Happy Wednesday, friends! Have you seen all the lovely novellas Meryton Press is releasing?! I love novellas – they are great to turn to during stressful and busy times! And I am so thrilled that one of the novellas in this series is by Suzan Lauder! ❤️ I love Suzan’s stories; they are clever, playful, unique, and sometimes suspenseful- she does it all! Suzan is here to celebrate the recent release of her new novella – Schemes of Felicity – with a lovely vignette! (I love this tradition of hers!) We hope you enjoy! 🤗
It’s a tradition for me to offer an original “out-take” for Austenesque Reviews that wasn’t really on the cutting room floor—that is, the scene was written specifically for this blog. Two of the Fitzwilliam cousins (Juliet, Lady Avebury, and Laura, Lady Courtland) reference the elements in Chapter 3 as they discuss Darcy’s love life and their misunderstanding of his preferences. The action takes place at a ball in London between the Netherfield ball and Darcy’s visit to Rosings.
~ Out-Take from Schemes of Felicity ~
“Really, Charles, you must leave Mr. Darcy alone.”
Darcy could not agree more with Miss Bingley. Bingley had become more than annoying in his clingy, whiny pleas to Darcy, and another man would have put up with a great deal less. Darcy, of course, took care of his friends and, thus, remained and listened to Bingley even while he wanted to foist him on some other fellow of the ton.
They were at a London ball, and Bingley had arrived totally foxed. This situation had not stopped him from dancing the first few, and the man was surprisingly light on his feet—at first. But repeated glasses of elderberry wine between sets had finished him off, and he began to stagger, causing him to mis-step and leave his pretty, young dance partner alone on the dance floor whilst Darcy escorted him to the side of the room and his sister, who was sitting out that particular dance.
“You have had too much to drink, and that is the reason you think every blonde lady in the room is that woman from Hertfordshire.” Miss Bingley said with a decided frown.
“But they are not!” Bingley stood, moving his weight heavily from one foot to the other, near to tipping over. Darcy reached out to steady his friend, only to have him grab his arm with his free hand. “I love Miss Bennet. Tell Caroline. I love her.” His wine sloshed around in its glass.
“Steady, old boy,” he replied whilst attempting to peel Bingley’s fingers from his goblet. Bingley pulled the glass away, stepped back, and drank down the remnants of the wine.
“There. You do not have to worry about me spilling anything now,” he said as he looked around for a table upon which to place the empty glass.
Darcy held out his hand. “Let me find a servant.”
“’Tis fine, I shall find one myself.” Bingley took a few faltering steps towards the centre of the room, and thank heavens a man came by with a tray to collect the empty glass. Bingley then spun around to face Darcy and his sister. “How can you believe that she did not like me? How can you be so certain?”
Miss Bingley rolled her eyes. “Mr. Darcy always knows better for all of us. He will always guide us in what to do as he is accustomed to letting us know the best course.”
Bingley threw his arms around Darcy. “Thank you, my friend!”
What? Where did she get the idea that he would be so controlling? All he wanted to do was help. He peeled off Bingley and left him staring at him with cow’s eyes.
Of course, to Miss Bingley’s way of thinking, she had just paid him some sort of sideways compliment that would endear her to him. Little chance of that. As much as he found Miss Bingley a witty lady with whom to share the occasional repartee, he was not at all attracted to her, and he found her frequent flirtations to be annoying. Had she any idea of how her words were taken, she would tone down the strength of her obeisance.
However, he had conspired with her to separate Bingley from Miss Bennet because it was the better solution for Bingley—who was now on his way back to the dance floor! Darcy waylaid his friend and tried to steady him.
“Darcy, Darcy. You did me a favour. You are a true friend. Miss Bennet really did not love me, did she? She was only pretending to love me for the benefit of her family.”
“I believe that may have been the case.”
“Then I must find a new lady-friend who looks like an angel to make me forget her.” Bingley was near to weeping.
Darcy huffed out a breath of air. He was beginning to tire of the theatrics. “It is late. I suggest you go home at once. Sleep it off. You will see sense in the morning.” Darcy said. His manner was less than patient, and his jawbone was sore from clenching it.
“I cannot leave Caroline, and she will not go home until the end. Besides, I am tired of listening to you, Darcy. You tell me that Miss Bennet does not love me. How can that be? She was very attentive to me. You are so accustomed to ladies being attentive to you that you can pick and choose. Well pooh to you.”
Bingley marched towards the balcony. The man moved quickly when he wanted to, despite his inebriated state! What was the fool up to? With Darcy’s luck, he would jump. Darcy was so tired, and this discussion about Miss Bennet left him alternately filled with guilt and relief. After all, the whole business reminded him of his difficult relationship with Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Yet, he followed Bingley.
His cousins Juliet and Lady Courtland were peeking out from behind a column! What were they about? Perhaps they were avoiding someone difficult, as he should be doing. He would have to inquire later. For now, he ignored them and continued to the balcony.
“Darcy! I say, Darcy! You should not have interfered.” A scowling Bingley lunged towards him with a fisted hand and Darcy ducked sideways to avoid it. Bingley nearly fell over, but Darcy managed to grab him and right him.
“There. Now what was that about?” Darcy managed, even though he was somewhat miffed. “You cannot be that angry with me.”
“Oh, I am so sorry. You are my best friend. You only had my best interests in mind. Thank you, thank you!” said Bingley as he grabbed Darcy by the cheeks and attempted to kiss him on the lips!
Darcy pulled at Bingley’s hands whilst turning his face away and thus avoided the wet kiss he surely was about to receive. Drunks were incomprehensible!
“All right, sir. That settles it. I shall call your carriage.” Darcy propped one of Bingley’s arms around his shoulders and walked him towards the cloakroom. He made a head gesture to Miss Bingley as they left the balcony, and she followed them. “Miss Bingley will not mind. It is late. The dancing is over. She is tired. You should take her home.”
“My sister is tired. I should take her home. That is the best advice. You are a true friend, Darcy.” Bingley’s face now displayed the widest grin.
Darcy pursed his lips. He was not sure what kind of a friend he was, yet he was certain that Bingley was not going to be this happy in the morning.
Oh…poor Mr. Bingley! And Poor Mr. Darcy too! 😧 I wonder if this scene changes anything for either of these men. And I am very interested to see more of Darcy’s Fitzwilliam cousins and see how they interpreted the scene they witnessed! 😏 Thank you, Suzan, for not writing and sharing this telling scene with us!
~ Book Description ~
A month to find a mate!
Mr. Darcy desires marriage to Elizabeth Bennet, but he ruins any such prospect during his proposal at Hunsford. The resulting general sense of malaise interferes with his usually amicable yet stately demeanour, and his Fitzwilliam relatives resolve that Darcy is lonely—he must be in want of a wife. His cousins convince him to leap into the London Season for one month and partner every lady they select for his felicity.
At Longbourn, chaos erupts as Mr. Bennet undergoes a transformation, and Jane and Elizabeth receive the gift of a month in town to enjoy the Season. Meanwhile, Elizabeth pores over Mr. Darcy’s Hunsford letter and wonders about him, warmed by his words.
It’s only a matter of time before the two meet again in this Pride and Prejudice novella. But will their encounter be a repeat of the earlier disaster, or will they overcome their tenuous history? And can Elizabeth’s credentials pass the stringent criteria of the scheming Fitzwilliam cousins who direct Darcy towards the single daughters of every peer of the realm?
~ GIVEAWAY TIME!!! ~
The lovely people at Meryton Press are kindly offering ONE ebook of Schemes of Felicity for me to give away to ONE lucky reader!
To enter this giveaway leave a comment, a question, or some love for Suzan!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Meryton Press!
- This giveaway ends September 9th.
My thanks to Janet Taylor, Meryton Press, and Suzan Lauder for making this visit possible!
I don’t know that I’ve ever read a book by Suzan, but I will have to check this one out!
Thank goodness I’m a slow writer–Schemes of Felicity is book number five. I hope you win to get the ball rolling! There are also two audiobooks and three more in the works.
Pity Bingley is so lacking in discernment of Darcy’s awful character
Pity Darcy hasn’t seen Elizabeth yet and vowed to change.
This sounds intriguing with the cousins interfering but Bingley is such a puppy LOL. If he were a dog, he’d be a not too bright Irish Setter.
Since I know nothing about dogs, I’ll take your word for it.
This out take was wonderful and clearly demonstrates Suzan’s writing skills as well as her humor. Well done! Thanks for entering me in the drawing.
My heartfelt thanks for your wonderful compliment. You can’t know how good it made me feel. Best of luck on the draw.
First, please don’t enter me in the giveaway as I already have this book.
I must say how much I enjoyed it. I much preferred this decisive Mr Bennet, especially as it meant Elizabeth attending London events!
Love this insight into Bingley’s distress, he’s not a controlled drunk is he? What he really needs is a kind, caring sister, not a selfish shrew like Caroline!
Thank you for sharing this.
I have a habit of twisting Mr. Bennet.
Caroline pretty well leaves the management of drunk Bings to Darcy, doesn’t she. What a pity.
Thanks for the comment, Glynis.
Poor Mr. Bingley! Interesting to see Bingley in such a state. The characters are very well written.
Bings was just drowning in his sorrow and this is what happens. Thanks for your marvellous compliment.
I also read and enjoyed this story. Lovely review, Meredith.
Thanks for popping by, Sheila. You’re a great support to JAFF.
Poor Mr. Bingley indeed! Thank you for sharing this excellent vignette, Suzan. It is the ideal prelude to your delightful novella!
Well, we tend to feel sorry for him, and as a sorry drunkard, even more. You’re welcome, and thanks for the compliment, my friend.
I’m very excited about your new release, “Accusing Mr. Darcy.” Some have called it the JAFF serial killer book. It’s not quite that dark, but the mystery/suspense part of it is so very well done that it vies for attention with your excellent romance between D&E. I hope all get a chance to read it.
My favorite line: (Bingley to Darcy) “Well pooh to you.” Great outtake, Suzan! Love your writing.
Hahaha! I have a list of swears that are dated so I don’t use drat in 1812, for example (which I nearly did in the opening line of this book). Pooh is a perfectly good Regency word, and I thought it added just the right humour for Bings to use it–I see it as a girly word. I love to get a compliment from an author that I admire so greatly. Thanks, Jan.
Sounds great. I love novellas especially now as I have less free time to read. Thanks for the giveaway!
I do hope you are able to read “Schemes of Felicity” in your free time, then. Thanks for the comment!
That will be interesting to see both sisters in London. I look forward to reading this!
London is the scene for the whole book. I hope you enjoy reading “Schemes of Felicity!”
I discovered this author. Good title
Thanks Meredith and Thanks to Meryton Press, and Suzan Lauder. Reading this excerpt, I can imagine Darcy already uncomfortable in normal times at a ball, but it must be terrible for him in front of the whiny and drunk Bingley. Miss Bingley still trying to afford the company of her dear Darcy. I don’t know which of the two I pity Bingley or Darcy more. Funny situation for the reader.
I love this title and it’s thanks to my editor, Ellen Pickels. Thanks for your enjoyment of the vignette!
Thank you for hosting Suzan, Meredith. It is always a pleasure to visit your blog! Suzan, the outtake was excellent. I can only imagine what Darcy’s cousins were thinking! This novella is delightful! I enjoyed reading it and the outtake.
I subscribe to Meredith’s blog so I don’t miss out on anything.
Thanks, Janet. You’ll get to hear the cousins’ reactions to what they saw in “Schemes of Felicity.” Sometimes things don’t look as they are.
Thanks for the nice compliment! I truly appreciate it.
Poor Mr. Bingley! I wonder if he’ll remember anything of his behavior in the morning? . Loved the excerpt!
I suspect if he does remember, he will be embarrassed. But he’ll certainly need headache powders. I hope he has a caring housekeeper. Thanks!
Do not include me in the drawing, I have already read it and it was hilarious. Talk about interfering relations… poor Darcy has his hands full with his Fitzwilliam relations. Until, that is, Elizabeth arrives in London. Yep, the season took on a whole new dimension. Well done Suzan. I loved it. Thanks for hosting, Meredith, [hello to your Mr. Bingley]. Thanks to Meryton Press for the generous giveaway… those guys rock. Blessings to Suzan on the success of this work. Have a safe rest of the week, everyone. Wear masks and stay healthy. Hopefully, we can get through the flu season without additional restrictions.
Oh, wow, reading your short overview of the story brought a smile to my face. I’m tickled pink that you loved it so well. You certainly got out of it what I intended–just a light and pleasing story. Thanks so much for your deep caring for everyone, and I return those blessings back to you. Keep safe and happy.
i have greatly enjoyed M Lauder’s other books `& cannot help wondering what she’s had up her sleeve for this one.
Why, thank you, Beatrice. I love all my books equally and have no favourite. This book is different than the others, but just as good. I hope you enjoy it just as well.
The cover art is absolutely beautiful!!! The excerpt definitely piques my curiosity–I am crossing my fingers and hoping to win a copy!!
Thank you for giving away a copy!!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
The painting is by Frédéric Soulacroix, and I’ve always loved his work–he has a series of paintings like this. Yet his bright colours and shiny silks didn’t work for my books before this one–they weren’t right for Darcy and Elizabeth. But for the Fitzwilliams, this painting is perfect. Janet Taylor is a gifted cover artist and knows what works. This is the first time on a cover that I haven’t quibbled over any details at all–I just took it as she offered it. The frame is the theme for Skirmish and Scandal as well.
Best of luck on winning that copy, Susanne!
enjoyed the excerpt
d
Thanks, Denice!
I was cringing when I was reading about Bingley and his antics with Darcy at this ball. Get the man out of there! Am curious to read more about Darcy’s cousins. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway.
Yes, Bings really did need to go home and sleep it off. I do hope you have a good chance to win the book and find out how Laura and Juliet took the scene.
Thank you fore the excerpt.Feel sorry for Mr CB. If I were FD, as a friend I will always accompany him in every event. (Keep him from any mischief or compromise).
Darcy as Bingley’s babysitter? Sounds like a match. Thanks for the comment.
What a lovely cover! I enjoyed the excerpt!
It’s an amazing cover, isn’t it? Janet Taylor does such a good job. Thanks for the compliments!
I feel most sorry for Mr Bingley. That was quite funny but sad because his heart is breaking over what he believes to be indifference over Jane. This will be loads of fun, and thank you for entering me in the contest.
You have it right, Jen. Best of luck in the draw.
I had to laugh at a drunk Bingley trying to kiss Darcy. Thank you for the outtake!
I snicker every time I think of it too. Thanks for the comment!
I really liked that teaser — I feel for Bingley and Darcy, and I want to know what those cousins were up to! Yet another book to go on my TBR.
The book will give you Juliet and Laura’s personalities, so reading it will clarify a lot. Thanks for commenting!
I loved Alias Thomas Bennet, and look forward to reading this.
Thanks, Xena Anne! Best of luck on the draw!
Thanks for the excerpt Suzan and congratulations on your new book! I don’t think I’ve ever seen Mr. Bingley so funny after having too much to drink!! Thanks for the giveaway. –Leslie
A new Suzan Lauder book to enjoy! Yay 😀 I too loved the cover art, and yes, I agree Janet Taylor is a great talent in the cover art world. Congrats Suzan, and best luck on the book launch. Lovely giveaway.
I loved the excerpt, and can’t wait to see Darcy’s and Bingley’s reactions when they discover Elizabeth and Jane in London. This one sounds fun.
Thank you Meredith. Keep Mr B and yourself safe, and keep those gorgeous pictures coming.