As I have a new release approaching, I thought it would be a good idea to offer a bit of a sample of what is coming down the line. This is a full length novel and it examines what might have happened had several things fallen into place leaving Elizabeth in control of Longbourn and still single when Darcy returns to Hertfordshire years later. I will have a cover reveal post later this week or perhaps early next week. Until then, I give you the description and an excerpt for It Taught Me to Hope.

Six years after meeting Mr. Darcy for the first time, Elizabeth Bennet receives a shock when he returns to Meryton, for the last time she met him was in Kent, the day after his ill-fated proposal in Hunsford parsonage. Never had Elizabeth suspected he might return to her life, for the Mr. Darcy she had known was a proud, disagreeable man, despite his condescension in proposing to her.

The Mr. Darcy who returns, however, is different, still a man of much confidence but with a strange hesitation toward her. With him comes his sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy, a young woman of whom Elizabeth has heard much. Before long, the two ladies become friendly, and with Elizabeth’s younger sister, Mary Hardwick, who lives nearby, they forge a close friendship.

The last years have been hard on Darcy, for he has existed in an indeterminate state, unable to forget about Elizabeth and unable to give her up and move on in his life. A chance encounter in London gives Darcy the courage to return to Hertfordshire, where he is determined to make one more attempt to secure Elizabeth’s favor and end his suffering.

As the two long-sundered acquaintances meet and begin the uncertain path to understanding and love, they must endure another suitor determined to obtain Elizabeth’s hand, unpredictable events, the return of Elizabeth’s elder sister after a tragic event, and the specter of their previous misunderstandings. The path to true love is never smooth and the road on which Elizabeth and Darcy travel has been rougher than most, but Darcy is determined to succeed, and Elizabeth is impatient to find the love that has eluded her.

*     *     *

“Charlotte, something is strange tonight,” said Elizabeth. “Your father, who is always an open book, greets me as if he suspects some momentous event is about to unfold, and your behavior is even more puzzling. If there is something significant about tonight, I plead with you to inform me what it is.”

Charlotte only offered her a lazy smile, which by this time was beginning to annoy Elizabeth. Instead of an open response, Charlotte was even more mysterious.

“Tell me, Lizzy—you mentioned something familiar about the notion of someone coming to the neighborhood to lease an estate. Does this evening not put you in mind of a similar night soon after the Netherfield party arrived, the first function the officers attended in the neighborhood?”

“Of course, I remember the event,” said Elizabeth, impatience welling up within her breast. “That was the night your father presented me to Mr. Darcy as a desirable dance partner, only days after he insulted me in Meryton’s assembly hall.”

“Yes, I remember you recounting that occasion to me.” Charlotte smiled, though it was not a gesture of provoked memory. “That, and Mr. Darcy’s subsequent behavior on other occasions, were what formed the origin of my suspicions about his preference for you, and his actions in Kent firmed that opinion.”

“I recall your teasing on the subject,” agreed Elizabeth, by now quite cross with her friend.

Elizabeth determined not to consider Mr. Darcy’s actions and proposal confirmed Charlotte’s suspicions, given her friend’s lack of knowledge on that subject.

“Perhaps you should explain yourself, for I am becoming quite cross with you. Why would you mention such subjects as Mr. Darcy and his haughty behavior in this very room?”

“Was Mr. Darcy haughty when he followed my father’s officious suggestion and stated his willingness to dance with you?”

“Your father left him little other choice.”

“Ah, but left with little choice on another occasion, he proclaimed his disinclination for dancing and disparaged your charms, though I remain convinced his reasons for saying as much differed greatly from any disapproval of you.”

“Charlotte, if you do not tell me at once what has provoked your behavior, I will not speak to you again tonight!”

At that moment, as Charlotte regarded her, amusement and satisfaction emanating from her, Elizabeth caught sight of a new arrival at the entrance, coupled with the jovial greeting from the host. Turning, Elizabeth felt her mouth widen in shock, for there in the door, speaking with Sir William, stood the tall figure of Mr. Darcy.

*     *     *

Just a short blurb, but it gives you the premise of the novel. The release date is next Thursday the 17th. There will also be an audiobook, though that is not scheduled until September. I hope you enjoy it!