Fitzwilliam Darcy: An Honourable Man by Brenda J. Webb

My then Facebook friend and now also fellow Austen Author Brenda J. Webb asked if I would like to read one of her books last year, and I eagerly accepted a copy. According to the guidelines I imposed on myself in 2014, I let her know I would only post a review if I could write a glowing one, and I am very pleased to be able to do so today.

It was really rather ironic reading this book while still gathering reactions to The Madness of Mr. Darcy. I imagine if I got on Amazon and looked through Ms. Webb's reviews that I would find a lot of comments akin to those I have received. Like my book, Fitzwilliam Darcy: An Honourable Man has a very difficult beginning. We come upon an Elizabeth horrifically traumatized: mute and unresponsive. So hard to read! Our beloved heroine, reduced to such state by the machinations of a vile mother (Mrs. Bennet is a true villain in this story) and an unscrupulous husband (an Italian count, no less, right out of Radcliffe), is a nauseating spectacle. It's painful, which it should be, for it allows you to fully enter into Darcy's feelings when he returns to Netherfield, two years after being rejected at Hunsford, to learn the woman he thought he had expunged from his heart was dead (a lie spread by the Binlgeys to protect Elizabeth from her mother), yet to then come upon her in her disordered state! It is a heart wrenching moment as we learn the full sordid details of what happened to Elizabeth through Jane and Charles, but it also the beginning of the healing process, for though apart Darcy and Elizabeth prove so vulnerable, together they will overcome all that stands in their path to happiness.

One of my favorite aspects of this variation was that it positioned our meek and mild Jane to become a protective lioness in regards to her sister, even when that means cutting ties with her mother. I was very proud of this Mr. and Mrs. Bingley as I read the book. I really wanted to quote the passage in which it happened, or the one when Jane and Bingley first tell Darcy about Elizabeth, but all the passages considered seem to give too much away. The story holds so many surprises, and I would hate to reveal them. Rest assured Ms. Webbs prose are clear and artistically crafted.

The story ends very happily, but the road there is filled with machinations and impediments. There is a lot going on in this book with multiple layers of villains, all pursuing their own vicious ends, making things difficult for our beloved couple. Further, there are vivid portraits of the Darcy and Fitzwilliam families, complete with complex family skeletons, emotional trauma, and romance. I was impressed by Ms. Webb's ability to weave such a complicated tale while maintaining the personal, emotional connection between the main characters and the readers. Fitzwilliam Darcy is a rich and captivating story. A hard read for the feint hearted, but worth the effort. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Webb's work.

The home stretch, Mrs. Darcy's Diamonds, and more ...

Sorry to have gone silent again. I just finished the sixth and final draft of The Madness of Mr. Darcy. Enormous thanks and gratitude to Anna over at Diary of an Eccentric, who did a marvelous job editing the text. Paperbacks won't be available until early next month, I'm guessing, but the ebook might be out as soon as next week! It's time to switch gears and start marketing. Plus I need to finish writing Becoming Mrs. Norris for this years Twisted Austen offering. Right now it stands at 3,000 words ... there is much to be done, and moving into November I plan on conquering NaNoWriMo once more with my first regency romance, The Prodigal Husband.

For these reasons and more, there looks to be no Being Mrs. Bennet chapter this week. Maybe early next. Gotta get my bearings. She's probably going to have to go on hiatus again in November, but I hope to wrap this first draft of the story up in the first quarter of 2015.

There is also a children's book I'm toying with. More to come. Busy, busy, busy!

I want to make sure I mention, before things get even more out of hand, that I received a copy of Mrs. Darcy's Diamonds from one of my favorite Janeites, Jane Odiwe. I love the way she paints a scene with words, and her powers are nicely displayed in this sweet novella. Reading it helped keep me sane while waiting to get my book back from Anna. This is the first in a series of short tales Ms. Odiwe will be regaling us with over the next year. Look for Mr. Darcy's Christmas Calendar in November, and Mrs. Darcy's Parisian Pin next spring! Can't wait!

Mr. Darcy Likes It Wild by Beth Massey

I imagine I heard a few deep gasps of shock and astonishment as I typed this post title, and before I proceed further, let me declare that I decided two months ago not to write any more negative book reviews. I have only good things to say about Mr. Darcy Likes It Wild, though I remember shuddering with revulsion when I first became aware of Beth Massey's name, following the publication of Goodly Creatures, her first book, and learning its premise. Like many others, Jane Austen's characters were not the forum within which I wished to explore the issue of rape, no matter how vital the conversation.

With so much Austenesque available, I rarely read outside my favorite authors in the genre anymore. The great exception are the books I pick up for free on Kindle. I hesitated before downloading this book even under those circumstances, but as I was about to be traveling it was hard to turn down a free read when it was on offer, even when I knew I'd encounter just the sort of sex scenes that make me most uncomfortable. Still, I never cracked the Kindle edition until Tuesday, when being stuck inside with my daughter during spring break finally left me desperate enough to brave the book I'd been avoiding since December. My worst prophesies seemed almost immediately realized when Mr. Darcy became enamored by the sight of a young man's backside. Maybe it was astonishment - a bit of devious glee at the horror of some if my cohorts in the no-sex-in-Austen camp - but I didn't turn my tablet off.

Austen's heroines are in a constant state of restriction based upon their gender. Imagine if all the societal dictates and norms beneath which they toil could be flaunted forever, and the 19th century morality from which they derived proved ridiculous and cruel: that's what this "diversion" is all about. Mr. Bennet, weakened by illness and frightened for his family's future, insists that Elizabeth marry Mr. Collins. She does the only reasonable thing by dressing like a young man and hightailing it to London (I read the foreword to the book after finishing it and was pleased to see Ms. Massey's accrediting Georgette Heyer's The Corinthian as inspiration, as I was often reminded of it during the text), asking Mr. Darcy to loan her the money for passage to Nova Scotia. Horrified at what might become her on such a journey, he convinces her to journey to Pemberley with him instead. What unfolds is really utter nonsense, but much in Heyer's style it is diverting nonsense: coincidental encounters at inns, Bow Street Runners, and highwaymen included. The plot resembles something like Austen herself once outlined in jest, but the crux of the novel - the exposure of gendered hypocrisy - is poignant.

Much Austenesque focuses upon Mr. Darcy's transformation into a worthy hero for our heroine. Mr. Darcy Like It Wild takes this to new heights, bringing the gentleman to a place where he is more than willing to risk not only his familial relationships, but also his reputation in order to protect Elizabeth, who before the novel is over has been "compromised" a thousand times over (excepting the technical way). The gender norms and expectations of not only a Regency audience, but also the modern reader, are again and again called into question. While I'm not sure I'll ever look to Austenesque for political and social commentary, Ms. Massey's use of the genre as a vehicle for her message is really rather beautifully done. It stands out amongst most of my recent reading for it's originality.

Pirates and Prejudice by Kara Louise

This is another book I tore through while in San Francisco a few weeks ago. I adore Kara Louise's books (especially the often overlooked Master Under Good Regulation, my review of which you can read here), and this one fully met my rather inflated expectations.  This is the second time Ms. Louise has taken Darcy and Elizabeth's romance onto the high seas (she previously did so in Darcy's Voyage, my review of which you can read here), but I think Pirates & Prejudice was even better than its predecessor. I mean - Pirate Darcy?!?! It can't really get any more awesome than that.

But how did the upstanding and conscientious Mr. Darcy take on a life of piracy? I was a bit hesitant on this point when first considering the concept, but Ms. Louise pulls it off perfectly. Devastated by Elizabeth's rejection at Hunsford, Mr. Darcy dismisses his valet and drowns his sorrows in drink. Unshaven, dirty, and disoriented, he is mistaken by a few law enforcers for the escaped pirate Lockerly, scourge of the high seas. It takes a bit for poor Darcy's protestations to be heeded, but eventually one Foster, a police inspector, proves receptive. However, instead of granting Mr. Darcy his freedom and abjectly apologizing for the manner in which he had been treated, Mr. Foster has plans to lure the pirate out of hiding, using the bearded Mr. Darcy, who bears a strong resemblance to Lockerly, as bait. They have his ship, and Darcy is asked to start recruiting a crew, posing as Lockerly all the while. So you see, duty to country and justice impels Mr. Darcy to bare his chest and speak in cant, along with a justified fear of Foster exposing his plight should he fail to comply. It is all perfectly characteristic.

Back at Longbourn, Mr. Bennet receives a letter from an ailing sister in the Isles of Scilly. He and his favorite daughter embark on a visit, thus setting the stage for swashbuckling romance. Obviously, neither Darcy nor Elizabeth's adventures can proceed smoothy, for it they did, we could never have this scene:

The crewman with the short rope wrapped it around them snugly. As he cinched it tight and knotted it, the two stood as close as any two people could be. Elizabeth felt her heart pound as she considered she had never been so close to a man before. She felt weak and precariously close to collapsing in a heap at his feet, despite being tied together at their waists. To prevent herself from fallen, she quickly reached up and wrapped her arms about his neck, holding on tightly. 

The captain responded with a deep moan and quickly brought his one arm around her. She felt him draw her in even closer than she had believed possible. A sensation of euphoria swept over her, and she found herself readily resting her head against his chest. She could hear his thundering heartbeat and wondered if it was beating more vigorously than hers.  

"Now hold on tight, Miss Bennet." His lips brushed the hair by her ear as e huskily whispered these words. She felt her legs begin to tremble and suspected he felt it as well, as he gripped her even more firmly. 

"Are ye ready?" he whispered softly; his breath seemed to warm her to her innermost being. 

"Yes," she said, as she lifted her head to look up at him. She saw his dark eyes looking down at her, a single brow raised. 

"Ye are not afraid?"  

"On the contrary, I believe I shall enjoy this immeasurably!" 

He inhaled deeply and whispered, "As will I." 

As he was about to step off, she asked with a nervous laugh, "You have done this before, have you not?" 

"Never!" he said, and the next thing she knew, she was lifted off the ground, and they were swinging through the air. She held on tightly, wanting desperately to keep her head snuggled up against his chest, while at the same time wishing to look up, down, and out to see what was happening.  

She finally turned her head and opened her eyes, just as they came over the Devil's Seamaiden's bow. She felt the rope lower, and the next thing she knew, they had come to a stop. The captain landed squarely on his feet, but he continued to hold her up in his arms. He finally relaxed his grip around her waist slightly, allowing her feet to touch the deck.

This book was such fun! A world away from Jane Austen, yet somehow still safe and snug within her parameters. I highly recommend this thoroughly entertaining story.

Please check out my other reviews of Kara Louise's novels, all of which are excellent.

                       Assumed Engagement
                       Assumed Obligation
                       Darcy's Voyage
                       Master Under Good Regulation
                       Something like Regret 


This is my tenth review for The Pride and Prejudice Bicentennial Celebration 2013, hosted by Austenprose. Please see my others below:

Bluebells in the Mourning by KaraLynne Mackrory  

Pride and Platypus by Vera Nazarian 

Mr. Darcy's Little Sister vs. And This Our Life by C. Allyn Pierson 

An Unlikely Missionary by Skylar Hamilton Burris 

The Disappearance of Georgiana Darcy by Regina Jeffers 

The Three Colonels by Jack Caldwell 

Pride and Prejudice (1995): Influence and Merits 

His Uncle's Favorite by Lory Lilian 

Mr. Darcy's Refuge and Mr. Darcy's Noble Connections by Abigail Reynolds

Mr. Darcy's Refuge and Mr. Darcy's Noble Connections by Abigail Reynolds

My husband was sent at the last minute to Oracle Open World last week in San Francisco, and I, also last minute, decided to join him. It was the longest I have ever been away from my daughter, and while I missed her intensely, it was beautifully luxurious to have no one's needs to meet but my own. I spent a great deal of time wandering from cafe to coffee house, greedily reading. In four days I finished five books and at least four of them I shall review here.

Forgive the double up on the two Abigail Reynolds books I read (always a delight), but I fear I wouldn't get the reviews done any other way. I adore Ms. Reynolds' books (she was the direct inspiration for my own reimagining of Pride and Prejudice), and Mr. Darcy's Refuge is a classic example of  her work. Weather is the altered variable in this scenario: Mr. Darcy departs to propose to Elizabeth at the Hunsford parsonage just when an epic storm begins. The two are stranded together for three days, working together to help sustain Mr. Collins' homeless and hungry parishioners. It is the perfect setting for Elizabeth to reevaluate her assumptions about Mr. Darcy.

Something unusual in this variation was the portrayal of Darcy uncle, the Earl of Matlock. Usually he is envisioned rather gently - a foil to Lady Catherine's imperiousness - but in Mr. Darcy's Refuge he is rather villainous. It is his machinations, and a sordid history with Mr. Bennet from their school days, that drives our hero and heroine apart. Instead of Darcy and Elizabeth having to reconcile their pride and prejudices, it is the patriarchs of their families that must be forced into reason. There are also some major reevaluations of Bingley and Jane's relationship, which I found very satisfying. The result is an excellent and unique reimagining which I could not put down.

Mr. Darcy's Noble Connections was maybe even better, if only because the plot is more unique amongst Ms. Reynolds' body of work, taking us out of the familiar places and settings and depositing us at Bentham Park, the seat of Lord Bentham, a distant relation of Mr. Darcy and, surprisingly, Mrs. Gardiner. Elizabeth has a history with the daughter of the house, Eleanor, with whom she played as a child until a new step-mother placed distance between the socially unequal friends. Elizabeth receives an urgent note from Eleanor, requesting her immediate presence. Her father has contracted a marriage for her, but Eleanor is in love with their neighbor, Geoffrey Paxton, whose fortune derives from trade. Lord Bentham would never sanction such a marriage, and Elizabeth is asked to act as Eleanor's chaperone as she enjoys what she thinks will be her last few weeks with the love of her life. Mr. Paxton calls on his friend, Mr. Darcy, to do the same.

The time is not long after Darcy's first proposal at Hunsford, so tensions are high as our hero and heroine reluctantly embark on joint subterfuge. The resulting mixups and mayhem are almost more akin to Georgette Heyer than Jane Austen, and I loved every minute of it. What a wildly different take on the classic Pride and Prejudice variation! Also, unlike most of Ms. Reynolds' books, Mr. Darcy's Noble Relations has very little overt sex in it, which I really appreciate (Mr. Darcy's Refuge is a great deal racier). Both books are excellent, and I highly recommend them.

Somehow manage to not have read Abigail Reynolds before, the grand dame of the "What if?" story? Check out my other reviews of her work:

The Man Who Loved Pride and Prejudice

Mr. Darcy's Letter 

Mr. Darcy's Obsession 

A Pemberley Medley 

Pemberley Variations (overview)

This is my ninth review for The Pride & Prejudice Bicentennial Celebration 2013, hosted by Austenprose. Check out my others below:

Bluebells in the Mourning by KaraLynne Mackrory 

Pride and Platypus by Vera Nazarian

Mr. Darcy's Little Sister vs. And This Our Life by C. Allyn Pierson

An Unlikely Missionary by Skylar Hamilton Burris

The Disappearance of Georgiana Darcy by Regina Jeffers

The Three Colonels by Jack Caldwell

Pride & Prejudice (1995): Influence and Merits

His Uncle's Favorite by Lory Lilian

The Book is Done! Plus a Review of Bluebells in the Mourning by KaraLynne Mackrory

Sorry to usurp a review I should have written a month ago, when I first finished the book, but I just finished Holidays at Pemberley, or Third Encounters: A Tale of Less Pride & Prejudice Concludes! My interests may have never been so much in conflict before, but it is time to celebrate, nonetheless (well, almost: I still need to process the comments of my mother, sister, and mother-in-law, who really do a marvelous job cleaning up after this extremely careless writer). This book is a journey begun less than a year ago when I spontaneously decided to sign up for NaNoWriMo on November 1st, in response to the need to do something for Charlotte Lucas. I had no notion it would turn into a Christmas story, but I'm very pleased with the results. It wraps up the fates of all my other re-imagined Pride & Prejudice characters with particular focus on the Darcys and, to a lesser extent, the Wickhams. I hope it is as satisfying to those who have been following my tale as it is to me. Now I'm ready to move on, and I have something in mind for this year's NaNoWriMo. More to come on that this fall.

Now let's turn our attention to a book is certain to delight the reader: Bluebells in the Mourning by KaraLynne Mackrory. I bought this novel after reading a wonderful review of it at Austenesque Reviews, which does a far better job than I am about to do summarizing the plot (check it out here). The story has a bit of something for every Janeite (except for explicit sex scenes - thank you Ms. Mackrory!): desperate misunderstandings between Darcy and Elizabeth, beautiful development of side characters, especially Georgiana, mysteries to unravel, and a thoroughly despicable Wickham in need of defeat, which as an added bonus brings us into the depths of the 19th century London's underworld ...

He was disgusted with his surrounding - and even more so with the lack of punctuality of the person whom he was to meet - and Darcy's mood was taking a decided turn south. He dared not touch the soiled tablecloth covering the wobbly table in front of him. He had barely summoned the courage to order a glass of brandy from the grubby looking bar maid; her suggestive propositions and unwashed odors were making him ill. Where is that blasted man?

After eyeing the glass suspiciously and reminding himself why he must bear these mortifications, he tentatively took a sip of his drink. Upon his arrival at Netherfield, Darcy had sent his valet to gather information about Wickham or his whereabouts from within the exclusive, secretive world of the servant class. Some hard-earned confidences led Darcy to this fetid part of London.

... and gaming-hells:

Wickham nodded and straightened to his full height. He turned to the barkeep and said he would want a bottle sent to the table.

"What'll ya be drinkin' this time, Wick?"

He tendered a mischevious grin. "The regular for me, and a bit of your blue ruin for the chaps."

Wickham tapped the bar and walked over to the table with the officers just as Jem placed his winning cards on the stack. Wickham reached for the man's arm and lifted it up, pulling out the extra cards he knew the man kept hidden in his sleeve. 

"I suppose these cards just fell into your coat, eh, Jem?"

Love it!

As a readaptation of Pride & Prejudice, my favorite thing about Bluebells in the Mourning is the joyfulness of the story. Almost everyone finds an even happier fate that Austen provided, except for Lydia, who is dead. That's the the story's premise: What if Lydia Bennet conveniently fell off Oakham Mount while Elizabeth is at Hunsford, but before Mr. Darcy can make his first proposal? I felt kind of guilty reading about how everything could work out so well if only poor Lydia were disposed of, but it really does allow the Bennet family to become far less dysfunctional. She is rather a nuisance, I get it, but I can't help but feel a little uneasy about that part of the premise. It's my only complaint of the book, which provides a lovely reading experience. This is the kind of novel that is perfect for those readers of Austenesque who approach with caution, as it remains true to Austen's time and spirit throughout. Brava!

This is my seventh review for The Pride & Prejudice Bicentennial Celebration 2013, hosted by Austenprose. Check out my others below:

Pride and Platypus by Vera Nazarian

Mr. Darcy's Little Sister vs. And This Our Life by C. Allyn Pierson

An Unlikely Missionary by Skylar Hamilton Burris

The Disappearance of Georgiana Darcy by Regina Jeffers

The Three Colonels by Jack Caldwell

Pride & Prejudice (1995): Influence and Merits

Mr. Darcy's Letter by Abigail Reynolds

A new Pemberley Variation from Abigail Reynolds is always the cause of great excitement. I had been anxious to read Mr. Darcy's Letter since it came out last year, but it was not until we traveled to Texas for the Easter holiday that I found an opportunity to indulge myself. My anticipation for this novel was particularly high as I had read a draft snippet of the story a few years ago on Ms. Reynolds' blog, and I have been waiting ever since to learn where she would take it. Compound this with the fact that her last book I read, Mr. Darcy's Obsession (you can read my review here) was, in my opinion, the very best she has yet written, and you can begin to understand my towering expectations. Under such circumstances disappointment was, perhaps, inevitable, but such rationale doesn't lessen the sensation. It was a quick read, and it kept my attention, but Mr. Darcy's Letter is just not as well crafted as Ms. Reynolds' previous offerings.

The premise for the story is a good one: Elizabeth never reads the letter Darcy writes to her after his failed proposal at Hunsford. With her usual ease, Ms. Reynolds grabs our attention in the first few pages, twisting Austen's plot on its head:

He knew the instant that she saw him, for she became still, as if rooted to the ground. She began to retreat, as if hoping her presence had not been noticed, but he could not allow her to escape, not now. "Miss Bennet!" he called.

She stopped at the sound of his voice, but did not look up. She could have been a doe, poised on the brink of flight, held in check only by the gossamer bonds of good manners. Now was his moment. He forced his feet to move, first one step, then another, till he stood so close to her that her lavender scent wafted over him. She stood, her gaze averted.

She could still take his breath away. Even knowing she hated him, he longed to taste her soft lips under his - or perhaps to shake her until she saw sense. Instead, he held out the letter he had spent the entire night writing. Striving to keep his voice even, he said, "I have been walking the grove for some time in hope of meeting you. Will you do me the honour of reading this letter?"

Elizabeth reached out to take it, but froze with her fingers only inches away from it.  Her hand slowly closed onto itself and withdrew. "I cannot accept it." Her voice sounded strangled.

"I do not ask this of you lightly. There are matters in it of utmost importance," he said icily.

She folded her hands behind her back. "Mr. Darcy, you know as well as I that a single lady cannot receive correspondence from a gentleman. Your opinion of my family's manners may be low, but I assure you I understand that much of proper behavior."

He flushed. "This is not the time for foolishness. No one will know of it, and I must insist that you read it."

Her eyes widened and she took a step back. "You presume too much, Mr. Darcy. I wish you good day." She turned and hurried away, almost at a run.

Darcy does manage to get the letter into Elizabeth's hands, but she stubbornly burns it. When the two meet again at Pemberley, her opinion of both him and Wickham remains unchanged, leaving Mr. Darcy an uphill battle to win Elizabeth's affections. Fortunately, he is very capable, but when Elizabeth leaves Lambton before informing him of Lydia's elopement, things indeed look bleak for their future. We follow Elizabeth and Darcy through what has become the standard series of anxious moments and misunderstandings in "What If?' reimaginings. I see nothing wrong with sticking to a formula that works, but it certain helps when the outcomes are probable. This story relies on too many surprise devices [SPOILER ALERT], like an older Wickham brother, for believability. There are also some inconsistencies and non sequiturs in the book that further strain an already convoluted series of events. Perhaps this is the result of Ms. Reynolds having self-publishing this book and not having the benefits of Sourcebooks' excellent editors (a plight with which I can ready sympathize). Regardless, I would have enjoyed the novel far more if it were tidied up a bit. I could also wish Ms. Reynolds had not reverted back to her usual formula of anticipating the wedding vows, but I recognize that my preferences regarding such issues do not conform to the vast majority's. As it is an issue I've already dwelt on at length, I will endeavor to let it go on this occasion.

Adieu to disappointment and spleen! Despite my snippy complaints, I really must recommend this novel, and for several good reasons. First and foremost, this is Abigail Reynolds we are speaking of, to quote myself, "the Godmother of the 'What If?' genre", and all her books are great fun. Secondly, as this is a self-published offering, it behooves fans to support talented writers. And third I offer up the book itself, providing an entirely new and uncharted destiny for our favorite couple, even if the going gets a bit awkward. After all, one can never have enough Darcy and Elizabeth, can one?

Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman by Maria Hamilton

Before I commence this review, I must apologize in advance for not doing the book justice. You see, I read it over a month ago, in that long ago, pre-mommy time, but never got to writing the review. Though I can fully attest to the novel's ability to distract and sooth at a most apprehensive time, I'm afraid I forgot some of the finer details of the plot. I hope readers will, nevertheless, find the following valuable.

Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman is a classic "What if?" reimagining of Pride and Prejudice. Maria Hamilton begins her story as Darcy and Fitzwilliam depart from Rosings, the former devastated by Elizabeth's scathing rejection of his hand. The plot veers when our hero decides to rectify some of the wrongs Elizabeth accused him of by returning to Netherfield in order to ascertain if Jane Bennet really does have deep feelings for Mr. Bingley. From this first humbling decision, Darcy pursues a course designed to improve his own temper and win Elizabeth's heart. The book follows the couple through courtship, providing a highly pleasant sojourn (despite one explicit scene, which I could have done without) within the world Jane Austen created.

One amusing consequence of Darcy's inquiries into Jane's heart is the inevitable misconstruction Mrs. Bennet places upon his actions, the consequences of which are obvious. Another fun twist arises from Ms. Hamilton's construction of a rival for Elizabeth's hand in the form of John Lucas. Darcy attends a summer assembly (an unusual occurrence) in Meryton, providing him with an explicit opportunity to reform his past behavior. I thought this scene between the two gentlemen, fueled by Mrs. Bennet's gossip, particularly interesting:

"What intrigues me is your offensive movement to this unguarded position. Clearly, something has drawn you out. You must be seeking something or someone already on the dance floor." Seeing Darcy color and the set of his jaw tighten, it was John Lucas's turn to retreat. "Please, do not worry. I have only said as much because that is why I am here as well." Looking significantly from Darcy to where Jane was dancing, he added, "I am no threat. While she is very beautiful, my tastes run elsewhere."

Darcy was in a quandary. He was relieved that his real purpose was not revealed, but upset that he may have unwittingly added fuel to any gossip about himself and Miss Bennet. If he denied that Miss Bennet was the reason for his coming over, it might open up speculation as to what it was he had been doing. John Lucas seemed to clever to let the matter drop so easily. Hoping to avoid further comment on the subject, Darcy turned the tables and asked, "And where do your tastes run?" 


"Ah, a direct question. A brilliant strategy. I see I was right in seeking you out. You also reject the confines of social rules.We must play chess someday. I will reward your boldness with a response." Looking significantly at Elizabeth, he said, "I find her sister most appealing."


Trying to hide his intense and conflicting emotions, Darcy asked, "You must be well acquainted then."


"Oh, yes, I have known her since she was a girl.But our dispositions are too similar. I often provoke her. I doubt she will accept my invitation to dance; I recently enraged her by disagreeing with her about a passage from a play we had both read. But I have reread the entire book and am armed with evidence that my position is superior. I will attempt to dazzle her with my wit and undoubtedly will leave defeated. But a man must always make an effort. Do you not agree?"

So much for books being inappropriate in a ballroom! The novel is full of both familiar (Miss Bingley's role is particularly gratifying) and new twists and turns that drag out our time with this most beloved couple, providing yet another new path to their ultimate happiness. I recommend this sweet retelling to all of you who can never get enough of Elizabeth and Darcy.

The Mistress's Black Veil by M.K. Baxley

Still no baby. While the wait seems interminable, it has given me the opportunity to plow through some neglected reading. One of the books I had sitting in the TBR pile is The Mistress's Black Veil by M.K. Baxley. I have avoided Ms. Baxley's books in the past because I knew that they were racier than what I typically enjoy (the fact that I usually don't go for modernization, and that is what was previously available, had something to do with it too), but this book had received so many great reviews, and in such a short amount of time, that I decided to check it out. I think if the product description of the book had been more accurate, I probably wouldn't have bothered. However, that being said, I'm not sorry I read it. A discussion of the story's plot will help illuminate this somewhat mixed reaction.

This is basically a tale of Elizabeth Bennet becoming Mr. Darcy's mistress. Five years after the proposal at Hunsford, the Bennet family, following a multitude of deaths, are horribly impoverished, driving our heroine to make that most desperate of decisions by joining the demimonde. Mr. Darcy, meanwhile, continues to mourn for the lady who inadvertently stole his heart, losing himself in his business interests, which has resulted in his accumulation of a fortune surpassing the Duke of Devonshire's. At the urging of his cousins, he finally concedes to the need for female companionship and attends the ball at which Elizabeth, disguised as Sofia Molina, a Spanish lady who never removes her mask and veil, makes her debut. As she reminds him of Elizabeth, the two quickly enter into a contract, and soon this "business" relationship blooms into love.

Now had I read such a synopsis before buying this book, I would never have made the purchase, and as I began to read and discovered what the plot actually was, I admit to fearing for the very worse. But besides a few scenes, the storyline really isn't as lewd as you would expect, especially considering the subject matter. I have read many far more sexualized Pride and Prejudice reimaginations that follow much more innocent story lines. I was actually rather impressed by how Ms. Baxley took these dramatically altered circumstances and manipulated them so that the course of Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship remained remarkably true to the original tale. That being said, the obviously episodic writing of the story (I believe it was first published at A Happy Assembly) was a little frustrating. Each chapter begins and ends with a first person narration recap and conclusion, while in between the level of dramatic content almost overwhelms. Putting that aside, I was pretty entertained. I read the book in a single day, it was light and compelling, and it succeeded in keeping my mind off the elephant in the room - my enormously bulging belly. If you enjoy darker and more sexual Pride and Prejudice retellings, you will probably greatly enjoy this book. If the notion of Elizabeth selling herself to the highest bidder makes you want to scream, I would probably look elsewhere for your next read. With so many great "What if?" stories out there these days, we readers have the luxury of picking and choosing precisely those which cater most to our individual tastes.     

A Pemberley Medley by Abigail Reynolds

Some of you might be wondering, after a somewhat frantic Facebook update three days ago, if I have had the baby yet or not. Sadly, though I am experiencing contractions, they are not yet strong enough to get this show on the road. So here I am, left in limbo, trying to ignore the discomfort by distracting myself with a little bit of Austenesque. Thankfully, I have a fresh supply of unread books on hand, including Abigail Reynolds' recently published collection of short stories, A Pemberley Medley. This book was exactly what the doctor ordered, to employ a rather apropos cliche. Despite my well documented discomfort with more sexualized portrayals of Austen's characters, I can never get enough of Ms. Reynolds "What if?" tales, my qualms easily overlooked in the face of some of the most delightful reimaginations of Pride and Prejudice that it has been my pleasure to encounter. Her short stories were no exception, and I will briefly describe and respond to each one in this post.

I think the first story, Intermezzo, was my favorite. A classic example of Ms. Reynolds' typical style, this story explores what might have happened if Mr. Darcy sent Mr. Bingley back to Hertforshire after learning of Jane's affections at Hunsford. Because of the disastrous results of his failed proposal, he does not accompany his friend, allowing wedding plans to proceed for the happy couple without his own courtship advancing. As a result of the timing, Lydia never goes to Brighton, and Elizabeth does not again encounter Darcy until the day of her sister's wedding. Fortunately, Georgiana, perceiving that someone in the neighborhood of Netherfield had caused her brother great heartache, proceeds him into the neighborhood in an attempt to locate the lady in question and attempt to rectify whatever problems stand in the way of his happiness.

The reason I said that I think Intermezzo was my favorite story in the collection is because I can't really decide between it and the second tale, Such Differing Reports. Also very much in Ms. Reynolds usual mode, this story takes place at Hunsford and questions what might have happened if Elizabeth had taken to heart Charlotte's intuitions regarding Darcy's affection for her. Instead of making his infamous first proposal, the couple have the opportunity to address the issues which arose during that confrontation in a more diffuse manner, leading up to a letter of a far more romantic nature than the one which Darcy pens in Austen's original tale. Be warned: swooning is highly likely when reading it.

The third story is Reason's Rule, a variation on the course of events in one of my favorite books by Ms. Reynolds, Impulse and Initiative, but you do not need to be familiar with that novel to enjoy this alternative ending. However, because of this fact, the action begins after Darcy and Elizabeth have already come to an understanding and focuses upon Lydia's disappearance from Brighton, Wickham's motives now being attributed to her new relationship with the Darcys. A bit of a spoiler: before entering into negotiations with Wickham, the players all agree to hurry along the betrothed couple's wedding date, so as he cannot use their undetermined state as a bargaining ship. This leads us to the only wedding night scene in this collection.

The Most Natural Thing is our forth tale, and while I entered into it with some reservations, the result of Ms. Reynolds introducing the story as "dating from a time when 'Dark Darcy' stories were popular", a phenomenon which I do not particularly care for, I ended up very much enjoying it. The premise is that, shortly following her departure from Hunsford, Elizabeth's father dies, and when Lydia absconds from Brighton with Wickham, Mr. Collins throws the entire Bennet family out of Longbourn. Feeling that she has few options, Elizabeth presents herself at Darcy's door in London, offering herself to him as a mistress in return for his interference with Mr. Collins on her family's behalf. A bit of a disturbing start, and definitely in that "Dark Darcy" mode, but I love the way he responds, confirming all the best attributes Darcy possesses rather than diminishing his character to that of a rogue.

Finally we have A Succession of Rain, a thoroughly sweet story that follows what would have happened if inclement weather prevented Darcy and Elizabeth from taking that detrimental walk, after Lady Catherine's visit to Longbourn, during which they reach an understanding. Those who have read my novel will understand my desire to see everything work out for the couple with relatively little angst and impediment, and Ms. Reynolds definitely caters to that urge in this tale.

All in all, I think this book is a necessary addition to every Austenites library. Sometimes we need quick reads, when life deprives us of an extended attention span, and this collection perfectly fits the bill. I could not be more thankful for its extremely timely arrival in my life.       

Pemberley Ranch by Jack Caldwell

Pemberley Ranch by Jack Caldwell, a revised version of Pride and Prejudice set in post-Civil War Era Texas, deals directly with the cultural divisions and misunderstandings, many that persist into the present day, between the North and South in the US. Now while I am a thorough Yankee, I am the only person in my father's entire family to be born, raised, and permanently residing outside of the state of Texas. Not only does my family's heritage put me in a position to understand (and be utterly bewildered by) the unique characteristics of Texans, but, having lived in other southern states, I have also had ample opportunity to observe the ongoing confusion that exist between the northern and southern perspectives. So before I discuss the compelling and exciting manner in which Mr. Caldwell reimagined Pride and Prejudice, I think it essential to address what appears to me to have been the other agenda of this book: correcting many of the persistent myths about why this country went to war with itself.

American History text books tend to rap up their discussion of this bloody episode in a clean and precise manner. The Southern economy was premised upon slave labor, something about states rights, Abraham Lincoln elected, the South succeeded, Gettysburg, Lee surrenders, yada yada yada. The overall message is that the moral North triumphed over a sinful South. Gone With the Wind brings Sherman and romance into the picture, and sometimes teachers dwell on the technological improvements born out of the necessity of war. Mr. Caldwell presents a more complex picture of the conflict, reminding us of the economic complexities that really drove this country to the brink, the horrors perpetuated by both sides, and the crippling costs of war. This book has so much to offer the Civil War history buff, particularly if that buff happens to be from Texas and feels that unquenchable, native pride for the Lone Star State. Texans are a unique breed, perfectly assured of the superiority of their state, still throwing the idea of succession about, and seeing Darcy and Elizabeth recast in this guise is shocking, in a stunning manner, to the senses.

The book follows the plot of Pride and Prejudice relatively closely considering the cultural changes enacted upon it, except that Jane and Bingley, now doctor for the small central Texas town of Rosings, are married right off the bat, and the Wickham and Lady Catherine characters are elevated to a level of such malevolence that their original counterparts seem like perfectly charming companions in comparison. The class divide that separates Darcy and Elizabeth in Austen's tale, while it still does exist, is largely replaced by their regional identities. The Bennet family moves to Rosings from Ohio, and Elizabeth, simply Beth in this tale, holds a particular grudge against the South on behalf of a brother who died in the conflict, while Darcy is healing from the traumatic wounds inflicted by his time in Northern POW camps. The scenario translates surprisingly well, the drama of the original story amplified by the frontier setting, complete with cowboys, outlaws, saloon girls, and, of course, gun fights. I admit to being revited from beginning to end.

A warning for the weary - there are a couple of sexy scenes, but they are suitable to the plot and setting and did not cause me the usual discomfort I feel when reading such details, Mr. Caldwell having painted a world so very alien to that of Austen's. The book is also decided masculine in feel, and I am always enthused by undertakings of this sort by men. Frankly, while I do feel that some of the female emotions were less believable than is usual in the genre, the men burst to life in this text in a beautifully developed manner. It's fascinating to see Darcy's perspective so sympathetically portrayed, while Elizabeth is elevated into the the role of idealized fantasy that he usually occupies. I highly recommend the book and can particularly give it my endorsement as excellent beach reading. If I keep up with my book per day consumption for the remainder of this vacation, it will indeed have proven a most satisfying holiday.

1932 by Karen M. Cox

So here I am in gorgeous Naples, Florida, soaking up the sun, enjoying some rest and relaxation before baby arrives, and making some headway on my TBR pile. I started 1932 by Karen M. Cox last night and finished it poolside this afternoon. It's a setting that makes any book better, but this one would have been enjoyable anywhere. Ms. Cox takes Pride and Prejudice and relocates the characters to Depression Era Kentucky, a period in time which has particular resonance with our contemporary economic situation, while simultaneously asking a very similar question to that Abigail Reynolds posed in her novel Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy: The Last Man in the World - what would have happened if Elizabeth had not refused Mr. Darcy's initial proposal? Mr. Bennet (now Dr. Bennet) having lost his position as a college professor, and, subsequently, his home in Chicago, is forced to relocate his family to the small Kentucky town of Meryton where they try to make a living at the farm (Longbourn) where Mrs. Bennet grew up. Elizabeth quickly catches the eye of Mr. Darcy, whose farm at Pemberley is the most prosperous in the district. Thinking his interest in her is based in disapproval, Elizabeth is taken aback when she receives his unexpected proposal but agrees to marry him anyway due to the dire straits of the Bennet family's finances.

This is not the only way in which our original tale has been turned upon it's head. George Wickham does not rear his ugly head until well after the Darcys marry, proving a complication to the couple as they struggle to build a loving relationship. Also, since Darcy has never learned to check his pride, Elizabeth attempts to hide many aspects of her family's struggle from him, creating a further source of distrust in their fragile relationship. I found these aspects, as well as others, provided an effective and compelling perspective on this beloved story. Ms. Cox stays true to the essence of the characters while casting them in an entirely new scenario, keeping me interested and engaged from beginning to end.

I must express my discomfort with the sex scenes, rather inevitable in JAFF that focuses on the Darcys' post-marital relationship, but I give Ms. Cox credit for seeing the couple safely married before exploring the more private aspects of their relationship (an issue still paramount in 1930s society), as well as for doing so in a non-gratuitous fashion. If we must have sex, at least in this novel it is relevant to the plot. Having provided this caveat, I have no qualms with giving this novel an enthusiastic recommendation. It is both well written and entertainingly original.

I apologize for the brief nature of this review, but I am on vacation. I will begin another resetting of Pride and Prejudice, Pemberley Ranch, this evening, and will provide a review of it when done. I am interested in comparing these historical reimaginings - a decidedly new take on Austenesque - side by side. They have been sitting on my desk beckoning to me for too long, and I am thrilled to finally have the leisure to devour both.  

Darcy and the Duchess by Mary Anne Mushatt

This is my other long overdue review. As I already explained the problems affiliated with delaying blogging about a book after I read it in my last post, I wont bore you all with my lame excuses again. Just be assured that had I read Darcy and the Duchess over the last week, instead of last fall, this review would make for far more worthwhile reading. As this is Mary Anne Mushatt's first book and showed great promise, I feel particularly bad about not doing it more justice.

This is a very different Pride and Prejudice variation, basically reversing the roles Darcy and Elizabeth play in the plot. Though Elizabeth is still of more humble origins, she comes into Darcy's life only after marrying his friend the Duke of Deronshire, Lord Raphael Gainsbridge. What is interesting is how the book still manages to follow the action of the original story, though the plot is entirely different. Due to those feelings of attraction he immediately has for Elizabeth - which are now even more unthinkable, as she is a married woman - Darcy attempts to convince himself of her unworthiness, but finds he cannot deny his love. There is a failed proposal, with Elizabeth still royally telling her arrogant suitor off, followed by Darcy striving to prove he is worthy. I found all of this very intriguing, staying up late to finish the book in a single session.

I think the strength of this novel rests in the inventiveness of the notion, taking our beloved story in a highly different direction than any other variation I have read, except for in one aspect: Ms. Mushatt falls into the "Wickham as kidnapper" scenario, which I have never particularly cared for, in any of its many mutations. So while I was fully engaged throughout the book, there were aspects that sat uncomfortably. For example, Ms. Mushatt seems to have a violent hatred for Miss Bingley, which, though in many ways understandable, I really don't think she deserves the fate that is dealt to her here. Still, I look forward to reading more from this original writer, and I sincerely hope that she is concocting more surprising reimaginings for our amusement. 

Mr. Darcy's Obsession by Abigail Reynolds

I feel terribly negligent regarding this review. I read this book at least two months ago, but with holidays, first trimester lethargy, and a multitude of other excuses, I have never gotten around to reviewing it. Long ago I learned the folly of waiting to write a review, as I inevitably I fail to do justice to the book in question. I end up getting the details confused and can't recall the moments that particularly enthralled, which regular readers of this blog will know that I love to quote. I'm particularly annoyed with myself on this occasion as Mr. Darcy's Obsession is my favorite book, of the many I have adored, that Abigail Reynolds has yet written. Granted, this has something to do with this book's comparative lack of sexual encounters between our hero and heroine (although there is a good deal of sleaziness attributed to Darcy's relatives, delving into the questionable nature of the masculine pastimes of the era), as Ms. Reynolds usually includes many heated scenes, but my enjoyment had far more to do with the joy this particular tale brought me.

Ms. Reynolds is famous for her Pemberley Variations, and I have long thought of her as the grande dame of the "What If?" genre, but I admit to being a bit concerned when I heard the theme of this novel, as it quite reminded me of another such revision by Kara Louise (the other contender for the title I just attributed to Ms. Reynolds), original published under the title Something Like Regret, but soon to be rereleased by Sourcebooks as Only Mr. Darcy Will Do. Both imagine what would happen if, after Darcy's failed proposal at Rosings, Mr. Bennet fell ill and died before Elizabeth could meet our hero again at Pemberley in the summer. I was pleased to learn that, despite the similarity of premise, both books are wildly different (and equally wonderful, I should add). In Ms. Reynolds' version, Darcy learns of the Bennet's reduced circumstances from Bingley, who has discovered, to his great chagrin and mortification,  that Jane married a Meryton shopkeeper as a means to provide for her family, and that Elizabeth is living in Gracechurch Street, acting as governess for the Gardiner's children. Unable to stay away, Darcy begins to seek Elizabeth out in her new surroundings. Several walks in a nearby park allow Elizabeth to alter her former negative opinion of the man, and Darcy finds that, in spite of her fallen status, he still cannot resist his feelings for Miss Bennet. Though more impediments than ever stand in their way, Darcy and Elizabeth become determined to grab that deep and abiding love that defines their romance.

I loved this book, especially as Elizabeth's change in social status awakens in Darcy a new philanthropy that is not usually part of his character, particularly apparent in his actions towards a new and most memorable character: an enterprising street urchin called Charlie. Bingley too is deeply altered by the Bennet's circumstances, and it is fascinating to watch Ms. Reynolds develop the effects that Mr. Bennet's death has upon our two main men. I only wish I could describe in greater detail the moments in this story that so thoroughly enthralled me. However, I have little doubt that this volume will be well loved, and I will find myself rereading it multiple times down the road. When I do revisit it, I shall have to review it again, and in a manner that does greater justice to this lovely tale.

Memory by Linda Wells

As I am very behind on reviews, I decided to discuss all three volumes of Linda Wells' rather epic Memory series in a single post. I read these books a few weeks ago while I had the flu, and they were an excellent distraction from my ailments. Though Ms. Wells' novels are highly sexual, which I disapprove of, I cannot help but to continue reading the tombs she produces, as the storylines are absolutely charming. Her first book, Chance Encounters, remains my favorite she has written, and I reread it when I need a thorough dose of romance (though after the first perusal, I have always skipped over the sex scenes). Though Ms. Wells' writing and grammar have remarkably improved since this novel, I still think her first story the best.

Memory is a "What If?" Pride and Prejudice re-imagining premised on the notion that Darcy and Elizabeth meet many years earlier than they do in the original story. Volume one, Lasting Impressions, begins with Fitzwilliam Darcy returning from a grand tour of the continent only to learn that his father is in failing health. Overwhelmed with the potential loss and the responsibilities it thrusts onto his shoulders, he escapes his London town home for Hyde Park, where a young girl's laughter cuts through his grief and makes a "lasting impression" upon him. This is Ms. Wells strength - creating gloriously romantic scenarios to bring our favorite couple together. Unlike the course of events in Miss Austen's story, Ms. Wells always has Darcy and Elizabeth make an instant connection in her books. In this novel, they see each other in passing several times over the course of many years, always separated before they can speak. In am amusing twist, it is Charles Bingley who ends up playing matchmaker, his social background acting as a link between Elizabeth and Darcy's worlds.

Lasting Impressions spans the course of the Darcy's courtship and sees them married and established at Pemberley. This was my favorite book in the trilogy, in no small part because it has the least amount of sex in it. Following Darcy and Elizabeth's discovery of each other, all the other characters' lives are radically changed from how Austen imagined them. Volumes two and three, Trials to Bear and How Far We Have Come (respectively), are largely dedicated to finding comfortable situations for the rest of the cast. I particularly enjoyed Ms. Wells' handling of Mary Bennet, who also finds herself mistress of a rather impressive estate. Jane Bennet takes a very different path than that we are familiar with, and Lydia Bennet is forced to see the dangers of her ways before bringing disgrace upon the family. Readers of Ms. Wells' other books will recall how harshly she deals with Mr. and Mr. Bennet, the latter usually bearing the brunt of her disapproval. In this book, it is Mrs. Bennet who is irredeemable. I continue to feel that Ms. Wells is rather harsh in her analysis of both these characters, but directing that disapproval towards Mrs. Bennet sits a bit more comfortably with me than when it is focused on Mr. Bennet.

All three books combined, the Memory series is about 1500 pages long, which is a lot of Darcy and Elizabeth. Granted, a good chunk of those pages are sex scenes and, in my opinion, unnecessary to the plot, but by spanning the books over several years, Ms. Wells gives those readers who can never get enough of these characters exactly what they want: Elizabeth and Darcy galore.

I must end this post with a question. Does anyone know if the Linda Wells who writes Pride and Prejudice fan fiction is the same Linda Wells who is a beauty editor at Allure? I have been wondering this since Chance Encounters was published but have never found a definite answer.

Mr. Darcy's Steeds

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Mr. Darcy must ride a superior horse. I have read a lot of Pride and Prejudice fan fiction and have come across a lot of different depictions of the animal in question. It's kind of fascinating, all the different names and temperaments, and I thought it would be fun to look at some of his more memorable steeds. So often these horses reflect essential aspects of a novel's plot. Let's take a look, shall we?

I love the name Regina Jeffers gave to Mr. Darcy's horse in Darcy's Passions: Cerberus, the hell hound. How very appropriate, especially in this scene:

Shocked, Darcy felt revulsion run through him. It was George Wickham! He was here in Hertfordshire - his former friend! The man whom he hated the most in the world stood in the streets of Meryton talking casually to the woman he found most exciting. What a twist of fate this was! How could God send him such a trial? The maligned feelings must have been obviously written on his face for he noted the surprise in Elizabeth's eyes as she observed Darcy's and Wickham's silent exchange. Wickham recovered from the initial revelation quicker than did Darcy. With a smirk, he tapped his hat in an extemporaneous greeting. Darcy's repugnance would not allow his returning the greeting; instead, he stiffened from the contemptible display and spun Cerberus away from the group.

In Abigail Reynolds' The Last Man in the World (rereleased under the title Mr. Fitzwiliam Darcy: The Last Man in the World), Elizabeth and Darcy marry after his first proposal, without establishing any kind of true understanding. The subsequent turbulence in their marriage is well reflected in the names of both their horses, which echo their emotions. Elizabeth's Pandora represents the pent up chaos of her feelings, while Darcy's Hurricane aptly echoes his stormy sentiments.

Ignoring her thanks, he mounted his horse and started off down the path. Pandora followed her stablemate's lead, which was fortunate, since Elizabeth felt unequal to putting her lessons in horsemanship to the test. She could find no relief for her sense of loss. 


He made no effort to converse as they continued their trek, and Elizabeth was grateful to see the stables coming into view. She did not realize until she dismounted at the block that in her distress over their discussion, she had not given a second thought to her fear of riding. Excitedly she turned to Darcy, wanting to share this success with him, but his back was to her. Her courage failed her as she heard him brusquely ask the stable boy to saddle Hurricane.


She could not face him. Instead, she collected Pandora's reins and led her towards the stable. One of the stable hands offered to take her, but Elizabeth shook her heard. At Pandora's stall, Elizabeth removed her bridle and found a wizened apple. The horse took the treat from her happily, then whickered in her ear.


She saw Hurricane being led past on his way to Darcy. With a shiver of something that might have been pain, Elizabeth buried her face in Pandora's mane, letting the horse's warmth comfort her.

I love this scene from The Confession of Fitzwilliam Darcy by Mary Street, in which Mr. Darcy rides a horse named Starlight to Pemberley when he unexpectedly comes upon Elizabeth and the Gardiners, leaving him appropriately starstruck:

An hour later, Starlight freshly shod, I resumed my journey. Ad sometimes happens in the heat of summer, there was a swift, sudden downpour of rain, shortlived but drenching. I grimaced as I felt the dampness penetrate my clothing, but I forgot my discomfort at my first sight of Pemberley.

Over the amber-coloured stone of the buildings, a perfect rainbow arched the sky and, in the watery light, the house seemed suspended in another dimension, shimmering with an unreal, almost magical quality.

I reined in and stared silently as a strange, dreamlike feeling took hold of me, as though the earth was holding its breath, as though time was standing still.

Gradually, the illusion faded in the sun. Starlight whinnied, and I again became aware of discomfort from my damp clothes. I rode on. In the stable yard, I handed the mare to a groom and turned towards the house. 


The I started, fo a mometn believing myself in the grip of another illusion: I had caught sight of a bonnet I recognized.


This time, it was no illusion; this time, I couold be in no doubt; this time, I beheld the beloved face.


The beautiful dark eyes were regarding me in consternation and dismay.

Perhaps Mr. Darcy's most memorable horse is Nelson, as in Admiral, from An Assembly Such as This: A Novel of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman by Pamela Aiden. The untamed power of this animal perfectly compliments Ms. Aiden's Fitzwilliam Darcy as he struggles to contain his feelings for Elizabeth Bennet.  

Stationed at the bottom of the carriage stairs, Nelson shook his head, stepping forward, then back, and generally intimidating the Netherfield grooms. His ears pricked at the opening of the door, and he swung his great head toward the sound. Upon beholding his master, he made a great show of stamping a hoof perilously close to the groom's foot and gave an indignant snort, sending trails of vapor into the cold morning air.


"G'morning, sir," the groom panted, making no attempt to disguise the relief on his face. "He's a bit high in the instep this morning, sir."


"So it would appear! He's been giving you trouble again?" Darcy frowned into Nelson's face, but the animal merely shrugged off the reprimand, tossed his head, and sent another flume of breath into the air. "You do look the veritable dragon this morning, old man." He took the reins and, declining a leg up from the beleaguered groom, vaulted into the saddle. Nelson took advantage of the lull in control as Darcy attended to the stirrups to execute a jolting dance, reminding his rider that, in the world of horseflesh, he was just as well connected as Darcy. "Oh, so that is how it is! So puffed up in your own conceit that you disdain to prectice the manners of a gentleman." Darcy gathered the reins and drew them back until contact with Nelson's mouth was firmly established and then nodded at the groom to let go his head.

The horse's excitement as Darcy allowed him to break into a stiff-legged trot was palpable, confirming his rider's suspicion that this morning's outing would be a test of wills. Strangely, the prospect was not unwelcome. The rigors of such an exercise would surely distract or perhaps banish entirely the constriction that still hovered under his heart. "Evidently, we both need the blue devils ridden out of us!" Darcy whispered. Nelson's ears flicked back at his voice, and his snort assured his master of his complete agreement

Darcy signaled the advance to a canter as they approached the fence that girdled the wide field east of the hall and set his jaw as he felt Nelson gather speed for the fence. In a matter of moments, it loomed before them, wavering in the morning mists. They thundered forward; the entire world was become only those sounds of pounding hooves and the creaking leather, and the brutal fact of the fence before them. Suddenly, the fence disappeared as Nelson's forelegs came up. His back arched, and in a silence outside of time, he carried his rider over the fence. He landed with a jolt that forced a grunt from his great lungs, but his hindquarters were already gathered for the long gallop across the field. Impulsively, Darcy gave him his head, man and beast throwing caution to the wind, flying as if chased by the Devil's own hounds.

Have I missed your favorite horse of Mr. Darcy's? Please share the name of your preferred steed!


Images:
http://www.deeannegist.com/cgi-bin/board/YaBB.pl?num=1182193389
http://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/2010/06/08/jane-austens-mr-darcy-smells-so-divine/