Fitzwilliam Darcy
Not William, Will, Fitz, or any foolish nickname, but Fitzwilliam—a noble name, with all the fastidious, respectable importance a man of his stature deserves.
From A Most Handsome Gentleman by Suzan Lauder
- His fine figure and noble mien dominate a room whenever he enters it.
- He commands a praiseworthy first impression, even for the hard-to-impress Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
- Of course, his proud manners may cause one to take pause about that first impression—but never his good looks.
- Eventually, he is found to be as admirable inside as he is on the exterior.
With curly chestnut hair (which has a mind of its own), a firm jaw, a pleasing mouth (in non-Regency speak, kissable lips), an aristocratic nose, a questioning brow, dimples, and especially those marvellous chocolate brown eyes, Mr. Darcy surely vies for the most handsome Elizabeth or I have ever seen, even considering the stunning perfection of her cousin, Mr. Collins! With all the visible attributes of our JAFF fanon Darcy, it’s no surprise that Chayseland Taylor was my first choice for Mr. Darcy on the cover of A Most Handsome Gentleman.
Elizabeth might even consider liking Mr. Darcy if he were more amiable—and then she sees a whole world of depth of character in those chocolate eyes.
Who is Darcy to You?
Let us know in the comments. Our last Darcy representation will be influenced by your answers.
A Most Handsome Gentleman released in October 2017. It will go on a 24 hour sale post Christmas. Stay tuned for details.
Learn more about Suzan Lauder and her other great books on her website, suzanlauder.merytonpress.com
Dung
Darcy, definitely commands a room when he walks into a room with his noble mean. I do like it when he allows his intimate friends and families to use a shortened name.
Suzan Lauder
I don’t mind the shortened names with friends and family in moderns, but I do think in a Regency he’s Fitzwilliam. Thanks for the cool comment, Dung!
Sheila L. Majczan
I like to draw that name out a little when I say it as it just comes across as a tease, IMHO. While many describe Fitzwilliam as shy or reticent in company he is judged to be holding the community of Meryton in disdain. If he did not have money I wonder if he would be judged the same…is the community of Meryton hypocrites? How do they look on a not-so-well-off man who has little to say and is not forward enough to ask a lady unknown to him to dance.
What sealed the opinion of others is the fact that Elizabeth spread the information of how he described her to her family and friends. He had to open his mouth. Better he had kept quiet, even just shook his head at Bingley’s remarks.
Colin Firth remains my primary choice for Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Suzan Lauder
Sometimes I think Darcy was trying to be a smarty pants when he said things that turned out to be pretty stupid. If you’re rich, you get the reputation of being a snob for that. If you’re not rich, you get the eyeroll.
Today as the picture of Chayseland is exposed next to Jan’s Darcy (and Jan knows Chayseland in person!) I have to agree that Colin does have that little extra “thang” going on that makes him the most handsome gentleman. Yet this young man is also very handsome, and well worthy of the “painting” on the cover of the book.
Thanks for commenting so regularly, Sheila!
Janet T
I think Colin has ‘smoldering’ down to perfection! 🙂
Sheila L. Majczan
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year to all.
Suzan Lauder
To you too, Sheila!
Glynis
Yum! would be my immediate response. I much preferred him to the ‘most handsome’ Wickham. Great choice Suzan and I agree about the kissable lips and the gorgeous soulful eyes.
This book is one on my Christmas treats list and I can’t wait 📚😍
Suzan Lauder
Yes, Chayseland (cover artist Janet Taylor’s grandson) is yummy. She says he blushes whenever he hears of being admired in such a way! I love how that one eyebrow is higher.
You need to read the book! Mr. Collins is even more handsome than Mr. Wickham! So there!
Thanks for commenting so regularly in spite of this not being an international competition, Glynis.
Linda Beutler
Suzan, you’re so right about that left eyebrow. I’ve heard it said that it is the left eye that is the true window into the soul, and in this case, oh my! (fans self) This is the soul of a thoughtful rascal. Well chosen!
Happy Holidays!
Suzan Lauder
Linda, I get the impression that Chayseland is a rather nice young fellow who has no clue that he’s so hot. Thoughtful rascal, indeed! Hahaha!
KateB
I agree, Darcy is Fitzwilliam, but sometimes I don’t mind a shorter name in JAFF. But I still prefer Fitzwilliam.
Happy Holidays
Suzan Lauder
Thanks, Kate. I prefer Fitzwilliam too. It’s the name Austen gave him. If she wanted it shortened, she would have done so–like she did with some other of her characters. Happy holidays to you too!
Janet T
Loved your post, Suzan, for various reasons! lol Your comment about the raised left eyebrow and Linda B’s reply about the thoughtful rascal, made me laugh!
Thanks, for having Chayseland as your Darcy, Suzan! Can’t wait for him to read this! lol He will blush!
Suzan Lauder
My impression of Chayseland is that he’s a sweet young man and was raised right. Lucky for him, he’s also handsome. Thanks for making him my Darcy, Janet.
P.S. for all we know, he raised that eyebrow just as he said, “So what’s for dinner, gran?”
Schilds
I like Fitzwilliam. I wish more Jaff used it. To me it is a strong name.
Suzan Lauder
Me too! Thanks, Schilds!
Jessie
I can get used to most names, once I get into a story, though I do love the name Fitzwilliam. (Spell check doesn’t though!)
Suzan Lauder
Hahaha! Of course, at times like that, we tell spellcheck exactly where to go with its opinions.
Jan Hahn
I love your choice for Darcy, naturally. Chayseland was my Darcy on the cover of The Secret Betrothal. He was a bit younger then – I remember Janet had to age him a bit – but he’s really grown into the role on your cover, Suzan. Good choice and fun book!
Suzan Lauder
I’m quite jealous that you have met him, Jan. It was your cover art that inspired me to ask for him. Thanks!
Sharon
Did it suddenly get very warm in here! On my T BE list!! MERRY Christmas to all!!
Suzan Lauder
Very warm indeed! Merry Christmas to you too Sharon!