I’m pulling out an old comfortable favourite for today’s post. This song and others by this composer just have a way of wrapping me up in my imagination and tucking me away to find a good story. So snuggle into the music, grab a cup of something warm and cozy, and let me tell you about what is happening in my writing world.
“A Walk in the Forest – Brian Crain.” YouTube. Ed. Connie K. YouTube, 28 Aug. 2009. Web. 11 Mar. 2017.
This was a busy week at my home. March Break starts today, so there were lessons and test and essays that needed to be completed before the break. There were also appointments and gym sessions — well, only one as it turned out. And in between and around those things, I had to fit in some writing work. But, you know, that’s just how life is — busy and satisfying even when it get tiring and you just want a nap. I cannot complain. My life is good.
Last week started with a Romance Writers of Atlantic Canada meeting and workshop where we discussed dialogue and fan fiction. I enjoy those craft sessions. It is good to stop and think about what we as writers are doing.
Then on Monday, I made certain my Austen Authors blog post was ready. Tomorrow, March 14, I will be sharing that Mansfield Park scene I mentioned writing a couple of weeks ago. Be sure to stop by to have a read!
And then, I began on my list of writing projects. Currently, I have three projects underway.
Discovering Mr. Darcy is nearly ready to send to my last editor before publication. I had hoped to have this story out this month, but it is looking more like it will be April before that will happen. Right now, I am working on an epilogue at my first reader’s suggestion. However, my brain was a little short on creativity, so I have sought the excellent help of the members of Leenie’s Sweeties for ideas. This week, I will sift through their suggestions and get that written.
I have begun first round edits on At All Costs. I am through chapter 5, and I think, I may have begun posting this story on the forum at darcyandlizzy.com. As I am writing this post on Saturday afternoon while my guys are all off at work, I have not yet begun posting it. I assume I will get to that, but you know how life can be at times and what is planned is not what happens. The chapters have not changed drastically from what has been posted here…a few more details have been given and more of the typos have been eliminated.
My third project is probably going to be the next Thursday’s Three Hundred story when At All Costs wraps up at the end of April. It is called With the Colonel’s Help and is the story that I shared a portion of last week. I have only gotten a bit further in that story. I am now on chapter 2 and only part way through it. It is a good think I have until the end of April to have it ready to being posting. 🙂 However, even though I have not progressed as far as I would have liked to since last week. I will share a bit of chapter 2 below.
EXCERPT FROM With the Colonel’s Help:
Elizabeth tossed her bonnet on the dressing table and flopped onto her bed. She closed her eyes and drew a slow deep breath. It did little, however to quell her anger. Of all the horrible, rotten, high-handed, arrogant things! That man had no respect or care for anyone but himself!
She flicked off her shoes and wiggled her way up to her pillow. She draped an arm across her eyes to keep out the afternoon sunlight that shone through the window. A dull pain drummed a steady rhythm behind her temples. She knew tears would relieve some of the pain, but tears would also create red eyes and a swollen nose and neither would aid her in her hope to retire peacefully to her room this evening instead of making the journey to Rosings and having to endure both his presence and that of his aunts. Then, once locked safely away from prying eyes, she would allow herself to indulge in tears for her sister. She took another deep breath, followed by a third, a fourth, and so on until the slow rhythm lulled her from her contemplation of Jane’s sorrow into a somewhat restful slumber.
“Elizabeth,” Charlotte called softly as she slowly opened the door to Elizabeth’s room.
Elizabeth lifted her head and propped herself on her elbows.
“Oh, Lizzy, you are not ill, are you?” Charlotte latched the door quietly and scooted across the room towards her friend. Elizabeth rarely rested during the day.
“It is only a headache.” Elizabeth drew herself to a sitting position. She had not intended to fall asleep. She rubbed her temple. It was not hurting as it had been. Drat! She had no desire to be in the same room as Mr. Darcy. Perhaps if she were to dwell on him for a moment her headache would increase and her guilt for claiming to have one would lessen. “It is nothing really. I am certain I will be well by morning.”
Charlotte tipped her head and studied Elizabeth’s face. Her friend rarely had any malady, including headaches.
“It was warm today, and I must have walked to far in such warmth. A little rest, and I will be well,” Elizabeth assured Charlotte. “I fear, I will be very ill company this evening. It would be best to leave me here and go on without me.”
Charlotte’s brow rose at the comment. The day had been warm, but not overly so, and Elizabeth had not been gone so long as to have out-walked her capabilities. “You appeared well in the sitting room while the colonel visited? Are you certain it was the walk that fatigued you?”
“I do not know what else it could be.”
“It was pleasant to have Colonel Fitzwilliam call today. I dare say I shall miss his company when he leaves.”
“Yes, he is pleasant,” Elizabeth agreed as she groaned inwardly. Charlotte was smoothing the blanket on the bed and only peeking up at her. Both were actions that spoke of her friend’s desire to discover the truth behind the pain in Elizabeth’s head.
“Did you walk together long before you arrived home?”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “Not for too very long.”
“But it was long enough to have a pleasant conversation?”
Elizabeth sighed at the determined look in Charlotte’s eyes as they finally rose from examining the coverlet to Elizabeth’s face. “I do not wish to speak of it.”
“Lizzy, my dear, you know that Mr. Collins will be expecting you to attend Lady Catherine. I am more than willing to plead your illness with my husband, but I will not do so unless you tell me about your walk.” Charlotte spoke sweetly, but her look was unwavering.
Elizabeth sighed. She knew that there was nothing to be done. if she hoped to avoid going to Rosings this evening, an explanation must be given. “Very well. I will tell you about my walk. It was pleasant and solitary until I came upon Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was, as he said when he arrived, taking his annual tour of the estate before he and Mr. Darcy leave tomorrow. We walked and talked for some time. I cannot say exactly how long it was until we arrived here. My headache was starting even as we sat in the sitting room, but it was not so bad as to alter my disposition. However, it has continue to grow, and I am certain I will be very poor company for Lady Catherine.”
“And that is it? You walked; you talked; and then you developed a headache?”
Elizabeth nodded.
“That is very strange. You have never walked so far as to cause yourself to feel ill.”
“Perhaps it is the air in Kent.” Elizabeth grimaced. It was a sorry excuse of a reason.
Charlotte chuckled softly. “Yes, fresh country air is so taxing, is it not?” She placed a hand on top of one of Elizabeth’s. “What did the Colonel say that upset you? Remember, I know you well, Elizabeth Bennet. You do not get headaches unless you are overwrought.”
“Must I tell you?”
Charlotte smiled sadly and nodded. “I fear you must. What did you and the colonel speak about that has caused your distress.”
Elizabeth gave an exasperated sigh. “Mr. Darcy and Jane.”
~*~*~
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