Hi friends! I’m so thrilled to welcome author Catherine Hemingway – for the first time! – Austenesque Reviews!

Catherine just celebrated the release of her newest Austenesque work – Pemberley to Dublin, A Matchmaker’s Journey three days ago! 🥳

And let me tell you, this book has me all sorts of excited: 

🔁  a mash up of Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion secondary characters

💗  an unlikely romance

🇮🇪  travels to Ireland

📜  history and adventure

🏴‍☠️ a pirate queen

Doesn’t that sound so intriguing? 😮

Catherine is here to share an excerpt from Pemberley to Dublin, A Matchmaker’s Journey. 😊

We hope you enjoy! 🤗

 

~ From the Author ~

Pemberley to Dublin, A Matchmaker’s Journey, is a sequel to The Matchmaker of Pemberley, which combined characters from all six of Jane Austen’s novels.  The first novel followed Lizzie and Darcy to Bath where characters retell their stories from their point of view to new acquaintances. Colonel Fitzwilliam becomes acquainted with the Honorable Miss Carteret, daughter of the Dowager Viscountess Dalrymple from Persuasion.

In Pemberley to Dublin, A Matchmaker’s Journey, Colonel Fitzwilliam follows Miss Carteret to Dublin because he is intrigued by her dry wit and intelligence.  He discovers she is brilliant, a gifted linguist, uses aloofness to avoid engaging socially, and is determined to never marry.  This is a very different take on a woman whom Jane Austen described in Persuasion as having little to say and was “so plain and so awkward, that she would never have been tolerated in Camden-place but for her birth.”

What becomes of an intelligent woman confined by the rules of polite society to endure conversations and events that are so excruciatingly boring, she chooses avoidance using reserve and aloofness?  Do opposites attract?  Can the charming colonel coax this introvert out of her shell and win her heart?  Only by embarking on a journey to uncover the history of an Irish pirate queen who met with Queen Elizabeth two centuries earlier and returning with a precious heirloom.

The social constraints imposed by society on gifted women in Jane Austen’s time would have been onerous, hence, the Honorable Miss Carteret became a protagonist who called out to have her story told. This is a tale of the power of love to transform lives and bring true happiness. 

~ Excerpt from Chapter 2 ~

Throughout the service Catherine wondered if Colonel Fitzwilliam was in attendance or still planning to join them for the afternoon. She was vexed by her family for swooping in to include him in their party and discomfited by the prospect of spending time with a man whom she admired for his amiable qualities and lively conversation yet felt intruded upon by his very presence in their midst and the pressures she could see building in the mindset of her family. It was too much to bear and caused a great disturbance to her tranquility; she had created an orderly life for herself to pursue her interests and, heretofore, managed to regulate her family’s expectations about her future and her decision to never marry. This unplanned disruption was an irritant and a distraction even though it reflected no ill will towards the source of the disturbance.

As they extricated themselves from the obsequious pastor and moved towards the exit Catherine spied Colonel Fitzwilliam standing near a tree on the grounds of the church looking relaxed and genial, exuding good-humour and confidence. He caught her glance and gave her a nod of recognition before stepping forward to join her party. Introductions ensued and the exaggerated enthusiasm of her brother and his wife as well as her mother left her with an urge to flee the churchyard and abandon them all to their shameless opportunism at her expense. Not that she blamed the colonel who was an unwitting victim of their presumptuous behaviour; nevertheless, his presence had stirred up a tempest of upheaval in her otherwise tranquil world. As there was no escaping her conspiratorial family, she was determined to conceal her vexation knowing that the visitor would soon begin his journey of discovery to other parts of the country and no longer importune her or invigorate false notions of future connections within her family.

Upon their arrival at Rathclare Hall, the family seat, and following a tour of the splendid estate and a discussion of the heredity of the Dalrymple family in Ireland with their connection to the first Earl of Stair in Scotland, the party was seated in the large dining room for the repast when Charles asked Colonel Fitzwilliam about his travel plans.

“I understand from my wife that you have visited our fair country before, Colonel, and that you have plans to travel to the south. I believe Waterford is one of your destinations. Is that what brings you to our shores or are there larger plans at work?” asked Charles, casting a knowing smile to Augusta that made Catherine want to cringe.

“I have several areas of interest during my travels,” replied Colonel Fitzwilliam. “I am eager to visit the Trinity College Library in hopes of seeing the historic Book of Kells which I understand is on display there. I am told it is regarded as a national treasure and was put in safekeeping at the college around 1653, but more recently was made available for public viewing. It is said they are uniquely illustrated with brilliant colours, ornate Celtic knots, and images of mythical beasts. That such precious manuscripts have survived to this day is a very compelling reason to make a special trip to see them.”

“Then you are in luck, my good man. Seated next to you is the key to unlocking your private viewing experience for not only does my sister have access to the guardians of these manuscripts you seek, but she is also fluent in Latin and can even serve as your interpreter when viewing them if needed. She is an expert in antiquities and has many associates at Trinity who rely on her abilities. She knows Greek as well, do you not, Catherine?”

“Yes,” replied Catherine to her brother with a note of exasperation in her voice. Then softening, she directed her attention to the visitor and went on to say she would be happy to arrange a special viewing of the treasured manuscripts during her next visit to the college. “I am sure you will find it a worthwhile application of your time if it does not interfere with your trip to Waterford and journey to Connacht.”

“I have no specific time in mind for my journey other than waiting for fair weather when I sail to Waterford and then on to Connacht. My plans are entirely flexible and if I may have the privilege of escorting you to Trinity College and relying on your unique insights, I am certain to learn more with you by my side. I am at your service whenever you wish. You may name the day.”

“May I ask what takes you to Connacht?” interjected Viscount Dalrymple. “Waterford in the south has its attractions but the west of Ireland is extremely poor, rather wild I’m afraid, and overrun with Papists who have no love for the British. Surely there can be little of interest to attract you to such an outpost as Connacht.”

“Then perhaps you have not heard of Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Queen of Connacht,” replied Colonel Fitzwilliam.

Silence followed this announcement momentarily until finally the dowager viscountess, on observing a small smile cross her daughter’s face, spoke up. “Pray tell me your trip is not based on some outlandish story told to you by my daughter, Colonel. She will make a knowledgeable guide at Trinity College to see the Book of Kells for she is well known and admired there by colleagues of my dear departed husband, but you must consider some of the stories she comes across may be far-fetched and anecdotal at best. I caution you to not subscribe to all the wild tales she comes across in her research, for the western seas are rough and there are few attractions once you arrive in such an outback place. There may be pirates in the region to this day!”

“Mamma, the story of Grace O’Malley is documented not only in Ireland but also in England as it is well known she met with Queen Elizabeth to negotiate the release of her son. I happened to share her history with Colonel Fitzwilliam while we were in Bath and apparently it captured his imagination; that it spurred his interest to visit Connacht is entirely his own doing,” replied Catherine.

“Ah, you make it sound like a risky and perilous adventure indeed,” he answered, “which intrigues me all the more and further excites my interest to embark on this quest but, let me assure you, I will not be travelling alone and have engaged able-bodied men to accompany me and guarantee my safety, if I find myself confronted with treacherous inhabitants or seafaring pirates. I plan to sail the eastern coast to Waterford as I’ve only seen a portion of it, from there south to Bantry Bay and then on to the western shore to see the Cliffs of Moher which I’m told are very impressive, and from there on to Connacht. I have spent time in Dublin over the years and visited north to Belfast, but this will give me a better view of the entire country, the beauty of which I already greatly admire.”

“Pray tell us what you expect to find in Connacht?” asked Charles. “Surely memories of this pirate queen from over two hundred years ago will be long since lost to folklore. What can there be to discover? Certainly not pirate gold or the spoils of stolen treasure. Such a journey seems a fool’s errand if you will forgive my saying so. If it is adventure you like, you will certainly find it on your journey, but it is a long way to travel in search of intelligence on the existence of a long-lost pirate queen. Did you say Grace O’Malley was her name? To be sure, every soul you meet in Connacht will claim to be an O’Malley descendant once they see a fine British gentleman making inquiries.”

“Perhaps you will be right,” laughed Fitzwilliam, “but my sense of adventure drives me on and why not make an expedition to view your beautiful country from the sea, and uncover local lore along the way, be it in Waterford or Connacht? I expect to have many tales of my journey and will gladly share them with you upon my return.”

Catherine was relieved when the conversation turned to other topics as she felt certain that her mother would harp on the subject later and scold her for setting the idea in motion. Still, she had to admire the aplomb of Colonel Fitzwilliam who managed the entire incident with his usual ease, poise, and composure.

I love Colonel Fitzwilliam’s adventurous spirit! Yes! Let’s travel around Ireland to learn about a pirate queen! Sounds fantastic!  🙌🏼

I cannot wait to read this book – I am already so intrigued by this character pairing and the premise! 🤩

Congrats on your new release, Catherine! 🎉

~ Book Description ~

Colonel Fitzwilliam travels from Pemberley to Dublin in pursuit of a woman who has sworn to never marry. The Honourable Miss Catherine Carteret is plain looking, aloof, and wealthy; she uses these qualities to avoid suitors and focus on her passion for ancient languages, history, and antiquities.

His arrival kindles the hopes of Viscount Dalrymple, and family, that she will relent and marry the eligible colonel. To earn her favour, he embarks on a journey to uncover the history of an Irish pirate queen who met with Queen Elizabeth to negotiate the release of her son two centuries earlier. He discovers secrets about the pirate queen and a long-lost English lover when he meets her descendant and is tasked with carrying a precious heirloom back to Catherine.

He wins Catherine’s heart but loses it the next day when she changes her mind after confronting her own fears, insecurities, and the barriers she put in place to protect herself. This novel is a testament to the power of love to transform lives and bring true happiness.

Real Irish history is woven into this Austenesque novel, with characters from Pride and Prejudice as well as Persuasion.

 

Pemberley to Dublin is available now!

Readers can download the first three chapters for free of both novels at www.catherinehemingway.com 

~~~

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

In conjunction with Catherine’s lovely visit today, she is giving away  3️⃣  Kindle ebook copies of Pemberley to Dublin and 5️⃣  Matchmaker of Pemberley postcards (US only).

To enter this giveaway leave a comment, a question, or some love for Catherine below!

• This giveaway is open worldwide (ebook only).  Thank you, Catherine!
• This giveaway ends November 25th.

 

Thank you so much for the lovely visit, Catherine! I wish you all the best with your lovely new release of Pemberley to Dublin!!