We have a winner!

Congratulations, Sheila! I will be sending you your copy of “Mark of Character” in early May, as soon I have the finished and polished version ready to send over.

This is a little excerpt from the beginning of “Mark of Character” as Elizabeth catches her first glimpse of Mr. Darcy.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman in possession of a soulmark must be in want of her match. Elizabeth Bennet was no exception.

Elizabeth held back her anticipation as she joined her friend Charlotte at the edge of the dance floor at the Meryton assembly.

“Mr. Bingley has brought only two ladies after all! Do you know who they are?” Even to Charlotte, she was reluctant to reveal her eagerness by asking about the gentlemen.

Charlotte nodded, linking her arm through Elizabeth’s. “Mr. Bingley’s sisters, I understand. One of them is married to one gentleman, and the other is engaged to the other.”

Elizabeth’s heart sank. Only one gentleman was eligible, then. And she had heard nothing of Mr. Bingley having a soulmark.

She tried to mask her disappointment. “My mother will be displeased that neither of the other gentlemen is single.” How Mamma would have crowed at the idea of three eligible gentlemen entering the neighbourhood. At least she could be consoled with Mr. Bingley.

“Engaged is not married!” Lydia said brightly, squeezing between them. “Which gentleman is only engaged? I hope it’s the taller one.”

“Lydia!” Elizabeth scolded, but Charlotte only laughed.

“It is the taller one, but engaged is as good as married, Lydia, and you know it. Besides, my father said that it is a soulmatch. And you know there is no thwarting a soulmark.”

Elizabeth’s own soulmark had appeared at birth, so she knew well the significance of the match. Being soulmarked made one very fortunate, or very much . . . not. After all, the image of a flower imprinted on her back would either lead to a match of true love, or, if not fulfilled, a slow, wasting death. There was no middle ground.

Lydia sighed. “Three gentlemen, and only one eligible.” Elizabeth smiled slightly at the similarity of their thoughts. “And of course he will fall madly in love with Jane and never glance at the rest of us.” She tossed her curls and returned to Kitty to share the news.

Elizabeth cocked her head as she watched Sir William introduce Mr. Bingley to his new neighbours.

“Is it truly a soulmatch, or did you say that to discourage Lydia? Mrs. Phillips said the Bingleys were a town family, originally from trade.”

Charlotte shrugged. “Yes, Mr. Bingley clearly said it was a soulmatch between his sister and Mr. Darcy. It is a little odd, but then, Miss Bingley may have an affinity for the land even if her family has always lived in town. My father thinks that perhaps Mr. Bingley’s family was landed in the past. Mr. Darcy is an excellent catch for her. He will inherit an estate worth ten thousand pounds a year!”

“A good catch indeed.” Mr. Bingley was being introduced to Mamma and her sisters now. Most likely Mamma had been waving frantically for her to join them, but she had been too engrossed with Charlotte to notice. No matter; she would certainly meet Mr. Bingley in time. Sooner rather than later, she thought, considering his awestruck look as he was introduced to Jane.

Her eyes were again drawn to Mr. Darcy. He was a handsome man, very tall, with broad shoulders and dark hair.

She sighed. She had been hoping that among Mr. Bingley’s guests might be the gentleman who would match her soulmark. Her parents had already put out tentative enquiries throughout Meryton and the surrounding neighbourhoods, but with Papa’s refusal to take them all to London, she was forced to wait until gentlemen came to her.

She had time. Some time, anyway. She was only twenty, so she probably had ten years at least until the soul weakening. But her soulmark had appeared at birth, so that meant that her soulmatch was older than she was. If he was nearing thirty, he might start to feel the soul weakening soon, and it would only grow worse until they found each other and sealed the match with a kiss—and then cemented it with marriage. It was frustrating to wait, her own father’s indolence keeping her from her soulmatch. But it was an argument that had been repeated many times in the past year, and she was tired of it. Even if this was yet another lost opportunity, she would not allow it to ruin her evening.

And now, we have a new giveaway! If you didn’t win last week, you’ll have a few more chances. We’ll have one this week and next leading up to the book release. All prize ebooks will be sent out in early May as soon as I have the final version ready to go.

So for this week’s giveaway, I’d love to hear who your favorite side character is in JAFF fanfic. Colonel Fitzwilliam? His older brother? Georgiana? Or perhaps you are fond of some of the usually less amiable characters, like Mr. Collins, Mr. Wickham, or Anne de Bourgh. Whether you love the character or love to hate them them, I want to hear it! I’d also love to hear what you think about the excerpt above for “Mark of Character.”

All comments will get you entered into this week’s contest. I will choose this week’s winner from the comments on Thursday, May 4 and post here, my Facebook page, and email the winner (so make sure to give your correct email address!).

I have a fun additional giveaway planned for closer to the release date! It will be a paperback and a special surprise, so keep an eye here to see the announcement. Since I need to mail that prize, it will be open to American and European addresses only. But the weekly ebook contests are open to all!