Passions of Dr. Darcy excerpts
Just for a fun treat, I am going to share another excerpt from my next novel. The Passions of Dr. Darcy will hit shelves on or about April 1, 2013. I have finished all the editing steps, so am in the waiting period. No news on if the final cover will be different then the one I have approved and shared on the website. It is possible, of course, but I certainly hope not because I love it! Naturally I will keep everyone posted as developments occur.
In the mean time, I will occasionally post blogs on India or other related topics from the novel. Today I have a short excerpt here AND am directing everyone to The Passions of Dr. Darcy page under “The Novels” menu where I have changed the previous excerpts for new ones. Lots to enjoy! Feedback is always welcome, of course. In this bit I have a fun conversation that takes place after George Darcy has returned to England to live. If you have read the Darcy Saga, specifically In The Arms of Mr. Darcy, then you will immediately recognize where this scene fits in.
Enjoy!
The dining room at Darcy House on Grosvenor Square in London was located toward the rear of the white-stone townhouse. The windows and doors stood open to the terrace and garden beyond, affording a lovely view of the lush vegetation, narrow lawn, and musical fountain while also allowing in what breezes of fresh air were to be found in Town on a warm morning in early May. The Darcy family sat at one end of the long table eating their breakfast and engaging in friendly conversation. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the master of the house, sat at the end with his wife, Elizabeth, to his right and sister, Georgiana, beside her. Dr. George Darcy sat on his beloved nephew’s immediate left and between bites of egg and jam smeared toast was nodding rhythmically to Darcy’s instructions while sharing amused glances under his thick brows with Elizabeth and Georgiana.
“Remember, Uncle, your primary responsibility is to escort Georgiana, and that means—”
“Keeping the slavering hounds at bay, yes, William, I know. I shall do my utmost to cut a formidable figure. Are swords allowed in Almack’s? I do have a wicked Rajput khanda that was a gift from a grateful raja I healed in Rajasthan. It would certainly keep all potential suitors away, and it looks quite dashing with the outfit I plan to wear tonight.”
Elizabeth and Georgiana laughed, Darcy’s glower cast at all three of them. “No, swords are not allowed in Almack’s Assembly, and I do wish you would take this responsibility seriously.”
“I am quite serious!” George lifted both brows, his face the picture of innocence. “It is a wicked sword, and I do look especially dashing when wearing it. Ah well,” he sighed, “I suppose my mere presence must suffice. No worries, William. I promise to cross-examine and screen every applicant who asks for the privilege of dancing with Miss Darcy, and you, my dear”—George pointed a stern finger at Georgiana—“must promise not to elope the second I leave the ballroom to visit the lavatory.”
“I promise.”
“Are you sure that is allowed as part of the chaperone agreement, George? Visiting the lavatory? Best to be sure of these details before you depart tonight.”
“Ah, good point, Elizabeth. Thank you. I should reread the contract, to be sure. If necessary, I shall eschew the punch and orgeat, just to be on the safe side.”
“And if I need to visit the powder room? What then?”
“Oh dear! So many points to ponder! I suppose I could enlist the aid of a severe older lady to substitute as your attendant in that case. Surely even the boldest young man would not storm the women’s quarters to spirit Georgiana away. Would they, Elizabeth?”
“I never attended a dance at Almack’s so would not know. Dearest, is this something George should fret over?”
“Yes, William, is it? I mean it is doubtful you ever did such a brazen assault to propriety, but you know how some impetuous men in the throes of passion can be.”
Darcy was sitting back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest and a resigned expression on his face. “Are you all quite finished? The point has been made, thank you.”
George patted his nephew on the shoulder. “You do worry too much, William. I have faced down wild animals and managed harsher crises than a dance assembly. Georgiana will dance and flirt as she wishes, all under my watchful gaze, I assure you.”
George proved as capable a chaperone to Georgiana Darcy as her brother, who had escorted her for her debut Wednesday appearance in April, and her cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam for the next two. The colonel had submitted to the identical series of stern warnings from Darcy, listening, nodding, and then harassing his cousin much as George had. “Apparently, surviving battles against Napoleon’s troops isn’t validating,” Richard said to George at one point, his teasing eyes resting on Darcy. “Bayonet armed Frenchman aren’t as terrifying as Englishmen bearing cups of ratafia, Dr. Darcy. Be careful. It is a true jungle within those glittering, gas-lit walls!”
Did you like it? I hope so! Now click to the rest of the excerpts HERE.
Loved the excerpt and am looking forword to reading the book!
Teresa
This book is brilliant Sharon! I look forward to receiving my beautifully bound book as we get closer and closer to the release date!
TSBO devotee
Vee
totally delightful! I am so ready for this to be published!
as always…thanks for sharing!! Looking forward to April.
Loved the excerpt Sharon, only thing I noticed would a person say “no worries” in Regency times?
Sure! Why not? It is George, after all, and I figure he probably singlehandedly created numerous slang phrases!
LOL! you get me there! He probably did.