Autumn is nigh, and it’s by far my favorite time of the year. This autumn is especially delightful, as it heralds the release of my new book, Estranged.
Here’s an excerpt:
Chapter 1
Such Lofty Connections
Northern England – 1812
The countryside pulsated with vitality and splendor as the shooting party of local society’s elite strutted and cackled across the lush grounds of the sprawling estate, their laughter echoing through the verdant forests. Amid this display of affluence and elegance, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the spirited daughter of a modest country gentleman in distant Hertfordshire, found herself both entranced and somewhat out of place. Accompanied by her aunt and uncle, the Gardiners, she now found herself in a world where wealth and privilege held sway. Clad in a modest olive-green muslin gown, with a tan spencer and a bonnet tied by unassuming dark ribbons, Elizabeth’s appearance was a striking contrast to the lavishness surrounding her. A pang of self-consciousness tugged at her heart as she wished, not for the first time that day, that she had paid more heed to her attire.
Her aunt, Mrs. Gardiner—an amiable and elegant woman and a favorite of Elizabeth and her four sisters—noticed Elizabeth’s discomfort and smiled reassuringly, taking her by the arm. “I have long heard of these shooting parties as being second to none,” she said. “How fortunate that the timing of our trip to the north has allowed us to take part in the excitement.”
“It is nice to have such lofty connections,” said Elizabeth, nodding and wondering what adventures lay ahead of them for the day.
“It will be well worth the slight alterations to our travel plans.” In speaking that way, Mrs. Gardiner was referring to their decision to forego visiting the Lakes.
Elizabeth said, “Indeed, what are rocks and mountains compared with rubbing shoulders with the upper echelons of local society?”
Tearing her eyes from all the beauty that surrounded her, Elizabeth saw her uncle Mr. Gardiner heading her way, accompanied by a younger man. The latter was tall and well-built, with piercing dark eyes. Impeccably dressed, he had a chiseled jawline that caught the light just so. His manly gait was the very picture of assurance.
She had to admit, this was not her first time seeing him, having glimpsed the gentleman with his noble mien soon after her arrival. She had not been unimpressed by the view. It was impossible for her not to notice the way his broad shoulders filled out his jacket or the way his tan breeches clung to his muscular thighs. Nor had she missed the way eager young ladies had whispered and pointed in admiration of him as he passed them by.
When they were face to face, Mr. Gardiner, a sensible, gentlemanly man, said, “Ladies, allow me to introduce you to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire. Mr. Darcy, pray allow me to present my wife, Mrs. Madeline Gardiner.”
The younger man slightly bowed. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” he said to the older woman, even though Elizabeth could swear his eyes were fixed on her.
“The pleasure is all mine,” said Mrs. Gardiner.
“And this young lady is my niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet,” Mr. Gardiner said, motioning to Elizabeth.
Clasping his hands behind his back, Mr. Darcy bowed again. “Miss Bennet.”
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth said, curtseying.
“Our esteemed hostess, Lady Cantrell, has paired the two of you, my dear Lizzy, as shooting partners, and I offered to make the introductions.”
A sudden warmth rose to her cheeks. Her aunt had forewarned her to expect the unexpected owing to Lady Cantrell’s predilection to upend conventions, but Elizabeth never imagined being partnered with what appeared to be one of the most sought-after gentlemen in the assemblage.
What a stroke of luck to be the happy recipient of such a handsome gentleman’s attention for the best part of the day.
Now, she really wished she had dressed with more than usual care that morning. Upon second thought, she considered that judging by Mr. Darcy’s air, he likely cared too much about his own appearance to be concerned with the appearance of others.
The weather was pleasant, the company lively, and spirits were high as the group, equipped with gear, set off into the woods surrounding the estate. The air was filled with anticipation as Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy fell into step beside each other, while the Gardiners trailed a respectable distance behind. A tremor of pleasure ran through Elizabeth’s body in anticipation.
Surely such a handsome and alluring gentleman can only bring delight to one’s spirit.
“Do you often take part in such occasions as this, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth asked, glancing up at him with a small smile.
“Yes, I enjoy the sport whenever I have the opportunity,” he replied, his tone measured and polite.
The couple talked casually, exchanging polite pleasantries about the weather and the beauty of the estate. But as they entered the forest, Mr. Darcy’s demeanor changed. He became more serious, more focused, as if sizing up the woods, mentally mapping out the best spots for their purposes.
“Have you handled a firearm before, Miss Bennet?” he asked, his voice low and steady.
“I must confess, my shooting skills are not as sharp as they ought to be,” Elizabeth admitted with a sheepish smile. “But I shall do my best not to embarrass you too abominably.”
His eyes sparkling with unspoken amusement, the corner of Mr. Darcy’s mouth twitched upward. “It takes practice and patience to become an expert shooter. But with the right instruction, I have no doubt you will excel.”
Elizabeth felt a thrill run through her at his words. There was something about the way he spoke to her, the way he looked at her, that made her feel alive and excited.
They descended into the forest, accompanied by the sounds of leaves crunching underfoot and the distant echo of gunfire from nearby shooting parties. Elizabeth stole glances at Mr. Darcy whenever she could, admiring the way the sunlight caught in his dark hair.
In the shadows of the woods, Elizabeth’s heart quickened, her breath catching as she aligned her sights on the target ahead. Mr. Darcy stood behind her, his hands gently but firmly guiding her aim. Each adjustment of her posture sent a thrill through her. Even if she were the most accomplished markswoman in all the land, she would happily avail herself of such ministrations, secretly cherishing these brief moments of intimacy, innocent though they were and with a stranger no less, among the whispering leaves and ancient trees.
“Focus on your breathing,” he said softly. “Take a deep breath, then exhale slowly. And remember to squeeze the trigger gently, not pull it.”
She tried to concentrate on the task at hand, but it was becoming increasingly difficult in the face of Mr. Darcy’s proximity and his warm breath on her neck. She tried to push the thoughts from her mind and steadied her breathing. As she fired, she felt a sense of satisfaction when she successfully made her shot.
“Well done, Miss Bennet. You have a natural talent for this,” Mr. Darcy said, his voice low and encouraging.
Alarmingly, a deafening crack split the air. It was too close. In an instant, Elizabeth found herself enveloped in a strong pair of arms, her body flushed against Mr. Darcy’s as they tumbled onto the forest floor, Mr. Darcy’s firm body shielding hers.
Want more? Visit my recently relaunched Patreon page for the enticing conclusion to Estranged, Chapter 1 and an intriguing start of a heart throbbing, heart-wrenching, and heartwarming new adventure for Darcy and Elizabeth.
You need not be a patron. It’s free to read. Just log in or sign up to Patreon. Read the post and hit 🤍 to be entered into a giveaway for a $10 Amazon Gift Card giveaway (separate from Always Austen). One winner will be selected on September 28, 2023 and notified by email.
Here’s an example of what else is in store:
Giveaway Time!
Comment below for a chance to win a $5 Amazon Gift Card. One winner will be selected and must be eligible to redeem the gift card on Amazon.com. Hurry! The giveaway contest ends on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.
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