Diana Birchall

Author's posts

Jealousy in July: Who is Jane Austen’s Most Jealous Character?

Is Caroline Bingley green with envy as she notices Mr. Darcy’s attentions to Elizabeth Bennet? Does Emma Woodhouse wish unspeakable horrors on Harriet Smith because of Harriet’s crush on Mr. Knightley? After Willoughby, does Marianne covet Elinor’s more sensible behaviour? We could go on for ages, but it’s only for this month so don’t miss …

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Austen at the Seaside: What the Sea Meant to Jane

Summer is here! Time for days at the beach with lots of sun, sand, and romance. Grab your sunblock and join your favourite Austen characters in their adventures at the sea. As we move toward midsummer, our thoughts may naturally turn toward the seaside, and to wonder what the seaside meant to Jane Austen, what …

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Wicked Twickenham

On my recent trip to England, in May, my first order of business (or rather, pleasure!) was to spend a day with my friend Ron Dunning, who is not only a descendant of the Austen family (multiple great grandson of Francis Austen), but knows his Jane Austen well, and is possessed of an acute historical …

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Jane Austen’s Feelings in April

Welcome to All Things Austen in April! What did the month of April mean to Jane Austen? Something mercurial, as the month is ever famed to be. A month of declarations, of stormy emotion, of disappointment in love, and of activity of all kinds…   “If your feelings are still what they were last April, …

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March Madness: Lady Catherine meets Mrs. Elton

Have you ever wanted to read how a conversation would go between Darcy and Captain Wentworth? Have you ever wished Caroline Bingley might make the acquaintance of Sir Walter Elliot? Have you ever thought Mrs. Norris and Lady Catherine could be best buds? Then you’ll love March Madness where we combine characters from Jane Austen’s …

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P&P Behind the Scenes: Lydia’s Wedding

    In this last of the three-part story about Lydia and Wickham, Lydia is brought to her wedding, but not to reason, by Mrs. Gardiner. It was after breakfast that Mr. Gardiner was called away to consult with his man of business, Mr. Stone, and Lydia was wild with fear that he would take …

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P&P Behind the Scenes: Lydia Elopes

    Part Two in this three-part series of stories about Lydia and Wickham’s wicked elopement. Let us join this young pair, whom Jane Austen said were only brought together because their passions were stronger than their virtue.  “ “Look here, Lydia,” said Wickham, getting out of bed and standing by the window, watching red coated …

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P&P Behind the Scenes: Wickham’s Scheme of Elopement

  Today we begin three parts of a story about Lydia and her shocking relations with Wickham that (some would say unfortunately) led to their wedding. A preface to this tale was posted on August 24, 2015, so you may like to go back to prepare yourself!  About a month after Lydia’s removal to Brighton, …

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Anniversaries for Jane Austen

To commemorate our second anniversary, we invite you, our loyal readers and friends, to join us this month at Austen Variations. We have grand plans! For February, we intend to share the endearing moments of Jane Austen’s beloved characters as they celebrate their own anniversaries.     It is curious that Jane Austen does not …

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Considering Jane Bennet – and her Sisters

What better way to start the year that to focus on one of Jane Austen’s most beloved characters? Join Austen Variations as we spend January looking into the lovely Jane Bennet. Writing a Jane Bennet story the other day (“In the Shrubbery”) naturally made me think about this remarkably sweet secondary heroine, and I hope you …

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