Hi readers! I’m excited to welcome back author C. P. Odom to Austenesque Reviews today! As you may have seen, Colin released a new Pride and Prejudice a few weeks back – A Chance Eavesdropping. I love exploring this trope, don’t you? It isn’t something I would do in real life, but it is exciting and diverting to see characters learn or overhear something they weren’t expecting and how that induce some changes. 🙉
Colin is here to share an excerpt from A Chance Eavesdropping. We hope you enjoy! 🙌🏼
~ Excerpt from A Chance Eavesdropping ~
Darcy nodded as he walked beside the couple, his face showing his usual reserved expression. Elizabeth followed behind, her mind again awhirl in amazement.
How can this be the same man she knew in Hertfordshire, the man who slighted her when she first met him and who was haughty and disdainful of everyone he met? It could not be just that he felt at his ease when in comfortable surroundings, though he might feel more relaxed without a gaggle of bystanders surrounding him, all of whom were inspecting him and measuring him for an engagement with their daughter. It could not be due to having a preference for her! He made that clear from the first moments they met.
She had been aware that Darcy was conversing with her aunt and uncle while she was absorbed by her thoughts, but now she was startled when he asked her uncle if he enjoyed fishing.
“Why, yes, sir, I do.” Mr. Gardiner’s eyes widened as his bushy brows went up. “I enjoy it whenever I can though it is difficult to find the opportunity for it these days with the press of family and business.”
“I thought so when I saw you peering into the depths of the stream. I am a fisherman as well, and those admitted to the lodge are well able to espy a fellow angler when he leans down to determine the type and number of fish hiding below the surface. You betrayed yourself not once but several times during the short period I was walking down from the house.”
“Your waterways are well stocked, sir,” Mr. Gardiner said with a pleased bow. “I was indeed engaged in the vicarious enjoyment of flights of fancy.”
Darcy laughed aloud, and Elizabeth had to stifle a gasp at hearing such an open expression of good humour. She was certain she had never before heard such a genuine laugh from the man.
“The fish are left too much at peace these days,” Darcy said. “My father taught me the enjoyment of the sport, and I spent many a pleasant day with him along these streams. Since his death, my experience has been much as your own, Mr. Gardiner—the press of time and duties. It is seldom that I have given the aquatic denizens any challenge.”
She was taken by surprise when Darcy dropped back to walk by her side.
“What about you, Miss Bennet?” he asked in a pleasant tone. “I saw your examination of my gardener’s prized roses. He is justly proud of them and works hard to make sure they thrive despite the harsh conditions here in Derbyshire.”
“I am not well versed in such topics, Mr. Darcy,” she managed to mumble, “though the results are delightful. He must be exceptionally skilled at his craft. In fact, all your gardens are marvellous, just as my aunt said they would be.”
Her eyes were downcast in consternation, affected both at his civility to her aunt and uncle and by his evident desire to speak with her. Before today, she would have laughed aloud at any suggestion that he would have done anything so civil.
“It is a long walk, Miss Bennet, as your aunt can testify, but it could scarcely be a challenge to one who could manage three miles across soggy ground in order to tend a sister who was ill.”
She looked up at his mention of her journey to Netherfield when Jane was sick, expecting to see a supercilious smirk on his face and his nose raised in derision. Instead, he glanced at her with apparent composure and the hint of a smile on his face. His smile, while slight, was neither unpleasant nor sneering, and she had to look away hurriedly.
How lovely to see Elizabeth quickly recognize Mr. Darcy’s amiability and civility. I wonder how soon will she come to understand his true character…?
And I’m curious about how Elizabeth’s eavesdropping changes the trajectory of their relationship.
Thank you so much for sharing, Colin. I wish you all the best with your release of A Chance Eavesdropping!
~ Book Description ~
Can eavesdropping change Elizabeth Bennet’s future?
What is a young lady of the Regency to do when she overhears her own mother plotting against her? When the plot involves matching the lovely Elizabeth Bennet with her unpleasant cousin Mr. Collins, sudden and drastic steps are needed.
Elizabeth’s life is also complicated by the wealthy and haughty Mr. Darcy, a guest of Mr. Bingley, the neighbourhood’s most eligible bachelor and her sister Jane’s suitor. The prideful Mr. Darcy soon departs Hertfordshire along with the Bingley party. But Mr. Bingley returns for Jane’s hand, ignoring the opposition of his sisters.
When Elizabeth’s summer excursion to the North with her aunt and uncle leads to further surprises, including a chance encounter with the high and mighty Mr. Darcy, the travellers accept an invitation to lodge at his estate. Meanwhile, her sister Lydia causes a calamity that may destroy the reputation of the Bennet family.
The gentlemen band together to search for Wickham and Lydia, but can the Bennets’ good name be restored even if the errant couple is found? Is Darcy’s attraction to this country lass with neither fortune nor connections stronger than the voices in his head? Can the mere infraction of eavesdropping truly lead to such wildly unforeseen events?
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Meryton Press is generously giving away 1 ebook of A Chance Eavesdropping in conjunction with Colin’s visit to this blog!! Woot woot!
To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment, question, or some love for Colin!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Meryton Press!
- This giveaway ends July 17th!
Congratulations for the new release. I am looking forward to reading the book! Eavesdropping is such an interesting trope 🙂
As with most of my variations, the starting point is to find some critical point in the story, change that, and let everything else happen as it would have. That’s the point here – Elizabeth finds out about her mother plotting with Collins to make her be the fourth at cards at Rosings. Knowing Elizabeth, she isn’t happy about it!
This new book sounds great. I have read all Colin’s books and enjoyed every one. Great review Meredith
Thanks for your interest, Michelle, and I’m happy that you enjoyed my books!
Mr. Odom doesn’t churn books out as frequently as some authors do so when one is released it is time for the enjoyment of a thoroughly well planned, well written story. The premise does lend an interesting slant to the beginning. Is Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins planning a compromise? …..can’t wait to find out.
I’m an engineer by trade (left-brained, you know! :P-) ), so generating books doesn’t come easy for me. I’m still astounded to have been able to publish eight books so far with a ninth in the editing process. As for Mrs. B and Collins – they aren’t planning anything! They think they’ve got a plan . . . but Elizabeth has other ideas!
Sounds great! Congrats on your book.
Thanks, Julie. I hope you read it sometime and enjoy it.
Good luck with the release. I already read and reviewed this story so don’t include me in the giveaway.
Thanks, Sheila! I haven’t tried to look up your review — I had to swear off reading them since certain of them made me want to reply angrily, and my publisher doesn’t think authors getting into online scraps is a good idea. My wife thinks I’m really laid back, but I DO have a temper!
I have enjoyed C. D. Odom’s previous books, and this new one sounds just as delightful! I am curious to see how Elizabeth’s gets out of the plot since the excerpt has her at Pemberly with her Aunt and Uncle. Did she run to the hills screaming? Thank you for then excerpt and giveaway.
She could just do nothing and refuse Collins, just as Austen wrote it. But Elizabeth is pretty feisty and is unlikely to let things happen without doing something about it. Something energetic and in short order . . .
Congratulations on the new story & have it on my wishlist.
I hope you enjoy it when it makes it to the top. And good luck on the giveaway!
Congratulations! Looking forward to reading this one…Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins…foiled again!! LOL!
Yup! I aways like doing that!
I’ve read several books by CP Odom – love the writing style!
Thank you, Dawn! How I developed the writing style you like without ever taking any lessons or courses in fiction writing is something I can’t explain . . . 🙂
Congratulations on the new release!
Thanks, Cath! Good luck in the giveaway!
I’m longing to know how Elizabeth evaded a match with Collins, despite her mother’s scheming. I do wonder if the Hunsford visit went ahead in this story? I’ve added it to my list as I need to know!
Well, we all know Elizabeth is going to evade a match with Collins. The question is just how . . . and I’m happy that you added ACE to your list!
Congratulations on your new release. A new book for me to read. I love the sound of this. Thank you for letting us know
Thank you for being interested in something I worked hard on. I hope I don’t let you down!
Congratulations on the new book. I have read several of Colin’s books, and enjoyed them all. I wonder if Hunsford didn’t happen in this book, and I look forward to watching Elizabeth’s opinions of Darcy change.
Ah, how would Elizabeth’s opinion of Darcy ever change if she doesn’t get a proposal which tells her that he loves her? That was one of the more difficult plot elements to craft. I hope I don’t disappoint . . .
This sounds very interesting, I’m adding it to my TBR. Thanks for the chance to win and congrats on the new release!
And thanks for your interest, Kim!
Mr. Odom is one of my favorite JAFF writers. His books Consequences, Perilous Siege and Determination are my favorites, so far. Please continue your writing. Thanks for many hours of enjoyment.
My wife’s favorite book is “Perilous Siege,” Jillian. And you put “Consequences” on your favorites list! Amazing! When I originally wrote “Consequences” as fan-fiction, I was absolutely convinced that it would never see publication! Amazing squared!
Most enjoyable excerpt! Thank you and congratulations on your new release!
Thanks, Gibson. I hope you read it sometime and enjoy it.
Congratulations on this new book! It sounds pretty interesting. I really like your stories and I hope to be lucky and get this one.
Good luck on the giveaway, tgruy! I feel fortunate to have readers who enjoy my efforts. Thank you.
Another release, can’t wait to read the published story
And best of all we have the chance to win an ebook. Happy Days
“Oh, happy days are here again! The skies above are clear again!” etc., etc.
Unlike some people, my glass is always at least half full! Thanks for your interest, Sarah!
Thanks for the excerpt! I enjoyed it, and I would like the chance to win a copy.
And good luck to you, Coleen!
P.S. I grew up in Texas, where “Colin” wasn’t a common name. So I hope you’ll forgive me that when certain people called me “Coleen,” it was usually followed by the sound of my fist contacting their chin!
It’s no mistake I wound up in the Marines . . .
Anyway, thanks for your interest.
Been a CPO fan for years (!) – certainly looking forward to this latest treat!
Thanks, Jean! Good luck with the giveaway!
I can’t wait to read this! I ordered it last night! Good luck!
Ah, another customer! I hope that you’re a “satisfied” customer when you finish reading ACE!
Eavesdropping is a wonderful trope. Sounds like a great read!
Well, “eavesdropping” isn’t considered terribly polite, but Elizabeth just happened to overhear her mother and Collins. And, Elizabeth being Elizabeth, she isn’t likely to just let things fall as they will . . .
I’m tense at the possibility of Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins plotting. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway. Best wishes and congrats on the new release!
Austen doesn’t give it a lot of attention in P&P, but they do plot. My take here is, what would happen if Elizabeth found out about it very early instead of having to deal with it after the ball at Netherfield?
Meredith, thanks so much for hosting me here on your site. I know you must spend considerable time on it, and I feel blessed that you would aid me. It’s been a depressing few years, hasn’t it? Yet you’re still hanging in there and plugging away at our shared obsession with the world of Austen! Good luck for the future!
Colin
The pleasure is all mine! Thank you so much for your kind words, Colin! I’m so happy to have you visit. All the best with your lovely new release!
Lizzy, you naughty girl! Eavesdropping is highly improper — though I am suspecting that, in this instant, it may have saved you!
I am intrigued, and there is yet another JAFF story to throw upon the TBR mountain.
This sounds so fresh and interesting. Looking forward to another great read!
I enjoyed the excerpt a lot. And I’m really looking forward to reading this. There was eavesdropping in P&P, at Netherfield outdoors while Elizabeth was walking the shrubbery??? Or was that only in the movies? Congratulations C.P. Odom.
P.S. I have to say I’m over the moon that Determination is out on audio.
This looks like an interesting twist.
Enjoyed the excerpt, Colin, and I wish you the best with your book. Thank you for hosting, Meredith. It’s always a pleasure visiting your blog.
Thank you for sharing this excerpt! It made me want to read this story very much!
Looking forward to reading it!
Congratulations on the new book! Can’t wait to see how Lizzy spoil their plans.