Hi friends! Today I am thrilled to welcome back author, Lucy Marin, to Austenesque Reviews! As you might already know, Lucy just released her third Pride and Prejudice variation titled The Recovery of Fitzwilliam Darcy, and I am fascinated by both its gorgeous cover and wholly unique premise! I really love stories that take us on a new twist outside the P&P canon.
Today, Lucy stops by to share a lovely bonus scene from The Recovery of Fitzwilliam Darcy. We hope you enjoy! 😊
I am so pleased to be here today. Thank you, Meredith, for taking part in my blog tour!
I have a bonus scene to share with you today. It is from ‘William’ and Elizabeth’s youth; Elizabeth is thirteen, and William recently turned eighteen (or so he thinks). In The Recovery of Fitzwilliam Darcy, they have been studying together under Mr Bennet’s guidance for about nine years at this point. During that time, they have become the closest of friends. If you read the book, you will understand why I had their conversation focus on the themes of forgiveness and not having pre-conceived notions about people. I hope you enjoy it!
***
“‘The quality of mercy is not strain’d,’” Elizabeth intoned. “My favourite part of Portia’s speech is,
It is enthroned in the heart of kings;
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God’s
When mercy seasons justice.
“What is yours?”
William watched as she skipped along the road. There was a light dusting of snow covering the fields and trees on this late November day. The sky was overcast, but it was not too cold for a long walk. Mr Bennet had them studying The Merchant of Venice and had sent them away to discuss the meaning of Portia’s speech to Shylock and consider how it applied to their lives. William looked around them, seeing smoke rising from a chimney in the distance and hearing the low snorts and squeals of Mr Brown’s pigs in the nearby field.
Elizabeth turned back to look at him. “William?”
He shook his head. “I was considering your question. I favour the beginning.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.”
She laughed; Elizabeth laughed and smiled a great deal, and her warm embrace of life was one of the reasons he admired her so much. Even on the darkest of days, when sorrow filled her heart—such as when her grandmother had died two years earlier—she could find a way to remind herself and everyone around her of the beauty of life, whether it was the music of a bird or the birth of a new baby. She waited for him to catch up to her and hooked her arm with his.
“You, Mr Lucas, are a poet at heart.”
He gave a bark of surprise.
“Can you not imagine forgiveness falling like a mist and washing away the anger and recriminations and whatever else both accused and accuser feel? That is what those lines make me feel. I think Papa wants us to dissect it because I have not forgiven Richard Goulding for winning at commerce last week. You know he cheated.”
William rolled his eyes. A part of him suspected Richard and his brother had contrived to ensure one of them won. They could not bear the thought of losing to Elizabeth, who was four years their junior.
She said, “I shall be merciful and forgive him, but I will pay more attention in the future so that he cannot steal another victory from me.”
“When did you become so competitive?”
“Let us not discuss my flaws. Please! My mother likes to remind me of them; I do not need you to develop a similar habit.”
“I never said it was a flaw.” When she opened her mouth to retort, he held up a finger. “The speech? Do you think Portia is suggesting that Shylock is incapable of mercy, or rather that it would be unexpected from him because he is a Jew?”
Elizabeth’s brow furrowed as she considered this. “Many people show little forgiveness. Mrs Long and Mrs Wright have not spoken to each other for over a year because Mrs Wright says Mrs Long stole her receipt for pickled onions and did not tell the vicar it was Mrs Wright’s when he praised them so much. I think Portia’s speech tells us that people should be more forgiving. Antonio just owed Shylock money. Under those circumstances, it would be more praiseworthy to show mercy than demand justice.”
William nodded and, when they reached a fork in the road, directed them towards Netherfield. There had been a fire at the house—fortunately, no one was seriously injured—and they were interested to see how the repairs were coming along.
“I do not like the way most people treated Shylock. He was not always good, but…” William said.
“I wondered if he was the way he was because that was what people expected from him. Do you know what I mean?” Elizabeth swung her arms as she walked from one side of the road to the other, looking up into the trees or across the fields, as she spoke.
“Perhaps, but whatever other people thought of him, he was responsible for how he acted.”
Elizabeth turned to face him and walked backwards as they continued to speak. Her cheeks were pink, and her eyes sparkled.
“But how other people expect you to be is important. Everyone expects girls to be a certain way, and I think it matters. Perhaps Jane would excel at science, but she will never try to learn it because it is not something girls should do. Instead, she tries to draw because it is something girls should do, even though I know she does not enjoy it and has no talent for it.”
“You do not behave in such a way,” he argued.
Elizabeth laughed. “Very true, but I am a contrary person. I am too stubborn to let other people’s expectations rule my life.”
“Your mother certainly thinks so.”
She grinned. “She does. Aunt Philips told me just last week that I needed to act more like a proper girl.” Imitating her aunt’s high-pitched voice, she said, “‘If you do not, you will end a spinster, Lizzy Bennet, you mark my words!’”
“I would not have you any other way.” He meant it. In addition to her joie de vivre, he admired how interesting Elizabeth was. He would hate to see that lost to fulfilling the expectations of her sex.
She once again hooked her arm with his. After a moment of silence, she said, “Do you think it is true, though? We expect certain people to be a certain way, so they become that or at least that is all we see? My uncle Gardiner tells me about all the different types of people he meets—Catholics and Jews, and you know he has an African man working with him. My uncle is good friends with his family, and he says he is one of the most intelligent men he has ever known.”
He nodded, seeing her point. “Yet, if you listen to some people, Africans are our inferiors.”
“Exactly! Or the natives explorers found in the New World who everyone says are savages. Perhaps they are just different.”
“Which does not mean wrong or worse. If we consider the importance of forgiveness as the meaning of Portia’s speech, do you think there are times when it is acceptable not to forgive someone who has wronged you?”
Elizabeth appeared to consider this as she nibbled her lower lip. At length, she said, “I do not know. I suspect it is always better to forgive except in the most extreme of cases. Oh, I can see Netherfield. Come on!”
She dropped his arm and began to run towards their destination.
***
Thank you so much for sharing, Lucy! I can so easily picture this scene of a young William and Elizabeth walking together and having this discussion! I cannot wait to see more of their interactions together! I like how William is assessing the particular aspects of Elizabeth’s character that he admires. 🥰
~ Book Description ~
I have no notion who I am meant to be.
IN 1789 A TERRIBLE CRIME IS COMMITTED, plunging one family into grief as another rejoices in the gift of an unexpected son. Two decades later, a chance meeting leads to the discovery of the lost heir of Pemberley and the man who knew himself as Mr William Lucas is restored to his birthright as Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley.
DISCOVERING THE TRUTH ABOUT HIS PAST means leaving behind everyone and everything he has ever known and loved—including his childhood best friend and soon-to-be betrothed, Elizabeth Bennet. Tormented by questions about himself, and his place, Darcy struggles to understand and adapt to his changed identity and his new life. He must contend with a father buried in the shadows of the past and family relationships he does not understand.
The truth has come out. Some have gained by it, some have lost by it, and I am in the middle. I cannot possibly make everyone happy. No matter what I do, someone will suffer. No matter what I do, I shall suffer.
Somehow, he must find a way to do right by his new and old families, especially if he is to avoid losing Elizabeth forever.
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!
In conjunction with this lovely blog tour, Quills and Quartos will be giving away an ebook of The Recovery of Fitzwilliam Darcy to one lucky reader who comments on this post.
To enter this giveaway, leave a comment, question, or some love for Lucy below!
- This giveaway is open worldwide! Thank you, Quills and Quartos.
- This giveaway will end April 18th.
The Recovery of Fitzwilliam Darcy is available in paperback and ebook!!
~~~
Follow Lucy’s Tour!
My sincere gratitude to Lucy Marin, Kristi Rawley, and the wonderful people at Quills and Quartos for inviting me to take part in this lovely tour!
Thank you for the bonus scene. I find it hard to imagine that Darcy could question his affection for Elizabeth once he discovers that he is a Darcy and not a Lucas. Thank you for the giveaway.
I don’t want to spoil the story, so I won’t talk about Darcy’s feelings after he discovers the truth. 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
Thank you for taking part in the blog tour, Meredith! I’m glad you liked the bonus scene.
What a wonderful childhood these two had!
It was very happy. 🙂
Thanks for the extra scene. I did read and enjoy this story. Stay safe, everyone.
Thank you, Sheila. 🙂
Such a great scene. I’m looking forward to reading this story, Being Mrs Darcy is one of my favorites ever.
I’m glad you liked the extra scene. 🙂
OH this looks like fun. I like the bit of mystery as to how Darcy became Mr Lucas! I look forward to reading it.
I hope you like the story once you read it. Thanks!
I do have to wonder if Elizabeth and William would have had a happy marriage as Mr and Mrs Lucas?
I’m also curious as to who stole Fitzwilliam as I’m sure it wasn’t just the Wickhams!
I really hope it doesn’t take too long for Darcy to insist on still marrying Elizabeth.
I loved Being Mrs Darcy but I admit I cried my way through a lot of it (sometimes angry tears!) so I’m sure I’ll cope.
It’s hard to tell if Elizabeth would have been happy with ‘William Lucas’. I imagine that, as long as they had each other, they would have been okay. Thank you, Glynis!
I read this when it was on one of the forums. Looking forward to the final. Congratulations and best wishes.
Thanks so much, Jennifer!
That’s a really sweet scene, Lucy. Thank you for sharing it with us, and congrats on the new release.
I’m glad you liked the scene. I enjoyed writing about them when they were younger. Thank you! 🙂
Love this! Congrats on the release!
Thank you! 🙂
I love reading stories where D&E are younger. This was such an amazing book. Goodness, I nearly chewed my nails down to the quick. Whew! I still shiver when I think about it. I wanted to cry, to rail, and wring my hands as Darcy worked through his new life. Not knowing who was friend or foe was maddening. Thanks to Meredith for hosting. Thanks to Lucy Marin for writing this delightful story, have fun on the blog tour. And finally, thanks to Q&Q publishing and all the gang for this generous giveaway. Good luck to all in the drawing. You are all winners. Everyone stay safe and healthy.
I’m so pleased that you liked the book. I really put Darcy through the wringer this time! Haha. I hope you stay safe & healthy, too. 🙂
What a lovely scene between Lizzy and William! Congratulations on your newest release, Lucy! Thanks for the chance to win a copy. I’d love to read it.
I’m glad you liked it. 🙂 Thanks, Pam!
What a great premise for a variation. Cannot wait to read this. Thank all responsible for the giveaway!!!
Fantastic! I hope you like the book.
Thanks for the bonus scene. I love nuggets of gold like that. I’ve already read the Kindle copy twice. Each time, I find a little more of the nuance you so skillfully bring to the development of the story. It really is one of my favorites. Now, what’s next?
Hi Lucy! It’s so charming your bonus suene with Darcy-Lucas and Lizzy sharing such complicity! I know this novel will be my cup of tea 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway! And thanks Meredith for hosting Lucy!
Hi Teresa! Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed the bonus scene. 🙂
I look forward to enjoying this story.
Thank you.
Thank you! 🙂
Thank you for the bonus scene. It was nice to see a young Lizzy and William interacting. I am looking forward to reading this book, and thank you for the opportunity to win a copy!
I had fun writing the scene. 🙂 I hope you enjoy the book once you get a chance to read it.
Lucy does such a good job developing characters; they are true to Jane Austen, but are very interesting extensions. Have downloaded this book and can’t wait to begin rereading it. I read it twice when she was posting it a while back.
Aw, thank you so much. Enjoy the published version! 🙂
SUCH an intriguing idea! Thank you for the giveaway!
I had a lot of fun writing it. 🙂
Congratulations, Lucy, on this newest publication!!! The title is so intriguing — but I don’t want to read the excerpt and spoil the fun of experiencing the whole book uninterrupted. 😉
I wish you and The Recovery of Fitzwilliam Darcy every success!! 🙂
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
Thank you, Susanne! Once you’ve read the book, you might want to come back and read this post. It is a deleted scene from Elizabeth and Darcy’s childhood. 🙂
What an intriguing scene. It leads to many questions about, and possible directions the story will take. I’m eager to read this. Besides intriguing, the scene was also charming. And knowing the premise of the book it’s also bittersweet. Best luck on the launch of your new book.
Thank you Meredith for hosting Lucy on her blog tour. I look forward to reading your review. Give Fezzik a smoosh from all his fans here. I’m loving the Spring header. 😀
The thing to remember is that E&D get their HEA–despite the ‘bitter’ I toss into their happy little life together. Thanks, Michelle!
Thank you for the excerpt. I love the discussion between Lizzy and William. This is such a unique premise for this variation and I look forward to reading more. –Leslie
I’m glad you liked the scene! Thank you, Leslie. 🙂
I really liked the bonus scene and using ‘forgiveness’ as the premise. I wonder if Darcy will look back on that scene himself! Looking forward to reading this one, Lucy. Congratulations and thank your for a chance at the giveaway. Stay safe!
Thanks, Carole! I happen to know that Darcy spends a lot of time thinking about Elizabeth. 😉 Stay well.
Thank you for sharing this scene. It has caught me hook, line, and sinker. Congratulations on your new book and thank you for the give away. The book is now on my wish list.
Wonderful! I’m glad you liked the scene. I enjoyed writing it. 🙂
Thank for this scene. Definitely how I would picture their discussions would be…
Thank you for the chance to win a copy
Thanks! Good luck in the draw!
Lucy, I really enjoyed the excerpt — and especially the conversation between Elizabeth and William. Not only do they get to open up to each other, but we get to think of P&P’s larger theme of seeing a person for who they actually are (and not how people see them on the surface) in a new way. I love when Austenesque provides an opportunity for these characters we love to discuss topics Austen perhaps couldn’t address in the same fashion. Meredith, thanks for hosting this preview, and please don’t enter me into the giveaway, as I’ve already purchased the book. Thanks, all!
I’m glad you liked the excerpt, Christina. I completely agree with your comment about Austenesque giving up an opportunity to explore topics Austen could not include in the original works. I hope you enjoy the novel! 🙂
Sounds very good. I liked seeing them when they were younger.
Thanks! If you give the book a try, I hope you enjoy it.
You’ve presented a very interesting “what if”! I’d love to read it in its entirety!!