Welcome, dear readers, to My Jane Austen Book Club! Today, we embark on a journey through the pages of a captivating new novel, Doubt Not, Cousin, written by the talented author Barry S. Richman. Filled with love, secrets, and the charm of England's Regency era, this book promises to delight all Austen enthusiasts. Join me as we delve into the depths of darkness and emerge into the light of happily ever after.
About the book
Barry Richman's debut novel is an alternate universe variation of Pride and Prejudice that captures the senses and creates a gripping experience. The story revolves around well-known characters like Thomas Bennet, Lord Henry Fitzwilliam Earl of Matlock, Reginald Hurst, Richard Fitzwilliam, and Fitzwilliam Darcy. The book combines mystery, suspense, angst, and moments of brutality and torture, with an intricate plot supported by a diverse cast of characters from both canon and non-canon sources.
The novel initially focuses on the unbreakable bond between cousins Richard Fitzwilliam and Fitzwilliam Darcy, but before that, it delves into their families' history. The book begins with a captivating prologue and opening chapters that establish a suspenseful plot. Thomas Bennet's heroic act of saving a young girl's life forms a connection to a family and other influential characters who will shape significant events in his life and that of his future family, despite the girl's limited appearances.
A tragedy befalls the Bennet family, leaving only three daughters behind. This heartbreaking event prompts Mr. and Mrs. Bennet to reevaluate their marriage and transform it into a model relationship built on respect, esteem, and love. United in grief, they embrace the responsibility of raising their daughters and create an environment of guidance, support, and strength.
Richard Fitzwilliam, a standout character, faces the challenges of a genetic disorder that profoundly impacts his life and the lives of others. The novel delves into his childhood and his relationships with those who assist in his education and well-being. Despite his accomplishments as a decorated hero, Richard possesses a vengeful spirit and often seeks retribution for his wronged family members through brutal actions.
Fitzwilliam Darcy, still haunted by the death of his parents, is portrayed as a reticent man, much like in Jane Austen's original novel. However, this portrayal delves deeper into Darcy's sorrow, evoking strong emotions in the reader. The author skillfully incorporates poignant moments and memories from Darcy's life, creating a sense of empathy and bringing tears to the reader's eyes. Darcy finds solace with a non-canon woman who was a close friend to his mother, allowing him to confront his inner demons.
Kitty Bennet, who survived a childhood illness, lives with a disability. Supported by her two older sisters and determined to live a positive life, Kitty's parents provide her with education and the necessary tools for success. Despite her challenges, Kitty finds strength and ultimately achieves happiness.
A word from author Barry S. Richman
A hearty ‘Thank You’ to my hostess Maria Grazia. I appreciate your entertaining a first-time author on your blog. As a passionate Pride and Prejudice variation reader, I have always questioned the inattention regarding the Longbourn entail. Many variations call for a ‘common recovery,’ which is presented as a simple legal fiction or as a complicated straw man ruse to break a legal process and allow the Crown to benefit from taxes. Others proclaim the ease of breaking an entail in nothing more than the two named participants agree to do so.I decided to go my own way and muddy the waters a bit.
With the acceptance of such inheritance documents by estate owners, who were usually nothing more than gentrified farmers, legal solutions apparent to those in the field were often overlooked or simply remained unaddressed.
Let us join Thomas Bennet and his brother by marriage, Marion Philips, in the Longbourn study for a drink and a chat …
Barry S. Richman
An excerpt from the book
Thomas, at his leisure one afternoon, shared a decanter with his brother Philips, who was Meryton’s lone solicitor. Sitting in the two chairs in front of a low-burning fire, they sipped port and let the conversation meander.
“Bennet, if I might offer an observation?”
“Yes?”
“Franny and Hattie had a bit of a row, a wee tiff, and Hattie is not satisfied with Franny’s bland reaction to her concerns—big sisters and all that, you know.”
“What was the subject of contention?”
“Bennet, I find I must side with Hattie’s point—not with its delivery, mind you.”
“Of course, Philips.” Thomas waited, his patience at a healthy peak after his second glass of port.
“Would you mind relating to me what you know of the estate entail?”
“Only what my father told me: that Longbourn is entailed away from the female line and only a Bennet male—or in my case, a Collins—may inherit.”
“Your father was a good man, but he had a mind shaped to be a gentleman farmer and not a man of business—or a solicitor. I have often asked myself whether there was more to the entail than you know.
“Hattie must have overheard my musings and wrestled with Franny over the nuances of what none of us knows.”
Thomas paused to consider his brother’s revelation. It surprised him that he had left any stones unturned. He had always accepted his father’s pronouncements at face value.He admired his brother’s perspicacity.
“I now realize I have been remiss, Philips. What do you propose?”
During the next fortnight, Philips reviewed the Longbourn copy of the entail documents. He rode post into town and purchased a certified copy of the entail documents as registered and filed with the Courts of Chancery.He suspected the Longbourn copy might be incomplete. His intuition proved correct. Deep in the ponderous document was salvation for the Bennet women.
John Bennet, Thomas’s father, had never mentioned that three codicils were attached to the end of the entailment document, as he had not needed to reference them. His wife had borne him an heir, a spare, and a trey.
The first codicil covered the prohibition to sell, lease, or indemnify the lands of the manor or the home farm. A Bennet descendant of the direct bloodline or an indirect descendant, whether by blood or marriage, named Bennet, must occupy the manor, manage the home farm, or allow Longbourn to revert to the Crown. A detailed description of the definition of “occupy” was included. It was a standard document albeit written in lofty legalese.
The second dealt with the inheritance by a male heir not born of the Bennet surname. Should a Bennet male sire all daughters and no sons, the closest blood-relative male heritor must adopt the surname Bennet or forfeit the estate. The rest of the document explained in minute detail the ramifications of the inheritor failing to take the Bennet name, taking the Bennet name temporarily and reverting to his original surname, and all other types of subterfuge.
Philips knew Thomas Bennet had had an older cousin. A near-illiterate, miserly, vicious pastor named William Collins, Senior. He held the world at fault for his diminished circumstances. He hated Thomas Bennet for having inherited Longbourn after the death of his uncle, Thomas’s father. William Collins, Senior had a clerk write a letter to Thomas Bennet every month demanding compensation for fraud. After reading the first three letters, which cursed his existence and demanded retribution from the Almighty, Thomas consigned each new one, unopened, to the fire.
The last document glittered like Spanish gold. The third codicil, like the second, covered the inheritance should a Bennet male sire all daughters and no sons but offered a solution to maintain the natural Bennet bloodline on the Longbourn property.
Philips’s shock was compounded when he saw that this codicil had been added only twenty-five years ago.John Bennet would have added this provision after he realized his monstrosity of a cousin may inherit.
He continued reading. Should a daughter marry and bear a son while the incumbent,direct-blood descendant Bennet estate owner yet lived, the male child would be inheritor-designee until his twentieth year, at which time he would adopt the Bennet surname and assume the Longbourn estate inheritance. If Thomas Bennet did not survive to see his grandson reach his majority, the child’s mother would serve as regent-inheritor-in trust with all the legal safeguards mandated by the Courts of Chancery.
Philips smiled and organized all the documents back into their original order. He wrote a quick note, called his junior clerk, and sent the young man to fetch his friend. It was Philip’s pleasure to inform his brother of some good news.
About the Author
Barry S. Richman, the author of Doubt Not, Cousin, is not only a military veteran but also a corporate logistics professional. His love for Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice knows no bounds. In fact, it was during his recuperation from a dental procedure that he discovered Austen's masterpiece and fell head over heels for her works. Over the past two decades, Richman has immersed himself in Pride and Prejudice variations, reading thousands of them. Inspired by his wife's suggestion, he finally decided to pen his own novel, and thus, Doubt Not, Cousin was born.
Connect with Barry
Stay connected with Barry S. Richman and learn more about his writing journey and future projects through the following channels:
IG
Blog Tour Schedule
Join us on this blog tour as we explore Doubt Not, Cousin in the following destinations:
July 13 From Pemberley to Milton
July 14 Babblings of a Bookworm
July 17 Delighted Reader
July 18Savvy Verse and Wit
July 19 My Jane Austen Book Club (YOU ARE HERE!)
July 20Interests of a Jane Austen Girl
July 21 Austenesque Reviews
Don't miss the chance to visit these esteemed blogs, where you'll find more insights, reviews, and exclusive content related to Doubt Not, Cousin.
Buy Link
If Doubt Not, Cousin has captured your interest, you can find it on Amazon through the following link
Doubt Not, Cousin by Barry S. Richman presents a Regency saga brimming with love, mystery, and the triumph of light over darkness. As Austen enthusiasts, we are drawn to the intricacies of the characters' lives and the web of emotions that envelopes them. Join us on this blog tour and immerse yourself in the captivating world of Doubt Not, Cousin. Let the story unfold and discover who the girl with the violet eyes truly is. Happy reading, fellow Austen lovers! MG 💕