Launch Day is Here! Remember the Past by Maria Grace

Remember the past_final copyLaunch day has arrived!

 

It’s a little hard to believe it has finally come.  So much real life has happened in the course of getting this one ready to publish it is a little difficult to believe it’s finally done!

Remember the Past is available on Amazon Kindle, Nook and KOBO today. Paperback will be coming shortly and I will be putting it up for narrator auditions on Audible in the next day or so. An audio book may be available in the fall.

 Here’s a little excerpt to whet your appetite.

 

Remember the Past

Everyone has a past. Oftentimes it behooves one to think of the past only as its remembrance gives one pleasure.

“I do not see how you can disagree. Truly, I do not.” Lady Catherine’s features settled into the familiar expression of a school mistress who knew best: lips pressed tight, eyes narrowed and staring down her nose. She perched on the overstuffed chair and folded her hands in her lap.

Fitzwilliam Darcy opened his mouth to comment but shut it before the words escaped. When his mother-in-law wore that expression, only a fool considered arguing. The dear woman possessed the Fitzwilliams’ hallmark stubbornness in far greater measure than her petite stature implied.

“If my Anne were still with us, she would agree—”

“With what would she agree?” Richard Fitzwilliam poked his head in the doorway.

Darcy jumped and twisted around in his seat. “I swear you will drive me barking mad!”

“How so?” Fitzwilliam sauntered in. His heavy boots barely whispered against the carpet.

“Sneaking up on me! One day I will—” Darcy rose and shook a pointing finger.

“Balderdash! You would do no such thing, and even if you did, you would stand no chance—”

“Yes, yes, I know, against a retired colonel of His Majesty’s army. I know. You say it often enough.”

Fitzwilliam chuckled and dropped onto the settee. His long legs stretched into the center of the room, perfectly situated to trip the unsuspecting. “You are merely unhappy George and David have learned from their uncle, the hero. What have they done this time?”

“Ask the butler who is cleaning the ink spilled on my desk, and coat, and breeches.”

Lady Catherine leaned forward. “Really, Fitzwilliam, retired colonel or not, I am not sure you should be teaching my grandsons—”

“They are boys, madam, and if I have anything to say on the matter, they will be permitted to act like boys.”

“Your dear mother, Lady Matlock, never allowed—”

“No, she did not, and I vowed never to see the same inflicted upon any boy in my influence. In fact, it is high time I taught them to fence.” Fitzwilliam brandished an invisible foil.

“They are full young for that.” She groaned and pinched her temples.

Fitzwilliam grinned his maddening cocksure smile. “So then, Aunt, on what do you insist Anne would agree with you?”

Darcy grumbled and sank into his chair.

She smoothed her skirt over her lap. “I am sure you will agree. It only stands to reason that—”

“No, madam, it does not.” Darcy pressed his eyes with thumb and forefinger.

“What stands to reason?” Fitzwilliam asked.

“A widower in possession of children and an estate—”

“And a good fortune,” Darcy muttered.

“Naturally, a good fortune, that goes without saying.”

“What about such a gentleman?” Fitzwilliam enjoyed this far too much.

“Why, he must be in want of a wife, of course.” She sprang to her feet and wandered across the room, stopping in front of the large picture window. “A retired admiral of the White, Thomas Bennet, a widower with four children, two daughters and two sons—”

“And five thousand a year.” Darcy rolled his eyes.

Lady Catherine shot him a look certain to sour milk. “He purchased Alston Hall and will move in this week.”

“Ah, that explains the to-do on the road today,” Fitzwilliam said.

“You saw him?” Lady Catherine brightened.

“Indeed, spoke with him myself. Seems a most amiable gentleman, for a sailor.” Fitzwilliam winked. “Though I understand you do not approve of the navy, Darce, something about it bringing people of obscure birth into positions they do not deserve.”

Darcy drummed his fingers along his jaw. Fitzwilliam never forgot any comment he could later use out of context.

“What a fine thing for our family.” She clapped her hands. “You must visit him, of course, as soon as may be arranged.”

“How is this a fine thing for our family?”

“You must consider the boys and Georgiana. Your sister pines for the company of other young women, and you yourself complain the parish lacks fitting companions for her. Here this Bennet fellow has two daughters. Your boys desperately need playmates of their own age to do … well, boy-things with, and now two are come into the neighborhood.”

“And precisely how, madam,” Darcy clutched the arms of his chair until the fabric threatened to give way, “have you ascertained any of this family are fitting company? For all you know, this admiral could be a shopkeeper’s son with tawdry morals and a mouth like … like a sailor.”

“What has come over you? You are simply impossible! Go and visit our new neighbor, or I promise you, I will do so myself without you.” She harrumphed and stomped out.

Silence lingered in her wake as they both watched the door. Darcy held his breath, a little trepidatious of her return.

“She was right about one thing,” Fitzwilliam said. “What has come over you?”

Darcy let his head fall back against the chair. “I already met the man.”

“When? How?”

“Shortly after you encountered him. George and I went riding and came upon one of their coaches stuck in the mud. We helped them free it and suggested an alternative road.”

“And?”

“And I found him an amiable gentleman with well-mannered sons who will make excellent playmates for George and David.”

“So, why the row you created—” Fitzwilliam pointed his chin toward the doorway.

“He still grieves an esteemed wife, lost only last winter, and does not deserve match-making machinations.”

“And his daughters? Are they pretty? What of their dowries?”

“They remained in the carriage.” Darcy rubbed the back of his neck. “I do not believe, ‘Hello, pleased to meet you. Are your daughters suitably attractive, or do their fortunes offer sufficient compensation for their facial deformities?’ is considered a polite introduction, even in the wilds of Derbyshire.”

Fitzwilliam snickered.

“You will be able to judge for yourself soon enough.”

“You are going to visit them?”

“No.” Darcy pushed to his feet and laced his hands behind his head. “Alston Hall will require a full staff working two weeks complete, probably more, to make the place livable. They brought only a half dozen long-time servants with them.”

“So?”

“So, I invited them to stay at Pemberley. Mrs. Reynolds can help them hire a proper staff.”

“You did what?” Fitzwilliam slapped the settee.

“They did not immediately accept the invitation. However, after they visit Alston Hall, I am certain they will.”

“Do I comprehend you correctly? You invited them to stay? Here? A stranger—and a sailor no less? What are you thinking? You are no lover of company, particularly that of strangers.”

“We have both read of his exploits often enough. His connections and his reputation are common knowledge. To call him a stranger is hardly fitting. I regard it an honor to host a man of his standing.” Darcy looked away and shrugged. “Besides, he reminded me of Father.”

Fitzwilliam slapped Darcy’s shoulder harder than necessary. “I’ll be damned. I shall not tell Aunt Catherine, though. She likes surprises.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Want to read a little more? Find another excerpt here.

 

 

51 comments

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  1. Congratulations, Grace!! This looks fascinating. I like Fitzwilliam’s “snickering”!!!

    1. Thanks, Monica! Fitzwilliam is a really fun character in this one.

    • Anji on July 25, 2014 at 8:19 am
    • Reply

    Congratulations, Maria!

    I thoroughly enjoyed reading this as It Only Stands to Reason on your blog. I’ve yet to read the advance copy I received as part of the Chawton House Charity Raffle. Are there many changes between IOSTR and Remember the Past?

    1. Thanks, Anji,
      its kind of hard to answer that question. The plot is essentially the same as what was on the blog. But it is the difference between a rough draft and a polished manuscript. The vast majority of the words have been tinkered with and polished. Since you asked, I’ll post something on my site soon about what the degree of change is.

      Essentially the finished book reads much cleaner than the ARC from the raffle and has the typos polished out. Does that make sense?

        • Anji on July 25, 2014 at 3:38 pm
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        Makes perfect sense, Maria. Thanks for letting us know.

    • Joy Dawn King on July 25, 2014 at 8:30 am
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    Congratulations and best wishes, Maria Grace. The excerpt is lovely. It is a challenge for me to wrap my mind around Darcy having been married before, especially to his cousin Anne. Like Anji, I received an advanced copy from the charity raffle. It is towards the top of my to be read pile.

    One of the things that I look forward to the most with your stories is the different spin you give to the characters of Pride and Prejudice. I have not once been disappointed. So, even though Fitzwilliam Darcy is now a widower with two sons, I can honestly say that I am looking forward to reading this.

    Confetti, champagne, and chocolate cake!!!

    1. Thanks, I hope you enjoy. One of the changes I considered making from the rough draft was making Fitzwilliam Anne’s husband and father of the boys, but the story just didn’t work as well that way.

    • Deborah on July 25, 2014 at 8:30 am
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    I loved It Only Stands to Reason & even though I have the PDF of Remember the Past I am purchasing it. Hopefully will readmit tonight. I was going to wait for the NOOK version bit will buy the Amazon (with a gift card from Joy) and will get the NOOK version as soon as itbis released. I know I’m obsessed with books. Have many duplicates & triplicates. What are your plans for an audio book release? Thank you for another great story Maria.

    1. Thanks, Deborah. I submitted the NOOK last night, but when I checked a few minutes ago, it was still in process. The Kobo version, submitted an hour later is already up for sale. it’s hard to predict the vagaries of these things. I will be putting the book up for audition on Audible in the next couple of days. Depending on how long it takes to get a narrator, the audiobook could be done sometime in the fall. I will definitely let you know how that progressed. Thanks!

        • Deborah on July 25, 2014 at 2:46 pm
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        Maria, I love your dedication. No better could be thought of. Began reading it on. NOOK a bit ago.

        1. Thank you Deborah! I appreciate it. My guys are my rocks.

    • Maggie Griscom on July 25, 2014 at 9:02 am
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    I am looking forward to this. I have one more on my TBR list. Most of my reading is happening at 3:00 AM right now so the Nook version should be available by then. The excerpt has me anxious to get started. Congratulations on a new book!

    1. Thanks, Maggie! I’ll post as soon as NOOK is ready. I uploaded it an hour after the Kindle version and an hour before the KOBO version, but I guess their system is a little slower.

    • RMorrel on July 25, 2014 at 9:24 am
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    It Only Stands to Reason is one of my favorite stories — I wish you great success with your launch. I am certain it will be well loved.

  2. Thanks, RMorrel I appreciate it. I hope you enjoy the properly polished version as well. No major plot changes, just much prettier!

  3. Just found NOOK has their version live too now!

  4. Congratulations! You are amazing!

    1. Thanks, Susan!

    • Sheila L. M. on July 25, 2014 at 10:50 am
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    I did read this on line but now have it on my wish list so that I can have the polished version. Loved it then and am sure I will love it again on my kindle. Congratulations on the launch. And thanks for sharing the excerpts…I was really tempted to continue reading it again but have 3 books on kindle that need to be read before I start anything new…or again.

    1. Thanks, Sheila! I’m glad you’re looking forward to it.

    • Stephanie L on July 25, 2014 at 10:54 am
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    I really enjoyed this in the ARC so I’m going to go see if I can find that Nook version! Congrats on the launch!!

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed the ARC. The story hasn’t changed, but it is much prettier now! Thanks Stephanie!

    • SandyH on July 25, 2014 at 11:14 am
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    I am excited to read it…..I really love the audio versions too. I will normally read the book then “re-read” through audio when I am on the move. I always catch something I missed when I hear it!

    1. Thanks, Sandy. I have started work on finding a narrator for the audible version.

    • Jane Odiwe on July 25, 2014 at 11:29 am
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    Congratulations, Maria-wishing you every success!

    1. Thank you Jane!

    • Cindy on July 25, 2014 at 11:31 am
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    I can’t wait to own it and read it again! I so loved it the first time!!

    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Cindy!

    • Eileen on July 25, 2014 at 2:37 pm
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    Congratulations! I will definitely be picking up a copy of this story. I, too, have read the online version and LOVED it. If I remember correctly, I think I actually liked Lady C and Mr. Bennet in this one. (A pleasant change from how I feel about them in Wholly Unconnected. 🙂 ) Looking forward to reading the “polished” version.

      • Maggie Griscom on July 25, 2014 at 3:12 pm
      • Reply

      Nook version is available now…just got it!

      1. Glad to hear it Maggie!

    1. You’re remembering right. Admiral Bennet and Lady Catherine were delightful people in Remember the Past, utterly and wholly unlike they are in Wholly Unconnected to Me. Thanks, Eileen!

  5. Congratulations!

    1. Thanks!

  6. YAY, Grace!!!
    Huge congrats on the release of Remember the Past — I’m very excited for you 😉 .

    1. Thanks, Marilyn!

  7. Congrats on the release! I know how hard you’ve worked to make this the best story it could be. Readers are going to love it!

    1. Thanks, Abigail!

  8. Congratulations! I can’t wait to re-read this new version! 🙂

    1. Thanks, Monica! I hope you enjoy it!

    • EvelynTost on July 26, 2014 at 12:07 am
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    Oh, this is wonderful! I read the story a short time back online and so hoped you would publish it. I’ll go shopping tonight! Yay!

    1. Thanks, Evelyn!

  9. Congratulations, Grace!

    I love this story, and I love this excerpt – so many surprises. Lady C channelling Mrs B is just perfect, and the Colonel is in sparkling form! Love him!

    Good luck with the new release!

    1. I just loved the way Col Fitzwilliam turned out in this story, he was just plain fun. Lady Catherine turned out to be a real gem as well, which wasn’t exactly what I was expected when I started with it either. I really liked the characters in this one. Thanks, Cassandra!

    • Ann on July 26, 2014 at 11:54 am
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    I read the story for the first time yesterday and I have to say I was stunned to read a P&P variation with a likable Lady C. I know that is a first for me. It was a wonderful story, very different twist to the characters but I very much enjoyed it congrats on the release!

    1. Glad you enjoyed that little twist. It was rather fun to write something so off the beaten path. Thanks, Ann!

  10. Sorry, late for the party. My sincerest congratulations on the official publication of the novel, Maria. I have not read IOSTR when it was posted serially on you blog. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the excerpt above and love how you twist P&P into your story. I look forward to reading the e-book that you had sent to me.

    1. Thanks, Luthien! I hope you enjoy it!

    • Carole in Canada on July 27, 2014 at 9:00 pm
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    Looking forward to getting this book on my Kindle! Love the fact that Lady C has Admiral Bennet in her ‘sights’! Congratulations on this launch and juggling all your other stories and life in general!

    • Maggie Griscom on July 28, 2014 at 7:20 am
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    I commented last week about putting this on my TBR. Not it is on my re-read list. What a wonderful story!. The altered Lady Cathy was wonderful. I was so happy with her and her relationship with all the “men” in this story, even the little ones. I can see Francis and the look in his eyes….reminded me of my granddaughter, fondly known as “The menace” . But so loveable. Anyway thank you for the great book. This was the first I had read of yours and now I have just added 2 more to my Nook library. Thanks again!

    • Margaret F on July 30, 2014 at 9:16 pm
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    Congratulations! I enjoyed reading this on my kindle. Have to say I thought your excision of the testing-the-competence-of-the-maid scene was a good idea. In the original it was unpleasant for the poor girl to be subjected to the admiral’s ‘training’. Better that he was trained by Lady Cat’s binders in the new version. lol

    cheers to your Muse!

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