Right. I got back to the U.S. yesterday and I’m leaving for Austin tomorrow. Will someone remind me of what I was thinking?
Here’s the first thirteen lines of Shades of Milk and Honey.
The Wentworths of Long Parkmead had the regard of their neighbors in every respect. Mr. Charles Wentworth, though a second son, through the generosity of his father the Baron of Foxgrove, had been entrusted with an estate in the neighborhood of Sussex. His only regret, for the estate was a fine one, was that it was entailed and, as he had only two daughters, was to pass to his elder brother’s son upon his death. Knowing that, he took pains to set aside some of the income each annum for the provision of his daughters.
The sum was not so large as he wished it might be, but he hoped it would prove enough to attract appropriate husbands for his daughters. Of his younger daughter, Melody, he had no concerns, for she had a face made for fortune. His older daughter, Jane, made up for her deficit of beauty with rare taste and talent in the womanly arts. Her skills at magic and glamour were surpassed by none in their neighborhood and lent their home a sense of wealth far beyond their means. But well he knew how fickle young men’s hearts were.
Excellent beginning, Mary! =)
Thanks, my plan is to read a chapter of Jane Austen every day and at least a page before each writing session to keep her voice in my head.
Whoa, you really ARE a glutton for punishment! I can’t believe you’ve gotten this far already. See you next week when you return from Austin and can catch your breath.
I don’t know what I was thinking. I really don’t.
It’s funny you mentioned Jane Austin. My first thought upon reading the opening was “this feels like a Jane Austin novel.” So offhand, I’d say you’ve done a fantastic job capturing the voice 🙂