Tag: Austen Variations

In which an enigmatic writer, a reluctant duke, and a lady of iron resolve overturn all expectations.

Dear Reader:

Who, we ask, is the mysterious new author styling himself Remington J. Force, who has burst upon the literary scene from absolutely nowhere and is now enjoying the favor of the Prince Regent?

Force is a man with no title, no history, no lineage—yet he bears an uncanny resemblance to the Duke of R., a gentleman with a hitherto spotless reputation, who is now sponsoring the career of this aspiring author. Surely there is some blood tie there, even if not acknowledged.

The intrigue does not stop with Force’s own mysterious origin. Indeed, speculation is rife about the hero of his tale, A Beau Out of Time. The overabundantly named Augustus Remiel Josias Evander Montague is portrayed as a man about town, arbiter of fashion, and bon vivant. Some even call him a rake.

His name is clearly borrowed from both His Royal Highness and Remington Josiah Force. What, then, of his character? Is it a similar amalgamation—or barefaced flattery of the Prince to sell books? Whichever it is, it is succeeding, for Force has now been styled Publisher to the Crown.

But, my dear Reader, that is not all.

While I have not read the shocking novel myself, it has been hinted that this admirable gentleman, this pink of the ton, this Beau Montague, meets a fate worse than death. In short, after traveling two centuries into the future, he is tamed by a woman! An unnatural, domineering, matchmaking woman.

I can scarcely believe such a thing could be permitted to sully the page, but alas—Force is both author and publisher of his own scandalous tale. Yet one might have expected the Duke of R., who lent his support to the enterprise, to have advocated for decency.

It has also been reported by our correspondent in Hertfordshire that Force himself was recently betrothed to a woman unknown to society, which raises a host of additional questions about what manner of female he would choose to be his bride. Or whether he was the one to do the choosing at all.

There are even rumors that Force’s unknown lady was herself presented in a most unflattering light in a well‑known novel written by some anonymous female. We have not been able to confirm this last speculation, however.

Stop Press: It has been brought to our attention that the lady in question has stolen her betrothed’s characters—Mr. Montague and Miss Capell—and written her own story, undoing all of Mr. Force’s hard work. I do not believe we need speculate any longer on just what type of female she is.

A Rose in Winter

Return to Rosachron Manor for another tale of love that spans centuries.

When historical researcher Remington J. Force travels to Hertfordshire to investigate the disappearance of author Hannah Ridley, he’s swept through the same hidden portal into 1814. There he meets gentle, earnest Mary Winterose, and together they begin unraveling the disappearance of a missing heir. As secrets come to light, a tender romance blooms—one that may prove strong enough to defy time itself.

In 1985, folk singer Garnet Wildwood becomes captivated by the verses of the enigmatic poet P. K. Neville. Her search for his true identity draws her deeper into the tangled history of Rosachron Manor and the echoes of a love she can’t explain.

Meanwhile, Lord Peregrine Neville longs only to write his poems and wander the Peak District, free from the crushing expectations of a dukedom. How far will he go to claim a life of his own choosing—and what will it cost him?

Follow two pairs of lovers across intertwined timelines as they seek the truth behind Rosachron Manor’s mysteries and discover whether love can truly transcend the boundaries of time.

A Rose in Winter is the second enchanting installment in the Roses of Longbourn series.

Purchase A Rose in Winter and A Rake Redeemed, or the Gretna Rose on Amazon or read in Kindle Unlimited

https://a.co/d/05P7JBci

https://a.co/d/00hTdZ0K

The Roses of Longbourn series:

A Rose Out of Time – Book 1

A Rose in Winter – Book 2

Mrs. Christie and the Misplaced Rose (A Short Story)

A Golden-Hearted Rose (A Short Story)

A Rake Redeemed, or The Gretna Rose (A Novella)

Coming Soon:

A Rose at Dawn – Book 3

A Rose After Rain – Book 4

About the Author

Kelly Boggs is a writer who happily wanders between centuries on the page. She draws inspiration from Austen, quiet English estates, and the small wonders of everyday life—including the antics of her two dachshunds, who consider themselves indispensable to her creative routine. She lives in Ohio with her family and far too many books.

Links:

Website: kellyboggsauthor.com

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/kellyboggs

Goodreads: Kelly Boggs (Author of A Rose Out of Time) | Goodreads

Excerpt from A Rose in Winter

An excerpt from the book within the book, which is only a small part of the tale:

From A Beau Out of Time, by Remington J. Force

The moment they were pronounced husband and wife, Valentina seized Augustus by the wrist with the brisk efficiency of a general reclaiming a stray recruit.

“Smile,” she ordered under her breath as she propelled him toward the waiting crowd. “Not the anxious one. The one that suggests reliability and mild romantic promise.”

“I have a smile like that?”

“You will in approximately three seconds.”

She paused only long enough to adjust his cravat—an adjustment that felt suspiciously like throttling—then resumed towing him toward the waiting portrait taker. Augustus had never entirely agreed to be the face of her matchmaking enterprise, Swooning for Swains, but he had also not disagreed quickly enough, which Valentina had interpreted as enthusiastic consent.

Before he could protest, she arranged his arm around her waist, angled him toward the onlookers, and beamed with triumphant satisfaction.

“Perfect,” she declared. “You look trustworthy, devoted, and only slightly bewildered. And devastatingly handsome, of course. Exactly what my clients want in a husband.”

“Your clients?”

“Our clients,” she corrected, patting his hand as though he were a promising but occasionally wayward puppy. “You are the living proof that my methods work. Do try not to look as though you were captured.”

“I was,” he murmured.

“Yes, but happily so.”

And with that, the new Mrs. Augustus Remiel Josias Evander Montague —matchmaker, strategist, and newly minted commander of one very obliging husband—swept him forward to greet their guests, already planning the next ten years of his public image.

Augustus followed, smiling the smile she had assigned him, and thinking that surrender had never felt so oddly delightful.

Excerpt from A Rake Redeemed, or The Gretna Rose

And because there are at least two sides to every tale, we present the alternative story, as told by Remington’s “dreadful” fiancée, Mary:

In truth, Mary had been more than a little shocked when Remington had written his hero as a rake, but there was no denying it had helped to win the Prince Regent’s endorsement. And naturally, in the tradition of all heroic rakes, he must be reformed by the love of a good woman. Or even a morally dubious one.

Miss Valentina Capell was a woman who knew her own mind. And a most superior mind it was. Unlike many of the fair sex, she did not let such small matters as humility or ladylike decorum stand in her way. She looked about, decided what she wanted, and then devised a capable and intelligent plan to obtain it. Valentina could see no reason why the procurement of a husband should proceed any differently.

When Valentina met Mr. Augustus Remiel Josias Evander Montague, she took one long, exceedingly thorough look at his manly physique, his handsome face, and his cravat—which was a work of art—and made two important decisions. She would have him for her own, and she would convince him that two names were quite enough.

Valentina had no idea what sort of man Augustus was on the inside, but no matter. His outside was most pleasing, and she had no doubt she could work with whatever talents he possessed to fashion him into an ideal husband.

Mr. Montague of the five‑named fame was equally thorough in his visual assessment of the lovely Valentina, letting his eyes linger on her more obvious charms in a way that was scarcely gentlemanly. For Augustus was a rake—a connoisseur of womanly beauty who never restrained himself with any notions of honour or propriety. Or rather, he had his own code of honour, which was amazingly flexible and generally allowed him to do anything he pleased.

Valentina, though properly brought up and unfailingly chaste in her own conduct, was not such an innocent as to be deceived for one moment about what Augustus was thinking when he looked at her. Very well—let the hook be firmly planted before she reeled him in like a slightly befuddled fish. She could see already that his intellect was no match for her own, and that was all to the good.

Scandal Rocks Kent and the House of the de Bourghs

By Bluestocking Belles

On January 6, 2021

In Bluestocking Belles, Caroline Warfield, Teatime Tattler

Hello, All. This is Romona Regency here with all the latest and greatest news from Kent. This bit of scandal comes to us from just outside of Rochester and Higham upon the estate of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, the sister to the Earl of Matlock and widow of Sir Lewis de Bourgh. It seems her ladyship is to be displaced and by none other than her “favorite” nephew, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the master of Pemberley, who by a twist of fate, or, rather, should we say, a twist of “marriage” is now the new master of Rosings Park, having inherited it from his late wife. The gentleman has provided his aunt her “marching orders.” It seems the grand dame must claim a new moniker: That of the Dowager Lady de Bourgh. Sources say even Lord Matlock has refused to assist her ladyship with her removal from the estate’s mansion to the dower house.

His lordship was heard to have said:

“Devilish rum business. But Darcy has his rights. You chose to force his hand, and, now, you must live with your manipulation. Our nephew married Anne, just as you insisted he do. It is not his fault your daughter died in a little over half a year of pronouncing her vows. Even though they held nothing more than familial affection for each other, who is to say they might have made the best of it for the remainder of their days—mayhap they would have had a half-dozen children. That might have satisfied you, to have grandchildren about you. Might have softened your nature. However, I do not think such a marriage would have made either Darcy or Anne happy. Like it or not, Catherine, they did not suit. Darcy adored his parents, and, whether you wish to recognize it or keep fooling yourself, George Darcy and our younger sister Anne were happy together. They loved each other deeply. Your belief that George Darcy should have chosen you instead of Anne—that you should have been mistress of such a breathtaking beautiful estate as Pemberley—is what drove you to force Darcy and your daughter together. You made your bed, now, you must lie in it.”

Rosings Park (Belton House/Public Domain)

My goodness! Is that not scandalous enough for you? Imagine one so regal—so full of her own consequence—being brought so low as to live on an allowance and to entertain in the estate’s dower house. I suppose those without connections would know satisfaction with such a house, but none of us here at The Tattler believe Lady Catherine will know ease.

Other sources have informed me that Mr. Darcy means to bring the estate back to his former grandeur, for such was his late wife’s dying wish. We can only hope Mr. Darcy performs with more expertise than did his aunt, who is said to have shamelessly neglected her obligations to her tenants.

As of this very morning, it is my understanding that Lady Catherine has taken to her bed, supposedly from a fall upon the main stairs of the manor house, but one can logically consider her ladyship’s “accident” simply a maneuver to keep Mr. Darcy at bay for as long as possible. Several servants attached to the manor house have confirmed that Lady Catherine has agreed to employ Miss Elizabeth Bennet to oversee the refurbishing of the dower house. Miss Bennet is said to be the cousin of Lady Catherine’s cleric, Mr. Collins, and she was visiting with the Collinses when the accident occurred. We here at The Tea Time Tattler wondered why Mrs. Collins did not take up the charge of assisting Lady Catherine, but several among those who are willing to speak of her ladyship’s woes have indicated Mrs. Collins has been ordered to bed by our own Doctor Wilson. All within Rosings Park assume Mrs. Collins is with child, but nothing has been confirmed; yet, such would explain much, as few know anything of Miss Bennet, who is said to be from Hertsfordshire. We shall keep both our eyes and our ears open and report back when we learn of Lady Catherine’s removal to her new home. Shan’t that be a sight for our sore eyes?

Side Note:

After this story was set for publication, we learned that Miss Bennet, at the insistence of Lady Catherine, has moved into Rosings Park itself, which means when Mr. Darcy arrives later in the week, he will be forced to stay either at the local inn or at the dower house being repaired for his aunt. Naturally, a gentleman cannot remain is the main house, even if he owns it, with an unmarried female and no chaperone. Now, that would be a scandal worth bringing out a special edition of lovely newsprint, would it not? If such occurs, you shall hear it here first.

About the Book

The Mistress of Rosings Park: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary

Release date: January 8, 2021

I much prefer the sharp criticism of a single intelligent man to the thoughtless approval of the masses. – Johannes Kepler

When she arrives at Hunsford Cottage for a visit with her long-time friend Charlotte Collins, Elizabeth Bennet does not expect the melodrama awaiting her at Rosings Park.

Mrs. Anne Darcy, nee de Bourgh, has passed, and Rosings Park is, by law, the property of the woman’s husband, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy; yet, Lady Catherine de Bourgh is not ready to abandon the mansion over which she has served as mistress for thirty years. Elizabeth holds sympathy for her ladyship’s situation. After all, Elizabeth’s mother will eventually be banished from Longbourn when Mr. Bennet passes without male issue. She inherently understands Lady Catherine’s “hysterics,” while not necessarily condoning them, for her ladyship will have the luxury of the right to the estate’s dower house, and, moreover, it is obvious Rosings Park requires the hand of a more knowledgeable overseer. Therefore, Elizabeth takes on the task of easing Lady Catherine’s transition to dowager baronetess, but doing so places Elizabeth often in the company of the “odious” Mr. Darcy, a man Lady Catherine claims poisoned her daughter Anne in order to claim Rosings Park as his own.

Purchase Links:

Purchase for Kindle.

Kindle Unlimited.

Purchase Paperback on Amazon.

BookBub.

About the Author

Regina Jeffers, an award-winning author of historical cozy mysteries, Austenesque sequels and retellings, as well as Regency era romances, has worn many hats over her lifetime: daughter, student, military brat, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, tax preparer, journalist, choreographer, Broadway dancer, theatre director, history buff, grant writer, media literacy consultant, and author. Living outside of Charlotte, NC, Jeffers writes novels that take the ordinary and adds a bit of mayhem, while mastering tension in her own life with a bit of gardening and the exuberance of her “grand joys.”