SPOTLIGHT ON ... DARCY AND ELIZABETH, A MOST UNLIKELY COUPLE BY BRENDA J. WEBB + GIVEAWAY

Darcy and Elizabeth, A Most Unlikely Couple

 

With his persuasive tongue, Andrew Darcy is a very charismatic scoundrel. Having dealt for years with the scandals created by this wayward cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy has grown weary. Thus, when yet another gentleman confronts Darcy about Andrew’s blatant betrayal of his daughter, Darcy decides he has had enough.

He sets out for Meryton to find Andrew, but no sooner has Andrew left for Manchester to offer for the unfortunate lady, than Meryton is abuzz with a new scandal involving Andrew and a local woman.

Feeling obligated to offer his assistance to the father, Darcy has no idea that accompanying Bingley to Longbourn will change his life forever. For the lady whose reputation is now at stake, Elizabeth Bennet, is the very reason he fled Meryton only weeks before.

Read an excerpt 

DARCY!” Charles’ voice penetrated his senses and he realised his friend was standing behind the open carriage door. “Are you well? I called several times, but you paid me no mind.”

“I . . . I apologise—”

“Never mind, we must hurry! Mr. Bennet has agreed to see you.” As William stepped out of the carriage and they started towards the door, Bingley cautioned, “Please try not to upset him. Just remember that he has had a great shock and has a lot of things on his mind.”

William stopped in his tracks. “Bingley, do you think me bereft of good manners?”

“No, not at all! Just try not to appear superior! I know that you do not think yourself superior, but those who are not acquainted with you have no way of knowing. From your manner—”

William broke in. “Thank you for the vote of confidence.”

A housekeeper was already holding open the front door by then. She did not speak, nor did she meet their eyes as they entered the foyer. William glanced about, noting that the interior of the house was as neglected as the exterior. Suddenly, he noticed someone he assumed was the Master of Longbourn standing in the shadow of a doorway several feet ahead. Nodding in that direction, he was taken aback when the man stepped back into the room. A click signalled the door had closed.

Once Charles was alongside, the housekeeper led them to that very doorway. At her knock, a fatigued voice called, “Come!”

She opened the door and motioned for them to enter. William watched as Bingley stepped inside, then he steeled himself to follow. The room was dark, save for a place in front of a large window where the curtain was pulled back. It was in this light that Elizabeth’s father stood, hands locked behind his back, staring woodenly into the distance. He did not bother to turn or otherwise acknowledge his guests. The friends exchanged pointed looks and Charles shrugged. Still, only a nudge from Darcy spurred him to speak.

“Ah, err, Mr. Bennet, sir. This is my good friend. The one I spoke to you about—Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire.”

For a long while, Mr. Bennet was silent, and William became convinced that he was waiting for him to speak. He had just cleared his throat when their host deigned to reply.

“Mr. Bingley explained that you are the Darcy with ten thousand a year, while your cousin simply lets people assume that he is the one who is wealthy.”

William, who preferred to keep his finances private, frowned at Charles as he replied, “I cannot control what people say or choose to believe.”

“Nor, it seems, can you control the lies your cousin spews!” His bitterness silenced William and Mr. Bennet turned then to examine him. “You look remarkably alike. From my experience with the man, I think that must be a curse for you.”

“Sir, I—”

A hand came up to silence him again. “Just looking at you, one would think you are a gentleman, but then your cousin looked the part as well.” Mr. Bennet turned back to face the window. “Mr. Bingley puts great stock in your character, but he has not convinced me. So suppose you tell me why you are here? For seldom does one of your station deign to visit my humble estate. What can you possibly do to be of service now that that blackguard has compromised my daughter?”

William took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, gathering his courage. “I can marry her.”

Mr. Bennet stiffened but otherwise did not react. Not so Charles! His head swung around and his mouth flew open, as he whispered anxiously, “Darcy, what are you saying?”

William gave Charles a sharp look, shaking his head in order to quiet him.

Meet the author: Brenda J. Webb

Before my obsession with all things Jane Austen, I worked as an administrative assistant to the president of a CPA firm. No longer working in that industry, thankfully, I enjoy spending time with my family and indulging my love of storytelling.  

Born on a farm in Cullman, Alabama, I proudly admit to being a country girl, and after years of living in the city, I have finally achieved my dream of moving back to the country. My husband and I now reside on a three acre mini-farm, sporting chickens and numerous rescued dogs and cats. 

Always a voracious reader, I rediscovered Jane Austen books after watching the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie. Searching for everything relating to Miss Austen, I eventually stumbled into the world of Jane Austen Fan Fiction. After reading many of other people's stories, I decided to try my hand at writing a tale that kept coming to mind and began posting that story online. 

By November of 2010, I started my own forum, DarcyandLizzy.com, and many readers followed me to this site. Several of my friends insisted that I publish, and in April 2011, Fitzwilliam Darcy an Honourable Man became available on Amazon.com. 

It was followed by Mr. Darcy's Forbidden Love in December 2012, and Darcy and Elizabeth, A Most Unlikely Couple in November 2014. 

Anyone is welcome to join the forum and read stories by an array of talented JAFF writers. Just register at darcyandlizzy.com/forum.

Website link: http://darcyandlizzy.com/forum

Blog link (if different): http://darcyandlizzy.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brenda-Webb-Novelist/211416388887236

Twitter handle:@darcyanlizzycom

Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/darcyandlizzy.com

 Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/chloe8911/

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