I feature Georgian jewelry in every Jane Austen variation I write. The jewelry of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries embodied the sentimental values of the time. It's the perfect way to add another element of romance to Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship.
Georgian jewelry was often romantic, and heart brooches were common gifts for loved ones. One popular style was an open heart brooch called a witch’s heart. The tail of a witch’s heart twists to the right and was in use since the 15th century. They gained popularity in Scotland in the 17th century when they were known as a Luckenbooth, named for the stalls in Edinburgh where they were sold as tokens to ward off evil spirits and protect loved ones.
By the 18th century, the witch’s heart had taken on a meaning beyond a talisman—they were given to a loved one as proof of being “bewitched” with love. As Georgian love tokens, they were commonly made of garnets, the symbol of love and friendship.
In Without Undue Pride, Elizabeth Fitzwilliam née Bennet has lost everything after her husband dies on the battlefield. Darcy is doing what he can to help her recover her money and keep custody of her unborn child.
In this scene, Elizabeth describes to Darcy a witch’s heart brooch her first husband had given her.
***
Darcy smiled at her playful manner. “Did Georgiana exhaust you today?”
“She only needed some encouragement that she does, in fact, know her own mind. But she is, in essentials, a conservative spender. You need not worry that we will drive you to bankruptcy.”
He noted her use of “we.” “I am glad that you could replace your belongings.”
A shadow passed over her eyes, driving away the playfulness that just inhabited them. “Yes, nearly everything.”
“Except?” he led.
He thought she would refuse, but she huffed and smiled, as though embarrassed. “It is nothing. I had to sell all my jewellery, even my wedding band. And your cousin had given me a pretty little brooch. A crowned open heart with its tail turned to the side, almost like it was in motion.”
He pictured it in his mind. “A witch’s brooch. Because you bewitched him?”
She nodded. “It was made of paste, but it was a charming sentiment. Charlotte had to get something for her sister, so Georgiana and I looked round the shop while we waited, and I saw one that reminded me of it.”
He could replace her gowns and bonnets, and Milton could give her money to live on, but that sentimental gift could never be restored to her.
He gave her a sympathetic look and even dared to reach between them to squeeze her hand in sympathy. Words felt empty, but she seemed gratified to have someone sit by her in sadness until the moment passed.
Once Darcy and Elizabeth get together, he’s going to give her a similar and thoughtful gift.
Enter the swag giveaway for Without Undue Pride!
1 entrant will win:
Signed paperback copy of Without Undue Pride
Luckenbooth-style witch’s heart pin
Bookmarks
The giveaway is open from 03/10/2025 12:00am EST to 03/17/2025 12:00am EST. Giveaway is open worldwide.
One winner will be chosen at random and notified via email on March 17, 2025. Winner will have 24 hours to reply and claim their prize or another winner will be drawn.
Entrants must leave a comment on any blog or subscribe to Heather Moll's newsletter to enter. Entrants can leave a comment at every blog for more chances to win.
She’s a heartbroken and pregnant widow. He’s fulfilling a promise to his dead cousin. Will grief show them a different path to love?
Elizabeth Fitzwilliam, née Bennet, doesn’t believe she will ever trust. Left destitute and pregnant after her colonel husband dies on the battlefield, the once-lively widow is horrified when her brother-in-law threatens to seize custody of her child. So though she doesn’t have faith he’ll keep his word, the heartsore mother throws herself on the mercy of the one man who offers to help… the sternly handsome Mr. Darcy.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is unrelenting in matters of honor. And although he’s too busy mourning his relative to fully appreciate his guest’s quick wit and bright eyes, he finds unforeseen comfort in their blossoming friendship. But as their attachment grows deeper, he’s perplexed by her broken-hearted confessions and staunch refusal to even consider another courtship.
Torn between her desires and her experience, Elizabeth’s careful plans shatter after a shocking betrayal. And while he yearns to take her hand in marriage, Darcy fears she may value her independence more than his proposal.
Will betrayal and broken hearts stop their romance from blooming?
This Pride and Prejudice variation contains open door content and mention of an OC's off page miscarriage.
What do you think about witch's hearts or Elizabeth being a war bride? Leave a comment below to enter the giveaway. Be sure to visit the other blogs for another chance to win and to read more excerpts from the book!
This story has our Elizabeth really in a BIG emotional journey from start to finish! Darcy is wonderful in this one. ~ Glory
Happy Book Release!
I am looking forward to reading this book. What an interesting premise!
That's a fascinating premise, an Elizabeth married and loved by Colonel Fitzwilliam. I love your jewelry angle!
Would love to read. Thanks for the giveaway.