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Explore the world of Fitzwilliam Darcy like never before with Kelly Dean Jolley's new novel, Darcy's Struggle. This romantic and reflective story offers a fresh perspective on the classic tale, probing deep into Darcy's internal conflicts and emotions as he navigates his feelings for Elizabeth Bennet. In the following excerpt, we witness a pivotal moment where Darcy's perception of Elizabeth begins to shift, illuminating his struggle between intellect and heart.
Brilliant, sensitive, and private, Fitzwilliam Darcy finds himself
at the Meryton Assembly, consciously troubled by recent events in Ramsgate and
unconsciously troubled by himself. He insults Elizabeth Bennet, at whom
he has only glanced.
It is not until she appears at Netherfield—full of life, skirted in mud, and eager to attend to
her sick sister—that Darcy
truly looks at her. When he does, he knows she is the woman he has been
searching for, the elusive her of his heart. He falls for her
completely…despite her apparent unsuitability to be the Mistress of Pemberley
and his half-hearted efforts to convince himself he can live without her.
Shortly before Elizabeth leaves Netherfield,
Darcy apologizes for what he said at the Assembly. Will that apology and the
depth of his sudden but durable feelings give him hope with Elizabeth? Might
George Wickham’s arrival frustrate his hopes, especially after Darcy blunders
into a marriage proposal to Elizabeth?
Romantic, reflective, and ironic, this is a
story told from Darcy’s point of view, a story of the struggle from intellect
to heart—a deliberate character study and a delicate love
story.
Read an Excerpt
Darcy finally stopped staring.
It took
an act of will. Normally, Darcy had willpower in abundance. This time, it took
all he had.
When he
turned, Miss Bingley was staring at him. She had been staring at him staring at
Miss Elizabeth. He realized Miss Bingley had been aware of his staring since it
began—since Miss Elizabeth had entered Netherfield.
Bingley’s
sister always strained the world through his reactions, and he had forgotten
that. His reactions normally determined hers.
Behind
him, he heard Miss Elizabeth's voice, now fully contrite and containing no
trace of the challenge that had been in her eyes. She spoke softly to the
servants. “I am sorry. I tried to clean them before I knocked on the door and
believed I had, but the November mud is like glue.”
“It’s no
problem, ma’am,” one of the servants said, responding softly in kind.
Miss
Bingley turned as Darcy reached her, shaking her head in disapproval. “She walked here. What would she be about?”
Darcy
glanced at her, but only after he finally looked away from Miss Elizabeth. “She
has come to help care for her sister. An errand of kindness.”
She went
on shaking her head.
Tolerable?
Darcy
could now hear the question in his voice—in foro interno, as it
were: the voice of conscience.
Did I
say that? Was I that insensible? That inattentive? That
mistaken?
He
replayed the scene at the Assembly in his memory again. He had noticed Miss
Elizabeth before Bingley pointed her out, and he had glanced at her several
times during and after his exchange with him. But Darcy had not actually paid
attention to her—he had noticed the peculiar brightness of her eyes, and that
was all.
Tolerable?
Like saying Shakespeare had a minor gift for phrases.
He had
seen her now—truly seen her—and he would not judge so poorly again. She might
have inadvertently trailed mud into Netherfield, but she had also brought life
into it.
“Go and
sit down, Mr. Darcy. Join the others.” Although Miss Bingley managed a faint
smile, her tone was tense, hovering between request and command. “I will go
back and see that Miss Eliza finds her way to Jane's room. The apothecary
remains there.”
He nodded.
He did not glance back at Miss Elizabeth until Miss Bingley was walking toward
her and could not see.
When he
entered the drawing room, he realized his hands were clammy.
It was a new sensation.
***
His personal copy of Johnson's Rambler was
open on Darcy's lap and his eyes were fixed on the page, but he managed to read
nothing.
He
remained distracted.
Miss
Elizabeth. Her. Her?
Darcy
had never had any patience for those who believed that regard, love, could
spring from a first interview or show itself before two words had been
exchanged. A fantasy.
He had
always believed, to the contrary, that love was the result of less interesting
but more promising modes of attachment: knowledge of character, esteem—or even,
perhaps, gratitude. These were trustworthy foundations of love.
If any
love was possible before two words had been exchanged, it would have to be love
without knowledge of character or love without esteem, a house built on sand,
the result of passion outstripping virtue, taking reason hostage.
His
parents had loved and esteemed one another, learning to do so during a long
courtship, and their example of wedded harmony had shaped Darcy's hopes,
creating his understanding of connubial bliss.
He knew
Christopher Marlowe’s lines—Where both deliberate, the love is slight: Who
ever loved, that loved not at first sight?—but he rejected them. He
expected a deliberate love, like his parents’. A fine, stout love, solidly
three-dimensional, capable of withstanding the contradictions and varieties of
life.
As a
result, he had never imagined meeting her as involving
immediate recognition, of a vision with sudden, compulsive power. He had expected
to come to know her as her, as the woman, slowly,
over time, after first discovering that she satisfied his demands for her
situation and connections, that she was eligible. Eligible for
Pemberley. Perhaps she would even have a title. Only then could he begin to
ascertain whether she was the woman for whom he was searching.
Unfortunately, all the eligible women he had so far met had quickly proven not to be the woman he was looking for.
He had
not known what she looked like, but experience had taught him a great deal
about what she did not look like. The words of one of his Cambridge tutors came
to mind: “Plato asks the question that became the Learner’s Paradox. If you
don't know what you are searching for, how can you recognize it when you find
it, and if you do know, why is searching necessary? Either way, learning seems
impossible.”
But when
Miss Elizabeth tracked muddily into Netherfield with November on her hair and
in the color of her cheeks, eyes aflame, what Darcy saw had sudden, compulsive
power. She was herself a lesson. It was her. He had not known who
he was searching for, yet he knew it was she.
But it could not be. She was ineligible.
Did you enjoy this excerpt? Grab your copy then and immerse yourself in this delicate love story and character study, where every glance and gesture holds significance. Darcy's Struggle is a tale of transformation and self-discovery, perfect for fans of Pride and Prejudice and anyone who enjoys a deep, introspective romance. Don't miss out on this compelling new release!
Amazon Universal Buy Link
About the Author
Kelly Dean Jolley, a professor at Auburn University, has penned several novels. His first, Big Swamp, is a detective novel, which he followed with a Christmas mystery, The Vanishing Woman. He also composed a book of poetry, Stony Lonesome.
Using the pseudonym Newton Priors, he released three additional novels: Balter (A Retelling of Pride and Prejudice), Tides of Bath (A Retelling of Persuasion), and a Western, Heaven and Hell: A Romance.
Professor Jolley has made contributions to many academic publications as well. He is the author of The Concept 'Horse' Paradox and Wittgensteinian Conceptual Investigations, the editor of Wittgenstein: Key Concepts, and has published over forty academic articles. He is a past Alumni Professor and currently the Goodwin-Philpott Endowed Chair in Religion and Professor of Philosophy.
Contact Information
Coming Soon from Kelly Dean Jolley and Meryton
Press
Pride, Prejudice, and Pretense
(A spy novel, a romance, and a character study)
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Welcome to My Jane Austen Book Club! Today, we have the pleasure of hosting MJ Stratton, author of the captivating Sense and Sensibility variation, "What Ought to Have Been." In this intriguing tale, Stratton invites readers to explore a world where the Dashwood sisters take fate into their own hands, seeking justice and redemption amidst the challenges of love and society.
Welcome, Austen Admirers! Today, we have a
special treat for you as we welcome the talented author Elizabeth Famous to our
cozy corner of the internet. With her recent publication, Pemberley Beach, a contemporary
reimagining of Jane Austen’s timeless classic Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth
has captivated readers with her fresh take on beloved characters and themes.
We invite you to join us in exploring Elizabeth’s creative process, her love for Austen’s work, and the delightful twists and turns she introduces in Pemberley Beach. This interview is not just a conversation between author and interviewer; it’s an invitation for all of you to participate. Feel free to share your thoughts, questions, and favourite Austen moments in the comments section below. After all, what’s better than discussing literature with fellow enthusiasts? So, brew a cup of tea, settle into your favourite reading nook, and Elizabeth Famous as she shares insights into her literary world and her passion for all things Austen.
I’m here today celebrating a double book
release! A Little Bit Foolish is a collection of Pride and Prejudice
April Fool’s stories, and Swipe Right for Mr. Darcy is a modern
retelling of Pride and Prejudice.
In 2021, I began a new tradition of releasing a new comedy story on April Fool’s Day with my short story Unconventional, an Austentatious Comedy that Defies Expectations! The following year, I wrote An Unexpected Party. Last year, my plans for a short story were interrupted by the release of my full-length variation A Favorable Impression, and thus I did not complete an April Fool’s story in 2023. Therefore, this year, I decided to release a whole collection, including 3 brand-new stories!
Dear Austen Admirers,
Are you ready to dive back into the enchanting world of Jane Austen's beloved characters? Brace yourselves because a new exciting journey awaits as we're on the brink of revealing the cover for "Crossroads", a collection of four new novellas by MJ Stratton. Here we go!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Jane Fairfax knows she is truly fortunate. Most orphans face lives of hardship, whereas she was adopted by doting surrogate parents who elevated her place in society and love her as their own. Yet even they cannot shield her from the grim realities of life without a suitable marriage. In moments of despair, Jane comforts herself with a well-worn memory: that of a young man whose kind words when they were children once soothed her heartbreak. But now that boy has grown into a dashing gentleman―and their lives could not be more distant. Frank Churchill is a prisoner of his station. His inheritance is held in the balance by his demanding aunt, and the weight of her expectations is suffocating him. But when a chance encounter brings the lovely Miss Fairfax back into his life, he discovers what it is to truly live. As the pair secretly become acquainted amid the confines of society’s strict rules, their friendship blossoms into love. But in a world ruled by unyielding traditions, endeavoring to build a life together would mean inviting a scandal that would shake the very foundation of the ton.
Dear Austenians,
Welcome, one and all, to My Jane Austen Book Club! I am thrilled to extend a heartfelt welcome to each of you who decided to join us on the second day of a truly special journey.
Today, it is my distinct pleasure to introduce our esteemed guest, Christine Combe! Welcome back and thank you for being a part of this delightful gathering.
Today, we have the privilege of exploring Christine's latest literary marvel, The Husbands of Elizabeth Bennet. This brilliant duet, crafted with Christine's masterful pen, promises to whisk us away to the enchanting world of Jane Austen's iconic characters.
Introducing Damn Her and
Her Fine Eyes!
Greetings, dear readers of My Jane Austen
Book Club! Today, I am thrilled to present to you a delightful treat for all
lovers of Regency-era literature and the intricate dance of courtship: Damn Her and Her Fine Eyes!
This short story, penned by the talented
author behind "The Three Witches of Milton," delves into the world of
Caroline Bingley, a character familiar to fans of Jane Austen's beloved
classic, Pride and Prejudice. Set in the illustrious realm of
Austen's England, Damn Her and Her Fine Eyes! offers a captivating
glimpse into the life and intrigues of one of literature's most memorable
antagonists.
In this intimate tale, Caroline Bingley takes center stage, revealing layers of her character often left unexplored. With a narrative spanning a mere 2,000 words, the story unfolds with precision and nuance, inviting readers to unravel the complexities of Caroline's ambitions, desires, and innermost thoughts.
A Unique Crossover
Caroline Malcom-Boulton is the author of The Three Witches of Milton, a unique crossover novella which unites and
explores elements from three of my absolute best favourite classic novels: Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South,
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre.
Playing
with quotes from these three inspirational novels and their iconic screenplays,
Caroline Malcom-Boulton blends the English classics together, infusing them
with an original plot, all so that we might explore the intriguing relationship
of similarities between their characters and themes.
I invited lovely Caroline to join me at My Jane Austen Book Club to talk Jane Austen and also to tell us more about her new release.
HERE’S MY INTERVIEW
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It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you a brand new Pride and Prejudice variation, "No Less Than Any Other," authored by MJ Stratton. This delightful novel presents an intriguing twist on the classic tale we all know and love. Are you ready to scroll down and discover more?
Today, here at My Jane Austen Book Club, we have a new guest, Caroline Cartier, author of a brand new Pride and Prejudice Variation, “Without Affection.” Welcome, Caroline and thanks for finding the time to answer our questions. Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your journey into the world of writing?
Hi Maria! Thank you so much for letting me stop by your lovely blog! Let me see, what can I tell you about myself. I’m 43 and married with one daughter. I used to be a surgical coordinator, but I injured my spine during the pandemic and now I write books.
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Today, here at My Jane Austen Book Club, we have the pleaatting with Summer Hanford, the brilliant mind behind the new Pride and Prejudice Variation, Mr. Darcy's Bookshop. Welcome, Summer! Could you start by telling us what inspired you to explore the idea of Fitzwilliam Darcy as a bookseller?sure of ch
Hi Maria Grazia! First, thank you so much for hosting me today. I’m very excited to be here at My Jane Austen Book Club. Thank you for putting together such a nice gathering place for the Austenesque community.
In the course of 1811, the Bennets of Longbourn meet two sets of estranged relatives: Mr Bennet’s unprepossessing heir, and his mother’s family. Elizabeth Bennet journeys into Kent to stay with the Palmers at Wingham Hall: her grand-aunt Iphigenia, her cousin Sir James Palmer, who had loved her grandmother ardently in his youth, and his son Galahad. Pleased with her new relations, Elizabeth is less content with the taciturn friend Galahad has invited to join him at Wingham. Fitzwilliam Darcy—rich and proud, disdainful of those beneath him—has escorted his sister Georgiana to Ramsgate, to recuperate from a dangerous illness in the care of her companion, Mrs Younge.
Complications arise with the arrival of Elizabeth’s sister
Jane and, separately, Charles and Caroline Bingley, the authors of Jane’s
unhappiness. Tensions and quarrels result in the Bingleys’ abrupt departure,
swiftly followed by Darcy after a maladroit proposal that Elizabeth spurns with
a pride that matches his own.
Unfortunately, Darcy leaves Kent just as his enemy, George Wickham appears, intent on securing Georgiana and her fortune. Who will stand between Georgiana and ruin? Who will win Jane Bennet’s hand? And can Darcy and Elizabeth ever be reconciled?”
Jane Austen's novels offer valuable insights into human behaviour and relationships, and there are mindfulness lessons that can be gleaned from her works. While mindfulness as a concept and practice didn't exist during Austen's time, her keen observations of human nature and her characters' journeys can still offer wisdom for contemporary readers seeking to cultivate mindfulness and emotional intelligence.
