Kelly Miller’s newest book, A Dutiful Son, is a Regency Pride & Prejudice Variation. In this story, Fitzwilliam’s father, George Darcy is alive and plays an important role in the lives of Georgiana and Fitzwilliam. It is intriguing to witness the dynamic of their respective relationships with their father. But how does Elizabeth Bennet fit into the mix? Maybe the blurb will shed some light on this question.
Blurb
What will Fitzwilliam Darcy do when his beloved father stands between him and happiness?
Darcy has always emulated his wise and honourable father, George Darcy. But following a sinister act of betrayal by a former family friend, his father rejects his most compassionate principles.
When Georgiana forms a friendship with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Darcy convinces his father to allow the association to continue. However, Elizabeth soon presents a thorny problem: she entices Darcy as no other lady has before, and with his current outlook, his father would not approve of her as a daughter-in-law.
Still, Darcy’s problem may resolve in time: his father, after getting to know Elizabeth, is certain to recognise her many admirable qualities and change his mind. But what if he does not?
In this Pride & Prejudice Regency variation, Fitzwilliam Darcy is caught between the influences of love and duty. Which of these will wield the greatest power?
Doesn’t this sound interesting? What could have happened to make George Darcy reject his good principles. The blurb gives us an idea of how Elizabeth Bennet becomes a friend to Georgiana and the Darcy family. Intriguing! Do you think sparks will fly?
The front cover and full wrapper have now been dubbed, “Kelly style.” I think that is fitting. Kelly wanted this cover to follow the theme of her last two books, Accusing Mr. Darcy and Captive Hearts. See what you think.
Do you notice any similarities to the other two covers besides the partial faces? What about the back cover?
Would you like for Kelly to tell us more about her book? After we hear from her, we get to read an excerpt! Enjoy!
From the Author
My latest Regency “Pride and Prejudice” variation “A Dutiful Son,” has a significant change from the original: Fitzwilliam Darcy’s father, George Darcy, is still alive when we begin our story in August 1811. So, George Darcy is master of Pemberley, and he had hired Mrs. Younge as Georgiana’s companion and allowed them to go to Ramsgate.
Of course, this is very much a Darcy and Elizabeth story, but I thought it would be interesting to explore how the elder Mr. Darcy might influence his son’s actions. This Fitzwilliam Darcy is different from Canon. Though he retains a reserved personality, these five years with his father’s influence have made a difference in how he presents himself to others. For instance, I imagine if Mr. George Darcy ever heard of his son insulting a lady at an assembly, he would be livid!
This excerpt, in Fitzwilliam Darcy’s point of view, takes place several hours after Darcy told his father of the plot perpetrated by Mrs. Younge and Mr. Wickham. Darcy had thwarted their evil plan upon his impromptu trip to Ramsgate.
Excerpt
In the wavering illumination of the nearby candle, the lines beneath Papa’s eyes appeared to have deepened. Without doubt, Darcy’s devastating report earlier that day had extracted a heavy toll.
“I spent the afternoon reflecting on the example I set for you and Georgiana. I have made many errors and have done both of you a grave disservice.” Papa’s head dipped, his shoulders slumped.
“You are too severe on yourself. There is no reason to remain mired in the past. Although Wickham attempted an abominable scheme, it failed. He will not bother us again. As for Georgiana, her spirits will rally in time.”
Papa leaned back and held him in a stern gaze. “I will not repeat the mistakes that led to this near disaster, and neither shall you or Georgiana. Although I expect you to be kind in your dealings with those lower in status, you must adhere to class lines. You will avoid associating with anyone outside of our social sphere, and you will help ensure that Georgiana follows suit.”
His jaw tightened. This did not sound like Papa; indeed, his father would retract these words in time.
Until then, could he maintain his association with Charles Bingley? Although considered by many to be a gentleman, his friend’s fortune came from the sale of the late Mr. Bingley’s business. “You know Bingley and I are close. I hope you do not expect me to dissolve that connexion.”
A furrow formed between Papa’s brows. “In retrospect, I ought to have stepped in when you first made his acquaintance. It would be unfair for me to ask you to give him up now. Bingley has been a fine friend to you.”
He relaxed against the chair. “Bingley plans to purchase an estate in the next year or two, and I agreed to advise him. To that end, this October I shall stay at the estate he is leasing in Hertfordshire.”
“I suppose Miss Bingley will act as hostess?” His father rubbed his chin.
“I expect so.”
“It is vital that you do not allow Mr. Bingley or Miss Bingley to believe there is any possibility the lady will one day become your wife.”
The mere suggestion prompted a shudder. Miss Bingley, though attractive and well versed in the manners and customs of the ton, was also disingenuous, vain, and too often unkind. She could not attract his interest even if she had royal blood. “I am certain Bingley has no expectation I should ever offer for his sister.” Miss Bingley’s expectations, though, might be another matter.
“Still, I insist that when you reach London you discuss the matter with Bingley—before you go to Hertfordshire. You had better also make it clear that your friend could never marry Georgiana.”
Darcy swallowed. Of all his friends, he had fancied Bingley might make the best match for Georgie if he remained unmarried when she came out—though he had never shared that thought with anyone.
“Son, did you hear me? There must be no room for misunderstanding.”
“But I—” The unyielding cast in his father’s eyes suppressed Darcy’s ready argument. “Very well, I shall do so.
*****
Aww, Wickham! He is such a menace, always causing trouble! I hope George Darcy doesn’t change too much because of him. What do you think of the excerpt? Do you want to read more? I do! The book will be released on October 18th. Be sure to get your copy at Amazon. The book is available for preorder now. For more excerpts, guest posts, and character interviews, be sure to follow Kelly’s blog tour October 18th through October 24th. The schedule with links will be posted here and at the Meryton Press Facebook Page before the tour begins.
Use the Amazon universal buy link to preorder your copy of A Dutiful Son.
Giveaway
Meryton Press is giving away two eBooks of A Dutiful Son. Tell us what you think about the excerpt, Kelly’s thoughts, or the covers in the comment section below. You will automatically be entered into the giveaway which ends at midnight central time, Monday the 17th of October. Good luck to everyone.
Books by Kelly Miller
Suzan Lauder
That excerpt definitely has me wanting more since I like books that have a special twist like this one with George Darcy still alive. I look forward to reading this novel. I’ve loved all your books, Kelly. You’re a special author. I hope you have success in this release.
Meryton Press
Thanks for stopping by and supporting, Kelly. I, too, liked that George Darcy was still alive. Kelly writes him well.
Kelly Miller
Thank you so much, Suzan! I admire your writing talent, so that means a lot! 🙂
wendy m luther
As always another remarkable book to come I really can’t wait to read this it sounds intriguing also we have old Mr darcy in it can’t wait I hope I can win this time lol
Meryton Press
I hope you get to read it soon, and maybe you will be a winner this time! Thanks for commenting.
Kelly Miller
Hi Wendy, Thank you; I hope so too! I’d love to know what you think of “A Dutiful Son.” There will be more opportunities to enter during the blog tour! 🙂
Grace Gibson
Congratulations Kelly! This sounds like an intriguing story, and I love the unmistakable ‘Kelly-style’ cover!
Meryton Press
We’re happy you dropped by, Grace. Thank you for your support.
Kelly Miller
Thank you so much, Grace! I would not have a style if not for the talents of Janet Taylor and I’m very grateful to her!
Laura J
I have read and loved her other books. And this one looks great! I enjoy this trope very much and will be looking forward to reading it.
The cover(s) is great. I like the contrast between the colours and it looks like they’ve sharing a private conversation that she’s not liking that much!
Congratulations on your new book and wishing you all a wonderful weekend.
Meryton Press
This is great to hear, Laura! Thank you for your thoughts on the cover too!
Kelly Miller
Thank you so much, Laura! I appreciate you reading my previous books. Since you enjoyed them, I imagine you will like this one too! I’m glad you like Janet’s fabulous cover! 🙂
Heather Dreith
This book sounds intriguing! I do hope Darcy’s father has a change of heart.
Meryton Press
I feel the same way, Heather. We appreciate you stopping by and commenting. Good luck!
Kelly Miller
Thank you so much, Heather! I’m glad the premise sounds interesting to you! I have a few twists in addition to Mr. George Darcy being alive that I hope you will enjoy! 🙂
Eve
Jane Austen is one of my favourite authors. Her books have been my faithful companions for almost a quarter of a century. I have to confess that the idea of reading variations of her books made me wary, and after I read a “Sense and Sensibility” variation my friend had gifted to me, I was even more reluctant to give this genre a try.
But Kelly Miller’s books completely overturned my ideas of Jane Austen romance variations! Her stories – and I’ve read them all! – are as elegant and refined as the author’s original works, but at the same time, they offer some edge and twists modern reader needs in order to fully enjoy a book.
Meryton Press
Eve, we are so glad that you gave Kelly’s stories a try and that they overturned your ideas of Jane Austen romance variations. Your comment was lovely!
Kelly Miller
Thank you so much, Eve! Your words mean the world to me coming from a fellow author! I appreciate your support!
SamH.
I had just been thinking to myself-I wonder when Kelly Miller will have a new one out.
Congratulations! I am looking forward to reading it. And I Love the continuing branding!!
Meryton Press
We hope you get to read it soon! It’s great to read that you love the continuing branding.
Kelly Miller
Thank you so much, Sam! What a happy coincidence! I hope you enjoy A Dutiful Son! I’m glad you approve of Janet’s latest masterpiece! I appreciate your support! 🙂
Joan
What a change in George Darcy, all because of Wickham’s behavior! Why allow the behavior of one person taint an entire “class” of people? That is simply unfair and too narrow minded! I also believe that others may have tried to warn George Darcy about Wickham, but he was too thick skulled and thin skinned to listen. Is he really going to become Lady Catherine? Is this what Lady Anne would have done? What was she like as a wife and mother?
Meryton Press
I believe you will be pleasantly surprised with George Darcy. Lady Catherine, he is not! lol Thanks for dropping in and commenting. Good luck.
Kelly Milller
Hi Joan, I appreciate your comment! In “A Dutiful Son” George Darcy retains most of his positive qualities throughout. I hope you read the book, and I’d be curious to know what you think of him by the end. 🙂
Rebecca
Oh! I really want to read this! Congratulations on another publication!
Meryton Press
Hi Rebecca. Thanks for visiting. We hope you get to read Kelly’s book soon.
Kelly Miller
Thank you so much, Rebecca! I hope you get a chance to read “A Dutiful Son,” and I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Glynis
Oh dear, it seems as if Darcy is unable to be his own man? It was George Darcy who treated Wickham above his station so I definitely don’t agree with Fitzwilliam having to pay the price! Hopefully Elizabeth can change his father’s mind? I do love these covers!
Meryton Press
You are right, Glynis, but Darcy knows his mind and heart! Will Elizabeth win over George Darcy and make him go back to the man he truly is? That’s the question! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! Good luck!
Kelly Miller
Thank you, lovely Glynis! You are so correct! Our Darcy will be in tough spot, but I believe you will enjoy how things work out! 🙂
Lynn
This excerpt is excellent and certainly makes me want to read the book. I have enjoyed Kelly’s other books and look forward to reading this one.
Meryton Press
Hi Lynn. We are happy to have you visit today. It’s so nice to hear you want to read the book. Kelly has some really good ones, I agree. I have enjoyed them too. Good luck.
Kelly Miller
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Lynn! In addition to Mr. George Darcy, Darcy and Elizabeth will have several other new characters in this book to deal with. I hope you find them interesting and enjoy the read! 🙂
Robin G.
I am looking forward to another Kelly Miller book. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway!
Meryton Press
We are thrilled to hear! Thank you and good luck.
Kelly Miller
I appreciate your wonderful comment, Robin; best of luck to you in the giveaway! Be sure to follow the blog tour for additional chances to win! 🙂
Jennie
Thank you for the excerpt! The book sounds very interesting, and I would love a chance to win a copy.
Kelly Miller
Thank you for your lovely comment, Jennie! I wish you luck! To increase your chances of winning, follow the blog tour and enter on the stops as well!
Colleen
Oh, I like the covers! They are simple yet classic looking.
Meryton Press
Wonderful! Thank you, Colleen. We’re glad you dropped by and wish you luck in the giveaway.
Kelly Miller
Thank you, Colleen! I’m so glad you approve of them. Janet’s work is impeccable!
Pat Rogers
I am looking forward to another Kelly Miller book. Thank you for the beautiful excerpt and the giveaway. Thank you.
Kelly Miller
Thank you for your kind comment, Pat! I hope you enjoy “A Dutiful Son” as much as I enjoyed writing it! 🙂
Georgina Young-Ellis
This sounds amazing, Kelly, congratulations!
Kelly Miller
Thank you so much, Georgina! I appreciate your kind words! 🙂
Jeannette Kleman
The excerpt told me just enough to pique my interest. And finally, a book where Darcy Sr. is not beguiled by Wickham until the end of his life. Looking forward to reading the outcome of Darcy Sr’s edicts and the ramifications on the Lizzy/Darcy relationship. Hum… BTW, I adore the cover–very well done and seems appropriate to the story.
Kelly Miller
Thanks so much, Jeannette! I agree, Janet’s cover fits the story perfectly! I hope you get to read “A Dutiful Son” soon! 🙂
Meryton Press
It is always good when your interest is piqued! We like to hear that! I agree with your sentiment about Darcy Sr. learning the truth about Wickham. This was a nice touch. I feel confident you will enjoy Kelly’s story, and we are happy you adore the cover! 🙂
Jan Hahn
Love your “Kelly Style” covers. Congratulations on publishing your latest novel!
Kelly Miller
Thank you so much, Jan! I really appreciate your support! 🙂
Meryton Press
Jan, we are so happy you love them. Ellen named them aptly, didn’t she! 🙂 Thanks for commenting and supporting Kelly.
Marie H
I have loved your last book covers and this one is also fabulous. The way they are looking intensely at one another draws you in. The eyes though! I like it when at least one Darcy parent lives—don’t make me regret it! I anticipate George Darcy will provide us with a taste of angst. Looking forward to reading and adding your latest to my library.
Kelly Miller
Thank you, Marie! I’m glad you agree that Janet made a fabulous cover; it fits the storyline really well! This is my first time writing a story with one of Darcy’s parents living, and I had a great time using Mr. George Darcy to my advantage! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Meryton Press
Hi Marie. It is so nice to read that you have loved Kelly’s last book covers and this one too. The artist who does these is amazing. He does get the eyes and expressions so well. I think you will love George Darcy. He is a good guy at heart. He just needs to overcome the hurt to his baby girl from a certain unsavory character. Of course, George feels to blame for this himself! I better shush! lol Thank you for coming by and good luck in the giveaway.
J. W.
Love the cover… marvelous color. It was an excellent idea to keep the same cover theme. I love it. The excerpt made me shudder. Mr. Darcy senior is angry… mainly at himself for being taken in by a cad living right under his nose. That had to be a blow to HIS pride. He is now rethinking everything the [SBRB] scum-bag-rat-bastard ever said to him. He is furious that he fell hook, line, and sinker for his glib-tongued godson. Those feelings of frustration will guide his behavior for a bit. Although hoping his father’s attitude and opinions would change, Fitzwilliam was correct to wait. It’s like the pendulum swinging wildly after being disturbed. It will eventually calm. However, you have to wait for it. I can’t wait to see what happens. This will be a bumpy ride for a while.
Meryton Press
Jeanne, I love your comment, all of it! You said it all with your thoughts about Mr. Darcy, Sr. You are spot on. We get to enjoy the bumpy ride and wait for that calm. 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and share your thoughts. Good luck!
Kelly Miller
Thanks so much, JW! I love your fabulous comment! There are a few other surprises to complicate matters for D & E, and I hope you enjoy those too! 🙂
KateB
Great except and a beautiful cover. I’m looking forward to reading this book. I loved Accusing Mr Darcy and other Kelly’s stories. Congratulations
Meryton Press
Hi Kate. It’s great to have to stop by and share your thoughts. We hope you get to read Kelly’s book soon. Good luck.
Kelly Miller
I appreciate your sweet comment, Kate! I hope you enjoy “A Dutiful Son.” Thank you so much for reading my other books! 🙂
Sarah P
Loved the new book cover, and the snippet. Can’t wait to read the published story.
George Darcy being alive is a good twist, but his comment to Fitzwilliam to stick to his own class, seems like a very Lady Catherine thing to say. Here’s hoping father dearest doesn’t think the faux engagement will be a good idea.
Kelly Miller
Thank you so much, Sarah! Yes, our Darcy is dismayed at his father’s response. In most ways, though, Mr. George Darcy is quite different from Lady Catherine. I hope you enjoy “A Dutiful Son!”
Eva Edmonds
I like the premise of this book. So the 3 covers a have faces, similar color, and font. One would know that it s a Kelly Miller book and I hat is good for author recognition. That you for the excerpt and giveaway.
Meryton Press
We are happy you like the premise of the book. Good observations on the covers. They all also have a leaf motif that is part of the two Pride & Prejudice variations. The Persuasion uses hearts instead of leaves. Good point on the author recognition as well. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and good luck in the giveaway.
Kelly Miller
Thank you for your lovely comment, Eva! I’m glad you like the premise of “A Dutiful Son,” and I wish you luck in the giveaway! 🙂
Sheila L. Majczan
Love the cover. Good luck with the release. Thanks for a chance to win a copy. Putting it on my Wish List so if I don’t win a copy, I know to get it that way. I have read and enjoyed Kelly’s 5 published books.
Meryton Press
We are glad you do! Thank you. Good luck in the giveaway. Maybe you will be one of the winners and can read it soon!
Kelly Miller
Thanks so much, Sheila! I’m grateful for your continued support and look forward to hearing what you think of “A Dutiful Son!” I hope you will enjoy it! 🙂
DarcyBennett
Such a great premise. Congrats on the release and thanks for the giveaway!
Meryton Press
Glad you think so, DarcyBennet. Good luck with the giveaway.
Kelly Miller
Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting, DarcyBennett. I’m so glad you like the premise for “A Dutiful Son.” 🙂
Michelle H
First, I’m so excited that we are getting a new Kelly Miller book. Woo! Second, I always find those tropes that include one of Darcy’s parents still alive really fascinating. It can follow canon and have the same characters and basic story arc, but it can change so much. This will be good, I know. I’m really looking forward to reading Kelly’s new story. Congratulations Kelly. Best all luck on the launch.
Michelle H
Oh, gosh. I forgot to say how much I like the cover and the fact that it coordinates with the last few book. I love it when authors do this.
Meryton Press
Good to know, Michelle. We’re happy you like the cover.
Kelly Miller
Thank you for your lovely comments, Michelle! I’m glad you like the cover; I think it’s one of Janet’s best, which is saying a lot! It was fun for me to explore how George Darcy might influence his son. I hope you will enjoy it!
Meryton Press
Great! We are all happy to have another Kelly Miller book, too! We hope you will love this one. We hope you get to read it soon!
Betty Campbell Madden
I’ve enjoyed all your previous stories and look forward to this new one. Thank you for sharing your creativity and writing talent.
Meryton Press
Thank you for stopping by and commenting, Betty.
Kelly Miller
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Betty! I appreciate your support and really hope you enjoy “A Dutiful Son!”
Buturot
Congratulations on your new book! Such an obedient son… looking forward to knowing how he will champion Elizabeth in his father’s eyes. Thank you for the excerpt and the chance to win a copy.
Kelly Miller
Thank you so much for your well wishes, Buturot! I appreciate it, and wish you luck in the giveaway! 🙂
Melisa
Congratulations on your new book, Kelly. I wish you every success with it. I love the cover. I’ve only read A Consuming Love by you which l liked. I’m sure this novel won’t disappoint me or all of your other fans too.
Kelly Miller
Thank you so much, Melisa! I really appreciate your gracious comment! 🙂
Hunter Quinn
Congratulations Kelly!! I cannot wait to get stuck into this. You writing never fails to get me hooked and this excerpt is no exception 🤍xx
Kelly Miller
Aw, thank you so much, Hunter! You are so kind! I am a fan of your writing too! 🙂
Cat Andrews
Looking forward to reading this book! And I love that your covers are so recognizable. Best of luck to you with this new release!
Meryton Press
Thanks for stopping by, Cat. We hope you get to read the books soon.
Kelly Miller
I appreciate your well wishes, Cat! I hope you will enjoy “A Dutiful Son.” Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment! 🙂
Maria
Love the cover…. I can’t wait to read more. Congrats on the new book.
Meryton Press
Hi. Maria. We’re happy you love the cover and hope you get to read the book soon. Good luck
Kelly Miller
Thank you for the kind comment, Maria! I appreciate your well wishes very much!
Jennifer Redlarczyk
The cover for Dutiful Son reflects the turmoil Darcy is facing. Great excerpt. Best wishes Kelly!
Kelly Miller
Thank you for your gracious comment, Jennifer! I appreciate your well wishes very much! 🙂