Title:
Darcy’s Temptation: A Sequel to Pride and Prejudice
Author:
Regina Jeffers
Genre:
Regency romance; Jane Austen variation, sequel, historical fiction; Georgian era romance
Book Blurb:
Darcy’s Temptation: A Sequel to Pride and Prejudice 2009 Booksellers’ Best Award Finalist, Long Historical The day Fitzwilliam Darcy marries Elizabeth Bennet, he thinks his life is complete at last. Four months later, even greater joy appears on the horizon when Elizabeth finds out she is pregnant. But it is not long before outside forces intrude on their happiness. When the unthinkable happens, Elizabeth and Darcy must discover their love for each other all over again. Romantic and insightful, Darcy's Temptation captures the original style and sardonic wit of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice while weaving its beloved characters into an exciting new tale. In a story set against the backdrop of the British abolitionist movement, family difficulties and social affairs weigh heavily on the newlyweds, and a dramatic turn of events forces Elizabeth to attempt to recapture Darcy’s love before either the manipulative Elizabeth Donnelly or the ever vivacious Cecelia McFarland succeeds in luring him away.
Excerpt:
Darcy woke from the dream with a start; he still felt the woman’s breath on his cheek. “I have been waiting for you,” he whispered.
He wondered, “Waiting for whom?” The dream seemed so real; he could feel the erratic beating of his heart and the nearness of the woman. “Elizabeth,” his mind said to him, and the image disappeared. He wished he could see the woman’s face in the dream. Darcy knew her name, but he wanted to see her face, then the question of who he was could be answered. If he could remember the woman in the dream, he could make sense of his life once again.
This was Darcy’s world: He slept often, always dreaming of the same woman—always hearing her words of endearment—always feeling her touch him. When he did not sleep, he fussed with the servant, frustrated with the man would not assist him to escape the room in which he found himself. He saw no one other than the servant, and Darcy came to realize until he could leave the room on his own, the mystery of who he was and where he was would remain. So, he set about forcing himself to become stronger. Determined, for the next three days, he ate the food brought to him; he attempted walking a few steps each day, compelling his body to respond to his will.
On the fourth day, Darcy, with Conrad’s assistance, made his way to an upstairs sitting room, and then he awaited the appearance of Miss Donnelly. When she entered, the woman made him a quick curtsey. “I am happy to see you up on your own, sir.” She smiled at him, and Darcy had a flittering image of having seen her before. “You worried us, sir.”
“Hopefully, you will forgive me for not rising.” Darcy looked at the woman more closely.
“Of course, sir.” Miss Donnelly took a seat across from him.
He stared at her, attempting to view something familiar in the woman. “Thank you for opening your home to me. It was most generous of you.”
“I am confused,” the lady said. “Why would I not open my home? Soon it will be our home.”
Darcy now saw the woman smile at him in an enticing way. “How may this house be our home?”
“Oh, your condition is worse than Mr. Addison led me to believe.” Miss Donnelly appeared shock.
Darcy demanded, “Then are you telling me you know who I am?”
“Of course I do!” She brought her fan to her face and began to strum the air. “This is so stressful.”
“Madam,” he tried to control the volume of his speech. “I have lain in a bed for nearly ten days not knowing anything about my life. I beg you, if you can speak on this matter, do so.”
“Very well.” Miss Donnelly dropped her eyes. “I hoped you would recall these details on your own, but I see it is not to be. My Goodness, where should I begin?”
“My name would be an excellent beginning.”
“You are my cousin Frederick Donnelly, and we are engaged to be married.” Miss Donnelly looked him directly in the eye while indicating the ruby ring on her gloved hand.
“We are engaged?” Darcy asked, attempting to comprehend the situation in which he now found himself.
“Yes, sir, we are. Such is why I could not come to your room during your illness; it would not be proper.” A slight blush overtook her face.
Darcy stammered, “May I ask your given name?”
“Elizabeth Mavis Donnelly.”
“Elizabeth,” he murmured, but the feeling he experienced the last few days when he dreamed of the passionate woman he held in his arms did not surface; only confusion reigned.
Darcy wanted answers. “How did I come to be on the road?”
* * *
Elizabeth Donnelly continued to spin her story. Over the past week, she had concocted what she thought to be a believable one. When she had met Fitzwilliam Darcy in London all those many months ago, at a party for the Christmas season, he had been single. She had thought they might make a connection, and he had appeared as “stiff and exacting” as she. They had conversed for several minutes, but when an acquaintance called her “Elizabeth,” he had appeared to withdraw his attention. She had thought at the time her name held special meaning for him, for his countenance had taken on the look of regret. Shortly afterwards, he had departed the gathering early, and she had known her own “regrets” at not having made headway in her desire to secure her inheritance.
Now, he was in her house, and she was in charge of his future. If she “rushed” him into a marriage, even if he recovered his memory, he would likely not abandon her. And, if he did leave her to her own devices, she would not object. She would have her inheritance, and, moreover, she hated men—hated the filth they brought into her house. Their hands covered in dirt. She would want no man ever to touch her unless he wore gloves. The thoughts of such contact sent a shiver of revulsion through her.
Buy Links (including BookBub):
Available to Read on Kindle Unlimited
It’s a brand-new year, full of possibilities. Did you make any resolutions/goals for 2023? If so, please share one.
I have been busy over the holidays building a new group blog with my friend, Jenn Peters. In truth, Jenn did most of the building. She has a wonderful eye for aesthetics, while I tend to be more of the “what the heck” person. The site will launch January 30, 2023, with 17 authors involved at this time. Therefore, I have not had time even to consider resolutions for 2023. As to goals, I tend to a goal-oriented person, so I have more than I could possibly list. Most of them have to do with writing and weight loss. LOL!
Why is your featured book a must-read in 2023?
Have you not, a one time or another, finished a book and thought “I want more”? For many in the Jane Austen Fan Fiction, which is better known as JAFF, community (and they number hundreds of thousands), there is no need for them to wonder, for vagaries exist for the next “What If.” In Darcy’s Temptation, I wanted to place a roadblock to Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet’s happily ever after, proving to one and all their souls would again find each other. With my natural delight in a bit of angst, this story has a good sized dollop of it; yet, it speaks to the value and endurance of true love.
(Please note, this book was originally released in 2008 by Ulysses Press. The author has received the rights back from the publisher and has re-released it with a new cover and updated format.)
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $75 Amazon US or Canada gift card
Open internationally. You must have a valid Amazon US or Amazon CA account to win.
Runs January 1 – 31, 2023.
Drawing will be held on February 1, 2023.
Author Biography:
Regina Jeffers, an award-winning author of historical cozy mysteries, Austenesque sequels and retellings, as well as Regency era romances, has worn many hats over her lifetime: daughter, student, military brat, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, tax preparer, journalist, choreographer, Broadway dancer, theatre director, history buff, grant writer, media literacy consultant, and author. Living outside of Charlotte, NC, Jeffers writes novels that take the ordinary and adds a bit of mayhem, while mastering tension in her own life with a bit of gardening and the exuberance of her “grand joys.”
Social Media Links:
Every Woman Dreams (Blog) https://reginajeffers.wordpress.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Regina-Jeffers-Author-Page-141407102548455/?fref=ts Twitter https://twitter.com/reginajeffers Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Regina-Jeffers/e/B008G0UI0I/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1479079637&sr=8-1 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/jeffers0306/ BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/regina-jeffers Instagram https://www.instagram.com/darcy4ever/ You Tube Interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzgjdUigkkU Website https://rjefferscom.wordpress.com/