What will the master of Pemberley do when confronted with the mercurial whims of an all-powerful angel?
Fitzwilliam Darcy's well-ordered life is about to become a chaotic nightmare. A man of fortune, property, and social prominence, he has everything he could desire. Blissfully married to his wife, Elizabeth, they have a two-year-old son. With so much to live for, Darcy is shaken by a near-fatal riding accident. After a miraculous escape, he is visited by an otherworldly being: an angel of death named Graham. Threatening dire consequences, Graham compels Darcy to guide him on a sojourn in the world of mortals.
Darcy immediately questions the angel’s motives when he demands to be a guest at Pemberley. Can he trust Graham's assurance that no harm will come to his wife and child? And why does Graham insist on spending time with Elizabeth? How can Darcy possibly protect his family from an angel with power over life and death?
In this romantic fantasy, the beloved couple from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice must contend with both human and unearthly challenges. Are the fates against them? Or will their extraordinary love conquer all?
When he returned downstairs after dressing for dinner, he was drawn by sounds from the music room. He froze in place at the doorway, absorbed by the sight of his wife playing the pianoforte and singing a duet with Graham. His breathing hitched, and he was gripped with the force of a cutting discomfort.
The two of them made an attractive picture together.
The man with the golden hair and perfect features was also blessed with an impressive baritone singing voice. Darcy remained in the doorway until they finished the song. When he clapped and entered the room, they both gazed at him.
Directing her gay smile towards him, Elizabeth said, “Fitzwilliam, there you are. Did you know Graham had such a marvellous singing voice?”
He managed something akin to a smile. “I did not—or perchance I forgot.”
She angled her head to the side as he bent to kiss her cheek. “I am sure I have never heard a better one.”
“I beg to differ, Elizabeth,” said Graham. “While your voice may not be perfect, there is a sweetness and an expression of feeling that I have never heard the likes of before; I compare it favourably to any famous opera singer.”
“I have always preferred Elizabeth’s singing voice to any other,” Darcy said.
Her eyes shone with amusement. “Now both of you are making statements too outrageous to be believed.” She patted his arm and gave him a fond smile. “Fitzwilliam may be pardoned for such aggrandisement: it is his duty as my husband to exaggerate my good qualities as much as possible.”
She turned with a raised eyebrow towards Graham. “You, sir, have no excuse.”
Raising a hand over his heart, Graham staggered backward, as if shot by a musket. “Madam, you wound me. I would not say such a thing unless I felt it to be the absolute truth.”
Darcy rolled his eyes. What a theatrical fool!
Biting back her grin, Elizabeth said, “Shall we go in and have dinner now?”
Graham patted his stomach. “By all means, let us eat.”
During dinner, while Graham was busy eating enough food for two men, Elizabeth queried Darcy for details of the interview with Mr. Boyle. He told her of the man’s experience and gave her the good news.
Her face lit up with a dazzling smile. “I am so relieved you found a man suitable for the job. I understand he will not start for a fortnight, and he will need time to learn the duties particular to Pemberley, but I can expect my husband to have more free time at last. Dare I hope we could plan a trip somewhere? Mayhap to the seaside?”
Buoyed by the vision of her beautiful countenance brimming with anticipation, energy infused his body. Yes—a brilliant notion. He would take her on a holiday. He would have taken her to Margate or Brighton last year, but one problem or another had always come up to postpone the trip. The picturesque sandy beaches, the peaceful rhythm of the waves, and the majestic beauty of the ocean could not fail to delight her. What could be more enticing than Elizabeth barefoot on the sand with her dress hitched up as she ran in and out of the water?
“I do not see why not. We can make plans for the trip next month.”
At that moment, a servant girl who had brought out a tray of bread bumped into the sideboard whilst staring at Graham. Darcy narrowed his eyes and let out a deep breath. Mrs. Reynolds would have to speak with the servants; their conduct around Graham was unacceptable.
* * *
Hmm, bit of the green eyed monster there!
Kelly Miller discovered her appreciation for Jane Austen late in life, and her love of writing even later. It was the 1995 miniseries of Pride and Prejudice that made her take notice and want to read the actual book. It was many years later that she discovered the world of JAFF. After reading a slew of wildly inventive stories featuring the beloved characters created by Jane Austen, she was inspired to write one of her own. Now, writing is one of her favorite pastimes. When not writing, she spends her free time singing, playing the piano, and working out. (Yes, like Elizabeth Bennet, she is an excellent walker.) Kelly Miller lives in Silicon Valley with her husband, daughter and their many pets.
Connect with Kelly on her Amazon Author Page, Goodreads and Facebook.
Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley is available to buy now in paperback or ebook - Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Add to Goodreads shelf
Giveaway Time
Meryton Press are giving away 8 ebooks of Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley. To enter, please use the rafflecopter.
We hope that you've enjoyed this stop on the blog tour. If you'd like to check out the other stops here's a list of them. By visiting each stop you can learn more about the book and increase your chances of winning a copy :)
June 14 From Pemberley to Milton; Excerpt and GAJune 15 More Agreeably Engaged; Character Interview and GA
June 17 Diary of an Eccentric; Guest Post and GA
June 18 So Little Time…; Excerpt and GA
June 19 Austenesque Reviews; Guest Post, Excerpt, and GA
June 20 Savvy Verse & Wit; Excerpt and GA
June 21 Babblings of a Bookworm; Excerpt and GA
June 22 My Love for Jane Austen; Author Interview and GA
June 24 My Vices and Weaknesses; Review, Excerpt, and GA
* * *
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I think Darcy might be jeasous
ReplyDeleteI agree, Vesper!
DeleteHi Vesper, yes, and the feeling grows as this particular evening goes on. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment! :)
ReplyDeleteA very entertaining excerpt, Kelly. Thanks for sharing it. I'm quite curious about Graham.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sylvia! Graham is a multi-faceted character; it was fun to write his scenes!
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the excerpt, Luthien
DeleteHandsome, talented, taken by Elizabeth--I don't know if I like this Graham hanging around. He could cause trouble. But trouble equals angst, and I like angst in a story, so very well. Never mind. Thanks, Kelly and Ceri!
ReplyDeleteI am not sure that I'm keen on him either, but it could prove entertaining!
DeleteHi Suzan, I believe Darcy is more certain of his feelings towards Graham in that scene. :) A little trouble though, can be entertaining. You are very welcome. Thank you for your comment!
ReplyDeleteA singing Graham! Are there no limits to his abilities? And a jealous Darcy is always fun. Looking forward to this book with every excerpt.”
ReplyDeleteYes, Graham has musical talent to add to his other charms. :) Thank you so much, Jan!
DeleteSo glad you enjoyed, Jan. Thanks for stopping by :)
DeleteIt looks like Graham is certainly shaking things up.
ReplyDeleteYes, darcybennett, our hero is having a tough time enduring Graham's company. Thank you for stopping by; I appreciate your comment!
DeleteI wonder what he's up to?!
DeleteHi Kelly,
ReplyDeleteI’m intrigued and,to be honest,a little annoyed at Graham! Yes,he’s the angel of Death,but why has he chosen Pemberley as his base to view mankind up close and personal? And being on such ‘friendly’ terms with Elizabeth is clearly infuriating Darcy but what other motives are at play?
Definitely intriguing!!!
Best of luck with your book,Kelly.
Cheers for hosting,Ceri.
Hi Mary, Yes, why did he chose Pemberley? Darcy would like to know this as well. Graham gives him an explanation, but can the angel's word be trusted? Thank you for your kind comment!
DeleteHi Mary. From what I've seen I'm not a huge fan either :)
DeleteHi Ceri, thank you so much for hosting me today. I appreciate it! :)
ReplyDeleteI am very happy to have had the opportunity to host you, Kelly! Thanks so much for letting me be part of the tour.
DeleteI've just realised something. Graham is reminding me more and more of Frank Churchill! I think it's his kind of smarmy charm that does it. It's not oily charm as per Wickham or Henry Crawford. The green-eyed monster is really rearing its ugly head inside Darcy, isn't it? I'm so looking forward to finding out why all of this is happening. Thanks for sharing another excerpt with us, Kelly.
ReplyDeleteHi Anji, that is an interesting comparison! You are quite welcome and I am glad you stopped by. Thank you!
DeleteThat's not a flattering comparison, Anji, but an interesting one nonetheless!
DeleteOh oh, trouble brewing as Graham insinuates himself more with Elizabeth. Great excerpt!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sophia Rose, I am glad you enjoyed the scene!
DeleteGlad you enjoyed, Sophia!
DeleteInteresting excerpt. It looks like Graham is getting a little to close for comfort singing with Elizabeth and making the comment about her voice.
ReplyDeleteHello Shelley, yes, Darcy is certainly not comfortable in that scene; a confrontation might be ahead. :) Thank you for the comment!
DeleteYes, back off fella!
DeleteI don't like it that Graham sings. Being a musician, that makes him a little too appealing. I think Darcy needs to stay vigilant and I don't blame him for being jealous. Can this angel be trusted. Fun! Thanks for hosting.
ReplyDeleteHello Jen Red, there is a something hard to resist about a good musician! Thank you for visiting; I'm glad you enjoyed the excerpt.
DeleteHi Jen. Thinking about it, music would be a good way to get close to somebody back then, as it's something both sexes could do.
DeleteI'm intrigued by this unique premise. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Sheila, that is great to hear. :) Thank you for stopping by to read and comment!
DeleteHi Sheila, I hope you enjoy the book when you read it.
DeleteLovely excerpt. Darcy's jealousy could go either way.
ReplyDeleteHello Patty, thank you! So glad you enjoyed this scene from my story! :)
DeleteYes. Let's hope Darcy can keep a lid on it!
DeleteI do detect a bit of jealousy here. This is so intriguing. I wonder how far the jealous streak will go and if Graham is purposely goading him. Thank you for the generous give away.
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie, Thank you for stopping by! You ask an interesting question. I would not put it past Graham to find amusement in Darcy's reaction. Good luck to you in the giveaway!
DeleteI hope Darcy can keep a lid on it, Debbie! Thanks for commenting.
DeleteOh boy, what is Graham up to? Congrats on your debut release!
ReplyDeleteWhat indeed? Thank you, Dung! It is a pleasure to interact with supportive readers like you. :) I appreciate your comment!
DeleteI wonder that too Dung, thanks for commenting!
DeleteHeavens! Graham certainly is testing Darcy's patience but honestly, Elizabeth only has eyes for Darcy...but on his shoulder is the green-eyed monster prodding him to step out of line! I get a niggling feeling that that may happen when Graham pushes him too far. Oh what a tease this was! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHello Carole, I am glad you enjoyed the excerpt! Thank you for your comment!
DeleteGlad you enjoyed, Carole!
DeleteOh dear. I am worried about Darcy. I am also worried about Elizabeth. Will Death demand a life from this couple? Is Darcy worried about Death's fascination with his wife? What about their son? My goodness. I will probably need a manicure before this is over to repair where I was biting my nails. I would love a copy. Blessings on the launch and success of this work. Of course we love the cover... such a lovely girl. I know you are proud of her. Thanks to Ceri for hosting.
ReplyDeleteThank you J.W., for your lovely comment! Yes, I am a proud mother! I appreciate your support!
DeleteIf I were Darcy in this story, this is what I would worry about, whether there would be a human cost. Let's hope not!
Delete