Good morning, readers. Here is a special treat for you today. Author Shannon Winslow has graciously offered an exclusive sneak peek to Austenprose readers of an excerpt of her new Austen-inspired novel, Return to Longbourn, which releases on February 26th.
I have had the pleasure of reading an advance copy and I can share that Shannon is in peak form channeling Jane Austen characters and creating new ones too. This new sequel to her popular The Darcys of Pemberley is sure to please her many fans.
The passage that she has chosen for us also includes a letter from one Tristan Collins, the heir to Longbourn, the estate of the Bennet family in Pride and Prejudice. Some of you might recognize similarities in phrase and tone to his elder brother Mr. William Collins whose unexpected demise in The Darcys of Pemberley made Tristan the heir to the Longourn estate.
EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT
“Now you shall see why I am in such a flutter,” Kitty said. She drew a packet of paper from her pocket and held it out to Mary…“It is from the heir to Longbourn – Mr. Tristan Collins! He has written from America, and it is a great secret because Mama has not yet read it. Nor must she! …Kitty held up a hand to forestall the anticipated protest. “I know you will say that I should not have taken it. But before you quote me a sermon, read the letter yourself and hear my proposal. Then, on the grounds of sisterly loyalty, you must come to my aid, else before Michaelmas Mama will have me engaged to this stranger and forever miserable.”
Mary looked grave, and yet she opened the letter.
Dear Madam,
I feel myself called upon by our relationship to condole with you on the grievous affliction you are now suffering under, of which I was only yesterday informed by a letter from your solicitor in London. I pray you will forgive me for introducing myself to your notice at this difficult time, and that you will not think my sympathy any less genuine for the awkwardness of our situation. I write chiefly to reassure you that I am very sensible of the severity of your loss, and that I mean to in no way add to your misery where it can be helped. Therefore, although I propose myself the satisfaction of coming to you without delay, I do not anticipate any need for you to vacate your comfortable abode at once. I ask only that you allow me to be a guest therein whilst we sort out between us what is best to be done… My intention is to follow this letter as soon as I am able to settle my business affairs, and I hope to arrive within three weeks of your receipt of the same. Until then, please convey my respectful compliments to all your family.
Tristan Collins, esquire
“Well? What do you think of it?” Kitty demanded.
“I think it is a very good letter – well composed and clearly expressed.”
“Is that all you can say on the subject?” cried Kitty in exasperation. “How can you be so tiresome, Mary?”
“Very well, then. Let me look again.”
Mary’s second appraisal was more comprehensive and more gratifying to her sister’s feelings.
“The content reveals nothing so very remarkable. It was always to be expected that he would come to inspect his property. This is only a little sooner than anticipated. As to the style of the letter, I must say that I am pleased with it. His generous sentiments do him credit, and they are elegantly conveyed.” Mary took a moment to consider before adding one more point. “There is a certain something in his way of expressing himself, however. It is rather reminiscent of a person we used to know.”
“Exactly! I can see this Mr. Tristan Collins now,” said Kitty, evincing horror at the specter before her mind’s eye. “The man is his brother to the very core, and he will be here in less than a month!”
AUTHOR BIO
Shannon Winslow, her two sons now grown, devotes much of her time to her diverse interests in music, literature, and the visual arts – writing claiming the lion’s share of her creative energies in recent years.
In addition to three short stories (one a finalist in the Jane Austen Made Me Do It contest), Ms. Winslow has published two novels to date. The Darcys of Pemberley, a sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, was her debut. For Myself Alone, a stand-alone Austenesque story, now follows. Her third novel Return to Longbourn is the next installment of her Pride and Prejudice series.
Shannon lives with her husband in the log home they built in the countryside south of Seattle, where she writes and paints in her studio facing Mt. Rainier. Visit Shannon at her website/blog Shannon Winslow’s Jane Austen Says, follow her on Twitter as @JaneAustenSays, and on Facebook as Shannon Winslow.
© 2013, Shannon Winslow, Austenprose
Austenprose 
I like that he states no need to vacate at once… Seems amiable enough… I hope he is nothing like his brother. Maybe this one is clever and dashing. (Crosses fingers.)
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Tristan Collins intrigues me bacause although he writes as Mr. William Collins used to speak and write surely this character cannot be of the same type. Is he going to be the one for Mary and hopefully America has changed some of the Collins persona.
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Hmm… What intrigues me most about this letter? Who is Tristan Collins? I always thought the other Mr. Collins was the heir from the original book. Not only that but why was this brother in the United States? I definitely am interested in learning more about this mysterious Tristan Collins and what his intentions might be towards the remaining ladies at Longbourn Park!
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The name alone (Tristan) intrigues me already. He appears to have better manners than Mr.Collins by stating he’s to be treated as a guest during his stay rather than the owner. Kitty seems really riled up about him so mayhem may ensue as she gets Mary help in dealing with another possibly odious Collins.
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Well, we shall see how this works out. I hope he isn’t another Mr. Collins type. He doesn’t strike me to be from the sound of his letter but you never know. That is why the art of letter writing was so important to this era. There was a great deal to be ascertained from a letter!! I look forward to finding out.
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Oh my goodness! Mr. Collins has a brother? Could this be a second chance for Mary? But wait! What happened to the original Mr. Collins? I must know. Is that in The Darcy’s of Pemberley? Now I have to have them both so I know whats happened.
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Oh I love continuations! I’m intrigued by a brother of Mr. Collins – is he as completely unappealing and ridiculous as Mr. Collins? How has being in America changed him? Will he be handsome enough to tempt the misses Bennetts? I can never imagine Mr. Collins a hero, so let’s hope his younger brother is nothing like him – can’t wait to find out!
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Knowing nothing about this work other than what I’ve read above, I’ll venture an opinion that Mr. Tristan Collins is nothing like the odious Mr. Collins of Rosings! Nobody in literature spawns sequels, prequels, mash-ups and parallels like Miss Austen. I’ll bet this is a good one…
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It really intrigues me to discover if this Mr.Collins is as pompous, pretentious ridiculous and toadying as his brother…but I am hoping not! I think hearing what he says of his brother will also be very interesting.
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I like Tristan, based on what I read I prfer him to his elder brother and I hope Mary gets togetehr with him , I think Mary was teh one out of the Bennett sisters that would have been suitable for Mr. Collins.
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This Mr Collins seems less obnoxious, and at least he reassured them that they need not vacate Longbourn soon. Let’s hope he is charming and handsome and smart! It’ll be interesting to find out, and see how being in America has shaped his personality.
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What a pompous asterisk! He is clearly the brother of Mr. Collins.
Will Kitty be safe?
Will Mary succumb to his ‘sermons’?
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I am intrigued by the idea of what would happen to the Bennets after the eldest have been so eligibly wed, and then to have this sort of thing thrust upon them! It’s easy for us to assume that all the Bennets’ worries are over with the advantageous marriages of Jane and Elizabeth, but the passing of Mr. Bennet and the passing over of the estate – whether to Mr. Collins or to his younger brother – is sure to be a hard thing to bear regardless. And which of the remaining daughters will be thrown in his way? Will he truly be like his elder brother (I sense something more of sense in his letter than his brother’s similar missive from P&P), or will he surprise and woo upon his arrival? Bring on the sequel!!!
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The fact that he states so little. That is interesting to me. I would want to know more, much more.
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Although I am afraid I may lack the proper qualifications for this contest, not being a member of a Jane Austen fan club, I have enjoyed her books and am intrigued by the idea of reading a sequel. Furthermore, having had the distinct pleasure of meeting the author this past weekend and seeing samples of her work, I look forward with genuine excitement to the prospect of reading an entire work of hers.
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Pride and Prejudice has always been my favorite book – and I always thought it ended too soon LOL! So I am always up for reading continuations of the P&P and the Darcys of Pemberley looks to be a great read! Thanks for the giveaway :)
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what fascinates me about P&P continuations is that the authors are so brave to tackle & conquer it!!!! i would never imagine touching something that’s a classic!!!! but i’m glad there are people who are willing to take the challenge & are sooooo successful!!!
thank you for the giveaway!!!
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Can Tristan Collins be as boorish and tiresome as his brother? Shouldn’t someone have broken the mold before this happened? Will meeting him prove to be more laughable or painful? At least he won’t propose to Lizzy! I hope I win so i can find out!
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I’m intrigued to see just how like his brother he turns out to be. He certainly writes in a similar manner, but I would think that having spent time in America would make him a rather different person than his brother.
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Oh, another Mr. Collins. How exciting. What adventures await everyone when he arrives at Longbourn? I love sequels especially of the P&P variety. Thanks for the chance to win.
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I love P&P continuations because I simply can’t get enough of the characters! I love seeing where the authors take the story and build upon the world Jane created! Would love to read this version :)
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Any young man named “Tristan” is in my good books already. (I have lovely 18 year old by the same name). Jane Austen’s characters are so gripping that we take them into our hearts and feel so saddened as we turn the final pages of P&P. I guess that’s really the appeal of a continuation. Those dear characters continue on, their stories develop in new ways and we truly do not need to bid them farewell.
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Can there possibly be another Mr. Collins? Elizabeth half predicted there might be another one for her. Too intriguing. Can’t wait to read this author’s take.
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The thing that intrigues me about this letter is that it makes me wonder how this younger Mr. Collins will be received when he comes to claim his estate. I wonder if there will be animosity or if they will all learn to like (even love?) one another.
Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Mrs. Sarah Coller
HopeInEverySeason.com
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After seeing Mr Collins’ brothers in Lost in Austen, one can only fear the worst! However, having read this excerpt, which I really enjoyed, I think we can be assured that Mr Tristan Collins is not going to be like his deceased brother. Though his letter is quite ‘wordy’ it is not sycophantic and excessive. His sentiments are an indication of a man of sense and sensitivity.
I understand Kitty’s concerns (and lol at her opening the letter ahead of her mother! Self preservation kicks in!) but as others have mentioned, I think even from simply having travelled so far (the journey from the UK to the US in those days was no small feat) and seen new, developing places he will be a different kettle of fish altogether.
I have high hopes, Shannon, of Tristan (plus he share a name with a character I love from the film Stardust!) Look forward very much to this being released, love the way you write.
Cassie
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Tristan Collins…. I wonder if he is like Mr. William Collins who married Charlotte! I am intrigued by his letter that he is the heir – why is he coming? It is a very nice name, I like the name but his personality is worrying to say the least! I can’t wait to read this book! Please enter me for the giveaway!
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It’s not a pompous letter, and he’s not fawning and being obnoxious as we have come to expect from the other Mr. Collins. And his name is Tristan – how strongly masculine. Another Mr. Darcy-type character, perhaps?
Thanks for the opportunity to win this book: I will read it regardless of how it finds its way to me.
Lilyane Soltz
lilyanesoltz@gmail.com
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P & P continuations are wonderful. this gives us further enjoyment, more intrigue, and interesting characters whose lives are always fascinating.
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I have always loved Pride & prejudice and wished that there was a sequel to it. So I am so excited to read a sequel to it…life long dream! Hoping to win!
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I am intrigued to know what the unexpected demise of Mr. Collins was. And also, apparently, Mr. Bennett met with his own demise! Very interesting twist!
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I’m intrigued by the mystery…so much to discover!
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Mr. Collins is dead and now another one is on his way to Longbourn? I’m with Kitty – do not show the letter to Mama and, if possible, hide behind Mary’s skirts when Mr. Collins 2.0 arrives. I love PandP continuations and now see two more to add to my reading list. How diverting.
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Ooh, intriguing letter! He doesn’t sound quite as pompous as his elder brother, and he doesn’t say if he is married, but Kitty and Mary are both unmarried, so… which sister shall Mrs Bennet throw in his path? I have a soft spot for Mary and hope she gets her happy ending, but only if Tristan is a decent fellow!
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Well he does tend to rattle on like his counterpart in JA’s book. Is there any chance he could be good looking for a change???
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I haven’t read the prequel to this one, but the letter is interesting. I’m instantly curious about this character: Why is he in America? Why doesn’t he plan to move into Longbourn? What are his plans in relation to Mary and Kitty?
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Mrs. Bennet will be thrilled that she will not be thrown out into the hedgerows!
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My thought exactly!
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I have been having a time keeping everything straight while reading PandP continuations for the Bicentenary challenge. Each author has a different future planned for the same characters, and my job is to not mix up all those futures into one!
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The letter from Tristian does indeed seem to use the same form of language as his brother. But heaven forbid there should be two Mr. Collins in this world! I’m not sure it seems right. :)
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I am so excited to read this new P&P continuation. Let’s hope Mr Tristan Collins is in no way like his older brother William! Maybe there is a love match for one of the remaining Bennet ladies!!=)
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“I ask only that you allow me to be a guest therein whilst we sort out between us what is best to be done…” I must say that this Collins has the formality of his brother, but the tone of his letter is completely different. Then again…I think I thought that the first time I read THE Mr. Collin’s letter in P&P. I can completely see where Mary thinks something else may be afoot either by Tristan or her mother!
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P&P being my favorite of all Jane’s books I am always interested in any sequels or continiuing stories. I love to discover authors ideas of how the old characters are making out and well as meeting some new ones.
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Hmm, I am most intrigued. Shall he be as dreadful as his brother, or will he be more sensitive and compassionate, as his letter seems to show? His style of writing is a little pompous, but that does not necessarily serve as an illustration of his character. I would definitely be interested in making the acquaintance of this Mr. Collins!
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Hi, I suspect Tristan Collins is trying very hard in life not to emulate his elder brother but, try as he might, he comes off sounding pompous and aloof. His letter has an element of genuine caring but also a quite formal, typical-of-the-times-and-status sound to it. The letter, to me, also sounds very much like an ‘early’ Mr Darcy. Will Tristan Collins ‘melt’ and be molded into what he should be — such that he will allow himself to express his truest feelings to Kitty?
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oh dear. no wonder Kitty is alarmed ! you’ve def got my attention , Shannon! and having reading your writing, i can only anticipate pleasant hours with lovely character depictions and many hot cuppas !
TY for the generosity of giving us a pre-read of your newest + this giveaway in triplicate !!
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I am most intrigued to learn of a brother to Mr. Collins!, and look forward to reading your “The Darcy’s of Pemberley”, as a way to continue the fantasy of knowing those beloved characters from P and P! This letter suggests interesting potential from Tristan to learn just what he means by “sorting out between us what is best to be done…” He does sound more genuine than his brother, and I too hope for a fun adventure with the Bennets! I also was impressed with Mary’s contribution which seemed to show more of creative thought than her usual shallow retorts. What a delight to discover a new Austenesque Author… and I love hearing that you live in a log house in the beautiful country near Seattle!
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I wish you to join me in a brief Regency fantasy: We hear the voice of Lady Roberta of Lambert House: “Oh my, I am shocked by the totally improper letter of Mr. Tristan Collins. A well brought up young gentleman simply does not write a personal letter to an unmarried woman — unless she happens to be his sister or some other socially-intimate blood relation. It is true that a man and a woman who are pledged to marry each other, with the full public consent of both their families, may of course correspond in sad situations of forced separation. If that were not true, there would be no British navy! However, secret letter writing, initiated by either a man or a woman, is considered compromising to the (sexual) virtue of the woman. Kitty Bennet’s spoken wish to keep Tistan’s letter to her a secret from her parents is disgraceful. And, Kitty’s effort to draw that pious and lovely sister of her’s, Mary, into the web of her deceit, is positively shameful of Kitty. I do wonder about the dreadful lack of proper manners in those Bennet women!” Dr. Roberta, NYC, NY
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The letter is addressed to Mrs. Bennet, a widow, and now Tristan Collins’ tenant. Kitty has taken it and read it which is improper, but in character to her personality. Since this is all between family members, I doubt it will ruin her reputation. She is the one who has to live with the dishonesty.
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Thank you Laurel Ann, now I understand that the Roberta of Lambert House comment was totally out of context. I apolagize on her behalf. seriously, I very much look forward to reading your book. Sincerely, Roberta, NYC
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Brothers, yes, and I would guess there are some similarities between them, but, to me, though the letter is formal, he seems to be genuine in giving his sympathy to the Mrs. Bennet. There are five Bennet sisters and they most definitely were not all alike – it will be most interesting to see how Tristan Collins’ character unfolds.
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Eeek! Another Collins brother! I think Kitty has the right of it, run for the hills and don’t tell mama! But here’s crossing my fingers that he is simply not a great writer of letters and will turn out to be Prince Charming.
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A Collins brother–what a fabulous idea! And from America, too! The original Mr. Collins is one of my favorite characters in Austen’s novels. I can hardly wait to read this book and find out what happens!
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Oh, an American connection. I am most excessively diverted!
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Since Mr. Collins is one of my favorite characters in the novel I am excited by the possibility of their being another Collins brother in the mix. I just hope there is some witty banter back and forth and that Tristan has a Lady Catherine back in America.
That would be interesting.
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