In my reading this week, I found this interesting article about circulating libraries in the Regency Era on Jane Austen’s World. Luckily, the site allows for reblogging, so I can share a snippet and link along with a picture. (I love pictures! 🙂 ) As I read, I was reminded of some of our modern subscription services as well as our bookshops and libraries that are more than just places to read and acquire books.
Circulating libraries in the 18th and 19th century were associated with leisure, and were found in cities and towns with a population of 2,000 and upward. They were as much of an attraction in wea…
This Wednesday on Austen Authors, we will be concluding our read along of Lady Susan. Next up is Emma. I admit that I am not overly familiar with this novel. I have only read it once and that was a long time ago, so I look forward to the reintroduction to the story. I would love to see you join us on this reading journey. Along with the discussion thread on the Austen Authors Writer’s Block Forum, you can often find my thoughts as I read on Twitter following the #AuAuReadAlong, and you can add your own thoughts to the discussion using that hashtag as well.
It’s a rather short link between music and story this week. I am finishing the first stage of the editing process on a short novella, Finally Mrs. Darcy, that should be available in July. Part of the story revolves around a situation that requires forgiveness. There are a couple of lines that came out of my characters’ mouths that made me think of this song.
At one point near the end of the story when the person, who has wronged the hero and heroine, has finally realized the extent of the pain he has caused, he says that he would beg for forgiveness, but he is certain he does not deserve it. To which, the hero responds…
“You do not, but is forgiveness ever deserved?” asked Darcy. “Or is it a gift bestowed, and not easily so, by the one wronged?”
Then, a short while later, after more of the sad tale of what has happened in the past. The heroine gives this person some advice and shows him kindness. Again, he says that he does not deserve it. To which, Elizabeth, echoing Darcy’s sentiment says…
“Perhaps you do not, but does anyone ever deserve kindness, or is it a gift bestowed by the giver?”
Forgiveness, kindness…they are gifts. Things that we possess and can chose to give or withhold. And on the other side of the equation…things that we can chose to accept or reject. The choice to give or receive is ours.
~*~*~
If you would like a sneak peek at Finally Mrs. Darcy‘s first two chapters, they are available to read to those who have signed up for my newsletter. So, if you are on the list, check your email for the newsletter that gives you the link and password to the chapters. However, if you haven’t signed up, the link is over there <– under the menu.
Circulating libraries in the 18th and 19th century were associated with leisure, and were found in cities and towns with a population of 2,000 and upward. They were as much of an attraction in wea…
