Hi readers! Happy Wednesday. I’m so happy to welcome back author Heather Moll back to Austenesque Reviews today. Her newest release – Rising Courage was published just 5️⃣ days ago! 🙌🏼
And I’m so excited to have Heather visit and share some more details about her latest Pride and Prejudice variation. Especially since she is sharing about one of her favorite topics – Georgiana jewelry! 💍
We hope you enjoy!
Thanks for welcoming me back Meredith! I typically feature Georgian jewelry in my Austenesque novels. I love the sentimentality and it’s a great way to show characters’ personalities and their affection for their significant others. Rising Courage features a ring, but it’s used as a prop—and it wasn’t even popular in this time.
A toi et moi ring (French for “you and me”) symbolizes the partnership of two people becoming one.
They have two gemstones nestled side by side. They can be the same stone and shape or entirely different. An antique toi et moi ring like this French one will have two stones of a similar size and cut mounted together, while newer styles are more likely to juxtapose materials and gems.
They were most popular during the belle epoque (1880s-1914) as engagement rings. So how did I fit this in to Rising Courage, set in 1812 after Hunsford?
This style first gained attention when Napoleon Bonaparte gifted his bride-to-be Josephine de Beauharnais this ring in 1796. It featured two pear-shaped stones, a sapphire and a diamond, set in gold. Sounds romantic, right? Too bad he divorced her in 1810 for failing to give him a son. Still, it was auctioned in 2013 and sold for $949,000 thanks to its outstanding provenance.
So how did I put a ring that wasn’t trendy in a book set in 1812? Read the excerpt from early in the book to find out. This is a few days before Hunsford and Darcy is stuck at the breakfast table with Lady Catherine—and not having a pleasant time.
After a moment of silence, she said, “While we are alone, I have come across something you must have.”
His aunt drew out a small jewellery box and handed it to him. He opened it to see a ring with a pear-shaped sapphire set next to a similarly shaped diamond. It was an odd pairing, but he supposed there was something pretty in its simplicity and how closely the two differently coloured stones fit together.
“Lady Anne had this made before she died. She had heard that the French emperor commissioned a ring of this style as an engagement gift to his empress. She thought it fitting that her son give such a ring to her niece.”
Darcy snapped shut the lid. “I cannot accept this on the condition that I present it to Anne.”
“It is already yours; your mother had it made for your sake. I have kept it long enough.”
For the sake of familial relations, he reluctantly took it.
“You will do what you must when the time is right,” she added.
He started, and since it appeared no other member of the household was going to enter and save him from a conversation he could not stop, he rose. “I am going for a walk, madam.”
As Darcy left the house, the ring felt like a lead weight in his pocket. It might have been a more romantic
emblem had Bonaparte not divorced his wife two years ago for not giving him an heir. Darcy would give the ring to his sister and tell her their mother had designed it. Maybe he would put it in a drawer where no one would find it until after he was dead. Or maybe he would leave it in his pocket in the hopes that it fell out and got lost.
Although he had not set out for this purpose, his feet carried him to the part of the park that he knew to be Elizabeth’s favourite.
I cannot keep putting off leaving Kent just to spend more time with her.
He and Fitzwilliam were supposed to have left the Monday after Easter, and it was now the eighth of April. Elizabeth boasted beauty, cleverness, kindness, and he was as bewitched by her now as he had been in Hertfordshire last autumn.
He loved her, he knew. He had known it since he had spoken to her over the instrument at Rosings on Easter. What he had now to decide was whether he was being weak by marrying her. She could bring him no fortune. Her connexions were embarrassing and far beneath his, and his own relations would baulk at him marrying someone of no importance in the world and who was unallied to the family.
He considered the great regard he held for a woman everyone would tell him was a terrible match. They would only see inferior connexions and no fortune. They would not see Elizabeth’s amiable disposition, or her lively spirit, or any of her other admirable qualities.
While he considered what to do, Darcy saw ahead of him that Elizabeth was walking the grove. He smiled and called her name.
“What brings you here again?” she asked after their formal enquiries as he turned back to walk with her.
He could not tell her he had to escape Lady Catherine’s complaints about expenses, or about his frustration that she would never accept his help, or about the hints that he marry Anne and the expectation that her ladyship would save money by living with them at Pemberley.
“I only wanted a walk,” he said.
He asked about her pleasure in being at Hunsford, her love of solitary walks, and her opinion of Mr and Mrs Collins’s happiness, and she answered directly. On the whole, it was a companionably quiet walk. It was pleasant not to be forced to talk if neither had anything particular to say. She talked little, and he supposed she must enjoy nature. He felt Elizabeth would enjoy the dales, rocks, and mountains of Derbyshire.
When they were near to one of the gates, Darcy noticed a man by the park paling, close to the turnpike road, enter the grounds. He had the look of a prizefighter, and the sort who would hit a downed fighter or grasp below the waist. Darcy saw the man watching them as he leant against the fence and smoked a pipe.
“Do you often see anyone while you enjoy your favourite walk?” he asked Elizabeth, tilting his head in the man’s direction.
She followed his gaze and shook her head. “I saw that man yesterday, but I typically see no one, except you,” she added in a low voice.
His heart beat a little faster at her being glad to walk with him, but as the stranger watched them, there was something in his insolent stare that Darcy could not like. If someone wanted to take a footpath through the grounds, they would not stand there, glaring into the park. He was not a gardener, and Darcy could think of no reason for a tenant or villager to be loitering by the gate.
“Hallo,” Darcy called. “Do you need to see someone at Rosings?”
“No, sir,” he said through a white pipe in his teeth, and the man left through the gate to the turnpike road without another word.
He and Elizabeth walked in silence for a little longer, and he strove to find something to talk of. “Has Lady Catherine’s cherry brandy been eagerly passed round at the parsonage?”
“Your aunt is too generous for words.”
He smiled at her tactful answer. “Lady Catherine is prodigiously proud of it, and talks of it being good enough to sell. Somehow, the tart-sweetness of the cherries is lost, and the only flavour that remains is a woody taste that is further ruined by it being watered-down brandy.”
“Let me assure you, it is no better when made into ratafia. I suppose you and your cousin must drink port or madeira after dinner, and her ladyship cannot understand how she never runs out of brandy in the dining room.”
“Oh, no, she always runs out.” She looked at him askance. “I told you, you must pour it out the window at every opportunity because no one should ever drink it.”
She laughed involuntarily and covered her mouth. He felt an absurd delight at amusing her, but they were at the gate, and Elizabeth took her leave before he could say anything else.
Lady Catherine has serious expectations that Darcy will give that ring to Anne. But don’t worry, he’s not going to fob off a ring intended for someone else onto Elizabeth. But she will have to wear it at some point. Read Rising Courage to find out who the man in the grove was and how that ring will come up again.
Oh Heather, you gave us such a delightful taste, but then left us with such pressing curiosity! I wonder who that man in the grove is?! Is he a friend or foe? Was he hired by someone? And when and where we will see the ring again?!
Thank you so much for sharing, Heather! Congrats on your release of Rising Courage!
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!
Heather brings with her today a lovely prize pack to giveaway to 1️⃣ lucky winner! This prize pack includes:
- a signed paperback of Rising Courage
- a woodcut Jane Austen courage quote ornament
- Jane Austen stickers
Commenting on this post and filling out the rafflecopter widget on this blog enters you in a chance to win!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Heather!
- This giveaway ends March 16th!
Congratulations Heather! This is an exciting and gripping read.
Thank you, Sam, and thanks for reading it too!
I have this in my current reading queue. After reading this excerpt I’ll probably have to move it up in line because now I’m really curious about the strange man and the ring. Plus the cover is totally gorgeous! Congrats on this new release.
Thank you Terri! Spoiler: That strange man will be a bit of trouble. I’m so glad you love the cover and want to read the book!
I bought this book on Kindle and I am reading it now! It is so good! Thanks for the opportunity to win the signed paperback and other goodies!
Thank you so so much for grabbing the book Jean! I hope you enjoy it!
Beautifully written and intriguing! Can’t wait to read it.
Thank you so much Lyndsay! Best of luck in the giveaway!
I read, enjoyed, and reviewed this story also.
Thank you so much for reading it, Sheila!
This sounds like another winner! I have loved every book that I have read by this author and I hope to begin this one soon! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
Thank you Cyndy! I’m so pleased you liked my other books. I hope you love Rising Courage too!
Congratulations on your new book, Heather! I’m looking forward to reading it, and the cover is lovely too. Thanks for the book giveaway. Good luck, all!
Thanks Toni! I’m thrilled with how the cover came out too (and the book, as well! lol)
A very intriguing excerpt and what a giveaway package! Sign me up!
It’s such a tease! Who is that man and what does he want??? Best of luck in the giveaway!
I think this story sounds very nice! Thank you for the excerpt!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!
On my to read list! I love old jewelry and especially rings. lol, I notice you didn’t offer one for winning!
lol if I ever find an inexpensive replica that ties in to one I put in a book, I’ll offer it up for a giveaway! That’s a bit of a unicorn though!
I love this story, and its cover! Great excerpt.
Thank you for all of your support with this one!
Congratulations!!! Hope to win!!! Sounds like a wonderful story!!!
Thank you! Best of luck in the giveaway Susan!
Very intriguing excerpt! Thanks for the chance to win the book!
Thank you! It sets up a fast-paced and exciting start!
I really enjoyed this exciting book and recommend it – be aware though that you can’t put it down.
I’m so pleased you enjoyed it! I hope it didn’t keep you up too late!
Congratulations on your release! I already purchased my copy for Kindle and I’m about halfway through. I absolutely adore this story and it’s kept me up way too late since I didn’t want to miss a thing.
Thank you Melissa! I hope you enjoy how it all wraps up and how our dear couple get away and get to their happy ever after!
Heather Moll’s books have never disappointed me. Thank you for the history of the ring. I always like learning new things. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway.
Aww, thanks for your kind words Eva! Best of luck in the giveaway.
I have been looking forward to this book release ever since the cover reveal. Congratulations!!
Oh that makes my day! So glad you’re excited for this one.
What an intriguing peek! The lurking man must be bad news I think. I am looking forward to reading the full story and I love the cover!
Spoiler alert, that guy is going to end up leading to some trouble. But it all ends well! Thank you!!
This book was amazing…I snatched it up when it became available and devoured the book! It has it all…romance…intrigue…suspense…well done Heather Moll!!!
That makes me smile to hear that! Thank you so much Cassandra. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
What mischief is Lady Catherine up to now with her henchman? I can’t wait to find out!
Troubles lay ahead, that’s for sure, but it might not be what you think… Thanks for commenting!
Your books never disappoint! I am always delighted by the banter between Darcy and Elizabeth. I am about 40% (I think) through the book and I am impressed with how you have made the situation feel much more high stakes than is the norm with this trope. I feel the tension and I do not see how they will escape! Well done!
Thanks for your kind words Amanda! You’re totally right, the stakes are pretty high. These are real villains, but I promise the bad guys get punished and the happy couple rides off into the sunset. Thank you for reading it!
Oh how I LOVE these Georgian Jewelry posts that you do on Facebook. Truly lovely to see the different designs of that time period.
I look forward to reading this new book of yours! You never disappoint.
Oh I’m so glad you like them! That’s good to know. Thanks for your kind words Shannon!
Great excerpt! I can’t wait to read more. The cover is one of my favorites of yours. Congratulations on the new release.
Thank you so much! I love the cover, too. The designer did a lovely job.
Thank you so much Kim! I really like this cover, too. The designer did a lovely job.
I can’t wait to read this! Love the cover ~ Glory
Isn’t the cover stunning? I hope you enjoy the book!
This sounds fascinating! Love the cover.
I hope readers enjoy it! Thanks Denise! Best of Luck in the giveaway.
I love the rings, especially the top one. I also love this book, especially the interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth. I love how they try to protect each other. I don’t do Rafflecopter giveaways but wouldn’t want you to have to pay extortionate postage to send it here anyway.
I know you’re not a rafflecopter fan, but I would totally send it to you if you won, Glynis! Thanks so much for reading the book.
The cover is stunning! I’m looking forward to read the book.
Thank you!! Good luck in the giveaway.
I love the idea of featuring Georgian jewelry in the books. Sounds wonderful.
Isn’t it fun? There’s always a piece that’s a plot point, big or small. It’s often a gift, but in this book it’s going to be a little different. Thanks for saying hi!
Hi Heather,
I always find so interesting your Georgian Jewelry research!
The “toi et moi” ring is really beautiful and elegant in spite of Napoleon LOL and I wonder the role it will play in the story 😉
Thank you so much for the giveaway and good luck with the release, no doubt readers will enjoy this “toi et moi” story 🙂
Teresa
I’m so happy you like the jewelry stuff! It’s a lovely ring… aside from Napoleon divorcing her lol. And you’re spot on! It is such a “you and me” story for Darcy and Elizabeth. You’re sharp!
Congrats on your new release! Love the cover.
Thanks so much! Good luck in the giveaway!
Thanks for the excerpt, Heather. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more. –Leslie
Thank you Leslie! I hope you love the book!
Thanks for the excerpt & giveaway. I also have trouble with Rafflecopter – I have to use a browser that I don’t ordinarily use, since it refuses to open in Firefox. I did enter, though, and hope to win, since I’ve loved the other books of yours that I’ve read so far.
Thanks so much Lois! Best of luck in the giveaway.
Very intriguing, can’t wait to read more!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!
I am reading this now
Fantastic! Thanks so much for reading it!
Great review and lovely jewellery.
I’m glad you liked it! Thanks for saying hi!
Congratulations on the release of your new novel, Heather! Rising Courage sounds like a remarkable read and I’ll be adding it to my tbr list. Darcy is so funny with his remark on his aunt’s brandy and he has it in him to make Elizabeth laugh. I can’t wait to read more about how well they compliment each other in the scenes to come.
Thanks so much! I think they do end up complimenting one another well as they work together in a perilous situation. Plus, I think this Darcy is a little funny in his snarkiness, but we can forgive him because he really is having an awful few days lol
I love this book. It would be great to have my own copy.
I’m so glad you loved it! Thank you for reading it. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Amazing. Congrats on the new book. It is 100% on my reading list.
All the best to you Heather
Thanks so much Bosa! I’m so glad it piqued your interest.
Thank you Heather for keeping Darcy and Elizabeth together. There have been a couple times when authors have had them marry then divorce, or have affairs. They belong together, their hearts and spirits are connected and will not be fooled with. Darcy’s feelings and his struggles to express them to others, and Elizabeth slowly becoming intrigued by Darcy should be part and parcel of every variation and the excerpt picks it up perfectly. I’ve just started to read Austen variations after reading Pride and Prejudice and watching the mini series (the one with Colin Firth, the best Darcy ever!), and I am amazed at how many ways the story is the same, and yet so different! I’m looking forward to reading Rising Courage!
I’m so excited you recently found Austen variations! Welcome to the party lol I love the Colin Firth miniseries too. And no divorces or affairs for my Darcys and Elizabeths, so breathe easy!
I can’t remember where I have commented already, but I really want to read this one! Definitely going in the TBR hoard. And signed paperbacks are the best!
Each entry counts, so comment everywhere! I hope you enjoy it. Good luck in the giveaway.
One of the most commendable aspects of Rising Courage is the way in which the characters are brought to life. Each character feels authentic and multi-dimensional, with their own hopes, fears, and motivations. This is a must read, fast paced and action packed novel. I have the e-book, but would love a signed copy.
Thank you for your kinds words!! I’m so happy you liked it Laura. Best of luck in the giveaway.
This book is not only beautifully written, it is a compelling story. I read it in one day, because I just didn’t want to stop reading, stayed up late into the night to finish it. Thanks, Heather, for gifting us this lovely story.
I’m so psyched it was a page turner! Thank you for reading it, although I’m sorry for the lost sleep…
This was a delightful read, I devoured it in an epic late night read, thankfully on holiday! You write beautifully and your characters are real enough to be frustrating at times (I was screaming in my head at Elizabeth when she insisted on complying with her captors early on, but the reaction totally made sense for her in the moment). Thanks!
It is such a real reaction, isn’t it? No pictures of perfection here. I’m excited to hear you devoured it! Thanks for reading!
I read Rising Courage on Kindle and loved it! It made me want to read all of Heather’s books. They are very well written!
Thank you Melyy! That brightened my afternoon!
Congratulations Heather!! I have this book in my hot little hands and plan to curl up with a cup of tea and gave a read. Thank you so much for this gift. The cover is beautiful. Again congrats!
A book and tea sounds like a great evening to me! I love the cover, too. The designer did a great job capturing the vibe.
KU’d already! One of my favorite types of reads ~ reimagining of Pride & Prejudice. This definitely has hit the mark so far (I am 20% through).
Reimaginings are so much fun, aren’t they? Thank you for reading it
Reimaginings are so much fun, aren’t they? Thank you for reading it!
The rings are gorgeous. What a fascinating tidbit to put in your novel!
Thank you! I put a piece of jewelry in every novel and it’s such fun to learn about them … and look at the pretty pictures!
Loved Rising Courage and love Heather Moll – one of my favorite JAFF authors!
Thank you for your kind words and thank you for reading the book!
I have heard great things about this, and I loved the excerpt…so exciting knowing what’s about to happen. I can’t wait to read this.
I’m thrilled it’s piqued your interest! I hope you enjoy it.