A Dutiful Son by Kelly Miller – Blog Tour, Excerpt and Giveaway

Today I am welcoming Kelly Miller back to Babblings of a Bookworm with her latest book. It’s a Pride & Prejudice variation called A Dutiful Son. Read on for a lovely excerpt from the book, plus an ebook giveaway.

Book Description

What will Fitzwilliam Darcy do when his beloved father stands between him and happiness?

Darcy has always emulated his wise and honourable father, George Darcy. But following a sinister act of betrayal by a former family friend, his father rejects his most benevolent principles.

When Georgiana forms a friendship with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Darcy convinces his father to allow the association to continue. However, Elizabeth soon presents a thorny problem: she entices Darcy as no other lady has before, and with his father’s current outlook, he would not approve of her as a daughter-in-law.

Still, Darcy’s problem may resolve in time: his father, after getting to know Elizabeth, is certain to recognise her many admirable qualities and change his mind. But what if he does not?

In this Pride & Prejudice Regency variation, Fitzwilliam Darcy is caught between the influences of love and duty. Which of these will wield the greatest power?

Excerpt from A Dutiful Son, Introduced by Kelly Miller

Thank you so much for having me today, Ceri! I have an excerpt from Chapter 2 of “A Dutiful Son,” in which Elizabeth and Jane Bennet arrive at Netherfield Hall for an arranged group ride. Elizabeth has not been on horseback in a while and is a bit nervous. The scene is told from Darcy’s point of view. If you are wondering about the Hursts and Miss Bingley, they are conveniently not at home on this occasion. 😊

* * *

Georgiana sprang from her chair and strode to the window, inducing Darcy to stand.

“They are here!” With a grin that enlivened every inch of her countenance, she whirled to face him and darted from the room without waiting for a response.

Bingley moved to the window, craning his head for a better view. He pulled down his waistcoat and smoothed his coat. “I believe your sister intends to greet our guests in the courtyard. We should join her.” He stepped to the looking glass, peered at his reflection, and fiddled with his cravat before hastening after Georgiana.

He shook his head. Anyone would think the Queen herself arrived instead of two ordinary ladies from a humble neighbouring estate.

At a more relaxed pace, Darcy followed his friend, stealing a glance in the looking glass as he passed. He stiffened. Why had he done that? Had this stay with Bingley made him susceptible to picking up his friend’s habits? In any case, thanks to Winston’s punctilious nature, Darcy always looked his best—not that it mattered how he appeared to the Miss Bennets.

When he reached the courtyard, Bingley helped the ladies down from their carriage. Both had dressed for riding today, but Miss Elizabeth’s habit fit her ill: snug in the bosom and too large everywhere else.

The justification for his friend’s attraction to Miss Bennet could not be denied. Based upon the information Lady Lucas had disclosed pertaining to the Bennet family, however, neither she nor Miss Elizabeth could arouse interest beyond friendship for Darcy or any other discerning gentleman.

Bingley introduced Georgiana to Miss Bennet, who proceeded to greet Darcy with her habitual modest poise. When she stepped away, Miss Elizabeth appeared before him.

“Good day, Mr. Darcy.”

“Good afternoon, Miss Elizabeth. It is a pleasant day for a ride.”

Her greenish-brown eyes, dotted with flecks of amber, darted around. Her lips edged up but came short of a true smile. “Yes, the weather is ideal.” Not until she turned from him towards Georgiana did her expression brighten. Even then, she lacked her usual vivacity.

Bingley grinned at Miss Bennet. “Would you and your sister like to come in the house for refreshments before we get started?”

“Thank you, but no. We are ready to depart.” Miss Bennet maintained a perpetual genial aspect that contrasted with the depth of feeling often conveyed by Miss Elizabeth.

“Excellent! Let us proceed to the stables, then.” Bingley offered Miss Bennet his arm, which she accepted.

He stepped between his sister and Miss Elizabeth and held out an arm to each of them. Miss Elizabeth’s slender hand came to rest upon his forearm with such a delicate touch that, had it not been within his line of sight, he would have been unaware of its presence. Well, no; in truth, his right arm fairly tingled at her tenuous contact—an odd phenomenon.

She differed from the other females he had escorted. Too often, they held his arm in a possessive grip. He could not free himself of those ladies soon enough. But he found nothing the least bit unpleasant in escorting Miss Elizabeth.

On the short walk to the main stable building, Bingley described the qualities of several prospective mounts to Miss Bennet, and she selected a spirited chestnut gelding.

Darcy led Miss Elizabeth and his sister towards Baxter, held by a young groom. He dismissed the lad with a nod and took hold of the bay gelding’s reins. “Well, here is Baxter, your mount for today.”

The slight contact upon his arm increased to a firm pressure as Miss Elizabeth arched her upper body away from the horse. “This is Baxter? I…I did not expect him to be so…tall.”

His sister moved between Baxter and Miss Bennet and stroked the gelding’s neck. “Yes, he must be sixteen hands at least. Nevertheless, he is the gentlest and calmest of the horses in the stables.”

Miss Elizabeth extended her hand in a tentative motion towards Baxter’s head but withdrew it when he moved towards her. “Does he ever bite?”

He placed his hand flat against Baxter’s mouth before raising it to stroke the velvety skin on his nose. “No, he does not bite. Well, he has been known to nibble on his groom’s hair when his breakfast is delayed.”

His little jest met with a weak smile. Miss Elizabeth reached out again, this time for Baxter’s neck, and patted him. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Baxter.”

Bingley waved at him. “Darcy, we shall wait for the rest of you in the courtyard.”

“Yes, of course.”

His friend and Miss Bennet rode out of the stables.

Baxter’s head swung towards Miss Elizabeth’s free hand. He sniffed her and nudged her with his nose. Her attitude grew rigid. “Why did he do that?”

“He is looking to see whether you have a treat.” Georgiana pulled a piece of a carrot from her pocket. Would you like to give this to him?”

“Very well.” Miss Elizabeth took the carrot and held it out with a flat hand. Baxter took the offering and gobbled it up. She giggled. “I shall remember you are fond of carrots.”

He cleared his throat. “Do you feel comfortable riding today? The three of us could walk instead if you prefer it.”

His sister nodded. “Yes, I should not mind at all. I never meant to push you. If you are not ready, we could always take the horses out another day.”

“Your offer is tempting, but I shall refuse. My sister Jane has long lamented my refusal to take up riding again. I could have done so on one of my visits to my uncle’s home in London. He has a horse that would be acceptable for me.” Miss Elizabeth’s brows drew together. “Several of my neighbours have offered me the use of one of their horses as well. I have no valid excuse for having waited this long.” Her arms folded, each hand holding the other elbow. “It is against my nature to allow anything or anyone to intimidate me, so it is all the more frustrating to be so fearful of an activity that is natural and ordinary to others.”

He employed a gentle tone. “Are you concerned you might lose control of Baxter?”

Miss Elizabeth released a long breath. “I suppose so.”

“I assure you Baxter will heed your commands and go wherever you direct him. He will not try to unseat you or take control.”

“Even if you dropped the reins, Baxter would not run off with you.” Georgiana glanced towards her mare. “His inclination would be to remain close to my horse, Pansy. The two of them are often pastured together in the summer, and he prefers to remain near his friend. Since I plan to ride next to you, it will not pose a problem.”

His sister touched his arm. “I suggest you assist Miss Elizabeth into the saddle and then wait here and hold the reins. I shall go mount Pansy and return here.”

“Very well.”

Georgiana turned to Miss Elizabeth. “This way, we can start off together. I promise to take whatever pace makes you comfortable.”

Miss Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, that sounds like a good plan.” Her gaze veered to him. “But you need not help me mount. Any of the grooms—”

“I should be happy to assist you.” His words rushed out. A sour taste filled his mouth at the notion of anyone else performing the service for her.

* * *

About the Author 

Award-winning author Kelly Miller is a native Californian and Anglophile, who made her first visit to England in 2019. When not pondering a plot point or a turn of phrase, she can be found playing the piano, singing, or walking her dogs. Kelly Miller resides in Silicon Valley with her husband, daughter, and their pets.

A Dutiful Son is her sixth book published by Meryton Press. The first five are:

• Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley, a Pride and Prejudice Regency romantic sequel with a touch of fantasy.
• Mr. Darcy’s Perfect Match, a Pride and Prejudice Regency romantic variation
• Accusing Mr. Darcy, a Pride and Prejudice Regency romantic mystery
• A Consuming Love, a Pride and Prejudice Regency novella
• Captive Hearts, a Persuasion Regency variation

Kelly’s blog page is found at www.kellymiller.merytonpress.com, her Twitter handle is @kellyrei007, Instagram: kelly.miller.author, TikTok: @kellymillerauthor, and she is on Facebook. You can also visit her Amazon Author Page and Goodreads Author Page 

Buy Links 

A Dutiful Son is available to buy now in Paperback, Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. 

• Universal Amazon Link • Amazon US • Amazon UK • Add to Goodreads shelf

Giveaway Time 

Meryton Press are giving away an ebook of A Dutiful Son for every stop of this blog tour. To enter, leave a comment on this blog tour by the end of the day worldwide on Thursday 27 October. Please ensure that you include your name in your post so I can announce your name if you’ve won. 

If you have any problems adding your comment please contact me and I will add your comment for you :)

 

Blog Tour Schedule 

Check out the other blog tour stops for more chances to win and to learn more about the book.

October 18 - My Jane Austen Book Club

October 19 - My Vices and Weaknesses

October 20 - From Pemberley to Milton

October 21 - Babblings of a Bookworm

October 24 - Interests of a Jane Austen Girl

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