Remembering Jane Austen

[MUSIC PLAYING] My name is Linda Cunningham. I’m the editor-in-chief of Guidepost Books. And I’m very pleased to welcome you to a great celebration tonight and a special evening for the publication of Beth Pattillo’s new novel, “Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart.” 

We’re also especially pleased tonight to be joined by two great British Janes, the renowned actress Jane Seymour, and at least in spirit, Jane Austen. 

[LAUGHING] 

I think she would have enjoyed this evening very much. In fact, she might be here now enjoying it. 

“‘You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.’ This was invitation enough. ‘Why, my dear, you must know Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England. 

That he came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place, and was so much delighted with it that he agreed with Mr. Morris immediately that he is to take possession before Michaelmas, and some of his servants to be in the house by the end of the week.’ 

‘What is his name?’ 

‘Bingley.’ 

‘Is he married or single?’ 

‘Oh, single, my dear, to be sure. A single man of large fortune, 4,000 or 5,000 a year. Oh, what a fine thing for our girls.'” 

“‘Here we are.’ She pulled a sheaf of yellow paper from a shelf above the cabinet, and then crossed to the sofa. She placed the stack of paper in my hands. ‘Why don’t you get started while I get the tea?’ 

I come to her cottage half out of pity, half out of curiosity. But the moment she placed that crumbling manuscript in my hands, an unexplained shiver ran over my body. I glanced down and lowered it to my lap.” 

[MUSIC PLAYING]