Good afternoon fellow Janeites,
My guest today is Mr. William Darcy of Darcy and Associates. Those who have heard about Legally Darcy from Denise O’Hara probably know who he is, and those who haven’t, will soon get to know him 🙂
Mr. Darcy became famous in the social media due to a situation that occurred in Las Vegas recently, and even if what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas I decided to take my chance and invite him to speak about it and clarify the rumours that have been going on. He is a very reserved person so I was surprised that he agreed to visit From Pemberley to Milton, but he did, so today you will find out a little more about “the Vegas issue”.
First of all, thank you for taking a few minutes out of your busy schedule to stop by today Mr. Darcy.
William Darcy – You are very welcome.
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FPTM – So Mr. Darcy, let’s get right to the reason you’re visiting us today. In view of your recent experience, you’re here today to share what can be done if we find ourselves receiving negative attention through social media. First of all, can you explain how you found yourself in this situation?
W. Darcy – I was attending a large conference in Las Vegas, at which I was one of the guest speakers. I was surrounded by both my peers and others in various aspects of our line of work. On the last day of the conference, I was, for lack of a better way of putting it, slipped a mickey, as was the woman in the photos that later went viral. Evidence we have uncovered strongly suggest it was done with malice, with the intention of harming my reputation.
FPTM -I understand that your team was able to track down the person or persons, who were responsible for drugging you and then posting the pictures we’re referring to. Why weren’t any charges filed against them? You are after all a lawyer.
W. Darcy – First, I’d like to make it clear than the two events, drugging myself and the woman involved, and the posting of the pictures later taken, are two separate events. We do not believe that the young woman who took what she saw as humorous photos was in any way working with the unscrupulous individual who was solely responsible for slipping a drug into our drinks. The person who took and posted the photos has expressed regret for her role in the embarrassment caused by her actions. She has removed her posts. The other individual was very clever in disguising his crime. It would have been difficult to prove his involvement. However, as with most criminals, he later made a mistake involving another matter and is incarcerated at this very moment, awaiting a hearing. So in the end we believe justice will be served.
FPTM – I’m glad the matter was resolved. But, still, you had to take measures to defend yourself from the backlash of other people’s actions. What did you learn that may be of benefit to others who find themselves in a similar situation, Mr. Darcy?
W. Darcy – I was given sound advice which I followed. The main two points I took away are:
One, it was an unfortunate incident. But I want to stress that it was just an incident. While it can be a challenge to recover from, it’s by no means impossible. First and foremost you need to plaster your web presence with our own pictures and information about all the positive aspects of your life.
Second, try to find out who posted and ask them to take it down. It’s already been downloaded by a large number of other people but it’s still important to stop it from spreading at the source. In my case, as is true in the majority of cases, the motive was to get a laugh, likes and shares on social media. To strong-arm them, use intimidation is usually not the best way to react. You’ll get better results by appealing to their good nature and a small token of appreciation afterwards is usually well-received.
FPTM – Practical advice, Mr. Darcy. But while we have you here, we’d like to find out a little more about one of the best legal minds in the country. The law firm Darcy and Associates was actually started by your Father, the late Mr. George Darcy. Is that why you decided to become a lawyer, to follow in your father’s footsteps?
W. Darcy – While I certainly have followed in his footsteps in respect to my choice of profession, I wouldn’t say that was my motivation. My father had a successful practice long before I was born and as a result, I was exposed to the world of the law. I can remember being quite young and seeing my father being interviewed on television about a very high-profile case. I was intrigued, not by the fact that my father was on tv, but rather by the details of the case. I had endless questions for him from that moment on. I enjoyed few things more than discussing nuances of the law with my father and any of his associates that came to our home, Pemberley.
FPTM – Interesting. One might say you basically cut your teeth on the law. That explains why so many consider you to be the go to man when they need the best of the best defense lawyer. So, what do you consider to have been your greatest achievement?
W. Darcy – Well, without a doubt that would be in successfully raising my sister. She was just eight years old at the time of our father’s death and I only eighteen. Georgiana’s turning out to be a happy and well-adjusted adult has been my single greatest achievement.
FPTM – And your greatest regret?
W. Darcy – Certainly I have regrets that are a result of my own making, but I regret more than anything that I had so short a time with my dear mother and that my sister had none. Mom was an extraordinary person.
FPTM – I’m very sorry for your loss. She would have been very proud of both her children. I understand your father was, by all accounts, a big sports fan. Do you share that same passion?
(here Mr. Darcy grinned)
W. Darcy – I’m afraid not. Growing up, my cousin, Richard, was always perplexed by how someone of my height could be so inept at basketball. My father loved to watch sports, especially football. I could never really understand the attraction. However, I have always had horses and riding has been and remains a great joy of my life.
FPTM – You have some beautiful animals. Perhaps if you lived in Europe, instead of America, your sport would have been polo.
W. Darcy – Yes, now that is a sport I could get behind.
FPTM – So, if you don’t enjoy sitting down to watch sports, do you enjoy watching? TV or movies?
W. Darcy – I’m not a big tv watcher except for Fox News. But I do enjoy movies. I have fond memories of going to the movies and theater with my parents, a tradition I kept up with my sister.
FPTM – And what is your favorite movie?
W. Darcy – My all time favorite movie is Hombre, with Paul Newman. The Sting and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid are at the top of my list as well.
FPTM – Ah, so you’re an old movie buff then?
W. Darcy – You could say that, yes. However, sometimes I go for a good action hero movie. I like the no nonsense approach of Tony Stark.
FPTM – That’s very interesting to know. In fact, it has been interesting to know the man behind the pictures, would you mind answering a few fast questions? I’m sure my readers would love to know more about one of the most interesting bachelors in the country 🙂
(and here words did seem to fail him…I love to put people in awkward situations)
W. Darcy – hum…well, I don’t have much free time left, so if they are really fast questions, I can still answer before leaving.
FPTM – Thank you Mr Darcy. I promise not to take much more of your time. I know you love reading, what is your favourite book?
W. Darcy – Anything Isaac Asimov, Pebble in the sky, the Foundation series. I’ve read them all many times.
FPTM – Favourite music?
W. Darcy – Classical piano.
FPTM -Favourite city?
W. Darcy – New York will always feel like home to me, but Paris holds a special place in my heart now as well.
FPTM – Brunettes or blondes? (told you..love awkwardness…)
W. Darcy – Blondes for sisters, and a brunette for everything else.
FPTM – Good answer! Left me thinking on the everything else though…Coffee or tea?
W. Darcy – Well, I had many long nights as a law student, you know. So black coffee it is.
FPTM – Well, thank you for stopping by and answering a few questions, Mr. Darcy. I understand you have a lunch appointment with your Aunt, Catherine de Bourgh, which you cannot be late for?
(Mr. Darcy chuckled)
W. Darcy -You’ve had the pleasure of interviewing my aunt on several occasions, so you understand, she is not one to be kept waiting.
FPTM – Yes, she’s always a delightful guest. Please send my regards.
I hope you have enjoyed this interview, I surely enjoyed doing it, but my curiosity regarding “the vegas issues” was not yet satisfied, so Denise O’Hara decided to share with me na excerpt portraying Darcy and Elizabeth in the sin city. I’m sharing it with you as well, and I want to hear all your thoughs on it afterwards 🙂
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***Book Excerpt***
On their last night there, after the conference was officially over, it seemed like practically everyone in attendance was ready to have some fun, and take advantage of what Vegas had to offer. Elizabeth wasn’t interested in their kind of partying and slipped out on her own. She made her way to the in house restaurant and took a seat at the bar.
“What can I get for you, Miss?”
“I would like something decadent, creamy and delicious, but not too strong. What do you recommend?”
“For a limited time we have an Italian eggnog martini to die for, complete with peppermint stick garnish,” the bartender suggested.
“Oh yes, that sounds perfect. And what kind of appetizer would you pair with that?”
A voice behind her answered her question. “I believe I can recommend the spiced banana nut crostini or the cheese straws.”
Elizabeth didn’t need to turn around to know who was speaking. Taking a stool next to hers, he said, “Hello Lizzy. It’s been awhile.”
“It has. How have you been, George?”
“Great, just great. Very well rested after falling asleep through most of the lectures this weekend,” he joked. “How about you? Still hitting the books hard?”
“Oh yes. I must admit I’ve been looking forward to having some time off to sleep in and be lazy.”
“Well, you certainly are looking fantastic. I sure have missed my favorite intern. How about grabbing a bite after drinks?”
“Um, I really can’t. I’ve got my heart set on seeing Celine Dion’s show. I heard it’s fabulous. Listen, can I leave my drink here while I go freshen up?” she asked the bartender. “And I’ll go with the crostini please. Goodbye, George.”
George watched her until she turned the corner and was out of sight.
“Can I get anything for you, sir?”
“Yes, I’ll take a dirty martini please.”
“Coming right up,” the bartender said as he turned to gather the ingredients. Scanning the area to make sure no one was looking, Wickham took the opportunity to slip a little something into Lizzy’s drink. Well Lizzy, I don’t think you’re going to make that show tonight, he thought smugly.
As the bartender set his drink in front of him, Will took a seat a few chairs down. Not noticing anyone other patrons at first, he ordered a seven and crown before looking around, and spotting Wickham. George raised his glass in greeting. Before Will had time to react, a group of attendees entered the bar area.
“Well, if it isn’t Will Darcy!” one of the men in the group said loudly.
Ignoring George, Will answered, “Oliver! I didn’t know you were here. How are you, my friend?”
“Oh, I can’t complain. Guess I could, but what’s the fun in that, right?” he gave a hearty laugh. “Let me introduce you around, though I think you know most of these thieves in lawyers clothing. Say, how about joining us for dinner and catching up?”
“I’d love to,” Will answered, ready to get as far away from Wickham as possible.
“That’s great; man it’s good to see you! Come on looks like our table is ready.”
“Sir! Sir!” the bartender called after Will, who was following the noisy group into the main dining room. “He forgot his drink,” he offhandedly commented to George.
Elizabeth walked up, disappointed to see George still sitting there. She had been joined by a couple dozen from the firm George worked for. “Look who we found,” Stacey from accounting said. “First this one,” indicating Lizzy, “and now Georgie boy! Come on you two, the conference room is set up with a complimentary bar. We’re headed there now.”
“I really can’t, I have other plans,” Elizabeth begged off.
“Then I do too,” George answered giving Elizabeth a look she understood completely.
“I’ve already told you no once, George,” she said firmly. “I haven’t changed my mind.”
Taken aback by her cold reply and with Stacey pressing him to join her, he quickly weighed his options. He couldn’t afford to get on Stacey’s bad side. George stood up to leave. “Well, it was good seeing you again, Lizzy. Enjoy Celine.”
The group lingered, some noticing Elizabeth for the first time, stopping to chat and inviting her to join them. Remembering Darcy’s drink, a delightful thought occurred to George. He made his way over to where Will had left it and with all the commotion going on and the bartender at the other end waiting on other customers who had come in, George slipped the rest of what he had on him into the drink. Looking around, he spotted a hostess and made his way towards her.
“Excuse me Miss, but my friend left his drink at the bar. Would you be so kind as to bring it to his table? He’s with the large party at the round table in the center there. He’s the one with the red tie.”
“Of course,” she answered and hurried off to fulfill the request.
George stepped back and watch as Darcy took the drink from the young woman, thanked her and took a sip. Ha! Now let’s see what your admirers think of you when you start to slur your words and get drunk on one drink, Mr. High and Mighty!
George went back to the group and left arm in arm with one of his coworkers, grinning from ear to ear and congratulating himself for his cleverness.
After finishing his drink, Will placed his order for a glass of wine to be served with his food before excusing himself from the table, and headed to the restrooms. He glanced at the bar to see if Wickham was still there, but to his shock, he saw Miss Bennet instead.
He hesitated for an instant but decided he wanted to speak to her more than he wanted to avoid her.
She looked his way as he approached.
“Mr. Darcy!”
Seeing those eyes looking at him he faltered. “Miss Bennet. Have you been enjoying yourself? At the conference, I mean?”
“Yes, very much, thank you. I didn’t know you were here. There is quite a crowd this weekend, much more than I expected.”
“Yes, I believe it is the largest attendance there’s… um, excuse me, I think I need to sit down for a minute. I believe they must make their drinks rather on the strong side here. Then again, I haven’t eaten anything today, which may have something to do with it.”
Elizabeth nodded a bit too enthusiastically in agreement and said in reply, “I’m finding the same thing. Though I rarely drink, so that must be the reason I’m feeling the effects already. Your tie is very red.”
“Yes, it’s a power color,” Will replied. “And your family, they are well?”
“Oh, you know…” was the only answer she managed.
“I’m feeling rather flushed. I think I need to cool off in the fountain,” Will said as he stood with difficulty.
“Now that’s an idea I can get behind,” Elizabeth said before she burst out laughing.
Will began to laugh with her, first softly then so hard he had trouble catching his breath.
“Let’s go then,” he said, taking her arm to help steady her and himself.”
When they reached the fountain in the expansive lobby, Elizabeth said with slurred words, “That beautiful.”
“You are beautiful, Elizabeth.”
“So are you, Mr. Darcy.”
***It’s Giveaway time!!!***
Denise O’Hara would like to offer 2 ebook copies of Legally Darcy to my readers. All you have to do is comment on this post and share your thoughts with us.
The giveaway is international and is open until the 26th of January. The winners will be announced shortly after. Make sure you visit From Pemberley to Milton to see if you were one of the lucky winners or follow the blog to receive directly in your e-mail the posts announcing the winners.
Good luck everyone!
