint his sister with the unpleasant circumstance that led to his engagement. “Miss Elizabeth’s kindness towards her sister and other superior qualities she possesses convinced me she will make a most suitable wife.”
“Do you love her?”
Darcy chose his next words carefully. He could not disappoint her innocent soul. “Dearest, my feelings for Miss Elizabeth go beyond anything I have ever felt before.”
Incurably romantic at her sixteen years of age, Georgiana sighed dreamily. “Oh, William! This is wonderful news! When shall I meet her? Can I accompany you to Hertfordshire on your next visit?”
“My dear, that is also my fondest wish, but I fear this meeting will have to wait until after the ceremony.”
“So, I shall not attend your wedding? Brother!”
“No, darling. You must return to school.”
Georgiana looked at Darcy with renewed adoration. “I have always wanted a sister. I shall be counting the days until I finally meet her.”
“She is desirous to meet you as well. She even expressed so herself. I am most certain you will become close friends once you finally become acquainted. Now, will you play something for me? I have not heard you in some time. That song I heard you practicing this morning sounded very pleasant.”
Georgiana’s countenance brightened, and the siblings walked towards the music room. As he observed his sister at the pianoforte, Darcy reflected on how much she had grown in the past two years. The little girl was now a young lady. These changes had occurred so fast he had barely time to understand them.
Darcy’s experience with the opposite sex was scarce. Though not physically innocent, he was aware of the differences between one night of pleasure and understanding a woman’s heart. His sister was grown and preparing herself to face a society moulded by complex rules and etiquette. It was clear to him that Georgiana needed another of her sex to confide in—to look up to—and Elizabeth was the perfect one to fulfil that role. But, of course, there was a price. While Elizabeth was the embodiment of good behaviour to follow, her sisters exemplified the exact opposite. Miss Bennet was the exception, but Miss Catherine and Miss Lydia’s wildness was something to which Darcy would never expose his dear sister.
No, Georgiana would not meet his bride till after his wedding when he would be at leisure to oversee their friendship. Once Elizabeth was fully under his care and supervision, then everything would be all right in his world.
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About When Duty Calls
The Netherfield ball brings about many changes for the population of Meryton, and more so for the female residents of Longbourn. Mr. Bingley’s departure leaves the eldest, Jane Bennet, heartbroken whilst Mr. Collins’s proposal induces Miss Elizabeth to make a hasty escape. During her flight, she happens upon Mr. Darcy, a gentleman she despises. A moment of solitude in the woods leads to rather improper behavior, and the couple departs with the promise they will tell no one about their minor indiscretion. When their secret is finally uncovered, marriage becomes the only solution to saving Elizabeth from social disgrace. Her other grudges against Mr. Darcy are amplified by resentment and the prospect of spending her life with a man she can never respect. Nonetheless, the marriage takes place, forcing the young couple to deal with their pride and prejudices as husband and wife.
Originally posted online almost twenty years ago, this Regency tale of redemption narrates the struggles of two people, their differences, and their rocky start. But will they succeed in overcoming lies, misunderstandings, and their own errors to finally find love?
Buy on Amazon (U.S.) | Amazon (U.K.)
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About the Author
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Belén Paccagnella discovered the world of Jane Austen fan fiction after watching the 1995 BBC miniseries of Pride and Prejudice. In her teens, she lived in Brazil when her family moved to the city of Curitiba due to her father’s work. She moved back to Buenos Aires a few years later, where she studied agronomy but finally pursued a different career and started working in the development and administration of shopping centers.
In 2001, she began writing both Regency and modern stories, adapting the Pride and Prejudice storyline to different backdrops, merging drama, humor, and adventure while creating characters with unique traits. Almost two decades later, she published Obstacles, a modern variation released in 2018 by Meryton Press.
Belén still lives in the suburbs of Buenos Aires where she shares her home with her pets while spending her time working, reading, and writing.
Connect with Belén on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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Giveaway
Mertyon Press is giving away 8 ebook copies of When Duty Calls as part of the blog tour. You must use this Rafflecopter link to enter. Good luck!
Thank you, Belén, for being my guest today, and congratulations on your new release!
I enjoyed reading Obstacles and look forward to reading this, as I also enjoyed FMS stories.
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Thank you Sheila! I’m so happy you are enjoying my stories.
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This is an entertaining excerpt and a fine start to your blog tour, Belen! Congratulations! It sounds like a great story and I look forward to what you reveal next!
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Thanks Kelly. It’s always fun to write Darcy being a bit of an ass. We know he can improve and we can’t wait to see trying
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And I quote, “Once Elizabeth was fully under his care and supervision, then everything would be all right in his world.” Oh, dear. The poor man has no idea what is about to hit him. That would be Miss Elizabeth Bennet in all her glory. La! Well, this should be interesting. I have this on my wish-list and would love to win a copy. Thanks to Anna for hosting this stop on the blog tour. Thanks to Belén and her publisher for the generous giveaway. Good luck to everyone in the drawing. I love that cover. The colors are beautiful and what a most excellent kiss. Heavy sigh!!
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Hi JW! yep, Darcy is on his way for a big letdown. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. I hope you win a copy and find out what happens with our dear couple
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Poor, poor deluded Darcy! As usual I still feel sorry for him no matter how arrogant he seems.
I’m currently half way through this book and loving it. Forced marriages and early marriage for whatever reason are my favourites.
I love how ODC finally get to their happy ever after (well I’m assuming they do?)
Good luck with the tour and the book!
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Hi Glynis! Darcy will have a hard time in this one, so will Elizabeth. I’m so happy you are enjoying the book! Thank you for stepping by and letting me konw
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I’ve finished it! Fabulous! Obviously not an easy journey but they do get there.
I’m so glad I chose this and I’ve left a review on U.K. (they sometimes take a while to show up but hopefully not too long)
Thank you!
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Thank you so much Glynis! I so a couple of reviews on Amazon this morning, but yours wasn’t up yet. I’m so happy you enjoyed it. I take the opinion of the readers very seriously and I apprecite that you took the trouble to leave a review.
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I love finding out who they finally comes to terms and fall in love in forced marriage scenarios. Looking forward to reading your book. Congrats on the release!
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Thank you Dung! Check future posts when you’ll be able to read a few scenes where they are learning to fall in love.
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I love FMS so excited to read this one.
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I hope you do Darcybennett!
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Darcy is certainly deluding himself concerning Elizabeth and his belief she will give up her family
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Well, yes, at that point of the story he believes he’s the center of the universe. He’ll learn soon enough how wrong is was. Thank you for commenting.
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Darcy is not in a good place for becoming Elizabeth’s husband. He is primed and ready for a good tongue-lashing if he lets her hear half of these opinions! I look forward to more of this book during the blog tour. Thanks for sharing, Belén, and thanks for starting this blog tour, Anna!
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Thank you Suzan. He clearly doesn’t know what’s he’s getting into with this thinking. I hope you enjoy the rest of the tour.
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Neat sounding characters, very nicely done!
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Thank you Calvin!
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Thanks for hosting the first stop on the blog tour, Anna. We appreciate you! 🙂
Good excerpt, Belén. Darcy does have much to learn at this point, doesn’t he! As you know, I love this book. You did a great job with the story. Best wishes!
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He does sound arrogant…but totally his male rationale. Loved this excerpt
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Thank you! I like to think that male evolved since then. Unfortunately, there are many out there who still share this archaic way of thinking.
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Sounds exciting! I like hearing more about Georgiana 🙂
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Thanks Ella. Georgiana has an important role in this story.
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This looks like another great book to read. I too enjoy the forced marriage stories. Thank you.
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Thanks Cindy!
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Looks like fun!
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It is! I hope you have the Chance to read it.
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I’m looking forward to reading this book, I love FMS. Congratulations on the release of this book.
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Hi Kate! I hope you do.
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Thank you for the excerpt. Eager to know more (read more)
This Darcy still sounds haughty to me. Eager to know how EB will put him on the right track.
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He hasn’t been properly humbled yet. Elizabeth will burst that bubble very early in their marriage.
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