Greetings, friends! I am excited to start my week by welcoming a new-to-me author to Austenesque Reviews today – Lee Elliott! If you hadn’t already heard, Lee Elliott published a Pride and Prejudice sequel in 2021 titled, Light and Shadow at Pemberley! And it seems like this sequel has a most interesting premise with Anne de Bourgh coming out from her mother’s oppression, trips to Scotland, and new characters with new romantic entanglements! 💕
Lee is visiting today share an excerpt from Light and Shadow at Pemberley, we hope you enjoy! 🙌🏼
~ Excerpt from Chapter One ~
On that June day, after Lady Metcalf’s carriage vanished around a curve of the long drive of Rosings, Lady
Catherine retired to her bedchamber to spend an hour reading the latest novel, as was her custom. She sighed heavily as she settled herself on her chaise lounge, reflecting on the death of her most treasured idea, of seeing her daughter well and richly married to Fitzwilliam Darcy. Then she shrugged and opened her book, and after a while fell asleep.
Her ladyship, so confident that she, could not have imagined that under her very roof, in another wing of the house, a revolution of the most shocking nature was underway.
Anne de Bourgh, supposed by her mother to be resting in bed like a proper invalid, was at that moment lacing a pair of stout half boots, with quick and practiced motions. Her bedchamber was almost as splendid as her ladyship’s, with elegant furnishings and a bookcase overflowing with hundreds of books. In one corner was a fine Cheval glass, generally ignored by Anne who disliked looking at herself in a mirror.
Her task completed, the young lady jumped up from her armchair and began to pace around the room, looking at the door frequently as if expecting someone. Anne was of middle height, but so slender as to appear smaller than she really was, and almost fragile. Most of the time she walked with slumped shoulders and an air of timidity that confirmed her insignificance to those who bothered to notice her. Now, however, she moved with an active grace, her shoulders thrown back as if ready for any challenge. Her delicate face, usually so pale and expressionless, was full of animation and her large gray eyes were brilliant. Her mother would hardly have recognized her.
The door opened and a lady of about forty with a gentle, refined countenance entered in some haste. “Oh, Miss Anne, Mary has just made certain that your mama is in her bedchamber taking her ease as usual at this hour. I suppose that you may risk going out of doors for a brief time, but I do so worry while you are gone. I fear every moment that Lady Catherine may ask for you.”
“That’s hardly likely, Mrs. Jenkinson,” replied Anne, with an ironic smile, “As you know, my mother has very little interest in seeking out my company. She tolerates my presence at meals but otherwise is quite content to ignore me.”
She went over to the older woman and kissed her affectionately on the cheek, saying, “In any case, I’ll return within the hour. Do not distress yourself.”
As the young lady dashed out the door, she turned and added, “Besides, as you know, I must get out of the house or go mad.”
Rosings was a large, rambling mansion with several staircases and it was by the most inconspicuous of these that Anne made her escape. This route took her through a back door and across the stable yard, from which it was a short distance to the woods by way of an extensive shrubbery. She encountered a few of the servants as she rushed towards the sanctuary of the trees, but they were her old friends and would not betray her to Lady Catherine.
The park was famous for its ancient oak grove, which had become Anne’s favorite haunt. She felt safe there, knowing that she could not be found unless she wished to be. There was a footpath that led to the river, edged with ferns and wildflowers that shimmered in the dappled afternoon light. When Anne reached this point she quickened her pace, and as she did so, impatiently pulled the hairpins from her tightly wound hair, which then fell in thick waves across her back, very beautiful and the color of ripe wheat shining in autumn sunlight. Her mother, of course, disliked Anne’s hair and always insisted that it be confined in the most unbecoming style.
Anne glanced at the small watch at her waist and then, with considerable agility began to run, not as though pressed for time but with an air of joyful exuberance, jumping over the various tree roots and rocks that characterized sections of the pathway. After about five minutes, she arrived at the riverbank and sat down on a large boulder in the sun that served as a convenient seat. An hour passed during which Anne was perfectly quiet, listening and observing, hearing every bird, looking down at the surface of the water for the insects and fish and amphibians that fascinated her. A pilgrim in a great cathedral could not have displayed more reverent attention than did Anne in her sacred realm of woods and river.
The light began to change and her seat was abruptly in the shade. She was so familiar with the way that the sunlight traversed the river as the day grew long that she did not need to look at her watch; it was past time to hurry back to Rosings and her captivity. Had she not been of a stoical disposition, Anne would have left her beloved retreat with tears, but as it was, she squared her shoulders and walked resolutely in the direction of her mother’s house.
Ooh! What an exciting start! I love this seeing this hidden side of Anne de Bourgh! And I so want to visit her special ancient oak grove! 🌳 I cannot wait to see what adventures befall her!
~ Book Description ~
The first year of marriage for Darcy and Elizabeth, a summer of peace and happiness at Pemberley. What could possibly disturb their bliss?
When Lady Catherine de Bourgh falls ill, events are set in motion that make life very complicated indeed. Anne de Bourgh, her ladyship’s plain and sickly daughter, is suddenly released from her mother’s oppression and sets out for Scotland with the Darcys while Lady Catherine recuperates in Bath. Anne proves to be a more interesting and tenacious young lady than her family had ever imagined, but will she have the courage to fight for love and freedom?
At Pemberley, Darcy’s friend John Grey is cataloging the library, enjoying a respite from a life of adventure. Grey is a scientist, explorer and the son of an infamous nobleman. He falls in love with Lady Margaret, daughter of Lord Faulconer and a neighbor of the Darcys. The two young people seem perfectly suited to each other, but will a tragic secret keep them apart?
As these friends gather at Pemberley, shadows begin to threaten the luminous harmony of the great house. Darcy and Elizabeth’s happiness is compromised by something unspoken, a reticence that could have fatal consequences. Misunderstandings arise between Anne and the man she loves. John Grey and Lady Margaret seem destined to be separated forever. Can the shadows be vanquished and the light of Pemberley restored?
~~~
~ About Lee ~
Lee Elliott is a writer and artist who lives in the western mountains of Virginia with her husband, an environmental scientist, their four dogs, and innumerable chickens. When not at work at the computer or on the farm, favorite activities are hiking, fly fishing, sea kayaking and ordering too many books on Amazon. A lifelong love of the novels of Jane Austen inspired Lee to write Light and Shadow at Pemberley.
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
In conjunction with Lee’s lovely visit today, she is giving away 1️⃣ copy (winner’s choice -paperback or ebook) of Light and Shadow at Pemberley to 1️⃣ lucky winner!
To enter this giveaway leave a comment, a question, or some love for Lee below!
- This giveaway is open worldwide (paperback only, US residents can choose ebook or paperback) . Thank you, Lee!
- This giveaway ends January 24th.
Thank you so much for the lovely visit, Lee! I am happy to learn more about your debut release of Light and Shadow at Pemberley!!
I have had this book on my radar but like Lee, I have ordered way too many books from Amazon and have to do some catch up! I always enjoy it when an author takes a secondary character and develops them. I also enjoy sequels and the cover is very appealing! Congratulations and thank you for a chance at the giveaway!
Thanks so much for your interest in my book – I had fun writing it!
I like stories about Anne.
When I first read Pride and Prejudice, I felt so much sympathy for Anne, even though she was a minor character. I wanted to rescue her!
Good for Anne.
Anne has courage – that’s what it takes!
Sounds wonderful!! Anne so deserves to break free and have her life be the richer for it. Being stuck with Lady Catherine from birth => is no fun at all. Enough to dampen anyones glow really, so glad that Anne is taking initiative and does her own thing when she can!!!
Imagine having Lady Catherine for a mother!
Sounds like an interesting sequel
I wanted for Anne to have some adventure! Hopefully, I succeeded.
I am looking forward to reading a sequel with more on Anne. Thank you for sharing the excerpt with us!
This excerpt has really fuelled my wish to read the entire book. It all sounds so intriguing with Anne able to be bold and daring and then change back to being meek mild and poorly and suit her mother’s idea of an unwell daughter.
Thanks so much. I’m glad that you liked the excerpt.
Thanks, Meredith for hosting. To our author, that was a delightful excerpt. I would love to win an e-copy of this story. I already had it on my wish-list so a giveaway is welcomed at this time. Blessings on the success of this story and good luck to all in the drawing.
Thank you so much for your kind wishes!
Your Anne sounds amazing. Can’t wait to read this adventure.
Anne surprised even me. She has a strong personality that no one in her family suspected.
Very enjoyable excerpt! I like seeing a different side of Anne. I hope her mother doesn’t discover her little secret!
Lady Catherine loves to stir up trouble! Anne will need some good friends to win her freedom.
Yet another story I had never heard of until today! Poor Anne deserves some happiness, although I do hope this doesn’t cause problems for Darcy and Elizabeth! It does sound as if they have some problems? Is it very angsty?
Some drama and suspense, but not angsty. Darcy and Elizabeth are more in love than ever.
I like the colors on the cover but who is the gentleman? I always think that Anne has more spunk than we realize and knows how to fool her mother. This book sounds so interesting involving the 3 couples. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway.
That handsome gentleman is one of the main characters in my book. The very attractive and fascinating Colonel Fitzwilliam!
Sounds intriguing with old and new characters and more than one romance.
Three couples very much in love. I had fun writing that plot!
It’s always interesting to find out more about Anne’s life. She really can be anything! This plot is attractive and shows an Anne that would be a good match as a friend for Elizabeth.
Elizabeth hardly notices Anne in Pride and Prejudice – and considers her insignificant. What a surprise when Anne turns out to be someone remarkable!
So Anne is feisty & secretive! Good for her! Sounds like this book has a full complement of romances & tribulations, so I’m eager to read it. Thanks for the opportunity!
Anne has to be tough to survive Lady Catherine. Fortunately, she is up to the challenge.
Oooh I haven’t heard of this book! Very fun! Love the cover and I do love a good Anne story as well.
I always like to see an underestimate person begin to shine. Anne is a perfect example of that.
A must read for me. Loving this cover too.
Thanks so much for your kind words. I had a great cover designer and that really made a difference.
Hi Lee,
I have always felt pity for Anne de Bourgh because I think she deserved a happy ever after so I’m glad you portrait an Anne with personality and willing to run adventures.
Thank you so much for the giveaway and good luck with the release 😉
I love happy endings. Anne definitely deserves one after all those years at Rosings with Lady Catherine.
Love the cover!! The excerpt was very good and now I want to read this book!
Thank you very much. I hope you enjoy reading the book as much as I did writing it.
Thanks so much for the post! I really enjoyed the excerpt. I think Anne de Bourgh is an interesting character to explore, because she could possibly be hiding quite a lot that we don’t see in canon.
There are several interesting minor characters in Pride and Prejudice – Anne is my favorite.
Oooh sounds interesting I missed this one somehow.
I am so grateful for your interest in my book. I hope you enjoy it.
This was absolutely not in my radar! I love how And has gathered the strength to (at first quietly) defy her imperious mother! I think this is going to be interesting how Anne and the Darcys are going to mingle with a bit of angst. Thank you for exciting excerpt.
I am so delighted that you find the premise of the book an interesting one! I enjoyed writing about the friendships that develop when Anne escapes her lonely life with Lady Catherine.
Good luck with this release and thank you for a chance to win a copy. Sounds interesting. I haven’t read many in which Anne plays a major role.
Great to have a story (hopefully happiness too) for Anne De Bourgh.Thank you for sharing an excerpt an the giveaway
Sounds like a interesting story!
Loved the blurb – sounds very intriguing! On my tbr list!
Thanks so much – I hope you like the story!
I’m looking forward to reading about Anne having a real life.
Poor Anne. Life at Rosings has been pretty dull – but things are about to change!
Hi Lee I very read your book and enjoyed immensely. I reread books a lot so I will put this on my list to reread. I look forward to a new one too.
I really appreciate your kind comment. I am working on another book. It’s about Darcy’s sister Georgina.
It’s good to see Anne rebelling.
She has to have a lot of courage to take on Lady Catherine!
I don’t see many books where Elizabeth and Darcy are already married. I think this concept will be interesting. I’m also curious to see how Anne’s character will develop. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the book!
Darcy and Elizabeth have a few challenges in their first year – but they really are perfect for each other. Thanks for your interest in the book.
I received an ARC version, dove in, and had a ball. I think this is a must-read addition to our collections.
This is a delightful excerpt, Lee. I’m rooting for Anne to have her own adventure and also finding happiness. She deserves it after being trapped with her mother and not free to choose a life that she wants.