Teatime Tales Series by Leenie Brown

He’s not looking for a wife, but she just might be too irresistible to let go.It never fails. No matter where Fitzwilliam Darcy goes, there are always whispers passed from matching-making matron to hopeful debutante about who he is and what fortune he holds. And then, the prowling and scheming to snare him begins. He knows that eventually, he’ll have to marry, but, at present, after the summer he’s had, he’s just not ready... moreHe’s not looking for a wife, but she just might be too irresistible to let go.It never fails. No matter where Fitzwilliam Darcy goes, there are always whispers passed from matching-making matron to hopeful debutante about who he is and what fortune he holds. And then, the prowling and scheming to snare him begins. He knows that eventually, he’ll have to marry, but, at present, after the summer he’s had, he’s just not ready.Therefore, when his friend presses him to dance at the Meryton Assembly, Darcy is desperate to refuse as adamantly as is necessary to avoid partnering any young lady. But then, fate steps in, and Darcy’s disparagement of the dance partner his friend has suggested dies on his lips.She’s captivating and fascinatingly unusual. In fact, she just might be enchanting enough for him to long to make her what he wasn’t looking for — his wife.From Tolerable to Lovely is a novelette of just over 11,000 words and is the first installment in Leenie Brown’s Teatime Tales Collection of Austen-inspired quick reads. If you’re looking for a sweet romantic escape from the everyday, where love comes calling when it’s least expected, then you’ll love this story about how love can turn a tolerably good life into one that is simply lovely.So put the kettle on, download your copy of From Tolerable to Lovely, and steal away with Darcy and Elizabeth for a few moments of sweet indulgence.---[This story was previously published in a MUCH shorter form as part of a Teatime Tales short story anthology. That original short story is now part of the first chapter of this novelette.] less

It's a simple plan: propose, plan a ball, ensure his friend's happiness. If only simple meant easy.Mr. Bingley has returned to Netherfield as he promised, and he has come alone. However, he is planning to have guests. First, he will need to secure Miss Bennet's acceptance of his proposal. Then, he'll have to rid the area of a particular scoundrel. And then? Well, then, he can work on ensuring his friend's happiness.In theory, it seems simple... moreIt's a simple plan: propose, plan a ball, ensure his friend's happiness. If only simple meant easy.Mr. Bingley has returned to Netherfield as he promised, and he has come alone. However, he is planning to have guests. First, he will need to secure Miss Bennet's acceptance of his proposal. Then, he'll have to rid the area of a particular scoundrel. And then? Well, then, he can work on ensuring his friend's happiness.In theory, it seems simple. In practice, it's going to take some quick thinking and shifting tactics to pull off the happiest Yuletide ball either he or his friend have ever attended.Mr. Bingley Plans a Ball is a novelette of just over 17,500 words and is the second installment in Leenie Brown's Teatime Tales Collection of Austen-inspired quick reads. If you're looking for an entertaining escape from the everyday, where good intentions turn into a somewhat-muddled scheme, then you'll love this story about the lengths to which one friend will go for another to make certain they are both happily matched.So put the kettle on, download your copy of Mr. Bingley Plans a Ball, and steal away with Mr. Bingley for a few moments of sweet indulgence while he fumbles his way through planning a happily ever after or two. less

He loves her, though he doesn't think he should -- until, of course, he must.Fitzwilliam Darcy's heart says Elizabeth Bennet should be his wife. His head is not certain his heart is wise. While he is attempting to sort out what he thinks he should do and what he truly wants to do, he comes across a distraught Elizabeth. The conversation they share and the secret he learns about her sister quickly put an end to his inner struggle for there is really only one thing he must do... moreHe loves her, though he doesn't think he should -- until, of course, he must.Fitzwilliam Darcy's heart says Elizabeth Bennet should be his wife. His head is not certain his heart is wise. While he is attempting to sort out what he thinks he should do and what he truly wants to do, he comes across a distraught Elizabeth. The conversation they share and the secret he learns about her sister quickly put an end to his inner struggle for there is really only one thing he must do. He must help protect her sister from heartbreak and hope, that in the end, his own heart will not be left in tatters.Two Days in November is a novelette of just over 10,000 words and is the third installment in Leenie Brown's Teatime Tales Collection of Austen-inspired quick reads. If you're looking for an entertaining escape from the everyday, where matters of the heart find welcome friendship with logic and reason, then you'll love this story about taking up a scheme to help a new acquaintance and finding a happy future along the way.So put the kettle on, download your copy of Two Days in November, and steal away with Mr. Darcy as he and Elizabeth decipher the code to happily ever after.~*~[This story was previously published in a shorter form as part of a Teatime Tales short story anthology. That original short story has now been lengthened into this novelette.] less

He expected to discover who she was. He never counted on being so charmed.When Henry Fitzwilliam's sister Catherine came sputtering and fuming to his home about their nephew, Fitzwilliam Darcy, being taken in by a fortune-hunting seductress, he knew that the only way to appease her was to meet Darcy's betrothed... moreHe expected to discover who she was. He never counted on being so charmed.When Henry Fitzwilliam's sister Catherine came sputtering and fuming to his home about their nephew, Fitzwilliam Darcy, being taken in by a fortune-hunting seductress, he knew that the only way to appease her was to meet Darcy's betrothed. What began as a perfunctory soiree to do his duty to his family, quickly turns into a most entertaining evening of secrets revealed that finds Lord Matlock utterly charmed by his future niece.A Battle of Wills and Words is a novelette of just over 11,000 words and is the fourth installment in Leenie Brown's Teatime Tales Collection of Austen-inspired quick reads. If you're looking for an entertaining escape from the everyday, then you'll enjoy this story where matters of the heart and the follies of the people in love, when put on display, speak loudly to the strength of the bond between the lovers.So put the kettle on, download your copy of A Battle of Wills and Words, and take a look at Darcy and Elizabeth's courtship and betrothal through Lord Matlock's eyes.~*~[This story was previously published in a shorter form as part of a Teatime Tales short story anthology. That original short story has now been lengthened into this novelette.] less

An overheard conversation, a chance to right a wrong, a trip to Rosings that will be like no other Three and a half months in town has not been long enough for Fitzwilliam Darcy to clear his head or his heart of thought about the lady who charmed him in Hertfordshire. When he overhears part of Elizabeth Bennet's conversation with her aunt at the theatre, he is first surprised to know she is in town, and then, he's mortified to discover just what she thinks of him... moreAn overheard conversation, a chance to right a wrong, a trip to Rosings that will be like no other Three and a half months in town has not been long enough for Fitzwilliam Darcy to clear his head or his heart of thought about the lady who charmed him in Hertfordshire. When he overhears part of Elizabeth Bennet's conversation with her aunt at the theatre, he is first surprised to know she is in town, and then, he's mortified to discover just what she thinks of him. Upon learning she is on her way to Kent, he puts together a plan to improve in her opinion. With the help of his sister, cousins, and a heart that likes to speak before it thinks, he just might find this year's trip to Rosings to be the most unusual and fulfilling of his life. less

By proving his friend wrong, he might just make everything right.For the better part of an afternoon at Netherfield, Charles Bingley has listened to his sister promote herself to his best friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy. And for the same amount of time, he's observed his friend trying not to give in to his desire to admire Miss Elizabeth Bennet... moreBy proving his friend wrong, he might just make everything right.For the better part of an afternoon at Netherfield, Charles Bingley has listened to his sister promote herself to his best friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy. And for the same amount of time, he's observed his friend trying not to give in to his desire to admire Miss Elizabeth Bennet. When the discussion turns to the qualifications of an accomplished lady, he listens closely and knows, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that marrying such a lady would only bring sorrow to his friend.After the ladies have left the room, he attempts to address the issue in a friendly sort of manor. However, when Darcy goes a step too far in sharing his opinions of the lady Bingley loves, friendly tactics are tossed aside in favour of a more direct and calculated approach.An Accomplished Lady (of the Best Sort) is a novelette of just over 17,000 words and is the sixth installment in Leenie Brown's Teatime Tales Collection of Austen-inspired quick reads. If you're looking for a romantic and entertaining escape from the everyday, then you'll enjoy this story where a determined Bingley does what he must to secure not only his own happily ever after, but also that of his friend.So put the kettle on, download your copy of An Accomplished Lady (of the Best Sort), and join Bingley and Hurst as they poke, prod, and arrange for Darcy to follow his heart and marry the right sort of accomplished lady.***Other titles in the Teatime Tales Collection:From Tolerable to LovelyMr. Bingley Plans a BallTwo Days in NovemberA Battle of Wills and WordsThe Beginning of PrudenceAlso look for more Austen-inspired, as well as some original, sweet Regency novelettes in Leenie's Nature's Fury and Delights collection. less