Unequal Affections: A Pride and Prejudice Retelling


Lara S. Ormiston - 2013
    Darcy, she despised him and was sure he felt the same. Angered by his pride and reserve, influenced by the lies of the charming Mr. Wickham, she never troubled herself to believe he was anything other than the worst of men--until, one day, he unexpectedly proposed. Mr. Darcy's passionate avowal of love causes Elizabeth to reevaluate everything she thought she knew about him. What she knows is that he is rich, handsome, clever, and very much in love with her. She, on the other hand, is poor, and can expect a future of increasing poverty if she does not marry. The incentives for her to accept him are strong, but she is honest enough to tell him that she does not return his affections. He says he can accept that--but will either of them ever be truly happy in a relationship of unequal affection?Diverging from Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice at the proposal in the Hunsford parsonage, this story explores the kind of man Darcy is, even before his "proper humbling," and how such a man, so full of pride, so much in love, might have behaved had Elizabeth chosen to accept his original proposal.

Infamous Relations: A Pride And Prejudice "What If?" Tale


Catherine Bilson - 2016
    Mr Collins had been even more despicable than in Jane Austen's original tale?Would such an infamous relation destroy Elizabeth and Darcy's chance of happiness forever, or would his actions set in motion an entirely different sequence of events?

Dear Sir, Dear Madam: A Pride and Prejudice Novella


Mary Lydon Simonsen - 2018
    The next day, Darcy hands Elizabeth his infamous letter which succeeds in shutting down all communication between the two prior to their reunion at Pemberley. But what if Elizabeth had responded to Mr. Darcy's hastily written letter? By committing their thoughts to paper in a secret correspondence, and with the help of cousins, a friend, and a manservant, Darcy and Elizabeth gradually develop a better understanding of the reasons for their actions in Hertfordshire. In these exchanges, the prejudices that have hampered their relationship from the very beginning are exposed, and the letters open a world of possibilities. Dear Sir, Dear Madam, a novella, provides a look at the thoughts of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy following the Hunsford Parsonage dust-up.

Mr Darcy's Resolve


E. Bradshaw - 2017
    After a fierce argument with her mother, Elizabeth flees from Longbourn in a state of tearful rage. She faces a troubling dilemma and is trapped by her feelings of obligation to her family, whilst her rebellious, independent spirit is determined not to be subjugated into a loveless marriage. Just as she is at her lowest ebb, when all hope seems to have fled, she is surprised by the arrival of none-other than Mr Darcy. She knows very well that he views her and all her family with complete derision, and so she cannot understand why he is so kind and gentlemanly towards her that day. It is the first time that she sees a different side to Mr Darcy, and she starts to develop a new insight into his character – and to realise that he is not as arrogant and unfeeling as she always previously assumed him to be. From that day a new understanding grows between them, and Elizabeth begins to view him in a better light. Their relationship grows from that day forwards – though their path to happiness is by no means an easy one. Along the way they must face opposition from their families, clear up a damaging misapprehension, and overcome a scandal which could destroy all their hopes for their future. Nevertheless, through it all, Mr Darcy is absolutely resolved and utterly set upon a future with his beloved Elizabeth.

Georgiana Darcy, Matchmaker


Bronwen Chisholm - 2016
    Deciding Georgie was unprepared for such circumstances due to their society's preference to keep young ladies innocent and unknowing of the ways of the world, he chose to enlighten her. He began discussing things with her and educating her on matters that others may feel were not for the eyes or ears of a lady. He wanted her to be prepared when she came out in society and not be susceptible to the fortune hunters. What he did not realize was that she would use her new found knowledge upon him.

Mr. Darcy's Household: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation


Lyr Newton - 2021
    He has brought her home to Derbyshire, where he hopes she can heal the wounds of her soul and regain her spirit.But some things are beyond his control, as he discovers when a disease is brought to Lambton by two men, recently returned from the war. Miss Darcy, as well as many of the small town’s families and Pemberley’s tenants, is affected.Darcy’s household, although perfectly trained and highly efficient, is in great need of help. But, despite Mr. Darcy’s willingness to pay a large amount of money for someone to aid Mrs. Reynolds, his housekeeper, for a few months, he can find nobody who meets his high expectations and exacting requirements. Matters take a turn for the worse when the housekeeper also falls ill and is kept to her bed. Mrs. Reynolds writes to the daughter of her old friend, now Mrs. Madeleine Gardiner, about the situation, with no other hope than to unburden her heart.However, Mrs. Gardiner is hosting her lovely and spirited niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. The Bennet family is in precarious financial circumstances due to Mr. Bennet’s poor estate management and his disinterest in anything other than books.Willing to help her family by earning an amount of money that could cover Longbourn’s expenses for a few years, Elizabeth accepts the temporary position and she is taken to Pemberley in Mr. Darcy’s carriage. Once there, she holds the same position as Mrs. Reynolds. She is in charge of the management of the household, responsible for everything in the house. She is treated respectfully by everyone, and she even forms a sweet friendship, based on a slowly-developing trust, with Miss Darcy.Only the master treats her with cold politeness and distant reverence; he barely speaks to her, he gives her power but only wishes to see good results. A few weeks later, he is urgently summoned to London, while Elizabeth remains at Pemberley overseeing the household.In mid-September, Elizabeth returns to Longbourn with a considerable amount of money. Once there, she finds out that Netherfield has finally been let and a Mr. Bingley is expected to arrive, together with a large party of friends.Then, the Meryton Assembly takes place and Elizabeth is surprised to meet Mr. Darcy again.But how will he react? Will he treat her with mere politeness or with contempt, since he is her former employer? Will he even acknowledge her? Will he even recognize her?“Darcy’s Household” is a Regency “Pride and Prejudice” variation, the length of a novella (just a little under 40k words), less than 160 paperback pages), sweet, very romantic, amusing, with some reference to mature subjects but clean enough to be appropriate for all audiences.