Avoiding the truth does not change the truth
When Fitzwilliam Darcy meets Miss Elizabeth Bennet he has no idea that she — that indeed, the entire town of Meryton — harbors a secret. Miss Elizabeth, a simply country girl from a humble estate, manages to capture first his fascination and then his heart without him ever knowing the truth of her past.
When she meets Darcy, Elizabeth had spent the two years prior hiding from the men who killed her beloved first husband. Feeling herself destroyed by love, Elizabeth has no intention of loving again, certainly not with the haughty man who could do nothing but offend her in Hertfordshire.
In London, Elizabeth surprises herself by finding in Darcy a friend; even greater is her surprise to find herself gradually coming to love him and even accepting an offer of marriage from him. Newly married, they are just beginning to settle into their happily ever after when a condemned man on his way to the gallows divulges a shattering truth, a secret that contradicts everything Elizabeth thought she knew about the tragic circumstances of her first marriage. Against the advice of everyone who loves her, including Darcy, Elizabeth begins to ask questions. But will what they learn destroy them both?
* * *
Doesn't this sound like an exciting read?! As is indicated in the blurb, when Darcy and Elizabeth first meet he has no idea who she is. As in canon, his first impressions of her are speedily overturned as he begins to feel attracted to her, but by then he has managed to make a first impression of his own, a very bad one! One of Darcy's aunts has made it her mission to find Elizabeth a second husband and had thought that the two of them would make a good match, therefore, she is unhappy to find what a mess he has made of things and in this vignette, takes him to task. I will hand over to Amy:
* * *
In most Austenesque tales, there is some sort of an argument between Darcy and Elizabeth which leads to Darcy’s recognition of his past errors and the change in his attitudes and perceptions. In this story, however, it is his aunt who takes him to task for his behavior in Hertfordshire. She has been hoping to create a match between Darcy and Elizabeth, only to find out from Elizabeth that it is quite impossible due to their past interactions in Meryton. Needless to say, she is quite displeased.
This is a bit that didn’t make it into the actual story, but if it had, it would be at the beginning of chapter 11.
Lady Matlock’s Conversation with Darcy on the Morning After the Opera
Lady Matlock entered Darcy’s breakfast room in a whirl of skirts and agitation. “Darcy, what have you done, foolish boy?”
“What?” Darcy stared at her. “I… nothing. What do you mean?”
She carefully took a seat beside him. She clasped her hands together in her lap and took a few deep breaths and at last began to speak.
“When your mother died, I swore that I would provide you what guidance I could, particularly in areas where gentlemen sometimes falter, such as romance. I hoped that one day you would honour me and seek my advice on your choice of a wife so naturally I was delighted on receipt of your letter this autumn, seeking my counsel.”
She smiled, with a tight, trying-to-be-patient sort of countenance. “Lady Courtenay came immediately to my mind. Having known her as I have since the loss of her husband, I am certain she is a perfect match for you, and not because of fortune or station. Her wit, her humour, and her temper — I daresay you will not find one so perfectly suited to you. And so beautiful too!”
Darcy smiled. “I could not agree more.”
“Then perhaps you might tell me why it is you chose to offend her in every possible way. You behaved like some arrogant, high in the instep sort of bounder! If nothing else, I always believed you would act in a gentleman-like manner! I am mightily displeased!”
Saye began to chuckle, amused to see his cousin upbraided by his mother, but his mother shot him a look that would boil water, and he stopped. Seeing Darcy’s paper close by, he picked it up and buried himself behind it but Darcy knew well he was likely all attentiveness.
Feeling uncommonly agitated, Darcy said, “Is this about the assembly? I apologised to her for that.”
Saye quickly lowered the paper. “What did you do?”
Fitzwilliam, thinking he could be clandestine, muttered, “Said she was not handsome enough to tempt him ... refused to stand up with her.” Saye pulled the paper close to his face to silence his gasp of laughter.
“In a public place?” It was as close to shrieking as her ladyship would permit herself. “Elizabeth told me nothing of that. How much offence is there to hear of?”
Very unwillingly, Darcy explained his insult at the Meryton assembly to his aunt. Lady Matlock bore it calmly, only wincing slightly at “... slighted by other men.”
“What else?”
Uncertain what she already knew, Darcy confessed, reluctantly, to his ill-conceived and mad accusation of a liaison with her footman.
“You might have ruined her reputation had anyone heard you!”
“I know,” Darcy said hastily. “It was presumptuous and foolish. Would that I could take it back!”
Here Fitzwilliam spoke, a despicable look of innocent helpfulness on his face, “At least she cannot know that you thought the same of she and me, the night of Bingley’s ball. You may count on my discretion cousin, I assure you.” Fitzwilliam then sat there, complacent guilelessness gracing his countenance while Darcy shot him a murderous glare.
“You did not! -- Darcy!” Lady Matlock was aghast. “I am shocked, indeed shocked, that she did not simply walk up and slap you! I cannot imagine what possessed you to behave in such a manner, but indeed, her opinion of you is well founded. Accusing her of liaisons, insulting her in public, eavesdropping on her conversations and engaging her in arguments. I can scarcely believe my nephew would act thusly.”
Faced with such a recounting, Darcy felt the weight of his misconduct rather keenly. “I fear my suit might be rather unwelcome.
“Your suit? From this recitation, I do not think she would receive you in her home. I am amazed by how kindly she greeted you!”
Looking down at the empty plate before him, Darcy muttered, “... and that is why I love her because of her goodness.”
“You cannot possibly think you love her,” Lady Matlock chastised him.
“Yes, I do,” Darcy said with a sigh. “My sensibilities turned me about and rendered me stupid. Having never experienced such a thing, I did not manage it well and found myself acting irrationally and fitfully. My heart became my enemy, provoking me into this poor behaviour. I am ashamed, indeed ashamed that I have so offended her but do not think I acted from spite or malice —only foolishness and an excess of sentiment.”
“It is true Mother,” said Saye. “He told me of it in January, an attachment to some girl in the country. I advised him not to speak of it with you ... from her description, I could only conclude the lady was unsuitable.”
A light of pity came into Lady Matlock’s eyes. “Very well then; I must presume you will learn from this series of mistakes. I know you could be an excellent husband for Elizabeth, else I never should have forwarded you to her in the first place. Know that there are many others — your uncle has a whole list of worthy suitors for her.”
“He does?” All three gentlemen exclaimed in astonishment.
She waved her hand impatiently. “His lordship is a methodical man, and he wished to help our dear girl as best he could. In any case, we chose you. I want her to be a part of this family, and I am not about to have your poor behaviour in Hertfordshire stand in the way of that.
“You will go to her, and you will make amends. Apologise, humble yourself and explain that you are not the insufferable prig you appeared to be before. Fix this Darcy. I mean it.”
“Start by apologising again, and then do whatever you can to earn her good opinion. Anything it takes.”
“But is it possible to change her opinion of me?”
Lady Matlock sighed. “I do not know, but you must try. The pair of you could have much happiness together, and I put it in your hands to show her that.”
* * *
Amy D’Orazio is a former breast cancer researcher and current stay at home mom who is addicted to Austen and Starbucks in about equal measures. While she adores Mr. Darcy, she is married to Mr. Bingley and their Pemberley is in Pittsburgh PA.
She has two daughters who are devoted to sports which require long practices and began writing her own stories as a way to pass the time she spent sitting in the lobbies of various gyms and studios. She is a firm believer that all stories should have long looks, stolen kisses and happily ever afters. Like her favorite heroine, she dearly loves a laugh and considers herself an excellent walker.
Contact Info:
The ebook is already available on Amazon, with a paperback due to follow in few weeks - Amazon US / UK.
Giveaway Time!
If you'd like to enter for a chance to win a copy of 'The Best Part of Love' please use the rafflecopter below.
Readers may enter the drawing by tweeting once a day and daily commenting on a blog post that has a giveaway attached for the tour. Entrants should provide the name of the blog where they commented (which will be verified).
Tweet and comment once daily to earn extra entries.
Each winner will be randomly selected by Rafflecopter. Paperback or ebook format will be randomly selected for each winner as well.
**NOTE: Paperback copies are available for continental US winners! Ebook copies are available for all winners, including international winners! If more international winners are randomly chosen than the 4 allotted ebooks, then that will decrease the number of paperbacks. 8 books will be given away to 8 different winners.**
Blog Tour Schedule
As you can see below, there are lots more blog stops to learn more about Amy D'Orazio, 'The Best Part of Love' and more chances to win a copy for yourself.
Don't you just love Lady Matlock for this? It's a shame this scene hasn't made the final "cut" as it where, but I'll definitely remember it when I come to read this wonderful sounding book. The thought of her telling off not just Darcy, but her sons as well, brings a smile to my face. Go girl!
ReplyDeleteCongratulation on your first published work, Amy!
Thank you Anji!
DeleteI was so thrilled when I read the scene that Amy had planned for us. I was glad to be able to share it :)
DeleteWhat an excellent vignette! I had to laugh in so many places. I love how Amy mixes humour with her angst. Thanks for welcoming her to your blog, Ceri. Best of luck conquering the ratings, Amy!
ReplyDelete*hugs* Thank you!
DeleteGlad you enjoyed it Suzan. I completely agree with you, I love a bit of humour and it's good to mix it in to something more angsty to relieve the tension.
DeleteOh dear,Darcy does seem to be having a bad day! Not only is he severely admonished by Lady Matlock,he has witnesses to prove how foolish he has been and has no choice but to freely admit that,yes,he did act like a bumbling fool,intent on embarrassing Elizabeth and rousing her ire,but must also admit why he acted in such a fashion!!
ReplyDeleteDear me!! Don't you just love how determined Lady M is in her heartfelt desire to have Elizabeth join their family. Not only that,but she'll brook no argument and will see that he eats adequate amounts of humble pie in his attempts to apologise for the hurt he has caused Elizabeth!
I loved this snapshot into how the high and mighty can be this humbled by their mistakes and taken to task by those that love them the most!
Delightful!
Lady Matlock is one of my favorite non-canon characters to have in a story -- I love to make her the complete opposite of Lady Catherine! :)
DeleteThank you!
Glad you enjoyed, Mary! It's nice to see these noble families acting like families sometimes rather than sitting round minding their manners all the time.
DeleteI think I am going to like Lady Matlock in this book. Just wish there were more books which concentrated on the other minor characters
ReplyDeleteMe too Vesper!
DeleteThank you!
It's good to see what direction different authors take the minor characters. I like to see Darcy's aunt ranged on Elizabeth's side.
DeleteI can hardly wait for 'The Best Part of Love' to come out in paperback! Thank you Ms D'Orazio for the vignettes and of course 'The Best Part of Love'. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Ceri hosting this stop in the blog tour and the blurb! ;)
Thank you!
DeleteThank you! I hope you have your paperback by now :)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLoved it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Patty!
DeleteGlad you enjoyed it, Patty!
DeleteSuch a shame this is not in the book as I loved it! Poor Darcy, how on earth is he going to make amends for all his insults? I look forward to reading this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to be able to bring you an excerpt but I have been very lucky this time and got something additional to what was in the book. I agree with you, a very entertaining scene!
DeleteWell as usual I can't enter on the Rafflecopter! I don't think it likes my phone as i never get the form to enter a blog dote or even to try. In future I will only enter those giveaways that just require a comment and do not involve Rafflecopter but thanks anyway.
ReplyDeleteOh Glynis, I am so sorry to hear that you are having trouble with the Rafflecopter. I will have an investigate later :(
DeleteHere's the address in case you can access it directly: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MGNhODZiOWI4ODNmNDRkMjQ1ZDA5MDg0NTQ1MWExOjI=/
No. I clicked on it and it just came up with an oops error message. Please don't worry as I get this every time I try so it may be my phone but thanks for trying ��
DeleteI remember that scene from the first time I read this. What a gem! Congrats on the book birthday!
ReplyDeleteThank you Christina!
DeleteIt's such a great scene, isn't it!
DeleteI'm looking forward to reading this book, such an interesting premise. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the book release.
Many thanks Kate!
DeleteHi Kate. I hope you enjoy it when you read it :)
DeleteI love Lady Matlock here! And Saye cheekily "hiding" behind the newspaper. Lol
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame this scene was snipped but at least everyone gets to enjoy it here. :)
I should probably clarify ... MP didn't actually cut this, it was a scene that my commenters at AHA (lovely people of which you are one Monica!) asked me for while I was posting. It wasn't ever in the original but everyone wanted to know what she said! :) Its why I love posting, sometimes you just never know what "behind the scenes" people will want to see!
DeleteThis is one of the things which is so great about posting on the WIP comments threads on sites like AHA. It's such a great opportunity to ask the author of the story you are enjoying all the little questions that you have.
DeleteGreat blurb. I can't wait to read more. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteTHank you!
DeleteThanks for commenting!
DeleteI love seeing Darcy upbraided by his aunt, especially when he's wrong! Thank you for sharing a funny scene with us.
ReplyDeleteThanks Claudine!
DeleteGlad you enjoyed it, Claudine :)
DeleteHmm.. my comment disappeared.. anyway, thanks for this giveaway! :D
ReplyDeleteThank you Maria! Sorry your comment vanished!
DeleteI hate it when that happens. It's usually a particularly fabulous response that disappears into the mists :(
DeleteOys, yes, that was fun to get the extra scene. I remember where this was in the story and was curious about Darcy being taken to task by his aunt. Love that she and her sons are all present with Darcy.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great book all around.
Thank you Sophia!
DeleteGlad to be able to help fill in an off-page scene :)
DeleteLovely bit you gave us there, Amy! Congrats again on this wonderful book! Thanks for the giveaway! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Daniela!
DeleteSo glad you enjoyed it, Daniela!
DeleteLove the excerpt. I am all the more intrigued!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Becky!
DeleteThanks for your comment, Becky. I hope you enjoy the book when you read it.
DeleteAmy, what a great reminder of how fun your story was the first time I read it. Best wishes with your publication and thanks Ceri for sharing. Jen Red
ReplyDeleteThank you Jen!
DeleteI was happy to be able to share the excerpt. Thanks for your comment, Jen!
DeleteLove this book but need to read the published version. I did post my review on Goodreads after reading the unpublished story on AHA. I want to read it again to see if there are any changes which make it even better.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sheila! The wonderful people at Meryton Press really did an amazing job with it! One sort of funny change ... the dog I originally had in BPL was a Jack Russell Terrier named Trump as a nod to the first JRT ever bred. No matter what your political leanings, releasing a book THIS January with a dog named Trump felt... awkward, so the dogs name is different now!
DeleteThat's such a fun fact, Amy! I am guessing you didn't rename it to Clinton for the published version ;)
DeleteThanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteThank you Nicole!
DeleteThanks for stopping by Nicole :)
DeleteLoved the excerpt! Can't wait to read the entire book.
ReplyDeleteThank you Joan!
DeleteI hope you enjoy the book when you read it, Joan. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
DeleteDelightful vignette! Well I'm sure Lady Courtney will make him work for it! Thank you for the chance to win! When will the paperback be available?
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Carole! The paperback will be available in about 2 weeks!
DeleteHi Carole. I'm glad you enjoyed the vignette, hope you get to read this one soon!
DeleteThanks for the vignette, I love Lady Matlock! She's surely knows how to put Darcy in his place while giving him some loving guidance.
ReplyDeleteThank yOU!
DeleteAnd he certainly needs it, doesn't he! I wonder how much it would have affected Darcy's behaviour, not having parents still living. I know he implies in P&P that his parents were a bit overly proud, but they would have probably been very keen that he didn't get taken in by an unsuitable female at a young age so maybe they would have encouraged him to soften his manners later on. Who knows, eh!
DeleteIt's Fitzwilliam's innocent contribution that had me laughing! Looking forward to reading it! Obviously do not enter me Ceri, thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteTHank you Tamara!
DeleteThanks Tamara :)
DeleteWell now I cannot wait to read this and find out what the big secret is! Very cool sounding book and variation - wondering if it will still have something to do with Lydia even though it's about an ex-husband of Elizabeth? Thanks! hopefuldelights1 (at) yahoo (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy finding out the secret when you read it, Erika!
Deletewonderful premise for a variation
ReplyDeleteIt's an unusual starting point, isn't it, and the direction it goes is a new one for me! Thanks for commenting Denise :)
DeleteWow, I am thrilled to have won a paperback copy. I am such a fan of Amy's - reading all of her stories as I have found them on AHA. Now it will be easier for me to share the story with others. Thanks you ever so much and congratulations to the other winners.
ReplyDelete