Hi readers! I am so happy to welcome back Virginia Kohl to Austenesque Reviews today! You may recall Virginia’s first published work – True Love Comes to Delaford – which is the only Sense and Sensibility variation I have read to date! (I don’t count sequels and modern-adaptations as variations.) And I am so glad that Ms. Kohl is penning more S&S-inspired stories! 🙌🏼

Today, Virginia is here to share an excerpt from her newest release (which is about Margaret Dashwood) titled Adventure Awaits! We hope you enjoy! ☺️

Since writing my debut novel, True Love Comes to Delaford, I knew I wanted Daisy to have her own story. When her young charges fall ill, the adventuresome young woman meets the village’s new physician.

~ Excerpt from Adventure Awaits ~

When Miss Dashwood entered the nursery, she noticed a large bowl standing on the nightstand. Her eyes drifted to a servant applying the contents onto Colin’s arms.

“This smells funny,” Isabella commented, nearly covered from head to toe in the green, mushy paste.

Reaching for another handful, Frau Stein replied, “We must follow the doctor’s orders.”

“Where is Doctor Mallard?” Daisy asked glancing at her young charges who were beginning to resemble talking frogs.

Not having heard anyone come in, the housekeeper looked up in surprise. “He has gone downstairs. To the library, I believe.”

“Thank you. Do as Frau Stein tells you. I will return shortly,” she added, smiling at the children before leaving the room once again.

Preoccupied with her thoughts, she opened the door only to collide with a firm body.

“Miss Dashwood, are you all right?” Dr. Mallard asked, taking hold of her elbow to steady her.

The sudden tingling sensation Daisy felt at his touch startled her. If this happened after only one day in this infuriatingly arrogant man’s presence, she could only imagine what several weeks would do.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she pulled her arm away. “I am fine. Now that you are here, I would appreciate an explanation as to why you insisted on substituting a tried and true oatmeal paste for the smelly pea mush that is currently being spread on my niece.”

Website    ❧   Facebook“I have had longer lasting results with this treatment. Once the paste is removed, the cooled liquid left over from boiling will be applied to hinder future scarring. Now if you will excuse me, I have to check on my patients.”

She understood his reasoning but the smug tone in which he delivered it irritated her. Before she could respond, he brushed past and entered the nursery. Taking a deep, calming breath, the young woman reminded herself that once the children had safely recovered, she would never have to see Dr. Alexander Mallard again.

* * *

To the children’s dismay, the foul-smelling paste was applied for an hour each day followed by the green liquid. In between these treatments, Isabella and Colin drank chamomile tea and took frequent naps.

Dr. Mallard made multiple trips each day between Delaford estate and the Delaney’s home. Even though she saw the physician on a frequent basis, Miss Dashwood preferred for Fr. Westbrook to act as the daily courier between the households. When not busy composing messages to her sister, Daisy spent every moment in the nursery; reading stories, playing games, and comforting Isabella and Colin who were dearly missing their parents. She ignored the doctor’s recommendation to get proper rest in her own room. Instead she preferred to sleep in the rocking chair or on the large window seat at night in case her presence was needed.

That is where Dr. Mallard found her during one of his routine visits. After making sure the children were sleeping peacefully, he passed the cushioned bench on his way to leave. Alexander shook his head at her lack of covering and grabbed a nearby blanket. While draping it over her, his hand brushed against her cheek. The unusual warmth he felt caused him to check her forehead. Just as he feared, she was burning up. A gentle shake of her shoulder roused the young woman from her slumber.

Her eyes widened in concern, “Are Isabella and Colin all right?”

“They are sleeping soundly, Miss Dashwood. It is you whom I am concerned about.”

“Me? I am perfectly fine.”

“You have a fever. I am afraid you may have contracted chickenpox. Do you remember having the illness as a child?”

After a moment of recollection, she slowly shook her head. Daisy pushed the blanket to the end of the window seat and prepared to stand up.

“If I am sick then I must stay away. I do not want the children to become ill again.”

He smirked. Apparently, Miss Dashwood did not know as much as she let on. Chickenpox could not be contracted a second time. A loud noise brought his woolgathering to an abrupt end. Her aching joints had made her unsteady causing her to stumble into the rocking chair. He attempted to help her up, but she waved him away.

“I do not need your assistance, Doctor Mallard.”

Her declaration was followed by a wince while attempting to right herself.

“You obviously do, unless you wish to fall again,” he retorted, lifting her into his arms and carrying her out of the room.

“Let me go!” she exclaimed, struggling to free herself.

Alexander ignored her protests, as well as the two dogs who were close on his heels.

Hearing the commotion, a footman quickly approached them. The doctor explained that she had fallen ill and ordered him to summon assistance. Seeing the young woman’s surprise, he leaned closer and quietly added, “I am a physician not a libertine, Miss Dashwood.”

Oohh! I like the tension between these two characters! Margaret seems to be very sensible yet headstrong, and I am curious about Dr. Mallard and his smug arrogance!! 😮🤔

 

If you enjoyed this excerpt, Adventure Awaits is available in both Kindle and trade paperback.

~ Book Description ~

Margaret Dashwood, known to her family and friends as Daisy, has always dreamed of going on a grand adventure. With her first Season behind her, those dreams are relegated to the stories she tells her niece.

Dr. Alexander Mallard came to the small village of Delaford straight out of medical school. With the knowledge and desire to help everyone he can, the young man settles into the life of a country doctor.

The day their paths cross, an adventure grander than either ever imagined begins.

~ Connect with Virginia ~

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~ About Virginia ~

Virginia Kohl has been fascinated with the regency era since discovering Jane Austen’s works at the age of eleven.

Originally from Germany, Virginia Kohl shares her Texas home with her illustrator mother and faithful rescue dog. When not passing her love of learning on to her students, this college math professor enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and being an active member of her local writer’s guild.

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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

Today, Virginia generously brings one Kindle copy of Adventure Awaits for me to give away to one lucky reader! (open to Amazon.com customers).

To enter this giveaway leave a comment, a question, or some love for Virginia!!

• This giveaway is open worldwide (must be able to claim prize at Amazon.com).  Thank you, Virginia!
• This giveaway ends August 28th!