Note from the Author
Firstly, I would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to all at Meryton Press for their kind welcome and support, on this road to publish my first Pride and Prejudice variation and to the amazing editors I have been blessed with: Carole Steinhardt (beta), Becky Sun, and Ellen Pickels. And finally, a big thanks must be made to Janet Taylor for her care and patience!
Here is a short extract from the beginning of The Predisposition of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I will be posting more during my blog tour and hope to see you there!
Thanks for your support!
Hunter Quinn x
Excerpt
“The master will see you in his study. If you would allow me…” Jarvis gestured to her outerwear. It took but a moment for Elizabeth to remove and hand over her pelisse and bonnet. “If you will please follow me, Miss Bennet, I shall show you to Mr Darcy.”
Elizabeth’s knees felt weak. Mr Darcy had agreed to see her! Did this mean he would help? Or did he simply want to witness her downfall and then have the satisfaction of throwing her out onto the street? But then, how could he know of the scandal that had occurred in her family…
“Miss Bennet?”
“Yes?”
“If you would please follow me,” the butler repeated as he gestured in the direction, he was to take her.
Elizabeth barely managed a small nod before following the butler on unsteady legs. As they drew deeper into the house, Elizabeth did not take notice of her surroundings. She was too preoccupied in rehearsing what she might say once she was face to face with Mr Darcy. She had to compose herself so she could speak in a calm and reasonable manner. Nervously, she patted her hair and smoothed the skirt of her gown.
All too soon, Jarvis stopped in front of yet another impressive door. Elizabeth had been so engrossed in her thoughts that she very nearly barrelled into the butler’s narrow frame. He pretended not to notice the misstep, raised a pristine, white-gloved hand, and knocked twice upon the solid oak door.
“Enter,” intoned a deep voice from within, and the butler opened the door. Elizabeth’s heart began to pound a little faster.
“Miss Bennet to see you, sir,” announced Jarvis with a bow.
He stepped to the side, allowing Elizabeth to enter, and gave her a barely perceptible smile and nod. This small gesture made her warm to him even further.
Not entirely certain that her legs would not crumple at any moment, Elizabeth squared her shoulders, drew herself up to her full height, and stepped into the lion’s den, ready for battle.
Jarvis had closed the door enough to give them a modicum of privacy, yet not so much that Elizabeth’s reputation would be damaged. Although, being there without a chaperone or companion present was damning enough! Taking a moment to allow her eyes to adjust to the dimness of the room, she did not immediately see Mr Darcy behind his desk. But then her gaze found him. He did not stand to greet her but sat motionless, his face partially hidden in the shadows as he regarded her.
Elizabeth, never one to be easily intimidated, had always found a way to convey confidence when she was nervous or unsure.
“Mr Darcy,” she said with a curtsey.
Her voice seemed to have animated him, for he then stood, walked around his desk, and faced her. Elizabeth noticed his coat was missing and that his cravat had been pulled at and loosened. He maintained a substantial distance from her, but even in his current position, he was a towering presence. Has he always been so tall? Elizabeth wondered distractedly.
His eyes bored into hers—their depths of stormy grey making her want to flee and hide. How can his eyes be so cold and yet burn so brightly? She took in his rugged appearance and aristocratic jawline—disapproving and hard. As he took a step towards her, the flames from the grand fireplace cast a menacing shadow over his countenance. For a moment, he looked like the devil himself. Elizabeth’s stomach clenched as a chill ran through her, curling her toes and making the hairs on her neck stand on end.
*****
What do you think of the excerpt? At least we have an idea why Lizzy needs Darcy's help, but is there more to it than we know? What about his missing coat and loosened cravat? I'm sure that was an unexpected sight!
