With the New Year upon us—and the old one behind us—there’s a sense of invigoration in the air…or perhaps it’s simply a huge sigh of relief because the holidays are over with, and we can finally catch our breath and refocus our energy on something other than holiday engagements and stuffing ourselves silly. For many, the New Year signals a return to normalcy, routines, and, you guessed it: resolutions.

Every January I try to adhere to a lengthy list of resolutions, but always seem to end up curtailing said list over the course of the year—usually when I realize that most of my resolutions aren’t quite reasonable, never mind do-able. For instance, one year I decided I’d paint every room in my house, and another year I swore I wouldn’t buy junk food and that I’d stop eating candy. (The last two ended up being regulated to Lent instead, with much better results, I might add!)

This year, however, there is one resolution in particular that I feel especially strongly about and it is this: I’m going to seize every day and make the year fun for my two favorite girls. My eight-year-old daughter is growing up, and my niece is fast becoming a young woman. They’re both my entire world—the very best things in my life—and, though I try to let them know it on a regular basis, sometimes life throws a wrench into the works and takes some of the fun out of things. I resolve to set aside more time to giggle and laugh; to have fun and be creative and crazy before the magic of childhood wanes. (With any luck, that won’t be for a while, but still…)

I also resolve to set aside some time every day to write, which, owing to unforeseen circumstances last year, proved to be pretty challenging. As you know, I’ve just finished writing my supernatural Pride and Prejudice novelette Darkness Falls Upon Pemberley, and hope to publish it as an ebook soon. As far as other projects go, I’m hoping Darcy and Elizabeth will behave better than they did last year, so several works-in-progress (one in particular) will fall into line and follow suit.

Speaking of works-in-progress, here’s a little excerpt—a very little excerpt—from In Doubt of Mr. Darcy to whet your whistle. May the New Year find you and your families healthy and happy!

Best wishes and many thanks,

Susan

Darcy was alone; alone and finally free to approach Elizabeth. He had been biding his time for weeks, waiting, hoping for a chance exactly like this one; an opportunity to speak with her without being under the scrutiny of interfering eyes and curious ears. How he welcomed this moment!

But then he heard her; the soft rustling of fabric from within—most likely the rich silk of her gown as she moved about the room; her satin slippers as she paced upon the carpet—and questioned whether his sudden intrusion upon her privacy would be met with any degree of pleasure, or even tolerance. He laid his head against the door frame, listening for several minutes; the swish of her skirts, her long, pensive sighs. Darcy closed his eyes as he wondered what in God’s name he should say to her. He knew what he wanted to say, but also knew it was hardly prudent on his part. She had been upset with her sister only moments before. The possibility that any residual anger could be turned upon him in a moment of ill-timed rashness was great.

All too soon, however, a soft but unmistakeable sob reached his ears, rendering everything but the woman on the other side of the door and her distress insignificant. Without further delay—or contemplation of the consequences should his company indeed be unwelcome—Darcy pushed the door open and entered the room. His eyes scanned the parlour with purpose, searching her out in the dim interior. His long strides carried him quickly to her side.

Susan Adriani is the author of The Truth About Mr. Darcy

Susan Adriani

Susan Adriani is the author of The Truth About Mr. Darcy.

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