This is a repeat performance from the archives from my dear friend, Joana Starnes, who gives us a brief look at London’s Green Park, which plays a pivotal role in Ms. Starnes’s Austen-inspired The Second Chance: A Pride and Prejudice/Sense and Sensibility Variation .
When drawn to Jane Austen’s world, we readers attempt to find glimpses of Regency London, but sadly we are often disappointed. Two hundred years have elapsed, bringing along hordes of Victorian improvements, air raids, the dreaded 1960s-70s, also known as the ‘decades that taste forgot’, and the necessary growth of a city which could not be expected to remain frozen in time – much as some of us would have liked it to!
Green Park, London. Canada Gate, located on the south side of the park via Wikipedia
Green Park and Piccadilly are no exception. No longer associated with the glamour of Devonshire House, long demolished, the junction between Piccadilly and Berkeley Street is now known for the glitz and glamour of The Ritz. Many other townhouses that customarily graced this area are no longer standing, or are substantially altered.
The only mansion that seems unchanged is the one overlooking Green Park: Spencer House, built by the ancestors of Diana, Princess of Wales. Alongside it runs the Queen’s Walk, that used to be greatly favoured in Jane Austen’s time and also before then, as a place to see and be seen.
via Wikipedia
Green Park is virtually featureless these days – but a very different vista would have opened before one’s eyes in the early 1800s. A wide open space, not quite so cluttered with trees and allowing a good view of Queen’s Palace, later to become Buckingham Palace. At the other end of the Park, near Piccadilly, one could still see the Queen’s Basin, a reservoir that provided water for St James’s Palace and was adorned with a tall sprinkling fountain. And further down Queen’s Walk stood the Queen’s Library – all named in honour of Queen Caroline, wife of George II.
There is a large collection of engravings on the British Museum website. If you follow the link, the viewer will see one that shows what Mr. Darcy might have seen, if he strolled into Green Park: the reservoir and fountain, the path leading to the Queen’s Library to the left, and Westminster Abbey in the distance.
In my own works of fiction, I’ve chosen to believe that Mr Darcy’s townhouse would have been in Berkeley Square, quite close to Grosvenor Square, Miss Bingley’s oh-so-fashionable address; also very close to the glamorous Devonshire House and Lansdowne House, and a few doors down from Mr. Canning, the Foreign Secretary who fought a duel on Wimbledon Common with Lord Castlereagh, the then Secretary of State for War, over a difference of opinion regarding the Peninsular Campaign – hard as it might be nowadays to imagine politicians settling their differences in this manner!
So, why am I taking you on this trip down memory lane? Just to show the setting of an excerpt from my latest book ‘The Second Chance’.
Hoping for a modicum of peace in times of deep regrets, uncertainty and anguish, Mr. Darcy wanders off from his house to stroll through Berkeley Square, under the same plane trees that Jane Austen herself might have walked past, on her way to Gunther’s, the famous pastry-shop.
And then he makes his way towards Green Park and, unbeknownst to him, towards a most fortuitous encounter…
~ ** ~
EXCERPT from The Second Chance: Bingley had not written yet, of course! He would sooner travel to town on foot than set pen to paper, Darcy thought with more than the customary irritation. The very notion that he was wasting precious days because he did not know where he should seek her was driving him to distraction!
Was travelling to Netherfield his only option, then – to go and ask Bingley, face to face? He frowned, knowing full well he would, if it came to that, though heaven knows how he was to justify such a drastic course of action to his friend without giving rise to speculations or, worse still, to questions that he had no answers for!
Darcy stopped pacing and dropped the post back on his desk. He lowered himself in the great chair and rubbed his temples. He had spent a large part of the morning poring over estate business, and the struggle to give it his undivided attention had brought on a headache. As with everything in recent months, it was impossible to give anything his undivided attention!
He cast another glance at his papers, then pushed them from him and stood. It was no use, and he was getting nowhere! He rubbed his temples again. He needed a respite – from his papers, from this house, from himself!
He should go out. To his club? Nay, he could not bear it! To Hatchard’s, perhaps? Or his favourite small bookseller’s in York Street? Pall Mall maybe, to buy some music for his sister, to follow the pianoforte he had recently acquired for her – although he knew full well that gifts would not compensate for his absence, nor would they assuage his guilt for having left her for so long with none but Mrs. Annesley for company. Still, it could not be helped. At least this time he had assured himself that the lady was eminently trustworthy and it was plain to see that Georgiana was very comfortable with her.
Darcy sighed. He knew that although he ought to, he could not return to Pemberley. Not yet. Perhaps the answer was to ask his sister if she would be willing to travel to town sometime soon.
He walked to the window and pushed the curtains aside, then opened one of the small casements. There was some rain in the early morning, but then most of the clouds were blown away. The gust of fresh air that brushed over his face was cool and pleasantly refreshing. A walk? Perhaps. It might settle his headache. Aye. A walk would suit him very well indeed!
Darcy took a deep breath as the heavy door of his London home closed behind him and finished putting on his gloves. He pondered his direction for a moment, and then he shrugged. Anywhere would do. Green Park was the nearest, and the Queen’s Library ensconced there, in a small pavilion, was proven well-worth visiting in the past.
He ambled along Berkeley Street, crossed the noisy madness that was Piccadilly and wandered into Green Park through the tall wrought-iron gates. He walked slowly past the Reservoir, his gaze wandering over the wide expanse of green, broken here and there by lime trees and tall chestnuts. He smiled to himself, safe in the knowledge that although the Queen’s Walk might be fashionable with some, the time of day was anything but, and he would not be plagued by encounters with the denizens of the West End and their progeny.
He regretted for a brief moment that he had not taken his latest purchase from York Street with him. It would have been quite pleasant to find an unobtrusive bench and enjoy a good book and a moment’s peace, if any could be found!
Seemingly, the notion had occurred to at least two others. Just in front of him, on a quiet alley, two young ladies appeared absorbed in their books. Or perhaps not so absorbed. One of them, suddenly distracted, abandoned her volume on the seat, stood and moved a few steps away from her companion, only to turn and look into the sky, her palm sheltering her eyes from the sunlight.
What was she looking for, Darcy wondered, his curiosity piqued despite himself. Clouds? Swallows? Were there any young ladies left in London who would show an interest in something so mundane as a lovely day? Or indeed an interest in anything at all, rather than exuding what was deemed to be a highly fashionable ennui?
Darcy looked again, then stared. It must be another figment of his imagination, surely! It could not possibly be–…!
“Elizabeth? By God, Elizabeth!” his voice came in a quiet whisper and before he knew how it came about, he found himself a few steps from her, his countenance unrestrainedly suffused in all the joy such a fortuitous encounter brought him.
“Miss Bennet! What a wonderful surprise!” he said, before he could even attempt to remember common civility, or his habitual reserve – only to find to his extreme mortification that he immediately followed it with, “You are looking remarkably well!”
‘Good grief!’, he mentally chastised himself. Could he possibly have been more gauche?
Why, yes, in fact. He could have said ‘You look even more beautiful than I remembered’, which were the very words on his mind at the time, he futilely reasoned.
“Mr. Darcy!”
The unexpected encounter and his surprisingly warm welcome made Elizabeth more open in her greeting than she might otherwise have been. Instead of a restrained curtsy, she offered him her hand. Darcy took it, belatedly remembering to bow over it, and the cheeks of both were overspread with the deepest blush. Darcy nervously cleared his voice and looked away, then down at his feet.
But no, this would not do! This unexpected, wonderful chance! What fool would waste it on mere commonplaces? He swallowed and, uncharacteristically, threw reserve and caution to the wind as he offered quietly but earnestly:
“I consider myself very fortunate to have happened upon this spot, Miss Bennet. ‘Tis far too long since I had the pleasure of seeing you.”
“Indeed, it has been a while, Sir.”
“Over seven months, I believe. We have not met since the 26th of November, when I had the honour of dancing with you at Netherfield.”
Elizabeth looked up in surprise to find his memory so exact and for a few brief moments their eyes met, before she looked away. His openness of manner was nothing short of extraordinary and although she found it pleasing, Elizabeth knew not what to make of it.
~ ** ~
I wonder, what do you make of it? If you enjoyed this excerpt and would like more details about this and my other books, they can be found here: Books by Joana Starnes or at http://www.joanastarnes.co.uk/
You can also find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/joana.a.starnes
and Twitter at
http://www.twitter.com/Joana_Starnes
Every Woman Dreams... 
Having lived in London for quite a few years I can remember walking in the parks – so Elizabeth doesn’t dislike him and gives him her hand. This is a definite read for me
meikleblog at gmail dot com
I am pleased you joined us today, Susan.
Thanks so much for your comment! I’m glad you can relate to the surroundings, and I hope you’ll like the story!
Good luck in the giveaway!
I can’t wait to read this. The excerpt sounds wonderful.
Hello, Alexandra. It is good to hear from you.
Thanks, Alexandra. So glad to hear this is on your ‘to read’ list!
Thanks for visiting Regina’s beautiful blog, and good luck!
I don’t want to enter the contest (I couldn’t wait when I saw that book so I bought it!) But I wanted to say how wonderful you write! I enjoyed the excerpt and now have to only find the time to read the book!
Thank you for the blog!!
Thanks for joining us today, Angie.
Thanks for your kind words, Angie!
Hope you’ll like this variation! All the best!
Loved her other book and can’t wait to read this one too. And I love your books as well Regina.
Thanks, Lora. We are glad you joined us today.
So happy to hear you liked my other book! Thanks, and good luck in the giveaway!
Thanks for some interesting information giving us the historical context for your book, Joana. I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book on another blog and I’m currently just few chapters in. So, I deliberately haven’t read the extract as I haven’t got quite that far yet! I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve read so far.
Obviously, please don’t enter me in the draw.
Hi, Anji, and thanks ever so much for visiting Regina’s blog to leave this lovely message.
So glad to hear you enjoyed the story so far and I hope the rest won’t disappoint!
Just a quick post script. The Second Chance was nearly responsible for me being late for work today! I had ten minutes before I was due to leave and a cup of tea to drink so I sat down with my Kindle and got to the Green Park scene. Next thing I knew, twenty minutes had passed and I had to skedaddle rather quickly. Good job it’s Saturday today and the traffic was light so I got to work just in time!
Thanks for your continued support, Angela. Hopefully, some day we’ll meet in person. Both you and Joana are in the UK. You’ll likely meet before we do.
Would love to have a copy of Second Chance. Jane Austen type reads delight the soul.
The genre is an absolute delight, Eileen, and I myself can’t have enough of the variations!
Hope you’ll like this one too. Good luck in the giveaway!
This is on my TBR list and I loved Joanna’s other book. Can’t wait!
Okmackrory at gmail dot com
Thanks, KaraLynne, you’re so kind!!! We should swap books 😉 I can’t wait to read about the haunting of Mr D!!!
I hope you survived the SC Book Fest. I was thoroughly exhausted when it was over. Thanks for joining us today.
Joana, this was so informative. I haven’t been to Europe since 1978. One of the things that was a particular delight was the possibility of walking in the steps of people I have learned to admire that were such powerful figures from the past. The thought that I might have walked in the footsteps of Jane Austen was mind-boggling when I read this. I’m thinking that it’s time for another trip across the pond. Great post! Thanks Regina for hosting.
Please do not enter me as I have this on my Kindle. Thanks again. Joy
You must let me know when you find the time to visit again, and maybe we can follow in her footsteps together 🙂
For me, the most spine-tingling moment was my first visit to her Chawton home, and the thought that she held on to the same banister to walk down the stairs. There must have been 200 years and several coats of varnish between her touch and mine, but still… Spine-tingling!
Thanks very much for reading this post, and for your kind words!
A new excerpt from this beautiful book. Thank you.
I have already appreciated the previous Joana Starnes’ books and I love the way she invent new situations for our beloved characters.
Joana holds a special talent. Thanks for joining us today.
Thanks so very much, Regina and Sonia, you’re so kind!!!
What a lovely view that would have been to behold! Thanks for the background info; always fun learning new things.
I, for one, cannot wait to read The Second Chance. I love the premise and have heard such good things about it!! Congrats Joana on your lastest release!!
Thanks for your kind words, Liz! I hope you’ll like The Second Chance.
Thanks for visiting and best of luck in the giveaway!
I am glad you joined us today, Liz. I was exhausted after the SC book festival. It took me two days to recover.
BTW, Joana is in the UK. Don’t forget the time difference if you are looking for a response to your comment. She will check in again tomorrow. I am always doing such calculations in my head. LOL!
When I was at the Southern KY book fest, the hotel would not let me check in because it was 2:37 Central Time. I told them I was still on Eastern Daylight Time. It was crazy!
I’m SO easily confused by time-zones, Regina, largely because I think I’ve got it, it’s 5 hrs between London and New York, and all I need to do is keep adding from there – but then I’m completely thrown when I get an instant response to an email from someone who, by my calculations, should be fast asleep at that time! And then I’m thinking, have I got the numbers wrong or are they turning night into day, like I’m usually doing? 😀
Thanks again for your generous welcome, I’m so happy to be a guest on your blog!
This is lovely. I truly enjoyed it.
Thanks so very much, and thanks for reading this post and taking part in the giveaway!
Best of luck!
Hello, Kim. Did you catch up on your sleep? I’ll call you later this weekend. It’s been too long since we talked.
Looks like a good PnP variation! D is actually able to talk to E! I can’t wait to read it.
Hello, Kari. It’s been a bit since I’ve heard from you. I think you’ll enjoy this one from Joana.
So glad it caught your eye, Kari!
Yes, he does get a chance to talk – and has a few things to say 🙂
Hope you’ll like this variation and thanks for visiting!
Hi Regina! Wonderful post.
Another intriguing excerpt, Joana! Darcy becomes a bit of a babbling Bingley. I look forward to reading. Thank you for the giveaway.
Hello, Becky. I’ve missed speaking to you of late. I am glad you joined us today.
Thanks, Becky! Yes, he does, doesn’t he! 😀
I’m so glad you liked the excerpt. Thanks for reading this post, and best of luck in the giveaway!
I have read your other book and your new one is on my TBR list. I enjoyed strolling through Green Park with Darcy and your explaining the historical context.
I am pleased you found the giveaway and the excerpt, Rose. Thanks for joining us.
Great to know you’ve read another story of mine and that you’re planning to read this one! I wish I could have seen Green Park at its heyday (wish I could have seen Regency London too, for that matter!)
Thanks for visiting and good luck in the giveaway.
This book is on my list for this summer, for sure. Love the excerpt and the link for the maps!
I love your name, Regina. LOL! Is it not wonderful to possess a “queenly” name?
Thanks, Regina Silvia! I’m so glad you liked the excerpt and the post. I absolutely love the British Museum engraving of Green Park! It’s hard to believe it used to be so pretty when all we can see today is a stretch of grass and overgrown trees! Good luck in the giveaway and thanks for visiting!
The excerpt is fantastic, Joana. I wonder who Elizabeth is with in the park. Is it Jane or Mrs Gardiner? And your Mr Darcy is so effusive on seeing Elizabeth that he spoke the words of Bingley. Thanks for the giveaway.
It is good to discover your comment, Sylvia. I know you are quite busy with your own blog. It’s always great to hear from you.
Thanks, Sylvia, you’re so kind!!! She’s with Kitty – and as for Mr Darcy, I just thought he could step out of line and get effusive once in a while 🙂 it might do him good!
I’m so happy you liked the excerpt and I hope you’ll like the whole story too!
would love your book, love period dramas, low in the income department……..ty
Hello, Jo Ann. I hope this finds you well.
Thanks for visiting, Jo Ann. Period dramas are heavenly, aren’t they? I’m glad my book caught your eye. Good luck in the giveaway and thanks for taking part!
I really enjoyed the excerpt and cannot wait to read this. Congratulations on your new book, Joana! Thanks for the giveaway!!:)
Hello, Kelli. It’s been awhile since we connected. I’m glad you found Joana’s excerpt and giveaway.
Thanks very much, Kelli! It’s such a joy to hear you liked the excerpt!
Thanks for taking part in the giveaway and good luck!
I loved the excerpt and am eager to read the book. The cover makes me want to dive in as well!
Hello, Liz. I am pleased you joined us for Joana’s wonderful excerpt of The Second Chance.
Oh I hated to come to the end of the excerpt! He’s so cute and excited, and she is at least civil.
I would love to go to London someday and see where Mr Darcy could’ve lived, even if it has changed just a *tiny* bit! lol
Sorry it was so short, Monica! Great to see you here, and thanks for your comment! Good luck in the giveaway and I hope you get to come to London soon!
Hello, Monica. I missed you at the SC Book Fest, but I understand your family difficulties. I hope all is well with you.
i love the cover!
Good day, Patricia. I am pleased you joined us today.
Sounds like a wonderful read ……. I have both you ladies on my ‘to read list’ …… can’t get enough period pieces and England …….. loved it then, love it now!
I am pleased you found Joana on my blog, Judith.
Great post Joana. 🙂 I used to visit Green Park many times when I lived in London. I love all London’s parks.
Don’t enter me for the giveaway, please. I have already read the book, it’s great. 🙂
I’m so glad you liked the post, Kate! Wish I ran into you in Green Park or thereabouts while you were living in London 🙂
Thanks so much for re-posting this, Regina, and for the ever so kind words!! I only wish I saw it sooner!! All the best and have a wonderful spring!