Missing Jane – Guest Post & Giveaway

Good Afternoon everyone, 

I hope you’re all staying safe and busy reading because I am here today to share with you a deleted scene from a book you’ll want to add to your TBR pile. There are so many variations nowadays that it is not easy for me to be intrigued with a plot that is not out of this world. I mean, I get surprised with all the mashups that are coming out lately or with stories that involve unexpected creatures etc, but it is not everyday that I get intrigued with a regular regency variation. Missing Jane had that effect in me and I definitely want to read this one. Bronwen Chisholm is here today to talk to you a little about this book and to share a scene that was never added to the book. I hope you enjoy it 🙂

Thank you for visiting Bronwen! And best of luck with this book 🙂 Something tells me it will be a success.

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Hello! I am so pleased to be back at From Pemberley to Milton. My latest novella, Missing Jane, releases this week and I wanted to stop by and share a deleted scene with you. Before we begin, here is a bit about the book.

Mr. Bennet is dead; his daughters “scattered to the winds,” according to Mrs. Bennet.

And the eldest Miss Bennet? No one really knows.

Poor Mr. Bingley is led to believe she is no more, but her sister swears she is alive.

Can Mr. Darcy and his friend find her and, in turn, their own happily ever afters?

 

When I began writing this story, it started out from Elizabeth’s point of view. I reworked the first chapter several times before I realized that it just wasn’t needed and decided Darcy would begin the story instead. Because of this, the scene below was deleted. Several other books have addressed what might happen to the Bennet ladies should anything happen to Mr. Bennet. Here is how it played out for the ladies in Missing Jane. (Since it was deleted, it was not edited; so please forgive my errors.)

It truly was amazing how quickly everything was decided. What with their friends so nearby, it was agreed Mrs. Bennet would stay with her sister in Meryton and, the Phillips never having had the children they planned upon, there was sufficient room for Kitty and Lydia to live there also. Charlotte offered for the three older sisters to remain at Longbourn, but Elizabeth and Jane refused after thanking her profusely. Mary, on the other hand, agreed to stay at least for a short while.

When Uncle Gardner arrived to attend the funeral, he announced that, though they would love to have both Elizabeth and Jane come stay with them, his business had taken a turn and he feared it would be a bit of a strain upon them.

“Uncle, please do not worry for us. I have written to Papa’s aunt as he suggested and am waiting to hear from her. I anticipate a reply within a day or two.”

Her uncle nodded, a frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I am sorry, Lizzy.”

She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “I am sure it will be well.” She smiled. “You must think of your family, sir. With four children, two of whom are growing boys, we cannot expect you to take on the expense of two young ladies.”

“But I would if I could, Lizzy.”

“We know,” she assured him as she patted his arm.

The day after her uncle returned to London, the letter arrived announcing their aunt, Mrs. Sedgwick Branston, was in need of a companion to read to her and keep her company. She was anxious to meet one of her nephew’s daughters and anticipated her being the perfect fit for the situation, instead of hiring a stranger to fill the role. Elizabeth was about to accept when Jane took the letter.

“Mrs. Branston lives quite far from here, Lizzy.” Her eyes scanned the lines before she met her sister’s gaze. “I believe I should like to make the journey.”

Elizabeth’s jaw fell open. “But Jane, why? Do you not wish to go to London? I am certain you could meet a nice gentleman there who would fall madly in love with you.” She smiled but noted the seriousness in her sister’s features.

“No, Lizzy. I have had enough of company for a time. I wish to go somewhere I am not known. New scenery and fresh faces might be just what I require.” She glanced about. “There is nothing for me in Hertfordshire or London.”

“I do not agree,” Elizabeth stated as she placed her hands on her hips.

Jane’s smile was sad and weak. She slipped an arm about her sister’s shoulders and hugged her tightly. “Oh, Lizzy, you have always been the one to travel and see the countryside. Our aunt resides nearly in Wales. I believe I would like to see that bit of the world. Perhaps after a time, I will tire of it and we might exchange places. For now, I wish to be far from here.”

Reluctantly and after much discussion, Elizabeth agreed, and the sisters began packing their belongings and preparing to separate.

Poor Jane. She has yet to recover from her heartbreak before her father passes and her world is upended once more. I can easily relate with her desire to leave it all behind, at least for a time. The Kindle version is available for pre-order HERE and will be released on July 10th. I hope you will pick it up and love it as much as I do.

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Bronwen Chisholm began her writing career working on suspense romance, but finally became a published author with her Pride and Prejudice variations. She takes great pleasure in searching for potential “plot twists” and finding the way back to a happy ending.

Her love of writing has led her to several writing groups, and she is currently serving as the vice president of the Riverside Writers and organizes the Riverside Young Writers.

For more information, visit her at www.bronwenchisholm.com. 

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And now, a GIVEAWAY! Just make a comment on this blog and Rita will pick 1 lucky winner to receive an ebook copy of Missing Jane. Good luck! And I hope you enjoyed our visit as much as I did. I can’t wait to read your comments.