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.

Christmas in Derbyshire: A Pride and Prejudice Variation


Wynne Mabry - 2017
    Darcy ends up with Mr. Collins as the rector of Kympton. It is not the most ideal of arrangements, but he has his reasons for being quite satisfied, even before his new clergyman’s pretty cousin comes to visit. At the first sight of her, his heart is captivated, and nothing will be the same again. Elizabeth Bennet has heard of Mr. Darcy. From the reports of her cousin and Mrs. Collins, she is expecting a proud, distinguished and reserved man. When he turns out to be warm and thoughtful, she does not mind the loss of an opportunity for interesting observation. Falling in love is much more satisfying than making sport of one's neighbours. With romance in the air, and a large house party descending upon Pemberley, this is going to be their best Christmas ever. A few little problems will not divert the course of true love or dampen the spirit of Christmas.

Of Silver Linings And Glad Tidings...: A Pride And Prejudice Variation


S. Neha - 2021
    The incident brings her face to face with the less than ideal situation existing in the Bennet household and forces her to acknowledge some unpalatable truths about herself, her family and their society. These realizations compel her to take matters into her own hand and initiate some much needed changes. What are these changes? Would her sisters and family cooperate with her?What effect these changes evince on the conduct of the gentleman from Derbyshire and his friend when they come to stay at Netherfield a year down the line? How would the sudden visit of heir to Longbourn impact the unfolding events. And when a roguish Lieutenant in the militia stationed at Meryton, tries his hand at some mischief how would the young ladies handle this challenge?

To Love and Cherish: A Pride and Prejudice Variation


Paisley James - 2018
     Georgiana Darcy is about to make her debut into London society. She has grown into a sensible, intelligent young lady, who has inherited her mother’s beauty and her father’s character. However, she is still haunted by the shadows of Ramsgate and George Wickham’s treachery and she worries how she can ever cull the swains, fops, and fortune hunters once she enters the marriage mart. The Marquess of Dartfort, a renowned rake, has decided to marry to beget his own heir, rather than leave everything to his unworthy, shiftless cousin. But when he travels to Pemberley and sees his friend’s younger sister again, he discovers that the attraction he felt toward her two years ago run deeper than he imagined. After Lord Paisley creates a stir at Georgiana’s ball, all the gossips cannot but speculate how the sweet debutante enchanted the marquess. Jealousy, money, and power all come into play when His Lordship’s heir learns his inheritance is at risk, past loves desire to rekindle relationships, and old foes return to Town. Georgiana finds herself not only the object of more than one gentlemen’s affections but also a sinister plot—and Lord Paisley and Darcy must conspire to keep her safe and bring justice to those that threaten their happiness. Can their love withstand so many trials? And what will Mr. Darcy do once he learns this confirmed bachelor has fallen for his beloved sister?

Married in Haste: A Pride and Prejudice Reimagining


A.K. Madison - 2021
    . .” William CongreveA month after her wedding, Elizabeth Bennet Darcy had taught herself to be silent, watchful, careful. She moved through the house with eyes downcast, avoiding contact, speaking only when spoken to. She walked through the garden in much the same way, her face hidden from the sun—and from the direct gaze of any servant she might encounter—by the deep brims of the fashionable bonnets she wore.Just four short weeks after their marriage, the deep love between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy is on the verge of collapsing forever. They must join forces to overcome whatever—or whoever—threatens to destroy their home, their love and their very lives.

Fitzwilliam Darcy in His Own Words


Shannon Winslow - 2021
    Darcy’s life like before he met Elizabeth Bennet? – before he stepped onto the Pride and Prejudice stage at the Meryton assembly? More importantly, where is he and what is he doing all the time he’s absent from the page thereafter? And what is his relationship to a woman named Amelia?With "Fitzwilliam Darcy, in His Own Words," the iconic literary hero finally tells his own story, from the traumas of his early life to the consummation of his love for Elizabeth and everything in between.This is not a variation but a supplement to the original story, chronicled in Darcy’s point of view – a behind-the-scenes look at the things Jane Austen didn’t tell us. As it happens, Darcy’s journey was more tortuous than she let on, his happy ending with Elizabeth in jeopardy at every turn in his struggle between duty and his heart’s desire, between the suitable lady he has promised to marry and the woman he can't stop thinking about.

Anything Is Possible: A Story of the Darcys and Bennets


Don H. Miller - 2018
    She is on her way to America to retrieve her sister, Lydia, who had eloped to America with George Wickham, but their marriage went sour, he abandoned her, and thus, pregnant and penniless, she wants to return to England. Unknown to Elizabeth, she is sailing on a ship which Darcy had built in honor of his mother, and he, his sister Georgiana, and his cousin Col. Fitzwilliam, are also sailing on the ship. The three of them are on the ship both because they wanted to be on its maiden voyage and because they wanted to visit America for the first time. Part 1 of the story is about the forty-five day voyage to America and the romantic struggles of Darcy and Elizabeth, as well as an unexpected attraction between Col. Fitzwilliam and a woman he meets on board. Part 2 tells of their reception back in England by their respective families and friends and the subsequent romantic adventures of Georgiana and Catherine Bennet, Elizabeth’s next-to-youngest sister.

Decisions


Ola Wegner - 2017
    Mr. Bennet suddenly dies in a carriage accident. Elizabeth is faced with a chance to save her family with a renewed proposal from someone she considered the last man in the world whom she would ever marry. ----------------------------------------------------------------- On seeing her, he stood immediately to his feet. “Allow me to help you,” he said. Darcy took the heavy tray from her. Elizabeth cleaned her father’s desk from the books and Darcy put the tray there. Elizabeth was silent as she fixed the tea for him. “Milk and sugar, if I remember correctly,” she said. “Yes, thank you.” He took the cup from her, touching her hand lightly in the process. “I am afraid that we can offer you only a plain cake,” she said apologetically. “It is quite enough, I assure you.” Darcy drank his tea, his dark eyes wandering over the room. “I can see that you are in the process of moving,” he stated the obvious. “Yes, we are,” Elizabeth confirmed. “I am still looking through my father’s personal archive. Mr Collins plans to move here before the end of the summer and my mother is determined to move out before it happens.” “That is perfectly understandable.” They enjoyed their tea in silence. Elizabeth was hoping that the visit would come to an end soon. After what had transpired between them that afternoon at Hunsford, she had not thought to see Mr Darcy ever again. His visit today was utterly unexpected. “I trust that your family is in good health taking into consideration the circumstances,” he said. “They are. We are slowly accustoming ourselves to our changed circumstances. My mother does not admit guests for the time being.” He nodded his head. “Of course. I expected no less.” Elizabeth bowed her head, allowing herself a small smile, hearing relief in his tone and expression. She could easily believe that Mr Darcy was not eager to see Mrs Bennet. “May I ask what are your plans after leaving Longbourn?” he asked. “That is not a secret. My mother owns a house in Meryton which she inherited from her father. It is adequate for us.” “May I ask for some more tea?” he asked. Elizabeth smiled. She refilled his cup. “Thank you,” he said. He took a sip before putting the cup back on the tray. He rose to his feet and began pacing the room, raking his fingers through his hair. Elizabeth watched him from her seat. A feeling of unease filled her heart. What was the true purpose of his visit? “Miss Elizabeth, I cannot be silent. You must allow me to speak freely. I cannot allow you to live in poverty. Neither can I allow myself to live without you.” Elizabeth opened her pink lips, staring up at his towering form, standing over her. “Allow me to resubmit my offer of marriage, Miss Elizabeth,” he said, his features etched with determination and resolve. Elizabeth felt that all the strength momentarily left her body. The teacup which she held in her hands fell onto the carpet, spilling the rest of the tea on her black dress. She watched Darcy, who knelt in front of her, picking up the cup and saucer, which were thankfully not broken. “Have you burned yourself, Miss Elizabeth?” he enquired gently, gazing into her eyes. She shook her head. He sat back on the opposite chair. “I am awaiting your answer,” he reminded her. She cleared her throat. “I am not certain if I understood you correctly, sir,” she spoke weakly.

Words Spoken in Anger: A Pride and Prejudice variation


Margaret Gale - 2017
    Enjoy a what-if journey with Elizabeth and Darcy, Jane and Bingley and more of Jane Austen's beloved characters as their lives are changed by a bit of plain speaking.

Three Daughters Married


Renata McMann - 2014
    This short story assumes the reader is familiar with Pride and Prejudice.Cover by Summer Hanford

Trouble Comes to Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation


Rosemary Barton - 2018
    Ever since she rejected his proposal of marriage, she cannot think of him without embarrassment and regret. She had judged him harshly and allowed the lies of others to poison her opinion of him, only to discover she had misjudged him when it was too late. Taking comfort from the knowledge that Darcy is not at home, Elizabeth goes for a walk through Pemberley Woods. But when a storm strikes, Elizabeth cannot find her way back to Lambton. While trying to find her bearings, she is struck down by an accident that leaves her unconscious as the storm clashes overhead. Returning to Pemberley early, Darcy is shocked to find a young lady lying injured and unconscious in his woods during the height of the storm. He is even more horrified to discover the lady is none other than Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the woman who broke his heart all those weeks ago. Knowing he will compromise the reputation of the one woman who does not want him, Darcy has no choice but to take her to a nearby shelter for the night where he can care for Elizabeth and where they can wait out the storm. When Elizabeth awakens, she has no recollection of who or where she is. Neither does she recognise the kind, handsome man who is so concerned for her wellbeing. When Elizabeth and her aunt and uncle stay at Pemberley to help her recover, Elizabeth starts to fall in love with this sweet, generous man who goes out of his way to make them welcome. But why is Darcy so evasive about their previous relationship? And why does she hear such mixed accounts of her earlier feelings for him? Darcy’s affections and wishes for Elizabeth are unchanged, and only grow stronger as he spends more time with her. He can hardly believe she is under his roof where he once hoped she would live as his bride. But how can he marry her when she has no memory of how much she really dislikes him? When she has no idea she once told him he was the last man in the world she could ever marry? Darcy's one hope is that Elizabeth will learn to love him as the man he is now. But can she ever really love a man she cannot remember? Trouble comes when rumours spread of Darcy and Elizabeth’s night in the woods and of Elizabeth’s memory loss. Word soon reaches Brighton, where George Wickham has been having little luck in his goal of marrying an heiress. When he hears of the interesting situation between his old enemy and the woman who was once Wickham’s favourite, Wickham sees an opportunity to solve his financial problems once and for all. He travels to Pemberley, and there, he makes a shocking announcement that leaves Darcy and Elizabeth devastated and in despair that they can ever be together.

Mr. Darcy & Elizabeth: Breathtaking: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Romance


Alyssa Jefferson - 2019
    All seems well, but when Mr. Darcy unexpectedly arrives from Pemberley, he reveals that things in Brighton were not quite as they had seemed. Drawn to Mr. Darcy in their mutual quest to restore balance and safety to both their families, Elizabeth finds herself struggling to recognize the man who had insulted her in Hertfordshire and Kent. So much has changed—yet can she rely upon the change? And will he still love her and wish to marry her when he sees her family and its folly fully unleashed in Brighton?

How to Mend a Broken Heart


L.S. Parsons - 2016
    Darcy’s disastrous marriage proposal to Elizabeth Bennet, they meet again. Due to an unexpected twist of fate, Elizabeth finds herself a guest in the home of Mr. Darcy’s aunt, the Dowager Lady Matlock. Long believing Elizabeth lost to him, Darcy has recently proposed marriage to an old flame, the widow of his friend. Now newly engaged Darcy encounters Elizabeth again and realizes she still owns his heart.Although bound by honor to another, Darcy sets out to improve Elizabeth’s opinion of him. Tension mounts between Darcy and Elizabeth in that pursuit, and Darcy’s betrothed begins to see Elizabeth as a threat to her upcoming marriage. How will Darcy and Elizabeth ever reach their happily ever after?How to Mend a Broken Heart is a non-canon variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and is intended for mature readers.

The Netherfield Fire: An Elizabeth and Darcy Story


Timothy Underwood - 2020
    Darcy saved Elizabeth from the fire, but will her infected burns still kill her?When Elizabeth smelled the smoke and heard the cry of ‘Fire!’ during the Netherfield ball she did not hesitate to run up to the higher floors. A servant who had grown up at Longbourn had broken her leg, and would need help to escape the flames. But as they hurried downstairs they became lost in the thick, roiling smoke. Elizabeth was struck and burned on the face by falling debris.Just when she began to despair, she heard Mr. Darcy’s hoarse voice cry her name.Mr. Darcy still disdains Elizabeth’s mother and connections, and the next time they meet will be at Rosings Park under Lady Catherine’s watchful gaze…

Properly Humbled


April Floyd - 2017
    Darcy's first proposal. The lady is astonished by the gentleman's words but cannot be prevailed upon to accept him. Mr. Darcy reveals his defeat to his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, in the library at Rosings and is overheard by one Miss Anne de Bourgh. When the young mistress of Rosings instructs the groom to ready her gig and drives with abandon to the parsonage to intervene on Mr. Darcy's behalf, an accident brings the opportunity for several beloved characters to become properly humbled. In this sweet, completely romantic tale, three couples find their happily ever after in spite of Lady Catherine's interference.