Susan Mason-Milks
The Bennet Children Have an Adventure – A Reader’s Choice “Bonus” Story
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the P&P Reader’s Choice story along with the rest of you. Isn’t it amazing? Based on how the story is going, I can’t wait for my turn to write, which should be some time in May. In the meantime, I started thinking about what Edward, Lizzy, and the others might have been like as younger children. That gave me the idea to write about one of their adventures! In this story, Lydia is about five which makes Lizzy ten, Jane eleven and Edward about twelve. Starting with some assistance from a friend of mine and fellow writer, Frances Simmons, who helped with some key elements of the story, I let my imagination take off and what follows is the Bennet children’s adventure in the snow.
In Which the Bennet Children Have an Adventure!
“It’s not fair!” five-year-old Lydia demanded. “I want to go, too!”
Lizzy and Edward turned and said simultaneously and rather loudly, “No!”
At that, Lydia burst into tears. Edward, Jane, and Lizzy were on their way outside for a walk and in no mood for their little sister to tag along. Lydia never wanted to be left out, and although the older children often indulged her, they were not going to let her spoil their big plans for the day this time.
So far, winter had been rather chilly and damp allowing limited opportunities between storms for outdoor diversions. Last night, to the delight of all, snow had fallen. The drop in temperature also meant that some of the local streams and ponds had frozen over. Today the sun was out in full force causing the snow to sparkle like tiny fairy wings, tempting the children to venture out to enjoy the clear, cold air. In short, it was a perfect day for an adventure.
As the intrepid trio was donning their warmest clothing, laughing about all the fun they would have on their walk, their youngest sister Lydia had begged to go along. Shedding big sloppy tears, Lydia did everything but throw herself on the floor in a tantrum to coerce her siblings to include her. She could not understand why it wasn’t working. Generally, when she put up this kind of fuss, she got her way.
Jane bent down and gave her little sister a hug. “We will take you along another time, Lyddie. Not today. It is quite cold out there, and we are going for a very long walk. It wouldn’t be much fun for you. I will have tea with you and your dolls when I return,” Jane said kindly, kissing Lydia on the forehead. “How would that be?” Continue reading
Susan Mason-Milks
Susan is the author of "Mr. Darcy's Proposal," a Jane Austen "what if" story. She is currently working on another "what if" which she hopes to have out in the summer of 2013.
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Pride and Prejudice in Music
Recently, I watched someone’s YouTube creation – a scene from Pride and Prejudice set to contemporary music – and it got me thinking. When I read scenes from the story, do I hear contemporary music in my head? The answer is “yes.” I do! So, just for fun, I started writing down the songs that came to mind. Most of the songs I’ve chosen are folk music, oldies, musicals, or American Songbook because that reflects my own taste in music. If you’re interested, you can listen to a clip of any of these songs on iTunes and see if you agree with me. In some cases, not all the words in the song are a perfect fit for the scene, but I’ve included it if the spirit of the song mostly fits.
Darcy really sees Elizabeth for the first time: The Moment I Saw Your Eyes (a barbershop standard)
Elizabeth thinks about Darcy after Meryton Assembly: You’re So Vain (Carly Simon)
Darcy While Elizabeth and Jane are at Netherfield: Something (Beatles); The More I See You (Nat King Cole)
Darcy thinking about Elizabeth after she leaves: Fever (Peggy Lee); You Made Me Love You (Judy Garland); I’ve Got You Under My Skin (Frank Sinatra)
Darcy at the Netherfield Ball: The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra); Some Enchanted Evening (South Pacific) Continue reading
Susan Mason-Milks
Susan is the author of "Mr. Darcy's Proposal," a Jane Austen "what if" story. She is currently working on another "what if" which she hopes to have out in the summer of 2013.
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Holiday Movies
“It’s movie time!”
Every family has it’s holiday traditions – special kinds of cookies, certain dishes for Christmas dinner, midnight church services, Christmas lights, songs, antique or homemade decorations…and the list goes on. These traditions are what make the holiday special and help remind us of what’s really important at this time of year.
At our house, the approach of the holidays means holiday movies. We get out the “special” box and start working our way through the movies, that for us, make the holidays – well, the holidays. The photo on the left is our cat, Mr. Angel, sitting in the holiday movie box reminding us that it’s time to watch another movie.
Here’s our list of essentials:
A Christmas Story – Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsley
White Christmas – Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney
The Bishop’s Wife – Carey Grant, David Niven and Loretta Young
Miracle on 34th Street – John Paine, Edmund Gwen, Natalie Wood
How the Grinch Stole Christmas – cartoon version, voiced by Boris Karloff
It’s a Wonderful Life – Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed)
We also usually watch a few movies that might not be considered strictly Christmas movies, but have some elements of the season in them, such as Meet Me in St. Louis (Judy Garland), Holiday Inn (Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire), Bells of St. Mary’s (Bing Crosby, Ingrid Bergman), and Going My Way (Bing Crosby, Barry Fitzgerald).
We’re pretty traditional in that we seem to favor the older, original versions of movies. For example, The Bishop’s Wife was remade as The Preacher’s Wife (Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston), but I don’t think the newer one nearly as good. The Jim Carey Grinch is not a favorite, and although I do like the newer version of Miracle on 34th Street (starring Richard Attenborough, Mara Wilson, Elizabeth Perkins and Dylan McDermott), I prefer the original.
Of the newer movies, my personal favorites are The Holiday (Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black) and Love Actually with an amazing ensemble cast (including Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Kiera Knightly, Bill Nighy, and Martin Freeman).
Now I know these are only a fraction of the holiday movies out there, and I’m sure I’ve left out some that are really important to you. What are your favorite holiday movies?
Susan Mason-Milks
Susan is the author of "Mr. Darcy's Proposal," a Jane Austen "what if" story. She is currently working on another "what if" which she hopes to have out in the summer of 2013.
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P&P200: Mr. & Mrs. Darcy at Home at Pemberley
Elizabeth awoke slightly disoriented but then quickly remembered where she was—the big bed in Darcy’s room. The past few days—and nights—had been perfection. Their first night together, their afternoon nap, dinner by candlelight, and then more nights of new experiences and revelations—this kind of intimacy in a relationship was so much more than she had ever dreamed of. At last, she was truly his wife and although her face reddened at the thought of what transpired between them, her body tingled and her heart rejoiced.
As she lay quietly taking time to enjoy becoming more fully awake, she sensed she was alone in the big bed. It seemed strange to her that Darcy could have arisen without waking her, and she began to wonder how late she had slept. The clock told her it was only eight in the morning, not so late as she had first thought. Reaching her arms above her head, she stretched out fully and thought about her plans for the day.
Just as she started to sit up, she realized she was missing something very important—her nightdress. In the rush to be together last night, Darcy had pulled it off and tossed it into the air. It must have landed somewhere on the floor near the bed. Scanning the room, she saw it was now neatly draped across a chair along with her dressing gown. She groaned. Two things came to her mind—how did it get there and more importantly, how was she going to retrieve it.
It was a long way from the big bed to the chair. Reclaiming her nightclothes would necessitate walking eight to ten feet across the room completely unclothed. She would die of embarrassment if one of the servants should choose that exact moment to come into the room! Or what if Darcy returned? It was one thing to be with him under the covers, but it would be something different altogether to be caught out in the open. Just thinking about it made her face warm. Continue reading
Susan Mason-Milks
Susan is the author of "Mr. Darcy's Proposal," a Jane Austen "what if" story. She is currently working on another "what if" which she hopes to have out in the summer of 2013.
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P&P200: The Wedding Night (Charles and Jane)
This is part of a little series I’ve been writing to give new insights into Bingley and Jane. In P&P, we see Jane interacting with her family, especially Elizabeth, and we have Bingley interacting with his family and Darcy. What we don’t have much of is what these two characters say to each other. That got me to wondering – what do Jane and Bingley talk about when they’re alone? Here’s a link to the vignette just before this – Bingley and Jane Discover They Have Something in Common – which shows their developing relationship after the engagement.
The decision where to spend their wedding night had not been an easy one for the Bingleys. Clearly, staying at Netherfield would have been more familiar and comfortable for Jane, but after a few hints from Mrs. Bennet that she might need to “check” on her darling daughter, the bride-to-be decided that London seemed infinitely more attractive.
Although moving to Bingleys’ home in town meant traveling on the day of the wedding, they would have more privacy and the potential for both spending time alone and enjoying the delights of London. Caroline and the Hursts would have to choose between staying at Netherfield and moving to Hurst’s family townhouse. This option also had the distinct advantage of installing Caroline, who had so far been maintaining a thin civility toward her future relatives, in another household. Bingley secretly hoped it might set a precedent. Perhaps, she would continue to spend more of her time with the Hursts and less with her brother and his new wife although he knew in all probability that was a futile hope.
The Bingleys arrived at the townhouse early in the evening on the day of the wedding. During the long carriage ride, the groom had refrained from ravishing his bride more from sheer exhaustion than any sense of propriety, although a sleeping Jane snuggled against him had proven to be more than a small temptation. Once at the townhouse, he used up what was left of his self-control to prevent himself from seizing her and rushing up the stairs to their rooms. Although he was always concerned he might alarm Jane with his ardor, he was delighted to find she seemed equally as eager as he to be alone.
Once they had settled in, a light meal was served, but neither the bride nor the groom had much appetite for food. Bingley fed small bites to Jane urging her to keep up her strength, but both were too anxious to even taste the fine fare prepared especially for them. Finally, although slightly embarrassed at the early hour, they decided to retire for the evening and let the servants think what they will. Continue reading
Susan Mason-Milks
Susan is the author of "Mr. Darcy's Proposal," a Jane Austen "what if" story. She is currently working on another "what if" which she hopes to have out in the summer of 2013.
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P&P200: Longbourn Ladies Dress for the Wedding
Elizabeth stood behind Jane carefully pinning her hair up and patiently winding ribbons though the curls.
“This is the last time we will do this, you know,” said Lizzy. “From now on your maid Molly will be fixing your hair.”
“Lizzy, don’t be a goose. We can do this again when we visit,” Jane replied trying to cheer her sister.
“But it will not be the same.”
Just then, Kitty and Mary swept in, giggling as they gathered around.
“What do you think of our new dresses?” asked Kitty, twirling in a circle to display her new pink gown to its fullest advantage. “Mary, show them the beautiful lace on yours.”
Mary was usually the last one to be looked at or admired, and so when her sisters turned to look at her dress, the attention made her blush. Then they realized that something was different about her.
“Mary, you look lovely!” Jane exclaimed. And in fact, she did. Her hair was done more softly around her face making her look less severe. Lavender-colored ribbons, the same color as the flowers on her muslin dress, were wound artfully into her hair.
“I fixed her hair,” cried Kitty. “Did I not do a splendid job of it? For once she did not insist that I pull it back so tightly. I think it does wonders for her face. Why…”
“Please stop talking about me as if I were not here,” Mary said, clearly embarrassed at the compliments she was receiving. Continue reading
Susan Mason-Milks
Susan is the author of "Mr. Darcy's Proposal," a Jane Austen "what if" story. She is currently working on another "what if" which she hopes to have out in the summer of 2013.
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P&P200: Bingley and Jane Discover Something They Have in Common
“Oh, Mr. Bingley,” trilled Mrs. Bennet, “What a pleasant surprise! We were not expecting you back from London so soon.”
“I hope I have not come at an inconvenient time, Mrs. Bennet,” Bingley said politely.
“Oh, no! You are welcome here at any time. Our dear Jane will be so pleased to see you.”
Mrs. Bennet took Mr. Bingley’s arm and towed him down the hallway toward the sitting room all the while chattering to him about the wedding plans. When the door opened and he stepped inside, Jane looked up and gave him that sweet smile of hers causing his heart to do a little dance. Now that they were engaged, he experienced a particular thrill in knowing her special look was for him alone.
“Mr. Bingley,” Jane said, setting aside her sewing, “you have returned early. I hope your business was successfully concluded.”
“Doesn’t our Jane look lovely today?” asked Mrs. Bennet urging him toward the chair next to Jane’s.
All morning he had tried to think of a way to be alone with his angel but had not been able to come up with a better excuse than a walk.
“Miss Bennet, I was hoping we might walk out to take advantage of this fine weather.”
“I will go fetch my pelisse and bonnet,” she said without hesitation. As she crossed the room, he thought, not for the first time, just how much her grace and beauty never failed to please him. Continue reading
Susan Mason-Milks
Susan is the author of "Mr. Darcy's Proposal," a Jane Austen "what if" story. She is currently working on another "what if" which she hopes to have out in the summer of 2013.
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P&P200: Mr. Bingley Proposes
Charles Bingley had never experienced such nervous anticipation in his life. Today was the day. No excuses. No delays. Today, he was going to ask Miss Jane Bennet to be his wife. He’d been looking into the mirror rehearsing what to say when James, his valet, interrupted him.
“Are you ready to dress for the day, Mr. Bingley?” the older man inquired politely as he entered the room.
Bingley’s heart did a wild dance. Was he ready?
“I would like to look my very best today,” he said nervously running a hand through his unruly hair.
James raised an eyebrow. “I do not believe, sir, that I have ever allowed you to leave your dressing room on any day looking any thing less than your very best.”
That brought a smile to Bingley’s lips and some of his nervousness vanished. “Of course, you are completely correct. I trust your good taste implicitly. Now what have you planned for me today?”
When Bingley finally stood before the mirror to examine himself, he was very pleased with what he saw. Then James held out his pocket watch, brushed the back of his coat one more time, and pronounced him ready. Just as Bingley was almost to the door, the valet rushed after him. Continue reading
Susan Mason-Milks
Susan is the author of "Mr. Darcy's Proposal," a Jane Austen "what if" story. She is currently working on another "what if" which she hopes to have out in the summer of 2013.
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How I Spent My Summer Vacation!
Fall is in the air and what fall would be complete without that dreaded first writing assignment of the school year – “How I Spent My Summer Vacation.” I’m sure you all remember struggling over at least one of those essays. Sitting at the ___ (fill in work space of your choice) staring at a blank sheet of paper, praying for inspiration, asking yourself “What the heck did I do this summer?” and most importantly, “Where did summer go?”
I seem to recall that years ago when I was teaching I gave dreadful assignments like this, too. (My sincerest apologies to any former students who were scarred for life.) Lately, my mind leaps off rather nimbly in wild directions, one thing leading to another until I began to wonder just what the Bennet sisters would say about their summer activities. Rather than an essay, I’ve suggested each character share just a few notes about her summer:
Elizabeth – Traveled with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. Toured Pemberley and accidentally saw Mr. Darcy again. Was totally mortified! The alteration in his manner was astonishing. Just as I was beginning to think he might still hold me in high regard, my silly sister, Lydia, eloped with Mr. Darcy’s arch-enemy, George Wickham. Returned home in disgrace and will undoubtedly never see Mr. Darcy again! Must ask Jane about dealing with broken heart. Continue reading
Susan Mason-Milks
Susan is the author of "Mr. Darcy's Proposal," a Jane Austen "what if" story. She is currently working on another "what if" which she hopes to have out in the summer of 2013.
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Afternoon Tea at Queen Mary’s Tearoom
What happens when five authors who love Jane Austen get together in the same city? They have afternoon tea, of course! That’s exactly what happened this past Friday when (pictured left to right) Shannon Winslow (The Darcys of Pemberley), Laurel Ann Nattress (Jane Austen Made Me Do It), Syrie James (Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen), Diana Birchall (Mrs. Darcy’s Dilemma), and me got together in Seattle for a visit. After toasting Jane Austen, who at least indirectly brought us all together, we settled in for a good long visit. The waitress at Queen Mary’s Tearoom (see below) was kind enough to let us stay for over two hours! Afternoon tea was delicious and so was the conversation.
Shannon, Laurel and I all live in the Seattle area while Diana and Syrie were in town from Los Angeles for the premiere reading of the playlet “You Are Passionate, Jane” imagined and written by Diana. What might it be like to listen in on a 
conversation in Heaven between Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte? Here’s Diana’s description (quoted on Austenprose.com) of her creation:
“‘Jane went to Paradise: that was only fair,’ wrote Rudyard Kipling, and generations of readers have agreed with him. Now, in “You are Passionate, Jane,” we follow Jane Austen right past the Pearly Gates. She has been given the important job of Gatekeeper in Heaven, deciding which other literary figures will be allowed to ascend. A position that has been held by dead white male authors for eons, but at last, the most deserving woman novelist gets her turn. So, when she is not writing one of her heavenly new novels, Jane passes Judgment, and in the fullness of time, the newly deceased Charlotte Bronte is brought before her. The two women are temperamental opposites and don’t appreciate each other’s viewpoint in the least. As Charlotte’s passionate life and works come under scrutiny (the title refers to Jane Eyre), the literary sparks fly – upward.” Continue reading
Susan Mason-Milks
Susan is the author of "Mr. Darcy's Proposal," a Jane Austen "what if" story. She is currently working on another "what if" which she hopes to have out in the summer of 2013.
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