Congratulations to Joan, winner of the audiobook. The giveaway is now closed.
New in audio!
I’m so excited to announce that A Most Affectionate Mother is now available in audio!
I’ve always related to Mary Bennet much more than Elizabeth, and I just love it when she finds her own romance and happy ending on her terms.
The story features a good old fashioned thunderstorm, so I thought I’d share that with you and give you a peek at Mary’s adventures in escaping the matchmaking machinations of not one, but two mothers!
Lost in a Thunderstorm
All Mary’s well-meaning efforts would have ruined a man … a man she cared for more than she should … one that she maybe … no, that was not possible … but yes, it was … one whom she loved. She covered her face with her hands and wept, choking and gut-wrenching sobs she could not have controlled had she wanted to.
When she looked up, eyes blurry and sore, the woods had grown dark. The bits of sky she could make out through the trees were gloomy and ominous. Cold wind slapped at her, warning her of what came with it. Of course, a storm was looming. How fitting when her life felt like a chapter of a Gothic novel.
Lightning seared the sky. Ear-shattering thunder rattled the trees hardly a breath later. She needed to find cover immediately. But where was she?
The path she had been following—she had been following a path, had she not? But where was it now? Paths did not just disappear—at least when one was not a heroine in a novel, they did not.
There it was, precisely where it was supposed to be! How could she have missed it? Foolish, foolish girl! Now was not the time to allow ridiculous imaginings to take control of her good sense. Another sharp gust cut through the trees. She wrapped her arms around her waist and hurried down the path until it came to a fork.
If only she had noticed the fork when she was rushing headlong into the woods like a sapscull. She closed her eyes. Which side of the fork had she followed here? Surely, she had come down along the right-hand side. That one would lead her out, maybe even before the rain began.
Or perhaps not. Fat drops splashed on leaves and made their way through the canopy. Only a moment later, a deluge poured from the sky. All hope that any of her person would remain dry disappeared. Wind whipped the rain into painful stinging blasts that burned her cheeks and arms.
She should have cleared the woods by now. The fields should be in view. There was a shack not far from the trail where she ought to be able to take refuge. If only she could get past all these trees.
But the forest remained unmoved. If anything, the trees became denser and the path less clear. Was it possible she had taken the wrong fork?
She turned to follow the trail back. Lightning flashed, and something flared in the treetops above her as thunder resonated in her bones. A tree snapped and fell, blocking the path ahead. Even if it were the correct path, she dare not take it until the weather passed.
She glanced about, but it was darker than before. Even if there were shelter nearby, she could not make it out. If she left the path now, would she be able to find it later? Probably not. She huddled near a large tree and tried to forget the aching, wet cold that seeped deep into her bones.
By the time the clouds cleared, they revealed a sliver of moon high in the sky. The light was comforting, but not enough to see by. She would have to wait until morning to find her way back. She closed her eyes and flirted with sleep.
Cool morning breezes across her still-damp clothes roused her from a light sleep. Cold, wet, and thirsty. Most everything ached. That is what one got for getting lost in the woods. And, oh yes, she was still lost. At least there was light now, and she might, if she were lucky, be able to find the way back out of this unfortunate place.
She stood and looked around, her sodden skirt clinging to her legs like plaster. Was that the faint trace of the path she had followed yesterday? Possibly, hopefully. Nothing else resembled a trail, so she might as well follow it. She rubbed her hands briskly along her soggy sleeves and set off. With so many limbs blown down by the storm, it was difficult to tell where the trail had been. The waterlogged ground proved slippery with mud and dead leaves under her feet, slowing her progress to a crawl.
What if she could not find her way back? Now she was being silly. Surely she would encounter someone who could direct her to Leighton Manor. She could not be that deep into the woods, could she? But what if she encountered—stop! Hysterical thoughts would not help.
Wait, what was that? She held her breath and closed her eyes as though that might improve her hearing.
“Miss! Miss! Miss Bennet!” A high, boyish voice was not too far off.
“Nate, is that you?” she cried, searching through the tree trunks.
A small form broke through the branches. “I found her! She is here!” Nate ran for her and wrapped his arms around her knees. “I am so glad we found you. I was sure we would. We had to, we just had to.” He released her and shouted through cupped hands. “I’ve found her! She is found!”
More boys burst through the trees, followed by Mr. Johnstone. Dark circles lined his eyes matched by furrowed and heavy brows. He approached with solid, powerful steps.
“Are you injured?” He looked over her shoulder, avoiding any eye contact.
“No, sir.”
“But she is cold and wet!” Nate cried. “Her lips are nearly blue!”
Mr. Johnstone pulled off his coat and wrapped her in it. Oh gracious, how very warm and heavy and comforting it was. Her knees buckled. He caught her as she crumpled to the ground, sweeping her into his arms.
The boys gathered around him, and they began to walk.
“David, Thomas, run ahead and see that Mrs. Johnstone has warm blankets and hot water ready for us.”
The two boys sprinted off.
“You do not have to carry me, I can—”
“Do not argue. If I do not carry you, the children will try to do it themselves.” He grumbled, still not looking at her.
She rested her head on his shoulder, strong and secure like the rest of him. But, no doubt he was cross, even angry with her. There was no warmth in his voice or eyes. After all she had done, why would he welcome her presence at all?
She swallowed hard and squeezed her eyes shut, trying to ignore the hot rivulets pouring down her cheeks.
Here’s a peek at the awesome narration by Melissa Durbin.
Mary goes to the library looking for escape, not love.
With three daughters married in a single year, one would think that Mrs. Bennet’s matchmaking ploys would diminish. One would be wrong. Very wrong.
To avoid her mother’s affectionate arts, Mary takes refuge at Clarke’s library. There, in the reading room, she can forget the trials of Longbourn, lost in the pages of her favorite books.
The strategy works—surprisingly well in fact—until the morning a tall, handsome stranger wants the same book she has already checked out—a text she needs to help a friend. Instead of politely waiting until she is finished with it, as a proper gentleman would, he insists she give it up to him immediately. When she rejects his demands—the audacity of it all!—he refuses to take no for answer, and appears on Longbourn’s doorstep.
Now Mama has seen him, matchmaking is not far behind.
Mary is determined to escape Mama’s machinations at all costs. But, maybe, just maybe, this time Mama is right.
8 comments
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Enjoyed the excerpt. Thanks for the giveaway.
Melissa Durbin does a great audio reading. Two matchmaking mamas? Thank you for the excerpt as I loved how the little boys obviously love Miss Mary. It is time for Mary to come into her own and shine.
This is such sweet news. That this is available as an audio book. I loved the excerpt and agree that Melissa Durbin’s narration is lovely. I love this Mary story.
Take me out of the running for the giveaway as I just won very recently. And just to let you know, I’m very eagerly awaiting the next book in the dragon series to become available in audio format. The first one in the series, Pemberley: Mr Darcy’s Dragon, was wonderfully narrated. And of course, left we readers/listeners with a tear-jerking cliffhanger.
That was interesting to listen to. I haven’t managed to switch over to audio. I am too ADD and can’t chew gum and walk at the same time. I already own the book and thought I had read it. I checked my records and don’t see where I had written a review… so I need to put that on my to-do list. Congratulations on this next phase [audio] in the publication of this work.
I loved reading this book! I also enjoy it when Mary has the opportunity to meet the man of her dreams even if she does make everything difficult!
I loved reading this book! I also enjoy it when Mary has the opportunity to meet the man of her dreams even if she does make everything difficult!
I am so glad it is out on audio. I loved the story when I read it and am sure I will live it even more when I listen to it.
It is a great book. Mary becomes a sweet, loving person to some rapscallions who need a mother’s touch as does their father. I am easily distracted with audio books but love to read so will have to revisit Mary’s story.