Book Within a Book

A Happy Friday to Everyone!

I am fortunate to be winding up the first week here at Austen Variations.

Pirates and Prejudice CoverFor those of you who don’t know me, I have written eight books based on Pride and Prejudice –  Assumed Engagement, Assumed Obligation, Master Under Good Regulation, Drive and Determination, Darcy’s Voyage, Only Mr. Darcy Will Do, Pemberley Celebrations, and my most recent, Pirates and Prejudice, which was published last year. I began writing in 2001 and thoroughly enjoy the writing process.

I want to give you a little excerpt today from my WIP variation. Its working title is Mr. Darcy’s Rival, but that may change. In this excerpt, which takes place at Rosings, Elizabeth has determined to get to know Anne de Bourgh better, trying to reconcile this young lady as the one Mr. Darcy is supposedly going to marry. In addition to Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, there also is a nephew on the de Bourgh side of the family, a son of Sir Lewis de Bourgh’s  sister. His name is Matthew Rickland and he has taken quite an interest in Miss Bennet.

I shall have a question for you to discuss at the end. It will not be what you expect at all.

An Excerpt from my WIP ~

“Come in,” Lady Catherine’s voice echoed in the large room.”

The party took their seats about the room. Mr. and Mrs. Collins entered first, taking the seats next to Lady Catherine, which put Charlotte next to Mr. Rickland. Maria sat on the other side of him, which left either a chair next to Mr. Darcy or next to Miss de Bourgh. Elizabeth decided she would sit next to Anne and see if she could engage the frail young lady again in conversation.

Conversations commenced with a spirited air amongst the different parties, which allowed Elizabeth the opportunity to speak with Miss de Bourgh.

“Will we see you at the musical soiree this Saturday?” Elizabeth asked.

The young girl looked at her with wide eyes, almost as if she was surprised she had been addressed.

She nodded slowly. “For a little while,” she said, almost sadly.

Elizabeth smiled. “I look forward to seeing you there. Do you enjoy music?”

Again she nodded. “I do, but I neither play nor sing.”

Elizabeth smiled sweetly. “But you have talent in other areas.”

Anne’s brows pinched together. “In other areas?”

Quill and JournalElizabeth pursed her lips together. “I am quite certain you excel in writing. You spend a great amount of time writing in your journal.”

Anne’s smile showed a hint of resignation. “I do enjoy it.”

Elizabeth leaned in towards her. “I would truly enjoy seeing how you describe something with your words. Your secret is safe with me.”

Anne’s eyes widened. “Oh, I could not.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “I promise not to laugh.”

Anne looked about her, as if to see whether anyone was listening. Once assured that no one was paying attention, she whispered very softly, “Miss Bennet, no one knows that I write… stories.”

“Truly?”

A blush painted Anne’s very pale cheeks and she nodded. “But I beg you not to say anything to anyone. My mother has not the faintest idea that I write such things, and she would be very upset if she found out. Only Mrs. Jenkinson knows, and she encouraged me because she feels I have a gift. She sent my stories off to her son in London, who has published two of them.”

Elizabeth had never seen the young lady so animated. She could not believe what she had been told. She looked up and saw Mr. Darcy’s eyes upon them, his brow narrowed. Perhaps he was concerned that she was tainting his intended’s mind with tales of living in a lowly, country neighbourhood of little significance.

She leaned in to Miss de Bourgh. “What type of stories do you write? Are they children’s stories?”

Anne shook her head, her blush growing deeper. “No, I write love stories. But they are not published under my name. I could never…”

Elizabeth reached over and took her hand. “I have never met an author! I am delighted with your accomplishment! Would you tell me what name your books are published under? I would love to read one, and I promise not to give away your secret.”

Anne’s brows knit together. “I do not know if I should…”

“Of what are you speaking?” Lady Catherine’s voice boomed from the other side of Elizabeth, her fan slapping down into her palm.

Elizabeth turned. She did not know whether the great lady was addressing Anne or herself. After a moment of silence, Elizabeth decided to answer. “We were speaking about the musical soiree and how much Anne enjoys music.”

Lady Catherine narrowed her eyes. “She does, but unfortunately she does not play an instrument. She enjoys listening. You will play for us, Miss Bennet? I should like to hear you play again. You may play two songs for us.”

Elizabeth nodded. “I shall be happy to.” She gave a friendly nod to Anne, who returned it with a smile. She might turn out to be just the perfect wife for Mr. Darcy after all, she thought. He will enjoy many an evening in her company in silence whilst she writes. Oh, it shall be a happy union, indeed!

Elizabeth walked over to the pianoforte and began looking through the selection of music. Mr. Rickland was soon by her side, assisting her in her choice. Colonel Fitzwilliam then came and stood on the other side of her.

“Since I am to play two pieces,” Elizabeth said, “you each may pick one out. But I do have the option of refusing your selection if I deem it too difficult.”

Elizabeth suddenly felt someone come and stand behind her. She knew from the look on Mr. Rickland’s face that it was Mr. Darcy.

She turned her head slightly towards him, noticing his arms were folded across his chest. “Did you come all this way to select a piece of music for me to play, Mr. Darcy? I fear your aunt has allowed me only two pieces and I had already asked Mr. Rickland and Colonel Fitzwilliam to select them.” She sent him a remorseful look.

“I trust that whatever pieces of music they select, you will play them quite well, Miss Bennet.”

Elizabeth turned to Mr. Rickland with a smile. “Mr. Darcy would have you believe I am more proficient at playing than I truly am and can play anything handed to me.”piano keys

“Here is a favourite of mine,” Mr. Rickland announced, handing her Pleyel’s Sonatina in D Major.

“And may we hear you play this?” asked Colonel Fitzwilliam. It was Haydn’s Sonata in G Major.

“I doubt that I shall be able to do these justice,” Elizabeth said apologetically. “But perhaps I can manage if I play them a little slower than written.” She moved to the pianoforte and sat down, flanked on either side by the two men. Darcy stood on the other side of the piano, looking across at her. She looked up at him. “Please do not flinch in any way when you hear my errors, Mr. Darcy. I know there shall be some, and fortunately I will not see the two men on either side of me when they grimace or shudder.”

“I shall do no such thing!” Rickland exclaimed. “I shall enjoy each note!”

“As will I, Miss Bennet,” Mr. Darcy assured her softly.

Elizabeth took in a deep breath and began. She played the first two pages rather slowly, but she soon felt confident in her fingering and sped up the tempo a little. She made several minor errors, but no one seemed to care, even Lady Catherine.

When she finished, she was rewarded with a soft applause and words of praise from those in the room.

Everyone was then rewarded with a delectable assortment of desserts to choose from and enjoy.

After they had finished, Lady Catherine casually looked towards the window and exclaimed, “It is nearing dusk. Mr. Collins, you ought to leave immediately in order to get everyone safely home before it is full dark. I am very attentive to these things.”

Mr. Collins shot up out of his chair and clasped his hands. “Yes! Yes! Of course, your ladyship.  Come, Charlotte, we shall not keep Lady Catherine any longer.” With a bow, he gestured for everyone in his party to stand, and he began walking out of the room.

As Elizabeth walked passed Anne, she whispered, “It was good talking with you, Anne.”

Anne smiled and reached out her hand. Elizabeth took it and realized she had been passed a small piece of paper. She looked down at Anne with a question on her lips, but Anne shook her head.

Elizabeth nodded knowingly. Immediately realizing that Anne did not want her to look at it in front of everyone, she slipped it into Bookher pocket.

When Elizabeth finally repaired to her room after their return to Hunsford, she pulled out the slip of paper. On it was written a name, Andy Berg.

*~*~*

This story is fairly well established in my mind as to the direction it’s going to go. But… in it, Elizabeth gets her hands on a novel that Anne de Bourgh has written under the name Andy Berg. She discovers that it is the story of her and Darcy growing up with the understanding that they are promised to each other in marriage. It is not a major plot in my novel, but it is certainly a part of it.

I am going to include small tidbits of Anne’s novel in my novel, but thought I would write out the novel here for you. And here is where you come in.

The first chapter will be when Anne and Darcy are very young. Of course they don’t understand the full meaning of their being promised to each other, but how do you think each of them would act towards the other? What was Anne like as a young girl? Had she been ill yet, or was she healthy and strong and lively? Was Darcy a typical rambunctious little boy, or was he well-mannered because of his strict upbringing? At this point, I don’t want your thoughts about them as they get older, but just as young children.

And what would be a good title for Anne’s story. I had thought either Intended to Love or The Intended Cousin, but what do you think?

Oh, and one more thing: Anne’s novel is fiction and has a very surprising ending, which will come to play in my novel as Elizabeth reads it.

Let me know your thoughts!

95 comments

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    • Sophia Rose on January 31, 2014 at 1:03 am
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    Great idea! I love the idea of a novel about their growing up years. I think Darcy was a scamp and Anne was rather buttoned up. I think they would have played nice in front of the parents and detested each other when away from the watchful gaze of the adults. Not good at titles so I’ll leave that part alone.

    Thanks for asking! Loved the excerpt by the way.

    1. Thanks so much for your fun thoughts, Sophia! I’m so eager to see what people think!

  1. Hmm…I disagree. I think that as children, before Anne gets sick, she is a lively and fun-loving soul and Darcy is rambunctious around her (she brings that out in him), but is well-mannered in front of adults. Some of his most enjoyable times growing up would be running around with his spirited young cousin. Adding to that, I would make Anne’s descent into ill-health the turning point for both of them from childhood onto the path to adulthood, making both more serious and depriving them of innocent childhood pleasure.

    1. I see you have given much thought to this, MeriLyn! Thanks so much!

    • Katrin W on January 31, 2014 at 3:34 am
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    I love the idea of Anne writing a novel. I would picture Anne as a healthy child, but never recovering from some illness in her youth. And to their relationship to each other. I could picture well them liking each other like siblings, but finding the idea of marriage funny and strange.

    1. Thanks, Katrin! I agree that as children they would not know what to make of their marriage.

    • Lisa G. on January 31, 2014 at 3:50 am
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    I enjoyed this snippet of you new novel and look forward with delight to more. I like the title ‘the Intended Cousin’ or another suggestion is ‘A Cousins Promise’ I feel Anne was a shy retiring child, scared of her own shadow, could she be anything else with a mother like Lady Catherine, but Darcy and Col. Fitzwilliam felt sorry for her and did their best to bring her out of her shell. Anticipating more of the story. ~ L.G.

    1. I like that, Lisa – the cousins bringing her out in spite of her aunt! Thanks for your thoughts!

  2. I love reading the excerpt. I never picture Anne as an author so I think it’s original for P&P fiction in my opinion. But then I don’t visit JAFF sites so I would not know whether it has been done before.

    I imagine Anne to be active and healthy when she was young and Darcy to be a bit button up in front of his parents. But with friends of his age, he can be playful. I think they get the idea what is like to be married and totally open to it because both sides of their family agreed to it. Of course they don’t know what married love is until they reach puberty and adulthood.

    1. I hope the thought of Anne being a novelist is a novel idea! 🙂 And I love your thoughts, thanks!

    • Leslie on January 31, 2014 at 7:21 am
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    I agree with LisaG – that Anne was always withdrawn. On visits to Pemberley she was intimidated by George Wickham, and championed by her stalwart cousin Darcy. Looking forward to reading it!
    Darcy’s Voyage was the first P&P variation I ever read, and now I’m hooked on the genre.

    1. Thanks so much, Leslie! I had not even considered how Wickham cold play into her visits to Pemberley. Hmmmm!

    • Cyn209 on January 31, 2014 at 7:43 am
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    so excited that there are books from you to look forward to!!!!

    1. Thanks, Cyn! So glad you are excited about it!

  3. as Darcy is a first born he will be a serious child – reflective and contemplative. Not that he won’t play, but it will be as a thoughtful processing personality. Dr Lehman’s book on birth order will be helpful in creating accurate characteristics for each.

    Your title options are great.

    Liking the plot and look forward to reading more… thx for sharing Kara Louise 😉

    1. Thanks, Sharon! Love your birth order book suggestion. I am a very typical second born/middle child!

  4. I like Intended Love

    1. Thanks for your input! 🙂

  5. Thanks for the excerpt, Kara! This was a nice little teaser. Looking forward to reading your story when it’s complete.
    I like that Anne is an author, and I can see her story paralleling the events that will unfold in your story and the two stories happening simultaneously. Sounds like a great premise you have.

    1. Thanks, Jakki! Now the way I’ve written the main story, Anne’s story doesn’t come in to play right away. But once it does, and Elizabeth is reading it, she will see more about who Darcy really is!

      1. Loved the excerpt and can’t wait for the finished novel. Great idea of Anne being a novelist. I think both children were a bit reserved but close. I think Darcy and Fitzwilliam would have helped and protected Anne.

    • BeckyC on January 31, 2014 at 9:36 am
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    I love seeing Anne with personality. Thank you for the peak at your WIP. I see Anne and Darcy as rambunctious playmates, but proper for the adults. For Anne’s book, how about simply, Intended Love?

    1. Thanks for your thoughts, Becky! I like to think that Anne had some personality, as well, and thanks for the title suggestion!

    • RosannaK on January 31, 2014 at 9:57 am
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    Anne as a secret and published writer is delightful Kara. I envision Anne as being involved in all the childish mischief available to her when in company with Darcy and her other cousins. I like your title choices, but prefer one with the word “promise” included.

  6. Thanks for your thoughts about Anne and the title, Rosanna! Right now I’m open to anything and everything! 🙂

    • anne on January 31, 2014 at 10:23 am
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    Thanks for the excerpt which captivated my interest. I look forward to enjoying this greatly. Best wishes.

    1. Thanks, Anne! I’m about half-way through my WIP.

    • Sheila L. M. on January 31, 2014 at 10:30 am
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    Kara, I am so excited to see you on this site. I only discovered Austen Authors and The Darcy Brothers a little over a week ago. I worked full time until recently and didn’t do much exploring of sites while working. And I am finding it is dangerous to my getting much else done…LOL. Am only now going back & putting in reviews on books I have read. I have 6 of your books and have read all or parts repeatedly, I am wondering why I don’t have the other 2. I will go on Amazon and look into that. Abigail recommended you to me when I sent her an e-mail. I have about 90 books in this JAFF genre.

    Now to this excerpt: it already has me hooked. Having worked with children as a profession and having three of my own with 2 grandchildren, I favor Anne and Darcy being fairly normal in health and interactions while young. Even if she is to be sickly, all children want to join in the action while in their youth and dare to take chances. I would see Anne developing health problems closer to puberty and at the same time coming more under her own mother’s scrutiny. Lady Catherine does not seem to have prejudices against outside walks so possibly Anne was allowed to play outside with Col. Fitzwilliam and/or Darcy when they came to visit. Darcy would always be the protective one and would monitor any mischief suggested by Richard. And I would allow Darcy some adventure as a child: intelligent children do like to observe and explore. BIRTH ORDER: not all children follow those descriptions. My children agree with me that my second born acts just like the first born roles described. And my first and second are only 2.5 yrs. apart. I like the Intended Love title.

    1. Thanks, Sheila. So glad you found us and that you have enjoyed my books. I think Anne would not be a typical only child, which I think is addressed in the birth order book. But I love reading everyone’s thoughts. It is certainly inspiring to the muse!

    • C. Allyn Pierson on January 31, 2014 at 10:32 am
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    I have always felt that Anne was sick from birth, and I think a congenital heart defect would explain why she is small, thin and insignificant in appearance. There is no mention of any deformities, such as would have occurred if she developed childhood rheumatoid arthritis. If this is the case she would have had to develop it early enough to affect her growth and development to make her small and sickly looking as an adult. I suppose she could have had rheumatic fever and been left with a dicky heart. I wouldn’t expect another infectious disease to have long-term consequences (since it is unlikely that she has been out of England to catch Malaria or that she had congenital syphilis brought into the family by her father- I’m sure Lady Catherine would not allow it!)

    Can’t wait to see it, Kara Louise!!!

    1. Thanks, Carey! I think I’ll need to consult you when it comes to Anne’s issues, although her small frame may just be a hereditary thing. I agree with you that a heart defect may account for the way she is, but I think I want her to have some fun when she is young. Thanks for your thoughts!

  7. For the society in which these children would grow up, would they not be with nannys and have limited contact with the parents? They would be expected to show proper deference to adults. Just cannot see the elder Mr Darcy giving Fitzwilliam horsie back rides. If that is the scenario, they would be reserved around adults and the conversations about marriage would go over their heads and be of little consequence to them.

    Lady Catherine as a doting mother?? I think that a healthy rompish Anne would be a pawn from the beginning. “They are formed for each other” was probably spouted regularly in their hearing but with no meaning to the children. Their interests would be toys, games, and treats.

    One thing they would be aware of is the special treatment and attention Fitzwilliam receives as heir. I would imagine he was watched carefully, especially by the held-responsible nannys, and not allowed as much freedom as the other children. This would cause a natural tendency for the children to go about their rambunctious games and Fitzwilliam left to the periphery. After awhile, patterns like this could be set. I could see, If Wickham was allowed to participate, he would take advantage of the situation, baiting Darcy knowing he cannot respond without chastisement by the nannys. No fighting for Darcy – he might get hurt.

    Anne may have seen this trend and tried to engage Darcy, but she is a girl! Would Darcy risk teasing about being friends with a girl? Their interactions would be limited to times when separate from others. At those times I would like to think they got along famously.

    Would hope Anne is forbidden activity after a childhood illness and will improve when allowed more physical activity and off meds.

    LOL. May be waay off and very wordy, but there you are!

    A great start! I especially like ‘The Intended Cousin” as a title.

  8. Thanks, Dave! It’s interesting how I’m getting ideas as I read others’ ideas. I think Wickham would have teased Darcy ruthlessly, especially if Anne was plain. Thanks for your thoughts.

  9. First let me say that I’ve been a fan of your writing since your first story in 2001. I remember eagerly antipating each new chapter posted and still have Pemberley’s Promise in a 3-ring binder in a drawer in my bedroom. I’ve read all your stories and am delighted to see the new novel in progress above!

    I see Anne as a shy child because of the domineering and overprotective mother, who may have at some early point caused Anne’s poor health by overmedicating her for a simple illness and continued the medicating her and thus causing the downward spiral of her health and growth. But I’m not a medical doctor or nurse so don’t even know if this would be a possible result of that.

    I see Darcy as an inquisitive and active boy, but also very aware of his manners and demeanor when with adults. I see him actively participating in all things Richard and Wickham instigate, although stopping at dangerous or malicious activities. I see him being very protective of his cousin Anne and maybe hanging back to make sure she’s not left alone while Richard and George go off to roughhouse. I don’t think Anne nor Darcy have any real idea of what it means to be “intended” for marriage at first. They don’t understand until they approach puberty, and then I think Darcy would want to avoid thinking about it and Anne might be looking forward to it because she remembers how kind her cousin Darcy has always been to her and her need to get away from her domineering mother. But I think by this time in her life (late 20’s) she understands that marriage to Darcy would be horrible for him and would sacrifice her happiness for his.

    Can’t wait to read this – and I like both titles. You choose what you like best.

    1. Thanks for your kind comments! Doesn’t it seem like 2001 was so long ago? I so appreciate your thoughts about Anne and Darcy!

    • Elaine L. Tibbs on January 31, 2014 at 11:59 am
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    Hi Kara, this is a good thought for your new book. I think Fitzwilliam and Anne were like brother and sister. Teasing and fighting. Happy to be children.

    1. I’m glad you like the idea for the book, Elaine. Thanks for your thoughts! Hopefully they were allowed to be children occasionally!

    • Vesper Meikle on January 31, 2014 at 12:04 pm
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    I can’t imagine anything changing between Darcy and Anne as they would be too young to care.
    Unless we find out if anything had happened to Anne as she grew up I still imagine her as a scared mouse as a child especially in the presence of her mother. It all depends who else is in her life. I am going to presume that Darcy was a typical boy as he grew up – but still well-mannered. .

    Another title could be ‘ My Own Love’

    1. Thanks, Vesper! It’s interesting to hear everyone’s thoughts on these to as youngsters! Thanks for the title suggestion, too!

  10. If you are including the 10+ age, Fitzwilliam may be watching his parent’s interactions. If he sees both his parents rolling their eyes at Lady Catherine’s plotting rants and not responding, that may set up in his early mind, that is the way to deal with his aunt. Listen and then ignore just like his parents did long ago.

    1. So very true! Or maybe ‘one’ of his parents rolling their eyes. And we know which one that would be!

      1. Only one rolling their eyes?…… Yes!

        I am always troubled by the assumption in most JAFF that Lady Anne wasn’t in on the matchmaking of Anne and Darcy. Why wouldn’t she be a snobbish social climber like her big sister? I can very well see these two daughters of an Earl making plans to join the Darcy money with the Fitzwilliam title. Maybe Darcy wouldn’t view his mother in this way, but I’m not convinced the plan was only hatched in Lady Catherine’s head. Seems very reasonable to me that these two sisters would have that discussion.

        Was Lady Anne a woman in love with her husband or was that the assumption of her young son? Maybe she doted on Fitzwilliam and only tolerated her very rich husband. Do we really know for sure? Darcy’s interpretation was that of a young boy who loved his mother. Not necessarily unbiased.

          • Sheila L. M. on January 31, 2014 at 3:58 pm
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          I have read different viewpoints in JAFF stories. Lady Ann is in on it in some stories. And then some do have Darcy’s parents in love, others write that it was one-sided while one even has Georgina as the child of a lover! Not all depict that the parents set a good example. Then there are books which do have Anne & Darcy accepting that their parents planned this while others have it only in Lady Catherine’s mind. There is one other book which has Anne as an author but I can’t remember which of my many books it is. One book even has Lady Catherine’s husband in love with Ann Darcy so Lady C.names her daughter after the sister so her husband can have those regrets every time he looks at her. With so many JAFF stories I am sure we can find every viewpoint if we search.

  11. Wonderful excerpt, Kara!! The exchange between Elizabeth and Anne about music and writing was so lovely…I could see it happening 😉 . And, fwiw, I really liked the title “Intended to Love.”

  12. Thanks, Marilyn! So glad you enjoyed it!

    • Kari S on January 31, 2014 at 2:36 pm
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    I have to say that I like the stories where all of the cousins get into mischief as children. So, I would like to see this charasteristic in Ann and Darcy. Their changes don’t come until later in life when life becomes more complicated. I do like stories where Ann and Elizabeth become friendly, so I happy that you are going in that direction. Can’t wait to see where you are going with this story… 🙂

  13. Thanks, Kari! There are so many directions to go, and it’s fun to imagine that as children they did have fun and even liked each other!

    • Deborah on January 31, 2014 at 3:03 pm
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    I actually think the title might be better as Intended to Marry. I think Darcy should be a rambunctious young man as all children are but with good manners and consideration for others as well as being a empathetic. Anne should be an active young girl who has not yet been I’ll. I like the excerpt and the fact that Anne’s talent is writing. thank you for sharing that with us.

    1. Thanks, Deborah, for your toughts on what they were like as children and for the title suggestion!

    • schilds on January 31, 2014 at 3:39 pm
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    I love this idea for a story. I like seeing Anne as a true character and not just as the sickly cousin. I think your title of The Intended Cousin is pretty good. Can’t wait to read more.

    1. Thanks so much! I hope ‘both’ stories will be enjoyed by everyone.

    • Karen on January 31, 2014 at 4:01 pm
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    I think Anne was a healthy but shy girl. Since she was an only child, she probably had limited interaction with other children her own age, except when she was with Fitzwilliam and Darcy. Lady Catherine would never have permitted her to interact with nearby children from the “lower sphere” of society. Holidays with her cousins were some of her fondest memories; moments when she didn’t have to perform to meet her mother’s exacting standards or be under her governess’s strict discipline. Fitzwilliam would find mischief, and his two quieter cousins went along with it. Darcy was kind to Anne, and Darcy became the protective brother she never had. Her father was a mitigating influence on Lady Catherine and made light of the supposed engagement between the cousins. Anne’s world suddenly shifted upon her father’s death and her own weakened condition from contracting diphtheria. This disease left her heart damaged and her muscles weakened. Lady Catherine became more controlling and overprotective after losing her husband and almost losing Anne as well.

  14. Well I see you have thought a lot about it. Thanks for your detailed ideas! These are almost as fun as reading a story! Thanks, Karen!

    • Carole in Canada on January 31, 2014 at 4:37 pm
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    What a great excerpt! I like the idea of a novel within a novel. It’s no surprise that Anne writes as she has been so dominated by her mother throughout her life. As a young child, I think she would have rebeled against the confines of her up-bringing and joined in the adventures that Darcy and the Colonel got into. They would have been close and loved being together not truly understanding what ‘promised for each other’ really meant. She would have been frustrated that the boys had more freedom and more opportunities than she would ever have. But I see her trying to at least have her share even if they were very small. I see Darcy trying to help in that regard as well. All this before she fell ill and was smothered even more by her mother…not allowing her much interaction after that with her cousins in case they brought in any ‘germs’ to infect her further.

    Yes, I really like this concept and can’t wait to read the book! Knowing how much I enjoyed ‘Only Mr. Darcy Will Do’ and ‘Darcy’s Voyage’, this will be delight as well.

    As to the tilte of Anne’s book, I like ‘The Intened Cousin’ only because I think a publisher during that time would be inclined towards it. I do like the other as well

    1. Glad you like the concept, Carole! I like everyone’s thoughts that Anne would get drawn into adventures with her cousins! So glad you enjoyed OMDWD and DV! Thanks!

    • Nicole L on January 31, 2014 at 5:20 pm
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    Oh what a fun idea! I love Anne as a novelist – how daring of her!

    The idea of a playful young Darcy, a regular little boy, always appeals to me. But of course he’d be protective of his cousin Anne. I never imagine the idea of being promised would enter into young Carcy’s mind – but it would Anne’s (because her mother is the one constantly reminding her of it!). I like to imagine young Anne as a little more lively than she is portrayed in P&P, but perhaps still quite sheltered and not allowed to do much – even though she’d really like to!

    Looking forward to this new work of yours… OMDWD is one of my favourite variations!

  15. Thanks, Nicole! So glad you like OMDWD! And it seems like the odds are in favor of Anne being a bit more lively (at least when around her cousins!). I think that would make a more fun story, anyway!

    • Wanda Pompey on January 31, 2014 at 5:53 pm
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    I like the title “The Promise Without Consent” or just “The Promise.” Whatever the title, it will be well worth the read!

    1. Thanks, Wanda. I hope both books will be worth the read! 🙂

    • NovElla on January 31, 2014 at 6:57 pm
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    I’d love to read more about Miss de Bourgh; I always wonder what else Austen had in mind for her character.

    Based on Mrs. Reynolds, I think Mr. Darcy was definitely a well-mannered, thoughtful boy.

    1. I think most of us want to know more about Jane Austen’s characters. And we all have our own ideas, don’t we? But yes, we need to base what we write on what Jane told us. Thanks goodness for Mrs. Reynolds! 🙂

    • Nancy Dworak on January 31, 2014 at 7:17 pm
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    I picture Darcy as a protector of Anne when they were children. I picture Anne teasing Darcy when no one is around. As for the titlei like Best Friends.

    1. Thanks, Nancy. I think that being a protector would have been one of Darcy’s admirable traits.

    • Stephanie L on January 31, 2014 at 8:10 pm
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    I don’t like Intended to Love much. Love was never a consideration of the “intent”. Intended for something, but not love. I see Anne being a happy but reserved child whose health and demeanor deteriorates as her body grows and taxes her heart. Darcy and Fitzwilliam being fun cousins and playing with her until she no longer could. Of course as time went on and they got more understanding of the marriage intent, it would have put a strain on the relationship and changed the way they interacted. I like Anne and Elizabeth being friends. Anne would have female insights into Darcy from WAY back that no one else would.

    1. Hi Stephanie! I wasn’t thrilled with the title, either, that’s why I asked for suggestions. I think as the got older and really did understand, it would have had to affect Darcy and Anne’s relationship. Thanks for your input!

        • Stephanie L on February 2, 2014 at 3:06 pm
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        It could even be a very simple “Intended”.

    • Christa on January 31, 2014 at 9:12 pm
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    Oh, I am so excited to know that there is more of this story to come. What a great tale. To answer your questions, I like “The Intended cousins”. As for their early years I in vision Ann being very out going, and Darcy reserved, quiet, rather a proper child. Ann is always coaxing him to run and play and do other things besides riding his ponies. She wants to swim, climb trees and catch butterflies, and he constantly reminds her that a proper lady does not do such things.
    Thank you so much for all of your wonderful books.

    1. I think yours is the first comment to have Anne the adventurous one enticing the reserved, quiet Darcy to come out of his shell. Very interesting! Thanks for your thoughts, Christa, and I’m thrilled you like my books! 🙂

    • TLeighF on January 31, 2014 at 9:27 pm
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    Thanks for that little glimpse into your new story. I can’t wait to read more! We know that Elizabeth is going to learn more about Darcy’s nature from the book, so it should show a caring, honest side of him. I don’t think either Anne or Darcy would have been dramatically different than how they are now… Anne was probably always overpowered by her mother and Darcy was probably always serious (I imagine him quite competitive and athletic, too). Clearly Anne is a romantic and Darcy, too, or he would have married her already if he only cared about duty. So maybe in the story Anne and Darcy talk about marrying for love but agree to not say anything to their mothers because they don’t want to upset them. Or maybe they agree that neither would marry until the other had met their true love. I think this would show Elizabeth a side of Darcy that would surprise her. The title could be “Intended from Birth” to echo what Lady C says about it. Thanks for letting us all imagine with you!

    1. And thank you for imagining with me! This has been so much fun and I have so much to consider. Your idea is very interesting about them agree to not marry until both had found love. And thanks for the title suggestion!

    • Deborah on January 31, 2014 at 9:30 pm
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    Earlier today I said Anne was healthy. Somewhere between the ages of 8 & 11 dhr contracted Scarlet Fever. That would have caused health issues as well as heart problems.

    1. Deborah, I don’t believe Jane Austen ever told us any details about her illness. If that’s in Pride and Prejudice, I would love to know… (I have been known to miss things) or was that in another book you read?

    • Liz Castillo on January 31, 2014 at 9:34 pm
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    Thanks for the lovely tidbit from your WIP; I cannot wait to read more. I am loving the premise and cannot wait to see how it unfolds. And any time there is a little competition for Elizabeth`s attention is always agreeable to me.

    Thanks,
    Liz

    1. You excitement is contagious, Liz! Thanks for leaving your comments!

    • Gabriela V on January 31, 2014 at 9:53 pm
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    It will be interesting to see how Lizzy learns about Darcy through Anne’s book.

    • Gabriela V on January 31, 2014 at 9:58 pm
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    I love stories where Darcy has a rival

    1. Thanks for your ‘two’ comments. 🙂 I hope you’ll enjoy the story!

    • Kathy on February 1, 2014 at 1:27 am
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    Wow so many good ideas. You could probably write several versions of what you’re planning! I guess I would agree with those who think Lady C was always an overbearing mother and so Anne probably was always somewhat shy and timid as a result. Anne probably enjoyed getting to interact with her cousins since she was probably very isolated from other children and acquaintances growing up. I would have guessed even if she hadn’t been actually ill, her mother would have been smothered her and kept her cooped up at the slightest sign of any weakness. I would also have imagined Anne would have been a fairly good reader if she decided to become an author. Maybe that’s something she and Darcy would have in common as youngsters?

    I would have thought that Darcy would have always been somewhat serious but that he had a sense of fun before he grew up. Though he might have been somewhat socially awkward without his own siblings to play with and only the alarmingly naughty George Wickham around.

    As for a title, I’d imagine something like “An Engagement of a Peculiar Kind.” (ha ha)

  16. Thanks, Kathy, for your insightful suggestions! I love that they were both readers! And I kind of like your title. 🙂

    • Anji on February 1, 2014 at 11:42 am
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    Hi. I really liked the extract I’ve just read. All of you have very good ideas and I’m almost afraid to submit mine!

    However, here goes. In my mind, supposing them to be of roughly similar ages, Fitzwilliam (I always think of him as Will but not Fitz), Anne and all the other cousins got on very well as children. They played together in a very lively fashion whenever their families got together, including George Wickham whenever this occurred at Pemberley. Georgiana, being so much younger, wouldn’t be part of the group. I can imagne Will, George and Anne being ringleaders in any mischief. The birth of Will’s sister and the eventual death of his beloved mother would have had a sobering effect on him, starting him down the road to the Fitzwilliam Darcy we know now.

    Now for what may be the controversial bit! We all know what George Wickham eventually becomes. At the point in the extract above, we know nothing yet about his attempted seduction and elopement with Georgiana – assuming it has taken place in this version. If it hasn’t, or even if it has, could he have attempted something smilar with Anne, while at Pemberley, for her (presumably) even larger fortune as heiress to Rosings. I wouldn’t go as far as sexual intimacy between them but they could be caught in a “compromising” situation, with it being obvious that Anne was reluctant to go ahead. That could explain her withdrawal into herself and why she wouldn’t want to go ahead with a loveless marriage. Her penning of a love story could also be explained by this as her idealising what she wants for herself.

    As to possible titles, I’ve just re-read the scene where Lady Catherine confronts Elizabeth about the rumour of her engagement to Will. This leads me to make a couple of suggestions; “An Engagement of a Peculiar Kind” and “Whilst in Their Cradles”.

    Just one thing bothers me, though. I appreciate why it’s been used but was Andy in use as a name, or diminutive, in Regency times? I’ve tried to look it up but only been able to trace it as far back as 1880.

  17. First of all, I thought of the ‘Andy’ issue, and haven’t had the time to check into its usage. There are other options. 🙂 Your thoughts about Wickham are definitely unique and I think Will’s issues with his mother’s death would indeed have a sobering effect on him. Thanks so much for your thoughts!

    • Deborah on February 1, 2014 at 1:52 pm
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    Sorry if I made it seem that Jane Austen said it was scarlet fever…she did not. I should’ve said…it could’ve been. Scarlet fever was usually fatal, but if one survived they had serious heart problems and my age was wrong…I should’ve said between 6 & 8. Also,my reasoning for Anne being active is I would gess her father was alive and encouraged his only girl to be a little adventurous much to his wife’s mortification. Unfortunately after Anne’s death her mother took over.and was herself. I agree that after Darcy’s mother’s death he probably would’ve become more serious and even somber.

    1. Thanks for clearing that up, Deborah! 🙂 I also like the idea that her father may have been more affectionate and allowed her more freedom than her mother did, especially after he died.

    • Patricia Finnegan on February 1, 2014 at 4:19 pm
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    Love Only Mr. Darcy will Do and Pirates and Prejudice!

    1. Thanks so much, Patricia! Hope you will enjoy this one, too!

    • Lauren King on February 1, 2014 at 6:31 pm
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    I look forward to finding out about Anne de Burg in this novel. That is a interesting twist that she is a right and the surname is witty and I’m sure Lizzy smiled when she read it. As for as the title of Andy Berg’s book, that is a great question. I like both of your suggestions or maybe “Unintended love”?

    1. Glad you like the idea, Lauren. And cute title! Thanks for stopping by!

  18. This is an absolutely fabulous concept, Kara!

    1. Thanks, Regina! I have really enjoyed all the input!

    • Agnes on February 9, 2014 at 9:08 am
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    Anne writing and publishing a novel is an excellent idea, and I look forward to read more of “her” creation, as well as your story when it will become available. Since Anne clearly is intelligent and thinking independently in this story, I prefer to think of her as being healthy as a child. Others have mentioned several medical conditions that could occur in her childhood, but I also like the possibility that Lady Catherine’s overprotective and bossy treatment of her might have contributed to her illness (that is, she has the opportunity to get better with a more active and heathy lifestyle… perhaps she has anemia and the medical practice of bleeding makes it worse?)
    Thank you for sharing this story!

  19. Thanks so much for your thoughts, Agnes! I’m glad you like the idea of an intelligent Anne, and I like your comments about her illness. Thanks for sharing!

    • Cindy on February 10, 2014 at 1:22 pm
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    I kind of like the idea of Wickham playing some awful prank on Anne, that causes her to fall ill or perhaps intentionally harming her… I prefer to see her not as ill forever, but as withdrawn. I love the stories in which she grows bold and stronger with the help of her friends. That said, I love this idea. That she could paint the picture of Darcy for Elizabeth in her writing, and that Elizabeth begins to see him for who he is. I hope that if Anne’s novel is a love story, that it reveals a love of hers that isn’t Darcy or perhaps it foreshadows a love for Darcy, what she wants to see for him – you know, an impertinent country miss. 😉

    1. Wow, Cindy! That is a novel thought, having Wickham somehow involved! Very interesting! Thanks for sharing!

    • Joy King on March 17, 2014 at 6:53 pm
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    For Anne to have the spunk to write when she knew her Mother would have apoplexy, she must have been a real pistol before she got sick.

    How about “Intended from Infancy” or Betrothed from Birth” or “Matrimonial Mischief”. Actually, it doesn’t matter as I already know I will enjoy both books in one.

    By the way, Master Under Regulation made me cry happy tears at the end. Have read Pirates and DVD several times. I love your character development! Love, love, love.

      • Kara Louise on March 17, 2014 at 9:44 pm
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      Thanks, Joy! You may have seen that I just posted the first chapter today here, entitled it “A Peculiar Engagement.” So glad you’ve enjoyed my books!

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