P&P: Behind the Scenes – Mr. Bennet at the Netherfield Ball

“The prospect of the Netherfield ball was extremely agreeable to every female of the family. Mrs. Bennet chose to consider it as given in compliment to her eldest daughter, and was particularly flattered by receiving the invitation from Mr. Bingley himself, instead of a ceremonious card. Jane pictured to herself a happy evening in the …

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Book Launch – Ruin and Renewal: Volume Three of Crescent City

Launch Party for RUIN AND RENEWAL: Volume Three of CRESCENT CITY by Jack Caldwell It’s strange to call this event a launch party. The word party is connected so closely with celebration. This book commemorates a day that should not be celebrated, but instead be indelibly engraved into the American memory, much like December 7, 1941 …

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P&P: Behind the Scenes: A Party at the Philips

The Philips host a party. Some find the company more agreeable than others. November 20, 1811 “Thank you so much for inviting us.” Lady Lucas kissed Mrs. Phillips’ cheeks. Charlotte turned away. It was always uncomfortable watching Mama express more warmth than she actually felt. “It is always a pleasure to host your distinguished husband …

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Know your Phaeton from your Curricle, Part 2: Guest Post by Hazel Mills

Continuing Hazel’s wonderful discussion of transport in Jane Austen’s day. Find part 1 HERE. I was delighted to be invited to offer Austen Variations part of my talk on Travel in Jane Austen’s time. My research came about through my own curiosity of the modes of transport Jane Austen gave her characters in the novels. …

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P&P: Behind the Scenes – Caroline Detects Danger of Elizabeth

  November 15, 1811 With Jane ill upstairs at Netherfield, Elizabeth is forced to spend long hours in the company of Mr. Bingley’s sisters and his unsociable friend. While Caroline entertains at the pianoforte, Mr. Darcy is drawn to Elizabeth’s side – noticing her intriguing mixture of sweetness and archness of manner. And Caroline has …

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Know your Phaeton from your Curricle, Part 1: Guest Post by Hazel Mills

I was delighted to be invited to offer Austen Variations part of my talk on Travel in Jane Austen’s time. My research came about through my own curiosity of the modes of transport Jane Austen gave her characters in the novels. Transport in Jane Austen’s time mostly revolved around one’s own two legs or the …

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P&P: Behind the Scenes – Mrs Bennet Consoles Jane

Jane has received the letter from Miss Bingley declaring they will not be returning to Netherfield and that she has every hope that her brother will soon marry Miss Darcy. December 19, 1811 Mrs. Bennet hurried through the hallway to Mr. Bennet’s study. Without thinking, she pushed open the door and came to an abrupt …

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P&P: Behind the Scenes – Lydia Goes to Meryton by Diana Birchall

      “We will go as far as Meryton with you,” said Catherine and Lydia. Elizabeth accepted their company, and the three young ladies set off together. 13 November 1811 At Meryton, Lizzy left her younger sisters near the lodgings of one of the officer’s wives, Mrs. Pratt, and crossed the road to walk through …

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The Difficult Hero by Marilyn Brant

In the eyes of their respective heroines, Mr. Darcy was a difficult hero. So was Capt. Wentworth. They were men of high principles, to be sure, and, as readers, we knew they were good guys deep down… But we also knew they weren’t easy men to please. Unlike Mr. Knightley or Mr. Tilney, for instance, they weren’t …

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P&P: Behind the Scenes – Darcy’s Valet Has His Doubts

  It’s the evening of the Netherfield Ball and Darcy’s valet is in a swivet over his master’s odd behaviour… November 26, 1811   “Mr. Jennings, is there something amiss with your dinner?” Jennings came to an awareness of his setting with an almost audible thump. “Ah…not at all Mrs. Nicholls, quite to the contrary, …

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