Elizabeth Bennet flung off her covers, morning chill and anticipation prickling her skin and awakening her senses. She had to leave quickly if she were to leave at all. Every floorboard groaned. Every breath thundered. Every brush of fabric as she donned her costume scratched. Sounds nobody heard during the daytime deafened at dawn, and no matter how many times Elizabeth had performed this same routine, the nerve-tingling urgency and panic never ceased to accompany her. She could not risk waking the household. Plaiting her hair and pinning it in place, she reached in the dim light for the brooch she always left beside her book on the bedside table. It was her favorite — the one Uncle Gardiner had bought for her in Italy ages ago, before the war. Elizabeth ran her finger tenderly over the uneven stones — emerald malachite; bright turquoise; vibrant lapis lazuli; and aventurine in Spring grass green, Summer sun yellow, and Autumn orange — carefully arranged in an intricate, miniature puzzle creating a colorful mosaic of the Italian countryside. She would travel there. Someday. Until that blessed day, Elizabeth wore her uncle’s thoughtful gift on the lapel of her riding habit with pride. Were it not for her dear aunt and uncle’s efforts on her behalf, she doubted her father would allow her and her sisters to venture so far as even London. That Aunt and Uncle Gardiner had persuaded him to allow Elizabeth to accompany them North through Derbyshire the approaching summer — where her aunt had spent most of her youth — was a modern-day miracle. They might even travel farther to the Lake District. Elizabeth hoped so. Less than two months remained until her grand adventure. Forty-seven days to be precise. Forty-seven days which could not pass by quickly enough to suit Elizabeth. Her morning escapades were her only relief from the tedium of watching the clock tick through the never-ending days.
What is Elizabeth up to? Will she get her adventure?
Here’s a little glimpse into what awaits you. Sparks are flying between Darcy and Elizabeth! Hearts will either melt, or they’ll set each other on fire… You’ll have to read it to find out.
Georgiana’s story is soon to go live, and I thought you’d like a little taste of what’s to come. Yes, it’s a suspense with enough murder and mayhem to keep you on your toes. But it’s mostly a story of hope, love, and the strength of family.
Isn’t she beautiful?
Miss Darcy stood before him now, wearing an outrageously bold mask. The attention-seeking plumes contradicted her unassuming character, but she did not wilt in self-consciousness. She donned the impressive arrangement with a confidence that fanned the flames of his curiosity and admiration.
“There is an appalling lack of curtains in the ballroom,” Michael teased once Miss Bennet had departed with a dutiful (and awake) Mrs. Wiggins trailing behind her.
He offered Miss Darcy his arm, and his temperament lightened with the touch of her gloved hand.
“I had noticed,” she said. “However, given the height of my costume, I do not think even curtains would conceal me tonight.” She fingered a protruding feather, adding emphasis to her point.
Michael laughed, pleased with Miss Darcy’s ability to laugh at herself. She did not take herself too seriously.
It was difficult to hear over the buzz of the crowd, so he led her toward the gardens. “I admit to a great curiosity regarding your choice of mask. I never would have guessed you would choose such a … striking … headdress,” he said.
Miss Darcy sighed. “Sometimes the price of friendship is rather steep.”
So the headdress had not been her idea. His interest was piqued. “I should love to hear how that came about if you wish to tell it.” Please do, he thought while she considered.
Another sigh. Then finally, “I might as well. Were it not for Miss Bennet, I daresay I would not have come here at all tonight. However, one does what one can to add to others’ happiness … even at the cost of one’s comfort.”
“One does,” Michael agreed wholeheartedly, hoping she would continue.
“Then you understand my predicament. After so much exertion encouraging her spirits, you can imagine my reaction when Miss Bennet was saddened to see, on our way here, more than a few other ladies wearing the same mask. Unwilling to allow the coincidence to spoil her evening, I offered to trade with her. I should not have regretted it were nothing more than my own comfort affected, but as you experienced, she seized on the opportunity to switch identities entirely.”
“That explains her disappointment when I recognized you.”
“You did,” she said softly.
The gentleness in her tone warmed his cheeks.
Another sensation, one that had him straightening his posture and holding the arm she held further out from his side, made him look over his shoulder. Mr. Darcy’s steely gaze cooled Michael’s complexion like a blast of frigid air.
Right. He must not forget his place. Miss Darcy was kindness personified, and he would not flatter himself by adding more meaning to her words than she, in fact, spoke.
Michael cleared his throat and returned the conversation to Miss Bennet. “Surely she does not expect anyone of your acquaintance to be fooled by her act.”
“That will not keep her from trying,” Miss Darcy said with a smile, turning to face the ballroom once they reached the balustrade separating them from the dark gardens below.
There was no vanity or jealousy in Miss Darcy’s tone, and she bore the discomfort of which she spoke elegantly.
Clearing his throat again, Michael acknowledged, “Yes, Miss Bennet does seem like the sort of lady to make the best of any situation.” Would Miss Darcy resent his praise of another? Most ladies would.
“It is what I love most about her,” Miss Darcy said, her eyes softening as they searched the crowd for her friend.
The glow of sincere affection flattered her fair features more than the hundreds of candles casting their light from the ballroom chandeliers. Miss Darcy was as beautiful inside as she was in appearance.
Oh dear.
Michael felt himself in danger. He looked through the doors hoping to see Mr. Darcy’s stern stare fixed on him. That would interrupt the warmth spreading over Michael like liquid honey. Delicious and dangerous. He was powerless to resist her, his desire to know more about the fascinating woman as intense as the bright moon in the cloudless sky bathing them in its brilliance.
“Remarkable,” he muttered.
“That two complete opposites should be the best of friends? My brother would agree with you, Mr. Nelson,” she said.
That was not at all what he had meant with his comment, but he had no right to encourage affection when he had determined to keep his distance from the Darcys. After tonight. He had not seen the man with the scar since his call, and it was unlikely such a man would attempt to gain entry into an event where his presence would not be tolerated.
Just a couple more minutes. Just one more question. Just one more detail he could ponder after they parted ways.
Love is in the air!
I don’t know about you, but I’m cheering for Michael. Trouble is brewing, though, and the strength of their attachment will be put to the test.
Are you ready for more? Just 3 more days until the book goes live! Want your copy the second it goes live? Click here to pre order.
