The first draft of my new story Alone with Mr. Darcy is now over 55,000 words long (yay!). It’s been a slow process since Darcy and Elizabeth have been particularly rebellious about following the plot line, so I’ve had to cut long stretches of what I’ve written. It’s frustrating to edit out several weeks worth of writing, so rather than consigning it all to the recycling bin, I’m hoping to whet your appetite by posting a few scenes from plot lines that didn’t make it into the final story. Let me know if you enjoy reading these, since I definitely have more where these came from! This is an unedited first draft, so it’s far from perfect.
Background: Elizabeth realizes she had feelings for Darcy when they are stranded together in a snowstorm. Afterwards, the townsfolk discover she was alone with a man, and she is sent to stay with the Gardiners because of the gossip. When Darcy learns Elizabeth’s reputation has been ruined, he plans to offer her marriage, but her father will not tell him where she is. At Rosings, he discovers Elizabeth’s friend Charlotte has married Mr. Collins, and realizes she may have the information he seeks.
“Is this Mrs. Collins such a friend you cannot stay away?” asked Colonel Fitzwilliam. “I have never seen you so eager to pay a call.”
Darcy deliberately slowed his brisk stride. “I am eager to be free of our aunt’s company; that is all.”
But his cousin gave him an odd glance, clearly unsatisfied.
Mrs. Collins greeted them with all courtesy, but he thought he could detect a slight narrowing of her eyes when she looked his way. He hoped it was so; that might indicate she was aware of what had happened to Elizabeth.
His chance came when Mr. Collins bumbled into the room, managing to trip over the fringe of the rug as he did so. Unfortunately, his mishap did nothing to prevent him from waxing eloquent about Lady Catherine’s condescension and generosity to him. But while the rector engaged Colonel Fitzwilliam on the subject of his noble parents, of whom Lady Catherine had so often spoken, Darcy moved closer to Mrs. Collins, earning a sharp glance from her.
He spoke as quietly as he could. “Mrs. Collins, I must speak to you privately regarding a matter of importance to both of us.”
Now her eyes did narrow, but she recovered quickly. “That would hardly be proper.”
“There is nothing dishonorable about my motives. I give you my word.”
Mr. Collins cleared his throat loudly. “My dear Mrs. Collins, what are you saying to Mr. Darcy?”
She hesitated only a moment. “I was telling him of Lady Catherine’s great condescension toward me in advising me of the importance of regular exercise in the fresh air, and how I make a point of walking in the grove every morning.”
Darcy breathed a sigh of relief. At least she was willing to talk to him.
***
Darcy found his way to the grove early the following morning to avoid any possibility of missing Mrs. Collins. He had a book in his pocket to read while waiting, but he could not focus on it. His mind was too busy rehearsing how to explain himself to her. Clearly her opinion of him was now unfavorable.
Nearly an hour later a woman’s figure appeared at the end of the grove. Shoving the neglected volume into his pocket, he hurried to meet her. “Thank you for coming, Mrs. Collins. I am greatly in your debt.”
She gave him a sharp look. “I hope I shall not regret it. Now, what is this matter of grave importance? I cannot be gone long.”
He threw his prepared speech to the wind. “It concerns your friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I trust from your reaction yesterday you are aware she was sent from home in disgrace.”
“I am well aware of her condition, but what puzzles me exceedingly is that you, of all people, would wish to speak to me about her. She is a dear friend. No matter how much my husband owes to your aunt, I will not be party to assisting you in further compromising her honor.”
Darcy swore under his breath. “You mistake my intentions, Mrs. Collins. Having heard of her situation, I travelled to Longbourn to make matters right, but her father refused to disclose her whereabouts to me. I do not understand why he would oppose the match, especially under the circumstances, but he was insistent. In the meantime, I cannot restore her honor when I do not know where she is. When I heard you were nearby, I hoped you might be able to tell me where to find her, so I might bring an end to this blight on both our honors.”
“Hmm. I cannot tell you where she is, but I expect I could discover it easily enough with a letter. The question is whether I should do so. I hope you will pardon my impertinence in asking this question; it is out of loyalty to my friend I do so. Do I have your word that honorable matrimony is your intention?”
“Good God, yes! I would not consider anything less. I have already asked her to marry me once; you may ask her yourself if you doubt me.”
Her brows furrowed. “I do not understand. Even Elizabeth would not be so foolish as to refuse you. She is impractical, but not mad.”
“She felt it was unnecessary and that I was only making the offer out of a sense of obligation to her.”
“And was that not why you wished to marry her?”
It was the question Elizabeth had never asked him. In a low voice, he finally admitted what he had been unwilling to accept all these months. “No. The circumstances merely made it easier to justify doing what I already wished to do.”
She gave a slow nod. “I see. May I ask if you told Lizzy as much?”
He had to look away from her perceptive eyes. “No, but I told her I found her too attractive for my peace of mind.”
This time she smiled. “Very well, Mr. Darcy. I will see what I can discover for you.”
***
Mrs. Gardiner looked up from her sewing when Elizabeth entered the sitting room. “Is something the matter, Lizzy?”
Elizabeth frowned at the paper in her hand. “I just received a letter from my friend Charlotte, the one who recently married and moved to Kent. She says she needs my help, and begs me to come to her at my earliest convenience. Charlotte is not the sort to ask for assistance, so I fear something serious is amiss.”
“She does not say what her trouble is?”
“No, but I think it must be something about her marriage. She says I should not come directly to their house, but send her word of which stage I will be on, and she will meet me at the coaching inn. Why would she want me to do that, if not to have a chance to speak to me before I see her husband?”
Mrs. Gardiner’s brows drew together. “Oh, dear. That does sound worrisome. Do you know her husband?”
Elizabeth curled her lip. “Well enough to know I would not want to marry him! He is a fool and a flatterer, but I have nothing worse to accuse him of.” She could not help remembering telling Mr. Darcy of her concerns for Charlotte. No, she would not think of him! She would not!
“Sometimes men can hide a cruel streak. Oh, I do hope he is not a wife-beater.”
“I would not have thought him violent, but one never knows. How horrible for poor Charlotte!”
Mrs. Gardiner carefully folded her sewing and set it aside. “You do realize, Lizzy, that even if he does beat her, there is nothing you can do about it. She is his wife, and it is his legal right to do as he likes. I do not like it any more than you do, but that is the law.”
Elizabeth shivered. “Yes, I know. It is why I will not marry but for affection. Otherwise one never knows what might happen.”
“That is your best protection, but do not allow yourself to become bitter, my dear. There are many good men who treat their wives with respect.” She frowned, no doubt at the recollection that Elizabeth’s disgrace likely precluded any chance of a decent marriage for her.
“In any case, I must go to her. Do you think my uncle would loan me the fare? Charlotte says she will repay me for the cost.”
“Would it not be wiser to write her first and ask for more details?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “If Charlotte felt she could put it in writing, she would have done so. She is not timid by nature.”
“Very well; you must do what you can for your friend. And it may do you good to get out of London.” She did not need to add that Lizzy had been out of spirits. That much was apparent to all.
“I will write to her tonight, then, and tell her I am coming.” She could not tell her aunt the truth. If Mr. Collins had been cruel to Charlotte, there might after all be a way in which Elizabeth could assist her – if she had the courage to do it. Mr. Collins would listen if Mr. Darcy told him to stop beating his wife. He had helped Charlotte’s sister; surely he would assist her as well.
Despite her fears for Charlotte’s well-being, Elizabeth’s heart gave a little leap at the possibility of having an excuse to contact him again.
***
Darcy stared at the note in his hand. How odd it was! Although it was unsigned, it could be from no one but Mrs. Collins.
I anticipate receiving the information you seek tomorrow, but I will be unable to get away from home before Friday. However, I will be picking up the post myself tomorrow. If you were to be at the King’s Head when I collect it, I could give you your answer immediately.
As if he could possibly wait until Friday!
***
He had been waiting at the Kings Head for an hour, feeling more conspicuous every minute. It was hardly the sort of place he frequented, and the sidelong glances from the patrons confirmed they knew it as well as he did.
Confound that woman! What could have delayed her? The post had arrived almost an hour ago, and he could hardly bear knowing his fate might be in it. For the third time, he debated and then discarded the idea of asking for the parsonage’s post himself. That would only draw even more attention to him.
“Mr. Darcy.” Mrs. Collins’s voice came from behind him, causing him to start. “I must apologize for my tardiness.”
“It is of no matter. The post is here.”
The corner of her mouth turned up. So his impatience amused her, did it? “Of course. If you will excuse me, I will collect it now.”
Mrs. Collins made her way slowly to the counter, pausing to chat with a toothless old man who seemed happy to monopolize her attention. Would she never get that confounded post? Darcy’s patience was almost exhausted when she finally asked for the post, but this seemed to require yet another protracted conversation.
He tapped his feet as if that would prod her into motion. Good lord, at this rate it would have been faster for him to walk to London and collect her post there!
At last she turned back toward him, several letters in her hand. Why did she not open them? After all that time, had the letter she expected not arrived?
She said quietly, “Mr. Darcy, would you be so kind as to step outside with me?”
Naturally. She was the rector’s wife and could not afford any suspicion of impropriety to fall on her. “Of course.”
Fortunately, a stagecoach had just pulled into the yard. The activity of the stable boys hurrying to change the horses would cover their discussion. It was all Darcy could do to remember basic manners. “Well?” He looked pointedly at the letters she held. “Do you not intend to open them?”
That amused smile returned. “There is no need.”
“No need? But you said the answer would be in the post. Did the letter you expected fail to arrive?”
“I did not say the answer would be in the post, only that I anticipated receiving the information here.” She paused to give a cheerful wave to someone behind him. “And if you turn around, I believe you will find your answer.”
What sort of game was she playing now? He had thought her trustworthy. Impatiently he looked back over his shoulder, anticipating another delay. “I see nothing.”
“The stage, Mr. Darcy. Look at the stage.”
The stage? Then a light and pleasing form by the stagecoach door caught his eye, pausing to thank the ostler who had handed her down.
Darcy was by her side in an instant, gripping her arms as if she might disappear again at any moment. Her eyes were wide and her tempting lips formed a circle of surprise as she looked up at him. It was too much. Only a lifetime of training kept him from crushing her into his arms.
Mrs. Collins coughed softly. “Mr. Darcy, I am certain you would not wish to harm Lizzy’s reputation in any way.”
What a ridiculous thing to say! Of course he did not wish to…Feeling a fool twice over, he peeled his fingers away from Elizabeth’s arms. Nothing anyone said would make him take his eyes off her for a second, though. He would not allow her to disappear again.
But Elizabeth seemed less interested in his presence. She was already turning towards Mrs. Collins. “Charlotte, I came as quickly as I could. I have been so worried! What is the matter? Is it Mr. Collins?” Then she glanced back at Darcy, and to his great relief and utter delight, she wrapped her hand around his wrist.
Mrs. Collins showed unexpected dimples when she smiled. “Nothing is the matter; I am quite well.”
“But you said…Oh, I see. You may trust Mr. Darcy, I assure you.”
Her friend’s eyebrows shot up. “Indeed, I am glad to hear you are now of that opinion.”
With a charmingly furrowed brow, Elizabeth looked from one of them to the other, then made another attempt. “You said you needed my assistance in an urgent matter,” she said uncertainly.
Mrs. Collins laughed and gave Elizabeth a quick embrace. “I did, but it was not my urgent matter.” She cast a significant glance at Darcy.
“I do not understand.”
“As my dear husband is fond of telling me, we must not overlook any opportunity to be of service to Lady Catherine, so naturally, when I discovered her dearest nephew was in distress, I felt honor bound to assist him. As that distress rose from a lack of knowledge of your whereabouts, I took the necessary steps to assure you would be in a place where he could find you.”
“But my whereabouts were hardly a secret,” protested Elizabeth. “Any of my family could have told you where I was.”
Darcy cleared his throat. “Perhaps so, but your father refused to tell me. Did he not inform you of my visit to Longbourn?”
“You were at Longbourn?”
A great weight lifted from his chest. Elizabeth had not been hiding from him. “Yes, over a fortnight ago.” And someday he would have some very choice words to say to Mr. Bennet on that subject, but he would not think about that now.
“But why? I do not understand.”
Darcy had already opened his mouth to respond when Mrs. Collins interrupted. “You have both been taken by surprise, and I believe this discussion would do well to wait until that surprise is no longer forefront in your minds. I suggest leaving it until tomorrow. For now, Lizzy and I must return to the parsonage. As it is less than two miles hence and the day is fine, I assume you would prefer to walk. I have already taken the liberty of arranging for your trunk to be delivered to us.”
Darcy said, “I would be happy to arrange for a carriage if you would prefer that.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I thank you, but I have had enough of carriages for the day. I am eager to walk.”
“As I anticipated,” said Mrs. Collins with a smile. “Lizzy is a great walker.”
“In that case, might I have the honor of walking with you?” If he could not speak to Elizabeth alone, he would take whatever was available. He could fetch his horse from the inn later.
Mrs. Collins examined him from head to foot. “I suppose it would do no harm if you accompanied us as far as the road to Rosings Park.”
What was her game? First she arranged to bring Elizabeth to him; now she seemed only concerned with separating them.
“Before we depart, Lizzy, pray permit me to bring you within. There is a small ladies’ parlor where you might refresh yourself before our walk.”
“That would be most welcome. Pray excuse us, Mr. Darcy.”
Of course Elizabeth’s comfort was of paramount importance. It was just he had so many questions he wished to ask her.
***
Elizabeth waited until she was absolutely certain Mr. Darcy was out of earshot before she hissed, “Charlotte, I cannot believe you did this to me! Could you not have told me he was seeking me, and allowed me to make my own decision?”
“I could have, but then you might not have come. And completely apart from your wishes, not to mention those of your father, he does deserve the opportunity to state his case.”
“Or is it because he is Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s nephew?”
“Of course not, silly! If you knew Lady Catherine in the slightest you would be aware the last thing she would desire would be to give Darcy the opportunity to marry anyone beside her daughter.”
“If not for her, then why? And pray do not tell me how fortunate I am to have earned the attentions of such an eligible man.”
“Very well, although it is true.” Charlotte paused, her steps slowing. “If you truly wish to know, the reason I sent for you is because he is quite violently in love with you, and his inability to find you was causing him a great deal of pain. If you do not wish to marry him, all you need do is to say so. There is no reason to make him suffer for lack of an answer.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “He is attracted to me, perhaps even a little infatuated with me. But he is not in love with me. He admitted he would never made me an offer but for our circumstances. While his devotion to duty may be admirable, it should not be confused with love.” She only wished it did not hurt to say those words.
“Lizzy, he stayed nearly two hours today at the inn out of hope I might have word for him on your whereabouts. He might just have waited until our paths crossed next, but he did not. That is not the behavior of a man who is merely attending to a duty. But I see you will not be moved, so I will press you no further on this. There is another matter which I need to discuss with you before we reach the parsonage.”
***
It was no surprise Elizabeth’s head ached. In fact, after listening to Mr. Collins’s babbling for two long hours, with Charlotte’s sharp eyes on her throughout, it was a miracle her head was the only thing that ached. But now, when she was finally alone and had a moment to reflect on the day’s surprises, the throbbing behind her eyes precluded the clear thinking she desperately needed.
In its place was a jumble of images and feelings – the stunned look on Darcy’s face when he had spotted her, the heat and strength of his hands clutching her arms, and the warmth within her which had brought her close to losing her composure at the mere sight of him and the realization she was still dear to him. Even now tears leaked from the corners of her eyes, leaving a salty trail ending in her pillow and blurring her vision.
Pressing her temples with both palms provided little relief. Perhaps if she opened the window, the cool evening air might lessen the pounding. The latch fought her efforts at first, then suddenly gave way, causing her to overbalance as the window shot open. She caught herself with both hands on the windowsill, then leaned her head against the frame, closing her eyes and allowing the breeze to wash over her face.
When she finally opened her eyes again, her vision had cleared enough to make out the shape of a stately house perched on a rise, windows gleaming with dancing candlelight. It must be Rosings, and behind those walls was Mr. Darcy. What was he thinking? Would he be engaged in a conversation with his aunt while his mind was a mile away at the parsonage? Perhaps he felt the same annoyance she did at Charlotte for her machinations, well meant as they might have been. She had been surprised at how readily Mr. Darcy accepted Charlotte’s dictates, even when he was clearly unhappy with them. That the proud Mr. Darcy would take orders from lowly Charlotte Lucas! Though she should say Charlotte Collins, but that name still seemed odd and unreal. But whatever her name, no one in Meryton would have believed it for a moment. They all knew Mr. Darcy simply ignored his inferiors. But then again, she had been wrong in so many regards about him.
If only he were beside her now! The pain in her head would lessen if he were holding her hand; she was sure of it. Or maybe she simply would not care as much about the pain if she could look into his eyes.
What would happen on the morrow? He had said he would call. What would he say to her? Because of her disgrace, she had little choice if he still did want to marry her. She would have to hope that by some miracle history would not repeat itself. Perhaps if she could somehow prove her worth to him, it would not be so bad. She could study the behavior of the ton and others of his circle, and learn to mimic it well enough to avoid embarrassing him. If her mother had ever made such an effort, she must have abandoned it by the time Elizabeth was a child.
But it did not matter. She owed it to her family to marry him, and in any case, her own feelings for him would make it difficult for her to resist if he proved insistent. And if nothing else, Mr. Darcy was uniquely skilled at being insistent.
Except with her father, it seemed. What had he been thinking, not only to refuse to tell Darcy her whereabouts, but also to fail to inform her of it? He hated to write letters, it was true, but he must have realized this was a matter of importance. Perhaps he had his own reasons to be implacably opposed to a match between them. Given time, she could likely wear down his resistance, but it seemed uncharacteristic of him. She could make no sense of it, and all it was accomplishing was to make her headache even worse.
Slowly she padded back to bed. After tugging the counterpane to cover her fully from the chilly night air, she buried her head in the feather pillow and waited for sleep to take her.
***
Well, what do you think? Did you enjoy your visit to Kent?
80 comments
Skip to comment form
Love it! If that was cut out of the story, I will be eager to read what did make it!
Author
Thanks! I was sorry to cut this part.
Wonderful to get to read some Abigail! Best of luck with getting the new book out by December, but we’ll be happy to read more outtakes if you have them.
Author
Thanks, Ruth! I’ll do my best. 🙂
Dear Abigail,
I always love your writing and you didn’t disappoint with this outtake. I look forward to reading more. –Leslie
Author
Thanks, Leslie!
Wonderful outtake! I completely agree with SandyH, if you are cutting out bits that good I look forward to reading what you have left in the book!
Author
Thanks! It wasn’t cut because I didn’t think it was good enough but because it didn’t take the story where it needed to go. I hate it when that happens!
Wonderful! Simply wonderful. I agree with Ceri and SandyH. Can’t wait to read much, much more, Abigail. Please post more. Please?
Author
I’m sure I can find some more good bits to post, Joy!
Like Sandy and Ceri, I’m very much looking forward to reading what you haven’t cut out, if this is an example of what’s ended up on the cutting room floor! I might just have to save this to a text file so I can read it again along with the finished work.
In the meantime, please share more with us.
Author
You have no idea how many outtake files I have. It’s kind of scary when I see them all together. 😉
Loved these scenes, Abigail. They were such a pleasure!!! I’m sorry they didn’t make it into the novel but very glad you managed to share them.
Author
Thanks, Monica. It’s nice to have them reach readers somehow rather than just go in the trash bin.
I really enjoyed these lovely scenes, Abigail. What a great idea to post them so we all get to read the deleted scenes. You’re on the home stretch now!!!
Author
I’m starting to think it really is on the home stretch. Elizabeth and Darcy are about to leave for the church, so that’s a good sign, right?
I must join the chorus….that was wonderful…and disappointing since I really want to know about that meeting on the morrow and patience is not my strength. 🙂 More, please. Soon?
Okay, I thought I could walk away without asking, but unlike patience, curiosity is a “strength” 😉 …this Mr Bennet, why did he refuse to tell where she was? Is he being angry and unreasonable? Does he think this is protecting his daughter? Does he hope to test Darcy’s resolve and depth of feeling? Or is there some other reason?
Author
LOL! Though we don’t tend to think much about it, in P&P Mr. Bennet only says yes to Darcy because he’s afraid to say no, and then he tries to talk Elizabeth into refusing him because he thinks it’s a bad idea. In this variation, Elizabeth isn’t there to talk her father into approving the marriage, and he’s not at all certain Darcy’s intentions are honorable. I also explore how Mr. Bennet ended up married to his wife, and how that unequal marriage made him feel about the idea of his favorite daughter making an even more unequal marriage. Hope that helps a little!
🙂 Thanks. It helps a bit with the curiosity issue, but not the issue of patience…still just as anxious to see how the story unfolds… 🙂
Yes, I had been wondering about that, too, why Mr B would keep him away from Lizzy. How much does Mrs B know of the situation?
I was *so* excited when I saw this in my email box this morning, and I *finally* got home from work to read it. I love the idea of cut scenes being posted and I can’t wait to read the finished story!
Author
Mrs. Bennet knows Lizzy was compromised by Darcy, but nothing else. Unfortunately, as always, she fails to keep that fact to herself. 😉
If this is what you left on the floor, I absolutely cannot wait to read what you left in. This is great stuff!
Author
Thanks!
Thank you for the outtake! I am hoping you post more soon. 🙂
Author
I’ll do my best!
This was really good, and like everyone else, I have to say that it more than caught my interest. If this didn’t make it, I am eager to see what else didn’t make it, and I am going to order that book to read all the wonderful things that did make it. This was a wonderful way to catch our attention, and you have more than caught it! I am already waiting for the next post and I have just finished this one. Please please please give us a deluge for outtakes. I am curious about Mister Bennet as well. Why did he refuse to tell Darcy where she went? Is it anger? Or is it fear that if Darcy makes his proposal, that Elizabeth will accept him? I can see him angry about the “compromise”, but surely that should not get in the way of his wanting to come to a solution. So many questions, so much curiosity, so little time. I want that book!
Author
Thanks! Mr. Bennet has a pretty low opinion of Darcy. You’ll find out more about it in the final book. 🙂
I agree that this edited bit has my interest. I am sure it would fit very well into a story. If not this one then some other. I have always enjoyed your writing and this excerpt proves my opinion. Poor Darcy if he could just relax!. Thank you so much for sharing.
Author
Darcy, relax? I’m not sure that’s in his vocabulary in this book. 😉
Thank you. I’ve been waiting for something new for SO long. Thanks for sharing your outtake. We’ll be happy to read any and all of them.
Author
This book has been a long time coming. Glad the outtake helps a little.
I too am going to agree with everyone else. If the outtake is this good, then it cannot wait to read the rest, Abugail! I already have so many questions about what has happened and what will happen. 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing this. Looking forward to reading future outtakes.
May I add this? If only my first drafts were this good!
Author
I’m hoping you’ll still have lots of questions with the book. I’m having one of those moments when it all seems rather dull to me. 😉
More please!
I also am totally captured! I love Charlotte’s character here, and wonder how the meeting will go tomorrow… though I have an idea! 🙂 But I also wonder about Mr Bennett’s refusal to tell Darcy where Elizabeth is. Is he still under the impression that she abhors him? I look forward to your book when it comes out. Best wishes!
Author
I’ve been having a lot of fun with Charlotte’s character in this story. She still plays a strong role in the new version of this section, but it’s somewhat different.
If that’s the outtakes then this book is really going to tug at our heartstrings as readers. Great story! I can’t wait to read the finalized book, but I will gladly accept more outtakes if you’re willing and have the time. Thanks for sharing Abigail!
Author
Thanks, Megan! I’m glad to know it reaches the heartstrings.
More! More! What a grand outtake! Obviously we all look forward to the final story. Have you ever considered doing one of those books where at the end of a chapter you have choices for the story path? Should Lady C interfere go to page 47. Should Mr Collins discover the H/H in a compromising situation go to page 103…. You may have a big start just littering your efloor!
I like H/H over H/h – Elizabeth is certainly Fitzwilliam’s equal so should also be capitalized. Still hoping for a snowball fight. Plop! Knocked his hat off – again! 🙂 Thanks Abigail – your efforts are very much appreciated!!
Author
I feel like I practically have done a choose your own adventure for this book! It’s been through so many different versions. I have 10K words which were once in this story but have been taken out to go into the next after I realized I had way too many plot lines tangled up. I like H/H – she’s definitely Fitzwilliam’s equal!
This is phenomenal! I am so looking forward to the release of the book and am eagerly anticipating reading other cuts to whet my appetite. This was a beautiful way to wake up this morning. Thank you for sharing. As others have said if this is a cut….I can only imagine how wonderful the new book will be.
Author
I won’t claim the rest of the book was better – this bit of plot just didn’t fit. But I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Wow– if that ended up being edited out– so looking forward to what didn’t! Well done.
Even your “rejects” are wonderful, Abigail! Thank you for sharing. It only whets my appetite for more. 🙂
More, please!
Please – more! Don’t delete this but use it in a new story line. I loved it!
Author
About half of what I deleted in this book will hopefully end up in another story line, but I don’t see how this one would. Maybe it’ll come to me, though!
This was wonderful! I so look forward to reading this book. I love your writing and look forward to teading this book!
Could I have more please, Abigail? I loved the deleted scenes and wish to know how your story goes.
A new Abigail story! Hooray!!! Thank you for the delicious morsel you’ve cut out for our enjoyment. Fabulous!
Loved it, Abigail! Can’t wait to read the new book! In the meantime, I’d love to read more outtakes! Please post more soon.
How soon can I put in my order for an ADVANCED copy of this book? 🙂
Thank you and we want MORE outtakes!
Author
After I’ve managed to write it, Carmelita! 😉
Loved it! Please post more! I like Dave’s idea of choose your own adventure so we get to read all your plot twists. But otherwise I’ll take them posted here, just so long as I get to read them!
Have been thinking more on the follow-your-own-adventure idea… Wouldn’t it be great if several AV authors did different directions of the same theme each month where they could be interwoven. Gee, how hard could that be? LOL Maybe when Theo is resurrected… This sure is a wonderful block of writing – would like to know why it will languish unused.
That’s an awesome idea, Dave. I suggest you use your psychic mind powers to make these authors do your bidding!
These were such fun to read, Abigail!!
What a great idea to share them…although it only makes us all hungry for more 😉 .
Enjoyed outtake. Very curious as to how Mr. Darcy helped Charlotte’s sister. Will enjoy reading this book.
Author
Poor Maria Lucas gets the short end of the stick in this book. She deserves all the help Darcy gives her and more.
I loved this! I cannot imagine it being cut from the book, it is so good. If this didn’t make it, I can’t wait to read what did!!!! Can’t wait for the book to be released. Please share some more to get us through the waiting period!
If this hit the floor, I can’t wait to see what was saved!!
Please share all you can!!
Loved it!!
I’ve read all your P&P books, and am eagerly awaiting the newest one. Is it available to pre-order for my Kindle? This outtake brought a measure of satisfaction to an otherwise dull day. Thank you, thank you.
Author
I’m afraid it isn’t even near the preorder point yet. I have a lot of blanks to fill in and it still needs a cover. 😉
Ditto, ditto, ditto. Can hardly wait for December! But, I think you have a great idea here. Please feel free to post any other out takes. And, encourage other AustenVariation authors to do the same. You may be surprised at how much they are loved buyout readers and it seems a fun way to promote upcoming publications.
Author
That’s good to know. I’ll pass it along!
Well now we all have something wonderful to look forward to: another Abigail Reynolds book! This is a full novel, right (she asks hopefully)?
Thank you for sharing!
Author
Yes, this is a full novel. It was thinking about being a novella, but it changed its mind. See, you can tell how little I feel in charge of this story! 😉
Oh Mrs Reynolds! you cannot do this to us! how can we wait until december now?! such pity this was cutted out… But I already have my mind full of images like a bbc production…as usual with your books…and that will carry me through… please regale us with as much outtakes as you want!
Greetings from Argentina!
“as many” outtakes…. sorry! 😀
So much to enjoy about this post! First, you are writing another book. Second, the new book is so overflowing with great stuff that this spilled over for us to read! Third, Charlotte is awesome – she is astute, and protective of her friend. Finally, clearly, Darcy and LIzzy are awesome as well (obviously).
I imagine authors often have to do a lot of pruning when they write, and that must be hard especially when you’ve written something that even is fun to read on its own. Thank you for sharing it!
Oh excellent! I really love how Darcy displays his feelings so openly in this scene!
I was away for two days babysitting my grandson so just read this delightful “reject”/outtake. As everyone is saying, “if this is not good enough….please give us more”. Will definitely be pre-ordering the paperback to add to all my other Abigail Reynolds’ books and probably the kindle version as well. I do keep checking your web page for new books thus am so very happy to read this and learn a new novel is in the making. Anything you give us is a delight! More, please. And any other outtakes I am sure will be kindly accepted – so very happy to read this. Thanks.
Charlotte was so sneaky – good for her. Darcy – going to great lengths to make things right – oh, delicious!
The great Georgette Heyer once said something to the effect, that “once you give your characters a voice you have to go where they take you, whether you wanted to go there or not.” Many of her great books went in a different direction than she had planned and usually it cost you cutting some of what you wrote, but to do otherwise would ruin the book. People are very sensitive to characters acting out of character.
I am impressed. I’ve always loved Abigail Reynolds’ works and this looks like it will not disappoint. Looking forward to the book in December!
The only thing I do not like about your writing is that it takes too long to wait for the next book. As I’ve said before I have all your books and always wait for the next one. Can’t wait for the book but in the meantime please post your other out takes.
MORE!!!!!!! Please!!!!! Did I miss something? Where is the 2nd part of the prequel???
Wonderful outtake! I always liked Charlotte despite her marrying Mr. Collins! So looking forward to this full length novel! Thank you for sharing!
Very enjoyable. I can’t wait to find out more. You could almost make this it’s own story I have a hard time thinking of this as an outtake – it seems more like the beginning of a great story – or one shot, but probably a story, since there seems to be so much potential for problems – Mr. Bennet, Lady C, Mr. Collins, Maria, just to name a few.
I can’t believe you cut something like this! Well, I understand wanting a different direction of the story, but it’s just delicious… what could be the version you preferred?! Also, this is a storyline that reunites the couple after a painful separation and gives a chance to right the misunderstandings…I hope the final version has these element in it as well. I look forward to see it! Thanks for sharing this part!