Well isn’t this a lovely surprise, friends! The lovely Laura Hile has a new book she just released! And so soon after her wonderful release of So This Is Love – which I sincerely adored! (see here). Laura is here to celebrate her newly published Pride and Prejudice variation, As Only Mr. Darcy Can, and share an enticing excerpt! We hope you enjoy! 🤗
~ From the Author ~
Meredith, thank you for hosting me today. It’s always a pleasure to visit with your followers.
As for As Only Mr. Darcy Can, what can I say? It isn’t profound or even terribly thought-provoking. It’s an escape. A lighthearted happily-ever-after return to Jane Austen’s world, with all your Pride and Prejudice friends.
In short, it’s a Regency romp that’s just plain fun. We smile, we sigh, we roll our eyes at the antics of Jane Austen’s characters …
Best of all, we get to watch Elizabeth fall hopelessly in love with Mr. Darcy. Le sigh!
In this excerpt, we see our dear couple puzzling over an odd lady who has recently arrived in Hunsford. At the urging of Mr. Collins, Lady Lavinia has been invited to take tea at Rosings Park—with questionable results. Something about her is wrong, but what?
~ Excerpt from As Only Mr. Darcy Can ~
Elizabeth settled herself on the fallen log and gave Darcy a searching look. “Was I right to be uneasy about
her?”
“I believe so,” he said, sitting beside her. “Not that this woman has evil intentions, but she is certainly unusual. So, too, is the account of her carriage accident.”
“I—was not paying close attention, being occupied with your sister’s knitting lesson.”
Darcy could say the same! “She found an avid listener in Fitz.” He drew a folded paper from his waistcoat pocket. “After you left, I made a list of observations.” He paused. “I find writing out my thoughts to be helpful.”
“Whereas writing out my thoughts can be dangerous.”
Was she making a little joke? Darcy bit back a smile.
“I have sisters,” she explained. “There is little that can be kept private from them.”
Darcy spread the page on his knee. Elizabeth shifted closer to him in order to see. He tried not to notice, but oh, the wonder of having her so near!
Elizabeth pointed to the first word: Lorgnette. “You agree with me?” There was no mistaking her delight.
“Did the thing ever leave her hand? She kept waving it about, as some women work a fan.”
“Yes!” cried Elizabeth. “When she came to dinner, she kept peering at us. But I could not decide whether she was near or far-sighted.”
“In other words, she was not using the lorgnette to see.”
He was rewarded with a smile. “Am I awful to think such a thing? How glad I am that we share a suspicious nature!” Elizabeth pointed to the next word on his list: Intonation. “And this?”
“Her voice was unnaturally shrill. To be honest, it put me in mind of what one hears in the theater. Not that our guest was playing a part, per se. This was merely my impression.”
“And the next? What do you mean by No Names?”
“I have observed that, when making a new acquaintance, ladies will mention their well-born friends. I assume this is a means of connection, giving validity to their social position.”
“You are so right! Just as Caroline Bing—” Elizabeth broke off speaking. “I beg your pardon,” she said quietly. “Miss Bingley is your friend.”
“But the example is an apt one,” said Darcy. “Miss Bingley goes out of her way to establish precedence. Our guest ought to have mentioned a few of her friends, in an effort to ingratiate herself with Lady Catherine. But she did not.”
“Unlike my cousin, who must flatter her continually.” Elizabeth pointed to the next entry: No Pursuit.
“Ah, yes.” Darcy smiled in spite of himself. “This one is a bit difficult to explain. Suffice it to say, her ladyship did not engage me in conversation.”
“Is this unusual?”
“Women seek me out, Miss Elizabeth. Once introduced, they are eager to converse, whether I like it or not.”
She gave a gurgle of laughter. “Not all women, surely.”
He answered with a measured look.
Elizabeth’s dimple appeared. “You have a very fine opinion of yourself, sir.”
“Rather, it is unmarried women—and their mothers—who have a fine opinion of me. Or rather, of my family’s estate and income.”
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes in amusement. “It is impolite to be unfriendly. Perhaps these women wish to get to know you.”
“As a means of ascertaining my character? Not at all.”
“Isn’t character important?”
“It is, but not to these women. I could be Blackbeard himself, for all they care.”
“I—see,” said Elizabeth unsteadily. She moved even nearer and pointed to the next entry. Darcy scarcely dared to breathe.
“What does New Creation signify?”
“Ah,” he said. “This happens to be Lady Catherine’s esteemed opinion.”
Elizabeth turned to him; her eyes were bright with surprise. “But Lady Lavinia is mentioned in Debrett’s. Mr. Collins showed us the entry.”
“Nevertheless, my aunt is not convinced that she is well-born. Like you, she was struck by the woman’s unpolished manners.”
“She was not very graceful last night,” admitted Elizabeth, “particularly when the refreshments were served. She ought to be able to balance her plate, teacup, and saucer without having the spoon fall to the floor. It’s a skill we practice as girls.”
“There is also the matter of gloves,” said Darcy. “Lady Lavinia wore them for the entire evening. This caused my aunt to wonder whether she has something to, er, hide.” He coughed in an effort to disguise a laugh. This was unsuccessful.
Elizabeth caught his amusement. “What?” she demanded. “What did Lady Catherine say?”
“Merely that she suspects Lady Lavinia to have taken up smoking cigars. Tobacco stains the fingers and, according to my aunt, her ladyship wishes to hide this fact from us.”
Elizabeth burst out laughing. “You cannot be serious.”
“My esteemed aunt is famous for her, ah, unique opinions.”
“And yet,” said Elizabeth, “perhaps she has hit upon a vital point. Namely, that Lady Lavinia has something to hide.”
“Even if it is only a smoking habit.”
Ooh! This scene is most intriguing! Who is this Lady Lavinia? What will happen to her? And what does this new alliance between Darcy and Elizabeth mean? You sure know how to entice, Laura! Thank you so much for sharing this excerpt with us! We wish you all the best with As Only Mr. Darcy Can!!
~ Book Description ~
What a tangled web!
Mr. Darcy’s departure has solved nothing. He loves Elizabeth Bennet as much as ever—and he has left her vulnerable to Wickham’s lies. Why not send her a warning? Anonymously, of course. He must conquer his obsession, yet he must also do something to protect her.
But when Darcy is dunned for a bill of Wickham’s—an old trick—he sends the magistrate’s men with a warrant. Wickham, however, is nowhere to be found. At the same time, a titled lady appears in Hunsford. Why does she look so familiar? What of her pointed interest in Darcy’s sister? Is there anyone who will believe what Darcy suspects?
Elizabeth has her hands full when she comes to Hunsford. Her army-mad youngest sister causes trouble everywhere! What is more, those cryptic Valentines keep arriving. And then there is Mr. Darcy, a man she is determined to dislike. Why must his suspicions about the unknown lady match hers? Sparks fly as she joins forces with him to discover a truth that is both laughable and treacherous.
As for being at odds with Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth’s heart has other ideas. Will a nonsensical demand ruin what has grown up between them?
As Only Mr. Darcy Can is a feel-good Regency romp, featuring all your friends from Pride and Prejudice. Intrigue, romance, and laughter are waiting for you.
~~~
~ Connect with Laura ~
Website ❧ Twitter ❧ Facebook ❧ Goodreads
~ About Laura ~
Encourager. Believer. Author. Teacher. Friend.
By day, Laura Hile teaches at a Christian school. By night—or rather, in the early morning when she can think! —she writes Jane Austen and Regency romance with laughs and happy endings.
The comedy Laura comes by as a teacher. There’s never a dull moment with middle school students!
She enjoys gardening (she is a weed warrior!), choral singing, and having coffee with friends.
Laura lives in Beaverton, Oregon, with her husband and a collection of antique clocks. One day she hopes to add a cat or three.
Other books by Laura Hile: Darcy By Any Other Name, So This Is Love, and the Mercy’s Embrace trilogy. She is a regular contributor to the A Very Austen anthology series.
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Laura Hile generously brings ONE ebook copy of As Only Mr. Darcy Can for me to give away to ONE lucky reader from this blog!
To enter this giveaway, leave a comment, a question, or some love for Laura!!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Laura!
- This giveaway ends October 27th!
I have truly enjoyed a number of Laura’s books and look forward to reading this one. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
Sheila, your encouraging words mean a lot. Good luck in the giveaway. This one’s just for fun.
I’ve enjoyed the Mercy’s Embrace trilogy in all its iterations (way back in Dwiggieland)!
Van! What a delight to remember those old days! How did I miss seeing your comment!
Good luck in the giveaway!
Yes! Who is Lady Lavinia? Darcy and Elizabeth seem to be getting close (both to the answer and to each other! Loving this!
Hi, Glynis,
Funny how working together to solve a mystery brings people together. Does Elizabeth even realize that she has inched nearer to Darcy? Indicative, that!
Good luck in the giveaway!
Intriguing. This excerpt has definitely caught my attention and I must know more!
Beverly, Lady Lavinia’s true identity is, shall we say, a stunner.
The difference is that the readers know. It’s Darcy and Elizabeth who must puzzle it out.
Good luck in the giveaway!
Oooh, a mystery! I look forward to seeing what this Lady Lavinia is all about and, of course, how Darcy and Elizabeth come together.
I loved Darcy By Any Other Name and look forward to reading Laura’s newest books! Thanks for sharing!
Paige, I still marvel that I came up with such a crazy premise for Darcy. I also marvel that readers like you share my sense of humor. There’s more of that with this one, oh yes. Where do I get these ideas?
Work, probably. I teach middle school, ha.
Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Wonderful writing. Good luck with sales!!
Amy, thank you. It’s gratifying to see how many readers share my sense of humor. Good luck in the giveaway.
I love seeing Elizabeth and Darcy working together. Loved the excerpt! Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
We can never have enough of these two together, right? Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Intrigued by this Lady lavinia…what scheme does she have mind?
Reading this excerpt made me think of ODC as Nancy Drew and hard boy… tryng to figure a mystery.They sound so young in ths excerpt
thank you for the excerpt and the chance to win a copy
Hi, buturot! I too read Nancy Drew books as a girl. There’s nothing like working together to solve a mystery to bring people together. Good luck in the giveaway!
This sounds like a fun read, and I can’t wait to discover the identity of the mysterious lady!
Katie, her identify is really something. I don’t hide this from readers; it’s Elizabeth and Darcy who must puzzle it out. Such fun! Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
I love whatever Laura Hile writes so I had to get this one. I am enjoying it immensely so far!
Okay, so Brenda, you can see where my sense of humor takes me! What can I say? Perhaps years of teaching middle school teens have made me nuts, ha!
I’m glad you’re enjoying As Only Mr. Darcy Can. Who doesn’t need a not-at-all-serious story about now?
Even if you own the book, you’re in for the giveaway. If you win, I will gladly send the eBook prize to a friend of your choice.
Thank you, Laura, for another book. I need to read a romp with Elizabeth and Darcy actually having a good time. Yes, who is this woman? Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway.
Hi, Eva.
Readers know from the get-go who Lady Lavinia is, and that’s part of the fun. It’s a wacky idea — my sense of humor gets me into trouble sometimes! — but we dearly need to laugh. And then there is the delight of watching well-deserved payback descend.
Good luck in the giveaway!
Sounds good, as your other variations have been. I’d like to win, but I’ll read it regardless.
Aw, Betty, thanks. If you’ve read my other stuff, you know a lot about my sense of humor, ha. Good luck in the giveaway!
sounds entertaining and delightful
d
Hi, dholcomb1. Entertaining it is, and (I hope) romantic too. Good luck in the giveaway!
Love it! Thanks for the giveaway.
This one is just plain fun. Good luck in the giveaway, darcybennett!
Very intrigued with who this Lady Lavinia is! Interesting to see Darcy and Elizabeth working together. Congratulations to Laura Hile on publishing her book. Love the cover. Thanks for the Chance In this giveaway.
Shelley, the draft for the beautiful cover came in just as smoke from wildfires descended on my part of the Pacific Northwest — right down to the purple hues in the clouds. We were stunned, to say the least.
Here’s a look at our sky as seen from my son’s house: Wildfire Smoke
And that adoring look Elizabeth gives Darcy is just the best! Good luck in the giveaway.
I have loved other books by Laura and know she has a special sort of sense of humour, one that I admire. I can imagine how it will enhance this book. Thanks for the post and giveaway opportunity!
If you’ve read my other books, what you know about my wacky sense of humor is a lot! Thanks for the props, my friend, and good luck in the giveaway.
Lady Lavinia sounds intriguing. I can’t wait to find out more about her and her connection to ODC.
Do not enter me in the giveaway, but I thought the except was quite delightful. This would be a perfect book for the winter months for me when I am down.
Hi, Jen,
This not-at-all-serious story is just right for escape! I teach middle school, and when I collapse on the sofa to read, I have had way too much of “real” for the day. Thanks for the kind words and interest in As Only Mr. Darcy Can.
I am late to the party!
This I will say about teaching on-line school — the eye-strain is something else!
So I’m here first thing in the morning.
Thank you, again, Meredith, for hosting me. And thanks to your followers for the kind words about the excerpt. How we love it when Elizabeth begins to see who Darcy truly is. Sigh.
oh this looks fun! I like when E and D are friends….
Hi, Theresa! It’s tricky, getting these two to lower their defenses, but scenes like this are so satisfying. Thanks for your interest in As Only Mr. Darcy Can, and good luck in the giveaway!
Congratulations and best wishes for your new release, Laura!!!
Kelly, thank you! Because of readers, this book has the #1 New Release badge for Historical Regency Fiction. This sort of thing is fleeting, but fun to see. My 15 minutes of fame!
Good luck in the giveaway!
Another lovely title to join the books that are written as Only Laura Hile Can.
Aw, Robin, thanks. This one has a plot twist that is … well, perhaps something that only I would do. Ha.
Good luck in the giveaway!
What a fabulous cover! And I suspect the story is equally as wonderful – am looking forward to reading it.
Thanks for the giveaway, and best of luck.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Lilyane. If you’re looking for a lighthearted romance with zero angst, you’ll enjoy this. Good luck!
You’re a new author to me. I’m excited to discover your books.
Hi, Jennifer,
Thanks for your interest in As Only Mr. Darcy Can. It’s a fun escape. Good luck in the giveaway!
Congratulations on your new release, Laura! Sounds like another winner — I am a huge fan of A Darcy By Any Other Name, which is one of my favorite P&P variations.
Aw, Lori, thanks. I still marvel at how I was able to think up — and then complete — Darcy By Any Other Name. Good luck in the giveaway!
Thanks so much Laura for excerpt – just enough to want to read more! –Leslie
Leslie, hi.
It took some doing to find excerpts that didn’t give too much away. I’m glad you enjoyed watching Elizabeth thaw just a little more toward our beloved Mr. Darcy.
Good luck in the giveaway.
Really enjoyed Laura’s other books, excited to read this one!
Aw, Cassandra, I’m so glad I could bring smiles and enjoyment to you. I continue to marvel that so many readers enjoy my sense of humor. Good luck in the giveaway!
Meredith, what is this I see? A beautiful “book selfie” of So This Is Love displays in your header. Wow! Thank you!
Thanks, Meredith for hosting [hello to your Mr. Bingley]. I remember reading this post and thought I responded… but apparently I didn’t. So, I am late to the party. This Lady… or not… sounds suspicious for sure. I wonder… but will wait to see if my suspicions are correct. What fun having Elizabeth and Darcy trying to figure our a problem together. Blessings on the success of this book. I have it on my wish-list and am waiting until all the drawings are complete before I purchase it. Everyone stay safe and healthy.
Hi, J.W.
You are a hard one to fool. 😀
Thanks for your interest in this fun story. Good luck in the giveaway!
I really enjoyed the excerpt! Can’t wait to read it!
Hi, Rienne! Good luck in the giveaway!
I do love a good mystery, and of course In love Elizabeth and Darcy. Thus sounds like a fun read!