Music Monday – Page 47

Music Monday: Hide Away – Period Drama Music Video

Janeaustenbooks. “Hide Away – Period Drama Music Video.” YouTube. YouTube, 19 July 2015.

CONNECTION BETWEEN MUSIC AND STORY:

Finally Mrs. Darcy goes “live” this Wednesday. So, that must mean I am working on something new, right? Absolutely! I am always working on some story.

Right now, I am several thousand words into Waking to Mr. Darcy, and I am going to share the first bit of that first draft with you because it answers the question “Where do the good boys go to hideaway?”

EXCERPT FROM Waking to Mr. Darcy:

“Rude! That is what my sisters are.” Bingley placed another piece of wood none too gently on the pile he and Darcy were making near the fireplace. “They were barely civil to Mrs. Bennet and spoke not word to any of the Misses Bennet, save Miss Elizabeth.” He gave a harsh laugh. “And they only spoke to her when absolutely necessary and with such a superior air!” He stomped out the door, to the wood pile, and back into the cabin. “I have a mind to send them both off with Hurst. Let him deal with them. Not that he would know much of what they were about since he is constantly in his cups.”

Darcy closed the door to the small hunting cabin and shrugged out of his overcoat. “Have you considered that their lack of civility is not fully unwarranted?”

“Out!” Bingley pointed to the door. “I have escaped to this cabin to be rid of such sentiments. You may go spread your vitriol with my sisters. Caroline would be delighted.”

Darcy winced at the thought of spending time with Caroline and grimaced a second time as he realized that his friend was comparing him to that very lady. “Let me explain,” he began.

“I have no desire to hear about the Bennets being of low standing.” Bingley knelt before at the hearth applying himself to the starting of a fire. The November evening air was cool and damp. “Mr. Bennet is a gentleman.” He turned his head to look at Darcy. “A gentleman ─ born that way.”

“He is married to trade.”

Bingley growled something at the tinder and was then silent.

Darcy watched him work for a moment and then satisfied that the fire was about to start, went in search of two cups and a bottle of brandy. “How many days worth of supplies did you have them deliver?”

“Five.” Bingley took the bottle of brandy from Darcy and doubled the amount Darcy had poured for him. “I am not certain how long it will be before I am willing to see my sisters again.” He peered over his cup with raised brows. “The same will be said for you if you continue with your disparagements of the Bennets.” Continue reading Music Monday: Hide Away – Period Drama Music Video

Music Monday: At Last, Etta James

Brimenting. “Etta James ~ At Last (Dancing with the Stars).” YouTube. YouTube, 05 Feb. 2013.

CONNECTION BETWEEN MUSIC AND STORY:

A reader, after concluding her reading of Finally Mrs. Darcy, told me that the story made her think of this song. I think it is an excellent choice. In this story, Darcy and Elizabeth meet after having been separated for five years.

Here’s the description of the book:

After Lydia’s elopement, Mr. Bingley returns to Netherfield, but sadly he is alone. His connections to Mr. Darcy are severed, crushing any hope Elizabeth Bennet had of finding happiness with the man to whom she has lost her heart.

As the years pass, grief turns into acceptance and Elizabeth marries. She is content to settle into her new life, but it is not to last. A fever claims the lives of both her husband and father, leaving her in the care of her new uncle, Gareth Amberly, who is determined to see her happy.

As this Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella opens, Elizabeth’s uncle introduces her to the man he suspects will make her happy ─ Fitzwilliam Darcy. It takes very little time for Darcy and Elizabeth to come to an understanding and for Elizabeth to discover the true reason for their separation. Is a complete restoration of relationships possible, or will their happily ever after always be tainted by separation?

The story moves quickly. By the end of the first chapter, Darcy and Elizabeth have come to an understanding. This story is about their short trip from reunion to wedding, but it is also about forgiveness and restoration.

The following excerpt is from the first chapter and is when Darcy finally knows for certain that Elizabeth loves him.

EXCERPT FROM Finally Mrs. Darcy:

“When you did not return with Bingley, I thought it was because you did not wish to be associated with a family tied to Mr. Wickham or such foolish girls as Lydia — and who could blame you?” She turned to face him. “It broke my heart. I refused to attend assemblies for nearly a year. Mama thought it was because I missed Jane, but it was you I missed.” She took one of his hands. “Eventually, I could no longer refuse to attend, and I met Jack. He was a pleasant man. He smiled much and spoke well of all he met. I believe he was constitutionally incapable of being disagreeable. He respected me, and I was happy, but he was not you.” She squeezed his hand. “I loved him, but not as I love you.”

“You love me?” Darcy stood perfectly still. His breath caught in his chest as he waited for her reply. The thought that his affections might be returned threatened to make him embarrass himself by either causing him to weep or shout or, heaven forbid, both.

“For these five long years, I have loved you. I have tried not to, but it is impossible. I fear I shall always love you.” A breeze tugged a wisp of hair free, and she brushed it away from her face. “It is why I have told my uncle I do not wish to marry again — not that he will hear of that, but it was not fair to Jack and would not be fair to another to give him only part of me.”

“You love me.” Thankfully, his delight only spread across his face and did not express itself with any more exuberance than that.

She nodded.

“Are you certain you will never marry again?” He stepped closer to her, looked into her eyes and brushed that wayward wisp of hair from her cheek.

“Never.” She drew the hand she held around her waist. “Unless it is you.”

“You will marry me?” Again, the happiness of his heart wished to be released in a cry of victory, but he would not allow it.

“If you will have me.” She smiled up at him as his arms pulled her close.

“You will marry me.” He bent his head to kiss her softly. “My feelings and wishes have never changed. I love you now as I loved you then, most ardently.”

Elizabeth drew his mouth back down to hers. These were the kisses for which she had longed. The kind of kiss that sent fire racing through her body from her lips all the way down to her toes. The kind of kiss that caused her to long for greater intimacy.

“Elizabeth,” he whispered near her ear as he pressed kisses along her neck. “When? When will you marry me?”

She sighed and held him tightly to her. “This very moment if it were possible.”

“I shall acquire a special license. One week,” he claimed her lips once again, “one week, and you shall be mine.”

Finally Mrs. Darcy is available for preorder on…

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Movie Meets Music Monday: Emma and Knightley – Obvious

TheAlena31. “Emma & Knightley – Obvious.” YouTube. YouTube, 13 Feb. 2011.

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.

Music Monday: Humble and Kind, Tim McGraw

TimMcGrawVEVO. “Tim McGraw – Humble And Kind (Official Video).”YouTube. YouTube, 21 Jan. 2016.

LINK BETWEEN MUSIC AND STORY:

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.

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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.

Music Monday: The Holly and The Ivy, Mannheim Steamroller

“The Holly And The Ivy- Mannheim Steamroller.” YouTube. YouTube, 10 Dec. 2012.

THE LINK BETWEEN MUSIC AND STORY:

Twenty-four years ago today, this song was one of several that comprised the prelude music at my wedding. It may seem a strange choice to have The Holly and The Ivy played at a wedding in June, but there was a reason.

My husband and I met at college. The first “off campus” date (other than taking a walk or going rollerskating) was to see A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis. It was a special night, and this song reminds me of that night.

Another thing that this song reminds me of is the time of year when my boyfriend finally made me “officially” his fiance. We had known we would marry for some time, but it was on COLD winter’s night during our Christmas holidays from teaching, as we took a short walk in a park, that he asked me to marry him.

And that brings us almost to the story excerpt from a book published one year ago today — For Peace of Mind. The dedication of this book reads:

To my husband, the love of my heart

It is the first book I dedicated to him, but not the last. He is the hero of my love story and as such really could have every book dedicated to him since he is the one who has taught me what it is to be loved truly and completely. And it is his support and belief in me that has led (or is that pushed 😉 ) me into publishing my stories and continuing to follow my passion for writing.

Ok, now to the excerpt. This is the scene where Darcy, on a cool night in December, takes Elizabeth for a short walk in the garden at Netherfield and makes their betrothal official.

EXCERPT FROM For Peace of Mind:

Elizabeth pulled her shawl a little tighter around her shoulders and rubbed her injured arm as she watched the carriages pull away from the front of the house.

“Are you well?” asked Darcy. “Is your arm paining you?”

“I am well, Fitzwilliam. My arm is just a little sore from yesterday.”

“Yesterday?”

“We have a small Feast of Stephen for the staff at Longbourn each year. The ladies of the house prepare the meal. I think my arm is just sore from the stirring and washing. Nothing a bit of rest and Charlotte’s tea will not cure. Do not worry, sir.” She laced her arm through his and snuggled closer to him than was entirely proper.

“It is a warm night for December,” commented Darcy. “Would you care for a quick turn around the side garden? It is in view of the drawing room.”

“I would like that very much, sir. I was getting tired of sitting in the same attitude for so long and since Miss Bingley is not here to escort me about the drawing-room, I shall have to fall on your mercy.”

Darcy laughed. “I am glad Miss Bingley is not here, Elizabeth.”

“As am I.”

They had come to a bend in the path leading past a stand of tall bushes surrounding a sitting area. Darcy pulled Elizabeth off the path and behind the bushes. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her gently. Stepping back he reached into his pocket and drew something out.

“I spoke to your father.”

Delight filled her eyes, but he placed a finger on her lips so he could continue without interruption.

“My love, you hold my heart. Though I faltered in my behaviour and disparaged with my words upon our first meeting, I believe you have held it since then, and it shall never truly be mine again ─ nor do I ever wish to have it returned.” He opened his hand revealing a band of gold engraved on the outside with entwined hearts and flowers. “Elizabeth Bennet, would you do me the honour of standing at the end of a court under a gauge with me and promise to be my wife?”

She placed her hand on top of his open one. She blinked back tears and nodded. “Fitzwilliam Darcy, I love you with every piece of my being and shall continue to do so for as long as I live. I would be honoured to be your wife.”

“My father gave this ring to my mother on their betrothal. It is inscribed. Love of my heart.” He placed the ring on her finger and a kiss on her hand before drawing her to him and giving her a long and passionate kiss.

“Are you cold?” he asked when he felt her shiver in his arms.

“No,” she said softly, “But I think we should go inside anyway.”

“Is something wrong?” asked Darcy in concern.

“Nothing a marriage will not fix, sir.” Elizabeth gave his hand a tug, urging him to follow her back to the house. “Might I suggest a short engagement,” she threw over her shoulder.

“Oh,” was all Darcy said as he followed behind her, a very satisfied look upon his face.

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