Happy Anniversary Jane Austen Variations!

anniversariesTo 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.

 

 

Jane Austen Variations is two years old and we’d like to thank our loyal readers who take time out of their daily lives to read our labors of love. We all share a passion for Jane Austen’s amazing work but you, the readers, give us a reason to write and re-imagine her brilliant characters to our heart’s content. We thank you!

As you may have noticed by the banner, our theme this month is Anniversary February. All month long, we intend to share stories of Austen’s beloved characters on the different milestones of their wedded bliss. We’re typing and proof-reading furiously for your enjoyment, and we hope you’ll join us for each and every post. We also have a special announcement coming up soon that we can’t wait to share with you! Sorry, no hints!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.L Diamond

L.L. Diamond is more commonly known as Leslie to her friends, Mom to her three kids, and servant to her three cats. A native of Louisiana, she has been a wanderer for the past 20 years, living in Mississippi, California, Texas, New Mexico, Nebraska, England, and Missouri before settling in Maryland.
One day, Leslie may decide what she wants to do when she grows up but for now, she enjoys writing the stories that live in her head and coaching age group swimming. She has degrees in biology and studio art, certifications to coach swimming in the United States and Britain, and numerous fitness certifications. Leslie is also a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. Her accomplishments include drawing, watercolor, and playing flute and piano, but much like Pride and Prejudice’s Elizabeth Bennet, she is always in need of practice!

After watching Sense and Sensibility with her mother, Leslie became a fan of Jane Austen, reading her collected works over the next few years. Pride and Prejudice stood out as a favourite and has dominated her writing since finding Jane Austen Fan Fiction.

Aside from mother and writer, Leslie considers herself a perpetual student. She has degrees in biology and studio art, but will devour any subject of interest simply for the knowledge. As an artist, her concentration is in graphic design, but watercolour is her medium of choice with one of her watercolours featured on the cover of her second book, A Matter of Chance. She coaches swimming and holds a variety of fitness certifications. She is also a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. Leslie also plays flute and piano, but much like Elizabeth Bennet, she is always in need of practice!

111 comments

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    • Barbara on February 2, 2016 at 12:25 am
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    Happy Anniversary!!Thank youbso much to you and to all J.A. best writers!! You give me a lot of wonderful days…so thank you. My best beloved characters are Lizzy and Darcy !!Have a nice day. Kisses from my sunny Italy. Barbara

    1. We’re so glad we can brighten your day! Your comments sure brighten ours! Thanks, Barbara!

      • Deb Creveling on February 2, 2016 at 1:41 pm
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      Even though I love anything about Darcy and Lizzy, I have a real soft spot for Frederick and Anne. I would like to read The Earl’s Conquest or A Matter of Chance. I have not read your books yet and they sound intriguing. Thank you and all the other authors for maintaining this site. Love it!

      1. Thanks so much, Deb! Good luck!

    • tgruy on February 2, 2016 at 2:20 am
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    Since I think everyone will pick Lizzy and Darcy I would love to read about Anne and Frederick.

    My congratulations to all of you on your anniversary, I wish you have many more!

    1. I love Anne and Frederick! There’s so much potential for an amazing anniversary too. Also my favourite love letter of all time! thanks, tgruy!

    2. Well, it won’t be a letter, as I figure y’all would enjoy a more personal anniversary. Look for my post on February 10!

    • Cathy H. on February 2, 2016 at 3:00 am
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    I would like to read about Danny and Edmund. Mansfield Park is my second favorite book next to P&P. I agree that most readers will pick Elizabeth and Darcy and there are a lot of variations out there. It would be interesting to see what happens with some of the other characters.

    1. OH! There is just not much Fanny and Edmund JAFF is there? Have you read Melanie Stanford’s short story in Then Comes Winter? I really enjoyed Melanie’s new take on Fanny. Thanks, Cathy!

    • Carol on February 2, 2016 at 3:46 am
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    Thank all you JA writers for giving your followers something wonderful to read. Elizabeth and Darcy is my favorite couple.

    Happy Anniversary! 🎉 🎊

    1. We love to write it! Thanks for giving us a reason to! Great to hear from you, Carol!

    • Glynis on February 2, 2016 at 3:47 am
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    It has to be Darcy and Elizabeth for me. I just love all the stories about them. Do you have a list of authors to choose from for the prize? I’m really looking forward to the different posts this month so keep up the great work. May I also say that I don’t find time during my daily life to read JAFF stories more that I try to find time during reading to lead my daily life!!! 😐📖😊

    1. I decided at the last minute to do the giveaway, so it’s one of my books. I have copies of Rain and Retribution, A Matter of Chance, An Unwavering Trust, and The Earl’s Conquest. Thanks, Glynis!

        • Glynis on February 2, 2016 at 8:43 am
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        Wonderful. I only have e copies of your books so would really love an actual signed copy of Rain & Retribution or An Unwavering Trust. Can’t wait for your next book. Thanks again 😊

  6. Anne and Frederick, absolutely! Love this couple.

    1. Great couple! Thanks for stopping by, June!

    2. Got you covered on February 10!

    • HelenJC on February 2, 2016 at 3:53 am
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    Anne and Frederick, definitely.

    1. I’m certain you’ll see an Anne and Frederick anniversary post, Helen! Thank you for commenting!

    2. Fighting Freddie and his Annie will be sailing by on February 10.

      1. Yay! Thank you, Jack!

    • Michelle Hall on February 2, 2016 at 3:58 am
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    Can’t wait. Happy Anniversary and thank you to all the authors for this wonderful site.

    • Michelle Hall on February 2, 2016 at 3:59 am
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    Forgot to say that my favourite all time characters are Darcy and Elizabeth and then Colonel Brandon and Marianne and finally Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliott.

    1. I have such mixed feelings about Col. Brandon and Marianne, but there is a lot of room for a great story or post from them. Thanks, Michelle!

    • Kattia Campos on February 2, 2016 at 6:49 am
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    I love to hear always about Darcy and Elizabeth, they are my favorite couple.
    About the book: An Unwavering Trust.
    Thank you

    1. Thanks, Kattia! Good luck on the giveaway!

    • Cindy on February 2, 2016 at 6:50 am
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    Happy anniversary!

    1. Thank you, Cindy!

    • Maggie on February 2, 2016 at 6:56 am
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    I love Lizzy and Darcy, but there is a special place in my heart for Emma. I know she is a little snotty but there is something about a girl with an older father that panics to think she will leave home. Sounds sort-of like me…even the snotty part. Happy anniversary and I am so glad you all are out there.

    1. I was the spoiled youngest with an older father, so I can relate a bit to Emma. My father never seemed to panic that I would leave home, rather he lamented that I was too independent. I never considered that a bad quality, but he wasn’t a fan. Thanks for the anniversary wishes, Maggie!

    • Cheryl C. on February 2, 2016 at 7:10 am
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    Oh, decisions, decisions….I’m interested to read about ALL the couples! Happy Anniversary and looking forward to many, many more!!

    1. Thanks so much, Cheryl! I look forward to seeing your comments on those different couples!

    • Constance on February 2, 2016 at 7:23 am
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    I have to admit that Darcy and Lizzie are my all time favorites but as we just lost Alan Rickman I would love to hear about Brandon and Marianne. It would be lovely to hear his voice in my head saying the written words. Alan will always be Colonel Brandon as well as Snape. After their wobbly start one would hope Mariannes love deepened and that they are truly happy.

    1. Such a terrible loss! Alan Rickman was an amazing actor and had such a presence–even on the screen. Thanks, Constance!

    • Kristine Shore on February 2, 2016 at 7:26 am
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    Anne and Fredrick Wentworth. It would be interesting to see how her family dealt with the marriage.

    1. I agree! Her father would not have been pleased to have a course Navy captain as part of the family. Thanks, Kristine!

    2. Stop on by on February 10 and find out!

    • Audrey on February 2, 2016 at 7:39 am
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    Happy Anniversary! I am a die hard Darcy and Lizzie fan. Have other characters been written, ever?

    1. LOL! Thanks, Audrey!

    • Kathy Sader on February 2, 2016 at 8:03 am
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    I am so happy I found this page a year or so ago. I look forward to receiving my email every time…wondering what interesting article I will read. I would like to know more about Caroline Bingley….does she ever get what she deserves and how does she handle not being the Lady of the house after Charles and Jane marry.

    1. Oh, that could be interesting! Someone would have to create a spouse for her or have an anniversary of her spinsterhood. *snort* I like that! Thanks, Kathy!

      1. Or… you could read THE THREE COLONELS. Just sayin’.

          • Stephanie L on February 2, 2016 at 11:06 am
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          Definitely should read THE THREE COLONELS! It’s a favorite.

      • Ann Garland on February 2, 2016 at 5:38 pm
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      I would love to see a variation where Caroline is yoked with Wickham or Collins. Otherwise, have her remain a spinster with a distant relative.

      1. I believe I’ve read one where she ended up with Collins. Funny story! I can imagine how angry she would be after several years as well. Thanks, Ann!

    • Susan Schwartz on February 2, 2016 at 8:07 am
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    Congratulations on this anniversary!
    I am very fond of the sweetness of Catherine Moreland and the humor of Henry Tilney,
    and always keep an eye out for JAFF stories
    about them. (Fortunately I do also love the
    Lizzie and Darcy and Anne and Frederick
    stories.)

    1. Funny you should bring that up! You’ll see a little of Henry and Catherine in my next novel — THE LAST ADVENTURE OF THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL.

      1. Excited! Love The Scarlet Pimpernel.

    2. Thanks so much, Susan! Catherine Moreland and Henry Tilney would definitely be interesting!

    3. Yeah! Thank you so much, Susan! My anniversary story centers around the Tilneys! At least I know one person will read it. 🙂

    • Cassandra on February 2, 2016 at 9:38 am
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    Happy anniversary to you all! Where have the last two years gone!?

    Happy writing of your anniversary scenes!

    Cassandra

    1. Thanks so much, Cassandra! 🙂

    • Ann on February 2, 2016 at 9:45 am
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    Congratulations on this anniversary
    My parents were once compared to Admiral and Mrs Croft who rent Kellynch from Sir Walter Elliot so I would pick a story with the Admiral and his wife in from Persuasion for JAFF.

    1. Admiral and Mrs Croft would be a lovely couple to re-visit! Thanks so much, Ann!

    • Jennifer Redlarczyk on February 2, 2016 at 10:37 am
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    How about D&L or Anne and Wintworth or Mr. & Mrs. Bennet????? A signed book, although I have the e-book, I might like The Earl’s Conquest, or I could even wait until your “untitled” is read to go. Happy anniversary. Looking forward to great reads. Jen

    1. I’m sure we’ll have one or more of those couples, Jen! Good luck in the drawing!

    • Madenna on February 2, 2016 at 10:40 am
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    Congrats on the Anniversary!

    I think it would be interesting to revisit Wickham & Lydia.
    I always love visiting my favorites too – Emma & Knightly and Lizzy & Darcy.

    As always I look forward to reading what the team comes up with!

    1. Wickham and Lydia are always interesting to re-visit. Has he reformed? Is she as silly? So many angles to explore. Thanks, Madenna!

    • Janelle Wintersteen on February 2, 2016 at 10:54 am
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    I have difficulty choosing between Emma and Mr Knightley as compared to Fanny and Edmund. There was a very good item last year, rational and kind, about the Knightleys and the Eltons, the year after the Woodhouse/Knightley marriage. i would b e very pleased to see that extended into a novel.

    1. So glad you enjoyed that one, Janelle! Hopefully there will be one you find just as memorable this year! Thanks!

    • Stephanie L on February 2, 2016 at 11:05 am
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    Hmmm well…I love Mr. Knightley so he and Emma would be lovely…but I also feel a great deal of love for Col. Brandon (even though I think he and Elinor should have been together 😉 ), so Col Brandon and Marianne would be sweet as well.

    1. Interesting suggestions! Thanks, Stephanie!

    • Lynn char on February 2, 2016 at 11:28 am
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    Happy anniversary to all!! Love this website and all the authors who contribute. I spend many happy hours enjoying the fruits of your labor. I would like to check in with Jane and Charles on their anniversary. Maybe not their first, perhaps later as things get more complicated for them. Honestly they can’t be happy ALL the time!

    As to a signed book, the only one of yours I don’t have is A Matter of Chance so I think it would have to be that were I lucky enough to win. Thank you and happy writing!!

    1. Thank you so much for the wonderful words, Lynn! Good luck with the giveaway!

    • Michelle H on February 2, 2016 at 11:33 am
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    Happy Anniversary and Congratulations to the Jane Austen Variations Blog. Here’s to many more years of successful books from the list here of my favorite authors. Darcy and Elizabeth are my favorites for JAFF. But I intersperse my reading of D&E with plenty of chances to get a glimpse of minor (? supporting role?) characters.
    I have a weak spot for the characters that after the books are done, are left with uncertain futures. I’d love to read a JAFF that gives Mary Crawford a happy ending. She must have experienced a pretty tough fall after Edward left her and stuck to his vocation. Hey, it’s all fiction. We were meant to dislike her, and I did. But whenever I think of MP I always feel uncomfortable about the end of the book. Fanny is happy in the end, but few others are. I’d especially like to read a Jack Caldwell version….hint, hint. But you all are so talented.

    Oh yes, by all means everybody, read the ‘The Three Colonel’ !!! Sigh…. I’ll be tuning in for every blog entry but especially on Feb 11. 🙂

    1. Thanks so much, Michelle!

    2. Thanks, Michelle. I know I’ve reformed a lot of folks, but Dark Lizzy might be too much even for me!

      One day my PERSUASION sequel, PERSUADED TO SAIL, will be released (a lot of work to do first), and MANSFIELD PARK plays a supporting role in that novel, along with SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (re-read THE THREE COLONELS to catch the clue about S&S). Hey, I am the King of the Crossovers!

      • Michelle H on February 3, 2016 at 1:18 pm
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      Aw Shucks…I’m commenting on my comment. After reading others’ comments I realize I missed something in the original piece. Grrr. Try reading slower with fewer distractions…that would help.

      My new request for an ANNIVERSARY piece about a favorite couple would be Elinor and Edward.

  27. I would like to see Elinor and Edward’s anniversary. Although I adore Lizzy and Darcy, I have a soft spot for Elinor and Edward as well as Fanny and Edmund. 🙂

    Happy Anniversary, Austen Variations!! I am so thrilled to have found you!!

    Warmly,
    Susanne 🙂

    1. I do adore Elinor and Edward. I like to think I’m a lot like Elinor, but in a lot of ways I’m Marianne. I just don’t have that reserve. I think most people are a mixture, though. Thanks so much, Susanne!

    • Carole in Canada on February 2, 2016 at 1:01 pm
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    Congratulations and thank you for your creativity! We are certainly the lucky ones who reap the rewards of your efforts! I love Darcy and Elizabeth but I would love to see a story on Jane and Bingley. Then again, Kitty has always been a favourite despite her ‘cough’!

    As to which book…’An Unwavering Trust’ please if I should be so fortunate!

    Thank you!

    1. We’ll see what we can do 🙂 Thanks so much, Carole, and good luck on the giveaway!

    • Sana on February 2, 2016 at 3:01 pm
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    Hello everyone! Thank you so much for this website, I’m a medical student and this gives me a nice break from the real world:) I would love to see my traditional favorite couple, Elizabeth and Darcy. Thank you again! Keep up the wonderful work!

      • Sana on February 2, 2016 at 3:06 pm
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      Oh yes! I forgot to add that if I am chosen as a winner, that I would love to have Darcy’s voyage 🙂 I read the excerpt and was “hooked”!

        • Ann Garland on February 2, 2016 at 5:45 pm
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        Sana–I read Darcy’s Voyage recently (after having it in my Kindle for a few years), and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

    2. So glad we could give you that break! Thanks, Sana!

  30. Happy Anniversary!!!!

    Hmm well the obvious ones, but maybe also about the not so obvious ones like Lydia and Wickham or maybe what others are up to

    1. Thanks so much, blowdeuedd!

    • Eva E on February 2, 2016 at 5:07 pm
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    Happy Anniversary ! I always want to read about Darcy and Elizabeth’s anniversary but think Mr. and Mrs. Bennet would be very, very funny. I have your books except The Earl’s Conquest so would love to win that one. Keep writing, please! I love your books.

    1. Thanks so much, Eva! I think we can arrange for one or both of your requests. 🙂

    • Elaina on February 2, 2016 at 5:25 pm
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    Happy Anniversary! I would enjoy reading about Darcy and Elizabeth. Pain and Retribution would be memorable. Wonderful giveaway and unforgettable books.

    1. Thanks, Elaina! Good luck with the giveaway!

    • Ann Garland on February 2, 2016 at 5:29 pm
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    If we can only ask for one couple’s anniversary, I would say Elizabeth & Fitzwilliam Darcy..of course. Otherwise, I would include Jane & Charles. Further, as a matter of curiosity….Lydia’s and Wickham’s anniversary. It’s hard to choose between AN UNWAVERING TRUST & THE EARL’S CONQUEST. If I can only win one…I’ll say AN UNWAVERING TRUST…and hope to get the other book some other time.

    1. Somehow I think you’ll get all or most of the posts you ask for 😉 Thanks, Ann!

    • Annie on February 2, 2016 at 6:22 pm
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    Happy Anniversary! Your talent and creativity is wonderful and the books all look extremely special and beautiful.

    1. Thanks so much, Annie!

    • Joanne F on February 2, 2016 at 7:11 pm
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    Happy Anniversary!
    I’d love to read about Emma and Mr Knightly’s anniversary. An unexplored couple I think.
    As for a book – An Unwavering Trust 🙂

    1. Thanks for the suggestions, Joanne!

  36. Well, my all time favorite is the Darcys, followed by the Wentworths, then the Tilneys. Looking forward to Jack’s versions for the latter two.

    Some mentioned minor characters. I have always felt sorry for Mr. Crawford. I have read a couple of books about him. Could he be redeemed?

    As to a paperback book, An Unwavering Trust.

    1. I don’t know about Henry Crawford. Perhaps someone could redeem him one day. Thanks, Patty!

      1. Henry “Pond Scum” Crawford? Not by this guy.

          • Michelle H on February 3, 2016 at 1:15 pm
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          Oh come on Jack!!! If any one can……

    2. Oh good! Another vote for the Tilneys! My anniversary story about Henry and Catherine posts next Monday!

    • Tzivia on February 2, 2016 at 9:13 pm
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    My choice is the obvious: Lizzy and Darcy. I would like Rain and Retribution.

    1. D&E are always a good choice! Thanks, Tzivia!

  38. I would love to read about Mr. and Mrs. Bennet’s anniversary, and I would love to win “A Matter of Chance.” Thanks for the giveaway!

    1. Great choice on both the scene and the book! thanks, Susan!

    • Lynn Bischoff on February 2, 2016 at 10:02 pm
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    Happy Anniversary! I would enjoy reading about the anniversary of Darcy and Elizabeth. I would love a copy of An Unwavering Trust. Thank you for the giveaway.

  40. Thanks for commenting, Lynn! We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without people to read it. 🙂

    • Deborah on February 3, 2016 at 6:08 am
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    I love Darcy and Lizzie but would love to read about Anne and Frederick. Another that would be highly interesting (and maybe even challenging) Collins and Charlotte. I would love to have a copy of The Earl’s Conquest as I already have the others in paperback format. Thank you for the giveaway.

    1. Thanks, Deborah! Good luck!

  42. Happy Anniversary, ladies and gent!

    Darcy and Elizabeth are my favorite but I would be really excited to read how any of Austen’s couples are celebrating their anniversaries! Many of them are underrepresented and I look forward to seeing the insight and ‘spin’ the AV authors will come up with for them.

    Thanks for the giveaway, Leslie! I think The Earl’s Conquest is the one I don’t have yet, so I’d choose that one.

    1. Thanks so much, Monica! The giveaway is my pleasure 🙂

    • Linda A. on February 3, 2016 at 11:05 am
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    Happy Anniversary!

    What about least favorite couples? Such as Mr and Mrs Bennet after all the girls are gone? (or all but Mary… )

    Otherwise, Mr. Knightly and Emma or Darcy and Elizabeth.

    Thank you for sharing!

    1. Thanks for commenting, Linda! 🙂

    • Sheila L. M. on February 3, 2016 at 6:29 pm
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    Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam are my favorite couple but as many others have posted I would love to drop in on Anne and Frederick on their first anniversary…Has anyone ever written about them after the wedding?

    1. I actually don’t remember if we covered their anniversary last year. Fortunately, with all of us, we can have a different take on them every year depending upon who writes the scene 🙂 Thanks, Sheila!

    • Wendy on February 3, 2016 at 11:11 pm
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    I would like to hear about one of the Wickhams’ anniversaries. We know that all can never be well with the two of them, but do they still have some jolly times? As for a prize, I think that I’d most like An Unwavering Trust, although The Earl’s Conquest also sounds good, and I have not read it. Thanks for offering a chance to win!

  46. My pleasure! Thanks for commenting! Good luck, Wendy!

    • Laura H. on February 4, 2016 at 8:30 am
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    Thank you for sharing with us. I like to read the Elizabeth and Darcy variations, but other “what if” scenarios are just as exciting. I’d like to read An Unwavering Trust or Rain and Retribution. Thanks again!

    • Anji on February 4, 2016 at 10:52 am
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    Seeing as how just about all of the leading couples have had a vote, how about Louisa Musgrove and Captain Bentham or Henrietta Musgrove and Charles Hayter?

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