Hi friends! Did you see that author L.L. Diamond released a new novella called Confined with Mr. Darcy? (…I tell ya, Elizabeth Bennet has all the luck!)  And did you see that the Jane Austen’s House Museum is facing financial duress during this pandemic? Leslie is here to share an outtake from her new novella, Confined with Mr. Darcy. And guess what – your purchase of this book will help support Jane Austen’s House!!! 🏡🙌🏼

Thank you for having me, Meredith! Confined with Mr. Darcy is a very special project for me. In March, when I first found Jane Austen House Museum’s Covid-19 Survival Appeal, I was extremely upset at the idea of a place that so many people love closing. It’s definitely one of my favorite places! When someone suggested I lengthen a scene I wrote for Austen Variations “Will You?” theme, I decided to write a short novella as a fundraiser. If you haven’t read Confined with Mr. Darcy, it’s currently free on Kindle Unlimited. If you love it, then please consider purchasing it for your Kindle or Paperback collection. Every copy sold is more for Jane Austen House Museum. They may have met their survival goal, but let’s ensure they’re set for longer if necessary!

For today’s post, I’ve written another outtake. I decided to have some fun and write a dinner from Rosings Book Fair. I hope you enjoy!

Elizabeth relaxed into her chair with her glass of wine, letting the oaky notes of the merlot roll over her tongue. Today had been one of the longest in history, but the annual Rosings Book Festival always meant long days. Lectures from writing industry professionals and tables set out for the different publishers, all who prominently featured some of their more successful authors filled the weekend, was worth it. Somehow, she always returned to her small flat in London with some new inspiration to interact with her fans or a writing tip she wanted to incorporate into her own unique style.

Her eyes wandered the dining room, the dim lighting making the candles on the tables twinkle brightly in their glass lanterns, creating a romantic glow. When she looked out of the window, the view of the English Channel at night was lovely—particularly since the evening was clear of fog and the moon shone brightly, glimmering off the water.

“Thank you,” said a familiar voice close by. She knew that voice and kept her eyes trained on the view rather than turning to look behind her. Maybe, if she pretended he wasn’t there, he would walk right by.

“Good evening, Elizabeth” was said closer and she stiffened. If only her plan had worked as well as she’d hoped.

Slowly, she turned and looked up at the handsome face of William Darcy, who stood beside her table, softly smiling. “Good evening,” she said. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, thank you. Are you expecting anyone?” He pointed to the chair across from her. Usually she dined with an author friend or two during these events, but it seemed they’d not travelled to Kent for the Rosings Book Fair this year. Perhaps that virus in China that was cropping up around Europe and other countries in Asia kept them away.

“No, I’m not.”

Before she could say more, he smiled. “Do you mind then? It doesn’t make any sense for me to take an entire table when we can share.”

“No, of course not.” Her stomach sank while she forced her expression to be as pleasant as possible. Why would William Darcy want to sit with her? After the comment he’d made at her sister Jane’s engagement party, she would think he’d go searching for someone—anyone but her. She could just hear Jane’s scolding if she’d told him no.

“Are you having a good time?” he asked while he situated himself.

“Yes, it’s been lovely.” She’d always enjoyed Rosings Book Fair—not that it was a book fair like what she’d had in school, but more a get together of authors and publishers for a weekend of talks and signing events. “Did you enjoy this morning’s panel?” He’d shown up and sat beside her for that as well. The only time she hadn’t seen him today was at the Gardiner Publishing table—after she’d signed several of her books for him. Why the owner of Darcy Publishing wanted a book by her was a mystery.

“I did. I’ve always found the speakers and panels at Rosings to be informative and helpful.”

“Darcy Publishing is so large. I would’ve expected you to have people specifically for marketing and social media.”

“We do, but these events are great for ensuring we’re not missing some new technique or idea.”

A waiter approached and Darcy pointed to her wine. “Would you like to share a bottle?”

“Oh,” she said, starting. “Um, it’s merlot. I suppose if you want.”

He ordered a bottle while she took a sip of hers. She’d only planned on the one glass, but if she was eating with Darcy, she might need another serving or two to make it through dinner. After he cleared his throat, he gave a quick shrug as if he were trying to loosen his shoulders. “Has Jane said anything about the wedding plans?”

Elizabeth pulled her eyebrows toward the centre. “No, nothing recently, but she knows I shut myself away before Rosings.”

“You do?”

“Yes, I like to do this after I finish a book if I can help it. I despise trying to come back to what I’ve been writing after a break, even if it is only a few days.”

The waiter returned and opened the wine, pouring a glass for Darcy before he disappeared. “Did you finish?”

“I did, but I’ll need to pore over it several times before I send it to the editors at Gardiner.” She ran her hands along the pristine table cloth. “But at least the entire idea is out. I don’t need to get that muse back and try to remember what I’d wanted to write in the first place.”

“Sounds nerve-wracking.”

“You have no idea.”

This long, painfully-awkward silence followed. Elizabeth sipped her wine, likely more quickly than she normally would’ve if she’d been alone or with Jane. By the time he walked her through the historic, yet posh hotel to her room, she was a little tipsy. She wished that slight inebriation had helped with the awkwardness of dinner, but it hadn’t. At times, they sat quiet while he looked out of the window or watched her. As soon as they reached her door, she pressed the key card to the door and hurried through, turning and hiding partially behind the door. “Thank you for dinner. Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.” He smiled and she took a deep breath in, letting it slowly eek out.

“Good night, Elizabeth,” he said before turning and heading down the hall.

Oh, that awkwardness is palpable! I wonder what Elizabeth is holding against him?!  I so love that she is a writer and Darcy is in publishing! Thank you so much for sharing, Leslie!! 📝💗 📚

~ About the Book ~

William Darcy has gone completely mental! Despite Elizabeth Bennet’s less than stellar opinion of him, some unknown force possessed him to invite her to Pemberley to wait out lockdown. Just because she’d be closer to her sister Jane, who’s isolated in the gamekeeper’s cottage with her husband wasn’t a legitimate excuse either. He’d invited Elizabeth—the only woman he’d ever really fancied—Elizabeth, who’d refused him without reservation at the Rosings Book Festival. Now, he spends part of every day in Elizabeth’s company while struggling to keep his feelings hidden from not only her but also his nosy sister and motherly housekeeper. What a bloody nightmare!

When William Darcy showed up on her doorstep, the last thing Elizabeth Bennet expected was an invitation to Pemberley, yet she now lives in the poshest of rooms and can walk the extensive gardens and the forests without limits. Even Tilney, her timid Maine Coon cat, is willing to brave strangers to explore his new surroundings, but Elizabeth has no idea how to behave around Darcy. If no one can say when lockdown will end, she could be living at Pemberley indefinitely. How do you live with a man you’re attracted to, but who tries your every last nerve? How is she supposed to stay confined with Mr. Darcy?

~ Connect with Leslie ~

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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.

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!