Hello, my friends! I’m excited to welcome Jack Caldwell back to Diary of an Eccentric to celebrate the release of his latest novel, Persuaded to Sail. I’ve loved all of the books in the Jane Austen’s Fighting Men series, so I can’t wait to get a chance to read it. Jack is here to share an excerpt from Persuaded to Sail, and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. Please give him a warm welcome!
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Greetings, everybody. Jack Caldwell here.
Anna was kind enough to allow me to announce the publication of my latest work, my long-promised sequel to Jane Austen’s final novel, Persuasion, PERSUADED TO SAIL!
PERSUADED TO SAIL, a sequel to Persuasion and Book Three of Jane Austen’s Fighting Men, is a companion novel to my other novels in this series, THE THREE COLONELS and THE LAST ADVENTURE OF THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL. This means that all three books happen at the same time (the 1815 Hundred Days Crisis and the Battle of Waterloo) and many of the characters know each other in my expanded Austenseque universe. The cross-overs include Persuasion, Mansfield Park, Sense and Sensibility, and Pride and Prejudice.
Persuaded to Sail, my tenth published novel, stands on its own, but your reading pleasure will be enhanced by including the other books.
So, let’s kick things off. Below is an excerpt from the first chapter. While Persuaded to Sail picks up almost immediately after the events in Persuasion, there are other forces at work. Forces that will influence the Wentworths’ honeymoon cruise to Bermuda.
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March 1815, London
Deep in the government building, an office clock chimed the first hour of the day. The gloomy room was illuminated by a single candle on one side of a large desk. Heavy curtains covered the single small window. The desk groaned under the weight of numerous papers, books, and memoranda. Opposite the candle sat three glasses and a crystal decanter, half filled with amber liquid. The only other furniture in the office consisted of a few chairs.
Behind the desk, a gentleman—a peer by appearance—sat quietly, scribbling upon the paper before him. It was not the first time he had worked into the wee hours, and it would not be the last.
He looked up at the knock upon the door. It was only for form’s sake—his guest showed himself a moment later without leave. The gentleman swallowed his annoyance at the man’s impertinence.
“Were you seen? Were you followed?” the gentleman offered in lieu of a welcome.
“No,” his guest answered.
“Are you certain?” The gentleman eyed the expensive clothing the other man wore.
“Of course. That is why I am still alive.”
“Very fortunate for you.” The gentleman’s sentiment did not sound entirely sincere. “Laurence cannot say the same.”
“What? How?”
His guest was rarely shaken, and the gentleman almost enjoyed his reaction to the news. Almost.
“The newspaper says a carriage accident, but we know better. Too convenient for our French friend—far too convenient.”
“Devil take it,” the guest muttered while glaring at the floor. “Laurence was a good man.” He looked up at the gentleman with intense, hooded eyes. “Do you wish for me to look into this matter?”
“Do not concern yourself. Others will deal with those responsible.”
“Who?” the guest demanded, his face hard and angry.
“Carter and Smythe.”
The guest growled, “Carter is a fool!”
“That is why Smythe accompanies him. Do you doubt his abilities?”
“As an assassin? No.”
“How kind of you to approve.” The gentleman’s reply was filled with sarcasm before he caught himself. “I believe Laurence was a friend of yours. My sympathies.”
His guest’s face transformed into its usual bored demeanor. “Thank you, m’lord.”
The gentleman’s lips twitched; his guest rarely recognized his title. He reached for the crystal decanter. “A drink, then, to poor Laurence.”
The guest received his glass with a suspicious look. “It is not often you condescend to share your brandy.” He took a sip. “Ah, the good cognac. The excellent, illegal cognac.” He lowered his glass. “What is it you want me to do?”
The gentleman took no offense; the man knew many things about his dealings. And he knew many things about his guest’s dealings. Their situation was balanced on a knife’s edge.
“Since you were such a good friend of Laurence, it occurred to us you should take his place.”
His guest blinked, took another sip of cognac, and then set the glass down on the desk. “Exactly, what was Laurence’s place?”
“Bern, Switzerland. Laurence was on his way to board ship at Yarmouth when he was…intercepted.”
“And you wish me to take his place.”
“Yes.”
“And to wear his target upon my back.”
The gentleman shook his head. “Now, now, none of that. We have taken steps to protect you. We plan a diversion. There is no danger at all.”
“Do not insult my intelligence, m’lord,” the guest said slowly. “You would be very happy to be rid of me.”
“My dear sir!” cried the gentleman insincerely. “You have done great service for the Crown. We would not put you in any peril.”
“By sending me to Bern? It is a viper’s nest.”
“True, but we are certain you can take care of yourself.”
The guest sat back in his chair. “And if I refuse this assignment?”
The gentleman’s eyes grew cold. “You would not dare.”
The two men spent some time staring at each other. Finally, his guest broke the silence.
“When shall I be allowed to retire from this…business?”
“When we have no more use of you. Your talents are unique and of great importance to us.”
“Yes, my talents,” the guest said sadly. “My gift and my curse.” He shook himself. “Very well. I suppose you have some papers for me?”
The gentleman pointed to two packets on his desk. “This one contains your traveling papers.” He indicated the smaller of the two. “The other should not leave this building.”
“I understand.” The guest gazed at the larger packet. “I shall return tomorrow. It should not take more than a couple of hours.”
“Come disguised,” the gentleman ordered. “Not dressed like a dandy.”
“Of course. Now, pray tell me of this diversion that should safeguard me.”
The gentleman went into great detail about the plans that had been drawn. The guest’s frown revealed his dislike of some of its aspects.
“Must you use Tomlinson?” the guest asked. “He is but a babe.”
“I agree, but his resemblance to you is remarkable, particularly dressed in your clothes.”
“Our Lord watch over him,” his guest murmured.
“It is late. Get some sleep, and I shall see you in the afternoon.”
The guest took the smaller of the two packets, rose from his chair, and made for the door. Over his shoulder, he asked, “You did not say what ship I shall board at Portsmouth.”
“Did I not? Forgive my oversight.” The gentleman glanced at his papers. “HMS Laconia.”
~~~
PERSUADED TO SAIL, a sequel to Persuasion and Book Three of Jane Austen’s Fighting Men, is available from White Soup Press in paperback and Kindle. EPUB versions will be available later in the year.
BUT, since I’m a nice guy, I will give away a copy in your choice of print, Kindle, or EPUB! Just leave a comment below. The giveaway will be open through Saturday, May 23, 2020. Good luck!
(Print copy is only available to the continental U.S. Sorry. Blame the Post Office.)
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Thanks, Jack, for being my guest today, and congratulations on your new release!
I have read the first two in this collection, enjoyed them, and look forward to reading this one also. Thanks for sharing and thanks for a chance to win a copy.
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Hey Jack! Congratulations on another publication in your Fighting Men Series. I have read all of the others and look forward to this new tale. Best Wishes.. Jen Red ♫
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I am eagerly anticipating reading this. I thoroughly enjoyed the first 2 books and this excerpt has me chomping at the bit. Thank you for your generosity.
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I love all Jane Austen Fighting Men and I’m looking forward to reading it. Congratulations.
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Looking forward to reading this as I enjoyed the first two books very much
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Oh, has intrigued me , Jack! Cannot wait to read it. Congrats!
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Your books have been so enjoyable and captivating. Thanks for this lovely feature and giveaway.
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This series is unique and special. Congratulations!
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Congratulations on the launch of this work. I have read The Three Colonels and have the 2nd book in that TBR pile of mine. Man… you have been busy and I look forward to reading this one. It is on my wish list. I have enjoyed the excerpts and cannot imagine what will happen on this trip of theirs. You really know how to pack a punch. Blessings on the launch and success of this story. Stay safe and healthy.
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Congratulations again. This book has so many promising aspects that it may well become a favourite (although, well, I tend to feel that way with each of your new releases when I get to read/listen to them!). Thanks for the giveaway chance!
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This sounds like another good one. I love print books; I’m old school.
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Oh yes, very interested in continuing this amazing series of ‘Jack’s Fighting Men’!!! Thank you for a chance at winning a copy!!
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Thanks for this terrific giveaway! I’ll add it to my blog’s sidebar.
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Enjoyed the excerpt. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
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I’m hooked just by reading the excerpt. Congratulations on publishing yet another great book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
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This sounds great; congrats! Pride and Prejudice is my favorite of Jane Austen, but I like retellings of Persuasion best.
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Thank you for the execrpt, looking forward to reading the book.
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I am curious on who the both men are since you didn’t mention their names, Jack. I wonder what talents do the guest possess since he couldn’t retire from this business. Spying and espionage? Or assassin for the crown?
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Thank you all for stopping by to check out Jack’s new book! The giveaway winner is Sharon Legg. Congrats, Sharon! Please check your email.
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