Using an Argument in your novel

A lively argument can often be a useful “trigger” when writing a novel – not only to move the story on to a new situation or event, but also to tell the reader more about one of your characters.

In “Dialogue with Darcy”, I took the opportunity to use Mr Darcy’s discussion with his cousin Fitzwilliam in an early chapter of the novel to show our hero discovering that his frequently stubborn opinions must be modified to take account of other people’s views.

“Sitting at his desk in the library, Darcy looked out of the window. However, his eyes did not really see the familiar view over the lake at Pemberley. Instead, in the forefront of his mind was the soft touch of Elizabeth’s fingers on his when he had left her at the door to the terrace only a few minutes ago, and his memory of that secret smile that she kept only for him.

On the other side of the library, Colonel Fitzwilliam was standing with a book in his hand, looking rather less calm than usual. He might be a guest in his cousin’s house, but that did not mean that he had to agree with everything that Darcy said.

His host had always prided himself on his ability to advise his friends and family about their lives. That he was not inclined to take any notice of what they might suggest was not something to which Darcy ever gave much attention.

“After all, Fitzwilliam, we have already agreed that it is essential for you to marry well, for your future financial security. So what is the problem? I cannot see any difficulty.”

His cousin sighed. Why was it that Darcy suddenly became deaf to any rational discussion if one held an opposite view to his own? He had hoped that his cousin’s happy alliance with Elizabeth would mean an improved understanding on Darcy’s part about personal matters. Marriage, after all, was one of the most important steps in life that anyone had to take, and his own lack of a settled income made it particularly necessary that the decision should be given great care.

The irritation that Darcy felt about his cousin’s attitude was tempered by his pleasure in seeing his new wife Elizabeth sitting outside in the sunshine, reading one of the books that she had brought with her from her father’s library. It did not seem so long ago that he had feared he might never be able to persuade her to marry him. But now their settled future lay ahead, the very real prospect of a family of his own, and the support of the person that he loved most in all the world.
However, a slight movement by his cousin reminded him of his duty. He had not hesitated to speak to Colonel Fitzwilliam about his future marriage plans.

After all, the colonel was a close relative and was now nearly thirty years of age. As the younger son of an earl, he might not have significant financial prospects, but he was very well connected socially, quite apart from being Darcy’s own first cousin. In addition, he was tall, had a distinguished appearance and a very pleasant personal manner.

“Surely you really must agree that my suggestion is the best solution for both of you.” Darcy had been very irritated that the colonel had not shared his initial enthusiasm for the idea.

Colonel Fitzwilliam took a deep breath, and repeated what he had said to Darcy several times before.

“Of course, she is a most delightful young woman and, as you have reminded me, we have known each other for a long time, indeed ever since she was born. But why should Georgiana see me as a potential partner in life? She has a handsome dowry, as you have so often told me, and that would attract many men with a more substantial income and at least as elevated a social situation as myself, and who could offer her much more comfortable circumstances.”

“That may be so, Fitzwilliam, but she has shown very little interest to date in any of the young men to whom she has been introduced, despite the best efforts of myself, and more recently my dear wife. If Elizabeth cannot persuade Georgiana that any of them are worthy of her consideration, then has it occurred to you that she might be harbouring a secret passion for someone else, for you?”

Colonel Fitzwilliam looked at him with a weary expression. There were times when Darcy behaved in a very similar way to their aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who could be so high-handed as to alienate not only her acquaintances, but also her immediate family. Yet Darcy was even less inclined than most people to do what others suggested to him.

“As far as I can tell, Georgiana is not harbouring what you call a secret passion for anyone, and certainly not for me. For heaven’s sake, Darcy, where is the urgency for you to have to find her a partner in life?”

The colonel walked over to look out of the window at the view outside. On the sunny terrace, Elizabeth was now getting up to join her sister-in-law standing by the lake, and soon they were busy in animated conversation. He was sure that Elizabeth would have rather different views about her husband’s suggestion, and perhaps it was time for him to take her aside and discuss the matter in private.

“Would you like me to have a word with my sister on your behalf?” said Darcy.

“No, I would not,” his cousin hastily replied, “that would be premature, to say the least. In any case, I have no need of you to make my addresses for me, and I wish to consider the subject much more carefully before I do anything.”

Mr Darcy, of course, is used to having his own way, so he returns to the subject later in my book.

But marriage can change people, as you will discover in “Dialogue with Darcy”