and Mrs. Darcy are beginning their married life and could not be happier. Life, however, must progress, and with progression comes obstacles. No Happily Ever After is ever met with ease, if even such a thing exists. Told from the viewpoint of several of Jane Austen's beloved characters is a story about the start of a marriage from wedding day, the devotion of an unconventional couple equal in mind (and obstinacy), the maturing of a shy debutante, the evolving of a gallant soldier, the ambition of an envious upstart, and the trials of a simple clergyman's wife. Along with the reappearance of familiar characters both adored and despised, new characters are introduced, and new problems arise---and all within the first eight months! After inadvertently committing yet another social faux pas, Darcy must now prove to Society and his noble relations what he had managed to prove to Elizabeth: That he is a better man for knowing her and that his wife was, indeed, "worth the earning." The new Mrs. Darcy, meanwhile, must ingratiate herself to the Society who should rather spurn or pre-judge her. Georgiana Darcy must emerge from her shell to be presented in the year following the traumatic experience that nearly ruined her. Colonel Fitzwilliam must step outside his comfort zone, rebel against his father's wishes and proceed down a path more self-fulfilling, but less safe. Charlotte Collins must bear daily the directness of an embittered Lady Catherine de Bourgh and the growing isolation of her "sickly" daughter, Anne---not to mention the inanity of a ridiculous husband she barely respects... And Caroline Bingley must show herself superior to the despised Eliza Bennet Darcy by ensnaring a suitor to rival Mr. Darcy. Be careful what you wish for... "Progression" is about family, as well as love, passion, fear, courage, integrity, single-minded resolve, and other human qualities that can either make or mar one's future happiness. This is the first volume of two.

    Impeccable comportment is mandatory in Regency England, a society governed by strict rules of conduct. The immaculate image of perfectionist Fitzwilliam Darcy is somewhat tarnished when he and his traveling companions arrive, hot and sweaty, at Pemberley and decide to take a fateful plunge into a scummy pond. An embarrassing encounter on the estate's lawn leaves a long-lasting impression on Jane and Elizabeth Bennet, who are new acquaintances of Georgiana and Anna Darcy. With both families in London for the Little Season, Darcy finds himself thrown again into the path of perky Elizabeth Bennet, but a handsome army officer just might blockade further advances. This romantic comedy is a lighthearted adaptation of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, featuring a softer, sweeter, sillier side of Austen's beloved characters.