Giveaway: The Unforgettable Mr. Darcy by Victoria Kincaid
The Unforgettable Mr. Darcy by Victoria Kincaid is the latest audiobook from the author and, today, she's sharing with us an excerpt from the book and a giveaway. I really cannot wait to listen to this one, because I've thoroughly enjoyed the other audiobooks from Kincaid's novels.
Please give Victoria a warm welcome and stay tuned for the Audible giveaway details:
Hello Serena and thank you for having me to visit! I’m so excited to finally share The Unforgettable Mr. Darcy audiobook with my readers, particularly since I’m so pleased with how it turned out. The narrator is Stevie Zimmerman, who did such a wonderful job with The Secrets of Darcy and Elizabeth as well as many other JAFF books.
You can hear a sample of her narration here.
Below is an excerpt from early in the book: Darcy has learned about Elizabeth’s death and is talking to Colonel Fitzwilliam about going to France to avenge it. I hope you enjoy it!
Mr. Darcy arrives at Longbourn, intending to correct the mistakes he made during his disastrous proposal in Hunsford. To his horror, he learns that Elizabeth Bennet was killed in a ship’s explosion off the coast of France—in an apparent act of sabotage. Deep in despair, he travels in disguise to wartime France to seek out the spy responsible for her death.
But a surprise awaits Darcy in the French town of Saint-Malo: Elizabeth is alive!
Recovering from a blow to the head, Elizabeth has no memory of her previous life, and a series of mistakes lead her to believe that Darcy is her husband. However, they have even bigger problems. As they travel through a hostile country, the saboteur mobilizes Napoleon’s network of spies to capture them and prevent them from returning home. Elizabeth slowly regains her memories, but they often leave her more confused.
Darcy will do anything to help Elizabeth reach England safely, but what will she think of him when she learns the truth of their relationship?
“Surely there is something to be done…” Darcy said slowly, an idea forming in his head. “You could send me to France. I will find him and bring him to London for justice.”
Richard’s shock would have been comical under other circumstances. “What are you about, Darcy?”
“I can visit the area in disguise and make contact with your agents. They can help me find the man.” The more he spoke, the more he warmed to the idea.
“No, it is too risky. The moment you open your mouth—”
“I speak fluent French, as you well know. Adele served as my governess until I was ten and Georgiana’s after that; she and I spoke nothing but French.”
Richard waved his hand in acknowledgement of this fact. “Still, it is too dangerous. You have responsibilities—”
“I had a responsibility to Elizabeth!” Darcy roared, startling his cousin. He took a deep breath, trying to regulate his tumultuous feelings; Richard did not deserve his ire. “If I had courted her properly, this would not have happened,” he said in a hoarse voice.
“You are not a gypsy fortune teller. You could not have foreseen what would happen.”
Darcy scowled. “If I had not proposed in such an offensive manner, she might have accepted my offer and would now be living safely at Pemberley.”
Richard snorted. “You can find a reason to take responsibility for anything. Tell me, how is the Peninsular War your fault?”
“Richard, I must do something.” Darcy paced the length of the room. “I need employment—a purpose. I am not fit for civilized company as I am. I must do something before I run mad.” He stopped and stared at his cousin. “I may do nothing for Elizabeth now, but if I can bring her murderer to justice, it would mean something to her family.” Darcy ran both hands through his hair. “And perhaps I might gain some measure of peace.”
His arms crossed over his chest, Richard regarded Darcy skeptically.
“Send me to France,” Darcy pleaded. “I may help the crown—at no cost.”
“No, merely at the risk of my dearest friend’s life.” Richard’s tone was scathing.
His cousin’s skepticism would not deter him. From the moment Richard had mentioned the Black Cobra, Darcy’s course had been clear.
“You hope to find her body.” Richard’s words were a statement, not a question.
The thought had occurred to Darcy. If he could bring her remains home to Hertfordshire, it would salvage a little solace from the tragedy. But Richard would never see it that way, and Darcy had no desire to argue the point.
Instead he leaned across the table, holding Richard’s eyes. “I can travel to France with the blessings of the War Office, or I can go on my own. You cannot stop me.”
Richard glared. “Damnation, Darcy!”
Finally, Richard looked away with a heavy sigh. “Very well, I will discuss your offer with my superiors, but they may not agree to send you.”
Darcy shrugged. Their disapprobation would present only a small obstacle. One way or another, he would go to France.
I hope you are as intrigued as I am about this take on Darcy and Elizabeth. If you'd like to win an Audible copy of The Unforgettable Mr. Darcy, please make a comment below and enter an email address so you can be contacted if you win.
Deadline to enter is March 4, 2019, at 11:59 PM EST.