Frosted Window Panes

I am excited to be here again! I have been absent for some time – well, here but not here. I had to take a step back a few years ago because of varying circumstances, but I am excited to let you know that I have a new book coming out!

The book is a Modern Pride and Prejudice Variation, part of my Times and Seasons Novella series. The first of which was Encounter to Remember, which was published in 2020. The kindle is now available for pre-order on Amazon, due out October 12, and the paperback should be published within the next week. Here is the link for the kindle pre-order.

The evolution of this story is rather interesting. I began the story about 15 years ago by writing the ending! Yep! That’s a great way to start a story (or maybe not!). I posted it here on Austen Variations several years ago in December as a stand-alone short story.

A few years later, we had a monthly theme here called Deplorable Dates, and I decided to write the beginning to that ending, describing how Elizabeth and Will Darcy meet. I posted 2 chapters.

Last year, I decided to finish the book and tie together those beginning 2 chapters and the end. The first 2 chapters turned into 3 chapters, and I have updated them on those previous posts. It was amazing how much I had to change to make the beginning and ending flow!

Here are the links to those two posts:

Chapters 1 and 2

Chapter 3

I have removed the final Christmas chapter that I had originally posted. One reason is that it has changed so much, due to fleshing out the book. Secondly, it does give away a few things, and I prefer that people find out what happens by reading the book.

So, what is this book about? Well, here is the blurb:

Elizabeth Bennet merely wanted to accompany her sister when she went out to meet a young man she had met just the day before. Jane had only one fault, that being that she was all-trusting of everyone. Elizabeth wanted to make sure Charles Bingley was everything her sister thought he was. She did not expect, however, Charles to bring his friend, William Darcy, whom Elizabeth found to be arrogant, cold, and far too wealthy for her.

Elizabeth ran a small tutoring center in Meryton Heights, a poor part of town, while Will was CEO of a successful family business. She worked with children whose families struggled with enough money for their next meal, while Will lived and worked with people who were affluent and never had to worry about their expenditures.

After their initial meeting, their paths cross over and over, and while Elizabeth gradually sees some redeeming qualities in him, there are other areas she considers big red flags.

Will these two be able to overcome their differences and have their happily ever after? This is a modern Pride and Prejudice variation in which Christmas will play an important part.

For today’s post, I have an excerpt from the Christmas Gala, that is mentioned in the post I linked above. I hope you enjoy!

The first part of this excerpt is an encounter between Elizabeth and Evelyn Darcy, Will’s grandmother.

“How long have you been putting on the Christmas Gala?” Elizabeth asked.

“This is our thirty-seventh year.” Evelyn Darcy smiled and leaned towards Elizabeth with a conspiratorial smile. “Don’t tell him I told you this, but when Will was just four years old, he came to the Gala for the first time. Everyone thought he looked so cute in his red and green Christmas outfit, but he soon had enough of everyone pinching his cheeks and gushing over him, that he disappeared, and no one could find him.”

Elizabeth laughed. “Where was he?”

“He hid under one of the auction tables. With the long table skirts, no one saw him, and he fell asleep under there.”

Elizabeth smiled at the image of that little boy. “Where do all the items come from?”

“They are all donated, either from individuals or corporations. It is amazing what people are willing to give for the benefit of a charity.” She paused and then asked, “Is there anything else you would like to know or anything in particular you are looking for?”

“I think I am just going to browse, thank you.” She began to walk away, and then stopped. “I hope you do not mind my asking, but I noticed your necklace when we came in. I have never seen anything like it. The pendant is quite unusual, but beautiful. May I ask what it is?”

Evelyn Darcy fingered the piece around her neck. “No, I do mind at all! It belonged to my mother, and this frosted piece in the center of the pendant is called camphor glass.”

Elizabeth looked up. “I have never heard of it.”

“Camphor glass was a material used in jewelry in the twenties and thirties. I always liked the filigree silver and gold design on it and the tiny diamonds.” She let out a soft chuckle. “It isn’t as ostentatious as so many people wear these days. My father gave it to my mother for her wedding gift, as they were married in December.” She leaned in. “He told her it reminded him of a frosted windowpane.”

“Ah! I can certainly see why!” Elizabeth said with a smile.

“They didn’t have a lot of money back then. She always wore it at Christmastime.” She smiled, and was silent for a moment, as if lost in thought. “I wore it for my December wedding, and I still do, as often I can, around Christmas. It isn’t worth very much, but it has a lot of sentimental value to me.”

“I can certainly see why. It is beautiful.”

“Thank you, my dear.”

And then a little later…

Elizabeth made her way down the long hall to the library, stepped in, and looked about her. It was beautiful, with tall mahogany bookcases, and even a rolling ladder to get up to the top shelves. Garlands of holly were wrapped with red ribbon and bows draped across the top of the shelves, twinkling lights and candles glistened on a small table, a small, decorated Christmas tree stood in the far corner, and several nativities were set up in different places around the room – on shelves, on tables, and on the main desk.

She walked over to a beautiful marble nativity and ran her fingers lightly over the smooth, cool figures.

She moved to the bookshelves and glanced at the titles and authors of the books, some of which were quite old. They also seemed to be in order by topic and author, with the topics listed at the top of the shelf.

“Very well organized,” she said softly. “And I would not be surprised if there were several first editions.”

“Unfortunately, there are no first editions, but several second and third.”

Elizabeth quickly turned, surprised to see that Will had walked in. She drew in a silent breath.

“Oh, I hope you do not mind me coming in to snoop a little bit. I noticed it when we walked past earlier. I don’t think there is anything finer than a well-stocked library.”

Will gave a shrug. “I agree, as long as it is a well-read library, as well. A well-stocked library that is not well-read is… well, useless.” He smiled, revealing his elusive dimple.

Elizabeth gave a nod in agreement. “I am astonished with the meticulous order of all the books. It appears someone cares greatly about it.” She lifted her brow in his direction.

“Some of these books have been in the family for almost a hundred years. I would hope they are greatly cared for.”

Will smiled and leaned against a bookshelf, crossing his arms. “Have you enjoyed yourself so far?”

“Oh, yes! Charles has been the most delightful host and has introduced us to several people.”

Will smiled. “I am glad.” He gave a nod of his head towards the ceiling. “But you really ought to be careful where you stand in this house at Christmas. My grandmother has a penchant for…”

Elizabeth glanced up. “Mistletoe!” She stepped back quickly. “Don’t even think of trying to kiss me, Will Darcy, or I might have to slap you!”

He gave a slight bow. “I would not be so brazen.”

She chuckled nervously. “Your home is truly beautiful, and all the decorations are stunning.”

He laughed. “My home? Heavens, no! This is my grandmother’s home.”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “Oh, I beg your pardon, but Charles told Jane the Christmas Gala was at your house.”

He smiled. “We have been friends for a long time, having met at a summer camp when we were about eight years old. I lived here with my family, and Charles probably said he was going over to Will’s house when invited over, as any child would say. Despite not living here anymore, I guess old habits are hard to lose.”

“I see.”

“I have a townhouse close to my office.” He gave a shrug. “However, I do have a room here in the house that is mine to use whenever I need it. Like tonight, for example, as it will likely be a late night.”

“Would that room, perchance, be the room where the auction is being held – and your bed located under one of the tables?” She lifted her brows and tilted her head.

Will wagged his finger at her. “I would wager that you have been talking to my grandmother. She loves to tell that story.”

“Well, everything is beautiful. I love all the nativities in this room.” She looked towards the desk. “Especially the marble one.”

“My grandmother has set up this room so that it only contains decorations pertinent to the first Christmas. If you look closely, the tree is decorated with stars, angels, sheep, and of course, miniatures of Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus.”

Elizabeth pointed towards the ceiling. “And the mistletoe?”

Will shrugged. “My grandmother has a mischievous streak in her, but I am certain they had mistletoe back then.”

Elizabeth smiled and opened her mouth to say something but stopped when that same shrill voice she heard earlier broke the silence.

“Will! There you are! Your grandmother is looking for you! They are about…” Caroline Bingley stepped in further and noticed Elizabeth. She drew back, her eyes darkening. “It’s about time… for the first dance!”

“Please tell her I will be there shortly.”

Caroline frowned, muttered an agreement, and left.

“For several years, my grandmother and I have had the tradition of dancing the first dance together, so if you will excuse me…”

“Of course! I would not wish to spoil any traditions!”

Will began to walk away but stopped and looked back. “Do you know how to waltz?”

Elizabeth laughed. “I do. My mother did not make Jane and me take dance lessons for nothing!”

Will smiled. “Would you dance the second with me? We always dance to The Christmas Waltz.”

Elizabeth could barely fathom an answer, and was only able to murmur, “Of course.”

When he stepped out, Elizabeth found herself grasping the shelf of one of the bookcases for support, reprimanding herself for having agreed to dance with him.

But will she dance with him?

I hope this has piqued your appetite to read Frosted Window Panes. If you comment here, you will be entered in a drawing to win one of 2 signed paperbacks (US only). I will draw the winners a week from Sunday and post the winners at the top of this post and on our facebook group page on Monday, October 17.

Watch for another post on Monday, October 10, where I will share some things in this book that are very meaningful to me.

Again, here is the kindle pre-order link on amazon.