Advent Day Nine: A Christmas Tea Guest (Interview with Kirk)

Merry Christmas!

We bring you a very special Christmas interview today. George and Lydia Wickham have invited the elusive Kirk to join them for some mulled wine around the hearth, and they have a great deal to say about Jane Austen today. Pull on your fuzzy socks, snuggle into your stocking cap, and join us for a chat!

Lydia: Good evening, sir! My dear George and I are so happy you could spare the time to visit us this evening. Mulled wine?

George: Why is mulled wine not always on the menu? If I were king, we’d drink mulled wine all year round. But I digress. Well, here’s a thing. A new fellow in town, propped up like Caesar on Mrs Wickham’s Venetian cushions. A pleasure, sir, George Wickham at your service!

Kirk: Thank you for the welcome and the wine! A bit chilly in my neck of the woods. Just getting in from discussing another of Jane Austen’s works. Only the 2nd time I’ve been interviewed.

George: And the first by a lady as delectable as the divine Mrs Wickham, I imagine. We’re in the chilliest of seasons at the moment, which guarantees plenty of warming embraces from my good lady!

Kirk: Umm..you might very well think that, I couldn’t possibly comment. 🙂 (Line from the UK 🏠 of Cards). I will say that Miss Rose(my first interviewer) truly lives up to her name. 🙂

George: Now I find myself intrigued. Miss Rose, you say?

Lydia: Oh, you remember her, my dear. She complimented me so very prettily on my cushions when last she was in Town, and it was she who suggested red and gold for my Christmas tree. Do you like it? I am certain you must, for Miss Rose has the most delightful taste. How did you come to know her, sir? I fancy she must have been at that grand soiree I heard so much of last season. Have you any mutual acquaintances?

Kirk: Lol… perhaps more accurately Mrs Rose. 🙂 I hear her husband is a crack shot. Just saying..

Many mutual acquaintances on the Austenesque Lovers TBR pile Goodreads page (which she manages), a small amateur Austenesque writing page she manages, and she has contributed many charming short stories to various collections. Most recently to the fine “Rational Creatures” collection.

George: He’ll have no need of weapons. I’m sure the lady is charming but Mrs Wickham is surely the pinnacle of her gender!

Kirk: *eye-roll*

George: is she not, sir? A wonder indeed!

Kirk: (seeing that rational conversation is not possible on this subject…) Indeed. (Looks at clock… should I pull an Emma and duck out at 14m 59?)

Lydia: Sir, I do hope you like my cushions. I had them imported all the way from India! I bring them out speficially for the Christmas season, because they are so very warm and comfortable. That one upon which you are presently reclining was a gift from a very fine lady, but I am forbidden to say whom. (Winks suggestively) We do meet the most marvelous people!

Now, sir, I was wondering if you could tell me a little more about yourself. How was it that you came upon the illustrious works of our dear friend Miss Austen?

Kirk: Marvelous cushions!(a bit much for my limited taste but nevermind)

Ah, meeting the illustrious works of Miss Austen…I like to joke I’m a member of the Austen class of 1995(my parents faithfully watched Masterpiece Theater, so it seems likely I had seen P&P ‘80…with robo Darcy…but it apparently didn’t make a First Impression… sorry a tiny Austen joke!). I saw Sense and Sensibility 1995 three times in the movie theaters(it was almost love at first sight for me and Marianne Dashwood…my favorite heroine). My favorite cousin purchased Pride and Prejudice 1995 and played bits of it at family gatherings(Jane Bennet and Elizabeth Bennet are my 2nd and 3rd favorites).  Emma came to the movie theaters the next year(My favorite hero is Mr Knightley. My favorite Austen adaptation is Emma 09). I had purchased a paperback copy of S&S ‘95 with the Dashwood elder sisters on the cover. I read it and then P&P and Emma. Being somewhat of a “completeist”… I then read and loved the other three Austen novels. Finishing that… I found JAFF in the form of “The Third Sister” about Margaret Dashwood and one about the first year of the Darcy’s marriage…no doubt a favorite subject for you two :). A bit later I found Abigail Reynolds brilliant “Pemberley by the Sea”, now known as “The Man Who Loved Pride and Prejudice”. Sorry about the Collins length answer!!!

Lydia: Pray! Do not compare yourself my cousin, for you are eminently more prepossessing. I am glad to hear you are so fond of Jane and Lizzy. I never did discover why Miss Austen wrote them so much better than myself, but alas, ‘twill always be that my dear sisters claim the lion’s share of the praise!

You also mentioned Mrs Brandon, I believe. I have met her only once, just after she was wed. My dear George served with the colonel, did you not, my love?

George: Indeed, my angel, indeed, and a more steady man never drew breath. I half expect to see him crop up in government one day! I will tell you this though, what women call husband material, that one. Solid as oak.

Kirk: Lol, George! I’m picturing Alan Rickman as a giant oak tree. Lydia, you might be pleased to know that there are some JAFF books that involve you, some as the main character! Alas, I haven’t been able to read them as yet. I have enjoyed some about Mary(she has her own cottage industry!), Kitty, your father, and even your aunt and uncle!

Lydia: La, I thought it would never happen! I suppose the truth, or some version of it, does have a way of getting out. I do receive some lovely letters quite often, and for that I must thank Miss Austen. She has immortalised us in our own lifetimes! Now, Mr Kirk, I do believe you mentioned a Mr Knightley. I have often heard his name, but have not had the pleasure of knowing him. Has he an admirable character? He must, for you to think so highly of him. I think it is just a breath of fresh air that someone is not claiming Lizzy’s husband as their favourite for once! Come, you must tell us all about him and why he rates so highly in your estimation.

Kirk: George’s great comment “Solid as Oak” applied to Mr Knightley (whose first name is George!). He truly is a knight in the truest and best sense of the word (TMI warning: “Nights in White Satin” has been my favorite song since age six). US President TR famously wanted to give everyone a “Square Deal”. The same applies to Mr Knightley. Rich or poor/wise or rattling fool…he will treat you fairly and patiently. And his one flaw is a human one…he is jealous of someone who appears to want to take away his beloved Emma. Pop psych: He and Col Brandon are the oldest heroes… I was close to their ages when I met them. I also love his grumpy brother John Knightley, who I’m too much like in RL. I even wrote a blog post defending the Mr K/Emma relationship. Barbara Cornthwaite has written a two volume (and third volume is coming soon) JAFF about George Knightley…with amusing remarks from John Knightley being one of the many highlights.

Lydia: How very droll! I am afraid John Knightley must be nothing like my own “knight,” if you will forgive my little joke, but the brothers do sound like agreeable fellows. We must have them to tea someday. Sir, you describe yourself as a grumpy sort very much like Mr John Knightley. I say, how could you speak so? For I have seen nothing but charm, am I not right, my love?

George: Charm to spare, Mrs Wickham, charm to spare. And what of the cads, sir, that nefarious group to which I find myself so often – and so lucratively- consigned? Have you a secret admiration for any of those fellows? I shan’t tell your good lady, never fear.

Kirk: Oh, you two!(talk about a charm offense) I could mention too many examples of John Knightley behavior…but to answer George’s question…No, no, no. Nor for the less than sweet selfish members of the opposite sex. The great Austen screen writer Andrew Davies refers to above the “Austen baddies”. To misquote Miss Austen “Let other readers dwell on such characters, I quit such odious subjects as soon as I can…”! I read an P&P ARC last night where the “baddies” appeared very little. I was enjoyed!(I fear many readers will be bored)

George: One needs a little darkness to make the light glimmer all the brighter, I find, and all are made up of many parts, good and bad. And handsome parts too, in some cases!

Kirk: Deep!

George: In art as in life!

Lydia: I take it then that you are all for kindly relations between people and care little for the drama that so many have ascribed to our own lives?

Kirk: That is quite correct Lydia! “The Three Very Twisted English Sisters”, as an example, I have banned in the book club I manage (Austen in Boston: A Jane Austen Book Club on FB, Twitter, and WordPress). Both for melodrama and what one of them said about Miss Austen! Nefarious creature!!

Lydia: Oh, I shall take care not to cause offense! I see that you have some very strong sentiments regarding the sorts of tales you prefer. Have you ever thought of taking up the pen as Miss Austen did? I declare, we should all be the merry beneficiaries of your gentle wit.

Kirk: Who, me strong sentiments??? 🙂 I love the way you put that! (you must try your hand at writing!) I have Marianne Dashwood sentiments that what I read is close to Jane Bennet sweetness.

Gentle wit? Thanks! As mentioned,  I’m too much of a John Knightley to compose gentle wit. A worthy goal if I had any wit! I have attempted short jokey pieces in the style of Miss Austen’s youthful works (under a pen name). Any actual authors reading this might appreciate a recent Halloween Austen item I posted received a 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 on one site. Miss Anonymous on an another site blasted me by saying that Halloween wasn’t celebrated in the Regency Period. Lol, who is as “undead” as Miss Austen?? BTW, on that site “authors” can delete reviews…so I did!!! Hehehehe! P.S. Dept of Irony: One of the Halloween posts just received a more positive review!

Lydia: What a good joke! Does no one truly comprehend the value of a good farce anymore? I am given to understand that you appreciate tales of the future, rather than having your feet solely rooted in King George’s England? I do chuckle so that you are such an adamant proponent of sweetness—such a contradiction you are, sir! You sound very much like Mrs Brandon yourself! Little wonder you admire her so.

Kirk: That is quite true that I appreciate tales of the future and not just ones rooted in King George’s England! (KGE) In fact, it is probable that I read more set outside KGE than in. Certainly a great amount of unpublished shorts works I read are set outside. I certainly appreciate the great work it takes to get the facts of KGE correct.

Yes! A little too much like Mrs Brandon at times. 🙂

Lydia: And have you any plans for the festive season, sir? I believe I heard that the very  Brandons of whom you speak will be in Town.

Kirk: Hmmm…as luck would have it AiB is having a Holiday party on the 16th and my other Austen group is meeting on the 17th! The most “Austenesque” local mansion is having a JA time a week later. I might go if my favorite local Janeites decide to go. I’ve read some Austen Christmas variations recently…with maybe some to come. I hope you and George have a festive season! I hope to enjoy celebrations for Miss Austen’s Birthday, seasonal concerts, and (hopefully) low stress family gatherings!

George: We’re a very festive family, are we not, Lydia?

Lydia: (Bats him playfully with her fan) I daresay our parties are the most talked of in town, but it is all George’s doing! If you have no other plans, sir, I insist that you come to one of our fetes. Perhaps Twelfth Night! Will you bring any guests?

Kirk: Sounds interesting!?! Thanks for the invite! While I’m three things very dull indeed, my GF and her cat would love to attend. 🙂

George: We don’t believe in dull, sir, we’d soon see you sparkle like a freshly-fallen snow!

Kirk: Hmmm…(fear and foreboding!)

George: Say what you will of us, but the house of Wickham knows how to celebrate. A few heads may be sore come the dawn, but that’s no price to pay for memories!

Memories, indeed! We hope this little chat brough you some good cheer this season. You may be assured that Kirk, George and Lydia are cherishing the warmth of heart and hearth. Cheers!