Happy Monday friends! I’m very excited to welcome back Victoria Kincaid to Austenesque Reviews today! I just read and ADORED one of her releases from last year – The Unforgettable Mr. Darcy (which is now available in Audible audiobook format! 🙌🏼) And I am super excited to see that her newest release – Darcy and Deception – again involves some danger and espionage! Today Victoria shares a bit about the Prince Regent’s role in her novel Darcy and Deception. We hope you enjoy!
Hello Meredith and thank you for welcoming me to your blog! In the process of conducting research into Brighton for Darcy and Deception I found that the Prince Regent’s presence loomed large over the town during the Regency era. In fact, the prince’s patronage made Brighton fashionable and helped it grow popular as a resort town.
He first visited Brighton in 1783 at the age of 21, enjoying the town’s entertainments. His doctor also recommended sea water as a treatment for his gout. Eventually he purchased a property and expanded the existing house through two impressive renovation projects to create the Royal Pavilion. His mistress, Maria Fitzherbert, owned a house in Brighton, not far from the prince’s residence.
His extravagance during the Regency time period was legendary. He spent days riding, promenading and sea-dipping, and whiled away his nights eating, drinking, and partying. His drinking and banqueting took a toll on his health. By 1797 he weighted 245 pounds (111 kg), and in his later years he suffered from arteriosclerosis, peripheral edema (“dropsy”), episodes of breathlessness, and possibly porphyria. Below is a lithograph of the prince’s profile, which certainly suggests he was on the portly side. Perhaps his doctors should have recommended a healthier diet rather than sea-bathing. 😊
The Prince Regent seemed to be so integral to the experience of Regency Brighton that I decided he should make a cameo appearance the novel. It was actually fun to imagine Darcy’s reaction to such a person.
Below is a brief excerpt from near the end of Darcy and Deception (Don’t worry, there are no spoilers about the book’s plot) when Elizabeth and Darcy unexpectedly encounter the prince regent on the streets of Brighton:
~ Excerpt from Darcy and Deception ~
“The prince leaned on a jewel-encrusted walking stick in one hand while a well-dressed, bosomy lady held his other arm. She appeared to be propping him up rather than using his arm to steady herself. This must be Mrs. Fitzherbert; she had been the prince’s mistress for many years.
Two liveried servants followed behind the prince, anxiously scrutinizing his every step. Perhaps their job was to catch him in case he should fall, although they hardly appeared equal to the task. Two additional guards made up the rear of the procession.
The prince regent appeared to be every inch the indolent and dissolute man described by rumors and broadsides—a man who had earned his subjects’ disrespect and scorn. As he passed, many people bowed or curtsied—and many did not—but he took no notice either way.
As the procession grew closer, Elizabeth tried to recall what she had learned about court manners. The presence of royalty required a special kind of curtsey, but she did not remember the precise form—or indeed if anyone had taught it to her. She had never anticipated having a need for it.
However, all the prince’s efforts were focused on walking in the heat; he was unlikely to notice if she curtsied incorrectly. With his head held high, his eyes touched the crowd only briefly, and he made no effort to interact with the bystanders.
In her mind, Elizabeth rehearsed the curtsey she believed to be the correct one and prepared to make it. But as the entourage neared them, the prince called a halt. “Darcy? Is that you? Darcy?”
Mr. Darcy took a deep breath, stepped forward, and made a low bow. Behind him, Elizabeth quickly made her curtsey. When Mr. Darcy straightened, he spoke in a solemn, even tone. “Your Highness, you look well.” Ah, thought Elizabeth, he does know how to lie.
“Thank you, but Brighton is deuced hot this time of year!” the prince grumbled as a servant handed him a handkerchief to mop his brow. “I would have remained in the Pavilion, but Maria did so long for a walk.” He absently patted the woman’s hand where it rested on his arm.
“It is a nice evening for a walk,” Mr. Darcy said.
“I did not know you were in Brighton.” The prince’s tone was almost peevish, as though Mr. Darcy was obligated to keep him informed of his whereabouts. “Where are you staying?”
“The Crescent, Your Highness.”
“Not a bad place. You should come to dine at the Pavilion.” The prince made a grand, expansive gesture. “I am contemplating more renovations to the place. As you know, Moghul and Indian designs are the very height of fashion. My architect—Nash is his name—has designed an addition with these wonderful turrets and domes. I could show you the plans!”
“That would be delightful.” Mr. Darcy’s voice was carefully neutral.
The prince wheezed a bit. “Yes, yes, yes, yes.” He teetered on his elegantly shod feet; for a moment it appeared the servants might be pressed into service to catch him. However, with the help of his mistress and the cane, the prince regained his balance. “Perhaps I should sit for a while.” He glanced about, but they were in the midst of a cobblestone street, now closed to carriage traffic; no benches or chairs were in evidence. “Hastings, find me a chair.”
One of the servants hurried into the nearest house, emerging immediately with a rather plain wooden chair that he set behind the prince, who sank into it with a sigh. “Damned gout!” he exclaimed. “Sea bathing is supposed to be beneficial for it, but I do not know.”
He peered up at Mrs. Fitzherbert, standing by his side. “Hastings, obtain a chair for Maria.” The servant repeated the process, retrieving a chair from the same house and setting it beside the prince’s. Standing in their doorway, the owners of the house were peering wide-eyed at the spectacle. They did not appear particularly well off, and Elizabeth wondered if their household owned additional chairs or if the prince had commandeered their entire supply. I hope the prince would not think to order chairs for us!
Now that he was seated, the prince seemed to be of a more amiable disposition, arranging his face in a rather grotesque smile. “Who were you walking with just now?” he asked Mr. Darcy. “Do you have a wife?”
“No, Your Highness.” Mr. Darcy gestured for Elizabeth to come forward. “This is my friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.” She made another awkward curtsey, devoutly hoping it was the proper one.
Oh I’d so love to know what he says next!! Gah!!! How sneaky of you to stop it right there, Victoria! This sounds fabulous – I love the idea of Elizabeth being in Brighton instead of Lydia! And I’m all curiosity to know the relationship between the Prince Regent and Mr. Darcy!! Thanks so much for sharing, Victoria!
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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Today, Victoria brings with her ONE ebook copy of her newly released novel, Darcy and Deception, for me to giveaway to ONE lucky winner!
To enter this giveaway, leave a comment, a question, or some love for Victoria!!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Victoria!
- This giveaway ends January 28th!
Thank you for sharing this excerpt. I have enjoyed most of Victoria Kincaid’s books. I did read this one.
Hi Sheila, I’m so glad you enjoyed Darcy and Deception. Thank you for sharing!
loved the excerpt
Hi Denise, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Good luck with the giveaway.
I was thinking that Darcy and Elizabeth were married until the very end. Yes, Darcy is a good liar and I wonder how he will respond when Elizabeth teases him about it. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway.
Hi Eva, They’re not married yet. 🙂 Good luck with the giveaway!
What an unfortunate place to have stopped, Victoria! All I can see is the similarity between Darcy walking with his friend Elizabeth, and the Prince walking with Mrs. Fitzherbert.
Hi Ginna, I suppose you’ll just have to read the book to see what happens. 🙂 Good luck with the giveaway!
Enjoyed the excerpt. I’ve read some other stories where the Prince Regent appeared but this is the first time I’ve seen a lithograph of him and he’s quite different from what I imagined. Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi, Yes, a number of the portraits of him are more flattering, but I’m guessing this lithograph is closer to the truth! Good luck with the giveaway.
You really know how to tease a reader, Victoria!! Thank you for this opportunity to win the giveaway. Good luck everyone!
Hi Sharon, I’m glad you were intrigued! Good luck with the giveaway.
I love Victoria’s books. She is a great author! I would very much like to win this e-book, as it sounds fascinating, if the excerpt we have been provided is any clue! Thank you for the opportunity!
Hi Denise, Thank you for being a faithful reader and good luck with the giveaway!
Love this excerpt. Looking forward to reading my copy. Please do not enter me as I already have the ebook.
Hi Debbie, Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you found the excerpt intriguing!
OMG!! The Prince knows Darcy!! And now, Darcy has been forced to introduce Elizabeth to the Regent. LA!! I bet Darcy is sweating bullets. What if the Prince talks notice of Elizabeth’s fine eyes? Would he be so bold, in front of his mistress, to make a comment to Elizabeth… or in front of Darcy for that matter? Would the Prince invite them to dinner? You’re killing me Victoria. You stopped at the good part. I had leaned in to my screen ready to see what happened next and… BAM! You cut it off. Whew!! I have this on my wish-list. Thanks for the generous giveaway and blessings on the success of this book. Good luck to everyone in the drawing. Thanks to Meredith for hosting today and be sure and say hello to your Mr. Bingley for me.
Hi JW, I’m so glad you found the excerpt intriguing! Good luck with the giveaway.
Darcy’s next line should be “but I do hope to make her my wife”
At least it’s good to see Elizabeth with Darcy rather than Wickham!
Thank you for sharing this excerpt, I definitely look forward to reading this book.
Hi Glynis, Yes, I’m always happy when she’s not with Wickham. Good luck with the giveaway!
Oh a new book from Victoria Kinkaid!! I love them all
Hi Pascale, Thank you for being a faithful reader! Good luck with the giveaway.
The excerpt was enjoyable. I really need to read the book. Have read several others of yours and liked them immensely. Thank you for a chance to win a copy.
Hi Mary, I’m so happy to hear that you’ve enjoyed my other books! Good luck with the giveaway.
This is quite an intriguing excerpt, Victoria! Thank you for the giveaway; I am hoping very much to win an e-copy! I have enjoyed many of your books, and this one looks just as wonderful as your previous works!!
I’ve been reading a mystery series set in the Regency time period by C.S. Harris, and it includes quite a bit about the politics of the time and the uneasy balance of power during the Regency which you alluded to in this excerpt. The Regency is a fascinating period of British and world history–that’s for certain!!
And thank you, Meredith, for being the consummate hostess, as always!!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
Hi Susanne, Yes, I think the Regency is a fascinating time period as well. Good luck with the giveaway!
I saw that book online yesterday and put it in my “buy” folder. Looks delightful.
Hi Elizabeth, I’m so happy to hear that you’re intrigued by the book! Good luck with the giveaway.
What a great excerpt. Can’t wait for the book release! Enjoying Unforgettable Mr Darcy at the moment 🙂
I’m so happy to hear that you’re enjoying The Unforgettable Mr. Darcy! Good luck with the giveaway.
Can’t wait to read this book. I’ve loved the experts shared so far. Thanks for sharing! ❤️
Hi Claire, I’m so glad you’ve found the excerpts intriguing! Good luck with the giveaway!
I don’t think I have ever seen a drawing of the Prince Regent as a slim man. I am surprised he lived so long considering how unhealthy he was.
Thank you for the giveaway
Hi Vesper, Yes, I was surprised how long he lived given his health problems. Good luck with the giveaway!
To win and not have to purchase this book would make me happy. I read everything she write in P&P variations.
Hi Betty, Thank you for being a faithful reader! Good luck with the giveaway.
Hi Betty, Thank you for being a faithful reader! Good luck with the giveaway.
Lol, the scene with Prinny is priceless. Congratulations on the new release Victoria.
Hi Kate, I’m glad you appreciated the humor in the scene! Good luck with the giveaway.
Thanks for the chance to win! Congratulations on your new book.
Hi Becky, Thank you and good luck with the giveaway!
I am imaginging the prince (with all your description). This is a funny excerpt. Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to reading the story. Thank you for the give-away.
I’m so glad it made you laugh! Good luck with the giveaway.
I don’t usually imagine Darcy as one familiar with the Regent’s set, but he is related to an earl and supposedly of an old and respected family, so it’s really possible the Regent might recognize him and single him out. A lovely excerpt! I hope to read this book soon – thanks for the giveaway chance!
Hi Agnes, I’m glad you found the excerpt intriguing! Good luck with the giveaway.
This sounds very good! I would be very excited to read this book! 🙂
Hi Laura, Thank you for your interest and good luck with the giveaway!
This excerpt is such a tease. The book is on my wish list, but my fixed income limits the amount I can purchase each month. Victoria Kincaid is an outstanding author. I have never been disappointed in her books-both the plots and the execution are above reproach. Please enter me in the give-away.
I’m really looking forward to this book and can’t wait to read it after your post. Thanks gals!
Hi Jennifer, I’m so glad you find the book intriguing! Good luck with the giveaway.
Congrats, Victoria. The premise is intriguing to begin with. Now the excerpt has me more interested.
Great tease and now I must read more. Always love adding a new title to my TBR list.
Thanks for the chance to win. I have enjoyed many of your books and look forward to this one. I enjoy the variations with a mystery or intrigue in addition to the “love story.”
Good luck with your release–the concept sounds so intriguing! Thanks for the giveaway!
And wouldn’t I appreciate being a winner of this books. Keep writing; your work is so enjoyable.
Meredith, Lydia did go to Brighton with Elizabeth. I wonder how Darcy is acquainted with the Prince Regent. Is it through his mother’s family connections, being a daughter of an Earl? Or he knew someone who is close to the prince thus they socialise in the same fashionable circle? Darcy doesn’t strike me as the type who would befriend those from the aristocrat.
Great excerpt, btw. I hope the prince doesn’t have roving eyes towards Elizabeth because she is meant for Darcy.