Inspiration Strikes-An Excerpt from my Unexpected Current Work in Progress

Good morning, dear readers!  Have you ever been moving along so perfectly in your life that everything seems to be falling into place?  You have your work done, the house is clean, laundry is folded, all dinners are set for the next week…basically EVERYTHING is laid out for your life to go as smoothly as possible? And it does, until a train comes along and swipes you off the rails!

Well, that’s what happened to me about a week ago.  I have been progressing at a lovely pace in my current work, “The Greatest Risk,” and had come to a very benign point in the novel…the meeting of Mr. Collins. I was

Photo: BBC

relaxing in the ease of the story, typing away, when all of a sudden chaos struck!!!  My characters began making their own decisions!  They weren’t listening to me anymore! No matter what I did, they would not obey, and the story as I had known it, was now derailed!

I pushed my chair back, went into the living room and began to vent to my husband. He looked at me in confusion.  “Aren’t you the writer?  Don’t you control your characters and what they do?” I smirked and replied, “Aren’t you the head football coach?  Don’t you control your players and how they run the ball?” I felt my message was clear, but I still had to spell it out for him.

My characters are living, breathing beings and truly do have minds of their own. I can control them by a thread, but sometimes they pull out a pair of scissors and ‘derail’ me with a single ‘snip.’

I had no idea what was going to happen next, and instead of sitting back down and staring at my screen, I decided to go bake a batch of brownies. As I was hanging out with Betty Crocker, I had an epiphany. “Why don’t you read through that little scribble you made of Ramsgate a few months back, just to clear your head?” I popped the pan in the oven, opened up the file and my computer, and started reading. I was immediately hooked!

I began to write and only stopped when I realized the timer going off 22 minutes later was for me. I ran in, pulled the pan out of the oven, then ran back and continued writing. I completed 2 1/2 chapters, and an outline for the whole novella.

So, as much as I’d like to present you with an update of  “The Greatest Risk,” instead, here’s the very RAW first chapter of the novella that was forcing its way to be heard, tentatively referred to as ‘Ramsgate.’

Chapter 1

Elizabeth Bennet leaned back against the bench laying her book beside her. It had been two weeks of pleasure spent at Ramsgate with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, a luxury she had not been expecting. But, with her Uncle scheduled to be in meetings all day, and her Aunt in need of assistance with her young cousins, Elizabeth was more than happy to consent. A fortnight of picnics, sea bathing and strolls along the boardwalk had helped her enjoy this trip far above any she had taken up to this point. But, her escape for an hour to read was what she needed most.

She had spotted this garden with its maze a week previous and had taken her young cousins for a jaunt. They had been back so many times she knew the maze by heart and was in no fear of losing direction. They had discovered this little bench on their third attempt, and she had immediately realized what a lovely place it would be to escape with a book. And so she had.

She had been sitting there for a quarter of an hour when she heard voices approaching, and hoped she would not be disturbed. Falling back into the pages of Wordsworth, she was struck by the fear in the voice of a young woman.

“George, I do not know if it is a wise plan. Can we not wait until I write to my brother?”

There was a silence, and Elizabeth’s heart clenched in fear. What am I a witness to?

“My darling, your brother views you as a child. Show him you are no longer the little girl he believes you to be. You are a woman, and he will be so proud of how you have taken charge of your life. It is but a few days to Gretna, and we will be so comfortable in your coach.”

“Yes, but—”

“Mrs. Younge will be there, so there is no impropriety.”

“I just worry what—”

“Your brother will say?”

“Yes.”

There was silence, and his voice become low and gravely. Elizabeth strained to hear his response.

“I have loved you since we were children, but have only realized it now. You are more a woman at sixteen than some are at twenty. You must see that we were designed for one another. Your brother will recognize that and rejoice in our happiness.”

Elizabeth realized she was shaking. She had never witnessed a practiced seducer, but knew that this is what one sounded like. Sixteen? She is barely Lydia’s age. What would I do if I discovered someone had opportunity to save my sister and they did nothing? Deciding on her course of action, she rose, and took a stabilizing breath, uncertain what lay ahead.

Walking around the corner, she stopped in her tracks. She was not anticipating the man being such a physical specimen, and she understood how the young girl could be faltering.

“Forgive my intrusion, but I believe there has been a misunderstanding.”

Both the young lady and gentleman jumped at her words, before the man replied. “Thank you, but this does not concern you. We shall step aside for you to pass.” He clutched at the young lady’s elbow and moved her to the side, clearing the walkway.

Elizabeth stood still, unwilling to leave the young woman, and repeated herself. “There seems to be a misunderstanding. It appears this young woman has no wish to travel with you to Gretna, and may wish to return home to discuss things with her brother.”

The woman began to step towards Elizabeth. “Yes, I think I would like—”

“No,” the man said, gripping the girl’s arm tighter, and pulling her back. “My dear, this woman knows not of what she speaks. Our devotion has been longstanding.”

Elizabeth saw the crumbling face of the woman, and interjected. “If your devotion is so longstanding, a little more time will not hinder your regard, but will only increase it.” Elizabeth turned to the woman. “I encourage you to discuss this with your brother. If it is as your gentleman says, then you will have no impediment to your future, and I wish you happy. However, with true love, he should court you in the open and not hide behind bushes in Ramsgate.”

She saw the fire in his eyes. Eyes which normally she could imagine would be quite romantic, now filled with hatred.

“My darling. This woman does not know us, and is forcing her way into our lives. We have not even been introduced but she has the temerity to approach us ignoring her own station. You are likely the daughter of an insignificant squire, based on your last years’ fashion. You have no place in our world. My dear,” he said turning to the girl. “Let us leave and return to your home.”

“George,” the woman gasped. “A gentleman does not speak to a lady in such a manner.”

“Forgive me,” he stammered, more for the young woman than Elizabeth. “I forgot myself in the fear someone would remove you from my life.” He turned a dazzling smile towards Elizabeth.  “You must understand that true love only comes along once in a lifetime. You cannot understand our devotion unless you yourself have been touched by cupid’s arrow.”

His words were those pulled straight from a novel her Lydia or Kitty would read. Had she not seen his ferocity only moments before, she might have been softened, but she was not. Elizabeth knew not what possessed her, but she spoke. “I may not have felt Cupid’s arrow, but know what love is: it is patient, kind and not self-serving.” Facing the young woman, she asked, “If you feel as if you need a moment to decide on the course of action for what your gentleman has deemed ‘love,’ please allow me to walk you home.”

Surprisingly, the young woman stepped forward, and whispered. “I would like that.” She linked arms with Elizabeth. “George, I need a day to think. Forgive me, but I am unwell and need to retire.”

His voice was strained. “My love. Do not allow this person completely unconnected to us to ruin our future lives. We are to leave in the morning. Do not disappoint me.”

“George I would never mean to—”

“Then stop listening to her and come with me.” He held out his hand, anticipating her reaching back for him, but she hesitated.

“I love you, but I must go home. Please come and see me on the morrow, but I must go and consider my decision.”

“My dear, I—”

“Thank you, my love. I am grateful you understand that, as my new acquaintance has said, one more day will not end our affection.”

“Of course.” Elizabeth could hear the edge in his voice. “I will be forever grateful for our new friend for intervening.” He turned directly towards Elizabeth, and his voice become steel. “Know that I will never forget your assistance, and can only hope I will someday be able to repay your kindness.” He made a quick bow before reaching for the young woman’s hand, and bending low to kiss it. “My love, I will come later this evening to ensure you are well.” He held up his hand to stay her protests. “I will check with Mrs. Younge before continuing on to ready our future life. Know that my love is not failing and I will wait on you in the morning. Ladies, good day.” He quickly beat a retreat towards the entrance of the maze

Elizabeth turned to smile at the young woman. “I sincerely beg your forgiveness if you were sincerely pleased with eloping to Gretna.”

“I am uncertain what I feel right now.” The women began walking, with agitated steps, arms still linked while leading the way. She quietly continued. “I am truly in love with him, and I know he loves me. We have known one another since childhood.”

“Forgive me, but he seems considerably older than you.”

“Oh, yes. He is my brother’s age. But we grew up on the same estate.”

Elizabeth smiled, and quickly glanced over the fashionable clothes the young woman was wearing. I wonder if he was a tenant farmer who recently came into his own and is attempting to marry the daughter of a Duke?

“So then your brother must remember him?”

“Oh, yes. They were the best of friends.”

“Then would it not be wise for him to speak to your brother? I do not have a brother, but know that I should trust his judgement, for my wellbeing would be the most important to him.”

The woman was quiet as they continued to walk.

“I do have a sister about your age. She reads novels and dreams of handsome young men who will whisk her away.” The woman glanced at Elizabeth. “But, the romance could not be real if it shamed our family; if the person she married was not honorable enough to speak to our father.”

“I no longer have a father.”

Elizabeth squeezed her hand. “I am sorry. I did not mean to hurt you.”

“You did not. It is only my brother acts as both my father and brother. He is the best of men and I would not want to disappoint him. Oh, I wish he was here to tell me what to do.”

“But he does not need to be.”

“And why is that?” The woman asked.

“Because you know what you need to do. You only needed someone to help you choose the right path. I am grateful I was there.”

“As am I.”

They crossed the street and walked towards the fashionable homes on the opposite side of town from where Elizabeth and the Gardiners were staying.

“Do you have no maid or companion who accompanied you on your walk?”

“My companion Mrs. Younge started out with us, then forgot something and turned back to the house. She said she would meet us at the park, but never arrived. Come to think of it, she has left George and me alone quite frequently.”

Elizabeth’s hackles began to rise. “I am in no way questioning your companion, but I am certain your brother would not take kindly to her allowing you to be alone with an unmarried man, no matter how long you have known him.”

She was quiet for a moment before answering softly. “I believed the same, but Mrs. Younge told me I was mistaken. That my brother had hired her, so she knew what was best.”

They turned the corner and the young woman lowered her eyes. “I believe I owe you so much. I do want to marry him, but do not want to elope to Gretna, or anywhere else for that matter. I want my brother there, and my cousins, my aunts and uncles.”

“How will you tell him this when he comes tomorrow? He seemed to be very persuasive. Is there a servant you can trust to help you?”

“Yes. My maid will see to it that I am unavailable tomorrow. I will send an express to my brother to come so I am not tempted to make a mistake that would bring shame onto our family and disappoint my brother. George will understand. He loves me.”

“Yes. And if he does, he will definitely understand.”

“My house is just around the corner. Will you not come inside for refreshment?”

“I thank you, but my Aunt will be missing me, so I need to return right away.”

As they turned at the designated spot, the young woman gasped.

“Are you well?” Elizabeth asked.

She nodded and began to speak rapidly. “He is here. My brother is here,” she said pointing to a grand carriage. Oh it is so fortunate!” She picked up her pace and began to pull Elizabeth towards the house with her. Lizzy untangled her arm.

“I believe this is a conversation you must have with your brother alone. I would be seen as an intruder.”

“Not at all. He will be so grateful to you for talking sense to me. But once he gives his consent, all will be well and you can rejoice in my fortune.”

“I will for sure when your brother concedes, but I must depart. I will come by tomorrow to check on you. Good luck, my friend.”

“Thank you,” the young woman said, rushing towards the house, up the stairs and out of sight.

Elizabeth smiled at the young woman’s youthful exuberance and began retracing her steps back towards her cottage. When she was almost home, she gave a frustrated sigh. I did not even catch her name.

Yet, maybe it was for the best, because the next day, when she and her maid went to call, the house was deserted without the hope of anyone returning.

There it is!  My unexpected chapter! How do you think Darcy and Elizabeth are going to meet?  Will it still be at the Meryton Assembly? Will this change things at all?  Lizzy doesn’t even know Georgiana’s name!  How will Mr. Wickham’s meeting with her on the street be different?  How will he get even?

I hope you are as excited as I am about how this will unravel. Trying to keep it as low angst as possible, but think my outline won’t let that happen. I’m hoping the characters allow ME to finish this book, and not put in their 2 cents!

Have a marvelous day!