March Madness – Mr. Darcy meets Capt. Wentworth by Jack Caldwell

Hello, everybody. Jack Caldwell here.

As you may know, I’m working on ROSINGS PARK, my sequel to THE THREE COLONELS. Unfortunately, it’s been a slow process and I appreciate your patience.

(It doesn’t help that I’m also editing my Persuasion sequel, PERSUADED TO SAIL, at the same time!)

Anyhow, there’s an interlude in ROSINGS PARK that fits this month’s theme. Readers of THE THREE COLONELS will remember Thomas Tucker, husband of the former Mary Bennet. Be warned – there’s a couple of spoilers for both PERSUADED TO SAIL and ROSINGS PARK in what follows. Enjoy!


December, 1816 – London

Mr. Darcy descended from his carriage directly before the law offices of Tucker & Phillips. As usual, he was before his time. The warmth of the outer office was a welcome refuge from the cold December day. A clerk—a Mr. Price, Darcy recalled—took his hat and overcoat.

“Mr. Tucker is with another client, sir,” the young man explained apologetically. “He will see you as soon as may be. Pray, take your ease by the fire. May I offer you some coffee?”

Declining any refreshment, Darcy eased himself into a chair. It was new and well-made, as was most of the furniture in the room, an indication of his brother-in-law’s success in building Elizabeth’s Uncle Phillips’ practice. Thomas Tucker was intelligent and hard-working, but Darcy knew many clever, industrious men who did not rise so fast. It was no insult to Mr. Tucker to recall that having the Darcy and Fitzwilliam families among his clients gave the ambitious solicitor enormous prestige for one so young.

Darcy stared at the glowing coals in the grate, not really seeing them. His thoughts again turned to his late Uncle Hugh, as had been his wont this last month. He was surprised how greatly he missed the affectionate, interfering old goat. Lord Matlock had tried to act as a second father to Darcy after George Darcy’s death, and while Darcy would never grant him that office, he quietly appreciated the earl’s efforts. In fact, he made few decisions without first canvasing his uncle’s opinion.

Of course, Uncle Hugh would provide his advice, requested or not. In that he was much like Aunt Catherine, Darcy recalled with a small smile. The earl’s passing had left a small hole in Darcy’s heart, one that could never be filled.

Darcy’s musings were interrupted by the sound of the inner door opening, and he rose from the chair. His brother-in-law was shaking the hand of an unknown man and caught his eye at the same time.

“Ah, Mr. Darcy! Allow me to introduce this gentleman to you.”

The stranger was tall, of a height with Darcy. He stood perfectly straight, broad shoulders straining at his blue coat, a rather simple cravat at his throat. His weather-beaten face was long and chiseled, his eyes penetrating. This was no dandy. Darcy judged him a military man.

“This is Captain Wentworth of the navy,” Tucker continued. “Captain, Mr. Darcy of Pemberley, Derbyshire.”

“Pleased to make your acquaintance, sir.” Captain Wentworth’s handshake was as firm as his voice was rough. A result of yelling at the top of his lungs, no doubt, Darcy reasoned.

“Mr. Darcy, I shall be with you as soon as I finish a small matter,” said Mr. Tucker. “I shan’t be a minute. Captain Wentworth, I bid you good day.”

After Mr. Tucker retreated into his office, Darcy asked the tall naval officer, “Do I have the privilege of speaking to the famous Captain Wentworth of the Laconia?”

Wentworth bowed. “I did have the honor of commanding her.”

“But no longer.”

A small smile danced on his leathery face. “The Lords of the Admiralty entertain themselves by moving their post-captains about. I have been posted to a new command while another has Laconia.”

“I hope you do not suffer any disappointment over the change.”

“Not at all. Laconia was as sweet a little frigate as one would wish, but I do not repine. I am honored to be entrusted with His Majesty’s newest 40-gun frigate, HMS Fearless.”

“A proper name for a warship. I trust you will continue to distinguish yourself with the Fearless as you did with the Laconia.”

Wentworth smiled. “I thank you, sir, but the wars are over, and so is any chance of accolades from battle. It is just as well. My wife is pleased with that, I can assure you. No, any recognition for my ship must now come from spit and polish. A far safer means of fame, but no less difficult.” He glanced at the clock in the corner. “I beg you to forgive me, Mr. Darcy, but I must be away. An old shipmate, Captain Harville, is to meet me at my club.”

Darcy’s eyebrows rose. “Captain Timothy Harville? I know the gentleman. He is employed by my wife’s uncle, Mr. Gardiner.”

Wentworth’s long face lit up. “It is a small world! You’ll find no better man than Harville, sir.”

“That is Mr. Gardiner’s opinion, as well.”

“Perhaps you can join us later.”

“I wish I could, Captain, but I have business before me today. Besides…” Darcy gestured with his chin at the black armband adorning his right sleeve.

Wentworth was taken aback. “Forgive me, but I was not attending! My condolences, sir.”

“I thank you. Are you in Town long?”

“I leave tomorrow for Portsmouth.”

“Pray send your card around next time you are in London,” Darcy said as he handed Wentworth his card. “I would like to introduce you to my wife. Bring your wife, too, if she is with you.”

The captain was clearly surprised and pleased with Darcy’s affability. “I shall certainly do so, but I have not the least idea when I shall return to Town. My time belongs to the navy. I thank you and hope to meet again soon.”

The two men shook hands and Wentworth left the building.


Until next time, this has been the Cajun Cheesehead Chronicles.

It takes a real man to write historical romance, so let me tell you a story…

43 comments

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    • Deborah on March 6, 2017 at 12:27 am
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    What fun. Wentworth and Darcy meet in in the solicitor’s office and Wentworth’s knowing Mr. Gardiner. An intrigueing bit of information as well as another mutual aquaintance in Harville. Looking forward to reading more. Thank you for sharing.

    1. But how is it that Harville is working for Mr. Gardiner? And what was Captain Wentworth’s business with Mr. Tucker? You’ll learn all this in PERSUADED TO SAIL.

    • Sophia on March 6, 2017 at 3:10 am
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    Crikey a sequel to the three colonels HURRAH!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎉🎉🎉 This sounds really good, Persuasion meets Pride and Prejudice! It takes a real man to write historical romance but Jack Caldwell does it brilliantly! Cant wait to see this book published!

    1. Thank you, Sophia.

    • Mari on March 6, 2017 at 6:35 am
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    I loved The Three Colonels, and a sequel would be a wonderful gift. I was so glad to read this chapter, and now I am looking forward to both new books when they are published. I love it when characters from one book meet characters from another book. It makes things fun when their lives intertwine. Let us know when they are available. 🙂

    1. They don’t call me the King of the Crossovers for nothing!

  1. Oh, that was fun! I love seeing my two favorite Austen men together.

    1. See? Alpha dogs can get along.

    • Carol hoyt on March 6, 2017 at 8:16 am
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    Thanks for sharing!
    I can’t wait to read the sequel as it looks to be as good as the first!

    1. The tag line for ROSINGS PARK is: “Happily ever after must be earned.” Have I tickled your fancy, yet?

    • Linda on March 6, 2017 at 8:17 am
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    I can’t agree more with Mari and June. Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice are my two favorite Austin novels. Having their two main characters come together is riveting. I have long been waiting for Persuaded To Sail as anything related to Persuasion is not to be missed. With [Rosings Park] coming out soon, I will be forced (most willingly) to reread The Three Colonels as it has been a long time since I read it. Thank you, Jack, for this sneak peek ….. And hurry up! We are waiting out here, languishing, for these two new books from you.

    1. I’m working as fast as my Muse will allow, but she is a cruel mistress.

    • Mary Ellen on March 6, 2017 at 9:02 am
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    Love seeing them together!

    1. It was fun writing it. Thanks!

    • Vesper Meikle on March 6, 2017 at 9:30 am
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    Loved the Three Colonels so look forward to the sequel, and a sequel to Persuasion so more Captain Wentworth.

    1. My take on Wentworth is a lot like my take on Darcy. Darcy, for all his good qualities, is stiff and reserved, and always will be. Wentworth’s demon is his jealousy.

    • StephanieL on March 6, 2017 at 9:51 am
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    I loved how Three Colonels and The … Scarlet Pimpernel went along the parallel paths. Looking forward to the two new ones! The world is small, it’s lovely to see those that we are so fond of cross paths. 🙂

    1. PERSUADED TO SAIL will be another “companion novel” with the first two. ROSINGS PARK, while a sequel to THE THREE COLONELS and will deal mostly with the Fitzwilliams, Darcys, and Bufords, will have elements of all of my Jane Austen Fighting Men series.

        • StephanieL on March 7, 2017 at 2:19 pm
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        So Persuaded will be travelling side by side with Colonels and Scarlet whilst Rosings will be a follow-up (or later date) of the other three? That’s just a cool way to do it sir!! I look forward to the next.

        1. Most of PERSUADED TO SAIL takes place between March and July of 1815, with a jump into the summer of 1816. ROSINGS PARK begins in Sept. of 1816, but most of it happens in May and June of 1817, with an epilogue in late 1818.

    • Annie on March 6, 2017 at 10:02 am
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    Wonderful! Your language, turn of phrase and grammar are superior, sir! Having these two gentlemen meet is a fantastic idea.
    I want more, please and thank you!

    1. Thank you so much for your kind compliments.

    • Joan Rye on March 6, 2017 at 10:13 am
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    Looking forward to reading your two new books when they are published. How exciting to have Darcy and Wentworth meet. I hope to see more of them together!!! Hope we hear more of Colonel Fitzwilliam too. He is one of my favorites.

    1. With a title like ROSINGS PARK (and with how THE THREE COLONELS ended), how could there NOT be more of Colonel Fitzwilliam in the story?

    • Anji on March 6, 2017 at 11:27 am
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    Definitely looking forward to the sequel to The Three Colonels and also anything that involves Persuasion. This little snippet had both. Thanks for sharing it with us, Jack.

    1. You are welcome!

    • Carole in Canada on March 6, 2017 at 12:08 pm
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    What a great excerpt and looking forward to both coming out!

    1. Thanks, Carole.

  2. An intriguing little vignette!! Thank you for sharing it with us, Mr. Caldwell!

    Warmly,
    Susanne 🙂

    1. Thank you, Susanne.

  3. very nice 🙂

    Darcy and Wentworth meeting, great couple 🙂

    1. Really? I think Elizabeth Darcy and Anne Wentworth just might disagree. LOL!

    • Regina Silvia on March 6, 2017 at 5:59 pm
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    I really enjoyed the Three Colonels so I am thrilled to hear a sequel is in the works. Good luck and I anticipate its publication soon!

    1. I anticipate finishing the thing! Thanks!

    • lynn char on March 6, 2017 at 10:03 pm
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    Definitely looking forward to the sequel, can’t wait to read both of the upcoming books!

    1. Thank you!

    • Sandra Fillmer on March 7, 2017 at 7:03 am
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    I enjoy your books. I have a request that if you would try to expand a story on Colonel Fitzwilliam. I have the story The Three Colonels. But I think that Colonel Fitzwilliam deserves his story expanded. I like your perspective on the stories. Just a suggestion. I can’t wait for your two new books. Thank you

    1. You’re in luck! The sequel is entitled ROSINGS PARK, and if you recall Colonel Fitzwilliam’s adventures in THE THREE COLONELS, you already know where the good colonel ends up after the wars! I hope you will enjoy my continuing take on Richard Fitzwilliam

  4. I love the idea of Darcy and Wentworth being friends. Very excited for Rosings Park to be published! 🙂

    1. As alpha dogs they must respect each other. As for being friends, it’s either that or hating each other. They are intelligent fellows, so they chose the latter, to the (future) relief of their wives.

    • Lex on March 7, 2017 at 7:13 pm
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    Oh my gosh! Captain Wentworth and Mr. Darcy! Love it! And Elizabeth and Anne to meet? That sounds delightful. If you also add in Mr. Tilney and Catherine, I would be over the moon. 🙂

    1. You can get a bit of Henry and Catherine in THE LAST ADVENTURE OF THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL.

    • Sheila L. Majczan on March 23, 2017 at 11:52 pm
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    That was a nice interlude with all kinds of connections being hinted at. Good luck with all your projects. Glad to read of Tucker’s success. But Uncle Hugh is a loss, sadly.

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