Henry Tilney's Diary (9781101559024)

Table of Contents

 

 

Praise for
Colonel Brandon's Diary

“The hero of
Colonel Brandon's Diary
has more tragedy and romance in his life than any three or four bodice-ripping Regency rakes. Elopements! Duels! Adultery! Love children!
This is Jane Austen?
the skeptic might ask; we reply, it sure is! It's all in
Sense and Sensibility
, cunningly hidden in the backstory, but Amanda Grange has brought this dramatic tale to full life in the best book yet in her series of heroes' diaries.”

 

“In her fifth novel in the Austen Heroes series, Amanda Grange has actually succeeded in improving upon Austen's character Colonel Brandon . . . As always, Grange is one of the most gifted writers in the Austen subgenre, giving us a touching inside story that is hard to put down.”

Praise for
Edmund Bertram's Diary

“Amanda Grange has hit upon a winning formula and retells the familiar story with great verve.”

 

“Once again, Amanda Grange has provided a highly entertaining retelling of a classic Jane Austen novel, as seen through the hero's eyes . . . Pure fun, with the story told in a diary format that makes the reader feel like she's taking a peek into Edmund's innermost thoughts . . . I enjoyed every moment of it.”

 

“A sympathetic portrait of a young man struggling with the difficult choices that life throws at us all.”

Praise for
Captain Wentworth's Diary

“Amanda Grange has taken on the challenge of reworking a much-loved romance and succeeds brilliantly.”

—Historical Novels Review
(Editor's Choice)

 

“In this retelling of
Persuasion
we are given a real treat . . . Like the other books in Ms. Grange's series, scrupulous attention is paid to the original, even while interpreting what is not explicitly shown, and some well-known scenes are fleshed out while others are condensed, nicely complementing the original.”

 

“Amanda Grange's retellings of Jane Austen's novels from the point of view of the heroes are hugely popular and deservedly so . . .
Captain Wentworth's Diary
, a retelling of Austen's
Persuasion
, will entrance and enthrall old and new fans alike.”

 

“One of those wonderful historicals that makes the reader feel as if they're right in the front parlor with the characters . . . this book held me captive. It is well written and I very much hope to read more by this author. Amanda Grange is a writer who tells an engaging, thoroughly enjoyable story!”

Praise for
Mr. Knightley's Diary

“Sticks close to the plot of Austen's
Emma
, mixing [Knightley's] initially censorious view of Miss Woodhouse with his notes on managing the hereditary seat at Donwell Abbey and affectionate asides on his collection of young nieces and nephews.”

 

“A lighthearted and sparkling rendition of the classic love story.”

 

“Charming . . . knowing the outcome of the story doesn't lessen the romantic tension and expectation for the reader. Grange hits the Regency language and tone on the head.”

 

“Ms. Grange manages the tricky balancing act of satisfying the reader and remaining respectful of Jane Austen's original at the same time, and like Miss Woodhouse herself, we are given the privilege of falling for Mr. Knightley all over again.”

 

“Readers familiar with
Emma
should enjoy revisiting the county and its people and welcome the expansion of Mr. Knightley's role. Others will find an entertaining introduction to a classic.”

 

“Well written with a realistic eye to the rustic lifestyle of the aristocracy, fans of Ms. Austen will appreciate this interesting perspective.”

 

“A very enjoyable read and an amusing tale.”

MR. KNIGHTLEY'S DIARY
CAPTAIN WENTWORTH'S DIARY
EDMUND BERTRAM'S DIARY
COLONEL BRANDON'S DIARY
HENRY TILNEY'S DIARY

 

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

 

A Berkley Book / published by arrangement with Robert Hale, Ltd.

Copyright © 2011 by Amanda Grange.

 

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author's rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

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PRINTING HISTORY

Berkley trade paperback edition / December 2011

 

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

 

Grange, Amanda.

Henry Tilney's diary / Amanda Grange.—Berkley trade paperback ed. p. cm.

ISBN : 978-1-101-55902-4

1. England—Social life and customs—18th century—Fiction. 2. Diary fiction. I. Title.

PR6107.R35H46 2011

823'.92—dc22

2011033884

 

 

 

No lessons, no tutors, no Latin, no Greek! How glad I am to be home again, with time to spend with my horses and dogs, my brother and sister, my mother and father. No more school for a month! Instead time to wander the abbey and roam the grounds.

The kitchen gardens have changed since last I was here. My father took me on a tour of them as soon as I stepped out of the carriage. He would not be content until I had seen every new plant and marvelled over every new bit of walling. It gives him something to do, now that he has left the army, I suppose, and I believe he will change every part of the Abbey before he is done.

Mama looked pale but only laughed when I said so, remarking that everyone looks pale in April. But I think she is not well. Eleanor has grown another inch and has developed a taste for Gothic novels. Frederick was out all day and looks set to be out all night, too. Papa paced up and down, his watch in his hand, whilst waiting for my brother this evening, then at last gave instructions for dinner to be served without him. I do not envy Frederick when he returns, for if there is one thing my father hates, it is to be kept waiting for anything.

 

 

 

All was peaceful this morning as Mama, Papa and I were at breakfast. Eleanor had just departed to work with her governess when suddenly the door of the breakfast parlour opened and Frederick walked in. It was obvious that he had just returned from a night's carousing. He was looking very dishevelled. His eyes were red, his speech slurred and his linen was none too fresh. He lurched towards us and demanded a thousand pounds from my father to cover his losses at the gaming tables, saying he must pay his debts of honour. My father, who had watched him like a simmering volcano since he set foot in the room, went purple with rage and rose to his feet. He shook with anger and then erupted, roaring a refusal and saying that Frederick had disgraced the name of Tilney.

‘By God, boy! What do you mean by it, coming in here at this hour and standing before your mother in this state, unwashed and reeking of brandy? I have warned you about your behaviour before, sir, but I will not warn you again. I have had my fill! I will not stand by whilst you waste every penny of your allowance—'

‘Aye, and pennies is all it is,' said Frederick with a sneer. ‘A gentleman cannot be expected to manage on what you give. It is a trifling sum, when you inherited a fortune—'

‘Which you are dissipating. I should never have listened to your mother's soft entreaties on your behalf. I should have sent you into the army years ago, it would have made a man of you,' said my father.

‘What? A soldier?' asked Frederick as he half-lurched, half-fell into a chair with a derisory laugh. ‘I am the heir of Northanger Abbey. Careers are not for the likes of me.'

‘Careers are for every man who would be a man, instead of a disgrace to himself, his family and his name. The devil finds work for idle hands; well, no more! If you were older I would demand your help in running the estate—'

Frederick snorted.

‘You would never let me meddle with your precious gardens and kitchens, you want them all to yourself. You do not even let Mama have a say! You like your own way too well.'

Papa threw down his napkin and his anger turned into icy contempt.

‘If you had shown any interest in your duty, then in the coming years I would have let you join with me in improving the abbey, but as it is you need discipline. Let us see what a few years in the army will do for you, and see if you, too, can rise to the rank of general.'

Mama, who had been sitting quietly up until that point, was upset by the turn events had taken. She implored my father to change his mind, saying that Frederick was too young to join the army. To which my father replied, ‘Eighteen? Too young? If anything it is too old. Some discipline would have done the boy good years ago, but better late than never.' Then turning to Frederick he demanded, ‘Well, sir, what do you have to say for yourself ?'