Category Archives: Fresh Fiction

Lady Russell and Anne Consult on Retrenching

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The Elliots are in trouble and Lady Russell wants to help.   WHY WAS SHE FOREVER having these difficult discussions with Anne? A godmother should anticipate her duties, enjoy pleasant intimacies with her goddaughter. Recently those moments seemed fewer and farther between, overshadowed by difficult and challenging issues that should have been a mother’s realm. But with no Lady Elliot, who else was there to manage such unpleasant burdens? Only for the love of her … Continue reading →

Anne Wonders about Wentworth

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All the news of Wentworth’s exploits has got Anne thinking… Anne lay the newspaper aside and maneuvered in the window bench until the sunbeam caressed her face. Such exploits, such bravery. Though there was not a soul with whom she could share it, had anyone asked, she would happily declare her pride in ‘her’ Captain Wentworth. The Asp and the Laconia—he had acquitted himself well indeed, far and away beyond anyone’s expectations.  Her secret luxury, reveling … Continue reading →

Lady Russell Persuades

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 In the absence of Lady Elliot, Lady Russell takes it upon herself to advise Anne on her engagement. But first she must come to terms with her advice herself. Lady Russell dismissed her maid and sank down on the chair at her dressing table. Another curl, another tuck, none of it would make her feel any better. None of those things could alter the dreadful conversation she faced this all-too-beautiful morning. If only the weather better … Continue reading →

Thomas Bennet reflects on the marriage of his daughters

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What might Mr. Bennet be thinking about losing two daughters at once?  Thomas Bennet was not by his nature a reflective man. Reflection tended to bring on discomfort and discontent, neither of which he favored. But his house—and his life—were in disarray on the cusp of his daughters’ weddings and a little reflection could hardly make his discomfiture worse. He picked his way around the trunks and boxes piled in the hall way. It was … Continue reading →

The Extensive Musings of Mr. Collins on the Occasion of his Cousin’s Wedding

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Who knew what went on in Mr. Collins’ mind before his cousins married?  Breakfast should have been a quiet affair, but it seemed few meals were at Lucas Lodge. Mr. Collins squeezed his temples. So much banal chatter soured his stomach and ruined his appetite. Mrs. Collins’s brothers brought reports on new arrivals at Netherfield Park while her younger sister was brimming over with talk of lace and dresses. Collins could not bring himself to … Continue reading →