by Robin Helm
A VERY AUSTEN ROMANCE
ABOUT THE STORIES
The King of Hearts by Robin Helm
Twenty-year-old Kitty Bennet, the only unmarried Bennet sister, goes for an extended visit with Mr. and Mrs. Darcy in London where Elizabeth decides to host a coming out ball in Kitty’s honor.
Four eligible bachelors compete for Kitty’s favor, but only one can win her hand.
Kitty has the wonderful, awful task of selecting one from a field of no bad choices. Which man will she choose?
You’ve Got to Kiss the Girl by Laura Hile
It is Darcy’s duty to marry Anne—and Lady Catherine is determined to see that he does! But her nefarious plan goes horribly wrong …
A Step Too Far by Wendi Sotis
While touring his friend’s new estate, Fitzwilliam Darcy comes across a young lady in jeopardy. Even though coming to her aid could also ruin her reputation, he refuses to risk her life by leaving her in such a perilous situation.
During her daily amble, Miss Elizabeth Bennet takes one step too many. Is she in love with the man who saved her life, or is it simply a deep sense of obligation that will fade with time?
John Knightley Wins a Wife by Barbara Cornthwaite
Young John Knightley is in love—so in love that he agrees to invite the beautiful Miss Maria Dudley's wild younger brother for a visit to the family estate at Donwell Abbey. John finds he's got his work cut out for him thanks to Dudley's fondness for pranks and port. But when Dudley sets his sights on Isabella Woodhouse—or, rather, her fortune—John's views on love and honor are challenged and he must decide what kind of man he really wants to be.
Charming Miss Dashwood by Chautona Havig
All Conrad Thayer wanted was a respite in the country and the luxury of days spent in a fine library. However, Margaret Dashwood and a roving band of "highwaymen" have stolen that opportunity, and in regard to Miss Dashwood, his heart along with it.
In the Looking Glass by Mandy H. Cook
Fanny Bingley, twenty-year-old daughter of Jane and Charles Bingley, chafes under the restrictions placed upon women of her time period. She decides to take matters into her own hands, and unlike her ten siblings, charts her own course to love, finding a husband in an unlikely manner.
A VERY AUSTEN ROMANCE
The King of Hearts Copyright © 2020 Robin Helm
You’ve Got to Kiss the Girl Copyright © 2020 Laura Hile
A Step Too Far Copyright © 2020 Wendi Sotis
John Knightley Wins a Wife Copyright © 2020 Barbara Cornthwaite
Charming Miss Dashwood Copyright ©2020 Chautona Havig
In the Looking Glass Copyright © 2020 Mandy H. Cook
All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including information storage in a database or retrieval system – except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews – without the prior written permission of the publisher.
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writers’ imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales, or organizations is entirely coincidental and not intended by the authors.
Cover design by Damonza
Formatting by Wendi Sotis
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A VERY AUSTEN ROMANCE ~ About the Stories
THE KING OF HEARTS ~ Robin Helm
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
EPILOGUE
YOU’VE GOT TO KISS THE GIRL ~ Laura Hile
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
A STEP TOO FAR ~ Wendi Sotis
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
JOHN KNIGHTLEY WINS A WIFE ~ Barbara Cornthwaite
CHARMING MISS DASHWOOD ~ Chautona Havig
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
EPILOGUE
IN THE LOOKING GLASS ~ Mandy H. Cook
CHAPTER I
CHAPTER II
CHAPTER III
CHAPTER IV
CHAPTER V
CHAPTER VI
CHAPTER VII
CHAPTER VIII
CHAPTER IX
CHAPTER X
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
CONTACT US!
You are about to step into the wonder of A Very Austen Romance, featuring a delightful medley of novellas, each set in Jane Austen’s Regency world. Join your friends from Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Sense and Sensibility, and enjoy new adventures in this lovely collection of uniquely distinct stories.
Our tales are not arranged in chronological order.
THE KING OF HEARTS
Robin Helm
The King of Hearts Copyright © 2020 Robin Helm
All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means or stored in a database or retrieval system without the prior written permission of the publisher.
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writers’ imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales, or organizations is entirely coincidental.
The quotes used are from Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Alice in Wonderland is Public Domain.
Editing suggestions by Gayle Mills, Wendi Sotis, Terri Davis, and Larry Helm.
CHAPTER 1
“Who are you?” said the Caterpillar.
This was not an encouraging opening for a conversation. Alice replied, rather shyly, “I—I hardly know, Sir, just at present—at least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.”
“What do you mean by that?” said the Caterpillar, sternly. “Explain yourself!”
“I can’t explain myself, I’m afraid, Sir,” said Alice, “because I am not myself, you see.”
Lewis Carroll – Alice in Wonderland
1819
Katherine Bennet sat at the window of her sister’s morning parlour, staring down at the busy London streets, her elbow on her knee and her face propped on her fisted hand as she glumly contemplated her predicament.
How can it be true that I am unmarried when all four of my sisters have found husbands? Even Mary has wed. Three of them have borne children. I am very nearly on the shelf. She sighed. I must be extremely unattractive. Or foolish. Or dull.
Elizabeth’s gentle voice startled her from her musin
gs. “Come away from the window, dear. Stir yourself, for ‘tis nearly time for us to leave for the dressmaker’s shop.”
A tear escaped the corner of Kitty’s eye before she quickly wiped it away.
“Dearest,” said Elizabeth, kneeling beside her. “Why do you weep? Your dress will be the envy of every woman there, you are beautiful and kind – and the ball tomorrow is in your honour. I want all of London to meet my wonderful little sister.”
Kitty gulped. “I am twenty years old,” she wailed. “A spinster. I shall end an old maid and teach your children to paint and sew very badly.”
Taking both her sister’s hands into her own, Elizabeth chuckled. “I once thought the same thing about myself. Ask Jane. When I was your age, I thought I would never marry.”
Kitty stared at her, sniffling. “That could never be, Lizzy, for you are all that is lovely and good.” She hiccupped. “I must ask a favour of you, though.”
“Anything you request of me is yours. You must know that,” answered Elizabeth, lifting a hand to stroke her sister’s dark hair.
The words burst from Kitty in anguish. “Please, promise you will never send me back home to Longbourn, Lizzy! Mama is relentless. At every card party or Assembly, she thrusts me in front of each eligible man from fifteen to fifty, reeling off a list of my accomplishments. That list is quite short, as you well know. It is most humiliating, and I cannot stand much more!”
Elizabeth stood, pulling her sister up with her. “You have no need to return to Longbourn, for you shall have your own household, Kitty. Darcy has already said he will provide a home for you if necessary, or you are most welcome to live with us.”
“How kind of you and Darcy,” Kitty replied quietly, holding back her tears. She thinks I will never marry – that I am unsuitable for a husband. All is truly lost when my beloved sister says such a thing.
“You must hold your head high at the ball, smile, and dance. Have a wonderful time; that is all we want for you. No one here is trying to find a husband for you. Not every woman is meant for marriage, and you have connections which make it unnecessary for you.”
Kitty opened her blue eyes wide. “I have no wish to be a burden to your family, Lizzy. I can surely find employment as a governess or a lady’s companion.”
“We shall not hear of that,” replied Elizabeth sternly. “And you must not say that you have few accomplishments. You have worked very hard at your music, and you play and sing beautifully.”
Her voice softened as she added, “I would appreciate your company very much, and I am far too selfish to give you up to another family. And you must not worry yourself about Mama, darling, for I had a letter from her just this morning,” said Elizabeth, smiling widely. “Fortunately, Lydia is near her time, and Mama felt she must forgo your ball to attend her. Of course, Papa elected not to go with her, citing his duties on the estate. Since Darcy has been advising him, he truly is much more employed with his responsibilities. I am pleased that Longbourn is doing so well.”
After a short prayer of thanksgiving, Kitty smiled. “So neither Mama nor Papa will be present? Perhaps I shall enjoy myself after all.” I shall certainly try to do so for you, Lizzy.
“Of course, you shall. Now come, dear,” said Elizabeth. “Sally is waiting to attend you; we must be on our way. We were fortunate to get an appointment with Mrs. Bell on such short notice last week. She sent a note around saying she has completed your gown enough for the final fitting, and you know how much she detests being made to wait.”
Taking a deep breath, Kitty followed her chattering sister from the room.
“The children will be up from their naps soon. You must tell them another story when we return. They simply adore your stories, you know. Jane and Charles will be back this afternoon with their children, as well as Georgiana. We shall certainly miss Mary, but she and her husband are still abroad, and I heard from Maria Lucas just this morning. She and her brother Julian are travelling from Meryton today and should be here in time for dinner.”
Elizabeth hardly drew breath as they climbed the stairs together. “Even now, the ballroom is being transformed into a fairyland by the household staff. It has all been planned to match your dress perfectly, but I still want to supervise a bit before Jane and Georgiana add their suggestions. You may have some ideas, as well. So much to do! You and I have a very full day ahead of us. We have no time to dillydally.”
“Is the colonel coming with Georgiana?” Kitty asked.
Elizabeth laughed as she opened the door to Kitty’s room, entered, and pulled the bell for her maid. “Of course. He would never agree to his wife being alone at such an event. Richard always claims her dances at every ball, and, as you know, he views you as his sister, so he must protect you, as well. All of your wary and watchful circle of men shall be there, glaring at every suitor who dares to approach you. Though Jane and her family will continue to reside at their own town house, Georgiana, the colonel, and their darling little Rose are coming here. Maria and Julian shall stay with us, too. We shall have Darcy House filled to the brim with company. This shall be such fun!”
“Then I shall not lack for partners, I suppose.”
Elizabeth turned to smile at her. “Of course not! Your dance card shall be full. You most certainly shall be the belle of this ball.”
Kitty smiled in spite of herself. Lizzy’s joy is infectious, and everyone enjoys being in her company. Perhaps I should try to be more cheerful. I know I never like dancing with a man who is gloomy. A smile is much more attractive than a scowl, after all.
~~oo~~
As Katherine Bennet slowly descended the staircase the evening of her ball, a sea of faces turned up to follow her. Following her sister’s instructions, she arrived a bit late and held her head up, pretending she was a princess surveying her court.
Ringlets of her lustrous, dark hair cascaded over one shoulder from an elaborately arranged circle of braids on the back of her head. Tiny white roses, along with sapphire pins, were scattered throughout the arrangement.
For the first time in my life, I actually feel like royalty, she mused. Perhaps I shall meet the man who will rule my heart tonight. What would it be like to be loved as Darcy loves Lizzy or Charles loves Jane? It must be splendid!
Darcy smiled and walked to the foot of the stairs, holding his hand out for her. “Kitty, you look absolutely splendid. Shall we join the receiving line? Most of the guests have already gone through and are chatting as they await you, the guest of honour.”
As she nodded and took his arm, two gentlemen approached and bowed low.
Darcy rolled his eyes a bit, but he returned the gesture.
The taller of the two, a handsome, dark-haired man impeccably dressed, quickly straightened. “Darcy, you have hidden this jewel from me long enough, though all that I have heard of her beauty was surely not exaggerated. Will you not introduce me? Otherwise her card shall be full before I can secure the supper dance, if she is not already engaged.”
The other, a blond gentleman, glared at his companion. “Leave it to you, Jonathan, to attempt to claim the dance that should come to me.”
Kitty raised her eyebrows as Darcy glared at them. “Such poor conduct may convince my sister to ignore both of you ingrates for more pleasant company. However, I shall leave that decision to her.”
He turned to her, “My dear, would you consent to an introduction to these two extremely forward friends of mine?”
“They are your friends?” she asked, looking up at him, smiling shyly.
“They are. In fact, you are acquainted with the brother of this scoundrel,” he answered, gesturing to the fellow who had claimed the supper dance. “Katherine, you do remember Lord Thaddeus, known better as Thaddeus Beckett, do you not? May I present his brother, Lord Jonathan, also known as Beckett, third son of the Duke of Ormonde.”
“Of course,” she nodded, extending her gloved hand to the gentleman. “Such a good man. Lord Thaddeus was very kind and helpful to both my elder
sisters when they were ill.”
Lord Jonathan bent low, his dark brown hair falling forward as he took her fingers briefly, and then straightened to his full height with a flourish.
Darcy sighed. “Lord Jonathan is rather dramatic, as you can see. The other gentleman is the somewhat argumentative Earl Beaumont.”
“If you will move out of my way, Beckett, I should like to take her hand,” blustered Lord Beaumont, his irritation evident.
With a smirk, Lord Jonathan did as the other man directed, gesturing broadly. “Certainly, my friend.”
After the introduction, Lord Beaumont fairly beamed in good humour. “May I request the supper dance, Miss Bennet?”
She looked at Lord Jonathan, and he winked at her, displaying a rather predatory expression.
Kitty hardly knew what to think. She glanced from one man to the other. “I - I believe I must accept the first gentleman who asked or forgo dancing for the evening. Lord Beaumont, I feel certain you would not deny me the privilege of dancing, for I enjoy it so very much.”
Though his pleasant expression looked a bit forced to Kitty, Beaumont nodded, saying, “I would not suspend any pleasure of yours, Miss Bennet, particularly at a ball given in your honour.”
Lord Jonathan chuckled. “How very diplomatic of you, Beaumont. I am quite impressed.”
“I am beyond happy that you approve,” answered Beaumont, clearing his throat as he adjusted his cuffs. “I am in the House of Lords, after all. Perhaps I should instruct you in the art of diplomacy.”
Darcy stepped between them. “Gentlemen, shall we allow my sister to speak?”
After the men nodded, he turned to Kitty. “Now, my dear, since my friends have agreed to remain silent, what have you to say?”
She blushed prettily, looking at Lord Jonathan. “In answer to your question, My Lord, I am not engaged for the supper dance, and I should be honoured to dance with you.”
“Excellent, Miss Bennet” he answered, reaching for her card which hung from her wrist.
