Hello my dear friends! I’m so very excited to welcome author Stanley Michael Hurd back to Austenesque Reviews today! As you may remember from this review, this review, aaaaaaaand this one…I’m quite a big fan of Mr. Hurd’s writing! When he told me his new book, Colonel Fitzwilliam and The Countess Sainte Toulours, was soon to be released, I was elated as I love the idea of getting more of a male perspective of Jane Austen’s men! I hope you enjoy Mr. Hurd’s post and the little excerpt he has to share with you all today!
I am so very happy to be back here with you, Meredith, and all your friends. I really do 
not know a more congenial spot, and I have very much looked forward to being back these last few months as I was finishing up Colonel Fitzwilliam. It is a beautiful New England autumn morning here, although I have not been able to get out into it, as my hip was replaced a week ago (gosh, that sounds like such an old-guy thing to say! Yikes!), and I am tethered to my computer. At least I am tethered here in Meredith’s parlour, communing with such a nice collection of people. Although, based on the results of her survey, I am one of only two or three males who ever stop by; what’s up with that? Gentlemen, wake up! What can be more pleasant and relieving than to be vastly outnumbered in gentle discourse with informed and amiable ladies? Regardless of the general thick-headedness of my sex, I am delighted to be here.
In my new book, Colonel Fitzwilliam has set himself on the path of accomplishment, in hopes of one day earning honours similar to those his brother enjoys so undeservedly. To that end, he has committed himself to playing a significant role in bringing down Napoleon, and his efforts are being recognized by his superiors’ sending him to France during the Peace of Amiens. His commission is to uncover any preparations for continuing the war that may be seen in the French heartland. Intelligence has assigned one of their agents, Señor de Esparza y las Cruces de Elizondo y Maturin (yes, he is called Esparza, and yes, he’s named after our hostess!) to help him, and together they set forth on a long journey through France. Unfortunately, the Colonel has met, on the very evening before receiving his commission, a young lady who immediately wins his heart, even without ever having intended to do so. She is Miss Emily Chelwood, and I just love her. She is a sweet, gentle creature, intelligent, and invariably composed; at least until she finds herself in love with a military man, whose duties tend to get in the way of their romance. While their love is never in question, their future together is, and we watch as they try to manage the many forces, both at home and abroad, that stand between their love and enduring happiness. From time to time they get an assist from Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy, and solid support from the Colonel’s parents, in dealing with some of the obstacles to their love affair.
One theme in the book is how men’s feelings for their ladies affect them in their professional lives, and how much of what they strive for is driven by the benefit it brings their ladies. In the excerpt below, Colonel Fitzwilliam has just written a rather melancholy letter to his Emily from an inn in Spain, expressing how much he misses her, and how each day is a sort of trial, wherein his desire to be back with her contends with his duties, and his need to complete them creditably. In my own professional life, I have found myself on many occasions sitting in a hotel bar, nursing a glass of wine and thinking about my family. On more than one such evening, I would be dealing with the memory of hearing one of my young daughters’ tearful admonition to “Come home, now, Daddy!”, or, less often, a resolutely controlled “I miss you” from my wife, at the end of my goodnight call. This excerpt is along those lines, but the poor Colonel has not even the benefit of speaking to his beloved directly, and can only imagine her there with him.
I am sure many of you have been on one side or the other of such a situation, and will sympathize with our hero. In any event, after he has written his letter, his new friend Esparza comes in on him sitting in a mood, and the following ensues:
When Estéban came back from town, he found his friend still in a dark study, staring at a glass of wine which sat before him on the table, untouched. The remains of his writing—quill parings, ink pot, and sealing wax—revealed his activities, and Estéban sat down with him.
“You have been writing someone at home?” he asked.
At that last word, Edmund could not conceal a pang of longing, the thought of home and his Emily being too much for his melancholic state to bear.
“I have,” he answered shortly.
“You have, perhaps, a certain someone who awaits your return?” Estéban enquired sympathetically.
Edmund nodded, not trusting his voice to speak with perfect composure. After a moment’s silence, he said, “Is there any one who waits for you, Estéban?”
His friend smiled upon him, saying, “Not in this, way, no. —Unless you count my dear mother, whose tears for her wayward son are unending.”
“Why do men so often seem to make women cry?” asked Edmund in an abashed and penitent tone, thinking of his own beloved.
“Ah, my friend, it is a sad lot, is it not?” said Esparza, reaching for the wine bottle. “Never have I meant the least harm to any of them, nor have I ever represented myself to be other than I am, yet somehow my very being seems to have caused them great distress.”
Edmund nodded without speaking, and took a sip of wine in response to Esparza’s tip of the glass. Then he took a larger swallow, saying, “But if we, in duty, in honour, and in all rectitude, must inevitably render them saddened to such a degree, wherein lies happiness? By my soul, I would defend her from harm and unhappiness with every fibre of my being, yet I cannot manage to stop from hurting her myself.”
Estéban was silent for a moment, considering. “But is it really you, my friend?” he said. “Or, I should say, us? Have we not given them every scrap of truth about who we are, and what we are about? —our hopes, our ambitions, and the limits of our freedoms, all set forth without disguise? I do not for a moment believe you have dissembled any more than have I: yet I, too, bear the burden of having made more than one lady shed tears at times.”
Edmund shook his head disconsolately. “How can that be right? I believe myself to be a man of honour, and I would fight the man who breathed a word against her character, so how is it we cannot be happy, and at ease in the world? How can it be, that two such people cannot find happiness in life together? Most especially, for who we are together? —for I know I am a better man, a more complete man, with her than without.”
“It is too true: there seems to be no right way for men and women to be together, and even less of a path to happiness apart.” The two men sat gloomily for a time, which ended only when Esparza very deliberately filled their glasses again.
“Give us a toast, my friend,” said he.
“Miss Emily Chelwood,” Edmund offered without hesitation.
“Miss Emily Chelwood, and the ladies,” amended Estéban.
“And the ladies,” Edmund added. The two touched glasses, and thus began a series of toasts that led well into the night.
I know how this feels from the one side; what about the other side? Can anyone speak for the lady left behind? Or, what about the family-woman traveling on business: is it as Anne Elliot suggested, when she said, “It would be too hard, indeed…if woman’s feelings were to be added to all this”? Give us your thoughts, and let us test Austen’s demonstrable understanding and universal appeal against the experiences of the modern world.
Awww! Thank you Stan, you do me such a great honor with Estéban! I can’t wait to read more about him, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Emily! It is always such a pleasure to have one of my gentleman readers come share in and lead our discussion here at Austenesque Reviews! Thank you for the visit!
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Today Stanley Hurd generously brings with him 3 Kindle editions of Colonel Fitzwilliam and The Countess Sainte Toulours for me to giveaway!!
To enter this giveaway, answer Stan’s question, leave a comment, question, or some kind words for Stanley!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Stanley!
- This giveaway ends November 4th!
I love how he brings some great masculine sensibilities into the story line. Looking forward to this one!
Thanks Colleen; I know that “masculine sensibilities” sounds like an oxymoron to a lot of ladies, but, as you know, they’re there. It occurs to me that a lot of romantic literature hinges on the fact that men are so close with their feelings, leaving the lady to have to interpret varying degrees of silence, á la Darcy, without knowing what’s going on for sure. As does Anne Elliot: “Now, how were his sentiments to be read? Was this like wishing to avoid her?”
Well, I have tried to elucidate this dark place to some degree in Colonel Fitzwilliam, so I hope you will enjoy it.
Best,
Stan
P. S. I forgot to mention in the post, but the Kindle version is available for pre-order, but the paperback won’t go live until the 6th. Forgive me for mentioning it here, but just in case you wanted it as early as possible.
I was so excited when I heard a few weeks ago that there would soon be a new book by Stanley Hurd! There simply are no words that could do full justice to ‘Darcy’s Tale’. I was so taken with the delightful trilogy and everything about it: the tone, the language, the exquisite portrayal of favourite characters. You can imagine how I felt when I heard that Stanley Hurd would next tell the story of a character as treasured, and perhaps as mysterious as Colonel Fitzwilliam. The excerpt was wonderful, as was the insight into the author’s thoughts and the promise of the much appreciated ‘male perspective’. I’m really looking forward to read this novel and I’m sure, sight unseen, that it will be one of my top favourites.
Dear Joana,
Blushing, I’m blushing! Thanks so much for your support and enthusiasm; I only hope Colonel Fitzwilliam warrants it. I’m always uncertain about a book when I finally let it go; I have by that point gotten to where I can only see its flaws, after so many rewrites. Anyway, this fledgling has left the nest, so we’ll have to see how it flies. Thanks again.
Best,
Stan
Having enjoyed Stanley’s other books and now there is one about the Colonel, I can’t wait – more Colonel stories are needed
Thanks, Vesper; the Colonel is one of those Austen characters who draws the attention of a reader: he appears amiable, intelligent, at times even playful. But we never see enough of him. So, to save him from a crusty, rigid old age of military precision and correctness, I decided he could do with a lady in his life. Not an original idea, of course, but the story was fun to write. I hope it will please.
Best,
Stan
The Colonel is one of my favorite characters and the idea he has a happily ever after is wonderful. I could never seen him ending up with Georgiana…the age and experience difference alone!
As far as the lady left behind we sadly only need to go as far as our military families…
Thanks for the story and the giveaway
Dear Theresa,
You’re welcome for the giveaway: good luck! I know – the Colonel and Georgiana? That’s a real stretch for me. Not entirely impossible, but on top of the age difference, there’s that odd relationship of her being his ward; more the feeling of a protective older brother than a potential lover. But I guess it could happen.
For me, though, I didn’t find the right emotional mix for the Colonel with anyone in Austen’s cast of characters. So, I went ahead and did my own. I wanted to capture a more adventurous life for the Colonel than for Darcy, and so he goes on a mission to France; hence the separation from his Emily. I think that that separation is one area in which the tribulations of the Regency military personnel are but little redressed in today’s world. An 18-month deployment is still a heart-breaking trial for anyone, regardless of satellite hook-ups and 2- or 3-week leaves. I can’t say how much I admire our armed-services families.
Best,
Stan
My sister is a military wife and I have been with her during deployments and watched her be strong and yet broken hearted at the same time. From her standpoint she was giving a part of herself to the cause as well because her heart was fighting for freedom and each night as she had her 18 month old son “kiss daddy” (a picture in a frame) so that he wouldn’t forget what he looked like, she would pray for peace and for her heart to be restored. But through all that she was one of the STRONGEST women I’ve ever met, and I don’t think she is the exception.
I’m excited about this book. I loved the trilogy and I love the Col. Thanks for sharing this!!! I also think it is so apropos that our fair hostess got a representation!
Stephanie, how poignantly and perfectly offered. Thank you. And thank you to all our military spouses, parents, children and siblings and friends. Those of us who don’t live with that daily can only imagine in a dim, removed manner. God Bless our Troops.
Dear Stephanie,
I can only add “Amen” to Michelle’s comment. And I appreciate your kind words; I’m so glad you liked Darcy’s Tale. Thanks for your insight, and good luck in the giveaway!
Best,
Stan
Mr. Hurd’s trilogy was part of my Desert Island Five earlier this year, as you may remember, Meredith, so it’s great to read an excerpt from this new book about the good Colonel.
I’ve been the wife left behind in the past, in the 1980s, when my husband went to work in West Africa for nine months. We saw each other once, for three weeks, half way through. Apart from that, it was mainly letters as the phone system where he was didn’t reach individual houses. He had to travel to the next town to the main post office and book a call if he wanted to phone home. He only managed that on average once every two to three weeks. Even then the quality of the line sometimes made it impossible for us to hear each other. Thankfully we had no children at that time, which we both would have found even tougher than it already was.
Good luck with the launch!
Dear Anji,
I’m flattered you think DT worth taking to a deserted island! You know, I wrote it with the idea of reading it alongside P&P – you might try that sometime. It’s kind of fun to see Darcy and Elizabeth’s interpretations of their encounters simultaneously.
Your experience sounds much more like those difficult separations of two-hundred years ago! Tough times. I once came close to accepting a consulting job in Guinea, and was dissuaded largely for the reasons you mention, not to mention the dangers (of which I am sure you were sensible) of merely being an American in West Africa.
Thanks for your comment, and best of luck in the giveaway!
Best,
Stan
I do remember, Anji! Definitely an excellent choice! 😀
Great to have a man’s perspective, and good to know men can genuinely be sentimental like us women. Col F is such a great character to have in a romance as he is all macho military man, utterly likeable, but not one to quickly show his heart on his sleeve.
True, Ginger! But then, not many men of that time (or even our time?) are very good at showing their emotions. I know more than one person has expressed surprise at a man like me writing romance books, and even greater surprise that they enjoyed them. :-0 And I agree that he is a likeable fellow; everything we know about him from Austen (admittedly not much) shows him to be intelligent, conversable, and witty. But the rest is a blank, so he is a natural for exploring new stories. I hope you like this one!
Best of luck in the giveaway.
Stan
This sounds like a fascinating look into the life of the Colonel! I am looking forward to reading it!
I think the separation from the men, for the ones left behind, would have always been an emotional time, in those days since women were not free to take care of themselves. If I were in that time, I would feel a constant dependency. Of course, not being from those times, I’ve a rather independent self-sufficiency which they would most likely find abhorrent. LOL But even in our current society, there is emotional distress when someone you love is not with you. You worry the entire time they are out of your presence, no matter what took them away. I don’t feel like it is as drastic as it once was unless the person who is absent is a soldier. That may present the degree of distress on one’s emotions as at any other time.
I think today’s women are much more sensible, quite frankly. And I’m very thankful not to be dependent on anyone for my own happiness and well-being. But Jane Austen had it right with Anne’s comments.
Things are much easier when emotions are not considered, but human nature prevents this quite often.
Love, though never having been unequivocally proven, is still a living breathing thing that can not be denied.
Thank you for the article and the excerpt. I do love your work! Both of you!
Thank you, Ardentreader2014. I like your points, but am unqualified to speak to them; anyone else?
Stan Hurd
Like others I loved Darcy’s Tale and am looking forward to this book’s release. The Colonel has always been one of my favorite characters. The excerpt was, indeed, melancholy. Hoping for a Happily Ever After in the book. Is not that insured?
As for partings and worries: I am old enough to have lived through not only the Vietnam conflict but also the various conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, etc and even the Falklands (for the British). My family had in the past and has now many members who serve their country. We cope by prayers, by letters, texts and phone calls. Even a trip of only a few hours requires that the person traveling let us know that they have arrived safely. Today’s technology makes it so much easier to keep in touch and the media lets us know weather, conflicts, plane crashes, natural disaster so we can worry MORE or LESS, depending on how close your loved ones are to that event.
Hi Sheila!
An HEA? Nothing’s guaranteed, but it is, after all, fiction; and since real life is rather stingy with happily-ever-afters, I think it more likely we’ll find them in fiction. 🙂
“Even a trip of only a few hours…”; we all know this to be true, I imagine. In fact, I once worked myself into a state when my girlfriend of the time was 20 minutes too long at an appointment with a dentist she did not like. Of course, I was young and more wolf-like then, but, having allowed someone into your definition of self, ANY threat to them is cause for great alarm. And I really agree that today’s ability to keep track of EVERYTHING is not necessarily a better thing. Good point, and one I hadn’t considered.
Good luck on the giveaway!
Best,
Stan
I love getting the male POV in stories, and I love Col. Fitzwilliam. And getting to know how he feels being in love and trying not to let it show. You have me totally hooked! Thanks for sharing this.
You’re welcome tgruy!
I’ve mentioned before how guys generally feel comfortable conveying their feelings to the woman in their life (believe it or not!), and, between two men, this sort of discussion, no matter how laden with emotion, is likely to be held with this third-person, philosophical arm’s-distance sort of flavor – at least in my experience. Nobody would whine to their friend about their heartbreak, unless they had just completely lost their mind, which happens, too. 😉
Anyway, thanks, and best of luck!
Stan
Thank you! I really hope I get lucky!
What a nice tip-of-the-hat to our dear Meredith! As for the misery of separation and the conundrum of hurting those we love—what’s the current buzzword, toxic masculinity? As in he’s acting a role he feels he must, regardless of how at odds it is with his feelings. It sounds as if it’s Colonel Fitzwilliam’s very ambition that leads to the separation and the loneliness of both. The fact that the problem is insoluble (he couldn’t abandon his ambition without becoming a different person) makes it a wonderful premise for a novel! In the excerpt, I like how you have incorporated some of your research into the manners of the era so seamlessly into the narrative. And just see how you’ve stimulated discussion on this thread with your provocative post!
Hi Abigail!
I thought about Meredith and her site every time I wrote Esparza’s name – always gave me a little grin. I was looking for a Basque name, and hers popped up second on the list; it was fate!
But as for toxic masculinity, or testosterone poisoning, as a biologist I see those terms as no more nor less than the definition of male primates. We are all hierarchical, territorial, and yet social animals. We must band together to accomplish anything of note, yet we are always looking to our place in the pecking order (or driving to be top dog), and protective of what we define as ours. While we constantly strive and compete in our outside life, I don’t see this as wearing a mask. To me it seems more like a biological imperative; the Colonel’s ambition is probably not completely under his control, and without some deep trauma to pry him off of it, is unlikely to go away. Yet all this is in stark contrast to men’s personal lives, especially as regards our ladies, and what is owing to them. And therein lies the rub. We do what we do because that’s who we are and how we’re built, but love often pulls us a different way. And since – again, biologically speaking – all this striving and competing is ultimately to serve our mate, and secure the well-being of our families, when the striving is at odds with the emotional imperatives of our spouses and families, then we’re really stuck. That’s when a good friend and a glass of wine come in handy.
Thanks for all your kind words, past and present; I hope this one will be to your liking, as well. Good luck in the giveaway!
Best,
Stan
Stan, you are so incredibly kind to think of me and my blog! We are such fans of yours here! Thank you for the support and friendship you have shown!
Your excerpt was wonderfully written, and I look forward to reading the rest! Best of luck with your new release.
Thanks very much, Leslie. Good luck in the giveaway!
Stan
First, congratulations on the release of your new book and thank you for honouring Meredith! Her passion for all things Jane is inspiring! When I read a few posts back that you had a new book coming out, I was so excited. Like others, I love Darcy’s Tale and I’m am looking forward to reading the Colonel’s story from your perspective. I also love the cover of this book. As for separation from a loved one, I always felt when my husband had to travel that I was missing part of myself while he was gone. However, a soldier’s life (male or female) must have that much more anxiety attached to it. A BIG shout out of Thanks to all!
Thanks very much, Carole. I think that feeling of missing part of you is the crux of the matter. Once you’re part of an “us”, being by yourself feels terribly wrong. When you add the chance of misfortune, and the possibility that you might never be whole again, the fear and heartache is overwhelming. All honor to those who serve, and their families!
Best,
Stan
Aww! Thank you, Carole! I’m thrilled that Stan has taken on Colonel Fitzwilliam and I cannot wait to see what he shows us!
What an intriguing book on Colonel Fitzwilliam. Love the Colonel especially when he finds someone else to love besides Elizabeth. Best of luck on your new book release. I’ve already put this in my to buy list just in case the chance of winning is a million to one!
Thanks so much, Carol. Whichever way you get it, I hope you like it. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Stan
Colonel Fitzwilliam is one of my very favorite “minor” characters, so I am
just delighted by a book about him.
Thank you for the giveaway!
Susan,
I agree about the Colonel; there is something decidedly amiable and estimable about him. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Stan
Like everyone else, I’m so excited for a new Stanley Hurd book. I’m working my way through the trilogy now, I know, I’m so behind in TBR pile! But I’m loving it.
There are so few male writers in JAFF and I think most I’ve read are brilliant. We all benefit from brilliant writing whether it’s in a genre usually dominated by women or not. Truly looking forward to this new Stan book. Austen doesn’t give the Colonel all that much airtime, but he has obviously caught the hearts and minds of Austen’s fans. I’m in great company when I say I ‘LOVE’ the Colonel. It has to be because we have all read some wonderful books where he plays an important role in Darcy’s life. And I hate hate hate it when a writer portrays him as a villain.
Thoughts on separations due to one spouse’s travel or military service are sensitive and hard to express. One predominant thought is that although the many trips in a year add up to months away, and over the years in a marriage add up to years away, that they are still better than the fear and length of separation a stint in the military involves. And how blessed and fortunate we are. Yes, it is very fearsome to worry about a husband and father flying, being in a strange city getting to and from a venue in said not very safe city, his health while he’s away. And taming the wild beasts at home of a child who misses their dad. And just plain missing him. But we still have each other. Eventually phone service improved, the internet came into being and was affordable to the masses. The Child grew up and went off on his own. (The angst for your next book, Stan 🙂 ) But still counting ourselves extremely blessed.
Dear Michelle,
The Colonel is just a fun guy to be with, and he was easy to write about. And I guarantee he is not the villain of the piece.
Distance and separation is not exclusive to the military, of course; time away is time away, and it’s tough on the family. We can all feel more for military families whose members might be in harm’s way, perhaps, but imagination can conjure dangers no matter where our loved ones travel. They say an adventure is just the worst time you’ve ever had, once you’re back home by the fire; I guess the best we can do is try to take these trials in that light, and take it on faith that the adventure will turn out well.
Best,
Stan
Oh, this does strike close to home for me. I grew up in a military family. My dad was Navy during Vietnam and was gone when I was little before finishing his time and moving into civilian life. But then when I was older, my mom being Air Force took her away for several weeks at a time for TDY trips to other bases though fortunately, never to war. It’s not easy whether you are the one going or the one staying.
I really look forward to reading this story after this post and the excerpt, Stan. So neat, Meredith, to have a character named after you. 😉
Dear Sophia,
“It’s not easy whether you are the one going or the one staying.” That is something we can all agree on. The one who is away has duties and a job to perform, new problems constantly, which can buffer much of their day from the feelings of absence, until it’s time to retire for the night and all you have is loneliness; at home there is only the routine, and the worry, but often there are other family members to help ease the burden. Neither side escapes the hardships.
I hope you like Colonel Fitzwilliam; be sure to let me know what you think, and best luck in the giveaway.
Best,
Stan
Thanks, Sophia Rose! It was an interesting and exciting experience to see my name in this excerpt…it made me think of Mr. Bingley too, because I’m only an Esparza because of him! 😀
I can’t wait to be able to read this (come on, we don’t have to lie, we all know this book is going to be) amazing new story. I fell in love with Darcy’s Tale, what a wonderful insight in the thoughts and feelings of my personal favourite Jane Austen hero! I read a lot of JA variations, sequels etc., but I have not found any book even remotely as intriguing as the beautiful trilogy by mr. Hurd yet! Very excited to read about Col. Fitzwilliam, since I feel he would make a fantastic hero, but who has been ‘overshadowed’ a bit by his famous cousin 😉 Definitely an addition to my ‘to read-list’. Thank you for delighting us with another story, mr. Hurd and please don’t stop here!
Dear Debbie,
I can’t imagine how I missed your comment before, but I do apologize. If for no other reason than I don’t want to “jinx” things, I am going to have to cling to my fears that this sophomore effort will be a dud, and Colonel Fitzwilliam will not be anywhere near as pleasing as Darcy’s Tale. but thank you very much indeed for your kind words. And, so long as you all are willing to read, I will be willing to write; next in line, Captain Wentworth, and a modern piece about an aging biochemist turned hitman. 😉
Best of luck in the giveaway!
Stan
Hi Stan!
I´m from Spain and, first of all, I´m very happy to see a reference of my country in an Austenesque novel, thank you!. I´ve read your excerpt and I can feel the emotions inside Colonel Fitzwilliam because of being apart of his Emily. You´re right: in our days we can communicate with our beloved ones only by calling them with the cellular phone or by Skype, for example. It´s a fast way of finding answer in the other side of the line to our anguish and solitude but, in Colonel´s times, only the letters could provide this kind of communication but, it took a long time to receive the letters and with the war it could happen the letter never arrived to its destination, so poor Colonel!!. And, I must say: Poor Emily because, in the other side, the person who is waiting for news can get nervous by imagining all kind of disasters in war periods, so poor couple!!.
¡ Buena Suerte! (Good luck!) with your new release. Don´t put me for the giveaway as I´m not fond of ebooks but I´ll put this title in my wish list.
That´s very kind of you to put the name of Esparza, Bravo! (Meredith, I can see you jumping in joy!).
By the way, Stan, if you decide to write more about the Napoleonic war in Spain, you may be interested in the reading of “National Episodes” by Benito Pérez Galdós (one of the most famous spanish writers of the 19th century) because they are several novels about this period of time and, when I was at school teachers always told us about these chronicles. I don´t know if they are translated into english but if they were, they could provide you with information about that time 🙂
P.S: New England in autumn is charming as I see your photo with the colorful trees behind!
Dear Teresa,
I think you are quite right in your points; bad enough today, but much worse then.
I agree with you about eBooks: I much prefer an actual book in my hand – it feels so much more friendly and personal. What part of Spain are you from? Esparza is actually a Basque, and makes sure the Colonel calls San Sebastián “Donostia”. 🙂 Thank you very much indeed for recommending the series by Galdós; it’s such a fascinating time, and the complexity of the actions and politics on the entire Iberian Peninsula is a little bewildering. An English version doesn’t appear on Amazon, but I have a friend who is a book collector – he will be able to find it, I’m sure (I’d hate to have to try to read it in the original, with my limited Spanish!).
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Stan
I´m from Madrid, Stan, and I´m happy the information about Galdós is helpful. I hope you get an english version!. You´re right: we can feel Meredith´s absence but all is for a good reason like supporting Mr Bingley´s work and having fun in the trip. And, as Sheila says: you have paid great attention to all the comments… you´ve defended Meredith´s place very well, as Colonel Fitzwilliam would have done!
You are too kind, Teresa. I am so pleased to have “met” you!
I am, Teresa! So very sweet of Stan. 🙂 How great that this story takes place in Spain where so many of my lovely friends are from! I’m sure that will give extra-special enjoyment to you!
Hi everyone,
Going over the posts this morning, I became very much aware of how much we miss Meredith’s light touch and irrepressible enthusiasm. For those who don’t know, she and Mr. Bingley are in Cancun, where he has a music gig for the week. I didn’t give it much thought when we decided to go ahead with the posting at this time, but I can certainly feel her absence. So let’s give a shout-out to Meredith, tell her we miss her, and give her our best wishes!
Stan
I was wondering if she was there when the hurricane went through. Fortunately it didn’t cause as much damage as expected.
Meredith, I hope all is well and that you and Mr. Bingley have found sun and relaxation while he is not working. We miss you but Stanley has paid great detailed attention to all the posts.
Thank you, Sheila! We were pretty far from the hurricane, so all went well weather-wise! We had fun with our adventures and relaxing! Happy to be back though!
You are so kind, Stan! Thank you for the lovely shout-out! I’m very appreciative of you ‘holding down the fort’ in my absence and am only sorry I couldn’t be around earlier to partake in the conversation. But I am here now and like Lady C, I’d like to have my say. 😉
I’m thoroughly looking forward to the adventure of your newest novel, for, adventure I know it will be. You showed us how active and hands-on Darcy can be, I can only imagine what you will do with the Colonel! And the fact that you highlight a romance with a new and intriguing character only adds to my eagerness to read this story!
As to your stimulating discussion, I can only wonder at those who have experienced long-distance/long-duration separation. I’ve only done short-duration (Mr. Bingley often travels for his work, but his longest stretch of time away was probably 12 days). It is always hard and I’m always sad when we are apart…it may cliche to say it, but it definitely feels like part of you is missing. When I know he is going, I try to overload myself with visits with friends, projects (Mr. Bingley has come home to find our living room and bedroom in completely different colors!), and as many distractions as I can! And I’m afraid it seems to be the kind of thing that gets harder instead of easier the more you do it. But that may be because the more time you spend with someone brings you closer and closer together. I look forward to seeing how this couple bear the time apart. Thank you for such a great topic to discuss and a wonderful excerpt, Stan!
My dear Meredith,
I am only too honoured to have been invited, and to be of service. I am, Madame, as ever, your obedient servant.
And as for the book, I’m still gonna sit here with my fingers crossed! 😉
Best,
Stan
I think Anne Elliot’s words are totally true. However, if we put both sides on one novel, it would be depressing, full of sentiment but I may say too sad.
I have to say that I have just discovered you but I like the idea of reading more novels written by men on this amazing Jane Austen world. I have only read one male author and your novels are already on my TBR list! Having the point of view of a man for a change sounds very refreshing!! (no offence for the amazing Austen Authors or other JAFF authors!)
A silly thing that I have adored is that you use accents for Estéban!! I am Spanish and I appreciate when the spelling is correct on books in different languages! (Silly thing but I had to write it!)
Thank you for doing the giveaway!
Ana
Dear anadarcy,
I studied Spanish growing up in Southern California, and while the most common form there was Mexican, my teacher was an Englishman who had lived for years in Madrid. He was very particular about spelling and grammar, and drilled us endlessly our accents, so we would sound like “proper” Spanish speaking people. He was quite a snob about it, but he was also very cultured and suave, so we forgave him. Anyway, glad you approve!
Having a male “voice” in Darcy’s POV was a big reason I started writing these books. I read one from a female author, and at times the things she had him say or do made me wince a little, so I decided to try it myself. The thing of it is, even though she never wrote their parts completely, as I went through Darcy’s Tale I was convinced that Austen knew much more about him than I did.
Good luck in the giveaway!
Stan
I was so glad you decided to write a novel about Col Fitzwilliam when you finished your last project! Loved that there’s a nod to Meredith too! Can’t wait to read it! Love the excerpts you provided on Goodreads as well.
Meredith, hope you and Mr. Bingley have a fun and safe trip!
Thank you, Dung! We had a lovely time, it was very nice to get away for a little! But we are happy to be back! 😉
Thanks, Dung! Best of luck in the giveaway!
Best,
Stan
I know how it is to worry over somebody over a long distance. Me and my now ex had a long distance relationship for years before we finally got to live together. And now even though we are not together anymore I still worry about him as he has been traveling a lot for work lately. It really sucks.
Anyways congratulations on the new book. I look forward to reading it.
Dear carterkristina2,
That sounds tough; hope things get smoother. But thanks, and best of luck in the giveaway!
Stan
Welcome back and we missed you and we hope it was a fantastic time.
I believe that the separation is hard on both parties. Both hurt for themselves and for each other. Missing someone can create a hole inside that causes a physical ache. Good piece of writing.
Thank you, Patty. And you’re right about it becoming a true physical distress, even Austen describes it: “The only time that I ever really suffered in body or mind…was the winter that I passed by myself at Deal, when the Admiral (Captain Croft then) was in the North Seas.” Mrs. Croft.
Stan
Loved the excerpt! I am not commenting to enter the giveaway, but I just wanted to leave Stan some good wishes for his hip recovery. I managed to break my hip earlier this year playing netball and while I didn’t need a replacement, I had to have surgery to pin the bone back together and so I can empathise with you. It’s so tiresome and frustrating to be off your feet, it really makes you appreciate all the things you usually take for granted. Wishing you a swift recovery!
Dear Ceri,
It’s been 3 weeks, and I’m doing very well. It’s so weird – it was an out-patient procedure, and I walked out of the hospital the same afternoon. Not at all like it used to be. I’m pretty functional already, and on the way to complete recovery. The doc says no more board breaking in karate, though! Oh well… 🙂
Thanks so much for your good wishes!
Best,
Stan
I was told if I’d had a replacement the recovery would be much quicker but they said pinning my bone was preferable as it should hopefully now last as long as I do! I had no idea that you could be up and about from a replacement so quickly though. Great to know you’re well on the way to recovery, it’s taken me months, I lost so much strength. I won’t be doing karate any time soon either!
Just hang in there! It often takes 12-18 months for the body to recover completely, so be patient (ha! I should talk! I’m the worst when it comes to patience). Plus, you’re young, so I’m sure it will all be well.
I had a hip replacement about eight years ago; the best thing about it was that I got to spend my recovery reading Austenesque novels! My best friend sent me a whole box, and I pigged out. Sadly, I had some short-term memory issues after the anesthesia, and didn’t remember most of them very well. An excuse to reread!
So happy to hear your surgery went well, Stan, and that it wasn’t your writing hand that was injured (how selfish of me!!!).
I’m even happier to hear about this book. What a wonderful excerpt. Colonel Fitzwilliam being the star of his own show? How delightful. This goes straight to the top of my reading pile, Stan. Best wishes to you.
Hi Joy!
Thanks so much! Glad you like the excerpt, although I have to say it’s a pretty minor part of the book; I don’t wanna give away the best stuff, you know! If and when you read it, I’ll be very interested in your thoughts on it.
Best of luck on the giveaway!
Best,
Stan
Darcy’s Tale was an enjoyable read from a different perspective; the ‘male’ perspective. I was surprised to learn this was Mr. Hurd’s first book, since he got so many of the inner thoughts and misconstrued signals correct; since men usually have no clue as to what the woman is really thinking and usually perceive the opposite of the reality. I am looking forward to reading this newest book about Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Thanks Dan; good to have another guy on board! Good luck in the giveaway.
Stan
I am looking forward to reading this new book. In answer to your question, just before Dan and I got engaged I went to Germany for 2 months. I had a great time. He was a basket case. We exchanged letters and spent time on the phone (sorry…pre-internet). A few days after I returned home we became engaged and will be married 28 years this December.
Debbie,
Good luck in the giveaway, and congratulations on 28 years!
Stan
Congratulations on the new release, Stan. I hope more male authors would give JAFF a chance to flourish and blossom because it’s nice to read their masculine voices for a change. Not that I don’t like female writers penning what male characters would think and do but I would something authentic and original.
Thanks so much! I have to agree, but has anyone ever complained that JAFF writers lack originality? 😉
I love your books! Thank you so much for writing another as I have waited impatiently for each since I first read Darcey’s Tale I. I will purchase any future installments, of which I hope there are many. I feel as if I am reading the actual continuations of the most beloved characters in literary history. You, Sir, are a treasure!