L.L. Diamond's Blog, page 19

Saltram House

If you’ve ever seen Emma Thompson’s version of Sense and Sensibility, you might recognise Saltram House. This beautiful home served as Norland Park, home of the Dashwood family. It also has a personal connection to Jane Austen in that the famous author was friends with Frances, who was the Countess of Morely. Not only is it reported that Jane Austen gave Frances one of the first editions of Emma, but also it has been speculated that her husband, the Earl of Morely, was the model for Mr. Darcy. Whether such speculation is true is, of course, information Jane took to her grave, but still fun trivia!

Saltram House is thought to have been built during the reign of George II when the pre-existing Tudor home was integrated into a new Palladian style. The home changed hands several times until it was purchased by the Parker family in 1712.

Now, if you’re an art lover, you must see Saltram. One could say that about quite a number of homes, but the Parker family were friends with Sir Joshua Reynolds, so at least one portrait by the famous painter can be found in almost every room. I was pleasantly surprised and thrilled to find a few histories by Angelica Kauffman along the famous stairwell that features into one of the best scenes in Sense and Sensibility (in my opinion anyway

Winners of the Particular Intentions Giveaway!

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Thanks to everyone for your wonderful comments on my outtakes that I posted here and at Austen Variations last week. I also appreciate those who took the time to tell me how much they’ve enjoyed the book. I certainly understand Jane Austen’s words when she called Pride and Prejudice “my own darling child.”

We pour a plot from our hearts onto paper (or in my case a Word document), spend a lot of time pouring over word choices and phrasing, edit, edit, edit, proofread, proofread, proofread, proofread, and then put it out there for others to read, all the while hoping everyone likes it (which isn’t logical, but we’re optimistic!). It’s putting a piece of myself out there for others to see. I’m not the most outgoing person, so it’s daunting at times.

So, again, to those who have left messages or reviews about how much you liked Particular Intentions, thank you! I look forward to hearing more from everyone as people have the time to read it.

 

For those who have enjoyed Lydia’s experience at the Netherfield Ball, I have a post at http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.co.uk with another tale of Lydia and Mr. Bennet!

 

 

Now, for the winners of the Giveaway! 

 

Winner of the charm bracelet is Kneyda!

and

Winner of the signed paperback is Carol Hoyt!

 

Thanks to everyone who commented!

Part 2 of Lydia’s Netherfield ball and Particular Intentions Giveaway!

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Particular Intentions is released! I can once again breathe a bit easier while I hope that everyone is enjoying my new book. Big hugs and thanks to everyone who has already purchased their copy. Your support is what keeps me doing something I love.

Now, I have the second part of the Netherfield ball from Lydia’s point of view for y’all to read and a giveaway, so don’t read and run! Make sure you comment to enter!

If you missed the first part, you can find it here at Austen Variations.

 

 

 

 

 

Her father was mortifying! Why did he suddenly care with whom she danced and socialised? He huffed and crossed her arms over her chest as Kitty moved by on Saunderson’s arm. Why did Kitty get to dance and not her? She had always been more popular with the officer! It was not fair!

“If you had not disregarded my wishes, you would be dancing as your sister is.”

“We were to visit the refreshment table, Papa. Nothing untoward could happen while we drink punch.” She scanned the room. Where was Mama? She would not countenance her father’s restrictions.

“I shall not argue with you. Just know you are here by your own design.”

With a huff, she dropped against the wall behind her. He was so unfair!

“Lydia! Why are you not dancing?”

Her mother! She sprang from the wall and clasped to her mother’s arm. “I was to visit the refreshment table after my dance with Denny, but Papa pulled me away. I was so embarrassed! He would not even let me dance the next!”

Her mother stared at her father, her mouth agape and her eyes bulging. “Mr. Bennet!”

“I must confess I do not believe for one moment you were destined for the refreshment table, and in the future, Lieutenant Denny will not be permitted to dance with my daughters.” He glanced to Mary, sitting in the corner reading a book. “Not that I believe some will care.”

Lydia gave a loud exclamation and flounced back against the wall once more. “He is ruining the ball!”

Mama placed a hand to her arm. “You cannot mean to keep her from partaking in the activity for the entire evening?”

“If she cannot follow my simple instructions, then yes, Mrs. Bennet, I do.”

“But my daughters must find husbands!”

“Lydia will not find a suitor behaving as she does. In fact, I would bet my life she agreed to walk outside with this Lieutenant Denny, which could damage her reputation irrevocably as well as that of her sisters. No, Lydia will do as I say or make herself miserable.”

“But she is out! You cannot return her to the nursery!”

Lydia bit her lip and did her best not to bounce on her toes. Her father always capitulated when her mother used that shrill tone.

“If she does not learn, then I shall do just that. I will not have her create a scandal with one of these rakes in a red uniform.”

“Oh, Mr. Bennet!”

“If Mr. Darcy’s courtship of Lizzy continues as it should, you will have a home after I die. He is an honourable man and would not leave you and my remaining daughters to starve in the hedgerows. Lydia is too young for marriage and I will not see her wed before she is at least seventeen.”

“Oh, Mr. Bennet!” Her mother dabbed at her eyes, but her father merely rolled his eyes and returned his attention to Kitty.

Why would he not listen?

“Mrs. Bennet!” her Aunt Philips loudly whispered from several feet away. “You will never guess what I just heard!”

Her mother’s head darted to Aunt Philips, to Mr. Bennet, and then to Lydia. “My dear girl. Take care to enjoy yourself as much as you can.”

Lydia stomped her foot. “But you must help me! I am so bored!”

Without even so much as a turn back, her mother hastened to Aunt Philips side. Her aunt grasped her mother’s forearm and began to whisper in her ear.

She whimpered and crossed her arms over her chest again. How she wanted to cry!

Kitty bounded up on Saunderson’s arm with a wide smile on her face. The little traitor!

“Miss Lydia,” began Saunderson in an unsure manner. “May I have the next dance?”

Her mouth opened but the voice that reached her ears was not her own.

“I apologise but my daughter is not at liberty to accept invitations to dance at present.”

She made a loud wail of protest, causing a few people nearby to stop and stare. With an abrupt motion, she jerked her chin upwards. They could all hang for what she cared! No one present had to endure her father’s injustice as she had this evening. After all, they could do what they liked.

“But Papa! ‘Tis the supper set!”

“And yet, I am unmoved.”

An officer applied to he father for Kitty’s next set and her sister flounced back to the dance floor on his arm.

“If you will cease your pouting, I shall dance with you.”

She huffed. “I could not stand up with my father! How humiliating!”

With a long sigh, he faced the floor to watch Kitty once more. Perhaps he was as annoyed and bored as she was. Well, if he was, it was his own fault! She was not a child and had no intention of being treated as one!

 

 

Giveaway time! 

I have an exciting giveaway for this blog post! I found this adorable charm bracelet on Etsy and decided I wanted it to go to one of my amazing readers. I am also offering a signed paperback. Just put in your comment which giveaways you want to enter and I’ll handle the rest. Giveaway is open internationally.

Don’t forget to leave that comment and good luck!

 

 

Lyme Regis

Our trip might have been to Devon, but when I mapped and realised we were but an hour from Lyme Regis in Dorset, so I insisted we go. I will say that even though I wanted to go see the Cobb, Lyme did have something for all of us!

Lyme is first mentioned in historical documents in 774 as well as the Domesday book, but it wasn’t until 1284 that it received its royal charter and became Lyme Regis. At the time, the small artificial harbour, called the Cobb, was the reason for Lyme’s existence. The Cobb helps form the harbour as well as functions as a barrier protecting Lyme from damage from southwesterly gales. Around 1780, Lyme was a larger port than Liverpool!

Of course, any of us who are fans of Jane Austen remember that Louisa Musgrove fell from the Cobb in Persuasion. Jane Austen visited Lyme in 1804 and it must have made quite the impression as she used it in Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. If you’ve read her letters, you’ve no doubt read of the time she spent in Lyme and know of the influence it had on her.

Another fun fact about Lyme is it is on what is called the “Jurassic Coast” of England, which is 95 miles of shoreline between Exmouth in East Devon and Studland Bay in Dorset. The views are amazing and not only that, but it’s 185 million years (Jurassic, Triassic, and Cretaceous period) worth of fossils. You can’t remove anything large, and that’s a wonderful thing as there are some truly wonderful fossils that remain as a result. It is no wonder that this coastline is a World Heritage Site.

First view of Lyme

So, what is it like to visit Lyme! Considering how packed the beach was, parking was not a trial. We came first thing in the morning, though, and there were a lot of people parking at the same time we were. I will say that the car park was not expensive (It’s a pay and display), and was cheaper than the Park and Ride we noticed driving in.

From the car park, we followed the crowd down the hill to the coast. We travelled in early August and it was definitely touristy! I would love to go again in the off-season to get pictures when everything isn’t so crowded! The sandy beach was packed, but we really didn’t travel to Lyme for the sandy beach.

We walked the Cobb first. The children loved going up and down the steps, including the “Granny’s Teeth,” which are the crazy barely there steps where Louisa Musgrove took her fall. That didn’t make me nervous at all! (Can you hear the sarcasm there!)

After walking the Cobb, we went down the shale beach until we started seeing fossils. Some are not very distinct and there are a lot on one rock, or you might have one that is very pronounced and on an enormous rock. We probably spent close to an hour or two fossil hunting and taking photos of our favourite before we walked back.

Busy town centre

We ate outdoors at one of the pubs near the Cobb. My daughter wanted to go onto the sand beach for a bit, so we made our way through everyone on their blankets so she could dip her toes and walked through the town and back uphill to our car so we could make the hour-long drive back to Devon.

I will say that if you’re in the area, Lyme is a must see for so many reasons! The town is quaint, the coastline is beautiful, and I enjoyed Lyme thoroughly!

Next up… Saltram!

Sources:

http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryMagazine/DestinationsUK/Lyme-Regis/

http://jurassiccoast.org/about/what-is-the-jurassic-coast/

 

Lacock

So, my friends and my children have had quite the giggle over this one, but don’t look at it and pronounce it as you might a French word. It isn’t La cock, it’s Lay-cuck. Sorry for the weird description, but that’s the best way I can think to show it.

We drove from north of London to Devon and decided to make a mid-way of sorts stop in Lacock to walk around and maybe have a bite to eat. Things didn’t work out quite as we planned.

First off, we traveled with our dog, who isn’t one to misbehave, but did make things a bit tricky at times. The satnav/GPS, did get us to Lacock and the parking was well-marked. We’re National Trust members, so we didn’t have to pay for parking, which is always a plus. There was also a nice large car park, so we had room to walk the dog while everyone worked their way out of the car.

The walk from the car park to Lacock is not far and you enter on the side of the Lacock Abbey. We fully intended to go to the abbey, which is a National Trust property, but we were informed upon our trying to enter, that our dog was not allowed at that time of year. That was a first for us. National Trust properties typically will allow dogs on the outer walks, so we usually trade-off adults. One walks the dog while the other sees the house and then the other walks the dog, and so on and so forth–something we couldn’t do this time around.

As an alternative, we decided to walk around the town. For those who aren’t familiar with Lacock, it is mentioned in the Domesday book and is one of the oldest villages in England. It has retained much of its old-world charm and as a result, has been used in multiple movies. From the 1995 Pride and Prejudice to Harry Potter, it is the perfect set for a movie no matter whether you want it set in the 18th century or the 21st century. In fact, there was a movie filming when we were in Lacock that day.

The Potter’s House in Godric’s Hollow

We walked down and attempted to see the older road through Lacock, but crews were filming, so our access was very limited. We walked around and looked from the end of the road, and then walked back. A very nice gentleman, who was part of the security crew, told us where James and Lily Potter’s house was from Godric’s Hollow, so we tried to get around the film crew to see it. Fortunately, we had success and took several photos.

My children and I then checked in at the abbey to walk around it. The grounds are lovely and there are gardens and walks we didn’t have time to see, but my children thoroughly enjoyed the ground floor of the abbey. There were pictures from Harry Potter and they could see which rooms were used in the film by the picture.

Upon the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VII, Lacock Abbey was sold to William Sherrington and was later bequeathed to the Talbot family, who were relations by marriage. As a result, the abbey was a home, and that part is still preserved by the National Trust as well. We toured the inside which included a costume exhibit, and then made our way back to the car park in order to continue our drive to Devon.

I want to go back to Lacock and see what I missed when no film crews are there!

 

Next up… Lyme Regis!

Particular Intentions and 20 Questions!

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I know I’ve been asked repeatedly when I am going to release Particular Intentions. Well, I have good news. I finally set a release date for August 22nd! I have a preorder live on Amazon and I will spend the next several weeks checking digital files and getting it uploaded everywhere else as well as prepping the paperback. I’m so excited to be so close!

In the meantime, I’m answering questions about Particular Intentions (within reason of course!). I’m going to answer as many things as I can think of (mostly the usual questions I am asked), and if I’ve missed any, you can ask in the comments. Of course, I reserve the right to be an evil authoress and keep the answer to myself.

 

That’s how you do an evil laugh!

So let’s see what I can answer so far.

What is the blurb from the back of the book?

Who is this Mr. Darcy and what are his intentions?

Like much of Meryton, the Bennets of Longbourn anticipate the arrival of Mr. Bingley and his friends to Netherfield, yet an unexpected visitor is not a part of Mr. Bingley’s or Mr. Darcy’s plans. While the two gentlemen attempt to control their uninvited guest, Elizabeth Bennet arrives to tend to her ill sister. An overheard conversation, the intriguing behaviour of Mr. Darcy, and Miss Bingley’s cloying manner all fascinate her, but manage to throw her emotions into turmoil as well.

As Elizabeth becomes better acquainted with Mr. Darcy, his world unfolds and, if possible, it is more complicated than the man himself! Mysterious strangers and seducers lurk in the shadows—enough to threaten anyone’s equanimity. Elizabeth’s courage will be tested as she not only struggles to discover her own heart, but also why danger seems to surround Mr. Darcy.

Number of word document pages? 254

Number of words? 120,857

Formats? Kindle, Smashwords (so iBooks, Kobo, Oyster, Nook, etc.), and Paperback

Paperback size? 6×9 (I don’t have a page count yet)

Is it part of a series? No. I haven’t ruled out writing a sequel, but it is a stand alone novel.

Is there a hero? Well, of course. Darcy has to be a hero!

Any villains? This is me we’re talking about. Of course!

Did you add any original characters?  Yes!

Is there any angst: Yes, but I don’t think it’s excessive[image error]

How about action: Some

Are there any steamy scenes: I think so!

So to continue 20 questions…what do you want to ask? Just remember, I won’t give out spoilers!

paperback

 

 

 

 

 

Chawton House

Chawton House

Chawton House was built in 1580 by John Knight and passed down through the Knight family until Sir Richard Knight, who died without male heirs. The house was then passed to Richard Martin, who then took the name Knight. The home then was inherited by Thomas Brodnax May, at which time, he changed his name as well. It was the son of Thomas Knight who was also childless and left his estate to Edward Austen, the elder brother of Jane Austen. Of course, Edward Austen added Knight to his name. This was how he had the cottage in Chawton for Jane, her sister Cassandra, and her mother to live in after Rev. George Austen’s death.

In 1987, Richard Knight inherited the property, which had gone into disrepair, and sold a 125 year lease to Sandy Lerner and Leonard Bosack, who restored the property and started Chawton House Library, focussing on early women’s writing from 1600-1830.

Now, when you go to the library, your admission and ticket is good for a year, so if there is any reason you might return, don’t lose your ticket! (I say that knocking on wood that mine is still in my purse!) The ladies at the entry were lovely and helpful and one even showed us into the Great Room and a few of its features. Her only faux pas was that she referred to my daughter as my son, which incensed my daughter. “I mean, what boy carries a pink purse, Mom!” I know it’s terrible, but I couldn’t help but giggle. After all, she would’ve been the prettiest boy I’d ever seen! The ladies were so kind that I couldn’t hold it against the one–even if my daughter did[image error]

Anyway, don’t forget to look for the “witchmarks” to the side of the fireplace. These scratches in the wood date back to the 16th century and were meant to ward off evil spirits.

The tour takes you through a good bit of the home, has some of Edward Austen Knight’s clothing, and a great many portraits of the Knight family. The stained glass windows on the upper floor were fascinating as it seems new panes were added by each heir as they inherited the home.

I do recommend visiting Chawton House in nice weather as it is a lot of fun to walk from the Jane Austen House Museum to Chawton House and around the grounds. How often could Jane Austen herself taken the exact same walk? That is one of the things that pops in your head as you walk through Alton, Chawton, and the gardens at Chawton House.

I loved looking at the views outside of the different windows and my daughter and I took a pretty walk through the gardens. We even learned that dandelions help ripen fruit from a sign in the orchard. Chawton House is definitely a do not miss if you’re a Jane Austen Fan, but it also holds a lot for those who may not be. A great Elizabethan house, beautiful gardens and Hampshire countryside surround the home, not to mention the library!

The last stop before we explored the gardens was the library, which was a single room, but stacked floor to ceiling with old books. It is also available for research purposes to those who require it. I would be afraid to touch some of the old books for fear they would fall apart!

 

 

 

I’m busy, but that’s not unusual.

I can’t remember the last time I had an update on here!

If you keep track of me on social media, you’ve probably read the excerpt from my new book, Particular Intentions, which I hope to have out next month. I apologise for not having a concrete date, but I always wait until the last minute when it comes to setting a release date. I always worry that I’ll set a date I can’t meet. In case you were wondering, my marvellous new editor has six chapters left to go over, and then comes proofreading! I never feel like I catch everything, but hopefully between my editor going over the final manuscript as well as two other lovely volunteers, we’ll catch more than I usually do on my own.

In case you missed my cover reveal at Austen Variations, here are the Kindle and paperback covers of the book.

 

I’m so excited! This is when the whole thing becomes real. That might sound strange, but it’s how I feel.

I hope everyone is having a great summer so far. School is winding down here, and that keeps me really busy when I’m not writing or editing. Hopefully, I’ll get somewhere fun before summer is out so I can blog about it, though I still owe you a blog post about Chawton House. I haven’t forgotten!

I’ll update when I have a more definite release date!

 

Jane Austen Regency Week 2016

I had a great time! I may not have stayed for the entire week, but I always love Alton and Chawton and this time was no different! Jane Austen Regency Week is always the third week of June, so if you travel that Friday before to get there a day early, be careful of the traffic on the M25. It’s usually dreadful, but during the Royal Ascot, it’s worse. My trip was extended by an hour and fifteen minutes due to a wreck prior to the M25 and the traffic on the M25.

Alton and Chawton are in the beautiful county of Hampshire. It’s easy to see why Jane Austen would choose to live in this part of the country when her brother gave her the choice. Chawton is idyllic and the old, beautiful cottages teeming with flowers in the gardens and roses trailing up the brick walls always renders me speechless. I love this part of England!

Regency Week always kicks off with a Regency Day and this year was no different. Attractions included stalls, petting animals, musicians, maypole dancers, and people dressed in Regency wardrobes. I manned the Austen Variations stall on my own this year, selling copies of my books as well as those of Maria Grace. I handed out free goodie-bags and even held a drawing for some great Austen related gifts.

I shared my stall with Martyn Dell, a trustee for Jane Austen House Museum, and Jane Hurst, who is a local historian. I don’t think I ever lacked for conversation when I wasn’t talking with passers-by.

Ball

Saturday night, I attended the Regency Ball. I don’t have any pictures of myself this year, but I did manage to dance. Joana Starnes has video of the rare occurrence, if you are really curious. I will warn you it wasn’t my best dance. You were supposed to beckon your partner, and I found it awkward with a woman I barely knew. Fortunately, she had a sense of humour about it.[image error]

Sunday, I set off for Chawton to browse in the antique and crafts fair as well as sight-see. The shire horses from Chawton House Library were gorgeous as they were led through the village and the gardens at Jane Austen House Museum are lovely this time of year. I did stop by the museum to donate copies of my books to the reading room. I’m so excited to have my books there! If you’re in the area, make sure you stop by to see the Prince Regent’s copy of Emma as well as the newly acquired “Sermon’s Scrap!”

Window in Chawton House

I also finally made it into Chawton House and got to see the library. The house itself is so interesting and full of family history with the stained glass windows as well as the occasional exhibit inside. The library is incredible to see (I would love to spend a few hours browsing!), and the gardens were interesting and pretty. Tea at Cassandra’s cup rounded out my day in Chawton before I walked back to Alton.

Monday rained, unfortunately. I had hoped to drive to Winchester for the cathedral, but just couldn’t bring myself to set off in the much and wet. Instead, I had a lazy day before having a wonderful visit with Cassandra Grafton and acting as last-minute fill-in for Maria Grace’s talk.

I wish I could’ve stayed longer, but it was a busy time and I needed to get home.

 

Huge thanks to Joan at St. Mary’s Hall! You’re the best, hon!

 

I’ll cover Chawton House in more detail in the next post[image error]

Wimpole Estate

Wimpole Hall

Before you ask, yes, I’ve been to Wimpole before, but other than a below stairs guided tour, the house was closed. I was there mostly for the Christmas fair. I did see enough peeking up the stairs for me to want to go back, and I finally did.

For those unfamiliar with this National Trust property, Wimpole is in Cambridgeshire just a bit southwest of Cambridge. Wimpole was mentioned in the Domesday book of 1088, but at the time, this house was not the one sitting upon the property. The current home was completed in 1650 by politician Thomas Chicheley. The house has passed through quite a few owners that time until 1938, when it was purchased by Captain George Bambridge and his wife Elsie (daughter of Rudyard Kipling). She did what she could to fix up and keep the property going, which unfortunately included tearing down wings on the side of the house after they were used as barracks during World War II due to disrepair. When she died in 1976, the property was left to the National Trust.

The inside of the house is definitely worth the walk-through. Aside from a few pieces of lovely art, there are some interesting furnishings, including a Turkish style bed, and amazing ceilings and woodwork. The library has an amazing collection of books, not that I took the time to read every spine. The main room of the library is roped off so you can’t even go inside. I have to say the craziest thing was the bathtub! The entire family could take a bath in it. Fortunately, there is plumbing in place to bring water to the tub and heat it without people carrying buckets. They also had an old-fashioned shower.

A quick walk from the house will take you to the Home Farm where you can practice milking a cow on a fake udder, see live pigs, draught horses, goats, and chickens. I will warn you that like any livestock farm, there is an odour as you approach, but the piglets were quite cute.

Piglets!

The grounds are spread out and lovely. They have some beautiful old trees along the drive in and one the property. During World War II, bombers were even hidden under some of these trees so the Germans wouldn’t find them. The are  walks are relaxing and pretty and there is even a folly fashioned to look like the ruins of a gothic tower. I wish we’d gotten to walk out there, but when you travel with children, sometimes they don’t feel up to more walking. We did enjoy the walled garden and the walk back to the house and the stable block where you enter the property.

Next up…Jane Austen Regency Week 2017!