Fresh Fiction Blog | Sharon Lathan | Allow me to introduce you to....

Welcome to part 4 of a series of blogs I have written for the MISS DARCY FALLS IN LOVE virtual tour that are a character analysis with excerpts from my latest novel. The idea was sparked by a question on the character of Georgiana Darcy, and grew into a fun sequence of posts. I hope you will enjoy this glimpse into a handful of the secondary characters enough to pop over to my blog where I have the links to the previous 3 posts where I focused on many of the other players, both major and minor.

Some readers may be surprised to find that Darcy and Elizabeth are not present at all. There are, however, a few familiar cast members present in France with Georgiana. She is escorted by her uncle and aunt, Lord and Lady Matlock, and once in Paris will meet up with her beloved cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam and his wife, Lady Simone. Aside from these four - who have big parts to play - all the others are new.

Allow me to introduce you to....

Lady Vivienne Butler: The soon-to-be Marquise de Marcov is the sister of my hero, Sebastian Butler, and the oldest of his five sisters. Her upcoming marriage to Marquis Adrien de Marcov (Sebastian's closest friend) is what brings the Butler family to France, leading to the meeting of Georgiana and Sebastian. The close friendships and family ties lay the foundation. Sebastian's love for his sisters (Lady Adele and Lady Reine Butler are also introduced) aid his comfort with establishing a friendship with Georgiana.

Earl of Essenton: Sebastian's father is the only member of the family who does not support Sebastian's quest to pursue music. Not exactly the warm and fuzzy type, Lord Essenton has forever argued with his son's choice and insisted he remain in England to marry and learn estate management. To that end he will do anything.

Lord Essenton frowned in confusion. He was not a stupid man, but subtle scheming was not his forte. "But how can he not see the logic in marrying her? It frustrates me to no end! She is sole heir to a lucrative estate that will fall to her husband—an estate, as he knows, that lies adjacent to ours. The financial benefits are substantial and it will increase our family's landholdings significantly. Additionally, she wants to marry him! That fact continues to placate Lord Webbing, but even his forbearance will cease if Sebastian does not accept our arrangement soon. I am running out of excuses."
"As pointed out, you have adequately informed our son of these facts. Sebastian does not need to be lectured again. He needs space and freedom. If he is not browbeaten and instantly placed on the defensive, then perhaps he will come to the same conclusion." When hell freezes over, she thought. "Gentle persuasion may serve better, and I shall apply myself to the endeavor, but I still suggest you consider alternatives."
"I suppose you think you can persuade him better than I?" When she did not answer his mocking question, he grunted, waving his hand condescendingly. "Do what you think you can do. Just make sure he is betrothed before too much longer or I will sign the papers myself and drag him to the church."
She nodded and steered the conversation away from talk of bargaining a wife for their son as one bargained for a prized stallion. "I was surprised at your compromise. I hope that you are sincere and finally accepting of music as a necessity to our son."
"The 'compromise' was to shut him up. Oh bloody hell, Maria! I am sick to death of fighting with him! I swear he purposely goes the opposite direction from what I ask of him. If I thought it would do any good, I would pay the authorities at the Conservatoire to revoke his acceptance."
"He would only pursue another course, probably heading to Italy."
"Precisely." Lord Essenton sighed, unguarded for a moment and showing a man confused and frustrated. He stared into the brandy, gentle hand motions causing it to swirl. "I hate music. Hate it with a passion. Why I ever allowed you to bully me into teaching the children is beyond me."

No, his lordship is not a nice man! The last two I will talk about are small players, although important, but mostly ones I had a lot of fun with.

Professor Florange: A professor at the Conservatoire of Music in Paris, Professor Florange holds the key to Miss Darcy's acceptance into the school.

"Thank you, Professor. You are kind, but—"
"Kindness, bah! I am not kind at all! Just ask Butler here. I am a teacher, a very nasty one a good percentage of the time whose job is to recognize the gifted, admit them into the Conservatoire, and exhaustively drive them until they excel beyond their wildest potential. That is you, mademoiselle. Gifted and, I suspect from this"—he stabbed the sheet of music still propped on the pianoforte—"that together you and Butler could even be brilliant. So you shall take the exams and join us, yes?"
He turned away, the latter obviously not meant as a question. Georgiana stood speechless as the professor bent to gather the sheets. Sebastian raised his brows questioningly, satisfaction and pride mixed with nervousness at her reaction.
"I appreciate the offer, Professor," she stammered, "but I am afraid that is impossible."
"Impossible? What is this 'impossible'? For an artist nothing is impossible." He walked back to his desk, dismissing her objections with a grunt. "Butler, this girl is good for you. This glissando is inspired, the entire refrain beautiful. I might suggest adding a flute here to enhance the pitch..."

Gaston: A fellow musician at the Conservatoire and friend of Sebastian who, in his own gruff way, helps the confused younger man make up his mind about amour---

Gaston waited until his tankard was brought and drained a third of the way before interrupting the silence. "So, do you have a strategy or prepared speech? Something insipidly mawkish and riddled with purple prose?"
"What are you talking about?"
Gaston's initial response was a derogatory phrase that turned the heads of several near neighbors. Sebastian received the full impact of Gaston's condescending expression, flinching involuntarily at the combination.
"Spare me," Gaston said scathingly. "I have been married for ten years and happen to still love my wife—most of the time. She must be mentally deficient to put up with me, but damned if I can see it. I do, however, frequently need to pull out the romantic nonsense in order to keep her from leaving me for someone handsomer or richer." He shrugged, sitting back and draining the ale. "It seems to work, though, so that would be my suggestion."

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to shine the light on some of the folks inhabiting the pages of MISS DARCY FALLS IN LOVE. Even those not so likable - *cough* Lord Essenton - are special in their own way and enhance the story. And now that you have read this blog, and perhaps the previous 3, I am anxious to hear your thoughts on my characters, or any of your favorites. Comments will earn you a place in the drawing for a copy of my book!

Synopsis of MISS DARCY FALLS IN LOVE--

Noble young ladies were expected to play an instrument, but Georgiana Darcy is an accomplished musician who hungers to pursue her talents. She embarks upon a tour of Europe, ending in Paris where two very different men will ignite her heart in entirely different ways and begin a bitter rivalry to win her. But only one holds the key to her happiness.

Set in post-Napoleonic Empire France, MISS DARCY FALLS IN LOVE is a riveting love story that enters a world of passion where gentlemen know exactly how to please and a young woman learns to direct her destiny and understand her heart.

Sharon's Bio--

Sharon Lathan is the best-selling author of The Darcy Saga sequel series to Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. Her previously published novels are: MR. AND MRS. FITZWILLIAM DARCY: TWO SHALL BECOME ONE, LOVING MR. DARCY, MY DEAREST MR. DARCY, IN THE ARMS OF MR. DARCY, A DARCY CHRISTMAS, and THE TROUBLE WITH MR. DARCY. MISS DARCY FALLS IN LOVE is Georgiana's tale of love and adventure while in France. Complete with a happy ending. In addition to her writing, Sharon works as a Registered Nurse in a Neonatal ICU. She resides with her family in Hanford, California in the sunny San Joaquin Valley. Visit Sharon on her website and on Austen Authors, her group blog with 20 novelist of Austen literature.

Comments

It is always interesting when there are two choices for a woman's love life. This sounds like an interesting read.
(Kathleen Bianchi 4:08am November 28, 2011)

I'm looking forward to following Georgiana's journey.
(Mary Preston 4:53am November 28, 2011)

Miss Darcy sounds better and better!
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 7:11am November 28, 2011)

Did most men of this time period feel as though they had to come across as
gruff? If so, is that the same reason most women felt they had to act like a
delicate flower? I love this time period and I never tire of reading and learning
more about the Darcy's. I'm hoping to win this really terrific book to "feed" my
Darcy fascination.
(Connie Fischer 7:16am November 28, 2011)

Love the excerpts.. This sounds very different from the usual historical romance..
(Cate Sparks 7:33am November 28, 2011)

I think men are born knowing exactly how to please a woman! Looking forward to reading your latest book.
(Shirley Younger 8:24am November 28, 2011)

This is very different from what I have been reading (paranormals) so I may have to pick it up and give it a try.
Thank you.
(Patti Paonessa 8:53am November 28, 2011)

Men will be men, especially in that era where they were so dominant. I do like the lady having two love interests. I will have to read all of your books. Thanks for sharing!
(Dawn Staniszeski 9:17am November 28, 2011)

Good morning everyone! It is lovely to wake up and see so many great
comments already. Nice! It sounds like all of you enjoyed this glimpse
into Georgiana Darcy's life. Thanks for the interest.

Linda, Yes it is a historical romance. Lots of romance but also set in a
fascinating time period. I enjoyed exploring what was happening in
Paris of 1820 as well as the musical theme.

Connie, I don't think men were gruff in general any more than they are
today. These 3 men happen to be that way, Lord Essenton because he
truly is a nasty person and the other 2 who are irascible on the surface.
Those are the characters I selected here because they have a similar
quality. The other men of my story, especially Sebastian Butler, are
completely different. Teddy bears!

Yes Patti - Time for a break from vampires and shapeshifters! LOL!

I'll keep checking in if anyone has any other comments. See you all
later! Sharon
(Sharon Lathan 9:45am November 28, 2011)

What a wonderful world you've created!
(Margay Roberge 10:31am November 28, 2011)

This sounds wonderful. I have always loved the world that Darcy and Elizabeth lived in and always wanted Georgiana to find someone.
(Jenifer Penczynzyn 10:57am November 28, 2011)

Oooh I love Pride and Prejudice... Looking forward to reading your book.
(May Pau 11:31am November 28, 2011)

I'm sure that I'm going to enjoy this book, because I've played the cello since I was in Junior High. I wanted to play the violin, and the only instrument that was available was the cello. The teacher saw the look of disappointment on my face and said to me "You'll learn to love the instrument." I'll never forget those words, and he was right. To this day, I've learned to pick the cello out when I hear instrumentals on the radio, and I think it's a beautiful instrument, in fact, more beautiful than the violin. Anyway, I find the story to be ver interesting, the characters have "believable" names, and the cover of the book is very tastefully done. Congratulations!!
(Peggy Roberson 11:31am November 28, 2011)

I'm looking forward to reading this book.. Looks like something I would stay up all night reading!!
(Joyce Bruner 11:37am November 28, 2011)

Peggy, I am sure you will especially appreciate my novel then. Music
figures very heavily into the story, all the way around. Even the chapter
titles are musical terms. With the main characters being musicians and
composers there was no other way to write it.
(Sharon Lathan 12:04pm November 28, 2011)

I love to learn about the peripheral characters from a book I thoroughly enjoyed.
It is really wonderful that you can be so creative--something to look forward to.
(Sandra Spilecki 12:07pm November 28, 2011)

It's strange. Recently I was wondering if a talented lady of the nobility during that period of time was allowed to use her gift in a public way. I decided it would take a strong willed and wealthy lady to do so. MISS DARCY FALLS IN LOVE sounds like a fun book to read.
(Anna Speed 12:52pm November 28, 2011)

This book sounds really good. I can't wait to check it out. I love reading books that involve music.
(Lindsay Wolford 1:22pm November 28, 2011)

Oh! As soon as I began reading the description of this book, I LOVED it already. The time period, the music - all of it - THANK YOU for the opportunity to win a copy!
(Felicia Ciaudelli 1:48pm November 28, 2011)

What an interesting idea for a book--I'll look forward to reading it!
(Kathleen Conner 2:04pm November 28, 2011)

Anna, There were definitely limitations to what a respectable lady could
do. But as we know from the example of Jane Austen - just to name
one - a woman did have some options. Still, it was not easy. I was
fortunate to find a way to make it plausible for Georgiana, such as
learning about the Paris Conservatoire of Music where women were
admitted as students. And then if you marry a titled man who also
pursues a "career" - score!

Felicia, you are most welcome!

Thanks for so much interest, everyone. This is really nice!
(Sharon Lathan 2:26pm November 28, 2011)

Sure hope to win, MISS DARCY FALLS IN LOVE
(Debbie Ellis 3:38pm November 28, 2011)

Hello, Ms. Lathan.

Thank you so much for giving your readers a bit more insight into your newest work. Though I have followed all your P&P series I have not had the good fortune to purchase this one yet. Who knows, perhaps I'll win a copy today!

I am looking forward to reading more about Miss. Darcy and her romantic journey. You've teased at it in your other works so this will give us a lot of answers that we've looked for.

Thanks again,
Monica
(Monica Alaniz 3:45pm November 28, 2011)

This sounds good I like historicals and so does my daughter :)

~Brandy
(Brandy Blake 4:13pm November 28, 2011)

It looks like an interesting group of characters.
(Maureen Emmons 4:41pm November 28, 2011)

You are most welcome, Monica. It is very fun to delve back into it. I almost
forgot how many intriguing characters I created! I tend to like writing
quirky people. I hope you enjoy reading the rest-of-the-story after all my
teasers! I have a doosie of a teaser at the end of this one. *hint hint
(Sharon Lathan 4:55pm November 28, 2011)

Recently, I've been reading a lot of western romance novels, and I'm ready for some historical romance again, and this one sounds great with the music theme in it. I played the violin as a child and only 3 students took string instruments as a course--one being the music instructors daughter and the other two being my sister and I! It seems almost unbelievable, but most kids couldn't afford instruments. Mine was given to me by my grandmother and my sister's was rented (a viola). Loved reading the posts and excerpts from Miss Darcy Falls in Love.
(Linda Luinstra 5:19pm November 28, 2011)

You paint a good picture with words. I can see the differences in characters with your sketches and how they may react in scenes. Whenever authors have descriptions of the players in the front of the book, I thank them for helping me keep everything straighter plus I can refer back to the list, if need be.
(Alyson Widen 6:14pm November 28, 2011)

Sharon:

I am more and more intrigued by your new book. Learning about all the
character development is fascinating.

Barbara Tiller Cole
(Barbara Tiller Cole 6:16pm November 28, 2011)

I think a nice romance would be fun to read this time of year.
(Sue Farrell 6:34pm November 28, 2011)

Hi Sharon,

Your book sound great. Thanks for introductions.
(Tammy Yenalavitch 7:12pm November 28, 2011)

Hi Sharon. I follow you over at Austen Authors. I just love your books!
(Molly Wilsbacher 7:20pm November 28, 2011)

Thanks for stopping by today, ladies, and good luck with the giveaway
contest. I am thrilled that Sourcebooks is offering 3 copies! But win or
buy, I hope everyone enjoys my musical romance for Georgiana Darcy.

Alyson, I have a complete Cast of Character list on my website for each
of my novels. I think it does help, especially when there are a ton of
characters as there are in my Darcy Saga series novels. Even I flip to it
for reference now and again!
(Sharon Lathan 7:28pm November 28, 2011)

This book sounds fantastic. Please enter me in this great
contest. Thank You so much. Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 7:53pm November 28, 2011)

With your vivid character descriptions;I can almost hear each character's "musical theme song" playing in the background as they speak.
(Joanne Hicks 9:20pm November 28, 2011)

Professor Florange reminds me of my Calculus professor who expected excellence.
(Jan D 11:15pm November 28, 2011)

And here I thought Georgina was already happily married to a neighbor, a geologist. That must have been a rumor only. I love historicals, romances and especially those books divulging some actual history. Whichever this is, it sounds like an interesting and enjoyable addition to the genre.
(Sigrun Schulz 12:13pm November 29, 2011)

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