I’m very excited to welcome, author Nancy Kelley to Austenesque Reviews! If you didn’t already know, Nancy is the author of a lovely series called The Brides of Pemberley (His Good Opinion, Loving Miss Darcy, Against His Will)! And today she stops by to talk about Kitty Bennet who is featured in her latest release, Against His 
Will.
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I’ve been asked more than once why I would choose to write a book about Kitty Bennet. Kitty Bennet, who is known for nothing but whinging about not going to Brighton and coughing at inopportune moments. How could she possibly be a heroine worthy of a novel of her own?
To tell the truth, it wasn’t something I planned originally. Each of my sequels to His Good Opinion has snuck up on me while I was writing the previous book. As I fleshed out Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana, I realized they had a story of their own; that became Loving Miss Darcy. And in the process of writing that book, I decided to pull Kitty Bennet in to be Georgiana’s friend. The more I got to know her, the more I liked her.
In the last chapter of Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen tells us that Kitty matured once she was away from Lydia and spending more time with Jane and Elizabeth. So we know where she starts, and we know she improves… but beyond that, Kitty is a blank slate, much like Georgiana and Richard.
Kitty is, in many ways, the forgotten Bennet sister. She’s part of a set, instead of having a personality of her own, and in that set, she is less important to the plot. I started looking at who she is in the family dynamic, and that’s when I realized how undervalued she is.
Kitty is the fourth of five daughters. By the time she was born, Jane and Elizabeth were already close friends who didn’t really need someone else to play with. Mary’s personality is so different from her own that I can’t see Kitty finding company there. And then Lydia was born. Lydia, who was doted on by her mother, which amplified her already social nature. There was a companion for Kitty.
Did anyone ever think of Kitty on her own, or was it always Lydia-and-Kitty? Was Kitty ever enough for anyone? Girls are often made to feel like their personalities are too much or not enough—sometimes both! I imagined that a young woman who had been constantly dismissed by everyone but her younger sister might feel alone once that sister was gone, and might wonder where she fit in now.
In the end, I found myself relating more to Kitty than to any of the other Bennet sisters—yes, even more than Elizabeth. I’m emotional, I talk a lot and laugh at things, I make silly jokes, and I’m often made to feel that those are not qualities an adult woman should have. I should be more reserved, more serious. I ask you, where’s the fun in that?
There is one thing highly social people tend to do well: people-watching. We observe behavior, eavesdrop on conversations, and make connections that might surprise our friends. We often pick up on secrets before they are revealed, because we’ve put the pieces together ahead of time.
That quality made a slightly more grown-up Kitty the perfect partner for Sebastian Montgomery. Sebastian’s career as a spy was based on his ability to observe the slightest clues to what was going on around him. Of course a young woman who shared that talent would intrigue him.
The thought that someone might be interested in the real Kitty Bennet was a revelation to her, and it was a notion that took a while to sink in. Below is a section taken from their outing to the opera, when Sebastian first makes it clear that he is not interested in a watered-down, society approved version of Kitty.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The language barrier did not seem to stop Kitty from understanding the story: she laughed when Papageno appeared, snorted when he took credit for killing off the serpent, and gaped in astonishment when the Queen of the Night sang her first aria. Just wait, Kitty Bennet, Sebastian 
thought smugly.
At intermission, he could no longer restrain himself. He leaned forward and whispered in her ear, “I need not ask if you are enjoying yourself, Miss Bennet, for your behavior gives you away.”
She blushed and lowered her head. “I do apologize, my lord, if I have been indecorous at all. I struggle at times to restrain my enthusiasm for things I enjoy.”
Sebastian raised an eyebrow. That is twice she has apologized for her enthusiasm. How many times had she heard that criticism? “Miss Bennet, is there anything in my manner that might give you an indication that I disapprove of your actions?”
She shook her head.
“Then please do not apologize for things I do not appear bothered by. This is the second time you have done so, and it wastes both our time.”
Miss Bennet pursed her full lips and looked at him. “Very well, my lord,” she finally said. “However, I beg leave to offer an apology if I know my behavior is out of bounds—whether it bothers you or not.”
Sebastian opened his mouth to argue, but a spark in Miss Bennet’s eyes warned him that he was dangerously close to angering her. “And you think there are times your behavior will warrant an apology when I would not seek it?” he asked, keeping his voice neutral.
Miss Bennet rolled her eyes. “I think, my lord, that you delight in being out of bounds and thus are not always aware when others are—or at least you are not bothered by it.”
He chuckled. “You are quite right. All right, it is a fair truce.”
Seb glanced around the theater, looking for something else he could discuss with Miss Bennet, anything to shift their conversation from the near argument. “Do you see that gentleman?” he questioned, his voice low.
She looked in the direction he was pointing. “The portly one with the glasses who is pretending not to watch the actresses off stage?”
Seb let out a huff of surprise. “I can see I shall have to find a better way to impress you,” he said teasingly. “You are almost as good at observing people as I am.”
She turned a pale pink and he counted it as a victory. “Thank you, my lord.”
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I hope readers will relate to Kitty’s insecurities and cheer with her when she realizes she is actually good enough, just as she is.
Nancy Kelley majored in psychology for three semesters. Her favorite course was family systems, the study of how family patterns can be passed down and relationships within a family.
However, she decided that as much as she loved psychology, she would rather analyze historical figures and fictional characters. She changed her degree and now writes historical romance. Her first three novels, His Good Opinion, Loving Miss Darcy, and Against His Will, are all companions to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
You can find Nancy at nancykelleywrites.com, on indiejane.org and on Twitter @Nancy_Kelley.
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That was lovely, Nancy!! Thank you! I can’t wait to read more about Kitty! Loved how she challenges Sebastian!
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Today, Nancy brings with her ONE copy of her newest release, Against His Will, to give away to ONE lucky reader!! (Choice of paperback or ebook for residents in the US. Ebook for all other countries.) Woot woot!
To enter this giveaway, leave a comment, question, or some love for Nancy!
- This giveaway is open worldwide (with some shipping restrictions). Thank you, Nancy!
- This giveaway ends April 3rd!
I like the idea that Kitty has a happy story. Thanks Nancy. It is definitely on my tbr list!
You’re welcome, Therese. I like finding happy endings for characters.
I always knew Kitty would improve once away from her Mother and Lydia and spent more time with Jane and Lizzy.
It’s hard not to be annoying when your main companions are Mrs. B and Lydia! Improvement upon being in better society is almost guaranteed.
I have read his good opinion and would love to read something else from Nancy.
Thank you! Your comment made my day. 🙂
I love the idea for your book. It is intriguing to think of Kitty as bettering herself. I like the cover too. 🙂 I will look forward to reading.
Thank you! This is my favorite of all my covers so far. (Well, favorite book over all.)
Really enjoyed your post, Nancy, and the excerpt was fun. I like the sparkle in Kitty – I often feel in personality she has the makings of being more like Elizabeth than having a similarity to any of the other girls.
Okay, that’s my comment, here’s my question: which of the books you have so far written in this series was the hardest to write and why?
(Sorry Meredith, I know you said ‘or’ not ‘and’ but I’m going for a full set!)
Nancy, loved meeting you last September and hope we get to meet again before too long. I think you’re a great writer and produce stories that are wonderfully engaging. Good luck with everything! Hugs x
Thanks for a great post, Meredith. I hope I have the chance to meet you too in person one day 😀
Yes, Cassandra! I almost mentioned the bit about her growing into a woman much more like Elizabeth, but I wasn’t sure anyone would believe me. It’s true though–both girls have a similar lively disposition, but one was under the influence of a clever father, the other under the influence of two flighty women. Take away that negative influence, and Kitty becomes much more like Elizabeth.
And thank you for you lovely comments, Cassandra. 🙂 I really enjoyed meeting you, and hope we can again someday.
You are such a dear, Cassandra!! I’d love to meet you some day! 🙂 Thank you for your lovely comments!
I enjoyed the excerpt very much and am
looking forward to reading all about Kitty!
Thank you for the giveaway.
I’m glad you liked the excerpt. 🙂 Good luck in the giveaway.
I have read His Good Opinion. I always like when Kitty gets her moment in the sun. I will put this on my TBR list, as well as the Loving Miss Darcy one. Thanks for sharing the excerpt and the giveaway!
Thank you! Kitty was fun to write, since she’s not one we see a lot.
I loved your post! As much as I would wish to be like Elizabeth, I fear I am a Kitty-type person too!
There’s nothing wrong with being like Kitty. As I mentioned to Cassandra above, she and Elizabeth actually have quite a bit in common.
It will be interesting to read about Kitty. I confess that I am not too fond of her and would like to find out how she is “fleshed out” with her own story. Thank you for the giveaway!
In Pride and Prejudice, Kitty is the least developed character of all the sisters. That makes it hard to like her, until you start wondering what she’s really like on the inside.
I am glad that Kitty is the central character in her own story. Can’t wait to read this book.
Thank you, Raquel. Good luck in the giveaway.
It’s great to discover a new Austenesque author. I’ve not come across Nancy’s work before so now I have even more titles to add to my TBR/wish lists!
The excerpt above is lovely. It’s really nice to see Kitty getting her “day in the sun” for a change.
Thank you very much for the giveaway. Have you any plans to flesh out more of the less well known characters from P & P? Meanwhile here’s some love for you Nancy xxxx.
P.S. Forgot to add that I’m in the UK, so it would have to be the ebook for me.
So happy to introduce you to Nancy’s work! 🙂
Thanks for the love, and I’m glad you liked the excerpt. This is one of my favorite scenes in the book.
I love the transformation of Kitty Bennet away from Lydia’s influence. The excerpt is good that I’ve add it to my wish list especially since I have the first two books in the series. Thanks for the giveaway, Nancy.
Thank you! Kitty is so much more than a watered down version of Lydia, but that’s all she got to be for the first 17 years of her life.
This sounds absolutely lovely. Love coming your way ……
Thank you!
Nancy,thank you for the delightful scene from Against His Will – how refreshing that someone finds Kitty’s candor delightful! Thanks for the opportunity to win an ebook copy. Wishing you great luck with this latest addition to your series.
Thank you, Elaine!
Opps, made an erro in entering my email on my comment details, will correct it here.
I love Kitty stories! I would have to say I relate to Kitty the most myself. I recently purchased and read all three of your books and the novella on Lydia. Loved all three but Kitty and Sebastian are my favourite!
Thank you, Carole. I’ve made no secret of the fact that Kitty and Sebastian are my favorite as well. 🙂
It’s time for Kitty to shine and I’m looking forward to reading this book – thank you so much for the giveaway!
Thank you–good luck in the giveaway.
I loved the excerpt! On my to read list 🙂
Thank you, Shannon!
Love the teaser! Sounds like great dialogue with solid characters! SO…If I make more than one comment, can I be entered in for each one? Can you tell I would love to win and read this book?
I’m so glad you liked the excerpt!
Oh and Miss Meredith, please rate this book us–I love what you love to read!
Will do, Betsy!! I’m looking forward to reading Nancy’s latest in May! 🙂
Just wanted to say I’m a huge fan of Nancy’s work…have all 3 books in paper and kindle…
don’t enter me in giveaway….would love to read your review of her works
You Stephanie, you are my favorite. 😀 Thank you so much for your enthusiasm for my work–it makes a bigger difference than you realise.
Thank you for commenting, Stephanie! I’m looking forward to reading and reviewing Against Hist Will (especially after that excerpt!). I’ve enjoyed Nancy’s previous two novels and I’m especially excited about this one (since she said it is her favorite!)
I love the way the Kitty is being portrayed. I like how she we are able to see a whole picture instead of a glimpse of her character. Loved the excerpt, cant wait to begin reading the novel.
Thank you, Marcia. This is the fun of taking a side character and making her the heroine–you get to explore more of their personality.
I’ve read your other books and loved them so I can’t wait to read this one. I never thought about Kitty being the type that would be more of a people watcher but it makes sense. Sounds like an excellent avenue to pursue with here. Plus I am a people watcher myself so I think it would be interesting to see how it is developed.
It’s a skill honed by people who must have all the news. We see it in her a little in P&P, though she’s not using her powers for good in that case.
Delicious excerpt! I usually focus on main couple and their progress, but this story about Kitty and her transformation sounds equally delightful:) Look forward to reading it. Thank you for the giveaway!
Thank you! I’m glad I could entice you to read a story about the minor characters.
A magical book!
Please don’t enter me, I’ve got the series, but I wanted to thank you for such a delight!
😀 Thank you, Joana. Kind comments like yours really make my day.
Wonderful excerpt. I have book 1 and 2 and would love a chance to win the third. Thank you for the giveaway.
I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpts as (presumably) my first two books, Becky. Good luck in the giveaway.
I have never read a Kitty story yet and am now completely hooked and look forward to this one!
Oh excellent! I really debated on what section to include, and it seemed I made the right choice.
Your books sound interesting. Maybe Kitty is like me and coughs because she has allergies (post-nasal drip). That’s my take on it anyway. I have a book about Kitty. I think it’s the latest one by Maria Grace.
It’s completely unreasonable of Mrs. B to be annoyed with Kitty for coughing, but that’s just her. Yes, Maria’s latest book was about Kitty.
I must’ve just crawled out from under a stone!!!
I am so adding Nancy’s books to my Wish List!!
thank you for the giveaway!!!
Hello, Cyn! I’m always glad to meet new readers. Good luck in the giveaway.
I’ve always felt a bit sorry for the younger Bennet girls. It must be hard to find your place in such a big family. We know that Kitty and Mary both improve, and as you say, Kitty definitely has potential. Please don’t enter me into the giveaway, as I already have the book, will hopefully get to it before too long!
Mary is my next project, though that will be a short story. Like you Ceri, I feel sorry for Kitty and Mary. As in most large families, some siblings live in the shadow of others. Even Jane is a little bit–we wouldn’t know or care nearly as much about her if she wasn’t Elizabeth’s favourite sister and dearest friend.
“I think, my lord, that you delight in being out of bounds and thus are not always aware when others are—or at least you are not bothered by it.” Love it I think I like Seb already he sounds fun and Kitty sounds very mature. I can see where she might have some insecurities I would hate to see her get her heart broken. Thank you for the giveaway!
Sebastian is hands down my favourite of all my heroes. He’s fun and clever and he refuses to buy what anyone is selling.
Seb sounds very interesting and Kitty very mature. I would hate to see Kitty get her heart broken. The excerpt was great. Thank you for the giveaway!
I didn’t realize that another ‘Bride’ had been published! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Hello, Leslie! Yes, there’s a third Bride–plus an eventual short story and novella to complete the series. (Those two aren’t out yet, but I’ll be working on them this month.)