IN WESTMINSTER’S HALLS: DARCY’S ABOLITIONIST ROMANCE
What inspired you to set the characters of Pride and Prejudice against the backdrop of the British abolitionist movement?
I am one of those oddities: my favorite Austen book is Mansfield Park, at least when it comes to dealing with the social questions of Austen’s time. However, while I liked the thematics either overt or implied, in the book, I found the characters to be rather pale. However, that’s where P&P came in…Darcy and Elizabeth are dynamic. I also wanted to see how Mr. Bennet would act when principle forced him from his library.
Can you tell us more about the motivation behind writing In Westminster’s Halls?
I have an activist’s heart…that comes with being a child of the Vietnam-war era. Loving Austen as I do, I felt that she was an ideal vehicle to offer a historical perspective on the leading social (as opposed to war and peace) question of her time: the abolishment of slavery and the slave trade. The movement began in earnest shortly after the end of the American Rebellion (1783) in 1785. Over twenty years, a new word entered the English language—abolition. This social movement was part and parcel of the life and times of Jane Austen, much as the Industrial Revolution would be part of Elizabeth Gaskell’s. I wanted to imagine what Austen would have said about the efforts to end the slave trade. Hence, Westminster’s Halls.
How did you approach integrating the historical context of the abolition of the British slave trade into the familiar world of Jane Austen's characters?
The Parliamentary elections of 1806 installed a strong anti-trade majority. Also, men of the younger generation—Grenville, Wilberforce, and Clarkson—had succeeded supportive older men—Pitt and Fox. They knew that they had a narrow window through which they could push the anti-trade bill over the finish and the war overtook all else. The history was there. In less than a year, Great Britain went from being one of the most active slave traders to being out of the business entirely. That afforded a consideration of both sides of the debate. I wanted to immerse Elizabeth Bennet (through her father’s connection to Clarkson through Cambridge) in the movement. We could not have Elizabeth without Darcy. And everything happened in Parliament, so Bennet and Darcy had to come to town to serve. As landowners, they controlled seats: Kympton Abbey for Darcy and Meryton Village for Bennet.
What kind of research did you undertake to accurately portray the political climate of 1807 Britain?
Read the Parliamentary debates on the slave trade 1805-07, biographies of Clarkson, Grenville, and Wilberforce as well as my background of nearly fifty years as a European historian.
How do Darcy and Elizabeth, as well as Jane and Bingley, navigate the political and social challenges presented in this novel?
The book is less about the pure politics of the abolition of the slave trade and more about how characters with whom we are familiar evolve in their personalities to become the best versions of themselves.The story casts them in a good/evil context with our heroes and heroines standing on the side of the angels.
Did you find it challenging to balance the characters' original traits with the new roles they play in this historical context?
There was no challenge except to find ways to give a realistic rationale for them to act as they do. Elizabeth must be initially deceived by Wickham about Darcy’s nature, but it is Jane who helps her begin to see her way forward toward being skeptical of Wickham. After Darcy’s terrible insult to Elizabeth at Covent Garden, Mr. Bennet summons Jane to town. She has found her inner resolve and becomes “strong Jane.” Bingley is a member from a rotten borough in Yorkshire (Hedon) and is less of a boy. Darcy is taciturn and sensitive about Georgiana’s reputation. Elizabeth is quick to anger but allows her eyes to be opened by circumstances.
What key themes did you aim to explore in this novel, particularly concerning social justice and love?
There is an undercurrent of social justice themes, but by 1806-07, there was massive popular sentiment to end the trade. However, the speeches in Parliament were incredible. Thus, I put some of those words in Bennet’s and Darcy’s mouths. As for love, there are three core love stries that develop in different ways: Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth and Darcy, and Jane and Bingley. Obviously, the bulk of the book is about ODC. I did have them fighting like cats and dogs, to eventually find a way forward to their unity atop Oakham Mount.
How do you hope readers will connect the struggles in your book with contemporary issues of social justice?
Here in the United States, there is a movement toward expunging talk of slavery from education. Likewise, the idea that the ills of slavery and its aftermath are continuing is unpopular in many political quarters with people seeking to find other reasons for continued poverty and poor outcomes other than institutional racism (a term many on the political right decry). Other nations experience this as well.
Without giving too much away, can you describe some of the major conflicts and twists that arise from involving the characters in the abolitionist movement?
While their cause is in deep trouble, the pro-trade forces seek to influence/depress the anti-trade vote in the hopes defeating the bill and maintaining their economic status. Manipulation and violence are their tools…and Wickham is a central part of that.
How do characters like Mr. Bennet and Wickham influence the storyline in this political setting?
Bennet is the pre-eminent backbench member. His long association with the Cause gives him moral authority. Wickham is blackmailing Darcy with Georgiana’s Ramsgate fiasco.
What was your writing process like for this novel compared to your previous works, particularly The Sailor’s Rest?
As I have noted before, my writing is organic. The story develops itself. I have a general idea about what I want the characters to say and do. Sometimes they oblige me. I try to stay true to the original character relationships and personality constructs. Darcy and Elizabeth must begin as oil and water. He needs to insult her. She needs to take against him. The How of it, though, is up to the way the characters exist in the environment.
Did you face any unique challenges or surprises while writing In Westminster’s Halls?
I had not anticipated Mrs. Bennet playing a strong secondary role. However, the good lady pushed her way in and reminded me that she could serve the plot in a way that could only be filled by her.
How have early readers responded to this novel, especially those familiar with your previous works?
Too soon to tell.
Do you have any memorable feedback from readers or reviewers that you'd like to share?
“With a narrative steeped in duplicity and conspiratorial intrigue, “In Westminster Halls” offers a unique speculative journey into the world of Jane Austen. This bold exploration delves into the existential issue of slavery. Set against the backdrop of Regency privilege, sexual nuance, and callous indifference, Jacobson's masterful storytelling will captivate you, leaving you yearning for more. It's a portrayal of Meryton’s beloved characters like you've never seen.” Robert W. Smith, award-winning author of A Long Way from Clare
How has writing In Westminster’s Halls impacted you personally, both as a writer and as a reader of historical fiction?
I enjoy a blend of strong personality/character development. Mix that with some intrigue in an arena unfamiliar to most readers (we tend to end up fighting the War if we are not confined to parlors and drawing rooms). IWH grew into something that I would enjoy reading.
What do you hope your readers take away from this novel, both in terms of enjoyment and reflection on the issues presented?
That Austen’s characters present Austenesque authors with the opportunity to grow them beyond their 200-year-old memes. As for reflection…oppression in any form must be confronted—universally and not because it suits a preconceived notion.
Where can readers find In Westminster’s Halls, and are there any upcoming events or signings they should know about?
On all Amazon platforms worldwide in e-book, Kindle Unlimited, paperback and Audible
How can readers stay connected with you and your work?
Follow me on Facebook (Don Jacobson), X/Twitter (@AustenesqueAuthor) and Instagram (@austenesqueauthor)
GIVEAWAY
Don Jacobson will give away ten copies of In Westminster’s Halls (ebook). Please click the link to register your email for the random drawing. One copy per winning email. All entries must be made by August 4, 2024. Winners will receive an ebook through their preferred Amazon storefront.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9d1fdafb2/?
BOOK BLURB
Fighting for Freedom, Finding Love
In 1807, a dark stain marred British society. It wasn't Napoleon or the War. The slave trade divided Britons along economic and moral lines. In Westminster Halls is a tale that unites Longbourn, Pemberley, and Matlock in a mission to end the trafficking of human souls.
Powerful forces are determined to silence Bennet, while Wickham is sent to manipulate Darcy. Amidst mystery, danger, and politics, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy navigate mutual prejudice and willful pride, striving for a future in a world where all are free. Their journey is a testament to love’s power.
In Westminster’s Halls seeks to fill Austen’s great silence on slavery. The book speculates, with a touch of audacity, how Austen’s beloved characters would have behaved if true-life events were part of Pride and Prejudice.
READ AN EXCERPT
Chapter Three
Walters Townhouse
Handing off her heavy cloak, Elizabeth turned toward the buzz of conversation drifting from the parlor. She expected to encounter the usual blend: a few countesses of middle age, several young tradesman’s wives sprinkled with maidens old enough to be out while accompanied by their companions. Visits to Mrs. Walters’s salon and others sponsored by the ton’s doyens allowed her to brief her father about middle and upper-class feelings on pro-abolition arguments. The women had their views, of course, and were not bashful about sharing those of their husbands—even those that smacked of sympathy with the trade. In those instances, narrowed eyes foretold a problematic future for a spouse seeking to swim against the household’s current.
Men were in attendance, but they tended toward wild-haired idealists with shiny cuffs above ink-stained hands. There were exceptions. Papa’s friend Mr. Clarkson, despite his passion for the Cause, understood that for a person to be heard, he must also be seen without leaving cod liver oil’s taste. A well-tailored suit of clothes was as much a weapon as words, smoothing the way for the message by not offending the audience’s sensibilities: less John the Baptist and more Joseph of Arimathea.
Accepting a cup of tea, Elizabeth cast her eyes about the room, hoping the savant would be there. That was not to be, but she did see a face she observed recently from across the room at a reception for Isaac Gascoyne, one of Liverpool’s Members and an ardent supporter of the slave trade. Although not introduced to her, Elizabeth had heard a name bruited about Charles Brooke’s parlor: Darcy. Perhaps he was that man her father had mentioned as having considerable influence due to his Matlock connections.[i]
However, today, she saw not the peacock strutting before fat-fingered men with waistcoat buttons straining to contain slavery’s prosperity. Instead, the gentleman showed favorably in a nicely cut topcoat of black superfine over fawn-colored pantaloons—Corinthian, not rattle! His chestnut brown hair curled across a clear brow, framing pale blue eyes that flicked about the room, cataloging personal encounters, greetings, and new connections.
He riveted her attention. She unconsciously drifted through the crowd; a curious enchantment pulled her toward the room’s perimeter where the object of her fascination stood. Elizabeth had learned that, in gatherings mimicking the atmosphere of Madame de Staël’s great Parisian salons, propriety’s rules were relaxed to lubricate stimulating conversation. Thus, formal introductions were optional.
She slipped into a gap at his elbow. “You seem uncomfortable to be here in this all-female world. When I saw you last week surrounded by Gascoyne’s toadies, you were equally stone-faced, although none noticed, so interested were they in patrolling the corners of their sty.”
He started at her barnyard analogy but regulated his expression of surprise. “You do not spare your disdain for the men who control much of England, madam.”
Elizabeth arched an eyebrow and hissed. “Are you defending those creatures? Are your views more in harmony with theirs than your presence here would suggest? Why were you there if ’twere otherwise? Why are you dressed so differently here than there?”
His hardened visage swung toward her. “I will never countenance the sale of humans into foulest bondage. If we could muster the votes in Parliament, we should see the day when only free men live beneath the British flag. However, as a realist, I know that is a difficult hope. A half-measure is better than none.
“As for my clothing: I array myself as is appropriate for where I am and the expectations of those about me. The conspicuous display of fortune is disgusting, not serving honest merchants struggling to improve their social standing.
“My motive at Brooke’s House was to blend in, to show I was sympathetic. Ought I have dressed like one of the gentlemen from the Meeting House and hectored them for their wickedness?
“As for overarching inquiry, allow me to respond in kind.
“Where might I learn the most about the opposition: at Mr. Wilberforce’s home or General Gascoyne’s?
“Besides, I was tracking a fellow I have known from childhood, a fellow Derbyshireman. I wanted to see with whom he consorted and overhear what others said of him.
“And, since you, madam, were at Mr. Brooke’s house, are you not vulnerable to the same accusations you just leveled?”
No naïf, Elizabeth's own experience had taught her the value of scouting the opposition. She ignored his challenge and changed her tack. “I realize that it is not de rigeur to introduce ourselves to one another. Collecting her speakers occupies our hostess, so she cannot perform the office. However, I would know you, sir.
“I am Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I accompanied my father to town as his secretary when Lord Grenville insisted he take up the parliamentary yoke and serve as Member for Meryton after the incumbent succumbed to a batch of bad oysters.
“I heard a name at Mr. Brooke’s, and I think you might be Mr. Darcy from Derbyshire, also here in town because of the Lord Mayor’s unfortunate choice of seafood. Nobody introduced the gentleman, but my father suggested the Member for Kympton Abbey was in the anti-trade camp, making his attendance unusual, to say the least.”
Arching an eyebrow, Elizabeth continued, “You were playing the spy, traveling under a false flag, as naval officers would say, to deceive the pro-trade crowd. Only an ardent advocate for the Cause would risk his reputation to associate with those people to hasten the end of their business. Thus, I surmise that you could be Mr. Darcy.”
He shook his head, a slight smile adding to his attractive features. “No, Miss Bennet. I fear your sketch fails because you never saw the man. Darcy would not have dressed as I did that afternoon, even if he wanted to play up to that crowd. He would never compromise his appearance of morality for anyone or anything.
“What I wear today is closer to his usual attire. He is somber and congratulates himself for being seen as the epitome of an English gentleman. I have known him for years. I grew up on his father’s estate in Derbyshire. My father was Pemberley’s steward, but old Mr. Darcy saw that I received a gentleman’s education. Despite that condescension and my refinement, Miss Bennet, I remain on the wrong side of the social gulf as far as Darcy is concerned.
“Darcy would never sully his reputation by associating with someone as humble as me. He has cut me since we were at Eton. He is so jealous of his image that he refuses to associate with anyone remotely connected with trade except in a transactional manner: dealing with solicitors, purchasing books, or meeting with bankers. Those not meeting his social standards can never earn his good opinion, even if they behave like an archbishop.
“I have been his victim for years. His father, my godfather, had planned to install me in a valuable family living, Kympton, but even when the spot fell vacant after Mr. Darcy’s death, his son refused to honor his wishes.
“I remember the elder Mr. Darcy with great fondness. I could never say anything about him that would bring his memory into disrepute. He saw me as a young man of promise. However, his son—much of his animosity rises from jealousy of his father’s affection for me—has done nothing but try to hinder my success.”
Elizabeth’s voice shook in outrage. “This Mr. Darcy sounds insufferable. How could he ignore his father’s final wishes? You say he prides himself on being a gentleman. Why would he do that over a pulpit?”
“The usual reason: money. Do not let appearances deceive you, Miss Bennet; they are all gentlemen until you come between them and their money. The Kympton living turns a tidy sum every year. I imagine Darcy had one of his lackeys lined up for the spot, someone willing to pay for the privilege of raking in the tithe.”
Well-versed in the world’s cynicism, Elizabeth tried to understand. “Could you not take legal action to gain what ought to be yours? Was not Mr. Darcy’s last testament explicit in your favor?”
“Oh, no, Miss Bennet: the bequest was peculiar and not a written instruction, but rather the aspiration of a father believing his son would follow the Fourth Commandment. Old Mr. Darcy wished me to have the living if I took orders. Once his son told me in no uncertain terms that he would rather rot than see me get the preferment, I had to make my own way in the world.
“As you can see, I have been rather successful.”
He paused as if deciding to share his next revelation. He lowered his voice. “Darcy was the man I was following. You did not see him because he already was closeted with his patrons—men who profit from the trade but never sully their hands with manacles and chains. They sought to reassure themselves of his vote in opposition to the bill. That, of course, was secured in the traditional way.”
“Traditional way?”
In reply, he extended one hand palm up and rubbed his other hand across it in the universal gesture. “For someone as wealthy as he, Fitzwilliam Darcy still looks for more, and he doesn’t care how he gets it as long as it clinks pleasantly in his already deep pockets.”
“How reprehensible: the baseness of deceiving those who trusted him as their voice!
“Well, if you are not Mr. Darcy, who are you?”
“George Wickham.”
[i] Isaac Gascoyne (1763-1841) was an ultra-Tory politician who fought against the abolition of the slave trade arguing that the instability caused by placing undue burden on the sugar trade would hinder the war effort and was useless because American ships would continue the practice. See Hansard for the debate in 1805 at https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/1805-02-28/debates/61dfbdee-15bd-4a1c-a723-5c765f31e9ba/SlaveTradeCharles Brooke, another anti-abolitionist, was Member for Ilchester.
