Conversation with Emma Hox and Giveaway of Longbourn's Unexpected Matchmaker

After my review of Longbourn's Unexpected Matchmaker, I received a comment from the author, Emma Hox (I had misspelled the title of the book - how embarrassing!), and she and I began emailing each other. The following "conversation" is a conglomeration pieced together from those emails, sent over the past several months, supplement by some more traditional interview question. Ms. Hox is currently on a book tour for Longbourn's Unexpected Matchmaker, for which she has planned a variety of blog appearances. In honor of her visit to First Impressions, she kindly offered to giveaway a signed copy of  her book to one of my lucky readers, the details for which are at the end of this post. Keep updated on her schedule at her blog, LovePridePrejudice.com. I hope you enjoy our talk of Austen, publishing, and life, as much as we enjoyed having it.

Congratulations of the rerelease of Longbourn's Unexpected Matchmaker! I originally read the first version, which was also published through Rhemalda. This is my first knowledge of the publisher, and I have never before known one to do a second edition with additional edits so soon. They seem a rather remarkable publisher.

Rhemalda... a rather remarkable publisher indeed... it is my husband.  In October of 2009, Rhett, my husband, opened Rhemalda Publishing, a full fledged traditional publishing company as a corporation and obtained a printing and distribution contract. We published my book as the test book to work out all of the kinks until we opened doors for other authors and hired the editor and designer.  I thought I would be lucky if my mom and sister purchased the book and never expected it would sell like it did.  When it began selling hundreds of copies and I started getting e-mails from my blog, comments at Amazon and website book reviews bringing up the mistakes (back the middle of December) I hired a professional editor to edit the book.  I then suspended sales in the beginning of January and sent the printer the new version.  So any purchases after January 17th were of the revised draft.

I really enjoy meeting and speaking with other writers, particularly those with an Austen penchant, as I am totally and completely obsessed with her work myself. Congratulations on the success of your book and on starting your own company! Are you willing to share your experience creating the publishing company? If so, I'd really like to hear more about how you came to the decision to follow that path.

Rhett started the publishing company because, honestly, the self-publishing venues cannot get you the distribution channels needed to successfully distribute your book worldwide.  You usually get one or two distribution channels including Amazon.  We now have a contract for 14 wholesale distribution channels worldwide including Ingram and Baker & Taylor.  Rhett can publish not only my books, but everyone else's as well. We are a tried and true publishing company complete with royalties and the whole works. We currently have two authors that we have contracts with, and their books will come out this fall.  One of them is a Jane Austen Adaptation.  We kind of want to stick to Jane Austen books since there is such a readership for them, and it is what I love, but we have been receiving so many submissions that we are not limiting ourselves.  One of our authors writes fantasy fiction.  Current staff for Rhemalda Publishing includes President and Publisher, Storyline Editor, Grammar Editor, Graphic Designer and Accountant. 

It sounds like you are well on your way. Good luck! Now let's talk Austen. How did you first fall in love with novels and what inspired you to write a Pride and Prejudice "What if?" story?

I have been a Pride and Prejudice fan since before I can remember and have spent hundreds of hours on various websites reading others fan fiction stories.  I have "tough" pregnancies, where I am hospitalized for much of them.  With the pregnancy of my last child I was restless and I suppose a little complantive that I was running out of stories to read, and the one I was reading frustrated me, making Mr. Bennet almost a villain.  My dear husband was so sweet. He calmly stated "If you are so worried about him write your own story."

And so you did! Have you always been a writer?

I have always loved writing, when I was younger I wrote short little stories between my friends and I.  In college I wrote some poetry for my roommates birthdays and special events or wrote altered song lyrics to popular tunes that we would perform either in our apartment or at social gatherings, but writing a novel did not cross my mind until 2007.  I discovered the Derbyshire Writers Guild in 2004 I think it was.  I was considered a lurker, a person who went and read every story, devoured every comment written by everyone else, but never commented to anyone or wrote anything.  I frequently though about writing, but wondered whether I could.  In 2007 I had to spend some time down and taking it easy and decided to try my hand at writing.  I first wrote two very short stories.  Elizabeth Bennet's Easter and Elizabeth Bennet's Birthday.  I received a few polite comments that encouraged me.  I enjoyed it so much that I started researching the art of writing.  That is to say beyond a few English classes in college. 

So you followed through on your husband's suggestion, sat down and wrote a novel. So many people start the process and give up - how did you approach such a daunting project?

I read every story I could get my hands on taking note of those that I enjoyed and those that I did not.  I documented different writing styles and then filtered through everything to choose my own style.  Once I determined that I began to think of a storyline.

I at first had a little trouble coming up with a storyline, I wanted Colonel Fitzwilliam to be the Matchmaker, many of you can see in the beginning of the story how it was leading that way.  In fact some people say the story would be more believable had I left it because Mr. Darcy would never open up as he did to a stranger.  But my concern was that as a new writer I did not want to write an angst riddled story and every which way I wrote about the Colonel it seemed he was getting more in the way instead of helping things along.  So wha-la we get to Mr. Bennet.

Wha-la, indeed! What was your favorite part of writing (and publishing) your first novel, and do you have plans for more?

Writing Longbourn's Unexpected Matchmaker has been such a wonderful learning experience for me, as any first book is for any writer, that I can honestly say that my writing has improved.  I am currently writing three more stories.  The one of most interest to the Jane Austen community being Mrs. Bennet, Mother of Five Daughters.  The story begins at the birth of Mary and proceeds until the announcement that Mr. Bingley has let Netherfield Park at the beginning of Pride and Prejudice.   My story begins when Mary is born, she is folding a little dress and personally packing Lizzy and Jane's bags for a visit to the newly married Gardiners.  She is not recovering as quickly from her pregnancy and the disappointment of not having a son and heir for the third time. She does not want them to go, but must for her health, and this is where her silliness begins.  The story continues over the years of the other girls births and the years of the girls growing to maturity.  We learn alot about Mrs. Bennet and all of her daughters.  Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley and so many other characters are not even in the story, so it is quite an undertaking. I get to write the story of Jane with her admirer that read poetry and scared away love.  In fact that is becoming one of my favorite parts.  I am also giving Lizzy her fair share of admirers, though some of them are from a distance.

I love the notion of a prequel to Pride and Prejudice - especially one without zombies! The Janeite community at large seems to be in agreement that we need more tales of Jane Bennet, but Mrs. Bennet's story is a totally fresh idea, as far as I know. How did you come up with it?

As I imagine that Lizzy Bennet could not have such an indolent father, I also have a vision for Mrs. Bennet that underneath all her silliness and nerves, there used to be a mama bear that was a force to be reckoned with.  It is only after subsequent years of heartache over not having a son, an heir, and her shattered hopes of Jane finding a match in all the young men she has brought around that has made her desperate.  I like to give our heroine a little quirk... last time it was climbing trees, this time our Mrs. Bennet will talk to the stars. Speaking to the heavens is her solace, perhaps speaking to a certain person their brings her comfort.  That is all I will say for now, but is should be great.

I love the idea of Mrs. Bennet speaking to the heavens! There is something so believably whimsical about it, as with Lizzy climbing trees. Do you find it easy to relate to Mrs. Bennet?

When I am teasing my husband I love to say "I do not see that, why should I see that, why should that be."  Of course wickedly grinning and impersonating the voice of Mrs. Bennet.

That's fabulous! Having just published my first book myself, I am coming to appreciate the true joys of seeing yourself in print. How did it feel to hold your book in your hands the first time, especially considering it was also your own publishing company's first release?

Words can not even express the excitement that I felt the moment my proof copy arrived and I held the book in my hands.  Because it was the first book of Rhemalda Publishing, my husband could share every bit of the joy that I felt.  It was a great day, we quickly called a babysitter and went out to dinner to celebrate.  It has been a whirlwind of excitement ever since.  It has not stopped though.  Each book review done I quickly go read them and then whenever my Amazon rank goes below 10,000 there is more excitement.  Then when I was asked for the Radio spot I was very excited and about blew my top when Regency World Magazine agreed to do a book review and story on my book for their June issue.  Each moment this gets better and better.

You have so many exciting things happening in your life right now, between the success of Longbourn's Unexpected Matchmaker, establishing Rhemalda, and raising your two sons; is it difficult to find time to write, work, and balance both the pleasures and demands of family?

Not only all that, but I am a working mother also.  Not just with Rhemalda, but outside of the home as a government auditor.  When we decided to take the plunge and begin Rhemalda Publishing it was taking too much of Rhett's time and energy.  When it started to take off we decided that Rhett would quit his job and devote all of his time to Rhemalda, reinvesting all of the profits for the first couple of years.

So is it hard for me to find time to write?  It sure is, especially now that I am getting ready to begin a small book tour. I currently have 5 in store signings in Washington State, one radio interview and about 20 blog interviews/reviews lined up. It it also a possibility that I will be speaking at a Trade Show this fall. My biggest comfort is how supportive my husband and kids are, not to mention my parents and in-laws.

So when do you manage to fit it in to your busy schedule?

My favorite time to write is in the middle of the night or when I travel for work.  My kids go to bed at 8pm and from then on writing is fair game. I often stay up until the wee hours of the morning writing. If I am traveling for work then I write from the moment I reach my hotel room door until midnight or one o'clock.  It is kind of a joke with my friends that I never sleep.

I'm jealous you and your husband get to work side by side. Is it as wonderful as it sounds, or are there sometimes drawbacks?

No drawbacks what so ever, it is every bit as perfect as it sounds.  We have always dreamed of having some sort of business that we could do together and have spent the past 11 years of our marriage thinking of one.  It was 3 years ago when I started writing that Rhemalda Publishing became a dream.  It took a lot of researching and work to get all of the corporation documents in order and printing and distribution contracts lined up but now years later it has been well worth it.  We did not establish it as a family business because our dream is that it will grow beyond us.  We established it as a corporation that way we can watch it flourish and expand beyond our wildest dreams. 

Is there anything else you would like to share with my readers, before we wrap up?

I am going to put in a shameless plug and call for authors.  We have determined that one of the primary genres that we will publish is going to be Jane Austen adaptations.  We have been receiving some fabulous submissions and the manuscript review board has accepted and offered contracts to a few of them.  Everyone should see some more books announced very soon.  My shameless plug is this, we need more authors!  Our goal is to have 20 authors signed in the next year.  To do this we need WAY more submissions.  As a new publisher the hardest part is locating quality authors with great submissions.  We have received our fair share of submissions and like all publishers we have turned down many, but we have also accepted a few, though no where near our 20 that we desire.   If you are an author please visit Rhemalda Publishing at www.rhemalda.com and click on the orange author button to find out how to submit your manuscript to us.

Thank you so much, Emma, for giving me this opportunity to get to know you better. Since those first emails that began this conversation, you have proved yourself my friend. I wish you the best of luck with Longbourn's Unexpected Matchmaker, Rhemalda, and your current projects. Before we close let's get back to the basics. Do you have a favorite quote from Austen, or one that is particularly meaningful to you?

My favorite quote would have to be "It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first" (chapter 18) or "Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure." (chapter 58).

From Pride and Prejudice, of course!

Win a signed copy of Longbourn's Unexpected Matchmaker! Leave a question or comment including your email address before 12:00 AM EST, April 26th, for a chance to win this charming "What if?" story!

First Impressions and Love and Friendship Giveaway

"The haste with which he came to our relief so soon after the receipt of our Note, spoke so greatly in his favour that I hesitated not to pronounce him at first sight, a tender and sympathetic Friend. Alas! He little deserved the name - for though he told us that he was much concerned at our Misfortunes, yet by his own account it appeared that the perusal of them, had neither drawn from him a single sigh, nor induced him to bestow one curse on our vindictive stars -."   
                                                              - Love & Friendship, Letter the 12th               

How fickle the fancies of a silly young lady! One of my favorite things about Austen is how she manipulates appearances, first impressions, and prejudices to expose the hubris of humans. Yet no matter how much she presents Mrs. Norris as loathsome and Mrs. Elton as despicable, I can't help but still love them, and therefore sympathize with them; it is one of many mind-boggling facets of Austen's geniuis. This is why I love sequels of redemption, like Lydia Bennet's Story and Mercy's Embrace. The "What If?" genre also provide plenty of room for redemption, and I engaged in a rather excessive amount of it in First Impressions. Even those who suffer my sorry fates are arguably better off than Austen left them.

As I toyed with Austen's plot - kind of like walking up to an in flux chess board, temporarily abandoned by the players, and moving all the pieces when no one is looking - one character who I was very kindly to was Mr. Collins. Yes, he's a buffoon, but he can't help that! If only he did not so importune Elizabeth with his obnoxious attentions and saddle poor Charlotte to him for life, he wouldn't be so bad, would he? So I redirected him towards another quarter. For a chance to win this week's giveaways, where does Mr. Collins' attention turn? For a second chance to win, who helps him turn it? Two books are on offer: the first, a brand new copy of First Impressions, and the second, my own gently used copy of Austen's Love and Friendship and Other Early Works, with an introduction by Sarah S. G. Frantz. This volume includes Lesley Castle, The History of England, and A Collection of Letters, all essential juvenalia. Please leave your comments, with email addresses, before 12:00 AM EST Wednesday, the 21st of April. This giveaway is open internationally. Good luck!

Pride and Prejudice Janeicillin: Part Three

Read Part One, Part Two.

The Bennets were breakfasting when an unusually large stack of letters arrived at Longbourn. One missive was for Jane from Miss Bingley, in response to her last, and two particularly thick ones were addressed to Elizabeth from her Aunt Gardiner and Georgiana Darcy. Elizabeth perused the latter first, being more surprised by its arrival, her lips turned up in an amused smile all the while.

“Well Miss Lizzy?” her mother’s excited voice interrupted her reading. “Tell us what Miss Darcy has to say?”

Elizabeth allowed her mother to wait until she completed the letter, to her father’s great delight, allowing herself a moment to compose her thoughts before responding. “She congratulates me most warmly on my engagement, professing her sisterly devotion.”

Mrs. Bennet beamed. “That is how it should be. What else?”

“Miss Bingley has invited her to stay at Netherfield for the wedding,” Elizabeth said with a conscious look at her sister, who seemed pleased with the contents of her letter.

“Yes,” Jane commented, “she mentions so much here.”

“While Miss Darcy appreciates the opportunity to be with her brother on this occasion, it does not seem that she relishes the idea of Miss Bingley’s companionship. For a girl of sixteen, the pursuits of such older ladies cannot be particularly stimulating.”

“I certainly would not care to spend all my time with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, and I am a year older than Miss Darcy,” Kitty stated with determination.

“How fortunate then that you are not required to,” replied Mr. Bennet. “You Jane, being so very much older than Kitty, will not feel it too hard I am sure.”

“No, Papa.”

Elizabeth seized her opportunity, “I believe Kitty makes a valid point. Would not Miss Darcy be far happier amongst girls her own age? If you see no objection, I’d like to invite her to stay with us at Longbourn instead.”

Mr. Bennet frowned slightly, but before he could respond his wife said excitedly, “Oh yes! Indeed, my dear; that is exactly what you should do. We would be honored to host Mr. Darcy’s sister.”

“Would we, Mrs. Bennet? Just when these stressed walls could finally breathe a sigh of relief, are you intent on once again filling Longbourn with an excessive number of young ladies?”

Mrs. Bennet bristled. “I assure you we can make Miss Darcy quite comfortable.”

“It was my own comfort I was considering.”

“Please, Papa. Miss Darcy is a very quite, reflective young lady. I assure you her presence will be no intrusion, and I believe we will all benefit from her companionship.”

Mr. Bennet saw Elizabeth’s genuine desire for Georgiana’s presence and relented with a smile. “Very well, my dear. If she might set a less foolish example for my daughters to follow, who am I to object? I would like to think myself the head of the family, but as we all know that place to be held by your mother’s nerves, I submit to their whims.”

“My nerves have nothing to do with the matter,” Mrs. Bennet asserted. “Having Miss Darcy at Longbourn will bring Mr. Darcy all the more often, and Kitty can entertain her while Lizzy attends to him. You see how nicely it is arranged.”

“I would think that a lady of Miss Darcy’s education would prefer to spend her time engaged in more productive pursuits than Kitty enjoys. I shall ask her to practice with me.”

“I am sure Miss Darcy has interests enough to enjoy both yours and Kitty’s companionship, Mary,” said Elizabeth, smiling at Kitty who looked unsure. Elizabeth herself felt rather uncertain of what Mr. Darcy would make of his sister staying at Longbourn, immersed in the society of her family. She would speak to him of it this morning, as the gentlemen were expected to take Jane and Elizabeth for a walk.


It remained warm for the season, and the party departing from Longbourn animatedly discussed the felicity of the weather, sharing recollections of autumnal scenes until they passed Meryton, where they broke into two groups. Jane and Bingley discussed Caroline’s letter and a potential wedding date, while Elizabeth regaled Darcy with an account of her aunt’s praises.

“Aunt Gardiner cannot say enough in your favor. She calls you a perfect gentleman, hailing from the perfect place, and could not be happier for us. I am surprised Uncle Gardiner hasn’t become jealous, for how can he be expected to compete with a Derbyshire man?”

Darcy smiled the subtle way he did before offering a rejoinder, as she was now beginning to recognize, “We cannot allow my birthplace to disrupt such a happy marriage as the Gardiners’. Shall we relocate to Hertfordshire? According to Mrs. Bennet, with very little improvement, which I could doubtlessly afford, the great house at Stoke would make an admirable residence.” Elizabeth stopped walking and a look of utter horror spread across her face. Darcy couldn’t help laughing, “Come now, Elizabeth! Surely you would not reject me now, were I to trade being Master of Pemberley for Master of Stoke?”

“You should not joke of such things,” she replied seriously. “Pemberley is part of you, and I would not wish you different for the world!”

He gazed deeply into her eyes, “I know. If you coveted my possessions, you would have accepted my offer at Hunsford.”

“But sir, that was before I saw your beautiful grounds.” They laughed together and resumed their walk, arm-in-arm. After a moment, Elizabeth broke the peaceful silence, “My mother should not speak to you of such things. I thought I had better shielded you from her tongue.”

“But your mother did not tell me so: it was your father when we were shooting yesterday. He recited a fascinating tale of the homes your mother suggested as possible residences for Mr. and Mrs. Wickham.”

“Ah yes, I believe she dismissed several grand homes as unacceptable before my father declared it mattered little, for they would never enter Longbourn. It took a great deal of persuasion before he relented.”

“So he said. Your father thinks very highly of your judgment, Elizabeth, as do I.”

She blushed. “I wonder what you will think of my most recent decision, though I really do not know what else can be done. You see I received a letter from Miss Darcy this morning.”

“Georgiana has been a very active correspondent lately. I suppose she couldn’t resist sharing her delight with you directly?”

“Oh, she is excessively joyful, and I only fear that when she knows me better, she will be disappointed.”

“That’s not at all likely. As she gets to know you, she will love you more,” he said assuredly.

“It seems she will soon have the opportunity.”

“What do you mean?”

“Miss Bingley has offered her a place in the Hurst’s carriage when they travel to Netherfield.”

“Excellent! It will save me a trip to London.”

“But your sister does not enjoy Miss Bingley’s company. She would rather, so she writes, enjoy the hospitality of Longbourn.”

This time Darcy halted in his tracks. He looked down at Elizabeth with surprise and concern. “She invited herself to stay with you?”

“That is one way of putting it, yes. It is no imposition, I assure you. We would be delighted to have her.”

He did not respond, and another silence ensued as they walked on, this one uncomfortable and tense. Elizabeth felt mortified, then angry. “So we are here again,” she thought. “I believed he had overcome his disdain for my family, but I see I was wrong. But of course, he is right to hesitate. What kind of environment is Longbourn for Miss Darcy?” She spoke, her voice quivering with emotion, “If you deem my family inappropriate company for your sister, Mr. Darcy, I shall inform her that we are unable to accommodate her.”

He turned to her in surprise, but she continued to face forwards. Putting his hands on her shoulders, he turned her towards him. “Look at me, Elizabeth,” he demanded in a slightly pleading tone. She looked up. “That is not what I was thinking. Georgiana knows better than to put herself forward in such a manner. It was very inconsiderate of her to do so. Surely you can’t imagine that I think Miss Bingley a more appropriate companion to my sister than you?”

“But what of my mother, and my younger sisters? Miss Darcy does not share your intimidating height, sir,” she tried to laugh, “and is unlikely to dazzle my mother into silence.”

“True, but your mother can be counted on to do everything possible to make sure her material comforts are fully met, and I am sure Georgiana will find your sisters very pleasant company, once they get to know each other.” He smiled encouragingly, an expression she was now fully able to return. She had been wrong to doubt him and wrapped her arm snugly around his as they walked on, to express her both her love and repentance.

“I say, Darcy!” Bingley called from behind, where he and Jane had lagged despite Darcy and Elizabeth’s slow progress. Now they walked hurriedly forward, glowing grins adorning their miens. “Jane has had the most wonderful notion!”

Jane blushed and said shyly, looking to her sister, “We were just discussing Miss Bingley’s travel arrangements when it occurred to me that it would save everyone a good deal of trouble - that is if you approve, of course – were we to have one wedding, rather than two.”

“You see Darcy! A double wedding! Is it not a marvelous idea?”

Mr. Darcy was a bit surprised, but felt no aversion to sharing his nuptials with his friend, and Elizabeth’s look as she lovingly took her sister’s hands suggested that it was exactly what she would most enjoy. “It seems a very practical solution. No need prolonging the disturbance such preparations cause. Are you in agreement, Miss Elizabeth?”

“Oh yes! It will be wonderful. My mother might at first despair the reduction in fanfare, but surely her nerves will reap the benefit in the end.”

Both couples turned their steps back towards Longbourn, the ladies excitedly discussing the arrangements along the way. As they passed Lucas Lodge, they noticed a yellow post-chaise, obviously newly arrived, in the swoop drive. “It’s Charlotte!” Elizabeth cried and hurried forward with Jane to greet their friend, who was now excitedly calling to them. The gentlemen stayed back, merely waving their greetings, not being on such intimate terms with the family as to intrude at such a time, but as soon as Mr. Collins noticed them he left Sir William Lucas’ side to pay his respects.

“Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley, may I offer my sincerest congratulations on your approaching nuptials? As a recently married man myself, I can assure you both of the felicity of the state. Your Aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, was in perfect health when we departed Rosings, though I am afraid not as enthusiastic as myself about the engagement.”

“I am sure I will hear from my Aunt herself on the subject.”

“That is to be expected, Mr. Darcy. While I fully feel the honor of your marriage to Cousin Elizabeth, your aunt cannot be expected to feel quite the same. For one of such dignity and lineage, it cannot be the match desired. Why you chose my humble relative in favor of Miss Anne De Bourgh, such a superior specimen of her sex, is certainly not my concern, but Lady Catherine feels it most severely.”

While Darcy angrily endured Mr. Collins’ civilities, much to Mr. Bingley’s amusement, Charlotte gave the Bennet ladies a quick history of their departure. “Lady Catherine was so incensed that she blamed Mr. Collins for failing to marry you, Eliza. Under such conditions, you can understand my desire to be away.”

“Lady Catherine is insufferable! How dare she insult you so?” Elizabeth demanded.

“Surely she is just angry,” Jane suggested. “It is very wrong of her to use her dependants in such a manner, but she must be bitterly disappointed. It will pass.”

“My thoughts precisely,” concurred Charlotte.

“I am not so forgiving, or as practical, as you, and I have my own reasons for resenting Lady Catherine’s officiousness,” admitted Elizabeth, “but rather than be angry, I will thank the lady for sending you to Hertfordshire. You must come to Longbourn as soon as possible.”

“I will be there in the morning. Perhaps you had better rescue Mr. Darcy from Mr. Collins?”

“Indeed. Until tomorrow, my dear Charlotte.”

“Goodbye Eliza, goodbye Jane. You cannot know how happy I am for you both.”



Upon returning to Longbourn, Mr. Darcy sought Mr. Bennet in his library, “May I have a moment of your time, Mr. Bennet?”

“Certainly, Mr. Darcy. Sit down.”

“I am pleased to be having this discussion with a man familiar with the whims of young ladies. Sir, I cannot apologize enough for my sister intruding upon your hospitality in such a manner. Never before has she behaved with such disregard to civility.”

Mr. Bennet’s eyes twinkled, “Does this mean that it was not my Lizzy who came up with the felicitous notion of hosting your sister? I suspected as much.”

“I believe it does. I cannot imagine what possessed Georgiana.”

“It is best not to trouble yourself with trying to find reason behind a lady’s behavior. You are better off accepting it as unfathomable and letting it go.”

“Unfortunately, in this case, my sister’s actions have placed her in a very uncomfortable position. You see, I never told you what caused my family’s estrangement from Mr. Wickham, sir. Indeed, I never told anyone but your daughter. You see it was due to some misconduct, on his part, toward my sister. I hope I need not elaborate.”

“No indeed. Do go on, sir.”

“Georgiana was deeply hurt by Mr. Wickham’s actions, only recently recovering her spirits, and I fear that staying at Longbourn, where he is likely to be frequently discussed, will have a poor effect on her health. If you, Mr. Bennet, could find away to curb the frequency of his mention, I would feel far more comfortable with the arrangement.”

“The care you show for you sister is admirable. I will certainly hint to my more garrulous relatives to avoid the subject.”

“Thank you, sir. I very much appreciate it.”

The men shook hands and joined the ladies in the sitting room. Later that evening, when the visitors had departed, Elizabeth approached her father, “Shooting, long talks in the library: it seems you are taking pains to get to know Mr. Darcy, Papa, and I thank you for it.”

“Yes, your Mr. Darcy rises in my esteem by the hour.”

“I am pleased to think you find him an equitable companion.”

"Oh, be assured I admire all my three sons-in-law highly," said he. "Wickham, perhaps, is my favorite, but I think I shall like your husband quite as well as Jane's."

**********

Come back next Thursday for another weekly dose!

Giveaway Winner and "Mystery Lady" Revealed!

Thanks to all who entered the giveaway! Again, I highly enjoyed reading your guesses regarding the mystery lady's identity, which included such fascinating predictions as Lydia developing a distaste for redcoats and Lady Catherine going one-on-one with Mrs. Bennet. For those who did not win, please come back on Friday for more speculative games and another chance to win. On that note, I am pleased to announce that the winner is:

emiv

Congratulations, emiv! You are the proud owner of a brand new copy of First Impressions: A Tale of Less Pride and Prejudice! Soon you will receive an email from me requesting your mailing address.

I realized during the course of this contest that my question was terribly subjective. Four ladies were suggested by entrants as possible candidates for this weeks "mystery lady" - Lydia Bennet, Caroline Bingley, Mrs. Bennet, and Lady Catherine de Bourgh - and all four of these ladies do receive some form of my neutralization technique during the course of First Impressions. Lydia is removed, Caroline is redirected and removed, while both Mrs. Bennet and Lady Catherine are confronted. However, as I randomly had one particular lady in mind, an extra entry went to those who named Lady Catherine, and a third to anyone who correctly guessed confrontation. Mr. and Miss Darcy journey to Rosings with the intention of telling Lady Catherine that the former will not be marrying her daughter. Once there, they receive assistance from an unexpected quarter. Here is a snippet from the scene. I couldn't share much this week without given away more than I intended, so it is really just a tease. Enjoy.

 

He took a deep breath before proceeding. “Mr. Collins informed me that you have spoken openly with him of your long held belief that I intend to marry Anne. I understand that this is a long treasured notion of yours, Aunt, but I must assure you here and now that neither Anne nor I favor the idea. It would be best for all involved if you would relinquish it altogether.”  

“Surely you jest, Darcy!” she exclaimed, though it was evident he did not. Indignantly she rose from her chair and declared with a stiff spine, “A union between yourself and Anne was the fondest wish of both your mothers! Who else so proper, so fit, to follow in my dear departed sister's footsteps at Pemberley than my very own daughter?”

“But I am not fit, Mother,” broke in a strained but determined voice. Lady Catherine turned in shock to see that Anne de Bourgh, her always obedient daughter, had at some point entered the room and stood shakily holding the knob of the door.

            

 “Anne! Why are you downstairs? You shall return to your rooms at once!”

            

 “I heard of our visitors and wanted to greet them properly.” She began to move towards her cousins, in doing so revealing a nervous Mrs. Jenkinson teetering anxiously behind her mistress.

            

 “But you are unwell Anne,” her mother insisted. “You must not exert yourself so. Mrs. Jenkinson, see her back to her room immediately.”

            

 “I am afraid, Mother, that this conversation intimately involves me and I will not be kept out of it.”

Regency Buck by Georgette Heyer

In my post of last week, The Duke of Avon and His Descendants, I promised a review of Regency Buck, the characters from which make up part of the cast of An Infamous Army. While Regency Buck is definitely one of Heyer's Regency romances, maybe the most Regency of her Regency romances (as the title suggests), there is a mystery at the heart of the plot which if you read An Infamous Army first, or the remainder of this post, or even the previously mentioned post of last week, will be somewhat divulged. So heed this warning: if you wish to enjoy these stories without any hint of what might happen, please stop reading these comments at the end of this paragraph. Though I do not reveal the details, my mere naming of the hero removes much of the ambiguity surrounding his character, and I cannot discuss this book without naming him, for he is perfectly marvelous. Furthermore, for those familiar with Pride and Prejudice, it is easy to solve the mystery from the moment he meets our heroine. Nevertheless, for now I'll just say that the society portrayed in this book includes the pinnacle of the Ton - the Prince Regent, Almack's Patronesses, and particularly Beau Brummell are active players, not just the side figures, mentioned only in passing, they usually are in Heyer's stories. Boxing matches and cock fights are portrayed in detail, as are the Pavilion, Carlton House, and Cribb's Parlour. Readers will learn much about the blending and preservation of snuff. This is what I mean when I call Regency Buck the most Regency of Heyer's Regency romances. None of her other books that I have read portray the world of London society so vividly or in such detail. On that note, I'll say goodbye to those who fear the minor spoiler below.

Beautiful, headstrong, self-possessed, and unconventional, Miss Judith Taverner leaves her country home for London, accompanied by her younger brother, Sir Peregrine Taverner. The orphaned siblings intend to "cut a dash" with their staggeringly large fortune and confront their guardian, Lord Worth, a man they have never met, but with whom their recently deceased and long reclusive father was once friends. Their only other connection in town is an uncle, from whom their father was bitterly estranged, and his son. En route, they pass through a town where a boxing mill is taking place, and Peregrine is delighted to break the journey so he may attend. All the light vehicles in town are let out for the event, but Peregrine manages to secure a rather ramshackle gig to convey him to the event. He takes his sister for a ride in this unattractive conveyance and very nearly collides with with a highly fashionable curricle-and-four, precipitating the following encounter (for the uninitiated, a "tiger" is not a feline but a small, usually young, liveried groom):

She righted herself, aware that her bonnet was crooked, and her temper in shreds, and found that the gentleman in the curricle was sitting perfectly unmoved, easily holding his horses. As she turned to look at him he spoke, not to her, but over his shoulder to a diminutive tiger perched behind him. "Take it away, Henry, take it away," he said.


Wrath, reproach, even oaths Miss Taverner could have pardoned. The provocation was great; she herself longed to box Peregrine's ears. But this calm indifference was beyond everything. Her anger veered irrationally towards the stranger. His manner, his whole bearing, filled her with repugnance. From the first moment of setting eyes on him she knew that she disliked him. Now she had leisure to observe him more closely, and found that she disliked him no less.

As I hinted earlier, readers of Austen will instantly recognize such determined prejudice as a most promising sign of love. This exquisite gentleman is none other than Lord Worth, not the old Baronet's crony, but his son and one of my favorite heroes in Heyer. The Taverners do not learn his identity until after the arrive in London, by which time they have had several more encounters with him that have confirmed their dislike. They have also met their cousin Bernard Taverner, who has made a very favorable impression on them. Once in London and properly introduced, Lord Worth opens society's most exclusive doors to his wards, while Miss Taverner battles him on every decision made for her own benefit.

Lord Worth is a wonderful creation. Terribly highhanded, as is his right due to his general superiority in everything, the reader has no idea whether to love him or hate him. So when Peregrine has some very near dances with death, the question becomes who could benefit from his demise - his uncle, to whom the ancestral house would fall, or someone who wants to marry Judith, perhaps Lord Worth or Bernard Taverner, as she stands to inherit the bulk of the fortune if her brother dies?

This novel isn't quite as humorous as some of Heyer's other works, but the historical details are absolutely incredible. I love her depiction of Brummell, whom Miss Taverner meets at Almacks and mistakes for another member of his party:

"Do you know, Miss Taverner, you make me feel that I have been out of town longer than I realized? said the gentleman, with one of his comical looks. "When I left London for Cheveley Mr Mills was not leading Society, I assure you."

"Oh," she said, "you must not think I do not know who does that! I have had the name of Beau Brummell dinned into my ears until I am heartily sick of it! I am told that I must at all costs win his approval if I am to succeed, and I tell you frankly, sir, I have not the least notion of trying to do it!" She saw a slightly startled look in his eyes, and added defiantly: "I am sorry if he should be a friend of yours, but I have made up my mind I neither wish for his good opinion nor his acquaintance."

"You are quite safe in saying what you think of him to me," replied the gentlemen gravely. "But what has he done to earn your contempt, ma'am?"

"Well, sir, you onlu have to look at him!" said Judith., allowing her eyes to travel significantly towards the gorgeous figure at the other end of the room. "A spangled coat!" she pronounced scornfully.

His gaze followed the direction of hers. "I am in agreement with you, Miss Taverner," he said. "Though I should not myself call that thing a coat."

"Oh, and that is not all!" she said. "I am for ever hearing of his affectations and impertinences! I am all out of patience with him."

She had the impression that he was laughing at her, but when he spoke it was perfectly solemnly. "Ah, ma'am, but it is Mr Brummell's folly which is the making of him. If he did not stare duchesses out of countenance, and nod over his shoulder to princes he would be forgotten in a week. And if the world is so silly as to admire his absurdities - you and I may know better - but what does that signify?"

"Nothing, I suppose," said Judith. "But if I cannot succeed without being obliged to court his approval I had rather fail!"

"Miss Taverner," he replied, the smile dancing in his eyes again, "I prophesy that you will become the rage."

The descriptions of the royal residences are likewise marvelous, everything told with detail as dizzying as the Prince Regent's decor. For enthusiasts of the Regency period, this book is an absolute must read, and for fans of Austen, in Lord Worth you will discover the direct descendant of Mr. Darcy. More than any of her other books I have read thus far, it is in Regency Buck that Heyer's love for the period and debt to Jane Austen are most apparent.

First Impressions Giveaway

I thoroughly enjoyed my last giveaway, in which I asked participants to share the names of Pride and Prejudice characters they would like to see receive a different fate and, for a second entry, to guess the name of the lady who Wickham pursues in my version of events. The answers were diverse, sometimes startling, and thoroughly fascinating. It was so much fun that I have decided to do a series of similar giveaways over the next few weeks, sometimes offering a copy of First Impressions, at other times different books. Each round will reveal another bit of my story line, so stay tuned if you want a sneak peak of the action. I hope all who entered the first giveaway will come back to try again and share their fascinating speculations!

This week on offer is another copy of First Impressions: A Tale of Less Pride and Prejudice. When writing the book, I had to figure out a way to neutralize certain volatile characters in order to allow events to proceed with the tranquility I desired. For some, all I had to do was redirect their attention, while others required confrontation or even removal, by one means or another. There is one particular lady whose negative actions have quite a large impact on the events of Pride and Prejudice. She also enjoys a very poor reputation amongst Austenites. In First Impressions, I strive to redeem her by helping her to develop very opposite feelings to those she has in the original story. Can you guess the name of this week's mystery lady? For an extra entry, correctly name my method of dealing with her: redirection, confrontation, or removal.

The contest is open internationally and will end at 12:00 AM EST on April 14th. Don't forget to provide an email address. I'm looking forward to reading your entries!

Pride and Prejudice Janeicillin: Part Two

Read Part One.

All engagements must be accompanied by a good deal of letter writing. News must be spread, announcements placed, lawyers consulted. Certain of these missives, according to etiquette, best come from the engaged couple themselves. Some will be a pleasure to write and quite readily attended to, while others are too much of a burden to intrude upon the happiness of newly solidified love. After a few blissful days spent basking in each other’s company, Elizabeth felt that the most onerous of these tasks best not be delayed any longer.

"Shall you ever have courage to announce to Lady Catherine what is to befall her?" questioned Elizabeth with her pert smile.

"I am more likely to want more time than courage, Elizabeth. But it ought to done, and if you will give me a sheet of paper, it shall be done directly."

"And if I had not a letter to write myself, I might sit by you and admire the evenness of your writing, as another young lady once did. But I have an aunt, too, who must not be longer neglected."

From an unwillingness to confess how much her intimacy with Mr. Darcy had been over-rated, Elizabeth had never yet answered Mrs. Gardiner's long letter; but now, having that to communicate which she knew would be most welcome, she was almost ashamed to find that her uncle and aunt had already lost three days of happiness, and immediately wrote as follows:

I would have thanked you before, my dear aunt, as I ought to have done, for your long, kind, satisfactory, detail of particulars; but to say the truth, I was too cross to write. You supposed more than really existed. But now suppose as much as you choose; give a loose to your fancy, indulge your imagination in every possible flight which the subject will afford, and unless you believe me actually married, you cannot greatly err. You must write again very soon, and praise him a great deal more than you did in your last. I thank you, again and again, for not going to the Lakes. How could I be so silly as to wish it! Your idea of the ponies is delightful. We will go round the Park every day. I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh.

 Mr. Darcy's letter to Lady Catherine was in a different style:

Though you have already made you feelings about this engagement perfectly well-known, I hope we can now put such hastily spoken words behind us. Do not think I haven’t berated myself with the same concerns you expressed last week. This is not a hasty decision I have made, but one long contemplated. Be assured that it is not the lady’s arts and allurements that I admire, but her strength of character, which has had ample opportunity to impress me. Miss Bennet has honored me with her acceptance of my offer. It is now my task to prove myself worthy of her affections.  

Though Lady Catherine fumed upon reading these lines, she was not surprised by them, Mr. Collins having scuttled to her side the day before with tidings of the engagement. Then she had denied the report, insisting that she would hear such news from her nephew herself, hoping against hope that this letter would not come. His behavior upon being told that Elizabeth refused to comply with her demand never to enter into such an engagement had determined the matter for Lady Catherine. Angrily she had returned to Rosings, and angry she remained, never more so than now when there was no possible excuse to continue avoiding telling Anne.

“Get me Mr. Collins!” she bellowed, sending several servants into motion. Someone must feel the brunt of her rage and the Rector was her man. After all, if he had just married the impertinent lady in question, none of this would be happening.


The joy of communicating to Miss Bingley the news of Mr. Darcy’s engagement fell to Miss Bennet, the person least likely to appreciate the delight of such a task. Carefully penning what she hoped was a kind response to her soon-to-be sister’s insincere congratulations, Jane unknowingly wrote the most distressing letter Caroline Bingley had ever received. Rather than congratulating herself on never having suffered any greater tragedy than this, the marriage of a man she had presumptuously set her sights on, Miss Bingley gave in to the full force of her tragedy. It fell to Mrs. Hurst to comfort her and scold her into decorum while her husband, upon witnessing the onslaught of the hysterics, hid from the uproar at his club, very keen to be the first to share news of Darcy’s betrothal.

“I will NOT attend that wedding!” was Caroline’s muffled cry as she wept into her pillow.

“But you must! It would look so very particular if you do not! Mr. Darcy will think that you cannot bear to face him. I’m surprised you would even consider giving the Bennets the satisfaction.”
This thought brought a halt to the rhythmic sobs. “I care not. I’ll plead the headache.”

“A likely story indeed. Besides, think of the Pemberley connection! You and Miss Eliza are already on poor terms. If you wish to maintain the relationship, I suggest you start making amends!”

As Louisa continued to recite the many good reasons not to slight the future Mistress of Pemberley, Caroline reflected on her entire acquaintance with Mr. Darcy. She remembered the first time he accompanied her brother home on holiday and the delight of being invited to Pemberley, then Pemberley itself. Sweet Pemberley! The tears again began to overwhelm her when her sister’s words intruded upon her musings.

 “ …and Georgiana will have her season soon. You are in a position to establish yourself as a member of their family party – think of the doors which will open to you! You had best forget every thought you ever had of Mr. Darcy and set your mind to finding a husband. You are not getting any younger, as I need not remind you, …”

“No, she really needn’t,” thought Caroline. “Of course, Louisa is correct. Elizabeth and Darcy will not enjoy constantly escorting Georgiana, especially as it is unlikely the new Mrs. Darcy will be welcomed into society with open arms.” Miss Bingley knew very well those protective, invisible walls that the Ton enveloped itself in, penetrable only by bloodline, having felt first hand the sting of being regarded only a visitor within their sanctum. The notion of Elizabeth Bennet impacted with the full force of society’s scrutiny brought some solace. Nonetheless, only the most eligible men would be presented to Miss Darcy. There certainly was much to be gained in maintaining the acquaintance and little profit, but in self-regard, in breaking it.

Louisa paused in her lecture, either to catch her breath or due to the look of resignation that had spread over Caroline’s now calm mien, “Have I gotten through to you, sister?”

There was a pause before Miss Bingley responded collectedly, “Thoroughly. I will write to Georgiana with my congratulations and to invite her to stay at Netherfield whenever this monstrosity of a wedding takes place.”

“You forget it will not fall to you to invite Miss Darcy, as it is likely Charles will be married before her brother.”

Caroline scowled, but no more tears threatened. Louisa smiled and departed from her sister’s chambers.


This news which sent Miss Bingley into such disorder had much the opposite effect upon Georgiana. Indeed, the joy which Miss Darcy expressed on receiving similar information was as sincere as her brother's in sending it. Writing to his dear sister was no onerous task for Mr. Darcy; only one of those rare errors of the postal service could be blamed for the sister of the groom not being one of the very first notified of the impending marriage.  Four sides of paper were insufficient to contain Georgiana’s delight, and all her earnest desire of being loved by her sister. Sadly, her happiness was soon tampered, as she received less pleasant communications from first her aunt, Lady Catherine, who made no secret of her disapprobation for Elizabeth Bennet, and then this from Caroline Bingley:

Words cannot do justice to my feelings upon learning of the impending marriage between your brother and Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Please express to Mr. Darcy my sincerest congratulations on his engagement in your next letter. My particular delight in his choice stems from the closer relationship which we shall share, my dear friend, when my brother is married to Jane Bennet. Two best friends marrying two sisters – what could be more charming?

Once a wedding date has been set, please consider joining the Hursts and myself when we travel to Hertfordshire. Your companionship will enliven the journey and you are, of course, most welcome to stay at Netherfield as long as the celebrations keep you in the area. I fancy the accommodations at Longbourn would be a bit trying for one of your refined sensibilities, and as your brother will, of course, be in residence at Netherfield, I quite feel as if you belong to our family party. The future Mrs. Bingley will not mind my taking the liberty of extending this invitation, as she is kindest sister for whom one could wish and quite devoted to my happiness, which will most certainly be secured by your companionship.

Georgiana knew Miss Bingley well enough to perceive her standard insincerity in these words (except for the first line, which she could readily believe). Long had Caroline tried in vain to attract Fitzwilliam, and Georgiana had born witness to some of her most humiliating attempts. She had hoped that with the end of Darcy’s eligibility, so too would end Miss Bingley’s attentions, but it seemed that was not to be. Clearly, Caroline was determined to continue inflicting her presence on the Darcys. Not amused, Georgiana responded thusly:

Please accept my congratulation upon your brother’s approaching nuptials. It is natural that you feel your good fortune in securing Jane Bennet as a member of your family, for I hear she is the sweetest and loveliest of ladies. It is very gratifying that Mr. Bingley, one of the kindest brother’s I know (indeed, I often feel as if he is my own), should find his equal in his wife.

Your felicitations are most welcome, and I will happily avail myself of your offer to journey together. It will provide Mrs. Annesley with the ability to use my brother’s marriage as an opportunity to visit her sister, without my having to ask Fitzwilliam to part from Miss Bennet. I would hate to intrude upon their time together, and your kind invitation provides a most welcome solution to the problem. As for where I shall reside while in Hertfordshire, I appreciate your kind offer upon the future Mrs. Bingley’s behalf, but I have already accepted Miss Elizabeth’s invitation to stay at Longbourn. I trust my sensibilities shall somehow bear the affront.

As for Lady Catherine’s letter, she fed it to the fire.


“Mrs. Collins! Mrs. Collins!” cried her husband as he ran into the parsonage, flushed and breathless, and stumbled into the parlor.

“Yes, Mr. Collins?” Charlotte inquired, setting aside her work and rising.

“Lady Catherine,” he panted, “Lady Catherine has received tidings from Mr. Darcy!” Mr. Collins collapsed in a chair, pulled out his handkerchief, and dabbed at his brow.

Charlotte remained calm, “Has she finally accepted his engagement?”

“Accepted perhaps, but she holds me entirely to blame! I know not what to do. She is my patroness, to her graciousness we owe our good fortune, but I do not know how to make amends for not marrying one of the Bennets as she instructed me! One cannot undo a marriage! It is a delicate situation,” he said, suddenly aware of the indelicacy of his statement, “but the truth cannot be altered, my dear. By not sacrificing your most felicitous company in favor of Cousin Elizabeth’s, I have irreparably harmed the jewel that is Miss De Bourgh!”

Charlotte did not remind her husband that Elizabeth had rejected him, nor did she comment on the probability of Mr. Darcy ever having had any intention of marrying his sickly cousin. She also did not reveal her glee in her friend’s victory over the lady whose indomitable spirit ruled her life, a sense of triumph she was only ever to experience vicariously. Instead she moved to Mr. Collins’ side, took his hand, and began to sooth him thusly: “But you cannot be held in any way to blame, Mr. Collins! You and I have often discussed the attentions Mr. Darcy paid to Eliza from the earliest moments of their acquaintance. Why, you noted their dance at the Netherfield ball yourself! Mr. Darcy is his own man. The Master of Pemberley will do as he wishes; you are not responsible for any part of the matter.”

He patted her hand thankfully, “Yes, indeed, my dear. I knew you could be relied upon to see my perspective, yet such sound reasoning will not, I fear, induce Lady Catherine to forgive me for this unhappy state of affairs. It seems I must bear the responsibility.”

“Lady Catherine is unjust. She abuses you in her nephews place.”

“Oh no, my dear, you must not say so! She certainly did suggest that I marry the lady, and indeed I did not comply.”

“But you could not, Mr. Collins.”

“True, Mrs. Collins. It was not long after my arrival at Longbourn that I knew my partner in life was not to be found within its walls.”

“Which renders Lady Catherine’s criticism of you nothing but spleen.”

“Perhaps the honorable Lady is a bit chagrined at the moment. After all, when one is so often infallible, to have misconceived anything, let alone one’s daughter’s marriage, must be deeply disturbing. We will make her excuses for her and hope her anger soon abates.” Mr. Collins felt much recovered from his fright at Lady Catherine’s diatribe and subsequent flight home. Busy as he was relishing the comforts of his house and wife, who was now serving tea, he did not hear the lady’s next question.  

“Perhaps it would be best to let the fires cool at Lucas Lodge?”

“Yes, my dear?” he responded, his thoughts consumed by a tart.

“There now! I knew you would see the benefit of such a course. Indeed, is not a removal from Hunsford, at least for a few weeks, ideal at such a moment?”

To that Mr. Collins attended. “Remove from Hunsford? Oh no, that would not do at all. Indeed, Lady Catherine would perceive it as the greatest insult: as cowardice, on my part. If we left, who is to say she would not ask the bishop to relocate me, when I am not here to plead my cause?”  As the subject threw Mr. Collins back into a state of distress, it was promptly dropped and not resumed, even when Charlotte’s desire to be in Hertfordshire increased upon receiving a letter announcing Elizabeth’s happiness. Fortunately, Mr. Collins received Mr. Bennet’s note on the same day.

“You know, my dear, perhaps it would be best to relieve Lady Catherine of my presence, at least while it continues to vex her. We could visit your parents and wish both happy couples our congratulations in person.”

“I think it a splendid idea, Mr. Collins.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Collins. I have been known to have one or two, if I may say so myself. I will make the arrangements directly.”

**********

Come back next Thursday for another weekly dose!