Hi friends! I’m so thrilled to welcome back the lovely Jennifer Redlarczyk to Austenesque Reviews today! Jennifer is such a lovely friend and supporter to everyone in this community, and I’m always so delighted to have her visit my blog! Especially when she is celebrating a new release!!! If you didn’t already know, Jennifer released a new Pride and Prejudice variation last month titled – His Heart’s Desire. 📕
Jennifer is here to share an enticing excerpt from His Heart’s Desire. We hope you enjoy! 🙌🏼
Greetings! It is a pleasure to be here on the blog and I would like to add many thanks to Meredith for hosting me with my new release, His Heart’s Desire.
My story is non-canon and I hope you will enjoy some of the changes I’ve made from Jane Austen’s original Pride and Prejudice. For one, poor Mr. Bennet died when Elizabeth was just 14. Mr. Collins was not kind and the Bennet women are currently living off the charity of close relatives. Jane and Lizzy are with the Gardiners and Mrs. Bennet and the younger three girls reside with the Phillips family. It is now four years later when this tale begins. The Bingleys do not appear in this story as Charles is finishing his last year at university. However, Darcy does have an Austrian cousin named Lady Karoline-Maria who may prove to be a similar thorn in his side. As for George Wickham, he is the godson of Sir Lewis de Bourgh who is still living, as is Darcy Senior. All in all, it was an exciting story for me to write and I hope you will enjoy my tale.
The year is 1802 and because of the Treaty of Amiens with France, there is a lull in the war. Here you go with an excerpt from the first chapter of His Heart’s Desire. ~Jen Red ♫
Darcy House
It might have been a lovely spring day, but the air within the study was hardly inviting. Although the maids
had opened the windows and brought in fresh flowers, it was not enough to mask the unpleasantness which lingered after several days of continuous rain.
Pinching the bridge of his nose and rubbing his eyes in an effort to stave off a headache, William put aside his pens, closed the inkwell, and walked to the window. At present, he was in desperate need of some diversion before facing yet another social function arranged by Lady Matlock. Lately, his aunt had taken to parading him in front of nearly every eligible young lady who was in Town for the upcoming season. Tonight’s dinner at Matlock House would include no less than seventy-five guests. And since William was the main course, he could hardly beg off. The very thought of it turned his stomach and soured his attitude.
Lady Eleanor Fitzwilliam, the Countess of Matlock, had been delighted to take up William’s cause at his father’s request. In the young man’s mind, her list of eligible women was endless. Despite her best efforts, however, Lady Matlock did not seem to comprehend what William truly wanted in a wife. Yes, her candidates were well-dowered, accomplished and beautiful, but this was not enough.
If I must marry, I would prefer a woman who can stimulate my mind in conversation and one who does not openly covet my wealth,” he said aloud with disgust. “Frankly, Father, I would like to find a woman on my own terms, and when I am ready. Surely you must know I would never shirk my duty or obligation to our estate. Is it too much to ask that I should also be allowed to marry for love?” Continuing to gaze out of the window, William was unaware his father was standing just inside the door and had overheard the last of his mutterings.
“Fitzwilliam.” There was no response. “Fitzwilliam,” James Darcy said a second time.
“Father, I….” William shifted uncomfortably. “Forgive me, I was wool-gathering. Please come in and sit down.” William motioned to the sofa. “Can I get you a drink or ring for tea? Have you eaten? It is well past lunch.”
“I thank you, but no. I have little appetite this afternoon.” The man coughed several times as he walked to the sofa and painstakingly sat down. For months, James’ breathing had been strained. “A glass of port will suffice.”
“It seems your cough has not improved,” William commented as he partially filled two glasses. “What did the doctor have to say? Pray tell me he did not suggest bleeding you again.”
“No, Son, not this time. Purdy simply gave me some additional draughts to aid with sleeping.”
William shook his head in disgust. “You know I cannot abide that man—not since Mama’s death. His intervention did nothing to help her. Will you not let me send for Mr. Mitchell? He is an excellent doctor, and I have spoken with him on several occasions concerning your health. Mitchell believes that fresh air, such as we would find in the country, exercise and better nourishment would serve you well.”
“Son, we have been over this before. I see no point in consulting with another doctor when….”
“No point! Father, you are not well, and that is all I care about. You and Aunt Eleanor have been relentless in promoting my search for a bride. Would you not like to live long enough to see your grandchildren, should I be so fortunate as to find someone I even cared to marry?”
“That is enough! I shall not allow you to speak to me in this manner.” Without warning, the elder Darcy began to cough with greater intensity.
Alarmed, William quickly went to his father’s side. Taking his father’s drink and placing it on the table he said, “Forgive me, Father. I promise you I shall fulfill my responsibilities. I only pray that you will take better care of yourself.”
“You are not to worry, Son. I shall be fine.”
As he watched James take out a handkerchief and wipe the perspiration from his forehead, William’s concern was not appeased by his father’s assertion.
“Fitzwilliam, I do not wish to belabour the point, but is there not one woman within our sphere who can hold your interest, someone who you could perhaps grow to love?”
“For a time I did consider Lady Gwendolyn Talbot, but….”
James let out a little chuckle while trying to suppress the urge to cough. “Ah, the bluestocking.”
I admit, she is very knowledgeable, but in speaking with her, I found the lady was not particularly fond of children, and that does not bode well for a marriage in my estimation. After some discussion, I came to the conclusion that she would do her duty to produce the required heir, but little more. As for living at Pemberley, her preference is to remain here in Town where she could more easily pursue her intellectual interests and oversee her numerous charities.” He huffed. “From that respect, it would be far better for her to marry a Member of Parliament rather than a gentleman farmer.”
“I understand.” James studied his son for a moment. “Fitzwilliam, I have another option which I want you to consider. With the signing of the Treaty of Amiens, it seems many of our people will flock to the continent for the summer months.”
“So I have heard,” he replied with reserve.
My sister has lately written expressing her desire to visit. If you recall, the family estate is a three or four-day journey from Vienna.” William nodded in response. “More recently, with Count von Lamberg’s death and his son actively being in service to the emperor, the family resides much of the year at one of their northern properties. I understand they now live in a castle not far from Vienna.”
James’ younger sister, formerly Henrietta Darcy, had married an Austrian ambassador, Count Nicholas von Lamberg, whom she had met during her second season in London. At that time, the count was on an extended holiday following the completion of his political assignments in London and was staying with some of his distant relations who lived in the area. Henrietta was not only beautiful and intelligent, but she was an ambitious woman when it came to title and fortune. Once she met the count and had assessed his heritage and wealth, she was determined to secure him as her husband. Having been a widower for several years with no children and eager to find another wife, the count could not resist the charms of the captivating young woman.
Following a quiet marriage in the Church of England, Henrietta returned with her husband to Austria, where they were again married in the Catholic Church before she accepted her title as countess. Following the death of her husband, their son, Nicholas II, assumed his father’s position, taking over the running of the estate and various other interests within the Austrian government.
“A castle?” William questioned with curiosity.
“Yes, a castle which is built into the mountainside and overlooks one of the tributaries of the Danube River. Although the young count spends much of his time in Vienna with his political obligations, it is far more convenient for him to travel the shorter distance to visit my sister there rather than spend many days journeying back and forth to their estate in the south. Now that Henrietta’s mourning period has ended, she would like to journey here and renew relations with our family and that of her late husband. Her daughter, Lady Karoline-Maria, is eager to travel and plans to accompany her. Your cousin is one and twenty.”
“William scowled. “Father, what are you suggesting?”
“Son, I would like you to go to Austria shortly after Anne’s ball and serve as an escort to my sister and her daughter. Since finishing university, you have devoted your efforts to the estate without fail. I regret that you have never experienced a grand tour, as many young men of our sphere so often do. Although your trip will be fairly short, it will give you an opportunity to see a bit of the continent and enjoy the magnificence of Vienna. And, should you happen to develop an attachment to your cousin, you need not look any further for a wife.”
“Father, are you mad?!” William nearly shouted on comprehending what his father was suggesting. “Treaty or not, I cannot possibly go to Vienna. It is a long journey, and I have far too many obligations here demanding my attention. Father, this is not something I wish to consider.”
“Fitzwilliam, we have many competent people who can easily oversee your concerns while you are gone. I have not seen my sister since before you were born, and she has the desire to reunite with our family. As my son, it is only proper that you be the one to escort her and your cousin on their journey here. In addition, Henrietta knows of my wishes with regards to your future and is not opposed to a match between cousins. With that in mind, she sent a likeness of Lady Karoline-Maria in her latest correspondence for your consideration. Here, let me show you. I think you will find her quite lovely.” James took the miniature from his pocket and handed it to William. The young woman in the picture wore a pleasant smile. Her colouring was fair, as she had blond hair and blue eyes, much as Lady Henrietta did.
William startled on seeing the miniature and purposely handed it back. “I admit she is beautiful, but, Father, this woman could be Georgiana in a few years’ time. I cannot possibly consider someone who so greatly resembles my thirteen-year-old sister.”
Fitzwilliam, Lady Karoline-Maria is your first cousin, not your sister. With the countess being a Darcy, it is only natural that her daughter would hold some family resemblance.”
“Even so….” William continued to scowl. “If I have no interest in marrying Anne, whom I have known all of my life, what makes you think I would have any interest in marrying yet another cousin? I doubt that this woman even speaks English, and you know I am not particularly fond of German. Not to mention, there is the difference in our religion. I, for one, am not inclined to convert to Catholicism as my aunt did, and I would assume my Austrian cousin would have a similar view of converting to the Church of England. I cannot believe that my cousin would willingly leave all she knows to live out her days in a foreign land. No, Father, this cannot be.”
“Son, I shall not argue that there is much to consider. Still, according to my sister, her daughter is not opposed to the match. Moreover, she is fluent in English as well as French and Italian. Henrietta insisted that both of her children learn these languages. As it stands, I have accepted my sister’s request to visit. Shortly after Anne’s ball, you will set sail for the continent. I have already asked my solicitor to make the arrangements, and we can review your travel plans once everything has been confirmed. Between now and then, should you meet a woman who attracts your interest, you may feel free to pursue a courtship with her upon your return. Nevertheless, if you do not meet someone, I expect you to give Lady Karoline-Maria your full consideration. Fitzwilliam, you cannot continually put off your duty to take a wife. I am determined to see you wed within the next year whether it is by your choice or mine.”
William’s scowl could not have been any more pronounced, but with his father’s mind made up, there was little point in further discussion.
“Now if you would please help me, Son. I would like to retire to my rooms. I trust you will enjoy your evening out.”
“Yes, Father.”
So there you have it! As you can imagine with the Treaty of Amiens declaring a ceasefire in the war, British citizens are traveling to the continent for business as well as pleasure. Darcy will have quite an adventure when he meets Elizabeth Bennet and her Gardiner relations in Vienna. Darcy’s family has great expectations for him, but after experiencing a life-threatening accident, he has ideas of his own. Will pressure from his family force him to marry a cousin he does not love, or will he follow HIS HEART’S DESIRE?
Oooohh! There is so much here that I didn’t realize!! Mr. Bennet dying when Lizzy was still young, Mr. Darcy Senior and Sir Lewis de Bourgh being alive, travels to Vienna, and new characters that may compete for Mr. Darcy’s attention… This sounds terrific! I cannot wait to explore Vienna with Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth, and the Gardiners! 🇦🇹🎶 Best of luck with your new release, Jennifer!
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GIVEAWAY TIME!
Today Jennifer brings with her some lovely prizes for me to give away in celebration of her new release!! 5️⃣ ebooks of His Heart’s Desire for me to give away to some lucky winners!!! Woot woot!!
To enter this giveaway leave a comment, question, or some love for Jennifer!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Jennifer!
- This giveaway ends September 30th!
I love your books! Thank you for a new story to look forward and congratulations on your new book! The cover is gorgeous and I enjoy very much this premise, when one or both the Darcy parents is alive.
Thank you so much. So far my book has been very well received and I am thrilled you like the cover which my son, Daniel, made for me. Good luck in our giveaway! ♫
This is one of the most beautiful P&P variation book covers. Woot, woot! I’m eager to read it. Now to find appropriate background music, which would seem appropriate.
Oh thanks so much for your enthusiasm about my book cover. I actually have it on Cover Wars this week, but one never knows. I particularly love this cover which was made by my son, Daniel. Good luck in our giveaway. Jen ♫
And I have voted for the cover every day.
I read this book as it was posting and absolutely loved it! I have it on my list and look forward to reading it again all in one go! Poor Darcy, again beset with relatives who wish to decide his future bride! Fortunately he’s strong minded himself and knows what he wants in a wife!
The cover is gorgeous and so well deserves to win the Cover Wars this week.
Thank you so much Glynis, and for being such a faithful supporter of JAFF. Yes, I’m very excited about my cover because it says so much about my story and it’s absolutely beautiful. I love that my son made it for me. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in our giveaway! Jen ♫
Oh, this sounds wonderful! I enjoy off-canon a lot, and to be in Vienna at this time – amazing!
Thanks so much! Loved your new cover by the way. It’s always fun to have some music in our JAFF. Yes, Vienna is wonderful although they do get back to London where all is resolved. Good luck on our giveaway. ♫
I love the cover! So pretty. Good luck with the release!
Thank you. The cover actually says a lot about the plot with music playing an important part and Darcy wanting to choose his own bride. Thanks and good luck in our giveaway. ♫
Thank you for offering a giveaway! I love the chance to win this intriguing book.
You’re welcome and I hope you will enjoy my new tale which was very fun to write. Good luck on our giveaway. Jen ♫
Congratulations and best wishes for your new release, Jennifer! I loved the excerpt, and the cover is lovely! 🙂
Thanks Kelly! As you can see, our Darcy is a little at odds with his father. It was fun to include Darcy Sr. in this story. Good luck in our giveaway. Jen ♫
What’s not to like about a variation with a completely different plot from that of canon and a gorgeous cover? I can’t wait to read your latest!.
Thank you so much for saying! Definitely off cannon and great fun when you see how I changed things around. I’m so happy you like the cover my son made. It’s very special. Good luck in our giveaway. Jen ♫
Love the premise of this book! Can’t wait to read!
Thank you! It is a fun tale with many challenges for both Darcy and Elizabeth. Good luck in our giveaway. Jen ♫
I love this story, I did help a little when she was writing it and I knew it would be awesome when done, and it is. I bought a hard copy to add to all of her other books. Thanks Jen for sharing your talent with us and I look forward to more stories from you.
Thanks so much Carmalee. Your help as a cold reader was invaluable and I appreciate it so much. My pleasure to share. Jen ♫
Congratulations on our new book. Lovely cover as well.
Thank you so much! And I’m so happy that so many folks like the cover my son made. Good luck on the giveaway. Jen ♫
This does sound intriguing. I feel for both Mr. Darcys, each with their own turmoil.
Thanks and Mr. Darcy does play a nice supporting role in this story. He is a stickler for tradition. Good luck in the giveaway. Jen ♫
This book sounds intriguing. I’m already anxious about Lady Karoline-Maria!
Thank you and I can tell you that Lady Karoline-Maria is completely full of herself so there will be a bit of a clash which makes for some interesting scenes. Good luck in the giveaway. Jen ♫
I like the idea of Fitzwilliam being threatened with an unwanted betrothal. Enter Lizzy! I’m intrigued to see how you put all this together. Congratulations on another release!
An unwanted betrothal indeed. He has many pressures to get married and produce an heir since his father is not well. AND the man is willing to do his duty, but prefers to make his own choice. Thanks and good luck with the giveaway. Jen ♫
That does sound non canon. Very interesting! Can’t wait to see how the older Darcy will react to Lizzy.
Non-canon. Darcy Sr. is pretty much stuck in his ways even though he can appreciate Lizzy’s worth. In this story she is driven to learn as much as she possibly can since her father is dead and she thinks her only option will be to take a post as a governess. Good luck in the giveaway. Jen ♫
fascinating excerpt.
denise
Thank you. A glimpse of Darcy and his father and foreshadowing of what is to come is always fun. Good luck in our giveaway. Jen ♫
This looks very interesting, and I am looking forward to reading it. Thank you for the giveaway and sharing an excerpt. Best wishes and congrats on the new release!
Thanks so much for stopping by to comment. This plot has many twists and turns and was fun to write. Good luck in the giveaway. Jen ♫
Great excerpt, I look forward to reading more. I always enjoy the addition of new characters. The Darcys and their cousins though!! I’m sure there will still be a HEA for D&E. Right?
Thank you! So we have the aunt and her daughter and we have one other minor character Henry Koeneman, who the Gardner children and Lizzy call Papa Koeneman. He is employed by Mr. Gardiner and a good family friend. Then we have a new role for Mrs. Younge as she is Anne de Bourgh’s personal maid. Not to mention GW is Sir Lewis’ godson. Though we don’t hear much from Lady Gwendolyn Talbot, the bluestocking, her presence plays out in several scenes including a 12th night ball at her townhouse where everyone is in costume. Wait till you see what I have in mind for Darcy. Good luck in the giveaway. Jen ♫
I love how you have told us more about the minor characters. They add so much to a story.
I had the privilege of reading this as it was being posted on DarcyandLizzy.com/forum and I can truthfully say that you will love it! I have my copy and I am enjoying reading it again. Congrats on your new book, Jennifer!
Thanks so much Brenda for all of your support. We had such fun when I was posting. You are the best! Jen ♫
Great excerpt – thank you, Jennifer. I am so ready to read it in its entirety.
Thanks for the giveaway and best of luck with your new favorite child.
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed this excerpt. There are actually 4 scenes in the first chapter. Next comes Lizzy and Jane, then GW and Sir Lewis and finally Darcy and Richard. It’s a very exciting tale and I hope you enjoy it. Good luck on the giveaway. Jen ♫
Love how different this sounds!
It’s definitely a little different with Darcy and Lizzy being younger and the Bennet women have reduced circumstances. Great fun with Darcy Sr. and Sir Lewis being alive. Then we have a new slant on GW since is the Godson of Sir Lewis. Good luck on the giveaway. Jen ♫
Congratulations on your book launch
I loved this story on D&L, and I look forward to reading the published version
Wonderful! Thanks so much for coming by to comment. I had such fun posting on the D&L forum. Good luck in the giveaway. Jen ♫
Looks great!
Thanks for saying and good luck on the giveaway! Jen ♫
Love the changes you made to canon. Sounds wonderful!
Thanks for saying. It is a fun story with many surprises but as always a very happy ending. Good luck in the giveaway. Jen ♫
This sounds very interesting. I’m looking forward to reading this variation.
Thanks for saying. It’s a fun plot that I hope you will enjoy. Jen ♫
Good luck in the giveaway!
What a great plot! I would love to read this story. I hope I get very lucky!
It is a fun plot and I hope you do well in our giveaway! Thanks, Jen ♫
Congratulations on the book. Certainly some notable diversions from canon – will be interesting to see how they play out.
Yes, some interesting diversions from canon. I hope you enjoy my story. Thanks and good luck in our giveaway. Jen ♫
This story captured my attention from beginning to end when you posted it at DarcyandLizzy.com. I adore stories that venture from the original plot of P&P and this one does not disappoint. Congratulations on publishing another book baby.
Thanks so much for your kind words. We sure had fun when I was posting of the forum. Thanks again for all of your support. Jen ♫
I want more! I like this radical change from canon. It appears that Darcy has even more forces against him than Jane Austen gave him. Thank you for excerpt and giveaway.
It’s true, Darcy does have more forces against him than cannon and perserverence and humility are going to look him in the face. It’s a fun tale. Thanks so much and goodluck in our giveaway. Jen ♫
Oooo,Vienna!It sounds so romanitc!
Yes, very romantic where the hills are alive with the sound of music. I hope you enjoy my tale. Good luck in our giveaway. Jen ♫
Congratulations on your new novel release Jennifer. The premise and excerpt are very intriguing making me want to read more. Thanks for the giveaway. –Leslie
And thanks for saying. It’s a little different with the Bennet women being in reduced circumstances and our cast being a bit younger. I hope you like my book. Good luck in our giveaway. Jen ♫
Dun-da-dun! As so it begins. Poor Darcy. It’s bad enough Lady Matlock was on his case, now we have his father… an ill father at that. I can’t wait to read this. I have it on my wish list. Congratulations, Jan on this new release. I wish you all manner of success. Thanks to Meredith for hosting. Special thanks to Jan and her publisher for the generous giveaway. Good luck to all in the drawing. Blessings…
Thanks so much. It is a fun tale with lots of twists and turns. As I said earlier the Bingleys are not here because the cast is younger and he is finishing his last year at Universtiy. Colonel Fitzwilliam is newly appointed to his post. Anne is to have a season. GW is the Godson of Sir Lewis who is also still living, not to mention Lady Cat will have her say. Mrs. Younge is Anne’s personal maid. Mr. Collins is happy to make his appearance, though not particularly happy about the outcome to the scenes I gave him, Mrs. Bennet is in good form and so on. AND all of this evolves around a beautiful tale of love between our Darcy and Lizzy. I hope you like how I’ve changed it up from cannon. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the giveaway. Jen ♫
This sounds so exciting!! Elizabeth getting to travel with the Gardeners and thus out of reach of the always so embarrassing Mrs. Bennett. But poor Darcy, others are always planning his life for him. Maybe it’s actually not only Bingley who needs to grow a spine in most P&P versions but also Darcy. He should take control of his life and tell these busybodies to mind their own business.
Yes, in this story, since Darcy is younger and his father is still alive, he has many folks planning his life. He is not a happy camper and wants to make his own choice. He cannot please everyone and as you can imagine there will be some opposition. Thanks for stopping by and good luck in our giveaway. Jen ♫
This sounds interesting. Thanks for a chance to win a copy. I will add it to my Wish List and plan to read it either way.
Wonderful! It’s an exciting tale with lots of trouble for our Darcy and his Lizzy-love. Good luck in the giveaway! Jen ♫
I always love your books. This book is so romantic with Viena as the background set. Also, I love this version of younger but a strong determined Darcy. Congratulations for your new book. I can’t wait to read the book.
How nice of you to say. Yes is definitely determined and we can see some growth because he is younger. Good luck on our giveaway. Jen ♫
This is just such a lovely story. I loved E&D in this story. Thank you for writing it for us to read! And congratulations to your son for making such a lovely cover! I voted many times for it! (I don’t need to join the giveaway since I have the book already)
Thank you so much for saying about my cover and for all of your voting. I’m so thrilled we won. Thanks again, Jen ♫
Sounds amazing – I do like something that is off-canon
It is off cannon and it was very fun for me to write. The Gardiners play a much bigger part in this story, which I like. And then having Darcy Sr. and Sir Lewis still living adds another bit of fun. Thanks so much and good luck in our giveaway. Jen ♫
Interesting that you named Darcy’s father James instead of George, as most authors do (as I have done myself). And I like seeing something of their relationship, as well as the different family history. Count me in for one of those ebooks (I hope!).
Yes, Darcy’s father is James in all of my books, probably because my brother’s name is James and I decided to give him the nod. I have read a few variations where he is called James, but as you say, most authors use George. Thanks for saying and good luck our Giveaway. Jen ♫
Sounds very different. It’s nice to have a change up now and again. How interesting.
Thank you. I thought so too and this path to HEA is definitely a little different. Good luck in our giveaway. Jen ♫
Not that I think it’s the case, but this could be the worst of variations and it would tempt me with this winning cover–for which I voted every day!
Oh thank you so much for voting me. I was thrilled that my book won, especially since my son made the cover for me. Good luck in our giveaway. Jen ♫
Congratulations, Jennifer. I enjoyed it on the boards. Looking forward to reading it now it is published.
How kind of you to say. Thanks so much and good luck in our giveaway! Jen ♫
Looking forward to reading it!