Mr Darcy’s Christmas Calendar – a new novella – Jane Odiwe

MrDsXmasCalendar-Cover-1I’m really excited to share an excerpt from my new novella, Mr Darcy’s Christmas Calendar. This is a tale I started working on more than two years ago, and though I managed to write a great part of it during that time, other writing projects meant it always took a back seat. I love writing Christmas stories and was determined to finish it this year and bring it out in time for the holidays. I’m happy to tell you it will be published on November fourth. 

Here’s a little taste of what it’s all about: Lizzy Benson visits Jane Austen’s house in Chawton, and buys a special advent calendar in the gift shop, but strange things start to happen when she opens up the first door and finds herself back in time with all the beloved characters from her favourite book, Pride and Prejudice. As she finds herself increasingly drawn into an alternate reality, Lizzy discovers not only is Mr Darcy missing from the plot, but also that Jane Austen has never heard of him. All Lizzy can hope is that she can help to get the story and her own complicated love life back on track before Christmas is over, and bring everything to a happy resolution in Jane Austen’s imaginary world!

I hope you enjoy the first chapter!

Chapter One

Door Number One

It really did look like a Christmas card. The red brick house glowed with yellow light through frosted window panes brightening the gloom of the wintry day. Lizzy wrinkled her nose as feathers of snow tickled her face and settled like iced stars on her scarlet beret. It had been a bit of a nightmare to find it: a train, a bus ride, and a twelve-minute walk along snow-covered lanes, but now she considered it had all been worth it. Jane Austen’s house buried in the countryside village of Chawton couldn’t have been more perfect to Lizzy’s eyes. Perhaps deciding to visit the house in the middle of winter hadn’t been her brightest idea, but there was no denying her excitement. Lizzy felt a sense of anticipation, the house looked enchanted as if under a fairy spell, and she half wondered if she might bump into Jane herself at the door.

Finding the entrance at a barn door by the side of the building Lizzy soon realized it was locked, and it occurred to her then that despite all appearances the house might not be open. Looking up, dizzying spirals of snowflakes whirled through the air making her blink, and for the first time she prayed that the snow that was settling in high drifts might stop. Setting off that morning in fine weather Lizzy hadn’t even considered the house might be closed or that there might be a problem getting home. The snow was totally unexpected, and though she loved to see it, Lizzy felt a little anxious now she saw it continue to fall. She wondered if perhaps she should head back along the lane to the bus stop when, to her great surprise, she heard the sound of a door opening. From the main building opposite the head of a tall man peered round the glass-paned door.

‘Look, we’re really short-staffed. No one’s turned up, and to be honest, I thought no one in their right mind would come today. I assume you’re here to see the house?’

Lizzy nodded. She saw a cross-looking young man in his late twenties with a mane of dark, almost black hair waving back from a face of strong features. She heard a public school accent, confident but with more than a suggestion of arrogance, the kind her father would be terribly impressed by. His dark eyes, to match his unruly curls, were boring into hers as if he hated the very sight of her. Unable to meet them, she was overwhelmed by a sense of rising panic whilst simultaneously thinking she’d never met anyone so rude. He hadn’t even said hello.

‘I’ve come from London,’ said Lizzy. ‘It’s taken me a while to get here, but I suppose if you’re closed, there’s not much I can do.’

‘No, we’re shut. Cassandra’s might give you a cup of tea, I suppose.’

Lizzy had a strange thought he was talking about Jane Austen’s sister for a minute until she remembered that the café across the way shared the same name.

‘No, they’re closed, too,’ she said.

The sign for the café had been a welcome sight on the way as she’d trudged up the road, but she’d known with a sinking heart that it was closed before she’d even reached it. As Lizzy waited for him to speak again, she heard the crunch of footsteps in the snow behind her.

‘I’m here now, Mr Williams, you can get back in the warm. I’ll open up!’ cried a cheerful voice.

Lizzy turned to see a lady with a pleasant face advancing gingerly towards her, picking up her long skirts to avoid getting them wet. Dressed from head to foot in Regency costume she appeared to be totally at home in her clothes, and Lizzy supposed it must be a kind of uniform she wore when showing people round the house.

‘Come in out of the cold, dear. I am sorry I couldn’t have been here sooner, but what with the weather and I know not what to tell you about first, I am in quite a dither this morning. My nerves are apt to plague me, but you’ll forgive me for running on so. Mr Williams would have attended you in any case, I am sure.’

The door opposite resounded with a loud bang as it shut. Mr Williams disappeared.

Lizzy didn’t like to say that the rude man had told her to go home, and decided to say nothing. In a way, she hoped he might see her and she felt a certain satisfaction in knowing that she’d got what she wanted, after all. Following the lady into the barn, Lizzy blinked as the bright strip lights were flicked on in the shop.

‘Do make yourself at home, dear. I’ll just make sure everything is in order in the main house so have a look round at your leisure. My youngest daughter was here yesterday, and though a delightful companion, she is inclined to be untidy. I daresay the dining room table will be littered with bonnets and ribbon, but that’s my Lydia – never happier than when she’s pulling apart a hat and making it her own.’

She reminded Lizzy of Mrs Bennet especially when she laughed like a young girl, her curls trembling as she disappeared through a door at the end. Lizzy suppressed a desire to giggle, and wondered how the lady managed to keep up her way of talking as if she’d just stepped out of a Jane Austen novel.

Lizzy looked around at the wealth of books and gifts in the shop, most of which she longed to own. The shelves were lined with the books Jane Austen had written and revised in the very house she was about to see, and there were mugs and bags, bookmarks and fridge magnets to tempt the pennies out of her purse. On the counter was a pile of Advent calendars with a scene like the one she’d witnessed earlier. A painting of Jane’s house in the snow was sprinkled with twenty four windows to be opened during the festive season, some of which lay exactly over the place where the real windows were situated, over the doors, or were hidden in the snow-clad trees and sky. Lizzy was just making up her mind to treat herself to one when the lady came back.

‘Oh, my dear, you’ve made an excellent choice, and one you won’t regret, I’m sure,’ she said, and as Lizzy took out her purse to pay for it, the lady added, ‘Don’t trouble yourself about paying for it now. There’s time enough to do that later. Now, if you’ll just go into the changing room, you’ll find it all much more enjoyable if you put on your costume first.’

Before she could ask any questions the door was opened for her, and when Lizzy stepped inside the small cubicle she found a day dress and scarlet pelisse hanging up, along with a plain chemise, half-boots, and a fur trimmed bonnet with green satin ribbons. She’d always wanted to try on a Regency costume, and this one looked so authentic that she thought it would be fun to wear it. She was soon dressed, the outfit was quite easy to wear and more comfortable than she’d thought it might be, fitting her to perfection, as if it had been made with her in mind. A glance across at the looking glass showed an image of a young woman she hardly recognised looking quite wide-eyed with astonishment.

When Lizzy emerged rather cautiously, the lady clapped her hands. ‘Oh, my dear, you look better than I dreamed possible. Scarlet is very becoming on you, and the green ribbon brings out your hazel eyes. Now, don’t forget your calendar. Please take it with you, and, as it’s December the first today, you should make haste, and open number one!’

spiky-bonnetEncouraged by the lady’s enthusiasm Lizzy carefully tore round the perforated edge of the window and peeled it back. She’d never grown out of the childish excitement of having an Advent calendar, and this was extra special. Behind a beautiful gothic window the picture gave a glimpse of the room itself. There on a chaise longue lay a pink satin bonnet.

‘That means you must go to the drawing room first,’ said the lady. ‘Look for the signs and you’ll soon find it.’  

Lizzy picked up her bag, and clutching the calendar set off around the back of the house following the path until she came to a white door. The thought that this was a doorway through which Jane had passed many times was thrilling, and turning the handle she crossed the threshold with a reverent step.

‘Lord, is that you, Kitty?’ came a shrill voice. ‘I thought you were never coming home!’

The room Lizzy entered was strewn with ribbons and lace, yards of satin and silk flowers covering every surface and tumbling onto the floor. A young girl seated on the chaise longue looked up expectantly.

‘Oh! I thought you were Kitty, but I suppose you must be here for one of my sisters, though I have to say you look as if you’ve just stepped out of my mother’s monthly magazine, and are not at all the sort of plain girl they usually keep for company.’

Apart from being completely taken aback at the sight and manner of the girl who looked just like an image from an illustrated edition of Jane Austen’s novels, Lizzy couldn’t think what she could be talking about.

‘I’m so sorry,’ Lizzy began, ‘but I was told to come here.’

‘And I expect that person was a round plump lady who talks too much and quivers like a jelly not quite set. My mother! Lord knows she cannot help herself, but she will interfere. You’re not the first and I daresay you will not be the last. However, do not be alarmed. I am delighted you are here. You can help me trim this wretched bonnet. I cannot do a thing with it! Tell me, what do you think of this ribbon?’

Before Lizzy managed to speak the young girl spoke again. ‘Are you here for Jane or Elizabeth? I expect they’re closeted away somewhere telling their secrets to one another. I am not interested in their dull tales. Anyway, I have a secret of my own. I shall tell you if you like.’

Based on what she’d seen so far of her companion, Lizzy decided she wouldn’t be required to say much at all but something told her to be on her guard.

‘I don’t think…’

‘Good, I knew you would want to hear it. I know Miss Austen doesn’t like it when we peep, but I cannot help wanting to know what will happen next. All I wished for is to have our dreary cousin taken away, but I know there is much better in store. I’ve seen the very manuscript she’s working on!’

‘Miss Austen?’

‘Of course Miss Austen! Miss Jane Austen, the one who owns this very house. At least, her brother Edward really owns it but Miss Jane and her sister Miss Cassandra live here with their mother.’

‘Miss Jane Austen is here in this house?’ asked Lizzy, hardly able to believe her ears.

‘Yes, of course, she’s in the next room where she sits scribbling on her little pieces of paper about us all. I should be vexed for it has to be said she can be very unkind about me, but she has promised to send me to Brighton, so she’s not all bad, by any means. I heard her say it out loud, and I cannot wait!’

Lizzy was sure her suspicions were correct. She’d visited houses and museums in the past where actors were employed to play the parts of historical figures, but she’d never seen anything quite so real or convincing. The girl who was clearly brilliant at role-playing must be acting the part of Lydia Bennet, and the lady in the shop was performing very convincingly as her mother, Mrs Bennet. It all made sense now.

‘Do you think I could see Miss Austen?’ Lizzy asked.

Lydia looked doubtful. ‘She may see you, but then again, she may not like to be disturbed. You will soon find out if you go beyond the door.’

Lizzy followed Lydia’s pointing finger to the door ahead, which was firmly closed. ‘Do you think I should? I wouldn’t like to interrupt her if she’s writing.’

‘Only you can decide what is best. If you take a leaf from my book, nothing ever stops me from pursuing the wishes of my heart.’

Lizzy was most undecided, especially when she considered that it might not be wise to take advice from Lydia Bennet. But, surely this was all part of the exhibition, and she was being guided, even invited to go through the door. And if she didn’t hurry, time would run out, and she would have to go home. Pinned to the door was a piece of card with a number two engraved in silver upon its cream-coloured surface. On closer inspection she read the words, An Invitation to the Ball, written in a flowing script.

I hope you enjoyed it-I’ll be posting another chapter next time!

50 comments

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  1. A charming beginning, a sweet cover and a lovely bonnet! Thank you for sharing!

    1. Thank you, Farida-it’s a little different than my usual, but as I love Christmas and magic and Jane Austen, I thought I’d combine all three.

    • Deborah on October 6, 2014 at 1:49 am
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    The chapter has me eagerly anticipating the release of the book, Jane. I can’t wait. Darcy missing from the manuscript & Jane having never heard (thought) of him…horrors!

  2. Thank you, Deborah-you never know-Mr Darcy might be found at some stage in the book! ; )

  3. Really intriguing, Jane. How can there be no Mr. Darcy?????

    1. Thank you! I know, Monica-it’s a very grave situation to begin with… ; )

    • Mari on October 6, 2014 at 6:35 am
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    Oh my goodness! I am madly in love witht this! You have gotten this lovely novella off to a wonderful start, and I can barely wait for the next chapter to post. The only thing I like more than Jane Austen and Christmas, is a new story by Jane Odiwe. The cover is absolutely beautiful, and I am going to pop over to Amazon to see if I can pre-order it yet. What a wonderful surprise this is, and since my birthday is in early November, it will make the perfect gift from me to me. I love the idea and the execution is perfect, as always. Thank you so much for sharing, and for helping to feed my Jane Odiwe addiction. This was such a lovely surprise to find in my inbox this morning. I wakened very early this morning, and thought I would check my email and then go back to sleep. That won’t be happening now.

  4. Thank you, Mari, for your lovely comment to bring a bit of sunshine into the dull, rainy day I’m ‘enjoying’ this morning! It will probably be up for pre-order next week-I’ll keep you posted!

    • Mari on October 6, 2014 at 7:45 am
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    Thank you for the update. I was just at Amazon and am glad to know that it will be available for pre-order soon. Would you believe that I hadn’t bought “Lydia Bennet’s Story” yet? I thought I had them all, but I somehow missed that one. Happily it is now on my Kindle. I read the sample that was available and it made me laugh. Lydia was never a favorite character of mine, but I think that after I read the book, I will like her a great deal more. What a lucky find. My sympathies for the rainy day; the weather forecast here is for rain all week, and if it weren’t for Lydia and the new book, I would have a very dull and annoying week myself.

    1. Thank you, Mari! I do hope you enjoy it – I thought there would be opportunities to make a comic novel, even though she is so naughty, and I wanted to reform Lydia, just a little…

    • Linda Shen on October 6, 2014 at 8:30 am
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    good morning Jane, I like you name because you is as Jane Austen’s first name, I sure you will be talent as Jane Austen, I wish I can write as Jane Austen write, I try I feel like so difficult to put a word on the paper, my brain thinking too fast, my hands write too slow, I thought Jane Austen’s birthday is 12/16/1775, my birthday is 12/14/1958, so I thought if Jane Austen can write a books, so I can too, do you think I am silly.

  5. Good morning, Linda! How lovely to have a birthday so close to Jane Austen’s – no, I do not think you’re silly – it is a lovely to write, and learning how to get your words on paper comes with practise. Just keep trying, and enjoy it!

    • Linda Shen on October 6, 2014 at 10:00 am
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    Thank you Jane, I appreciated you courage me, I feel hold lot better now, how did you come out all the insight their life and living, did you research the history, and how did you discover Jane Austen’s manuscript.

  6. Linda, I’ve read as many books as I can about Jane’s life and all her novels many times. I think that’s one of the best ways to learn about writing, by reading other people’s books. My mother bought me Pride and Prejudice from the library when I was young, and I also loved watching an old black and white film of the book!

    • Kara Louise on October 6, 2014 at 10:43 am
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    This looks positively lovely, Jane! Oh my!

  7. Thank you, Kara Louise, I’ve had a lot of fun writing it!

  8. Oh Jane I absolutely love it! I adore the cover, and I love the idea (how inventive!) of going back through the calendar doors! I really enjoyed reading your description of Chawton Cottage shop and sending Lizzy back straight into P&P with a missing Darcy is brilliant!

    I cannot wait to get this book as soon as it is released!

    1. Thank you, Cassandra-we do like a bit of fantasy, don’t we?

  9. Oh, Jane! This is such a delightful story 😉 .
    I love Advent calendars (we get a couple of them every year), and your idea of using them as a time-travel device is inspired!! Can’t wait to read more!

    1. I love advent calendars too, Marilyn-I’ve got quite a collection because I can never bear to throw them away.

    • Carole in Canada on October 6, 2014 at 11:27 am
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    What’s not to love?! I love the cover, the premise and the first chapter. You have captured Lydia so perfectly! Hmmm…I wondering about this ‘Mr. Williams’ too! What a delightful treat indeed.

    1. Carole, thank you so much-I’m so glad you like the idea and the first chapter. Oh, that naughty Lydia-I channel her a bit too easily ; ) Yes, I think you’ll find Mr Williams is quite a tricky character…

  10. What a lovely idea, Jane, and a delightful first chapter! Including an advent calendar as a plot device is just brilliant. I can’t wait to read the rest!

  11. Thank you, Abigail-I just love advent calendars and have wanted to do this book for a while now!

    • Linda Clark on October 6, 2014 at 1:04 pm
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    This first chapter has me eagerly awaiting for more! You are off to a delightful start of what I think will be another of your wonderful Pride and Prejudice variations. This one is truly a step apart from any other premise I’ve ever read for s P&P variation. I’m going to enjoy this one immensely. I can’t wait to see what role our modern day heroine plays in this drama.

    1. Linda, thank you-I’m thrilled you enjoyed it, and I hope you’ll love the finished novella.

    • Leslie on October 6, 2014 at 1:11 pm
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    What a great teaser chapter, and what a great idea! I look forward to the finished product. Just finished re-reading ‘Willoughby’ – such a good story, and Austen’s Marianne is right up there with Lydia Bennet for me. They’re not my favorite ladies, but you gave both of them good, grownup endings.

    1. Leslie, I loved writing Willoughby’s Return-so glad you enjoyed it. I really wanted to explore alternatives to the usual Pride and Prejudice characters though I’ve since embraced that book too. I hope you’ll enjoy my Christmas novella too.

  12. This is a fun idea, Jane! I hated to come to the end of the excerpt. I haven’t bought an advent calendar in a long time – I’m gonna keep my eye out for one like this! 😉

  13. Monica, thank you-and if you find an advent calendar like that one, please let me know! : )

    • Carol on October 6, 2014 at 5:11 pm
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    What a unique start to your story. Look forward to your next chapter. Next time I check the Jane Austen site, I will be looking for the Advent calendar! How fantastic that would be.

    1. Thank you, Carol-I’m working on an idea for an advent calendar-bear with me!

    • Sheila L. M. on October 7, 2014 at 11:55 am
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    What a unique and inspired idea! I don’t buy Advent Calendars now that my children are adults with their own children but if this does lead to a P&P Advent Calendar (even if it is next year) I am on board to buy it. It would be so lovely to connect with this story. I had not been fond of time travel novels but with several by JAFF authors writing such and OUTLANDER I am finding I like this genre more and more. This first chapter is one that I will have to re-read, just to make sure I am oriented as to present day and the fine line in time travel. Sounds like she was gone before she opened the calendar as Mrs. Bennet had her putting clothes for the past time. Thank you and I am looking forward to reading this.

    1. Thank you, Sheila-there will be a chocolate version, and I hope a paper one for prizes on launch day-I put up the chocolate one on my FB page-check it out!

        • Sheila L. M. on October 9, 2014 at 2:13 pm
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        I was on Face Book but deleted my account due to privacy issues (plus I could not keep up with all the posting and links!). So I will just have to look at these blogs. Sorry.

        1. Sheila-please check back on November 4th for the competition-the calendars arrived today-they’ve made them so nicely!

            • Deborah on October 9, 2014 at 5:21 pm
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            Looking forward to Nov. 4, Jane. Glad are pleases work the way the calendars came out. :-). You are so creative.

            • Sheila L. M. on October 9, 2014 at 7:56 pm
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            Hey, I want one – winning or buying – I will have one but thank you for the heads up! Can’t wait.

  14. It’s a gorgeous cover accompanied by beautiful writing of your new novella, Jane. I seem to recall that I may have read this chapter on your blog several years ago. Do correct me if I’m wrong. Anyway, I cannot wait to read another excerpt and then your published work.

    1. Thank you, Sylvia! Yes, this has been an epic tale in the making-I’ve been trying to finish it for a few years and now I have!

    • Kathy on October 7, 2014 at 10:35 pm
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    I am also wondering if there really is a P&P Advent Calendar that I can purchase! What a great idea, and I really enjoyed this first chapter. It occurs to me that if I realized I was in the book with Lydia Bennet I would have a hard time resisting the urge to shake some sense in her! (“See that guy, Wickham? STAY AWAY!!”)

  15. Kathy, I’ve had some made for my launch on November 4th, and I hope to put some up if anyone wants to buy them. Yes, it’s an interesting thought about Wickham, but it seems he might be a changed character in this version … or is he?

    • Lauren K. on October 18, 2014 at 3:29 pm
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    I absolutely love this so far. It brings back memories of my Christmas excitement as a child that has faded significantly. I look forward to the upcoming chapters and the release of your advent calendar to tie me over until I can make my trek to Chawton 🙂

  16. Thank you, Lauren – I still get very excited about Christmas, and I’ve loved trying to capture that feeling in this book. Thanks so much for stopping by!

    • Irena Warmenhoven on October 19, 2014 at 2:02 am
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    Dear Jane,
    I checked my emails at 1am and found this gem of yours. Hopefully it will be launched in Canada on that same date Nov 4th. I adore anything Jane! What great writing and a well thought out hook! I have never read any of your books but through JASNA I have discovered you! My fellow Janeites and I meet in three days to embroider our first reticlue and we will be discussing your first chapter. I’ll suggest we all write down how we think your Christmas book will end and see who comes closest to guessing it right.
    Your rain arrives here by morning but I managed to plant all my tulips today as the weather forecast calls for snow by Wednesday. Wish I had your book to read by the warm fire.
    Mrs. Irena

  17. Thank you, Mrs Irena, I am so touched by your lovely comments, and so pleased you enjoyed the excerpt. The book will be launched in Canada through Amazon and Barnes and Noble on the same date. I hope you have a lovely time finishing off those reticules-they sound much like the one my heroine Lizzy has to go to a ball!

    • Ada on October 22, 2014 at 11:57 am
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    I’ve read this particular excerpt several times. I have enjoyed usurping Lizzy’s journey. I cannot cannot wait for the novella to come out. In fact an advent calendar to try & slow my feverish ways. Perhaps I’ll be able to read the book slowly, instead of losing myself in it for several long hours & then roam around like a lost puppy …. sad.
    I cannot wait!!!!! Thanks again my dearest Jane!

    1. Thank you, Adalgisa – you are very kind!

  18. What a wonderful beginning! I can’t wait to read what happens next!
    I love the idea of the story so far, you could do so much with that type of story line, and being an avid fan, I know you will! LOL
    Thank you for the peek!

    1. Thank you, Angie-I’m thrilled you enjoyed the beginning!

  1. […] If you’d like to read the first chapter, hop on over to Austen Variations! […]

  2. […] If you missed Chapter One of Mr Darcy’s Christmas Calendar you can read it here.  […]

  3. […] Three, which I hope you will enjoy! If you missed the previous chapters, you can read Chapter One here, and Chapter Two […]

  4. […] happens at the ‘Chawton Ball’ – I hope you enjoy it! Here are links to chapters one, two and three, in case you missed […]

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