Actions rather than words?

Sometimes, actions can tell us more about a character in a novel than words.

In my first book “Darcy’s Story”, the hero seems to have few friends, but is very fond of his much younger sister Georgiana, perhaps especially because of the early death of their parents. When something unexpected occurs concerning her, he is very quick to notice, and to take action. This extract from my book is an example:

“The following afternoon, Darcy visited his attorney, Mr Stone, to discuss his business affairs. On his return, he found a letter waiting for him from Georgiana.

He took his favourite seat in the drawing room of his house in London, facing the window onto the Square, and began to read.

“My dear brother, We called in at Rosings as I promised.
Our cousin Anne was unwell, and kept to her room. However, Mrs Younge and I took luncheon with Lady Catherine before continuing on our journey. Our aunt had messages for you that I will pass on when we next meet.

Mrs Younge and I are now well settled in our lodgings, and Ramsgate is a most delightful place. We are walking every day along the front by the sea to watch the ebb and flow of the tides. We have also taken a carriage out into the country; there are many pretty lanes and woods to see round about.

I am very much enjoying the opportunity to renew my acquaintance with the gentleman whom I mentioned to you in my last letter. He knows Mrs Younge quite well, and is just as delightful a companion as I remember him.

He says that I should not tell you anything of his being here, which seems to me a little strange. I have not seen him for more than 5 years, when he returned to Pemberley with you while you were both at Cambridge.
If I say that his name begins with W, I shall not be breaking my promise to him to keep our secret.

Your loving sister

Georgiana.”

Darcy read the letter twice through.

Suddenly, a terrible thought came to him. He leapt to his feet and called to his man to pack an overnight bag, and get the carriage to the door within half an hour.”