DARCY’S MELODY
By Jennifer Redlarczyk
(It is my pleasure to welcome Jennifer Redlarczyk today to Darcyholic Diversions. I first met her on the forums, and found her delightful. I am happy to let you know about her latest book. Be sure to read through to the end as you need to comment to win one of 2 copies of her book. Post your comment by October 16th by 9 pm est. BTCole...)
Greetings! I am pleased to here on Darcyholic Diversions today
with my new release, Darcy’s Melody, inspired
by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
In the year 1811 the war with France continues to rage, sending many
injured men home to England where accommodations are limited. Raising funds to
build an additional structure at the London Hospital for the wounded has become
a top priority for Lady Eleanor Fitzwilliam, Countess of Matlock. She has not
only enlisted members of the ton to
assist with her committee, but women who are well-known throughout the trade
community. It is within this endeavour that Elizabeth Bennet and Georgiana
Darcy first meet through a mutual love of music. In this particular scene,
however, Darcy and Elizabeth encounter each other under very different
circumstances.
FROM CHAPTER ONE
London
Tuesday,
21 May 1811
Early
afternoon
Ballard’s
was an eclectic treasure trove of rare first editions and unusual books located
on the thoroughfare of Piccadilly. Although it appeared somewhat dingy and
dimly lit from the outside, inside the ageing building the atmosphere was
inviting, and a vast array of literature beckoned lovers of the written word.
Promptly at one o’clock, Fitzwilliam Darcy
entered the bookshop and walked directly towards his favoured section. While
paging through a military war journal, he instinctively glanced toward the back
of the shop. Even with several patrons milling about the establishment today,
Darcy’s eyes were drawn to a young lady who appeared to be examining a small
book in the poetry section.
Closing the journal, Darcy ambled over to
where the woman stood and began perusing the titles on a nearby shelf. After
taking a book in hand, he purposely turned his head towards the young lady. Captivated
by her large, dark emerald-green eyes sparkling with mischief, he felt his lips
curve into a half smile when she spoke.
“Pray, sir, may I trouble you to hand me the
book of Cowper poetry on the upper shelf?”
Darcy nodded. “With pleasure. Cowper is an
excellent choice.”
As he reached for the book, she continued, “One
poem in particular reminds me of Oakham Mount in Hertfordshire. I find I am rather desirous of its solace today if
only through the eyes of the poet.”
Handing her the book, he answered in kind. “I understand
your sentiments for I, too, am from the country and have longed to return to Derbyshire.”
Arching an eyebrow in his direction, she
inclined her head and said, “I thank you, sir.”
“You are most welcome.”
As she turned the pages of her selection in
search of the poem, Darcy heard the young lady gasp when both of her books slid
out of her hands and onto the floor. “Oh dear,” she sighed, stooping down to
retrieve them.
“Allow me,” he immediately offered. Both
reaching for the books, Darcy felt her small, warm hand carefully slip a folded
piece of paper into the palm of his own. The young lady had not replaced her
glove after perusing her own book, and her skin was soft to the touch. Leaning
closer, the faint scent of lavender seemed to strengthen, causing his chest to
tighten and his heart to quicken in response.
Feigning innocence, she looked up at him and
said, “Again, sir, I am in your debt. Perhaps I should make my purchases before
I have another mishap.”
“Permit me to carry these to the desk for
you.”
Acknowledging his offer with a slight curtsey,
the young lady whispered, “Sir, I think we are being observed.” Then speaking
louder, she added, “Thank you again. You are most kind.”
“Your servant.” He bowed. With his senses
heightened from being forewarned of impending danger, Darcy spoke softly in
return, “How did you come? I would not have you leave here unescorted.”
“There is a carriage waiting, sir. A
manservant is nearby and a maid is within.”
“Then leave now and be careful.”
♫
As you can tell
from this opening scene, there is a bit of intrigue, not to mention Darcy feels
an immediate attraction to Elizabeth when they first meet. Not long after, Darcy
is made aware of Elizabeth’s identity, and because of her standing in society is
resolved to keep his desires under good regulation. In
this scene, however, we see that our hero’s subconscious is equally determined.
Enjoy!
FROM
CHAPTER SIX
Darcy’s Bed
Chamber
The
curtains fluttered back and forth as a cool, soothing breeze blew in through
the open window. Darcy rolled over and reached for her soft, warm body, but she
was not there. The mellow sound of her lovely voice humming a simple tune brought
a smile to his lips.
Rubbing the
sleep from his eyes, he asked, “Where are you, my love?”
“I am
here,” she answered from the balcony of their bedchamber.
Bathed in
moonlight, he could see every curve of her silhouette beneath the thin sheath
of her nightgown. Tempted by the sight, he stole out of bed and hurried to
where she stood gazing at the stars.
“William,
is it not beautiful?”
“Beautiful,”
he whispered although his eyes were fixed solely on her. Gently wrapping his arms
around the one he loved, Darcy inhaled the scent of lavender as he burrowed his
face in her long tresses. Then, ever so softly, he placed tender kisses on the
side of her neck, continuing down to her exposed shoulder. She willingly turned
in his arms and began sliding her hands up his chest until her fingers slipped
into his hair, clasping him firmly behind the neck. Her eyes were inviting, and
his breath quickened as he lowered his head to claim her lips. In one swift
motion, he picked her up and carried her to their bed.
“My darling,
I love you.”
“I am
yours,” she whispered.
To his
dismay, a sudden gust of wind sent a shiver through his body, causing him to
feel something was terribly wrong. Studying her face in the dim light, he
wondered if the shadows were playing tricks on his vision. Pulling back in
fear, he gasped when the woman in his arms leaned forward, allowing him to
clearly see she was not his Elizabeth. She was....
“NO!” Darcy sat up in bed, drenched in
perspiration. Struggling to be free of the sheets and regain his senses, he
exclaimed, “Merciful Heaven, what is happening to me?”
Rising, he groaned while pushing the tangled
mess aside and donning his robe. Immediately calling for a bath, he ordered his
valet to have the water tepid for, at present, the heat radiating from his body
was unbearable. Needing a few minutes, he walked over to a window, gripped the
sashes, and breathed deeply. Every night since she was last in his home, he had
dreamed of Elizabeth Bennet, and each and every night, the dream had become
more vivid. “This has to stop. I shall not
give in to this madness!”
♫
Thanks
so much to Barbara Tiller Cole for having me as her guest today. I hope all of
you have enjoyed these short excerpts from my new book and will let me know how
well you think Darcy is controlling his desires in your comments. Feel free to
speculate about the other woman who
was brazen enough to interrupt his dream. I look forward to hearing from you,
and from those who comment, two winners will be chosen in my giveaway to
receive a Darcy’s Melody eBook. (International)
Good luck! Jen Red ♫
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR
Jennifer
Redlarczyk
I am a private music
instructor living in Crown Point, Indiana where I teach voice, violin and piano
and work as an adjunct music professor at Purdue University Northwest. As a
teen, I was introduced to Jane Austen by my mother who loved old books, old movies
and old songs. In the summer of 2011, I stumbled upon Jane Austen Fanfiction at
a Barnes and Noble store and became obsessed with this genre. From there, I met
several talented JAFF authors and devoted readers who were active on social
media and eventually became a moderator for the private JAFF forum,
DarcyandLizzy.com. It was there that I first tried my hand at writing short
stories. I have the greatest appreciation for the creative world of Jane Austen
Fanfiction and am thrilled to be a part of the JAFF community.
You can find me at:
DarcyandLizzy.com, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and on YouTube. On my
Pinterest page you will find inspiration pictures for each chapter of Darcy’s
Melody as well as my other books, and on my YouTube channel you can listen to
my recordings of all of Lizzy’s songs. ~ Jennifer Redlarczyk (Jen Red) ♫
