I made this graphic some time ago. Probably right around when this book was a new release. Maybe a bit later. I’m not sure exactly when it got made, but I like it, and when I was thinking of finding a image of punch to share for today, it popped into my mind so I dug it out of storage.
In Matching Mr. Darcy, Darcy’s evening at the Meryton assembly goes from determined to not be introduced to or dance with Elizabeth to being able to think of little else than dancing with her — even if his stockings are doused in punch.
Below is the scene from chapter two when the punch mishap happens.
Her Secret Beau is the first of two stories in my Touches of Austen series that are set in Bath. So, I thought it’d be fun to gather a bunch of images from Deposit Photos (since I’ve never been to Bath, sadly) and make a setting collage.
I like having a few images in my mind when I am writing or reading a story, and these do relate to different scenes in the story as there are a few in gardens, one at the hero’s town home, and of course, the Assembly Rooms. There’s also a scene where the Abbey is mentioned. So, these all seemed to fit the theme.
I’ve selected to share chapter 10 in which you will find the scene where the Abbey is mentioned. We are about halfway through the story by this chapter, and the scheme that Grace is perpetrating is full swing. Here are the basics just so you’re not confused when you read the excerpt below.
Grace Love is secretly courting Mr. Blakesley (Walter). She is pretending to love Mr. Norman (of whom her mother does not really approve, though he’s a lovely fellow). the Claytons (Graeme and Bea) and the Sheltons (Roger and Victoria) know all about Grace’s scheme and why she deems it necessary. The reason behind the subterfuge: Felicity Love, Grace’s sister. I think that’s probably enough details to set you up to read what follows.
En Svinesti, Carl Bøgh, (1869) Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Do these pigs look like their listening to a delightful tale of adventure to you? They do to me, and that is why I chose to pair this painting with the excerpt below.
The Beginning of Prudence is set in the springtime at Rosings and in one fun scene near the end of this novelette, a pig and Colonel Fitzwilliam take a stroll, and that is the scene that I have chosen to share below.
Now, I wonder which pig in the painting is Betsy? I think it might be the one lying down on the left side and looks to be talking. 😉
Enjoy!
P.S. The Beginning of Prudence is free to read for followers on both Ream and Patreon this month. Of course it is also available to purchase at your favourite ebook retailer.
Published by: Sayer & Bennett, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Who doesn’t love a trip to a library or bookstore? I know I do. And in the excerpt from For Peace of Mind below, the party from Gracechurch Street is going to indulge in such a pleasure. Unfortunately, this trip to the bookstore is not going to be a pleasure trip, and that meme that often shows up on social media about a lady who always has a book with her will always have a companion and a weapon is going to prove very true.
The excerpt below is from Chapter 5 and ends right before the use of a book as a weapon is put to the test. I cut it off right before that so that you can enjoy the discovery of how the book comes in handy.
Enjoy!
Please note: For Peace of Mind is currently only available at Amazon because it is enrolled in the Kindle Unlimited Program.
Isn’t this a lovely book illustration? I thought it would go well with the story excerpt I want to share today…
Have you ever wondered what was going through Mr. Darcy’s head when he made his infamous slighting remark at the Meryton assembly? Have you ever wondered how things might have changed if he had been turned around and forced to say what he said while looking directly at Elizabeth while he said it?
Well, I have. 🙂 And that is exactly the questions that sparked From Tolerable to Lovely in my mind. It’s a short tale with only four chapters, and it’s free for followers to read on Ream this month. (And if I get it up there before Wednesday, on Patreon as well.)
Below is how the story begins – with Darcy’s thoughts and then his getting turned about. I’ll let you read the rest of the tale to see how he proceeds once he’s facing her. I’ve put links to both Ream and Patreon at the end of the story.
