Interview with Matthew Rickland
The Scene: While flying back from a little holiday for her husband’s birthday, Meredith Esparza begins reading the latest book from Kara Louise, one of her favorite authors. Meredith is only a couple chapters in when weariness from her travels (and the early wake-up call for the plane) catch up with her and she gives in the need to take a nap. While slumbering at thirty-thousand feet in the air, Meredith has a dream that she is in a lovely, but artificially manicured garden in England with a pleasant-looking gentleman (in Regency clothing) with smiling blue eyes. As the gentleman approaches, Meredith realizes he looks just like the new original character described in Mr. Darcy’s Rival, the book she was enjoying moments before. With a little uncertainty (and a lot of curiosity!) Meredith approaches the gentleman and strikes up a conversation with him!
This is a record of their conversation…
[blurry,wavy image and harp music]
Meredith: Good day, sir. Are you by any chance, Lady Catherine’s nephew, Mr. Rickland?
Rickland: I most certainly am! (with a slight bow) But have we been introduced before? I fear my memory has lapsed if we have already met, for a gentleman always remembers a lovely face like yours.
Meredith: (after blushing a bit makes an attempt at a curtsey) No, we have not met, but I am a little bit familiar with your character. I understand you are Lady Catherine’s nephew on the de Bourgh side of the family. (with a smile) Would it be impertinent of me to ask how you like having Lady Catherine as an aunt? Do you visit her often?
Rickland: My mother was Sir Lewis de Bourgh’s sister. I am stalling a bit, as you might guess, to give a good account of what it is like to have Lady Catherine as my aunt. I would say she is most attentive to me, which can be good or bad, depending on what she has focused her attention. She does appreciate all I do for her, however, and she seeks out my advice regularly. It is the least I can do for her. I do make an attempt to visit her when I have the opportunity. This is the first time I have visited her at Easter.
Meredith: Sounds like you are quite an asset to your aunt. What kind of advice to you give her?
Rickland: This year I met with her steward several times to discuss management of her estate. He is quite old and not at all acquainted with modern ideas and planning. I do my best to enlighten him as to what changes he ought to be making.
Meredith: So do you own an estate? (with a smile to herself) Excuse my impudence, but I must ask, are you by any chance a single man in possession of a good fortune?
Rickland: (laughing) I own I am single, but would not wish to presume upon your estimation of what constitutes a good fortune. I am Master of a stately country manor. Although it is nothing to Rosings, it suits me fine.
Meredith: (fanning herself) It must be lovely… Oh, yes, ahem, where was I? I believe we were talking about giving advice to your aunt’s steward…
Rickland: Yes, it is interesting giving advice to someone who has been in a position since before I was born. You must be wondering why I did not have my own steward advise him, but he was unable to accompany me. I acquaint myself with all my steward does, and I even occasionally advise him.
Meredith: That’s commendable that you take such diligence with running your estate and helping your aunt with hers.
Rickland: Thank you. I do my best and I do not mind helping out my aunt in every way possible. Most of my visits to Rosings might be considered tedious, but this year was quite the exception. It has proven to be most delightful!
Meredith: And what, pray tell, has made your visit this year so delightful?
Rickland: I confess it is none other than the occupants of Hunsford Parsonage, which is just across the lane from Rosings. Not that I am a particularly religious man, but I found the ladies there to be most amiable, in particular, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a cousin of the clergyman, Mr. Collins, and the good friend of his wife.
Meredith: In particular Miss Elizabeth Bennet? Please do elaborate!
Rickland: While I will admit to readily admiring a pretty face, I greatly enjoy a lady who is also lively, intelligent, and has a sense of humour. It has been a joy to spend time with Miss Bennet… oh, and with her friends, Mrs. Collins and Miss Lucas. I wake up each morning hoping for an opportunity to see her… them. It is an easy walk from Rosings to pay them a call, and my aunt has invited them to Rosings on several occasions. What I had anticipated would be quite a dull visit, has turned into something most agreeable. (deep sigh)
Meredith: (knowingly) Sounds like a very agreeable companion…err umm…company! Do you ever spend time with your cousin, Anne, while visiting Rosings?
Rickland: Anne? Well, she is sweet, but she seems to prefer writing in a journal over conversation, and her companion, Mrs. Jenkinson, constantly hovers over her. I have made several attempts to engage her in conversation, but she never appears interested. Besides, she is to marry that other cousin of hers, Darcy, and I would not wish for him to think I have aspirations to steal her away from him. (chuckling to himself). Not that I ever would.
Meredith: Oh yes, I’ve heard that Anne is engaged with her cousin Mr. Darcy. Have you ever met the gentleman?
Rickland: We are acquainted, having met several times through the years. As he is not a true cousin, it has not been on a regular basis. I was rather surprised when I heard he would also be visiting Rosings, and to own the truth, I was rather eager to see how he and Anne behaved around each other. It had been years since I had seen the two of them together. I have to say, however, there were several things that surprised me.
Meredith: What is your opinion of Darcy and what was it that surprised you?
Rickland: While I cannot claim to know this man very well, I understand him to hold to such strong principles that nothing seems to be able to please him. He has such a grave and formal manner, but I suppose since he is promised in marriage to his cousin, he does not feel he needs to please anyone but himself. But this is where I was rather surprised, for I detected a slight… (begins rubbing his jaw) partiality towards Miss Elizabeth Bennet! A lady, whom I found to be most delightful, but Darcy? I would never have believed had I not seen it for myself!
Meredith: Hmmm. Sounds like Mr. Darcy is very reserved and a man who likes to keep to himself. Would it be so hard to imagine him enjoying Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s intelligent and lively conversation just as you do? Have you ever heard the saying “opposites attract?”
Rickland: Opposites in personality is one thing, but I find it hard to believe he would allow himself to be captivated by a woman with little fortune or connections. But what is even more surprising is that is appears Miss Bennet does not think highly of him. Oh, this visit has been interesting, indeed! My curiosity, however, will not cease until I know for a certainty what his feelings for her are. I am meeting Colonel Fitzwilliam this very morning to see if he can enlighten me. In fact, I must take my leave immediately, as he is likely waiting for me. Thank you! It has been a delight making your acquaintance!!
[As she watches Mr. Rickland’s retreating form and debates whether or not to follow him, Meredith all of sudden feels a quake underneath her feet as if the ground is moving…the sensation startles her awake to the realization that she is still on the 
plane and that the quaking sensation she felt was a little bit of mid-flight turbulence…Feeling disappointed that her encounter with the charming and handsome Mr. Rickland was cut short, Meredith picks up her copy of Mr. Darcy’s Rival to continue the tale and discover what happens between Mr. Rickland, Mr. Darcy, and the lovely Elizabeth whom they both seem to admire!]
~~~
Connect with Kara
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!
Kara Louise has kindly offered to giveaway TWO copies (paperback for US, ebook for international) of her new release, Mr. Darcy’s Rival, in conjunction with this post and my review (which will be posted on Wednesday).
To enter and win this lovely prize all you have to do is comment below.
Psst! If you comment on Wednesday’s post, you will be entered twice!
- This giveaway is open worldwide! (paperback for US residents, ebook for international readers) Thank you, Kara!
- This giveaway ends July 1st.
Oh that is fabulous. How lucky are you Meredith to have a little star role in a P & P sequel?!
Can’t wait to read this book as I have read all of Kara’s other books and they are all brilliant. Please do not enter me into the giveway as I do not have an ebook. Thanks
Thanks so much, Michelle! Meredith sure has fun with these ‘mock’ interviews!
LOL! Only in my dreams… 🙂
Cute interview Meredith! Kara Louise is one of my fav Austenesque authors. This has been on my TBR list for awhile now. Thank you for the giveaway!!! 🙂
Thanks, Shannon! That means a lot! Hope you get a chance to read it!
Glad you enjoyed it! I’m so happy you enjoyed the interview, it was a lot of fun to create!
Can’t wait for the official release. Poor Mr Rickland, he never really had a chance, did he? (evil grin)
Thanks Colleen! The book actually released the end of May/beginning of June!
That was a fun scene! Know I will enjoy the book and hope I win a copy. Thank
you for the giveaway.
Thanks, Susan! Good luck in the giveaway!
Love this post! So fanciful and creative! If only my dreams were so… dreamy. Looks like yet another winner from Kara Louise!
I don’t know how Meredith does it, having just the right dreams! Thanks, Laura!
🙂 It must be all the wonderful books I read!
Love the interview with Mr. Rickland! He sounds like a delightful young man. Wonder how Elizabeth feels about him?
Thanks for the giveaway!
I don’t want to give too much away regarding Elizabeth’s feelings, but I think it can be assumed that she will find him more tolerable than Mr. Darcy! 🙂
Rickland’s feelings about Darcy aren’t all that complimentary. Maybe the rivalry goes both ways. Thanks for a really fun interview. Jen Red
🙂 Thank you for reading our interview, glad you enjoyed it!
This is already on my to buy pile – thank you for the chance to win a copy
I hope you’ll enjoy it, Vesper, whether you win a copy or have to buy it! Thanks for stopping by!
Delightful interview! You were very noble, Meredith, to refrain from attempting to fix your own interest with him!
She was noble, wasn’t she? But perhaps she should have tried harder so Darcy has a chance? 🙂
haha…it wasn’t too hard, my heart is already taken by Mr. Bingley! 😉
Great excerpt although I wish people would stop trying to steal Darcys girl! Thanks for chance to win.
I think sometimes we just feel as though Darcy needs to fight a little more for Elizabeth! 🙂 If he got her too easily, there would be no story. Thanks for stopping by!
Enjoyed the interview! Maybe a rival is just the wake-up call Darcy needs!
Meredith, it sounds like you are ready to start your own JAFF! Well done dream segment! Did Mr. Bingley read of your meeting Mr. Rickland? LOL I have and read this book on kindle but wouldn’t mind a paperback copy as I do re-read many of Kara’s book. Thanks for the delightful sharing of your dream. Much better than the ones I have had lately….won’t go into that.
Meredith does have nice dreams, doesn’t she? Glad you’d like a paperback even though you’ve read it on kindle! Thanks, Sheila!
Don’t think I could write JAFF, Kara was a big help steering me in the right direction several times with this interview…I think I’m perfectly happy sticking to reading and reviewing! 😉 Glad you enjoyed our bit though – it was a lot of fun to create! Thanks for stopping by!
Awesome dream Meredith, wish I had dreams like that! I can’t read some of Kara’s books, especially this one! ~LaKita
Well, I hope that your ‘can’t read my books’ meant to say, “Can’t wait to read…’, but if not sorry to hear that. But I don’t think you have to worry about Mr. Darcy. 🙂
🙂 It was a most pleasant dream!
I liked the way this interview and giveaway was done. It is intriguing. Thanks so much. Enjoyed it.
Thanks, Patty! Meredith always does a reat job!
Merething, I really like your dream/interview 🙂 It iw very promising if you want to have yourself as a character as you ask very direct questions!
Until I read the book I do not know what to think of Mr Rickland… We will see!
Thank you for doing the giveaway, Kara!!
Thank you, Ana! I’m so glad you enjoyed the interview and my little action blocks…you are so sweet!
Sorry, Meredith, I mixed your name with the idea that I had to write about and then I made a mess!!
I wanted to say that I thing that I alse really like is the () with the blushing andsmile to herself and so on.
I do apologise to everyone who is trying to understand my posts. I do not know what happens today that I am not able to write properly. Sorry!
No problem, Ana! Glad you enjoyed the interview!
Oh I love her books! I can’t wait to read this new one!
So glad to hear you like them! Hope you’ll enjoy this one, as well!
Love the interview. Too bad your meeting with Mr. Rickland wasn’t in a ballroom or such, that would have been a lovely diversion. 😉 Looking forward to this book as I regularly enjoy Kara Louise’s books! Thanks for sharing your dream and I will anticipate your review.
Thanks, Stephanie! I’m glad you enjoyed the interview, even though it wasn’t at a ball! I’m anticipating her review, too!
Ooh! A ball would be lovely, like Lizzy I love to dance…but I definitely hope to have some sort of expert knowledge on country dances in my dream! 🙂 Wouldn’t want to make a fool of myself and tread on my partner’s toes! 😉
Lucky, Meredith, to meet such a gentlemen in your dreams. He sounds very worthy and will actually be strong competition for Elizabeth’s interests.
We know Darcy is also worthy, but sometimes a little clueless as to how he is perceived. He will certainly find out eventually – as he does in most novels! thanks, Sophia!
Doesn’t he though? And he makes a much better first impression than Darcy, so Elizabeth is more inclined to think favorably of him right away. 🙂
Great interview! I love character interviews, they are very insightful!
Thanks, Meredith! Hope this gave you a good idea of what to expect in the book!
What a fun interview, very revealing! Thanks for the post!
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by!
LOVED this conversation with Mr. Rickland!
Thanks, Paige! It was fun to do!
Thanks! I’m so happy Kara was game to do something like this again! She is awesome!
What a fun interview, enjoyed it! Looking forward to reading this book.
Thanks, Nicole! Hope you’ll enjoy it! 🙂
This was a lovely interview! So looking forward to reading Mr Darcy’s Rival!
Thanks, Nicole! I just noticed there were 2 Nicoles one right after the other, and didn’t realize it! 🙂
What a wonderful interview/dream. You have definitely peaked my interest. So fun following your blog tour. Thank you for the giveaway. Congratulations!
I’m so happy you enjoyed this and are following the blog tour. And I’m also very happy to offer the book in a giveaway!
That was so much fun! I really enjoyed it. I have read the sample and it really sucks you in. I have read all kara’s other books so I was so glad to see a new release. Mr. Rickland reminds me of wickham. Evil laugh. I wonder if that proves true or if he’s just tired of not being Darcy. Oooh such possibilities.
Glad you enjoyed the excerpt, Susan! And I’m pleased to finally have another relesase! Hope you’ll enjoy the book.
Glad you enjoyed our interview, Suzan! 🙂 Ooh. You must read to find out!
Yay, a new Kara Louise book! Sign me up 🙂
I’m glad you’re excited! Good luck in the giveaway! 🙂
What a fun way to learn about the book. So creative! I would love to win a copy.
Thanks
Becky
Thanks, Becky! Kara was so awesome to want to participate in this little bit of fun! 🙂
What a great interview. I am intrigued to read what Mr Rickland is up to. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of the book.
Deana
I’m so glad you enjoyed the interview, Diana! Do you think Rickland is up to something or is he just a nice guy? Hmmm…. Good luck in the giveaway!
I enjoyed reading this blog post
Thanks, Patricia. It was fun to do!
I have loved all of Kara’s books and can’t wait t read this one. I just read Pirates and Prejudice (it had been on my TBR forever) and absolutely adored it. Thank you for the generous give away.
skamper25 at) gmail (dot) com
Oh I love Pirates and Prejudice!! 🙂 It is fantastic!
Thanks, Deborah and Meredith! I enjoyed writing Pirates – and it’s about finished being put into an audio book!
I love to see new characters. Mr. Rickland sounds like an interesting chap. If only I could dream up a handsome regency man. I always find myself at work in my dreams.
Oh no! No work!! I do dream about that too sometimes…I hope some handsome regency men find their way into your dreams soon! 😉
I don’t dream about them either – I guess that’s why I end up writing them! 🙂 I don’t normally dream about work, but that I’m back at high school and can’t remember what my next class is!
Okay I hate to say it but I kinda like Mr. Rickland better than Mr. Darcy after this interview. Pleas don’t shoot me for such a blaspehmous statement but he is very charming.
Danielle C
🙂
We’ll forgive you this time. But you have to admit, Mr. Darcy does not know how to do ‘charming’ and that’s what is going to make it difficult for him. 🙂
Yess. Mr. Darcy ♥. I so want to read this.
I hope you’ll get the opportunity to read it! Thanks for stopping by!
What a great interview, Meredith. Sounds like Mr. Rickland was quite charming. Hope it wasn’t too difficult to endure his presence! 🙂 Thanks for the entertaining post, ladies. Please do not enter me in the giveaway, Meredith, as I have already have the book and enjoyed reading it very much.
Thank you, Janet! 🙂 Kara is such a superstar for wanting to do this with me again! 🙂 LOL! Mr. Rickland is most handsome… 😉
Thanks, Janet. There was a couple times Meredith began to swoon, but she held it together! 🙂
Laughing….was Mr. Bingley nearby to catch her…just in case?
Very interesting and informative. I like these kinds of conversations between real people and fictional ones. Please enter me for a paperback copy (U.S.).
Glad you enjoyed it! It would be fun to do more! 😉
How cute was that!? You’re adorable Meredith. Really looking forward to reading this. I loved ‘Only Mr. Darcy Will Do,’ and Kara’s other works are either on my wish list or TBR pile. MY dreams never have Regency gentlemen in them, I’m doing something wrong…. 😉
😀 Thanks, Michelle! Glad you enjoyed it! LOL! I recommend reading and watching Jane Austen adaptations all day…maybe that will induce a Regency gentlemen to enter your dreams! 🙂
Sadly, that has not worked for me yet!! Oh, la. 😉
Thanks, Michelle – and even though I write and read Regency all day, that still doesn’t help. Unless those dreams are deep in the middle of the night and I don’t remember them. That’s almost like not dreaming about them.
Ok ladies, this interview was so much fun! I loved it!!:)
Thanks, Kelli! It was fun to do!
Haha!! Such a delightful and fun interview! Needless to say I wish I could meet a special Regency man myself! 😉
We just don’t see too many of those men around now, do we, Maria? I think something must be done about that!
need to read this!!!!
thank you for the giveaway….
I love your enthusiasm! And you’re welcome – I love being able to offer my book!
This interview was really fun to read and the book sound interesting (another one for my tbr list… who will be always longer).
Thanks for the giveaway
It’s so true, that TBR list just keeps getting longer! Glad you enjoyed this interview; hope you’ll enjoy the book!
I loved your interview. I’m a big fan or Kara Louise, I cant wait to read her new book.
Again, I have to thank Meredith for coming up with this idea – even though we had done something similar with my last book, I would not have thought of it! I’m delighted you like my books and I hope you’ll enjoy this one!
Love your encounter/interview with Mr. Rickland! What a nice way to drift off in your slumber… too bad it was cut short. You may of encountered both Mr. Darcy and Col Fitzwilliam too!
Now we can’t let Meredith have too much fun in her dreams; she may not have been able to utter a single word if she encountered all 3 men! Thanks for your comments!