Marie Croft’s humorous novella, A Little Whimsical in His Civilities spans one moonlit, autumnal night upon the gentleman’s return to Hertfordshire in pursuit of Elizabeth Bennet. “We take the turning which places us on Meryton’s main road, and—oh, gad! There it is—the base-court building which passes for an assembly hall in this godforsaken place. For me, the venue shall be either a heaven or a hell tonight. My palms grow clammy, my gut churns, and I regret that second helping of onion-laden vegetable pie forced on me before we left.” Accompany Darcy as he, intent on reversing the disastrous first impression he made there, braves another Meryton assembly and seeks to win his heart’s desire.

    Yet their growing regard may cause more harm than good -- for their families, and for themselves.

    Darcy's entrance just after Elizabeth receives news that Lydia has run away kicks off the string of events that leads to Lydia's salvation - and that of the entire Bennet family. But what if he did more than offer his condolences and leave? What if, touched by Elizabeth's distress or a moment of insanity, Mr. Darcy gave into his feelings and kissed her then and there? It is a moment neither Darcy nor Elizabeth ever expected, but the odds are still stacked against the couple. As the weeks go by and Darcy shows no sign of renewing his advances, Elizabeth begins to wonder if what happened in Lambton will be nothing more than a sweet memory. Will circumstances conspire to keep them apart forever? Or will Darcy and Elizabeth find their happily ever after? At roughly 12,000 words, What Happened in Lambton is an alternate ending to Pride and Prejudice beginning when Elizabeth receives news of Lydia's elopement.