Hi readers! I am very happy to welcome back author L. L. Diamond to Austenesque Reviews today!! As you may have seen, Leslie has just released a new Pride and Prejudice variation, titled Undoing, that sounds most intriguing! Elizabeth Bennet is in a marriage of convenience with a duke…who is related to Mr. Darcy! Today Leslie is sharing an excerpt from Undoing. We hope you enjoy! 🤗
Thank you, Meredith, for having me back at Austenesque Reviews! I’m so blown away by the response to Undoing. I appreciate every one of you who have taken the time to read and even review it. But, if you haven’t read Undoing yet, I have one last excerpt for you. I hope you will give it a read!
March 25th 1809
Grosvenor Square
LondonMy dear Lizzy,
Words cannot express my mortification at the behaviour of my son the evening we attended the theatre. His insinuation of himself into our party in itself was rude and inappropriate, but to treat you so abominably in your own home—I am appalled. I have always been aware of the gossip that follows him, but until now, I confess to having had a difficult time accepting his faults. With his treatment of you, my dear friend, I can no longer ignore his transgressions.
My husband has withdrawn all financial support from Richard, restricting his activities until he departs for the peninsula in April. We have no assurances of how long his regiment will be gone, but his absence for the remainder of the season should provide you some comfort.
I hope this situation has not affected our friendship as I greatly anticipate our next shopping trip.
With fondest regards,
Evelyn Fitzwilliam
Elizabeth sighed and placed the letter on the escritoire. Colonel Fitzwilliam was no longer a child and would likely take umbrage to his parents’ curtailment of his activities. As long as he was abroad, his presence would prove to be a non-entity. A great sense of security would be found in his absence.
She picked up the next missive, breaking the seal and unfolding the pages.
March 26th 1809
Longbourn
Hertfordshire
My darling daughter,A laugh bubbled from her lips at the address. Until her betrothal, Elizabeth had been her mother’s least favourite child. This appellation was still very new and never failed to entertain her.
I have just returned from calling on the neighbours to read them your latest letter. Friends with a countess, boxes at the theatre—how grand it all sounds! I have such flutterings when I consider your life now. I am in raptures at every detail!
This Mr. Darcy and his son sound very promising. I believe you mentioned the elder Mr. Darcy is a widow, and his son is still a bachelor? What a perfect opportunity for one of your sisters! You must invite Jane to Worthstone for Easter to meet these men. She is bound to attract one of them! The son would be a better match since he will inherit the estate. We would not want Jane to be thrown into the hedgerows if this Pemberley is entailed like Longbourn. That would not do at all!
I have made mention to send Mary or Kitty along, but your father is adamant that Mary is no longer out in society and none of your sisters will be out until they are seventeen! You must write to him and tell him how ridiculous this scheme is. They will not attract suitors confined to Meryton as they are. They must visit you if they are to ever marry well. What good is a duke for a brother if he does not throw them into the paths of other rich men?
Now, you have yet to indicate you are with child. Need I remind you, the duke requires an heir, Lizzy—and a spare if you can manage his attentions for long enough. Since you should now be familiar with exactly how unpleasant marital duties are, I have no need to dissemble. You must allow him to come to your bed as often as is required. Endure what you must to do your duty. Once you are with child, you may feign a headache if he does not leave you alone. I shall be most displeased if you are not expecting by Michaelmas!
Your mother,
Francine Bennet
Elizabeth groaned softly while she folded the letter. Being a disappointment to Francine Bennet was nothing new. As a child, she tore her stockings or scraped her elbows as she played outside. Her father would laugh, kiss her injuries, and send her to repair her appearance before the matriarch of the family laid eyes upon her dishevelled state. Inevitably, her torn stockings or a slight rip to her gown would be brought to her mother’s attention and her attempts to right herself in time would be for naught.
Yet, the dishevelled little girl who desired her mother’s approval no longer existed. Instead, she sought the approval of her father, her husband, Lady Matlock, and for some strange reason, the Darcys.
Mr. Darcy to some degree, but Fitzwilliam especially, garnered her thoughts. His opinion had become paramount while she planned their visit for Easter. What room would he prefer? Did he hold a preference for certain foods?
But why? Why should she care so much for one guest over another? The answer eluded her time and again, so she ascribed it to the desire to grow their fledgling friendship. After all, she had no other friends who would visit. She would be just as solicitous of Lady Vranes should she stay at Worthstone.
The clock in the hall chimed the hour, announcing the time to all within hearing. The windows to her side faced the front of the house, revealing the melancholy weather. Worthstone possessed a beautiful park, natural and in possession of a myriad of flower gardens she adored meandering through. Today, however, dingy, grey clouds blocked the sun and had all day, though no rain had fallen as of yet. The weather was simply too dreary to lift one’s spirits, even the daffodils bordering the rose garden appeared dull.
The Darcys would arrive at any moment, so she could not walk out regardless of the weather. That is, if they had departed as planned from Pemberley that morning.
Mrs. Hamilton, Worthstone’s housekeeper, entered through the open door and dropped a curtsey. “Your Grace, the guest rooms are prepared and the fires lit in preparation for the Darcys’ arrival. I have water ready to be warmed in the event any wish for a warm bath, and Cook says supper will be served precisely at seven o’clock.”
“I worry I have missed some small detail,” she said, tapping the letter to the oak surface.
The older servant smiled and shook her head. “You have nothing to be concerned over, ma’am. I have checked and double-checked all your preparations. Naught is amiss. I daresay you covered every contingency.”
Mrs. Hamilton studied Elizabeth for a moment. “I shall bring some tea to help calm your nerves, perhaps with a bit of brandy . . .”
A horse neighed from the front of the house. A glance to the windows confirmed that a handsome coach had arrived before the front portico.
She stood and shifted from behind the small writing desk. “Pray send tea to the blue drawing room but without the brandy. I would prefer to keep my wits about me.”
The housekeeper gave a curt nod but smiled. “Yes, ma’am.”
Elizabeth carried her mother’s letter to the fireplace where a low flame still burned in the grate. She tossed it inside, ensuring it lit before she stepped to the corridor.
Thanks for sharing, Leslie! I cannot wait to see how Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s relationship develops with a beginning like this! It is interesting to see her be married to another, and it looks like she is already feeling something for Mr. Darcy in this scene. She typically isn’t one to ‘catch’ feelings first. I wonder if Mr. Darcy feels the same… 🥰
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~ About Leslie ~
L.L. Diamond is more commonly known as Leslie to her friends and Mom to her three kids. A native of Louisiana, she spent the majority of her life living within an hour of New Orleans before following her husband all over as a military wife. Louisiana, Mississippi, California, Texas, New Mexico, Nebraska, and now England have all been called home along the way.
After watching Sense and Sensibility with her mother, Leslie became a fan of Jane Austen, reading her collected works over the next few years. Pride and Prejudice stood out as a favourite and has dominated her writing since finding Jane Austen Fan Fiction.
Aside from mother and writer, Leslie considers herself a perpetual student. She has degrees in biology and studio art, but will devour any subject of interest simply for the knowledge. Her most recent endeavours have included certifications to coach swimming as well as a fitness instructor. As an artist, her concentration is in graphic design, but watercolour is her medium of choice with one of her watercolours featured on the cover of her second book, A Matter of Chance. She is also a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. Leslie also plays flute and piano, but much like Elizabeth Bennet, she is always in need of practice!
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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Today Leslie brings with her 2 Kindle ebooks of Undoing for me to give away to 2 lucky readers!!
To enter this giveaway leave a comment, question, or some love for Leslie!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Leslie!
- This giveaway ends April 29th!
- Please enter this contest with just one name and one entry, multiple entries will be disqualified.
It is well deserved credit, Leslie! I loved this book!
Thank you, Carole! I’m still blown away by the response!
Such a lovely excerpt and full of angst. Beautifully written. It’s interesting to see Colonel Fitzwilliam as a bad boy. I’m looking forward to reading it and I’m curious how you managed to get To HEA. Congratulations ❤️
Thank you, Kate! I had a bit of fun changing the Colonel up a bit. Technically, Carlisle is the second son and Richard is the third, so I really thought of Carlisle as what we think of in JAFF as Richard. That way, Darcy still had that brother figure.
I’m actually looking forward to seeing how the Col. behaves in this book! That should be good for some entertainment. And, of course, I’m very curious about what’s up with the Duke!
The Col. is definitely a bit different in this variation, but I wanted something a bit different. I just felt like I couldn’t cut him out completely. Besides, he does serve some purpose 🙂 Thanks, Ginna!
Can’t wait to read this one! Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks, Pam! Good luck!
I always enjoy Leslie’s stories but this one is a nail-biter! I could not put it down. Congrats on another winner..
Thank you, Brenda! I’m simply thrilled you enjoyed it so much!
Mrs Bennet is as attentive as ever! Obviously Elizabeth is her favourite daughter????? I think she’s definitely onto a loser suggesting Jane should attract Fitzwilliam Darcy!!!
Elizabeth hasn’t yet admitted any feelings for Fitzwilliam but they are certainly there.
Such a fabulous, wonderful book Leslie, totally gripping! Love it!
As always, you are great for my ego 🙂 Thank you, Glynis!
An intriguing sounding story, Leslie! I definitely need to read this!
Thanks, Lynn!
Oh my, this excerpt sounds yummy! Can’t wait to devour the whole story. Stay safe and well …
You, too, Janis! Thank you!
I have read this and loved it and all the accolades are well deserved. I highly recommend it to all adult fans of JAFF. I’d love my own copy, so thank you for the generous chance at the giveaway. I know this one will be another of my L.L. Diamond fave rereads for me. I wish Leslie all great good fortune on the publication of Undoing.
Meredith, I really think you are going to love this one. Looking forward to your review.
Thank you so much, Michelle! I’m absolutely thrilled you love it so much.
I’m super excited to read this one, Michelle! I love Leslie’s writing and I’m so happy to hear all the lovely praise this book is receiving!!
Well, this certainly is different. I am looking forward to reading this. Meredith, thanks for hosting [hello to your Mr. Bingley]. I also agree with your last paragraph that Elizabeth isn’t the one to demonstrate feelings first. Leslie, congratulations on the launch of this book. I am so excited for you. Good luck to everyone in the drawing.
It’s definitely one of my more out there ideas! Those are always terrifying when I release them. This one and An Unwavering Trust had me quaking in my trainers! Thanks so much!
I agree, Jeanne. I’m liking variations that are unique like this and explore a path outside of canon. Glad you are looking forward to reading this too.
Yuck, the Colonel is obviously not going to be any more a favourite than Francine Bennet in this book. I don’t have to be entered as I already have this book! W00t for me! Thanks, Meredith and Leslie!
No, the Colonel isn’t much of a favorite, but I lurve Carlisle 😉 Thanks, Suzan!
It will definitely be a twist to have a Colonel Fitzwilliam who is unlikable! Happy reading, Suzan!!
I just started reading this book and I’m loving it. No need to enter me in the giveaway. Thanks gals!
Yay! Happy reading, Jennifer! Thanks!
Thanks for the excerpt. I’m currently rereading Particular Attentions and this book just showed up on my Amazon recommendations yesterday and I wanted to check it out. Congratulations on another new release, and thanks for the giveaway chance.
I hope you enjoyed your re-read! Those are the best compliments 🙂 Thank you, Colleen!
I do not need to be entered into the drawing because I have it. L.L. Diamond is a fantastic storyteller who captivates the reader instantly. This is one of the best books I have read! It has everything including an unforgettable ending. This book is one of those rare gems that will stay with you for a long time! If you have not read it – Put it on your list. It will be your “Undoing.”
Thank you, Lady Vranes! You gave me some amazing inspiration for a character. I’m just so happy you loved the book 🙂
Wow, Leslie!! Talk about starting a book with an enticing premise!! I can’t wait to see what happens next…and to find out how Elizabeth managed to win the attentions of a duke…and married him!! She is obviously excellent friends with Lady Fitzwilliam, even if the colonel seems like a bit of a scoundrel!!
Congratulations on an excellent release, Leslie!! I’m crossing my fingers and hoping hard to win a copy!! 😀
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
I honestly feel like there’s always something. It’s one of those books that covers a few years, so I had to pick and choose what I included. I don’t know how often I started to write a scene and then realized I couldn’t use it and it’s copied into a file somewhere. I would’ve loved to have used them for these posts, but they still give too much away. LOL! Thanks, Susanne!
ULTRasounds like a very enjoyable book; can’t wait to read it.. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
Thank you, and good luck, Mary!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to guest post, Meredith! Hopefully, you’ll get to read Undoing soon! 🙂
My pleasure, Leslie!! I am very much looking forward to reading Undoing soon – my copy just arrived!! 🙂
Corona quarantine has greatly depleted my TBR pile. Love the cover and the excerpt is interesting. Look forward to reading it. Thanks for a chance to win.
Thanks for stopping by! Good luck!
I’d love to read this. Please enter me into the drawing. Th anks!
Thanks, Lois!
Hurrah! Another highly enjoyable story from Lesliie!
Thank you!!!
What a wonderful story line! Lizzy as “Her Grace”. I can easily imagine Mrs. Bennet carrying the letters around and reading them to all of her four and twenty families. So, how does Elizabeth and Darcy manage to get together? Thank you for the excerpt and generous giveaway. The cover of the book is stunning. I have enjoyed all of your books.
Thank you, Eva! Can’t say much about how D&E get together. Lips are sealed. Sorry!
Ok. I’ll have to trust you.
I’m dying to know how too, Eva! 😉 It will be interesting to see if it is a bumpy road, or if the bumps are the same!
Meredith,
Just wait until you read this – You will not be disappointed!
I have read and enjoyed many of this author’s books. This one rated a 5 star review from me. I hope others will pick it up and also read it.
Hi Sheila! So thrilled you enjoyed Undoing. Thank you so much for the glowing praise and the review!
You deserved it. Stay safe.
The excerpt is very tempting, Leslie. Elizabeth consigning her mother’s letter to the flames instead of keeping it shows us two things. On one hand, she is careful so that other people wouldn’t pry into her personal things. But on the other hand, she doesn’t have a good relationship with her mother.
I think it’s one more than the other. I just won’t say which one. Thanks, Luthien!