It’s release day!! If you’ve preordered Agony and Hope, I hope it’s already downloaded to your Kindle. If not, then hurry on over to Amazon and grab your Kindle or paperback. I’ve been flattered by the response to the previews as well as the impatience for the release day to come. The inital reviews have all been more than I could’ve imagined and I hope everyone enjoys it just as much as the ARC readers.
Some of the early reactions:
“Wow! Well done. I highly recommend this for something really different.”
“Beautifully written with an exceptional Darcy portrayal, I am happy to highly recommend this book. I plan to purchase the published version to add to my Kindle library. This will also be added to my re-read stack. Loved it!”
“Ms. Diamond’s engaging writing is a pleasure to read, as always. While I’ve read other variations with some similarities in storyline, the strength of this one is the interplay among the various supporting characters. “
Just in case you’re on the fence, I’m posting just a bit more, but not too much. I don’t want to give you everything 😉 So here’s the next part of the preview!
Chapter 5
Darcy stood before the windows of his study as the sun set over the treetops of Hyde Park in a brilliant wash of vibrant reds and oranges then lingered as the moon began its ascent into the night sky. This day had resembled the others that had passed since Georgiana’s wedding, tedious task after tedious task while he anticipated the evening to come. How he welcomed this time of day—welcomed the hour when he could pour his first sizeable glass of brandy and work towards the dream world he sought without one ounce of reserve.
A fire burned in the grate, providing a modicum of light to the one room he regularly inhabited other than his bedchamber, lest his servants believe him in need of a physician to balance his humours. After all, what servant worth their salt would not act if their master remained in his cups and abed for days at a time?
The paltry light of two candles illuminated the untouched tray of food upon his desk. Mrs. Northcott would “tsk” and shake her head at another meal ignored in favour of spirits, yet he would find sleep sooner without the food in his belly.
He stared into the dark window, but the reflection of the room caught his attention. Elizabeth reclined against the far end of the sofa, her one eyebrow arched, and her lips curved into a tempting smile. Her expression beckoned him to abandon his place and love her. Oh! How he wished he could!
His eyes itched, and he fought the urge to blink, a trivial physical requirement that never failed to disappoint him in these situations. Finally giving in, he allowed his eyelids to close for a fraction of a second. When he reopened them, Elizabeth had vanished. His heart cracked and bled with every sighting his conscious mind allowed then stole away with a cruelty that pained him. At least in sleep, her departure was rare before the bitter glare of dawn.
The amber liquor slid down his throat with ease as he finished the first glass. He poured another and focussed on the darkened street. Park Lane, while not a busy thoroughfare, had an occasional carriage that passed, heading to one ball or another. Darcy no longer read the invitations. Why would he do so when he could task his secretary with sending his regrets? With Georgiana’s marriage, he no longer had reason to don an air of civility and bear those insufferable matchmaking mothers and their tedious, cloying daughters.
At the creaking of the door, the glass reflected Mrs. Northcott as she entered. True to character, she took a long look at the laden tray before her eyes met his in the window. “Sir, Cook would be pleased to prepare a meal more to your liking. If—”
“Pray, do not put her to the trouble. I am not hungry.” The housekeeper opened her mouth to speak. “Beg her forgiveness. I know she has put a great deal of effort into the food tonight. I am appreciative of her dedication.”
Mrs. Northcott’s lips pressed into a thin line before she gave a curt nod. “Yes, sir.”
At a knock on the front door, the housekeeper uttered what resembled a growl. “Who calls at this time of day?”
Darcy twisted and placed a hand to the back of his chair. “If it is Lord Carlisle, I am from home.”
“Yes, sir,” said Mrs. Northcott. He was thankful she had not mentioned Richard’s near daily attempts to call. Since Georgiana’s wedding a week ago, Watson had thus far managed to keep Richard from accessing the servants’ passages. Darcy had been blessedly left to his own company.
When his eyes returned to the park, a hackney stood before the house. He frowned. Who had come? Richard lived on Berkley Square and would never hire a hackney to carry him, for all intents and purposes, around the corner. His eyes lit on the silhouette of the horse harnessed to the carriage, a nag too thin to haul anything of considerable weight. How had the poor beast even managed with the vehicle it pulled? The individual at the door could not be Richard. For that matter, none of his acquaintance would require a hackney. “Mrs. Northcott?”
As she paused in the doorway, an unintelligible voice carried into the study with Watson’s loud reprimand following, prompting him to set down his drink and follow the voices towards the hall. “Miss, if you have business with this house, I am certain it should be conducted at the servants’ entrance. If you make your way to the mews, you can enter near the stables and apply to the housekeeper, a Mrs. Northcott.”
“Thank you, but I am not here to see the housekeeper. I am acquainted with Mr. Darcy and must speak with him on an urgent matter that cannot be delayed.” He frowned. He knew that voice. The frantic and insistent tone caused him to increase his pace. He followed close behind Mrs. Northcott, almost pushing her into the hall, then leaned forward in an attempt to see around Watson’s broad back. Whose voice was that? He had heard it before, yet could not place to whom it belonged. He needed to see her face.
“Miss, I sincerely doubt you are acquainted with the Master. As it is, he is not at home to callers.”
With five large steps, a small portion of the caller’s left side became visible. Golden blonde hair peeked from a worn straw bonnet followed by a face that nearly brought him to his knees. How was this possible? He shook his head and looked again, standing dumb just behind Watson’s left shoulder. Had he lost consciousness at his desk? Could he already be asleep and dreaming? If so, where was—
“Sir!” Darcy, who had been swaying in his spot, startled at Watson’s cry. “I am terribly sorry! I told the woman you would not see her, but she insisted. I was about to demand she depart—”
“No!” Darcy lunged forward and grabbed the edge of the door as Watson dodged his movement. Darcy blinked and stared, disbelieving his own eyes. Dark circles marred the undersides of her eyes, her buff-coloured pelisse was worn and threadbare, and her figure thin, but…but… “Miss Bennet?” This was impossible. She was dead, was she not?
She curtseyed, her expression tight. “Good evening, Mr. Darcy.”
So, Jane’s alive…
I can’t wait to hear what you tink. Leave me a comment with your most outlandish predictions. I’m all ears 🙂
Now hurry over to Amazon and pick up your copy. It’s there all ready for your reading pleasure!
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So excited! Here’s my most outrageous ideas:
Jane and Lizzy became governesses in order to support themselves and their family after their scandal. Jane knows about the Letter but was unable to convince Lizzy to do anything about it at the time. Now Lizzy has been kidnapped either from her employer or by her employer and Jane is determined to get her back. Jane left her job and hunted down the one person in London she knew would help: Mr. Darcy. Perhaps Lizzy has information that could ruin her very wealthy/influential employer! Thus begins a chase across England (and possibly Scotland) to save Lizzy from a fate worse than death that ends in HEA for all our couples.
(I like it when Jane and Bingley are actual characters with spines so really hoping this is how it goes down)
Author
That sounds like an exciting book! I like when Jane and Bingley have a bit more spine as well. Thanks, Aimee!
I like this idea
Author
Thank you!
They were high jacked by men hired by LadyC. And finally managed to escape. Elizabeth blames Darcy and refuses to see him….
Gosh could they really have been held captive for so long? Ok, I hope I am wrong… LOL
Author
So Lady C is so kind to Darcy now as a ruse? Interesting. We’ll see if you’re close! Thank you, Sam!
Oh, Leslie, you have done it again. I can’t wait to find out what really happened in the intervening years.
Author
It’s out! You can certainly find out 😉 Thanks, Luisa!
Jane and Lizzy were travelling and they disappeared. They only saw some of their belongings, blood-stained and the carriage destroyed off a cliff. Lizzy and Jane woke up in an unfamiliar environment with head injuries. Jane recovered but Lizzy didn’t recover her memory. They had to start working to earn their upkeep. Lizzy is now being forced to marry someone as payment of debt for those who took care of them or Lizzy may still gave some form of disability, thus couldn’t travel will Jane.
Enjoyed the excerpts – thank you. Loved the way you expressed Darcy’s grief and love for Lizzy…..
Thank you for the chance to have our wild imaginations run-free here and the chance to win a copy 😉
Author
That’s an exciting scenario! Thank you, Buturot!
Just purchased my copy, and it’s at the top of my TBR list! I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
Author
Yay! Thank you! I hope you enjoy!
Happy Book Release!
Author
Thank you 🙂
Wow! Excited to read your new release.
Well, Lydia is missing so let’s start with that.
Mr B dies and when Lydia goes missing, the remaining Bennet ladies are thrown into the hedgerows. I wonder why they couldn’t go to the Gardiners?
Anyway, Elizabeth as they boldest, goes searching for Lydia and works as a lady’s companion to support herself. Elizabeth finds Lydia in poor circumstances and her employer’s son tries to blackmail her. Jane finds out and looks for Darcy as the only person who will help her sister because she knows about the letter and heard that Darcy is still unmarried …
This sounds like a mish mash of 10 stories I’ve read and not very original.
Author
LOL! That’s okay if it sounds like a mish mash. I’m really enjoying reading these 🙂 Thank you, LInny!
I can’t wait to read this book! I really like how different from anything I’ve ever read on Pride and Prejudice it is.
So my predicition is the following:
When Lydia ran away with Wickham there was a countagious disease afoot that killed both Mr. Bennet and Anne de Bourgh. Darcy would have gone looking for Lydia as in the original but he had to attend his cousin’s funeral. During the funeral, Darcy’s malicious Fitzwilliam uncle discovers that Darcy is planning on going to look for Lydia and some of his involvement with the Bennets. Trying to stop him from doing so because uncle Fitzwilliam is working with Wickham in some nefarious business that Mr Bennet and Elizabeth had started to investigate and that involves kidnaping young women, Lord Fitzwilliam prevents Darcy from leaving as soon as he would have wanted (without Darcy understanding that Lord Fitzwilliam is preventing him from going) and starts a smearing campaign against the Bennets so that no one believes anything Elizabeth says about him and Darcy and Elizabeth cannot join forces and bring his nefarious businesses to an end. This means that, when Darcy finally returns to London and goes to the Gardiners, he just learns that Lydia cannot be found and that both Jane and Elizabeth are death (as that is what the Gardiners and Mary believe).
With Lydia gone and a father dead by that contagious disease mentioned before and the shock of knowing of Lydia’s actions, Elizabeth and Jane decide to take matters into their own hands and leave for Gretna Green to try and stop her before she weds (they don’t think Wickham would have gone to London instead). On their way there, they, by chance, stop at the place where the oldest Fitzwilliam brother is being kept and somehow learn more things about Lord Fitzwilliam’s business and how Whickam is connected to it – and it is much worse than what Mr. Bennet had thought. This makes them think that the couple wouldn’t have gone in fact to Gretna Green and decide to return to London to help their sister. On their way there, they hear about the smearing campaign Lord Fitzwilliam had started and, in order to both not call attention to their activities in London and not further shame their family, they decide to fake their deaths and, besides looking for Lydia, dig more into Lord Fitzwilliam’s dealings.
Back at home, the family believes that the sisters are death and Mr Collins is forcing them to leave their house. After some efforts, Mrs. Bennet convinces both Mr. Collins and Kitty to marry so they’re not thrown to the hedgerows but Mary cannot take the situation and leaves to live with the Gardiners.
Meanwhile, in London, Elizabeth and Jane haven’t found Lydia yet but are making good progress on their other investigation until, after Elizabeth leaves one night to go witness a dealing between Wickham and another of Lord Fitzwilliam’s minions and never returns. Jane starts panicking and, not knowing what else to do to help her sisters, decides to go to Darcy (whom Elizabeth had refused to ask before but kept talking about and so he was on Jane’s mind). And that’s when the end of this chapter starts.
And that’s it. This may be too long but I had fun thinking about it.
Author
I’d say you did have fun thinking about it. 🙂 I love it. We’ll just have to see what happens! Thanks, Maria!
So Darcy thought Jane and Elizabeth were dead. Thus must be some story! Looking forward to reading this book.
Congratulations.
Author
Yup! Our dear boy has been doing some serious grieving. Thanks, Patty!
I could definitely make a guess but as I know the answer I think that might be classed as cheating! 😉. What an absolutely fabulous book this is! I normally love Darcy whatever but this one is definitely a cut above 🥰
I received the published version at midnight so am currently rereading it ❤️
Good luck with this wonderful book Leslie (and obviously please don’t enter me in the giveaway!) I’ve just posted my review on U.K.!
Author
Thank you, Glynis! You’re a star. I really appreciate the review 🙂
I cannot believe it! I cannot believe Elizabeth would be dead. If Jane loves so she most. If I don’t win a copy I must buy. This is the most intrigue I have been in a while with a FF PP.
Author
Thank you, Katherine!
Oh Leslie!
I’ve been captivated since chapter one.
No need to enter the contest here, I can’t wait till Friday. Amazon- here I come.
Thanks in advance for the story; see you on the other side! Best wishes on the publication, you never disappoint, Sheryl
Author
Thank you so much, Sheryl! I really appreciate such lovely sentiments 🙂
I am not. Dry good at guessing, but perhaps after working in service for a long time, Elizabeth becomes ill and Jane doesn’t have the money for a physician or medicine. In desperation she comes to Darcy because she knows that he will help.
Author
It’s all in fun. I’m enjoying all of these. Thanks, Cyndy!
Read this, love this…won’t comment but do highly recommend it. Just added my review on Amazon…5 stars
Author
I’m so thrilled! Thank you so much, Sheila!
I have been reading the chapter postings with “agony and hope” for the release. I have just selected my KU copy. I look forward to see what /where Lizzie has been and what she feels has ended all hope for love. I can’t wait to see how Darcy will change her mind. Best of luck with the release and thanks for the giveaway.
Author
I can’t wait for you to read it! Thanks, Mary!
Wow, so Jane had the guts to go to Mr. Darcy. So here is my far off story,
So after their father dies , Mrs. Bennet wants to marry off the 2 eldest girls so she can have a place to live with the other girls forever as she can’t stand to stay in the neighborhood while Charlotte is taking her place. Mrs. Phillips helps her find husbands but Jane and Elizabeth are repulsed so they run off hoping to go the the Gardiners for help but the carriage is attacked along the way and everyone in it was killed. But they actually escaped and Elizabeth was injured. Jane nurses her but she isn’t healing and in her fever keeps mumbling about Darcy. So Jane goes to Darcy to help save her sister.
Can’t wait to read this. Congrats on what looks to be another great work! Thanks for the giveaway
Author
Love it! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I have been following the excerpts. I feel for Darcy and his agony. What has happened to Jane and why has she appeared at Darcy’s home? I love your books! Thank you for this excerpt and giveaway.
Author
Thanks, Eva! Good luck with the giveaway!
Just finished reading your new book and it was wonderful as always. I hope this note finds you in good health. I also suffer with a poor back and sciatica so I am hoping you are able to do things you long to do. Take care!
Author
Thank you, Nancy! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! The back is much better. I’m really working on strengthening it in the hopes I don’t need another injection! 🙂
Well, here’s an outlandish prediction – Elizabeth lives! I know, I know, really not outlandish. Jane is looking for help. Since she is thin and in rough clothing, I would guess they work in a shop of some sort. Not sure what happened to the Gardiners, hopefully nothing too bad whereby they are taking care of the Gardiner children in rough circumstances. Since Jane seems desperate in this excerpt, she must be looking for help for Elizabeth. After all, Elizabeth would do the same for her. Jane is likely changed, and probably too much for Bingley now. Possibly she could be a match for Richard, although if he is the Viscount now as I assume from this reading, he has had some changes too. I do look forward to reading of Darcy’s transformation when he is able to finally see and presumably, help Elizabeth. Congrats and good luck with the new release!
Author
Thank you, Robin!
Congratulations on the launch of this fabulous book. OMG! I loved reading it. Blessings on its success. Good luck to all in the drawing… it is an amazing read. Everyone, stay safe, and healthy.
Author
Thank you so much, Jeanne! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed it!
You want predictions?! I can’t even think!
That picture of Kermit is me, running around, trying to express my thoughts, but only managing: BOOK…… GIVE…… NOW……. WANT……. MUST……. NEED…….. ME……… READ……. GET……. BOOK…… WANT……. NOW…….. READ….. (pant – pant – pant)
You get the picture, maybe.
Author
LOL! That works too 🙂 Thanks, Ginna!
Wow, Leslie!! You have me on tenterhooks!!
I am hoping like crazy to win a copy (fingers crossed!), but I don’t have time to imagine a scenario as I have a classful of final Shakespeare writing projects/essays on Twelfth Night to grade — and they are due tomorrow!! \
I definitely feel like Kermit above — more frantic than excited, unfortunately!
Can anyone figure out why Viola fell in love with Orsino? All he does is whine, whine, and whinge.
Off to go grade the Final Writing Projects!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
Author
LOL! I think I’ve read Twelfth Night at some point. She’s the Man is more my type of Shakespeare though 😉 I always dreaded Shakespeare when I knew it was coming. I never could just read it and understand it straight away. I always struggled. I enjoy watching it acted out. Context and acting help! Good luck with the giveaway 🙂 Thanks, Suzanne!
Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
So my outrageous prediction is that he was right and it ended up being just a dream and she is dead after all…of course I hope that’s not the case.
Author
That’s not a HEA! I know I’m giving something away, but I promise no Bobby Ewing ending. (I’m giving away my age with that reference!) Thanks, Darcy Bennet!
Kidnapped by Lady Catherine and somehow escaped?
Author
Lady C seems to be some kind of super secret agent of sorts. I love it! Thanks, Steph F!
AHA!!
NOT DEAD AFTER ALL!
Faked their deaths to escape the family shame but things aren’t going well…?
I need more!!!!!!!!!
Author
Then go read! LOL! Thanks, Roxey!
Love the Kermit the frog ! That is perfect because that is what I feel after reading this chapter. Congratulations on your newest book! 🎉👏🏻🍾📖. My thought are Jane and Elizabeth left England. Elizabeth has become ill and Jane left her to get help from Darcy. Thank you for a chance in this giveaway!
Author
Interesting idea! Thanks, Shelley!
I got nuthin’. Obviously, Jane is there to seek help for Elizabeth. But what Darcy does when he discovers their awful situation (I’m assuming dire) is my question. More heartbreak? Will there be outrage and reckoning? Whew. I really hesitated to read this excerpt, not wanting to spoil anything for myself. But it was so compelling.
Author
We’ll see! Thank you, Michelle!
Oh this one looks so good!
Author
I hope so! Thank you, Colleen!
By cutting the excerpt off at that point, I’m joining Darcy in feeling Agony and Hope! Cruel! So, cruel! 😉
Author
I had to do it! Sorry! Thanks, Linda!
I loved the story. The heartbreak in the first few chapters killed me! The story was so sad and lovely at the same time and I loved how Lady Catherine changed. She is still a formidable woman, but a great story! Loved it
Author
Thank you!! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
Oh, goodness! What a way to end the chapter! (Sorry to come to this post so late!) I have no theories to offer that could beat what you have in store for us, I’m sure. Congrats on the release!
Author
Thank you, Christina!
Thanks for sharing with us. Here’s an idea about what could happen next:
Jane and Elizabeth sustain head injuries that cause them to lose their memories. After wandering away from the accident scene, they accept a ride in a wagon with a kind person who takes them to their sheep farm, in Northamptonshire. They are taken care of very well and then treated as part of the family, learning about the sheep trade — shearing, carting, spinning, knitting, etc. Once a year some members of the family make the trip to a mill located outside of London to sell the fleece so the family can purchase needed supplies. A while after coming to the farm, Jane miraculously regains her memory due to an odd accident involving being knocked over by some of the flock. Realizing that she and Elizabeth are in the wrong place, she wants to take Elizabeth home to her mother and sisters.
It is near time to go to the mill to sell the fleece, so Jane goes along on the journey hoping to get word to her mother and sisters about their location. Once she realizes her proximity to London, she is positive that she could find her Aunt and Uncle Gardnier there. After their transaction has been completed, Jane goes to the Gardnier’s, only to find they are away on the continent. Remembering that Mr. Darcy has a house in London as well, she makes some inquiries and ends up on his steps. She is hoping that he will be able to help Elizabeth regain her memory and become her old self again.
Author
Thanks, Laura!
I just want to let you know how happy I am to see Jane Bennet in this story, although I predict that she may not (at first) remember everything about the moment of the accident. However, she will provide clues as to the fate of Lizzy (who is alive) and that will excite me to no end.
Author
Thanks, Jen!