Book picks similar to
Miss Gardiner: A Variation on Pride and Prejudice by Martin Hunnicutt
jaff
pride-prejudice-variations
regency
historic
His Perfect Gift
L.L. Diamond - 2021
Having fled Hertfordshire with the singular goal of separating himself from the fine eyes and pert opinions of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, he finds himself face to face with her in London through a connection he never would have expected. He would like to abandon his reservations and court Miss Elizabeth, but other considerations are holding him back, including his family and friends, who might consider him honour-bound to another.Following Mr. Bingley’s abrupt departure from Netherfield, Elizabeth Bennet accompanies her sister Jane to London to visit her aunt and uncle. A sudden reunion with the disagreeable Mr. Darcy is not in her plans, but the man she discovers is not the same one who insulted her so grievously at the Meryton Assembly. Instead, a doting brother and amiable gentleman calls upon her in Cheapside.A quiet Christmas at Gracechurch Street with her aunt and uncle seemed ideal, but the inclusion of Mr. Darcy brings old acquaintances and conflicts neither expected.Can Mr. Darcy convince his family and friends to choose Elizabeth? Could Elizabeth turn out to be his perfect gift?
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.
The Very Essence of Love: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Andreea Catana - 2020
Bingley. Elizabeth's dislike of Mr. Darcy is stronger than ever; he has ruined, after all, the happiness of her beloved sister.She is determined not to forgive him, and not to forget his contribution to Jane's misery. Still, a chance encounter will see Elizabeth, Jane and Georgiana Darcy coming together, prompting an acquaintance between them. The bond between Jane Bennet and Georgiana Darcy strengthens after Elizabeth's departure to Kent, and soon they become inseparable friends.At Rosings, Mr. Darcy struggles with his feelings for the young lady with the fine pair of eyes. He is determined to disregard all his previous objections and ask for her hand in marriage. But neither Mr. Darcy nor Elizabeth Bennet realise that before they can come together, they must face the shadows of the past and understand the nature of love... the very essence of love.
Schemes of Felicity: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Suzan Lauder - 2020
Darcy desires marriage to Elizabeth Bennet, but he ruins any such prospect during his proposal at Hunsford. The resulting general sense of malaise interferes with his usually amicable yet stately demeanour, and his Fitzwilliam relatives resolve that Darcy is lonely-he must be in want of a wife. His cousins convince him to leap into the London Season for one month and partner every lady they select for his felicity.At Longbourn, chaos erupts as Mr. Bennet undergoes a transformation, and Jane and Elizabeth receive the gift of a month in town to enjoy the Season. Meanwhile, Elizabeth pores over Mr. Darcy's Hunsford letter and wonders about him, warmed by his words.It's only a matter of time before the two meet again in this Pride and Prejudice novella. But will their encounter be a repeat of the earlier disaster, or will they overcome their tenuous history? And can Elizabeth's credentials pass the stringent criteria of the scheming Fitzwilliam cousins who direct Darcy towards the single daughters of every peer of the realm?
The Painting: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Lory Lilian - 2021
The disastrous proposal at Hunsford has left both Darcy and Elizabeth in great turmoil. Back at Longbourn, Elizabeth tries to overcome her guilt and remorse for believing Wickham so readily and accusing Darcy so unfairly, whilst eagerly anticipating her journey to the North with her aunt and uncle Gardiner. When their travel plans are delayed, Mrs. Gardiner invites the rest of the Bennet girls—since Lydia has already been invited by Mrs. Forster—to spend a fortnight in Brighton with her and her children, as they wait for Mr. Gardiner to complete his business. At Pemberley, Darcy struggles to overcome his heartbreak and to forgive himself for his ungentlemanlike behaviour towards Elizabeth. Properly humbled and devastated by the loss of the only woman he has ever loved, his suffering intensifies with the anniversary of his beloved mother’s death. His heart—still bleeding after Elizabeth’s rejection—is broken into pieces when he uncovers a secret hidden behind an old painting. The discovery leads Darcy to Brighton, searching for clues to his mother’s past, accompanied by his loyal friend, Charles Bingley. There, only a few houses away, they find the women who have never been far from their thoughts. By the sea, tormented by old and new memories and trying to understand the power of their feelings, Elizabeth and Darcy cross paths again and slowly become re-acquainted with each other and with themselves, until their love finds its long-deserved fulfilment. The reconciliation of Bingley and Jane, as well as Lydia and Wickham’s situation, also slowly unfolds together with the discovery of Lady Anne’s past, intricately woven around the love story of Darcy and Elizabeth.
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.
Intimate Encounters
Ola Wegner - 2018
While visiting her friend Charlotte at Hunsford cottage Elizabeth finds herself in a compromising situation with Mr Darcy. Forced by the unfortunate circumstances she had to reconsider his offer of marriage. Will she find happiness in a marriage to the man whom she professed to hate? ------------------------------------------------------------------- “I wish to apologize for my aunt’s behaviour,” Darcy said. “It was uncalled for.” She raised an eyebrow. “Your aunt’s behaviour?” “Yes, indeed. She has offended you gravely and you did nothing to deserve such treatment. I have never been engaged to my cousin. Neither did I ever have any romantic intentions towards her. I have never cared for the rumours that might have circulated about us. I have never denied them, though. I can see now that my attitude could have created the impression for some people, my aunt included, that I was willing to marry Anny one day. That has never been the case, I assure you. My intentions towards you were always honest.” She cocked her head to the side. “Should I thank you then that you were noble enough to offer me marriage and not a position of another kind, as your aunt suggested to me?” “You must be aware than many men in my position would have acted quite differently towards a young woman of your station. But no, I have never thought of offering you the position of my mistress.” Elizabeth wrapped her hands around her middle and took a few steps away from him, murmuring to herself but loud enough for him to hear. “How very considerate of you.” “You must be aware that you simply cannot leave for Hertfordshire before the two of us come to an understanding,” he said. Elizabeth turned to face him. “Mr Darcy, I do not deny that we both found ourselves in a most unfortunate situation. My hope is that we shall come up with a solution which shall satisfy both parties.” “Miss Elizabeth, I do understand that you were not expecting my initial proposal. You must see your good fortune now when the initial shock is gone. It is highly improbable either for you or your sister to ever encounter a man of my station in life willing to marry one of you.” Elizabeth closed her eyes for a moment. Mr Darcy was stubborn. He refused to accept her decision. “Mr Darcy, I think that your aunt would be more than willing to forget about everything if only…” “If only I married Anne,” he finished, interrupting her. “It is out of the question.” “If only you said to Lady Catherine that you did not wish to marry me,” she continued, her voice patient, “I am certain that she would be more than happy to forget about all of it and silence all the gossip about our supposed secret meetings and engagement. I will return home and no one will ever hear anything about it. My reputation shall be saved, and we shall all forget about this most unfortunate situation.” She stared into his face almost pleadingly, waiting for his response. “You refused the money,” he said. “My aunt offered you a small fortune if only you were to leave silently. You refused. Is that true?” “Yes.” “Why did you do it?” “Is your intention to offend me even more than your aunt did, Mr Darcy?” she asked sharply. He took a step towards her and looked deeply into her eyes. “Perhaps, after all, you did not wish to lose the very last chance of reconciliation with me.” Elizabeth chuckled mirthlessly, shaking her head. “Your presumptuousness is truly astounding, sir.
An Odd Situation: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Sophie Lynbrook - 2018
Darcy is taken to Longbourn, a place which is unfamiliar to him. He finds himself dependent upon the care of strangers. While there is much to shock and distress him, his situation has unusual compensations. Unbeknownst to others, he is able to hear everything. The resulting revelations and observations give him a new perspective.
Mistress of Netherfield
Julia Winter - 2021
The inheritor of her husband’s estate, Netherfield Park, Elizabeth is now a wealthy young widow, independent and self-reliant. With an eye always on improving her four sisters’ woefully small dowries and providing for her mother, who will be homeless when her father dies, Elizabeth is pleased to lease out Netherfield to the Bingley family, making her home in the dower house in Meryton and vowing that she will never remarry.Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire is rich and well connected, but reserved in company with anybody outside the very few he counts as friends. Towards those friends, he is loyal and steadfast, the staunchest of supporters. So when a young man comes to him with a tale of the clandestine marriage and mysterious death of Darcy’s old schoolfriend, James Grayson, and begs Darcy’s help to investigate the widow’s role, Darcy agrees. Visiting Charles Bingley, the new tenant of Netherfield, Darcy is very soon torn between his loyalty to his dead friend, and his burgeoning attraction to the widow.Throw two unprincipled rogues and an elopement into the confines of Meryton, and how will Darcy’s dilemma over Elizabeth ever be resolved? And is she willing to put aside her misgivings, and trust again?(British English spelling and grammar used throughout).
Darcy's Angel: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Jennifer Kay - 2018
While Kitty relishes in the change, Lizzy feels lost in her new world, constrained by society’s expectations, and dreadfully homesick. That changes when she meets Georgiana Darcy, a girl even more in need of a friend than Lizzy herself. As weeks turn to months, however, Elizabeth begins to wonder if she will ever be able to go home—and if she will have to take matters into her own hands to make it happen. Fitzwilliam Darcy has lost his father and inherited a great deal of responsibility, all thanks to a man he once called his friend. Most challenging of his new duties is caring for his younger sister, Georgiana. When she befriends another young lady, Darcy cannot decide if Elizabeth Bennet is an angel or an imp, but he cannot get her out of his mind. Should he banish her from Georgiana’s company before her impulsive ways affect his sister, or make an offer that would keep her in their life for good? Thrown together in a remarkably different situation than Jane Austen’s original, Darcy and Elizabeth face challenges both new and familiar, influenced in part by the difference in their ages. She lacks wisdom; he is less jaded—and both of them are struggling to adapt to a new life. Can they find their way to happily ever after even so?
Love Unsought
Kay Bea - 2020
But fate, with assistance from Darcy’s scheming cousins, contrives to keep them together.When Miss Darcy is summoned to Kent, the couple has a chance to begin anew, and their budding friendship carries them to London and Hertfordshire. Their feelings deepen but before their new understanding is made known, Elizabeth is sent to Brighton as chaperone to her youngest sister. Her stay there ends in ruin when Darcy’s past comes to call.Upon discovering the situation is worse than he feared, Darcy determines he must be the one to make things right. His departure leaves Elizabeth in doubt and their future in question. Was their love too new to withstand a scandal?A series of missed chances, misdirected letters, and miscommunications keeps the couple apart; it make require the intervention of their nearest relations to bring them back together.
A Sister's Curse: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Jayne Bamber - 2019
This tragedy breeds years of sorrow and misunderstanding as well as prosperity and even romance in an emotional coming of age tale not only for Elizabeth Bennet, but for her sisters, and even the adults who let them down. For nearly two decades, Edward Gardiner is haunted by the difficult decisions he has made. Lady Anne Darcy must bear all the guilt and delight of being granted her heart’s desire... at a price. The Fitzwilliam family has motives and misgivings of their own as the Earl of Matlock tries to keep them all together, right the wrongs of the past, and pave the way for the next generation. Fitzwilliam Darcy realizes too late what it means to be a brother, and is faced with a parts of his past he regrets, just as his desire to protect the family he loves leads him back to the woman he was destined to love the most… a woman who despises him. Elizabeth Bennet struggles through the turbulence of adolescence, her judgement clouded by past trauma and the complicated dynamics of her extended family. Secrets are revealed and re-examined as she is forced to come to terms with the truth of her past and the promise of her future, in a family bound together by heartbreak. AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story is based on a deviation from canon 18 years prior to the opening of Pride & Prejudice. Several canon characters are omitted entirely, and aside from Darcy and Elizabeth, the story will focus on several minor canon characters. Some of these characters have developed differently from canon due to the events of the story as they unfold. New characters have also been introduced: the Earl and Countess of Matlock and their children: the Viscount and Lady Charlotte, as well as the Dowager Countess of Matlock, lady Olivia Gardiner and Rose Gardiner, Sir Lewis de Bourgh and Elliot de Bourgh. This story may be unsuitable for anyone triggered by the loss of a spouse, parent or child. Elizabeth Bennet struggles through the turbulence of adolescence, her judgement clouded by past trauma and the complicated dynamics of her extended family. Secrets are revealed and re-examined as she is forced to come to terms with the truth of her past and the promise of her future, in a family bound together by heartbreak.
Darcy's Winter Ball: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
A.J. Woods - 2019
Hoping the time away from home might begin to heal Jane’s wounded heart, Elizabeth also seeks peace and quiet to finish the novel she has been working on in secret. She does not expect to meet Mr. Darcy ever again, but should she collide with the arrogant man who had a hand in causing Jane’s sorrow, she has vowed to give him a piece of her mind. A chance encounter while visiting his favorite bookshop finds Fitzwilliam Darcy in the company of a woman he has failed to forget. When he discovers that Elizabeth is there to research a novel she is writing, Darcy offers the use of his own personal library instead, hoping she might finally understand his true character. When the two are thrown together again by fate, will Darcy and Elizabeth open their hearts enough to amend their first impressions of each other? Though not without plenty of conflict, Darcy’s Winter Ball is a sweet, lighthearted, Regency-set novella, with a happy ending for ODC.
A Simple Floral Bonnet
Melanie Schertz - 2020
Their target was another young lady, who was wearing a similar bonnet. The abduction is thwarted, but introduces Elizabeth to the Darcy siblings. She is afraid of losing her new friends if they knew the truth, she cannot return to her father's estate as Elizabeth has refused to marry her father's heir. But the Darcys have met Mr Collins, and they support her decision. What will happen when the parson refuses to accept that Elizabeth will not be his, all while the attempts to kidnap Georgiana Darcy continue?
A Vision of the Path Before Him: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
Elizabeth Frerichs - 2019
Fitzwilliam Darcy at Pemberley. With the help of George Wickham, events spiral out of control, leaving Darcy destitute of love for the rest of his life—until fate intervenes. What will Darcy do with his second chance? Will he be able to convince Elizabeth that he is no longer the proud man he once was? Will they ever get to “happily ever after”? And how will his changed character affect the people around him along the way?