L.L. Diamond's Blog, page 3
December 25, 2022
Revisiting the Holidays
Another quick bit! This one from Particular Attachments!
December 26th 1816
The Yule log was still burning in the grate and the candle’s flame still shone in the dining room when I retired last night. Uncle Henry and Aunt Charlotte, as well as my cousin Milton and his wife, Amelia, joined us for Christmas services and shared the delicious dinner Cook prepared. The day was a wonderful time for our family, though I do wish Milton and Amelia had brought Hugh and baby Cecilia with them as William would have much preferred a playmate his own age to the familiar company of Lydia and myself. Richard arrived in time for the meal and engaged in his usual antics, teasing us all and indulging in Fitzwilliam’s supply of brandy.
Lizzy, Lydia, and I drank wassail and played cards with Aunt Charlotte. After dinner, Lizzy, Amelia, and I all played the pianoforte and Lydia sang. I never knew she had such a clear, strong voice hidden behind her girlish giggles. I shall have to tempt her to sing in company when I have the first opportunity. She has hidden her talent in Meryton, which was a grave mistake. Those awful harpies need to see Lydia’s accomplishments have expanded and are no longer limited to flirting!
Thus far, I have been able to avoid Lydia’s inquisition over what occurred in Gunter’s, but I know she will not relent for long. I enjoy having a sister closer to my age in which to confide, yet I am appalled to have had nightmares and spoken in my sleep while in her company. I confess I had hoped the dreams that began more in earnest when I made the decision to come to London would be held at bay by the presence of another. I was wrong.
How much does she know? When I first made the acquaintance of Lydia Bennet, I would not have confided in her unless I desired all of England to hear my secrets, but I believe her now to be sincere. She has assured me of her silence, and has, thus far, kept her word.
She placed the ribbon along the binding, but left the journal open so the words might dry. With a sigh, she again read through the entry. Careful of the wet ink, she then turned back two pages.
I could scarce believe my eyes when I searched for the gentleman Lydia found so handsome and discovered Nathaniel. Indeed, his tall frame was difficult to miss as he stood across the room. I find myself amazed at how little he has changed. He has grown taller and has acquired other attributes which distinguish him from the boy he once was, yet I could see the boy I knew in the eyes of the man—particularly when he smiled.
Could his manner be much the same as it was? I dread meeting him face to face because of his antics when we were children. Why do irrational fears seem to be my lot in life? He would not be respected among his peers if he persisted in stealing the dolls of young girls, pulling curls, and proclaiming himself betrothed to them all.
Despite my twenty years, I remain a silly girl!
December 23, 2022
Revisiting the Holidays
Today’s excerpt is a short but heartfelt letter from Undoing!
December 14th 1809
Pemberley
Derbyshire
Dearest Lizzy,
Thank you for your letter informing me of Thomas’s latest episode. Since you were not witness to his last, I am certain it was frightening. Georgiana and I are both heartbroken you will not be at Pemberley for the Christmastide, yet it is with a heavy heart that we decline your invitation to Worthstone.
Mr. Bingley and his sisters will break their journey to London at Pemberley before Christmas, and I have invited them to pass the season with us as I expected you to travel here. Though I would prefer to rescind the Bingleys’ invitation, it is too late to do so now.
Please convey our wishes to Thomas for a happy Christmas season. Of course, we do not exclude you in those wishes. We hope you have a blessed holiday season as well.
Georgiana and I intend to travel to London next month. I wish to give Georgiana some time with the masters, though I shall not venture out much to balls and dinners. As you are aware, I am not comfortable in those settings, so I am content that mourning Father will prevent my attendance. If Thomas is well enough to make the journey for the start of Parliament, pray send a note. We should dearly love to have you for dinner.
God Bless You,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
December 21, 2022
Revisiting the Holidays
Hi all! I thought to post some Holiday scenes from my books, not always Christmas Day but sometimes the time around it as a fun thing this last week before Christmas. I hope you enjoy this from Unwrapping Mr. Darcy! You’ll notice I put a photo of Grunt as a chapter break 
Chapter 5
Light began to permeate the crack in his eyelids, burning a trail along the nerves to his brain. Darcy squeezed them tight and pulled a pillow over his head. Why did it feel like someone was pounding his cranium with a sledgehammer?
A knock vibrated through his skull, and he squeezed the pillow tighter over his ear with a moan.
“William? Are you decent?”
He shifted the pillow so his mouth peeked out the edge. “William isn’t here.”
His sister giggled, and the bed dipped on one side. “Come on, sleepyhead. You promised we’d go Christmas tree shopping today.”
“You were imagining things.”
“No, I wasn’t. You promised, and I’m holding you to it.” Something rattled on his bedside table. “How much scotch did you drink last night?”
“I went to dinner at Bingley and Jane’s. Had several glasses of wine.”
“And then you came home and drank scotch? No wonder you’re such an Oscar the Grouch this morning. You never sleep this late.” The bed shifted. “I’ll get you some Tylenol and a glass of water. Then I want you to get your behind out of that bed, and shower. You owe me some Christmas shopping today, mister.”
He exposed part of his face and squinted in an attempt to lessen the piercing pain caused by the light in the room. Why had he forgotten to pull the curtains before he went to bed? Oh, that’s right. He downed half a bottle of scotch and stumbled to bed without thinking of much. He pushed himself up to a seated position and rubbed his eyes.
Ana returned a few minutes later and handed him two pills, followed by a large glass of water. He swallowed the medicine and drank down the contents of the entire glass before handing it back to her empty.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet. Go get in the shower. It’s almost time for lunch, and we have some serious decorating to do today.”
He scanned around the bed, looked down, and frowned. He wasn’t wearing a shirt. Had he gotten naked before he crawled under the covers or had he left on his underwear? Four glasses of wine and that half bottle of scotch rendered his memory a little hazy. He pulled the sheet back just enough to take a peek. “Um, Ana?”
“Yep,” she said as she picked up the empty liquor bottle from beside the bed.
“I’m not getting out of this bed with you in the room.”
Her eyebrows furrowed as she gave him a sidelong look before she flinched. “Oh! I’m going!” Without any hesitation whatsoever, she was out of the door, and he suddenly had all the privacy he could desire. What he wouldn’t give to sink back into the plush mattress. But he couldn’t. Ana would only come back to wake him again.
With a yawn, a stretch, and a scratch to the back of his thigh, he shuffled into the shower and turned the knobs until a stream of hot water flowed over his head. He leaned his forehead against the grey slate and gave a long, satisfied exhale when the hot water ran in rivulets down his back. The slight sting and the intense heat were heaven and helped ease a lot of the tension from his head and his shoulders.
Forty minutes later, showered and dressed, but not shaved, he walked into the kitchen. His headache had diminished some with the medication and the heat of the shower, but he needed one last thing to bring him back to the land of the living.
“Coffee, Mr. Darcy?” Mrs. Hill held out his favorite mug, filled to the brim with black, steaming goodness.
“You’re an angel of mercy.”
The older lady tittered. “Oh, Mr. Darcy. You sound like Mr. Bingley when you say that.” A plate of toast was set before him when he sat at the table. “I saw that empty bottle Miss Ana brought down, so I didn’t make you eggs.”
A burp escaped before he could stop it. “Excuse me.” He moved the plate closer. “This is perfect, thank you.” She patted him on the back and hurried out of the kitchen, passing Ana as she came in.
“Hey, you’re alive.”
“Ha, ha!” He leaned back and glanced over what she was wearing. When she hit her teens, Ana went through a major change, shifting from her old pink frills and rainbow unicorns to some of the most interesting combinations of clothes he’d ever seen—and today’s ensemble was no different. The red tartan plaid skirt she wore had an asymmetrical hem and a leather lace-up waistband. She paired it with thick black leggings, a black turtleneck, and her favorite Dr. Martens, which had red roses embroidered up the sides. She topped off the outfit with a ruby red stud that glittered from the side of her nose.
She grinned and pivoted in a circle. “Do you like it?”
“What happened to the little girl with pigtails and braces?”
“Ew! She gained some style. Thank goodness!” She plopped into the chair next to him and took a bite of his toast. “So what made you finish off a bottle of scotch?”
He snatched his toast back. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Must be a woman to have you this moody.”
He stuck his tongue out at her.
“That’s mature.” She laughed and rolled her eyes. “You might scare your employees, but you forget that I have access to your baby photos. I’m not afraid of you.”
“Who would you show them to? Your boyfriend or some of your friends from school? I believe I’m safe.”
A wicked gleam lit her eye. “Not if I post them as public on social media. One click on Instagram or Twitter and I could ensure the entire world has access.”
“I could say the same to you, little sister.”
“You could, but you’d have to know how to post something first.” Her elbow landed on the table and she leaned her chin in her palm. “So, what drove you to drink last night?”
“How’s Jacob?”
“My boyfriend is fine. He has to finish his piece for composition class or he would’ve come with me. No changing the subject.”
“Perhaps I don’t want to answer.” He took a large bite of toast and started to chew.
“I could just ask Charlie.”
He dropped his hand to the table with a thud. “Why do you have to know?”
“Because usually you won’t talk to anyone when you’re upset. You can’t keep everything buried inside that way. It’s not healthy.” She tilted her head a fraction to one side. “Is it a woman?”
He nodded. This was humiliating.
“Is she a Caroline?”
He grimaced. “No.”
Ana lifted her head just enough to bite her thumbnail while her eyes remained on him. Suddenly, those same hazel eyes widened, and she straightened. “Oh my God! You like her, but she isn’t interested!”
His stomach tightened. “It’s a little worse than that. She can’t stand me.”
“Then she doesn’t know you. You should make more of an effort. You’re so reserved and quiet. She needs to know what a great guy you are.”
“It’s not that simple.” He tapped his toast on the plate. “Bingley hired her a few months ago for the legal department. I wanted to wait until Hurst was ready to retire, but Bingley insisted on hiring her then and there. On her first day, he brought her to my office to meet me, but I didn’t want to at that moment. I . . .”
“You were an imbecile and said something stupid.” She sat up straight and crossed her arms over her chest. “Exactly, how much of an imbecile were you?”
He rested his forehead in his hand. “She’s Jane’s sister.”
“Charlie’s girlfriend?” she asked.
“Yes, but Elizabeth and Jane are very different. Where Jane is quiet and serene, Elizabeth is fiery and likes to tease.”
“So, what did you say?”
He dropped the toast onto the dish and dropped back in his seat. “I more or less said I didn’t have time. I also might have implied she got the job because he was dating Jane. She overheard.”
Ana gasped and a sharp pain in the back of his head whipped his head forward while his brain rattled back and forth against his skull. The Tylenol had kicked in, but it was still a painful shock.
“You hit me!”
“Someone ought to! Mom and Dad would be ashamed of you. I can’t believe you said that. How long have you known Charlie?”
“Ana.” He drew out her name.
“No, how long have you known Charlie?”
“Since kindergarten.”
“Dad told me all of the time how he first hired Charlie at Darcy Holdings when he was sixteen, and how the two of you worked together there each summer, learning your way around every department. When he graduated from Columbia’s business program, Dad brought him in as an assistant department head and ensured he finished learning the company inside and out, remember?”
Darcy nodded and rubbed the back of his head.
“Dad wasn’t an idiot.”
He glared at her. “I know that.”
“So why say Charlie hired her for such a stupid reason? You know I once overheard Dad telling Mom why he trained Charlie and hired him into the company like he did.”
“You never told me about that.”
“I suppose it never occurred to me until now. I think they must’ve been revising their wills so the topic came up. The point is, Dad knew that if something happened to him, you’d need someone in your corner; someone you could trust to help you run Darcy Holdings. You and I would hold most of the shares of the company and while I was underage, you held mine in trust. Your place as CEO was secure, but he worried about the older executives. He wanted you to have an ally. Fortunately, Charlie never took advantage of Dad and always did an excellent job. Charlie loved Dad and he loves Darcy Holdings. You should know that. You didn’t just insult Elizabeth, you were incredibly insulting to Charlie, too.”
He slumped in his chair. She was right.
“When Mom and Dad were killed, Charlie did exactly what he was hired to do. Dad’s last instructions gave him a promotion and a substantial pay increase so he was in precisely the position Dad wanted. Your best friend helped keep you and Darcy Holdings going while you adjusted to the responsibility of CEO and the responsibility of being a single parent to a despondent teenager. He would never do anything to jeopardize the company. If he insisted on hiring Elizabeth at that moment, then he had a damned good reason.”
“He did. He never explained why though until after he spent over an hour talking her into staying.”
One side of Ana’s lips curved. “She tried to quit on her first day? I like her. She won’t take your crap.”
“Thanks a lot.”
She grinned. “Don’t mention it.” After a moment, she wagged a finger at him. “I think I can guess what happened after that. You passed her in the hallways, finally got a good look at her, and found yourself attracted to her. She’s definitely no slouch at her job or you wouldn’t care how hot she is, you would’ve dismissed her at the first sign of laziness or incompetence. Now, she probably won’t interact with you above the barest civilities outside of work, and you don’t know how to fix things.”
He swallowed hard. “Am I that predictable?”
His little sister laughed softly. “Probably only to me and Charlie. So, what happened last night?”
“Charlie and Jane invited me to dinner. Elizabeth was there. I wanted a moment alone with her to apologize, but anytime she realized she would be left without a buffer, she ran for it. Because of the cold weather, I gave her a ride home, and I finally managed to get in that apology.”
“How’d she take it?”
“Alright, I suppose. She thanked me.”
Ana put her hand over his. “You’re probably going to have to prove yourself to make her believe it. I hope you know that.”
He nodded. “I walked her to her door despite her protests that it wasn’t necessary. I even helped her clean up the broken glass from her cat until she insisted she could do it herself. I didn’t want to force my presence on her.”
“No, I think that’s the last thing you should do. Just keep trying to speak to her. Make her see who you are.”
“Wow.” He tugged at the end of the long auburn braid she had resting over her shoulder. “When did you grow up?”
“Who says I’ll ever grow up? Now, eat the last of your breakfast. I want a Christmas tree.”
He picked up what was left of his toast, put his plate in the dishwasher, and waved her to follow. “Let’s go. I can eat this while we walk. The tree lot isn’t that far.”
She gave a girlish squeal and tore from the kitchen. When he met her in the huge foyer, she was decked out in her heavy coat with a tartan cap and scarf.
The moment they were walking in the direction of the tree lot, he nudged her with his elbow. “So, how’s school going?”
“The same as always. You know I live for it. My cello professor has me learning a Bach piece that I absolutely love.”
He took a half-step to the side and looked at her. “You’ve never been a huge fan of Bach.”
“I know!” Her eyes sparkled, and her voice sounded a little breathless. He was familiar with that look and the slight tremor in her voice. “I adore this one, though. It’s difficult technically, but so much fun to play, and I like the melody as well. I can’t wait for you to hear it.” She wouldn’t just master this piece, she’d perfect it, just as she’d done to the all of the pieces she became infatuated with.
“Whenever you’re ready for an audience, I look forward to hearing it.”
She skipped a few paces ahead and turned to walk backward. “We’re getting a big tree, aren’t we? I know you said it wasn’t necessary, but it wouldn’t be the same. Besides, how would we choose which ornaments to leave in the boxes and which to put on?”
“You’re going to Maine with Jacob, so it will be just me and Mr. and Mrs. Hill. Charlie invited me to spend Christmas Day with them, so I don’t need a huge tree. If you didn’t want to decorate one so badly, I’d probably not even bother this year.” They rounded the corner and crossed the street.
“Then I’m glad I made you come out to buy one. Everyone should have a Christmas tree.”
“What if someone is Jewish?”
Ana gave a slight snort. “You know what I mean.”
He smiled and took her hand. “Come on, let’s pick out a tree.”
When they reached the small corner of the park cordoned off as a tree lot, they walked through the rows of fir and spruce trees, all different shapes and sizes. Of course, Ana chose the biggest Noble Fir they had with a tremendous toothy grin. He didn’t need such an extravagant Christmas tree, but he couldn’t say no when it made her so happy. At Christmas, she behaved with some of the mannerisms she had when she was a little girl. The glimpse of that child made every penny he spent worth it.
She bounced up to him. “Tree taken care of. You just need to go pay.”
“And set it up for delivery.”
“We could carry it home.”
He glanced over her shoulder at what had to be a fourteen-foot tree. “Not on your life. You’d be complaining by the end of the first block.” Before she could make a sarcastic comment, he pinched her side and walked by to go talk to the lot manager.
Five minutes later, he was the proud owner of a Christmas tree. Fortunately for them, most people carried their trees home, so the man was willing, for a hefty price, of course, to load theirs up and deliver it. He slid his credit card back into his wallet and glanced around for Ana, who was next to the wreaths.
After a quick text to Mr. and Mrs. Hill to warn them of the tree’s impending invasion. He returned to Ana and tugged her braid. “What are you doing, Squirt?”
She pointed ahead of them. “Look, it’s Charlie and Jane. I’ve never met her, but he posts a lot of pictures of her on Instagram. She’s very pretty.”
He glanced over, his gaze not landing on Bingley or Jane, but on the brunette a few trees down. Her eyes glowed, and a small smile tugged at her lips as she touched a branch, stroking the needles.
“Is that Elizabeth?”
He started. Ana’s cheek was right next to his shoulder. “Yes, that’s her.”
“She’s pretty. Not in the usual way, though. I think it’s her eyes. They’re very expressive.”
“Darcy!” He turned as Bingley approached and kissed Ana on the cheek. “How are you, Squirt?”
She crossed her arms over her chest and huffed. “Not you, too.”
Bingley chuckled as Jane walked up and hugged Darcy. “Thank you for seeing my sister home last night. I know she was probably a big grump over it, but I can’t thank you enough.”
“Really, it was no bother.” He put a hand to Ana’s back. “Ana, I’d like you to meet Jane Bennet.”
Jane beamed as she shook Ana’s hand with both of hers. “I’ve heard so much about you from Charlie and your brother.”
“I’ve heard a lot about you as well.”
“Did the two of you pick out a tree?” asked Bingley.
“Ana selected one. I’m just the poor sod with the credit card.”
“Lizzy wanted to pick out a tree today, so we all came out together.” Jane glanced over both shoulders. “I wonder where she went?”
“We’ll let you get back to her.” Darcy put a hand to Ana’s elbow, starting to steer her forward. “I promised Ana some hot chocolate from Goulding’s, and we still have to make a stop to buy her a new ornament.”
Jane’s eyebrows raised slightly.
“When she was born, my mother started the tradition of buying her a special ornament every year, so when she has her own family, she has a collection for her own tree.”
“What a wonderful idea! Well, we won’t keep you. It was nice to meet you, Ana.”
His sister nodded. “It was nice to meet you, too. See you later, Charlie.”
After Ana and Jane both gave a quick wave, he led Ana across the street to Goulding’s coffee shop and straight to the counter.
“You don’t want me to meet Elizabeth?” She looked up to him with a sly smile on her lips.
“You know better than that. You agreed I shouldn’t push, and after last night, she was probably hiding from me.”
“William,” she said, drawing out his name.
“No, I’ll see her tomorrow at the Monday morning planning session. I’m not giving up. I’m just giving her a break.”
“Don’t give her too much of a break. She might find someone else.”
Elizabeth wandered through the trees touching the lush needles and breathing in the smell. She loved that scent! It meant Christmas was here. She pulled a tag from the tree she wanted and glanced around. Where had Jane and Charlie gone? When she backtracked through the trees, she stopped when she found them standing on the other side of the lot talking to Mr. Darcy, who had a woman on his arm.
Something about seeing the girl touch his arm made her want to slap him. What was up with that? Who was the woman and why would she want to hit him for being with her? Elizabeth squinted. The lady was graceful and attractive, but seemed . . . young, very young compared to him. No one ever mentioned a girlfriend, but who else could she be?
Elizabeth started over to say hello, but he and the girl walked off while Jane and Charlie started back towards her. “Sorry, were you looking for us? The trees are nice this year, don’t you think?” Her sister ran her fingers along the needles of a nearby branch. “Did you see William? He was just here buying a tree, too.”
“I saw him when I came looking for you.” They started to walk further into the trees while Charlie followed behind. “Who was the girl?” Why did she ask that? Why did it peeve her that he was there with a woman? She didn’t even like him. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of him dating anyone.” Oh, good grief! Why hadn’t she stopped before that came out?
Jane’s eyes narrowed a bit. “That girl wasn’t his date, but even if she was, what difference would it make?”
“Okay, his friend.” Elizabeth attempted to walk around Jane, but her sister stepped in front of her.
“Ana is William’s little sister. She’s quite a bit younger than he is and attends college here in the city. He brought her out to buy a Christmas tree.”
“He did?”
“Yes, Charlie has told me they’re very close. They’ve had to be since William raised Ana after their parents were killed by a drunk driver.”
“Oh, I vaguely remember the headlines after the accident, but I didn’t remember that he had a younger sister.”
“I think she was about sixteen, which would’ve made him about thirty. It couldn’t have been easy.” Jane peered back over her shoulder toward Goulding’s. “Could you imagine having to suddenly take over raising Lydia for Mom and Dad?”
Elizabeth shuddered. “Mom and Dad better not go anywhere until Lydia can take care of herself. She couldn’t live with me. I’d throw her out the window before the first week was out.”
Jane giggled and shook her head. “Lizzy!”
“Well, it’s true! Not everyone is as patient as you are. Now, you and Charlie need to pick out a tree.” Elizabeth held up her ticket. “I found one right over there. I’m going to go pay for mine, so we can carry them back.” She made her way through the trees until she found the man to pay. While she waited for him to run her card, she watched the people around her—the children’s happy faces as they ran through the maze of trees, the people walking by with shopping bags, and the customers leaving Goulding’s with steaming cups cradled in both of their hands.
She froze. That wasn’t some random person, it was Mr. Darcy. He spoke with the woman she’d seen him with earlier, his sister, pointing down one way then the other. She couldn’t stop herself from staring. He was wearing jeans. She’d never seen him wear anything but suits, but William Darcy actually owned jeans—and was that stubble on his cheeks? He hadn’t shaved?
Despite the cold day this warm sensation began to spread from her stomach through her body. She shifted to get a look at his sister, but instead, met the girl’s eyes and immediately turned away, her cheeks hot. What was that?
Unwrapping Mr. Darcy is available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and paperback!
December 19, 2022
Revisiting the Holidays
Happy Monday! I’m spending this week revisiting holiday scenes from some of my books. Today is an excerpt from my newest, An Endeavour to be Worthy!
“Merry Christmas, Mr. Darcy,” said Mr. Gideon when he opened the front door.“Merry Christmas, Mr. Gideon.” He and Georgiana happened to greet the butler in unison, making the man beam as they entered.
The man helped Darcy with his coat while several maids appeared to be of aid to the ladies. “I hope church was enjoyable.” For the first time, Mr. Gideon’s slight accent was noticeable.
“The service was lovely,” said Miss Elizabeth. “My grandparents, Lord Hatton, and Miss Montford will be directly behind us. We shall await them in the green drawing room.”
“Very good, miss. We shall be ready for their arrival.”
Miss Jane wrung her hands. “Do you think they are well?”
“I am certain they will be here soon,” said Darcy. Due to the delay, they may have been caught in traffic.” Bingley had never been a violent man, yet he had never expected Bingley to fall into such debt either.
A commotion in the front hall announced the rest of their party’s arrival. When Darcy peered at Miss Elizabeth, he could not miss the heavy exhale and the manner in which her body relaxed.
Lady Richmond was the first to enter the drawing room, making her way to Miss Jane and sitting beside her. The two spoke in hushed tones as the earl and Hatton entered. Georgiana joined Miss Jane and the countess and offered the latter her hand. Perhaps the similarity of their experiences would deepen their friendship. He had no objections. Georgiana would only benefit from such an association.
He stepped over to Lord Richmond and Hatton with Miss Elizabeth close behind. “I am not sure what Bingley hoped to accomplish.”
“He surely hoped to force a meeting with Janey,” said Lord Richmond. “Nicholas restrained him while we boarded our carriage. That Miss Bingley woman approached and attempted to ingratiate herself to Amelia, but Amelia and my wife cut her. Lady Jersey, as well as Lady Dalrymple and Miss Carteret were nearby and witnessed the exchange. I am certain those who are in London for Christmastide will know before the first of January.”
“Enough!” When he turned, Lady Richmond was standing with her hands raised in front of her. “’Tis Christmas, and we shall not dwell any longer on the Bingleys but enjoy our day. Now, we have gifts for each of you. Fitzwilliam, I shall not accept a refusal.”
He and Miss Elizabeth sat upon the settee as the countess distributed her packages. While she handed Miss Elizabeth a box, the earl handed him a bottle. “My wife charged me with finding you a gift. I hope you approve.” The older gentleman wore a slight smile.
When he took the bottle, he turned it in his hands to view the label. “An excellent brandy. I thank you.”
“Brandy, my lord,” said the countess with her lips pursed.
“He purchases the latest books as soon as Hatchard’s puts them on the shelves, and they had nothing newer than a month ago, which I am certain he already possesses. What would you have me buy?”
“Lady Richmond, I must admit your husband is correct. I do not require much, and this will be savoured since Richard drank my last bottle of this vintage six months ago, and I have been unable to procure more.”
“For heaven’s sakes, do not let the colonel near it then,” said the earl. “I had no idea he was so intemperate.”
“He does enjoy a good brandy, but I was at Pemberley for the summer while he lived at Darcy House, not long after he was assigned to Horse Guards.” Richard could drink quite a bit and keep his wits about him, but he was not one to drink an entire bottle of brandy in one sitting.
Miss Elizabeth opened the lid of her box and gasped. “Grandmamma, you have given me so much jewellery since my arrival. I do not require so much.” Nestled in velvet was a necklace with a pendant that resembled a snowflake. Diamonds set in gold with the larger stones in the centre and becoming smaller as they neared the tips.
“Nonsense. This is the last of your mother’s jewels that was set aside for you, as is Jane’s gift.”
Miss Jane flipped open the lid on hers and inhaled swiftly. “Grandmamma, this is lovely.” She turned it to show Miss Elizabeth the modest sapphire necklace and matching ear drops.
His sister held a stack of music sheets and a cashmere shawl sat upon her lap. “Fitzwilliam, what of our gifts?”
After he excused himself, he ducked out into the hall where Mr. Gideon happened to be passing. “Pardon me, but a servant from Darcy House was supposed to deliver some gifts while we were at church.”
“Ah, yes,” said Mr. Gideon. “Forgive me. I forgot to mention it upon your arrival.” He stepped inside a doorway on one side and brought out a small trunk. “Where would you like it?”
“I can take it. Thank you,” he said. When he returned to the drawing room, he withdrew two packages and handed them to Georgiana, who in turn, gave them to Miss Amelia and Miss Jane. Meanwhile, he passed gifts to Lord and Lady Richmond and Hatton. Lastly, he returned to Miss Elizabeth’s side and passed her the last.
“’Tis from Georgiana and I both.”
She gave him a side-long look, but her fingers trembled ever-so-slightly while she peeled away the silk paper. “How beautiful. Thank you.”
“What is it Lizzybeth?” asked her grandmother.
With a careful touch, she lifted it from the wrapping. “A hair comb.”
“Which will be lovely in your dark hair.” Her grandmother admired the piece, then stepped over to sit close to her husband while she removed the paper from hers. “What gorgeous silk! Thank you, Fitzwilliam. I must admit I adore a trip to Madame Morisot’s, and you have given me just the excuse.”
“Yes, thank you Darcy,” said the earl dryly.
Miss Amelia and Miss Jane thanked both him and Georgiana for the fabric in their packages. Hatton clapped him on the shoulder after expressing his appreciation of the journal he had received, and Lord Richmond gave a hearty laugh when he saw the bottle of brandy Darcy had gifted him. “Great minds think alike, do they not, Darcy?”
“I had just managed to find a shipment a few days ago.” His attention returned to Miss Elizabeth, who fingered through the material that was beneath the hair comb. “You have given me fabric as well?”
Her grandmother chuckled. “He has selected well. You have always looked well in rose, and you will need a great many gowns for the Season.”
“Lady Richmond, breakfast is served.”
“Come. That tea and toast I had before church was not sufficient to last me until dinner,” said the countess.
As was his wont, he offered his arm to Miss Elizabeth, but this time, also his sister. “If you do not like the fabric—”
She startled, and her eyes widened. “No! Forgive me for being remiss in thanking you. I should have done so when I first noticed the silk.”
Georgiana gave a giggle. “Your sister says you do not enjoy fittings.”
“That is true, but that does not mean I do not enjoy wearing a pretty gown. My favourite colour is that shade of pink, so I shall enjoy the gown doubly so.”
“My brother selected the material all on his own,” said Georgiana, making his cheeks burn. “I accompanied him to the drapers and selected all the fabric but yours. Fitzwilliam found that one and had it cut before I had any say.”
Miss Elizabeth’s gaze held his. “I would say he has an excellent eye for ladies’ fashion.”
He could not help but smile at Georgiana’s giggle. She had laughed more since being in the company of the Montford ladies than she had since Wickham. They did her well indeed.
When they all sat around the table, Miss Jane placed her hand over Georgiana’s where it rested on the table. “Miss Darcy, I must thank you for comforting me in the carriage.”
“Oh! I am happy I could be of aid, though I cannot consider what I did so important.”
“But it was. It is always reassuring not to be alone. I do wish what happened to you had not occurred, but I am thankful you shared your experience with me.” Darcy’s heart swelled. His sister had ladies she could confide in and trust. Had she ever found one such friend? He had never met one.
“Thank you. I hope you will call me Georgiana. I should like all of you to do so.”
“Then you should call us by our Christian names too,” said Miss Elizabeth.
In that moment, his little sister beamed brighter than she had in so long it was all he could do not to weep at the table. How ridiculous was he to be so sentimental?
After a generous breakfast as well as tea and cakes, a chess tournament between Lord Richmond, Hatton, Elizabeth, and Mr. Darcy followed. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy were the last two to play with Elizabeth the victor. Not long after they returned to the drawing room, Lady Richmond whispered to a servant who brought out a large bowl with raisins, poured brandy over the dried fruit, and set it on fire.
Miss Elizabeth grabbed Georgiana’s hand and pulled her up to the bowl. “I love snapdragon.”
“I have never played,” said the young lady. “More often than not, Christmas is just my brother and myself at Pemberley. We have a meal, of course, and play chess, and I perform on the pianoforte.” What? She had never played Snapdragon? The game was a tradition at Richmond Castle and Longbourn, thus Elizabeth played regardless of where she spent Christmastide.
“’Tis simple really,” said Amelia. “You attempt to take a raisin from the flames and eat it.”
Georgiana’s eyes grew to the size of horse chestnuts. “You put your hand in the fire?”
As she asked in a squeaky voice, Nicholas reached in, grabbed one of the raisins, and tossed it into his mouth. “See, simple, but you have to be quick about it.”
Georgiana reached in but missed the raisin on the first attempt.
“You can do it.” Elizabeth took her turn, grabbing her own, and eating it.
When Georgiana’s turn came around again, she managed to grab a raisin and eat it with a grin. The rest of the party cheered. The game lasted but a quarter hour at most before Elizabeth returned to sit on the settee near Mr. Darcy.
“I must thank you for your kindness to my sister,” he said. “I have not seen her so happy in a long time.”
She shook her head. “I have done nothing but be her friend. I consider myself fortunate to have the company of such a kind young lady. You need not thank me for something I am pleased to do. I do think after their similar experiences, Jane may become more of a confidant of sorts for her. They are both reserved, though Georgiana is a bit more open with her feelings, but their tempers suit. Jane is six years her senior, yet Charlotte and I were close for a long time, and she is seven years older.
“Richard and I hoped for her to make friends when she attended school, but she was miserable and wrote of nothing but her fervent desire to return to Pemberley. While she has known your cousin for a while, making the acquaintance of you and your sister, and being in company more with Miss Amelia will only be of benefit to her.”
Unable to hold his gaze another second, she looked back at Georgiana and Jane who conversed quietly near the fire. All day, she had attempted not to show how distracted she was by him. When they sat side by side in church, her arm prickled at his nearness and the cedar notes of his cologne flooded her senses. Her insides were a muddled mess. She had been uncommonly forward when she caught his lips with hers under the kissing bough. He did not seem offended at the time, but upon further reflection, had he considered her move too bold—too forward? She had fretted over kissing his cheek, and he had not thought ill of her. Was she being ridiculous once again?
She took in a deep breath. Her grandparents were engrossed in a chess match. While her grandmother had not taken part in their tournament earlier, she challenged her husband to a rare game, a challenge he accepted with an unusual glint in his eye. Jane and Georgiana were still occupied, and Amelia and Nicholas were arguing some such nonsense as they oft times would. She took a small silk paper-wrapped parcel from where she had tucked it into the cushion.
“I have this for you,” she said as she held out her gift. Good Lord, she was trembling from head to toe. Their eyes met as he, with careful fingers, took the package from her palm. She clenched her hands together in her lap. “’Tis not much. Just a trifling really.”
“No, I am certain it is wonderful.” A dimple appeared on one cheek, and she clenched her hands tighter if that was possible.
“You have not opened it yet.”
He untied the ribbon and opened the paper, revealing the small stack of four handkerchiefs she had embroidered since their walk in Hyde Park. She was not as accomplished with a needle as Jane, but she had managed a good “D” for Darcy and had finished the edge of the muslin so it did not fray.
“You need not use them if you do not care for them. I am not very skilled at embroidery.”
After a glance around the room, he covered her fidgeting hands with his. “They are wonderful. I shall use them every day.” He removed his handkerchief from his pocket and replaced it with one of hers. Once he had set the rest with the bottle of brandy from her grandfather, he leaned as close as propriety would allow in the situation. “You have, at times, been uneasy with me today. Have I done something to cause you distress?”
“No,” she said turning her head quickly, so their gazes met. “I confess I have worried of your reaction to what I did under the kissing bough.”
He broke into an enormous, dimpled grin that took her aback. “You need not fret as I consider that the best Christmas gift I have received thus far.” He chuckled as a vicious heat crept up her chest and to her cheeks. How was she to respond to such a bold statement?
December 8, 2022
An Endeavour to be Worthy – Chapter 4
Welcome back and are you ready for chapter 4? If you haven’t read Chapter 1, then please hop on over to Austen Variations and check that out here, for Chapter 2 click here, and for Chapter 3 click here.
Oh! If you haven’t preordered yet, what are you waiting for? Do that here!
So, we’re revisiting a character I created from a fundraiser cameo. Thank you to the real life Lady Vranes who was willing to let me use that character for this series. I can’t have an art event without Lady Vranes!
A footman took Darcy’s coat and hat, then gestured towards Lady Vranes’s ballroom. “Enjoy your evening, sir.”
He held his spine straight, and his neck was rigid as he followed the murmur of voices and the footmen stationed along the hall to the entrance. Lord, but he despised these evenings—avoiding the schemes of the matchmaking mamas while he tried to converse with friends and view the latest works from the artists in London. He stepped inside and drew his shoulders back.
“Mr. Darcy, so good of you to come,” said Lady Vranes with a tilt of her head.
After he bowed over her hand, he drew himself back up as tall as he could. “Lady Vranes, I am pleased to be in your company once again and thank you for the invitation. This evening certainly seems a success.” He glanced around at the people filling the room and viewing the many paintings that covered the walls from ceiling to floor.
“Take a look around, sir.” Lady Vranes motioned to the room with her fan. “I have discovered several new artists who are exhibiting here this evening. Mr. Nash has a lovely view of Shoreham Harbour, and Miss Cosway paints some interesting portraits.”
He nodded with as much of a smile as he could manage. “I shall be certain to look for them.”
“Darcy,” said a voice behind him as he stepped to the first set of paintings.
After he bowed to his friend, they shook hands. “Hatton, I should have known you and your family would attend one of Lady Vranes’s gatherings.” Nicholas Montford, Viscount Hatton was the heir to the Richmond earldom, not that he was in any hurry to assume the title. His grandfather was still living and an excellent man. The earl had been a great friend to Darcy’s own father for decades.
“I thought you at Pemberley.”
“No, I recently returned from Hertfordshire. Bingley requested my aid with an estate he leased.”
Hatton’s eyes flashed for a moment. “You were with Bingley in Hertfordshire? I had been told he was there but had not heard of your presence.” Nicholas glanced over his shoulder, making Darcy turn to look behind him. Was that? Good heavens! He spun around and stood with his hands clenched at his sides. How was this possible? Elizabeth Bennet was in London and at Lady Vranes’s salon. How had she secured an invitation to such an exclusive event?
He had been trying with all that was in him to forget her since he departed Hertfordshire but with little success. Now, she was standing across the room, speaking with…was that Lady Richmond? With a shake of his head, he looked again. Elizabeth Bennet was in Hertfordshire at Longbourn. Was his heart so desperate for her that he was conjuring her up in the least likely of places?
“Come. You should greet my grandparents. They will be thrilled to see you.” He barely registered the slight tug at his elbow, drawing him across the room. “Grandmamma, look who I have found.”
“Fitzwilliam,” said Lady Richmond. He shook himself in an effort to give the countess his full attention. “We have not had the pleasure of seeing you in nearly a year. You and your sister must join us for dinner this week. I shall not accept a refusal, mind you. It has been too long, and I know Hugh would feel as strongly as I do on the matter. Would Saturday evening be acceptable?”
“Lizzy, there is a landscape…” Miss Amelia Montford stopped speaking and stared, her eyes widening before she dropped a curtsey. “Mr. Darcy, forgive me. I had not noticed you there.”
“Do not trouble yourself.” He bowed, his gaze meeting Miss Elizabeth’s as he straightened. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet, ’tis a pleasure to see you once again.”
With a peculiar cough, Miss Montford covered her mouth with her gloved hand, her eyes crinkling at the edges. “I beg your pardon,” she said between coughs. “I fear something…has become caught…in my throat.”
“It is a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Darcy,” said Miss Bennet with a curtsey.
“I must correct you, Darcy.” Hatton placed a hand upon his shoulder. “She is not Miss Elizabeth Bennet but Miss Elizabeth Montford.”
In his attempt to stifle a gasp, he joined Miss Montford in a fit of coughing. “I must beg your forgiveness, but Miss Elizabeth Montford? Why were she and her sister introduced as Miss Bennets in Hertfordshire?”
“’Tis a long story.” At the deeper voice from his shoulder, Darcy stepped back to include Lord Richmond in their party. “The short explanation is that Lizzybeth’s mother was my daughter, Sophie. She and Janey lived with us for almost two years after their mother’s death. They became Montfords during that time. Lizzybeth, you never mentioned you were acquainted with Darcy.”
Miss Elizabeth opened and closed her mouth twice. “We are but tolerably acquainted. I had no notion he was a friend of the family until last night when Amelia told me as much.”
Miss Montford burst into another fit of coughing. Was she laughing? Moreover, was she laughing at him?
His mind spun. What could have happened to necessitate the earl taking such drastic action? A rumour had been mentioned of the elder Miss Bennets’ mother dying in childbirth, but nothing of her family or connexions or them being wards of their grandfather. Heavens, not even Miss Bennet—nay, Montford—spoke of the family when she visited with Bingley’s sisters at Netherfield. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst surely enquired of her family: uncles, cousins, grandparents. How had she neglected to mention Lord and Lady Richmond?
“Janey, do you know Fitzwilliam too?” asked Lady Richmond.
Miss Benn…Montford stepped forward from beside her grandfather and curtseyed. “Good evening, Mr. Darcy.” How had he missed that she was standing so close?
“Miss…Montford, I hope you and your family are well.”
“Yes, sir. They were well when my sister and I departed Longbourn three days ago.”
“Mr. Darcy,” said Miss Amelia Montford. “If you will forgive me, I should like to show Lizzy a painting I believe she will enjoy.”
“Of course.” After a slight bow, Miss Montford pulled Miss Elizabeth across the room. He turned at Hatton’s soft chuckles.
“You are the gentleman who called her tolerable.”
He squeezed his eyes closed as his face burned. How could he have known who she truly was? His name was being bandied about with whispers of ten thousand a year. The situation had been intolerable. Bingley had forced him to attend the ridiculous assembly, and at any moment, he had expected some mother to shove her obsequious daughter under his nose in the hopes he would take an interest “I was in an ill humour that evening. I beg your forgiveness, and I shall apologise to Miss Elizabeth.”
“My goodness,” said Lady Richmond. “A great deal of begging forgiveness has occurred since we happened upon you, Fitzwilliam. I have known you since you were a boy, and you have never performed well in unfamiliar surroundings, balls and salons in particular. Once Lizzybeth knows of your discomfort, I am certain she will forgive you. She is not one to bear a grudge.”
Hatton scoffed. “You cannot be serious, Grandmamma. Do you not remember when I put alum in her toothpowder?”
Lord Richmond’s silent laughter could be discerned over the murmurs of the guests. “I do. Did she not take the piglets from the barn and put them in your bed? What a sight she was—wet through and filthy with a countenance so guilty, I knew she had been up to mischief before I could ask her so much as one question.”
“I had forgotten that incident.” Lady Richmond grinned and looped her arm through Hatton’s. “Lizzybeth was incensed I made her help the maids clean the mud and the muck from Nicholas’s room.”
“I had to scrub the floors. Do you remember?”
Darcy bit his tongue to keep from laughing at Hatton’s wide eyes and affronted tone.
His grandfather shrugged, though he still wore a wide grin. “Well, if you had not ruined your cousin’s toothpowder, she would not have put the piglets in your bedchamber. You reap what you sow, my boy. Not that my punishments ever prevented you from playing tricks on Lizzybeth or Amelia for that matter. Your younger cousin proved to be more of an adversary, so you found yourself in more trouble as a result of those escapades.”
Hatton straightened his topcoat. “What you say is true. Regardless of the repercussions, I take far too much enjoyment in stoking Lizzy’s ire, which I have not done in some time, so if you will pardon me, I shall be pestering my cousin.” With a crooked curve of his lips, Hatton strode across the room to where Miss Amelia Montford and Miss Elizabeth stood, the latter turning to face her cousin when their gazes met and she broke the connection as quickly as it was made.
“You should join us for a light supper after the exhibition,” said Lady Richmond, drawing his attention.
“My sister expects my return before long, but I thank you for the invitation. We shall attend that dinner you spoke of earlier, if the invitation still stands.”
“Of course, it does. I shall be delighted to see Georgiana. We have not spoken since I called on her near Easter. Now, why is Nicholas beckoning to me? I shall add to the begging for the evening. Forgive me, I should see what he wants.” After a curtsey, she crossed to join her grandchildren.
“You said my granddaughter is tolerable?” said Lord Richmond near his ear, making Darcy wince. “I can only imagine there must be more by Amelia’s reaction to you. I thought she would choke trying to disguise those chuckles. You have a history of being quite intolerant to ladies who throw themselves at you, yet I know my granddaughter, and she would never throw herself at any man.”
With an exhale, he clasped his hands behind his back. Lord Richmond was as much a father or grandfather to him as his own father and grandfather, but now was not the time for familiarity. “No, my lord, Bingley implored me to dance and singled out your granddaughter as an excellent prospect. I was in a foul temper, so when she looked at me, I said ‘she is tolerable I suppose, but not handsome enough to tempt me.’ Her reaction I shall never forget. She rose, joined her friend Miss Lucas, and after a moment with their heads together, laughed at me. At once, I was intrigued and regretful. No lady of our acquaintance would behave as your granddaughter did in those circumstances.”
“I now understand why her eyes were shooting daggers from the moment she saw you.”
“I should like to apologise if she will give me the opportunity. My words were not true. I have long considered her one of the handsomest ladies of my acquaintance.” He could not stop thinking of Miss Elizabeth, and the constant preoccupation with her was maddening. Nothing could distract him—not his ledgers or a book or even a night at an exhibition could rid his mind of her.
She approached a painting and tilted her head while she examined the work, her grandmother at her side pointing and speaking. He could just imagine her brows drawn down a hair and her lips barely pursed while she studied the scene before her. For the most part, she was the same Miss Elizabeth as in Hertfordshire with the exception of her gown. The deep green bodice contrasted with the white silk that fell in an elegant line to the floor. Jade-coloured beads adorned her graceful neck, taking the place of her usual yellow topaz cross that had always sat nestled just below the base of her throat. Lace gloves covered her slender arms and ended just above the elbow and gave a peek of pale skin between the seam of the glove and the bottom of her sleeve. What he would not give to trail his finger along that line, hear the hitch in her breath at his touch, and taste her pale pink lips that, even now, called to him from across the ballroom.
“Darcy? Are you well?” He started at the earl’s voice.
He had thought her family and situation unsuitable, but all this time, she was more than a Bennet from Hertfordshire. She cared not for connexions or fortunes or she, not to mention her sister, would have bandied about her grandfather’s name and title to ingratiate herself to him and the Bingleys. Instead, they never said a word. Blast, he was an addle pate. She, no doubt, thought him prideful and arrogant, and she would be right. “I am quite well. I thank you. Only considering how ashamed my father would be of me at the moment.”
Lord Richmond set a hand upon his shoulder and squeezed. “We all say things we regret from time to time. ’Tis how we make amends for the wrongs of a moment that define us for our lifetime. Come to the dinner my wife mentioned. Introduce her to Georgiana. Bring the colonel if he is in London; he can sing your praises as well. All is not lost.”
After raking his fingers through his hair, he chuckled ruefully. “Sir—”
“Do not tell me falsehoods or deny what is written as clear as day upon your face when you watch my granddaughter. I am no fool. Your father wore the same expression the first time he set eyes upon your mother. You are an excellent man, as your father was before you, and if you can earn my granddaughter’s forgiveness and respect, I would be more than pleased if you joined our family even if, in some fashion, you have been one of us since you were born. You stayed with us during your mother’s illnesses and when she died.”
He cleared the sizable lump that had risen in his throat. “You and your family journeyed to Pemberley after my father’s accident and were all of great aid. You, in particular, taught me to be the master I am. I have never forgotten. I do not remember much of my grandparents, but you and Lady Richmond were as much my grandparents as they were.” Lady Richmond and Miss Amelia Montford had run the house while Lord Richmond and Nicholas aided him in his father’s study. They had saved him after his father’s death. He could not even consider what might have occurred if they had not come. Would he have succumbed to Lady Catherine’s entreaties to wed his sickly cousin Anne?
Lord Richmond sniffed and blinked. “Thank you, Son. Now, while I do enjoy your company, I suggest you spend the rest of the evening with my grandchildren. Should you do so, you may find an opportunity to apologise without Amelia or Nicholas too close to overhear. You do not want them to tease you as mercilessly as they are sure to be teasing Lizzybeth tonight.”
With a deep inhale, Darcy nodded. “I cannot but try.”
~ * ~
Elizabeth’s insides were a turbulent mess. The butterflies flying in maddening circles seemed to create a wave that travelled through her. She had clenched her hands around the top of her reticule to keep from trembling when Mr. Darcy approached as well as during the ensuing conversation. Amelia had warned her they would cross paths, but how could she have known it would happen so soon? The worst part was she kept catching herself staring at him while he spoke to her grandfather. In some ways, his expression was as it always was, stern and forbidding, particularly when she found him watching her, yet at times, it softened, such as when he looked at her grandparents.
“Lizzybeth, stop staring at poor Fitzwilliam.”
“I had not meant—” She glanced about them. “Where are Nicholas and Amelia?”
“Your cousins have sought out the refreshment table.” Her grandmother patted her forearm. “I have never seen such a sight as your countenance when you first noticed Fitzwilliam. Child, what has he done for you to dislike him so?”
“Grandmamma, Amelia mentioned he is a friend to this family, but you must know that he offended the entire neighbourhood while staying at Netherfield. His manner was prideful and disagreeable. He could hardly be bothered to speak to anyone outside his party, and I cannot abide how he stares at me to find fault.”
Her grandmother glanced over her shoulder. “You believe he watches you in that manner to find fault?”
“Why else would he do so? He said himself I am tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt him. His disdain for me was quite plain.” What else could be said?
“Oh, dearest,” she said, linking their arms. “As someone who has known Fitzwilliam Darcy since he was a babe, I can tell you he is not as you describe. In smaller parties where he has friends, he can be amiable, and you just may see him smile.” Her grandmother tugged her around. “Do you see those ladies behind him?”
A mama and her two daughters stood approximately five feet behind Mr. Darcy; their hands cupped over their mouths as though telling the most secret of secrets while watching him. “They are speaking of him?”
“For the moment, but give them time. One will stumble into him or the mother will devise some way to force an introduction by the end of the night. If he had not spoken as he had at the assembly and flattered you instead, how would Mrs. Bennet have reacted?”
Elizabeth winced. “She would have done all in her power to throw us together as she did Jane and Mr. Bingley.”
“I do not know the whole of your acquaintance, though I daresay, knowing you as I do, you have held his initial comments and behaviour against him and allowed your wounded pride to judge him unfairly since that first meeting.”
She could not be blamed for doing so, could she? And what of Mr. Wickham’s charges against him? Mr. Darcy would not have told Grandmamma of his denying that young man’s inheritance. An elbow to her ribs jolted her attention back to the room.
“He is coming this way. Do not do him the disservice of holding to your former prejudices. Be the Lizzybeth your grandfather and I know and love.”
“That was laid on with a trowel.[i]”
Her grandmother winked with a grin. “I should mention that Fitzwilliam is very fond of Shakespeare. You should use that quote with him.”
As the gentleman approached, her grandmother tapped her on the shoulder. “What a stunning portrait,” she said loudly. “Pardon me, my dear. I wish to take a closer look.”
“Grandmamma!” she said in a loud whisper reminiscent of Mama. Why would she abandon her to the disagreeable nature of Mr. Darcy? Yes, she should allow him to make amends, yet her grandmother had no need to depart for that purpose. He could very well apologise with Gran present.
“Miss Elizabeth.”
She had been glancing about her when she jerked her attention back to the gentleman who had crossed the room to speak to her—to the gentleman her grandmother hoped she would find agreeable. He would certainly be invited to dinners and balls over Christmastide, not to mention during the Season. If they managed a truce of sorts, those events would be more pleasant. She would never enjoy a ball with him staring at her as he had in Hertfordshire. That constant scrutiny was unnerving.
“Mr. Darcy, I hope you are enjoying the exhibition. Lady Vranes has a unique eye for art, does she not?”
Before he could respond, a lady stumbled into him, prompting him to grab Elizabeth by the arms and draw her to one side.
[i] Shakespeare, William. As You Like It. Act 1, scene 2, 97–106. 1600.
The release celebration is up at Austen Variations on Wednesday of next week! I hope you’ll join me! In the meantime, don’t forget to preorder your copy!
December 1, 2022
An Endeavour to be Worthy
Welcome back and are you ready for chapter 2? If you haven’t read Chapter 1, then please hop on over to Austen Variations and check that out here. If you’re ready for Chapter 2, let’s join the Montfords for dinner and after
Oh! If you haven’t preordered yet, what are you waiting for? Do that here!
“Nicholas, Lizzybeth, should you like to join me in my study?”
“Really, Hugh, this is hardly appropriate,” said Grandmamma in the same tone and fashion she used every evening when her grandfather invited her to his study.
Her grandfather was undeterred. “If Amelia enjoyed chess, I would request her presence, but neither of you take pleasure in the game, so I leave you to your pursuits. Do not forget that Lizzybeth has joined you some evenings.” He neglected to mention that those occasions were rare, but he was good about not raising her grandmother’s hackles.
Grandmamma gave a low growl while she stood. “Very well. I suppose we shall be spending the day together tomorrow shopping so I can have no reason to object to an hour or so with you tonight.”
He only nodded in her grandmother’s direction with a small slip of a smile, barely discernible unless you knew him. “I am pleased you see the matter from my perspective, my dear.”
Elizabeth took his arm while she bit her cheek to keep from laughing or grinning. Her grandmother and grandfather always bickered when it came to her joining the men for talk and brandy, not that her grandmother knew Grandpapa gave her brandy. He occasionally slipped as he had this afternoon, but he always followed with his claim to have misspoken. Her grandmother could not have fallen for his falsehood, could she? She was not usually so easily deceived.
Upon reaching his study, Elizabeth plunked down in her usual chair and tucked her feet under her while Nicholas sat on the small settee and spread his long arms across the back. He had been a thin but tall child and remained so until last year. Now, he had shed the last of his boyish face and appeared much more a man of five and twenty years than the youthful boy she had once known.
“So, are you to search for a wife this season?”
He scrubbed his face with his hand. “Grandmamma is relentless. She started speaking of young ladies last season, and her insistence has only grown.”
“You are the future of the Richmond earldom, Son. We want to ensure that future is secure.” Grandpapa handed Nicholas a glass of brandy, then one to Elizabeth. “If you had a younger brother, we could delay matters to your schedule, but we have suffered too much loss amongst our own children. We fear—”
“I understand your position. I do, but I have yet to meet a lady who can hold an acceptable conversation without falling into a discussion of fashion or the state of the roads. Is it so terrible to want more than an acceptable match?”
“No. Of course it is not.” Elizabeth leaned against the arm of her chair. She would hug Nicholas if she could, but he would never accept her coddling him. Not that she could. He was far too tall with his over six-foot height, and he was also a grown man. Besides being five years her senior, he had not shown an inkling of allowing such an embrace since his parents were killed in a carriage accident ten years ago. While as good natured as ever, Nicholas seemed to wall a part of himself off after his parents’ deaths, which pained her to see. “Do anything rather than marry without affection.”
Her grandfather set a hand on Nicholas’s shoulder. “I agree with your cousin, but would you take a turn about the library so I can speak to Lizzybeth?”
“What? Why?” At a dip of Grandpapa’s chin, Nicholas stood with a grumble. “I do not understand why I must leave for you to speak to Lizzy. Precious little happens in this household without my knowledge.”
Her grandfather neglected to react to his grandson’s protests. He simply patted his shoulder. “Never you mind. Just do as I ask.”
Elizabeth grinned at Nicholas’s sour expression and gave a small wave while he closed the door behind him. “What do you want to ask that you do not want Nicholas to know?”
“I desire the identity of Janey’s suitor. If Nicholas is acquainted with the gentleman, he may conduct his own enquiries, which I would prefer not to happen.”
She nodded and sighed. “I do not know if I would call Mr. Bingley a suitor—”
“Bingley you said?” Her grandfather blinked several times, and his forehead creased.
“Yes, Mr. Charles Bingley. Do you know him?”
“I am not personally acquainted with him, but I know of him. Your grandmother detests his sisters.”
Elizabeth laughed and covered her mouth to keep from choking while she swallowed. “I cannot find fault with her feelings for those ladies, but Grandmamma and I often share similarities of opinion on most matters.”
“Except for the idea of ladies drinking brandy.” One corner of his lips curved upward.
“And who is to blame for that? Besides, she surely knows I drink with you and Nicholas in the evenings.”
“Hush, child. Your grandmother would have my guts for garters if she ever had proof. You notice I never offer you more than wine or sherry when Amelia is with us, do you not?”
That had not escaped her attention. “Amelia would not tell our secret.”
“No, but with how close she is to your grandmother, I feel it unfair to expect her to keep the confidence.”
She pursed her lips. “But you feel no such qualms of Nicholas?”
“If I did not offer you brandy, Nicholas would. I consider him as much a conspirator as I do you.” With a smile, she took another sip of her drink while Grandpapa peeked through the door to summon Nicholas.
“Well? Has all been settled to your satisfaction, Grandpapa? I enjoy the library, but I am able to spend all day every day in its confines should I wish.”
“We have finished our conversation.”
Nicholas looked back and forth between them. “Did you discover the name of this mysterious suitor?”
She sighed and relaxed into her chair. “I would not call him a suitor. He has shown Jane a prodigious amount of attention, but he took possession of Netherfield at Michaelmas. While Jane likes him a great deal, I cannot be certain of his intentions. His sister mentioned the possibility of him being matched with a friend’s younger sister. While I do not believe her claim, I cannot discount the possibility.”
Her grandfather furrowed his brow. “Interesting, indeed. Do not fret. I shall know how to act.”
“I am not reassured. Mama will never forgive me if I am responsible for ruining her hopes.”
“If the gentleman is unworthy, then you should not face any wrath,” said Nicholas.
“After the debacle with Mr. Collins, I am tempted to keep you with us.” Her grandfather sat in his favourite chair while he groused.
“You know Papa would never allow—”
“Oh, he would. I would give him no choice in the matter.” Before she could enquire further, he held up a hand. “Do not ask me for particulars. Just trust that I shall do what is best for your happiness.”
“I knew I should not have told you.” She set her glass on the side table and crossed her arms over her chest. Why were they so obstinate? She could manage Mama.
“Yes, you should have told us,” said Nicholas. “He cannot simply marry you off to any gentleman, cleric, militiaman, or tradesman who believes you worthy. You deserve to find someone who loves you. I would not have you wed without affection either, Lils.”
“You have not called me Lils in years.” Surely, her mouth was agape.
“An oversight on my part, I am certain. I use the name often enough in my head, but I have supposed of late that you have far too many nicknames for one young lady. Perhaps I began addressing you as Amelia does to make things simpler.” He cleared his throat. “Pardon me. I believe I require some air.”
As soon as he departed the room, she turned to her grandfather. “What have I said?”
“He has not called you ‘Lils’ since after his parents died. Once you returned to Longbourn, he began addressing you as Lizzy.”
“When I visited that Easter, he had changed so. I hardly recognized him.” He had seemed to grow up overnight. The transformation saddened her.
“He appeared much the same.”
“But he was not as open as he was before.”
“No,” said Grandpapa with a sigh. “He has been the same in some ways but different in others. Despite his young age, he had responsibilities thrust upon him after Arthur died. I had not intended to burden him, but I fear I made a mistake in trusting what he could manage at his age and after such a tragedy. An error I shall not make again. My grandchildren will be protected.”
“Grandpapa, we are well and loved. We could ask for little that you have not provided.”
“Do not think I am unaware of what occurs at Longbourn. Your father locks himself away in his library and allows his wife to do as she pleases. Your mother, God rest her soul, would be heartbroken to know what he has become.” Her grandfather had not stepped foot in Longbourn for years. How could he know so much of what occurs within its walls?
“Oft times I wonder if he married Mama for no other reason than to break the entail.”
“Why else would he marry a lady he held no affection for? If the babe had survived, then I doubt he would have spared a second glance for Fanny Gardiner, but the poor boy was born too early. You were too young to remember, but when we received word of Sophie’s early confinement, we travelled from Yorkshire without stopping other than to swap horses at the inns. When we arrived, your father had locked himself in his library, bereft, while Hill managed the household. She ensured you and Jane were fed and cared for and found a wet nurse for the babe. Sophie was laid out and prepared for burial. Your father, however, was inconsolable. He refused to emerge from that blasted library. He drank port and whiskey and mourned your mother the only way he understood. As soon as the babe died, we put him in your mother’s arms and had the bodies taken to Richmond where they are interred in the chapel. You would not remember much, but you and Janey spent almost two years with us after their death.
“Hill, meanwhile, refused to buy your father more liquor unless he ate and managed to keep him from drinking himself into an early grave. According to her, about a year after Sophie died, he requested a bath and a shave and gradually began to pull himself together. No one is sure why he proposed to Fanny Gardiner, but your mother and I believe he wished to have you and Janey with him, so he wed Fanny to care for you. Foolishly, we allowed your return.”
“You knew how Mama behaves towards me before you asked, did you not?”
He sat with his elbows upon his knees, turning his glass in his hands, while he nodded. “Your grandmother corresponds frequently with Mrs. Hill. We have debated over the years whether it was prudent to bring you and Janey to live with us, yet we considered how Sophie would feel. Would she wish us to raise you ourselves? She loved your father with her whole heart, and we thought she would want you to remain with him.”
“You let her love for Papa guide you.” It was the only explanation that made sense.
“Yes, but your mother would want you to marry for love—as she did. I shall not allow that woman he has wed to foist some unworthy gentleman upon you. At least your father kept his word and never mentioned yours and Janey’s fortunes. His wife’s avarice would know no bounds if she knew.”
“My fortune?” No one had mentioned a word of a fortune. Why had she never been told? All these years, it was assumed the five Bennet ladies had no more than Mrs. Bennet’s five thousand pounds to sustain them after her father’s death.
At her question, her grandfather’s eyes flared. “He never told you?” He ran his fingers through his greying hair. “I suppose that was a wise decision. Janey is too soft-hearted and would have mentioned it in front of Mrs. Bennet at some point.”
“And after Mama insisted her daughters receive their share, she would not stop until she told the entire neighbourhood.” Her grandfather was correct. As much as she loved Jane, she thought too well of everyone. She would never believe Mama unworthy of complete trust. “Mama would consider me undeserving of such a sum.” Her grandparents knew what happened at Longbourn without her, so what point was there in hiding it?
“Lizzybeth, pray, remember. That woman is not your mother. Allow us to now act as we should have so long ago. Your mother’s fortune of thirty thousand pounds was split between the two of you, and I have added to that sum over the years. You each have the same fortune as your mother, and I control the funds. Regardless of what your father or Mrs. Bennet claim, you cannot wed without my approval—neither can Janey for that matter.”
“Would you withhold consent from Mr. Bingley?”
He shook his head with a grim countenance. “I am unsure. I should like to see him court her before I decide. Nicholas and I shall pay a call to the Gardiner’s home on the morrow. She should spend Christmastide with us. If Mr. Bingley is a worthy young man, he will call upon her here.”
“Miss Bingley does not know of our connexion to you. She would have pushed her brother in Jane’s direction if she had heard word of it.” That lady would surely consider the granddaughter of an earl appropriate for her brother, would she not?
Grandpapa’s shoulders jerked with a silent chuckle. “If she has her sights on who I believe, the young lady is the granddaughter of an earl as well and boasts a fortune to match yours. Not only that, but Miss Bingley also has her sights on the young lady’s brother.
“I do know that when your father brought Sophie to Longbourn as a new bride, they enjoyed keeping her connexions a secret. They found the assumptions of the neighbourhood amusing. To this day, I do not believe anyone has heard word of us. Your father drank too heavily to receive condolences, so when people came to the door, Hill told them a relative paid for the funeral in their home county.”
“Well, I have never heard mention of the Earl of Richmond or your surname in Meryton, and Papa told us to never tell anyone of you or Grandmamma.” She could only imagine how entertained her father would be by hiding his late wife’s heritage. He truly found humour in the oddest of things.
He exhaled heavily and shook his head. “I have to believe that after your mother died, it was his way of protecting you and your future. He is unwilling to control his wife so he controls the information she can use to make his life miserable. The amusement he derives would be an added inducement.”
Elizabeth downed the last sip of her brandy. “I beg you. No more.” Fanny Bennet was the only mother she had ever known—that she could remember, anyway. Her father was not perfect, and neither was Mama, but they were all she knew. More than ever, her heart yearned for some remembrance of her mother, but she had been three when her mother died giving birth to her brother. No matter how hard she tried, naught of her mother remained in her memory. All of this was too much. She wanted nothing more than to bury her head in her pillow and not awaken until morning.
“If you would like more brandy, I can make your excuses to your grandmother.”
“You would give me a second glass?” He never offered her more than the small serving he doled out when they first sat down. At his lift of the decanter, she held up a hand. “I should spend some time with Amelia and Grandmamma first. Perhaps when I retire.”
“I shall have Nicholas bring you a glass.”
With a nod, she stood. “Thank you.”
“Lizzybeth?”
She turned back to him just before opening the door. “Yes?”
“Forgive me for speaking so freely. Your grandmother and I have considered bringing you and Janey to live with us many times over the years, but I never felt the urgency to do so then as I do now. We shall never prevent you from writing your father or your younger sisters, and your father will have the ability to visit you at Richmond House or Castle—”
“Papa will not stand for it. He will demand our return.”
“After your mother’s death, he signed documents making me guardian of you and Janey. I allowed him to take you when he married Fanny Gardiner, but according to the law, you both are still my wards.”
“How is that possible? Papa is not dead.”
“We thought, at the time, he would drink himself to death. With the right documents and the aid of a solicitor, the Court of Chancery made me your guardians. Janey will do as she is told, but you are more forthright, just like your mother. I want you to understand I am doing what I believe to be best.”
Elizabeth walked forward, kissed her grandfather’s cheek, and lifted on her toes so she could hug him. “I have always trusted you, Grandpapa.”
“I love you, my sweet girl.”
“I love you, too.” Her eyes burned, and she buried her face into his shoulder, inhaling the sweet peppermint scent that she associated with him. How could such a simple odour provide such comfort? After one last kiss to his cheek, she dabbed her eyes with the back of her hand.
“You are tired. Retire. I shall make your excuses to your grandmother.”
“I do not want to disappoint her.”
“Do not worry. I shall speak with her after Amelia retires. She will understand.”
She slipped from the study and made her way to her chambers. When she entered, Tate curtseyed and began unfastening the back of her gown. “How was your evening, miss?”
“Lovely. It is good to be with my grandparents again.”
“I can imagine. It has been a long time—over a year now by my recollection.”
“Too long.” Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder. “You are here early. I do not usually retire until later.”
“If you’ll forgive me for saying it, I noticed the dark circles under your eyes when I dressed you for dinner. I thought you might retire earlier than is your wont.”
Tate made quick work of readying her for the night, then curtseyed and departed through the servants’ door a moment before a light knock came from her sitting room. Elizabeth hurried through and opened the door just enough for Nicholas to squeeze through.
“Grandpapa asked me to bring you this,” he said, handing her the promised glass of brandy.
“Thank you.” She glanced to the glass he held in his other hand. “Are you joining me?”
“I thought you may wish for company. I should also like to hear more about this proposal of marriage.” He sat on the sofa and crossed his ankle over his knee. “Was Mr. Collins on one knee?”
“Good Lord, Nicholas. I told Mama he had nothing to tell me which I needed to hear, but she insisted. Even after I refused, she demanded I accept him. If Papa had not told me I would be a stranger to Mama if I refused and a stranger to him if I accepted, I would have cried. The man is every bit ridiculous.” She sat beside him and pulled her legs under her. “His first night at Longbourn, he read Fordyce’s sermons to the family and spoke of his patroness, Lady Catherine, and the cost of the windows and the chimneys and the chamber pots at Rosings Park…Oh! At the ball two nights ago, he approached Mr. Darcy and introduced himself—”
Her cousin jumped a little. “Did you say Darcy?” Ugh! She had not meant to mention him by name—ever.
“Yes, he was a guest of the neighbour letting Netherfield.”
Nicholas’s eyes went wide, and he straightened. “Tell me this gentleman Janey is so enamoured of is not Charles Bingley.”
“What—?” She had been afraid he would deduce who the gentlemen was if he knew enough, and she was right.
“Good Lord. I wondered when you mentioned the sisters, but the income you stated, a newly leased estate, Darcy being a guest, all of it makes sense.” He took a sip of his drink, baring his teeth when he swallowed. “Lizzy, we cannot allow Janey to marry him.”
“Why on earth not?” Her grandfather’s grim visage upon learning Mr. Bingley’s identity was not reassuring, but now Nicholas? What could he possibly know?
“Bingley is a friendly and cheerful man, but he is also spineless. I cannot imagine him changing his small clothes without his sisters’ permission. Miss Bingley likely tells his valet what he is to wear each day, how to cut his hair, how snug to fit his breeches. No, Janey would be marrying a child in the guise of an adult. She deserves better.”
Elizabeth watched the fire for a moment, the flames winding up to points and disappearing into the smoke. “Mama will be quite put out.” Mama would be livid and blame her, yet she did no more than tell her family Mr. Bingley’s name. She was not preventing him from proposing.
“You told Grandpapa of this, did you not?”
“Yes, he asked you to leave us for that purpose.” She should not have mentioned Mr. Darcy’s name! She could slap herself for letting the name slip, not that it would be of any aid now.
Nicholas downed the last of his brandy and rose. “Forgive me. I should speak to my grandfather.” With his glass in hand, he peeked out the door before disappearing through.
She sagged into the corner of the settee and sipped her brandy. Mayhap remaining with her grandparents, Amelia, and Nicholas would be best. Obviously, Mama was too fearful of what would happen to her should Papa die, making her far too eager to marry her daughters to men of questionable worth—if Nicholas and her grandfather were to be believed. She sighed, set her glass on the table, and rose to go to bed. Enough for tonight. She would worry about it on the morrow.
Chapter 3 is up at Austen Variations on Wednesday of next week! I hope you’ll join me! In the meantime, don’t forget to preorder your copy! Release day is December 14th!!
November 27, 2022
Deck the Shelves Book Sale and Audiobook Giveaway Winners!
Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving if you’re in that part of the world. In the tradition of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Austen Variations is having its Deck the Shelves in the Closet book sale. Don’t miss out! Titles are included from authors: Diana Birchall, Jack Caldwell, Nicole Clarkston, L. L. Diamond, Amy D’Orazio, Monica Fairview, Maria Grace, Lucy Marin, Christina Morland, Anngela Schroeder, Joana Starnes, and Shannon Winslow.
Click here to go to the book sale!
And we also have the winners of The Peculiarity of Mr. Darcy’s Mirror audiobook celebration giveaway! Congratulations DarcyBennet, Glory, and buturot!
Lastly!! Tune in on Wednesday at Austen Variations! I will start posting preview chapters of my next book: An Endeavour to be Worthy!
See you Wednesday!
November 14, 2022
The Audiobook for The Peculiarity of Mr. Darcy’s Mirror is here!
Hi there! Guess what’s live on Amazon and Audible! If you’ve been anticipating this audiobook, I have too I’m so excited for you to hear the amazing voice talents of Joanna Lee bring Ellie and her Fitzwilliam Darcy to life. I just love Joanna’s interpretation! If you can’t wait to hear it for yourself, then you can get it at Audible or Amazon. I have the links for the Audible markets: Audible US, Audible UK, Audible Fr, Audible De.
I hope you enjoyed Joanna’s narration!
Now, to celebrate, I’m giving away 3 audiobook codes! Just leave me a comment below to enter the drawing
September 26, 2022
Winners of The Peculiarity of Mr. Darcy’s Mirror Giveaway!
The Peculiarity of Mr. Darcy’s Mirror is live and getting rave reviews! I couldn’t be more happy with its reception, and I’d like to thank those who read and reviewed. It’s been amazing to get such positive and glowing feedback. Thank you again!
Now, to announce the winners of the giveaway! Congratulations to
Janeen
Laura J
Sarah P
SA and TC
I’ve sent everyone an email, so please respond if you haven’t already to let me know whether you want the audiobook code when it becomes available or the Kindle!
Now, if you haven’t read The Peculiarity of Mr. Darcy’s Mirror, get out there and read it!
September 18, 2022
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Regency Theatre
The season in Regency England was not just balls and Almacks. The theatre in Regency times was an important place for those who spent the season in London, and those who ventured to the theatre did not attend to simply watch a play. They dressed to the nines and sat in long carriage lines to also see who was in attendance as well as to be seen. In fact, the practice was so common that when Charles Garnier planned the Paris Opera House (1861-1875), he had mirrors placed throughout the lobby because he felt the only performance of the night did not play out on the stage. The spectators were as much a part of the nightly performance as the actors.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to learn about Theatre in Regency England, here is your chance. I’ve compiled these totally random facts that you may or may not wish to know.
In the 18th and early 19th century, a night’s programme at the theatre included a five act play, followed by a farcical afterpiece, which were often pantomimes. The later entertainment was popular since it could be enjoyed by those who arrived late and were admitted at half price.
Wiltshire, John. The Cambridge Edition of Mansfield Park, Cambridge University Press (2005). Pg. 677.
The male nobility who kept their alternative lives away from prying eyes made exceptions for the theater. Cyprians often came face to face with wives and other relations of their male sponsors at the theatre and the opera.
Wilson, Ben. The Making of Victorian Values, Decency & Dissent in Britain: 1789-1837 . The Penguin Press (2007). Pg. 197.
Actors were not much better than servants in the eyes of society, and actresses were nearly prostitutes. A gentleman or aristocrat could set up an actress as his mistress, but heaven forbid, a lady enter into a relationship with an actor! In fact, the Prince Regent’s first mistress was Mary Robinson, an actress at the Theatre Royal. She caused a big stink when he ended the affair because he didn’t pay her the annuity expected at the end of the situation. Instead, she held letters he’d written her for ransom, demanding £5,000 for their return.
Martin, Joanna. Wives and Daughters. Hambledon Continuum (2004). Pg. 39.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/history/making_history/makhist10_prog2b.shtml
There were hundreds of candles that lit the auditorium and the stage during the intermissions as well as the performances (The theatres couldn’t be dimmed during the performance. It was too hazardous and would have been a time-consuming job!). The theatre employed candle trimmers and snuffers to monitor and tend to the candles. If a candle was trimmed too soon the trimmer risked knocking lit candles down and starting fires, but if they were trimmed too late, the audience would complain of hot wax dripping on them from above. (Ouch!)
Kelly, Ian . Beau Brummell, The Ultimate Man of Style . Free Press (2006). Pg. 167.
Renting a subscription box or owning a box was a sign of your social status and fashionable position. Only the most affluent purchased boxes by the season; however, as prices rose, some patrons chose to share a box and others rented their boxes out for individual performances.
Rendell, Jane. The Pursuit of Pleasure: Gender, Space and Architecture in Regency London . Rutgers University Press (2002). Pg. 116.
Shakespeare’s plays were tremendously popular but the actors performed in modern dress rather than the characteristic doublet and hose of the 16th century.
Tapley, Jane. Contrib to Jane Austen’s Regency World Magazine. Issue: 17. Pg. 23.
On 24 February 1809, the Theatre Royal burned down and did not reopen until 10 October 1812. The play performed that evening was Hamlet. While the Theatre Royal was being rebuilt, the Drury Lane Company used the Lyceum.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatre_Royal,_Drury_Lane
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyceum_Theatre,_London
Prior to the Drury Lane Company using the Lyceum, the building hosted a circus produced by Philip Astley, a chapel, and the first London exhibition of Madame Tussaud’s wax sculptures.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyceum_Theatre,_London
Famous courtesan Harriet Wilson had a box at the Opera every Tuesday and Sunday night and a box at the theatre from Thursday to Saturday. Her box was used to flaunt her “attractions” and were for the purpose of soliciting and meeting possible “protectors.”
Kelly, Ian . Beau Brummell, The Ultimate Man of Style . Free Press (2006). Pg. 170.
James Hadfield made an assassination attempt against George III on 15 May 1800 at the Theatre Royal. As the king was announced and God Save the King was played, Hadfield fired two pistol shots from the pit toward the King who stood in the royal box. The performers subdued Hadfield, who had reportedly missed by inches. The King appeared unfazed and requested the play continue as planned.
http://www.regencyhistory.net/2013/05/double-assassination-attempt-on-george.html
A spouting club was a meeting of apprentices and mechanics who rehearsed characters, and formed recruits for the strolling companies.
Grose, Captain (Francis). Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, 1811 edition. Ikon Classics (2004)
Fruit sellers sold their wares throughout the performances, and some had other trades on the side. Members of the audience and people in the boxes conducted business transactions. Theater staff, personal messengers, and footmen couriered gossip, orders for carriages, money, love notes and bills of exchange between patrons for much of the evening.
Kelly, Ian . Beau Brummell, The Ultimate Man of Style . Free Press (2006). Pg. 167.
It was normal and accepted not only for the audience to arrive exceedingly late (sometimes as much as an hour and a half) but also for them talk throughout the entire performance.
Murray, Venetia. An Elegant Madness. Penguin Books (1998). Pg. 220.
So, was Regency Theatre what you expected, better or worse? I find the more I read of it, the more surprised I am by some of the scandals.
