Some Little Alteration Paperback and KU Release Celebration!

Hi friends!

I’m so excited to share that my latest release, Some Little Alteration, is now available in paperback—and, as of yesterday, in Kindle Unlimited as well! 🎉🎉🎉

To be honest, I had originally planned to hold off on the KU launch until after the new year, but in the spirit of the season (and with Jane Austen’s 250th birthday celebration fast approaching!), I decided to give a little something back and move it in now. 🙂

But that’s not all! To celebrate, I’m also giving away one signed paperback to a lucky reader (U.S. only). Just leave a comment below to enter!

In the meantime, here’s a brand-new excerpt from the story to whet your appetite. I hope you enjoy!

Some Little Alteration

Excerpt

Elizabeth stepped out into the sunlight, blinking against the brightness as she adjusted her grip on the brown-paper parcel in her arms. The door clicked shut behind her, and the low murmur of the shop gave way to the bustle of Hunsford’s high street. She barely had time to gather her bearings before Mr Darcy appeared, leading his horse by the reins.

They set out at a measured pace, his strides matching hers easily. As they walked, Elizabeth felt the steady gaze of several passing villagers, but she kept her eyes resolutely fixed on the cobblestones beneath her feet, willing herself not to notice.

It was a relief when they turned off the busy road and onto a quieter lane flanked by hedgerows and the soft rustle of early spring leaves. For a time, they walked in silence, broken only by the occasional jangle of the horse’s bit.

At last, Elizabeth began, her voice tentative. “Mr Darcy, I feel I must beg your pardon for what I said inside the shop. I did not mean… That is, it was presumptuous of me to imply that I would be a guest at your wedding. I fear I spoke without forethought—as I often do.”

Mr Darcy turned towards her, his expression kind. “You need not excuse yourself. The celebrations will be small, merely an intimate breakfast at Rosings following the ceremony, but I would be honoured if you would all attend.”

Elizabeth glanced up, murmuring softly, “You are very generous.”

He gave a slight shake of his head. “Not at all. It is only fitting, given your connection to Mr Collins and the role he is to play. And…” He hesitated a moment. “It would please me.”

Elizabeth’s heart gave a brief flutter, though she chastised herself at once. To be moved by such words, when he referred to her presence at his wedding to another woman was nothing short of ridiculous. In any case, surely it was no more than politeness, or simple obligation. Yet her thoughts still swirled with the strangeness of strolling beside him like this, in such easy confidence.

“I have not seen you on your morning walks of late,” Elizabeth said at last, striving for an easy tone.

Mr Darcy glanced over at her. “No. Much as I have missed the habit, my time has not been my own. There has been little opportunity for leisure in recent days.”

“Oh?” she asked lightly. “Rosings cannot demand all your attention, surely?”

He gave a faint smile. “Not Rosings, no. But there has been much to do before the wedding. I have had meetings with my solicitor, to finalise the settlement papers, and yesterday I rode out to Tunbridge Wells to acquire the licence.”

Elizabeth’s steps faltered. “Ah, yes. Of course.”

Her fingers tightened around her parcel, but she forced her voice to remain steady as she continued, “I hope the next few days allow you more time for yourself, so that you might resume the practice.” After a slight hesitation, she continued, “Does Miss de Bourgh enjoy walking as well?”

“She does not,” he replied. “Her health is delicate, and she finds little pleasure in exertion of that sort. She does, however, enjoy driving her phaeton, when the weather is fair.”

Elizabeth nodded, unsure how to respond. After a moment, she said, “And following the wedding? Does she look forward to making her home in Derbyshire?”

A frown flashed across Mr Darcy’s brow. “We have not discussed it at length,” he answered. “I believe a change of scenery, not to mention some distance from certain…influences, will do her good. Though I fear,” he added, his lips tightening, “any such benefit may be short-lived. Lady Catherine has declared her intention of accompanying us to Pemberley to assist her daughter in adjusting to her new situation.”

Elizabeth said nothing at first, letting the stillness stretch between them as they continued along the lane. The rhythm of their steps and the faint thud of the horse’s hoofs filled the quiet, but her thoughts churned as she reflected on Mr Darcy’s impending marriage.

While it was true that Miss de Bourgh was neither lively nor of robust health, there was something soft and unassuming in her manner. She seemed a gentle soul, delicately formed and hesitant in company, and Elizabeth had never known her to be anything less than civil.

It was this thought that summoned an uneasy recollection, as the careless remark she had made upon first encountering Lady Catherine’s daughter flashed through her mind.

“I like her appearance. She looks sickly and cross. Yes, she will do for him very well. She will make him a very proper wife.”

Her cheeks warmed at the memory of those flippant, unkind words. She saw now that beneath Miss de Bourgh’s frail appearance and awkward manner lay a profound reserve—a fear of misstepping that was wholly understandable, given the formidable woman who had raised her.

And it struck Elizabeth, with an uncomfortable jolt, how quickly she had once dismissed Mr Darcy in much the same way, judging his character within moments and holding fast to that opinion ever since.

The notion unsettled her more than she cared to admit, for it suggested she might not know the gentleman nearly so well as she believed.

Realizing that neither of them had said anything for some time, and eager to redirect her thoughts, she turned to her companion, speaking with forced brightness. “I am eagerly anticipating tomorrow’s excursion. I have often heard Fairbourne Grange praised for its natural beauty.”

Mr Darcy returned her gaze, the corners of his mouth easing. “I have only been there on one occasion myself, and it was some years ago.” He paused for a moment before continuing in a quieter tone, “I am especially glad that you will be of the party, as I had hoped for the opportunity to introduce you to my sister.”

Elizabeth’s surprise at this assertion was great, but her expression instantly softened. “I shall be very pleased to meet her.”

Mr Darcy nodded, his gaze moving to the lane ahead. “She has had a difficult year. There was a disappointment last summer. An ordeal I wish she had never had to endure. She was deceived, most cruelly, by someone who had gained her trust. I cannot say more, but—” He paused, drawing a steadying breath. “I believe it would do her good to have a lady near in age, someone kind and”—a faint smile tugged at his lips—“someone with spirit, who might draw her out.”

Elizabeth looked away, uncertain of how to respond, but Mr Darcy went on before she had the chance.

“I had always hoped,” he said, almost absently, “that if I were to marry, it would be to someone who could be a true friend to Georgiana. A sister in all but name, and one she might look up to and confide in. Anne is gentle and obliging—unfailingly so—but she has lived quietly, under close supervision. She has never truly moved in society, and I do not know how she will take to the responsibilities of being mistress of Pemberley, or to the task of guiding my sister into the world.”

Elizabeth glanced at him, surprised by the candour of his admission. “It is a great deal to ask of anyone,” she said. “But I am sure your sister could not wish for a more devoted brother.”

He gave a faint smile, but his gaze remained distant.

As they crested a rise in the lane, the familiar gables of the parsonage roof came into view beyond a copse of trees. The sight stirred a sudden awareness in Elizabeth that their walk was nearly at an end.

She turned to him, her expression composed but kind. “Thank you, Mr Darcy. For the escort and for your guidance at the bookshop. I am glad I made the trip into the village.”

“The pleasure was mine,” he replied. “I have enjoyed our conversation.” He paused, then added with a nod, “I shall look forward to seeing you tomorrow at Fairbourne Grange.”

Elizabeth offered a brief curtsey, then turned towards the parsonage gate, acutely aware of his gaze upon her as she made her way to the door.

Thanks so much for reading! If you’d like to grab a copy of the book (or read in KU) you can find it HERE. And don’t forget to comment below for a chance to win a signed copy!

Until next time,

JA