It has been a few years since I’ve done this and it’s probably long overdue. There have been several changes happening in my life over the last few years, but the last time I “mapped them out” in a January post was before Always Austen started in 2023. Since that time, my husband retired; I returned to school (while working full time); both my husband and my daughter graduated from college; my husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer, treated, and is now cancer free; and I was diagnosed with very early stage 1 breast cancer. As I am nearing the end of my treatments, I have realized that many doors are opening and closing in my life and I wanted to share some of them with you.
First, let me reassure you that I am fine. They caught this extremely early. I underwent surgery in July followed by twelve weeks of chemotherapy and finishing with fifteen to nineteen rounds of radiation this month.
They got it all and are just making sure it doesn’t come back. There have been several times over the last few months when I considered what my fate could have been if I lived during Jane Austen’s day, but I could not bring myself to go down that particular rabbit hole as it does not end well and I prefer HEAs.
So, a bit of a look back. In 2018, I was approached to be part of Austen Authors and began blogging. It was something I had debated for some time before being asked to join this group and I was hesitant to do it. Like many authors, I had a case of imposter syndrome and didn’t feel that I had anything to share that others weren’t already writing about with more knowledge than I felt I had. But I took a deep breath and jumped, and I have loved sharing with you for the past seven and a half years. I hope that you enjoyed at least some of what I shared over that time, and I thank Regina for the opportunity.
That said, when I returned to school in 2023, blogging became a bit more difficult and I relied on sharing excerpts from An Interrupted Proposal for the most part. Add in the health issues (while still taking classes and working) and I have decided that it is more than I can do on a regular basis. I suspect that I will still do some guest blogs here and there, but my last monthly blog will be at the end of March.
Now don’t worry, I’m still going to be writing. I am very active in my local writing community, though I am no longer an officer, and I organize our club’s table at book festivals. If you are in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area, you can check out the Riverside Writers table at book events and I will probably be there. However, my writing may be going in a different direction for a time.
Over the years, I have often mentioned working on a memoir regarding my relationship with my father. This has never gotten off the ground because I was having difficulty finding the “message.” This year has opened my eyes and given me direction on that project, plus my class this semester is on writing memoirs, so I anticipate this taking the majority of my focus.
Again, do not worry, I am not leaving the world of Jane Austen behind. I am still a member of the Regency Society of Virginia and Pride and Prejudice ideas are constantly popping into my head, but I will be trying to branch out a bit in 2026. One project that I do want to complete is a P&P inspired play that may be produced in my area (once I finish writing it). Watch my social media for updates on that. And, of course, I will be in Nashville in February for another P&P play with my daughter. Plenty of ideas to get me through three more blogs. 😉
Now, a treat. Here is the January excerpt from 12 Months of Darcy.
January
Elizabeth leapt to her feet when she heard the knocker and waited anxiously for Hill to appear at the door of the drawing room. A glance at the mantel clock confirmed it was past time for the post to be delivered. She longed to hear from her sister Jane who had accompanied their aunt and uncle back to London. If her prayers had been answered, Jane had been reunited with Mr. Bingley and might even now be engaged.
The door opened and the housekeeper entered with several letters in one hand and one in the other. With a shake of her head, she handed the single missive to Elizabeth before carrying the remainder to Mr. Bennet’s book room. After examining the direction, Elizabeth’s shoulders drooped. It was from Charlotte, not Jane.
Never one to cling to disappointment, Elizabeth settled back into her seat and broke the seal as she wondered what her friend might have to impart.
“Hunsford Parsonage
“Hunsford, Kent
“Dearest Eliza,
“I am certain Mama has already told you Mr. Collins and I arrived safely and are settling into married life together. We have established a routine which is welcomed by both of us. I find being mistress of my own home to be the greatest joy imaginable. Though our mothers have sometimes complained about having to keep household books, I must admit I enjoy it immensely. Having a managing hand in my own home may well be the most satisfaction I have yet experienced.
“But I digress. Knowing my mother will share most every word I write, I have not wished to bore you with a repeat of what you have already heard, but now I have news that relates directly to you and I could not wait to put pen to paper. While taking tea with Lady Catherine and her daughter – my husband and I are often asked to join them on occasions when they are without company – Mr. Collins mentioned that my family would be joining us at Easter time. Her Ladyship was pleased to hear this and mentioned her family would be travelling hither at that time also. She went on to explain that her nephews visit her every year at Easter.
“You realize of course what this means, dear Eliza. You and Mr. Darcy will once more be in company.”
Elizabeth lowered the paper and pinched the bridge of her nose. Since October, Charlotte had found great amusement in suggesting Mr. Darcy held certain interests in her. How could it be that she had gone her entire life without meeting the man and now she could not travel without being in company with him again.
“I know you are shaking your head and scolding me, but I am looking forward to watching the interactions between the two of you even if you are not. Allow me this bit of fun, I pray you, to live vicariously through my single friend.”
Shaking her head, Elizabeth giggled at Charlotte’s silliness. For her years and sombre outlook, she sometimes rivalled Kitty and Lydia in her random romanticism.
“Do not fear that you will be forced to see the gentleman frequently when in residence with us. It is my understanding he is to arrive the week of Easter and depart in a fortnight. You will have been in our county more than a fortnight prior and will remain after he is gone. I beg you not to allow this to change your plans as I miss you dearly and would be heartbroken if you refused to attend me. Pray, see the amusement as I have and say you will still join my family when they come to visit me.
“I look forward to your reassurances.
“Yours, etc.
“Charlotte Collins”
With a sigh, Elizabeth pushed out of her seat and made her way to the escritoire by the window. She took a moment to stare out the window at the dormant winter landscape before settling into the seat and drawing out a fresh sheet of paper. After mending a pen, she considered her words. Finally, she dipped the pen in the ink and began her reply.
“Longbourn, Hertfordshire
“My Dear Charlotte,
“I find your amusement at my impending discomfort odd for a friend, but you have always been such. As you have pointed out, I will have prior and post claim to your company so I suppose I shall be forced to make do during the fortnight of Mr. Darcy’s presence. Your mother has mentioned that even in the bleak winter, you have spoken highly of the surrounding countryside and I hope to find a plethora of lanes, fields, and woods to fill even my need of nature. That is to say, I will not allow Mr. Darcy to rob me of time in your company. As you are well aware, my courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.”
Elizabeth sat back and read her response. Determining it was precisely what she wanted to say, she set the paper aside. She would finish later, providing bits of news that Lady Lucas might not think interesting to her eldest daughter. Instead, her gaze wandered once more to the scene outside her window as she considered Charlotte’s words. As always, thoughts of Mr. Darcy aggravated and confused her, so she quickly pushed them aside and returned to studying the landscape.
After the demands of December, it seemed as though the world had decided to sleep through January. Or perhaps that was only here in Hertfordshire. Surely Jane and the Gardiners remained active. Town held daily activities no matter the time of year.
Her mind once more on her sister, Elizabeth bit her lip and said a prayer that Jane would find her happiness in the coming year, and sooner rather than later.
If you haven’t requested a copy of this free collection and want to do so, please email me at bronwenchisholm@comcast.net.
See you next month!
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