Oldies but Goldies – The Journey

Over the next year, Meryton Press will be featuring some of our best-loved books. We will highlight these books between releases of our new books. They are oldies but golden.

The first one we will spotlight is Jan Hahn’s The Journey, published in 2012. It is often read, even now, and a favorite of many. Why start with this book, you may ask? There is a good reason. Jan has written its sequel, Belle Lisette, which will be available for preorder soon.

The Journey Blurb

Danger

Shortly after the Netherfield ball Elizabeth Bennet begins a journey to visit her relations in London with her traveling companions, Mr. Bingley’s sisters and the proud, arrogant Mr. Darcy. Suddenly, their carriage is abruptly stopped, and Elizabeth hears the menacing cry, “Stand and deliver!”

Abduction

The leader of a band of highwaymen, Nate Morgan, a handsome, masked rogue, plans to seize Elizabeth for his amusement, but Darcy steps forward and offers himself as a hostage in her place. When his proposal fails to secure Elizabeth’s release, Darcy makes a shocking declaration-Elizabeth is his wife!

Romance

At a time when a woman’s future could be ruined by the slightest hint of scandal, Elizabeth’s reputation will depend not only upon the actions of a hero but a villain as well. Filled with danger, excitement, daring and passion, The Journey follows Jane Austen’s beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice as they embark on a fateful journey that changes their lives forever.

To those of you who may not have read this wonderful book, does it sound interesting to you? Maybe you would like a chance to read it. *Hint* We will be giving away an eBook to a lucky reader! Find out more about the giveaway at the end of this post.

To read a few review snippets and see some of the awards it has won, check out the Meryton Press page for The Journey.

Excerpt

My back ached with a sharp, persistent pain by the time he slowed the horse to a walk. We had galloped hard and fast for more than an hour at least, much faster than I imagined one could ride a horse through woods thick and tangled as a briar patch.

There was no definite trail to follow, no easy path; rather, we pushed our way through brambles and thickets, sharp branches scratching at my cheeks and neck. I must admit that he attempted to avoid them, pulling me in the opposite direction if he spied the tree limbs before they hit us, but two people on a horse could lean only so far without falling off, and this man had no intention of falling or allowing me to slip from his grasp. No, he had locked his arms around me, one hand secured upon my waist, holding me against his body in the most intimate embrace I had ever known.

I felt the heat of his hands upon me through his black leather gloves. He was dressed entirely in black, from boots to cape to the jaunty hat on his head with a fluffy dark feather stuck in the band. Blonde curls escaped from beneath his hat and provided the only contrast to his dark appearance. He possessed the bluest eyes I had ever seen, a blue I had witnessed in neither man nor woman — almost crystalline — eyes I would have considered striking if encountered in a ballroom or parlour. Staring straight ahead through cut-outs in the black mask covering his face, however, they appeared deadly.

“Make haste,” he said, motioning to the four horsemen behind us. “From here on until we know the cottage is vacant, be silent as a corpse.”

We began to climb a slight hill. I grew even more conscious of my precarious position when he leaned forward with the incline and in doing so thrust his head against mine. We rode almost cheek to cheek, his breath warm against my face.

How had I come to be in such danger? I was amazed at how quickly my life had changed, how one decision altered its entire direction, and how, unknowingly, I embarked upon a journey that was to have such a profound effect upon my future.

***

Two hours earlier, Mr. Bingley’s carriage had rocked back and forth in a rhythmic, singsong cadence, monotonous enough to lull a person to sleep. That is, if a person felt at ease with her fellow travellers. Neither Mrs. Hurst nor Miss Bingley had ever put me at ease, and Mr. Darcy was the last man in the world who would inspire tranquillity.

I strove to keep my eyes from the gentleman’s person, a daunting task since he sat directly across from me. Miss Bingley had fluttered about him for the first hour of the trip, remarking upon the weather, the tedium of travel and her gratitude to have his company to brighten the journey. She spoke of various people of society they both knew and denigrated the ladies in the most casual of terms unless they were titled, married, and particularly fond of her. And then she went on and on about how she could not wait to reach Town and leave the boredom of country society behind.

Mrs. Hurst agreed with each of her sister’s comments, adding her own encouragement when given the opportunity, but I noticed that Mr. Darcy said little, responding only when pressed to do so. Conversation was rarely directed at me, and thus I was relieved of making but few remarks.

Yet, even though I was not required to enter into the general conversation, escape into slumber was all but impossible under Mr. Darcy’s continuous, disapproving scrutiny. I did my utmost to avoid meeting his eyes, watching the passing landscape with more than usual interest or turning to observe Mrs. Hurst, sitting beside me, when she was allowed to speak.

I also found it amusing to watch Miss Bingley edge closer and closer to Mr. Darcy on the seat they shared. She could not have chosen a more pleasing position for herself, I thought, unless she could rid the carriage of her sister and me. Alas, we would plague her efforts for the duration of the journey to London.

“I trust your relations in Town are in good health, Miss Bennet,” Mr. Darcy said suddenly.

I startled, shocked at his address. “They are, sir, thank you.”

“And so I understand this trip is not one of necessity, but pleasure?”

I nodded, but before I could respond, Caroline jumped in. “Well, from what I have heard, it is perhaps both, is it not, Miss Eliza? Are you not in need of escaping an uncomfortable situation at home?”

“I do not have the pleasure of understanding you, Miss Bingley. I do not escape anything. I join my aunt and uncle at their invitation.”

“You speak of your mother’s brother who resides in Cheapside, do you not?” Caroline purred.

“Yes, Mr. Edward Gardiner.” My first thought had been to correct her by saying that my relatives lived near Cheapside, but I did not think she deserved the compliment of that particular information.

“And pray tell us, Miss Eliza, what is your uncle’s occupation?”

“He is a merchant.”

“Ah, in trade.” Caroline arched her eyebrows with a knowing look at her sister. “I see.”

I bit my tongue to refrain from making a sharp retort, but I was truly surprised when Mr. Darcy said, “Was not your grandfather also in trade in London, Miss Bingley? Perhaps he knew Mr. Gardiner’s father or grandfather.”

That’s quite a beginning, wouldn’t you say? A little further into the chapter, we learn more about it.

Suddenly, the carriage lurched and swayed, and our argument was halted by the violent sounds of men’s voices yelling from without, followed by a gunshot! Miss Bingley screamed and grabbed Mr. Darcy’s arm. Mrs. Hurst grabbed her bosom.

Someone yanked open the door to the carriage, and both ladies began to scream in earnest at the sight of a masked man brandishing a pistol in their faces. Mr. Darcy immediately tried to move between them and the highwayman, but another man stuck the barrel of a gun in his back from the window on our side.

“Get out!” the first man yelled. “Now! Out here, all of you.”

Miss Bingley began to whimper as she and her sister climbed out of the carriage, clinging to each other. I followed them down the steps with Mr. Darcy behind me. Besides the two men on the ground, two more masked men remained on horseback, waving their guns around as well.

“Hands up! Stand and deliver!”

Giveaway

If you would like to read more, be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win an eBook or you can purchase a copy on Amazon. The giveaway for one eBook is international and will end November 20 at midnight Central Time. We hope to hear from you. If it’s your favorite, tell us why. If you haven’t read it, let us know what may have intrigued you when reading the excerpt or blurb.

Other Books by Jan Hahn

An Arranged Marriage

The Journey

The Secret Betrothal

A Peculiar Connection

The Child