American; Dress; circa 1810 (cotton, wool). Bequest of Maria P. James, 1910. This file was donated to Wikimedia Commons as part of a project by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Metropolitan Museum of Art / CC0
Don’t these “ladies” look as if they are ready for a picnic or afternoon of strolling and having tea in the garden?
~*~*~
“You look perfectly content.” Alfred sat down beside her under the tree.
“I am. It was a lovely picnic.”
Chairs and tables were being loaded onto a waiting cart, while blankets which were not being used, were being folded and placed in a trunk that would be transported back to Ravincot in one of the Langley’s carriages when they all had had their fill of wandering the meadow and reclining under trees as they conversed.
“Are you planning to sit here and read until we leave?” Alfred asked.
“That was indeed my plan unless some other activity of greater interest caught my attention.”
“Would you like to walk with me?”
[from Protecting Miss Darcy, Marrying Elizabeth book 6]
English Garden in the Csáky Castle at Hotkóc, János Rombauer / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Alfred’s aunt, Meredith Langley, loves gardens and is always having improvements made to hers. I wonder which of these garden elements she might have in the garden at Ravencot?
~*~*~
“The garden is best enjoyed from outside.”
“I was just out there,” Alfred replied. “What brings you to this room, Aunt?”
Meredith Langley crossed to stand next to her nephew. “You.”
“Me?”
His aunt nodded. “We have not yet had a good discussion about my son and his future bride.” Mrs. Langley sat down on the window seat so that she could also look out the window. “There is a pleasant breeze today, is there not?”
[from Protecting Miss Darcy, Marrying Elizabeth book 6]
Flower Sketches purchased at DepositPhotos, collage created on Canva
~*~*~
“That is a very good likeness,” Alfred said as he took the seat next to her which Kitty had vacated.
“Thank you. Flowers are my specialty.” She smiled at him sheepishly. “To be honest, they are the only thing I can draw that comes close to looking as it should.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
[from Protecting Miss Darcy, Marrying Elizabeth book 6]
Interior of the billiard room at Lupton House, Devonshire, designed by George Wrightwick for Sir J.B.Y. Buller. Artist listed as Reid Turner. Date 1838. Metropolitan Museum of Art / CC0. Via Wikimedia Commons.
~*~*~
“…I do not wish to speak to you about courting her.”
Darcy leaned against the table with his cue resting against his chest and his arms folded around it. “You do not?”
“No, quite the opposite.”
“I am not sure I understand.”
Not since he had been taken to task by his father over the moving of his brother’s clothing which had led to Edmund’s forced betrothal, had Alfred witnessed such an intimidating look as the furrowed brow and scowl Darcy was currently wearing. Alfred had made it a goal to not be put in such a position again if it could at all be helped, and until this moment, he had succeeded.
[from Protecting Miss Darcy, Marrying Elizabeth book 6]
In March 2015, I published my first book, Oxford Cottage. In May of that same year, I published For Peace of Mind. These two books are on sale this weekend (March 21-22, 2020).
Here is a bit about each book and a link to find all the stores where they are currently available.
Click image to find where to buy this book
On a rainy day in April, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Charles Bingley stop to ask a gentleman for directions to Netherfield since the ones they have been given appear to be faulty. At the gentleman’s insistence, Darcy and his friend seek refuge from the rain at a nearby cottage. The young woman who greets them captivates Darcy with both her beauty and character.
Elizabeth Bennet possesses a quick mind and a determined spirit. She is resolved to complete the challenge her father has set before her at Oxford Cottage. However, she does not expect to be met by a handsome stranger and fall in love, nor does she expect to find herself thrust into a situation where her quick thinking may be all that can keep both herself and her young companion safe.
Click image to find where you can buy this book.
Elizabeth Bennet has thrown away her one and only chance at marriage, or so her mother laments over and over again until finally, to restore a measure of peace to his house, Elizabeth’s father sends her to London to stay with relatives.
Fitzwilliam Darcy has fled Netherfield and its enchanting neighbour, hoping to hide away in town until his heart is no longer in danger of being lost to Elizabeth.
Neither expects to see the other. In fact, after having been so harshly insulted at the Assembly, Elizabeth rather hopes that with Darcy’s departure from Netherfield, she has seen the last of the arrogant man.
However, it is not to be.
When a chance meeting throws the tantalizing Elizabeth and haughty Darcy together, how will each respond to the other? Will her opinion change? Will Darcy get a second chance? Or will the plans and desires of others keep them apart forever?
