Loving Mr. Darcy discussion time!

Thanks for your input, Mira. I really appreciate the information on Indian writers. The third novel, now titled "My Dearest Mr. Darcy" will be released on Jan. 1, 2010. It is currently available at online retailers for pre-order.

Hi Mira! I really appreciate hearing from you! It is great to know I have an Indian reader who feels good about the tidbits of Indian culture I have thrown in. I admit that time never has allowed me to fully immerse myself into all aspects of how George would have lived. It is a dream of mine to further research and someday write his story. I’ll come to you if I have technical questions! I recently bought a book recommended by a friend named, "The Twentieth Wife" by Indu Sandaresan. I can’t wait to read it and wrap my mind around the culture in a vivid way.

All the points you make about my story and the "plot" as I present it is perfect. Thanks for comprehending what I am trying to show and for understanding that it is indeed a "plot" despite what some say! LOL!

For me the whole point of Lizzy being a "country" girl, was that despite her provincial upbringing and lack of education compared to one of Darcy’s stature (or even Caroline Bingley) is that she WAS his equal. Proving herself as a proper wife and mistress to Pemberley should not be a huge problem, should it? Otherwise one could say that Darcy was mistaken in marrying her and that Austen had written a flawed novel.

The snobs in Town might present more of an issue, but if there is one thing we know to be true it is that money will pretty much buy anything! Meaning, a man as wealthy and prestigious as Darcy really had little to fear in the long run. History reveals that people in the Ton did much more scandalous things than marrying outside their immediate social circle.

Mary and Mr. Daniels will always be a part of the story, have no fear! But of course, as always the problem is giving every last character their time to shine. There are just too many of them, so some have to take a back seat.

Thanks for staying with my Saga. You will find plenty of romance and happiness in all of the novels, I promise!

Hi Sharon!
I know the discussion on Loving Mr. Darcy is officially over. I’m also sorry to hear about your loss. I’ve had a tough year too.
I discoverd both your books this year. I’ve been an avid P&P fan and have read several other versions of "P&P continues". But I must admit that your books bring a smile to my face. A content sigh at each chapter and the need for more bliss and happiness!
I really don’t have much to add. Suzanne and many others have already put all my thoughts and analyses on the discussion board.
Although, I would like to add the following:
I completely love your "plot" in "Mr & Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy" of sheer happiness, discovery of each other with the bad Marquis and the duel. I absolutely adore the "Indian" influence in the second book. Being an Indian myself, I’m glad my culture has been referenced in your books 🙂
When Lizzy has the accident in the first book, I was afraid that she’d have a more severe fate like in some other authors’ books. I don’t see why she should always be put through so many hardships.
I also thought that the consequences of Mr Darcy marrying a mere "country chit" would be more visible in the first book. But when it came up in the second, it seemed more logical that it would be obvious when they arrived in Town. The fact being brought up by Lady C was very apt!
I thought that the reference to Mary and Mr Daniels’ romance stopped rather abruptly. After reading the above comments, I’m glad that we’ll read more in the future books.

I’ve already ordered your third book and will patiently wait to read all your books.
I just love your idea of romance and happiness.

I wish you all the very best. May all the "Indian Gods" pour happiness and inspiration into your thoughts.

Here I did as Seli suggested and then haven’t been able to respond to the last couple of entries! Geez!! It is a great idea, Seli, and I will try to answer in a more timely manner.

Susanne, The photos you speak of (which are in the Portrait Gallery for those who are curious) are from a reported wedding sequence that never made it into the movie. The various still shots are floating around out there and have been since the movie came out 4 years ago, but the scenes themselves have never been seen to my knowledge. Let’s hope for a director’s cut someday!

HI SARAH!! Great to have you on board. Thanks for your enthusiasm. I am thrilled you discovered P&P and my books. How cool that you wrote a report on my book! Wow! I do hope you got an A+ for it! 🙂 Did you read both of my novels or just LMD? Thanks for sharing your delight with your friends. I really do appreciate that. Be sure to come back now and again.

Hi Sharon,
something a little bit different. There are these wonderful black and white pictures of Lizzy and William. What do you think do they show? Some pictures show Lizzy wearing Williams coat, do you think that happened during her early morning meeting? And on another Lizzy is coming down the stairs. Where?
I know that it isn´t very important, but still nice to think about it.

I really enjoyed to read all the many entries, I agreed with most of them.
Thanks a lot for giving us this opportunity!

Susanne

Thank you everyone who participated in the discussion. Technically it is over, but of course I am always around and more than happy to talk about my novels and/or answer questions. So feel free to chime in whenever.

This has been a very difficult time for me with the recent passing of my mom, so having my website and all of my online friends around me has SO helped. Thanks for that as well.

Now, for the last few bits that were brought up:

No, Mrs. Smyth is not nice! More on her in future books. Susanne, your wonderful enthusiam always puts a smile upon my face!

I loved touring Derbyshire right along with William and Lizzy. There is so much incredible history in the area that I really had to hold myself back. It may seem unlikely given all I covered in those chapters, but there was lots more I could have remarked upon.

You are right about the shops, Susanne. Of course, they were more specialized and you had no such thing as a shopping mall, per se, or "department" type stores. Few things were mass produced, although the Industrial Revolution was changing that rapidly. But places like the country farmers markets, shopping districts in London, and the outdoor shopping places like Covent Gardens were normal.

Glad you brought up our fav love scenes, Seli! Lizzy does surprise Darcy on her birthday, doesn’t she? A bit of a tigress.

Before Darcy is distracted by Lizzy in her slinky gown he is playing with one of the interlocking puzzles he purchased for their child. I have a couple images in the Complements Album. Basically these are the same type of puzzles we have today where odd shaped pieces of wood and/or metal are intertwined in bizarre ways and the puzzle is how to get them apart. Personally I can never figure these things out, but my son is very good at it!

And here I am again.
I really enjoyed the tour through Derbyshire. All the small towns, the churches, the history involved, the shopping! Another amazing scene is, when Lizzy fears that William feels uncomfortable in the baby shop. But he is just overwhelmed.
What impressed me quite a lot is the fact that you could buy most things in shops, not so different from ours.
Tha´t just came across my mind, more probably later.

Susanne

I forgot to mention: interlocking puzzles were around for a long while. However, they were primarily for educational purposes and not too common for entertainment until the early 1800s. I was actually stretching it just a tad as they did not become very popular for fun until somewhere in the 1820s. BUT, they were not "jigsaw" puzzles until well into the 20th century because the jigsaw (which made cutting odd shapes so easy) was not invented yet! In my first draft I called them "jigsaw puzzles" without really thinking about it. It was later that I realized my error, luckily before the book was published!

Hi Lisa.

I am sorry you felt irritated by Darcy calling on another woman. That was not really my intent.

Remember that he had left Netherfield determined to forget Lizzy, or at least in serious denial. I think it is evident in the original novel by Austen that he certainly did not intend to pursue her initially. What happened to change his mind between then and when he proposed in Kent is a huge mystery. Many authors, including Amanda Grange, have written "fill in the blank" stories.

I approached it logically and figured a guy in his position at 28 years of age would definitely have been looking for a wife. He may not have been frantic about it, but it would have been something that was expected. I decided to add Amy Griffith to the mix primarily to toss a bit of jealousy into it for the spice if nothing else – LOL – but also because I wrote him as very desperate in the denial of his feelings for Lizzy. That desperation led him to take the "respectable" wife search a bit more seriously. Amy was a mistake, obviously, but that mistake was the catalyst toward accepting his love for Lizzy.

As for his annoyance, it was a combination of being annoyed that Lizzy would doubt his consideration for her (and his devotion) and annoyance at himself for not anticipating the problem. My Darcy takes his responsibilities a bit too seriously, but he is also somewhat obtuse when it comes to women and courtship matters. Since his limited interaction with Amy was no big deal in his mind, he did not think it was a big deal to her. His anger was primarily at himself. Hope that explanation helps.

Inventions / gadgets / oddities that I thought were cool – the jigsaw puzzle, bananas, and the kaleidoscope! It’s funny to think that jigsaw puzzles haven’t always been around! I bet you had a blast doing research Lizzy’s birthday gifts.

Your description of Darcy taking Lizzy around London was fascinating. I especially liked the museum. Even though she’s a country girl, she’s intelligent and curious. I’m sure those were some of the traits that attracted Darcy in the first place. And I love how Darcy delights in sharing his knowledge of the area with her. This is seen again as they journey around Derbyshire.

I can’t pick a favorite love scene! I think you have struck a perfect balance in writing about Darcy and Lizzy’s physical relationship. It is smokin’ HOT but not cheap and tawdry. You give enough detail to know what’s going on but it’s not porn. I like that you’ve captured the many ways that loving your partner can happen- from silly, adventurous, and teasing to focused, demanding, and spiritual. And I especially love the deepening of their relationship each time they make love. It’s amazing!

A question: did houses of that time have the equivalent of a guest bathroom? Where did people go to "go" when visiting?

Hi Sharon,

I have a few more thoughts……When Lizzy and Darcy went to the dinner at the house where he had "called on" one of the daughters a few times after Lizzy rejected him, I have to admit I was really irritated that he was looking for someone else. I felt really bad for Lizzy to have to hang out with all of the women and find out the scoop about Darcy through them. I was also not happy that Darcy acted annoyed that Lizzy was upset. Maybe I’m interpreting him wrong in that scene. I did like that they "made up" right away. 🙂

I don’t like Mrs. Smyth. She was so disrespectful that I thought she should be fired immediately. Lizzy is a strong woman to put up with her. I hope Mrs. Smyth changes her attitude in books to follow!

Did you elaborate on Mary and Mr. Daniels in the 3rd book? I hope so!! I think that relationship is completely sweet and I’m happy for Mary!!

Lisa

Hi Sharon,
so many wonderful topics to talk about.
I love the intimate scenes between Lizzy and Darcy, to my two favourite belong the one before the summer festival and the other when Lizzy wears her scandalous black gown!
I really hope that such scenes will be a part of the furure books as well.
I think a lot about how many children they will have. Well, I could imagine quite a lot, at least five!

Can you tell us, when Mr. Benntet will pass away, will he have a long satisfied live with his grandchildren or has he to go soon? Both possibillities are possible when I look at your hints.

A very nice scene is, when Mr. Darcy meets Mrs. Bennet again, in the beginning of your second book.

Do you think that Mr. Bennet ever talked to his son-in-law about Lydia and Wickham; that Darcy saved them all? I don´t think so, but what do you think?

Well that´s it for now, let´s see wht else will be written here!

I enjoyed reading all the entries a lot!
Lots of love to you,
Susanne

Hi Sharon!,

I totally LOVE both books. I agree that the main focus of them should be on Elizabeth and Darcy. I’m really interested in finding out when Elizabeth’s dad passes because you had mentioned all of the sisters were together at that time in the 1st book.

I’m also curious to know how many children the Darcy’s will have….I especially liked that part in the 1st book when you mentioned that Lizzy’s birth sac burst on Christmas Eve with one of her pregnancies and her eldest daughter was engaged at the Cole’s ball. I can’t wait to read about the delivery of their 1st baby in the next book.

I have to agree with others that I think one of my favorite parts of the 2nd book was when Darcy first felt the baby. I also like that he did the refinishing on the cradle etc. In that era, I’m sure Darcy doing that kind of work was not common!

I LOVED the scene with the bandits – very well written! Actually, I think both of your books are well written. Darcy and Lizzy are my favorite characters, especially when they’re together in scenes and I absolutely want to see what happens through the rest of their marriage.

Lastly, I have to say the George Darcy is totally cool!!! I hope he stays around for a long time!!

Congratulations on 2 excellent novels! Can’t wait to read the 3rd one in January!

Lisa 🙂

Yah, Diane came back for more!

Darcy is a hands on kind of guy. It just seemed right for him to prepare for the baby as much as possible.

Men present at births is one of those things that was not common, to be sure, up until some fifty years ago. And it would have been more unusual for a man of his station. but like many of these types of things, it certainly was not scandalous or absolutely taboo. Different cultures looked at it differently also. While researching I read some articles talking about the practice, especially among lower classes. Again, it came down to creative license. 🙂

I have never pictured a known actor as George. I have my own vision of him. Of course he is very similar to Darcy, so picture a much thinner, older Matthew Macfadyen!

Thank you, Betty Jo, for your support. Of course I love the everyday aspect to my story. I make no secret of how my saga proceeds, so figure if anyone complains they haven’t done their homework before buying!

I REALLY loved writing the festival! Basically I began by thinking of what we enjoy in festival/carnivals of our times. Then I looked it up! I was very pleased to learn about trick riders, clowns, and acrobats having a long history. Really it came down to limiting the fun and entertainment to only a few things!

On a personal level, I grew up in a small town and yearly there was a western themed festival. I remember the home-baked foods, kiddie games, dancing on the grass, bands playing music, and so on. Great memories.

Okay, if you insist! 🙂

I think it’s sweet that Darcy refinished the cradle himself. Obviously he has staff that could very easily do that for him. But he chose to do it. And I’m guessing that he will definitely be present at the birth, since it’s not against the law as George said. Was that EVER done at the time? Would it be truly scandalous?

The billiards tournament was exciting! It was interesting to see how the men socialized since Austen’s P&P only shows the women’s gatherings (since that’s what she knew). It was nice to see Darcy being the social butterfly about Meryton. Yet another positive effect Lizzy has on him.

There truly wasn’t any chapter that I didn’t like or that I rushed through. If anything, I was rushing to see what happened next, in anticipation! All the while, I was picturing Matthew and Keira and all the other actors from the movie. Who do you envision playing Dr. Darcy?

Diane

Forgive me, ladies. I was in the middle of household rearranging and could not check in. To answer the various questions….

Good question, Seli. I am not sure if I have one favorite chapter. I loved the bandit attack from the standpoint of writing a heavy action sequence. It was fun and thrilling to see the drama unfolding on page as it was in my mind.

I loved Lizzy’s birthday! Partly that was because so much research went into that chapter with all the gifts and places visited. Plus it was very romantic.

Of course I am very proud of when Darcy feels the baby. That sequence is probably one of my all time favorites. I get teary eyed still!

Oh! I almost forgot the Caverns! That whole sequence with Darcy and Anne talking while others played and whatnot. And the "initiation" of the Darcy children staying in the cave was so interesting. I like the family bond between Darcy and Anne. They are definitely not suitable for each other romantically, but I hope that as Anne’s health improves, she’ll have a bigger part in the storyline.

Do you think Caroline is positively influenced by seeing Darcy’s genuine love for Lizzy? She always seemed so jaded and unpleasant. And Charles is so sweet by comparison.

I felt bad for Lizzy when she was blindsided by the woman who claimed Darcy courted her (sorry, couldn’t find her name just now). Poor Darcy, too, feeling so guilty again to have not protected Lizzy from some unforseeable happening. He really does expect too much of himself sometimes. 🙂

Okay, I’ll stop now and let someone else have a turn.
Diane

Oops I forgot the part with Elizabeth and Lady Catherine – I loved that whole scene!!

Sharon, is there a chapter that is your favorite one from this book? You know one that you have read over and over again.

I was suprised about how easily lady catherine calmed down. i actually expected her to put more of a fight against lizzy and not just like her in one night

Yes, Susanne, I loved that moment between Darcy and Lizzy. The gradual awareness of how they both grow in their love and the knowledge of returned feelings. Again, I wrote "Happy Birthday Mr. Darcy" as a short story and it was the third piece I ever wrote. Even then I knew the characteristics I wanted them both to have. the depth of emotion as well as Darcy’s playfulness when he feels happy and relaxed.

Speaking of flashbacks: How about the ones Lizzy has about Darcy House? The remembrance of their passionate kiss and Darcy’s subsequent nervousness and near loss of control. Any thoughts on that?

Another topic of discussion – What about Mrs. Smyth? Any ideas of what may be in store? How did you like Lizzy’s dealing with her?

And Lady Catherine. No one has mentioned her as yet. Ideas? Was she too easily mellowed? Were you disappointed? Any predictions?

I saw that you are going to continue the plots with Mary and Anne. I was wondering is Kitty going to get in on the romance in future books ?

Hi Keri! So glad you dropped by!

I do appreciate what you are saying. I agree that most novels, whether romance or another genre, do have that suspense and conflict that adds to the story. Absolutely nothing wrong with that! I love it as well.

However, I have taken a different route in how I am writing the Darcys’ life. In general they will be happy. Period. That is what I want for them. Life does contain dramas at times, so throwing in a bandit attack or duel or argument or sorrow now and again is part of it. But, if you really think about it, most of us go through life without wild antics and high suspense. Our lives are generally rather sedate and typical, which is why we like to escape into an action movie or thrilling novel!

Still, I have decided to give my characters a peaceful existence for the most part and to explore life as it would have realistically occurred. I believe there is lots of fun to be had in learning about the Regency world and experiencing life and love with the Darcys and their friends.

I am well aware that this translates as "boring" or "plotless" to some readers. And as I said, I do appreciate and comprehend the opinion. I just do not share it.

Jane Austen’s novels were not about wild high jinxs or heavy drama. No chase scenes or murder mysteries or vampires or ghosts or whatever. Just people going through life and finding love.

In the end it really comes down to preference. Loads of books, even Austen sequels, have that sort of suspense you may be searching for. By all means, read them and they are very good! Then, when you want to feel those happy bunnies, crack open my novel and relax. 🙂

OK, I’m back. Hubby took me out for lunch. Isn’t he a great guy?

Hi Susanne! I knew you would stop by! Darcy’s birthday was one of the first bits I wrote. It was originally a short story that I incorporated later, feeling it fit perfectly with Lizzy’s birthday. I changed very little of it. Darcy has the money to present his wife with a WOW birthday, whereas Lizzy showed her love in a simpler way.

The wedding would have taken place in the morning. Partly this is because that was the normal time to do it. Weddings were not allowed after noon unless one acquired a "special license" from the Archbishop of Canterbury. That really is all that was "special" about one of these licenses. Darcy certainly had the money and power to attain one, but it would not have been necessary. The other reason I place their wedding in the morning is because they were traveling after the wedding breakfast.

Believe it or not, I haven’t written the Darcys personally visiting with the Collinses. I intend to address that in the fifth book still under construction. Still not sure how it will transpire. The Collinses are mentioned a number of times, however.

Reading other peoples comments helped me remember a couple more things I wanted to say. I loved that Lizzy gave Jane advice on her marriage relationship and that it paid off for Jane and Mr. Bingley. The scene at the breakfast table the next morning was adorable! I could just picture the grins and blushes on their faces. I would like to hear more about them in the future and hope to see Jane with a little bundle of her own too. I’m also excited about the budding relationship for Mary! I think that would be lots of fun to learn more about and it is great to see her character maturing and turning into a more well-rounded woman. The last thing I wanted to say it that it was very creative to see Ann getting help with her illness and I’m crossing fingers that we get to learn more about a romance that seems to be blossoming for her. I just LOVE it all!! …….come on January!!!!

Dear Sharon,
I really don´t know where to start. I try to start at one point and then follow with the next.
I think that the official Darcy and the private Darcy are written very well. I think it is an important aspect of him to show his private personality only to people he loves, trusts and feels comfortable with.

I love all the flashbacks! I hope that you will give us some more. I love Willow Bench and Darcys birthday, when he is truly overwhelmed. He realizes again how special Elizabeth is and what it means for his future.

When do you think was the wedding ceremony? In the afternoon or in the morning?

It is so hard to say which parts of your book I prefer. One part that I have read many times, is when Darcy comes back to London after inspecting the horses with the Duke.

The bandit attack was written very well. Darcys protection regarding Lizzy, when he kneels in the carriage and comforts her is felt so strongly.

There are many lines that show the special bond between Lizzy and Darcy; I like that you include Mary and Kitty and that Darcy accepts them as his sisters.

I think it could be funny when Lizzy and Darcy meet Mr. Collins again, maybe soon,…

Everything about the baby is wonderful! There is nothing more to say about this!

Sharon, you are truly special! God bless you!
Susanne