Hi readers! Happy Monday! I’m excited to welcome back the lovely Monica Fairview to Austenesque Reviews today! Monica was one of the first authors to visit my fledgling little blog twelve years ago when she celebrated her release of The Other Mr. Darcy – such a brilliant sequel about Caroline Bingley if you haven’t read it yet. And I am so thrilled that she is here again, 12 years later, to celebrate another new release! Monica’s new novel – A Longbourn Entanglement – releases TODAY! And Monica is here to share a special excerpt from A Longbourn Entanglement, we hope you enjoy! 🤗
It is such a pleasure to be here again at Austenesque Reviews, especially now that Meredith is celebrating her 12th year anniversary. She and I entered the Austenesque world around the same time, and what a thrilling adventure it has been! I can’t remember what life was any more before I became part of this wonderful community of readers and writers.
I’m here to introduce my latest work: A Longbourn Entanglement. Can you believe that I started the whole thing when I was looking at a knotted ribbon? The title, Tangled, came to my mind at once, as in ‘Oh what a tangled thread we weave’ (Walter Scott), not Tangled, the cartoon.
Of course, it is Lydia who talks about bonnets and trimmings and ribbons, and so it makes perfect sense that she had a role to play in the entanglement.
My favorite part of focusing on Longbourn is that it gave me the chance to bring in all the delightfully comic characters Jane Austen created so well. It also gave me a chance to look at Elizabeth and Darcy in a specific moment in time in a specific place. I never really appreciated the way Jane Austen changed the settings of the action by providing us with three completely different locations. Each location redefines the terms of Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship, but the novel begins in Longbourn then comes back full circle to the same location.
I took a slightly different path, in that Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship develops fully in the same location. Longbourn to me is a place of laughter, chaos and resolution, and that’s what A Longbourn Entanglement is about.
I also have to confess (rather sheepishly) that I drew on the Pride and Prejudice 2005 film when I
imagined Elizabeth as Keira Knightly reading on a swing.
Now that you have a general idea of what the novella is about: a tangled romantic comedy, I’d like to share an excerpt with you. It’s short but it does set the scene for Elizabeth and Darcy’s interaction. It takes place after Elizabeth writes a letter to her father to inform him Mrs. Bennet is ill in the early part of the novel.
***
~ Excerpt from A Longbourn Entanglement ~
From the corner of her eye, Elizabeth saw Mr. Collins heading in her direction. There was no time to think further about the wording. She folded the letter and took out a wafer from the box. Licking the wafer quickly, she managed to slip it under the edge just as Mr. Collins reached her and extended his hand for the letter.
“I would like to add a few compassionate words if I may, Cousin Elizabeth. It is important to assure Mr. Bennet that all the young ladies of the household are in my good hands and will want for nothing. With the distinguished Mr. Darcy’s assistance, and my endless compassion for my cousins in this dark hour, you will be well taken care of. I am certain he will be relieved to hear it.”
“It will not be necessary sir,” she said, with a smile, taking up the seal to stamp the wafer. “I am certain you would prefer to take your time to find the exact wording, and this is a very hurried note. Surely you do not wish to outshine me, sir.”
Mr. Collins smiled condescendingly. “Your modesty does you credit. Naturally, I do not expect a lady to have the facility in writing that a clergyman has, so you need not be embarrassed. I have studied the Classical Languages and the works of the ancient masters. I am more than proficient in my writing. In fact, my great patroness, Lady Catherine–”
Elizabeth threw a quick glance towards Mr. Darcy. She expected to see him looking severe, but he was watching her with a small smile playing on his lips. His dark eyes were soft. When he was not looking down his nose at everyone, she realized, he was very handsome. Attractive, even, with his broad shoulders and the tumble of fashionable dark curls spread across his brow.
Darcy’s lips twitched. Had he guessed the direction of her thinking? She looked away quickly, heat flooding into her face.
She managed to seal the letter just before Mr. Collins reached over to take it from her. The pattern was lopsided, but at least Mr. Collins would not go so far as to unseal it and read what she had written.
“It is too late, Mr. Collins. However, you are welcome to send Papa an express telling him your sentiments when we have more news.”
There was a cough from the corner of the room where Mr. Darcy was sitting. Was he laughing at her? When she looked at him directly, however, she found his eyes fixed on her face with a curious expression. His look was so piercing, she squirmed.
Then he stood up and came in her direction.
“Miss Elizabeth, I wonder if I might have a word with you concerning your mother.”
“Certainly,” she replied, her heart starting to hammer.
“If you would be kind enough to step into the hallway?”
Mr. Collins looked like he might join them, but Mr. Darcy quelled him with a glance, and he slunk back and returned to the seat he had occupied earlier.
“After you, Miss Elizabeth.”
Ooh! This is intriguing! Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth are together and not arguing! I love their silent exchanges in this scene. And I’m dying to know what Mr. Darcy will say next! 🤗 I can’t wait to find out about Elizabeth’s thorny dilemma and see how everything becomes tangled!
~ Book Description ~
Elizabeth Bennet has a secret. If Fitzwilliam Darcy discovers it, will it spell the end of their fledgling romance?
When Mrs. Bennet falls ill after the Netherfield Ball, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley postpone their trip to London to offer their assistance.
But things are never what they seem. Before long, Darcy is entangled in a chaotic situation at Longbourn, and Elizabeth is faced with a thorny dilemma that could drive Darcy away from her forever.
Will Elizabeth and Darcy muddle their way through the mayhem, or is everything just too tangled for them to discover their feelings?
If you are looking for a warm, sweet, and short Jane Austen variation, this romantic comedy is just what you need.
A Longbourn Entanglement is available now!
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
In conjunction with Monica’s lovely visit today, she is giving away 2️⃣ebook copies of A Longbourn Entanglement to 2️⃣ lucky winners!!
To enter this giveaway leave a comment, a question, or some love for Monica below!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Monica!
- This giveaway ends October 4th.
Wow! Sounds like a fantastic new story that I am anxious to read. Congrats on publishing a new book! BTW, I really like the cover. The colors are wonderful.
Thank you, ForeverHis!! The cover has some of my favorite colors.
I remember reading The Other Mr. Darcy. Monica always writes with a twist in P&P canon. Congratulations on your new novel. I love the idea of Elizabeth and Darcy smirking at Mr. Collins and the sealing of the letter.
I’m so glad you remember my first Austenesque novel, Eva!!
I have to warn you, though, there’s more to this scene than meets the eye. 😉
Monica, have read all of your books; indeed, the early ones, I read multiple times. Thank you for all the pleasure you have wrought over the years. I am so pleased you continue to write P&P variations. And, let me add one more comment as both an editor and reader of this genre: your writing skill continues to improve. Such skill!
Thank you, editingzeal! It has been quite a journey since my first book! Thank you for making it with me. I really appreciate your evaluation as an editor. 🙂
This looks so fun. Best wishes and congratulations Meredith on 12 years.
Thank you for joining me here, Jennifer!
I am hooked… Can’t wait to read this!
Happy to hear it, Amy!
Oh, yay! I’m excited to read this, I’ve enjoyed Ms. Fairview’s other works so I’m sure this won’t disappoint.
Then you know what to expect, Amanda! 😉
Intriguing! I’m anxious to read it!
Good luck with the draw, Rebecca!
This looks like the kind of story I love to read. I would love to win a copy!
You sound like my kind of reader, tgruy!! 😉
This excerpt is well chosen. I can’t believe it. Mr Darcy smiles. Mr Darcy helps Elizabeth. I am anxious to know what this letter contains.
I love comedies so I look forward to reading this.
So glad to see you here, Brenda!
I’ve enjoyed some of Monica’s other books. Please enter me in the giveaway.
Good to know, Jennie!
This was a fun one.
Please do not enter me in the giveaway.
Thank you for stopping by to read the excerpt, Sophia!! 🙂
This is a lovely excerpt. I can picture all kinds of interactions with Elizabeth, Darcy, and Mr. Collins! I’m looking forward to reading this book.
Very nice of you to say so, Cyndy!!
This sounds intriguing, and no rabid dislike of Mr Darcy from Elizabeth, that’s a nice twist.
Sounds like one I’d enjoy.
I hope so, DarcyBennett!
Oh, a P&P romantic comedy. We need more of them. I am looking forward to reading this. Thank you!
I hear you, Colleen. I wrote it because I needed some comic relief. Laughter is the best medicine 😉
Oh Monica, I’m so happy you have a new book out. I really enjoy your novels and in particular your style of writing. I haven’t kept all my paper novels from the past 18 years or so however I have kept yours. I’ve moved twice and had to simplify. Ebooks have had to take over. This excerpt was incredible. It really reels you in. What are Darcy and Elizabeth going to discuss? Ooooh. Warm, sweet and romantic comedy sounds perfect. I look forward to reading it.
Awww, Suzan. Thank for saying so! It’s lovely to know my books have been your companions wherever you moved. 🙂
Good luck with the draw!
Congrats on the new book,
It had been ages since I read a PP variation, horrible but true cos they are amazing
This sounds like a story I would really like to read! Lovely excerpt!
Delighted to hear it, Audny!!
I can’t wait to read it! It is always so interesting to find out where authors get their ideas from. Also agree it’s a lovely cover ❤️
I agree, Katherine. I love finding out about the inspiration behind specific novels.
I’m pleased you like the cover.
Such a clever idea! Looking forward to reading it!
I’ve read such great reviews about this story. Looking forward to reading it myself!
Congratulations!!!
Thanks for stopping by and for your good wished, SamH! Hope you win something.
Looks like fun! I’m thinking of what Mr. Collins will likely write – maybe something that will amuse Mr. Bennet even in the face of Mrs.Bennet’s illness (which I hope isn’t too serious).
Oooh! I’d dearly love to read that letter, Lois!!
Hmm. So many questions created by this scene: Where is Mr. Bennet? What is Mr. Collins up to? What is going through Mr. Darcy’s mind?
I look forward to untangling it!
Thanks for trying to untangle the scene, Ginna!! 😉
Thank you for the excerpt. I am assuming this scene is in Longbourn. I guess Mr Bennet is away, does that mean he left Mr Collins as the guardian/protector of the ladies??? I wonder if he can manage or the ladies will manage him;)
I have a strange feeling Mr Collins might not be as much in control as he thinks… 😀
Just wanted to write that I had a bit of a chuckle or two from Mr Collins! Thank you for posting that excerpt!
This looks like a lot of fun. Good luck with the new release, Monica!
Thanks for the good wishes, Robin!
The cover is lovely to look at, Monica. What could have drawn Mr Bennet away from Longbourn because Jane Austen doesn’t have him travelling outside of Meryton? Poor Mrs Bennet. Maybe she had too much to drink at the ball. I hope she recovers from her sickness.