Friday 21 July 2017

Joy Dawn King - Guest Post and Giveaway

Author J. Dawn King
Today I am welcoming one of my favourite blog visitors, author J Dawn King. Joy has brought a conversation piece and giveaway, so channel your inner Lady Catherine de Bourgh; you must have your share of the conversation!

Usually when an author stops by, they are here to share their latest release, however Joy asked if we could play a game. Without further ado, I will pass over to Joy.

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Thank you, Ceri. I love board games and card games. My favorite is word games. However, I’m wanting to play the following to gain an understanding of the imaginary character qualities your readers/followers have when they read a Pride and Prejudice variation. I thought the best way to find out was to ask. Here goes!

TWENTY QUESTIONS

When you close your eyes and envision Miss Elizabeth Bennet, what does she look like? How about Mr. Darcy? Does he ALWAYS look like Colin Firth or Matthew MacFadyen? Do your opinions of their appearance change with the story or do they always stay the same? It is of interest to me how little details Jane Austen shared about the physical appearance of her characters. She left us with the task of bringing her people to life – at least mentally.

Therefore, in today’s blog post, we will challenge your imagination by asking for your response to the following questions. I must emphasize that there are no correct or incorrect answers. Your viewpoint is the right one in this exercise. How cool is that?

1) Do you see Miss Elizabeth’s hair as
a) dark brown
b) reddish brown
c) almost black
d) light brown
e) another color altogether

2) How tall is Elizabeth Bennet?

3) How is she proportioned?
a) hourglass figure
b) buxom
c) petite
d) hefty
e) another shape or combination of shapes

4) How long is her hair when it’s down? Does she have straight hair, waves, or curls?

5) What color are her eyes?

6) How tall is Mr. Darcy?

7) How tall is Mr. Bingley?

8) How tall is Colonel Fitzwilliam?

9) Is Mr. Darcy’s hair straight, wavy, curly? Light brown, dark brown, black? Does he have highlights?

10) What color are Mr. Darcy’s eyes? Does he have a unibrow? (sorry, I HAD to ask)

11) Is Mr. Darcy a cat person or a dog person?

12) Is Miss Elizabeth a cat or dog person?

13) Which food would you never serve when Mr. Darcy was at your table? Which would you ALWAYS serve?

14) If you were called upon to display your accomplishments, which do you think Mr. Darcy prefers – singing or playing an instrument like the harp or pianoforte?

15) Which modern song would you sing to the Netherfield Park gathering on the evening Jane Bennet came downstairs for the first time after being ill?

16) Which modern song would you serenade Lady Catherine de Bourgh with while at Rosings with the guests from Hunsford, her nephews, her daughter, and her daughter’s companion?

17) Which modern movie do you think Miss Elizabeth would love to watch over and over again?

18) What about Mr. Darcy? What movie do you think he would find entertaining?

19) What make and model of car would your Mr. Darcy drive as he meandered throughout the English countryside?

20) If you could personally meet any one of Jane Austen’s characters from any of her books, who would it be and where?

Thank you for reading this far. Phew! That was a lot of questions. Please feel free to leave any or all of your answers in the comments.

Again, why am I asking these questions? Because you get to know my characters through my stories. This way I can come to know yours. A fair exchange, I believe.

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Thank you, Joy, for these questions. I think Austen left the door open on many of the characters' physical appearances so I'll be really interested to see the replies. I have noticed that some Austenesque books that I've read clearly have one actor or another in the role of Darcy and sometimes it has jarred me out of the story for a second, because I was imagining something different. I am certainly going to join in with these questions but I will let my blog visitors have a go first in case they are persuaded by my views, which are very strong on some of these.

I have to say though, I think you are the only person I've ever seen pose the question of whether Mr Darcy had a unibrow!

Thank you so much for stopping by for virtual tea and pastries Joy.

Joy’s books can be found on Amazon by searching either J Dawn King or Christie Capps. She can be contacted via Facebook, Twitter, her website, or email.

J. Dawn King Books

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Giveaway Time!

Joy is very kindly offering a giveaway for commenters on this post. A $100 Amazon gift card can be won by one lucky winner, open internationally. To enter, answer this question: Why are you a Jane Austen fan? Please comment by the end of the day on Friday 28 July 2017, and leave a way to be contacted so that you don't miss out if you're the lucky winner.

138 comments:

  1. Hi Joy and Ceri,

    What an inquisitive and interesting post,one that provided much food for thought!

    Irresoective of what JAFF study I read the characters,in my mind and heart,are always those cast in the '95 version of P&P!

    Jennifer embodies Lizzy,Colin is Darcy,while Benjamin and Alison personify Mr &Mrs B! When I think of Mr Collins,David B enters my mind,while Barbara Leigh-Hunt is forever Lady C!! I love this version and have watched it countless times!

    As for the other questions posed,
    I think the Darcys are 'dog' people,preferring a Labrador to keep them company while at Pemberley,while also necessarily keeping hunting dogs too.

    I'm a traditionalist and if the Darcys graced me with their presence,I would serve them my favourite dinner,the one I eat each Christmas. They'd feast on turkey,gammon, Mom's stuffing,peas,sprouts,carrots,gravy and bread sauce! This would be served with a non alcoholic beverage of their choice, followed by trifle and ice-cream!! I would never serve fried food to them.

    To celebrate Jane's recovery and her joining the Netherfield party,I'd choose Christy Hennessy's 'If you were to fall and I was to fall'! It will resonate with more than one potential couple in the room!!!

    As for the song to entertain the Rosings party,I'd choose L.Armstrong's 'What a wonderful world'. Darcy has now determined that he'll propose to Lizzy and having made the momentous decision and assured himself of its merits,he is now happily ignorant of that lady's true feelings for him!
    Lady C. wound naturally only hear a verse of two,and would make no comment as she would no doubt have started a monologue with Mr &Mrs Collins!
    This song would be followed by F.Valli's 'My eyes adored you'! Being in a dreamy state after hearing the first song,I think he'd like this song's hidden message,mirroring his history with Elizabeth!
    Again fearing no censorship from Lady C,it would be daring yet very apt!

    'As time goes by' is a tv programme featuring J.Dench and G.Palmer. It's based on two young lovers inadvertently losing touch with each other,only for them to rekindle their romance some thirty years later! I love this programme and think that Darcy might enjoy it as a reminder of what might have been had Fate not enabled his fateful meeting with Lizzy at Pemberley.

    I think Lizzy might enjoy 'An affair to remember',angst filled,romantic and heart wrenching!

    I think Darcy would drive a 4 wheel drive, perhaps a Land Rover,around his vast estate.
    Lastly,I would love to meet Lizzy,join her for a ramble in the beautiful gardens and then partake of afternoon tea in the Rose Room.
    I'd love to chat with her of her life since becoming Mrs Darcy,wife mother and Mistress of Pemberley!

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    1. Delightful comment, Mary, and your menu made me drool (except for sprouts - yuck!) thank you for letting me know your P&P characters.

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    2. Great answers Mary! My perfect casting would mix and match people from the 95 and 05 adaptations. I'd have Lizzy, Darcy, Bingley, Lady C, Kitty and Mr B from the 95, and Mrs Bennet, Charlotte, Mary and Lydia from the 05. I think the Caroline Bingleys are equally good from both.

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  2. How fun! As I picture it:

    Lizzy's hair is a medium brown, wavy, and shoulder-length. She's ~5'2" with hazel eyes. (Generally, tho', I just picture Elizabeth Garvie as the ideal Lizzy.)

    Darcy is 6'3" with dark brown curly hair, brown eyes with gold flecks, no unibrow. (Puhleeze!!) Or I just picture Elliot Cowan.

    Bingley is 6' tall, and Col Fitz is 5'11".

    I believe both Darcy and Lizzy are bi-petual.

    I would never serve tofu to Mr Darcy. I would always serve him vegetables roasted with evoo and rosemary.

    It appears that Darcy enjoys good music in any form.

    If I could sing, it would probably be "Forever and ever amen." For both audiences.

    Movie for Lizzy: "Wizard of Oz" and for Darcy, no specifics but something based (closely) on actual history.

    Darcy would of course drive a pickup truck with a Henry on the gun rack.

    Who would I like to meet? Besides Mr Darcy at a secluded rendez-vous? LOL! Probably Emma; I'm sure she'd come up with something fun to do!

    Why am I a Jane Austen fan for the same reasons as most people are: Her stories and her writing are incomparable and give me a great deal of pleasure.

    Thank you and all best regards to you both!

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    1. Wonderful answers! The 'Henry In the rack' and them being bi-petal made me chuckle. I bet his pickup is 4-wheel drive with a lift kit. What do you think?

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    2. Can you imagine a Regency gentleman's face when presented with tofu?!

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  3. 1) Do you see Miss Elizabeth’s hair as
    a) dark brown
    b) reddish brown
    c) almost black
    d) light brown
    e) another color altogether

    I've always pictured her with chestnut hair I guess.
    2) How tall is Elizabeth Bennet?
    Not tall- 5' 3"
    3) How is she proportioned?
    a) hourglass figure
    b) buxom
    c) petite
    d) hefty
    e) another shape or combination of shapes
    c) petite- I picture her small, but fierce

    4) How long is her hair when it’s down? Does she have straight hair, waves, or curls?
    Her hair would be long- common for that time frame and wavy, curly in the heat.

    5) What color are her eyes?
    A rich, warm brown
    6) How tall is Mr. Darcy?
    Fairly tall 6' 2"

    7) How tall is Mr. Bingley?
    Tallish, but shorter than Darcy 6'

    8) How tall is Colonel Fitzwilliam? 5' 11" and broad

    9) Is Mr. Darcy’s hair straight, wavy, curly? Light brown, dark brown, black? Does he have highlights?
    Thick, straight, dark brown

    10) What color are Mr. Darcy’s eyes? Does he have a unibrow? (sorry, I HAD to ask)
    Blue and OMG- no

    11) Is Mr. Darcy a cat person or a dog person?
    Dog

    12) Is Miss Elizabeth a cat or dog person?
    She is good with all animals.
    13) Which food would you never serve when Mr. Darcy was at your table? Which would you ALWAYS serve?
    A stew
    A beautiful, wild game roast
    14) If you were called upon to display your accomplishments, which do you think Mr. Darcy prefers – singing or playing an instrument like the harp or pianoforte?
    Well, I can do neither, but I feel like he would appreciate someone who could play and sing.
    15) Which modern song would you sing to the Netherfield Park gathering on the evening Jane Bennet came downstairs for the first time after being ill?
    Today Was A Fairytale by Taylor Swift

    16) Which modern song would you serenade Lady Catherine de Bourgh with while at Rosings with the guests from Hunsford, her nephews, her daughter, and her daughter’s companion?
    Love Story by Taylor Swift

    17) Which modern movie do you think Miss Elizabeth would love to watch over and over again?
    The Notebook
    18) What about Mr. Darcy? What movie do you think he would find entertaining?
    The King's Speech

    19) What make and model of car would your Mr. Darcy drive as he meandered throughout the English countryside?
    I'm not good with cars. Something classy, understated and of quality- maybe a Bentley?
    20) If you could personally meet any one of Jane Austen’s characters from any of her books, who would it be and where?
    Elizabeth Bennett, Colonel Brandon, or Mr. Knightly- wouldn't really matter where.

    Jane Austen's works are a favorite escape and a reminder of a gentler time.

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    1. Great answers.For some reason when I read Taylor Swift the lyrics to Shake it Off came to mind for Lady C. I wonder why?

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    2. With Lady C in the room, "Mean" would be another good song :)

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    3. Great answers Beccam! I am like Joy, whenever I think of Taylor Swift I think of Shake it Off as well, or We Are Never Getting Back Together :)

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  4. NOTE: you only need to answer the question at the bottom to enter. (Although I am thrilled to see answers to the others.)

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    1. But they are such fun to answer, Joy!

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  5. Why am I a Jane Austen fan? One simple reason...because her stories and characters make me happy. I realize that my reason IS a simple one, but I'm a simple person, so there you go! 😄

    As for the questions Joy asked, here are my answers:

    1. A (dark brown)
    2. Around 5'2"
    3. C (petite)
    4. Long, curly hair down to her waist
    5. Hazel
    6. 6'2"
    7. 6'
    8. 5'10"
    9. Wavy, medium brown
    10. Blue, and no unibrow! Hahaha
    11. Dog
    12. Dog
    13. Never serve liver, always serve some kind of beef
    14. Singing
    15. No idea
    16. Uptown Funk, because Lady Catherine really needs to loosen up!
    17. It's a Wonderful Life (because it's my favorite movie)
    18. Spider-Man (guys love those superhero movies)
    19. Some kind of expensive, high end SUV
    20. Elizabeth Bennet, at my home. We could eat, talk, and watch tv!

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    1. Simple is good, Pam. OK, I'm shocked. You think Bingley should be taller than the colonel? Hmmm! Since Gerard Butler is my colonel and Sam Heughan is Bingley for me, I'm trying to picture them side by side for the first time. Oh, no! I think you are right. Sam is an inch taller. Who knew? Well, apparently you did. Well done!

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    2. Can you imagine Lady C's face when you turn Bruno Mars on? You could really scare her and have 'Marry You', that'll give Darcy ideas!

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  6. I picture Lizzy with wavy dark brown hair with golden highlights that would reach her waist when down. She would be about 5 foot 7 inches tall and slim, since she likes to walk a lot with hazel eyes. Elizabeth likes both dogs and cats, the dog to walk with and a cat at the hearth in the library and one in the kitchen. Elizabeth's favorite movie is The Princess Bride since she loves wit and humor.

    Mr Darcy would be around 6 foot 6 inches tall with dark brown straight hair. He has deep blue eyes and NO unibrow. Darcy is definitely a dog person, but will accept a cat because Elizabeth loves them. I would never serve Darcy mutton but would always serve beef in a mushroom/cabernet sauce. I think Mr. Darcy would prefer an instrument being softly played in the background. He would enjoy the play of good versus evil and adventure type movies such as Lord of the Rings. He would tour the country in a finely tuned Corvette.

    Mr. Binley is about 5 foot 10 inches.

    The colonel is 6 foot 2 inches tall.

    The modern song I would sing for Jane's first night downstairs would be I Will Always Love You.

    The song to serenade at Rosings would be a Shatter Me by Lindsey Stirling.
    Jane Austen's character I most want to meet is Elizabeth. I think we could be best friends. I already have my own Mr. Darcy, so I would be no threat when she finally is ready to accept Darcy.

    I answered the questions out of order, but this was so much fun.

    Thank you for the generous give away. Ceri and Joy, this was so much fun.

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    1. You are welcome. I'm thrilled you chose to participate. 6'6? Wow! That is a massively tall man who would have an amazing presence at the Meryton Assembly. I'd love to see a Darcy of that height. Great answers!

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    2. OOh, good call on the film choice, Deborah, I think Darcy would enjoy Lord of the Rings.

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  7. What a great post! Here are my answers:

    My Mr Darcy and Elizabeth are almost always Matthew Macfadyen and Keira Knightley. I just love the 2005 movie so much and I think they personify ODC wonderfully. However, I have already pictured them in different ways, especially when I am reading a story where they are written differently and the author/story is very good.

    1) Do you see Miss Elizabeth’s hair as
    a) dark brown

    2) How tall is Elizabeth Bennet?
    I like to think of her as medium height.

    3) How is she proportioned?
    e) another shape or combination of shapes

    4) How long is her hair when it’s down? Does she have straight hair, waves, or curls?
    Long hair, with soft beautiful curls.

    5) What color are her eyes? I love to think they’re green.

    6) How tall is Mr. Darcy? Very tall!. 6’2’

    7) How tall is Mr. Bingley? Shorter than Darcy, for sure. But I don’t think much about Bingley. For me he is always the one from the 2005 movie.

    8) How tall is Colonel Fitzwilliam? Shorter than Darcy

    9) Is Mr. Darcy’s hair straight, wavy, curly? Light brown, dark brown, black? Does he have highlights?
    For me Darcy, especially Regency, is Matthew Macfadyen. Sometimes, depending on the story and on how good the author is, he can be someone else. But never blonde.

    10) What color are Mr. Darcy’s eyes? Does he have a unibrow? (sorry, I HAD to ask)
    No unibrows! Lol. He can have green or blue eyes.

    11) Is Mr. Darcy a cat person or a dog person? A dog person

    12) Is Miss Elizabeth a cat or dog person? A dog person.

    13) Which food would you never serve when Mr. Darcy was at your table? Which would you ALWAYS serve? I don’t know, never thought about it!

    14) If you were called upon to display your accomplishments, which do you think Mr. Darcy prefers – singing or playing an instrument like the harp or pianoforte? Singing. But he also loves the pianoforte.

    15) Which modern song would you sing to the Netherfield Park gathering on the evening Jane Bennet came downstairs for the first time after being ill? No idea! lol

    16) Which modern song would you serenade Lady Catherine de Bourgh with while at Rosings with the guests from Hunsford, her nephews, her daughter, and her daughter’s companion? I don’t know.

    17) Which modern movie do you think Miss Elizabeth would love to watch over and over again?
    Maybe Notting Hill? I love that movie!

    18) What about Mr. Darcy? What movie do you think he would find entertaining?
    Something very smart, like The Imitation Game.

    19) What make and model of car would your Mr. Darcy drive as he meandered throughout the English countryside?
    A Rolls Royce

    20) If you could personally meet any one of Jane Austen’s characters from any of her books, who would it be and where?
    Definitely Elizabeth Bennet. At Pemberley.

    And I am a Jane Austen fan because her books are just amazing and they brought me so much joy, not only because they are wonderful but also because they made it possible for so many other wonderful stories to be written.

    Thanks for the great giveaway, Joy! ;)

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    1. Daniela, I'm happy you said no uni-brow. I'm a Matthew and Keira fan as well and watch that movie more than the 1995 miniseries because it's shorter. Although I do love spending six hours with Mr. Firth when I am able. Thank you very much for participation and sharing your opinions. I LOVE it.!

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    2. Hi Daniela. I have grown to like the 2005 film more but I'm a 95 girl myself :)

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  8. I absolutely love Jane Austen! One of the things I love about her is how she writes. It flows beautifully and she's awesome at giving a good come back that sounds so proper!

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    1. Every single word you wrote is truth, isn't it? I finally purchased an annotated version of some of her books and I'm so happy I did. Some of the things I assumed I understood, I was completely wrong about. You are correct, her comebacks are brilliant. In my dreams I write as well. Thank you for your answer, DanieX.

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    2. Definitely, DanieX. I love her style.

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  9. 1) A
    2) 5' 3"
    3) C
    4) It reaches her lower back. It is extremely curly.
    5) I prefer them to be hazel or a deep chocolate brown.
    6) 6' plus
    7) 5' 11"ish
    8) 6'
    9) Very dark brown, almost black
    10) Dark blue, no unibrow
    11) Dod person
    12) Dog person
    13) No mutton, fish
    14) Singing
    15) ?
    16) ?
    17) Miss Congeniality
    18)
    19) Bentley
    20) Darcy and Elizabeth, of course!!

    I am a Jane Austen fan because I love Pride & Prejudice! I honestly haven't been able to finish all of her books.

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    1. I especially love your pick of Miss Congeniality and a Bentley. They both typify the personalities we are all familiar with, do they not? Thank you so much for commenting. Best wishes to you!

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    2. I can totally see Elizabeth cheering on Gracie as she stands up to the guys trying to tell her she is wrong.

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    3. I think P&P is probably the most accessible of her books. I love them all but that one is my favourite.

      I can definitely see Lizzy enjoying Miss Congeniality too :)

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  10. Carole in Canada22 July 2017 at 00:58

    What a great idea and what fun!
    I haven't peeked at what others have written...so here goes!
    1) Dark Brown with hints of red highlights from the sun
    2) Petite about 5'1-5'2
    3) Hourglass - she has the waist I never got!
    4) E's hair falls to the middle of her back and is wavy (the weight makes it less curly)
    5) E's eyes are dark brown but I could be happy w/hazel
    6) Mr. D: 6'1-6'2
    7) Mr. B: 5'10-5'11
    8) Colonel F: 6'(can't have him taller than Mr. D)
    9) Mr. D's hair: wavy/black/no highlights
    10) Mr. D's eyes: Blue or Blue/grey (absolutely no unibrow!!!)
    11) Mr. D: dog person
    12) Miss E: dog person
    13) Mr. D: never serve mutton - always serve beef tenderloin
    14) Mr. D: Singing - feel the emotion
    15) Modern song for Jane - "Girl on Fire"
    16) Modern song Lady C - "Rumour Has It"
    17) Modern movie E - Love Actually
    18) Modern movie D - Lord of the Rings
    19) Mr. D's car: Vintage Jaguar Roadster XK120
    20) Mrs. Gardiner - shopping for beautiful bolts of material!

    I am a Jane Austen fan because of her wit, her phenomenal understanding of men/women/relationships and her ability to transport me to a time of civility, respect and beautiful set downs!

    Thank you for the generous giveaway!

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    1. Amazing answers, Carole. (I always think of Anne with an E from Green Gables when I see your name and possibly always will.) Oh, no! Now I have "Girl on Fire" stuck in my brain. Your choice of car is slick. It drums up visions of Darcy in a black tux with polished shoes going to pick Elizabeth up for a first date. Sigh!

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    2. Some great choices here, Carole, I feel on a wavelength with you. I am surprised that you'd rather meet Mrs Gardiner than some of the main characters... especially shopping for fabric, shouldn't it be Henry Tilney. He knows about muslin :)

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  11. Great questions...really made me think!

    Lizzy's hair is dark brown with highlights in the sun, wavy, and would be to her waist if she let it down. She has sparkling big brown eyes, is 5'2" and petite but with an athletic build because of her habit of walking.

    Darcy is 6'3" with wavy black hair that curls at his collar, NO uni brow, with dark, intense eyes. Bingley is 6'1" and the Colonel is about the same.

    Darcy and Lizzy are both dog people, but Lizzy likes cats as well.

    I would never serve them Spam. Lol. I can't cook fancy food, but I would serve Darcy filet mignon. It would have to be catered.

    I'm not sure what Lizzy would sing, but I can imagine Darcy singing Can't Help Falling in Love. Or AFTER the Hunsford proposal Fleetwood Mac's Go Your Own Way (not all, but most of the lyrics seem fitting)

    Elizabeth would probably like While You Were Sleeping. I think she would get a kick out of all the quirky people and the comedy of errors. Darcy would probably like something classic and/or historical, maybe the Count of Monte Cristo or Ben Hur.
    He would drive an Aston Martin.

    There are too many characters I would want to meet. Lizzy or Colonel Fitzwilliam or Bingley would probably be best, since I'm not good at speaking to people I don't know. (Yes, I'm like Darcy in that way.) They would be easiest to talk to. :)

    Maureen C

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    1. Oh, and i'm a Jane Austen fan because her stories take me to another time and place, where people had manners and addressed one another with respect. The themes in her stories have withstood the test of time.

      Maureen C

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    2. SPAM? I will confess that food item hadn't occurred to me at all. Excellent choice! Oh, you chose a James Bond car for Darcy. Good for you, Maureen. Thank you for stopping by.

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    3. There are so many songs that would work for them aren't there Maureen. I agree with you too, that some of the more extroverted characters would be easier to talk to - I'm like Darcy in that way too!

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  12. Jane Austen and her books are worthy of fandom. Period. Her stories are witty plus romantic plus intriguing combined with amazing characters. Long before we had TV and movie adaptations, we had her Austen's glorious books. I am proud to be a Jane Austen fan and enthusiast bordering on obsession. Did I type that? Yes, yes I did.

    And Hi Joy!

    Elizabeth H
    eyhossenlopp@gmail.com

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    1. Well, hello there, Elizabeth. I'm tickled you stopped by. Why? Because you and I are kindred spirits. I feel exactly the same way you do about my Jane Austen obsession. In fact, in my family when the name Jane is mentioned, we all assume it is Ms. Austen who is being referred to. Is that bad?

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    2. You get a hearty "Hear hear!" from me on that sentiment, Elizabeth, beautifully put!

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  13. I am a Jane Austen fan because... I am able to exist in a world I will never know. She shows me how to look beyond the human condition in order to see the good in people. Her books help me to slow down to a different pace, and to enjoy the environment around me. To go for a walk and listen to the wind in the trees and not to mind if my petticoat is 6-inches deep in mud.

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    1. "Her books help me to slow down to a different pace" is a phrase perfectly written, Jeanne. I agree 100%. I think it's why my preference is reading Regency. Growing up surrounded by rural areas, walking was lovely with each vista that appeared. I find the wind in the trees settles me. Unless, of course, it's hurricane force winds. Those unsettle me.

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    2. You have hurricanes and we, here in south central KY have tornadoes. That is why I need Jane to settle me. By the way... I loved your photo on the post. It is really good.

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    3. Thank you very much. It was taken the day before Jennifer moved from next door to Ecuador. My heart was breaking. Just before the photo was snapped, my two-year-old grandson said, "I love you, Grandma." How could I not smile.

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    4. Do you know Jeanne, there is a lot in that. I think part of my love of historical books is looking back (though rose-coloured glasses, I accept) to a slower-paced time.

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  14. 1) Do you see Miss Elizabeth’s hair as

    b) reddish brown



    2) How tall is Elizabeth Bennet?

    5" 8" I am tired of super short Elizabeths

    3) How is she proportioned?

    e) another shape or combination of shapes

    4) How long is her hair when it’s down? Does she have straight hair, waves, or curls?

    Has to be long due to her time period

    5) What color are her eyes?

    Green

    6) How tall is Mr. Darcy?

    6 foot +

    7) How tall is Mr. Bingley?
    5"10"

    8) How tall is Colonel Fitzwilliam?
    6 foot even

    9) Is Mr. Darcy’s hair wavy, curly? Light brown, dark brown, black? Does he have highlights?

    wavy dark brown no highlights

    10) What color are Mr. Darcy’s eyes? Does he have a unibrow? (sorry, I HAD to ask)
    NOOOOOO!

    Ah!! got to go out but I loved these questions so far!

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    1. And I loved your answers so far, kneyda. Thank you for joining in. Reddish-brown? Oh, I like that. It's the hair color I always dreamed of having. Now I'm completely gray and white so I have to close my eyes to pretend I'm Elizabeth Bennet. And, I have to grow younger, and lose weight, and...but, I am 5'9" so I'm close to your Lizzy. Yay!

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    2. Interesting, a really tall Lizzy by the standards of the time (and also if she stood next to me!).

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  15. Okay - My mind's eye is virtually blind, so I've never been good at visualizing characters except for generalities. (Even my dreams are vague!) So, for #1 thru 10...

    Elizabeth is reasonably attractive with long hair (appropriate to the era) that's some shade of brown. No idea what color eyes or what shape she is. She's shorter than Darcy, but aside from that I don't know how tall. -- I let the author tell me that.

    Don't know and don't care about how tall Darcy, Bingley or Colonel Fitzwilliam are (aside from expecting Darcy and Bingley to be taller than their ladies). I do admit I generally think of the Colonel as being broader with stiffly correct posture as befits a military man, despite his genial personality in polite company. I expect Darcy's hair to be very dark and Bingley's hair to be light brown, red or even blonde. Again, no idea what color Darcy's eyes are or whether his hair is curly. I don't picture him that clearly. I think Colin Firth's characterization is closest to the way I'd expect him to act, but Darcy doesn't necessarily look like that (or like any of the other actors who've portrayed him). And, no, he does NOT have a unibrow!

    11) Darcy's a dog person, especially hunting dogs
    12) Elizabeth's a pet person, dog OR cat
    13) I hate to cook, and I don't do menus. No idea what I would or wouldn't serve Mr. Darcy. I guess I'd have to be like Mrs Bennet and ask.
    14) Mr Darcy would prefer any music that's done well, whether singing or playing an instrument.
    15) thru 18) I got nuthin. Never can think of anything appropriate with these kinds of questions! Give me a week to muddle them over, and I'll probably have some great ideas, but I can't think of a thing on the spot.
    19) A late model Lamborghini
    20) Probably Jane or Elizabeth. Seems like either would be a wonderful friend to have. Where would we meet? The coffee house set of Friends!!

    Why am I a Jane Austen fan?
    The first time I read Pride & Prejudice I had to immediately RE-read it. I mean, as I started it, I first thought it was going to focus on Jane and Bingley. After a little bit, I was saying to myself, “I know Jane is supposed to be the heroine, but her sister Elizabeth seems a lot more interesting!” Of course, eventually I figured out Elizabeth was the heroine. But it seemed like Wickham was going to be her love interest. Then, when Darcy proposed, I was absolutely, totally shocked. Never for a moment suspected that would happen. And then Darcy’s LETTER!! OMG! It just blew me away to realize how wrong Elizabeth and I had been about everything. And I could go on (and on and on and on…), but it was just the most surprising book I’d ever read with the most satisfying ending ever. When I was done, I had to start it over again to read more closely now that I knew where it was going. And, yes, my love for it has evolved because, the more I examine it, the more I appreciate what a truly brilliant and ground-breaking book it is. The use of limited third person, the structure, the economy of writing, the humor, all the letter-writing (and letter-reading!), the dialogue, the well-defined characters, and, yes, the clever misdirection leading to the surprises—Genius! Pure genius!

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    1. OH MY GOODNESS!!! I can hardly believe this but I had EXACTLY the same reaction to my first reading of P&P, including thinking Jane was the heroine and Wickham was the good guy. I was equally as taken aback by the proposal and the letter changed me almost as much as it did Elizabeth. This is AMAZING! And, yes, I had to instantly re-read it to see how I'd been "tricked" by exceedingly clever writing. My admiration for Jane Austen as an author shot through the roof. Wow! Thank you so much for this, Debbie. Wow! (And I think a whole pile of us would love to join you on the set of Friends!)

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    2. I'd be willing to bet a whole lot of first-time readers had the same reaction as we did to P&P, Joy!

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    3. Very interesting, Debbie! I sometimes don't imagine the characters, but when reading P&P I did.

      I am always surprised when people are surprised by P&P. I knew straight away that Elizabeth was the heroine. I guess because she was the one I identified with. I wonder about Wickham whether I am just a suspicious person, because I didn't particularly believe him! There are always 3 sides to every story, party a, party b and the truth, which is somewhere in the middle. I had already decided that Mr Darcy was the hero, so maybe that's why I took Mr Wickham's story with a pinch of salt. Or maybe because the first-impressions-enemies-to-lovers storyline has proved so popular in modern stories perhaps I'd met it before and recognised the signs? Who knows.

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  16. Oh wow. I'm an Austen fan because of Pride and Prejudice, my favorite of hers. It's beautiful and romantic, and Darcy is a true north, Superman kind of guy that does what is right and good (even if his packaging is snobbish and reticent at first). Societal pressure still exists today to always be dating, to get married, etc., and not always for the right reasons. Elizabeth transcends that when it would have been easy to choose security- and the consequences of rejecting that security was so much more harsh then for women. I'm grateful that we don't have those strictures now, even if the peer pressure still exits. Elizabeth knew love was worth waiting for, and that she was worth waiting for that love despite what the world tried to tell her. That was encouraging to me in my single days when I despaired of finding my Darcy. But I found him, and he was definitely worth waiting for!

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    1. Oh, swoon! "True north!" and "she was worth waiting for!" I love that, Michelle. While I do not read paranormal stories, I do love some time travel books where Darcy and/or Elizabeth are exposed to our modern sensibilities or visa versa. No matter the time period, I agree that love was worth waiting for. Excellent comment.

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    2. It's so true, Michelle. Elizabeth only wanting to marry for love is something the modern woman can really relate to. I didn't realise the first time I read it just how idealistic of her it was, but since it was something that Austen believed in Lizzy gets the reward we want for her :)

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  17. For me, ODCs colouring (hair esp - black for Darcy and dark brown for Liz) must always stay the same, but their style, figure etc change with the time period the story is set in!! I like a slimmer and tiny modern Liz whilst Regency Liz is probably more curvy.
    Thanks for the interesting conversation!!

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    1. You are welcome, Priscilla. Thank you for your opinions. I find the basic physical characteristics change little from story to story as well. The color of Elizabeth's hair stays the same, but the style? Way different. I'm so glad you stopped by.

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    2. That's funny Priscilla because it's the exact opposite of my view, I see Regency Lizzy as being small and slight and modern Lizzy being a bit more curvy.

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  18. Elizabeth's hair is reddish brown curls to her waist. She's 5'5" about 9 inches shorter than Darcy.
    She's petite with boobs
    Eyes are brown with gold flecks
    Mr. Darcy is 6'3"
    Bingley 6'1"
    Richard is 5'11"
    Darcy's hair is shiny black and slightly wavy
    He has very blue eyes. NO unibrow.
    Darcy loves dogs, likes cats
    Elizabeth adores cats, likes dogs
    Never serve Darcy kidneys. Always serve a really good carrot soup
    He prefers the pianoforte but doesn't mind Elizabeth's singing.
    Any song by the BeeGees
    For Lady Catherine, only 'You're So Vain' will do.
    Elizabeth would love 'Princess Bride' or 'Sound of Music'
    Darcy would really enjoy 'The Man from Snowy River' because he loves horses.
    He would definitely drive a Rolls Royce.
    Would love to meet Darcy at Pemberley.

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  19. Sorry, I forgot to look at the giveaway. Why do I love Jane Austen? I love her snarky comments especially in her letters to Cassandra. I will admit that I also got an annotated Pride and Prejudice so I could understand more of her 'not so obvious' comments' particular out of the mouth of Elizabeth Bennet. And I love Darcy. Can't help it because he was willing to change, to improve himself and become a man that Elizabeth could admire and love. I'll be honest, I've read Pride and Prejudice twice, a couple of her poems and Lady Susan, but need to read her other books. Saw Emma and Sense and Sensibility and the 2005 but the movies are not quite the same, so I have a ways to go when things slow down. Jane Austen's flame flared brightly for too short a time.

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    1. "Petite with boobs." You are a hoot, Gianna Thomas. I see a disturbance in the force with the cat/dog situation. Interesting. And your song choice for Lady C? Brilliant. Ahhhh! I agree wholeheartedly with your last sentence, dear friend. If only she had lived another 200+ years. Sigh!

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    2. So true, Gianna, Austen really had a dry wit. Mr Bennet has nothing on his creator!

      You have such a treat ahead of you with Austen's other works still to enjoy.

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  20. Joy, I think of Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle when I think of ODC. Both have dark hair, hers may have red highlights. Both have curls; hers down to her hips. She is short, maybe 5'3", with a delightful figure/somewhat hourglass. Both like dogs. As for food: it is something I think they would both try some of at any sitting, to be polite. I don't know that there would be a favorite in my mind. He would drive a Jaguar, silver with black leather upholstery. He likes to hear her play the pianoforte but loves her voice most of all. To Jane coming down the stairs...Be Our Guest, be our guest, put our service to the test. Darcy's 6'2", Bingley's 6', the colonel is also 6'. At Lady Catherine's: The Sounds of Silence would play on a loop. As for movies: Much Ado About Nothing. I really think I would like to meet and talk to Charlotte and discuss her opinions about all she knows. As girlfriends we could discuss intimate details of our lives and even our observations about who is or isn't happy and if I could not meet Charlotte I would ask for Aunt Gardiner or then the colonel. The colonel and his experiences on the continent would be fascinating. Now I will read what others said as I didn't want to be influenced by their opinions. Thanks for this entertaining post, dear friends.

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  21. Why am I a Jane Austen fan? Mostly because of Darcy: he changes for Elizabeth and doesn't want her love as a reward but because she has truly fallen in love with her. How many men do you really know who change in a permanent way to please their lady? Some do it for a short time but then revert back to old habits.

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    1. OK, Sheila, The Sounds of Silence on a loop made me snort. That is very cleverly done. A Jag is a sexy sort of car. Very David Gandy. I'd love to be privy to your conversation with Charlotte as you share your insight. Very good, my friend.

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    2. Oh Sheila, this is what makes Mr Darcy my number one. A man who can change with no hope of reward but only the desire to better himself, love him!

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  23. Debbie B. and Joy: I saw the movie before I read the book so didn't have that surprise as much. It was easier in the movie to pick up who the main focus as lovers would be. And the letter just came as a consequence not a surprise.

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    1. I think many Janites have done the same.

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    2. I think I was lucky to read the books before 95 and the beginning of the explosion of Austen's popularity. I am thankful that I got to imagine my own version of Austen's characters without the influence of the adaptations. Although the 95 versions are closer to what I imagined, I have my own picture of them. Lizzy looks a bit like Keeley Hawes, who funnily enough is married to Matthew MacFayden, and Darcy was tall, dark and handsome, obviously :)

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  24. My love of Jane Austen started at the age of ten with the reading of Pride and Prejudice. It put me into a make believe world of love and romance with manners that people don't have along with courtesy.
    l. Elizabeth's hair is the medium brown with golden highlights from being in the sun so much without a bonnet. It is very curly and when put down it is down to her waist and quite untameable.
    2. She is 5' 2" tall and very petite with a small frame, tiny waist and able full bust for her frame.
    3. Her eyes are a large dark brown with golden flecks that are always dancing.
    4. Mr. Bingley is 5"10 and weighs a little more than he should for his frame and loves to eat.
    5. Mr. Darcy is 6'2" tall, very well built and has a fine shape to his legs from riding and fencing.
    6. Mr. Darcy's hair is very dark brown and slightly curly with a curl always on his forehead.
    7. Mr. Darcy's eyes are dark brown and his face seems to be severe when he is with people he doesn't know.
    8.Colonel Fitzwilliam is a stocky man of height of 6' even. Always stands erect due to his duty to his fellow man and country as a soldier.
    9.Colonel Fitzwilliam is also very jovial in nature and keeps Darcy in line with his humor.
    10. Darcy is a lover of horses and dogs and dogs whether they be pets or hunters.
    11. Elizabeth is a lover of anything that nature provides but loves dogs over cats.
    12. If a were to serve Darcy supper it would be a roast beef, vegetables of the root variety, naturally some sort of dessert as he has a sweet tooth and for sure coffee. Never serve mutton!
    13. A movie Darcy would love to watch would be Steve McQueen in "The Great Escape."
    l4. A great movie for Elizabeth to watch would be, "Sabrina" with Audrey Hepburn.
    15. Song to be played for Lady Catherine would be, "Happy" by Pharell Williams. She needs something live and peppy that is catchy!
    16. When Dary sees Elizabeth at Pemberley for the first time and his sister is playing the piano, she should be playing the Theme from Romeo and Juliet for them!
    17. When Jane comes down the stairs after being ill at Neitherfield, the song should be, "When you walk in a Storm" there is always a silver lining!
    18. Definitely I would love to meet Elizabeth Bennet first and then probably Darcy and her together with some children after they were married!I have combined several answers and I hope I included them all. If not, sorry as I tried to trust my memory with the questions.
    Thank you for the challenge and the chance to enter. This was an enjoyable challenge.

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    1. I also forgot that I would have Mr. Darcy driving a black 914 Porsche!

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    2. Well done, MaryAnn. I can picture your characters in my mind. I would presume the Porsche is turbocharged and is black. Zoom zoom! Your song and movie choices are excellent. Thank you for stopping by.

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    3. It's been a fun post, hasn't it, MaryAnn! Thanks for joining the fun. Funnily enough I thought about Pharell Williams for Lady C.

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  25. I am a fan of Jane Austen because I love all of her characters even the "villains." I first was exposed to her with the P&P movie starring Laurence Olivier. I loved the movie and decided to read the book. I loved it even more than the film and eagerly devoured the rest of her works. When I read P&P I usually visualize the cast from the 1995 film.

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    1. I will admit to the same sort of affinity with Ms. Austen's villains. I love to despise them, I guess. I had watched the same movie decades prior to picking up the book and completely missed the connection. So, reading the book was new to me. Thank you very much for your input.

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    2. I like her villains too, which is why I don't like seeing them overblown. In some variations Lady C, Caroline Bingley and Wickham are such caricatures that they don't seem like real people. The only one I don't like is Mrs Norris. She doesn't have any redeeming features at all.

      The 1940 P&P film was the first adaptation I saw too, and I have a real soft spot for it, despite its many flaws!

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  26. Can't possibly answer all of your questions, mostly because I don't have specific pictures when I'm reading Jaff; they're more vague. However, I do have a few images - for some reason, I see Vivien Leigh as Elizabeth. Darcy is usually a combination of Colin Firth and David Rintoul. Those are the ones I usually have a more clear image of, in my mind. And Susannah Harker and Crispin Bonham-Carter for Jane and Charles. Unfortunately, Lady Catherine is played by my grandmother! Gran reminds me of Lady C so much (and not in a good way!). I have actually heard her ask "Do you know who I am?" shudder
    Why am I a Jane Austen fan? Well, one tiny reason is because she allows us to have Jaff!
    Ginna Say What at gmail dot com

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    1. Scarlett O'Hara as Lizzy Bennet? Oh yes! I can definitely see her in the role. I'm sorry about your grandmother. As an author I completely love your reason for being a JA fan. Thank you very much for stopping by, Ginna, and best wishes for the giveaway.

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    2. I always picture Charles and Jane from the 95 version too Ginna. It's funny that you mention seeing a relative in Lady Catherine because I see one of my relatives in her too! This is probably why I've always had a sneaking fondness for her, because I feel that deep down she has a good heart and true love for her daughter... I could be wrong but this is what I feel.

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  27. I read Jane Austen's books, particularly P&P, because I enjoy them more each time I read them and notice various unrealized nuances each time I reread one. It is particularly interesting to reread them after reading so many variations and realizing the possibilities of interpretation for different events uncovered by today's authors.

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    1. What a delightful way to look at the variety of JAFF, Betty. Thank you very much for sharing.

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    2. Austen's books are the gift that keeps on giving, aren't they, Betty! Every time we read the books we can find something new to appreciate.

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  28. Darcy will always be Colin Firth...

    denise

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    1. I understand, truly I do. He is a handsome man and a skilled actor who literally became Mr. Darcy as he acted the part. He's brilliant. And, I think you are as well, Denise. Best wishes.

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    2. There are those who would argue with you on that one Denise, but not me ;)

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  29. 1) Do you see Miss Elizabeth's hair as
    -I've always imagined her having dark brown hair

    2) How tall is Elizabeth Bennet
    -Hmm, I don't actually know what the regular height for caucasian women is. Around 5 ft I suppose. Somehow I imagine her to be quite small

    3) How is she proportioned
    -This I'm truly not sure about. She's been described so many ways. I suppose I imagine her more as petite but not stick thin

    4) How long is her hair when it is down? Does she have straight hair, waves, or curls
    -Oh definitely up to the small of her back, and curly hair!

    5) What color are her eyes
    -Sometimes I imagine it green, sometimes a warm brown

    6) How tall is Mr. Darcy
    -A good 6 ft? Maybe more

    7) How tall is Mr. Bingley
    -I imagine him shorter than Darcy. So maybe 6 ft, or 5'8?

    8) How tall is Colonel Fitzwilliam
    -In my mind, around the same height as Bingley

    9) Is Mr. Darcy's hair straight, wavy, curly? Light brown, dark brown, black? Does he have highlights
    -Oh wow, highlights! Haha but really, in my head, way hair with dark brown, almost black, hair

    10) What color are Mr. Darcy's eyes? Does he have a unibrow?
    -I'm partial to the dark brown eyes, but blue eyes on Darcy are also nice to think about. And NO unibrows! haha

    11) Is Mr. Darcy a cat person or a dog person
    -Probably a dog person, unfortunately

    12) Is Miss Elizabeth a cat or dog person
    -I would think both

    13) Which food would you never serve when Mr. Darcy was at your table? Which would you ALWAYS serve
    -And again, I'm not familiar with the usual fare back then. I think I wouldn't serve partridge, seems dry

    14) If you were called upon to display your accomplishments, which do you think Mr. Darcy prefers- singing or playing an instrument
    -I think he'd like the instrument better?

    15) Which modern song would you sing to the Netherfield Park gathering on the evening Jane Bennet came downstairs for the first time after being ill
    -This reminds me so much of Lost in Austen! Probably, Breathe Again by Sara Bareilles. Love the song and the instrumentals

    16) Which modern song would you serenade Lady Catherine de Bourgh with while at Rosings with the guests from Hunsford, her nephews, her daughther, and her daughter's companion?
    -Again, I look to Sara Bareiles. King of Anything!

    17) Which modern movie do you think Miss Elizabeth would love to watch over and over again
    -Mamma Mia, cause I imagine Elizabeth is the type to love musicals

    18) What about Mr. Darcy? What movie do you think he would find entertaining
    -A thriller or mystery, I believe. He'd get a kick at being smarter than everyone else haha, so Solace? Money Monster or, a classic, Silence of the Lambs

    19) What make and model of car would your Mr. Darcy drive as he meandered throughout the countryside
    -I had to do a little research here! Stylish but not ostentatious so a Porsche Panamera Turbo or a Rolls Royce Phantom (looks like a classic!)

    20) If you could personally meet any one of Jane Austen's characters from any of her books, who would it be and where
    -Oh no questions here, Caroline Bingley! I'd love to meet her at some party, I'd follow her around and laugh at everything she says and does

    I love all these questions! It's so much fun imagining the characters, how they would react to a certain situation and all! As for why I'm a Jane Austen fan... I just love the worlds and characters she's created. We can relate to them so well even after centuries. There's just something about her stories that are so simple, and because of that, it contains such truths that we can all understand!

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    1. As a music fan of Sara Bareilles, I agree. She has a light, pleasing tone with meaningful lyrics. Perfect! Caroline Bingley? You are the first to choose her. Your reasoning is excellent. Thank you very much for your comment.

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    2. That's such fun, that you'd choose to meet Caroline! I think she'd bring out the worst in me, unfortunately.

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  30. I love reading her books. They are my me time, and her stories are timeless. Many of today's stories are nods to Jane.

    PattyEdmisson at gmail dot com

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    1. Movies, too. Many of her themes run through all forms of successful entertainment. She was brilliant. Thank you for popping by, Patty.

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    2. Definitely true Patty. Enemies to lovers? Jane did it first. Second chance romance? Yep, see Persuasion. Friends to lovers? Emma.

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  31. Phew. What a lot of questions! My idea of Darcy depends on which book I'm reading but basically I pick from Colin, Matthew, Richard Armstrong, David Gandy & Henry Cavill so tall dark & handsome whichever. I'd say around 6'3". & definitely no Unicode.
    Elizabeth I see as Jennifer or Keira with long dark curly hair around 5'5".
    Bingley around 5'11".
    Colonel F around 6'
    They both like dogs and Darcy needs a car to get round his large estate so a Land Rover Discovery or a Mitsubishi Shogun.
    I would serve traditional Roast Beef dinner followed by Apple pie.
    My accomplishments??? Well let's just say there would be no impressing Darcy if I displayed them!!!!!
    I agree with some of the other songs and films but can't think of any original ones.
    I first read P&P at 13 and later read the others and 're read that but my true interest was piqued by 1995 series and grown with 2005 film. I discovered JAFF in early 2014 thanks to my book club and that was me hooked. I love, love, love so many of the Darcy & Elizabeth stories so long may they continue.

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    1. Oh, Glynis! I do love the way you think. Just picturing a Colin/Matthew/Richard/David/Henry mash-up is a lady's dream come true, isn't it? Yes, the perfect Mr. Darcy. I'm wondering which has the best looking feet. I've seen pictures of David's but don't know about the others. After all, Darcy has to be handsome from head to toe. Your selections are grand. Thank you.

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    2. That's the best way I think Glynis. If you can be flexible with your view of Darcy/Elizabeth then you will get less of those jarring moments when you read something which means that your mental image is off.

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  32. Unicode??? I meant unibrow! I need an editor to deal with predictive text ��

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    1. Autocorrect is a nightmare! I got a new phone a while ago and at first, until it learned my words it was replacing so much of what I wrote, I was getting text rage.

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  33. I am a Jane Austen fan because reading Pride and Prejudice changed my life. I bought it without knowing anything about it and I knew very little about Jane, and when I finished it I was.. so very happy and pleased that as soon as I could, I went and bought her other novels. Plus, I had found my hero :)

    Thanks for the generous giveaway!
    newyorkgirl82(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Oh, swoon. You found your hero. Thank you very much, Maria, for your comments. I can only imagine how Jane would have loved to read every single syllable of what you wrong. Best wishes!

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    2. Oh Maria, what a lucky find. That's awesome, to just stumble across something that you turn out to love so much.

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  34. Phew! Contemplating how to get all those answers into this response seemed daunting! However, I certainly have given them some thought.
    Why Austen? Like Amanda in Lost in Austen, I so love the gentility, the romance, the importance of clever conversation to keep things civil. Certainly in these times those are qualities we miss in society!

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    1. Isn't that the truth!!!! It is for those same reasons that I prefer writing Regency. I adore fine manners and Darcy's honorable moral code. I appreciate your comment very much. Thank you.

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    2. That's one of the things I love about reading about that period too :)

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  35. Joy, I love your questions! What a fun game. I am enjoying reading all the delightful answers. I will just answer one: I love Pride and Prejudice because of the politeness and respect for one another...(excluding Caroline and Wickham.)

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    1. OH, Barbara, I'm delighted you stopped by. I have no doubt you would have selected dogs as Darcy's primary pet. Am I correct? Possibly basset hounds? I do love Pride & Prejudice for the same reasons. Thank you for popping by.

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    2. Is it wrong that I quite enjoy the fact that people like Caroline and Wickham have to have a veneer of politeness over their bad behaviour?

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  36. Here are my answers!

    1) Do you see Miss Elizabeth’s hair as
    a) dark brown
    b) reddish brown
    c) almost black
    d) light brown
    e) another color altogether

    I always see Lizzy's hair as dark brown that has red in it when the light hits it. Sometimes, depending on the author's story, that changes.

    2) How tall is Elizabeth Bennet?
    5 foot 3 inches

    3) How is she proportioned?
    a) hourglass figure
    b) buxom
    c) petite
    d) hefty
    e) another shape or combination of shapes
    Lizzy is petite, with an hour glass figure.

    4) How long is her hair when it’s down? Does she have straight hair, waves, or curls? I see her hair as hitting mid back in soft, perfect ringlets. Still hard to tame, but they type of hair I always wanted. My hair does NOT hold curl...ever.

    5) What color are her eyes?
    Sometimes dark blue, sometimes dark brown

    6) How tall is Mr. Darcy?
    Somewhere between 5'10" and 6'

    7) How tall is Mr. Bingley?
    5'10"

    8) How tall is Colonel Fitzwilliam?
    5'11"

    9) Is Mr. Darcy’s hair straight, wavy, curly? Light brown, dark brown, black? Does he have highlights? CURLY!! and black

    10) What color are Mr. Darcy’s eyes? Does he have a unibrow? (sorry, I HAD to ask)
    No unibrow. Ick. But definitely blue or green
    11) Is Mr. Darcy a cat person or a dog person? DOG

    12) Is Miss Elizabeth a cat or dog person? DOG, though I wish I could say cat

    13) Which food would you never serve when Mr. Darcy was at your table? Which would you ALWAYS serve? Never: oatmeal. Maybe it's just because I don't like it...Always: I love me a good venison roast. :) So I'd love to serve venison.

    14) If you were called upon to display your accomplishments, which do you think Mr. Darcy prefers – singing or playing an instrument like the harp or pianoforte? Singing and playing together. He loved hearing Lizzy sing and play.

    15) Which modern song would you sing to the Netherfield Park gathering on the evening Jane Bennet came downstairs for the first time after being ill?
    The only thing I have running through my head is that scene from Austenland. I don't even know what the song is called, but it would totally make the Netherfield guests blush. "it's getting hot in here..." Into the West from Lord of the Rings might be appropriate.

    16) Which modern song would you serenade Lady Catherine de Bourgh with while at Rosings with the guests from Hunsford, her nephews, her daughter, and her daughter’s companion?

    Firework by Katy Perry. I think Lady C would be appropriately appalled.

    17) Which modern movie do you think Miss Elizabeth would love to watch over and over again?

    Indiana Jones. She seems pretty adventurous to me, so it's a good one.
    18) What about Mr. Darcy? What movie do you think he would find entertaining?
    I wonder if something like Jurassic park would tickle his fancy. He's supposedly well read, so I'm sure he knows there were huge creatures roaming Earth long ago.
    19) What make and model of car would your Mr. Darcy drive as he meandered throughout the English countryside?
    I see him in a sports car or luxury vehicle. Masserati Gran Turismo

    20) If you could personally meet any one of Jane Austen’s characters from any of her books, who would it be and where?
    I think I'd like to meet Colonel Brandon. I would love to see his home at Delaford. And, as long as I could get back, I wouldn't mind visiting HIS time.

    Why am I an Austen fan? I feel like her stories are timeless. They all end happily and are good for any time I feel down or otherwise.

    Thank you for the generous giveaway!

    Leah Pruett
    zinger393 at gmail dot com

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    1. I sincerely appreciate your opinions, Leah. Well done! Red highlights and only mid-back. I think you are the first who didn't suggest waist length. I'll have to go back and check. I agree that the Katy Perry song is spot-on for Lady C. I wouldn't have thought of it. You are also the first to choose Colonel Brandon. Very original. Thanks again, Leah, and best wishes.

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    2. Great answers. I love that you'd like to meet Colonel Brandon, Leah. I always feel a little bit sorry for him. I keep meaning to read a S&S-inspired book, I'd like something with some focus on him.

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  37. Love your questions Joy, they are so much fun. My favorite P&P are from 1995 adaptation, but some stories work better for me if I imagine 2005 characters. For example a really scheming and evil Caroline I always imagine as the one from 2005 movie.

    Why I am a Jane Austen fan? She created such wonderful characters, and showed them is their everyday life, that it still captivates me. Just real people dealing with real life issues, though 200 years ago. There is romance, gentility, wit, heartbreak, happiness, learning from mistakes and moving forward as better people.And HEA! Everything I like.

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    1. I had a ball coming up with them, Kate. I agree that Kelly Reilly did an excellent Caroline B. In fact, I can't get past that character when I see her in something else. I keep waiting for the snark. Oh, your reason for being a JA fan is priceless. Thanks for sharing. Best to you!

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    2. I agree Kate, sometimes I can see different characters. 05 Caroline is wonderfully scheming. I can feel some sympathy for 95 Caroline but not the later one.

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  38. Here's my responses to the questions


    Elizabeth's hair is reddish brown
    Elizabeth is 5 feet
    andy's petite with an hourglass figure
    She can sit on her hair and it's curly

    Mr. Darcy is 6 feet
    Colonel Fitzwilliam is about 5'8”.
    Mr. Darcy's hair is dark brown and is curly. His eyes are blue and no he does not have a unibrow.
    .
    Both Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth are dog people.

    Mr. Darcy actually prefers both singing and playing the piano for day together.

    I think I'll pass on all the song questions not sure what I would choose for a lot of those but I can just just imagine something along the lines of you know burning down the house or some other head banging song to get things stirred up.

    For movies I think Elizabeth would like one of the love stories Mr. Darcy seems like a James Bond type of guy.

    I love Jane Austen stories because they are timeless. Many of the issues - both relationship and social are still present in one form to another today. I started reading JAFF because I always wanted to know what happened next. This then moved to the what if stories, of course.


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    1. Headbanging and Lady C. PERFECT!!! The same with Darcy and James Bond. "My name is Darcy. Fitzwilliam Darcy." Yes, it works. We started reading JAFF for the exact same reason. I needed more and am grateful for the pioneers in this genre. Thank you for your comment and best wishes to you.

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    2. Oh my word! I am picturing Lady C headbanging and it's a HILARIOUS image.

      It's very true, what you say, so many of the issues Austen addresses and the character types are timeless.

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  39. I read JAFF because I love historical fiction, because Darcy is a dreamman and because you can be pretty sure all will end well (D&E happy together). Especially at times when I can't read very much, it's nice to be fairly sure I will like a story, otherwise I've wasted precious time :)

    I'm not going to answer all the questions, but I had to answer the unibrow one: noooooo! Give that one to Mr. Collins!

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    1. Ha Ha! OK, in my next book I will make sure the parson has a bushy black eyebrow from one temple to the other.

      I agree, Darcy is a dream man. And I'm completely with you that our dear couple have to have a happily-ever-after or I'm blisteringly angry I've wasted my time reading the story. To me, it's a deal-breaker if an author does not write Darcy and Elizabeth together. I'll never read another book written by that author—ever. Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Arjanne.

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    2. That's one of the things that I like to be assured of Arjanne, the HEA. Have you ever heard of the spoiler paradox? It's the idea that knowing a spoiler can make you enjoy a story more, not less. I think it's part of the reason that JAFF works. In a world that is sometimes so disappointing, to be sure of what happens is a settling feeling.

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  40. 1) Well, my hair is kind of a chestnut. So, like a medium dark brown. The hair salon calls it a level 6 dark blonde.

    2) 5'3"/5'4"

    3) petite

    4) Medium down her back and at least wavy, but most often curly.

    5) Brown, but honey colored, not dark

    6) Mr. Darcy? 6'2"

    7) Mr. Bingley? 6'

    8) Colonel Fitzwilliam? 5'10"-6'

    9) Dark brown and curly. No highlights

    10) um... depends? Probably brown, but it changes on me sometimes.

    11) Dog, but I really don't picture him with pets.

    12) Dog

    13) I wouldn't serve fish. I would serve a prime rib. I make a mean one so it would be so impressive (just call me Mrs. Bennet!)

    14) I am a singer, so I would hope singing, but I think any of it would be dependent on the person doing the activity.

    15) Probably something from a musical. Maybe Heaven Help My Heart from Chess

    16) Summertime. Classic, but simple.

    17) While You Were Sleeping. Funny, witty, and she finds true love in unexpected places. She's taken out of a bad situation and given a lovely family.

    18) I picture him being into documentaries and historical dramas

    19) Volvo. Probably an S40, but maybe an s60

    20) I think Elizabeth at a house party. I think she'd find my lack of refinement refreshing

    Why do I love Jane Austen? I love how her characters are timeless. Whether thr Bennets or the Dashwoods or a Navy Captain, all the life situations are applicable to now.

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    1. So true, Jessica, Austen's characters are timeless.

      I had to look up what prime rib was, I don't think we have that cut here, so that would be interesting for Darcy because it would be familiar, yet different.

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  41. Jessica, prime rib is my husband's favorite. In fact, it's on the menu for tonight although I am not cooking. A local barbecue joint serves smoked meat with HOT horseradish sauce. It's to die for! You sing? How wonderful. When I do my husband, for the last 37 years, asks, "what's that noise?" Men!!! Thank you very much for sharing your Darcy and Lizzy. All the best to you!

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  42. I want to answer the questions too! Though of course I am not eligible for the giveaway :)


    1) Do you see Miss Elizabeth’s hair as
    a) dark brown - I know Austen doesn't say, so any colour is legitimate, but that's how I see her.


    2) How tall is Elizabeth Bennet? I am 5' 2" so I see her as about the same.

    3) How is she proportioned?
    e) another shape or combination of shapes - P&P describes her figure as light and pleasing, if I recall correctly, so I see her as slim but still with a bit of shape.

    4) How long is her hair when it’s down? Does she have straight hair, waves, or curls? - Mid back, because it's thick she wouldn't want it too long because it would take too long to do. Blessed with natural curls.

    5) What color are her eyes? - Dark brown. I know they are only described as dark but I think they are those gorgeous really dark brown colour. I am not a big fan of the 2005 film but Keira's eyes are perfect.

    6) How tall is Mr. Darcy? Tall for the time, 6'

    7) How tall is Mr. Bingley? Maybe 5' 10"

    8) How tall is Colonel Fitzwilliam? Little bit shorter, 5' 9". I think it'd still be a good height for the time.

    9) Is Mr. Darcy’s hair straight, wavy, curly? Light brown, dark brown, black? Does he have highlights? Dark brown, bit of wave or curl. No highlights.

    10) What color are Mr. Darcy’s eyes? Does he have a unibrow? (sorry, I HAD to ask) Brown, but not quite as dark as Elizabeth's. No monobrow, LOL!

    11) Is Mr. Darcy a cat person or a dog person? Dog.

    12) Is Miss Elizabeth a cat or dog person? Either I think.

    13) Which food would you never serve when Mr. Darcy was at your table? Which would you ALWAYS serve? Nothing instant, like a pot noodle, LOL. I would serve him lots of meat, I think he would like that.

    14) If you were called upon to display your accomplishments, which do you think Mr. Darcy prefers – singing or playing an instrument like the harp or pianoforte? I think he likes singing and playing.

    15) Which modern song would you sing to the Netherfield Park gathering on the evening Jane Bennet came downstairs for the first time after being ill? As she's such an angel, Angels by Robbie Williams

    16) Which modern song would you serenade Lady Catherine de Bourgh with while at Rosings with the guests from Hunsford, her nephews, her daughter, and her daughter’s companion? Let it Go from Frozen. It's all about not caring :)

    17) Which modern movie do you think Miss Elizabeth would love to watch over and over again? I think she'd enjoy watching 'When Harry Met Sally' and seeing how first impressions can change.

    18) What about Mr. Darcy? What movie do you think he would find entertaining? I think he'd like The Fifth Element. There are funny bits, romance, and saving the world action bits so he could still feel manly watching it.

    19) What make and model of car would your Mr. Darcy drive as he meandered throughout the English countryside? I think he'd have dogs so he'd have something practical that they could go in the back of like a Landrover or a volvo estate.

    20) If you could personally meet any one of Jane Austen’s characters from any of her books, who would it be and where? Elizabeth, don't mind when and where :)

    Thank you Joy, for these fun questions!

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    1. I never realized how much the perspective changes with a reader's height. I'm 5'9" so couldn't imagine the colonel so short. Great choices, Ceri.

      This has been a blast and an unusual means of gaining insight. Thank you very much for hosting us all.

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  43. Wow! Lots of questions lady, but here goes. I figure Jane as a romantic dreamer, kinda like me. I Love the knight in shining armour aspect of a clean novel.
    Miss Elizabeth in my mind is about 5'4", Petite, light brown, wavy hair that goes to the middle of her back and piercing blue eyes. She loves cats. I think she would like Forever Young for a movie.
    Mr. Darcy is 6' 1", black thick wavy hair with Hazel eyes. He loves large dogs. He would like Gone in 60 Seconds. He drives a Bugati Ciron. I would never serve him artichokes or quiche but he would have my death by chocolate cheesecake everynight. I would sing for him as my abilities with musical instruments is less than desirable.
    Bingley is 5' 11", the co. is 5'8".
    AS for question 15, I think Over the rainbow would do. and for Lady Cathrine, She's Always a Woman by Billy Joel, because I want to to see the look on her face when she hears the words that describe her. LoL my warped sense of humor I guess.
    I would like to meet Fanny Rice from Mansfield Park, perhaps at a tea house in London, she seems to be unpretentious.

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    1. Oops, I forgot--no Unibrow! They are very scary!!!

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    2. I am not surprised that you don't see Darcy with a monobrow Tammy, funnily enough nobody has!

      I can't imagine Mr Darcy eating quiche either :)

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    3. Terrific answers, Tammy. I adore your song choice for Lady C. And that you would meet Fanny. I didn't see that coming. But good for you! Thank you for popping by.

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  44. 1. b
    2. average height, I don't think of her as petite the way others have. Light and pleasing, but not tiny, lol.
    3. So I suppose that means "e" for me--I see her as athletic, but not small chested...
    4. Long hair, like to her waist, I think.
    5. Brown/hazel/green
    6.at least six feet, which would have been pretty tall then.
    7. Hmm--5'10, maybe?
    8. I see him as sharing Darcy's height--so 5'11, six feet?
    9. Hmm, dark brown or black, blue eyes--he does have that Norman ancestry somewhere, and Fitzwilliam blood would at least make it possible, right? ;->
    10. Dog
    11. Dog and cat, but more dog.
    12. Pudding (English, not like the dessert we have). No idea why. Is this one of those psych tests from a magazine???? ;->
    13. Ummmm...liver?
    14.Singing
    15.Golden, by Lady Antebellum (really more for Bingley to Jane, though) And I have this funny thought about Elizabeth singing "King of Anything" by Sara Bareillis--but she wouldn't do that to Darcy in company. Love it, though. ("You've got opinions, man! We're all entitled to 'em, but I never asked...") Or is that Darcy to Elizabeth? LOL.
    16. Obstinate, by the Strokes
    17."The Princess Bride" . . .she'd laugh herself silly.
    18. Mmm...Maybe Goodnight, and Good Luck? Or just a good action flick?
    19. Would he meander, though, or would he want to speed? Something red or black and sporty, I think. No idea what kind. Of course, he can buy himself 10 cars if he wants...
    20. I think it'd have to be Elizabeth. I think she'd be a hoot.

    Thanks, Joy, this was fun! And great idea for a giveaway!

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    1. I'm pleased you participated, Melanie. Wouldn't you love to watch Princess Bride with all of the Bennet sisters at the same time? What a hoot!!! Nope! This isn't a web personality test. Just random questions I came up with before I had my morning caffeine. Thanks again for your replies. Best wishes!

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  45. Oh boy... that's a lot of questions! My go to imagine is the actor & actress from the 1995 mini series but it does vary especially when it's a modern story too!

    ) Do you see Miss Elizabeth’s hair as dark brown for sure... I must go with cannon!

    2) How tall is Elizabeth Bennet? Hmm... 5'4-5'6?

    3) How is she proportioned? Petite but hourglass? I think she's has a feminine figure but also more athletic since she walks so much...

    4) How long is her hair when it’s down? Does she have straight hair, waves, or curls? Definitely wavy with curls. Her hair would be down to her mid back.

    5) What color are her eyes? Brown

    6) How tall is Mr. Darcy? 6'0 - 6'2

    7) How tall is Mr. Bingley? 5'10 - 5'11

    8) How tall is Colonel Fitzwilliam? 5'10 - 6'0

    9) Is Mr. Darcy’s hair straight, wavy, curly? Light brown, dark brown, black? Does he have highlights? Wavy and dark brown

    10) What color are Mr. Darcy’s eyes? Does he have a unibrow? (sorry, I HAD to ask) lol unibrow? No definitely no unibrown. His eyes are dark brown too.

    11) Is Mr. Darcy a cat person or a dog person? Both, but has dogs around. The cats are more in the stables.

    12) Is Miss Elizabeth a cat or dog person? Both as well.

    13) Which food would you never serve when Mr. Darcy was at your table? Which would you ALWAYS serve? It depends on what his favorite dishes are and what he dislike... I would find out and make sure prior to a dinner party. :)

    14) If you were called upon to display your accomplishments, which do you think Mr. Darcy prefers – singing or playing an instrument like the harp or pianoforte? Well, Mr. Darcy prefers Elizabeth's singing and playing the piano.

    15) Which modern song would you sing to the Netherfield Park gathering on the evening Jane Bennet came downstairs for the first time after being ill? Oh boy, that's a tough one. I'm not sure, I'm terrible with knowing song titles and artist's names.

    16) Which modern song would you serenade Lady Catherine de Bourgh with while at Rosings with the guests from Hunsford, her nephews, her daughter, and her daughter’s companion? Hahaha, I have no idea, but I'm sure she's say that I would never be good unless I practice more.

    17) Which modern movie do you think Miss Elizabeth would love to watch over and over again? When Harry Met Sally... lol

    18) What about Mr. Darcy? What movie do you think he would find entertaining? Hmmm, not sure. Maybe a romantic-comedy or an action-adventure like James Bond movie.

    19) What make and model of car would your Mr. Darcy drive as he meandered throughout the English countryside? A vintage or a sport car.

    20) If you could personally meet any one of Jane Austen’s characters from any of her books, who would it be and where? I would love to meet both Darcy & Eliza in the English countryside like Pemberly.

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    1. Dung, I appreciate how your characters change with the stories. Mine sometimes do as well. Like you, it depends on the story. For me, it also depends on whether I've been spending a lot of time on Pinterest and who I pin to my Darcy and Elizabeth folders. Odd that! Thanks for taking the time to participate. All the best to you.

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  46. Why am I a Jane Austen Fan? I am a huge JA fan because I am always totally engrossed by her writing and also adore adaptations of her books because they often extend the stories further in highly satisfying ways.

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    1. Me too! I cannot get enough of these characters and their stories. I'm so pleased you stopped by.

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  47. Why am I a Jane Austen fan? After an inauspicious beginning, I fell in love with P&P through the BBC movie. Like many, I was introduced to some classics when I was too young to enjoy or appreciate them. Summer reading before 7th grade, I'm sad to say I didn't even read half the book, faked my way through the test, and didn't pick it up again until years later. My 11/12 year old self couldn't see the appeal and soured me on the author, even though I was a voracious reader who read everything else in sight.
    Skip ahead to my college years...working in a bookstore, I would come home close to midnight and watched some tv with my mom before heading to bed. We watched and loved the BBC P&P! I soon bought the VHS box set and we wore it out...so I bought another! Falling in love with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth inspired me to pick up and read P&P...followed by everything else Austen wrote. Then, I started using my bookstore searches to find published JAFF and never looked back, ordering in everything I could find, both in and out of print.
    I love that every book has characters that are relatable, in whole or in part, to just about every reader. The books and characters stand the test of time, beloved through the years.

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    1. Thank you for sharing your Jane Austen history. How great you found her again. Her popularity today proves you are entirely correct about her characters. She was brilliant! All the best to you.

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  48. Thanks go to all of you for your comments. The drawing for the giveaway has closed. However, we still would love it if you would like your share of the conversation.

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  49. I like Jane Austen because each time I read one of her works I find something new in it. With all the variations to P&P, it's very interesting to see what interpretations have been made by contemporary authors that I hadn't thought of in quite their way but can appreciate their thoughts as a possibility, sometimes more valid than my original thoughts.

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  50. I do the same, Betty, and each time I try to pay particular attention so I think I get it all. I don't. I'm so glad you stopped by.

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