Bitterness of Spirit, Excerpt & Giveaway

Good Afternoon everyone,

I am the bearer of good news today! Maybe you’ve noticed, but in case you haven’t, Lory Lilian has released a new book this weekend! It is called Bitterness of Spirit and from what I’ve heard the Queen of Hot Mush did it again! I’m taking this one with me on my road trip and I think it will be the perfect company for when I’ll be relaxing in a paradisiac beach 🙂

Ms Lilian decided to share with all of you and excerpt where Elizabeth and Darcy seem to be in advance stage of their relationship… I wonder if their will be any angst before they get to this point in the story. I would certainly like that, but I’m sure I will love all the Hot Mush we will get for sure in the final chapters 🙂

I will let you read the excerpt and take the chance to win any book of your choice from Lory Lilian 🙂 She came bearing gifts, and the best thing is, you get to choose them 🙂

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Bitterness of Spirit tells the same beloved story—with new twists, new characters, and new situations—of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, two powerful characters struggling against pride and prejudice to reach their happily ever after.

On the path towards happiness, they overcome well-known obstacles, as well as new ones, face opponents in classic battles, and defeat others in unique ways.

Even more, an original character—seemingly lost to the world for nearly a lifetime—emerges from an obscure past to connect their lives and families in a way no one could imagine.

Will Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship disintegrate or evolve under such challenging circumstances?

Bitterness of Spirit is recommended for a general audience except for the last chapter, which is intended for mature readers. It may be omitted based on the reader’s preference.

You can find Bitterness of Spirit at:

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

 

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They continued their walk as well as their conversation. Gradually, Bingley and Jane, arm in arm, moved several steps further while Elizabeth and Darcy remained a little behind.

The park was crowded, and the paths, bordered by rows of flowers, carried a charming scent. A few minutes passed before Darcy began to speak.

“Miss Bennet, I am glad we have the chance to speak privately. To be honest, this was the main purpose of my visit today. For several days now, I have wanted to approach you about a rather delicate matter.”

They walked side by side, their arms almost touching as they moved.

A chill coursed through her. “A delicate matter? What would that be, sir?” Surely, he would not propose if he started that way, and certainly not in the middle of the park. Or would he?

“Miss Bennet, Lady Catherine has finally accepted Wilson’s invitation to the ball,” he said hesitantly.

“Has she?”

“Yes. To our mutual surprise, it was Anne who insisted upon attending. It was quite unexpected; she usually loathes such parties. I believe this will only be the second ball she has attended in London.”

“I am truly happy to hear that she wishes to come. And honoured,” Elizabeth replied sincerely.

“I believe that is what convinced my aunt to attend. There is…something different about Anne lately. She expresses her wishes and opinions more decidedly. She has grown in strength and determination. Both Richard and I are pleased to witness her improvement.”

“That is wonderful news indeed. And what have the doctors said about her health?”

“They are still uncertain, but she seems to feel better than I have seen her in the last years. And that is what I wanted to talk to you about.”

“Miss De Bourgh’s health?” Elizabeth inquired, puzzled.

“No…her presence at the ball.”

“Oh…is there a problem?”

“Yes…not really… In order to convince Lady Catherine to attend the ball with Anne, Richard and I promised to take care of her and make her feel comfortable. Anne will not dance; she has never danced in public. So Richard and I decided to take turns; while one of us dances, the other will stay with Anne.”

“How generous and kind of you. Miss De Bourgh is surely pleased to have such considerate cousins,” Elizabeth responded, puzzled as to why he would make such a disclosure to her.

“We only hope to see her content and relaxed. However, many of those in attendance know that Anne and I are expected to marry,” he uttered, glancing at her. She met his eyes briefly.

“Anne and I know such an event will not occur, but still people will look at us. Therefore, I must be careful and mind my manners to avoid arousing useless gossip.”

Elizabeth’s puzzlement increased. “What kind of gossip, sir?”

He stopped and turned to her. “It was my intention to ask you for the first set, Miss Bennet. And for at least one other set during the evening.”

She held his intense gaze and allowed herself to become lost in it.

“Oh…” she whispered while he slowly resumed walking.

“However, in doing that, I would place Anne in an awkward position and provoke all kinds of rumours. That is, if I invited you to dance and you agreed.”

“Yes,” she admitted without hesitation, her heart pounding. She then stopped and he did the same. “I would have gladly accepted your invitations—both of them—and that would have indeed put Miss De Bourgh in a difficult position.”

Their eyes locked again before they continued to walk. No other words were needed.

“Therefore, I told Richard that I would not dance the first two sets. I suspect he will invite you for the first set and Miss Bennet for the second.”

“Thank you for warning me,” she said, laughing nervously.

“I shall ask Miss Bennet for the third set, and if you would do me the honour, I would kindly ask you to reserve me the supper set.”

“I think that is a perfect choice, sir,” she whispered.

They stepped side by side for a while, her emotions mixed and strong. His confession and the explanation he offered were stronger proof of his affection than any dance could be. His kindness towards his cousin did not diminish his admiration and care for her.

“Thank you for listening to me, Miss Bennet. I was reluctant to broach such a subject with you as I feared it would be an awkward conversation. But for many months, I behaved in a way that allowed you to form a wrong impression of me. This time, I wished to avoid any misunderstanding.”

“It was an awkward conversation indeed.” She laughed again. “But I am deeply grateful to you for it. I confess that I hoped you would ask me for the first set—or for any other.”

“This is good to know…very good to know,” he uttered in a low voice.

“Will you come to Hertfordshire?” she inquired sometime later. They were both looking ahead, paying attention to the view ahead, painfully aware of each other’s closeness.

“I shall, but I am not sure of the length of my stay. I would rather go to Pemberley to be certain everything is prepared for your arrival.”

She said nothing but felt so much that her entire being was wracked by chills. Her mind tried to keep her racing heart under good regulation, but not even her fear of assuming too much could dismiss the obvious truth in his words.

Although their walk lasted only an hour, Elizabeth knew its importance could last a lifetime.

They returned home, and the gentlemen soon left, leaving both Miss Bennets with large smiles and light hearts that did not go unnoticed by their relatives. However, the only subject discussed was the upcoming ball.

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Ms Lilian would like to offer two ebooks to two different winners. The giveaway is international and each winner will be able to choose any of her books including Bitterness of Spirit.

To enter the giveaway all you have to do is comment on this post until the 19th of October and let us know what you thought of this excerpt.

Good Luck everyone!