AUTHOR GUEST POST: AMANDA KAI, LOVE IN JANE AUSTEN'S BOOKS. NEW RELEASE, EXCERPT, GAME & GIVEAWAY.

 

Thank you, Maria Grazia, for inviting me to come back to My Jane Austen Book Club this month in time to celebrate the month of love with my Valentine’s Day release, The Pleasure of Remembrance!

February is the perfect time to talk about love in Jane Austen’s books, because all of them contain beautiful love stories that have withstood the test of time and continue to capture our hearts and inspire new retellings and variations daily.

My favorite of all is the enemies-to-lovers romance between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. There’s something so captivating about their characters and the misunderstandings they develop before coming to realize that they are a perfect fit for each other.

Although love is the heartbeat of all the Austen stories, it comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Unexpected Love—Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet

One of the best things about Elizabeth and Darcy’s love is how it comes so unexpectedly to both of them. Darcy initially dismisses Elizabeth as “tolerable” but “not handsome enough” to tempt him, but to his own surprise, within a few weeks, his criticism turns to admiration of her appearance and playful manners. Elizabeth’s prejudice of Darcy obscures his character, but once those walls are torn down and his true worth is revealed, her hatred is suddenly replaced with love for him. Although she does not immediately recognize this new feeling growing within her, it becomes apparent to her when her sister’s elopement cuts off her hopes that he might renew his addresses to her.

“It was, on the contrary, exactly calculated to make her understand her own wishes; and never had she so honestly felt that she could have loved him, as now, when all love must be vain.”

Thankfully, we know that Mr. Darcy doesn’t let her sister’s “scandalously patched up marriage” prevent him from trying again to win Elizabeth’s heart, and this time, he succeeds.

Unrequited Love—Fanny Price and Edmund Bertram

Few things bring more agony than watching the person you love fall in love with someone else—especially if you know that person is all wrong for them, and that you are exactly right for them! Fanny Price spends years pining after the one worthy man in her life—Edmund Bertram, before he finally wakes up and realizes that the kind of woman he’s been searching for has been right by his side the whole time.

“Scarcely had he done regretting Mary Crawford, and observing to Fanny how impossible it was that he should ever meet with such another woman, before it began to strike him whether a very different kind of woman might not do just as well, or a great deal better: whether Fanny herself were not growing as dear, as important to him in all her smiles and all her ways, as Mary Crawford had ever been; and whether it might not be a possible, a hopeful undertaking to persuade her that her warm and sisterly regard for him would be foundation enough for wedded love.”

Forbidden Love—Elinor Dashwood and Edward Ferrars

 “I have known myself to be divided from Edward for ever, without hearing one circumstance that could make me less desire the connection. Nothing has proved him unworthy; nor has anything declared him indifferent to me. I have had to contend against the unkindness of his sister, and the insolence of his mother; and have suffered the punishment of an attachment, without enjoying its advantages. And all this has been going on at a time, when, as you know too well, it has not been my only unhappiness. If you can think me capable of ever feeling, surely you may suppose that I have suffered now.”

Quite equal to unrequited love in its pain is that of forbidden love. Elinor and Edward’s love was impermissible, not only due to his mother’s disapproval, but his own engagement to Lucy Steele (which was itself, secret, and forbidden!) Knowing that you love someone, but that it is impossible to be with them, is an agonizing feeling, and one that Austen makes certain the readers know, since Elinor is forced not only to carry the secret of her own forbidden love, but that of her rival who has a prior claim on Edward.

Interestingly, the revelation of these secrets is what paves the way for this couple’s happiness. The discovery of Edward’s engagement to Lucy sets off a chain of events leading to his disinheritance and Lucy trading him out for his brother, which in turn leaves him free to marry. He does not immediately regain his mother’s favor, but by this time, he no longer needs to care about her approval; she has already disowned him, and he now has the patronage of Colonel Brandon on which to support a wife. Neither he nor Elinor have any great pretensions about their lifestyle, and are quite happy to live a comfortable life in a small parsonage in the countryside.

 First Love—Catherine Moreland and Henry Tilney

It is a precious thing for the first person you fall in love with to be the right person, but that’s exactly what happened for Catherine Moreland with Henry Tilney. No rogue or ill-mannered coxcomb managed to charm her (despite John Thorpe’s best efforts), only the pure heart of a man who knows his muslins as well as he knows his way around the dance floor. Catherine lucked out, meeting Henry at only 17 years old and waiting a comparatively short time (only a year) to marry her first love.

“Henry and Catherine were married, the bells rang, and everybody smiled; and, as this took place within a twelvemonth from the first day of their meeting, it will not appear, after all the dreadful delays occasioned by the General’s cruelty, that they were essentially hurt by it. To begin perfect happiness at the respective ages of twenty-six and eighteen is to do pretty well”

Second Love—Marianne Dashwood and Colonel Brandon

For all its sweetness, it is worth noting that first love is not always your forever love. Whether it is falling in love with the wrong person, as was the case for Marianne with Willoughby, or losing your first love due to circumstances outside your control, which happened to Colonel Brandon’s love Eliza, sometimes the second love is made all the sweeter for having loved before. Though the attraction was initially one-sided on Colonel Brandon’s part, both Marianne and Brandon came to appreciate each other deeper as their relationship grew, until the love they shared was as strong and passionate as the first love that they had mourned.

“Colonel Brandon was now as happy, as all those who best loved him, believed he deserved to be;—in Marianne he was consoled for every past affliction;—her regard and her society restored his mind to animation, and his spirits to cheerfulness; and that Marianne found her own happiness in forming his, was equally the persuasion and delight of each observing friend. Marianne could never love by halves; and her whole heart became, in time, as much devoted to her husband, as it had once been to Willoughby.”

Second-chance Love—Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth

“Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you.”

While, as we have seen, second loves can equal or surpass a first love, there are also those first loves that, while other romantic interests come and go, refuse to let go of our hearts. Such is the case for Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth. You may have heard the saying “the right person but the wrong time”, and this was them. Too young and unready to marry when they first fell in love, Anne was persuaded to end her engagement to the young naval captain, breaking both of their hearts in the process. But for them, the love they felt could not be extinguished, even years later. Even when more eligible and desirable matches were available, they still preferred each other over any other, and were rewarded for their fidelity when they finally confessed their steadfast feelings. 

Friendship Love—Emma Woodhouse and Mr. Knightley

“I cannot make speeches, Emma:” he soon resumed; and in a tone of such sincere, decided, intelligible tenderness as was tolerably convincing.—“If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more. But you know what I am.—You hear nothing but truth from me.—I have blamed you, and lectured you, and you have borne it as no other woman in England would have borne it.—Bear with the truths I would tell you now, dearest Emma, as well as you have borne with them. The manner, perhaps, may have as little to recommend them. God knows, I have been a very indifferent lover.—But you understand me.—Yes, you see, you understand my feelings—and will return them if you can.”

One of truest proofs of love is the test of time, and certainly Emma Woodhouse and Mr. Knightley proved this with their long-standing friendship as it grew into romantic love. Having known each other for over 21 years, they grew up together as a literal boy-next-door-girl-next-door family friendship, further connected by their siblings’ marriage. Knowing each other so well, they are able to fight and scold each other with a closeness and familiarity that resembles a long-time married couple; their friendship is strong enough to endure it. With such a strong foundation, it is easy to see how their friendship  could easily move into a lasting romantic relationship, a love that has already endured the test of time and will continue to do so.

Conclusion

With so many wonderful examples of love, it is easy to see why Jane Austen’s books continue to be a favorite of so many readers, and why her works timelessly speak to us, imparting truths that reflect our own lives as we navigate the waters of finding true love.

In my own life, I’ve been blessed to find my own “Mr. Darcy” in the form of my husband, who continues to be my rock and helpmate, and the staunchest supporter of my writing career.

He encouraged me to publish my books, of which I now have thirteen, including my newest book that comes out tomorrow, “The Pleasure of Remembrance.”

You can find many examples of love in this book and my other books in “The Other Paths Collection”, a set of standalone Pride and Prejudice variations each featuring a different path to Happily Ever After for Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.

About the Book

What if Mr. Darcy lost his memory before meeting Elizabeth? 

While traveling to Ramsgate, Mr. Darcy's carriage is attacked by highwaymen. He awakens with no memory of his past, in the care of his rescuer, the spirited Elizabeth Bennet. 

As their tender friendship blossoms into something more, their hopes for happiness are shattered when Mr. Darcy's identity comes to light, along with the news that he is betrothed to another. 

Meanwhile, a sinister plot unfolds, endangering both Darcy and his sister. Only by reclaiming his lost memories can Darcy escape from an unwanted marriage and rescue his sister from the clutches of the vile Mr. Wickham. 

But after the turmoil subsides, Darcy finds that he must prove himself worthy of the one pleasure he desires most of all: to marry Elizabeth Bennet. 

This captivating variation on Pride and Prejudice will keep you guessing until the very end. A heartwarming love story for Darcy and Elizabeth culminating in a Happily Ever After.

Read an Excerpt

June 4, 1811

 It is a truth universally acknowledged that travelers on the open road must always be on guard against the threat of highwaymen. No matter how well-armed their coach may be, or how well-traveled the paths they cross, the chance that they might be overpowered by ruffians is a risk that all who journey along the highways must take.

These were the risks that Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy assumed when he set out from Pemberley to surprise his sister with a visit at the place where she was staying by the seaside. His intention was to come down by way of London, spend a day or two at his townhouse, and then journey on to Ramsgate. 

However, years of traveling the heavily frequented roads between Pemberley and London had made him lax concerning the dangers. Having already been on the road for five long, tiring days, he yearned for the comforts of his own bed and the peace and quiet that came with it. Thus, after a particularly restless night at the inn at Bedford, during which his neighbors’ heavy snores and nocturnal activities were continuously heard through the thin walls, he meant to press his luck to reach St. James’ Square by nightfall.

Darcy opened the lid of his ornate gold pocket watch to check the hour. Still plenty of daylight remaining. I shall sleep soundly in my own bed tonight. And by Friday, I shall be at Ramsey Place with my dear sister, he reminded himself.

He returned the watch to his pocket and surveyed the countryside. All the landscape in that region looked the same—large stretches of farmland, interspersed with rolling hills and quaint little market towns and hamlets. Instinctively, he fiddled with the signet ring upon his hand. 

“Everything all right, sir?” His faithful valet, Perkins, asked. 

Darcy nodded. “Yes. Just wondering if you had any inkling where we are.” He recalled they had changed horses and postillion nearly an hour or so before, but had not paid much attention to the town or coaching inn. He had not departed from the coach to refresh himself since a few stops prior, since the plush equipage was his own; only the horses were rented.

“I believe, sir, we are presently in the county of Hertfordshire,” Perkins replied. “If you are weary, perhaps we might stop for the night when we reach St. Albans.”

“No, that will not be necessary,” Darcy said, cringing at the mere idea of another sleepless night in an uncomfortable bed.

But reaching St. Albans was not to happen, it would seem. After a few more miles, they heard the postillion yell “whoa” to the horses and felt the coach slow to a stop. Darcy opened the window and poked his head into the open. 

“What’s happened, Silas? Why are we stopped?”

“Bridge up ahead is out, sir,” the footman called down to him. 

Darcy heard him alight from the box. He opened the door for Darcy and Perkins, who stepped out. 

“Washed out from the swollen river, it would appear,” Silas said, pointing ahead at the remnants of a bridge crossing the flooded waters.

“Is there no way around it?” Darcy asked. His plans of a quiet night’s sleep seemed to evaporate. Turning back to the town where they last changed horses was an even worse prospect than staying the night in St. Albans. Yet a detour could prove catastrophic if they became lost in some rural place, far from any reputable inn. He did not relish the thought of wandering unfamiliar paths in the dark.

“Passed a fork in the road, about half a mile back, Master,” Silas informed him.

“Have you any idea where it leads?”

“Not a clue, sir. This part of the country is unfamiliar to me.” Silas shook his head.

John, the postillion, spoke up. “I saw a farmhouse not five minutes ago. If you please sir, allow me to inquire of the locals there about what road we ought to take. I am afraid my usual routes do not take me by way of any but the main roads, so I am unfamiliar.”

With Darcy’s permission, the young man was off, and returned in a half-hour’s time bearing news that the road Silas proposed would lead them to St. Albans, albeit by a slower, less direct path. 

Faced without any better options, Darcy agreed. 

The alternative road was less well-paved than the main thoroughfare, and soon became unpaved altogether. John was forced to go at an inchworm’s pace to avoid the many ruts and ditches, each which threatened to overturn the coach with a misstep. 

Darcy’s backside soon grew sore from the frequent bumps and jostles, even in a carriage as fine and well-sprung as his was. 

“We may do better to walk for a time, sir,” Perkins suggested.

Perkins’ proposal held merit. With a brief rap on the roof to let John and Silas know their intentions, Darcy and Perkins descended from the coach and began to walk alongside it. 

They had gone more than an hour since their departure from the main road, and the sun was making its slow descent towards the horizon. Darcy began to wonder if they should even reach St. Albans before the light disappeared from view entirely and they were left with only the stars and moon to guide them.

Ahead of them, a buxom woman limped into view, her clothes torn and dirty, and her bonnet disheveled. “Madam, are you in distress?” Darcy called to her. He prepared to hasten to the lady’s assistance, but Perkins beat him to it. 

“Allow me, sir,” Perkins said, attending to the strange female as they drew near. He permitted her to lean on his shoulder as she limped to where their carriage was. 

“Help me, kind sirs!” The lady cried in a thick, nasally voice. “I was attacked in the woods by thieves. They beat me, and took my money and my horse.”

Highwaymen. Darcy’s hand instinctively flew to his pocket. Though he did not travel with an exorbitant amount of money, he had enough banknotes and coins in his purse to make an attractive target for thieves. His fine dress and luxurious carriage would be enough to make them guess that he was someone of wealth and status.

“How came you by this path, unaccompanied?” he asked. “From whence have you departed, and to whence are you bound?”

“I was on my way to call upon my aunt in the neighboring village,” she murmured, “but I was waylaid on my journey by these ruffians.”

“You appear to be bleeding, madam,” Darcy said, glimpsing a red-stained stocking peeping out from beneath her gown. “Is there any house or inn nearby where we might bring you to receive proper treatment?”

By this time, Silas and John had come down from the box and drawn near to be of any assistance they could. 

“There is an estate nearby, but it is presently vacant.” Her voice dropped. “Which means, there will be no one to hear you either.” A wicked gleam leapt to her eyes as she pulled a single-shot pistol from her reticule and pointed it at Darcy’s chest. The stranger stood up, limp gone, and Darcy discerned that this was in fact a man, posing as a woman. 

A rustling sound was heard all around them, as three other men emerged from the trees, all wearing cloaks, their faces masked. One carried a heavy club, another a sword, and the third, a pepperbox pistol.

“Now, if you please, sir,” the first highwayman said in feigned politeness, “hand over your purse and other valuables, and there will be no need for any unpleasantness.”

“Better do what he says, sir,” Perkins warned in a faint voice, his face pale with terror. 

Silas glanced at the box, where his own pistol had been left, perhaps gauging whether he could make for it in time to defend them. Poor John stood motionless, his feet locked into place. 

“Very well,” Darcy acceded. “I will do as you ask.” Careful not to make any sudden movements, he reached into the pocket of his coat and withdrew a sizable pouch of coins, handing it to the man pointing the gun at him. The thief took it with his free hand, bouncing it a few times in his palm as if to guess the amount by the weight of it. 

“Now your other valuables,” one of the masked men directed. 

Darcy removed the jeweled stick pin from his cravat, then reached into his pocket and withdrew his watch. He would be sore to lose it; it had been a gift from his father, along with his ring bearing the Darcy crest. But one could not afford to cling to sentimental keepsakes when one’s life was at stake. 

Before he could hand his priceless treasures over to the fiends, a movement caught his eye. Silas tried to climb on the step of the coach to reach for his pistol. 

A shot rang out, echoing through the trees. Silas fell.

“You fool!” the masked man with the pepperbox pistol, who appeared to be their leader, cried. “Now we shall have to kill them all.”

The “lady” highwayman who had fired the single-shot grabbed John and held him tight while the beefy one with the club bludgeoned him. Perkins made a break for the woods. Another shot reverberated, this time coming from the leader with the pepperbox pistol. Perkins’ form disappeared from sight. 

“Follow him!” the leader shouted. The one with the club dropped John’s lifeless form to the ground and pursued Perkins into the woods.

Darcy seized the momentary distraction and attempted to flee in the other direction. But at closer range, the leader proved to be a better marksman.

He felt the burning sensation in his body before his ears could recognize the sound of the shot. Darcy staggered forward, the earth colliding with his face as he slammed into the ground. Blackness fell all around him as the certainty of imminent death drew upon him. He prayed that they would have mercy and end him quickly.

 

Buy Link

The Pleasure of Remembrance, coming to Amazon and Kindle Unlimited, February 14, 2025.

About the Author

Amanda Kai’s love of period dramas and classic literature influences her sweet historical and modern romances. She is the author of seven award-winning books inspired by Jane Austen, including Sudden Awakenings and Swipe Right for Mr. Darcy. Prior to becoming an author, Amanda enjoyed a successful career as a professional harpist, and danced ballet for twenty years. When she’s not diving into the realm of her imagination, Amanda lives out her own happily ever after in Texas with her husband and three children. 

Game

Just for fun,  Amanda has created a memory game out of all the beautiful covers of her books.

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of The Pleasure of Remembrance, Amanda is giving away some fabulous prizes. Click here to enter. Giveaway ends March 8, 2025.