Throughout the years since My Love for Jane Austen was established, there are some Austenesque authors who frequently visit my blog. One of them is Victoria Kincaid who is back for the tenth time. You may be unaware but her latest Pride and Prejudice was released the beginning of June. In Rebellion at Longbourn, Mr Bennet has died for two years and his heir, Mr Collins has allowed the surviving family members to reside at his home but not for long. There is trouble on the horizon as Elizabeth attempts to save her father's beloved estate from ruin. Please welcome Victoria as she shares a scene from the novel.
She nodded, but her expression was dubious. Elizabeth could hardly blame the woman; even she did not know if her plan would succeed. Quickly she explained the idea to the widow, who agreed readily enough despite her doubts. Anything was better than the poorhouse.
As Elizabeth hurried from the house, she dug around in the pocket of her dress, finding a few coins remaining from an earlier trip into town.
Sam was lashing the last of the Wileys' belongings securely to the cart.
"Hello, Sam," she said, striving to imbue her tone with warmth.
"Miss." He nodded respectfully.
"This is a sad business, is it not?"
"He hung his head. "It is indeed. I don't like forcing a woman out of her house, but I don't want the master to turn me out neither."
"Of course not. Such a shame the family has nowhere to go but the poorhouse." She opened her hand to reveal the coins, drawing Sam's attention. "But I was thinking... There is an old cabin on the edge of the North Field, near the woods. Nobody lives there....The Wileys could inhabit it without disturbing anyone."
Sam's brow furrowed. "Would the master like it?"
"There is no reason he has to know. It would be a temporary solution," she hastened to add. "Until I might find a new home for them." Surely one of the local landowners would be compassionate enough to give them a cottage until John was of age.
Sam's eyes focused on the coins, a month's pay for him.
"You would be doing her and me a great favour," Elizabeth said.
"But if Mr. Collins found out, he would toss me out for sure." He scratched his forehead.
"Even if he discovers the Wileys, they will not say that you helped them."
The man considered for a long moment. "Very well. It ain't right to force out a family when the nights are still cold like this. I'll take her things to the North Field cabin.
Elizabeth poured the coins into his hand. "There is no road to the cabin," she reminded him. That was why it had been abandoned."
"Yes'm, but I can drive the wagon to the Three Oaks clearing and carry her things the rest of the way."
Elizabeth smiled. Carrying the furniture through the woods would reduce the chances of being discovered. "Clever man."
He ducked his head and blushed. "Should I bring the Wileys, too?"
"No. I will escort the family by another route." They could travel more inconspicuously across the fields.
"Very well. I'll take my leave, then."
"You are a good man, Sam White."
He blushed again and then hurried to the cart.
Mrs. Wiley, with little Tom clinging to her skirt, and Mrs. Greeves emerged from the house just as it was rolling away. "Did he agree, then?" the widow asked, her eyes wide with amazement.
"Yes."
"I thank you, miss. You worked a miracle for my family today."
Elizabeth shook her head. "It was the least I could do. Longbourn owes you a deep debt. You deserve better treatment." Her husband had died fighting a wildfire at Longbourn six months ago.
Elizabeth took the older boy's hand. "I can lead you to the cabin and make sure you have a stock of wood for the fireplace. But this must stay a secret; Mr. Collins would be quite angry to find you living on Longbourn property. I shall attempt to bring you food directly, but I want to avoid rousing suspicion." She looked questioningly at Mrs. Greeves.
"I can get her the food when you can't," the other woman said stoutly. "Nobody is watching where I go. And a few of the other neighbours can be trusted." Mrs. Greeves would know which tenants would keep such a secret; no doubt most could. The tenants of Longbourn seemed to watch out for each other.
Elizabeth nodded. "I will send the food to Mrs. Greeves, then. Of course, this is but a temporary measure — until I might find another place for you."
Mrs. Wiley wiped an errant tear from her eye. "I wrote to my brother in Plymouth, but I don't know when we might hear from him. He'll need to find someone to read the letter to him."
This woman faced so many obstacles that Collins would never even consider. "We will find a place for you."
"God's blessings on you, miss. I'll pray for you, I will."
Elizabeth wished she could do more to earn such gratitude. "Let us go to the cabin now and have you settled by sundown."
Mrs. Greeves embraced her friend. "I'll visit you tomorrow, Kate."
Elizabeth led the family toward the road, calculating a path to the cabin that would draw the least attention to the family. John made a small noise of distress. Elizabeth squeezed his hand. "Is this not exciting? You shall live in the woods!"
He gave her a tentative smile — rather brave under the circumstances. "Is it an adventure? Like in the stories?"
"Indeed, it is," she said with a cheerfulness she did not feel. "Let us venture out and see your new home!"
A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Elizabeth Bennet's father died two years ago, and her odious cousin Mr. Collins has taken possession of the Longbourn estate. Although Collins and his wife Charlotte have allowed the Bennet sisters and their mother to continue living at Longbourn, the situation is difficult. Viewing Elizabeth and her sisters as little more than unpaid servants, Collins also mistreats the tenants, spends the estate's money with abandon, and rejects any suggestions about improving or modernising Longbourn. After one particularly egregious incident, Elizabeth decides she must organise a covert resistance among her sisters and the tenants, secretly using more modern agricultural methods to help the estate thrive. Her scheme is just getting underway when Mr. Darcy appears in Meryton.
Upon returning from a long international voyage, Darcy is forced to admit he cannot forget his love for Elizabeth. When he learns of the Bennet family's plight, he hurries to Hertfordshire, hoping he can provide assistance. Sinking into poverty, Elizabeth is further out of Darcy's reach than ever; still, he cannot help falling even more deeply in love. But what will he do when he discovers her covert rebellion against Longbourn's rightful owner?
Falling in love with Mr. Darcy was not part of Elizabeth's plan, but it cannot be denied. Darcy struggles to separate his love for her from his abhorrence for deception. Will their feelings for each other help or hinder the Rebellion at Longbourn?
She lives in Virginia with an overly affectionate cat, two children who are learning how much fun Austen's characters can be, and a husband who fortunately is not jealous of Mr. Darcy. A lifelong Austen fan, Victoria has read more Jane Austen variations and sequels than she can count — and confesses to an extreme partiality for the Colin Firth mini-series version of Pride and Prejudice.
Thank you for stopping by on my blog to talk about your new publication, Victoria. Best of luck with the tour. Please continue writing more Pride and Prejudice stories for us to enjoy.
Guest Post
Hello Lúthien84! Thank you for welcoming me back to your blog! Rebellion at Longbourn takes place after Mr. Bennet has died and Mr. Collins has taken possession of the Longbourn estate. Still living at Longbourn manor, Elizabeth tries to protect the estate's tenants from Collins's worst and greediest tendencies. In this scene Collins has sent one of the estate's workers, Sam, to evict a tenant's widow and children, Mrs. Wiley, while another tenant's wife, Mrs. Greeves, observes.
Excerpt
"All will be well." Elizabeth gave Mrs. Wiley a reassuring smile. "I have a plan."She nodded, but her expression was dubious. Elizabeth could hardly blame the woman; even she did not know if her plan would succeed. Quickly she explained the idea to the widow, who agreed readily enough despite her doubts. Anything was better than the poorhouse.
As Elizabeth hurried from the house, she dug around in the pocket of her dress, finding a few coins remaining from an earlier trip into town.
Sam was lashing the last of the Wileys' belongings securely to the cart.
"Hello, Sam," she said, striving to imbue her tone with warmth.
"Miss." He nodded respectfully.
"This is a sad business, is it not?"
"He hung his head. "It is indeed. I don't like forcing a woman out of her house, but I don't want the master to turn me out neither."
"Of course not. Such a shame the family has nowhere to go but the poorhouse." She opened her hand to reveal the coins, drawing Sam's attention. "But I was thinking... There is an old cabin on the edge of the North Field, near the woods. Nobody lives there....The Wileys could inhabit it without disturbing anyone."
Sam's brow furrowed. "Would the master like it?"
"There is no reason he has to know. It would be a temporary solution," she hastened to add. "Until I might find a new home for them." Surely one of the local landowners would be compassionate enough to give them a cottage until John was of age.
Sam's eyes focused on the coins, a month's pay for him.
"You would be doing her and me a great favour," Elizabeth said.
"But if Mr. Collins found out, he would toss me out for sure." He scratched his forehead.
"Even if he discovers the Wileys, they will not say that you helped them."
The man considered for a long moment. "Very well. It ain't right to force out a family when the nights are still cold like this. I'll take her things to the North Field cabin.
Elizabeth poured the coins into his hand. "There is no road to the cabin," she reminded him. That was why it had been abandoned."
"Yes'm, but I can drive the wagon to the Three Oaks clearing and carry her things the rest of the way."
Elizabeth smiled. Carrying the furniture through the woods would reduce the chances of being discovered. "Clever man."
He ducked his head and blushed. "Should I bring the Wileys, too?"
"No. I will escort the family by another route." They could travel more inconspicuously across the fields.
"Very well. I'll take my leave, then."
"You are a good man, Sam White."
He blushed again and then hurried to the cart.
Mrs. Wiley, with little Tom clinging to her skirt, and Mrs. Greeves emerged from the house just as it was rolling away. "Did he agree, then?" the widow asked, her eyes wide with amazement.
"Yes."
"I thank you, miss. You worked a miracle for my family today."
Elizabeth shook her head. "It was the least I could do. Longbourn owes you a deep debt. You deserve better treatment." Her husband had died fighting a wildfire at Longbourn six months ago.
Elizabeth took the older boy's hand. "I can lead you to the cabin and make sure you have a stock of wood for the fireplace. But this must stay a secret; Mr. Collins would be quite angry to find you living on Longbourn property. I shall attempt to bring you food directly, but I want to avoid rousing suspicion." She looked questioningly at Mrs. Greeves.
"I can get her the food when you can't," the other woman said stoutly. "Nobody is watching where I go. And a few of the other neighbours can be trusted." Mrs. Greeves would know which tenants would keep such a secret; no doubt most could. The tenants of Longbourn seemed to watch out for each other.
Elizabeth nodded. "I will send the food to Mrs. Greeves, then. Of course, this is but a temporary measure — until I might find another place for you."
Mrs. Wiley wiped an errant tear from her eye. "I wrote to my brother in Plymouth, but I don't know when we might hear from him. He'll need to find someone to read the letter to him."
This woman faced so many obstacles that Collins would never even consider. "We will find a place for you."
"God's blessings on you, miss. I'll pray for you, I will."
Elizabeth wished she could do more to earn such gratitude. "Let us go to the cabin now and have you settled by sundown."
Mrs. Greeves embraced her friend. "I'll visit you tomorrow, Kate."
Elizabeth led the family toward the road, calculating a path to the cabin that would draw the least attention to the family. John made a small noise of distress. Elizabeth squeezed his hand. "Is this not exciting? You shall live in the woods!"
He gave her a tentative smile — rather brave under the circumstances. "Is it an adventure? Like in the stories?"
"Indeed, it is," she said with a cheerfulness she did not feel. "Let us venture out and see your new home!"
Book Blurb
Elizabeth Bennet's father died two years ago, and her odious cousin Mr. Collins has taken possession of the Longbourn estate. Although Collins and his wife Charlotte have allowed the Bennet sisters and their mother to continue living at Longbourn, the situation is difficult. Viewing Elizabeth and her sisters as little more than unpaid servants, Collins also mistreats the tenants, spends the estate's money with abandon, and rejects any suggestions about improving or modernising Longbourn. After one particularly egregious incident, Elizabeth decides she must organise a covert resistance among her sisters and the tenants, secretly using more modern agricultural methods to help the estate thrive. Her scheme is just getting underway when Mr. Darcy appears in Meryton.
Upon returning from a long international voyage, Darcy is forced to admit he cannot forget his love for Elizabeth. When he learns of the Bennet family's plight, he hurries to Hertfordshire, hoping he can provide assistance. Sinking into poverty, Elizabeth is further out of Darcy's reach than ever; still, he cannot help falling even more deeply in love. But what will he do when he discovers her covert rebellion against Longbourn's rightful owner?
Falling in love with Mr. Darcy was not part of Elizabeth's plan, but it cannot be denied. Darcy struggles to separate his love for her from his abhorrence for deception. Will their feelings for each other help or hinder the Rebellion at Longbourn?
Author Bio
Victoria Kincaid has a Ph.D. in English literature and has taught composition to unwilling college students. Today she teaches business writing to willing office professionals and tries to give voice to the demanding cast of characters in her head.She lives in Virginia with an overly affectionate cat, two children who are learning how much fun Austen's characters can be, and a husband who fortunately is not jealous of Mr. Darcy. A lifelong Austen fan, Victoria has read more Jane Austen variations and sequels than she can count — and confesses to an extreme partiality for the Colin Firth mini-series version of Pride and Prejudice.
Giveaway
What do you think of the excerpt, dear friends? It is brave and courageous of Elizabeth to stand up to Mr Collins and aid Mrs Wiley and her children. Will he find out the Wileys are living illegally on his land? Of course he does but to what end will he get his way? Do share your thoughts in the comment because an e-book of Rebellion at Longbourn is up for grabs courtesy of the author. The giveaway is open to all international readers until Sunday, 28 June 2020. Take note that comments are moderated so it could take some time before they appear.Thank you for stopping by on my blog to talk about your new publication, Victoria. Best of luck with the tour. Please continue writing more Pride and Prejudice stories for us to enjoy.
I love how a change of circumstances for Elizabeth, such as a death of Mr. Bennet, can take the plot in a different direction. Enjoyed the excerpt and look forward to reading more.
ReplyDeleteAh, Collins is a jerk.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there will be drama aplenty concerning this family and their abode, in the near future.
Oh good heavens! I think Mr Collins needs to have a fatal accident, and soon! Now that might be a bit bloodthirsty but he has absolutely no redeeming features! Good for Elizabeth I say! Now I just think she could use Darcy’s help?? Let’s hope he can overcome his scruples?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on this newest release. Looking forward to reading how Mr. Collins finds out about the family and what his response will be. Does Mr. Darcy have any response?
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the release! I'd love to read the book.
ReplyDeleteThis excerpt so clearly shows Elizabeth as compassionate and empathetic to those less fortunate--just the way I always think of her. It also clearly demonstrates the writing ability of Ms. Kincaid--one of the best JAFF authors. Thank you for allowing me to enter the drawing. BTW, this is a lovely blog.
ReplyDeleteI suspect Collins has no idea who or what in on the estate
ReplyDeleteWonderful excerpt. I am loving this blog tour and look forward to reading. Congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteTouching excerpt.Kudos to EB and her cleverness, Thanks for the excerpt
ReplyDelete