Particular AttachmentsShe swore would never marry!Georgiana Darcy is a lady with a secret! The last thing she wants is to return to London, but what else can she do when her brother and his wife make plans to spend the Christmas season in town. When Lizzy’s youngest sister, Lydia, joins them, Georgiana gains a confidante, but will Lydia’s outgoing nature cause problems when Lord Sele, son of a family friend reappears in Georgiana’s life?
As an insufferable boy, Lord Sele vowed he would marry Georgiana, but was his return from Ireland a coincidence or was his sole purpose to pursue her? He admits to desiring friendship, but Lydia is determined his desire is Georgiana and she will stop at nothing to see her best friend happily settled.
What is Georgiana to do when faced with the society she has managed to avoid for her entire adult life as well as the one man determined to change her mind about marriage? Will she be able to overcome her fears despite the specter from the past that seems to be haunting her? Will she be forced to tell her secret and choose happiness or will someone from her past ruin everything?
Eleanor Tomlinson as Georgiana Darcy
Thank you so much for having me, Maria Grazia!One of my favorite scenes in Particular Attachments is the first time Georgiana sees Nathaniel (Lord Sele) after so many years. It’s not a major interaction between the two, but in some ways it shows so much in his reaction to her as well as her reaction to him. Since Particular Attachments is from Georgiana’s point of view, I thought I’d write an outtake from Nathaniel’s perspective. I hope you enjoy it J
L.L.Diamond~ * ~
“Well, do you?”
Nathaniel startled from his study of the faces around them and looked at Gregory Drummond, the youngest son of the Earl of Melfort. “I beg your pardon?”
“Do you intend to remain for the Season or will you run off once more to Ireland once the Christmas season is behind us?”
“I am unsure as of yet,” said Nathaniel in as dispassionate a manner as possible. “I suppose it depends upon how the estate in Ireland manages without me and whether my parents can bear my society for that long.”
Drummond rolled his eyes. “Do be serious. You say that every year and you always disappear once the Season begins.”
This was tiresome. He and Drummond may have been friends, but it was not as if they were close. Why should he have to justify his decisions to him? “Why did you ask me to meet you here when we could have met at the club in its stead? We are at Gunthers in the middle of the day and the only two men not in the company of ladies. I fear my tailor will add lace to my topcoat if this becomes a habit.”
“Do not be droll,” droned Drummond. “My mother and Esther are shopping and insisted I join them for tea. I merely thought you would care to greet them as you have not enjoyed their society in some time.”
“Drummond,” he growled.
“What!” He shifted in his seat and adjusted his cuffs. “My mother learnt of your arrival in town and would not relent. You are well aware Esther set her cap at you years ago.”
“And I informed you then I had no intention of courting your sister then and I have no intention of paying her court now.”
“You have never called on any lady as far as I am aware. What would it hurt to humor my sister? I would just as soon call you brother as some miserable fop who only sought her for her dowry. I would much prefer to sign her forty-thousand to you.”
He exhaled while closing his eyes and shaking his head. “You are well aware I do not seek a lady with a fortune.”
“You seek no lady at all,” laughed Drummond. “You hide away in Ireland while the ladies wonder when you shall return.”
This was the part of London he detested. If he could simply attend the theater and ride on Rotten Row, London would be tolerable, but it was never so simple. Perhaps the truth would buy him some relief. “Perhaps I have chosen the lady and I simply await her.”
Drummond gave him a sidelong glance and stared for a moment before chuckling. “No, you are not so romantic.”
He glanced about the room. With no sign of Lady Melfort or Miss Esther, he could still make a swift escape and meet his father at White’s. His mother remained at home, entertaining callers. He had no desire to be thrown into that fray.
Nathaniel removed his pocket watch, popped open the lid, and held it out a little further than he would normally, ensuring Drummond took note of it. “Father was adamant I meet him at his club and soon. I cannot tarry here.”
“You said naught of meeting your father until I mentioned Esther. Really, Sele, is my sister so terrible?”
The muscles in his back tensed. “Your sister is a handsome lady,” he lied, “and I am certain she is very amiable, but my interests lie elsewhere. Forgive me.”
He picked up his hat and gloves, stood, and shifted around tables and people as he walked towards the door. If he were fortunate, he would be long gone before Drummond’s sister arrived.
He placed his hat upon his head as he opened the door and stepped out into the cool December air. After a tip of his hat to the lady who passed, he peered through the window to meet a pair of blue eyes he had not expected—the blue eyes that he carried everywhere with him.
She had been watching him when their eyes met. Did she know who he was? Had he changed so much she did not know him or did she recognize him at first glance? His heart stuttered and beat a little faster.
Her eyes widened and her throat shifted as she swallowed hard. She noticed his attention, but how did she fell about him? Did she still wish to kick him in the shin or would their interactions be more amiable, like when her father died?
He would not know unless he made some overture, so he allowed a small tug at his lips, giving a slight smile. Her eyes bulged and she jerked her head back to her hands, which were set before her on the table.
Oh well! Did he really expect her to smile in return? No, not really. He might question if she truly knew his identity if she did.
As he stepped past the window, he returned his attention back to the pavement before him, but two ladies blocked his path. No, no, no! Before he could pivot and hasten in the opposite direction, Lady Melfort clasped her hands in front of her. “Lord Sele! Esther and I were just saying we had not had the pleasure of your society for so long. We are meeting Gregory at Gunthers, you simply must join us.”
After giving a respectful bow, he clenched his hands at his sides. “I am afraid my father insisted upon my presence and I shall be late if I do not hurry. I hope you will forgive me.”
“Of course,” gushed Lady Melfort. “Since you cannot remain today, you must join us for dinner one night this week. Esther would certainly be pleased to have your company.”
“I have already sent my acceptances to a number of events this week. If you send an invitation to my mother, I shall check the date.”
“I will do so this evening.”
He ignored her eager countenance and bowed once more. “Good day, Lady Melfort, Miss Esther.” Without looking back, he hastened in the direction of White’s. His mother despised Lady Melfort. She was going to throttle him.
About the Author
L.L. Diamond is more commonly known as Leslie to her friends and Mom to her three kids. A native of Louisiana, she spent the majority of her life living within an hour of New Orleans before following her husband all over as a military wife. Louisiana, Mississippi, California, Texas, New Mexico, Nebraska, and now England have all been called home along the way.After watching Sense and Sensibilitywith her mother, Leslie became a fan of Jane Austen, reading her collected works over the next few years. Pride and Prejudice stood out as a favorite and has dominated her writing since finding Jane Austen Fan Fiction.
Aside from mother and writer, Leslie considers herself a perpetual student. She has degrees in biology and studio art, but will devour any subject of interest simply for the knowledge. Her most recent endeavours have included certifications to coach swimming as well as a fitness instructor. As an artist, her concentration is in graphic design, but watercolour is her medium of choice with one of her watercolours featured on the cover of her second book, A Matter of Chance. She is also a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. Leslie also plays flute and piano, but much like Elizabeth Bennet, she is always in need of practice!
Leslie’s books include: Rain and Retribution, A Matter of Chance, An Unwavering Trust, The Earl’s Conquest, Particular Intentions, and Particular Attachments.
