Jane Austen’s Jewel Box – new stories by Jane Odiwe

$(KGrHqF,!lEFJn4fv)cDBScNWDZ9i!~~60_57 It’s so exciting to be part of a new blog with its emphasis on writing, and as part of the celebrations I wanted to bring you some new stories. Collectively, I’ve called them Jane Austen’s Jewel Box – I’d love to know what you think! This came about because I love jewellery, and I think the Georgian and Regency period jewellery is especially beautiful. My idea is to write a collection of stories – every one will be inspired by one of Jane’s books and a piece of jewellery – the first is entitled – Elizabeth Darcy’s Ring, and other titles include Emma Knightley’s Earrings, Elinor Ferrars’s Brooch, Catherine Tilney’s Bracelet and so on, as well as writing a piece about Jane Austen herself. I haven’t quite decided how long each one will be because I’m very much a ‘do it as I go along’ writer, but as far as I’m concerned that’s part of the fun.
So, here is the beginning of my first story or novella – Elizabeth Darcy’s Ring.

Jane Austen’s Jewel Box
Elizabeth Darcy’s Ring – Jane Odiwe

Longbourn House, Hertfordshire – 16th December 1812

janefrontdoor‘My dear, you are determined to vex me at every turn,’ said Mrs Bennet to her husband on the day before they were to travel to Pemberley House in Derbyshire. ‘I simply must know your opinion.’

Mr Bennet exhaled deeply from behind his newspaper. He preferred breakfast to be a quiet affair, but why he still had an expectation for such a fancy he had no idea. For the last four and twenty years he had listened to Mrs Bennet’s unceasing prattling, chittering, twittering and chatting. He considered that breaking his fast would have been a quieter occasion had he sat in Meryton High Street as the militia marched by with a full military band blaring the songs of the day. He looked coyly round the edge of his newspaper to see Mrs Bennet arrayed in a bandbox of jewels from a sparkling diadem on her head to several rows of necklaces around her neck and layers of bracelets jangling on her wrists.

‘I cannot help thinking that such old-fashioned jewels will be out of place at Pemberley,’ whined Mrs Bennet, ‘and I cannot decide which to wear for the ball. Ought I to wear the cut-steel or the diamond paste? Of course, Lizzy will be wearing the real thing – no paste for her!’

‘My father made the purchase of the cut-steel for my grandmother. They were made by Mr Matthew Boulton himself, were considered most desirable at the time and came all the way from the exotic midlands.’

‘Exotic! What are you talking about, my dear? I never heard Birmingham called anything so fanciful in my life.’ Mrs Bennet caught her husband’s expression and knew she ought to temper her outbursts. ‘Cut-steel is very pretty, to be sure, by candlelight, but I am afraid I shall look like a country bumpkin with neither taste nor fashion. Besides, I am to wear a very fine gown – Lizzy sent the silk herself – and I do want to look my best.’

Mr Bennet’s expression softened. Just occasionally, he saw a glimpse of the girl he’d married, the beauty who had stolen his heart. But he loved to tease.

‘Then the diamond paste will set you off a treat!’ he declared, quickly retreating behind his paper.

Upstairs, Miss Kitty Bennet heard all that was going on below with some amusement. She’d escaped the dining parlour as soon as she could, knowing what was about to transpire. Her own feelings about the coming ball were those of great excitement, spoiled only by the knowledge that her sister Lydia was not to share the momentous occasion. Pulling out Lydia’s last letter, she reread every word. At least Lydia did not seem so very upset that she’d been snubbed or at least, that was the impression she was trying very hard to give.

wickandlydia I know, Kitty dearest, that if Elizabeth were to have her way, she would have invited us, I am certain of it! Mr Darcy has NEVER liked my beloved Wickham, and if we’ve been snubbed, it’s HIS doing. Neglecting a sister will forever be on HIS conscience, if he has one, which I doubt. He can keep his WRETCHED ball – in any case, I daresay it will be a stuffed shirt sort of affair. I shall think of you all when I am surrounded by the handsome beaux of Newcastle on Saturday night at the assembly. Major Armstrong declared last week he has never seen such loveliness gracing the dance floor, and little Pickersnick, Wickie’s right-hand man, has quite stolen my heart. I never thought I should find another to take the place of Denny for flattering with ‘passione d’amore’ but he is the sweetest, most attentive little lap-dog. He blushes as scarlet as his coat whenever I look his way, and he is willing to do just anything I ask – even delivering my little notes to Captain Webb who is the most good-looking man of my acquaintance, and I declare, quite in love with me.

 Kitty put the letter away. Perhaps Lydia was not as sanguine as she tried to make out. She would have loved her sister to be with her at the ball – try as she might, she knew it just wouldn’t be as much fun without Lydia poking fun at all the Pemberley guests. Still, she was very pleased with her new gown and she couldn’t wait to wear it. It was laid on Lydia’s old bed – stiff, glazed muslin with a pink underskirt, the gown was embroidered on the hem and around the neckline. Her first really grown-up dress, a present from Elizabeth who knew her taste exactly. Lizzy had sent some muslin for sister Mary too, not that she was interested in clothes at all. Kitty decided Mary might have been more excited if she’d been sent a pile of books.

They were to travel to Pemberley that very morning and after stopping just one night at an inn along the way, they would be arrived at their destination the following afternoon. The Longbourn servants were already running hither and thither whilst Mrs Bennet emerged from the breakfast parlour flapping her arms like a demented bird, barking instructions, scolding her daughters and generally not being very useful to anyone. Mr Bennet disappeared into his favourite room and escaped into a book, ignoring the sounds without, until summoned that the carriage was ready.

‘Well, my dears, can there be anything more exciting than the prospect before us?’ said Mrs Bennet, settling herself in the carriage, arranging cushions behind her head and swaddling wraps around her knees to keep out the cold. ‘Just think, with good luck we may be attending two more weddings on our return.’

‘How so, Mrs Bennet?’ her husband queried.

‘Mary and Kitty, of course.’

Mr Bennet beamed at his daughters sitting opposite. ‘Whose weddings are you gracing with your presence, my dears?’

‘Oh, Mr Bennet!’ His wife looked at him in exasperation. ‘I am talking of their weddings – how can you be so obtuse?’

‘Are they engaged? Congratulations, Mary, congratulations Kitty – and all arranged without any inconvenience to myself. Mrs Bennet, I declare you are England’s greatest matchmaker.’

‘I declare you enjoy vexing me on purpose,’ Mrs Bennet replied, clamping her lips together and pointedly staring out of the window as they passed through Meryton and out onto the open road.

Mr Bennet merely winked at his daughters, opened his book and promptly fell asleep.

Pemberley, Derbyshire – 17th December 1812

2 Elizabeth Darcy was seated at her dressing table, deep in thought. Newly-wed, just a bride of four weeks, Elizabeth contemplated her reflection in the ancient looking-glass. The silver filigree mirror was flecked with tiny specks where the metal mercury at the back was worn away, giving her reflection and that of the room a dream-like quality. The scent of lavender, dust-sweet, rose from the drying flowers arranged in a Chinese bowl on the table near the window. Framed within the scallop shells and scrolls she saw the winter sunlight fall in dazzling bars across her Chippendale bed, sparkling on the grey satin of the rumpled counterpane, and glittering the silver thread on the embroidered panels. Soft depressions in the piles of pillows bore witness to the fact that the Darcys had not long risen, and Elizabeth felt the familiar pang of pleasure inside as she recollected last night’s passionate embraces in the arms of her beloved husband. This was, no doubt, her favourite room in the whole house. It was her very own, one of several rooms that Fitzwilliam Darcy had declared were to be her kingdom, for her sole use and pleasure. Her darling husband had his own suite of rooms but it was an infinite measure of delight to her that, as yet, he appeared to have no interest in sleeping in his own chamber.

Her new ring felt strangely unfamiliar on her finger. Fitzwilliam had given it to her last night. Lying in his arms, he’d dropped a kiss on the top of her head, and propping himself up on one elbow, he’d gazed at her so intently that she was almost unable to meet his eyes.

‘I didn’t think it was possible to love you any more than I do,’ he said pushing a handful of dark curls from her forehead and kissing her tenderly on the lips.

Reluctantly he pulled back again and Elizabeth watched his eyes flicker over her face, lingering over her reclining figure. Under his studied scrutiny, she held her breath hardly daring to move, as his mouth came down on hers again, kissing her so sweetly that she experienced a longing to be loved such as she’d never felt before.

‘I have something … just a trifle I wish to give you …’ he whispered.

Leaning away from her, she saw him feeling under the pillows before he drew out a small leather box.

‘Fitzwilliam!’ Elizabeth’s delight was plain to see. ‘But, this is too much coming on top of the beautiful necklace you gave me on our marriage.’

‘Nothing could be too much for my wonderful wife – besides, I must admit that I feel it absolutely necessary. As you know, my aunt will be here in the morning, and it will fall on you to entertain her whilst I am on business. And then there is the upcoming ball – you’ve had so much to do and organise. I just wanted to say how much I love and appreciate all you do.’

1 A large diamond encircled by sixteen smaller diamonds, set in a gold ring, winked at her from its velvet-lined box.

‘Oh, it is the most divine jewel I have ever seen! The diamonds are exquisite. Goodness, how many there are!’

‘Seventeen in total – one for each of the children we shall have.’

Elizabeth looked up in alarm at Mr Darcy’s serious expression. His looks were certainly sincere. Then just as the thought of the idea of seventeen children and all that would entail was sinking in she saw his mouth twitch in amusement, which set her off into peals of laughter, as his face changed with a teasing lop-sided grin.

‘Fitzwilliam, you are a rogue! For a moment I thought you were in earnest. My darling, I thank you, but I really do not need such extravagant gifts. Everything I do for you and for both of us, I do with pleasure and joy – I am the one who should be bestowing presents on you. My life and the time I spend with you is the treasure of my existence – you are the diamond of my days.’

He leaned forward to take her hand, placing the ring gently on her finger. Her hand was cold but his was warm to the touch, and she closed her fingers round his wrist relishing the heat. Instinctively, she lifted his hand to her cheek, and no more words were needed, as he held her so closely she could feel the drumbeat of his heart against her own.

Elizabeth felt she’d come home, she felt safe in his arms and knew nothing would ever come between her and the man she loved.

‘Fitzwilliam …’ she whispered. ‘I did not know … I never guessed that I could feel like this … that being together could be so heavenly.’

Mr Darcy smiled and pulled her closer still. ‘It can be even better.’

Elizabeth’s view through the window beyond her looking-glass was a scene from a picture book. Even on the greyest day in November, she thought she’d never seen anything quite to rival its beauty. Today in the sunshine, the copses to the east shimmered like veils of hazy blue gossamer, casting long shadows upon the golden hillsides. The Pemberley estate stretched endlessly before her, and there in the very middle of this rustic panorama she watched a horseman gallop into the distance. She would have recognised Fitzwilliam, had he been a dot on the horizon. He cut such a handsome and athletic figure, urging the horse on across the fields. Riding out with him was one of her greatest joys but today Mr Darcy was engaged on estate business, something she was getting used to after their wonderful honeymoon together where he had indulged her every whim.

There was a knock at the door.

‘Come in, Rebecca.’

Without knowing she did it, a small sigh escaped Elizabeth’s lips. She knew her maid was ready to dress her hair, and after that, Lady Catherine de Bourgh would be ready to receive her.

I hope you enjoyed the start – I’d love any feedback, and would love to know where you think the story will go next-even if I have my own ideas!

68 comments

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    • Sophia Rose on February 6, 2014 at 1:30 am
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    What a fantastic idea for each of the stories! I know I’m eager to see what you come up with.

    The beginning of Elizabeth’s ring sounds promising with so many possibilities since already it is know that the Bennets and Lady C. will be gracing the ball. Maybe Lizzy’s ring is lost and a love story of one of the sisters is wrapped around the event? There that’s best I can think up for where this story might be taking us.

    Thanks for sharing, Jane!

    • Jane Odiwe on February 6, 2014 at 3:34 am
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    Thank you Sophia Rose – I shan’t say a word – except to say that I love your ideas!

  1. I love the idea! And it’s a good way for me to explore a new side of this era, the jewellery!

    1. Loren, thank you-I’m glad you like the idea! I’ve got a lovely book on Georgian jewellery which inspired my writing- the jewellery is enough to make you drool!

    • Anji on February 6, 2014 at 5:21 am
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    I agree with Sophia – a fascinating way to link a series of stories. I’m looking forward to reading the rest, Jane.

    As Lady C is there, what about bringing in a bit of conflict with her? You haven’t said where the ring came from but if it was one formerly belonging to Lady Anne then, to make mischief, Maybe Lady C could claim it was intended either for herself, her daughter or Georgiana, especially as she doesn’t approve of Elizabeth’s marriage to her nephew?

    Sorry I can’t come up with anything better.

    1. Anji, I love your Lady Catherine idea! Yes, there simply has to be conflict with that redoubtable lady!!!

  2. Jane, what a unique and lovely idea for a series of stories. This is just so ‘you’ with your love of Georgian and Regency collections of things, from jewellery to accessories to drawings etc.

    This story was a beautiful beginning too – Mr and Mrs Bennet were just hilarious together! Look forward to reading more of this and the other new stories!

    Love the images too. 😀

      • Jane Odiwe on February 6, 2014 at 9:51 am
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      Thank you, Cassandra! I really enjoy writing scenes for Mr and Mrs Bennet!

    • Leslie on February 6, 2014 at 6:37 am
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    I like Anji’s idea, and I’m eager see the rest of the stories. Lovely idea…

      • Jane Odiwe on February 6, 2014 at 6:39 am
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      Thank you, Leslie-yes, there are some good ideas for me to play with!

    • Maggie Griscom on February 6, 2014 at 7:41 am
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    I love this idea! I watch the Jane Austen Gift Shop on a daily basis to look at the jewlery and the tea pots! Since Mrs. Bennet is concerned about here “paste”, maybe one of her pieces could resemble Elizabeth’s. A good start for Lady C to disrupt the household and force Darcy to confront her ladyship. Can’t wait for the others. Thank you for all of your lovely stories

      • Jane Odiwe on February 6, 2014 at 9:22 am
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      Maggie, I love the idea of Mrs B’s ‘paste’ jewellery resembling Elizabeth’s – lots of possibilities for mix-ups! Thank you for your kind comments.

    • Angela W on February 6, 2014 at 9:36 am
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    Oh I definitely see conflict coming, any time Lady Catherine is about, there is mischief and misery brewing!
    I love the idea of the jewelry box, and look forward to reading more!

      • Jane Odiwe on February 6, 2014 at 10:49 am
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      Thank you Angela-yes, plenty of mischief and misery!

  3. The picture of E & D in her bed was lovely. You can feel the tenderness they share with one another. And am looking forward to how this ball is going to come off with the Bennet’s, minus Lydia and Wickham, in full attendance. Looking forward to the rest of your story – and the other “gems” to follow.

    • Jane Odiwe on February 6, 2014 at 10:50 am
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    Loving the pun, Sheila-thank you for your lovely comments. I enjoyed thinking about the Darcys in bed very much, I must admit! ; )

  4. What a beautiful beginning, full of tenderness and promises – and full of laughter with Mr and Mrs Bennet too :). I can’t imagine where you are taking us, Jane, but as usual I know that the journey will be delightful!

    Thanks for a lovely post and looking forward to more!

      • Jane Odiwe on February 6, 2014 at 12:20 pm
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      Thank you, Joana-you are lovely to say so!

  5. What a brilliant idea for a set of stories! I love the tenderness you show between Darcy and Elizabeth, and that Mr. Bennet’s sardonic reflections were still touched by a bit of warm memories. Thanks for sharing this, Jane!

      • Jane Odiwe on February 6, 2014 at 12:21 pm
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      Thank you, Abigail – I’m so pleased that you like the idea. I really wanted to do something new and just for the blog-it’s such an exciting venture!

  6. The idea of connecting heroines’ love stories with pieces of jewellery is fascinating. I love this promising beginning and can’t wait to learn what happens next. Also the picture of the diamond ring is exquisite. How I wish I own that ring.

    • Jane Odiwe on February 6, 2014 at 12:22 pm
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    Luthien-how I wish that too! There’s something about old-cut diamonds that have a beauty that new ones don’t seem to share in quite the same way. Thank you for your lovely comments.

    • Vesper Meikle on February 6, 2014 at 12:58 pm
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    enjoyed reading this and look forward to more, especially with Lady Catherine

      • Jane Odiwe on February 6, 2014 at 1:52 pm
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      Thank you, Vesper-so pleased you enjoyed it!

  7. Brilliant idea, just brilliant! I love jewelry as well and could not be more delighted! I can’t wait to read all of them!

      • Jane Odiwe on February 6, 2014 at 1:52 pm
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      Thank you, Rita-I hope you’ll enjoy them all!

    • Deborah on February 6, 2014 at 2:33 pm
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    Loved the tenderness Darcy shows Elizabeth. It was an exauisite short piece and am looking forward to reading more. Perhaps there can be tension between Mrs. B and Lady C. The photo of the ring is beautiful.

      • Jane Odiwe on February 6, 2014 at 5:44 pm
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      Deborah-what a lovely idea. I’m sure Mrs B would be very easily upset by Lady C!

    • Cindy on February 6, 2014 at 3:16 pm
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    Lovely, and the ring in the picture is mouth watering! 🙂

      • Jane Odiwe on February 6, 2014 at 5:46 pm
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      Thank you, Cindy-the ring is lovely!

  8. What a fabulous concept for a story collection, Jane!
    I just love it 🙂 .
    And the first piece was…dare I say?…a treasure!!
    Thank you for sharing this with us!

      • Jane Odiwe on February 6, 2014 at 5:47 pm
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      Marilyn-thank you-love the pun! I enjoyed writing it very much.

    • Carole in Canada on February 6, 2014 at 5:35 pm
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    Great inspiration for writing these stories! I can just imagine Lady C seeing the ring and having a fit too! The dreaminess of the bedroom and Elizabeth’s thoughts were…dreamy. Being a fan of Kitty, getting her to see what is a true marriage is will help her realize and grow that Lydia’s behaviour is not ladylike. Love the pictures…what is the real name of the ‘Longbourn’ estate that has you in front of it?

    • Jane Odiwe on February 6, 2014 at 6:00 pm
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    Carole-I have a feeling that Lady C is going to have her own opinion about the ring, don’t you? I hope Kitty will grow up a little whilst she is staying at Pemberley- I think she will. The ‘Longbourn’ estate is Luckington Court in Wiltshire – http://janeaustensequelsblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/18/pride-and-prejudice-a-stone-seat-in-the-garden-at-longbourn/

  9. What a great idea for a collection of stories. I love jewelry too, though I don’t have much, and definitely nothing like that ring! This is goofy but when you mentioned the 16 stones in the ring I heard Darcy in my head saying “one for each of the children we shall have”. lol Just to freak her out, of course – much as I love them I don’t think even I would want them to have that many children! I look forward to reading more of your Jewel Box series.

      • Jane Odiwe on February 7, 2014 at 3:10 am
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      !6 children-wonderful! I might have to add that in somewhere-love it!

  10. I love the idea of a different piece of jewelry for each vignette. Also, your description of the intimacy between Elizabeth and Darcy was so well done. The romantic tension between them fairly vibrated off the page – or should I say screen!

      • Jane Odiwe on February 7, 2014 at 3:10 am
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      Thank you, Susan, I really appreciate your comments-it’s hard to get ‘intimacy’ right, I think!

    • junewilliams7 on February 6, 2014 at 7:42 pm
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    This is a wonderful idea for a book theme! You depicted the characters so well, although it is FRIGHTENING just how well you can channel Lydia.

    You have me terrified that Lydia and Wicky will gate-crash at Pemberley and frighten Georgiana, and Lydia and Mrs Bennet might humiliate Lizzy and Mary. “Put them in the way of other rich men!” I hear Mama Bennet call out to everyone. Oh, but Lady Catherine is there to take Mama Bennet and Lydia in hand. Might I expect that cousin Anne de Bourgh is not as weak as her mama believes, and that Anne may be capable of dancing?

      • Jane Odiwe on February 7, 2014 at 3:14 am
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      June-I love writing Lydia’s character-it’s such fun to be horrid!! Gate-crashing is a fantastic idea and of course, Anne de Bourgh must be there too.

    • Karen Field on February 6, 2014 at 8:00 pm
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    I love the idea of writing about the heroines! I can’t wait to read them!

      • Jane Odiwe on February 7, 2014 at 3:14 am
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      Thank you, Karen!

    • TLeighF on February 6, 2014 at 9:10 pm
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    I loved this glimpse and the idea for your stories. I agree with others that there are a lot of possibilities for mayhem with Mrs. b and Lady C at the same ball, especially where expensive jewelry is involved. Looking forward to reading more!

      • Jane Odiwe on February 7, 2014 at 3:15 am
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      Mayhem is the word! Thank you-glad you’re looking forward to more!!

    • Kathy on February 7, 2014 at 12:35 am
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    Thank you, this is very lovely and so enjoyable to read. I think it must be a challenge to write about the couples after they achieve their “happily ever after” — but it was so clear that there’s so much to appreciate as Elizabeth and Darcy develop their marriage relationship. I also thought your glimpse into Lydia’s life was just right! She couldn’t reform her flirtatiousness very quickly, and probably had little incentive to do so, married to Wickham!

    • Jane Odiwe on February 7, 2014 at 3:18 am
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    Kathy-can you just imagine-Lydia in the north with a whole regiment of soldiers! You’re right-it would be too much, too soon, for her to change overnight into a dutiful wife-and there would be much temptation-little Pickersnick, Major Armstrong and Captain Webb to name but a few!

    • Lisa G. on February 7, 2014 at 4:09 am
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    Ooh this is delightful, you have channelled Jane Austen’s characters spot on. I so look forward to reading to more.

    • Jane Odiwe on February 7, 2014 at 5:57 am
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    Thank you, Lisa G-so glad you’re enjoying it!

    • Vee on February 7, 2014 at 6:22 am
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    I love your idea Jane! Your story was wonderful and I enjoyed it immensely 🙂 I look forward to reading so much more!
    I love jewellery too, and I cherish any piece I am given by close family in particular. When I went to Bath a few years ago I was determined to purchase a piece of jewellery from around Jane Austen’s time as a momento of my visit and to feel a part of the past era I read so much about. I bought a ruby and diamond set ring which was around 1890 circa. Not overly expensive and not as old as I had hoped however it remains a treasured piece of my visit to your beautiful city.

      • Jane Odiwe on February 8, 2014 at 6:24 am
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      Vee, thank you for your very kind comments! I love the story about your ring-it sounds beautiful.

  11. I absolutely love this premise and your execution!
    the illustrations are perfect and added to the enjoyment of the reading – ty for sharing with us!

      • Jane Odiwe on February 8, 2014 at 6:25 am
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      Thank you, Sharon-I’m thrilled that you enjoyed it!

    • Sheila L. M. on February 7, 2014 at 12:20 pm
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    How I admire the inventiveness of the JAFF authors I read. Pickernsnick – I had to Laugh Out Loud! Now, please, someone educate me. Is it a Regency spelling or the British spelling of today: jewellery vs the American jewelry. I do recognize so many differences in the British vs the American spelling in all the literature I read (not just JAFF) but this word is a new one for me.

    I, also, loved the tender scene with Darcy and Elizabeth in the bedroom. And Mr. Bennett reflecting that he occasionally gets a glimpse of the girl he married was poignant. I am in the generation that needs very much to remember why we married the person we married as some of us mature and grow apart.

    Jane, I am so glad you were inspired to use this theme. The photo of the ring helped put it in our minds. Does this mean every piece in the future will have a photo for us to see? How lovely.

    Lydia’s letter dripped with jealously, in my opinion, but also shows us her continued lack of morals. Hopefully, Kitty will change her desire to want Lydia around in order to have fun. So looking forward to the other nemesis, Lady Catherine, and what her reaction to this ring will be. Is it an heirloom? Will someone try to switch it or will it be lost as other reviewers have supposed?

    I am sooooo glad I stumbled upon the Austen Authors and now Austen Variations after Christmas this year. Every day I have something new to keep me in touch with my favorite world, that of Jane Austen.

      • Jane Odiwe on February 8, 2014 at 6:28 am
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      Thank you so much, Sheila-your lovely comments are so kind! Yes, we spell Jewellery this way in the UK- but whichever way it’s spelled it’s wonderful, I think!
      I am definitely going to work on Kitty-she needs to grow up a little and being away from Lydia will hopefully give her a chance to do this-that’s if Lydia can keep away from Kitty, of course!!!!

    • GraceR on February 7, 2014 at 2:18 pm
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    I only want to say I loved and enjoyed the short story – my favorite part is your description of Elizabeth Darcy’s bed chamber- the details description in the mirror, the bed sheets, and then Elizabeth and Darcy’s intimate interaction with each other was lovely! to use one of your own describing words – the scene had a “dream-like quality” to it, in a very good sense that is. Thanks for sharing!

    • Jane Odiwe on February 8, 2014 at 6:31 am
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    Grace, I love writing descriptions of rooms-I could get very carried away and have to stop myself doing it tto much because I know lengthy description isn’t everyone’s cup of tea! I saw a picture in a book of a lovely bed chamber that inspired the writing, and found the mirror online, which I thought was a beauty-so glad you enjoyed it!

  12. I agree, the jewelry is a good premise to connect all the stories. I think Mansfield Park mentioned jewelry the most. Austen’s other works don’t refer to it much, except for Edward Ferrar’s ring. I’m interested in learning more about what was popular 🙂 .

    • Jane Odiwe on February 8, 2014 at 2:16 pm
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    NovElla-yes, Mansfield Park has some lovely references-the amber cross from Fanny’s brother- very like the topaz cross given Jane by her brother Charles. There is a reference to ear-rings in Sense and Sensibility and Marianne wearing a picture round her neck-that I referred to in Searching For Captain Wentworth!

    1. Oh, I didn’t remember the earrings! Thanks for pointing them out. I’ll have to read “Searching for Captain Wentworth” and look for the reference.

        • Jane Odiwe on February 12, 2014 at 3:44 pm
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        I hope you enjoy it if you get a chance to read it!

    • Boston Sheryl on February 8, 2014 at 3:55 pm
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    Jane, what a wonderful idea for a series of stories! This first one was warm, tender, and captivating. Love the warm scene with Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam. And the picture of the Bennets and funny and delightful! Thanks for coming up with this brilliant idea.

    Good grief, I’m not sure if I can suggest a logical direction for the story. But since it’s about Elizabeth’s ring, there must be some drama associated with it – and, like other readers, I think the drama might come from Lady Catherine. Perhaps she recognizes it as a ring that belonged to her sister, Anne Darcy, and she wishes to reclaim it for her daughter Anne since Anne was named for her sister, was rejected as a bride by Fitzwilliam, and she thinks the ring ought to stay in the “Fitzwilliam family”. Perhaps Elizabeth even chooses to give the ring to her in an effort to bring her husband closer to his challenging relations. Maybe the ring ends up with Georgiana and she becomes engaged to Col. Fitzwilliam. Who knows? Wherever you take the story, I’m sure it will be a wonderful read. Congratulations again.

      • Jane Odiwe on February 9, 2014 at 5:08 am
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      Thank you, Sheryl-I love your suggestions!

    • Chanpreet on February 8, 2014 at 11:04 pm
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    I love the idea to mesh Jane Austen’s books and a piece of jewelry for each character. What you’ve written so far is very entertaining and I can’t wait to read more!

    • Jane Odiwe on February 9, 2014 at 5:09 am
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    Chanpreet, thank you for your lovely comments!

  13. Very creative, Jane! I was enthralled by the possibilities.

      • Jane Odiwe on February 10, 2014 at 3:28 pm
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      Thank you, Regina!

  14. Jane, what a delight this was for me. I only just discovered Jane Austen’s jewel box tales. I love this idea to create a story around the jewellery. Just brilliant and so creative. You have grabbed such sweet nuances of these beloved characters, I’ve often imagined Mr & Mrs Bennett’s conversations – you made it so enjoyable.
    Now, I have a thing for the way you describe a bedroom. I can see the softest material, colours and even the bed,just as you describe them. Elizabeth’s mirror and ring alone made me want so much more, the intimate look into what might have been Darcy and Lizzie’s first weeks together are so touching.
    I shall go to part two and wait for more… Wonderful!

  15. Thank you so much, Meditating Mummy – you’re so kind with your lovely comments! I hope you enjoy part two!

  1. […] keeping a record of and hope to include as I go. If you’ve missed the beginning, here are Part One and Part Two. Last week, we left the story just as the French cousins arrived – […]

  2. […] episode – any feedback gratefully received. If you’d like to catch up, here are parts One, Two and […]

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