Story Inspiration – Page 4

Vauxhall on a Gala Night (Richard Phillips c.1804)

Image extracted from page 503 of *Modern London; being the history and present state of the British Metropolis. Illustrated with numerous copper plates*, by Richard Phillips. Picture dated as published June 11, 1804. Original held and digitised by the British Library. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Elizabeth placed her hand on Darcy’s arm and allowed him to escort her from their supper box and toward one of the numerous paths in Vauxhall Gardens. The vast number of people that filled the supper boxes and paths was astonishing, and then when the torches were lit, and the orchestra was playing while waiters scurried back and forth making certain that all in attendance were happy, it was nearly overwhelming. She had heard stories of this place, but until now, she had never truly imagined its grandeur.

Darcy drew Elizabeth closer to his side as they strolled. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Immensely.”

[from Unravelling Mr. Darcy]

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House of Commons (Microcosm of London)

Microcosm of London Plate no. 021, House of Commons. Thomas Rowlandson (1756–1827) and Augustus Charles Pugin (1762–1832) (after) John Bluck (fl. 1791–1819), Joseph Constantine Stadler (fl. 1780–1812), Thomas Sutherland (1785–1838), J. Hill, and Harraden (aquatint engravers)[1], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

“Do you truly love me?”

He held her face in his hands and looked into her eyes. This woman, who lay beneath him, whose hands had slid from his hair to rest on his jaw as a finger traced his ear, was all he wanted. Not a seat in parliament and definitely not some lady of the ton even if she had bags of money. “Yes, very much. Marry me.”

from Not an Heiress

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Tonnelle de Rosier (Anna De Weert)

Tonnelle de Rosier by Anna De Weert. 1920.
Attribution: Cafedelyon, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Anne gasped, and her lips trembled as tears sprang to her eyes at the sight of him.

Lady Sophia stood and after a quick word of greeting and a whispered comment to Alex, left the two alone. Alex took the place on the bench which had just been vacated by Anne’s aunt.

“You came,” Anne whispered.

from Her Heart’s Choice

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The Millinery Shop (Edgar Degas)

The Millinery Shop by Edgar Degas (1885), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

…If his heart could make his choice for him instead of his father, Kitty Bennet would be his choice. She had stolen his heart when she shivered in the wind on the street in front of the milliner’s shop as she insisted on being introduced to him as Katherine…

[from His Inconvenient Choice]

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Changing Homes (George Elgar Hicks)

Changing Homes by George Elgar Hicks. 1862. Public Domain, via Wikigallary.org

Not more than half an hour later, Elizabeth stood at the far end of the yellow drawing room in front of a large set of doors which opened out onto a small terrace. Here, with a few friends and family gathered around, she placed her hand in Darcy’s and pledged herself to him.

[from Finally Mrs. Darcy]

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