I am very excited to welcome author Alexa Adams back to Austenesque Reviews! I had the pleasure of meeting Alexa (online) during my first couple months of blogging, and enjoyed reading her reviews (she is quite a voracious and discerning reader!) as well as her first release, First Impressions, which was published in 2010. I’m so very happy to have Alexa as my guest here today as we celebrate her new release, Second Glances!
Writers of Austenesque often have a particular quote or moment in Jane Austen’s novels from which their 
inspiration flows, particularly when writing “What If?” or variation stories. I know my first novel, First Impressions: A Tale of Less Pride and Prejudice, was entirely born out of the idea of preventing Mr. Darcy from uttering those ill-fated words:
“She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men.”
By making Mr. Darcy just a tad less disagreeable – just a bit less proud – I removed Elizabeth’s prejudice against him, and the entire course of the story changed.
“Don’t keep coughing so, Kitty, for heaven’s sake! Have a little compassion on my nerves. You tear them to pieces.”
“Kitty has no discretion in her coughs,” said her father; “she times them ill.”
“I do not cough for my own amusement,” replied Kitty fretfully.
Everytime I read the book this makes me laugh, but it also invokes my sympathy for Kitty’s plight as a middle daughter. Her mother finds her an easy target on which to vent her spleen, her father finds her useful for little other than amusement, and poor Kitty, not understanding Mr. Bennet’s sarcasm, is left to worry herself over that which she has little control. No wonder she follows Lydia in everything, when her own actions are second guessed at every turn.
The hero of the book is my own creation, but Sir James Stratton was nonetheless born out of Austen’s words:
“Certainly,” replied Elizabeth — “there are such people, but I hope I am not one of them. I hope I never ridicule what is wise or good. Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can. — But these, I suppose, are precisely what you are without.”
“Perhaps that is not possible for any one. But it has been the study of my life to avoid those weaknesses which often expose a strong understanding to ridicule.
I wondered what kind of gentleman of strong principle, might take precisely the opposite approach of Mr. Darcy, revelling in the ridiculous and daring society’s rebuke. The question, it must be acknowledged, was largely inspired by the enormous quantity of Georgette Heyer I was reading while writing the book, and fans of her works will certainly perceive her influence in
Second Glances.
Readers will hear echoes of memorable quotes from Pride and Prejudice throughout my novel. One of the great joys of writing reimagined Austenesque is seizing upon a particular moment and twisting it around, as in this revamped letter:
I wish you joy. If you love your baronet well enough to marry him, you will be very happy, I’m sure. Cornwall is a devilishly lonely place. I’d vastly prefer the excitement of Bath, but I am not one to marry for titles and riches alone. You will enjoy your precedence over your sisters, though you may have to walk behind me yet. You are not the only one to have secret lovers, you know.
All should be able to share my satisfaction in placing Elizabeth on the receiving end of this exchange:
“It must be so gratifying to you, Mrs. Darcy, excellent reader that you are, to have such a delightful library at Pemberley. Such a fine collection, and Mr. Darcy always adding to it!”
“In days such as these, with so many volumes in print, neglect of a family library is incomprehensible.”
I was also able to get Mary in on the act:
“I am afraid, dear sister, that this is only the beginning of your repentance. I hope you do not have cause to regret your actions all of your days, but if you do, know I am here to provide whatever solace you may find in the balm of sisterly consolation.”
Do you have a favorite quote from Pride & Prejudice?
Together, my brilliant hostess and I have hatched a scheme for an extremely limited edition (only three copies) of a hand bound and adorned collection of quotes chosen by readers of this blog. The idea was born of a little side project in which I’ve been engaged, which Meredith suggested I dub “Elegant Extracts” (I’ve been using it as my Twitter handle these past several years). Readers of Emma know the Elegant Extracts as a popular collection of quotes and excerpts, intended to develop a refined young mind, and what better name for the little Austen-themed books and cards I’ve been making in homage to my favorite author? Just leave your favorite Pride and Prejudice quotes in the comments below for a chance to win both a copy of Second Glances and your own volume of Elegant Extracts: Memorable Moments from Pride & Prejudice.
GIVEAWAY TIME!!
As you read above, Alexa brings with her a lovely and unique gift to give away to THREE lucky winners today. But that’s not all…one of those THREE lucky winners will be a GRAND PRIZE winner and win a paperback copy of Second Glances in addition to their very own copy of Elegant Extracts: Memorable Moments in Pride and Prejudice!!
To enter this giveaway, leave a comment and share what quote of from Pride and Prejudice you think belongs in a our collaborative Elegant Extracts. *Make sure you read others’ comments first, so we have fewer repeats!*
- To save your inbox from unwanted spam, please leave your email address with an [at] instead of @.
- (You could also leave a Twitter handle or Facebook username instead).
- This giveaway is open to residents worldwide. Thank you, Alexa!
- This giveaway ends April 11th.
“A lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.”
― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Raquel36m (at) gmail (dot) com
“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
And swoon… I love that one, along with
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.
Jane Austen did so many really excellent quotable lines, I can think of loads more but I will let other people have a go!
I am interested to see that there is a Georgette Heyer influence in Ms Adams’ book, I am a big Heyer fan, I think I’ve read almost all of them!
@Frawli1978
LOL! There are so many to choose from right, Ceri! Love the ones you mentioned!! I have a shirt that has the ardently admire and love quote on it.
I definitely felt the GH influence in Alexa’s book, she did a marvelous job with this one!
It’s kind of funny considering the subject of this post, but Second Glances was directly influenced by a specific scene in Friday’s Child. I can’t say more without spoiling the book, though I’m now aching to discuss it further!
Oooh, very interesting! I love Friday’s Child, Hero is such a sweet heroine.
I have been thinking further about the JA quotes, and realised that although Darcy is my favourite hero my favourite quote is pretty much the whole of Captain Wentworth’s letter. It is perfect.
However, as you are after P&P quotes I really like a lot of the things that Mr Collins says. One of my favourites is “I sometimes amuse myself with suggesting and arranging such little elegant compliments as may be adapted to ordinary occasions, I always want to give them as unstudied an air as possible.” 🙂
I like the following long quote – There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or sense.
meikleblog at gmail dot com
I like the change and self-awareness Darcy shows in this quote:
“As a child, I was taught what was right; but I was not taught to correct my temper. I was given good principles, but left to follow them in pride and conceit. Unfortunately, an only son (for many years an only child), I was spoilt by my parents, who, though good themselves (my father particularly, all that was benevolent and amiable), allowed, encouraged, almost taught me to be selfish and overbearing — to care for none beyond my own family circle, to think meanly of all the rest of the world, to wish at least to think meanly of their sense and worth compared with my own. Such I was, from eight to eight-and-twenty; and such I might still have been but for you, dearest, loveliest Elizabeth! What do I not owe you! You taught me a lesson, hard indeed at first, but most advantageous. “
araminta18 at gmail dot com
Yes! It makes us love him even more, doesn’t it? Best of luck in the giveaway!
I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book! When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
A brilliant quote both in and out of context. By itself, it is a bibliophiles defense. In the book, it oozes insincerity. Love it!
There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more I am dissatisfied with it and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters and of the little dependence that can be placed on merit or sense. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
Please don’t enter me for the giveaway since I have receive a copy of Elegant Extracts which I won on Alexa’s blog. I like to contribute my favourite quote:
“Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.“
So excited about this project, Alexa!!! Thank you so much for visiting my blog today and sharing such fun with us all! I have a quote to add too, if you don’t mind!
I love romantic quotes, especially from Austen’s heroes (she gives them the best lines, doesn’t she?)
“You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.”
*swoon*
Thank you for having me! I’m already compiling responses and starting to think layout. This is so much fun!
Excellent choice in quotes. I remain in absolute awe of how Austen makes such simple speech ooze with emotion. This is such a raw moment for Mr. Darcy. How difficult for him to be so vulnerable! You just want to hug him and tell him it will be OK (it was through such impulses that First Impressions was written).
I have one or two quotes that I might have to add myself, if no one else suggests them, but I’ll bide my time before interfering.
One of my favourite quotes is this one :
“But people themselves alter so much, that there is something new to be observed in them for ever.”
So it does not matter if one dines with four and twenty families! They are never to be bored!
miss(dot) margy(at) hotmail(dot) com
I love the quote about Kitty’s coughs too. That is so funny and so sarcastic. I love reading Jane’s wit. We don’t often think of people in regency England having that sarcasm but it’s hilarious.
My favorite quote is toward the end of the novel:
“Now, be sincere, did you admire me for my impertinence?”
“For the liveliness of your mind, I did.”
writrchick92(at)gmail(dot)com
Diplomatic Darcy! How far he has come. P&P could certainly be used as a primer for men to learn how to (and how not to) talk to women.
“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book!”- Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice
amanda(at)amandasweeklyzen (dot)com
Thanks for sharing your new book! I loved your first book and look forward to this one. One of my favorite quotes is:
“My idea of good company is the comapany of clever, well informed people who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company.”
joyalegra (at) gmail
I’m pretty sure your quote is from Persuasion. We are suppose to use quotes from Pride and Prejudice only unless Alexa is extending her project to include quotes from other Jane Austen’s novels as well.
Hi Joy! It is from Persuasion, but a fabulous quote nonetheless, and one that often finds it’s way into my daily conversations. Do you have a P&P quote you’d like to add to the collection? I’m so pleased you enjoyed First Impressions! I hope you enjoy Second Glances just as much.
I cannot fix on the hour, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.
This quote always makes me pause and think…life often works this way…you’re in the middle before you know it…
Stephanie AT lucasaaron_5297 ))AT((yahooDOTcom
The very first line, of course! 🙂
justforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
I love when Darcy says “you showed me how insufficient were all my pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased.”
monicaperry00 at gmail dot com
I really like Elizabeth’s letter to her aunt Gardiner announcing her engagement. A quote from it: “I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh.”
Thank you both for the giveaway!
There are so many wonderful quotes throughout the book, but the one that always makes me sigh is: “In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
diaryofaneccentric at hotmail.com
I can’t really think of any quote that hasn’t been stated already, but I think there is one where Darcy tells Elizabeth that she has bewitched him body and soul. I’m tired so it’s hard to think.
I like the one about Kitty’s cough, too, but maybe she has allergies like I do and that’s what makes her cough!
catbooks(at)rocketmail(dot)com
I have a feeling that’s not in the book, but in the 2005 film. It’s a lovely line though 🙂 I think the bewitched part in the book comes much earlier, the narrative says something like Darcy had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by Elizabeth.
Has anybody thrown in this one? “Your family owe me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe I thought only of you.”
And “Her heart did whisper, that he had done it for her”
Honestly, the book is full of swoony, romantic quotes!
I am so, so excited about Alexa’s novels. I can’t wait to read them (and find vindication for poor Kitty!).
One of my favorite quotes, that I think should be included, is:
“I must learn to be content with being happier than I deserve.”
Ha! Whoops. sorry: bethwade1 at gmail dot com
May I humbly add a few I can’t bear to see overlooked?
“No, Lizzy, let me once in my life feel how much I have been to blame. I am not afraid of being overpowered by the impression. It will pass away soon enough.”
“I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh.”
“Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?”
Choosing just one is impossible. I could never have whittled my way down to three if so many of the best had not already been mentioned.