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The Curse of Land's End: A gothic 'Pride and Prejudice' variation


Rose Lorimer - 2019
    Something buried in his past is always trying to emerge. Unable to overcome his pain, he hides from the world. Until a letter reaches him. Bingley, one of his best friends, is inviting him to spend some time at the coast, in the neighbouring area of Penzance, Cornwall, where he is not just dealing with his business, but also enjoying the first months of his new life as a married man. His bride is an angel-like gentlewoman called Jane, whom he met during a visit to Hertfordshire, last Summer. In case Darcy accepts, Bingley has only one request to make: that he may bring with him one of his new sisters, a Miss Elizabeth, as a favour to his dearest wife. After such a painful summer, and considering he had already missed his friend’s wedding, against all the odds, Darcy decides to accept. What he does not know is that this single decision will change his life forever. First, because he will meet the only woman not just handsome enough to tempt him, but also the one who breaks the walls of his prison, opening for him a door to a happiness he never thought possible. And, second, because he will never be the same ever again after this, which will also be the most terrifying experience of his life. “The Curse of Land’s End” is a story about secrets, intrigue and mysteries which challenges rationality and faith, and demands a courage strong enough to transcend every instinct of self-preservation in the name of honour and love. “You will do nothing in this world without courage, for it is the greatest quality of the mind next to honour.” (Aristotle) Rated Mild+ (Contains up to 10 mild swear words; contains kisses, and mild, non-seductive description of intimacy — 'My Book Rating'). FROM THE AUTHOR Suddenly, I felt compelled to write a story which would take me (and JAFF) far from my comfort zone, and try something new. It was watching ‘Crimson Peak’, a biting-nail horror story, that the inspiration finally came to me. How would it be to write a story about ghosts, combining romance and mystery, but with no ghosts? "The Curse" is set in 1815, a year when Romanticism — a movement marked by the exaltation of feelings of loss and guilt related both to nature and men — was the fashion and drama, an essential component of the works of this time. "Songs of Experience", by William Blake (1794), "The Corsair", by Lord Byron (1814), and "Frankenstein", by Mary Shelley (1818), are all good examples of how committed the authors were in exploring human's woes; sometimes the sombre tone and dramatic plots are almost too depressing to endure. I can understand the bad reviews related to this point. But I cannot regret my choice. As another reviewer said, “we are all entitled to our own opinions”; the good reviews show it. I grant — my choice in writing a story using Romantic features was bold, but, for me, the result was very pleasing, especially considering the happy ending — what is not the norm for the Romantics. I should not be saying this, but it doesn't matter how much Literature I study, I always love a good happy ending. Another important choice was the deep POV of ODC. In P&P, we live the story through the eyes of Elizabeth and do not learn about Darcy’s struggles until very close to the end. I intended to show the huge abyss between his aloof appearance and his troubled mind — but here, he another reason for it.

Truly Madly Darcy (A Pride and Prejudice Variation)


Kate Bedlow - 2017
    Charles Bingley, is instantly drawn to Elizabeth Bennet’s sister Lydia. More than twice, he asks the youngest Bennet daughter to stand up with him, and soon all the neighborhood is speculating on when Mr. Bingley will make an offer to their dearest girl. Elizabeth cannot understand the attraction. In her heart, she believes a match between Mr. Bingley and Lydia would end in tears all round, while Jane and Charles seemed made for each other. While Mrs. Bennet is giddy over Mr. Bingley’s attentions to Lydia, Elizabeth devises ways to divert them to Jane, but her every stratagem is thwarted by his friend—the arrogant Mr. Darcy. The man is maddening—truly! Excerpt: "Oh, Jane!" Elizabeth cried before she could stop herself. "How... how dramatic." "You're adorable, both of you." Aunt Gardiner was dressed as Queen Cleopatra of Egypt. She beamed at her nieces, apparently of the opinion that their costumes were a great success.Jane was dressed as the goddess of love and beauty, every bit as shocking as Elizabeth's Eve. Mrs. Swan had crafted a costume so provocative, so inviting to the male eye, that Elizabeth feared her sister would be too mortified enter Beaufellmont, let alone the dance floor. The pale pink chiton-style gown was cinched around the waist by a pale blue girdle of Hephaestus, embroidered with tiny silver and gold seashells. The girdle alone emphasized Jane's figure, and two large satin seashells covered her breasts. Her arms were bare from the shoulders, in the Greek fashion, and she wore short pink lace gloves that stopped at her wrists. Her hair was hidden under a pale pink satin turban, which had a golden apple affixed at the top. "You make a wonderful Aphrodite, Miss Bennet," Sally said. "So beautiful. It's a shame you'll be wearing a mask." Jane self-consciously touched the turban's ornament, the golden apple given to Aphrodite according to the judgment of Paris. Her face was red as a berry. No, Elizabeth thought. It is a very good thing we will be wearing masks. "The finer the lady, the more risqué the costume," Mrs. Swan said with full authority on the matter. "I certainly come up to the mark on that account." Elizabeth frowned at the serpent's head at rest on her breast. "Or should I say down to it?" "It is fancy dress, my dears." Aunt Gardiner laughed. "Do not spoil the fun by being unnecessarily overmodest. Lord Beaufellsey's affairs are notorious for their notoriety." "I like that," Elizabeth said drolly. "Let your imaginations take flight. For one night, we shall be outrageous! The three most dangerous females in history: Aphrodite, Cleopatra, and Eve." Elizabeth sat down at her dressing table to allow the second assistant to sweep her hair up and hide it under a turban of pale green satin. "I suppose I won't mind a little outrageousness. Especially as we shall be safely incognito behind our masks." She had always enjoyed her aunt's youthful vigor, but never so much as at this moment. Why not be daring? Especially when so little risk was involved. Even if their masks were to slip, it would not signify.

Unsent Letters: A Pride and Prejudice Novella


Lory Lilian - 2020
    The story is part of the Hot Mush Series: a quick read, hot, low angst, focused on Elizabeth and Darcy.Fitzwilliam Darcy is tormented by an ardent love he cannot explain even to himself. A love that he must conceal, as he cannot possibly consider proposing to Miss Elizabeth Bennet - an extraordinary woman who stirs his mind and his senses, belonging to an ordinary family with questionable manners, no connections and with a situation so decidedly beneath his own.His feelings cannot be shared with any living soul, but cannot be repressed either. So what could the gentleman do, in order to keep his sanity? Write several letters to the lady of his heart, letters uncensored, unguarded, as they were not meant to be ever sent or seen by anyone. No names, no address, only pieces of his soul on paper.Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet used to enjoy the same paths at Rosings Park and the same old oak. After they happened upon each other one day, they purposely avoided such awkward encounters, so they never met again in person, until fate intervened.After an early, solitary ride and time spent reading under the oak, while he mounted to return to Rosings, the book with the pile of letters fell from Darcy’s pocket.Elizabeth - fond of her morning walks, being sure there was nobody around - found them and, with astonishment, shock and disbelief, she read the last one.Mr. Darcy’s hasty return made Elizabeth throw the book back into the grass and hide behind the bushes, watching him as he searched for the infamous treasure in utter despair, before finding it and hiding it in his inner pocket then departing at a gallop.The discovery of Mr. Darcy’s true sentiments for her was a revelation that Elizabeth could hardly comprehend and accept. She had spent the last few months hating Mr. Darcy, holding him responsible for separating Bingley from Jane. Even more so, she had always been certain that he despised her, from that evening when he had called her tolerable and refused to dance with her.Now, her entire world was turned upside down.How will that piece of scandalous knowledge change the course of events and how will Elizabeth ever dare to face Mr. Darcy again?

Against Every Expectation


Paige Badgett - 2022
    Instead of the reprieve she desired, she finds herself trapped and miserable—a direct reflection of Mr Collins’s peculiar sense of hospitality, justice, and duty.. The tension in the parsonage is significant, and her friend is much changed. Elizabeth’s only relief is derived from her morning rambles, where she finds great solace in the strangest of places—walking with Mr Darcy. His steadiness, kindness and dependability greatly oppose her previous perceptions of the man, and yet she cannot help but continue to compare his character in Kent with the man she had supposed him to be during their previous acquaintance in Hertfordshire. Could it be that he was now showing his truest self to her?JUST WHEN IT SEEMS FELICITY is near, however, insidious jealousy arises and the betrayal of one close to the two couples threatens their nascent happiness. Elizabeth is pulled away too soon, and Darcy is left to wonder if she ever had feelings for him at all. Can the truth be untangled in time for their course of love to reach its completion?

Refusing Mr. Collins: A Pride and Prejudice Possibility


Carrie Mollenkopf - 2019
    This may be especially so when the man in question not only possesses the rightful inheritance of said ladies, but is also of a most odious disposition and less than agreeable in appearance. Such was the lot of five young women near the town of Meryton. Not only had they no fortune, their own father, an absentee parent at best, had not the foresight to put aside a single pound should they not have the opportunity marry. For this sole reason, their overbearing mother deemed it necessary for one of her daughters to marry this impossible man. However, a mother’s best laid plans cannot come to pass if the gentleman in question is not only repulsive, but also very, very dead. Desperate times often call for desperate measures. There is a myriad of ways to dispose of an unwanted suitor, all of which may be deemed accidental, for who would ever accuse a young lady of good family? The answer is simple… no one. However, some persons are as extremely difficult to be rid as they are to tolerate in life. The Reverend Mr. Collins, despite his obvious deficiencies when it came to appearance and personality, has an uncanny knack for staying alive but, where there is a will, there is always a way…

The House in Audley Street: A Pride and Prejudice Variation


A.K. Madison - 2021
    . .Happily engaged, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy await the next formality, the preparation and signing of their marriage articles. But on the eve of Darcy's arrival at Longbourn with the contract, Elizabeth disappears on a Sunday walk. It is as though the earth itself had opened and swallowed her up. It takes only a short time for the frantic Darcy to realize that she is caught in a web of evil that extends the length and breadth of England--and that she may not be the only young woman to be trapped. The search in Hertfordshire and London grows more frantic as time grows short.Will Darcy find his beloved Elizabeth before she is caught forever--or found lifeless in the waters of the Thames? The answer lies in a mysterious House on Audley Street.Please note that this book contains allusions to violence and to human trafficking.

Obligation and Redemption: An Alternative Journey Through Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice


Georgia McCall - 2016
    Darcy had lived his life free of the vices that often ruled the hearts and minds of his contemporaries, enjoying the benefits of pride in the strength of his own virtue. He knew that if anyone had reason for confidence, he had more: his lineage was impeccable, a Cambridge graduate, a gentleman; as to integrity, blameless. Under his rule, his country estate had prospered beyond any point in its long history; every decision he made had affected hundreds of livelihoods for the good. He was a most conscientious brother, sacrificing so much for his sister’s benefit. And then he took the most honourable route and gave up his plans for marriage to save a family utterly unconnected to himself. And yet, Darcy cannot find peace. His world begins to unravel before his eyes as he desperately tries to regain control. Upon connecting himself to Elizabeth Bennet, his faults are laid bare before him as he fails time and again. At first he lays blame on the woman who, he is certain, contrived his destiny, but will he ever be able to see how his own pride endeavours to destroy his happiness? And will he ever discover the unmerited freedom that has eluded him throughout his life?

Mr. Darcy’s Redemption: A Pride and Prejudice Variation


Juliana Abbott - 2020
     Mired in his grief, he retreats to the country for solace. He never intended on taking a wife but with a niece in his care, he knows he must provide the child with the love of a mother. When his friend Charles Bingley introduces him to a suitable lady, Darcy thought his marriage would be in name only. But despite his best intentions, he is quickly charmed by his new bride. Will he ever be able to risk everything on love again? Elizabeth At five and twenty, Elizabeth Bennet is well past her prime. All her life she stood resolute in her decision never to marry for love. When her sister brings her an alarming offer of marriage, Elizabeth realizes that she cannot refuse- not when a child’s well-being is in peril. Despite her best resolutions, love begins to blossom between her and Mr. Darcy. But when an unexpected letter arrives, old enemies threaten to shatter everything. Will she and Mr. Darcy ever find their road to happiness and to love? **** Mr. Darcy’s Redemption is a sensual romance featuring Our Dear Couple in this Pride & Prejudice Variation, and it's over 72,000 words long.. ******

In the Spirit Intended: Variations on a Jane Austen Christmas


Jan Ashton - 2021
    The wisest and the best action I have ever done, is give you mine. A YEAR AFTER THEY LAST MET, Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are reunited for Christmas at the Bingleys’ London townhouse. Neither has passed the time easily—he has travelled, while she has refused a third offer of marriage and helped her sister settle into married life. NOW THEIR PASTS COLLIDE as they gather with family, including two unexpected visitors, to celebrate the holidays and unwrap old wounds. Darcy fears Elizabeth is unhappily constrained living with the newlyweds, while she assumes his ease comes from joy in the choice he made to eschew her.AFTER A YEAR OF YEARNING and self-recrimination, it takes a little Christmas spirit and some meaningful conversation to finally bind their hearts together.

Mr. Darcy's Daughter: A Pride & Prejudice Variation


Melissa Halcomb - 2021
    For three years, it has hung like a dead weight about his neck, yet his first priority has been and must continue to be his young daughter. He married once for duty, he will only marry again for love. Is there a lady out there who will love him for the man he is underneath his vast wealth and lofty connections and, more importantly, who will love his precious daughter as dearly as he does? Will those with their own agenda to push allow him to follow his heart?A rocky first encounter with the handsome friend of her new neighbour leaves Elizabeth reeling. Meeting his adorable daughter will change her life forever. Loving the sweet little girl is easy, but what about the tall, brooding man she calls Papa? What will Elizabeth do when faced with those who deem her unworthy of the master of Pemberley?Mr. Darcy's Daughter is a sweet full length novel of +82,000 words. This is Melissa's debut novel.

In a more amiable light: A Pride and Prejudice novella


Marley Fulton - 2019
    Both sisters are hurt after Mr. Bingley’s hasty departure from Netherfield, although their suffering differs. One of them is trying to mend her broken heart and the other one tries to soothe her anger against those who hurt her sister. Jane and Elizabeth are unexpectedly reacquainted with the men who will change their lives forever. “In a More Amiable Light” is the first Austenesque attempt of a man who has been in love with reading and with Jane Austen’s books all his life but has tried his pen only in other genres so far. The author hopes the readers will give this story a try, so he gains enough courage for another longer and more complex project.

Expectations & Apologies


Elizabeth Squire - 2020
    Darcy's caustic remarks about her at the assembly. Would she still have seen him as arrogant, selfish and conceited? Would he have been able to remain aloof and prideful if Elizabeth was not initially prejudiced against him? The road to true love turns in unexpected ways. Although there will be others in my What if series they are all stand alone stories.

The Blind Will See: A Pride and Prejudice Variation


Laraba Kendig - 2020
    Instead, he is wounded in a training accident a few days after his arrival.Miss Elizabeth Bennet, distressed on Mr. Wickham’s behalf, confronts Mr. Darcy, the man she believes dishonorably deprived Wickham of a valuable living in the church. She learns, to her shock, that the handsome militia man had been thoroughly dishonest about his former dealings with the handsome master of Pemberley.With many false beliefs swept away, and a wounded and disfigured Mr. Wickham contemplating his life choices, beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice find themselves on a new trajectory for their lives. For when the Almighty shines His light into the lives of men and women, the blind will see.This is a low angst, clean, sweet Regency romance of 70,000 words.

Her Sisterly Love: A Pride & Prejudice Variation


Lucy Marin - 2022
    Jane is her partner in this endeavour—until her attention is diverted by the arrival of a handsome new neighbour, Mr Bingley. With him is his friend, Mr Darcy, who Elizabeth first dismisses as taciturn and rude. But as she gets to know him, other feelings arise—ones destined to end in heartbreak because of her promise to remain with her sisters.SOON AFTER ARRIVING at Netherfield, Fitzwilliam Darcy finds himself intrigued by one of the local young ladies. There is something about Elizabeth Bennet’s kindliness that draws him to her, and as he learns more about her, his admiration grows. First determined to forget her, he soon wants more than anything to win her heart and her hand in marriage. But will the very thing that draws him to her be the thing that forever keeps them apart?Her Sisterly Love is a Pride and Prejudice novella variation.

Elizabeth Bennet: Heiress


Don H. Miller - 2021
    Mr. Bennet receives news that Mr. Collins has died, and, there being no other living male descendants of the grandparent who created the fee tail on Longbourn, Mr. Bennet may will Longbourn to the daughter of his choice. He chooses Elizabeth, with the full agreement of Jane, her elder sister. Thus, although the family fortune is not affected, Elizabeth’s personal standing is raised because she is now the heiress of a desirable estate. This story explores the effects this may have on Elizabeth’s life and her somewhat contentious relationship with Darcy.