Meryton Press author, Barry S. Richman, wrote a novel that is different from most books in the Austenesque genre. Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, feature heavily in the story as well as the lives they touch and people with whom they interact. Uncover intrigue, enjoy romance, discover more intrigue where you least expect it, and fall in love with more romance. Three families during the Regency era face many struggles and hardships. This saga is their story.
Let’s take a look at the blurb for Doubt Not, Cousin.
Blurb
Don’t you like the way the back cover copy is written? I do. And what about the girl with the violet eyes? Any ideas?
Now it is time to hear from Barry. He is going to tell us a little about how he wrote Kitty Bennet and why.
From the author
Doubt Not, Cousin began from a pair of ‘What Ifs’ and a song. Seriously, I kid you not.
I started with the idea of the initial insult. Would Darcy have insulted Elizabeth if his best friend and cousin, Col Fitzwilliam, had traveled with him to Hertfordshire? The event may have been destined to happen regardless. I let the characters do their thing, and you shall see—or read what happens. I have never been a fan of the Bennet family’s dysfunction, especially the matriarch’s hysterics and the patriarch’s indolence. ‘What If’ a cataclysmic event occurred, resulting in a change of their ways? Thus, the influenza epidemic and the deaths of Mary and Lydia. But would that be enough? I felt I had to go further to shake up the Bennet parents. As I walked on the track near my home listening to pop music, my YouTube app played the song ‘Symphony’ by Clean Bandit and I had an epiphany!
The lyrics evoked a feeling of joy at finally being able to hear music after having had to involuntarily live in a silent world.
Click here to see the lyrics.
A picture of a young deaf girl radiating sunshine and happiness as she communicated for the first time (silently) with her true love popped into my head and never left. For me, it was immediately and permanently Kitty Bennet. Without Lydia, she would have to follow another. With a disability, she would have to forge her path. In my opinion, Kitty is the Bennet sister that provides the most opportunity for an author to mold. So, I did. And I adore my version of Miss Catherine ‘Kitty’ Bennet. I’m sure you will, too. So, with my compliments, I present Doubt Not, Cousin.
We mentioned intrigue at the beginning and in the blurb. Do you feel a duel would generate a little intrigue? Who were the men and why did they choose to duel? What was the outcome?
Excerpt
“The Honorable Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, second son of the Earl of Matlock, and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire, to see you, Mr. Bennet.”
“Thank you, Hill.”
Mr. Darcy bowed his way into the study. “Good morning, Mr. Bennet. Thank you for receiving us.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam looked at him out of the corner of his eye and frowned.
Bennet was not alone. A handsome woman rose from her chair, smoothed out nonexistent wrinkles from her morning dress, and curtsied.
“Good morning, gentlemen. Welcome to Longbourn. I am Mrs. Francine Bennet, mistress of the estate.”
Both men bowed again.
“I shall order tea and refreshments, if you will partake?”
Darcy seemed to have rediscovered gentle behavior overnight. “That would be lovely, Mrs. Bennet. My cousin and I thank you for the consideration.”
Thomas nodded. Franny grasped his forearm and pulled him toward her.
“Remember your promise,” she whispered into his ear. She kissed his cheek. Thomas smiled and watched her leave the study. “Let us sit, gentlemen.”
Bennet gestured to four chairs arranged in a circle. He had moved his reading table, leaving a rather obvious omission. Darcy looked at the carpet, frowned, then looked about. The displaced furniture was now on the opposite side of the room. Atop were two ornate wooden cases—one was long and rectangular, the other perfectly square.
Darcy paled.
***
The three men settled in for a lengthy visit. No one spoke. The case clock in the corner marked the passage of minutes. This conference was to determine whether and how one would kill the other, yet nobody said a word. Bennet’s past dealings with the present gentlemen’s elder relatives did not prevent him from being diverted. Irony at its finest!
He looked at young Darcy, thinking that the apple must have rolled far from the Fitzwilliam tree. The haughtiness the young man seemed unable to shed little offended him. Let us assess this…Darcy.
“The colonel is your second?”
Darcy froze. Bennet could see the young man forcing himself not to look at his cousin.
“Yes, he is.”
The captain waited, evaluating his adversary and ignoring the colonel. Darcy stared back. He was unaware he fidgeted.
“I have heard of your prowess with weapons, Mr. Darcy. Your grouse hunts, where you display your accuracy, are laudable.”
He saw Darcy take a calm breath and noticed a tiny smile begin on the young man’s face. Arrogance, thy name is youth!
Bennet continued to probe. “Friends have written to me of your success at Angelo’s. You have quite the following and few willing opponents.”
Now he saw that Darcy could not stop the grin. So typical of the wealthy. First, flattery, followed by excuses. The lad has never been brought up short for his behavior.
Longbourn’s master narrowed his eyes and audibly exhaled. The young man’s face adopted the mask of hauteur.
With a voice as cold as a Russian winter, Captain Thomas Bennet glanced at the displaced table, turned back to Darcy, and stated harshly, “Choose your weapon.”
A third voice rasped through the heavy air. “This is not Chalk Farm, sir!”
Thomas Bennet turned to the colonel; the negotiation field surrendered. Little did it matter.
On the one hand, Fitzwilliam Darcy was a child in a man’s body. He was filled with insecurities camouflaged by wealth, hereditary prestige, and familial connections. The obvious lack of a mother figure throughout his life left his arrogance unchecked.
On the other hand, Richard Fitzwilliam was more than a man. The colonel, when acting in his family’s interests and those he loved, bore the flaming sword of the archangel Raguel—a ruthless executioner for any he labeled enemy.
Bennet would never forget that day, exactly sixteen years ago, in Watford. He never expected to leave his carriage alive, grateful that his abject confession granted him a reprieve from the charge of being complicit in Madeleine Lambert’s disappearance, thereby preserving his own life.
Bennet closely attended the cautioning inflection in Fitzwilliam’s voice.
“How does Lord Matlock fare?” Thomas asked, offering an olive branch.
Colonel Fitzwilliam exhaled. “Why did you not preface his name with ‘my friend and your father,’ sir?”
Darcy, his arrogant mask shattered, displayed his confusion. Thomas’s lips broke into a smile. “Call me Bennet, if you will, young Richard.”
“Thank you, sir. The gentleman, unaware of the danger before him, is my younger cousin.”
“I shall take that under consideration.”
“Benneeeeeet,” parried Richard, drawing out the last vowel, a faux, painful expression on his face. “I would consider it a favor if you would not kill him.”
“I never planned to. Today is a negotiation—one that will lead to a lesson in manners.”
Richard nodded. Darcy’s head whipped back and forth between his cousin and his host—if one could call a challenger that. “I am in the room,” he interjected dryly.
What do you think? This excerpt has my attention. What about yours? I believe you will find some of the characters that you know and love, and some that you love to hate, play significant and unexpected roles in this novel. You may walk away with a new respect for several of them, which may surprise you! 🙂
Author Bio
Barry S. Richman is a military veteran and corporate logistics professional. While he was recuperating at home after having his wisdom teeth extracted in 2003, he picked up a copy of Pride and Prejudice and has yet to put it down.
In the past twenty years, he has read thousands of Pride and Prejudice variations. Watching him complete a book every other day, his wife of thirty years suggested he write one.
Doubt Not, Cousin is his first book.
Barry and his “Jane Bennet” live in Los Angeles and Alaçatı, a small seaside town in southwestern Turkey.
Contact Info
Some of you have had the opportunity to listen to Barry’s readings during the monthly WIP meetings. Others may have visited his YouTube channel. If you have done one or both, you’ve had a chance to learn a little about his book, Doubt Not, Cousin. Now you can get the rest of the story! We hope you enjoy reading Barry S. Richman’s first novel.
Buy Link
The book is available for preorder at Amazon.
The Blog Tour for Doubt Not, Cousin will begin on July 13th, the same day the book is released to your eReader. Be sure to visit each blog for more excerpts and to get better acquainted with Barry.
Blog Tour Schedule
July 13 From Pemberley to Milton
July 14 Babblings of a Bookworm
July 17 Delighted Reader
July 18 Savvy Verse and Wit
July 19 My Jane Austen Book Club
July 20 Interests of a Jane Austen Girl
July 21 Austenesque Reviews
Giveaway
Meryton Press is giving away two eBooks of Barry S. Richman’s Doubt Not Cousin. The giveaway is worldwide. To be entered in the giveaway, leave a comment below, ask Barry a question, or tell us who you think has violet eyes? The giveaway will end at midnight Central standard time, July 11th. Good luck!
Mihaela
Have been looking forward to this since I had the pleasure of hearing you reading for the get together back in November.
Wish you a great tour and a happy release day!
Meryton Press
Thanks for stopping by, Mihaela. Good luck.
Barry S Richman
Thank you, Mihaela. I am on pins and needles to hear your review of my interpretations of our beloved P&P characters.
Michelle David
Sounds absolutely fantastic. I can’t wait to read it! I’m all anticipation 😉
Meryton Press
Music to our hears! Thanks, Michelle.
Barry S Richman
Thank you for your excitement. I’m all anticipation to hear your thoughts and read your review. Enjoy!
SamH.
Oh my goodness! A Bennet in touch with the world around and all set to teach prideful Darcy a lesson – I like!
I hope the Bennet girls still with them are all likeable too…!
Looking forward to reading it. Congratulations on your first publication!
Meryton Press
That was a nice touch, yes? We’re glad you are looking forward to reading the book. Thanks for dropping by.
Barry S Richman
Thank you. It is a first child; very difficult to have it leave the nest. I appreciate your helping it to learn to fly.
Glynis
Phew! My heart is still pounding! I thought Mr Bennet was seriously challenging Darcy to a duel! What on earth could have happened? Mrs Bennet seems to be a different character, also no Mary or Lydia? Add to that a deaf Kitty? More please.
Meryton Press
The author did an excellent job of making us think that, didn’t he? I had read this and still, it made my heart pound! lol We hope you get to read it soon!
Barry S Richman
Glynis, I hope that Doubt Not, Cousin is the cause of a sleepless night or two–for ot being able to put it down! Thank you for your support.
Colleen
I love stories that bring Kitty out!
Meryton Press
I do to, Colleen. Thanks for visiting and good luck.
Barry S Richman
It was quite an epiphany to hear the lyrics of ‘Symphony’ by Clean Bandit and have a picture of a deaf Kitty Bennet “rising from the ashes of isolation” and meet her one and always. I am so glad I get to share that vision with you and others. Thank you.
Kelly Miller
Congratulations, Barry! It sounds like you came up with a unique premise! I enjoyed the excerpt and look forward to reading the book!
Meryton Press
Thank you for dropping by and supporting Barry, Kelly. We appreciate you. Hope you get to read the book soon.
Barry S Richman
Kelly, thanks for the long-term support. I m excited to hear your thoughts regarding DNC. I’m happy that TSD is doing well.
Suzan Lauder
This new premise is so different, I can hardly wait to read it! Congrats on your new baby, Barry!
Meryton Press
Thank you for visiting and commenting, Suzan. Your support of a fellow MP author is much appreciated.
Barry S Richman
Thank you, Linda. I was at first wary, as the male author population in our genre is not robust. I worried the grittiness and carnage would not be accepted. Apparently, we ALL love a good intrigue in the Regency! Duels, fights, rescuing damsels in distress, and protecting siblings is completely acceptable to JAFF readers. Enjoy DNC.
Jan Hahn
Congratulations on publishing your first novel! Sounds like an exciting story. Here’s wishing you much success.
Barry S Richman
Thank you, Jan. It is a very exciting story with a deep back story. I hope you enjoy reading it.
Barry S Richman
Thank you. I am excited to hear your thoughts after you read it. I’ve enjoyed your work in entering the JAFF genre.
Barry S Richman
Thank you. I appreciate you having taken the time to chat with a new author while this work was still a massive WIP project. MP is very lucky to have such a wonderful family of authors.
Eva Edmonds
Congratulations! I like how you read P&P and haven’t put it down. Kudos to your wife for suggesting you write a variation. The cover is quite perfect. I am intrigued with what will happen and even more curious about the backstory. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway.
Meryton Press
We think you will love the back story, Eva, and are happy to hear you are intrigued! 🙂 We are also glad that you feel the cover to be quite perfect! Thank you. Good luck in the giveaway and thank you for dropping by.
Barry S Richman
I enjoyed how the backstory kept developing from the characters’ actions. Every time I went forward, I had to go back and further define their histories. It is amazing how two-dimensional ideas become three-dimensional in reality (so to speak).
Linda Thompson
Congratulations on your first book! Taking that step is a great accomplishment. I love the premise and that there is another male author in the JAFF genre! I really look forward to reading your book and will pre-order it today, if possible. As a fellow author, I hope you enjoy great success!
Meryton Press
It is always nice to have more male authors in this genre, I agree. Best wishes to you and thanks for dropping in.
Barry S Richman
Linda, thank you for your support. I am happy to be part of that rare community — male authors in the JAFF genre! I promise you will not be disappointed with DNC.
J. W. Garrett
What a teaser. Goodness, I found myself leaning toward my computer as I read the excerpt. I kept thinking, there is a backstory here that Darcy does not know about. However, our dear Colonel does. I can’t wait to read this. Whew! I am shaking. Well done, on the choice of sample. Blessings to Mr. Richman on the launch of his new book. I have no idea who has the violet eyes. The picture was of a child… so… whose child is it? Does Kitty have violet eyes?
I would like to thank Mr. Richman’s wife for her support and encouragement of her husband in writing his book. That will allow us [JAFF fans] another outlet for our pleasure. Thank you, madam. Sir, I wish you all manner of success. Thanks to Meryton Press for the giveaway and good luck to all in the drawing.
Barry S Richman
JW, thank you for such insight in a short excerpt. I believe that DNC is going to amaze you … over and over again. Please let me know your thoughts as you read. And I shall pass on your kind regards to my Jane Bennet.
Robin G.
I look forward to reading more. There is a lot in that excerpt, but the part I enjoyed the most was seeing Darcy through Mr. Bennet’s eyes. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway. Congrats and best wishes on the new release!
Barry S Richman
Thank you, obin. I think you will truly enjoy DNC. The POV in each chapter lets you see our beloved characters through many sets of eyes. Most flattering, a few cruelly. Not a boring moment to be found!
Sarah P
Congratulations on publishing your story.
I loved the snippet, and that Darcy may be brought down a peg or two by Mr Bennet. Now I want to read what happens next, especially as the annoying Lydia is out of the picture, giving Kitty a chance to shine.
Barry S Richman
Sarah, you are a fellow Kitty lover too! Excellent. I look forward to seeing your reaction to my version of our beloved young girl.
KC Cowan
Congrats on an author debut! Looks like a good read!
Barry S Richman
Thank you, KC. I hope to do as well as all the other authors proudly under the MP umbrella.
Aimee
This is an exciting excerpt! Really looking forward to this one. I love it when the Bennet family gets shaken up.
Barry S Richman
My biggest peeve with our beloved JA has always been the dysfunction of the Bennet patriarch and matriarch as parents. So, I took some literary license to change them. I hope you enjoy my version of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet as much as I do.
Gibson Grace
Congratulations Barry on your new release! The cover is delightfully ominous- the graphic black and white add to the feeling of drama. A compelling sneak peak!
Barry S Richman
Thank you, Grace. I hope DNC can be in the same arena of success as all of your lovely novels. I appreciate your ongoing support.
DarcyBennett
Congrats on the release!
Barry S Richman
Thank you.
jeannette
I’m absolutely, totally intrigued. Loved the excerpt–leaves so many questions. This is a book I would love to devour–although it may have to wait until winter–after I move. Congratulations on your first release, hopefully the first of many.
Barry S Richman
Jeannette. Thank you for your support. I am happy the excerpt leaves questions — it has done its job! I can guarantee once you start reading you will find it difficult to put down. Choose your reading time wisely… LOL.
Michelle H
First, congratulations on your book’s release. All the very best success.
Second, I don’t know who to thank most fervently: Your wisdom teeth, or your wife. Perhaps both?
What an intriguing excerpt. I’m so eager to read the book. I love books with one or more characters changed in character or circumstances than canon. That’s more than one thread pulled. I too love Kitty stories, there aren’t enough good ones out there.
Barry S Richman
Michelle, thank you. DNC is certainly a labor of love. My Jane Bennet is certainly an angel! I hope you adore my version of Kitty as much as I do. Enjoy.
Glory
Oh this is a big teaser! Now I want to know how and what is the history behind this. Love that the Bennet family is not a dysfunctional as many times they are written.
Barry S Richman
I went thru many different iterations of the Bennets until I satisfied my desire not to have a non-dysfunctional family unit. I think the sisters are much more formidable when their parents are not a source of embarrassment. Enjoy DNC.
Joan Brand
I keep telling myself that I am not going to buy another book until I have read the ones that I already have. Then I encounter a new author and a new book with an original premise that I just can’t ignore. I must read it as soon as it becomes available. Hence I pre-ordered your book after reading the excerpt. Who did Darcy insult this time? Obviously, Bennet and Richard know each other, but Darcy is sitting there clueless! I think that the child with violet eyes is Kitty Bennet. I look forward to reading the back story of the friendship between Captain Bennet and Lord Matlock.
Barry S Richman
JB, I believe you are going to be quite surprised at the child with the violet eyes and all the threads of intrigue emanating from her to our beloved characters. The back story is quite deep and involved. I am proud to present DNC to the reading public. I look forward to your thoughts. Thank you for your support.
Lois
Well, this Mr. Bennet has a bit more to him than most! Look forward to reading.
Barry S Richman
This Mr. Bennet has quite a bit more to him. As does his lady wife. Thus, their children are likewise very interesting, each in their own way. Thank you for your support.
Melanie Höhnke
Congratulations on your first book!
What an excerpt, Mr Bennet and Darcy nearly having a duel -my poor nerves! The story sounds really intriguing, I like stories in which the Colonel plays a bigger role and hopefully finds his own happiness.
I’m looking forward to read the book.
Barry S Richman
Thank you, Melanie. Col F plays a massive role in this book, such as it is titled. I hope you enjoy his back story. It is quite extensive.
bn100
sounds interesting
Barry S Richman
Thank you. I invite you to read it and provide your thoughts.
Tzippy Elgar
I look forward to reading the book! The premise sounds very interesting, Darcy dueling Mr. Bennet! I’m guessing the girl with the violet eyes is Elizabeth.
Barry S Richman
I look forward to reading your thoughts once you have read DNC. The premise is quite dramatic and the thread never slows! Darcy and Mr. Bennnet are but one of the possible altercations in the novel. My Lizzy has “…hazel flecks in her dusky-brown eyes…”
Carole in Canada
Congatulations! Yes! A story that will highlight Kitty Bennet! I love when authors develop secondary characters of P&P, especially Kitty Bennet! Just reading that excerpt about a possible duel makes it even more intriguing. Bring on the drama!
Barry S Richman
Thank you, Carole. The lyrics to Symphony by Clean Bandit inspired my version of Kitty Bennet. Other secondary characters play major roles. I think the Hursts will be a very exciting addition to the novel.
Buturot
Was initially confused then intrigued . (Thinking what did Mr. Darcy do to earn such ire).Looking forward to reading the this story. Thank you for sharing. I salute you Sir (and your wife for recommendiong to write this story:)
Barry S Richman
As we know, our Darcy is the master of unintentional insult. His record for such activity continues unabated in Doubt Not, Cousin. I appreciate your support. My “Jane Bennet” wife is eagerly anticipating the reviews.
Julie Goodman
This looks so good!
Barry S Richman
Thank you, Julie. Although I am biased, I believe it is very good. I look forward to reading your review.
Marie H
I just finished reading a promotional copy I was honoured to receive and posted my five-star review on Goodreads. An outstanding debut, sir! Very compelling read, which I highly recommend.
Barry S Richman
Thank you, Marie. I appreciate your support and am thrilled you found DNC a compelling read. (BTW, thanks for the editing assist prior to Go-Live !)