Tuesday 19 May 2015

No Cause to Repine - Excerpt and Giveaway

Today I am welcoming Rose Fairbanks, who is sharing an excerpt of her new book, 'No Cause to Repine'.

Here's the blurb:
When a simple accident is misinterpreted and threatens Elizabeth Bennet's reputation, her fate seems sealed as Fitzwilliam Darcy's wife. While the bride is resigned, the gentleman could hardly be happier until betrayals and schemes threaten to entirely take the matter out of their hands. Overcoming the plots before them will take all the patience, perseverance and collaboration they can muster, but a partnership requires truth. Self-discovery and trust await Jane Austen's most beloved and willfully blind couple as they attempt to master their own destiny in life and love.

Sounds enticing, doesn't it! Read on for the excerpt, and a chance to win an ebook of 'No Cause to Repine', open internationally.

* * * * *
After an unnerving amount of time, Mr. Gardiner said, “Allow me to thank you, Mr. Darcy, for conveying our niece to us and relieving her from what I assume was an intolerable situation.” His tone was neither friendly nor antagonistic but held something akin to suspicion.

Darcy civilly replied, “It was the least I could do for Miss Elizabeth.” He did not discern that his tone sounded coldly indifferent. 

Mr. Gardiner gave Darcy a level look and motioned to a note on his desk. “Your express was quite vague, and you can imagine I am full of questions. Let us not hedge on the matter.”

“I admire a forthright attitude.” Assuming the plainspoken demeanour that always served well for business transactions, he said, “Very well, I will relay the events that led us to the conclusion that departing Kent immediately and journeying to Town was necessary.”

In the midst of the tale, Darcy paused. He had not considered the indelicacy of explaining how he had fallen upon Elizabeth. Memories best left for his private chambers flooded his mind and senses. Her pleasing and soft but firm body, her pert breasts right next to my eyes, the fragrance of lavender surrounding me as her strong thighs cushioned my face. My hands were so close...

Darcy cleared his throat and, resisting the urge to loosen his cravat, attempted to banish   such thoughts. “I landed on her person.” 

He glanced at Mr. Gardiner and saw a bemused expression on the man’s face, but he nevertheless continued to explain succinctly the circumstances that necessitated Elizabeth’s departure.

Mr. Gardiner knit his hands together and brought them to his face. He tapped his forefingers against his lips and seemed to consider the young man’s words. He settled for frankness again and asked, “Am I to assume that you have come to an understanding with my niece?”

“Yes, sir. She accepted my hand in marriage, and we depart tomorrow to meet with Mr. Bennet.” 

Darcy was unsure how much he should explain, but he could not suppress a small smile from forming at this first acknowledgement of his engagement. He was reluctant to share his private dealings with a stranger, but he did not desire Elizabeth’s family to believe he merely felt obligated to the match.

Edward Gardiner narrowed his eyes, with a more suspicious tone than before. “I infer from your description of events that you called upon Elizabeth alone, Mr. Darcy. What do you say to that?”

Darcy hung his head for a moment. When he looked up, the expression of regret in his eyes was unmistakable. “It was not my intention, Mr. Gardiner. I had believed all the ladies within the house. My cousin had often called on them at other times in a similar way. I do confess to not departing immediately upon learning of my mistake.”

“Why should you put my niece in such a position?”

Darcy shook his head and closed his eyes. The older gentleman was determined to know it all. “As soon as I thought clearly on the matter, I decided to depart. Your niece is everything proper, and I should never wish to taint her name. It did not immediately occur to me to leave because rational thought often leaves my mind while in her presence. I also confess to enjoying her sole company. I regret that I acted inappropriately, but you should know that I had every intention of asking for Miss Elizabeth’s hand during my stay in Kent before I even darkened the door to the parsonage.”

Mr. Gardiner looked at Darcy for a discerning minute, then said with compassion in his eyes, “You love her. You will care for her.”

Darcy met Mr. Gardiner’s eyes. “Yes, with all my might.”

“I suggest you argue that case before my brother Bennet tomorrow, young man.” 

A footman announced supper, and before departing, Darcy arranged to speak with Mr. Gardiner and Elizabeth on a serious matter before he left for the evening.

* * * * *

About the author: Rose Fairbanks has had a life long passionate love of history and has been writing historical fiction since she was ten years old.

Twelve years ago she fell in love with Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy Coincidentally, or perhaps not, she also met her real life Mr. Darcy twelve years ago.  They had their series of missteps, just like Elizabeth and Darcy, but are now teaching the admiring multitude what happiness in marriage really looks like and have been blessed with two children, a four year old son and a one year old daughter.

Previously rereading her favorite Austen novels several times a year, Rose discovered Jane Austen Fan Fiction due to pregnancy-induced insomnia. Several months later she began writing. The Gentleman’s Impertinent Daughter is her first published work.

Rose has a degree in history and hopes to one day finish her MA in Modern Europe and will focus on the Regency Era in Great Britain and produce historical fiction novels of the era. For now, she gets to satiate her love of research, Pride and Prejudice, reading and writing….and the only thing she has to sacrifice is sleep! She proudly admits to her Darcy obsession, addictions to reading, chocolate and sweet tea, is always in the mood for a good debate and dearly loves to laugh.

You can connect with Rose on Facebook, Twitter and on rosefairbanks.com

* * * * *

Rose has kindly offered to give away an ebook version of 'No Cause to Repine', open internationally! To enter, all you need do is comment on this post by the closing date of Monday 18 May 2015. Please note this giveaway is now closed to entries. Please leave a way for me to contact you should you win. Thank you, Rose!

If you just can't wait and need to buy the book, the ebook is due for release on 14 May but you can preorder. Here are the UK and US Amazon buy links, but I think it'll be available to buy in other e-formats and paperback format is out already!

77 comments:

  1. I've enjoyed everyone of Ms. Fairbanks books I've read so far and look forward to this one as well!! Thanks for the peek!! thx 4 praying at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Stephanie, thanks for commenting, and good luck :)

      Delete
  2. Love the excerpt, Rose. Sounds like "there may be troubles ahead" but no "moonlight, love and romance" till later on. Thanks for the giveaway ladies.

    angmardee(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, quite a bit of trouble ahead but hopefully our hero and heroine have some cool headsto deal with it all! Good luck!

      Delete
    2. Oh Anji, I'll be singing that song all night now!

      Delete
  3. Who can believe that Darcy was so clumsy?

    meikleblog at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's not explained in this excerpt because within the book that would be redundant, but it's in the protion that will be part of the free sample on Amazon, so I don't mind explaining. Remember when he visits the parsonage without Colonel Fitzwiliam and scoots his chair forward while they're talking and then moves it back? My "what-if?" starts there. What if he tripped over the rug because of that?

      They joke about it later. Darcy insists he, and all Darcys, are not clumsy. Well...if you say so, dear. ;) Good luck in the giveaway!

      Delete
    2. I love that the starting point for this variation is him moving his chair! Such a small detail leading to such a big change.

      Delete
  4. This sounds intriguing - like one I will add to my wish list if I don't win it. I have many I want to read and only so much time. I will definitely read the sample as I always do. I find it helps so much in determining if I will like a book. Thanks for the excerpt.

    odara7rox(at)rcn(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sheila, I know just how you feel, my to be read list is so long, I can't make time to read all that I'd like to.

      Delete
    2. I know what you mean. That to-read pile is always growing, but I guess that's a good thing. Good luck in the giveaway!

      Delete
  5. Oh, I love a Mr. Darcy in love.....sigh....
    Great excerpt, Rose! Can't wait to read the book!

    Thanks for the generous giveaway!

    Pam
    Pamh5230 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lovely! I hope it's not too long before the feeling between them is mutual. Thanks for commenting Pam :)

      Delete
  6. Oh, I love a Mr. Darcy in love.....sigh....
    Great excerpt, Rose! Can't wait to read the book!

    Thanks for the generous giveaway!

    Pam
    Pamh5230 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Looks like a great read 😀

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm up to my eyeballs in reports and thought I'd take a break! Oh dear and here I am thinking I should be reading this book!! Great excerpt you've got me Rose! Please don't enter me into the giveaway because if you know me Ceri I'll have it ordered in the next couple of minutes!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you're intrigued! I hope you enjoy it!

      Delete
    2. Haha, Tamara, you always make me feel better about my weak will with shopping because we are just as bad as one another! Thank you for commenting, and I hope you find some time for yourself soon :)

      Delete
    3. Haha the joke was on me Ceri it wasn't available to buy! Lol

      Delete
    4. It's due out on kindle tomorrow (14 May), Tamara!

      Delete
  9. I love your books! So here is my comment wishing I have good luck.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Wishing you good luck too!

      Delete
    2. Thank you for commenting, good luck!

      Delete
    3. Fingers crossed...

      Delete
  10. This book is already on my to-read list, I love stories like this one! I'm looking forward to reading it whether I win the giveaway or not :)

    brendapwood at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I love this kind of premise too, Brenda. Good luck in the giveaway.

      Delete
    2. I can be a bit obsessed with the forced marriage scenario! Good luck!

      Delete
  11. I've loved Rose's books and am looking forward to reading this story. The excerpt made me smile, how did Darcy 'fall' upon her. Please so not enter me in the giveaway. I couldn't wait to order the book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Debbie! I hope you enjoy the book :)

      Delete
    2. Aw, thanks! I hope you continue to enjoy them!

      Delete
  12. Go Mr. Gardiner with the tough interrogation technique! Haha!

    Enjoyed the excerpt!
    Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
    sophiarose1816 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's not the only interrogation he gets either! Good luck!

      Delete
  13. He fell upon her person! Lol I love that. I bet he did, too. Wish he fell on mine!

    This looks lovely and I look forward to reading it. I've enjoyed many of Rose's stories. Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. monicaperry00 at gmail dot com

      Delete
    2. Yes, it wouldn't be a hardship to have Darcy fall upon my person ;)

      Delete
    3. Well, hopefully after your hip is all healed up! Lol How is that going?

      Delete
    4. LOL. Right, fall on me any time now, Darcy! Good luck, I hope you get to read this one and enjoy it too!

      Delete
    5. That is very true, Monica, I have become very risk averse since my mishap! I am on the mend, thank you, the bone is healing well last I heard, I have an appointment next week for a follow-up x-ray. The 9 weeks non-weight bearing took some toll on my muscles, so I am having physiotherapy to try and improve my movement, but I'm getting stronger all the time :)

      Delete
  14. Love Darcy's small smile when he acknowledged the engagement. I hope Mr. Bennet picks up on his affection for Lizzy. Email is: laurenk1031 at gmail dot com.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope so too, when you consider that Mr Bennet worried about Lizzy's happiness marrying Darcy of her own free will in canon it must surely have been more worrying for him if she'd had to accept a proposal.

      Delete
    2. This Darcy is a bit of sweetheart. He has faults and limitations but he tries. Ceri's probably on to something. We'll see if Mr. Bennet is more reasonable than his daughter about gathering facts first. Good luck, Lauren!

      Delete
  15. Love the excerpt! What a unique way to have Darcy & Elizabeth marry... I wonder what is going on in Lizzy's mind about Darcy being clumsy...

    Thank you for the giveaway! My email is tdungnvu (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can you imagine the shock of having him suddenly land on your person?! Poor Lizzy!

      Delete
    2. As crazy as it is, it soon becomes the least of the offenses! Good luck!

      Delete
  16. Thanks for the excerpt and giveaway!
    Lvsgund at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I can't (won't) have enough of P&P arranged marriages scanarios so I shall have this new book! I shall!:) And if I don't win in this wonderful giveaway, the book is on my wish list of next purchases. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway!
    oloore at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I admire your determination Oloore! Good luck in the giveaway :)

      Delete
    2. Aw, I'm glad my book has made your list! Good luck!

      Delete
  18. I've enjoyed Rose's other books and would like to enter for a chance to win this one. jcn at CenturyTel dot net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jennie! Good luck to you!

      Delete
    2. Hi Jennie, thanks for commenting and good luck :)

      Delete
  19. Wonderful excerpt. You know how to get our attention. And having read other Rose books, This is definitely on my TBR list. Thank you for the giveaway.
    Cherringtonmb at sbcglobal dot net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! It's always so hard to pick an excerpt! I hope you enjoy this one too. Good luck!

      Delete
    2. Thanks Becky. Good luck :)

      Delete
  20. Can't wait to get my hands on this one, it sounds delightful!!
    Lynnchar59@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It sounds good, doesn't it! I'm looking forward to reading it too.

      Delete
  21. Thanks so much for this excerpt and giveaway!! Look forward to reading this book! :)

    newyorkgirl82(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I want it!! Pretty please??
    tgruy at netscape dot net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good luck! I've got some other giveaways coming too so keep an eye out for those as well.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for your comment!

      Delete
  23. Rose is an awesome author and I can't wait until I can read this story. It is on my list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, thanks! I'm trying to catch up to you!

      Delete
    2. Thanks for commenting, Melanie :)

      Delete
  24. Ditto what Melanie said. I can't wait. It's in my collection and ready to read.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Barbara, I hope you enjoy reading it :)

      Delete
  25. Thank you everybody for your comments! The winner has been selected and posted: http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/winner-ebook-of-no-cause-to-repine.html

    ReplyDelete

If you're not logged in to Google please leave your name in your comment or it will post as anonymous. Thanks! - Ceri