Of Keys and Giveaways … by Zoe Burton

Okay, this post is not really about keys, though a key is in the title of my new book.

When I wrote last month, I told you a bit about the storyline and gave you a little preview of my then-WIP. I set myself the goal of getting it written and edited and on sale by the end of this month. Happily, I have met that goal. <3

The title I came up with for this book is Mr. Darcy: The Key to Her Heart. It is currently on pre-order at Amazon and will go “live” in two days … on March 30^th. I’ll be giving away two digital copies of this new book. Details will be at the bottom of the post.

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It took me a little longer than I had hoped to finish the book. Then, I thought I was done and as I went through and started the editing process, I realized I had left a few loose threads, so I had to write another chapter to tie it all up. I came away with a happy feeling about ODC and their love. I hope you all will, as well.

Last month, I gave you a short excerpt of about four paragraphs, containing the “meet cute” between Darcy and Elizabeth. This month, I’m going to share the cover with you and I’m going to give you the same scene from Elizabeth’s side of things.

If you will recall, I said in February’s post that this story is told from two points of view. It alternates between Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s, with each getting an entire chapter. So, the first chapter is Darcy’s point of view, the second is Elizabeth’s, the third is Darcy’s, the fourth is Elizabeth’s, and so on. The first and last chapters are Darcy’s point of view. I’ve written at least one other story in this format, but it’s been a while.

So, I hope you enjoy learning what Miss Lizzy thought of Mr. Darcy when she first saw him.

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Elizabeth Bennet watched the gentlemen enter the room. All were well-dressed and clearly at ease with their companions. They laughed and nudged each other. All except one, who entered at the back of the group. The young man was tall and broad, and solemn. Her heart raced as she examined his features.

Forcing her attention back to her hostess, she just caught her mother saying something outrageous in response to Mrs. Darcy’s supercilious question. It was clear to Elizabeth that their hostess thought very highly of herself, and not so well of her guests.

Elizabeth blushed at her mother’s words, but when Lady Lucas added her two pence, she had to hide her smirk behind her tea cup. She glanced to the side and gave her friend, Charlotte, a sympathetic look. She looked down at her cup and took a sip when she suddenly felt as though she were being stared at. She brought her eyes up to see the young man she had noticed a few minutes ago. He was looking intently at her, his gaze snaring hers. She could not look away, though she knew she should. It took a poke to her side from Charlotte’s elbow before she was able to pull her attention from him.

Elizabeth was relieved when Mrs. Darcy began to introduce the gentlemen. Finally, I will learn his name, she thought. She curtseyed to each of the men as they were introduced.

Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. What a funny name! I wonder if it is a family name. Elizabeth’s eyes met his and, as before, held for a long moment. It was only when her friend was introduced that she was able to look away. She watched as Charlotte curtseyed to the gentlemen, but her ears and every other sense were focused on the one she had just been introduced to.

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Many of you made guesses last month as to just who Grace and Theodosia were … as I’m certain you have deciphered from this month’s post, they are Darcy’s paternal aunt and cousin. The Mrs. Darcy referred to in the excerpt is Fitzwilliam Darcy’s father’s brother’s wife. LOL Her husband, Joseph, is our Darcy’s uncle … his father’s brother. Grace is Grace Darcy, our Darcy’s cousin.

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As for the giveaway … as I said above, I am giving away two digital (eBook) copies of Mr. Darcy: The Key to Her Heart.

To enter, all you have to do is comment on this post no later than 11:59 pm ET on Monday, April 4, 2022. Your comment doesn’t have to be long or even profound. Just a short one will do … like, “Hey, congrats!” or “Thanks for doing a giveaway!” or even “Nice!” or whatever else you can come up with. : ) 

Anyway, Regina will announce the winners on Sunday, April 10, 2022 here on the blog.

The giveaway is open internationally. The prizes will be awarded via Bookfunnel, which means I’ll send you a link and you can download it from that site. Please note that I take Sundays off, which means it will likely be Monday before I send prizes out.

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