Today I have the pleasure of welcoming Rose Fairbanks back to Diary of an Eccentric to celebrate the release of her latest Pride and Prejudice variation, Mr. Darcy’s Grieving Wife.
I’ve enjoyed reading and editing Rose’s books for the last several years, and Mr. Darcy’s Grieving Wife really touched me. Having lost my own father when I was around Elizabeth’s age, and just as suddenly as Elizabeth lost Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth’s grief felt real to me. And my husband was my rock during that time, just like Darcy was for Elizabeth. That being said, Rose does a great job keeping that grief from overwhelming readers, balancing it out with plenty of romance.
Rose is here to share two excerpts from Mr. Darcy’s Grieving Wife, and I do hope you enjoy them (and the entire book) as much as I did. Please give her a warm welcome!
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First, thanks so much for having me back, Anna! I appreciate all the hard work you did on editing this book and the chance to share two excerpts with your readers today.
Mr. Darcy’s Grieving Wife is a marriage of convenience story. As with many of them, Mr. Bennet dies, placing Elizabeth in a position of choosing marriage to save her family. However, I try to put my twist on it, too. Darcy’s proposal is just after Elizabeth and Jane’s stay at Netherfield and before Elizabeth has met Mr. Wickham. As such, Elizabeth hasn’t totally hardened herself against Darcy. It’s also a marriage of convenience for Darcy. I thought it would be most interesting to share excerpts from both points of view.
Excerpt #1 (Elizabeth) The day after Mr. Collins arrives at Longbourn.
Just as Elizabeth and the others reached the edge of Meryton, a servant from Longbourn came running after them.
“Oh, misses! Come quick! The master has fallen ill, and my mistress is sick with worry.”
Elizabeth felt her knees grow weak. It was unlike Sally to exaggerate, and she was not new to Mrs. Bennet’s antics. This must be serious indeed.
“Do not worry, my dear cousins,” Mr. Collins rushed to say before anyone else could speak. “I shall escort you home, and I will pray for your father’s recovery. If, however, the Lord sees fit not to answer that prayer, you will find I will not be an unkind master.”
He bowed to Elizabeth, and a terrible suspicion filled her. Had Mr. Collins meant for her to be the olive branch between the families? How dare he suggest it so callously! Paying him no heed, she turned to her sisters. Jane’s lip trembled while Kitty and Lydia clutched their eldest sister’s arms.
“Come, let us hurry.” Elizabeth put her arm around one sister, hoping the rest would follow.
“Has the surgeon been sent for?” she asked the maid.
“Aye, Miss Lizzy.”
Once home, Elizabeth spoke with Jane on how to direct the members of the family. Jane and Mary would sit with Mrs. Bennet while Kitty and Lydia were told to keep quiet. Elizabeth waited with her father, who was reclining in his library. Unfortunately, Mr. Collins chose to do so as well.
Elizabeth trembled as she saw how pale her father was. He could not walk or see very well. He could not raise his left hand and complained of a terrible headache.
The surgeon came and examined Mr. Bennet while Elizabeth waited outside the door. She questioned the man as soon as he exited, Mr. Collins hovering just over her shoulder.
“I fear it is the very worst, Miss Bennet. He has had an apoplexy and shall not recover. You must prepare yourselves.”
Elizabeth’s knees buckled, and she clutched the wall for support. “Wh-when?”
“It may be days, certainly not weeks.”
“Is there nothing you can do for him?”
“It is beyond my assistance now. I have left laudanum for the pain, and if you need more, Mr. Jones has a healthy supply. There is no need to measure the dose. He will not live long enough to become addicted.”
With a trembling lip, Elizabeth nodded at the surgeon, who chose to see himself out. Someone would have to tell her mother. Calling for a servant, she had Jane brought down. Elizabeth delivered the news to her eldest sister and asked if she would inform Mrs. Bennet.
“I shall have Hill draw up her salts and all the other things that soothe her. We ought to write to my uncle Gardiner and tell my aunt Phillips.”
Elizabeth agreed. “Send Kitty and Lydia to Aunt Phillips. Mary may write the Gardiners. That leaves you to sit with Mama, and I shall watch over Papa.”
Once Jane had left to see to her duties, Elizabeth turned to Mr. Collins, who had attached himself to her side like a leech. “Perhaps you can walk to Meryton with my sisters?”
“I do not think it would be appropriate for me to do so. My position is here with you.”
With a clammy hand, he reached for hers. Instantly, Elizabeth’s stomach revolted, and she attempted to draw it back.
“Cousin Elizabeth, I had not planned to speak so early, but you must see there is little time to waste. Lady Catherine does not support unwed rectors, and I entirely agree with her. I am conscious, too, of the hurt my now imminent inheritance will cause you and your sisters. I came to Longbourn to find a wife. I will admit you were not the first object of my interest, but I am very pleased with your conduct and attractiveness. I will not hold it against you in the least that you come to me with little money. I know you will honour me all the more for my condescension.”
Elizabeth could scarcely breathe. She could never ever marry Mr. Collins—or any man she did not love.
Until the unthinkable happened and her father was mortally ill, that is. Without allowing the man to finish, she raced out of the room. In a matter of minutes, she found herself knocking on the door to Lucas Lodge, requesting her friend Charlotte to join her for a walk. Elizabeth needed sensible advice, and she knew Charlotte would be the one to give it.
Excerpt #2 (Darcy) Darcy overhears Elizabeth’s conversation with Charlotte as they discuss Collins’ proposal. He uses the opportunity to speak with her.
“Miss Bennet, do you realise that you are consoling me about long ago hurts while you are in such a mournful position? You have a truly generous heart!” He looked at her intently and gently took her hand in his. “It is this reason as well as your intelligence, your lively wit, playful manners, and perfect loveliness that I find myself captivated by you.”
Darcy searched Elizabeth’s face for a sign of encouragement. Her eyes had widened when he first reached for her hand, and she seemed to be in a state of disbelief as he continued his speech. He supposed that she had felt unworthy of his notice. “It may surprise you to hear that I have decided to end my bachelor’s existence. I determined to do so just before arriving at Netherfield and had planned to devote time in the upcoming season to finding a wife. My estate needs heirs, and I wish to end the schemes of my relations once and for all.”
Elizabeth stared blankly at him. Deciding it was best to illustrate just how much he admired her, he brought her knuckle to his lips before continuing his unexpected proposal. “Why should I wait for London when a pleasing alternative is before me? Instead of offering for a titled miss, I find myself needing to be in your presence, to experience your joy for life.”
Once he had begun, he found he did not wish to stop speaking of his feelings. Indeed, they surprised even him, but he meant every word. “I have a very deep affection and regard for you. I have never felt such admiration for another woman before. Please be my wife. I am convinced you are the only one who can be the perfect mistress for my home and sister for my dear Georgiana. Let me care for you and your family. Please be my companion for life.”
Darcy waited with bated breath. He proposed only a marriage of convenience. He admired Elizabeth but would not call it anything more. Still, his heart raced, and he felt the same anticipation one feels before pushing their horse to jump over a fence for the first time. He was part dread, part elation.
Well, what do you think Elizabeth will say? Will she need any convincing to accept Darcy?
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About Mr. Darcy’s Grieving Wife
There was only one rule for their marriage. No falling in love.
Elizabeth Bennet thrives on finding the follies in life. The most beloved daughter of her father, she has lived a relatively charmed life with little to cause her pain or regret. That all changes the morning her father collapses. Forced to marry to save her family, Elizabeth’s only choices are men she can never love.
Needing a wife to end his overbearing family’s schemes, Mr. Darcy has settled upon the vivacious Elizabeth. When he overhears she is considering marriage to another man, he is inspired to act quickly, and soon finds himself in a marriage of convenience.
The agreement is supposed to be devoid of sentiment and love, suiting them both at first. However, respect soon blossoms to love for Darcy while Elizabeth remains convinced her heart is permanently broken. Suddenly, a match that was supposed to be convenient becomes painfully inconvenient. Can a marriage overflowing with such differing emotions be maintained, or will there be no other choice for Darcy and Elizabeth but to live separate lives?
Mr. Darcy’s Grieving Wife is Rose Fairbanks’ latest stand-alone novel. If you like heroes with unwavering devotion, stories that pull on your heartstrings, and romance amidst life’s pains, then you will enjoy this story full of heartache and joy.
Grab your copy today and settle in for an unforgettable read as Darcy and Elizabeth navigate their anything-but-convenient marriage.
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About the Author
Born in the wrong era, Rose Fairbanks has read nineteenth-century novels since childhood. Although she studied history, her transcript also contains every course in which she could discuss Jane Austen. Never having given up all-nighters for reading, Rose discovered her love for Historical Romance after reading Christi Caldwell’s Heart of a Duke Series.
After a financial downturn and her husband’s unemployment had threatened her ability to stay at home with their special needs child, Rose began writing the kinds of stories she had loved to read for so many years. Now, a best-selling author of Jane Austen-inspired stories, she also writes Regency Romance, Historical Fiction, Paranormal Romance, and Historical Fantasy.
Having completed a BA in history in 2008, she plans to finish her master’s studies someday. When not reading or writing, Rose runs after her two young children, ignores housework, and profusely thanks her husband for doing all the dishes and laundry. She is a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America.
You can connect with Rose on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and her blog.
To join her email list for information about new releases and any other news, you can sign up here.
Facebook fans! Join Rose’s reading groups:
Jane Austen Re-Imaginings Series
Pride and Prejudice and Bluestockings Series
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Giveaway
Rose is giving away 2 (two) ebook copies of Mr. Darcy’s Grieving Wife. You must enter through this Rafflecopter link. Requirements for entry are following Rose on Facebook or commenting on this post. Good luck!
Thanks, Rose, for being my guest today, and congratulations on your new book!
Only Darcys’ library and land (for walks) would get me to accept him, and Elizabeth hasn’t seen them yet
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Ouch, Vesper! But you’re a Colonel Fitzwilliam gal, aren’t you? Alas, I think even Darcy deserves to be loved for who he is and not what he has. Unfortunately, Elizabeth doesn’t have time to consider things very long. Her alternative is a more than usually awful Mr. Collins.
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I like the premise as I love marriage of convenience stories that develop into love.
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Thanks Darcybennett! I don’t think I’ve done one like this before. I usually love forced marriage stories and this trope is its close cousin. It was also fun to write them as a married couple rather than a courtship or engagement period. Could you ever marry for convenience?
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This sounds wonderful; who does she choose..lol I think we know.
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Thanks! I would say it would be unimaginable if she ever chose Mr. Collins, but I do have a story where she does that! Of course, Darcy wasn’t an option then. Hmmm….plot bunny?
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This sounds like a great book, and I can’t wait to read it! I like the “marriage of convenience” stories. Thank you for writing great books!
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Thanks, Cyndy! I think I’m so intrigued by forced marriages and marriages of convenience because they are so foreign to us now. I mean…can you imagine agreeing to marry someone you don’t even like??
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Damn another book for my TBR stack. Can’t wait!!!
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Haha! Sorry, not sorry!
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I like what I have read of this one but I am still under the spell of the no I
bluestocking club. I’m anxious to read more of that book. You
really have the knac?I of capturing my intetest. I hated when I finished the first bluesy and couldn’t wait to start the next one. Now I can’t wait to finish the second one.
Gene
Ps..I am a woman.
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I love “forced marriage” stories, and I think I know which suitor Elizabeth will choose. 😉
Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
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You’re welcome! I think it’s so fun to push them together in a marriage.
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This sounds like an excellent plot! Very much looking forward to reading it
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Thanks! I hope you enjoy!
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Thank you for post. Eager to know thei joys and trials in this book.
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You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy!
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I did read this as it was posted and I look forward to reading it again all in one go.
I have added it to my wish list.
Good luck to everyone who enters to win a copy! A generous giveaway but I myself never use Rafflecopter!
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If you have Kindle Unlimited, you can download it as well.
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I immediately put this on my wish-list. I appear to be like those commenting above me. I also love FM/MoC [forced-marriage/marriage of convenience] stories. At least she will be at Pemberley and has that amazing library in which to decide if and when she loves Darcy.
I lost my own father in 2018 and know this will hurt when I read it. However, there is healing with time. Since Elizabeth has not been given life experience with death, this will hurt her and she doesn’t know how to cope with her feelings and emotions. She was her father’s favorite and he was hers. Daddy’s girls have a special relationship with fathers.
I’m glad you decided to tackle this. I can’t wait to read it. Thanks to Anna for hosting. Thanks to Rose and her publisher for the generous giveaway. Good luck to all in the drawing. I hope you and your family are well. Blessings on the success of this work. Stay safe.
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I’m sorry to hear about your loss. I tried to treat the situation delicately. Elizabeth really struggles with the grief and it is not an overnight situation for her to move on with life, even as life insists on marching forward! I hope I did it justice. I actually had thought this story would be a novella but once I started tackling the subject of grief, the story really wanted to take its time. Thanks for the well wishes and good luck!
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I’m glad you took that approach. Grief is different for each person. Since Darcy has experienced more loss than she had… he will be able to help her through that tough time. I look forward to reading it. If I don’t win, I will still try to get the book. Blessings and thanks again for this trope where ‘Bennet dies.’
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Yes, the fact that Darcy has more experience with grief is very helpful in this story. The book is available in Kindle Unlimited if you have that.
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Looks like a very touching variation. Neat how you had a part in it, Anna. Thanks for the excerpts, Rose.
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Anna is my beloved editor extraordinaire!
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With “The Secrets of Pemberley” portraying my favorite Darcy drawn by Rose Fairbanks so far, I’m looking forward to this new Darcy of hers.
Good luck with the new book. Thanks for the post!!!
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Aw, thank you for such a compliment! We get less insight into his psyche in this one. He’s much more action-oriented here but very endearingly so. Let me know how he ranks with you!
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This book sounds soooo good! Hopefully Wickham won’t get his digs in before she can see Darcy’s true character. I love stories where E&D work together to solve their joint problems as opposed to those stories where E acts like a petulant child for 90% of the book.
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I’ll be curious to hear what you think of it! Please let me know!
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Thank you for the excerpts and giveaway.
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You’re welcome! Good luck!
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Congratulations on your newest release and thank you for sharing this giveaway. I have added it to my TBR List and look forward to reading more of it. Hope you are doing well and staying safe.
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Best of luck! I’m doing well and hope you are too!
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I’m wondering what will happen to Charlotte in this variation!
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You might be surprised!
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Congratulations on publishing your book. I read this as a WIP and loved it. Thanks for this wonderful giveaway.
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Thanks for stopping by! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed reading it as a WIP and are looking forward to the published product.
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Thanks to everyone who stopped by to check out Rose’s new book. The winners are Chelsea and Eva. Congratulations and happy reading!
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