Hello my dear friends! I am so excited to welcome the lovely Jan Ashton to Austenesque Reviews today! ✨
Jan has published several fantastic Austenesque books – my most favorite being A Hopeless Business! 📗
I am all eager anticipation for Jan’s newest release – Mr Darcy’s Quizzing Glass – and it sounds like this premise includes a somewhat fantastical object. 🔎
Jan is here to share an excerpt from Mr Darcy’s Quizzing Glass. We hope you enjoy! 
~ Book Description ~
Its gaze may pierce the veils of men, yet use it sparingly…
After the sudden death of his father, twenty-three-year-old Fitzwilliam Darcy inherits more than Pemberley and a vast fortune—he discovers a mysterious quizzing glass hidden in his father’s locked drawer. What begins as a tool to decipher illegible ledgers soon reveals an extraordinary power: the ability to see the true character of those around him.. Darkness surrounds the deceitful. A warm glow emanates from the good. Yet Elizabeth Bennet radiates unlike anyone he’s ever encountered, a luminous presence that haunts his every thought. For the first time, the glass that has protected him from fortune hunters and rogues has become a burden, for how can he trust his heart when his feelings may be influenced by inexplicable enchantment?
Elizabeth Bennet expects nothing from the aloof Mr Darcy beyond his disdain for country society. After all, he deemed her merely “tolerable” at their first meeting—a slight she’s determined never to forgive. But Elizabeth finds herself increasingly drawn to the enigmatic gentleman, even as she questions his constant, unsettling stares. As their acquaintance deepens, Elizabeth glimpses the truth about Darcy’s quizzing glass and challenges his reliance on it. Can a man who has spent years judging others through enchanted glass learn to trust his own heart? And what does it mean when the woman he loves shines brighter than anyone he’s ever seen?
Mr Darcy’s Quizzing Glass is a novel length Pride and Prejudice Variation that contains a touch of magic and an enemies to lovers romance. Content is closed door and the angst level is low.
~ Excerpt from Mr Darcy’s Quizzing Glass ~
Since arriving in town two days earlier, Darcy had spent too many hours in his study or at his uncle’s table. Today brought no relief. He had sat through three interviews for a new companion for Georgiana; no matter what the agency had noted in its paperwork, the first two applicants were clearly unsuitable.
The third woman, however, had qualities warranting more scrutiny. He approved of her manners, and after listening carefully to her French and her thoughts on lessons and reading material, Darcy had almost deemed her worthy of the position. And yet, her stern surety in herself, while admirable, was likely excessively harsh for a girl as reserved as his sister. Of course he would not make such a decision alone. He lifted the quizzing glass from his desk to peer at the lady over her letter of introduction.
A shadow of black pulsated around her. Stunned, he shot to his feet and moved towards the door, swinging it open wide and beckoning the footman hovering nearby.
“Mrs Younge, I thank you for your time.”
An expression of angry surprise flitted across the woman’s countenance, securing for him that his estimation of her was correct. She rose, gave him a cool look, and saying nothing in response, disappeared through the door.
Roiled by angry relief that only his possession of the quizzing glass had kept him from endangering his own dear sister, Darcy took himself off to his club, where he proceeded to ignore his friends’ urgings to attend that evening’s amusements at Lady Hervey’s card party.
The last thing he needed tonight was a coquettish female or an acquaintance eager to ask his opinion. In the past few years, he had done enough in society—and raised the quizzing glass far too often—to understand the ambitions and schemes of the ton. A discussion of the weather would turn quickly to suggestions that he meet someone’s daughter. ‘So accomplished, and her dowry is more than generous.’ Another conversation on the state of the roads might inspire a proposal for his investment in a mine or a shipping concern. ‘Five thousand pounds, which you will double in a year. It is a certainty.’
The words and behaviours were familiar, the smiles and invitations cloying and disingenuous. Darcy had a small circle of those he counted as true friends, whose decency and goodness was obvious. Finding a lady of similar merit was difficult. Every time he was tempted to further his understanding of a young lady by looking through the glass, he was stopped by a single thought.
Am I unable to choose my own bride? Is my judgment so weak, my will so irresolute that I rely too much upon its powers alone?
Yet he had nearly made a dreadful mistake choosing Georgiana’s companion; why should he believe he could select his own?
Thus the conundrum he faced: power for greater insight was thwarted by the fear of learning he had no discernment at all. No one is perfect, Darcy thought, before concluding that Thomas Grey was correct: ‘Where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise’.
And rather lonely.
“Darcy!”
“Fitzwilliam.”
No one was happier to see him at Boodles than his cousin, who was quick to pull Darcy aside and secure his promise to attend a dinner party at his parents’ home the following evening.
“I had planned to call on them in the afternoon, after finishing some business here. I am to depart for Pemberley the day after.”
“You cannot leave in the middle of the Season,” his burly cousin barked. “Remain in town for another week, at least?”
“What is the urgency of my company?” Darcy looked at him closely. “Have you orders for France?”
Fitzwilliam gave him an odd look. “There is a young lady I wish you to meet.”
Darcy groaned. “You too? A matchmaker?”
“You are not the only man in this family who catches the eye of eligible young ladies,” came the indignant reply. “My mother has invited Baron Lewiston and his wife and daughter to dine. I met her at a ball a fortnight ago and have found her delightful on subsequent meetings.”
“You, in love?”
His cousin shrugged. “Infatuated perhaps. She is an exceptional beauty, from a good family.”
Darcy thought quickly on what he knew of the baron. No sons to inherit and a family fortune burnished through investments in mining. His daughter need not marry a gentleman of wealth, but societal connexions would ever be important. Fitzwilliam fulfilled those requirements and brought a good heart and steadfast disposition to all that he undertook.
“I shall join you at dinner.”
What a valuable object to possess! I wish I had one myself. 😄
I’m so glad to see how Mr. Darcy is using it. 👏🏼
Looking forward to seeing these new characters Colonel Fitzwilliam knows too! 🤩
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
In conjunction with Jan’s lovely visit, Quills & Quartos is giving away 3️⃣ ebook copies of Mr Darcy’s Quizzing Glass to 3️⃣ lucky winners!!
To enter this giveaway leave a comment, a question, or some love for Jan below!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos!
- This giveaway ends March 31st
This sounds intriguing for sure!! And I agree with you, having some quizzing glasses like that would be helpful in real life too 😉
I hope you’ll find the story intriguing too!
Very intriguing! I’ll put it in my to be red pile! Thanks again for all the good stories.
Is your TBR pile as big as mine? So many great stories to read and never enough time to read everything. Hope you find time to give this book a try!
I am anxiously awaiting your book’s release. I enjoy reading your work very much!
Thank you for your kind words, VP! It takes me too long to write a book and it’s so rewarding to hear someone is waiting to read it. Hope you’ll like the story!
I would love my own quizzing glass. This is a very intriguing book. much love from us all Jan. I anxiously await March 23.
I have a houseful of magnifying glasses but I’d like a quizzing glass too! Thank you for your warm words, Leslie!
That quizzing glass sure seems handy! Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway. Congrats and best wishes on the new release!
Thanks so much, Robin!
Congrats on the book!
Thanks! I’m excited to get it out in the world!
This sounds like an interesting premise and I’ve been looking forward to its release. Just three more days! It actually made me consider what ‘crutches’ we may use instead of trusting our own judgment. . .
I had this plot bunny a couple years ago, and it did make me think about all the thinks we become over-reliant on, as ‘crutches’. It can be words or phrases or actual objects, like Darcy does—hopefully only for making good choices. Hope you’ll like the story, Carrie!
what an intriguing plot twist.
Thanks, Denise! Took me forever to write it though
Wow. I’m not sure I would want one, but that glass certainly helped Darcy avoid a terrible mistake. I look forward to reading this.
He does get rather dependent on it but who can blame him? Thanks, Cheryl!
Great fun! Looking forward to another “Jan” book. Best Wishes and thanks for featuring here. ♫
Aw, thank you Jen!!
Very excited to read this!!
What a great premise! I look forward to this book. We have already seen Ramsgate foiled, and he will likely pronounce on Fitzwilliam’s infatuation. That quizzing glass is a marvel!
Thanks, Neville! It’s a marvel…but then Darcy is a good guy with good intentions…
Thanks, Lisa! Hope you’ll enjoy it!
I’m looking forward to this! Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks, Jennie! Good luck with the giveaway!
I saw a preview for this book and it’s definitely on by tbr shelf! I love a story with a touch of fantasy (currently reading ‘Time Stans Still’) so super excited for the new one by Jan! Thanks for the review, preview and giveaway.
This is my first foray into anything fantasy–which will make my daughter happy, and I hope, you and other JAFF readers!
What an interesting premise! Very intriguing. miss Lewiston sounds a good match for the colonel, I hope she passes the test.
Thanks, Belen. And congrats to you on your new book! I loved that story when it was online and look forward to re-reading the published version.
It looks good, I’m looking forward to read it!
Thank you, Valerie!
Ooh, Darcy not hiring Mrs. Younge and foiling Wickham’s plot intrigues me! I have to read this one.
Yay, I hope you’ll like the story, Christina.
I could do with a quizzing glass like that! The cover is lovely as well. But your covers usually are, so no surprise there.
Thank you, Evie! Credit for the cover, and for many of mine and other Q&Q books, goes to the gifted Susan Adriani.
Hi Ms. Ashton. Even though I’m a Kindle Unlimited member, your books are “auto-purchase” for me! So no need to enter but thanks for the opportunity. I’m impatiently waiting for March 23rd! Talk about madness!
Oh my goodness, what an amazing compliment! Thank you! I truly hope you’ll enjoy Mr D’s Quizzing Glass–it’s a little different for me but I loved writing this Darcy and Elizabeth.
Very interesting storyline. Cannot wait to read.
Thanks, Dana!
I’m wondering if we see him using it on Elizabeth or Caroline!
That is a bit of a plot point, Susan!
Looking forward to your latest book!
Thanks, Jennifer!
I can’t wait to read this book!
Woohoo! Thanks for your support!
I always enjoy a touch of magic. If I don’t win a copy, could you send along one of those quizzing glasses as a consolation prize?
LOL! I wish I had one for myself…though it might have caused more trouble along the way than I did with my own mistakes in judgment.
Loved the snippet. Now I want to know what happens when they meet a potential match for Colonel Fitzwilliam. And look forward to reading how Caroline Bingley, Wickham and those in Hertfordshire fare
Glad you like that scene. The glimpses Darcy has of various people really has influenced his choices in life, and those of others.
Well that’s a relief, the glass stopped him from hiring Mrs Younge! Apparently it’s not going to stop him from insulting Elizabeth though? I love this idea and Thankyou so much for the chance of a gift. I’ve added it to my list.
Darcy cannot help himself around Elizabeth, can he? Poor guy. Thanks for commenting and good luck with the giveaway, Glynis!
Since his lack of ability to “read the room” is one of Darcy’s biggest challenges, I’m excited to read how his character and behavior do (or don’t) change because he has this wonderful new tool!
Yes! Reading the room and catching the tone of conversation are definite impediments for Darcy, but the boy needs to learn how to do it himself. (Maybe.)
Very interesting premise. If only we could all have some sort of object to help determine who was true and who was false in our lives…
Wouldn’t it marvelous–a means for all of us to know fact v fiction and truth v false? But we all have our own perspectives and experiences to view the world and now, social media and AI-created imagery to deal with as well. A very good time for. quizzing glass.
I love that Darcy was able to see Mrs Younge for what she was before hiring her. I look forward to seeing other ways the quizzing glass changes the story
Thank goodness he used it! I hope you’ll enjoy the rest of the story, Cyndy!
I agree; it would be wonderful to own a similar quizzing glass, although a bit out of style in today’s society! I can also see how Darcy would begin to doubt his own abilities to discern after becoming dependent on such an object. Looking forward to reading about his first meeting with Elizabeth. Congratulations on publishing a new story.
Thank you so much, Jeannette. Darcy is not a man who likes to be overly dependent on anything or show off any vanity, so the quizzing glass is a challenge for him.
It is a different taking to give Darcy magical quizzing glasses! Must e some fun scenes!
It would definitely be helpful for managing others’ lives, right? Imagine if Bingley or Caroline had it instead. Thanks Audny.
Hi Jan,
I love the premise of the quizzing glass but I hope Mr Darcy will be able to trust himself too
Thanks for the giveaway!
P.S I read ” A Delicate Rose” and I had fun with Lady Catherine’s affaires!
Oh I’m so glad you enjoyed A Delicate Rose! Thanks for telling me, Teresa! Not everyone can handle reading about Lady Catherine’s heart but Justine and I tried to add lots of humor and keep Darcy and Elizabeth at the center of it all. I hope you’ll like this more serious, nearly Lady C-free book!
I don’t read excerpts; I rely on authors’ names and my past experience with works I’ve read. You are definitely on the Be Sure to Read list.
Thank you,
Betty
That is high praise, Betty. Thanks so much. I hope you like the story.
It sounds really interesting! Thank you for the opportunity of the giveaway!
Intriguing idea! Thanks.
I just finished the excerpt and am intrigued. I usually read your books as soon as released, and this promises to please.
I like that rather than arrogance, Darcy is conflicted about trusting his own judgement. He is caught between indiscriminately depending on the glass or learning to weild it as a tool to improve his own discernment.
This sounds wonderfully intriguing! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book. I’d love to read it!
Now in my huge, growing-larger TBR pile!