Synopsis

What will the master of Pemberley do when confronted with the mercurial whims of an all-powerful angel?

Fitzwilliam Darcy’s well-ordered life is about to become a chaotic nightmare. A man of fortune, property, and social prominence, he has everything he could desire. Blissfully married to his wife, Elizabeth, they have a two-year-old son. With so much to live for, Darcy is shaken by a near-fatal riding accident. After a miraculous escape, he is visited by an otherworldly being: an angel of death named Graham. Threatening dire consequences, Graham compels Darcy to guide him on a sojourn in the world of mortals.

Darcy immediately questions the angel’s motives when he demands to be a guest at Pemberley. Can he trust Graham’s assurance that no harm will come to his wife and child? And why does Graham insist on spending time with Elizabeth? How can Darcy possibly protect his family from an angel with power over life and death?

In this romantic fantasy, the beloved couple from Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice must contend with both human and unearthly challenges. Are the fates against them? Or will their extraordinary love conquer all?

Excerpt

When Darcy returned downstairs after dressing for dinner, he was drawn by sounds from the music room. He froze in place at the doorway, absorbed by the sight of his wife playing the pianoforte and singing a duet with Graham. His breathing hitched, and he was gripped with the force of a cutting discomfort. The two of them made an attractive picture together.

The man with the golden hair and perfect features was also blessed with an impressive baritone singing voice. Darcy remained in the doorway until they finished the song. When he clapped and entered the room, they both gazed at him.

Directing her gay smile towards him, Elizabeth said, “Fitzwilliam, there you are. Did you know Graham had such a marvellous singing voice?”

He managed something akin to a smile. “I did not—or perchance I forgot.”

She angled her head to the side as he bent to kiss her cheek. “I am sure I have never heard a better one.”

“I beg to differ, Elizabeth,” said Graham. “While your voice may not be perfect, there is a sweetness and an expression of feeling that I have never heard the likes of before; I compare it favourably to any famous opera singer.”

“I have always preferred Elizabeth’s singing voice to any other,” Darcy said.

Her eyes shone with amusement. “Now both of you are making statements too outrageous to be believed.” She patted his arm and gave him a fond smile. “Fitzwilliam may be pardoned for such aggrandisement: it is his duty as my husband to exaggerate my good qualities as much as possible.” She turned with a raised eyebrow towards Graham. “You, sir, have no excuse.”

Raising a hand over his heart, Graham staggered backward, as if shot by a musket. “Madam, you wound me. I would not say such a thing unless I felt it to be the absolute truth.”

Darcy rolled his eyes. What a theatrical fool!

Biting back her grin, Elizabeth said, “Shall we go in and have dinner now?”

Graham patted his stomach. “By all means, let us eat.”

During dinner, while Graham was busy eating enough food for two men, Elizabeth queried Darcy for details of the interview with Mr. Boyle. He told her of the man’s experience and gave her the good news.

Her face lit up with a dazzling smile. “I am so relieved you found a man suitable for the job. I understand he will not start for a fortnight, and he will need time to learn the duties particular to Pemberley, but I can expect my husband to have more free time at last. Dare I hope we could plan a trip somewhere? Mayhap to the seaside?”

Buoyed by the vision of her beautiful countenance brimming with anticipation, energy infused his body. Yes—a brilliant notion. He would take her on a holiday. He would have taken her to Margate or Brighton last year, but one problem or another had always come up to postpone the trip. The picturesque sandy beaches, the peaceful rhythm of the waves, and the majestic beauty of the ocean could not fail to delight her. What could be more enticing than Elizabeth barefoot on the sand with her dress hitched up as she ran in and out of the water?

“I do not see why not. We can make plans for the trip next month.”

At that moment, a servant girl who had brought out a tray of bread bumped into the sideboard whilst staring at Graham. Darcy narrowed his eyes and let out a deep breath. Mrs. Reynolds would have to speak with the servants; their conduct around Graham was unacceptable.

About the Author

Historical fiction author Kelly Miller discovered writing late in life, but it has quickly become a favorite pastime. When not pondering a plot point or a turn of phrase, she may be found playing the piano, singing, reading, or walking. Kelly Miller resides in Silicon Valley with her husband, daughter, and their many pets.

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