The Darcy Brothers team would like to thank Dave and Evie for all the trouble they’ve made work they’ve done on the Reader’s Perspective posts. We hope this experiment added to the reading experience. In the meantime, don’t forget to send your questions for Theo Darcy for next week’s Q&A session – especially those questions which will make him squirm – to theo.darcy@pemberley.estate. What – you don’t think there really is a www.pemberley.estate? Next you’ll be telling me Theo Darcy isn’t real! – Abigail
DM- AWWWW!
REALLY loved this chapter – a perfect pause point!
The casual tone in the Club, laughed at Monty and Anne, and the mush was very well done – not too much, just the right tone. Well done innuendo! The descriptions brought the characters to life!
EC- On Monty in the club. Did you feel like he was thinking a little too much of Anne? Sometimes when a person doesn’t want their friends to know that they are attracted to another person they will try to casually dissuade those friends from believing that you even like the person in question. I know that I have done that (always unsuccessfully).
DM- Monty is suave – very in control of his emotions. Fakes Theo out on his feelings – is it some eldest brother thing? Who but Theo would be brave enough to tease ‘The Mountain?’
DM- On Theo being lady-resistant, is it money that has kept Theo from searching for a wife?
What will he do if a thunderbolt hits?
The innuendo indicated that Theo is not a total novice regarding women, so is he intentionally keeping a balance in his life where he is realistic on how a serious relationship is not possible right now – or is he just puffing because he has not met the right woman… yet.
DM- Anne tying a perfect Waterfall totally stunned Monty. Is he now seeing her in a different light – a woman of unique talents? Does he protest too much?
EC- Yes I think he does protest too much. Like I said earlier, I think he may be attracted to Anne. I didn’t like the idea of Anne and Monty as a couple previously but this chapter has changed my mind. Perhaps Anne is Monty’s Beau Brummell? I see lots of potential here. Did the authors finally see it my way? Is Anne to become a fashion icon (even without The Beau)? I sure hope so. A fashion icon is allowed to be eccentric and Monty needs a wealthy wife, one who can keep him on his toes and is a bit wild. Seems like that could be exciting for him.
DM- She has the money to do what she wants – just no filter on what she says. Not sure she got the innuendo, but stored it for further reference. If she catches on later and gets ticked, the termagant will come out!
DM- And then Elizabeth to the rescue as Darcy almost reverts to character and spoils the ‘cravat’ fun the others are having. Just a touch and the goofy smile appears again – he is sooo easy! Liked Elizabeth learning how to manipulate William and he is loving the process.
EC- What is a woman for but to temper her man. It’s our job to steer you all in the most appropriate direction. Of course, I’m still trying to figure out how to do that with my husband.
DM- We do resist steerage, but can be persuaded…
EC- Persuasion. Now that’s another story…
DM- Placid Jane. Again! It was natural at this spot in the story, but I do like stories where she shows lady-like spunk. It is in there, just needs to pop out! Come on writers! Help her out!
EC- My favorite Jane scene was in Bride and Prejudice when Elizabeth says that a single guy with big buck must be shopping for a wife. Jane says “I hope he is!”. Of course her name in that movie is not Jane and she is referring to her mr. Bingley, but I love the spunk that it shows. She’s ready to take charge!
DM- I like the stories where she is pregnant and tired of Mama – I think she surprises herself, possibly feels guilty about feeling selfish? A wise man keeps his mouth shut as much as possible around a pregnant woman!
EC- Yes it is a wise man who keeps his mouth shut. 🙂 As for pregnant women. I actually HATE the unwed pregnant Bennett sisters. I don’t want them to be cheap and easy. Having said that, they usually end up running away from Darcy (not being easy to catch) or not telling him that he has a kid. Makes me really hate Elizabeth in those scenarios. I could do without them. Although, I do like the story if I imagine that its not Elizabeth. I am a fan of modern variations but I don’t think that modern women have to run around having sex with every guy they fancy. Am I being a wishy washy woman?
DM- Uhh don’t see any wishy washy in that comment! LOL
EC- Wise man!
DM- It is good that Mr Gardiner recognized that Monty was acceptable as a chaperone – that he is a responsible gentleman, at least regarding their own party. He did seize an opportunity to chat up a nearby bird, but the ladies of his party were safe.
EC- I kind of like him as a flirt.
DM- It is part of the persona he is portraying, but is that the true Monty? A rake persona would be handy to keep the Ton mamas at a distance.
EC- Yes! Exactly!
DM- So many images pop up from the descriptions! Mountain Monty wearing a bonnet with a peacock feather! Any dandy who snickered at his lovely outfit would receive a facer!
-~o0o~-
Future scenarios in the FIRST sequel::
DM- Oh boy! Monty promised Anne a curricle ride in Hyde Park!
EC- See he was being sly. He planned on wooing without letting anyone know.
DM- Anne will bring her own whip – color coordinated with her outfit. I mentioned last week that she has a custom-made pocket for storing her extra whip points.
EC- She seems like a whip in the bedroom sort of girl…
DM- Can’t see her wearing ostrich or even peacock feathers – a bonnet sporting a fan of eagle feathers is more her type – also dyed to match her dress!
EC- Maybe feathers on her shoes. I could see that. She is after all a woman of fashion!
DM- Do you think she will buy a curricle after showing Monty her prowess at mastering his high-strung prime bits o’blood? A few paint scrapes are normal – aren’t they?
EC- OH MY GOODNESS, “mastering his high-strung prime bits o’blood” PLEASE TELL ME THATS AN innuendo!
DM- Umm that is Regency-speak for super grand horses…
EC-I like it better as an innuendo!
DM- 🙂
DM- Even though it will be six months from now, Anne and Monty are already bickering over who will drive! Will Anne stand up to drive – and take corners around Hyde Park on one wheel? How many dandies will end up in the Serpentine dodging her wild driving and equally sharp tongue?
EC- I know a couple of Regency dandies. I can just see them diving into the water, tophat to the wind. (Giggles with mirth!)
DM- Still wondering what the Ton and Fitzwilliam clan’s reactions will be toward Elizabeth.
EC- Considering that Darcy mistook the Gardiner’s for people of fashion, I think she will be just fine. A lot of people talk about her being awkward and having trouble fitting in, but I think thats all bull. Her time spent with the Gardiners while she was growing up surely was enough to impart refinement in her.
DM- The double wedding. Will there be lots of discussion in the sequel about the event? A thorough hashing of all the lace details? Which of Darcy’s relations attended? Was Mrs Bennet slightly sedated beforehand? Lady Cathy could help with that! How much innuendo about the honeymoon? Will William mellow-out in society – at least a little bit?
What did Darcy buy Elizabeth at the jewelers for a wedding gift? Did Theo help Darcy with the settlement?
EC- I don’t know. I kind of feel like there have been a couple of books already going into details of the Darcy wedding (sarcasm). There haven’t been very many about Theo (again sarcasm). Maybe we should just stick to Theo, after all, there won’t be much room in The Trials of Theo Darcy for his brother to be a primary focus. Maybe a recurring character though. (Have our readers figured out that I REALLY want to read that novel?)
DM- No, I think you have been very subtle on the ‘Trials’ hint. 🙂
EC- 🙂
DM- Did you catch that comment by Theo to Monty – that Monty must marry to carry on the family title? Plus he has three sisters to marry off…
EC- I did. What do you suppose that meant?
DM- Am suspecting the writers are laying groundwork – maybe he and Theo will hook up with sophisticated Ton sisters.
EC- interesting theory. Do you have any others?
DM- It means he is wealthy and too old for Georgiana. Gee who else of the main characters are left to latch to him? Hmm, some lady his equal with a whip?
EC- I stand by my previous supposition.
DM- Georgiana was in the background for this chapter, but in the sequel won’t she be coming out? Both brothers should have interesting reactions to that experience. Since she is to be family, will Caroline be guiding Georgiana – in things like deportment and dress styles?
EC- maybe Theo can bust out his detective skills and run Regency era background checks on all her suitors.
And I think Caroline while not good at catching a man herself might be great as an instructor. You know what they say, those who can’t do teach.
DM- Can you imagine the brotherly scowls. Elizabeth will have her hands full.
EC- We can’t leave our loyal fans without a fun snippet of how we envision things turning out. Theo seems to be pushing the ladies aside to both Monty and his big brother. Maybe he just needs some thunderstruck moment to leave him completely swept off his feet. Here’s how we see it…
-~o0o~-
“Thunderstruck”
EC-Theo and Monty are leaving the bookshop where they have been researching old legal codes in an effort to decipher Sir Lewis’ will.
It has been an uncomfortably humid day and after hours of monotonous study, the two men have decided to take some refreshment at a cafe that is just across the street. Stopped in front of the cafe is a high glossed cream and soft yellow carriage. The crest was one that neither man had ever seen in London. It was uniquely ornate and definitely not English. Something about it looked special, refined. The carriage itself was a fine specimen of beauty and craftsmanship but the four-in-hand that pulled it was magnificent. Four Sabino White stallions towered over all other horses on the street. Never had Theo seen one horse in such a pure white shade but four was nothing short of incredible. If cameras had been pocket sized in 1813, you can bet that Theo would have been a part of the horse paparazzi.
Monty, noticing the trance-like state that Theo was in nudged his friend, awakening him from his trance.
“I must get a closer look!”
Poor Theo, just as he starts heading across the street, the four beautiful sons of Epona begin to trot away.
Startled out of his reverie, Theo realizes that the carriage had left its owner on the other side of the street.
The lady wore a cream colored cloak of the finest velvet hiding the majority of her features, but even concealed, the boys knew tell that she, like her horses, was a fine specimen. She raised a slender, elegant hand to remove her hood, revealing raven black curls and a pert nose. Long black lashes danced above her high cheekbones and just as she stepped into the jeweler’s shop she ever so slowly appraised both men.
“Monty, we can take tea anytime. Right now, I think I must check on that ring I had commissioned for Georgie.”
DM- Cool! ( Brilliant! for our English readers.:) ) I like the crisp descriptions! Fashion descriptions are a skill I lack. My wife would code my clothes A, B, or C and I was to wear like-coded clothes to work.
EC- That’s pretty funny! When I was in elementary school we did a project on Helen Keller. We had to tag all of our clothes with shaped labels and figure out which top went to which bottom. I can just see you now, matching your red triangles to your green squares. “No, that’s not right!”
DM- Now here is a snippet with a twist, just for fun!
EC- How about I fill in some of the “fashion description” that you lack?
In July of last year I attended the Jane Austen Festival in Kentucky as the guest of a JAFF author. Coincidentally, Maria Grace, Abigail Reynolds and Regina Jeffers were also in attendance. The festival had loads of great exhibits, chances to shop the streets of Meryton, duels, merriments of all sorts and lectures. One lecture that I especially enjoyed was called “Dressing Mr. Darcy”, although it may as well have been called “Undressing Mr. Darcy” because it was little more than a regency strip show. Mr. Darcy spoke about each article of clothing, removing them one by one. He started with his cravat and progressed until he was in his undergarments. Although regency undergarments for men are long sleeved and covered them from their chin to their knees, it was still more than enough to get the ladies hot and bothered. There was much fanning to be had. If we weren’t in our regency attire and pretending to be respectable ladies, I’m sure there would have been much hooting and hollering (at least by me!)! With that introduction, let us proceed.
DM- Works for me! You mentioned it to be something along the lines of ‘Undressing Mr Darcy’?
“Look out Theo!”
“Ahh blast!” Wish you had spoken just a little sooner Monty!”
Theo looks down at his formerly pristine cravat, originally tied in a ‘Waterfall.’ “Blast! Now I appear to be wearing a new style of cravat – ‘The Muddy Bog’.’”
Theo looked like a waterlogged monkey. ‘How could a passing carriage have possibly thrown that much water onto a person without breaking an axle and how am I going to get through the rest of this afternoon with this much water weighing me down? There must be 20 gallons of it in my tailcoat alone! Propriety to the wind! I must dry out as quickly as possible.’ With deftly maneuvering fingers, Theo slowly untied his cravat. ‘ah, now I can breathe better’. As Theo removed his tail coat and then waist coat he revealed a sopping white shirt which clung to his every muscle leaving nothing to the imagination.
“Sorry Theo, was … distracted.” Monty replies letting out a low whistle while looking after the Ladies walking down the street.
“Ugh, that puddle made hash of my new hessians! Why were they so close to the curb??”
“The carriage just pulled up at Thatchers. Look Theo, it has a crest on the door but I cannot make it out.”
Theo looks up just in time to see the footman helping a Lady descend.
With his mouth dropping open in amazement and sounding very much like George Takei, “Ohh myyy!”
Suddenly Theo’s heart starts pounding furiously against his well muscled chest.
The Lady, dressed in the highest of fashion, turns and notices Theo’s chiseled pectoral muscles and mud spattered clothes. She looks at Theo slowly from his boots to his top hat, then with a raised brow and slight twitch upward of the corner of her lip. Was that a smile of amusement? Theo bristles a bit and sets his mouth in a grim line. ‘Damned if a fine lady like that would see me in the street in my undergarments!’
Before he can react, the lady motions to her footman and they approach Theo and Monty.
She gives Monty a brief glance, then looks appraisingly at Theo’s “countenance.” She then turns and talks to her footman in soft, deep dulcet tones. “James, apparently my carriage has caused some inconvenience to the gentleman. He is not of my acquaintance and thus we cannot converse.”
“Yes My Lady I understand. Should I give the gentleman a message?”
“Well done James, you understand my position. Yes, please tell the gentleman I beg his pardon. James, give him this card and my business manager will provide any reparations needed.”
“Yes My Lady.”
“Sir, may I ask your name?”
“Sir?”
“Sir?”
At a nudge from Monty, Theo startles then blushes at his total mesmerized state. The woman has bewitched him entirely with a single look and her soft hypnotic voice. He is lost.
“Oh! My pardon. I was… It is… My word! You are beautiful!”
With a snort and more pronounced jab, Monty brings Theo out of his trance.
“Ouch! Oh. Yes, my pardon. Er, James please tell your mistress no severe harm is done. Nothing financial need be addressed.”
With a small smile, Lady Mary Abernathy begins to turn away.
“However James…”
She turns back to Theo with a raised brow and that small smile that entranced him from the beginning.
With a quick glance at the smiling Monty, Theo tries to form a coherent sentence.
What to say! Quick man! Do not lose this opportunity!
“James, My name is Theophilus Darcy. If one wished to gain an introduction to this kind Lady, would she be receiving callers at home on a particular day?”
James glanced to Lady Mary in question.
“James, I accept calls tomorrow between 3 and 4 only. The knocker is not on the door but for the right gentleman, entrance will be allowed.” Lady Mary made this statement to James but was looking fully at Theo’s happy countenance.
While focused completely on the Lady, “Thank you James. This information is most, most welcome!”
“My Lord, please be sure to arrive properly”, uncomfortable, James cleared his throat before finishing, “properly attired.”
With a slight smile and nod, Lady Mary turns and approaches the shop door where she was headed. A moment of hesitation, she turns her head back to Theo for an appraising glance. The tiniest of nods and she disappears from view.
Theo suddenly huffs out the breath he had unknowingly been holding.
Looking at the card, then at Monty, Theo declares, “Monty she holds my heart! After only moments, she…”
“saw you in your skivvies!”
Theo gasps like a fish out of water and waves his hands about in an inarticulate manner. He is undone – totally.
Monty lays a hand on Theo’s shoulder, “Theo. Theo!”
Theo glances to Monty with a glazed look, “Monty, I need help.”
With a laugh, “Yes my friend, you need help. Theo, look at the crest on the carriage. Look at the card.”
Theo looks at the carriage, then frowns at the card, trying to gather his thoughts into some sort of order.
“What do you mean Monty?”
With a pat on his shoulder, “Theo, she is far, far above your touch. She is the daughter of a Duke!”
Speaking with a suddenly firm resolve, “That matters not. I am determined.”
With a gentle nudge, Monty guides his stricken friend to their carriage. They speak not a word during the trip to Theo’s residence.
70 comments
2 pings
Skip to comment form
“My favorite Jane scene was in Bride and Prejudice when Elizabeth(/LaLita) says that a single guy with big buck must be shopping for a wife. (Jane/Jaya) says “I hope he is!”…I remember laughing when I heard her say that in the movie. (I had to put the DVD in to get the second name.)
“I actually HATE the unwed pregnant Bennett sisters.” – I missed this story and/or book but doesn’t sound like one I would like, either.
“She seems like a whip in the bedroom sort of girl.” Oh, it is late at night, isn’t it, Dave and Evie?
OK, it’s 12:40 am and this is very long and the innuendos keep flying and I am only 1/2 way through reading it and laughing out loud…are these two slap-happy this late at night? Do they know what they are saying?…”bit’s o blood”….I’ll start here in the morning
Honestly we started writing this at around 5:30 pm after I got home from work. I may have been a little slap happy though because I didn’t have a weekend and spent eight hours traveling a few days before. Even with all of that, I can’t get enough Theo! What am I going to do with myself when this is finally over?
A side note: we watch Bride and Prejudice at least once a week at my house. My daughter has all of the songs memorized, my son knows all of the dances and I’ve got all of the characterizations down to a science. It may be slightly pathetic.
I love, love, love the dance by the men in the beginning but as the words are in another language, I can’t sing along. It does have great music – the choir on the beach – Bring me to love, etc. Just wish they could have one kiss – but I do know about the cultural reason.
You two are hilarious!!!!
Loving the thoughts on the characters, the upcoming plots but LOL at the two suggested scenarios. “She saw you in your skivvies” ROTFL!!!
Thanks for the laughter this morning!
Dave was unsure of that line when I wrote it. He didn’t want any passersby to be offended by a gentleman stripping in broad daylight and definitely didn’t want Theo’s reputation to be tarnished. But he relented and let me have my giggles. After all, this is FICTION!
Hmmm — with Theo’s cravat water-logged and his reputation stripped how can there be a sequel? How will our dear hero ever re-cover his dignity?
I had a good laugh at your “snippet” ( “long scene covering three possible sequels” is a better description, methinks), especially since I have not one, but *two* wet shirt scenes in my latest novel. Neither of them involved skivvies, however.
I for one am going to miss your hilarious quixotic speculations on The Darcy Brothers!!!!
Hi Monica! Do you ladies say ‘thanks’ to Colin Firth for all the wet heroes? I would bet the female readers of your latest novel will slip in a daydream expanding to skivvies – it’s their choice!
Evie and I did tilt at a few speculative windmills lately – hoping to put romantic ideas for Theo in you writers’ paths. No problem Theo, glad to help! These characters do seem to come to life, don’t they?
You know that Andrew Davies wrote not only the wet shirt scene for P&P, but he also added one into the newer BBC version of Sense and Sensibility. Edward is chopping wood and he’s dripping wet. That one didn’t catch on as much although Dan Stevens (who played Edward in that) did get the part in Downton Abbey after that! Go figure!
Thanks to both of you for all your efforts with the Reader’s Perspective! It’s been so much fun!
Hi Susan! I do remember the Edward scene – it did add to the story. It will be interesting to see how you writers bounce around with the official story and the memorable scenes added in the movies. The readers will no doubt be happy with your ideas as long as there is a little wiggle room for our own imaginings. What you do with the ending will be of great interest! Am looking forward to reading Persuasion 200!
A great way to start the day. Thanks.
I loved the scivvies comment as well.
I see an opposite of Darcy’s situation happening here in your “snippet”—the girl is above him, not below him; he gets tongue-tied but instead of keeping his thoughts in his head they seem to pop out “You are beautiful”; he is asking for help instead of trying to “fight” the attraction on his own (and he isn’t fighting it, it seems). This could be a very humorous story. So fun.
I will miss hearing from you guys each week.
Hi Eileen. Perceptive as usual – you catch my ulterior motives every time. 😀
Was skeptical about the skivvies – forgot the female readers proclivities regarding wet men. (eyebrows waggling) Looks like Evie had the right of it. 🙂
Am hoping all the readers now shift their attention to the Persuasion 200 writing while Theo is on holiday – it should be a lot of fun seeing what interpretations the writers put to the story line.
Yes, she definitely had the right of it. 🙂
And, I am currently rereading Persuasion to be ready.
That scene had me rolling with laughter. Though I cannot believe that a gentleman, waterlogged or not, would begin to strip in public. they would just deal with it and get home as quickly as possible. 😉 Though stripping in public is far more interesting.
Hi Cindy! Imagine if the waterlogged man had been the rake, Monty the Mountain? The passing ladies may have been whispering ‘More! More!’ while slipping pound notes in his … 🙂
I actually think many of them would have swooned (on purpose? or, like Mrs. B. because of “their nerves”) hoping Monty would catch them before they landed in a puddle….then 2 wet people together????
Could this be the beginning of mud wrestling? I am imagining two ladies plopping with the same idea and then shrieking and pulling hair rolling in the puddle. Theo watching in amazement – and admiration!
In his “small clothes”?
I do have a comment in mind, but would prefer to not be banned from AustenVariations. 😉
Hmmm… What happens if you publicly “compromise” more than one lady at once? Which does one marry? LOL!
The rich one! lol Monty would not stoop to Caroline – the Ton would laugh off her claim of compromise. Anne would say ‘What compromise? I want a race!’ And Monty being a gentleman would oblige – once around the Serpentine!
This last snippet was hilarious. I had to reread it since I read it at 4 am & thought I was delusional. It was even funnier after a cup of coffee. Thanks for the entertainment the last few months. Thursdays just won’t be the same. Looking forwards to the sequel after Theo goes on vacation for 6 months and am looking forward to Persuasion 200. And maybe more reader perspectives in the future.
Hello Deborah! What makes this all the more amusing is that Evie and I were not really trying to be overly funny – could this be our true personalities coming out? 😀 Only she and I know for sure!
No doubt we will all have a chance to profusely prognosticate as Persuasion progresses!
Good use of the word prognosticate. Snaps for Dave!
🙂
A bright morning smile from Dave and Evie! Thank you!
Loved the snippet too and totally caught the flip side version of the two brothers – one attracted to a woman below him and keeping it totally bottled up and the other attracted to a woman above him and wearing his emotions on his sleeve. I’d love to see this continued.
As for Monty and Anne….I had a chemistry teacher in high school who was 4’10” tall with thick Coke bottle glasses and an overbite who introduced us one day to her fiance who was 6’4″ tall and a mountain of a big man – much as I picture these two. She barely came up to his shoulder and she weighed all of maybe 100 pounds. It was the strangest couple I have ever seen, but they were in love. Have wondered over the many years since that day how they got on in their married life. They sure made an impression on my young mind.
Anyway, thanks to you two for making our trip with The Darcy Brothers even more entertaining.
Hi Sheila! Evie is working, again so here I am spouting off, again. Hey! We men must make the most of our opportunities to blather without correction! 😉 Shucks! Thought I was being so subtle on the role reversal thing – obviously not! 🙂 Theo being in a similar situation as Elizabeth makes them kindred spirits – maybe sharing advice?
One theme on these novels that I like, is that there is no accounting for love. You grab it wherever, and in whatever form it takes. The angst of love slipping away because of hesitation makes you want to counsel the character on the spot! That is what I really like about this snippet where Theo is determined to not hesitate but pursue at all costs. These writers would find numerous ways for him to pay a cost – nothing comes easy in romance novels!
We truly do appreciate all the comments – has made this a fun project! Keep them coming!
Author
Yes, love is pretty mysterious, isn’t it? I loved the two snippets, too. So what if Theo wouldn’t have stripped in public? It’s all in the service of fiction! 😉
Thank you! The comments have been a bright spot on my Thursdays! This has been so much fun!
I, too, now wonder how they got on in their married life – LOL!
Was waiting to see if this would be brought up…
Are all the other readers holding their breath like I am? Where did the writers leave the story? Darcy and Theo riding to the church. What did they find there??
How about…. total chaos!! The bride stepped outside the church to calm her feelings and escape her mother – just for a moment. When Jane goes to check on her… missing! She found a small boquet of flowers, one of Elizabeth’s slippers, and a torn scrap of sleeve lace snagged on a rose bush. There is also a stained workman’s cap half buried in the dirt! What to do???
😀
NOW I am ROFL! Only you Dave would go so far as to change our HEA ending. Every JAFF has had the same ending up until now. History rewritten.
Hi Sheila! But, but this is just the beginning! A minor skirmish to whet the appetite of we voracious but discerning readers! There will be a HEA – in a few years. Are the writers listening? 😉
If you haven’t noticed, Dave and I are looking for some excitement!
Now you have me thinking about that wedding….with or without a ‘napping, there could be plenty of interest at the church….Will any of Darcy’s relatives be there (besides Theo)? Will Anne be there? How will she and Mrs. Bennet get along? This will be the first time that Theo is meeting the Bennets, is it not? What will his impressions be? Will Monty attend? Will Caroline set her sights on Monty–could there be a rumble between Anne and Caroline? Will Lydia be there trying to upstage her sister because she was married first, but her poor Wickham is so ill? That would be enough to get our Lizzy to head outside for fresh air and leave her where it might be “easy” for the flower shop mafia to snag her. But, poor Jane and Bingley’s wedding would be in tatters then, too. Jane would not want to get married until she knew of her sister’s welfare, putting Bingley in a most unfortunate position, don’t you think? See what you have started. 🙂
Ooooh! Eileen I wonder if any writers are reading our musings – they seem full of plot bunnies to me!
I really like the idea of a confrontation between Anne and Caroline. The accusations and shrieking could go on so long the wedding is delayed, or Monty would tuck one under each arm and haul them out of the church. Caroline would be clutching his arm shouting ‘Compromise! Compromise! Ohh, you are sooo strong!’ while Anne would be challenging him to a curricle race. These two will never give up being who they are!
So many ways to go and it is all the fault of the brothers for taking so long getting to the church!
Yeah, I’m sure you ladies will put the blame on the guys. 🙂
I can just see them pulling hair and smacking faces. Maybe an all out down in the dirt (completely unladylike) brawl. Bonnets flying and ribbons tattered. We’ll finally get to see Anne’s ankles!
LOL What? Caroline with her petticoats covered in more than 6 inches of mud? How disgraceful (and delightful, in my opinion)
Oh and mud smashed into her hair, a hand print streaked down her face. What of the high and mighty Caroline now?
LOL Dave! MUST there be a kidnap?!?!?! 😉
You have certainly petitioned hard for it!
I didn’t mention the small knife with traces of fresh blood… Could a one armed assailant be strong enough to subdue a feisty Elizabeth?
No worries! It is just a little ‘nap!
The knife came from Elizabeth’s thigh holster of course. One can never be too prepared.
Snicker! Was she worried about Darcy getting nervous and fumbly-fingered undoing her buttons? The knife at the ready to whack the little suckers off if need be. Go Lizzy! 🙂
I still like the idea of a little ‘nap as well. Maybe that’s how the sequel could begin and we’d still have our HEA. 😉 Monty carrying the 2 out….I can just picture that. Too funny. And then mud wrestling… too much excitement at 4 AM. My hubby thinks I’m insane laughing at this hour.
Deborah, I understand! My wife knows Darcy and Elizabeth and that’s all. The uninitiated just do not understand the hold these characters have on our imaginations! Amused tolerance is what I get here. Joana Starnes once told me that I am a brave man to go swimming in this ocean of estrogen! It is intimidating, but massive fun at the same time.
ROFL! The daughter of a Duke and a barrister/younger-son who is only a nephew of an Earl…. yes, that could work, but I suspect their courtship will involve horses. Theo must prove himself worthy of her attention. And/or he can impress her with his barrister skills in court, since we have not seen enough of his legal skills.
Wait, what is Lady Catherine doing? Will she try to matchmake Theo with Anne – changing her attention from one Darcy for another? What will Lady Cat say about her daughter’s “wild ways”? And what is Mrs Jenkinson up to? Perhaps Mrs Jenkinson is up to something nefarious, such as kidnapping or extortion?
Will there be occasional posts from Theo – “what I am doing on my six-month hiatus”? Theo must keep Evie and Dave busy, to keep their wit sharpened!
Thank you, Dave and Evie!
Hi June! OK, here we go!
Theo is refused entrance by the Duke himself. Theo tracks down the Duke at the Newcastle race course and challenges him to a horse race – wagering free legal advice for three years and Theseus against a courtship with his daughter – offered in public so Dukie can’t refuse. After all, daughters are one thing but a chance to get Theseus… . Off they go racing at break-neck speed – neck to neck. The Duke’s horse stumbles and he is injured but Theo saves his life and the Duke’s approval of his courtship. Impressing her Dad counts big time with Lady Mary!
Wonder if Lady Cathy is behind the little ‘nap? You’re right – no way is she done plotting! The dower house terrifies her with its lack of a proper throne chair. If Mrs Jenkinson is smart, she is long gone. Anne probably does not trust her so her situation is tenuous at best. If gone, she had Lady C write a glowing recommendation in exchange for her silence.
The writers are indicating intermittent updates on Theo events – hope so!! Ah, the Reader Perspective was a trial and afterwards the writers will have to decide if it should be given another go. They really wanted several different guest readers… Time will tell! Thanks June for all your encouraging posts!!
I’ve enjoyed your writing very much! Hey, do you hire out your services as a muse and plot-bunny breeder?
🙂 Not for hire, but I do like to take a scenario and squish it around a bit just for fun! That’s the really cool thing about being retired – zip stress and can do as I please!
One thing I am playing with because of the upcoming Persuasion 200, is having Darcy try on, like a suit of clothes, the persona of Sir Walter Elliot. He seems to take to the change just fine but now has a ridiculous obsession with his appearance. What will Elizabeth say to him at the Meryton Assembly?
June I would kill for the opportunity to write a book that was comprised solely of plot bunnies.
And I might
stealborrowbuy that book. XDMrs. Jenkins, furious at having been dismissed by Anne joins the flower shop mafia…
OH, this was so much fun to read after sleep and about 4 cups of coffee. You two have us going off in so many directions. One thing for sure is that we are all already feeling Theo-deprived!
And, Dave and Evie, you really show such potential for writing your own book. I’d love to see what happens with “thunderstruck”. (Does our younger audience know that event from The Godfather?)
Will miss reading your quips every Thursday.
Hi again Sheila! LOL, we did toss entire bowls of spaghetti against the wall this time! It is our last toss so why not toss the whole lot all at one time! Abigail was very, very nice to let us put up a monster post – she did not edit our content on any of these posts! And since the readers have not objected to the length or content this week, who knows what the future holds!
Yes, the ‘thunderbolt’ is impressed in everyone’s mind – even if we tweaked the word a bit. Theo has to marry, why can he not do it in a big splash? His better half needs to be special in some way.
Yeah, Thursdays will be a tad different in the future. BUT… Persuasion 200 is right around the corner so we readers will have a new series to capture our attention! Plus there are a lot of other WIPs going on that should garner our focus! Lots doing here at AustenVariations!
Im going to have to admit that I had to YouTube that Godfather scene. I’ve never seen it!
Way to go out with a bang Dave and Evie! You really had me rolling in laughter. And some of these comments are just hilarious… It’s like sitting through the credits of a movie and then there is that last funny “hidden” scene at the by end. Thanks for sharing your musings with us!
🙂
Can’t add anything more really. Difficult to use a touch screen keyboard when ROTFL!!
I like TLeighF’s comment about movie credits but to me, Dave and Evie’s perpectives are more like the “outtakes” you get at the end of a Pixar or Jackie Chan movie. They didn’t make the final cut but who knows if the movie might have been better with them in?
Please can there be more Perspectives for Persuasion 200?
Hi Anji! Like the out-take/cutting room floor ideas! 🙂
Here I was so hoping somebody would take up my hint of Wicked doing a little ‘nap on Elizabeth. Had a whole series all thought up. Nobody asked, but here it is anyway! 😀
Lizzy pokes him in the eye while struggling and he stumbles in front of a carriage… oops there goes a foot! Theo has him patched up, so there goes Wickham – on a new pegleg, sporting an eyepatch, with a shiny new hook. He keeps muttering ‘Arghh where’s me parrot… ‘ or something like that.
Yeah, that one belongs on the floor! 🙂
Thanks for another fun post, guys!
I’ll miss the Readers’ Perspective quite as much as the drop-dead-gorgeous Theo!
I so wish there was some hope of a sequel.
Thanks everyone for a lovely story and some hilarious speculations!
Hi Joana! While we tapered off to a stopping point on this batch of Readers Perspective, fortunately, Theo is simply in a lull! We can look forward to another Theo-fix right after Persuasion 200 wraps – that’s my guess.
The speculations went wild this week, didn’t they? The writers wanted opinions and they got ’em in a big gob this week! So glad everyone had a good time!
I really should read things in order!!!!
Just noticed there WILL be a sequel! YAY!!!!!!!!
I have to agree with others that I will miss the Dave-and-Evie show after each Darcy Brothers posting. I’ll sign the petition to have you continue in some way.
Regarding your proposed sequel, I will only suggest that Lady Mary needs to have some other qualities, aside from the fact that she’s beautiful and has superior connections. After all, Jane was the beauty of the Bennet daughters but has been portrayed in various stories as boring! So let’s make sure Lady Mary can keep up with Elizabeth and the newly-energized Darcy family. Maybe she has hidden talents that can help Theo in his career?
Did Lady Mary’s footman really remind Theo to dress appropriately to visit? Like he’s going to show up in a wet and muddy shirt? Does that household have the propensity to shower their prospective guests with mud – so Theo’s dousing in the street is nothing to be surprised about?
Hi Kathy! Thanks for the kind words! Would you agree this chance meeting was met with amusement but also interest in Theo by Lady Mary? Her glance at Monty the rake indicated her discernment of which gentleman had potential, but on a public street she has very limited options. When Theo finally has time to spend with her, their initial, mutual spark of interest can blossom when they discover how they have such similar tastes and personalities. A natural match – met through pure chance and a mud puddle!
Author
Dave, judgiing by the response, I think you have the start of the first Theo Darcy fan-fiction. 😉
LOL Yea Theo!!! Go man! Did they high-five during the Regency period?
Author
Kathy, I agree – it would take more than a pretty face to win Theo’s heart. He seems to like women to be interesting, to say the least. 😉
Kathy, after rereading these posts, I realized your last paragraph was overlooked in my response!
I meant to tweak following sentence to allow for the footman’s comment, but forgot. Anyway here is my fix…
After a sharp look of reproof toward her overstepping footman, Lady Mary sends Theo a slight smile and nod. She then turns and approaches the shop door where she was headed. A moment of hesitation, she turns her head back to Theo for an appraising glance. The tiniest of nods and she disappears from view.
Hope this helps! Thank you so much for commenting!
Hi Dave — wow, my own personal author that does rewrites when I complain about the smallest thing! Now THAT’S what makes our modern era superior! I just thought it was funny that the footman could be so persnickety, but I guess that comes with the job description. Thanks! 🙂
The scene you described is absolutely funny, Dave. I wouldn’t mind if the authors incorporate your version of Theo’s love interest. And I love Evie’s story too. I’m guessing the lady in question is from European aristocratic class. I will definitely miss both of your insights and conversations.
[…] Reader’s Perspective with Dave McKee and Evie Cotton – Chapter 23 […]
[…] own posts for the JAV site. After a new section or chapter of the story was posted, a complementary “Readers’ Perspective” post would offer insight from the JAV […]