Can heartbreak ever lead to greater happiness?
When Elizabeth weds one of Darcy’s dearest friends he tries, and fails, to put his love for her behind him. Then, after two years of regretting his decision to step aside for his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Darcy is given that rarest of gifts, a second chance. Though he mourns the cousin he loved like a brother, Darcy can’t help but wonder what might have been, and what could still be.
Elizabeth’s heart is broken by her husband’s death. Worse, she’s being pressed to marry not only by her family, but a barrage of suitors. Amid the chaos and sorrow, only one person, Mr. Darcy, seems to fully understand her need to grieve. He, like Elizabeth, knows Colonel Fitzwilliam deserves the respect of a full twelve months of mourning.
Still, much can happen in a year.
Prologue
April 1813
The Royal Parlor, as Lady Catherine preferred to think of it, was closed and stuffy. If she had her wish, brocade curtains and leaded glass windows would be thrown wide to let in the evening air. Her daughter, Anne, however, was afflicted by poor health, and the April evening held a slight chill. Lady Catherine would never do anything to put Anne at risk.
“So, you see, Aunt Catherine, I really can’t return to London at the moment,” her nephew Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam was saying.
Lady Catherine drew her attention back to him. It wouldn’t do to be thought of as someone with wandering focus. Certain it would keep the conversation going and not reveal her distraction, she said, “No, I do not see at all, Richard.”
He made a huffing sound. She could read on his features that he was marshalling his next argument. She let him, looking beyond her nephew to the fourth occupant of the parlor, Mrs. Jenkinson. Meeting Lady Catherine’s eyes over her needlework, Mrs. Jenkinson gave a slight nod, signaling that Anne needed to be sent to bed.
Lady Catherine answered with a quick, grateful smile. She’d never found the knack of knowing when Anne was overtired. Lady Catherine’s only child often tried to conceal her exhaustion, especially when they had guests. Anne railed against her weakness and would do herself ill if permitted to, all to appear well before her cousin. Lady Catherine might overlook her daughter’s fatigue, but Mrs. Jenkinson never did.
“Anne, why don’t you retire? Richard can entertain me,” Lady Catherine said. Because Mrs. Jenkinson was ostensibly Anne’s servant, she had no place giving Anne orders. Lady Catherine was happy to do so, especially for Anne’s benefit.
“Yes, Mama,” Anne said. She got up, curtsied, and left.
Her expression giving no indication of her role in Anne’s dismissal, Mrs. Jenkinson followed dutifully behind her.
Anne’s immediate acquiescence spoke to how tired she was, and Lady Catherine regretted not checking with Mrs. Jenkinson sooner. She’d been distracted by her discussion with Richard, but that was no excuse. Besides which, it particularly suited her to be alone with her nephew. She had business to conduct with him, business that would surprise him.
“She accepted your proposal?” Lady Catherine asked.
“How did you…” Richard trailed off, eyeing her with mild pique. “An eavesdropping servant?”
“You underrate me,” Lady Catherine said smugly. “I’ve watched your courtship for weeks. Did you think me fooled by your excuses as to why you didn’t leave when Darcy did? You are not one to forgo a free, and comfortable, ride into London without a reason.”
Worry dampened Richard’s good looks. “Aunt Catherine, I–”
She held up a staying hand. “Don’t pretend you want more of my company. You spend as much time as is permissible with your Miss Bennet. When she came for tea today, the look on her face, no, on both of your faces, was enough to convince me that you proposed and she accepted you.”
Richard’s worry evaporated, replaced by a particularly foolish expression. Lady Catherine sighed. It was love, then, obviously. Only love could make a fool of her normally sensible nephew.
“I would have said something.” He leaned forward in his chair, obviously eager to discuss his engagement. “Truly I would have, Aunt Catherine, but it’s not proper to spread the details about until I hear back from her father.”
Lady Catherine snorted. “You’ve told me you proposed, she accepted, and you’ve written to her father. I doubt there are many more details than that.”
He shrugged, still grinning incessantly. “I’m sure you were already aware of all I’ve said.” His grin faltered, trepidation returning. “Are you going to congratulate me?” he asked, voice touched with hope.
“Oddly enough, yes.” She hid her amusement at his obvious surprise. “Congratulations, Richard. Miss Elizabeth Bennet is smart and pretty. She has relatively good manners, but she also doesn’t put up with bullying and impertinence. She seems like a splendid match for you.” And you’re the only person Darcy would never try to take her from, she added in her mind.
Richard didn’t need to know that key facet of Lady Catherine’s happiness at his courtship. Anyone with one working eye and half a brain could see one of her other nephews, Darcy, was in love with Miss Bennet as well. Between the two, Lady Catherine preferred the beguiling little country miss wed to Richard. Darcy was for Anne.
“Who’s been trying to bully her?” Richard said, angry over words Lady Catherine was already forgetting she’d spoken, her mind more on Anne than Miss Bennet.
“I have,” Lady Catherine replied, with no remorse. “I always try to bully people. Most of them accept it. Mr. Collins wants it. Miss Bennet is the rare person who, with an impressive show of courtesy, manages to stand up for herself.” She offered Richard a serene smile. “I am now going to proceed to bully you.” She paused for a long moment to give him the opportunity to protest. She was pleased to see he had the sense not to. “You must change your lifestyle,” she finally continued, once he began to squirm under her persistent stare. “You cannot support a wife and fritter away your money.”
“I know that,” Richard muttered, sullen.
“Have you kept your promise to your father?” How she enjoyed the surprise on Richard’s face.
“You know about that?” he sputtered.
Expression lofty, she nodded.
Richard cleared his throat, regaining his composure, along with a touch of ire. “If you know about my promise, then you know I gave my word. If you were a man, younger, and not related to me, I would challenge you for suggesting I haven’t kept it.”
“You have no outstanding debts, then?” she pressed, wanting to be certain.
“I promised him more than that,” Richard said, tone laced with bitterness now. “I haven’t signed so much as a single IOU in three years, let alone used credit against purchases.”
Lady Catherine gave a sharp nod. “It was a fair exchange for paying your debts and buying your rank.”
Richard shrugged, looking away, his features folded into sour lines. “It certainly changed how I live my life.”
As was the late earl’s hope, but it would be cruel to voice that condemnation aloud. Richard hadn’t been on a terrible track, only a typical one for a younger son, spending coin he didn’t have. Squandering a sound body and educated mind. “Have you saved any money?”
He grimaced. “Not really, but I’m debt free. I’ve only recently saved enough so I can pay cash for everything up front. It’s annoying.”
She offered another nod. She believed him, though that belief was founded as much on investigation as on trust. It was her gift to him to not reveal her enquiries. Let him think she took him at his word. “Because you’ve proven so honorable, I’m going to do something for you. I will get you command of a regiment.”
His eyebrows shot up. “That would be nice,” he said, his tone showing disbelief, “but how can you get me command of a regiment when my father could not?”
“Your father didn’t have the connections I do. More importantly, he wanted you to have the command of a safe regiment, which takes even more influence than I have. The regiment I get you command of will be in a war zone, but you’ve expressed a desire to fight for England.”
Richard’s mien became eager. He wanted to wage war for his country and king. Good. Lady Catherine wondered if she should have made her offer earlier, before he committed himself to a country miss. Would he regret his choice once he learned he could have more, do better for himself?
No, he seemed to genuinely care for Miss Bennet. More than likely, her presence would help. He would want to protect her, just as he wanted to protect England, giving him more pride in his duty and better reason to uphold the Fitzwilliam name.
Richard should not be idle. He was too good to be a foppish younger son. Once he was given the job, he would learn to do it and do it well. Her offer would ensure he remained on the path his father had set him on.
“I should like that, Aunt Catherine.” It was a mild statement for the excitement on his face, the eagerness all but reverberating through his frame.
“I thought as much.”
His eyes narrowed. “I don’t wish to sound ungrateful, but may I ask why you will do this for me?”
“Simply to reward you for your good behavior,” she said, not adding that there was little else to which she could apply her time and influence. She had only Anne and the scantest hope that, once she convinced Darcy to wed her daughter, there would be grandchildren. Wed they would, though, for she would not see Rosings fall from the family line. If Anne truly wasn’t long for their world, Darcy would keep Rosings in Fitzwilliam hands, even if his connection to Fitzwilliam was through his mother and his first name. “And to secure a continuation of that good behavior, I have an additional carrot. If I get very good reports about you, and don’t be fooled, I will get accurate reports, I will see that you have a substantial inheritance when either Anne or I die.” She wouldn’t have guessed Richard could look both more shocked and more eager than he had moments ago.
He struggled to school his features back into a reasonable semblance of polite interest. “You’re going to live forever.”
I will probably outlive Anne, Lady Catherine thought, but tamped down the sorrow that knowledge called forth. She shook her head at Richard’s platitude. “Leave me now. If you don’t feel it’s too late in the evening, go to your betrothed. Tell her of my offer. I have a letter to write.” Once she had Richard settled securely into the life he should be living, she would turn her attention to the issue of Darcy wedding Anne, before it was too late.
Richard stood, walked over to her and kissed her cheek. “A substantial inheritance?” he said, grinning again. “I’ll be perfect.”
“You do that,” she said, returning his smile.
After bowing to her, Richard sauntered from the room.
Lady Catherine rose and went to the fireplace to light a taper. She took it with her to her writing desk for the candles there. She would write the better connection she spoke of. Lady Gwen was perhaps her oldest friend, but more importantly, Lady Gwen owed her a favor. It was time to collect.
Giveaway!
To celebrate The Widow Elizabeth, we’re giving away two kindle copies! To be entered, just comment below 🙂
What do you think of our title, The Widow Elizabeth? Is it too much of a spoiler, or is it reassuring? Or, was it scary at first?
Giveaway runs from today until October 4th. Winners will be announced on October 7th. Good Luck!
Sounds like an interesting story. As much as I like the Colonel, it’s comforting to know that Darcy and Elizabeth will get their HEA!
We want Elizabeth and Darcy to live happily ever after, too! 🙂
Renata, The Widow Elizabeth sounds intriguing!
We’re happy you’re intrigued! 🙂
I am thoroughly intrigued and anxious to read this.
We hope you do read it, and enjoy it 🙂
I didn’t mean to, but I ended up reading the whole excerpt!! Now I am hooked. I like Colonel Fitzwilliam, too. (Him and Colonel Brandon). I think the title is perfect, because you can accept that Lizzy married Fitzwilliam, and then anticipate the fun of her and Darcy.
I’m happy you like the title, and that you were hooked by the excerpt 🙂 That’s what we meant the title to do.
I have already tagged it for my wish list so it’s only a matter of time. I can’t wait to see how this turns out! Does Darcy marry Anne? And why is Lady Catherine owed a favor of this magnitude? And how often does Elizabeth actually see the colonel? I can’t imagine Elizabeth following the drum!
You don’t find the explanation of the favor until very late in the book.
I certainly don’t think of the title as a spoiler. It’s more intriguing that way. Is she the widow of Darcy? (gasp, no!) Or is she widowed before meeting Darcy? We’ve had other JAFF with Elizabeth marrying someone before Darcy, so it’s not so off-putting. I think the title will cause readers to grab the title, to find out who she’s the widow of, and reassure themselves that there will be the expected HEA.
Summer and I always want to give a HEA.
Does one ever tire of Elizabeth, Darcy and Col. Fitzwilliam?!! This sounds intriguing and I would love to pursue the investigation as how Col. Fitzwilliam won Elizabeth’s heart.
Yes, that would be interesting. But you can probably see from the excerpt that we skipped that.
Sounds very interesting. I hope I get lucky!
Good luck! All I can do is say it, because I have absolutely no control over who wins.
Good book
Thank you, Gail 🙂
The title definitely makes you pause, until you realize she isn’t Darcy’s widow. I like that this Lady C recognizes her actions / behavior, even if she is still plotting to get Darcy to marry Anne. Now the real question — does she get her wish during those two years until Col F’s death? and is D a widower, too?
Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Those are great questions! Good Luck with the giveaway, Linda 🙂
sounds to be a wonderful read ! thanks for the chance to win!
You’re welcome, Charlene. Good Luck! 🙂
Looks lie a good one. Can’t wait to read it.
We hope you do read it 🙂
I always thought the Col. would be a better possibility for Lizzie. Her typical behavior is too headstrong and adolescent for Darcy. Perhaps marriage and time will mature her enough to become a more suitable match for Darcy. I’m looking forward to reading the rest, thank you for this delightful excerpt.
You’re welcome. Thank you for your comment 🙂
I have read a few JAFFs with a similar plot line. I’m curious as to how E ended up with the Col. though, since it was made kind of clear that the Col. had no intention to marry anyone but an heiress? Thanks for the giveaway.
That’s a question for Renata, but I believe her idea was to make that the turning point. The leaping off point for a different variation, if you will. Things are like they were, until the moment Colonel Fitzwilliam decides he wants Elizabeth more than he wants to marry an heiress. So, that’s the point of departure for this being a variation from the original 🙂
Darcy doesn’t get Lizzy but Richard does but Darcy get her in the end???? That is the question. I like this new Lady Catherine much better than the old mean one! This is going to be the second novel were Lizzy is Richard’s widow that I will have read when I get the novel. How exciting and what a change of pace.
Congratulations on something new and exciting. Thank you for the chance to enter.
Thank you for your kind words. Good Luck with the giveaway 🙂
It has often upset me that Elizabeth marries someone else. I just never know how the author(s) can bring Darcy back into the picture. I have liked previous books with this plot line, and I am already hooked with this excerpt! Thank you for the giveaway.
You’re welcome. Good Luck! 🙂
Oh, I like. This is definitely going on my reading list. I have always like Col. Frizwilliam, but I still want Mr. Darcy with Elizabeth
Thank you, Leslie. That’s good to hear, because we wanted Mr. Darcy with Elizabeth too!
I always enjoy reading books by Summer and Renata. This one will definitely be added to my to read list.
Thank you. We enjoy writing them, too! 🙂
What an intriguing excerpt. I can’t wait to read the whole book to see how Darcy and Elizabeth get together.
Thank you 🙂 We hope you do read it!
So Elizabeth marrys my favourite character, he dies then she marrys Darcy?
Yes. Divorce wasn’t an option at the time and I can’t imagine Elizabeth wanting to divorce Colonel Fitzwilliam.
I already read it, so no need to put me in the giveaway! I really liked this one, and especially your Lady C. I won’t include any spoilers, but there were definitely some fun surprises here!
I appreciate your not putting in spoilers, ALW. I don’t think it’s a spoiler that there is a likable Lady Catherine in the book
Thank you for reading it, and I’m very happy you enjoyed it 🙂
I think the title is just fine. I would hate to start a book where Elizabeth marries someone other than Darcy not knowing she was going to be widowed.
That’s what we were thinking, that the title is reassuring, once you realize she’s about to marry Colonel Fitzwilliam 🙂
Enjoyed the excerpt although my heart was breaking for Mr Darcy just imagining what his response to the news will be. I wonder if Lady Catherine could tell Darcy’s feelings for Elizabeth, could the Col. too?
I think Lady Catherine was much more astute than Colonel Fitzwilliam, and that he wasn’t focused much on Darcy at that time 🙂
Really liked the excerpt. Can’t wait to see what Elizabeth and Darcy will have to endure before they can be together. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Thank you, Mary. Good Luck! 🙂
Ohh that sounds amazing!! And funny, and I love Lady Catherine and her way of being bossy!! Another book to add to my growing to-read list
Count me in for the giveaway
Thank you, Sophia. I’m glad you like the excerpt 🙂 Good luck!
I love the excerpt! One more book to be added on my to be read pile
That’s great news, Patricia! Thank you 🙂
Scary, definitely scary. I’ve read stories on forums where Lizzy has married CF but he was already dead at the start of the show. It did say prologue so I might give it a try??? Crazy how loyal I am to a D&L relationship.
We didn’t really depart from that… He’s dead by chapter one. Poor Colonel Fitzwilliam!
I have never seen Elizabeth portraited as the colonels widow before. Sounds intriguing and a bit scary… Liked your lady Catherine, she is a formidable lady.
I have seen Elizabeth as the Colonels widow one time but it’s still a little scary for me to see Elizabeth marry someone other than Darcy
Don’t worry, it will all come out right in the end 🙂
I liked this Lady Catherine too. She’s not evil at all, just high handed.
The title was scarier until I saw that she wasn’t to be Darcy’s widow.
Yes, hence the blurb. We didn’t want to scare anyone, but the title ‘The Widow Elizabeth…but Not Darcy’s Widow’ was too long 🙂
I like the title – it sounds like a new take on the traditional story. Not a bad thing to do from time to time. (As long as we don’t lose it completely!!)
Good luck with the book and thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
Thank you, Lilyane, and good luck! 🙂