The bad news is today is the day I was supposed to interview Author Mary Simonsen!  Yikes!!  I wrote to Ms. Simonsen, explaining the situation, and she graciously allowed me to postpone my interview with her.  Ms. Simonsen fully understood how auspicious an opportunity this was for me and did not relish raising the ire of Anne’s mother, Lady Catherine de Bourgh!  Thank you, Mary, for your kindness and understanding in this matter!  I apologize for any inconvenience.

Without further ado…I am very pleased and excited to share with you my…

 Interview with Anne de Bourgh and Georgiana Darcy!

Miss de Bourgh, I cannot tell you how delighted I am to make your acquaintance! Thank you so much for taking the time to pay me this visit. How were you able to escape from your mother’s tenacious watch?

AdB: For seven nights in a row, I either played on the pianoforte or sang solos. Since my talent in both areas is lacking, my mother actually encouraged me to go on holiday.

What a clever scheme!  Can you tell us a little bit about your childhood and growing up with your cousins? I understand you used to be quite healthy as a child.

AdB: When I was young, I enjoyed robust health, making my frail state all the more lamentable. As children, Richard (Colonel Fitzwilliam), William (Fitzwilliam Darcy), Antony (Lord Fitzwilliam), and I enjoyed putting on plays in Rosings theater room where the boys saved all the good lines for themselves, but I got the best costumes. While at Pemberley, we would pretend to be soldiers in an invading army and charge the ramparts of a fort that was actually a Roman folly while Antony threw missiles at us. As for my mother, Miss Austen’s portrayal is accurate. I shall say no more.

I understand that you have lately discovered your cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy’s, admiration for Miss Elizabeth Bennet and are now in the process of trying to bring them together. How did you know he was in love with her? Can you share with us your plans for Darcy and Elizabeth?

AdB: Have you ever heard the expression: “Your face is an open book?” Well, it easily applies to William, he of the furrowed brow, quizzical expression, and scowl. As soon as he returned from the parsonage, I knew that he had proposed AND had been rejected as he looked hopelessly lost. After speaking with Elizabeth and being convinced of her affection for my brother (even if she didn’t know it), I was determined to bring them together.

It seems you have quite the talent for matchmaking, did you ever think you would one day be a matchmaker? What made you believe that Elizabeth and Darcy would be a good match? Are there any other relations or friends you’d like to bring together?

AdB: Because I live a rather quiet life in the country, I had no idea of ever doing such a thing. But when I saw the way that William looked at Elizabeth and the curious looks she gave him in return, I had to intervene for both their sakes. After my success with Elizabeth and William, I retired as a matchmaker. It is quite exhausting.

I can imagine, especially with two who are so stubborn!  Now, surely you must know that there are several women who will not appreciate your efforts to bring Darcy and Elizabeth together, such as Caroline Bingley or women from Darcy’s past. What do you know of these women? Do you think they will be an impediment to your matchmaking plans?

AdB: Caroline Bingley meets every definition of an accomplished woman. If only she had a nice personality to go with it! I am hoping that she will examine her conduct with regard to both Elizabeth and Jane Bennet and take steps to improve her character so that she will not suffer further humiliation. As for the women in William’s past, they will remain there. I am not even supposed to know about them, so I shall say no more.

What do you have to say about your eldest cousin, Lord Fitzwilliam? I’ve heard that he has renounced drinking and has plans for improving himself. Do you think they will be successful?

AdB: There is an excellent chance that Antony, Lord Fitzwilliam will limit his intake of spirits and wine as he has developed a 12-step program that he follows faithfully, and he has promised his two daughters that he shall keep to it. Alas, I cannot say the same thing for his habit of “flirting” with married women. I understand that Mrs. Simonsen has penned a second novel, A Wife for Mr. Darcy, and in it, she reveals the tale of Lord Fitzwilliam openly flirting with Mrs. Gardiner, a mother of four! But I also heard that it was a source of mirth for both Gardiners when the tale was told. I wish that Antony and his wife could get along, but since he refers to her as the Queen of Darkness that is not likely.

My next question is for Miss Darcy.  I understand you are preparing for your coming out into society. Do you feel ready for your entrance into the social world?

GD: I hope so. I have worked hard to acquire those skills that are deemed necessary to be considered an accomplished lady. Miss Bingley has a list of such accomplishments, and I was able to check off every one. As for finding a husband, my brother has told me that I must not rush into an engagement. I was greatly relieved to hear that as I love to go to balls and dances without having to think about a prospective husband.

Miss Darcy, please forgive my curiosity, but I was wondering, what is it like having Mr. Darcy as a brother?

GD: Oh, my! He is truly wonderful. There is a certain episode in my past in which I showed a serious lapse of judgment. I thought that he would be furious with me, but he was all kindness. However, William does like to get his own way and usually manages to do so—at least with me.

What are your thoughts on Elizabeth Bennet? Do you think she will fall in love with your brother?

GD: Have you not heard? It is already done! I have always wanted a sister, and now I shall have one. I take great delight in watching Elizabeth tease my brother. As Elizabeth says, “I enjoy teasing William as he has so little experience with it.”

I understand that not too long ago you almost got married yourself. I know this is most intrusive of me, but do you think you could share with us a little of that experience and what it taught you?

GD: Oh, my! So it is known about town that George Wickham tried to talk me into an elopement? I am sorry to hear that. I can only hope that others will learn from my mistake of falling victim to his flattery and guile. But Wickham made a serious strategic error by insisting that we should marry without my brother’s consent. It was then that a little bird started tweeting in my ear that all was not right. I decided that I could not do anything that would risk hurting my brother, and I refused to along with the plan. I know that this differs from some accounts. But that is my story, and I am sticking to it!

Not to worry, Miss Darcy, it is not commonly known about town, just those familiar with the novels By a Lady have heard of it.  I understand you are a fond of novels yourself, Miss Darcy. Which is something we most definitely have in common! Do you have a favorite genre or author, Miss Darcy?

GD: I am an avid reader of the gothic novels of Ann Radcliff. My favorite is The Mysteries of Udolpho. I love the exotic locales and the suspense. Do you not think that it is an odd thing that some people, such as myself, like to be scared out of their wits? I have an acquaintance, Catherine Morland, who is the same way. I also enjoy Sir Walter Scott’s historical novels. I like a ripping good tale.

Miss de Bourgh, what are your plans for the near future?

AbD: I am hoping to convince my mother to throw open the doors of Rosings Park so that we might have dances in its ballroom once again. Although I do not partake of the exercise, I love watching people dance, especially if they are in love, as are William and Elizabeth. I would also like to set up a salon where people with great ideas may come and share them. This might be more difficult considering that my mother is known for her strong opinions on everything. But nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Very admirable, Miss de Bourgh, I wish you much success!  Miss Darcy, what about you?  What are your plans?

GD: I would like to enjoy another season or two before I find a husband, but when I do, I hope that he will be like my brother, who is the best of men. There is also a wedding to attend, and Elizabeth has asked that I assist in the preparations. There is no hardship there as I love to visit the shops in town.

That sounds lovely, Miss Darcy!  Miss de Bourgh, Miss Darcy, it has been such an honor to have you here at Austenesque Reviews! Thank you so much for your time and participation in this interview! I wish you the best of luck in your matchmaking endeavors, and please feel free to drop by again, anytime!

Thank you for inviting us. Sincerely, Anne and Georgiana

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!  Thanks to Danielle Jackson of Sourcebooks, Austenesque Reviews has not one, but TWO gorgeous copies of The Perfect Bride for Mr. Darcy to give away to you wonderful readers! (US and Canada only)

Want to be entered in the giveaway?

Leave a comment or questions for either Mary Simonsen, Anne de Bourgh, or Georgiana Darcy.  All three ladies will be stoppping by Austenesque Reviews to perioically over the next few days.  Don’t forget your EMAIL address!