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Colonel Fitzwilliam and the Countess of Sainte Toulours
Colonel Edmund Fitzwilliam, second son of the Earl of Andover, has pursued accomplishment his whole life. His first real opportunity to achieve the recognition he desires unfortunately comes just as he meets the woman who captures his heart, Miss Emily Chelwood. Separated by months of danger and distance, even his safe return does not reward them with the happiness they deserve; peril, death, and intrigue follow him home, throwing their future into the winds of chance. Aided by his friend, the adventurer Lord Estéban de Esparza, and his relations Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the Colonel must overcome a French spy, a London blackguard, and his own powerful sense of duty, as he struggles with the forces of love and war in his attempt to secure happiness for himself and his beloved.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2015
6 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Stanley Michael Hurd
6 books72 followersStan Hurd is a Ph.D. neurochemist who currently occupies himself writing, teaching fencing and Karate, and polishing samurai sword blades. He was introduced to Jane Austen's works late in life, but became immediately captivated by the unlabored beauty of her prose. Having read one of the many adaptations written to extend the story of "Pride and Prejudice", while he was delighted to be back in that world, he found the exclusively female perspective of the author was at times intrusive; since he could not let himself complain if he did not attempt it himself, he set out to write "Darcy's Tale".
Many of his friends are amazed that he should be writing a Regency romance; he takes a particular delight in that fact.
Many of his friends are amazed that he should be writing a Regency romance; he takes a particular delight in that fact.
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April 3, 2016
This review was first published on Babblings of a Bookworm: http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot....
This is a story focusing on Colonel Fitzwilliam (here called Edmund rather than the more usual Richard) based a few years after the events of ‘Pride & Prejudice’. Although in Austen’s time promotions in the army were purchased, the rank of Colonel implies at least that Darcy’s cousin was successful in his army career. We know he is intelligent, quick-witted and charming from what we see of him at Rosings in ‘Pride & Prejudice’. Here we see something of the Colonel in his work. Napoleon has been defeated, and the army is keen to find out the lie of the land in France should the peace prove to be short lived – the Colonel is about to go on a spying mission. But before he goes, Edmund goes to dine with Mr and Mrs Darcy, and there he meets a young lady that he feels an instant connection with.
This is the same man who freely admitted to Elizabeth that he could not marry without considering money so I was a little surprised to think that he could dismiss this concern so easily. The author addresses this issue:
‘Edmund himself was somewhat surprised to hear his words, as this had always been a matter of some concern to him as a second son; he was startled to realise how entirely he had passed over it as an object, in thinking of matrimony...’
I am not really a believer in love at first sight, and to be fair this isn’t quite what happens here; Edmund certainly has a preference very quickly but it’s more based on personality than personal attractiveness, although the lady in question is certainly attractive. I would have preferred a longer courtship really, because to me it seemed a little too quick.
From the point of view of both sides, this sort of mutual attraction is certainly not ideal – on such a short acquaintance and with Edmund about to set off for a trip abroad that is likely to last months nothing can become official. Though the budding romance gets furthered a little more Edmund very soon sails off to France in the company of a Basque spy, Esparza. The Colonel’s trip to France was a lot more entertaining and light-hearted than I’d expected, and even gave his acting abilities an airing:
‘I hope I can count on you, mon cher Colonel, to play a proper John Bull, eh? A thick-witted, provincial Englishman?”
“I had much rather simply knock him on the head at some quiet turning in the road ahead, than play the buffoon,” said Edmund sourly.’
If you are familiar with the television series ‘Blackadder’ you might well have the same mental image of the character the Colonel played as the view I had, that of Hugh Laurie’s dull-witted Prince Regent! There were several mental images and passages that gave me a smile in this book; I really appreciated the author’s dry humour.
I felt that the pacing of this novel was a little uneven. The first 60% was fairly slow-paced, but once I hit the final 40% then nothing short of a disaster would have pried the book out of my hands until I’d finished it! It was utterly riveting. There was drama, action, some violence, swashbuckling, and some real grit – I am used to reading things which are a bit more sanitised. This isn’t a bad thing by any means but it wasn’t what I’d expected, particularly as it posed such a variance to the earlier parts of the book.
And what of the Countess of the title? Well, I’d expected her to have more of the story dedicated to her since she was part of the title, but this is very much the Colonel’s tale rather than anybody else’s. There isn’t much focus on the Darcy family either, though both Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth do get some page time. I enjoyed the peek at the Darcys’ marriage that this afforded, to hear of some of the romantic billet-doux that our dear boy has sent his wife, and to hear his endearingly grumpy, yet practical views on people in love:
“Was it not you who swore he would help any two deserving people in love?”
“In coming together, yes; once they are joined, I see no need to be constantly in company with them.”
Regarding the language usage, there were words, particularly those relating to vessels, which were entirely new to me, and also a very interesting section which dealt with the rules of duelling, which I only knew the bare bones of previously. There was nothing in the way of sex or language that was likely to offend and though there is some violence it isn’t graphic. If you’re a Colonel Fitzwilliam fan, or simply would like to take a peep at some of the wider issues of the time then I would certainly recommend that you give this book a try. I certainly enjoyed it and would rate it as a 4½ star read.
*I was provided an ebook of this title by the author for my honest review.
This is a story focusing on Colonel Fitzwilliam (here called Edmund rather than the more usual Richard) based a few years after the events of ‘Pride & Prejudice’. Although in Austen’s time promotions in the army were purchased, the rank of Colonel implies at least that Darcy’s cousin was successful in his army career. We know he is intelligent, quick-witted and charming from what we see of him at Rosings in ‘Pride & Prejudice’. Here we see something of the Colonel in his work. Napoleon has been defeated, and the army is keen to find out the lie of the land in France should the peace prove to be short lived – the Colonel is about to go on a spying mission. But before he goes, Edmund goes to dine with Mr and Mrs Darcy, and there he meets a young lady that he feels an instant connection with.
This is the same man who freely admitted to Elizabeth that he could not marry without considering money so I was a little surprised to think that he could dismiss this concern so easily. The author addresses this issue:
‘Edmund himself was somewhat surprised to hear his words, as this had always been a matter of some concern to him as a second son; he was startled to realise how entirely he had passed over it as an object, in thinking of matrimony...’
I am not really a believer in love at first sight, and to be fair this isn’t quite what happens here; Edmund certainly has a preference very quickly but it’s more based on personality than personal attractiveness, although the lady in question is certainly attractive. I would have preferred a longer courtship really, because to me it seemed a little too quick.
From the point of view of both sides, this sort of mutual attraction is certainly not ideal – on such a short acquaintance and with Edmund about to set off for a trip abroad that is likely to last months nothing can become official. Though the budding romance gets furthered a little more Edmund very soon sails off to France in the company of a Basque spy, Esparza. The Colonel’s trip to France was a lot more entertaining and light-hearted than I’d expected, and even gave his acting abilities an airing:
‘I hope I can count on you, mon cher Colonel, to play a proper John Bull, eh? A thick-witted, provincial Englishman?”
“I had much rather simply knock him on the head at some quiet turning in the road ahead, than play the buffoon,” said Edmund sourly.’
If you are familiar with the television series ‘Blackadder’ you might well have the same mental image of the character the Colonel played as the view I had, that of Hugh Laurie’s dull-witted Prince Regent! There were several mental images and passages that gave me a smile in this book; I really appreciated the author’s dry humour.
I felt that the pacing of this novel was a little uneven. The first 60% was fairly slow-paced, but once I hit the final 40% then nothing short of a disaster would have pried the book out of my hands until I’d finished it! It was utterly riveting. There was drama, action, some violence, swashbuckling, and some real grit – I am used to reading things which are a bit more sanitised. This isn’t a bad thing by any means but it wasn’t what I’d expected, particularly as it posed such a variance to the earlier parts of the book.
And what of the Countess of the title? Well, I’d expected her to have more of the story dedicated to her since she was part of the title, but this is very much the Colonel’s tale rather than anybody else’s. There isn’t much focus on the Darcy family either, though both Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth do get some page time. I enjoyed the peek at the Darcys’ marriage that this afforded, to hear of some of the romantic billet-doux that our dear boy has sent his wife, and to hear his endearingly grumpy, yet practical views on people in love:
“Was it not you who swore he would help any two deserving people in love?”
“In coming together, yes; once they are joined, I see no need to be constantly in company with them.”
Regarding the language usage, there were words, particularly those relating to vessels, which were entirely new to me, and also a very interesting section which dealt with the rules of duelling, which I only knew the bare bones of previously. There was nothing in the way of sex or language that was likely to offend and though there is some violence it isn’t graphic. If you’re a Colonel Fitzwilliam fan, or simply would like to take a peep at some of the wider issues of the time then I would certainly recommend that you give this book a try. I certainly enjoyed it and would rate it as a 4½ star read.
*I was provided an ebook of this title by the author for my honest review.
December 29, 2015
Rating : 4.5 stars out of 5
Can a second son find happiness in war and love?
Source: I received this book as an ARC, from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
Due to the growing amount of attention that Colonel Fitzwilliam has received throughout the past year throughout numerous JAFF books, particularly as a possible suitor for Elizabeth Bennet, JAFF readers have also come to request stories where Colonel Fitzwilliam receives a new love interest, free from any entanglements of the heart with Darcy and Elizabeth. For these readers, I believe Stan Hurd has delivered this request and more in his latest novel, “Colonel Fitzwilliam And The Countess of Sainte Toulours.”
After reading Mr. Hurd’s “Darcy’s Tale” series, I became a tremendous fan of Mr. Hurd’s approach to delivering JAFF that closely resembles Austen’s own writing style and tone, yet offers a male perspective that is typically absent from Austen’s own work. Austen never wrote scenes where two or more men were alone, as she herself never experienced these moments during her own lifetime. While I admire this decision, because I believe it allows Austen’s work to convey an accurate portrayal of the life and times she herself lived within, I find that Mr. Hurd’s work fleshes out for us intimate male voices and perspectives, from within Austen’s characters, which brings a new energy and another layer of depth of to Austen’s male characters.
In “Colonel Fitzwilliam And The Countess of Sainte Toulours,” we meet our characters from the “Darcy’s Tale” series about two years after Darcy and Elizabeth are married. We catch up with the relevant details of their new life together, as the story’s focus shifts to Colonel Fitzwilliam and a new acquaintance he has met through Elizabeth, named Miss Emily Chelwood.
After refusing his initial suit, Emily agrees to attend a night at the theatre, accompanied by Colonel Fitzwilliam and the Darcys. From here, the couple spend more and more of their time together, acknowledging the strength and depth of their feelings for each other, within a relatively short timeframe. Yet, the caveat is, Colonel Fitzwilliam must return in several days to France, on a military mission, to gather information regarding Napoleon’s plans during this time of relative peace. Promises are made and intentions are shared, as the couple part ways for the next several months.
Readers then set sail aboard the San Simon, where the Colonel meets his military partner, Señor Estéban de Esparza y las Cruces de Elizondo y Maturin, the courageous and cunning man, who is assigned to assist the Colonel throughout his military tasks. The two men travel through Spain and France, gathering intelligence, while meeting a variety of unusual characters, whose motives and allegiances are a mystery to the men. Through his anguish and loneliness, Colonel Fitzwilliam decides to communicate to Miss Chelwood, through letters he composes and sends to the Darcys, over this extended journey.
Through their travels in France, the two men eventually meet the Countess of Saint Toulours, who shares her harrowing story regarding her urgent need to flee from France and escape to England. Is this part of a trap, or can the Countess be considered an ally? With skeptical hearts and minds, the pair accompany her back to England, where they hope to discover her true intentions. Now, several months after his initial departure, Colonel Fitzwilliam returns to London and to his beloved Miss Chelwood.
From here, important events occur, affecting the Countess, the Colonel’s family, along with Emily’s own family. As Colonel Fitzwilliam continues to seek answers about the Countess and Napoleon’s military intentions, our characters are thrown into circumstances that bind their fates together in some rather unfortunate ways. Can our couple find their own path to happiness amongst the unforeseen tragedies of men and war?
Mr. Hurd’s writing shines as he accomplishes a variety of achievements within this novel. He has crafted a story of his very own, for our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam, based on the Colonel’s very own heart, mind and desires. Most of the characters that befriend the Colonel are well-developed and entertaining, offering readers a storyline for Colonel Fitzwilliam that stands independent of Darcy and Elizabeth, who truly are minor characters in this book. I believe when Mr. Hurd describes this book as a romance and as a war story, he has aptly described the parallels between the story’s multiple plotlines, which are consistent throughout the entire book.
Mr. Hurd also demonstrates his capable hand at capturing the tone of Austen’s time, through his proficient use of Regency English and the interesting historical details he incorporates throughout the book. As I read this book, my mind was pulled into a world from long ago, where I could envision the breathtaking European harbors and the bustling cities, which were central to the storyline. I created this very expansive Pinterest Board based on this book, because I found myself so drawn into the historical points shared in this story:
https://www.pinterest.com/justjane181...
The one drawback for me, as I read this book, was the depth of my emotional pull towards the story’s central romance. While I enjoyed Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Chelwood’s relationship, for me, it lacked the amount of tension and romance that I enjoy in a JAFF book. I expected Darcy and Elizabeth to play very minor roles in this story, which I thought would dampen some of the story’s romantic tone. Yet, I would have preferred either more of a struggle towards a HEA for the Colonel and Emily, or more romantic interactions between the couple to solidify the intensity of their relationship.
With these points stated, I believe Stanley Hurd has demonstrated he can create an original and historically astute JAFF novel, based on a minor Austen character, that can be enjoyed by JAFF readers, as well as by readers who are also unfamiliar with JAFF, who are looking for an entertaining war romance set during the Napoleonic Wars. If Mr. Hurd decides to continue this book into a series, I would be glad to read it to learn how events unfold between our central couples…
January 24, 2016
A Grand Romantic Adventure for Colonel Fitzwilliam!
After the completion of his wonderfully perceptive and thoughtfully-rendered Darcy’s Tale trilogy, Stanley Michael Hurd has once again put pen to paper to tell the tale of another beloved Austenesque character. While Colonel Fitzwilliam may only be a secondary character in Pride and Prejudice, in Mr. Hurd’s hands he is transformed into an honorable hero worthy of our attention and admiration.
Our story begins two years after the close of Pride and Prejudice with a dispirited Colonel, bored from inactivity and dejected about his lack of accomplishment with his career. Even though peace is established between France and England and the war is declared over, Colonel Fitzwilliam is assigned an espionage mission in France to determine what Bonaparte’s intentions are and if he is indeed preparing for another war. A mission of this magnitude is just the kind of employment our dear Colonel was wanting, the only thing is…it comes as a most awkward time. Just last night the Colonel met a lady he feels very much taken with – Miss Emily Chelwood.
Unlike his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam realizes almost instantly his emerging feelings for the charmingly open Miss Chelwood and acts with forthrightness to promote their future together. But Miss Chelwood has some reservations about Colonel Fitzwilliam’s fixed determination to bring down Napoleon and believes it is best to protect her heart and practice some caution. Can the Colonel convince her to do otherwise?
Colonel Fitzwilliam and The Countess of Sainte Toulours is an ambitious and comprehensive tale that intertwines two distinct sides of Colonel Fitzwilliam’s character – the dutiful and courageous soldier who is ready to conquer the enemy and the tender and ardent man, alive with love, yearning for his heart’s desire. Since this novel is both a romance and historical adventure, I thought it might be helpful to look at each side separately:
- Romance: I loved seeing Colonel Fitzwilliam struck with love and witnessing how such a love can change him. Emily is endearing, admirable, and a supremely suitable wife for our dear Colonel. I loved Colonel Fitzwilliam’s intense pursuit of her and my jaw dropped when I read his heartfelt and swoon-worthy letters!
- Historical Adventure: I’m not the greatest lover of war stories and histories, but I very much appreciated how the adventure and history was presented in this tale. The action was engaging and the events that followed not too challenging to understand. A spy mission is very well-suited for our intelligent and fearless Colonel, and it was definitely a plot-line I found exciting to explore.
I now must devote the next paragraph of my review to some of the captivating and colorful original characters introduced in this tale. In this tale we meet Lord Estéban de Esparza, who has “a very particular set of skills” and is assigned to accompany Colonel Fitzwilliam on his mission to the continent. You can’t help but fall in love with Esparza and his courtly manners, suave charm, sharp mind, and carefree reliance on luck. :) In addition we meet a fair damsel in distress, Comtesse de la Sainte Toulours. Whose past and sad story presents a lot of intrigue, but also some doubts…is she a spy as well? Both characters are wonderfully engaging and I could easily have wished for a little more page time with each of them!
The only complaint I have about this story is its uneven pacing. The beginning of the story is more drawn out and leisurely told compared to the ending. The second half of the book is the more riveting half and it felt like the details started to become a little sparse in this section. Some of the action scenes weren’t as descriptive and sometimes events were summarized instead of taking place on page.
Regardless of my quibble, I found Colonel Fitzwilliam and The Countess of Sainte Toulours to be a grand romantic adventure! Brimming with action, drama, danger, and heart, Mr. Hurd presents a tale for our dear Colonel that is enthralling, introspective, and praiseworthy! I eagerly await to see which character Mr. Hurd will write a story for next! (I personally feel Colonel Brandon could use his own tale…just saying. )
After the completion of his wonderfully perceptive and thoughtfully-rendered Darcy’s Tale trilogy, Stanley Michael Hurd has once again put pen to paper to tell the tale of another beloved Austenesque character. While Colonel Fitzwilliam may only be a secondary character in Pride and Prejudice, in Mr. Hurd’s hands he is transformed into an honorable hero worthy of our attention and admiration.
Our story begins two years after the close of Pride and Prejudice with a dispirited Colonel, bored from inactivity and dejected about his lack of accomplishment with his career. Even though peace is established between France and England and the war is declared over, Colonel Fitzwilliam is assigned an espionage mission in France to determine what Bonaparte’s intentions are and if he is indeed preparing for another war. A mission of this magnitude is just the kind of employment our dear Colonel was wanting, the only thing is…it comes as a most awkward time. Just last night the Colonel met a lady he feels very much taken with – Miss Emily Chelwood.
Unlike his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam realizes almost instantly his emerging feelings for the charmingly open Miss Chelwood and acts with forthrightness to promote their future together. But Miss Chelwood has some reservations about Colonel Fitzwilliam’s fixed determination to bring down Napoleon and believes it is best to protect her heart and practice some caution. Can the Colonel convince her to do otherwise?
Colonel Fitzwilliam and The Countess of Sainte Toulours is an ambitious and comprehensive tale that intertwines two distinct sides of Colonel Fitzwilliam’s character – the dutiful and courageous soldier who is ready to conquer the enemy and the tender and ardent man, alive with love, yearning for his heart’s desire. Since this novel is both a romance and historical adventure, I thought it might be helpful to look at each side separately:
- Romance: I loved seeing Colonel Fitzwilliam struck with love and witnessing how such a love can change him. Emily is endearing, admirable, and a supremely suitable wife for our dear Colonel. I loved Colonel Fitzwilliam’s intense pursuit of her and my jaw dropped when I read his heartfelt and swoon-worthy letters!
- Historical Adventure: I’m not the greatest lover of war stories and histories, but I very much appreciated how the adventure and history was presented in this tale. The action was engaging and the events that followed not too challenging to understand. A spy mission is very well-suited for our intelligent and fearless Colonel, and it was definitely a plot-line I found exciting to explore.
I now must devote the next paragraph of my review to some of the captivating and colorful original characters introduced in this tale. In this tale we meet Lord Estéban de Esparza, who has “a very particular set of skills” and is assigned to accompany Colonel Fitzwilliam on his mission to the continent. You can’t help but fall in love with Esparza and his courtly manners, suave charm, sharp mind, and carefree reliance on luck. :) In addition we meet a fair damsel in distress, Comtesse de la Sainte Toulours. Whose past and sad story presents a lot of intrigue, but also some doubts…is she a spy as well? Both characters are wonderfully engaging and I could easily have wished for a little more page time with each of them!
The only complaint I have about this story is its uneven pacing. The beginning of the story is more drawn out and leisurely told compared to the ending. The second half of the book is the more riveting half and it felt like the details started to become a little sparse in this section. Some of the action scenes weren’t as descriptive and sometimes events were summarized instead of taking place on page.
Regardless of my quibble, I found Colonel Fitzwilliam and The Countess of Sainte Toulours to be a grand romantic adventure! Brimming with action, drama, danger, and heart, Mr. Hurd presents a tale for our dear Colonel that is enthralling, introspective, and praiseworthy! I eagerly await to see which character Mr. Hurd will write a story for next! (I personally feel Colonel Brandon could use his own tale…just saying. )
November 11, 2015
4.5 stars for me
I am humbled to even attempt a review here after reading the excellent ones posted by jbtaylor and AgeofIrony before me on Amazon. Well done!
As mentioned in both reviews, the author has done his homework in studying and learning the language of the Regency period. I loved the richness, even the idioms, etc., which were new to me. I am not by any means an expert concerning such but in having read so many other historical novels this one stands out in its authenticity there.
For me the story began slowly and only my familiarity with this author kept me saying, “Wait for it, wait for it”. The Colonel is one of my favorite minor characters as many others have also stated. And in so many tales, even in canon, he takes a backseat due to his lack of fortune. Here we do not have a long drawn out story with twists and misunderstandings in the romance department, as the author has the main couple find and recognize and aver their love to each other almost from the first page.
Colonel Fitzwilliam has a mission following the new peace between England and France and it requires that he travel through France to determine – well, let Stanley explain that for you.
BUT with an immediate separation for this couple, and in face of what has already happened to Emily’s one brother, we are not assured (in our minds) that all is well. Edmund makes a promise that but for the grace of GOD he will return, but no one can predict what happens in a time of war…even if it is a time when peace has just been declared. I did enjoy the letters sent. I find myself just loving letters various authors have used in novels recently released…(but none top Capt. Wentworth’s).
AND Lord Estéban de Esparza; what a character! He took over certain parts of this tale. His knowledge of the areas traveled and his interpretations of the actions and conversations opened a whole new insight into what was going on for Colonel Edmund Fitzwilliam (and for me). Even as he determined the role each would play in their journeys he showed his insight into the necessities of intrigue. Later that role was reversed as the need for a rescue comes to bear. So as we read on the romance is tucked to one side while the story focuses on spying and counter spying, on plotting, on deaths, on revenge, and on betrayal. The author does a very fine job of keeping us in suspense, even as to just who are the good guys and who are not. Oh, we have our suspicions but all is not resolved in short order.
I kept trying to predict how this was going to play out. I can usually make a pretty good guess about climaxes but I was not at all sure where this was going. Like a good detective novel we don’t have all the clues. But we do have our happy ending. Family members on both sides play roles in events, for both good and bad. (Darcy calling Colonel Fitzwilliam "Edders" for some reason didn't quite sit right with me.)
I liked the ending, especially as off handedly the fates of the Countess of Sainte Toulours and of Señor Estéban de Esparza y las Cruces de Elizondo y Maturin are suggested. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of JAFF.
I am humbled to even attempt a review here after reading the excellent ones posted by jbtaylor and AgeofIrony before me on Amazon. Well done!
As mentioned in both reviews, the author has done his homework in studying and learning the language of the Regency period. I loved the richness, even the idioms, etc., which were new to me. I am not by any means an expert concerning such but in having read so many other historical novels this one stands out in its authenticity there.
For me the story began slowly and only my familiarity with this author kept me saying, “Wait for it, wait for it”. The Colonel is one of my favorite minor characters as many others have also stated. And in so many tales, even in canon, he takes a backseat due to his lack of fortune. Here we do not have a long drawn out story with twists and misunderstandings in the romance department, as the author has the main couple find and recognize and aver their love to each other almost from the first page.
Colonel Fitzwilliam has a mission following the new peace between England and France and it requires that he travel through France to determine – well, let Stanley explain that for you.
BUT with an immediate separation for this couple, and in face of what has already happened to Emily’s one brother, we are not assured (in our minds) that all is well. Edmund makes a promise that but for the grace of GOD he will return, but no one can predict what happens in a time of war…even if it is a time when peace has just been declared. I did enjoy the letters sent. I find myself just loving letters various authors have used in novels recently released…(but none top Capt. Wentworth’s).
AND Lord Estéban de Esparza; what a character! He took over certain parts of this tale. His knowledge of the areas traveled and his interpretations of the actions and conversations opened a whole new insight into what was going on for Colonel Edmund Fitzwilliam (and for me). Even as he determined the role each would play in their journeys he showed his insight into the necessities of intrigue. Later that role was reversed as the need for a rescue comes to bear. So as we read on the romance is tucked to one side while the story focuses on spying and counter spying, on plotting, on deaths, on revenge, and on betrayal. The author does a very fine job of keeping us in suspense, even as to just who are the good guys and who are not. Oh, we have our suspicions but all is not resolved in short order.
I kept trying to predict how this was going to play out. I can usually make a pretty good guess about climaxes but I was not at all sure where this was going. Like a good detective novel we don’t have all the clues. But we do have our happy ending. Family members on both sides play roles in events, for both good and bad. (Darcy calling Colonel Fitzwilliam "Edders" for some reason didn't quite sit right with me.)
I liked the ending, especially as off handedly the fates of the Countess of Sainte Toulours and of Señor Estéban de Esparza y las Cruces de Elizondo y Maturin are suggested. I highly recommend this book to all lovers of JAFF.
December 7, 2015
The prospect of finally getting the opportunity to read a book by an author that so many close book buddies have raved about along with the fact that the hero being a favorite minor character in Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice world left me eager to snatch it up and start reading. I had a general idea of what to expect after reading many thoughts on the author's writing and catching a few excerpts from his work, but I must say that there is nothing like experiencing something for one's self.
So much about this book is praiseworthy and affirms my early anticipation. The best praise I can offer is that I felt it was quite possible that the author might be channeling Jane Austen if she were to write a sequel to her original work and carry on with the story of a secondary character, Colonel Fitzwilliam. The attention to historical detail, to setting, to dialogue, to character, and a plot that blended to the original was fantastic.
The story opens with Colonel Edmund Fitzwilliam chafing at his circumstances as he works behind the desk instead of in the field gaining glory and renown. And he feels that his chances of that happening grow slim with the Peace of Amiens. So in just such a mood, he takes himself off to his Darcy cousins for Elizabeth's dinner party and there meets the enchanting Miss Emily Chelwood.
Miss Chelwood is taken with him, but surprises him when she determines that it would be best if they continued as mere acquaintances because of his chosen profession because she can't take the idea that she might grow attached only to suffer yet another loss.
Emily lost her beloved brother in battle and her father is dying of consumption. Her other brother is a profligate and a disappointment to the family.
Fitzwilliam understands the disappointment of a brother like that as his older brother is part of the same wild circle surrounding the Prince of Wales. He understands and tries to hide his disappointment, but soon has something new to occupy him when he finally gets orders. He has been commissioned to journey into France and look for evidence that the French war machine is secretly preparing for another round of war. The danger inherent that war will be declared once again while Fitzwilliam is still in France is not lost on him or his relations. He will only have another man with him and will be on his own.
Fitzwilliam is delighted and frustrated when Miss Chelwood decides to swallow her fears and give him a chance. They have two heavenly weeks and make the best of it before Fitzwilliam reports for duty. He left things unsaid due to his circumstances, but he dreams of the opportunity to return in a few months and make a claim to Emily.
Emily is determined to be brave on the homefront with the support of her father's blessing and her friend Elizabeth Darcy visiting and slipping her letters from Edmund. While on the Continent, Fitzwilliam and his partner, Esparza, do their clandestine work and adventure ensues making it a harrowing thing to return home as he promised Emily he would do his very best.
Alright, this was a story that began slowly and goes along at a steady pace through the set up. Then the end was a heart-thumping rush of action, suspense, and romance. The author took the time to build a large front porch and a solid foundation before going about the business of the main structure if you can picture the plot in that manner. I liked the time getting to know the players, the situation, and reuniting with familiar faces before things got mighty interesting with the espionage work and the bit of intrigue back in England. Because of the slow build, I was only moderately engaged until after the half-way point, but then whoosh, it kicked into high gear and morphed into a page-turner. Delightful surprise!
I enjoyed the author's attention to detail and how he conformed the characters to the time period so that there was restraint, gentility, and propriety that was balanced with true and natural feelings for the circumstances. I applauded the main characters both displaying duty and honor that didn't mask their impatience, tenderness, and vulnerabilities. Their attraction came quickly, but the eminence of war forced things along faster and made them examine feelings early. There was the sense of life being too precious to waste since they have both felt the deprivation of war. Those letters that Edmund sent to Emily while on his mission in France were swoonworthy and put dear Captain Wentworth, the hero of Persuasion, to shame. I enjoyed their long distance courtship and their seeing each other as something to hold to during hard times.
The author did a wonderful job creating the original characters of Esparza and the Chelwoods along with the villain and the intriguing Countess. Esparza was a colorful and charismatic person that made me delight in his adventurous spirit.
In summation, this was a slow-building, engaging story full of genteel sweet romance, espionage, intrigue, and was true to the spirit of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice and the period of the Napoleonic Wars. I think the story can be recommended to a wider range of interests though the Austenesque Lover will definitely want to pick it up. While it helps to have a prior knowledge of the P&P story, I think one could still appreciate this book without having read P&P or seen a movie adaption the way it is carefully set up. Historical Fiction and fans of sweet historical romance should definitely give it a look-see, too.
So much about this book is praiseworthy and affirms my early anticipation. The best praise I can offer is that I felt it was quite possible that the author might be channeling Jane Austen if she were to write a sequel to her original work and carry on with the story of a secondary character, Colonel Fitzwilliam. The attention to historical detail, to setting, to dialogue, to character, and a plot that blended to the original was fantastic.
The story opens with Colonel Edmund Fitzwilliam chafing at his circumstances as he works behind the desk instead of in the field gaining glory and renown. And he feels that his chances of that happening grow slim with the Peace of Amiens. So in just such a mood, he takes himself off to his Darcy cousins for Elizabeth's dinner party and there meets the enchanting Miss Emily Chelwood.
Miss Chelwood is taken with him, but surprises him when she determines that it would be best if they continued as mere acquaintances because of his chosen profession because she can't take the idea that she might grow attached only to suffer yet another loss.
Emily lost her beloved brother in battle and her father is dying of consumption. Her other brother is a profligate and a disappointment to the family.
Fitzwilliam understands the disappointment of a brother like that as his older brother is part of the same wild circle surrounding the Prince of Wales. He understands and tries to hide his disappointment, but soon has something new to occupy him when he finally gets orders. He has been commissioned to journey into France and look for evidence that the French war machine is secretly preparing for another round of war. The danger inherent that war will be declared once again while Fitzwilliam is still in France is not lost on him or his relations. He will only have another man with him and will be on his own.
Fitzwilliam is delighted and frustrated when Miss Chelwood decides to swallow her fears and give him a chance. They have two heavenly weeks and make the best of it before Fitzwilliam reports for duty. He left things unsaid due to his circumstances, but he dreams of the opportunity to return in a few months and make a claim to Emily.
Emily is determined to be brave on the homefront with the support of her father's blessing and her friend Elizabeth Darcy visiting and slipping her letters from Edmund. While on the Continent, Fitzwilliam and his partner, Esparza, do their clandestine work and adventure ensues making it a harrowing thing to return home as he promised Emily he would do his very best.
Alright, this was a story that began slowly and goes along at a steady pace through the set up. Then the end was a heart-thumping rush of action, suspense, and romance. The author took the time to build a large front porch and a solid foundation before going about the business of the main structure if you can picture the plot in that manner. I liked the time getting to know the players, the situation, and reuniting with familiar faces before things got mighty interesting with the espionage work and the bit of intrigue back in England. Because of the slow build, I was only moderately engaged until after the half-way point, but then whoosh, it kicked into high gear and morphed into a page-turner. Delightful surprise!
I enjoyed the author's attention to detail and how he conformed the characters to the time period so that there was restraint, gentility, and propriety that was balanced with true and natural feelings for the circumstances. I applauded the main characters both displaying duty and honor that didn't mask their impatience, tenderness, and vulnerabilities. Their attraction came quickly, but the eminence of war forced things along faster and made them examine feelings early. There was the sense of life being too precious to waste since they have both felt the deprivation of war. Those letters that Edmund sent to Emily while on his mission in France were swoonworthy and put dear Captain Wentworth, the hero of Persuasion, to shame. I enjoyed their long distance courtship and their seeing each other as something to hold to during hard times.
The author did a wonderful job creating the original characters of Esparza and the Chelwoods along with the villain and the intriguing Countess. Esparza was a colorful and charismatic person that made me delight in his adventurous spirit.
In summation, this was a slow-building, engaging story full of genteel sweet romance, espionage, intrigue, and was true to the spirit of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice and the period of the Napoleonic Wars. I think the story can be recommended to a wider range of interests though the Austenesque Lover will definitely want to pick it up. While it helps to have a prior knowledge of the P&P story, I think one could still appreciate this book without having read P&P or seen a movie adaption the way it is carefully set up. Historical Fiction and fans of sweet historical romance should definitely give it a look-see, too.
November 9, 2015
Colonel Fitzwilliam is one of my all-time favorite minor characters in Pride and Prejudice and I was ecstatic when I heard about the newest book by Stanley Michael Hurd. As the title suggests, the story is mainly about Colonel Fitzwilliam…his thoughts, his life, his loves…the very essence of the man. I must say, this novel did not disappoint my expectations! If I started naming things that I loved about this book, I would have to say, EVERYTHING!!!
As the story begins, Colonel Edmund Fitzwilliam is leaving the Horse Guards building to attend dinner and a small private ball at the home of his cousins, Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy. Little does he know that his head will soon be turned by a lovely lady at the dinner and things will never be the same again. Did I mention that he can write a swoon-worthy love letter? He can!
I really enjoyed getting to know Colonel Edmund Fitzwilliam. I liked seeing inside his head and his heart . He is quite a romantic (did I mention love letters?) but also a very intelligent and shrewd officer. He is loyal to a fault and always thinks of others before himself. He is brave, strong and loves his family. I fell in love with this Colonel and wanted him to have his happily ever after.
All of the characters were very well developed and soon several became favorites. I adored Lord Estéban de Esparza! (his name too) He was dashing, daring and handsome! What’s not to love? He plays a key role in the book and is the perfect partner for Colonel Fitzwilliam in their perilous escapades in Spain and France.
The Countess of Sainte Toulours, Lord Whittington and Miss Emily Chelwood are significant to the storyline and have facets to their character that are gradually revealed as the story unfolds. Of course, no good adventure can be without a villain and l’Etailler certainly is a vicious and sly one. Darcy and Elizabeth are not central to this book but they do make appearances continually throughout. Although infrequent, Elizabeth has an important part to play and does it well, as one would expect from her.
The historical aspect of the book is enthralling. There are a couple of twists that I didn’t see coming but that is a good thing! The book left me feeling thoroughly entertained and satisfied. There is adventure, romance, intrigue, longing, sadness, heartache, espionage, joy…a battle of wits (and one battle of not so much wit)…all wrapped up neatly in a novel that keeps you reading from the first page to the last.
Stanley Michael Hurd has an exceptional command of Regency language and a writing style that sets the flavor of his book perfectly for the time period. The flow of the plot is continuous and never skips a beat. This is a book not to be missed and I highly recommend it to any and all lovers of Colonel Fitzwilliam and Pride and Prejudice, as well as any history buff of the Napoleonic wars.
The author states in the preface of his book, “This work can be taken as either a love story, periodically interrupted by the Napoleonic wars, or an adventure story with romantic interludes.” I say that the two, adventure and romance, are seamlessly woven together and inseparable, to create a word tapestry of excellence by Stanley Michael Hurd.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for a fair and unbiased review.
As the story begins, Colonel Edmund Fitzwilliam is leaving the Horse Guards building to attend dinner and a small private ball at the home of his cousins, Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy. Little does he know that his head will soon be turned by a lovely lady at the dinner and things will never be the same again. Did I mention that he can write a swoon-worthy love letter? He can!
I really enjoyed getting to know Colonel Edmund Fitzwilliam. I liked seeing inside his head and his heart . He is quite a romantic (did I mention love letters?) but also a very intelligent and shrewd officer. He is loyal to a fault and always thinks of others before himself. He is brave, strong and loves his family. I fell in love with this Colonel and wanted him to have his happily ever after.
All of the characters were very well developed and soon several became favorites. I adored Lord Estéban de Esparza! (his name too) He was dashing, daring and handsome! What’s not to love? He plays a key role in the book and is the perfect partner for Colonel Fitzwilliam in their perilous escapades in Spain and France.
The Countess of Sainte Toulours, Lord Whittington and Miss Emily Chelwood are significant to the storyline and have facets to their character that are gradually revealed as the story unfolds. Of course, no good adventure can be without a villain and l’Etailler certainly is a vicious and sly one. Darcy and Elizabeth are not central to this book but they do make appearances continually throughout. Although infrequent, Elizabeth has an important part to play and does it well, as one would expect from her.
The historical aspect of the book is enthralling. There are a couple of twists that I didn’t see coming but that is a good thing! The book left me feeling thoroughly entertained and satisfied. There is adventure, romance, intrigue, longing, sadness, heartache, espionage, joy…a battle of wits (and one battle of not so much wit)…all wrapped up neatly in a novel that keeps you reading from the first page to the last.
Stanley Michael Hurd has an exceptional command of Regency language and a writing style that sets the flavor of his book perfectly for the time period. The flow of the plot is continuous and never skips a beat. This is a book not to be missed and I highly recommend it to any and all lovers of Colonel Fitzwilliam and Pride and Prejudice, as well as any history buff of the Napoleonic wars.
The author states in the preface of his book, “This work can be taken as either a love story, periodically interrupted by the Napoleonic wars, or an adventure story with romantic interludes.” I say that the two, adventure and romance, are seamlessly woven together and inseparable, to create a word tapestry of excellence by Stanley Michael Hurd.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for a fair and unbiased review.
December 6, 2021
I loved this story so much. The Colonel was as honorable and worthy as I always believed him to be. Great story.
December 23, 2019
In this Pride and Prejudice sequel Colonel Edmund Fitzwilliam, as a second son has joined the army. But now during the peace he is working at Whitehall . Just as he meets the lady that captures his heart he is sent on a reconnoitring mission to France.
Lovely characters, tension, romance. Also a well-written story. Loved this Colonel.
Enjoyable re-read
Lovely characters, tension, romance. Also a well-written story. Loved this Colonel.
Enjoyable re-read
February 9, 2020
Wonderful
First, I have to say that the cover art is wonderful! I've never seen a better representation of our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam. He looks somewhat handsome, very honorable and distinguished, yet like he could melt your heart. Fabulous!
Next, this author is a master storyteller, and a great writer. As with his three part series about Darcy's pov of the P&P story, this book is a joy to read, and gives our dear Colonel a fabulous story with a wealth of situations and dramas to develop his character. Colonel Fitzwilliam is a highly ambitious career army man, looking for action with the view to distinguish himself and possibly merit a title for his service to king and country, completely on his own and separate from his father's own title. He hungers for his own accomplishments, and the chance to make his own reputation.
Having said that, it's ironic that the story starts out with his meeting the love of his life, and in very short order he is ready to settle on this girl as the one and only. Of course, the army doesn't allow him to make this a simple decision, and he gets called away on the adventure to end all adventures, a covert operation which turns into quite the swashbuckling tale. This makes things a little difficult as far as wooing his love interest, but the good colonel is up to the challenge.
Fitzwilliam's sidekick, Esparza, is a worthy addition to the cast of characters, being clever, daring, suave, and good with the ladies. I liked him a lot. I deducted a star, and almost deducted two stars, for the last third of the story, when everything that can go wrong, does go wrong, for Fitzwilliam. The author piles on misfortune after misfortune, to an oppressing degree, and I felt that it was just too much. People are getting killed, he gets imprisoned, his girlfriend is being manipulated, all his plans go awry, etc., etc.
There are a fair number of editing errors in this book, almost enough to be distracting. But the quality of the writing saves the book. I recommend it highly.
First, I have to say that the cover art is wonderful! I've never seen a better representation of our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam. He looks somewhat handsome, very honorable and distinguished, yet like he could melt your heart. Fabulous!
Next, this author is a master storyteller, and a great writer. As with his three part series about Darcy's pov of the P&P story, this book is a joy to read, and gives our dear Colonel a fabulous story with a wealth of situations and dramas to develop his character. Colonel Fitzwilliam is a highly ambitious career army man, looking for action with the view to distinguish himself and possibly merit a title for his service to king and country, completely on his own and separate from his father's own title. He hungers for his own accomplishments, and the chance to make his own reputation.
Having said that, it's ironic that the story starts out with his meeting the love of his life, and in very short order he is ready to settle on this girl as the one and only. Of course, the army doesn't allow him to make this a simple decision, and he gets called away on the adventure to end all adventures, a covert operation which turns into quite the swashbuckling tale. This makes things a little difficult as far as wooing his love interest, but the good colonel is up to the challenge.
Fitzwilliam's sidekick, Esparza, is a worthy addition to the cast of characters, being clever, daring, suave, and good with the ladies. I liked him a lot. I deducted a star, and almost deducted two stars, for the last third of the story, when everything that can go wrong, does go wrong, for Fitzwilliam. The author piles on misfortune after misfortune, to an oppressing degree, and I felt that it was just too much. People are getting killed, he gets imprisoned, his girlfriend is being manipulated, all his plans go awry, etc., etc.
There are a fair number of editing errors in this book, almost enough to be distracting. But the quality of the writing saves the book. I recommend it highly.
April 16, 2016
When I have enjoyed the work of a writer of Austenesque fiction, I’m always curious to see what stories he or she will tell after dropping the crutch of Jane Austen’s plots and characters. In Colonel Fitzwilliam and the Countess of Sainte Toulours, Stanley Michael Hurd has come very close to standing on his own, and I was impressed with the result.
The protagonist of this novel, Colonel Fitzwilliam, is a character from Pride and Prejudice, though I’m not sure I recognized much more than the name in this depiction. The wars with France have transformed the colonel from witty urbanite to driven, professional military aide (while moving him back in time, which would be bewildering if we tried to make this incarnation of the colonel fit the prototype). Mr. Darcy and his now-wife, Elizabeth, are also present, along with Mr. Bingley, though none of them receives more than passing attention. In this story we also move from the drawing room to a more masculine field of action, which produces a novel of a very different type. So I would consider this novel more historical fiction than Jane Austen homage.
Nevertheless, there is a romantic saga at the heart of the book, and Mr. Hurd does a convincing job of presenting a man of deeds who is simultaneously a man of feeling. In London he falls head over heels for a young woman, but the course of their love is soon interrupted by a mission to travel into France as a spy. He is accompanied by a man more seasoned in espionage, a courtly Basque gentleman who proves the most colorful character in the book. The two have many adventures and complicate the colonel’s love life a bit by rescuing a fair maiden, although—privy as we are to his earnest feelings for the London lady—we feel little concern that the colonel will be led astray.
I loved how the earliest stages of the courtship were conducted in elegant period dialogue, and warmed to the colonel for the instant attraction he felt to the prospect of a quiet, loving home life, despite his desire to achieve success in his profession. I might be tempted to knock off half a point for the violations of decorum and formality practiced by the hero and heroine during this period, however; I’m not sure why contemporary authors writing about the Georgian era feel they have to do this—surely there are lost opportunities for drama in failing to observe the strict rules of conduct of the age. Is Jane Austen’s work any less romantic for having no stolen kisses and hand-holdings?
Mr. Hurd does an excellent job of writing period prose, and uses it as a deft vehicle for wit. Of the colonel’s arrival in a Spanish village, the narrator notes, “on closer acquaintance [the village] bore that same odour of old fish to which the familiarity of a day had failed to accustom the Colonel’s nose.” Sentences like this had me chuckling aloud.
Equally, I found great pleasure in entering the colonel’s masculine world, a world of danger and intrigue and even dueling and a battle at sea! This part of the book, which dominates the story in terms of page time, took me along happily for the ride, despite some holes in the plot’s logic that would have bothered me had I not been so caught up in the characters. The research behind this part of the story was pretty thorough, which I appreciate—too many errors of fact can take me right out of the world being created by an author. The derring-do in this section felt more like Georgette Heyer than Jane Austen, but that’s fine by me. The climactic scene, unfortunately, was the one that seemed more stagey than real, leaving me unable to suspend disbelief.
Romance, adventure, humor, charm—all in all, I found a lot to love about Colonel Fitzwilliam and the Countess of Sainte Toulours.
The protagonist of this novel, Colonel Fitzwilliam, is a character from Pride and Prejudice, though I’m not sure I recognized much more than the name in this depiction. The wars with France have transformed the colonel from witty urbanite to driven, professional military aide (while moving him back in time, which would be bewildering if we tried to make this incarnation of the colonel fit the prototype). Mr. Darcy and his now-wife, Elizabeth, are also present, along with Mr. Bingley, though none of them receives more than passing attention. In this story we also move from the drawing room to a more masculine field of action, which produces a novel of a very different type. So I would consider this novel more historical fiction than Jane Austen homage.
Nevertheless, there is a romantic saga at the heart of the book, and Mr. Hurd does a convincing job of presenting a man of deeds who is simultaneously a man of feeling. In London he falls head over heels for a young woman, but the course of their love is soon interrupted by a mission to travel into France as a spy. He is accompanied by a man more seasoned in espionage, a courtly Basque gentleman who proves the most colorful character in the book. The two have many adventures and complicate the colonel’s love life a bit by rescuing a fair maiden, although—privy as we are to his earnest feelings for the London lady—we feel little concern that the colonel will be led astray.
I loved how the earliest stages of the courtship were conducted in elegant period dialogue, and warmed to the colonel for the instant attraction he felt to the prospect of a quiet, loving home life, despite his desire to achieve success in his profession. I might be tempted to knock off half a point for the violations of decorum and formality practiced by the hero and heroine during this period, however; I’m not sure why contemporary authors writing about the Georgian era feel they have to do this—surely there are lost opportunities for drama in failing to observe the strict rules of conduct of the age. Is Jane Austen’s work any less romantic for having no stolen kisses and hand-holdings?
Mr. Hurd does an excellent job of writing period prose, and uses it as a deft vehicle for wit. Of the colonel’s arrival in a Spanish village, the narrator notes, “on closer acquaintance [the village] bore that same odour of old fish to which the familiarity of a day had failed to accustom the Colonel’s nose.” Sentences like this had me chuckling aloud.
Equally, I found great pleasure in entering the colonel’s masculine world, a world of danger and intrigue and even dueling and a battle at sea! This part of the book, which dominates the story in terms of page time, took me along happily for the ride, despite some holes in the plot’s logic that would have bothered me had I not been so caught up in the characters. The research behind this part of the story was pretty thorough, which I appreciate—too many errors of fact can take me right out of the world being created by an author. The derring-do in this section felt more like Georgette Heyer than Jane Austen, but that’s fine by me. The climactic scene, unfortunately, was the one that seemed more stagey than real, leaving me unable to suspend disbelief.
Romance, adventure, humor, charm—all in all, I found a lot to love about Colonel Fitzwilliam and the Countess of Sainte Toulours.
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