Emma Janeicillin: Part One

The wedding was over, the new Mrs. Martin safely ensconced in her home at Abbey-Mill Farm, placed in the midst of those who loved her, but unlike a previous occasion, when Emma had lost her dear Miss Taylor, this event was not tinged by attendant sorrow. Mr. Woodhouse and his daughter were not left alone to contemplate their loss, for all the Knghtley’s were at Hartfield to enliven the dining hour. Nevertheless, a wedding, even one as unexceptional as Harriet Smith’s to Robert Martin, would rouse melancholy feelings in Mr. Woodhouse.

“Poor Miss Smith! How I wish she were here to enjoy this repast. Mrs. Martin cannot understand the boiling of an egg as well as Serle - nobody does! What a pity Mr. Martin ever thought of our dear Miss Smith!”

“I would say that the pity lies in the abundance of chickens kept at Abbey-Mill. All those eggs, and the new mistress too spoiled by Serle to eat them!” retorted Mr. John Knightley, not without good humor.

“Her time at Hartfield would make life anywhere else rather unbearable, would you not agree, my dears?” he turned towards Isabella. “I do not know how you can bear London, my poor child. It is a dreadful thing to have you living so far off!”

Here was dangerous ground, but the elder Mr. Knightley was quick to take up the defense. “I plan to add an additional room to the Farm house to honor the occasion come spring. What say you, John, to accompanying William Larkins and myself on our survey of the property tomorrow? Henry and John will enjoy the outing. The apples should be ready for picking, and I am sure Martin wouldn’t mind if they pilfered a few from his trees.”

The diversion succeeded, and the brothers spent many contented minutes in contemplation of the scheme, leaving the redirection of Mr. Woodhouse’s mind in the capable hands of his youngest daughter.

“We shall make our wedding visit soon, Papa. It can easily be accomplished before one of our trips to Randells, which can be taken in upon our return route, you know.”

But this suggestion did not sit as well with Mr. Woodhouse as Emma had hoped, he being, at present, most determined upon seeing everything, particularly regarding the subject of matrimony, in the most negative light. “I do not know the ways of Abbey-Mill Farm. Where are the poor horses to be while we are paying our visit?”

“We shall not visit long, Papa, and while the weather remains mild James can have no objection to walking them for fifteen minutes. A bride must not be neglected, you know.”

“Oh, dear me, no. I hope I shall never be guilty of not doing my duty towards a newly married woman, especially one who has been such a good friend to you, Emma dear, as poor Miss Smith. How she will miss your company! She so delighted in her time at Hartfield!”

“I remember you saying something very similar, Papa, upon Mrs. Weston’s marriage, and look how happy she is now, with her dear little Anna. Is it not wonderful how our father dotes on the child, Isabella dear?”

At the mention of the baby, which inevitably conjured thoughts of her own, Mrs. Knightley was predictably sentimental: “Children are the greatest blessing of marriage.”

“I shall remember that, my love,” inserted his husband from the opposite end of the table. “What role has a man to play in the felicities of the matrimonial state, except to see the doctor’s bills paid.” Turning towards his brother, “Most married men have cause to complain of charges to the dressmaker or milliner, but my Isabella will insist on single-handedly funding the education of all the little Wingfields.”

“The children have not been ill, have they, Isabella my dear?” asked her father in alarm. “I did not think little Emma looked quite as rosy as on her last visit. I shall have Perry here in the morning.”

“That is most unnecessary, sir, though I am always happy to see dear Mr. Perry. John only jests. He would make out that I quite coddle the children, but indeed, I only call on Mr. Wingfield when there is true cause for alarm, of which we have thankfully had none this summer. And you do me an injustice, dear, in thinking I do not value your contribution. I do not think there could be a more devoted wife than I.”

“I am sure he believes nothing of the sort, Isabella,” replied Emma on behalf of her brother-in-law, who was once again engaged in talk of land and improvements with his brother.

“One cannot be too careful with the health of the young. It is best to take no risks. It would be much better if you let Perry examine the children. As I was just telling dear Mrs. Weston the other day, one should always send for Perry if a child appears in the slightest degree disordered, be it only for a moment. One can not be too soon alarmed, nor send for Perry too often.”

“Miss Fairfax should now be comfortably settled again with the Campbells. What fascinating tales they must have to tell of their travels in Ireland!” Silently, Emma considered what a vast improvement such conversation must be over that of Miss Bates, but she schooled herself to keep such opinions confined to her own mind.

“Dear Jane Fairfax! One could not be happier for her. Such a deserving young woman, and such an unexpectedly advantageous match! Who would have thought that our own Mr. Churchill and Miss Fairfax would suit so well? It is such a satisfyingly romantic result to all our concern for her future, is it not, Papa?” beamed Isabella.

“One must be happy that poor Jane Fairfax should not be forced to make her own way in the world. The prospect was most distressing to her aunt and grandmother, I know. Yet now she is forced back into the bad air of London, and Mr. Frank Churchill as well. They would have both done better to remain in Highbury. Everyone was so comfortable here.”

“We must rejoice for the establishment of Miss Fairfax at Enscombe, Papa, once the Churchill’s complete their period of mourning. Only think of what it will mean for her well-being, instead of being confined to the small rooms the Bateses inhabit here. And consider also what she will be able to do to improve the comfort of your old friends - they who deserve so much, but have been forced to subsist on so little,” reasoned Emma.

“Very true, my dear. I cannot help but be glad of what must benefit my friends. The match is a necessary evil, I suppose. How I do deplore a marriage! They are silly things, and break up one’s family circle most grievously.”

This statement garnered the attention of all the table, as it bode so particularly poorly for two members of it. Quite against his custom, but driven by a strong sense of brotherly affection, it was John Knightley who attempted to placate his father-in-law. “My dear sir, surely you cannot believe such to always be the case. Only look at the forthcoming union of your own daughter and my brother, which will consequently expand your family circle, not contract it. Only think how comfortable you all will be!” He spoke well, if not perfectly honestly, for no incentive would have induced him to take a similar step as his brother proposed by residing at Hartfield.

“We are all quite comfortable as we presently are,” insisted an agitated Mr. Woodhouse. “I perceive no reason for alteration, at least not for a great while. Someday, I admit, the arrangement will be quite suitable, and it imparts a good deal of comfort to a man of my years to know his daughters will be well cared for, but at present such an abrupt change seems most unnecessary.”

Emma, always so quick to sooth her father’s spirits, had no ready reply to this. John Knightley too, feeling that there was not much he could say in response to such an irrational line of argument, returned with doubled attention to his plate. As Mr. Knightley did not wish to incense the poor man anymore by defending his claim, it was to Isabella whom this onerous task fell, and she rose to the occasion, though quite inadvertently, by reaching for the oysters.

“My dear child!” exclaimed Mr. Woodhouse. “A delicate constitution such as yours cannot tolerate such rich foods! Whatever can you be thinking? No indeed, a nice bowl of thin gruel would be much more the thing, do you not agree? I recommend that we all enjoy one this evening. Shall we all partake of a small bowl of gruel, Emma dear?”

As none of the assembled family had the heart to decline, for the first time ever they all acceded to this unpalatable request. What a shock Serle suffered later that night, upon receiving orders for a full five bowls of gruel, one can only surmise.  

**********

Come back next Friday for another weekly dose!

Hanukkah ... and Jane Austen?

So maybe I'm really stretching it on this one, but tonight is the first night of Hanukkah (it's early occurrence this year is my justification for not having blogged much lately - so busy!), and like the obsessed girl I am, my thoughts stray to Austen. Now I know as well as anyone else that Austen NEVER mentions any Jewish celebration in her novels - in fact, part of my love for her stems from the fact that ,unlike so many other English writers of the 19th century, she pretty much never mentions Jews, or their accompanying stereotypes, at all. The only character of her's vulgar enough to make such utterances is John Thorpe, and by putting such cliches in his mouth, she only emphasizes their inappropriateness (by my interpretation, at least). So where can I find fodder in the Austen cannon for this supremely un-Austen like holiday? Well, it is "The Festival of Lights", and she does incorporate many wonderful images of lights, particularly candlelight and firelight, which seem to me highly appropriate to reminiscence upon on this occasion. So for those of you who celebrate this really rather minor Jewish holiday - given undue importance by its proximity to Christmas (which is a far superior celebration, I assure you) - and those of you who just want to wander through a smattering of slightly related Austen quotations, please enjoy the following selections:


It was now perfectly dark, not a single star was there to direct my steps, and I know not what might have befallen me had I not at length discerned thro' the solemn Gloom that surrounded me a distant light, which as I approached it, I discovered to be the chearfull Blaze of your fire. - Love and Friendship

Their table was superlatively stupid. Scarcely a syllable was uttered that did not relate to the game, except when Mrs. Jenkinson expressed her fears of Miss De Bourgh's being too hot or too cold, or having too much or too little light. - Pride and Prejudice

Too soon did she find herself at the drawing-room door; and after pausing a moment for what she knew would not come, for a courage which the outside of no door had ever supplied to her, she turned the lock in desperation, and the lights of the drawing-room, and all the collected family, were before her. - Mansfield Park

Before the house-maid had lit their fire the next day, or the sun gained any power over a cold, gloomy morning in January, Marianne, only half dressed, was kneeling against one of the window-seats for the sake of all the little light she could command from it, and writing as fast as a continual flow of tears would permit her. - Sense and Sensibility

The side of the quadrangle, in which she supposed the guilty scene to be acting, being, according to her belief, just opposite her own, it struck her that, if judiciously watched, some rays of light from the General's lamp might glimmer through the lower windows, as he passed to the prison of his wife; and, twice before she stepped into bed, she stole gently from her room to the corresponding window in the gallery, to see if it appeared; but all abroad was dark, and it must yet be too early. - Northanger Abbey

In passing along a short gallery to the assembly-room, brilliant in lights before them, they were accosted by a young man in a morning-dress and boots, who was standing in the doorway of a bed-chamber apparently on purpose to see them go by. - The Watsons

"So very obliging of you!--No rain at all. Nothing to signify. I do not care for myself. Quite thick shoes. And Jane declares--Well!--(as soon as she was within the door) Well! This is brilliant indeed!--This is admirable!--Excellently contrived, upon my word. Nothing wanting. Could not have imagined it.--So well lighted up!--Jane, Jane, look!--did you ever see any thing? Oh! Mr. Weston, you must really have had Aladdin's lamp. Good Mrs. Stokes would not know her own room again." - Emma

She was struck, quite struck, when, on returning from her walk and going into the East room again, the first thing which caught her eye was a fire lighted and burning. A fire! it seemed too much; just at that time to be giving her such an indulgence was exciting even painful gratitude. She wondered that Sir Thomas could have leisure to think of such a trifle again; but she soon found, from the voluntary information of the housemaid, who came in to attend it, that so it was to be every day. Sir Thomas had given orders for it. - Mansfield Park

The evening came, the drawing-rooms were lighted up, the company assembled. It was but a card party, it was but a mixture of those who had never met before, and those who met too often; a commonplace business, too numerous for intimacy, too small for variety; but Anne had never found an evening shorter. Glowing and lovely in sensibility and happiness, and more generally admired than she thought about or cared for, she had cheerful or forbearing feelings for every creature around her.- Persuasion

"My dear, you are too particular," said her husband. "What does all that signify? You will see nothing of it by candlelight. It will be as clean as Randalls by candlelight. We never see any thing of it on our club-nights." - Emma

I would now take a moment to reflect on the blessings of modern electricity, but this last observance of Mr. Weston's makes me think twice of it. Happy Hanukkah!

Charlotte Collins Giveaway Winner!!

Thanks to everyone who entered to win a copy of Charlotte Collins (read my review here), and especially to Jennifer Becton for her generosity in both offering the giveaway and for submitting to my interview questions (read her answers here)! Unfortunately, there can be only one winner, but I encourage those of you who were not so fortunate to purchase a copy on Amazon where it is very reasonably priced in both paperback and Kindle format. With no further ado, the lucky winner is:

Jamie Council!

Congratulations Jamie! You will be recieving an email from me shortly requesting your mailing address. Enjoy this satisfying tale of Charlotte discovering the happiness she so deserves!

And for those of you who have already had the pleasure of reading this novel, please visit Ms. Becton's blog, Skidding in Sideways, where you will find a link to Maria's Romance, a short story continuation to Charlotte Collins.

Happy reading to all, and to all a good night!

I am thankful for Jane Austen ...

I have so much to be thankful for this year - a beautiful new home, a healthy, loving, and thriving family, a husband without whom I would be lost, my first novel published, a second book in the works, and, above all, what seems to be a healthy pregnancy (finally!). Yet with all the blessings in my life, I find my thoughts drift to Jane Austen. Now perhaps these are just the ramblings of an obsessive compulsive fan girl, as I certainly cannot claim that Jane made my life as beautiful as it is, but I do sincerely believe that I would not appreciate how fortunate I am without her guidance. Miss Austen has taught me to make the most of every situation I find myself in, be they positive or negative. Our first house may not be terribly large, but the Dashwood sisters proved to me that it is not the size of the abode that matters, but the people who inhabit it. While my family may at times annoy me, Emma's devotion to Mr. Woodhouse reminds me that they are to be honored regardless of their foibles, particularly their highly overprotective tendencies. Mr. Darcy showed me what kind of character is required to make a good husband, and I cannot thank him enough for letting me recognize one when he crossed my path (even if, like Elizabeth, it took me a while). When I first began writing, I tried desperately hard to produce something I considered "literary", having always been a book snob, but Mr. Tilney taught me to not be "so intolerably stupid" and freed me to pursue fan fiction, without which I would not only have never finished a novel, but would also have been deprived of the many hours of reading pleasure this genre has provided me. As for the second book, which has not poured out of me with the same ease as the first, Fanny Price serves as a source of inspiration - a ray of hope that just doing what I can, and what I feel to be right, will pay off in the end. Finally, in regards to this hard earned pregnancy, I turn to Anne Elliot, whom, when miscarriages made me despair, taught me two invaluable lessons: that one must roll with the punches life deals us, and that what is meant to be will be, but in its own time. Without her example, I'm not sure how I would have endured the disappointment, and I don't think that I would now be able to be so thankful for what, just a few months ago, felt like tragedy. For just like she finds greater happiness in her delayed union with Captain Wentworth, I feel far more joy in this pregnancy than in the previous ones, now so certain that I want this child more than anything and brave enough to face the tribulations that motherhood brings. Fear and uncertainty checkered my previous experiences; now I am free to indulge in unmitigated glee. Thank you, Miss Jane Austen, for the countless ways in which you enliven my life. Your novels are a priceless gift, and I do not know how I would survive without them.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Charlotte Collins by Jennifer Becton - Review and Giveaway!

I love continuations that develop the stories of Austen's secondary characters, and I know I am far from alone in my desire to see the former Charlotte Lucas find far more happiness than life with Mr. Collins could possibly provide. Jennifer Becton provides that happier fate in her novel Charlotte Collins, which begins with the very cathartic burial of that sad excuse of masculinity, the Reverend William Collins. Though this is not a story about the Bennets, such an event not only liberates Charlotte, but also the residents of Longbourn from that "odious entail", making it just about the pleasantest funeral I have ever had the pleasure to read about. Yet this story is really not a happy one, at least not in the beginning. We begin our tale with a Charlotte almost maddeningly uptight, terribly censorious (it is hard to imagine this creature once irreverently laughed with Lizzy Bennet behind the backs of all their neighbors), and perfectly content to live a life of quiet respectability in the little cottage she rents on the edge of the Rosings estate. I admit, I felt rather disgusted with the widowed Mrs. Collins at the start of the book, though I suppose that such behavior is the inevitable result of submitting oneself to such a ridiculous man as Mr. Collins for the better part of the decade.

Relief comes in two forms: the first, an extended visit from Maria Lucas, still unmarried, very beautiful, and, in her adult form, not terribly dissimilar from the former Lydia Bennet. Though chaperoning her younger sister brings out Charlotte's most repressive qualities (not inappropriately, I should add), it also forces her to come out of mourning and rejoin the world. The second factor that pushes Charlotte out of her dour (no pun intended) state is the arrival in the neighborhood of two American gentleman. The younger, a Mr. Westfield, to all appearances a proper English gentleman (much to the shock of the neighborhood, who rather expected a barbarian), immediately becomes a source of near-obsessive interest for Maria. His chaperon and uncle, Mr. Basford, is much more in keeping with what the area's residents expected in an American: loose manners, a disregard for social propriety, and an irreverent sense of humor. Charlotte is appalled by him on their initial encounters, as in the following scene, in which the two gentlemen pay a call a the cottage:

"Shall we hace tea? Maria, ring the bell and inform Mrs. Eff that we require another pot."

Maria went obediently.

"Why do the English have such an obsession with tea?" asked Mr. Basford, still leaning precariously on the back legs of the chair. "It is nothing but a few died leaves after all."

Charlotte studied him. "Indeed, your censure is unwarranted, for I have heard that Americans are quite mad for the stuff as well. Particularly in Boston, I believe."

Charlotte was pleased with her retort, and so was Mr. Basford, who leaned his head back, causing the chair to tilt even further, and laughed heartily.

"She has you there, Uncle."

"Yes, indeed, she does."

"Mr. Basford seems to believe that the customs of our country are quite stilted and unnecessary," Charlotte said to Mr. Westfield.

"I confess that I do," Mr. Basford replied, letting the front legs of the chair return to the ground. "Take for instance the custom of calling people by their family names. I've seen close friends referring to each other as Mr. or Mrs. Whatnot, It's rediculous."

"In your opinion, perhaps, Mr. Basford. I have never called social acquaintances by their first names unless I have known them since childhood. It is too familiar and uncomfortable."       


"That is only because you have not practiced. Call me Ben, and you'll soon see how nice familarity is."


Charlotte looked at him with horror. "Indeed, I will not! That sort of familiarity is only permitted in private moments between married couples, and perhaps not even then!"


He spoke as if she had not. "And I'll call you Charlotte."


"Indeed you shall not! she objected, leaning forward as though to apprehend his words.


Mr. Westfield came to her rescue. "Uncle, do stop tormenting Mrs. Collins." He turned to Charlotte. "He is still reacting to your tea comment. He does not like to be bested in a battle of wits."


Regaining her composure somewhat, Charlotte asked Mr. Westfield, "Are all people in America this informal?"


"No. In truth, the rules of propriety are somewhat relaxed in our country, but many of us are almost as formal as you. However, Uncle believes strongly in informality and fancies himself ahead of his time."


"Someone ought to tell him that it will do him no good to be ahead of his time if he is rejected by society in the present. He will have no acquaintances to speak of and even fewer friends."


"You are probably correct," Mr. Basford said conversationally. "I care nothing for mere acquaintances, but a true friend will accept my eccentricities, Mrs. Collins."


He emphasized her name, causing Charlotte to flush. "With such appalling manners, it is unlikely that you will ever develop true friends, Mr. Basford." She emphasized his last name in the same manner.

Now such animosity on Charlotte's part is a clear signal to every observant reader that here is precisely the man to cure her of an overdose of propriety. Unfortunately, she must first learn the hard way that not even the most rigid defense against social misstep is a guarantee of that very respectability she clings to so desperately.

I only have one complaint about this novel and that is a slight inconsistency in the social censure dolled out by Charlotte's neighbors. Maria, like her sister, must learn to better guard her behavior, and receives the cold shoulder from all her former friends upon rejecting a very eligible marriage proposal in a rather unfeeling manner. I thought the reaction was rather severe, especially as the gentleman in question fails to receive his share of blame for publicizing the incident so very widely. My discomfort with this episode increased when Maria, in an attempt to make amends, sends him a letter of apology - a definitively compromising action in Regency society between a man and woman not engaged. However, despite this one, really very minor, criticism, the story is highly engaging and a thoroughly sweet tale of regeneration for the long suffering Charlotte Collins. Though she has clearly brought her fate upon herself, all of us who know and love her will be delighted to see her find the happiness she so clearly deserves.

Enter the giveaway! Ms. Becton has been so kind as to offer my US readers a signed copy of her novel. The giveaway was first announced last Sunday when I posted my interview with the author (read it here), and will continue through Sunday, November 28th. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post or on the interview (or both, for two chances to win!), including your email address, by midnight, EST of the final day of entry. Good luck to all who participate!

Interview with Jennifer Becton, author of Charlotte Collins, plus a giveaway!

Not only did I recently read Jennifer Becton's Charlotte Collins: A Continuation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (which I will be reviewing this week, so stay tuned!), but I also got to know the lady a bit through an email exchange regarding the joys and sorrows of self-publishing. The happy offshoot of this was Miss Becton's agreement to not only answer my questions regarding her novel, but also to allow me to post them in the form of an interview! Furthermore, her generosity has extended to you, dear readers, to whom she offers a copy of her novel. See the bottom of the post for more details on how to enter the giveaway. In the meantime, enjoy the interview!

Welcome to First Impressions, Jennifer, and thanks for agreeing to the interview! When did you first discover Jane Austen?

My love for Austen began with BBC/A&E’s 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, which I watched in my college dorm room between bouts of study. Upon its completion, I immediately bought and read as much Austen as I could. I had finally found my literary idol: a woman whose work had endured for almost 200 years and didn’t end tragically.

Is Pride and Prejudice your favorite Austen novel? If so, why?

I do enjoy Pride and Prejudice a great deal, but I also like Persuasion. I adore the characters of Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth was surrounded by such amusing companions, and I felt as if I knew them by the end of the novel. But I am drawn more to the redemption plot of Persuasion. I love that Austen gave Anne Elliot the opportunity to redeem herself and make the choice she hadn’t been brave enough to make earlier.

Persuasion is my favorite! Understand you have a background in editing. Did you always want to be a writer, or was this career path the result of your experiences as an editor?

From a young age, I knew I wanted to work with books in some capacity. I was that nerdy kid who actually liked learning grammar and writing essays, but writing a novel seemed like a fantasy, not a real potential for the future. After college, I chose to focus on editing, and I got a job at a local publishing company. Eventually, I began to freelance, and I occasionally wrote nonfiction articles for magazines, but writing a novel was still my dream. After one failed attempt, I decided to try again, and Charlotte Collins was born.

It is always gratifying to converse with another book geek. What inspired you to write a continuation of Pride and Prejudice focused on Charlotte Collins?

Traditionally, Austen sequels have focused on Darcy and Elizabeth, and while I certainly enjoy reading the retellings and what-if scenarios, I couldn’t stop wondering what happened to poor Charlotte. What had become of her? Was she happy with Mr. Collins? I couldn’t imagine that she would be, so I decided to write her continuing story so that she might have a hopeful, bright future like her friend Elizabeth.

You present an adult Maria Lucas in your book, a character who Austen barely develops. What details from Pride and Prejudice influenced your portrayal of Maria?

As you said, Austen provided very few details about Maria, so I had to begin with what she gave us: “good humoured,” “empty-headed,” “had nothing to say that could be worth hearing,” and was intimidated and easily influenced by wealthy characters. I tried to be true to this characterization but also allow her to mature somewhat. But even with the benefit of years, I didn’t imagine that she would become a great intellect or make choices based on a great deal of deep thought, so in my novel, she always took the easiest path available.

A major theme in Charlotte Collins is, as Maria puts it puts it (paraphrasing Mary Bennet), "Our reputation is truly all we have, and we must guard it jealously and give no one cause to speak ill of us." Of course, when Mary expresses this notion she is mocked, yet the sentiment is rather poignant in light of the events of Pride and Prejudice. What made you choose Charlotte Collins as an appropriate character to illustrate this point?

Charlotte was, in my view, the ideal character to exemplify this reality. In Pride and Prejudice, she did everything that was expected of her. She obeyed society’s rules, and she banked on the fact that she would have a comfortable life as a result. What would happen if her adherence to these norms did not result in the expected outcome? She had already discovered that marriage for security might not be the best choice, what would happen if she lost her reputation as well? I wondered these things, so that’s what I wrote.

Another theme you develop is the former Charlotte Lucas’ very pragmatic perspective on marriage. In Pride and Prejudice she says, “I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins' character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.” By the time of your story, her opinions on the matter have changed rather dramatically, yet you still portray another marriage that follows the model she formerly subscribed to. Do you believe, despite your depiction of Charlotte’s unhappiness with Mr. Collins, that her former feelings represent a realistic and pragmatic perspective, especially considering the realities of the era, or do you feel that the marriage of convenience you describe is doomed to failure?

My decision to have Maria follow in Charlotte’s footsteps and opt for a marriage of convenience was quite deliberate. Charlotte’s views on marriage were certainly representative of the prevailing views of the day, and the pressures of culture cannot always be as easily borne as Elizabeth Bennet seemed to bear them. Even if Maria desperately wanted to marry for love, women simply did not have the same freedoms as modern females or even the wealthy daughters of her day. In addition, even though I enjoy happy endings, I dislike books where every plot is neatly wrapped up with a bow on top. It would have been easy to have Maria fall in love with her husband in the last few pages, but it wouldn’t be realistic. She wasn’t at that point by the end of the novel. On Black Friday, I’ll be releasing a free short story that tells what happens to Maria next.

I can't wait to read it! Two American gentleman take center stage in Charlotte Collins as the potential love interests of both Charlotte and Maria. Several characters in the book express their beliefs in the unrefined and nonconforming nature of Americans, Charlotte included. Did you choose to emphasise this point as a foil to Charlotte’s rather starchy perspective, or was it being American yourself that compelled you to incorporate representatives of our country into your tale?

The decision to incorporate Americans into my novel was multifaceted. I did want to provide a foil for the traditional British views that Charlotte espoused, but I also felt a bit odd writing a book completely outside my nationality and culture, though my heritage is strongly British. I had not settled on making the uncle and nephew American, however, until I read some amusing primary source material about American customs during this time period. Then, I found I could not resist.

I understand you are now working on another continuation of Pride and Prejudice, this time focused on Caroline Bingley. What made you choose Elizabeth’s nemesis (if I may term her so) as the subject for a book, and is it your intention to redeem her character?

I chose Caroline Bingley for the same reason I chose Charlotte Collins as the subject of a book: I wanted to know what happened to her next. I have no intention of explaining away the nefarious deeds she undertook in Pride and Prejudice; there is no doubt that she was the villainess of the novel. Instead, I want to follow her as she undertook life without Mr. Darcy, the gentleman she clearly intended to marry. She may not make the best heroine, but she might make an interesting anti-heroine.

Do you have plans for any Austen inspired novels that are not based on Pride and Prejudice, or, if not, are there other secondary characters from this most famous of Austen’s novels that you wish to take on?

Apart from Charlotte Collins and my next novel featuring Caroline Bingley, I do not currently have plans for more Austen sequels, but I’ll still be writing. I’m working on a mystery series, the first of which I hope to release next year, and coauthoring a nonfiction book about overcoming horseback riding fear with Laura Daley. Please visit my website (www.jenniferbecton.com) and blog (jenniferbecton.blogspot.com) for more information and to learn more about Charlotte Collins: A Continuation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

Thank you again, Jennifer, for sharing your insights with my readers!

Thank you, Alexa, for taking the time to read and review my book. I really appreciate it, and though I don’t do reviews on my blog, I’ll be plugging your book in my next post.

I look forward to it!


Giveaway Details: Leave a comment including your email address before Monday, November 29th for your chance to win! Sorry, but the giveaway is limited to residents of the United States only (postage is expensive!). For a second chance to win, be sure leave a comment on my review of Charlotte Collins when it posts this week. Good luck!

Product Description:  "When Charlotte Lucas married Mr. Collins in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, she believed herself to be fortunate indeed. Her nuptials gained her a comfortable home and financial security. If she acquired these things at the expense of true love, it did not matter one whit. To Charlotte, love in marriage was nothing more than a pleasant coincidence.

As the years of her marriage dragged by, Charlotte began to question her idea of love as she suffered continual embarrassment at her husband's simpering and fawning manners. When Mr. Collins dies, finally relieving everyone of his tedious conversation, she must work feverishly to secure her income and home. She gives no further thought to the prospect of love until her flighty sister Maria begs her to act as her chaperone in place of their ailing parents. Hoping to prevent Maria from also entering an unhappy union, Charlotte agrees, and they are quickly thrust into a world of country dances, dinner parties, and marriageable gentlemen.

But when an unprincipled gentleman compromises Charlotte's reputation, her romantic thoughts disappear at the prospect of losing her independence. As she struggles to extricate herself from her slander, her situation reveals both the nature of each gentleman and of true love." 

Profile: Anne Elliot

... but Anne, with an elegance of mind and sweetness of character, which must have placed her high with any people of real understanding, was nobody with either father or sister; her word had no weight, her convenience was always to give way - she was only Anne.

Name: Anne Elliot

Age: 27

Hobbies: Music, reading, and making herself useful to others.

Most charming quality: Her remarkable listening skills.

Most detrimental tendency: A strong inclination towards melancholy.

Greatest strength: Her sense of compassion.

Truest friend: For better or for worse, Lady Russell.

Worst enemy: Elizabeth Elliot, as she is the only person foolish enough to develop an aversion to Anne.

Prospects: Diminished. She has ten thousand pounds - the majority of which, at the time of her marriage, is somehow wrapped up in Sir Walter's debts - and the joys of pedigree.

Favorite quotations: "If I was wrong in yielding to persuasion once, remember that it was to persuasion exerted on the side of safety, not of risk. When I yielded, I thought it was to duty, but no duty could be called in aid here. In marrying a man indifferent to me, all risk would have been incurred, and all duty violated."

"Perhaps I shall. Yes, yes, if you please, no reference to examples in books. Men have had every advantage of us in telling their own story. Education has been theirs in so much higher a degree; the pen has been in their hands. I will not allow books to prove anything."

"This," said she, "is nearly the sense, or rather the meaning of the words, for certainly the sense of an Italian love-song must not be talked of, but it is as nearly the meaning as I can give; for I do not pretend to understand the language. I am a very poor Italian scholar."

"My idea of good company, Mr. Elliot, is the company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company."

"There is always something offensive in the details of cunning. The manoeuvres of selfishness and duplicity must ever be revolting, but I have heard nothing which really surprises me. I know those who would be shocked by such a representation of Mr. Elliot, who would have difficulty in believing it; but I have never been satisfied. I have always wanted some other motive for his conduct than appeared."

"Yes," sighed Anne, "we shall, indeed, be known to be related to them!" then recollecting herself, and not wishing to be answered, she added, "I certainly do think there has been by far too much trouble taken to procure the acquaintance. I suppose" (smiling) "I have more pride than any of you; but I confess it does vex me, that we should be so solicitous to have the relationship acknowledged, which we may be very sure is a matter of perfect indifference to them."

"Oh!" cried Anne eagerly, "I hope I do justice to all that is felt by you, and by those who resemble you. God forbid that I should undervalue the warm and faithful feelings of any of my fellow-creatures! I should deserve utter contempt if I dared to suppose that true attachment and constancy were known only by woman. No, I believe you capable of everything great and good in your married lives. I believe you equal to every important exertion, and to every domestic forbearance, so long as--if I may be allowed the expression--so long as you have an object. I mean while the woman you love lives, and lives for you. All the privilege I claim for my own sex (it is not a very enviable one; you need not covet it), is that of loving longest, when existence or when hope is gone."


"What wild imaginations one forms where dear self is concerned! How sure to be mistaken!"

Musings: When I reviewed Persuasion before writing this profile, I was astounded to realize how very little Anne ever says in the first volume. Unlike most of Austen's heroines, whom we get to know through their words, Anne is entirely developed in her own thoughts and contemplations. Not a single one of the above quotes is taken from the first volume of the book, during which she is talked at a great deal, but all her responses - those deep, philosophical observations which mark her (in my opinion) as Austen's most perfect creation - are completely internal. This is a woman who lives entirely within herself. None of her companions offer her equality of mind and intelligence. Though we like to remember how wrong Lady Russell was in her advice to Anne regarding her youthful engagement, I was struck by how correct Lady Russell sentiments are when she considers that, "Anne had been too little from home, too little seen. Her spirits were not high. A larger society would improve them. She wanted her to be more known." For our almost silent Anne, with the commencement of the second volume, becomes quite verbose, beginning in her conversations with Mr. Elliot, then expounding in her interactions with Mrs. Smith, until she unleashes a virtual torrent of ideas upon Captain Harville. My huge love of Persuasion has always stemmed from my belief that the book is structurally magnificent, and these recent observations just magnify my awe at one of the most beautiful novels ever written. Anne begins the story worn and faded, "haggard" in her father's estimation, a shadow of her youthful self, and then comes alive again before us, as blooming as any young creature Austen ever devised. The journey is magnificent - beginning with the palpable nature of Anne's agony and reaching a crescendo of "senseless joy" at the end - and the resulting catharsis, unparalleled. 

Images:
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