Miss Darcy of Pemberley

I spent the past year delving into Jane Austen’s own life and her book Persuasion for my recently released The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen. But now I’m returning to my first love – Pride and Prejudice – for my next novel. Even though I’m only 10 chapter in, I’d like to share a taste of it with you today. For the moment at least, I’m calling the book Miss Darcy of Pemberley. The similarity to one of my previous titles is entirely deliberate because this will be a “variation” of The Darcys of Pemberley, this time told from Georgiana’s perspective.

Georgiana1I’ve always felt that I might have shortchanged Georgiana and her courtship story a little the first time around, focusing more on Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship in their early married life. This one will be just the reverse – still plenty of Darcy and Elizabeth and even a few “missing scenes” from Pride and Prejudice, but all from Georgiana’s point of view this time. When finished, the two novels will be complimentary – one book filling in the “off-camera” scenes of the other and the thoughts hidden from view. I trust that together they will supply a richer reading experience than either one alone. But let’s see what you think. Here’s chapter 1 in relatively completed form, as told in Georgiana’s own words:



I have fallen victim to love twice in my life, and the outcome has been only heartache. Neither man involved, for vastly dissimilar reasons, has proved a wise choice. Not that one has much conscious power of  decision in these matters; the heart, perversely, attaches where it will. Yet I am determined to be more circumspect in future. Everyday I feel the embarrassment of my first attachment and the cruel disappointment of my second. I doubt I could bear a third failure. But, lest I fall into overly gloomy reflections at the very outset of my story,  I shall begin with a different man entirely. The others will come along in due course.

It was last autumn when word arrived at Pemberley that Mr. Collins had died. And while I was sorry for it, especially for the pain it unquestionably occasioned his family, I could not feel it deeply myself. I had only met the man once, after all – that being a year earlier and very briefly, at the wedding breakfast for my brother and his new wife Elizabeth. Even she, to whom Mr. Collins was some relation, seemed not too deeply wounded when the news came by post from her family at Longbourn.

“Mr. Collins is dead!” Elizabeth had read out in surprise almost immediately upon opening the letter.

“Dead?” my brother, sitting across from her, repeated, appearing likewise incredulous. “How can that be?”

I interrupted. “Pray, remind me who is – or I suppose I should say ‘was’ – this Mr. Collins of whom you speak?”

“He is my cousin,” Elizabeth explained, looking up, “and married to my dear friend Charlotte. You will remember him as the rector of Hunsford. It seems he choked on a mouthful of mutton! Can you believe it, Darcy? Mama says here that she had the story straight from Lady Lucas.” Returning her attention to the page, she scanned further down. “Oh, poor Charlotte! It happened right in front of her, apparently, without her being able to do anything to about it. Imagine!”

Upon hearing these revelations, I could not help but shudder and do just that.

 “What else does your mother have to say?” asked my brother more calmly.

mr collins“Oh, she goes on to praise Mr. Collins as if he had been some kind of saint. I understand that one does not like to speak ill of the dead, but why is it that people always feel compelled to improve upon the disposition of even the most ignoble person once he is gone? Mark my words, Darcy. Before many days have elapsed, Mr. Collins’s character will have been wholly remade – his faults will sink into insignificance and his virtues will soar to unprecedented heights. He will be quite unrecognizable, I daresay, described as the kindest person and the finest clergyman who ever lived.”

“Now, really, Lizzy,” my brother scolded mildly, but I thought I saw him stifle a laugh at the same time.

In some confusion, I asked, “And you mean that such a testimony would be completely false?”

My brother exchanged a speaking glance with his wife before answering. “You did not know the man, Georgiana, clearly. And Elizabeth is right that one does not like to speak ill of the dead. Let us just say that such a positive endorsement of Mr. Collins’s character would be a very generous exaggeration of the truth.”

“Very generous, indeed!” agreed Elizabeth. “Nevertheless, I do genuinely sympathize with Charlotte. I wonder how she is bearing the shock of the thing, and what will become of her now. I doubt Mr. Collins has left her a very comfortable income, and I cannot suppose Lady Catherine will allow her to stay on at the parsonage indefinitely. Her entire life will be in upheaval.” Looking at her husband, she appealed, “My love, I think we must go to her and give what comfort we can.”

“Of course. We shall deliver our sincere condolences to Hunsford in person and make certain Mrs. Collins knows she can call on us for anything she may need. We should begin preparations for our departure without delay. There is much to be done.” He stood and extending his hand.

As Elizabeth took it and rose to his side, her eyes shone with love and gratitude.

“Shall I go as well, do you think?” I asked, rather hoping to be included in the expedition. “Although I did not really know Mr. Collins, I would be gratified to be of service to you, Elizabeth, in this time of sorrow.”

Elizabeth smiled at me, saying, “Thank you, my dear. Although I very much appreciate your offering, it is quite unnecessary, I assure you. I am in no danger of being overcome by grief on the occasion. And as for attending the funeral for yourself, you mustn’t think of it. No one will expect it of you. Women are still largely excused, and besides, as you say, you barely knew the man.”

“I doubt there will be any social calls of interest on this trip,” added my brother, “and we will not be long away. You had much better stay here at Pemberley and be comfortable.”

“Is there anything I can get for you in town?” Elizabeth asked me. “Books? Music? Something from the drapers or milliners, perhaps?”

I went through a mental checklist. “The only thing I desire is some new music, if you would be so kind. I shall write down for you the names of the pieces I have in mind. Are you sure it won’t be too much trouble?”

“Trouble? Heavens, no!” exclaimed Elizabeth. “When we treat you to new music, we treat ourselves, for we are the clear beneficiaries when you play it.”

So the plan was made. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy were to travel south for Mr. Collins’s services without me. Inwardly, I repined. Outwardly, I submitted to my brother’s decision without protest, even though I knew that when he and Elizabeth quit Pemberley the next morning, a precious portion of the life of the place would escape out the doors with them, as if the house itself had emitted a deep sigh from which it would not soon recover. The time would pass more slowly for me until they returned, and with less variety. I would miss my brother, yes, but Elizabeth probably more. And Mrs. Reynolds, dear though she was to me, could never be expected to supply what I would thereby lose in the way of close companionship and conversation – generous luxuries I had grown accustomed to over the previous year.

darcy and elizabethMarrying Elizabeth Bennet was the best thing my brother had ever done, for himself and for his sister. In Elizabeth, we acquired a treasure, one for which I expect our family will be forever the richer.

Fitzwilliam (or William, as I more commonly call him) is happy, as is Elizabeth. No one who sees them together can doubt it or that they are still, all these months later, deeply in love. It is an union that has operated to the advantage of both. Most would undoubtedly presume the former Miss Bennet, of little fortune or status, to have been the winner in the case. While it is true that her new husband’s experience, resources, and place in the world brought her benefits incalculable, he has profited by the match as well, only in less tangible ways. Elizabeth’s ease and liveliness have softened his rough edges and improved his disposition. In general, he is less dogmatic in his opinions now, less rigid in manner, and consequently far less likely to cause offence where he means not to give it.

As for myself, I acquired a longed-for sister when they married – one young enough to enter into my concerns and yet old enough to help and advise. Accordingly, I found in Elizabeth something of a mother as well, to fit alongside the paternal position my brother had been forced to adopt by the loss of our true father a few years before. Together the two of them soon formed the better, brighter part of my limited world. Together they also lived out before me the example of what wedded life should look like.

I often wonder if my parents enjoyed, albeit much too briefly, the same kind of connubial felicity. Although I was far too young when my mother died to have made such observations myself, I have sometimes been able to persuade Mrs. Reynolds, who has served this family for some thirty years, to share her stories with me. She speaks of her former master and mistress in tender terms that seem to imply it was a good marriage. I like to think so.

Although I am eager to carry on that heritage, to follow in the cherished parental footsteps, I fear it may never be, that perhaps I am not destined for that sort of contentment. Early indications certainly are not promising. They tend to support the idea that loving without return may be my lot in life instead – a distressing prospect. It is bad enough to discover one has bestowed one’s affections where they were undeserved. But to bestow them on a person eminently worthy and yet unable to reciprocate is more painful still, I find. How shall I endure it? I feel myself quite unequal to the task.

Yet, apparently, endure it I must. And therefore I will.

georgiana at pianoI am a Darcy, as my brother is fond of reminding me, by which he means not only that I have an obligation to comport myself with decorum and modest restraint, even in the face of the most difficult circumstances, but also that I inherently possess the fortitude to do so. I may doubt the latter part, since I have on at least one past occasion failed to uphold this high expectation. But I cannot argue with him, for I know he has felt the same kind of pain I experience, coming through it with dignity. And to a brilliant result besides. Who would have guessed from the miserable way he and Elizabeth began that a bright future lay before them? God grant me the same strength and courage to persevere… and, if it pleases Him, to find a similar reward in the end.



 

I hope you enjoyed this preview excerpt. Now I’d love to hear your comments and questions about it!

31 comments

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  1. Having not read The Darcys of Pemberley (though I have the book) and Return to Longbourn, I’m curious as to who Georgiana’s second suitor is. I hope she will find her true love and be with someone who will complement her just like Darcy and Elizabeth. The excerpt is beautifully written and I can’t wait to see how you will expand her story, Shannon.

    1. Thanks, Luthien! Glad you’re curious. I guess you can read TDOP now to find out, or wait for the expanded version of Georgiana’s story when HER book comes out. It shouldn’t matter which you read first in the end. 🙂

  2. Thank you for this lovely excerpt. I will look for your other books as well as anticipate the publication of this variation.

    1. That would be fabulous, Susanne! I appreciate it.

    • Carol on December 29, 2014 at 4:35 am
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    A wonderful excerpt. Can hardly wait for the rest of your story. Hopefully Georgiana will find what her brother and new sister has.

    1. Glad you enjoyed it, Carol! 😀

    • Deborah on December 29, 2014 at 5:55 am
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    I loved reading the story from Georgiana’s point of view. It is an interesting way of looking at Darcy and Elizabeth that I am liking very much. Thank you for sharing. I am eagerly anticipating the release of your newest book.

    1. Thanks, Deborah. I’ve never written a “variation” before, only sequels. So it’s a little different process – easier in some ways, perhaps, because I already have the blueprint to work from, but more difficult in others. I’m enjoying the new challenge.

    • Maggie Griscom on December 29, 2014 at 7:33 am
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    i enjoyed the beginning very much and will be ready for the remainder. You have done a wonderful job of giving Georgiana a personality separate from Darcy and Elizabeth. Her questionning of self reflects how she is maturing. Thanks for my morning reading!

    1. I’m so glad you thinks so, Maggie! My catchphrase for Georgiana (which I use in the prologue as part of the set up) is “still waters run deep.” In other words, there’s a lot going on below the surface of her placid exterior. She’s a sweet girl, yes, but there’s more to her than first meets the eye. 😉

  3. Love this beginning!! Looking forward to reading more, Shannon!!

    1. Thanks so much fro reading and for your encouraging words, Monica!

    • Kathy Berlin on December 29, 2014 at 10:54 am
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    Lovely! I have the other two books and look forward to this one.

    1. Thanks, Kathy! 🙂 But it will probably be a while. As I said, I’m only on chapter 10. In the meantime, though, there are two others you must have missed, since I have a total of four novels out. Hope you’ll take a look at them too!

    • Carol Settlage on December 29, 2014 at 10:59 am
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    This sounds like a delightful beginning to another lovely story, Shannon! I shall happily go back and read my copy of your “The Darcy’s of Pemberley” and then look forward to this completion/retelling, etc. of the story we can never get enough of!

    1. Thanks for your comment, Carol. I always take it as a high compliment when people tell me my books are worth rereading! As you say, we never can get enough P&P, can we?

    • Cheryl C. on December 29, 2014 at 10:28 pm
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    Oh, I wish the whole story was completed! Such a lovely chapter, I am looking forward to the rest of it!!

    1. Thanks, Cheryl. I suppose it is kind of a tease to release an excerpt so early. But I wanted to get an idea if there was enough interest to go forward. I think it’s full speed ahead now! (Of course, if you haven’t read them all already, I have 4 other novels to keep you entertained in the meantime 😉 )

    • Lynne on December 30, 2014 at 8:22 am
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    Really enjoyed this sample. Excellent writing and compelling story! Thank you for sharing it.

    1. Thanks so much for the encouraging words, Lynne. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😀

    • Kathy on December 30, 2014 at 2:21 pm
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    I really enjoyed this chapter! Thank you! Georgiana sounds very self-aware in her reflections, and her voice is pretty mature and educated — is she 17 or so by this point? I am also liking the fact that she has such a fond relationship with her new sister-in-law, which is what we’re all hoping for at the end of P&P. Looking forward to reading the finished product when you get there!

    1. Thanks, Kathy! Georgiana would be somewhere between 18 and 19 at this point, looking back over the past couple of years as she tells her story. I will be including a flashback chapter about her relationship with Wickham and some of her impressions of Darcy and Elizabeth’s courtship too (scenes missing from P&P). I decided to write the book in first person so we can really get into Georgiana’s head and see things only from her perspective. There’s so much going on during this period (according to The Darcys of Pemberley) that she has no clue to, and that effects how she reacts to things. Plus, I’ve enjoyed writing first person before (For Myself Alone, The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen).

    • Carole in Canada on December 30, 2014 at 4:42 pm
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    I was thrilled to read this and excited to know there is a another wonderful book of yours in the making! I loved The Darcy’s of Pemberley and Return to Longbourn (really loved Mary’s story) that this one with Georgiana will only add to it…here’s your trilogy! So while we wait, I will have to buy and read Jane Austen’s Persuasion!
    Happy New Year!

      • Carole in Canada on December 30, 2014 at 4:44 pm
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      Oops..meant to type The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen!

      1. I have gotten used to counting the trilogy as P&P, TDOP, and RTL. But you’re right, Carole! With this book added, I’ll have 3 P&P books of my own.

        So glad to hear you’re planning on reading TPMJA! I really think it’s my best so far. You will have plenty of time for that one and For Myself Alone too if you like. I have a long way to go with this new one. I’m really enjoying writing it, though!

    • Sheila L. M. on December 30, 2014 at 9:15 pm
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    Shannon, I love your way with language. Lovely! I will wait until closer to publication of this book to re-read the others, which I, too, enjoyed. It was so interesting to read Georgiana’s comments on Elizabeth’s role in the family and how she filled a need in both Darcy’s and Georgiana’s life. Additionally that Georgiana recognized that Darcy filled a role for his wife, that marriage is one of give-and-take. PLUS that their love was evident in the looks they gave each other.

    Thanks for the teaser…I think….smiles!

    1. I appreciate hearing your comments, Sheila! Thank you.

      The idea with this book is that you can read it before, after, or ALONGSIDE The Darcys of Pemberley. I’m syncing the chapters so that the action is one parallels what is happening in the other at the same time. So instead of rereading TDOP in preparation for the new book, you could wait and try the side-by-side method if you want. What do you think?

        • Deborah on December 31, 2014 at 5:08 am
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        Great idea, Shannon…reading them side by side. With the synchronization of chapters that should be fun. I did that with P & P and The additional scenes in The Scenes Jane Austen Didn’t Write. I really enjoyed doing that.

        I really loved TPMJA. It’s a wonderful read.

        • Sheila L. M. on December 31, 2014 at 9:06 am
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        That’s a good idea. I had the same thought when I bought and read P&P: The Scenes JA Never Wrote – before I discovered all these blogs. Have a happy new year.

    • Beatrice on January 3, 2015 at 2:30 am
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    I always love your writing, and this is very enticing. However ever since I got to the part where Mr Collins died, I’ve been going crazy wondering if that little olive branch turned out to be a girl or a boy. If a boy, he would now be Mr Bennet’s heir. If a girl, Charlotte and the little girl would not even have any prospects.

    1. Good question, Beatrice. I can see you’re thinking ahead! The answer is that the anticipated “olive branch” was neither boy nor girl; it turned out to be a false alarm.

      When I wrote The Darcy’s of Pemberley, my plan was to abide very strictly by what JA had given us in the epilogue chapter of P&P, not contradicting anything she had written there about what would happen next. But I made a slight exception in this case. As you have outlined, Charlotte’s having a child would have had definite ramifications for her and for the Bennet family. A girl would have increased Charlotte’s distress of circumstances, and a boy would have interfered with my plans for Longbourn (see Return to Longbourn). And let’s be honest; none of us really wanted Mr. Collins reproducing, did we?

  1. […] (complete with my secret identity, sidekicks, and an unlikely villain to vanquish). Then, at Austen Variations, get a sneak peek at my new work-in-progress. Read chapter one of my next novel – a Pride and […]

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