Belle Lisette by Jan Hahn

A Sequel to The Journey

Yesterday, Meryton Press spotlighted Jan Hahn’s The Journey, the author’s second published book. Today, we bring you its sequel, Belle Lisette. We’ve heard from many readers who like me, have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of this much-anticipated novel. Well… it’s here and available for preorder on Amazon!

Rather than spend time talking about the book. the blurb and first published excerpt will hint at the wonderful book to come.

Belle Lisette Blurb

Haunted by a secret from the past,

will Darcy be forced to relive his worst memory?

          Almost thirty years after Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy encountered Nate Morgan in Jan Hahn’s The Journey, their paths cross once again in New Orleans, where Morgan lives in an elegant plantation he named Belle Lisette.

            Set in the Antebellum Era of the American South, this novel sends the Darcys and the Bingleys abroad to help their sons seek their fortunes in the land in which Henry Darcy fell in love during a previous visit. It is there that they discover Morgan who, free from his indenture, has established himself as a prosperous land and business owner.

            Hoping never to see the rogue again, Darcy finds that his enemy not only still harbours tender feelings for Elizabeth, but he has two sons, both of whom are attracted to the Darcys’ only daughter, the free-spirited Beth.

            Whether or not you have read The Journey, you will find Jan Hahn’s sequel, Belle Lisette, a compelling read on its own filled with simmering secrets, excitement, and romance.

Isn’t the painting of the young woman on the cover pretty? Not only is she beautiful, but she also has a look of innocence and impertinence. Could this be Beth?

In keeping with The Journey, this cover has many similarities, yet several differences that make it, its own. What do you think? Do you spot any of them?

Some new readers to this genre may be unfamiliar with Jan Hahn and her books, so we would like to introduce you.

About the Author

            After leaving the world of business, Jan Hahn has been employed in various writing endeavours, but none gave her as much pleasure as the Jane Austen-inspired novels she has written for over twenty years. They were shared with others at online Austen sites, until Meryton Press began publishing them in 2011. This book, Belle Lisette, will be her final Austen novel.

            Ms Hahn’s long-time muse was her husband until she became a widow far too soon. She referred to him as her Mr Darcy. Jane Austen said Darcy is a good man in essentials, and Ms Hahn agrees. She loves to read and write about good men and true love. For inspiration in writing this last book, she relies on memories of the good man she married and the deep love they shared.

            Ms Hahn has five children and seven grandchildren. She lives in Austin, Texas.

Now that you have met Jan Hahn, let’s read what she has to say about her book, Belle Lisette.

From the Author

Through the years, I’ve been asked whatever happened to Nate Morgan, the handsome, dashing scoundrel from The Journey, a book I wrote some time ago. Morgan is the only character I’ve created who has lingered in the recesses of my mind long after I thought we were finished.

The sequel, Belle Lisette, has taken a long, long time to make it from conception to birth, but I rejoice to announce it’s finally here. Why did it take so long? Well, besides dealing with some serious real-life interruptions, I inflicted the following time-consuming problems on myself.

First, I set the story thirty years after Darcy and Elizabeth married, thrusting them into the Victorian era, requiring much research.        

Second, I placed Austen’s beloved characters in a different country—America’s Antebellum South, requiring much research.

Third, in addition to Austen’s Darcys and Bingleys, I created eight additional individuals who did not require research but who absolutely refused to follow my original plans.

And fourth, I decided to write in first person but from two different perspectives, Elizabeth and her nineteen-year-old daughter, Beth. Not a good idea if you dislike sleepless nights.

So, that’s enough of my excuses for taking so long to finish the story. I must thank you, my readers, for motivating me to continue writing. Your kind encouragement has given me much joy throughout the years.  

Thanks to Janet Taylor for designing the cover. I love it!

Thank you, Jan. It was my pleasure.

It’s time for the first-ever published excerpt from Belle Lisette! Are you ready?

Excerpt

Here’s an excerpt from the new book that was extremely easy to write: Darcy and Elizabeth are still in love after almost thirty years of marriage. In their rented house in New Orleans which they share with the Bingleys, the couple awakens early. The excerpt is from Elizabeth’s viewpoint and can be found in Chapter Two.

~~~

I reached for Fitzwilliam, finding the indentation in the sheets upon which he had slept grown cold from his absence. I opened my eyes. Blinking in the sleepy haze of dawn, I searched the room for his familiar presence.

And there he was, sitting by the window, not yet dressed for the day but clad in his robe, his head reclined against the high back of the chair. The frown furrowing his brow did not bode well. I slipped from the warmth of the bed and crawled into his lap, nestling against his broad chest, and inhaling the delicious scent of the man I loved more than life itself.

His arms encircled me immediately, and he cradled my head onto his shoulder, my face burrowed into the heat of his neck. “Forgive me for waking you so early,” he said softly.

“’Twas not you, but the light,” I murmured. We held each other without speaking. I was content to be in his arms. It was not long, however, before my bare feet grew cold, and I sat up. “Where is the throw?”

Fitzwilliam reached over me and plucked it from the window seat, wrapping it around me. “Why not return to bed? Dawn is just now breaking. Far too soon to begin your day.”

“Will you come with me?” I nibbled at his ear and kissed his neck.

“My little temptress.” He kissed me tenderly.

I sat up. “Yet you do not carry me to the bed.”

He sighed and closed his eyes.

“What is it, dearest? What troubles you so that it disturbs your rest?”

He looked down and played with the laces of my gown. “A noise awakened me. I thought it came from the hall, but when I looked, there was no one there. You know how I am. Once I am up, I cannot go back to sleep. I meant to sit here quietly and not bother you.”

“But you are bedevilled. It is written on your countenance. Fitzwilliam, you have rarely slept well since we left Pemberley. I hoped moving from the hotel into this house would afford you greater comfort, but it is evident a matter of beds is not the cause of your concern. You do not approve of this plan for Francis, do you?”

“I think, like most parents, Bingley believes his son to be more responsible than he is.”

“He is but nine months older than our Beth, and she is not yet twenty.”

“Yes, his age is part of the problem. How can a young man of twenty manage an estate in a strange land? How can he be expected to succeed in an endeavour in which he has no experience? Francis has not the first idea of how to become a gentleman sugar planter. He barely knows enough to act like a gentleman. I fear Bingley will lose what is left of his fortune by investing in this scheme.”

“And I fear Jane’s son is not the only young man making you frown.”

He sighed. “Our Henry is young, too―older than Francis—but still only four and twenty. How can I go back to England and leave him on his own in this godforsaken land?”

“You forget he previously spent two years here alone.”

“Against my wishes!” 

His voice rose in anger, and I looked away, wishing we could discuss our youngest son without arousing Fitzwilliam’s ire. I stood up and peeked through the jalousies. Barely enough light existed to reflect the forms of the shrubs in the garden. I sank down upon the window seat.

“I acknowledge Henry is young, but you were nearer the age of Francis when you took possession of Pemberley, and look how well you prospered.”

“I had no choice. Upon my father’s death, there was none but me. And besides, the estate was well established. I had my father’s steward guiding me. Francis and Henry will begin in ignorance. They know nothing of planting and harvesting cane. They require an overseer who will not cheat them, and how will they know whether they are cheated if they are unacquainted with the rudiments of growing cane? They require an instructor and at least a year of attentive observation on a flourishing sugar plantation.” He rose and poured a glass of water from the pitcher on the table.

“From what Henry tells me, he is not truly interested in running the plantation with Francis,” I said.

“Precisely. And if Bingley questioned Francis carefully, he would discern that neither is his son. Both boys are restless and in search of adventure. They would much rather explore the saloons and gaming tables so readily available in this city.” Fitzwilliam returned to the chair. “I fear Henry has filled his cousin’s head with tales of the uncivilized west. If we had not sailed with them, I doubt they would have remained in New Orleans this long. Within a week of landing, they would have set out for Texas or some other such lawless land.”

“Oh, I cannot believe that! Henry is no longer a child. Surely, he was schooled enough at Cambridge to know he must have a plan for his life.”

Fitzwilliam shook his head. “You think that, my dear, if it gives you pleasure. I suffer under no such delusion. Our youngest son has been given much. I fear he considers the world ripe for the taking.”

I leant back against the pillows in the window seat and pulled the throw closer. No matter my brave words, I suspected my husband spoke the truth. Henry could have had the living at Kympton, but Fitzwilliam and I knew he would not make a churchman. No matter what plans his father suggested for settling in England, Henry had refused.

“Come, Elizabeth,” Fitzwilliam said, pulling the throw back and taking my hand. “Let me put you back to bed.” 

He took me in his arms and carried me to the bed. After tucking the bedclothes around me, he kissed my forehead and started to pull away, but I held onto him.

“The bed has grown cold without you, my love. Pray, do not leave me.” 

He chuckled. “You little mischief―almost thirty years together, and I still cannot resist you.”

I laughed lightly, pleased that his voice had grown husky and knowing he would be out of his robe and by my side before I could turn over.

What do you think? Isn’t it great to read how very much in love Darcy and Lizzy still are? We will continue to have those swoon-worthy moments that Jan Hahn is so excellent at writing! Thank you, Jan, for sharing this first excerpt with readers. Three or four more excerpts will be coming so watch for them to be announced.

Giveaway

This is your chance to have your share in the conversation and get an early release of Belle Lisette. Meryton Press is giving away two eBooks worldwide. Leave your thoughts in the comments below about the blurb or excerpt, or both. Jan and Meryton Press would love to hear from you. Did you love The Journey? Are you looking forward to Belle Lisette? What do you think about the setting being in the American South during the Antebellum Era? The giveaway will end at midnight Central Time on November 22nd.

If you haven’t read The Journey, you have a chance to win an eBook. Visit the spotlight posted yesterday, November 17th, on the Meryton Press Blog.

Universal Buy Link

Belle Lisette is available for preorder on Amazon and will be auto-delivered to eReaders on November 29th.

Other Books by Jan Hahn

These books are available on Amazon. Several are also available in audiobook format: An Arranged Marriage, The Journey,  The Secret Betrothal,  A Peculiar Connection, The Child