Hello Fellow Readers!
Today I have the pleasure of sharing an excerpt with you, from ‘A Lie Universally Hidden' by Anngela Schroede, Plus a Giveaway!
I first came across Anngela's work, in the 'Then Comes Winter' Anthology, where she wrote a lovely Pride & Prejudice variation called "Winter's Awakening"; which I reviewed back in December 2015. Therefore I was delighted to hear about the new P&P variation she had written and now only look forward to reading it!
I would also like to thank Claudine at Just Jane 1813, for her part in bringing this blog tour to fruition.
Fitzwilliam Darcy was
raised to never stray from the path set before him: ensure the continued
prosperity of his estate, Pemberley, protect and educate his sister to become
an accomplished woman, and marry the woman his mother chose for him—his cousin
Anne de Bourgh. With a letter bearing his late mother’s signature, Darcy
presumes his fate is sealed and prepares to wed one he does not love. However,
his destiny begins to unravel when he glimpses a pair of fine eyes on a quiet,
country road.
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I would also like to thank Claudine at Just Jane 1813, for her part in bringing this blog tour to fruition.
“The engagement between them is of a peculiar
kind. From their infancy, they have been intended for each other. It was the
favorite wish of his mother…” —Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
Fitzwilliam Darcy was
raised to never stray from the path set before him: ensure the continued
prosperity of his estate, Pemberley, protect and educate his sister to become
an accomplished woman, and marry the woman his mother chose for him—his cousin
Anne de Bourgh. With a letter bearing his late mother’s signature, Darcy
presumes his fate is sealed and prepares to wed one he does not love. However,
his destiny begins to unravel when he glimpses a pair of fine eyes on a quiet,
country road.
Elizabeth Bennet is the
second daughter of a respectable though insignificant gentleman. She is
flattered to have captured the attention of a local squire, a childhood
friend, and everyone believes her path is secure—until a handsome, rich
gentleman arrives at a neighboring estate. Happenstance begets the unlikely
pair together, bridging a forbidden love long past a mere friendship.
In “A Lie Universally
Hidden”, two of literature’s most beloved romance characters are destined to
marry for fortune and obligation rather than love. How will Darcy and Elizabeth
fulfill their true destiny under such circumstances? Shall honor, decorum,
prudence—nay, a signed letter from the grave—forbid it?
"A Lie Universally
Hidden" is a Regency Romance suitable for most audiences, teen and up.
Exceprt ~ In this excerpt we find Colonel Fitzwilliam paying a call upon Anne de Bourgh in London. We are flies on the wall of a conversation which promises to bring to light some inner thoughts and struggles from a number of our favorite characters. ~ Anngela Schroeder.
Colonel Fitzwilliam looked
around the sitting room and breathed a sigh of relief that his aunt Catherine
was meeting with her solicitor. His cousin Anne was pouring his tea and he
could not catch her eye. “My dear Anne. We have spoken of your time in London,
your visit to the theatre, and all that has occurred since I was last here two
weeks ago.”
She smiled. “We have yet
to speak on the lovely London weather. Do you believe the smoke and fog will
hinder our entire stay in town?”
He chuckled. “If we are
lucky, we may yet see more dark clouds on the horizon.”
She let out a most
unladylike snort and covered her mouth. “No, my mother is not expected back
until after luncheon.”
Richard let out a whoop
and slapped his knee. “You are filled
with impertinence. I forgot you had it
in you, my Annie.”
Her eyes locked onto his
at the familiar name before she lowered her lashes. “You have not called me that since we were
children.”
He stood and walked over
to sit on the sofa beside her. “No, I have not, and I should have…every day for
the last fifteen years.” She sat with her mouth agape, her eyes not leaving
his. “Your mother interrupted our last conversation, Annie. You never answered
my question.”
“Question?” She breathed
slowly, while her teacup seemed to rattle as she returned it to its saucer on
her lap.
He took her empty hand in
his. “Annie girl, do you want to marry Darcy?”
“I…I” Her words were
stopped by the shattering of the tea cup as it slipped from her lap and onto
the floor. She only hesitated a moment before summoning a maid.
After the maid departed,
she faced Richard who was grinning boyishly. She cleared her throat and sat
back down, before dropping her eyes. Her voice betrayed her anxiety. “Richard,
I…”
“Mister and Miss Darcy,”
Thurston announced, opening the door and walking into the room.
“Blast!”
Anne immediately started
and walked toward the fireplace before turning to face the door.
“Richard!” Georgiana squealed, rushing to him
and throwing her arms around his neck. “Oh, pardon me.” Seeming to remember
herself, she stopped and her arms dropped quickly. “It is so lovely to see you.
When did you arrive home?”
“Just this morning,
poppet.” He embraced his young cousin before clasping Darcy’s hand. “I came as
soon as I was able to get leave and will be here for a se’nnight.” As the
ladies quietly greeted each other, he said to Darcy in a low voice, “When can
you apprise me of the situation you alluded to in your letter?”
“Tonight, after dinner, if
you are available? Actually,” he interjected, “I would rather not discuss it in
Lady Catherine’s home. It is of a sensitive nature.” At his cousin’s
questioning look, Darcy continued. “Why do you not return to Darcy House with
us? Your room has been ready since you
left and Georgiana would welcome your lively disposition.”
“Lively? Mother said that
you have had two unmarried ladies staying with you these last few weeks. Is
that not lively enough?”
“Two unmarried ladies at
Darcy house indeed. Miss Katherine Bennet is a friend of Georgiana’s and would
have dined with us this evening if she had not taken ill earlier today.” Darcy
cleared his throat and flushed. “And Miss Elizabeth Bennet is her older sister.
She is staying in Cheapside with her uncle and aunt and has visited a number of
times. But no, she does not reside with us.”
“Oh, how interesting.” He
smirked. “And how often is a number of times? Once? Twice? Maybe daily?”
Darcy cleared his throat
again, before looking up at his betrothed. “She has mostly visited when I have
been at the club or conducting business. Anne,” Darcy said, interrupting his
and Richard’s conversation, “you are flushed. I believe you are standing too
near the fire.”
Richard looked at Darcy’s
awkward interaction before allowing a seed of hope to take root in his breast. Curious. Who is this Miss Elizabeth Bennet?
Thank you for sharing the except Anngela, I look forward to reading the rest of the book! I have enjoyed following and taking part in the blog tour, Thank you again.
Thank you for sharing the except Anngela, I look forward to reading the rest of the book! I have enjoyed following and taking part in the blog tour, Thank you again.
Anngela is giving away two autographed hard copies (US mailing
addresses only)
2 kindle versions (Open to international winners),
An
autographed copy of Then Comes Winter
(US mailing address only) and an autographed 5x7 of the A Lie Universally Hidden book cover.
Please enter in the Rafflecopter below
Blog Tour Schedule
As always I delight in hearing your thoughts!
