by Wendi Sotis
Bingley said, “You have chosen some interesting titles with which to stock the library, Darcy.”
“Thank you.” He decided not to point out that the only books he shelved in the aisle he and Miss Bennet chose to explore were all about irrigation and other farming techniques, which proved what he already suspected. Bingley and his bride-to-be had not been looking at books any more than he and Elizabeth had been.
Ana said, “I believe we should return to the ballroom now.”
As the group moved into the more open part of the room, Darcy held his sister back. She took his arm. “You do know that you are not much of a chaperone, Dove. Thank you, but I warn you, I might not be as forgiving when it is your turn.”
“Ah, but perhaps Lizzy will be a bit more lenient because of it.” She laughed. “Besides, it was Mr. Bennet’s suggestion, not mine, to give his daughters a bit of time alone with their fiancés. It was when he heard Lizzy mention she wanted to see the library. Five minutes, no more and no less, he said. And I promised to time it. If questioned, he told me to tell you that he was engaged once, too, you know.”
Darcy chuckled.
Looking up at him with curiosity, Elizabeth moved closer and took his other arm.
Darcy looked into those emerald eyes he admired so much and said, “I have decided I already like my future father-in-law.”
“I am glad to hear it. I am told I inherited my sense of humour from my father,” answered Elizabeth. She was staring at his dimple again.
“Excuse me,” Ana let go of his arm and walked over to Jane and Bingley.
Darcy touched his cheek, trying to find his dimple. She reached up and moved his fingers over it. He felt it deepen as his smile widened.
Her eyes filled with awe. “Is it really for me?”
“Apparently, it is observable proof of how delighted I am with your company, my Elizabeth.”
“I hope that will always be true, Fitzwilliam. I love you so.”
“And I have no doubt that I will love you with my whole heart, forever.”
THE END
I hope you enjoyed With My Whole Heart Forever.
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Thanks!
Wendi Sotis
THANK YOU!
Gayle Mills and Robin Helm for their fabulous editing expertise,
the Beyond Austen readers for their feedback, which kept me writing through some difficult times,
and of course, JANE AUSTEN for inspiring me!
ABOUT WENDI SOTIS
Wendi Sotis is a graduate of Nassau Community College and Adelphi University, and holds a degree in Psychology.
Having always been an avid reader and adoring fan of Jane Austen, when her triplets were independent enough that she could find a little time to herself, Wendi searched the internet where she discovered a treasure trove of “fan fiction” written by fellow Janeites. At first, experiencing Austen’s stories from several different characters’ points of view caught her interest, but then she branched off into reading sequels, “what if” stories, and modernized versions of Austen’s tales.
Though she had always aspired to become a writer, Wendi did not make a serious attempt until one day, after awakening from a dream, her imagination began churning up a tale to surround it.
Wendi continues to write while living on Long Island with her husband, Matt, who paints her covers, and her triplets.
Contact Wendi through the following venues:
Website: http://www.wendisotis.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendi-Sotis-Author/231869130201504
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendiSotis
Forum: http://beyondausten.com
OTHER BOOKS BY WENDI SOTIS
Available at Amazon.com
PROMISES: Adapting characters from Jane Austen's much loved tale, this novel takes Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy on a much different journey than Austen did in Pride and Prejudice in this sweet Regency novel.
Through their fathers' friendship, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy meet as children. Over the years, their feelings for each other grow and they promise themselves to each other, but unfortunate circumstances and interfering family members seek to keep them apart.
Will misunderstandings and mistaken impressions divide Elizabeth and William forever?
DREAMS AND EXPECTATIONS: A sweet Regency romance blended with mystery and adventure.
While staying true to the characters of Jane Austen's much loved tale, this novel takes Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy on a much different journey than Austen did in Pride and Prejudice.
Although family and society expect Fitzwilliam Darcy to ignore his heart and “marry well,” soon after entering Meryton, he falls in love with the woman of his dreams. The problem is, while she is perfect for him in disposition, the lady is far below him in everything that matters to his peers and relations: wealth and connexions.
Past experiences have convinced Miss Elizabeth Bennet that marriage with a gentlemen of high social standing would be out of the question. However, against her better judgement, she cannot turn away from the man she loves, and enters into a friendship.
Fate, mystery, and intrigue bring them together again and again in Hertfordshire, Rosings Park, coastal Broadstairs, and London. Will Elizabeth and Darcy listen to their consciences and continue on simply as friends? Or can they overcome the confines of duty, the malicious designs of others, and their own scruples, and allow the yearnings of their souls to guide them, instead?
ALL HALLOW’S EVE: Since ancient times, every Halloween, the ritual of Sanun is performed, freeing the dead to interact with the living for one night. One Evil Soul discovers a way to hide from the Return, remaining on Earth to meddle with the fates of the living. As the centuries pass, It begins to search for the High Priestess, intending to force her to do its bidding, no matter the cost.
Appearances can be deceiving, even in Regency England. To most, Elizabeth Bennet is simply the second daughter of an insignificant country squire, but in truth, she is High Priestess and leader of an ancient cult secretly co-existing alongside British society. Confusion reigns when she learns that the man she despises, Fitzwilliam Darcy, is her Soul Mate, assigned to protect her from Evil. Can they work together to preserve the future?
THE MYSTIC BLESSING: A sweet, magical, Regency romance, inspired by Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
While taking a solitary ramble on her father's estate, Elizabeth Bennet finds an injured woman, cares for her, and helps her return to her gypsy camp. For her exceptional kindness, Elizabeth is awarded a blessing, bestowed through magic.
Forgetting the incident, Elizabeth thinks it merely odd when she begins to receive drawings in the mail with no return address - until she recognizes these same scenes as they become true events in her life.
Through the blessing, circumstances bring Elizabeth and Jane Bennet to Ramsgate, where they meet Georgiana and Fitzwilliam Darcy, along with a charming young man named George Wickham.
Will Elizabeth's efforts to reshape future events alter her destiny?
FOUNDATION OF LOVE: THE MYSTIC BLESSING 2: Building contractor William Darcy doesn't trust women. Elizabeth Bennett, an architectural intern working on his latest project, wants nothing to do with such a rude man. Because of a magical blessing inherited from an ancestor of a similar name, Elizabeth begins to doubt her sanity when her cell phone receives pictures predicting future events. After Elizabeth uses the photos to save William's sister, the wall between them begins to crumble.
When William witnesses Elizabeth viewing a series of prophetic photos, he becomes involved, as well.
Will their shared experiences become the foundation of love?
Foundation of Love is a sweet, Jane Austen-inspired romance with a bit of magic / paranormal. A contemporary sequel to The Mystic Blessing, which takes place in Regency England, it can also stand alone.
THE KEYS FOR LOVE: A light, fluffy, feel-go
od contemporary novella.
In this sweet Pride and Prejudice-inspired romance, William Darcy has finally torn himself away from work to join his sister at their vacation house in the Florida Keys.
There, he meets his sister’s new friend, Elizabeth Bennet, the housesitter staying next door.
SAFEKEEPING: A contemporary mystery romance with a clever nod to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
A woman awakens in a hospital room, injured and surrounded by strangers. The car accident is a blur, and her mind is nearly a blank slate. The name on her driver’s license reads Elizabeth Becket, and she’s enrolled at a local college, but none of this feels right. Her college application claims she’s a writer—are her vivid and frequent nightmares a story conjured up in her imagination or could they be memories of her former life?
The only thing she knows for sure is that an urgent sense of danger casts a shadow over her entire existence.
Irresistibly drawn to Fitz Darcy, the man living next door to her new apartment, her soul longs to trust him. Is he safe to love, or is he part of the frightening events her subconscious is fighting so hard to keep buried?
A LESSON HARD LEARNED: Shortly after Elizabeth Bennet refuses Fitzwilliam Darcy’s offer of marriage, he becomes convinced her reproofs were correct and determines to become worthy of her love. His attempt to arrange a “chance” meeting is successful and they cross paths in London.
Soon afterwards, Darcy sails for Virginia to retrieve his newly widowed cousin, who has found herself stranded in a country on the verge of war with her native land. Once there, he suspects her sights are set on him as her next mate. Even worse, his journal—which details his feelings about Elizabeth—is accidentally posted to Elizabeth. Can he return to England, convince her he has taken her opinions to heart, and win her love before she receives it?
The impulsive Elizabeth Bennet is injured while touring a Derbyshire estate with her aunt and uncle, and circumstances find her at the home of Georgiana Darcy while she recuperates. While there, Elizabeth realizes she is in love with Darcy, but will he arrive home and assume the worst about her after finding her living at his estate?
NON-AUSTEN REGENCY
THE MARRIAGE PACT: The heir to an earldom has little control over his own fate, but Mr. James Aldridge promised himself one freedom. To marry for affection instead of wealth or connections. Anger flares when he learns his father has struck a deal: in one year, he will be leg-shackled to Miss Celia Colton, the dazzling beauty who had previously caught his eye. Now certain she was simply performing her role in a scheme to catch him as her husband, resentment prompts James to refuse to squander his last months of independence in the company of such a mistress of manipulation. But why can he not wrench his gaze from her at every encounter?
Completely unaware of the pact that has matched her with James, Miss Celia Colton is at a loss to explain why the man she secretly loves has suddenly become cold and critical. Abandoned by James, who had promised to guide her through her debut Season, she fears she will have to navigate the ton with only her grasping mother and distracted cousin as companions. Surrounded by gentlemen merely interested in her dowry, young ladies who view her as unwelcome competition, and, worse yet, James’s icy stares and disdainful manners, her primary concern is to discover the reason for his altered behaviour. How can she make things right between them? Will a love-match be forever out of her reach?
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ANTHOLOGIES
Available at Amazon.com
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