Hello, friends! I’m delighted to welcome Mary Anne Mushatt to the blog today to celebrate the release of her new Pride and Prejudice variation, For the Deepest Love. Mary Anne is here to share an excerpt from the novel, so please give her a warm welcome!
Hi Anna,
Thank you so much for hosting me to day and allowing me to share a little bit of For The Deepest Love.
In this excerpt we get a glimpse of how Darcy feels—about women, society, and himself, as Elizabeth defies his prejudices and offers him a glimpse of human decency and kindness. It makes me wonder what his world is truly like, if even such a momentary exposure to a person being kind can kick start a revolution in his heart.
It was with no little curiosity that Fitzwilliam Darcy would attend the Sackville dinner. The Gardiners and their much talked-of niece were expected, and he wished to gain an introduction to, if not share a conversation with, the lady who had caused such a stir amongst those of the highest circles. It is amazing how this country lass has, within a season, established herself in the most fashionable circles and beyond. She was beguiling at the Phelps’ salon, and I have even heard of her at the chess club. Beauty, intelligence, wit—and those eyes! He prepared to exit his coach. Passion, surely, buried perhaps, but the fire in her eyes promises great things.
Giving his coat to the footman, Darcy overheard two other guests gossiping. “Rumour has it that Blainard will offer for the bewitching Miss Bennet.”
His ears pricked up at that, but he continued towards his hosts. Was he too late already? I must find a way to meet her, he thought whilebowing to Lord Sackville. Extending his hand to take Lady Sackville’s, he saw her. She was sitting along the wall with two other ladies. She wore a sage green gown, delicate beadwork glinting on the silk bodice. Jade pieces encircled her neck, with a triangular pendant resting on her bosom. Their eyes met as she looked up and smiled at him. Heart pounding like a schoolboy’s, he nodded in return, until Lady Sackville reclaimed his attention with a knowing smirk.
They were seated at opposite ends of the table, much to his disappointment. This is torture. She is beyond my reach, and while she entices with bon mots of wit and intelligence, I must endure the tittering drivel of Miss Bradshaw.
When the men re-joined the ladies after dinner, he headed in her direction. Damn a proper introduction! Yet as he approached, Miss Bennet’s companion snapped her fan and leaned in to speak.
“I cannot believe he came.”
He diverted his steps, making it seem he had been walking towards the window nearest them.
“I beg your pardon?” Miss Bennet replied, even as her eyes darted towards him.
“Have you not heard of the infamous Darcys? It is delicious. His young sister nearly eloped—with the son of their steward.”
Taking a deep breath, Miss Bennet asked, “How old was she?”
“Oh, she was but fifteen, I believe.” The young lady sounded as though she had been unprepared for the question.
Miss Bennet sighed before replying. “That is my sister Lydia’s age. A difficult time in any young lady’s life.”
Darcy’s eyes widened at the sincerity in her voice. It has been a long time—a very long time—since any kindness was attached to my name or Georgiana’s.
“But that is not the most scandalous part, Elizabeth. It was his response that was most shocking.”
Ah, here it comes, thought Darcy. My character flayed at the stake of propriety.
“Mr Darcy allowed the poor girl’s infamy to be broadcast throughout society! He let it be known how that rake, Mr Wickham, attempted to elope with her.”
Darcy bit his cheek, waiting for Miss Bennet’s reaction.
“I believe,” she began, “it took a great deal of courage for Mr and Miss Darcy to allow this to be known by all.”
“Elizabeth!”—Darcy cringed at the scold in the young woman’s voice—“Courage indeed! She is ruined amongst society, by his hand.”
Miss Bennet laughed. “I should hope people will soon forgive the indiscretion of a fifteen-year-old child. However, many unsuspecting families are now forewarned of this Mr Wickham’s character, and for that, I am grateful. If more people spoke honestly, then women would be better protected. Do you not agree?”
Darcy recoiled at her companion’s dubious response.
“Put that way, there is sense in what you say. Oh look, there is Mr Ambrose. Come, let us make haste.”
The women moved away, leaving Darcy stunned. Never has there been such an unqualified defence or understanding of my actions. A wave of sorrow shook him, and he reached out to steady himself against the nearby pillar. Nor of what this has cost my sister. Not only does she feel betrayed by that bounder, but Lady Catherine continues to harangue her at every opportunity.
His gaze sought Miss Bennet. And yet, she understands, can see the sacrifice and courage of my little sister. Thank you, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, for replenishing my faith in the decency of the human heart.
About For the Deepest Love
“After thinking long and hard, I have come to the conclusion that—although it may not be the kind of love my sister and I once had in mind—marrying Mr Darcy would be marrying for a love of the deepest kind.”
Recovering from their parents’ deaths, Elizabeth and Jane Bennet have held their family together, leaning on the support of their uncle, Edward Gardiner, to help them survive. Thus, when Mr Gardiner is threatened with scandal and ruin, Elizabeth vows to help him. Hearing of her distress, the scandalous Fitzwilliam Darcy enters her life—offering his aid in exchange for her hand. Accepting his proposal upends her life in unimaginable ways as she learns of the treachery of the peer courting her, the betrayal and violence committed by her childhood friend, and the threat to her country as it faces another war.
As Elizabeth and Darcy face the turmoil and trials swirling around them, they risk opening their hearts to unexpected passion. In order to survive challenges from without and fears within, they must summon unknown strengths and forge new bonds to solidify a love of the deepest kind.
Buy on Amazon
About the Author
A lifelong writer, Mary Anne Mushatt relocated to New Orleans last century, where she earned an MFA and created a documentary of oral histories in the African-American and Native American communities along Louisiana’s River Road. When the levees failed, exiling her family from their home, she discovered the community of Jane Austen acolytes and began writing novels placing the beloved characters of Pride & Prejudice in innovative situations. Taken is her second published novel. As a result of one of her earlier novels, she works with a multi-disciplinary team aiding victims of human trafficking become survivors.
Mary Anne lives in New Orleans with her husband, two sons, and two dogs.
Giveaway
Quills & Quartos is generously offering an ebook of For the Deepest Love as part of the blog tour. To enter, please leave a comment on this post. The blog tour wraps up on June 8, 2021, and the winners will be chosen on June 11, 2021. The winners’ names will be posted on the Quills & Quartos Facebook and Instagram pages. Good luck!
Thank you, Mary Anne, for being my guest today, and congratulations on your new release!
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