Today, I’m sharing an excerpt from my new P&P story! At 63 pages, it’s either a very long short story or a short novella. It’s essentially finished, but since it’s presented in a Christmas framework, I will probably wait to publish it until closer to the end of the year.
Technically, it’s fantasy, I guess – glimpses across time, ghostly visitation, or was it only a dream? – which you might not expect from me. Title? I’m planning on It’s a Wonderful Life, Mr. Darcy, because of the basic premise. Think your life doesn’t matter, Mr. Darcy? Well, here’s what the world would be like if you’d never been born.
I had so much fun puzzling out this fanciful “what if?” And I hope you will enjoy it too. Here’s how the story begins:
Prologue
It is Christmas evening – my first of many happy Christmases with Elizabeth, God willing – and we have dear friends gathered to Pemberley to share it with us. Georgiana is here, of course, and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Mr. Bingley and Jane have come, as well as the entire Gardiner family. I glance at Elizabeth, who sits by my side, her hand tucked in mine. We exchange contented smiles.
It has been a full day. We woke to a blanket of white resting an inch or two thick on the ground – enough to delight everybody but not enough to create much inconvenience. So we were still able to safely reach Kympton to attend divine services on this holy day. Afterward, the Gardiner children played on the lawn, throwing snowballs and building what they could with the limited supply of snow. Some of the adults braved the chilly air again as well, joining in the children’s play or just strolling about in the wintery scene, all of us bundled in boots, layers of clothing, and our warmest coats, hats, and gloves.
Indoors, there have been games and conversation, along with good things to eat morning, noon, and night: hearty but simple fare for the most part, much of it prepared yesterday to lighten the load on the servants today, a few of whom volunteered to remain on duty. But most – anybody with family in the area – have gone off for their own Christmas celebrations.
Now I can see through the drawing room windows that the sky is painted with more pink and orange hues than blues. The day is coming to a close. As I look about myself, at my comfortable home and the happy faces of my dear ones, I know I am the most fortunate of men. So I cannot quite account for what happened last night, the night of Christmas Eve.
Elizabeth lay sleeping peacefully beside me, her warmth merged with my own beneath the covers. By the waning firelight, I could still see the lines of her face and the fall of her dark hair tumbled down across her shoulders. So all was as it should be. But for some reason, I could not rest. Perhaps to remind myself by contrast to be truly grateful for all my blessings, my mind drifted back to a darker period more than eight months ago, to this past April.
Elizabeth had just refused my first dismal proposal, and I still cannot begin to explain the episode that followed. Was it real or only some kind of an extraordinary dream? I suppose one could rightfully call it a nightmare except for what I learned by it. A painful event, once survived, may be counted a treasure if it proves to have been of tremendous value in the end.
This experience certainly was – a valuable treasure, that is. In truth, it was a great gift, one I shall never forget. Christmas is a time of gift giving, is it not? Perhaps that is why the odd episode came to my mind again last night. But if not a mere dream or even a nightmare, what shall I call it?
It was a visitation.
So there you have it, the first two pages of this long short story! What do you think? Are you intrigued?
24 comments
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Very intrigued! I dread to imagine a world where Elizabeth doesn’t have Darcy and I hate to think about who would own Pemberley and what would have happened to it! I’m currently searching for a suitable punishment for someone who shared this now when it’s not likely to be published for months!
Author
Haha! Haven’t you heard, Glynis? Delayed gratification can be very satisfying! You will enjoy the story more because of the months of anticipation. At least I hope so!
Omg I love a wonderful life love the vantage point you took this too Shannon ..can’t wait honey!!!
Author
Yay! I’m so glad you like the idea, Wendy. It’s a Wonderful Life is a favorite of mine too. So it was fun to use the basic premise for a P&P story and figure out what would have happened. 🙂
You’ve created a great contrast between the cozy Christmas present and the darker, more difficult period that thankfully is behind Darcy — but still ahead for us as readers! Intriguing premise, Shannon! Can’t wait to read it all when you release it.
Author
I wanted it to be a Christmas story, like it is in It’s a Wonderful Life. But then I realized the action had to begin at the darkest period of his life, which was April! So I settled for Christmas trimmings instead. 🙂 Thanks for your comment, Christina!
Two of my favorite movies and series. I have the DVDs of P&P and I watch them often. My granddaughter bought me a copy of the P&P book for my birthday one year. I am a Jane Austen fan through and through! Also at Christmas time I watch It’s a wonderful life a few times! I am so excited that you are bringing these two stories together. Please let me know when it is finished. I will be a big fan and will be watching!
Author
Bless you granddaughter for introducing you to Jane Austen! I’m delighted that you like the idea for this story. I’m a big fan of “It’s a Wonderful Life” (and obviously P&P), although my story doesn’t follow it very closely – just the basic premise. The surest way to hear when it comes out is to subscribe to my blog (www.shannonwinslow.com), and that way you can see what else I have available right now! It was good to hear from you, Sharon!
Looking forward to your new book on Darcy in Christmas settings. Wishing you all the very best in your literary adventure
Author
Thank you! I like the way you phrased that, Sanjay: “literary adventure.” It has been a joy and a new adventure with each of the 13 books I’ve written and published so far!
I cannot wait for your publication to arrive. Best of luck!
Author
Thanks so much, Barbara! I’m so glad you’re liking the idea of this story. 🙂
I always have enjoyed your stories and so am looking forward to reading this one. Sounds perfect for that season!
Author
Thanks for your continued support, Sheila!
Wonderful; proofread once more 2nd sentence of 2nd paragraph should not read “and” but rather “an”
6th paragraph should read “refused”
Author
Thanks, Monika! This story hasn’t been through the editing/proofreading process yet, but it’s NEVER too early to correct typos. Corrected now. 🙂
Iam in my late sixties. When I first read pride and prejudice , I fell in love with Darcy. As did all my class mates.
And of course Darcy and Elisabeth belong together. It cannot be any other way.
Author
You’re absolutely right, Rema. I stick close to canon, but even those who don’t wouldn’t dare have their variations end any other way than D&E together forever!
Sign me up! I’m hooked!
Author
Haha! That’s great! I hope you’ll take a look at what else I’ve got already available in the meantime, and subscribe to my blog (www.shannonwinslow.com) so that you are sure to hear when this one comes out. 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting.
Can’t wait to read the new version.
I live in India, studied P AND P at school.
In 8th grade. Fell in love with Darcy.
Iam now in late 60s.
Author
Yay! I’m so glad you’re intrigued with this story, Rema! If you’re interested, I have 4 other P&P books for you to read until this one is available. Yes, Darcy is a truly international phenomenon!
Oh my! Please tell me what had happened!!!
Yet I have to wait until Christmas??
You must be joking, Shannon.
Love it!
Author
Sorry, Patricia! I suppose it’s pretty mean to give you this teaser and then make you wait. But don’t worry; if you’re anywhere near my age, Christmas will be here before you know it! Glad you’re intrigued, though.