Hi friends!! As you may have noticed, I’ve been enjoying my fair share of Christmas reads this month! I think it will become a new tradition for me! 🙂 Which is great, because there are some holiday reads that came out this year that I won’t be able to fit in this month, but most definitely want to read next December, like Anngela Schroder’s new holiday novella – An Unexpected Merry Gentleman! This sounds like such a charming and lovely story! Check out this cute interview Anngela put together!
Meredith, thank you so much for having me on Austenesque Review today. It has been a 
whirlwind of a month, and I am grateful you found the time to squeeze me in to share my Christmas release with your readers. An Unexpected Merry Gentleman is a lighthearted read set at Netherfield for the Christmas holiday. Darcy and Georgiana are there by circumstances they can’t control, and he is forced to face his budding feelings for Elizabeth. I introduced a few new characters in the story, Mr. Bingley’s Aunt––Mrs. Taylor, and the most delightful additions––the Gardiner’s children, Miss Victoria Gardiner and Miss Emily Gardiner, both miniatures in both looks and personalities to their older cousins Jane and Elizabeth Bennet.
Darcy is charmed by the young girls, most noticeably by Emily, who returns the affection. I hope it’s alright, but I asked both the Miss Gardiners to join us today for a brief interview? They are on the way to the park with their Nanny, but were going to stop by to say hello. Oh, here they are.
Anngela: Hello girls. I’m so glad you could make it. This is Meredith and we have a few questions for you.
Miss Gardiner: Thank you so much, Mrs. Schroeder. And thank you, Mrs. Esparza, for having us on your blog today.
Miss Emily: Yes, thank you. Our mother told us what an honor this was and––
Miss Gardiner: Emmy, remember what Mama said.
Miss Emily: That is right. Yes, Mrs. Esparza. Thank you.
Anngela: I have been told you both had a lovely time at Netherfield for Christmas. What was your favorite part?
Miss Gardiner: I so enjoyed meeting Miss Darcy and learning a duet with her. She was so kind.
Miss Emily: Yes, and her brother Mr. Darcy was so fun. He was so in love with our Lizzy––
Miss Gardiner: Emmy! Some people have yet to read the book!
Miss Emily: Oh, dear me! Never mind that. Mr. Darcy was so fun. My favorite was when he built the snowman for us. And he is such a good brother to Miss Darcy.
Miss Gardiner: Yes, he is.
Miss Emily: But, I so wanted to slide down the bannisters with him.
Miss Gardiner: Emily.
Miss Emily: I know, Tory. That is not very ladylike. But, it doesn’t mean I still don’t wish to.
Anngela: That’s alright, Miss Emily. We all have moments of wanting to do what we shouldn’t. I have another question. Some people believe Mr. Darcy to be a proud disagreeable man. Did you find him that way?
Miss Gardiner: Not at all. He was kindness itself.
Miss Emily: And he is so handsome. I told Lizzy that I was going to ask him to wait for me until I grew up and I would be happy to be his wife. I thought––
Miss Gardiner: Emmy. Once again, remember what Mama said.
Miss Emily: Really Mrs. Schroeder and Mrs. Esparza, it is so trying acting the part of a refined lady. I would much rather run and climb trees and skip and throw stones. Buuut, if I wish to marry a man like Mr. Darcy, I must behave more like our Li––excuse me. More like a lady. Are we almost finished?
Anngela: Yes, my dear, we are finished. Have fun at the park, and say hello to your parents for us.
Miss Gardiner: Thank you, we will. Good day.
Anngela: Good day, girls.
Aren’t they just so delightful? What a lively conversation. And now, as a special treat, here is an excerpt from the story itself.
~ Excerpt from An Unexpected Merry Gentleman ~
Just then there was a knock and a woman’s voice calling from a distance, “You must leave your parents alone. You should have already retired for the night.”
“Come,” Mr. Gardiner said, attempting to hide his grin as the door swung open with force.
“Papa, save me!” A mop of brown curls rushed through the door and leaped through the air into Edward Gardiner’s lap. “Nurse is going to turn us into mermaids and make us live in the sea forever.”
“Now, Emily—”
“Please, Mama. Please don’t let her,” the second girl said.
Mrs. Gardiner scooped up her eldest. “Victoria. Do you honestly believe Nanny would do such a thing?”
Her little blonde head began to whimper. “No, but Emmy said if I didn’t eat all my peas, Nanny would sell us to the fishmonger and turn me into a mermaid.”
“Emily!” Mrs. Gardiner said, hiding the smirk from her lips. “You have scared your sister, and for that, I will have to reconsider if you will be coming with us to Netherfield for Christmas.”
Both girls startled. “Oh, no, Mother, please.” Emily wiggled out of her father’s arms and ran to her mother’s. “I was only teasing, Tory. I promise, Nanny is a good sort of person…except when she makes us drink castor oil,” she said with an earnest expression. “Please, Mother, please let me go.”
“Oh, yes, Mother. Please don’t keep Emmy away from us at Christmas. What if I take fright? I could not sleep without Emmy in the room.”
Mrs. Gardiner silently studied her daughters, while her husband grinned behind his hand before he relented. “Very well, then. If Emily promises to behave and not bother Mr. Bingley or his aunt, then she may come.”
“Oh, I do, I do, Papa. Thank you.” Emily leapt back into his arms and kissed his cheeks with enthusiasm before climbing down. She then addressed the harried looking young woman waiting at the door. “Now, Nanny. We must go to bed. It is high time you forced our hand.”
“Emily Elizabeth Gardiner!”
“Yes, Papa.” She turned back with a penitent expression. “I apologize for my manners, Nanny. I am ready for bed.”
I hope you enjoyed this brief peak into An Unexpected Merry Gentleman and the minds of the Gardiner girls. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday everyone!
Thank you so much for sharing, Anngela! Loved both the interview and excerpt! I’m already in love with the Gardiner girls! I cannot wait to see more of Miss Emily…especially any scenes she has with Mr. Darcy! I pretty sure that will make him even more irresistible!!! I am so looking forward to reading An Unexpected Merry Gentleman!!! Congrats on your new release!
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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Today Anngela generously brings with her ONE Kindle copy of An Unexpected Merry Gentleman for me to give away to ONE lucky reader!
To enter this giveaway, leave a comment, question, or some love for Anngela!
- This giveaway is open worldwide.
- This giveaway ends December 27th.
Also, if you didn’t already vote for your favorite Austenesque read of 2018 yet, hop over HERE to cast your vote!
Leaving a comment enters you to win 1 of the 3 Readers’ Choice Favorites in paperback! (winner’s choice!)
Such a sweet excerpt, I love the interaction between the characters. Congratulations on the release of the book and thanks for the giveaway. ❤️
Thank you, Kate. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
What a delightful interview and I can see why Mr. Darcy’s veneer of hauteur was cracked! Can’t wait to read this story. Congratulations Anngela! Oh, and I just loved your short story in ‘Yuletide’!
Thank you, Carole! I’m so glad you liked the excerpt and my story in Yuletide
How cute is that?? I shall have to read this story!
I hope you enjoy it, Brenda!
What a cute interview and excerpt. Thank you for sharing and for the giveaway.
Thank you for entering, DarcyBennett
I think Miss Emily is going to be a right handful when she grows up, even more than now
You are so right, Vesper!
I am sure that Miss Emily will wrap Mr. Darcy around her little finger as she is so much like her Cousin Elizabeth. I am sure she will have many comments about Elizabeth and Darcy! The interview was perfect. Thank you for the giveaway.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Eva.
I love these little girls and am certain Darcy will too. I imagine Emily takes after Elizabeth when she was a child.
I really look forward to reading this and I might give in and buy it before the draw if I have time especially as I’m in the uk and can’t accept .com gift books. But thank you Anngela and Meredith for the generous giveaway and Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Glynis!
I love impertinence (in other people’s children)! This is going to be such a fun read!
In other people’s children for sure!
This looks adorable! Excited to read another Christmas P&P variation.
Thank you, Krystyna! I hope you like it!
What a delightful excerpt!
denise
Thank you, Denise! Merry Christmas to you!
What a charming idea to have Jane and Elizabeth have mini-mes in the Gardiner girls….an excellent excerpt left me wanting to read more.
Thanks for the chance to win..
Thank you for your enthusiasm, Stephanie.
Oh the cuteness! I can’t wait to read it. I agree that there have been some wonderful holiday releases this year, Meredith!
Thank you, Sophia. This holiday has been jam packed with holiday books for sure!
This excerpt brought back memories of when our nephews and niece were little. Sigh, I received their Christmas card in the mail with pictures of their own young children. Where did the time go? This was delightful. I love stories with children… especially the Gardiner children. Thanks for hosting Meredith [say hello to Mr. Bingley, we don’t want to forget him]. Thanks to our author for this generous giveaway. Blessings to all who celebrate the Holidays, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.
J.W. What a lovely post. Thank you!
I absolutely ADORE “Tory” and “Emmy” who indeed seem to be younger versions of Jane and Elizabeth. What fun they are, and how lively and lovely Christmas will be with these wonderful young ladies joining the party. How could even Darcy not be merry while in the company of Miss Gardiner and Miss Emily??
Thank you for the delightful excerpt, and I’m hoping *very hard* that I shall win the e-book; thank you for the generous give-away, too, Anngela, as well as the highly diverting “interview” with the young ladies of Gracechurch Street! 😀
With merriest Christmas wishes,
Susanne 🙂
Susanne, I hope your holidays were bright as well!
It’s a lovey start to the story can’t wait to read… thanks for the giveaway and thanks for the review!
Pemberley and Pebbles, thank you for stopping by
So very sweet! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book! I’d love to read the whole story.
Thank you, Pam.
Congratulations on your release! What a cute interview 🙂 thank you for the chance to win a copy.
You’re welcome, and good luck, Virginia.
What a clever idea. These girls seem quite fun!
They are, Jane!
I like stories where we get to see more of the Gardiner cousins. I can see why Mr. Darcy would favor Emily.Thank you for a chance to win the giveaway.
Thank you for participating, Mary.
This isn’t a def happily ever after and wonderful holiday treat! You don’t want to miss the good feeling.
Thank you, friend!
I loved the interview and excerpt. Thanks for the giveaway. –Leslie
You’re welcome, Leslie!
Oh, I love this!! Thank you so much for the excerpt and the giveaway chance.
You’re welcome, Sharon!
Too cute! I definitely want to read this one! Thanks!
Jen,
I just finished yours and loved it! Happy Holidays
Loved this short story! I read it on KU and would love to have a copy! Thanks for the review! Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Leah! I’m so glad you liked it!
They’re so cute!
Aren’t they? I love them! Thank you for seeing in them what I see!
Emily is such a mischievous girl… Little Emily Elizabeth, a replica of Lizzie…and likes Mr D.hmmmm.I surely hope Mr Darcy will continuously fall for the “right” Elizabeth 😉 Thank you for the excerpt
Thank you for the thoughtful comments! Mr. Darcy definitely loves both versions of Lizzy… the older AND the younger!
Sooooo adorable. Can’t wait to read of the further interactions between these little ladies and our favorite characters. I would wish little Emily, with her outspokenness, could give Miss Bingley some kind of embarrassment that would zip her rude lips. Oh well, in reality I wouldn’t want any child of mine to be quite that precocious.
Best of luck with this release, Ms. Schroeder. It really looks like a winner!. I love the cover, too! Thanks for the chance in the giveaway. Thank you Meredith. I like your idea of a December tradition. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays Y’all.
Thank you, Michelle. Precocious is the perfect word!
Lovely!! I love that the Gardiner girls resemble Jane and Lizzy- it seems exactly right for Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner to have daughters of that nature. I can’t wait to read more and see what brought Darcy to Netherfield with his sister!
Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Laura!
Seems like Emily will have to hold out for her own Mr. Darcy who will appreciate her unique facets!
Wonderful insight, Ginna!
What a fun interview and excerpt. Can wait to see how Mr. Darcy interacts with them! Congrats on your newest release too! I’m looking forward to reading it!
Thank you, Dung! Xoxo
A very brilliant interview accompanied by an excellent excerpt, Anngela. Thank you for sharing these and also offering a giveaway. Can’t wait to learn what mischief Miss Emily is up to at Netherfield.
Thank you, Luthien84. That was so kind of you to say!
Just dropping in to say I also read and enjoyed this book.