Hi dear readers! I hope you are well and safe! I am so excited to welcome back author Kelly Miller to Austenesque Reviews today! She has recently celebrated her third book release with Accusing Mr. Darcy – which sounds so amazing, and is here to share a lovely character interview with an original character from her story! We hope you enjoy!
In my Pride and Prejudice Regency romantic mystery Accusing Mr. Darcy, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are among the guests of the Kendall family at their Derbyshire estate.
In this story, Fitzwilliam Darcy is a bit more prejudiced than in Canon: after leaving university, Darcy did not associate with people who came from trade. Therefore, he did not maintain a friendship with Mr. Bingley or anyone like him.
Elizabeth Bennet’s past, however, underwent much more drastic alterations. Mrs. Bennet, along with her third unborn child, died in childbirth when Elizabeth was two years old. Mr. Bennet accepted Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner’s offer to take in Elizabeth and Jane and raise them, but he visited his daughters on a regular basis.
When Mrs. Gardiner began having children of her own, Mr. Bennet broached the subject of taking the girls back to live in Hertfordshire. Dismayed at the notion of losing the girls, the Gardiners delayed relinquishing the girls to their father for as long as possible, but when Elizabeth was twelve and Jane fourteen, the girls went with their father to live at Longbourn. With frequent visits, Elizabeth and Jane remained close to the Gardiners.
In 1809, Jane married Mr. Hayward, who had purchased the neighbouring estate, Netherfield Park. The couple have one son, Brook. Jane is mentioned, but does not show up in my story.
Accusing Mr. Darcy begins in the spring of 1812, and this is the time frame for my interview of Mrs. Rose Kendall.
KM: Mrs. Kendall, I thank you for agreeing to this interview. Since you are an original character in Accusing Mr. Darcy, will you introduce yourself and explain your connection to Elizabeth Bennet?
RK: Yes, my name is Mrs. Rose Kendall, my maiden name is Green, and my mother, Sally Green, is sister to Modesty Gardiner. Modesty Gardiner is married to Mr. Edward Gardiner, a brother of the late Mrs. Bennet. My father is Mr. Felton Green, and he owns an estate in Kent. My brother, Owen, and I are cousins by marriage to Lizzy and Jane Bennet. Our close friendship with Lizzy and Jane began in childhood. In fact, I consider Lizzy to be my best friend.
KM: Will you tell me about your husband and his family?
RK: Yes, my husband is Nicholas Kendall. We live at Willow Ridge, his family’s estate in Derbyshire, with his sister, Hannah, and his widowed father, Mr. Duncan Kendall. Nicholas has a younger brother, James, a captain in the Navy. James has had a successful career, receiving promotions at a young age and accumulating a wealth of prize money.
KM: What prompted you to plan a house party for July of 1812?
RK: Nicholas and I each hope to assist someone in finding the same felicity in marriage that we have.
KM: So, this will be a matchmaking party?
RK: Well, yes, in part. We invited a group of people that we expect will get along well.
KM: For whom do you and your husband hope to find matches?
RK: I am convinced that my dear cousin Lizzy is the ideal match for Captain James Kendall. Nicholas is certain his close friend Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy will find a match among our other four female guests: my two lady friends from childhood, Miss Lambert and Miss Oliver and Nicholas’s two cousins, Susan Reeves and Rebecca Reeves. In addition, I hope Miss Reeves and Miss Rebecca will befriend Mr. Darcy’s young sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy, whom I understand to be reserved and shy.
KM: So Mr. Darcy will have four eligible ladies from which to find a match?
RK: Yes. As to Lizzy, despite my strong feeling that she and James are meant for each other, she will also meet a couple of our eligible bachelor neighbours, Mr. Edmund Warren and his brother, Mr. Simon Warren.
KM: What about your brother, Owen; is he not a possible love match for Elizabeth?
RK: I am afraid not. The two of them are close, but perhaps because we spent so much time together as children, they view each other more like siblings.
KM: Do either you or your husband consider that Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet might form a match?
RK: No. Nicholas has much admiration and respect for Mr. Darcy, and they have been friends since Eton. But the gentleman tends to be haughty, and Lizzy cannot abide overly proud people. Besides, they already met at my wedding two years ago, and they did not get on well.
KM: But a bad first impression could be overcome after two people come to know one another better, right?
RK: That is true. But while some gentlemen of wealth and status, like my Nicholas, might overlook relations in trade to make a love match, my husband is certain that Mr. Darcy would not. It seems that Mr. Darcy’s late father made his duty clear: he must choose a wife from the highest circles. My two friends and Nicholas’s cousins meet that standard, but Lizzy does not.
KM: Could Mr. Darcy be a good match for your sister by marriage, Miss Hannah Kendall?
RK: No, Hannah is engaged to Mr. Andrews, the gentleman who owns the neighbouring estate, and we could not be happier for her.
KM: Are any other guests expected other than the ones we have mentioned?
RK: Yes, we also expect Colonel Fitzwilliam and Viscount Berkeley, who are cousins to the Darcys. I met both gentlemen in London. Colonel Fitzwilliam is an amiable gentleman who will be a fine addition to our party. Nicholas had to persuade me to agree to invite the viscount. The man has a reputation for being a bit of a rake. But my husband has known the man for many years and insists that though the gentleman courts rumours of all sorts, most are false. Nicholas assured me that the viscount might be a conceited, flippant joker, but he is harmless, and the presence of Miss Darcy will induce him to be on his best behaviour.
KM: That sounds like an interesting group of people. Do you have an idea of how you will entertain your guests?
RK: We are fortunate enough to live in the heart of the Peak District. We plan to arrange excursions to the local towns and places of interest. I am excited at the prospect of having Lizzy here. She loves to walk, and she will be delighted to see the plentiful paths we have to explore.
KM: You do indeed sound fortunate! Your guests are certain to enjoy their stay at Willow Ridge. I thank you for taking this time to talk to me, Mrs. Kendall.
RK: It has been my pleasure.
Oh my goodness! I need to make my way to Willow Ridge with all possible haste! Firstly, because it is such a beautiful name for an estate, and secondly, because I love Regency house parties!! But most importantly – this house party sounds extremely fascinating and diverting! I love that the hosts are engaging in some light matchmaking and all the new characters we are introduced to! This promises t0 be so much fun…I must find a way to attend! Excuse me, I need to go pack and prepare! 🧳
~ Book Description ~
Could Fitzwilliam Darcy harbour a shocking, sinister secret?
Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet count themselves among the many guests of the Kendall family, whose estate lies amidst the picturesque hills, gorges, and rocky slopes of the Peak District in Derbyshire. Elizabeth’s cousin Rose Kendall believes her dashing brother-in-law, Captain James Kendall, is Elizabeth’s ideal match. Rose’s husband, Nicholas, hopes his good friend Darcy—a rich, proud, and taciturn gentleman with a spotless reputation—will fancy one of the other eligible lady guests.
News of a brutal killing at a neighbouring estate sends a wave of shock through the genial group of friends and family. When one of the Kendalls’ guests is attacked, all of the gentlemen become suspects, but the former Bow Street runner tasked with investigating the crime finds the evidence against Mr. Darcy particularly compelling.
In this romantic mystery, the beloved couple from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice cross paths with a ruthless killer. When faced with dire warnings against Mr. Darcy, will Elizabeth heed them or follow the dictates of her heart?
~ Connect with Kelly ~
Facebook ❧ Twitter ❧ Blog ❧ Goodreads
~ About Kelly ~
Kelly Miller is a native Californian and Anglophile, who made her first visit to England in 2019. When not pondering a plot point or a turn of phrase, she can be found playing the piano (although like Elizabeth Bennet, she is errant when it comes to practicing), singing, and walking her dogs. Kelly Miller resides in Silicon Valley with her husband, daughter, and their many pets.
Accusing Mr. Darcy is her third novel published by Meryton Press. Her previous books are: Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley, a Pride and Prejudice Regency romantic sequel with a touch of fantasy; and Mr. Darcy’s Perfect Match, a Pride and Prejudice Regency romantic variation.
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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Meryton Press is generously giving away 8 ebook editions of Accusing Mr. Darcy in conjunction with this blog tour!! Woot woot!
Commenting on this post and entering through the rafflecopter widget on this blog enters you in a chance to win!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Meryton Press!
- This giveaway ends September 24th!
Thank you to Janet Taylor, Meryton Press, and Kelly Miller for making this blog tour possible! Be sure to check out the rest of this tour!
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****It looks like Kelly’s second release, Mr. Darcy’s Perfect Match is currently on S A L E for 💲0️⃣.9️⃣9️⃣❗️***
A house party and a murder? Count me in! Great interview, but I expect the matchmaking won’t turn out the way Mrs. Kendall anticipates!
Thank you, Pam! I’m glad you like the house party setting! Matchmaking can be unpredictable! 🙂
Oh dear! A Rafflecopter giveaway! Such a no no for me! Never mind, I have this on my list so will get it eventually.
Love the interview although I’m a little concerned about Darcy’s cousin, the viscount! I hope he doesn’t cause trouble?
As for Elizabeth and Darcy? Hopefully their opinions of each other will undergo a change? (Well they really must as I have to have my happy ending!)
As I’ve said before, this really is a striking cover!
Thank you, Glynis! I’m sorry the Rafflecopter has given you problems in the past; sometimes using a different browser makes the difference. I’m so glad you like the interview. The viscount does have a bit of a reputation, so he might be one to keep an eye on!
I already read and enjoyed this story. I recommend it.
Thank you so much, Sheila, for reading my book! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I want to go to this house party, too. Should be interesting.
Thank you, Eva! I hope readers will find the house party and this mix of old and new characters interesting!
Oh, I love a mystery and this one sounds great! Looking forward to reading Kelly’s new book. Congratulations!
Thank you, Jennifer! I’m glad to hear you share my love of mysteries! I appreciate your comment and support! 🙂
Loved the interview! Great way to introduce so many new characters. Like Glynis, I suspect something is up with the Viscount.
Thank you, Jan! The viscount is not included in Rose’s matchmaking plans, but one never knows what could happen; he might have other ideas! 🙂
Thank you so much for hosting me today, Meredith! It is great to be starting off my blog tour here!
What an interesting plot! I cannot wait to read another of Kelly’s delightful tales! Congrats on the new book!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Brenda! I very much appreciate your well wishes and support!
When I compare this interview to the back cover material, I am interested as to who is the victim and who is the villain among all these characters. Plus there was that meme that had Elizabeth admiring someone other than Darcy–was it the captain? the viscount? So many questions! Have a great blog tour, Kelly! Thanks for hosting, Meredith!
Thank you so much, Suzan! There are a number of new and familiar characters in this story so the possibilities are vast! I appreciate your comment!
Wow.. this should be a interesting party. My only hope there is a happy ending for my two most loved characters…lol Congratulations on your new book. I’m sorry I don’t do twitter…
Thank you so much for your comment, Maria! One thing I do not mind revealing about this story is that it has a happy ending; I am partial to them!
Love the interview. When I clicked on the facebook link on the rafflecopter… it didn’t take me to a page and said it was broken. Oh, well, I’ve left a comment. I’ve requested this on KU so I am looking forward to reading this. Blessings on the success of this book. Thanks for hosting, Meredith [hello to your Mr. Bingley]. Thanks to Meryton Press for the generous giveaway. Good luck to all in the drawing. Stay safe and healthy.
Thank you for your kind comment and well wishes, JW! I’m sorry the link did not work, but I’m glad you are on KU, and I hope you enjoy reading the story! I hope you and everyone else stays safe and healthy, too!
A house party in the Peak District! What more could one ask for? Matchmaking and murder mystery! Can’t wait to see the sparks fly! Congratulations and looking forwarding to reading this!
Thank you so much for your gracious comment, Carole! There are a few sparks flying before this tale is done! I hope you read and enjoy the book!
Sounds like it will be quite the party. Thanks for the interview, it was great hearing her matchmaking plans and that Col. Fitzwilliam will be in attendance.
Thank you, darcybennett! Yes, it had to be a party with guests who would provide good company in order to entice Darcy to attend. 🙂 The colonel and his brother make fine additions to this group!
Thank you for hosting, Kelly, Meredith. It is always lovely to visit your blog. I enjoyed the interview, Kelly. The house party sounds fun, but then there is that element of a murder mystery lurking. 🙂 This is such a good book, and I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did! Congratulations, Kelly.
I’m glad you enjoyed my talk with Rose, Janet! Thank you so much Janet for your hard work in organizing my blog tour! You chose an admirable group of hosts for me!
Interesting plot. A house party with interesting guest with a side of murder. Congratulations on your book release. Thanks for the chance in this giveaway.
I’m glad you find the plot interesting Shelley! I appreciate your comment and well wishes! Good luck to you in the giveaway!
Congratulations Kelly on your new book. Intrigued what shocking secret that FD has. Thank you for the interview from a matchmaking character.
Thank you for your well wishes, buturot! I’m glad you liked the interview!
I’m not sure why there were two rafflecopters on the same page, with some of the things-to-do repeated in the came copter, but… Anyway, sounds like an interesting story!
I’m glad the story is interesting to you, Lois! I appreciate your comment and wish you good luck in the giveaway!
Congratulations on your third book, Kelly!! I am quite envious!! 😉
This premise sounds like so much fun!! And there seems to be so many original characters–wow!!! I am really excited and hope to win a copy!! Thanks, Kelly!! And thanks, Meredith, for being the best hostess!!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
Thank you, Susanne! I’m glad you like the idea of our familiar characters interacting with new ones! Best of luck to you in the giveaway!
Oh my, that’s a lot to unpack! It would just be interesting enough to see how things turn out with such a different story line for the characters, but yes throw in a little mystery too. Looking forward to reading this!
Thank you so much, Amanda! This one was truly fun to write, as well as complicated! I do hope you read and enjoy it!
Such a unique twist, with Mrs Bennet gone at such and early age, I look forward to reading it soon.
Also find the idea of a house party such fun for romantic entanglements. Thanks for the chance to win.
Thank you, Stephanie! I’m so glad you like the house party setting! Good luck to you in the giveaway!
I love the interview, such a great way to introduce the characters. A big cast! I’m so looking forward to reading this new book Kelly Miller. I really enjoyed your first two books. I recently listened to the audio of Perfect Match, Stevie Zimmerman does such a wonderful job. (Such a villianess!) I sat a long while on Death Takes A Holiday at Pemberley, because I wasn’t convinced I’d like it due to the mirror to the theatrical production variations of that story. WELL, was I ever wrong. My heart was in my throat the entire time. What a beautiful way to express what life and love is or should be.
Best of luck on this new book, Kelly. What a generous giveaway. Thank you too, Meredith for hosting a blog tour stop.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Michelle! I’m glad you overcame your reluctance and gave DTaHaP a try. Sometimes it is hard to judge by the cover/blurb if it is one you will enjoy. I’m glad you liked the character interview since it introduces so many new characters that I hope readers will like meeting!
Interesting that there is no Mr. Bingley and Darcy is even more prideful in this story! Great interview. Looking forward to reading your latest release and seeing how this match making party/mystery murder turns out!
Thank you so much, Dung! I almost wrote a short scene with Mr. Bingley near the end of the story, but did not. I hope the new characters will be appealing. I appreciate your comment!