An Exclusive Excerpt from Mr. Knightley in His Own Words, by Shannon Winslow

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

Today we are featuring an exclusive excerpt from the newly released Austenesque novel, Mr. Knightley in His Own Words, by Shannon Winslow. The author has graciously included a brief set up:

INTRODUCTION

Mr. Knightley in His Own Words features three key periods in this Austen hero’s life: the early years (age 15-17), the young man (age 23-24), and “the present day” (the period covered in the original novel (Emma). This excerpt is taken from the first of these. George Knightley is 15, and he has a few more family members than you may be aware of. One of them turns out to be a troublemaker. As the title of the book suggests, the adult Mr. Knightley tells the story in his own words.

EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT

Chapter 2 – The Trouble with Uncle

I happened to be nearby when my uncle arrived and so was the first of my family to greet him, right there on the front steps when he swung down from his horse and retrieved his bulging saddlebags.

“Good day, Uncle,” I said with a slight bow.

He responded in kind and said, “Miles, isn’t it?”

“No, sir. I am George.”

“Of course you are. Well, George, I trust my letter arrived and I am expected.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good, good. Now, while I would like nothing better than to stand here talking with you, I have had a miserable journey. So I hope to Heaven my room is ready for me. I must change before seeing anybody.”

“It is ready. The same bedchamber as usual, Uncle.”

“Very well, then. You may tell your parents that I will be down shortly. There’s a good lad.” He tousled my hair and went on inside.

I should have been glad to shake his hand but, at fifteen and well grown, I thought I was much too old to have my hair tousled anymore. I raked it down again with my fingers as I watched him go, delaying to obey his order as a small protest against him.

Although Spencer was my father’s twin and they were nearly identical, there were some discernable differences between them… Father had said that he and Spencer often passed for each other as children but could do so no longer. I imagined that their differences had grown more marked over the years until now anybody who knew them at all would never be fooled.

After a moment’s delay, I did run inside to find my parents, even though I knew Jenkins, the butler, would have already alerted them. I thought to improve my chances of being on hand when their inauspicious reunion with Uncle Spencer took place. For it seemed likely that answers to some of my questions might be gained by observing that scene.

I witnessed only the initial civilities, however, which were stiff and formal. They told me almost nothing I did not already know. Then the two somewhat estranged brothers retreated to the library for a private discussion of some kind.

My mother and I stood shoulder to shoulder (for we were then of similar height), both of us still looking at the closed door the men had disappeared behind. I asked her, “What do you suppose they are talking about in there?”

“Heaven only knows, George,” she said, threading her arm through mine and giving it a squeeze. “Your uncle must have something particular on his mind to have come to see us at this time. I hope it will all be well, though.”

I looked at her. “Why should it not be?”

She shook her head. “It is something from the past. Something I may not speak of.” Then she approximated a smile. “Your father will sort it out, I trust. He is so wise and always looks after us so well. Do not worry.”

Of course that is precisely what I did do: worry.

Later at dinner with the whole family, including Uncle Spencer, gathered round the table, my father made an announcement, which seemed directed at his three sons, my mother having been previously informed, I supposed.

“Your Uncle Spencer will be staying on at Donwell indefinitely, to help with the estate,” he stated matter-of-factly. “I am not as young as I once was, and I could use a hand managing things, especially while you older boys are away. Spencer has offered to work alongside me, and I have accepted. So that is that.”

By his tone, we knew that no further information would be forthcoming and no impertinent inquiries entertained. We knew our place and what was expected of us; we were expected to look pleased and raise no difficulties. “Yes, Father,” we all three answered nearly simultaneously.

For myself, I did not much mind Uncle Spencer staying. It could make little difference to me, since Miles and I would be returning to Eton shortly in any case. For my mother, though… Judging from what she had said before and her subdued mood now, I knew she could not be well pleased at this turn of events. It was more difficult to develop what my father might be thinking. Was he really glad for Uncle Spencer’s help, or was he only putting the best face on a disagreeable development?

Chapter 2, pages18 – 20

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Mr. George Knightley. According to Emma Woodhouse, you won’t see one in a hundred who is so clearly the gentleman. Respected by all, he’s kind, unpretentious, and scrupulously honest, with an air so remarkably good that it’s unfair to compare other men to him. We also know he’s been his “own master” from a young age. But Jane Austen tells us little more.

What were his early years like, and how did he lose his parents? A man in his mid-thirties, he must have had at least one romance along the way. Did it end badly? Is that why he’s never married? When and how did his relationship with Emma shift from friendship to love? And what can explain his incredible forbearance towards the eccentric Mr. Woodhouse? Now, Mr. Knightley reveals these answers and more in His Own Words.

This is not a variation from but a supplement to the original story of Emma, chronicled in the hero’s point of view. Two-thirds completely new material, it features key events in Mr. Knightley’s past – events that still haunt him and yet have shaped who he’s become, the superior man Emma can’t help falling in love with.

AUTHOR BIO

Shannon Winslow claims she was minding her own business when an ordinary trip to Costco fifteen years ago changed her life. That’s the day a copy of the ’95 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice fairly leapt off the shelf and into her oversized shopping cart. She has been hopelessly hooked on all things Jane Austen ever since, her obsession ultimately inspiring her to begin writing her own Austenesque stories.

Winslow approaches writing JAFF a little differently from most, adding onto rather than varying from canon, giving us prequel, sequel, and supplemental views of favorite characters. Her 2011 debut novel, The Darcys of Pemberley, quickly become a best seller, praised for its authentic Austen style and faithfulness to the original characters. Eleven more novels and a Jane Austen Devotional have since followed, with no end to her creative output in sight.

Her two sons now grown, 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 Mr. Rainier.

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