Hi friends! I am happy to welcome back the lovely Jennifer Redlarczyk to Austenesque Reviews today. Jennifer is such a lovely friend and supporter of the Austenesque community, and I am very excited about her new anthology – A Mother’s Touch. I don’t think I’ve seen an anthology that focuses just on mother and maternal relationships before, so I’m thrilled to learn more about this lovely collection. Today Jennifer shares an excerpt from A Mother’s Touch, we hope you enjoy!! 👩🏼👒💞
Happy May Day Meredith and to all of your readers! It’s been a long couple of Covid-19 months and I think we are all ready for some sunshine and happy thoughts! Thank you so much for having me here today with my Mother’s Day Anthology, A Mother’s Touch. This book is a collection of seven stories inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. See Lady Anne through the eyes of her daughter, Georgiana, in Lady Anne’s Quilt. Experience the relationship young Fitzwilliam has with his mother in An Act of Kindness and Our Special Day. Then join Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth and discover how wonderful it is to have Lady Anne’s influence in their lives as they become parents in Our Future.
I’d like to begin with a scene between Lady Anne and Lady Catherine from Lady Anne’s Quilt, the first story in my collection. In this excerpt sixteen-year-old Lady Anne Fitzwilliam has been sent to live with her older sister in preparation for her “come out.” Let us pay a visit to Rosings Park and see how she is faring.
Lady Catherine’s Study
“Anne, come in. I have something I wish to show you. Please go over to the table and open the box. Do its contents look familiar?”
“Why … why yes, they do! I have not seen this collection of fabrics since I was a young girl.” Picking up a large floral panel of Chintz and several cut pieces, she turned to Lady Catherine and inquired, “Were not these lovely shapes cut by Mama for the purpose of making a bed covering?”
“Yes, they were. For reasons beyond my comprehension, our mother meant to take on the task of a servant and fashion a quilt out of that jumble of cloth with the intention of presenting it to you on your sixteenth birthday.”
“I did not know,” Lady Anne continued to smile, touching the various pieces of cloth and examining them with pleasure.
“As you can see, Anne, this project is not something that could be completed in a matter of weeks. Nevertheless, the contents of the box now belong to you, and I expect you to finish making the quilt while you are in residence here with me.”
“Finish it? Sister, what are you saying? Although I am not opposed to needlework, I have never undertaken the making of a quilt. I … I would hardly know where to begin.”
“Never mind that, I did not hire your French maid just to fix your hair in the most fashionable styles. Camille is excellent with the needle. At my request, she will guide you in the construction of the quilt. Our mother began it, and I have decided that you will be the one to finish it. It will make the perfect project for you to improve all of your sewing skills. Once you and Camille have sorted out the pieces and have begun, I shall make regular inspections of your work. Not only will you piece together the quilt, but I want you to add embroidered flowers and stems wherever it is appropriate. Be forewarned, if you do not use the finest of stitches, I shall insist that you remove them and begin again.”
“Catherine, I do not recall you ever having taken on such work. How can you possibly know what you are looking at?”
“That is enough, Anne. I have a very discerning eye, and I shall be able to judge if your handwork is acceptable or not. Furthermore, as we are speaking of sewing, I have sent for a dress maker from Town who should be arriving with your tutors at the beginning of next week. I shall not be embarrassed by having you seen throughout Rosings Park and all of Hunsford Village in the clothes you brought from Matlock.”
“Sister, are you certain? I find nothing wrong with my clothes. Many of my gowns and dresses were
recently made. Why, some of them have never been worn.”
“Anne, you are trying my patience,” Lady Catherine scolded. “On this estate, you will be known to all as my sister, and you shall be dressed as I see fit. There will be no more discussion of clothing since I wish to go over the schedule of your studies. At my husband’s instance, I have allowed you a few days to get used to being here at Rosings Park. Now that you have had ample time to adjust, I would like to show you what I have planned for your education. Here is the list. You will begin once your tutors are in residence.”
“Not wishing to anger her sister any further, Lady Anne took the list but found she could not hold her tongue once she read through her prescribed program of studies. “Catherine, this list is very extensive. Must I be required to study all of these subjects? I am already fluent in French and Italian, and I have very little trouble reading German. Why must I continue to study them?”
“Anne, you will be marrying one of the wealthiest land owners in all of England, and as his wife, you must be accomplished in every sense of the word. You will not only improve your needlework, but will be proficient in languages, history, and literature. I have noticed your drawing abilities are superior to most, so you need not apply yourself in that area. You must, however, continue to perfect your technique at the pianoforte and learn what it takes to manage a household on a large estate.”
“You speak as though you have already made my match,” her voice quivered. “Will I not have any say in the matter? Please tell me it is not so.”
“Anne, I shall not have your future wasted. I know from my own experience that our brother Gregory knows nothing about making a proper match. He has given me the responsibility of preparing you for your curtsey and presentation, and I shall not shirk my duty. We have less than two years to complete your transformation, and I shall not waver.” Smiling as though in triumph Catherine stated, “Gregory will not stand in my way this time. When Mr. James Darcy sees you again, you will be everything he desires in a wife and more. Pemberley will be ours.”
With those words, Lady Anne’s face paled, and she became lightheaded at the thought of what her sister was saying. “Please, Catherine, yourself. Surely he has not agreed to your scheme. I do not want to be matched with Mr. Darcy in this manner. In all the years our families have been friends, he has rarely spoken with me, except to give me correction. During that time, we have only had a civil conversation on one occasion, and from what I know of him, I believe we have very little in common.”
“What do you mean you have very little in common? Do not let me ever hear you say that again, Anne Fitzwilliam. I know of your partiality for Derbyshire and that alone will suffice. Sir Lewis will be meeting with Mr. George Darcy in September to discuss the sale of horses. He shall broach the topic at that time and plant the seed.”
Closing her eyes and clutching her hand to her chest, Lady Anne attempted to calm her breathing as her sister continued on. How can this be happening to me?
“Due to Gregory’s mismanagement of my own situation, I was cheated out of that estate. Nevertheless, I am yet determined to have control of it, and I shall have it through you,” she glared. “You will marry Mr. James Darcy, and give him his heir. I shall have a daughter, and later, when our children wed, thus joining our two great estates, we shall have an empire which no one can rival. We shall be the envy of every last person in the ton.”
“Sister, this is madness! How can you possibly think that you can control the fate of children we have yet to conceive? Does Sir Lewis have no opinion in this matter?”
Lady Catherine’s countenance hardened and she glared at Anne with a coldness which was frightening. “Sir Lewis de Bourgh will do whatever I say, and so will you. Now, I believe I have had quite enough of your impertinence for one day. A servant will deliver the box of fabric to your room, and I expect you and your maid to begin this afternoon.” Lady Catherine dismissed her younger sister with a flick of her hand and resumed looking over her ledgers and papers.
Leaving her sister’s study, Lady Anne rushed to her room and changed into her riding habit. Going directly to the stables, she mounted her horse as soon as he was ready and took off with a fury, hoping to escape the insanity of her sister’s plan. Not until she reached the stream on the north side of the property did she bring her horse to a halt and walk him down to the water’s edge where he could rest for a bit and have a drink.
Taking out her handkerchief, Lady Anne dipped it into the cool water, blotted her face and wiped away the last of her tears. Opening her bag, she took out her journal and pencils. Finding a stump of a log that had not been cleared from the area, she sat down and began to draw. The scenic view was meagre by comparison to what she was used to in Derbyshire. Still, it would have to do. By the time the sketch was finished, she felt renewed.
“I must find a way to survive these next two years, or I shall go mad,” she spoke aloud. “Mr. James Darcy, if you only knew what my sister has planned for you and your estate.” The absurd thought caused her to giggle. Turning to a fresh page she began to sketch again. This time she did not rush through the motions. Little by little, a man’s face began to take shape on the page. His hair was very dark, almost black. It was thick and wavy, and his expressive eyes were equally dark. His jaw line proved to be strong with just a hint of a smile. Intently studying his face Lady Anne whispered, “I wonder.…”
♫
Readers! How did you like this glimpse of Lady Anne and her very domineering sister? I think it will be a long two years, don’t you? Can you imagine making a quilt when you have never undertaken such a task before? My own mother came from a long line of Kentucky quilters and was the inspiration for this story along with the beautiful Jane Austen Quilt residing at Chawton House in England. The Austen quilt was made by Jane, her sister, Cassandra and her mother.
The first picture of the quilt was taken by a Facebook friend, Jane Brereton, who has been making a replica of the quilt.
The second is a close-up picture taken by Joana Starnes, one of our beloved JAFF authors.
Please feel free to leave me your impressions and join in my giveaway for THREE eBooks of A Mother’s Touch. Below you will find Links for my book and one other for my Pinterest page which has 74 pictures highlighting all of the stories in the anthology. Thanks so much for stopping by and I look forward to reading your comments. Jen Redlarczyk ♫
Ooooh! I love stories about Anne Darcy! I’m glad to see her featured prominently in your collection. She earns my sympathy for having Lady C as her older (and bossier!) sister. And since we hear and see so little of her in P&P, I’m always curious to see various takes on her relationships with Fitzwilliam and Georgiana. Thank you so much for writing this collection, Jennifer! I cannot wait to read all seven stories!!
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~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!
Today Jennifer brings with her some lovely prizes for me to give away in celebration of her new release!! THREE ebooks of A Mother’s Touch for me to give away to some lucky winners!!! Woot woot!!
To enter this giveaway leave a comment, question, or some love for Jennifer!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Jennifer!
- This giveaway ends May 8th!
- Please enter this contest with just one name and one entry, multiple entries will be disqualified.
Sounds like Anne with have 2 years to acquire some courage and stand up to her sister
Hi Vesper! Thanks for stopping by today. Yes, Anne will have a challenging time under her sister’s thumb, but Sir Lewis will prove to be a good brother and friend. I hope you get a chance to read the rest of the story and find out how James Darcy and Lady Anne come to be. Jen ♫
Love the excerpt – while Lady Anne is dubious of her “betrothal” as the excerpt starts, she does appear to be changing her mind. Perhaps the time spent stitching will allow her mind to decide her heart. The needleworker in me is anxious to see/hear how the project develops. Thanks for the giveaway.
Maomac, I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt. In a previous scene, Lady Anne and James Darcy had the chance to interact and each changed their opinion of the other. As the story progresses you will learn how their relationship blossoms into the beginnings of love. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the giveaway. Jen ♫
Love that this story features Anne Darcy. Congrats on the release!
darcybennett, thanks so much for dropping in to say hello and I think you will enjoy the rest of the back story that I’ve given Lady Anne. Good luck in the giveaway. Jen ♫
Congratulations and best wishes for your new release, Jennifer! What an awesome, original idea for an anthology, and a fitting subject for May! I enjoyed the excerpt; I’ve often wondered what sort of relationship those two ladies really had!
Thanks Kelly! Many of these stories were written while I was working on Darcy’s Melody. I found writing some of the back stories gave more depth to my characters, plus it was great fun for me to speculate. Jen ♫
I agree! Jennifer found a topic and P&P character for which there really isn’t a lot written! Such a terrific idea!
Please don’t enter me in the drawing as I have already bought the book. I enjoyed reading them on our forum when it was posted there and I know you will enjoy them, too. Congrats, Jen, on another great read.
Thanks Brenda, and for all of your support on the forum! I love being able to share these sweet stories with even more folks through publication. Jen ♫
Now if I were Anne I think the first thing I’d sew would be a doll resembling Lady Catherine, then I would stick as many pins in it as I could!
How she can insist on Anne having all these accomplishments when she herself has none is deplorable!
It would just serve her right if she’d had a son only because even if she insisted on a match with Georgiana, Fitzwilliam would still inherit and she wouldn’t gain a thing.
I love that quilt! I’m not so brilliant at sewing as I’ve always preferred knitting and crochet. I have crocheted bedspreads but nothing to compare with that!
Good luck with your book and thanks for sharing this.
Fingers crossed you all stay safe.
Thanks Glynis. Your idea with the Lady Cat doll and the stick pins sure got my funny bone. That woman was a trip from the get go. Can you imagine how she must have been as a child growing up? I have admired the quilt for years and hope to see it some day in person. My mom started us sewing patches when I was in second grade. I still have one of those old quilts which was like the coverlet style JA made. We are all fine here in Indiana and waiting to see if the Governor lifts some of the stay at home restrictions later today. Good luck in the giveaway. Jen ♫
LOL! Glynis – you are too funny with you pin doll! And good point about if Lady C had a boy…that would be an interesting variation!
My grandmother was a quilter and I have an unfinished side, which just sits here – I don’t quilt. My sister-in-law is an avid quilter and gave each of our children a quilt upon their weddings. This Catherine sounds like an ogre. I would be most rebellious in Anne’s shoes. Thanks for a chance to win a copy of this book.
Sheila, how nice you have some quilters in your family. I just love quilts and have the greatest respect for those who continue on the tradition. I made one queen size, pink and blue sampler, completely by hand with applique boarders for my mom. It took me 4 years. Almost everything else I made is by machine. Now a days I have just been sewing masks for the NW Indiana health-care workers. I think Lady Cat is tough at any age and Anne will do her best to survive. Good Luck in the giveaway! Jen ♫
This looks amazing, Jennifer! Brava, my friend, congratulations on this completely new twist!
Thanks Nicole, and thanks for sharing about Meredith’s blog post. I hope lots of folks come on by. Jen ♫
Thanks for stopping by and sharing about Jennifer’s lovely visit, Nicole! 🙂
Lady Catherine must have her way or she will be seriously displeased! I seems almost sick the way she runs commando over everyone within her sphere, particularly those with whom she considers herself to be almost their closest relation! Smiling here…
ForeverHis, I can imagine Lady Cat was bossy from the get-go. She was probably a difficult child and sister to live with. I had fun with this little speculation about her relationship with Lady Anne. Thanks so much for stopping by. Jen ♫
What a wonderful idea for an anthology. To be truthful, I am not surprised that Lady Catherine is a very bossy sister to Lady Anne. I wouldn’t expect otherwise. Thank you for the delightful excerpt and giveaway.
EveE and thank you for stopping by! Lady Cat was not very nice, but in the end, the quilt turns out to be a beautiful treasure that Lady Anne will leave for Georgiana. Good luck in the giveaway! Jen ♫
thank you for replying!
My pleasure!
Same here, Eva. I wonder if we will see any softness or caring in her.
Lady Catherine always need to be in control of every situation! I hope Anne learns how to overcome her sister’s machinations…..
Nancy, thanks for stopping by. As you will learn in the rest of the story, Lady Anne does have a lot of patience and Sir Lewis is her advocate. All will be well. Jen ♫
Wow! This is perfect for Mother’s Day! And seeing as how I’ve never read a story that centers around Anne… I need to read this one! The excerpt was wonderful!
Thanks Christine, I hope you like my anthology. Lady Anne has a nice back story in Lady Anne’s Quilt and you will see a beautiful relationship unfold in the next couple of stories with her son, Fitzwilliam. And even when I go to the last three stories with Darcy, Lizzy and their children, she is not forgotten. Jen ♫
Jen,
You are a very inspiring writer. Your books are so endearing. Love the covers you have selected for them – The making of the quilt has reminded me of the loving times I have had with my grandmothers when I was growing up…Lots of luck in the future!
Hi Joy, thanks for stopping by. I’m so happy you have enjoyed my stories and like the covers. My son made all of them for me, so they are special. Quilting is such a special family tradition, and one folks don’t do so much any more. Still, lots of us have special quilts that have been passed down or fond memories like yours. Jen ♫
⬆️That was exactly my reaction!
I too really enjoyed this anthology Jen as each one was a delight in itself.
Thanks Diane. I’m so happy you enjoyed reading along. These stories just kind of came about as I was writing Darcy’s Melody and I love being able to share them in this collection. Jen ♫
My KY grandmother was so disappointed that none of her daughters wanted to learn to quilt. I was the only granddaughter that did. She was thrilled. When we moved back from Kansas I showed her a quilted wall hanging that I had made and the ribbon I won in our County Fair. Bless her heart. No fabric was allowed to be wasted. Each quilt was a testament to what we wore at that time. Before she died, she gave all her quilts to friends and relatives. Her mother [my great-grandmother] taught women how to sew and make quilts during the Depression. I was so pleased to learn this time-honored craft.
I love this story. We see a glimpse of the true nature behind Lady Catherine’s desire for Pemberley. At least Lady Anne realizes that she may have a chance to warn Mr. Darcy and perhaps circumvent her sister’s mad quest for power and wealth. I can’t wait to read this. Blessings on the launch of this work. Stay safe and healthy during this time.
Thanks to Meredith for hosting [hello to your Mr. Bingley] and thanks to Jen and her publishers for the generous giveaway. Good luck to everyone in the drawing.
Jeanne, I love your tale of quilting. My mom started me cutting and sewing 2 1/2″ squares when I was 7 years old. I even learned to sew on her old treadle sewing machine. It was so fun. My real quilting came as an adult. Mom’s sister owned a quilt shop in Monticello, KY and when it closed she asked for one of her hand made quilts, anything but yellow. What did my mom get? A yellow machine quilt. But her sister did send along some hand blocks my mom made as a young girl. At any rate when I went to check our local quilt shop “The Apple Basket” to see where I might order a quilt for my mom, I saw they offered classes. The owners were avid hand quilters and of course I said “I can do that!” It took me 4 years but I finished the quilt completely by hand and won a 3rd place ribbon at the quilt show at the Botanic Gardens in Glencoe, Il. So much for all of that. I’m thrilled you have a quilting background and wish you well in the giveaway. Jen ♫
Jeanne, I love what you shared. Thank you! Your grandmother and great-grandmother sound like incredible women. And that is so wonderful that you learned to quilt yourself and won a ribbon!
intrigued with the excerpt.
denise
Hi Denise! I hope you will have a chance to read my stories. The quilt story tells the tale of Lady Anne as a young woman. She is a beautiful soul and one who is very close to young Fitzwilliam. I hope you will enjoy what I’ve written. Best wishes in the giveaway. Jen ♫
Congratulations, a beautiful cover, I look forward to reading these stories! How beautiful is that quilt, I’d love to make a quilt – maybe now is a good time to start!
Hi Claire, thanks for the compliment on the cover. My son, Dan, did the cover for me and I LOVE it. Yes, the quilt is beautiful and to think it was made by Jane Austen, her mother and sister Cassandra. Stay at Home could be a good time to try quilting. You can work by machine and start very simple. Maybe just a lap quilt. I belong to the Heritage Quilters in Crown Point, Indiana and the gals make quilts of valor for the Vets and small children’s quilts for the hospital and children’s homes. If you don’t have a quilt shop near you, you can find all kinds of instructions on line and on YouTube. Jen ♫
Congratulations on your new release I like the cover!! What a unique idea to write this anthology I appreciate stories when Anne Darcy appears.Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Mary, thanks so much for stopping by. I agonized over the cover for a long time, since the first image I wanted to use was by an artist who died and I couldn’t find anyone to give me copyright permission. Then I found the black and white photograph by George Petty which was in public domain. My son gave it that old fashioned look and we found that beautiful background. I had a great time writing about Lady Anne and I hope you like all of the stories. Good luck in the give away. Jen ♫
Congratulations, Jennifer, on the release of your new collection of short stories!! The excerpt about the Fitzwilliam sisters is enlightening, to be sure. Lady Catherine is a determined young woman and is already plotting the marriage of the cousins-to-be-born. Yikes!!!
My mother-in-law was an amazing seamstress as well as a very accomplished watercolor artist. Her work is exquisite in both media. My husband has become far better with a needle and sewing machine than I shall ever be, and he made our oldest son a quilt for his bed that’s amazing: a black and deep green batik with sea turtles on it. (His room is decorated in a tropical theme.) When we were first married, my husband made me some lovely clothes: a blouse with a lace scarf collar, a sundress, a wonderful pencil skirt I wore for years, etc. 🙂
Alas, I am only handy with a pen!! 😉
Congratulations again, Jennifer, on your anthology!!! Yay!!! 😀 I hope to win a copy!! 😉
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
How lovely for a mother to share her talent with her son! Thanks for sharing about your mother-in-law and hubby, Susanne!
Susanne, I love that you have a husband who sews! My DH has tried to darn an old sock that he just wouldn’t throw out, but that is the extent of it. I did have an uncle who did amazing needlepoint after he retired. Your son’s quilt sounds so wonderful. a real treasure. I’m so happy you have quilting in your family. AND handy with a pen is just a wonderful! Yes, Lady Cat was pretty determined, even at this younger age. I hope you enjoy my book. Good luck in the giveaway. Jen ♫
I’m a quilter, and would love to read how Lady Anne’s quilt comes out!
Lois! I LOVE that you quilt. I love all kinds of quilts and have a great appreciation for folks who still enjoy making them these days. Every fall we have a big quilt show at the Lake County Fair Grounds and also during the Fair in August. I’m hoping things settle down by then with the virus. Best wishes in the giveaway. Thanks, Jen ♫
Loving it so far. Looking forward to reading it since not much is written about her. Congratulations on another great novel!
Hi MaryAnn, I think you will like the stories since 4 of them include Lady Anne and the later three we see how she is remembered by Fitzwilliam as an adult when he is married to Elizabeth. Thanks for stopping by. Jen ♫
Such a heart-warming cover (timely for Mother’s day). I do feel sorry for Lady Anne, such a domineering sister.
Great pics in Pinterest. I am not familiar with the guy the one with the caption Mr Darcy’s little songbird. Anyway I love your choice for the cover of your new book.Congratulations!!!
Buturot, Thanks so much for stopping by and thanks for taking a look at my Pinterest page. I used the actor Richard Armitage from “North and South” as an older Darcy in the pictures for Mr. Darcy’s Little songbird. I’m glad you like the cover since my son, Dan made it for me. Good Luck in the giveaway. Jen ♫
the excerpt is beautiful. You will read lady Anne that created and formed a beautiful human beings, Fitzwilliam Darcy. in this story, we also learn about the old day quilts. thank you for sharing your story with us. Jen.
jlbpoak21, Thank you for your thoughts! Lady Anne is a beautiful woman and you see that she and her son were very close. I loved being able to incorporate the quilt since quilts have been very important in our family for many years. Jen ♫
Jennifer, I will have to look for the Jane Austen Quilt. I wonder if there is a kit . I am trying to finish up all of my UFOS – would you like me to send you one? All of the work is done, all you do is quilt it!!! This is an intriguing book, I will have to look for it.
Hollis, You are not alone with UFOS. I’m thinking our show and tell for the Heritage Quilters will be pretty spectacular since we won’t resume meetings until then. I have no idea about a kit. Jayne Brerteon, a FB friend is making one and had 1/4 of it posted on her FB page a few months back. The Linda Franz book gives you measurements and lots of suggestions. I have another friend who has been collecting look alike fabrics, but says she has yet to try. Here is an Amazon link to the book in the US. Thanks, Jen ♫ https://www.amazon.com/Jane-Austen-Patchwork-Mystery/dp/B01FIY2X1G
Congrats Jennifer on your newest release! I love the idea of the quilt. Looking forward to reading it.
Dung! Thanks so much for stopping by. I also love the idea of the quilt and hope you will enjoy how I’ve woven it into my stories. Good luck in the giveaway. Jen ♫
What a novel concept to pen stories on Lady Anne Darcy, Jennifer. I don’t think there exists a published anthology of Austenesque stories that focuses on mother. The excerpt has whet my appetite to learn more of Darcy’s mother. Thanks for choosing it to share with us.
Lúthien84 Thanks for stopping by and I’m so happy you like a story that focuses on Lady Anne. The first four involve her and her children. This one with Georgiana through the story of the quilt and the the next three with young Fitzwilliam. I hope you enjoy all of my stories. I had so much fun writing them. Good luck in the giveaway. Jen ♫