A Lie Universally Hidden- An Excerpt

Hello, dear readers! As the month of love is coming to a close, I have been reflecting on what makes a wonderful story; what draws us in and makes us want more. I think we all enjoy the point when our favorite characters arrive at their happily ever after, but I think there is actually something more desirable in the road to ‘getting there.’ There is something to be said for the build up of emotions; that point where our characters are struggling to suppress that attraction, whether they realize it or not. In honor of those thoughts, I am sharing a scene from my first full length JAFF novel, A Lie Universally Hidden, with you.

In this novel, Mr. Darcy is betrothed to his cousin Anne de Bourgh, and Elizabeth is soon to reach an understanding with a childhood friend, Mr. James Hamilton. Darcy and she are thrown into company as Kitty and

Georgiana become good friends, and while doing so, begin to realize their attraction.

In this scene, they have just gone to tea at Netherfield and are taking a walk about the grounds. Here’s just a small little glimpse into their interactions:

“It was a lovely tea. Thank you once again for encouraging your sister to invite us.”

Lizzy leisurely walked one of the meandering paths of Netherfield Park alongside the prominent figure of Fitzwilliam Darcy. The early autumn weather was quite fine and the group of young people decided to take full opportunity of it. Jane and Bingley, as well as Kitty and Georgiana, walked ahead of them, which left her alone to talk with Mr. Darcy. Lizzy delighted in pointing out some of the prospects she remembered from her youth with the Carlton girls, and he seemed interested in her recollections.

“I am grateful Miss Bingley allowed Georgiana to play hostess while she is in London.”

“Yes, as am I.” With his eyes forward, he cleared his throat and turned his attention to the foliage around them. “This tree we are coming upon is the one a ten-year old Miss Elizabeth Bennet fell out of attempting to win a dare, you say?”

“Yes, this is the one.” She laughed. “I realize now it was very unladylike, but I had to prove to young Henry Carlton and James Hamilton that just because I was a girl did not mean I was incapable!” “No one having the privilege of knowing you could find anything wanting. You seem to be a force, Miss Elizabeth. One of which the likes of many, including myself, have never seen.” He tipped his hat to her and allowed a deep chuckle to roll from his throat as Lizzy knew she must be pink at his praise.

They continued on in silence for a few minutes before she attempted more conversation. “And your home? I understand from Miss Bingley your Pemberley is far superior to any in comparison.”

He clasped his hands behind his back and cleared his throat. “Miss Elizabeth, if I may be so bold as to caution you against believing everything Miss Bingley offers up as fact. She often elaborates to…to…to give an air of superiority…to me…where none is needed. She means well” —he rushed on, obviously not wanting to insult a lady— “however, the life I live is much simpler than she would have it portrayed.”

Lizzy sighed with mock solemnity. “Sir, I am now at a loss. I have heard such different accounts of your character as to puzzle me exceedingly. If you say I am not to believe Miss Bingley, then I confess, I know nothing about you, other than what I have observed on my own and what Mr. Bingley has implied.”

“Oh-ho. What have you observed of me? I am curious about your perceptions.”

She pursed her lips together in concentration and stole a glance at his fine physique beside her before beginning. “I have noticed, Mr. Darcy, that you are a very good sort of brother. It is obvious you love your sister dearly, and she returns that affection whole heartedly. You are a good friend. Mr. Bingley thinks very highly of you and seems to value your opinion above all others, seemingly even his own. You are a reserved man,” she said thoughtfully. “You have very decided ideas about propriety and responsibility which could be called admirable…”

“And anything else?” He stopped to look at her. The corners of his mouth twitched as he waited for her next pronouncement.

“You have a very relaxed countenance when you are left to your own thoughts.”

“Indeed! And Bingley? What have you learned from him?”

She took a deep breath and slightly raised her chin, attempting to stop the color which was threatening to creep up her neck. “It has been said that you have a good seat when riding.”

He let out a rich laugh. “Interesting, Miss Elizabeth, but might I suggest—” a dimple appeared in the corner of his mouth “—in the future, take the words straight from the source? Other than testimony regarding my excellent seat, of course.”

Lizzy’s blush deepened as she attempted to force the vision of Bingley’s contribution from her mind. Clearing her throat, she finally responded. “I do believe that is sage advice, sir. Advice which I will heed. And so, from your own lips, please enlighten me on Pemberley.” They walked along companionably as Mr. Darcy imparted much about the home he loved, its surrounding woods, and a few

improvements he was implementing to increase crop production.

“I am sure you are unaware, sir, Longbourn is entailed away from the female line.”

“That is most unfortunate for a family with only daughters.”

“Yes,” she replied with a laugh in her voice. “We are to starve in the hedgerows if you ask my mother. However, the young man who will inherit the estate is coming at the end of the next week to stay with us, and dear Mama plans on showing our home to its maximum advantage.”

“I am certain that will not be an impossible task. Longbourn has some very charming attributes.”

“Very pretty, Mr. Darcy. Thank you,” she said taking his hand as he helped her over a fallen log. “But, I am afraid we often romanticize our own homes and are disappointed when we see them through other’s eyes. As you have seen, Longbourn is not as grand as Netherfield but there are characteristics which I love with all my heart.”

“Such as?” He clasped his hands behind his back and continued to walk beside her.

“In the springtime, our orchard produces the most fragrant blossoms promising delicious plums and peaches in a few, short months. Many a day little Lizzy Bennet had a stomach ache from over indulging.” He laughed at the picture she presented. “It has a floorboard which creaks outside of the sitting room that when my sisters or I were younger and reading novels, we had time to hide them before Mama came in.” She ran her hand through fragrant daphne, letting the scent drift on the air. “But my favorite are the grounds. I have spent hours walking the well-known paths of my home, recognizing the new buds in springtime and knowing where the first frost will hit in winter. Could another person truly love my home as I do?”

He stopped walking as they came to a meadow and he looked out over the prospect. “Miss Elizabeth,” he said gently, “like myself, you too are part of where you have come from. I would say, no, the young man fortunate enough to inherit your home will never love it as you will. That is what makes Longbourn a home and not just an estate: the people residing inside and the dreams they have. He may not appreciate it as you but he might come to love it. Surely his children will. They will grow to see the beauty and tramp through the woods you love so dearly.”

A feeling of warmth rushed through her as she realized that he understood and must feel the same for Pemberley. “I believe you must be correct, sir.”

As they continued their ramble, Lizzy spied Mr. Darcy through the corner of her eye and scrutinized his fine person once again. I like the way his eyes seem to sparkle with mischief while he maintains complete control of his mien. Such a very handsome man with his tanned skin and wavy, dark locks. That one lone curl keeps licking at his forehead. She stifled a giggle as he pushed it under his hat brim for the third time.

“I believe you are laughing at me.”

“No, sir. Not at all. I was laughing at that curl that keeps escaping.” Her eyes met his and held longer than they should before she looked away. With rapid speech, she began to stammer. “That puts me in mind of a most pleasant thought. Might I wish you joy, sir?” A shadow seemed to pass across Mr. Darcy’s face before he checked himself. “I heard Mrs. Hurst say you were engaged to be married to a Miss de Bourgh. Might I also ask when the event is to take place?”

His shoulders tensed and his voice seemed stilted. “Yes, thank you, Miss Elizabeth. It is to take place in three months’ time.”

A strange feeling swept over her at his reply. “That is wonderful news. Is she a very accomplished young lady? That must be where Miss Darcy finds her example.”

“Unfortunately, Anne does not have a strong constitution, therefore, she does not play or sing.” Further along the path he professed, “I believe her painting and drawing is very limited as well.”

“Oh, then she must be a great reader or master of foreign languages…”

“Truthfully, no. She speaks a little French, yet even less Italian.” Mr. Darcy seemed to realize too late he had confessed all the obvious deficiencies of his intended and his voice trailed off into silence.

Noticing his introspective turn, Lizzy interpolated, “Oh. But. Does speaking Italian or French truly make one woman accomplished?” She continued in her attempts to put him at ease. “In my opinion, a woman worthy is not one who plays the pianoforte or draws exceptionally well. In fact, an accomplished woman uses her intellect and natural goodness to put others at ease and, if I may be so bold, to help her husband with his responsibilities. Now, with that in mind, I am certain your Miss de Bourgh will do an admirable job.” She sighed feeling regret—but for what, she was not quite sure. Yet, she was rewarded with the seldom bestowed dimpled smile upon Mr. Darcy’s face as he turned to her.

“Thank you, Miss Elizabeth. It is a rare young lady who fails to take the opportunity to recommend themselves to the other sex by undervaluing another.” Lost in thought, they passed over a small bridge and coming around the far end of the lake, Mr. Darcy said, “My engagement with Miss de Bourgh is of a peculiar kind. It was the express wish of my dear mother. I could never disappoint her memory.”

She could not explain it, but it felt more like an apology than a conversation. “Quite commendable. A mother is a son’s first love, just as a father is a daughter’s. It takes a truly great man to adhere to the responsibilities which he could easily brush aside.” Her voice caught a little, and once again, she knew not why. She believed in her statement, but… I think it is unfair that Mr. Darcy is to be engaged to a woman he had no choice in marrying. What about love? Admiration? He has the means to choose. He is a man entitled to freedoms…

Lizzy unconsciously stopped in the middle of the path, warring with her thoughts.

Darcy’s brows knit together as he gazed at her. “Miss Bennet? Are you unwell?”

She began walking again and dismissed his concern with brief smile. “No, no. Pray, excuse me, Mr. Darcy. I was wool-gathering. What were you saying, sir?”

“I was speaking of James Hamilton. And should I wish you joy?”

“No, Mr. Darcy. As of now, there is nothing to declare.”

He wondered if he saw resignation in her posture, an uncertain wavering which could be construed as hesitation. “He is a good man. I was impressed with his knowledge of agriculture and estate management when we were at Cambridge together. He seemed to quickly understand concepts which many of us in the same courses had been exposed to at a much earlier age. And even then, some of his peers still had difficulty with comprehension.”

“He is a good man, I agree. I believe my childhood friend has grown up quite admirably!”

Enjoying the silence for a moment longer, they continued companionably on their walk, crunching leaves underfoot until their path crossed a small stream. Looking ahead, Darcy noticed the rest of the party had already traversed the obstacle. He walked three paces until he was standing atop a slight rise by the water’s edge and extended his hand to her.

“Miss Elizabeth? If I may…?”

Her teasing smile made his heart thump in his chest. “Mr. Darcy, I appreciate your gesture but have been wandering these woods since I could wake before the servants and slip out Longbourn’s doors.” Her light laugh flitted in the air as she stepped past him on the rocks and stopped mid-stream.

Darcy chuckled. “Then maybe it is I who should ask for assistance?” He watched her nimbly maneuver across the slick stones without soaking her boots, all the while marveling at her abilities. Darcy could not look away from the pretty picture she made, breathless from her exertion. Though she be but little, she is fierce. He continued to watch her, waiting until she reached the shoreline before moving himself, when a step from her destination, a small cry came from her lips.

Darcy looked up just in time to reach out and catch Miss Elizabeth as she fell toward the water.

They stood there awkwardly for a moment, her light and pleasing form pressed against his chest while he attempted to balance on two stones. He finally exhaled, and looking her directly in her eyes, he hoped those windows to his thoughts did not betray him. “Miss Elizabeth. If you would allow me to carry you to shore, I feel I will save both our clothes and pride.”

She hesitated only a moment before nodding.

He quickly scooped her up, attempting to ignore her scent of lavender or her warm breath on his neck. He put her down gingerly on the bank and she brushed herself off, all the while looking around to ascertain they had not been observed.

“I can assure you, Miss Elizabeth, your reputation is safe. No one was witness to either your fall or my—”

“Heroic act,” she finished, casting her eyes downward before raising them to meet his. “It appears that I am not as capable as I believed,” she said with a hint of mischief in her voice.

“We all slip on occasion. Not just on stones.” He nodded kindly and held out his arm for her to take, certain he imagined the gentle squeeze from her fingers.

And there you have it! The first flutterings of affection between our dear couple! What are some of your favorite ‘flutterings’? Do you prefer in a story when Darcy and Elizabeth have to work through her dislike for him, or do you like a fresh start from the get go?

Have a wonderful week!