Launch day for A Less Agreeable Man!

It’s been quite an adventure getting this one to the finish line, with surgeries, travel and finally a natural disaster trying to hijack this book! Not kidding about that last one either. Hurricane Harvey lined up in the Gulf to hit us just as I was trying to upload all the ebook files!

It started out as The Heir of Rosings Park, looking like this. Not bad all in all, but I really love the new title and look that we came up with.

This will be the a last of the Queen of Rosings Park books. So those of you who have been waiting to start the series until all the books were out, your wait is over! The first book, Mistaking Her Character, is Elizabeth’s story. The second, The Trouble to Check Her, is Lydia’s. A Less Agreeable Man is Mary’s story.

 

 

A Less Agreeable Man on Amazon

 


How much will Fitzwilliam’s temper with Lady Catherine cost him?

Find additional chapters HERE


 Chapter 17

Fitzwilliam straightened his jacket and followed his guests from the dining room to the parlor. Miss Bennet would surely reprimand him if he said it, but Aunt Catherine’s absence at dinner had aided his digestion considerably. Miss Bennet’s simplified menus certainly assisted as well, but unfettered conversation, even if it centered on the business of finding a curate and a companion, was a rare blessing these days.

Beyond even that, Michaels’ penchant for industry had the added benefit of affording him a sense of accomplishment. Something which Rosings had steadily refused to permit. Perhaps now, with Michaels’ assistance, he might finally make progress in restoring the estate to its former grandeur.

In the parlor, Collins badgered Miss Bennet until she played for them, ignoring his wife’s pleas otherwise. It was unfortunate for all. Miss Bennet was an indifferent player, and none would have suffered to miss her concerto. Worse still, it provided Collins with another victory over his cousin, reinforcing in his mind the power he wielded over his family. That alone was nearly insufferable. But worse still, it seemed no one but himself recognized the discomfiture on Miss Bennet’s face.

How could Michaels be so unable to recognize it? Everything in her bearing spoke misery. Though she made efforts to hide it, it was clear, and painful, nay nauseating to watch. The poor woman clearly wanted deliverance from the spectacle, but was only met with further demands for her to perform.

The final notes of her song faded away. Collins drew a deep breath.

Fitzwilliam jumped up. “Perhaps, Mr. Collins, you might be prevailed upon to read to us.”

Mrs. Collins pinched the bridge of her nose and shook her head.

Collins’ chest puffed up as he squared his shoulders. “I should be honored sir.”

Miss Bennet lost no time in leaving the pianoforte, moving toward the bookcase, away from the group. The slump of her shoulders had lessened. That must be a good sign.

“What would you like me to read, sir?” Collins rose, settling into his best vicar’s posture.

Insufferable, proud….

Small Tom burst into the room. “Colonel!”

That was not a tone to be ignored. Fitzwilliam bolted toward the butler.

“Sir, there is a fire in the main barn. Mrs. Jenkinson cannot find Lady Catherine and fears—”

Michaels and Miss Bennet were at his shoulders.

“I will send the scullery maids for the farmers. Marshal the footmen and the hall boys.” Miss Bennet nodded at Small Tom as she dashed out.

Fitzwilliam charged out, Michaels and Collins on his heels.

By the time they pounded out of the kitchen door, his heart thundered in his ears, pulse fast and furious. Shouts from the barn and burgeoning chaos grew around him as men gathered from all directions.

His nose burned and his throat threatened to close against the acrid, smoky fumes that assailed him on the winds. An eerie crimson glow backlit the edge of the house as they rounded the corner.

The ghosts of cannon fire and rifle reports rang out. So much like France. So much.

No! Not now! He could not afford it now.

A horse screamed and another echoed it.

Just as his had when it was shot from under him.

He stumbled. Michaels grabbed his elbow, keeping him upright . They cleared the edge of the house, the barn now visible.

Grooms struggled to manage terrified horses. Damn it all, they needed to get the beasts as far away from the fire as possible, not be milling around in the midst of all the confusion!

“I’ll manage the grooms,” Michaels called from somewhere that felt very, very far away, and dashed away into the chaos.

Fitzwilliam paused, frozen. Flames licked at the open windows. The building was not entirely engulfed, not yet. But neither had been the house at the edge of the battle field…

“Colonel!” A woman nearly tripped as she came to a stop beside him.

He jumped and stared at her. She was not the girl from the French house. He peered at her through the choking haze.

Miss Bennet. Yes, it was Miss Bennet.

“The farmers are sent for. But Lady Catherine is missing.”

Her words swirled around in his mind, refusing to settle where he could understand them. He blinked hard. Perhaps that would force them into some semblance of order.

“Colonel, you are needed here!” She grasped his shoulders and shook him.

Perhaps. But he was required in France too… He pulled away and turned aside.

She yanked something from her waist and held it under his nose.

Gah!

He staggered back, choking on the pungent smelling salts.

She caught him before he fell. He held tightly to her arm.

“Are you well?”

Such concern in her dark eyes. He could get lost in them.

“Colonel?”

“Yes … yes, thank you.” He straightened and gulped in a deep breath.

“The staff is organizing buckets and wet sacks. The farmers are arriving. They need you to coordinate them.”

“Of course, of course.” He squinted and shook his head again. “I am well now.”

She pointed, and he sprinted in that direction.

The chief groom met him. “There are two horses still inside. Don’t know how—”

“How is not the concern. Get axes and open that far wall. See if you can get them out that way.”

Michaels ran toward him, a young groom with him. “The boy thinks he saw Lady Catherine.”

“Speak!”

The boy jumped back and stammered a moment before finding his voice. “Yes, sir. I cannot be certain, sir. I was in the hayloft, asleep as the chief groom bid me. Someone came in with a candle, calling for a carriage to be readied. I did not see who it was, but it were a lady’s voice, sir. Then I saw the straw coming to blaze, and that same voice screamed.”

“No one has found her—she must still be inside!” Michaels looked over his shoulder toward the barn.

“Lady Catherine, inside?”

When had Collins joined them?

“We must rescue her!” He pelted toward the burning building.

Fitzwilliam glanced at Michaels.

“Soak your cravat in water and tie it around your face first.” Michaels led the way to the servants passing buckets.

Fitzwilliam wound and tied the cravat as he ran for the barn. This was too bloody familiar!

He could not … yes he could. He had to!

The heat struck him first, then the noise. Fire made a very distinct sound as it consumed, ravaged, devastated …

Smelling salts … remember the smelling salts.

He ducked his head and plunged inside.

Smoke, choking, blinding smoke burned his eyes, his face. He crouched lower, into air just a mite clearer.

“This way!” Michaels called from somewhere to his right.

A flash of white—that must be him.

Fitzwilliam staggered toward it.

Pounding and shouting on the other side of the wall.

Horses screaming.

Flames flared and postured, threatening.

“Here, I have found her!”

He dragged himself toward the voice.

A stumbling, trembling, sobbing body fell into him. Deadweight, covered in far too much fabric. He grabbed it and dragged it toward the first bit of light—an opening in the wall—perhaps a window. But smoke poured through, fighting him for the right of passage.

He dropped the simpering body near the wall and thrust his hands through the opening, waving and screaming with what little voice he had left.

Somewhere behind him, heat surged. The fiery roar redoubled.

This was the fate he had cheated on that French field. The one they said it was a miracle he had escaped. But one did not cheat death for very long. No, it would make its claim that no one could escape.

Not even an officer of His Majesty’s army.

How did one prepare to meet his Maker? Was there a prayer, some confession he should make?

Someone outside grabbed his hand and held it tight. The hand was soft and small and strong. A woman’s voice called something that sounded like his name then other words that became lost in smoke-induced choking.

Other voices gathered near the woman’s voice. Thumping and pounding on the other side. They called to him, words he could not make out.

Cannon fire—what else could that be—echoed behind him. Sparks flew. Crunching, crashing sounds.

His vision narrowed into darkness.


This will be the final preview chapter posted. Watch for the official release post  (with a stunning new title!) later this week.

29 comments

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    • Kathy on August 31, 2017 at 12:21 am
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    WOW! I hope Lady C is placed somewhere she cannot be a danger to herself and others IF she survives. Mr. Collins should go bore the angels or demons.

    • RoxDawn on August 31, 2017 at 1:05 am
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    Madam!! What a cliffie!!!!!
    I think Lady Cat dies from her injuries. The Colonel professes his love in his sleep/delusional state, Michaels hears and demands that Mary choose.

    • Kathy F on August 31, 2017 at 5:36 am
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    OMG!!!! You can not leave us hanging like this!I hope this is the end of lady C.I agree that Collins should go join the devil’s for all of his evilness.

    • Glynis on August 31, 2017 at 5:51 am
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    Well hopefully Lady Catherine and Mr Collins will perish in the blaze. Obviously Fitzwilliam loves Mary and also more importantly seems to have some idea of her feelings. But what of poor Michaels? Well I must admit I have no idea how you can solve this one. Maybe with Mr Collins dead Michaels can turn his attention towards Charlotte?
    On another note Maria I am relieved you managed to cope through the hurricane and floods and hope things recover soon.

    • Diane Spigonardo on August 31, 2017 at 7:00 am
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    This is most certainly a page turner kind of book. Definitely makes you want to know what happens next!

    • Mari on August 31, 2017 at 7:03 am
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    Most of us seem to be on the same page here. Collins should follow Lady Catherine into the afterlife, and Mary should end up with the Colonel. It’s a pairing that always appeals to me when I see it. I also really like the new cover better than the old. The first one was fine until I saw the second one. The man looks like Colonel Fitzwilliam should look, and the woman looks more like the Mary in this story. I hope you and your family are safe and that Harvey didn’t do a lot of damage where you live. This has been a devastating storm. Prayers and best wishes to everyone on the Coast at this difficult time.

    • Theresa M on August 31, 2017 at 7:09 am
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    I agree with Diane..page turner for sure. I always find a Fitzwilliams war pstd interesting but sad. Can’t wait to read this!
    Alos I just read the update onyour house/harvey. So glad you, your family and all your rescue animal friends are safe. Prayers for all.

    • Vesper Meikle on August 31, 2017 at 7:34 am
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    Having read the first two in the series, I can’t to read the complete book of this story

    • Amy on August 31, 2017 at 7:54 am
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    I suspect that our hero will once again(with the aid and support of his own angelic Miss Bennet, cheat death. I think he will save himself and Lady C. However, it’s possible that Mr. Collins may end up as collateral damage.

  1. I love this entire series, and Heir/Agreeable is the icing on the series cake. What a great story! Also, the fact that you’re publishing and posting I take as a promising sign that you and your family are well and safe. Still, Harvey has been devastating, and I’m watching the news coverage with tears in my eyes and prayers in my heart for everyone affected. Stay safe!

    • Nicole B on August 31, 2017 at 9:05 am
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    Excellent! Incredible portrayal of ptsd. I really felt what the colonel was going through. Here’s hoping Lady C is the only one to suffer. (Is that awful of me?) Although I truly hate cliffies, yours is very exciting and I hope even without internet access you are not enduring your own cliffie for much longer and will be home safely very soon!

    • Linda A. on August 31, 2017 at 9:18 am
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    Oh! Goodness. What a place to leave us – right on the edge of that cliff. Thank you for sharing your stories with us. Looking forward to reading it. Stay safe!

    • Cindy Hinkle on August 31, 2017 at 11:03 am
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    I love it… it is already loaded up on the Kindle to start reading at lunch! I continue to pray for your family and those in affected areas in Texas!

    • Betty Campbell Madden on August 31, 2017 at 11:07 am
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    I’ve been waiting for the entire series, so it’s a guess at best. For a truly HEA, I’d vote to lose Catherine and Collins in the fire. “Too bad; so sad” as the saying goes.

    • DarcyBennett on August 31, 2017 at 11:14 am
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    Great cliffhanger. I believe the Col will be alright but that Lady Catherine and Mr Collins will perish in the fire.

    • Patricia Finnegan on August 31, 2017 at 1:44 pm
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    I think either lady Catherine will die or if she survives she’ll be changed. Maybe more thoughtful .

  2. Oh my you have done it again. Can’t wait for this book. Be safe please.

    • Lynn Bischoff on August 31, 2017 at 3:14 pm
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    I read this book this morning, and could not put it down. I have already submitted my 5 star review to amazon.ca I loved it. Thank you Maria for such a wonderful conclusion to an excellent series.

    • Randi on August 31, 2017 at 5:18 pm
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    Sounds like the end to Lady C. at last. What a time to have a book launch! I’ve seen good wishes and prayers for you all over the JAFF social media today. Stay safe!

    • Gwyn on August 31, 2017 at 5:59 pm
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    Yea! New lunchtime reading! I have to start with Elizabeth’s story… something I should have done long ago.

    • Miriam Bresticker on August 31, 2017 at 8:04 pm
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    I’m guessing that Mary rescues Fitzwilliam. Either Michaels steps aside and F and Mary get together or Michaels gets jealous and does something to prove himself worthy of Mary.

    • Carole in Canada on August 31, 2017 at 9:36 pm
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    Hope you and the family are safe and keeping well. It amazes me your resilience i the face of it all!

    So looking forward to this book being released! Can’t wait to read it!
    As for what I think will be the end result…Michaels will see the care and devotion that Mary shows towards the Colonel and will come to realize that she loves him. I doubt Lady Catherine will survive this and as for Collins, they wont realize he is missing until after the fire is out. Charlotte will be free of his tyranny.

    I am sad to know that this will be the last book. I was hoping for one on Kitty.

    • tgruy on August 31, 2017 at 10:56 pm
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    It’s wonderful news! I followed this story when I could and loved it! I will get it as soon as possible.

    I hope you and yours are fine and that everything gets back to normal soon. I will keep all of you in my prayers.

    • Carol on September 1, 2017 at 5:11 pm
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    Talk about a cliff hanger of a chapter. Glad this is finally being published. Not I can read the three. Be safe.

    • Carol on September 1, 2017 at 5:11 pm
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    Talk about a cliff hanger of a chapter. Glad this is finally being published. Now I can read the three. Be safe.

    • EvelynTost on September 2, 2017 at 3:16 am
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    Wow, so glad to come back here in time for some great launches; actually missed some , but ordered the books Congratulations many times over!!
    Also pray.and hope all is okay with your family and pray you have a home to come back to. We may have to evacuate our home tomorrow due to fire here in California in the Sierras near the giant Sequoias. We particularly ask for prayers for the firefighters and for the safety of our ancient trees, some more than 5,000 years old. God bless.

  3. I hope Colonel Fitzwilliam comes to his senses and rescued his aunt. I am guessing Lady Catherine survives the fire for a few days but succumbed to her injuries. Then a new reign for Rosings Park will begin so that’s why the series is over.

    Anyway, congratulations for publishing a new novel. I hope you and your family are safe and pray that everyone will be alright.

    • Laura H on September 3, 2017 at 8:40 am
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    What a cliff hanger! Wow! I have enjoyed all of the chapters of this book that you’ve shared and I’d love to read all 3 books in the series. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the book.
    Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.

    • denise on September 4, 2017 at 11:07 pm
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    love the cliffhanger! Congratulations on the release!

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