Do You Speak Jane Austen? Part 3

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

The last third of the alphabet was a bit of a challenge. The letters “x” and “z” were less than cooperative. I searched Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Mansfield Parkfor the letters, but was, generally, unsuccessful. “X” was impossible to find, and “Z” did not willing make an appearance, but below, one may find part 3 of “Do You Speak Jane Austen?”

(The quotes are from Pride and Prejudice unless so noted.)

Q
quadrille – a historic dance performed by four couples in a square formation, a precursor to traditional square dancing

(but in Pride and Prejudice, Austen used the word not for the dance, but to mean)

quadrille – a card game popular during the 18th century, played by four people with a deck of 40 cards

She had been graciously pleased to approve of both of the discourses which he had already had the honour of preaching before her. She had also asked him twice to dine at Rosings, and had sent for him only the Saturday before, to make up her pool of quadrille in the evening. (Chapter 14)

querulous–given to complaint; grumbling; questioning

Mrs. Bennet was restored to her usual querulous serenity; and, by the middle of June, Kitty was so much recovered as to be able to enter Meryton without tears; an event of such happy promise as to make Elizabeth hope that by the following Christmas she might be so tolerably reasonable as not to mention an officer above once a day, unless, by some cruel and malicious arrangement at the War Office, another regiment should be quartered in Meryton. (Chapter 42)

R
reel–a type of Scottish dance

“Do not you feel a great inclination, Miss Bennet, to seize such an opportunity of dancing a reel?” (Chapter 10)

rapacity–extreme gluttony; greed

When the tea-things were removed, and the card-tables placed, the ladies all rose, and Elizabeth was then hoping to be soon joined by him, when all her views were overthrown by seeing him fall a victim to her mother’s rapacity for whist players, and in a few moments after seated with the rest of the party. (Chapter 54)

S
sanguine–optimistic

The sanguine hope of good, however, which the benevolence of her heart suggested had not yet deserted her; she still expected that it would all end well, and that every morning would bring some letter, either from Lydia or her father, to explain their proceedings, and, perhaps, announce their marriage. (Chapter 47)

saucy–insolent; bold

Oh! how heartily did she grieve over every ungracious sensation she had ever encouraged, every saucy speech she had ever directed towards him. (Chapter 52)

sennight– one week (from “seven nights”)

“Indeed I am. I shall entreat his pardon for not having done it earlier. I believe him to be Lady Catherine’s nephew. It will be in my power to assure him that her ladyship was quite well yesterday se’nnight.” (Chapter 18)

subjoin–add to the end

“And will you give yourself the trouble of carrying similar assurances to his creditors in Meryton, of whom I shall subjoina list according to his information?”

(Chapter 50)

supercilious – overly proud

For, though elated by his rank, it did not render him supercilious; on the contrary, he was all attention to everybody. (Chapter 5)

T
tractable – obedient; changeable; flexible

“I never heard any harm of her; and I dare say she is one of the most tractable creatures in the world.” (Chapter 33)

threadbare – worn; frayed

They found Mary, as usual, deep in the study of thorough-bass and human nature; and had some extracts to admire, and some new observations of threadbare morality to listen to. (Chapter 12)

U
unabashed – unapologetic; shameless

Lydia was Lydia still; untamed, unabashed, wild, noisy, and fearless. (Chapter 51)

ungovernable – incapable of being controlled

She was not of so ungovernable a temper as Lydia; and, removed from the influence of Lydia’s example, she became, by proper attention and management, less irritable, less ignorant, and less insipid. (Chapter 61)

untinctured – lacking color; without a trace of vestige as in “untinctured condescension”; not to infuse (as with a quality)

On this point she was soon satisfied; and two or three little circumstances occurred ere they parted, which, in her anxious interpretation, denoted a recollection of Jane not untinctured by tenderness, and a wish of saying more that might lead to the mention of her, had he dared. (Chapter 44)

V
vexatious – annoying

Were the same fair prospect to arise at present as had flattered them a year ago, every thing, she was persuaded, would be hastening to the same vexatious conclusion. (Chapter 53)

Vingt-et-un – blackjack

“Yes; these four evenings have enabled them to ascertain that they both like Vingt-et-un better than Commerce; but with respect to any other leading characteristic, I do not imagine that much has been unfolded.” (Chapter 6)

W
white soup – a soup made of broth and eggs

“If you mean Darcy,” cried her brother, “he may go to bed, if he chooses, before it begins—but as for the ball, it is quite a settled thing; and as soon as Nicholls has made white soup enough, I shall send round my cards.” (Chapter 11)

whist – a four-person card game similar to bridge

When the card-tables were placed, he had the opportunity of obliging her in turn, by sitting down to whist. (Chaper 16)

X
(In the three novels I surveyed, there were no words beginning with the letter X.)

Y
York – a borough of Northern England

“Aye, there she comes,” continued Mrs. Bennet, “looking as unconcerned as may be, and caring no more for us than if we were at York, provided she can have her own way.” (Chapter 20)

Z
(In Pride and Prejudice, I found no words beginning with “Z,” and in Mansfield Park and Sense and Sensibility, I found only the usual “zeal” and “zealous.” I fear I did not check Northanger Abbey, Persuasion, or Emma for either “X” or “Z.” Perhaps, someone else knows more than I on those three Austen classics. Yet, here a few examples of “Z” from MP and from S&S.)

Mrs. Norris was most zealous in promoting the match, by every suggestion and contrivance likely to enhance its desirableness to either party; and, among other means, by seeking an intimacy with the gentleman’s mother, who at present lived with him, and to whom she even forced Lady Bertram to go through ten miles of indifferent road to pay a morning visit. (MP, Chapter 4)

Maria, with only Mr. Rushworth to attend to her, and doomed to the repeated details of his day’s sport, good or bad, his boast of his dogs, his jealousy of his neighbours, his doubts of their qualifications, and his zeal after poachers, subjects which will not find their way to female feelings without some talent on one side or some attachment on the other, had missed Mr. Crawford grievously; and Julia, unengaged and unemployed, felt all the right of missing him much more. (MP, Chapter 7)

He deprecated her mistaken but well-meaning zeal. (MP, Chapter 23)

In the promotion of this object she was zealously active, as far as her ability reached; and missed no opportunity of projecting weddings among all the young people of her acquaintance. (S&S, Chapter 8)

But this did not last long; Elinor had hardly got their last visitors out of her head, had hardly done wondering at Charlotte’s being so happy without a cause, at Mr. Palmer’s acting so simply, with good abilities, and at the strange unsuitableness which often existed between husband and wife, before Sir John’s and Mrs. Jennings’s active zeal in the cause of society, procured her some other new acquaintance to see and observe. (S&S, Chapter 21)

So, what are some of your favorite Regency era words?

Posted in Jane Austen, Regency era, writing | Tagged , | Comments Off on Do You Speak Jane Austen? Part 3

Do You Speak Jane Austen? Part 2

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

Do You Speak Jane Austen? Part 2

A laugh, a fist pounding on a desk top, a raised eyebrow – these are all signals to punctuation of the spoken word, but what of the written word? We start with the assumption that we each wish to avoid language that is insensitive, stereotypical, or in any other way derogatory. But was that true for Jane Austen’s time? Look below. Are there words that you particularly like? Ones you find useless in our modern world?

J
jilt – to deceive a lover

“Let Wickham be your man. He is a pleasant fellow, and would jilt you creditably.” (Chapter 24)

St. James
St. James’s Palace is one of London’s oldest palaces. It is situated in Pall Mall, just north of St. James’s Park. Although no sovereign has resided there for almost two centuries, it has remained the official residence of the Sovereign and the most senior royal palace in the UK

Such formidable accounts of her ladyship, and her manner of living, quite frightened Maria Lucas who had been little used to company, and she looked forward to her introduction at Rosings with as much apprehension as her father had done to his presentation at St. James’s. (Chapter 29)

judged – to form an opinion or conclusion about

“Perhaps,” said Darcy, “I should have judged better, had I sought an introduction; but I am ill-qualified to recommend myself to strangers.” (Chapter 31)

K
kindred – family; similar people

“Can you possibly guess, Lizzy, who is meant by this?” ‘This young gentleman is blessed, in a peculiar way, with every thing the heart of mortal can most desire—splendid property, noble kindred, and extensive patronage. Yet in spite of all these temptations, let me warn my cousin Elizabeth, and yourself, of what evils you may incur by a precipitate closure with this gentleman’s proposals, which, of course, you will be inclined to take immediate advantage of.’ (Chapter 57)

kindness – an act intended to show kindness or good will; benevolence 

“I can no longer help thanking you for your unexampled kindness to my poor sister.” (Chapter 58)

L
licentiousness – lack of moral discipline

“And it is the more to be lamented, because there is reason to suppose as my dear Charlotte informs me, that this licentiousness of behaviour in your daughter has proceeded from a faulty degree of indulgence; though, at the same time, for the consolation of yourself and Mrs. Bennet, I am inclined to think that her own disposition must be naturally bad, or she could not be guilty of such an enormity, at so early an age.” (Chapter 48)

livery – clothing marked for a particular member of the aristocracy

The horses were post; and neither the carriage, nor the livery of the servant who preceded it, were familiar to them. (Chapter 56)

loo – a betting card game

On entering the drawing room she found the whole party at loo, and was immediately invited to join them; but suspecting them to be playing high she declined it, and making her sister the excuse, said she would amuse herself for the short time she could stay below, with a book. (Chapter 8)

M
missish – prim and sentimental

“You are not going to be missish, I hope, and pretend to be affronted at an idle report. For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn?” (Chapter 57)

Michaelmas – the feast day of the archangel Michael, celebrated on September 29

“Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England; that he came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place, and was so much delighted with it, that he agreed with Mr. Morris immediately; that he is to take possession before Michaelmas, and some of his servants are to be in the house by the end of next week.” (Chapter 1)

mortifications – humiliation; shame

“Let me thank you again and again, in the name of all my family, for that generous compassion which induced you to take so much trouble, and bear so many mortifications, for the sake of discovering them.” (Chapter 58)

N
Netherfield – the fictionalized estate that Mr. Bingley rents in Hertfordshire

“Was there no good in your affectionate behaviour to Jane while she was ill at Netherfield?” (Chapter 60)

noble – dignified; gallant; aristocratic; gracious

“Had you not been really amiable, you would have hated me for it; but in spite of the pains you took to disguise yourself, your feelings were always noble and just; and in your heart, you thoroughly despised the persons who so assiduously courted you.” (Chapter 60)

novelty – freshness; uniqueness; something new, original, and different that is interesting or exciting, though often for only a short time

He was as much awake to the novelty of attention in that quarter as Elizabeth herself could be, and unconsciously closed his book. (Chapter 11)

O
odious – horrible; loathsome; abhorrent

“How many letters you must have occasion to write in the course of a year! Letters of business, too! How odious I should think them!” (Chapter 10)

obeisance – a gesture of respect, such as a bow or a curtsy; honor; loyalty

The two gentlemen left Rosings the next morning, and Mr. Collins having been in waiting near the lodges, to make them his parting obeisance, was able to bring home the pleasing intelligence, of their appearing in very good health, and in as tolerable spirits as could be expected, after the melancholy scene so lately gone through at Rosings. (Chapter 37)

P
penance – remorse; a hardship endured to compensate for wrongdoing

It seemed like wilful ill-nature, or a voluntary penance, for on these occasions it was not merely a few formal inquiries and an awkward pause and then away, but he actually thought it necessary to turn back and walk with her. (Chapter 33)

preferment – promotion; advancement; elevation; upgrading;

pecuniary – financial; relating to money

His own father did not long survive mine, and within half a year from these events, Mr. Wickham wrote to inform me that, having finally resolved against taking orders, he hoped I should not think it unreasonable for him to expect some more immediate pecuniary advantage, in lieu of the preferment, by which he could not be benefited. (Chapter 35)

Note! Yes, I know that I added a few extra words in this mix. I had originally thought to have two words for each letter of the alphabet. However, I am anticipating some problems when I reach x and z. The extras are to make up for my latter deficiencies. Part 3 will follow tomorrow.

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Do You Speak Jane Austen? Part 1

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

 

Welcome to the Austenesque Reviews Touring Thursday visitors. My name is Regina Jeffers, and I write Jane Austen sequels and adaptations, as well as Regency romance. My newest book, Christmas at Pemberley is scheduled for release in late October, and I am currently working on a new Pride and Prejudice mystery, tentatively entitled The Murder Hole. (Trust me; the title will change several times before publication. It is the way of the publishing business.) Today, I am beginning a three-part examination of the differences in Regency era words and what we hear in contemporary usage. Take a look at some of my choices to determine whether you “speak Jane Austen.”

If you like what you see, please check out my website at www.rjeffers.com. There you will find news on my latest releases, excerpts from each of my books, my personal appearances/book signings, etc.

Part I: Do You Speak Jane Austen?

When my son was about three years of age, he shocked several onlookers at the mall by saying, “I have a splendid idea, if you would acquiesce.” You see, his mother is an avid Jane Austen fan, and he had heard me use such words in every day conversation. Of course, his “splendid” idea was to visit Kaybee Toys, but that is not the point. At that time, he “spoke Jane Austen.” Unfortunately, over the years, he has unlearned those phrases that were once so common. Now, he says “you know” to the point where his often-irrational mother has considered strangling him. (He is a coach, and athletes use the phrase to distraction. Yet, never fear. His mother is on the prowl, and I have banned the phrase “you know” from his speak while he is in my presence.)

So, I ask dear Readers, do you speak Jane Austen?

A
abhorrence – hatred and disgust

The sight of Miss Lucas was odious to her. As her successor in that house, she regarded her with jealous abhorrence. (Chapter 23)

acquiesce – to comply passively; to consent

Elizabeth was exceedingly pleased with this proposal, and felt persuaded of her sister’s ready acquiescence. (Chapter 25)

B
barouche-box – a luggage compartment at the front of a mid-sized carriage

“And if you will stay another month complete, it will be in my power to take one of you as far as London, for I am going there early in June, for a week; and as Dawson does not object to the barouche-box, there will be very good room for one of you—and indeed, if the weather should happen to be cool, I should not object to taking you both, as you are neither of you large.” (Chapter 37)

brooking – tolerating

I have not been used to submit to any person’s whims. I have not been in the habit of brooking disappointment.” (Chapter 56)

C
caprice – an inclination to change one’s mind impulsively; a whim

Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice, that the experience of three-and-twenty years had been insufficient to make his wife understand his character. (Chapter 1)

condescension – a superior behavior and attitude

The subject elevated him to more than usual solemnity of manner, and with a most important aspect he protested that “he had never in his life witnessed such behaviour in a person of rank—such affability and condescension, as he had himself experienced from Lady Catherine. (Chapter 14)

D
dilatory – slow; tending to delay

His family knew him to be, on all common occasions, a most negligent and dilatory correspondent; but at such a time they had hoped for exertion. (Chapter 48)

E
exigence – a circumstance; a dilemma; a pressing situation

“In such an exigence, my uncle’s advice and assistance would be everything in the world; he will immediately comprehend what I must feel, and I rely upon his goodness.” (Chapter 46)

effusions – outpourings of emotion in writing or speech

“Let our first effusions be less insupportable than those of the generality of travelers.” (Chapter 27)

F
Fordyce’s Sermons – a popular manual of instruction for young women, which was written by James Fordye in 1766

Other books were produced, and after some deliberation he chose Fordyce’s Sermons. (Chapter 14)

felicity – great happiness

After a week spent in professions of love and schemes of felicity, Mr. Collins was called from his amiable Charlotte by the arrival of Saturday. (Chapter 25)

G
Gretna Green – a Scottish village on the English border; a famous place for runaways to get married; reportedly by the local blacksmith (over the anvil)

I am going to Gretna Green, and if you cannot guess with whom, I shall think you a simpleton, for there is but one man in the world I love, and he is an angel. (Chapter 47)

genteel – refined; cultured; well-bred

So much the man of fashion! So genteel and easy! (Chapter 9)

H
hauteur – arrogance; overbearing pride

A deeper shade of hauteur overspread his features, but he said not a word, and Elizabeth, though blaming herself for her own weakness, could not go on. (Chapter 18)

heinous – shockingly wicked; abominable

Let me then advise you, dear sir, to console yourself as much as possible, to throw off your unworthy child from your affection for ever, and leave her to reap the fruits of her own heinous offense. (Chapter 48)

I
invectives – abusive expressions

Mrs. Bennet, to whose apartment they all repaired, after a few minutes’ conversation together, received them exactly as might be expected; with tears and lamentations of regret, invectives against the villainous conduct of Wickham, and complaints of her own sufferings and ill-usage; blaming everybody but the person to whose ill-judging indulgence the errors of her daughter must principally be owing. (Chapter 47)

intercourse – conversation

Lady Catherine was extremely indignant on the marriage of her nephew; and as she gave way to all the genuine frankness of her character in her reply to the letter which announced its arrangement, she sent him language so very abusive, especially of Elizabeth, that for some time all intercourse was at an end. (Chapter 61)

(Over the next few days, the alphabetical list will continue. These choices are a few of my preferences. What are some of your favorite Regency words?)

Posted in Jane Austen, Regency era | Tagged , | Comments Off on Do You Speak Jane Austen? Part 1

Excerpt from “Darcy’s Passions” – Darcy Calls on the Gardiners after Locating Lydia & Wickham

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

At Austen Authors (http://austenauthors.net), we are celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the events of Pride and Prejudice. In this excerpt, Darcy calls on the Gardiners to tell them he has located the wayward Lydia Bennet and the nefarious Mr. Wickham.

Friday brought Darcy a short letter from Georgiana. She and the Bingleys had traveled to Nottingham, and she told Darcy of a few items she purchased from the local merchants. The most important part of the letter was the last paragraph.

Now that Miss Bingley no longer examines this letter to comment on how much my handwriting resembles my brother’s, I can say what I wanted to tell you. Your sister, my darling Fitzwilliam, praises your efforts to save Miss Elizabeth, especially considering the mortifications you must be suffering at Mr. Wickham’s hands. You see, I have no doubt you have found him, and a resolution is at hand. I await your return and news of your success.

With love,

Georgiana

Reading the letter a second time, Darcy realized the blessing of having Georgiana as his sister rather than the impetuous Lydia Bennet. He held no doubt that Georgiana would gladly have suffered the public humiliation of rumors of her brief encounter with Mr. Wickham in order to save Miss Elizabeth where Lydia Bennet cared not for anyone but herself. The girl had refused his every attempt to save her reputation and that of her sisters. Miss Lydia and George Wickham deserved each other; Wickham would marry an embodiment of Mrs. Bennet; mayhap Darcy would have the final revenge.

In late afternoon, Darcy made a trip to Cheapside to speak to Mr. Gardiner. “I am sorry, Sir, but the master is within with his brother Bennet. Mr. Gardiner left specific orders that he not be disturbed,” the Gardiners’ butler explained.

Darcy had no desire to encounter Mr. Bennet; he did not want Elizabeth’s father to know to what extremes he had gone to save Elizabeth and her sisters. If he won Miss Elizabeth’s heart, he preferred to do so with her feeling a debt in accepting his hand in marriage. “I will return on the morrow, if that is acceptable?” Darcy said as he stepped away from the Gardiners’ door.

“The master will be home most of the day, Sir. His brother returns to Hertfordshire. I heard Mr. Gardiner say that

When he called on Mr. Gardiner the following day, he received a genuine welcome. “Mr. Darcy, it is so unexpected pleasure to see you again so soon. When Mr. Witmore said I had a visitor yesterday, I had no idea it was you; Mr. Bennet and I would have received you had we known.”

“It is of no consequence, Mr. Gardiner,” Darcy stated as he accepted the seat Gardiner indicated. “My business is of a delicate nature, and I purposely avoided Mr. Bennet’s knowledge of it.”

Mr. Gardiner said seriously, “You have my undivided attention, Sir.”

“As you are aware, I was with your niece Elizabeth when she received the news from Miss Bennet, which has distressed your family of late.”

“Elizabeth has told us of the comfort your presence provided her, but I do not understand how that affects you, Sir.” The knowledge that Elizabeth had spoken kindly of his effort to allay her fears soothed Darcy’s bruised ego. He wondered how she would react if Elizabeth ever discovered his secrecy. He prayed she would understand that he had to protect her; the tears she shed at the Lambton inn had torn his heart into pieces.

“Mr. Wickham’s relationship with my family has been a tenuous one, but my many dealings with the man has provided me intimate knowledge of his habits, which neither you nor your brother would have. My knowledge of George Wickham comes from the late Mr. Wickham being my father’s steward. Mr. Wickham and I attended Cambridge together, and I have dealt with him in such nefarious matters as this one on prior occasions. I brought that knowledge to London. I realize I have taken on more than is appropriate, but I pray you will forgive my intrusion into such a private matter when I tell you I have found Mr. Wickham and Miss Lydia and have spoken to them on several occasions regarding their folly.”

“You found them!” Mr. Gardiner’s relief showed upon his countenance. “I would gladly forgive your intrusion for such happy news. Where are they? Are they married?”

“They are not married,” Darcy said with regret, and Gardiner’s happiness faded. “But I have presented myself to both Mr. Wickham and to Miss Lydia as being your family’s agent in this matter. I concocted a prevarication, which I hope you will also forgive, to achieve an agreement with Mr. Wickham and your family. Yesterday, he applied for an ordinary license with the minister at St. Clements Church. He and Miss Lydia will be married in a little over a fortnight.”

Gardiner ran his fingers through his hair. He took a deep breath. “Mr. Darcy, my sister’s family will be ever in your debt.”

“When I spoke to Miss Lydia,” Darcy explained, “no matter what I offered as a logical reason for her leaving, the girl’s determination remains with Mr. Wickham. She openly expressed wanting nothing to do with ‘boring old Longbourn’ or with ‘sisters who never wanted to do anything that was adventurous.’ Miss Lydia believes Mr. Wickham plans to marry her as soon as his “luck” changes. She wants nothing to do with any of her ‘so-called’ friends. Despite my best arguments for her leaving, Miss Lydia speaks only of Mr. Wickham’s goodness.”

Although Darcy’s news astounded him, his niece’s lack of concern for her family, however, did not surprise Mr. Gardiner. “I fear only the two eldest Bennet sisters possess good sense, Mr. Darcy.  They are our favorites, as you can well imagine.” Darcy could easily imagine Elizabeth; he had done so every day since the assembly at Meryton, but he made no comment. Mr. Gardiner, he was certain, recognized Darcy’s affection for Elizabeth. Why else would he have become involved in this most private matter if he did not care about Elizabeth Bennet? He no longer attempted to deny his feelings for her. “I have suggested that Miss Lydia be married from your home. Obviously, she cannot return to Longbourn without bringing shame upon her sisters.”

“Of course, Mr. Darcy. That is most prudent. Mrs. Gardiner is to return to Gracechurch Street a bit later today. After services tomorrow, we will make arrangements to retrieve Lydia from her reprehensible employment.” Mr. Gardiner said tentatively, “From what Lizzy and my brother Bennet has said of Mr. Wickham’s true nature, I suspect the man has demanded a hefty sum to bring about this marriage.”

Darcy smiled somewhat stiffly. “As I explained earlier, I held a prior knowledge of Mr. Wickham’s weaknesses. I have attempted to use those failings against the man, and I have negotiated in your family’s behalf what I believe to be a manageable solution.” He paused and searched for the words to explain what he had done in Elizabeth’s name. “After three days of negotiations, I have promised Mr. Wickham the following: your future nephew will resign his position in the militia and accept a comparable one in the regulars; my cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam has assisted me in locating a lieutenancy in Newcastle; Mr. Wickham’s debts in Brighton and Meryton will be paid; and as a dowry, Mr. Wickham will receive three thousand pounds.” He waited for the business savvy Mr. Gardiner to digest the terms.

“Likely close to five thousand pounds in total,” Gardiner calculated, and Darcy nodded his agreement. “It will be a strain on the Bennets’ finances, but my brother Phillips and I will share the expenses of my sister’s family.”

Darcy cleared his throat in trepidation. “Actually, I would take on the wedding’s expenses and Mr. Wickham’s placement.” He looked curiously at Elizabeth’s beloved uncle. Gardiner’s shock was evident, but Darcy had more to reveal. “It is my wish that neither Miss Elizabeth nor her father know of my involvement. It would not do to make my deeds known to those most innocent in this matter. I want no false gratitude.”

“You would have me wear borrowed feathers?” Mr. Gardiner said in disbelief. “I cannot allow you to assume such a debt, Mr. Darcy!”

“I will hear of no compromise,” Darcy insisted. “It is my conviction that if George Wickham’s worthlessness had been better known, it would be impossible for him to persuade any young woman of character to make an alliance without proper bonds. I knew of his low character, but my foolish pride would not permit me to make known the extent of his depravity. I once thought myself above his actions. However, I have come to realize if I had acted with honor, none of this would have been possible. I cared only for private affairs, and I did not consider the ramifications of Mr. Wickham’s evil on others.” Darcy would never speak of his sister’s shame, but he gave Mr. Gardiner to know that Mr. Wickham had betrayed Darcy’s family. He was obstinate about his involvement and would not relent, no matter how much Mr. Gardiner attempted to change his mind.

“Well, Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Gardiner offered, “it seems you have Mr. Wickham’s life planned.”

Darcy laughed conspiratorially. “Mr. Wickham said something similar.”

Gardiner sighed and rumpled his hair again. “Will you join me for dinner, Sir?”

Darcy said apologetically, “I cannot, Mr. Gardiner, I have other obligations this evening.”

“When Mrs. Gardiner returns, I wish to discuss your proposal with her. Will you join us tomorrow evening as our guest?”

“It would be a pleasure to spend time with you and Mrs. Gardiner again.”

The men parted, each with a degree of satisfaction. Mr. Gardiner would see an end to the troubles Lydia had brought on the family; Darcy would preserve Elizabeth’s respectability and maintain his slim hopes that she would one day change her mind and marry him.

* * *

 “I will not change my mind, Mr. Gardiner.” Darcy renewed his obstinacy in acting as the sole benefactor in the Wickham matter for Mr. Gardiner had had second thoughts about taking credit for Darcy’s triumph.

“I cannot see my way clear to give voice to your scheme,” Gardiner insisted.

“Mr. Gardiner, I shall not relent. You must allow me to be of service to your family.”

Mrs. Gardiner’s hand rested on her husband’s arm. “Perhaps, it is best, my Dear,” she said encouragingly. “Mr. Darcy appears earnest in his request, and if you feel a need to make things right, I am certain that Mr. Darcy will consider his investment in Lydia’s future as a loan. You may repay our Derbyshire friend for his kindness.”

Darcy had no intention of considering his outlay as a loan, but he would not argue with the lady. It was quite obvious that Mrs. Gardiner recognized Darcy’s preference for their niece. A preference he hoped one day to make public.

“I must tell you, Mr. Darcy, we will be forever in your debt,” Mr. Gardiner began. “We accept your offer relucantly in hopes by doing so we maintain the respectability of Lydia’s more deserving sisters. They should have fulfilling lives despite their youngest sister’s folly.”

The Gardiners had the pleasure of Darcy’s company that evening for dinner, and Darcy had the pleasure of listening to them tell stories of Jane and Elizabeth as children and as young ladies growing up in the Bennet household. Those tales of Elizabeth’s precociousness most interested him, but he also took delight in learning more about Jane Bennet. He had misjudged her nature, and he knew making amends to Bingley must come soon. “Those two girls!” Mrs. Gardiner laughed so hard at the story she told that tears came to her eyes. “They would look at you and maintain their innocence, which was usually true for Jane, but not so much for Lizzy. Even when one was angry over what they had done, a person could not be upset with either of them. Their goodness would make me love them even when my favorite vase lay in a hundred pieces on the drawing room floor.” Darcy knew he could love Elizabeth with all his heart. He ached for her. Darcy had a fleeting remembrance of how his heart had jumped in his chest when he had discovered her at Pemberley. Placing a bland expression on his countenance, Darcy returned to the conversation.

The Gardiners’ own children joined them for part of the evening, and the rambunctious brood showed an interest in Mr. Darcy because he was a “favorite,” according to their parents, of both “Cousin Jane” and “Cousin Elizabeth.” Having children in the house made Darcy fancy Elizabeth even more than usual. It was a perfect way to end a most pleasurable evening.

On Monday, Darcy finalized the plans for the church, the transfer of funds to Lydia Bennet, and the purchasing of the commission. Calling on the Gardiners one last time, he found they had sent a dispatch to Longbourn with news of the impending marriage. Finally, he thought, Elizabeth will be free of all these provocations: She will be able to laugh again; he dearly missed that laugh. Lydia was coming to Gracechurch Street that day, and he would return to Pemberley on Wednesday. He would return to London for the actual wedding; Mr. Wickham had no one to stand up with him; plus, Darcy’s need for meticulous planning required he be there to assure nothing went awry before the nuptials.

This excerpt comes from chapter 14 of my first novel, Darcy Passions: Fitzwilliam Darcy’s Story. I am pleased to announce that Ulysses Press has sent Darcy’s Passions for a second printing. 

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How to Sell Your Memoir to a Literary Agent…

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

I am off to a writing conference where (from past experience) many in attendance will be hoping to find a literary agent for their “memoirs.” Although memoir writing is a common format, not everyone knows how to market his/her story. Literary agent, Janet Reid, offers some specific ideas on how to best “sell” your story to a publisher.

To read the complete article, join Janet Reid at http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2012/08/querying-memoir.html

 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 02, 2012

Querying memoir

A unforeseen but lovely benefit of the New Wrinkle Experiment is that I can hear back from writers about things that were confusing in the directions, on my website, or other places where I’ve yammered about queries.

One such confusion is about how to query memoir.

Memoir is sold like novels (they have to be finished before you query) even though it is non-fiction.  Several people read that sentence and interpreted it to mean they should write the query letter in the third person.  This makes sense when you think of how many times you’ve heard not to write your query in the first person of your character (and since your memoir’s main character is you) so, ok third person it is.

Posted in Industry News/Publishing | 3 Comments

Textbook Rental Program from Amazon

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

I have several friends who are textbook authors. What I don’t understand about this program is how it affects those whose works are being lent. One of my best friends, who has a college level journalism text, was shocked to learn of this program. How will it affect his royalities?

As a parent, I can see where this program could be beneficial. Both my son and daughter-in-law are working on their masters. This could save them substantial textbook purchase funds. Therefore, I celebrate the idea for these young adults, but I am cautious for my “older” friends.

To learn more of the program, visit this Galley Cat article at http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/amazon-launches-textbook-rental-service_b55593

Amazon Opens Textbook Rental Service

By Dianna Dilworth on August 7, 2012 3:23 PM

Amazon is now renting textbooks through a new platform called Amazon Textbook Rental.

Students can rent textbooks for their classes for a specific time period by clicking on the “Rent Now” button on the book’s listing. Amazon Student members (which requires a .edu email address) are eligible for free two-day shipping on qualifying rental titles.

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Would You Like to Guarantee an Audience for Your Book Signings? Try Togather.

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

This article comes from Galley Cat. Thankfully, I have not experienced this phenomenon to the extent described, but I have had some book signings that were more successful than others. Many times, it’s where the seller places the author in the store. Some times, it’s the date or time of day. If you have ever had an “unsuccessful” book signing, read on. If you want to learn more, please visit http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/togather-creates-tool-to-fansource-author-events_b55539#more-55539

Togather Releases Tool to ‘Fansource’ Author Events

By Jason Boog on August 6, 2012 6:07 PM

 

All the authors in audience know how disappointing it can be to give a reading in a nearly empty room.

The new Togather tool will help writers figure out how many people want to come to a reading and help fans set up author readings in their neighborhood. We’ve embedded the introductory video above–what do you think?

Here’s more about the tool: ” Using an on-demand fansourcing platform, Togather transforms the way authors organize book tours and bring audiences to events. With Togather, every talk, book signing or lecture is sold out before you even leave your home. We use a group-buying mechanism to make sure that your fans commit to attending. It only takes a few clicks to show some author love. And with this commitment from fans, a whole new world of possible events opens to you and your audience.”

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There’s an App for That! Add Widget to Your Website to Increase Book Sales

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

This article comes from GalleyCat. To learn more (including the 4 step process to installing the widget on your site), please visit http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/add-a-buy-this-book-widget-to-your-website_b55129

Add A ‘Buy This Book’ Widget To Your Website

By Dianna Dilworth on July 30, 2012 5:23 PM

Looking to add a “Buy this book” widget to your website? Ted Weinstein Literary Management has built a widget that can help you do so quickly and easily. AppNewser has more: “The button will feature a number of retailers that sell the book, so that readers can buy from their preferred vendor.”

Posted in Industry News/Publishing, writing | Comments Off on There’s an App for That! Add Widget to Your Website to Increase Book Sales

Death and Dying in Regency England

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

As with any good (or bad) mystery, there are several deaths in my next Jane Austen adaptation/sequel, The Mysterious Death of Mr. Darcy. However, death and funerals were not on the order of present day “farewells.” If one has ever read Jessica Mitford’s “Behind the Formaldehyde Curtain,” he will early on wonder about the embalming process or the lack of it in the previous centuries.

In nineteenth century England, people died early on from disease, childbirth, accidents, and even murder. One thing that a lot of people get wrong when they write funeral scenes for the Regency is having a graveside service where a priest or friend eulogizes the dead person in the cemetery. At that time, cemeteries were considered consecrated ground, and a person was not permitted to have non-sacred speeches or texts read aloud at the gravesite. One would only have the traditional “ashes to ashes” liturgy at the burial itself.

Although they were forbidden to attend the funeral because of their “delicate” sensibilities, when a person died, the women in the family would prepare the body. Occasionally, a gentleman’s valet would do the job. Whoever was assigned the task would wash the person’s body and hair and then dress the corpse. Often, those in charge would use small objects hidden under the shirt or cravat to keep the person’s chin elevated and the mouth closed.

Embalming was not used in England for many years following the Regency Period so keeping the body “fresh” was always an issue. Placing the body on ice was one was to deal with the quickly decaying corpse. Funerals normally took place within a few days of the death. Floral arrangements about the bodies were used to mask the stench of the decay.

The wealthy had tombs for the family’s burial needs. The middle class/gentry were buried in coffins. I saw a recent ad for “renting a casket.” In the Regency, the poor would rent a coffin to transport the deceased to the cemetery where the body was dumped out of the coffin so as to return the box to the coffin maker. The coffin was cut after the person died. The fresh smell of the wood, usually pine, would cover some of the smell of the decaying body. 

According to a law (predating 1823), a person who committed suicide was to be buried at a crossroads with a stake through the corpse’s heart. The stake kept the ghost from returning (see the cemetery scene in my Vampire Darcy’s Desire). Burial at a crossroads diluted the person’s evilness by sending his spirit in four directions. Until 1870, a person who committed suicide also lost all his personal property to the Crown. From 1823 to 1832, instead of the stake, the deceased had to buried at night between the hours of nine and midnight. Eventually, suicide cases were permitted to be buried in a Church of England graveyard, but no service could be conducted over the body.

The possibility of premature resurrection was common during the period. Medical schools were only permitted to use the cadavers of those who were executed for a crime. There were never enough bodies for anatomical study. Surgeons would hire grave robbers to exhume likely candidates for medical study. An efficient grave robber would dig down to where the head was located and pull the body out without disturbing the whole site. They would leave the grave clothes behind. Having a dead body was not a great offense, but a body dressed in grave clothes would be seven years’ transportation if the robber was caught.

Mourning the departed was not adhered to with such strict “guidelines” during the Regency Period, as it was during the Victorian Period. Queen Victoria mourned Albert until her own death. According to Trumbach in The Rise of the Egalitarian Family, a person would mourn: 12 months for a husband or wife; 6 months for parents or parents-in-law; 3 months for a sister or brother, uncle or aunt; 6 weeks for a sister-in-law or brother-in-law; 3 weeks for aunts/uncles who remarried; 2 weeks for first cousin; 1 week for second and third cousins, as well as the husband or stepmother’s sister.

Posted in British history, gothic and paranormal, real life tales, Regency era | 9 Comments

The Isle of Portland and Nanny Diamond Fairies

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

The Isle of Portland is a limestone tied island, 6 kilometres (4 mi) long by 2.4 kilometres (1.5 mi) wide, in the English Channel. Portland is 8 kilometres (5 mi) south of the resort of Weymouth, forming the southernmost point of the county of Dorset, England. A tombolo, over which runs the A354 Road, connects it to Chesil Island and the mainland.

Portland is a central part of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site on the Dorset and east Devon coast, important for its geology and landforms. Portland stone, famous for its use in British and world architecture, including St Paul’s Cathedral and the United Nations Headquarters, continues to be quarried.

Portland Harbour, in the bay between Portland and Weymouth, is one of the largest man-made harbours in the world. Building of stone breakwaters between 1848 and 1905 formed the harbour. From its inception it was a Royal Navy base, and played prominent roles during the First and Second World Wars; ships of the Royal Navy and NATO countries exercised in its waters until 1995. The harbour is now a civilian port and popular recreation area, which will be used for the 2012 Olympic Games.

The Isle of Portland, Dorset, contains eight settlements, the largest being Fortuneswell in Underhill and Easton in Tophill. Castletown and Chiswell are the other villages in Underhill, and Weston, Southwell, Wakeham and the Grove occupy Tophill.

On the isle, near Southwell, fairies, known as “Nanny Diamonds” reportedly haunt the road. Likely, the name comes from “Nanoid,” meaning dwarf like and “Diana,” the Goddess of the Moon.

Dorset, itself, has numerous earthworks and barrows. It is believed that fairies inhabit these burial mounds. Six hillocks from the Bronze Age

The Dorset landscape would not be complete without is numerous ancient earthworks and barrows. In the past, these burial mounds were believed to be inhabited by fairies. Six hillocks, dating to the Bronze Age, can be seen from Bincombe Hill overlooking the port of Weymouth. These hills are known as the “Music Barrows.” Legend says that if one puts his ear to the top of one of the barrows at noon, he can hear the plaintive tones of fairy music.

The Isle of Portland was once a popular fairy haunt, but according to local legend; when the first church bell rang out over the island, all the fairies were seen fleeing in terror along the Chesil Beach and were said to have never returned. However, small fairies known as ‘Nanny Diamonds’ are still said to haunt Southwell, along the road that leads to Cheyne.

They wear short white dresses and white Phrygian hats and though they seem quite cute and friendly, they are not to be trusted, for they have the power to bring the ‘Evil Eye’ upon anyone who crosses them. They offer people forbidden fruits and promises of love and riches.

However, between noon and one of the afternoon, legends say that the Nanny Diamonds can be bribed into granting wishes. One must hide a silver coin among the nooks and crannies in the dry stone walls on either side of the road.

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