Diana Birchall, the author, has given us a special sneak peek of her new book, The Bride of Northanger. This Jane Austen variation is a romantic gothic mystery featuring Catherine Morland and the often-overlooked Henry Tilney. If you’re into fun, Austen-inspired novels, Birchall’s latest work might just be what you’re looking for.
The Bride of Northanger follows Catherine Morland, who is on cloud nine as she prepares to marry her charming and witty fiancé, Henry Tilney. On the eve of their wedding, Henry reluctantly reveals to Catherine and her parents a family secret that he has dreaded sharing—a curse on his family and their home, Northanger Abbey.
Henry, a well-educated and rational clergyman, and Catherine, who has matured considerably over their year-long engagement, both dismiss the idea of curses as mere superstition. However, their skepticism is put to the test when a murder at Northanger Abbey sets off a chain of events that are as dark and gothic as anything Jane Austen herself would have written. These events challenge the young couple’s beliefs but never waver their love for each other.
Here’s an exclusive excerpt from Chapter 5 of The Bride of Northanger:
As Catherine hurried across the dark lawn back to the house, she spotted the General, now holding only a candle, leaving the convent building. Worried he might see her, she quickly hid in the shadows.
She then saw something that truly frightened her—a ghostly figure in grey, illuminated by the moonlight. The eerie figure glided toward the greenhouse and then back to the dark building as the light from the General’s candle disappeared.
Terrified, Catherine ran back to the house and into her bedroom. Her husband, Henry, was alarmed. “Catherine! Are you all right? Did something scare you?”
“It wasn’t a person, Henry. It was a ghost—a Grey Lady!” Catherine replied, almost breathless.
Henry was startled. “What? But how could you know about the Grey Lady legend of Northanger Abbey? I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned it to you. It’s unbelievable that what you saw matches the legend.”
“I know what I saw, Henry,” Catherine insisted.
“I believe you saw something, but it couldn’t be a ghost. Maybe it was someone playing a trick,” Henry suggested.
“I saw your father too,” Catherine revealed. “He walked into the convent with what looked like food, and then the Grey Lady appeared after he left.”
Henry looked worried. “I’m not sure what my father is up to, but he has a history of cruelty toward his tenants. Perhaps this lady you saw is connected to that.”
“Oh, Henry, can we help her?” Catherine asked.
“I don’t know how. The estate manager, Claiborne, knows most about my father’s dealings. Hopefully, he’ll prevent anything truly criminal,” Henry said, though he didn’t seem convinced.
“For now, we’re safe. We should leave my father to his peculiar ways. Tomorrow, we’ll be gone from this dreadful place. I’ll write to our agent to keep an eye out for any abuses when we’re back at Woodston. My father won’t like having his misdeeds exposed,” Henry reassured.
Catherine shivered. “I can’t wait to be home, Henry,” she said as she quickly undressed and joined her husband in bed, seeking comfort in his embrace.
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Diana Birchall’s Background:
Diana Birchall spent many years at Warner Bros studios as a story analyst, evaluating novels for their potential as movies. Alongside her professional work, she maintained a passion for Jane Austen studies, leading her to write Austenesque fiction as a tribute to and exploration of Austen’s unique style. Birchall is the author of In Defense of Mrs. Elton, Mrs. Elton in America, Mrs. Darcy’s Dilemma, and the new The Bride of Northanger. She has also penned hundreds of Austenesque short stories and plays, and a biography of her novelist grandmother. Birchall has lectured on her works and conducted play readings in various locations including Hollywood, Montreal, and Yale.
