Hi friends! I’m so excited to welcome back Kelly Miller to Austenesque Reviews today! Have you read any books by Kelly Miller – she has 9️⃣ published Austenesque works! 😮
Her newest release has a startling title – The Mysterious Disappearance of Mr. Darcy. 😱 Oh no! I wonder what happened to Mr. Darcy! It sounds like maybe he has some secrets!
Kelly is here to share an excerpt from The Mysterious Disappearance of Mr. Darcy. We hope you enjoy! 🙌🏼
~ Excerpt from The Mysterious Disappearance of Mr. Darcy ~
This scene is from Chapter 1, and it is in Elizabeth Bennet’s Point of View.
Rory scampered back to me, dropped the ball, and waited with his ears straight up, his body taut, his weight over his haunches.
“Are you ready, boy?” I tossed the ball again, this time farther from the water, and Rory raced away after it. But rather than return the toy to me, he veered off towards a pretty, young blonde lady seated alone on a blanket. I stiffened. Oh no, Rory—not this again! My sweet collie did not comprehend that not everyone loved dogs—some feared or even hated them. Would this stranger be annoyed by his intrusion?
It appeared not, for the young lady displayed a bright, cheery countenance, and she reached out to stroke Rory, despite his sandy, damp state.
I drew closer to them. “Pardon me, but I hope my dog is not bothering you. He has a bad habit of soliciting strangers to join in his favourite game.”
“No, I do not mind at all. I am fond of dogs.” Her soft voice impelled me to step nearer. She picked up the ball. “What game is that?”
“Rory loves to fetch-and-carry.”
“Oh, that is charming. So his name is Rory—it fits him.” She raised the ball, and my dog leaned back on his hind legs, his eyes on the toy. “If I throw this, will he bring it back to me?”
“Yes, he will play all day with a willing participant.”
“May I try?”
“By all means.”
She rose to her feet and flung the ball, giggling when Rory shot off in pursuit. He retrieved his quarry and dropped it before her again. “You are a clever one.” Her blue eyes gleamed as she picked up the toy. “He is beautiful too. I have never seen a prettier dog.”
“Thank you. You ought to see him when he is clean and dry. At present, his coat is—”
“What is going on here?”
I recoiled and whirled towards the hostile voice. A well-dressed, tall gentleman—a dark-haired Adonis with an exceptional figure—strode towards us holding two cups of lemonade from one of the vendors. My goodness, what a handsome man! But his distinct sneer spoilt his otherwise captivating person. Rory darted into the space between us and released a guttural growl.
“Fitzwilliam, all is well.” The young lady directed a forced smile at the man. “I have been speaking to this kind lady. Her dog brought his ball to me.” She held the toy up before him.
“I see.” The gentleman’s piercing dark eyes narrowed when they settled upon me. His mien conveyed disdain, the way one might regard an annoying insect.
Who did he think he was? I conquered the inclination to shrink from him and set my shoulders back. “My collie is obedient on most occasions, but he is not well-versed in etiquette. It is not my habit to accost anyone without a prior introduction, but I wanted to ensure my dog did not distress the young lady.”
He folded his arms across his chest. “Well, you contrived a novel approach at least. Nevertheless, you have wasted your time.”
“I do not take your meaning.”
“You may dispense with the pretence now, for your ruse has failed. You are not the first to attempt to attract my notice through my sister.”
My mouth fell open. “Attract your notice? I have never heard anything so arrogant! You must suffer from an inflated sense of self-importance. I have no idea who you are, and I do not care to know. Furthermore, I pity you.”
His nostrils flared. No doubt few people dared to address him in such an unguarded way, but I had seldom encountered anyone more deserving of a set-down.
I turned to the young lady, who wore a stricken expression. “I apologise for my unpleasantness just now. I enjoyed our conversation, and I wish you a good day.” I spun on my heel and marched off, only to make an abrupt halt. Darn, I could not leave without Rory’s ball. Without a glimpse in the gentleman’s direction, I turned and retraced my steps to the young lady, who handed the toy to me. I departed again with Rory trotting at my side.
Oh well done, Elizabeth! I’m so glad you gave Mr. Darcy a well-deserved set-down like that! He was being so arrogant and rude! 😡 I wonder if he will be any more amiable in their next encounter
But oh, I am already in love with Rory! I cannot wait to see more of him! I love seeing Elizabeth with a dog! 🐶
~ Book Description ~
What secrets lie in Mr. Darcy’s past?
During a summer sojourn in Ramsgate, Elizabeth Bennet meets Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy—an irresistible, eminent, and seemingly unobtainable model of an ideal gentleman. Following a whirlwind romance with Mr. Darcy and a blossoming friendship with Georgiana Darcy, her life is forever altered.
When Darcy disappears under mysterious circumstances, the new Mrs. Darcy’s world is thrown into
chaos. A friend of Darcy’s provides much-needed support as Elizabeth is confronted with rumours
insinuating lewd explanations for his absence. Could any of them be true?
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, a Regency mystery romance, Elizabeth cannot be certain what
to believe or whom to trust. She is determined to find out what befell Darcy, but will the truth break
her heart?
TRIGGER WARNING: THIS STORY MENTIONS A PAST ASSAULT ON A YOUNG WOMAN THAT IS THWARTED BY A MAIN CHARACTER.
~~~
~ Connect with Kelly ~
Facebook ❧ Twitter ❧ Blog ❧ Goodreads ❧ Instagram ❧ TikTok
~ About Kelly ~
Award-winning author Kelly Miller is a native Californian and Anglophile, who made her first visit to England in 2019. When not pondering a plot point or a turn of phrase, she can be found playing the piano, singing, or walking her dogs. Kelly resides in Silicon Valley with her husband, daughter, and their pets.
The Darcy Secret is her seventh published book. The first six are:
Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley, a Pride and Prejudice Regency romantic variation with a touch of fantasy. Winner: Royal Dragonfly Book Awards and Indies Today Book Awards; Finalist: International Book Awards and Book Excellence Awards
Mr. Darcy’s Perfect Match, a Pride and Prejudice Regency romantic variation. Recommended Read: Author Shout Reader Ready Awards
Accusing Mr. Darcy, a Pride and Prejudice Regency romantic mystery. Winner: Firebird Book Awards and Queer Indie Awards-Ally Division; Recommended Read: Author Shout Reader Ready Awards; Finalist: Wishing Shelf Book Awards and Chanticleer International Book Awards
A Consuming Love, a Pride and Prejudice Regency romantic novella. Winner: Royal Dragonfly Book Awards; Recommended Read: Author Shout Reader Ready Awards
Captive Hearts, a Persuasion Regency romantic variation. Winner: Chanticleer International Book Awards, Royal Dragonfly Book Awards and Incipere Awards; Top Pick: Author Shout Reader Ready Awards; Red Ribbon Winner: Wishing Shelf Book Awards; Runner-Up: Indies Today Book Awards
A Dutiful Son, a Pride and Prejudice Regency romantic variation, Winner: Royal Dragonfly Book Awards; Top Pick: Author Shout Reader Ready Awards; Bronze medal, Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, an Amazon #1 Best Seller
The Darcy Secret, a Pride and Prejudice Regency romantic mystery, a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree, an Amazon #1 Best Seller
The Trouble With Friends, a Pride and Prejudice Regency romantic variation, an Amazon #1 Best Seller
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Kelly Miller is generously giving away 2️⃣ ebook copies of The Mysterious Disappearance of Mr. Darcy in conjunction with her visit today!
To enter this giveaway leave a comment, a question, or some love for Kelly!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Kelly!
- This giveaway ends May 3rd!
Loved the excerpt! I enjoyed Elizabeth giving Mr. Darcy a nice set-down! I’d love to read the book. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
Thank you, Pam! I’m glad you enjoyed this first meeting between Darcy & Elizabeth!
Love Kelly’s books, and throughly enjoyed The Mysterious Disappearance of Mr Darcy, when I read it via Kindle Unlimited. I think everyone should have a Rory in their life, to mix things up a bit.
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to win a copy of this wonderful story
Thank you so much for your kind comment, Sarah! I agree about Rory, although my real-life Rory is a Sheltie named Lacey. She is an old girl now, but in her youth, she was a tireless fetcher!
Oh! You got me intrigued! I just hope Mr. Darcy secret is not a bad one.
Thank you for your comment, Audny! 🙂
So, Elizabeth becomes Mrs Darcy and then Darcy disappars!! Intriguing!!!I
Sounds like a ‘must read’. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
I appreciate your comment, Mary; I hope you get to read it soon!
So, Elizabeth becomes Mrs Darcy and then Darcy disappears! Intriguing!
Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy
Thank you so much, Mary! 🙂
Way to go, Elizabeth, you certainly put Darcy down! I am intrigued to read what happens, and all of Kelly’s books have never disappointed me. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway.
Thank you for your lovely comment, Eva! 🙂
Love Rory, Congrats on your book!
Thank you so much, Julie! 🙂
Oh, Darcy! Hope you can eventually wedge that over large hessian out of your mouth! What an ego! But we know who exactly can strip away that pretentious attitude…our dear girl. The book sounds amazing and who doesn’t love a story with a good dog?
Thank you, Terri! I’m glad you agree with me that pets can enhance D&E stories!
Wonderful beginning. Looking forward to reading more!
Thank you, Mary Anne, I’m so glad you liked the excerpt! 🙂
Hi Meredith and Congrats Kelly! Love the excerpt, I echo Terry, Eva & Pam, and what a great start to ODC’s journey.
Love this excerpt. Looks like another great read Kelly, Thank you!
Thank you so much for your kind comment, Char! 🙂
I read and enjoyed this story. I also posted a review. Good luck with its release. Thanks for sharing here.
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing my book, Sheila; and I appreciate your well wishes!
They are married and Darcy disappears? I am really looking forward to reading that, as I enjoy Kelly’s books. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway. Congrats and best wishes on the new release!
Thank you so much, Robin! 🙂
I love Kelly’s books and look forward to reading this one. Oh, and I love the cover.
Thanks so much, Brenda! Pemberley Darcy did a fantastic job with the cover!
sounds really exciting! I look forward to reading it. Good luck with the release.
Thank you so much for your kind comment, Janey!
I really enjoy Kelly’s books and this is definitely up there. Please don’t enter me in the giveaway as I already have this. I absolutely love this strong determined Elizabeth and the change in Darcy’s impression of Elizabeth.
Thank you so much for your lovely support, Glynis! 🙂
I’ve read and enjoyed all Kelly’s books, and find this book is one of her best! Very intriguing, to say the least! Readers should take the opportunity to read it. Thanks, Meredith, for showcasing it today.
Thank you so much, Suzan; I’m so glad you enjoyed the story!
I believe I’ve read all of your previous P&P variations and look forward to reading this one. Thank you for the giveaway.
Thank you so much, Betty! I appreciate your comment! 🙂
I like P&P variations that feature pets. I look forward to reading this and it is now in my Amazon Book List. Many thanks!
Thank you, Wendy! I agree; my pets are a big part of my life!
Ooh, a presumptive prig of a Darcy, this I have to read to see how he earns Elizabeth’s good opinion! Going in my TBR hoard for sure.
Thank you so much, Christina! I hope you will enjoy it! 🙂
I can’t wait to read this book is so so excited and thank you so much for keeping it here. Best wishes to you Kelly.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Jennifer! 🙂
O….how I love the set down Darcy receives. Such a snob …thinking that every woman tries to find a way to snach him. Very very well done Kelly. The book is on my list.
Thank you
Thank you, Bosa; I’m so glad you liked the excerpt! 🙂
Thank you so much for hosting me, Meredith; I’m very happy to be featured here today! 🙂
Great excerpt! Love Rory already too!
Thank you so much, DarcyBennett; I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt!
I love Kelly’s books and this one looks like a winner! How intriguing. It also sounds like it’s going to be angsty too. Well, bring it on. I’m looking forward to reading this very soon.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Michelle; I hope you will enjoy the read! 🙂
I’ve read all her books before and am looking forward to this new one, who doesn’t love a mystery.
Thank you so much, Frankie; I’m glad to hear you share my love of mysteries!
This sounds fantastic & love the dog already! Do the chapters alternate between Elizabeth & Darcy POV? If so then that will fit one of my reading challenges for the year.
Thank you so much, Glory. I’m sorry, but this is my one book that is entirely in Elizabeth’s POV.
Love a story with a dog! I can’t wait to read it.
Thank you so much, SAF; I hope you will enjoy it! 🙂
I have read it and loved it.
Thank you so much for reading it, Terri; I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
I’m more of a cat person, but Rory sounds like a good dog, if he can bring ODC together, despite Darcy’s behavior.
Thank you so much, Lois; I appreciate your comment!
What a great introduction, both to the book and to our dear couple. I look forward to discovering more!
Thank you, Rebecca; I appreciate your comment! 🙂
Your new novel sound intriguing. Thanks so much for sharing the excerpt. I especially loved the dog, Rory. –Leslie
Thank you so much for your kind comment, Leslie! 🙂
This sounds interesting. Way to go Lizzy. She told him what was what. Ha! Loved it. I have this on my wish list. Blessings, on the success of this launch. Good luck to all in the drawing.
I appreciate your comment, J.W., and thank you for adding my book to your wish list! 🙂
Wow! This is a new variation for me. So then, other than the first meeting, ODC gets to know each other, courts, and marries, and then the intrigue and angst start? I do love the excerpt. I love how Elizabeth meets Georgiana and stands up to Darcy. And who wouldn’t love sweet Rory?
Hello, Taswmom, yes, you got it! Thank you for your kind comment! 🙂
This is on my list of books to read as soon s I’m guaranteed some uninterrupted time off work and home chores. I loved the excerpt and let’s face it, any book with a cute dog is automatically amazing!
Thank you so much for your lovely review, Satu; I hope you will enjoy the book! 🙂