Hi friends!!
What a great way to start off the week – a cover reveal for the debut release of a NEW author – Lucy Milton!! 🎉
Lucy Milton is releasing her first Pride and Prejudice variation with Quills and Quartos in September! 👏🏼
Lucy, I’m so excited for your first visit to Austenesque Reviews! I cannot wait to learn more about you and your book! 📖
Lucy is stopping by today to share the cover and an excerpt from her upcoming release – A Maid of No Consequence – gorgeous title! 🤩
We hope you enjoy! 🙌🏼
~ From the Author ~
Thank you, Meredith for hosting my cover reveal for A Maid of No Consequence.
This is my first published novel, and my very first Pride and Prejudice variation, and I am thrilled to be working with the team at Quills & Quartos to make this sweet story shine for the readers. I am a writer, artist, poet, and photographer. I have been reading Pride and Prejudice inspired novels for the last fifteen years. The reason I love them so much, is that they take me away from life’s stresses, to a warm and tender place with characters I adore, and to an era that I love. I also love the deep and affecting conversations and how the love stories gradually unfold.
This particular story, A Maid of No Consequence, started just after I had lost my mom last year. I needed a gentle diversion to get me through my grief and stress. As I wrote, scene after scene, my heart mended along with Elizabeth’s. I also fell in love with Darcy again, (of course, who of us hasn’t!) But more than that, it helped me to see and appreciate Jane Austen’s beloved story in a way I never had. I am so grateful she gave us these beautiful characters to love and relate to. I hope you enjoy this sweet second chance story as much as I enjoyed writing it!
~ Book Description ~
Even after all this time, can love find its way back and mend broken hearts?
Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy has loved Miss Elizabeth Bennet since he saw her arrive at Netherfield to care for her ailing sister Jane. Alas, his proposal in Hunsford parsonage leads to an acrimonious parting and he is left heartbroken and bereft, with no hope of ever seeing her again.
Elizabeth Bennet quickly leaves Kent after receiving devastating and life-altering news but not without leaving a letter replying to his. Alas her letter goes missing, leaving her to believe he could never forgive her for their bitter exchange.
Five long years later, a serendipitous meeting puts Elizabeth in Darcy’s path once again. Elizabeth’s situation has changed dramatically, and the divide between them has widened even more dramatically. Darcy’s love for her is unaltered, and he vows to never lose her again. But grief and reduced circumstances have changed Elizabeth. Can she trust him enough to allow him to help her? And can she trust her own heart enough to acknowledge that he loves her still?
A MAID OF NO CONSEQUENCE is a variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. It is a low angst, high-romance journey where love rekindles with surprising fervor, proving that the heart’s desires can triumph over any obstacle.
~ Excerpt from A Maid of No Consequence ~
The look of shock on Mr Darcy’s face was something Elizabeth had never quite seen before, although now that she thought of it, there may have been some similar look of utter confusion when she had turned down his offer of marriage.
“Mr Darcy. Sir.” She had to remember she was now a servant, even lower in status than she was when he had proposed to her.
“What is the meaning of this?” he asked, sounding confused. “What are you doing here?”
“Pray do not concern yourself with––” Attempting to rise, she moaned at the bolt of pain that shot through her ankle and kept her on the ground.
The disbelief on his face softening, he reached his hand towards her. “If you would permit me, I wish to help you, Miss Bennet.”
“I am no longer Miss Bennet.” Elizabeth looked at him straight in the eye. She wanted to appear brave, or at least unaffected, but was betrayed by an errant tear that slid down her cheek.
He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to her; a finely embroidered FD was stitched on the corner of the pristine white cloth. The ridiculousness of it all—the fine linen square held by the elegant gentleman as she sprawled about on the ground in maids’ attire—was almost too much to bear, and before she could bring herself to take it, Elizabeth instead started to laugh. And she continued laughing, trying unsuccessfully to stop.
When she had finally controlled herself, as well as she could, she slowly looked up to see a slight grin on his handsome face. He slowly bent down and once again urged her to take his proffered handkerchief. Hesitantly, Elizabeth reached for it before thoroughly soiling the linen as she wiped her face and hands. A moment later, clenching the cloth tightly, she resolved to end the conversation as quickly as she could. “Thank you, for your kindness, sir. But I must be getting inside before I am missed.” She tried to rise but again pain shot through her ankle, and she sank to the ground.
“Let me find someone to help you. Are your family within?” Mr Darcy reached down to pull her up, supporting her while putting his hand around her waist. It was highly improper and yet so very chivalrous, and so very kind. Kindness such as this, she had not known for many years.
She allowed herself to put her head on his shoulder, just momentarily, before remembering herself. “Sir, I am well, if you would just lead me towards the door.”
They were interrupted by the appearance of Reggie, the groom, at the door. “Eliza? What happened? We thought we heard a yell?”
“No need to worry, I am well.” Elizabeth put on a brave smile. Above her, she heard Billy’s father call to him, and then looked up to see a concerned young boy looking over the railing. Remembering he had taken a tumble himself, she asked, “Billy, are you injured?”
“I am well, miss, thank you.”
“Reggie will bring you the sweets from Cook.” She looked around for the wrapped sweets she had for him, now laying off to the side, where she had inadvertently tossed them during her fall.
“I will retrieve them.” Mr Darcy gestured to Reggie to come help her.
Reggie took hold of Elizabeth’s arm and guided her towards the door, while Mr Darcy ascended the stairs, taking the bag of baked goods to the young boy waiting above. She heard him ask, “You are unhurt?”
Billy affirmed he was well and she heard Mr Brumsley relay his thanks to Mr Darcy.
Elizabeth had slowly reached the door with Reggie’s help, in time to turn slightly and see that Mr Darcy had followed them and stood frowning at the servant’s door.
“Miss Bennet, pray who lives here?”
Leaning heavily on one foot, and supported by the door frame, she turned to Reggie. “I can stand on my own, thank you. I will be in shortly.” He nodded and after giving Mr Darcy a second look through squinted eyes, slowly retreated into the house.
Mr Darcy stepped closer; his frown had softened slightly. In a lowered voice, he asked, “Why are you dressed as a servant?”
She inhaled deeply before admitting, “Because that is what I am.”
“You are a gentleman’s daughter!”
“Maybe once. But not now, not ever again.”
And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!
(expected release date: September 22nd)
Intriguing! There is something in the air…some tension, some sorrow, some longing… 😮
I love the how this scene embodies either a wished for connection or broken connection. 🔗
Oh my heart aches for the missing letter and the misunderstanding! ❤️🩹
I’m so eager to see Elizabeth’s life as a maid – to see her situation and how Mr. Darcy is able to interact with her.... 🧹
What do you think, friends? 🤔
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
The lovely people at Quills and Quartos are offering 3️⃣ ebook copies of A Maid of No Consequence to 3️⃣ lucky readers who comment on today’s post!
To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for Lucy below.
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos!
- This giveaway ends July 31st.
You can preorder A Maid of No Consequence now!
My sincere gratitude to Lucy and the wonderful people at Quills and Quartos for putting this special post together!
Congratulations on your very first JAFF release!
Thank you so much, Sam! I am so excited about this story, and I hope you love it too!
I am sorry for your loss and can completely comprehend how these beloved characters helped you through your grieving. Jane Austen’s joy and wit never let us down! Congratulations on your first published novel. I don’t know if I could have laughed as Elizabeth did. I’m afraid I would burst into sobs. Thank you for this excerpt and giveaway. I look forward to more visits to Austenesque Reviews.
Hi Eva, thank you so much. Yes, there is something very healing about spending time with these beloved characters…it was exactly what I needed. This was definitely one of these scenes that could have gone either way. I can’t wait for you to read the entire scene, and the story as it unfolds. And I hope you love it as much as I do!
Congratulations on your new release. This was a lovely excerpt. I hope your book does well and it sounds like you enjoyed the journey. I also wrote my first book Darcy‘s Melody after my sister passed on and so I understand how this book was very therapeutic for you. Wonderful! Best wishes.
Hi Jennifer, thank you for your very kind and empathetic comment. And I am sorry for your sister’s passing…these losses are so very difficult. And yes, something about writing with these beloved characters, helps mend us in a way nothing else can. I will definitely look for your book too. Thank you for coming to the cover reveal today!
A story where she writes back! I don’t believe that I’ve ever come across one of those before.
Hi Ginna! Oh, I am happy that I surprised you just a little… and I hope you love how this story unfolds. Thank you for coming to my cover reveal today! It’s very exciting!
Ooh! This looks wonderful, and I can’t wait to read it!
Thank you, Lisa! I hope you enjoy it! Thank you for coming to the cover reveal today…it was so fun to write this variation!
Congratulations on your new book, how exciting!!!
Thank you, Kaidi! It’s so very exciting…and it’s lovely to share this cover reveal with you today too. I hope you love the story too!
Congratulations on publishing your first book! What a brave thing to do! I look foraward to reading it.
Thank you, Rebecca! When I sat down to start writing, I didn’t know I would be here now with a whole story to share with you all, but oh, it has been a fun ride! I do hope you love the story, it is very close to my heart. Thank you for coming to the cover reveal today!
I love stories where Lizzy has to fight her way back to the top!
Hi Christina! Yes, me too! And love always wins Hope you love the story. And thank you for coming to my cover reveal today!
Congratulations on your new book, Lucy! It sounds wonderful!
Hi Julie! Thank you so very much for coming to the cover reveal today! I have read so many of your books, and have enjoyed each one. It’s authors like you, that inspire me to keep going. I hope you love the story!
Sounds so very interesting. Thanks.
Looking forward to reading this book!
Hi Olga, thank you so much for coming to the cover reveal today. An exciting day for me! I loved writing this story so much, and I hope you enjoy it as well!
What a lovely cover. This looks to be a fun read, Lizzy biting her tongue while she snarks inside. Love to read her overcoming the odds!
Hi Ev T, thank you so much for coming to the cover reveal post today! I hope you will enjoy the story, it is very much about overcoming the odds, and second chances…and of course, a lovely HEA too.
I hope writing this story helped you heal from your grief. I look forward to reading your book. And a big congratulations to you!
Hello Joy, and thank you so much for coming to the cover reveal today. Yes, writing this sweet story was very therapeutic for me, it helped me to get through some of the hardest of days. I do hope you love the story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thank you!
Congrats on your new book. Can’t wait to read it!
Hi Catherine, thank you so much for coming to the cover reveal, what an exciting day it has been! I do hope you love the sweet story of our much loved characters.
Thank you so much, Laura! It was a joy to write, and I hope you love it too!
I have seen JAFFs where Lizzy has to find employment as a governess, and even one where she is (briefly) a housemaid at Pemberly, but never previously where she’s had to find work as a servant at a stranger’s house. Should be an interesting read!
Hi Catherine, thank you so much for coming to the cover reveal, what an exciting day it has been! I do hope you love the sweet story of our much loved characters. I think you will find her employer somewhat surprising, and as always there is a HEA!
Congratulations on your first book! I can’t wait to read it!
Hi Dannelle! Thank you so much for coming to the cover reveal today, and for your kind words. I am so excited to share the story with you, and I hope you will love it!
Congratulations on your first published story. Brilliant snippet, I now desperately want to know what has happened to Elizabeth and the rest of her family
Hello Sarah, and thank you so much for coming to the cover reveal today…what an exciting day for me! And a first! I am so glad you loved that excerpt of the story, and yes, Elizabeth has been on quite a journey. But we all know there is a sweet HEA at the end. I hope you enjoy the story!
Wow! Nice start to the story! How will Darcy snd Elizabeth move along from this painful reunion? Looking forward to more.
Hi Liz, thank you so much for coming to the cover reveal today, it was so fun to share this little teaser with you! There is a sweet journey to their HEA, and I do hope you enjoy the story.
Lucy, my sympathies in the loss of your dear Mom, and how wonderful that you found solace in Jane’s world of P&P. The brief except makes me cringe with embarrassment for Elizabeth, but I’m anxious to learn how she came to this position, who she is working for, and how Darcy will be able to help her. In this day and age, I think we all look to Jane’s writing for escape and comfort, and luckily we also have Austen fans to keep us supplied with new stories and variations. Congratulations on your first book, and hope it’s a great success for you!
Hi Susan, thank you so much for your very kind comment and sympathies too, very much appreciated. Yes, this story helped so much, delving into their journey together was the balm I needed. I am glad to know you are curious about what happens next! And I do hope you love the story too!
Congratulations on your first published book! Thanks to Q&Q for offering the giveaway.
Hi Coleen, thank you for coming to the cover reveal today…such an exciting day for me! I do hope you love the story!
Congratulations on publishing your first book, Lucy! I am truly sorry for the loss of your Mom. That is a blessing you could use these P & P characters and story plot to help you find solace in your mourning. I am looking forward to reading your book!
Hi Pamela, and thank you so much for your very kind comment, much appreciated. Yes, the making of this story was what I needed, and it helped me to process so many emotions and deal with some very tough days. These beloved characters always bring me joy. I do hope you will love the story…and as always there is a sweet HEA.
I’m looking forward to reading your debut novel! Congrats, Lucy.
Hi Lucy! Thank you so much for being here, on this very exciting day! I adore your books, and authors like you have really inspired me to create the best story I could, with our beloved characters. I do hope you love the story too!
congratulations on your debut into the world of the Austenesque.
Hi Janey, and thank you so much for coming to the cover reveal today! Such a fun and exciting day for me…a dream come true. I do hope you love the story too!
Big accomplishment, Lucy! Looking forward to it.
Gorgeous cover and captivating blurb.
Hi Sophia Rose, thank you so much for coming to the cover reveal today! Isn’t it so elegant? It’s an exciting moment for me, and I am so happy to share the teaser here…I love this story so much, and I hope you do too!
Wow! I’m hooked!
Oh, I am glad to hear that, Laura! Thank you for coming to the cover reveal today, this is an exciting day for me, and it has been so fun to share this with you. I hope you enjoy the whole story!
Wow, Elizabeth is an actual maid? I am looking forward to reading this. Thank you for the cover reveal, excerpt and giveaway. Congrats and best wishes on your first release!
Hi Robin, thank you for your kind words and congratulations, and for coming to the cover reveal today! An exciting day! Yes, an actual maid, and the story of how she ended up there, and where she goes from here…well, let’s just say I loved writing her journey in this sweet story. I hope you enjoy it!
Congratulations on publishing your first novel. What a wonderful achievement! I’m very curious about the lost letter–who took it and why? I do like stories where Darcy is tender and hopefully loving. It will be interesting to see how Elizabeth manages to cope with Darcy nearby.
Hi Jeannette, and thank you for coming to the cover reveal today…I was so excited to share! Glad you like the excerpt and yes…the lost letter was a pivotal point in this story, and so much more will be revealed and why. It was so fun to write their journey from this point…and yes you will love this very besotted and very tender Darcy. I hope you love the whole story!
I can appreciate the loss of a mother as we lost ours in February of this year. I pray that writing this book brought you some peace.
I can hardly imagine Elizabeth as a maid, but I am sure that she will do her best !
Oh Joan, I am so very sorry for your loss! It’s a grief like no other. For me, writing this story was such a balm, something I needed. I hope you find something for solace as well. If you do read the story, I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for coming to my cover reveal this week.
Congrats on your first story!
Thank you, DarcyBennett! I am thrilled to share this story, and I hope you love it too!
Looks very interesting and I hope to read it soon. Cover is lovely.
Thank you so much for coming to the cover reveal blog post today, Cheryl! And thank you, I love the cover too! Hope you enjoy the story.
Thatʻs a tasty sample! I Thank you. canʻt wait to rest of it. Congratulations on publishing and joining the ranks of Quills and Quartos! It’s always exciting to read a new author. The cover is great.
Hi Tina! Thank you so much. Yes, it has been so exciting to be part of Quills and Quartos…I have long admired their authors! I do hope you love the story!
This sounds so good. Thanks for the excerpt and congratulations on your novel. I look forward to reading more. –Leslie
Hi Leslie, thank you so much for coming to the cover reveal this week! I am so glad you enjoyed the excerpt, and I do hope you will love the story!
So, I pre-ordered based upon your description and excerpt. If it lives up to your beginning, I’ll leave a review.
Congratulations on becoming a published author and member of the JAFF family.
Oh, thank you so much, Deb! I truly hope you love this story! I really enjoyed taking these two beloved characters on a journey back to love. Thank you so much! I would love to know what you thought of it!
I’m intrigued and would love to read the book. Congrats on your release!
Hi Maria, thank you so much for coming to the cover reveal this week! I am glad you are intrigued by the excerpt, and I do hope you love the story as I do!
Sounds interesting and I cannot wait to read it! Congrats!
Hello StarStruckSwiftly! Thank you so much for coming to the cover reveal…so glad to know the excerpt was interesting for you too! I loved creating this story with our beloved characters, and I hope you love it too.
Poor Elizabeth! I’ve read variations where she’s a companion or governess, but never a maid, so this will be an interesting new take. Hopefully Darcy is over enough of his arrogance to win her over this time.
Poor Elizabeth, indeed! But she does get her happily ever after, as she deserves. And Darcy definitely learns his lesson…I think you will love this version of him. I love this story, and I hope you do too!
Congratulations on your first book! I loved the excerpt. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Hi Pam! Thank you so much for coming to the cover reveal this week! I am so pleased you loved the excerpt…this is such a sweet story, and I hope you love it too!
another book to add to my tbr pile! I am excited for this!
Hi Patricia! Thank you for coming to my cover reveal! I do hope you love the story…I really enjoyed spending time with our beloved couple and their families!
Congratulations on your debut Lucy! Always glad to hear (and read) of new JAFF authors. So comforting to hear how the writing offered solace during your time of grief. The excerpt and blurb here are real teasers and really looking forward to how your story plays out!
Thank you, Deborah. It was a balm for me, and I really loved how this story came together. I do hope you enjoy it too!
Intriguing cover. I’m always happy to read a new author and greatly looking forward to your story. Congratulations!
Hi Gail, thank you for coming to the cover reveal! I do hope you love the story, I really enjoyed spending time with these beloved characters!
Congratulations on your book! I look forward to reading it.
Thank you so much, SAF! I hope you enjoy it! I do love this story so much.
CONGRATULATIONS on your book!!!
Thank you so much, Glory!!! I do hope you love the story too!
I wish you the very best with your first book. I hope I get lucky!