There are several published novels that combine characters from two or more Jane Austen's novel into the same story. Sybil G. Brinton's Old Friends and New Fancies, Mr. & Mrs. Darcy Mystery series by Carrie Bebris and Joana Starnes's The Subsequent Proposal and The Second Chance come to mind. You can now add Miss Darcy's Beaux by debut author Eliza Shearer to the list. Ms Shearer has graciously agreed to grace us with her presence today to give us a glimpse of her book. You may also like to participate in the giveaway located at the bottom of the post.
"Good morning dear Georgiana, may I join you?"
A friendly masculine voice jolted me back to reality. I looked up, a hand covering my eyes, as the sun was now much brighter that it had been since last autumn. Colonel Fitzwilliam was smiling at me. He was visiting Pemberley as was his habit this time of year, and his presence was welcome by us all. My brother appreciated having male company around, Elizabeth always enjoyed conversing with him, and for me, it was delightful to spend time with my older cousin and guardian, so well-travelled and full of stories. I smiled back and gestured him to sit down next to me on Nanny Fraser's bench.
We talked about the weather and the signs of the approaching spring, but the Colonel seemed melancholy, not quite his usual cheerful self, as if something was preoccupying him. He enquired after Mrs Darcy, who usually joined me in my morning walks, so I explained to him what had happened the previous night. In my retelling of the events I could feel myself speaking and breathing faster, and feeling more and more sombre, as if all of a sudden, the beautiful morning had lost all pleasure. Colonel Fitzwilliam listened attentively, without interrupting me once, until I had finished my explanations.
"I know how fond you are of Mrs Darcy, and indeed I think we all are," the Colonel said, looking grave. "Remaining bed-ridden will be a trial for her. I imagine her mother and sisters will be here soon."
That Mrs Bennet and her daughters may descend upon Pemberley simply hadn't occurred to me. All my fantasies to entertain Elizabeth during her convalescence by reading out loud Shakespeare's plays and Scott's novels were stamped upon by an army of satin-slippered feet. My face must have given away my disappointment because the Colonel immediately gestured towards a particularly beautiful bush nearby that was beginning to flower. He stood up and offered me his arm; he insisted that we should have a look at it, which we did, and we continued to walk towards the house, his company providing me with great solace. It wasn't until we were by the main entrance that he spoke again on the matter.
"Georgiana, your brother and I have been thinking for a while that you should spend some more time in society other than the one Pemberley and its surrounding area can offer, and now may be a good time. If Mrs Darcy's relatives come to visit, she will have many sources of constant comfort and company during her remaining confinement. Your temporary absence will be much more endurable than under normal circumstances, both for her and for Darcy."
Leave Pemberley precisely at that moment! I was going to voice my objection, but the Colonel gently patted my sleeve.
"Please allow me to finish. A few days ago, our aunt wrote to me from London. She is staying at her Grosvenor Street residence for the season for the first time since Cousin Anne's passing."
Sweet Cousin Anne. She had died of consumption not long after my brother's wedding to Elizabeth. Her health had been waning for many years, but my aunt made it no secret that she held my brother somehow responsible for bringing about her untimely death by loving another. Poor Anne, so quiet and unremarkable. Compared to Elizabeth's wit and beauty, she never had a chance to shine, not unlike myself when the Bennet sisters were around.
I banished my feelings of inadequacy and focused again on what my cousin was saying.
"Lady Catherine requested me to extend you her invitation to stay with her in London for the remainder of the season. She believes that your company would be of the utmost comfort and that procuring pleasures for your enjoyment would improve her spirits."
I was certain that Lady Catherine hadn't expressed herself in precisely those words, but I supposed there was ample truth in them. She was indeed going through a difficult time. Re-entering society after two years locked up at Rosings Park couldn't be easy, even for someone as formidable as her. Still, the prospect of spending a few months with my aunt was slightly terrifying.
"I mentioned Lady Catherine's invitation to your brother, but at the time he appeared certain that you would not be willing to leave Mrs Darcy's side so close to her confinement, and therefore he decided it was best not to notify you," continued the Colonel. "However, if Mrs Darcy's health is taking a turn for the worse, it is reasonable to anticipate that her close family members will wish to be by her side."
The Colonel's implication that I was not one of them was distressing, but he did not seem to notice.
"Georgiana, you know as well as I do that Lady Catherine's relationship with your brother has been somewhat frazzled of late, but she has always esteemed you. Her letter showed her generous and amiable disposition towards you, and an eagerness to provide you with the wider society you require. In my opinion, Lady Catherine's invitation is perfectly timed, and it would be very thoughtful of you to accept her offer and spend time with her in London."
London. I had been at school over there for a short while, but my memories were few and far between. A window overseeing the Thames, a room with high ceilings and little light, a flock of indistinguishable mistresses with very stern faces, all dressed in black.
A red trinket box where I had kept his letters.
I had stayed at the school until Mrs Younge had taken me to Ramsgate. To him. I forcefully pushed Wickham out of my thoughts.
Colonel Fitzwilliam now spoke with the eagerness of those who make plans to improve the life of others.
"Lady Catherine is very well connected, and I have no doubt that she will introduce you to the most elegant and exclusive society. She is also very keen to present you at court, now that she is no longer in deep mourning and it is proper for her to do so."
A court presentation! The elaborate costumes, the nobility, the curtseying to the Queen. My insides shook at the prospect. I found it difficult enough to speak at a dinner party with neighbours in Pemberley. How would I manage to go through the whole ceremony in front of hundreds of people? Of course, I had always known it would happen one day, and in the family it was tacitly understood that, given the tragic death of my mother, my aunt would do the honours. After all, as the daughter of an earl, she had been presented herself, and even spent time at court in her youth. However, since my brother's wedding and Cousin Anne's death, no more had been said on the matter, and I'd harboured the secret fantasy that my dreaded presentation would never actually take place.
"Your brother, always so considerate, feared that the event might bring painful memories of Cousin Anne's coming out to our aunt. Because of this, he insisted on postponing your presentation, and even discussed with me the possibility of looking for a different sponsor."
The Colonel's apologetic tone didn't fool me. I was well aware that Fitzwilliam was anxious about letting me out of his sight. At the same time, I did not mind his watchfulness. I rather enjoyed being cocooned in the safety of Pemberley, and its limited social obligations suited my timid nature.
"However, Lady Catherine is adamant that she will do it herself. She wants your first season to be splendid," continued the Colonel.
I shuddered. There was only one way to determine the social success of a young woman of good breeding in her first full season in town, and that was an engagement to a man with a title or a vast fortune, and preferably both. Cousin Anne was a sad reminder that some ladies, in spite of their wealth, did not attract a husband, presentation at court or not. What if I shared more than Anne's unremarkable looks? What if I, too, was destined never to be loved again and die a spinster, a string of fruitless seasons behind me?
"I think you may find that you enjoy the process more than you think," the Colonel added with a smile. "I am told that the shopping excursions to procure all necessary accoutrements for the court ceremony are very pleasurable for the ladies involved. And Lady Catherine has you in very high regard. She often says that you are so similar to Cousin Anne you might have been sisters, certainly the highest of compliments I ever heard her bestow. I have no doubt that our aunt will ensure you have as much amusement and gayness from your stay in town as possible."
Which wasn't much, I thought glumly. Lady Catherine's idea of diversion was to play cards whilst criticising everyone's dress, countenance, habits, skills, house, pets, servants, carriage and general outlook on life.
"Cousin, please tell me. Does my brother not wish me to go to London?" I managed to ask with some effort on my part.
"Not at all, dear Georgiana. Darcy has always known this day would arrive. I keep reminding him that you are no longer a child, but you know what he is like. He does not want any harm to come to you."
Once more, the words were unsaid, but they hurt just the same. I wanted to scream. Instead, I silently dug my nails into the palms of my hands.
"I believe your brother has also had other preoccupations of late. He has been very busy with some matters regarding the estate boundaries. Some neighbouring owner is contesting his right to a particular piece of land or other, but there is no need for you to worry about such matters."
The Colonel took my gloved hand and pressed it.
"Darcy loves you very much, Georgiana, and so do I. We want your happiness. Your brother would like to keep you as a beautiful vase, on a shelf up high, to be seen and never touched, but it is time you went out to see the world. I intend to recommend to him that you accept Lady Catherine's invitation; however, I will not do so without your consent."
His gaze was confident, and it was clear that he did not doubt that I would comply. In truth, I had very little choice. All I could do is nod as he held my arm to help me up the stairs.
Now that we have read the excerpt, let's sit down for a quick chat with Georgiana Darcy and find out her thoughts on the matter.
Miss Darcy is sitting across from me, her back straight, her hands gently folded in her lap. Although not a beauty in the conventional sense, she is, nevertheless, rather handsome, thanks to the regularity of her features and the freshness of her complexion. She looks remarkably composed, and her features are arranged in a sweet expression very becoming of a young woman of her age. You would say she is posing for a portrait, the kind of life-sized affairs that hang in the long rooms of stately homes. But I am not here today to observe her, but to interview her.
Eliza Shearer (ES): Thanks, Miss Darcy, for joining us today. You look well. Are you enjoying life at Pemberley?
Georgiana Darcy (GD) (nodding): I am very happy here, indeed. I have always loved this house, and I enjoy my brother and sister's company very much.
ES: I believe Mr and Mrs Darcy's family is expanding.
GD: It is. My nephew, Will, is almost two. And Mrs Darcy is with child again, although...
ES: You look concerned. Is everything fine?
GD (digging her nails in the palms of her hands): I'm sure it is just a temporary indisposition. My brother trusts Dr Robertson and his... methods.
ES: I am sorry to hear, and I trust she will recover soon.
GD: That's what Mrs Bingley said. She just arrived today, alongside Mr and Mrs Bennet and... Mrs Wickham.
ES: I noticed a slight hesitation there. Are you on good terms with Mrs Wickham?
GD (turning in her seat): Why, she is my sister's sister. And she is married to someone with close connections to Pemberley.
ES: Of course. You grew up with Mr Wickham, did you not?
GD (blushes and mumbles): Yes.
ES: I see you don't feel at ease discussing the Wickhams, so tell me about Lady Catherine instead.
GD (looking at me like a scared rabbit): She is my late mother's sister. I haven't seen her for a while, however, because of... some family matters.
ES: I understand she lives at Rosings Park on her own?
GD (nodding): That has been the case since my cousin Anne's death, although she can often be found in the company of Mr and Mrs Collins. Mr Collins is the clergyman of the Rosings parish.
ES: Is Mr Collins not a relative of Mrs Darcy's?
GD: I believe they are cousins and that Longbourn, her family home, is entailed to him.
ES: It's a small world. Are they also going to be in town?
GD: They might be, I suppose. Everyone goes to London at some point.
ES: I am sure your aunt, Lady Catherine, will do everything at her disposal to ensure you have a wonderful time. Has she any plans, do you know?
GD (sighs): I suspect she would very much like to see me married by the end of the season.
ES: You don't seem too fond of the prospect. May I inquire why?
GD (blushing): It's just that... She will want to... There are going to be certain... limitations as to the... eligibility of any suitors. I may not... engage my affections freely.
ES: But your brother did. Rumour has that he was very much in love with the lady...
GD (shrugs): My sex makes it very difficult for me to do the same.
I leave Miss Darcy looking quite forlorn. However, I am sure she will enjoy her London stay, meet new friends, and overcome any difficulties or challenges she encounters during her stay with Lady Catherine. She may even find love! I, for one, want to see her happily married, just like Elizabeth and Darcy.
Darcy's beloved sister Georgiana is now a woman of twenty. After living in the enclosed safety of Pemberley for years, she is sent to London for the season with Lady Catherine de Bourgh as her chaperone. Lady Catherine is determined that her niece will make a splendid match. But will Georgiana allow her aunt to decide for her? Or will she do as her brother did, and marry for love?
Eliza Shearer is a long-time an admirer of Jane Austen's work and writer of Regency fiction and Jane Austen variations. She can often be found enjoying long walks and muddying her petticoats, or re-reading Jane Austen's novels by the fireside. She is very partial to bread and butter pudding, satin slippers and bonnets and ribbons, but has never cared much for cards.
The winners will be announced two days later and must contact me on this page within 72 hours after the winner's post is up to claim the prize. Please take note that although you may have written your email address in your comment, you still need to inform me. If I do not hear from you, a new winner will be selected instead.
Excerpt
Georgiana Darcy, now a woman of twenty, has lived in Pemberley with her brother and sister-in-law since their marriage. Elizabeth is with child for the second time, but the pregnancy is proving difficult. The physician has instructed that Mrs Darcy should remain bed-ridden until she delivers the baby. In this fragment from Chapter 2, Georgiana is taking a walk in the Pemberley grounds when Colonel Fitzwilliam comes and meets her."Good morning dear Georgiana, may I join you?"
A friendly masculine voice jolted me back to reality. I looked up, a hand covering my eyes, as the sun was now much brighter that it had been since last autumn. Colonel Fitzwilliam was smiling at me. He was visiting Pemberley as was his habit this time of year, and his presence was welcome by us all. My brother appreciated having male company around, Elizabeth always enjoyed conversing with him, and for me, it was delightful to spend time with my older cousin and guardian, so well-travelled and full of stories. I smiled back and gestured him to sit down next to me on Nanny Fraser's bench.
We talked about the weather and the signs of the approaching spring, but the Colonel seemed melancholy, not quite his usual cheerful self, as if something was preoccupying him. He enquired after Mrs Darcy, who usually joined me in my morning walks, so I explained to him what had happened the previous night. In my retelling of the events I could feel myself speaking and breathing faster, and feeling more and more sombre, as if all of a sudden, the beautiful morning had lost all pleasure. Colonel Fitzwilliam listened attentively, without interrupting me once, until I had finished my explanations.
"I know how fond you are of Mrs Darcy, and indeed I think we all are," the Colonel said, looking grave. "Remaining bed-ridden will be a trial for her. I imagine her mother and sisters will be here soon."
That Mrs Bennet and her daughters may descend upon Pemberley simply hadn't occurred to me. All my fantasies to entertain Elizabeth during her convalescence by reading out loud Shakespeare's plays and Scott's novels were stamped upon by an army of satin-slippered feet. My face must have given away my disappointment because the Colonel immediately gestured towards a particularly beautiful bush nearby that was beginning to flower. He stood up and offered me his arm; he insisted that we should have a look at it, which we did, and we continued to walk towards the house, his company providing me with great solace. It wasn't until we were by the main entrance that he spoke again on the matter.
"Georgiana, your brother and I have been thinking for a while that you should spend some more time in society other than the one Pemberley and its surrounding area can offer, and now may be a good time. If Mrs Darcy's relatives come to visit, she will have many sources of constant comfort and company during her remaining confinement. Your temporary absence will be much more endurable than under normal circumstances, both for her and for Darcy."
Leave Pemberley precisely at that moment! I was going to voice my objection, but the Colonel gently patted my sleeve.
"Please allow me to finish. A few days ago, our aunt wrote to me from London. She is staying at her Grosvenor Street residence for the season for the first time since Cousin Anne's passing."
Sweet Cousin Anne. She had died of consumption not long after my brother's wedding to Elizabeth. Her health had been waning for many years, but my aunt made it no secret that she held my brother somehow responsible for bringing about her untimely death by loving another. Poor Anne, so quiet and unremarkable. Compared to Elizabeth's wit and beauty, she never had a chance to shine, not unlike myself when the Bennet sisters were around.
I banished my feelings of inadequacy and focused again on what my cousin was saying.
"Lady Catherine requested me to extend you her invitation to stay with her in London for the remainder of the season. She believes that your company would be of the utmost comfort and that procuring pleasures for your enjoyment would improve her spirits."
I was certain that Lady Catherine hadn't expressed herself in precisely those words, but I supposed there was ample truth in them. She was indeed going through a difficult time. Re-entering society after two years locked up at Rosings Park couldn't be easy, even for someone as formidable as her. Still, the prospect of spending a few months with my aunt was slightly terrifying.
"I mentioned Lady Catherine's invitation to your brother, but at the time he appeared certain that you would not be willing to leave Mrs Darcy's side so close to her confinement, and therefore he decided it was best not to notify you," continued the Colonel. "However, if Mrs Darcy's health is taking a turn for the worse, it is reasonable to anticipate that her close family members will wish to be by her side."
The Colonel's implication that I was not one of them was distressing, but he did not seem to notice.
"Georgiana, you know as well as I do that Lady Catherine's relationship with your brother has been somewhat frazzled of late, but she has always esteemed you. Her letter showed her generous and amiable disposition towards you, and an eagerness to provide you with the wider society you require. In my opinion, Lady Catherine's invitation is perfectly timed, and it would be very thoughtful of you to accept her offer and spend time with her in London."
London. I had been at school over there for a short while, but my memories were few and far between. A window overseeing the Thames, a room with high ceilings and little light, a flock of indistinguishable mistresses with very stern faces, all dressed in black.
A red trinket box where I had kept his letters.
I had stayed at the school until Mrs Younge had taken me to Ramsgate. To him. I forcefully pushed Wickham out of my thoughts.
Colonel Fitzwilliam now spoke with the eagerness of those who make plans to improve the life of others.
"Lady Catherine is very well connected, and I have no doubt that she will introduce you to the most elegant and exclusive society. She is also very keen to present you at court, now that she is no longer in deep mourning and it is proper for her to do so."
A court presentation! The elaborate costumes, the nobility, the curtseying to the Queen. My insides shook at the prospect. I found it difficult enough to speak at a dinner party with neighbours in Pemberley. How would I manage to go through the whole ceremony in front of hundreds of people? Of course, I had always known it would happen one day, and in the family it was tacitly understood that, given the tragic death of my mother, my aunt would do the honours. After all, as the daughter of an earl, she had been presented herself, and even spent time at court in her youth. However, since my brother's wedding and Cousin Anne's death, no more had been said on the matter, and I'd harboured the secret fantasy that my dreaded presentation would never actually take place.
"Your brother, always so considerate, feared that the event might bring painful memories of Cousin Anne's coming out to our aunt. Because of this, he insisted on postponing your presentation, and even discussed with me the possibility of looking for a different sponsor."
The Colonel's apologetic tone didn't fool me. I was well aware that Fitzwilliam was anxious about letting me out of his sight. At the same time, I did not mind his watchfulness. I rather enjoyed being cocooned in the safety of Pemberley, and its limited social obligations suited my timid nature.
"However, Lady Catherine is adamant that she will do it herself. She wants your first season to be splendid," continued the Colonel.
I shuddered. There was only one way to determine the social success of a young woman of good breeding in her first full season in town, and that was an engagement to a man with a title or a vast fortune, and preferably both. Cousin Anne was a sad reminder that some ladies, in spite of their wealth, did not attract a husband, presentation at court or not. What if I shared more than Anne's unremarkable looks? What if I, too, was destined never to be loved again and die a spinster, a string of fruitless seasons behind me?
"I think you may find that you enjoy the process more than you think," the Colonel added with a smile. "I am told that the shopping excursions to procure all necessary accoutrements for the court ceremony are very pleasurable for the ladies involved. And Lady Catherine has you in very high regard. She often says that you are so similar to Cousin Anne you might have been sisters, certainly the highest of compliments I ever heard her bestow. I have no doubt that our aunt will ensure you have as much amusement and gayness from your stay in town as possible."
Which wasn't much, I thought glumly. Lady Catherine's idea of diversion was to play cards whilst criticising everyone's dress, countenance, habits, skills, house, pets, servants, carriage and general outlook on life.
"Cousin, please tell me. Does my brother not wish me to go to London?" I managed to ask with some effort on my part.
"Not at all, dear Georgiana. Darcy has always known this day would arrive. I keep reminding him that you are no longer a child, but you know what he is like. He does not want any harm to come to you."
Once more, the words were unsaid, but they hurt just the same. I wanted to scream. Instead, I silently dug my nails into the palms of my hands.
"I believe your brother has also had other preoccupations of late. He has been very busy with some matters regarding the estate boundaries. Some neighbouring owner is contesting his right to a particular piece of land or other, but there is no need for you to worry about such matters."
The Colonel took my gloved hand and pressed it.
"Darcy loves you very much, Georgiana, and so do I. We want your happiness. Your brother would like to keep you as a beautiful vase, on a shelf up high, to be seen and never touched, but it is time you went out to see the world. I intend to recommend to him that you accept Lady Catherine's invitation; however, I will not do so without your consent."
His gaze was confident, and it was clear that he did not doubt that I would comply. In truth, I had very little choice. All I could do is nod as he held my arm to help me up the stairs.
Now that we have read the excerpt, let's sit down for a quick chat with Georgiana Darcy and find out her thoughts on the matter.
Character Interview
Eliza Shearer (ES): Thanks, Miss Darcy, for joining us today. You look well. Are you enjoying life at Pemberley?
Georgiana Darcy (GD) (nodding): I am very happy here, indeed. I have always loved this house, and I enjoy my brother and sister's company very much.
ES: I believe Mr and Mrs Darcy's family is expanding.
GD: It is. My nephew, Will, is almost two. And Mrs Darcy is with child again, although...
ES: You look concerned. Is everything fine?
GD (digging her nails in the palms of her hands): I'm sure it is just a temporary indisposition. My brother trusts Dr Robertson and his... methods.
ES: I am sorry to hear, and I trust she will recover soon.
GD: That's what Mrs Bingley said. She just arrived today, alongside Mr and Mrs Bennet and... Mrs Wickham.
ES: I noticed a slight hesitation there. Are you on good terms with Mrs Wickham?
GD (turning in her seat): Why, she is my sister's sister. And she is married to someone with close connections to Pemberley.
ES: Of course. You grew up with Mr Wickham, did you not?
GD (blushes and mumbles): Yes.
ES: I see you don't feel at ease discussing the Wickhams, so tell me about Lady Catherine instead.
GD (looking at me like a scared rabbit): She is my late mother's sister. I haven't seen her for a while, however, because of... some family matters.
ES: I understand she lives at Rosings Park on her own?
GD (nodding): That has been the case since my cousin Anne's death, although she can often be found in the company of Mr and Mrs Collins. Mr Collins is the clergyman of the Rosings parish.
ES: Is Mr Collins not a relative of Mrs Darcy's?
GD: I believe they are cousins and that Longbourn, her family home, is entailed to him.
ES: It's a small world. Are they also going to be in town?
GD: They might be, I suppose. Everyone goes to London at some point.
ES: I am sure your aunt, Lady Catherine, will do everything at her disposal to ensure you have a wonderful time. Has she any plans, do you know?
GD (sighs): I suspect she would very much like to see me married by the end of the season.
ES: You don't seem too fond of the prospect. May I inquire why?
GD (blushing): It's just that... She will want to... There are going to be certain... limitations as to the... eligibility of any suitors. I may not... engage my affections freely.
ES: But your brother did. Rumour has that he was very much in love with the lady...
GD (shrugs): My sex makes it very difficult for me to do the same.
I leave Miss Darcy looking quite forlorn. However, I am sure she will enjoy her London stay, meet new friends, and overcome any difficulties or challenges she encounters during her stay with Lady Catherine. She may even find love! I, for one, want to see her happily married, just like Elizabeth and Darcy.
Book Blurb
Author Bio
Giveaway
Thanks to the generosity of the author, there is an e-book of Miss Darcy's Beaux up for grabs for this post. Readers, you know what to do. Just leave a comment sharing your thoughts on the interview, excerpt or the novel. This worldwide giveaway ends on Tuesday, 18 July 2017 which also happens to be Jane Austen's bicentenary death.The winners will be announced two days later and must contact me on this page within 72 hours after the winner's post is up to claim the prize. Please take note that although you may have written your email address in your comment, you still need to inform me. If I do not hear from you, a new winner will be selected instead.
Georgiana's guardians have done her no favours keeping her away from society apart from family
ReplyDeleteOh dear Georgiana! I love the variations that give her a voice. I look forward to what she has to say! Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI am hopeful that Georgiana will find true love with a titled, wealthy gentleman. What a lovely, poignant excerpt and interview.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. I am looking forward to learning about the matches that Lady Catherine tries to make. I hope despite her efforts of matching her with someone with a title or wealth, she will be able to find happiness.
ReplyDelete