I’m so excited to share with you another excerpt from my forthcoming novel Elizabeth and Darcy: Beginning Again. I will be publishing it next Tuesday 2nd February! I’m so excited to share it with the world. To celebrate the release I’m doing a giveaway. More information is below. However, you can also pre-order it from Amazon. Click on the cover image below:
Now to the excerpt. It’s a few pages further on from what I shared with you in my last post. Elizabeth has hurt her ankle, having accidentally bumped into Mr Darcy. His horse has bolted and now she’s waiting for him to return from looking for a place for them to shelter in.
Could this moment really be lasting an eternity, Elizabeth wondered, as she was sitting under the tree getting wetter by the minute. It certainly felt like it. The pain in her ankle was severe and it occurred to her that it may be broken. God forbid, she thought with a shudder. If she had broken a bone in her ankle and it was then set incorrectly, it could mean she would never walk again.
And Mr Darcy. Elizabeth could not make him out. In all her previous encounters with him, he had been aloof, taciturn and on occasion more than a little rude. During the short time she had been in his company this morning however, he had behaved with great chivalry towards her. It was perplexing to say the least. She shook her head. Mr Darcy was only performing the service that any gentleman would and that was all. But his keeping hold of her hand for longer than necessary. What could he mean by it, if he truly disliked her? Attempting to answer this vexing question kept her mind occupied for a good while, in fact until the gentleman himself appeared in front of her. Elizabeth felt her face flush and bit her lip as her eyes met Mr Darcy’s own.
For a moment neither of them spoke but remained as they were with their eyes fixed on one another. It was as though someone had cast a spell over them. Elizabeth was startled that Mr Darcy seemed as transfixed as she. She wanted and yet did not want to look away. Finally, he cleared his throat. The spell was broken and he said, ‘Miss Bennet, I have discovered the gamekeeper’s cottage that you mentioned, although in truth it is more of a hut.’ He gave her a rueful smile, which seemed somehow to transform his face, lightening it, making him appear even more handsome than before.
She gave him a brief nod. ‘Thank you for searching in this dreadful weather,’ she said. ‘It may be a mere hut, but I think it is the best we can hope for. Beggars cannot be choosers.’
‘No, indeed,’ he replied. He paused and she saw that he seemed to be bracing himself for what he would say next. ‘Unfortunately, it is quite far from here, about a half mile. Miss Bennet, I must carry you for all of that time, if you will permit me?’
‘But of course,’ she replied. ‘I suppose that will have to suffice, as my ankle can scarcely support my weight.’
He gave a wry smile at her tart comment. ‘In that case, I suggest we depart immediately,’ he said and stooped to pick her up. She put her arms around his neck. ‘You are wet through,’ he added as he straightened and began to walk away from the tree which had proved so mean a shelter for her.
‘It is a very wet day, sir,’ Elizabeth replied lightly. ‘I cannot be expected to look the part of a lady in conditions such as these,’ she added in a mischievous tone.
He did not understand her. ‘Miss Bennet, I was not suggesting for one moment that you…’
‘Of course not, Mr Darcy,’ she replied. ‘I merely jest.’
Now for the giveaway! I have four ebook copies of Elizabeth and Darcy: Beginning Again available to anyone who leaves a comment below. The giveaway ends on 2nd February. Good luck!
Ooh now I can’t wait to read the rest!
Congratulation on the release of your first ever Austenesque novel, Elaine! Of course you had released 2 earlier Regency time travel books but I considered that Austen-inspired rather than the real thing. Although this trope has been done before by other authors, I am eager to see how Elizabeth has a change of feeling for Mr Darcy much earlier than in canon.
Thank you so much! I’m working on the final book in my time travel trilogy at the moment, but I already have plans for another P&P variation. So watch this space! 🙂
What a wonderful new start to a story I dearly love! Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
Thank you so much Kathy! Hope you enjoy it when you get to read it. Good luck in the giveaway. 🙂
Preordered my copy! Good luck with the release.
Thank you so much Sam. Hope you enjoy it.
Congratulations on your new book!
Thank you! Hope you get to read it sometime. Good luck in the giveaway.
I am so looking forward to reading this story, one way or another. Thank you for a chance to win a copy.
Thanks so much Sheila! Good luck in the giveaway. 🙂
Congratulations on your new book release, I look forward to reading more!
Thank you for sharing this excerpt and giveaway. hope you are doing well and staying safe!
Thank you Chelsea! I’m doing good thanks, hope you are too. Good luck in the giveaway.
Thank you for the excerpt. Release day is almost here. Can’t wait. (Please do not include me in the drawing I hadpre-ordered it)
That’s so great, thank you, hope you enjoy it. 🙂
Thank you for this delicious excerpt! So much to think about…. already she’s softening and seeing such good, and how long will they get to learn more about each other before the rain let’s up? I can’t wait to read this book! Thank you for the excerpt. And the giveaway!
Aw thank you so much, really glad you enjoyed the excerpt. Good luck in the giveaway!
I loved the excerpt and look forward to reading more. Congratulations on your new book.. –Leslie
Thank you Leslie! Good luck in the giveaway. 🙂
This is quite a delicious excerpt, with Mr Darcy doing what reminds me of Brandon’s act towards Marianne in a couple of S&S adaptations. There is something romantic even if (and probably since) this act borders on impropriety. Thank you for the excerpt, although I ask not to be entered in the contest.
Thank you. So glad you enjoyed it. Yes, it is a bit similar to certain scenarios in different S&S adaptations. 😉 Hope you get to read it sometime.
Loved this and look forward to reading more. Congrats on the release!
Thanks so much! Hope you enjoy it when you get to read it. Good luck in the giveaway!
Oh my. Up close and personal for 1/2 a mile. Thanks for sharing!
Welcome! Good luck in the giveaway. 🙂
Sigh, the gallant Mr. Darcy. Lovely excerpt, and thank you for sharing!
Thanks very much Robin! Good luck in the giveaway. 🙂
Congratulations on your new release. I look forward to reading it.
Thank you so much Marie! Good luck in the giveaway. 🙂
I’m looking forward to reading it! And thank you for the generous giveaway!
Will the price go up after the book is made available? Will it be in Kindle Unlimited?
Hi Ginna! Thank you! I can’t wait for you to read it. 🙂 The price will go up eventually but will stay the same for a while after it’s published. Yes, it will be available in Kindle Unlimited.
Thank you! Very good information to know (if one is not successful in the giveaway.)
No problem. 🙂 Hopefully you’ll get to read it one way or another!
Oh, I hope her ankle is only badly sprained! And how long will they be alone together in the hut??? Can’t wait to find out!
Well I hope you do get to read on and find out! 😉 Good luck in the giveaway.
I wonder if Darcy will now have to excuse himself as he will need to handle Elizabeth’s ankle to see if it is broken. Compromise? Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway. Congratulations on your new book publication.
Thank you Eva! Good luck in the giveaway.
Don’t include me in the giveaway, I grabbed the preorder and am looking forward to reading this. Blessings on its success. Stay safe and healthy.
Thank you so much! Hope you enjoy it. 🙂
Fantastic excerpt! I looking forward to reading more.
Thank you! So glad you liked it. Good luck in the giveaway.
Mr. Darcy to the rescue! Sigh…. Lovely excerpt! Congratulations on the new release!
Thanks very much! Good luck in the giveaway. 🙂
Looking forward to the release of your new book. Enjoyed the excerpt. Thank you for a chance to win a copy.
Thanks so much. Hope you enjoy it when you get to read it. Good luck in the giveaway!
I already have the pre-order so no need to include me in the giveaway. Looking forward to reading the revised version.
Aw thanks so much Jen, you’re always so supportive! Hope you enjoy it. Not long to wait now. 😉
looking forward to reading this! thanks for the chance to win!
Thank you! Good luck in the giveaway. 🙂
Wonderful excerpt. Looking forward to reading more.
Thanks so much! Good luck in the giveaway.
I very much enjoyed this excerpt. They are getting along so nicely with their banter.
Thank you! Good luck in the giveaway.
Like Melissa above, I have preordered the book. You had me at “Could this moment…”
Aw thanks so much Regina and for all your support. Hope you enjoy it. 🙂
“But of course” – hehe she does not seem too worried 🙂 YEs, I know she cannot walk but in my mind she sounds a bit eager hehehe, I just need to keep reading.
Thank you for the giveaway, Elaine.
Hahaha maybe she is worried, but is just being polite! 😉 Good luck in the giveaway.
Wishing you all of the best on your upcoming book! I’ve preordered it and am greatly looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the tantalizing excerpt.
Thanks so much, that’s really good to hear. Hope you enjoy it! 😀
Enjoying your Elizabeth and Darcy banter! Looking forward to your book. Lovely pic of Jennifer Ehle brightens this post.
Thanks Linny! Good luck in the giveaway. 🙂