Darcy’s Regrets” is a Pride and Prejudice Regency variation novella of approximately 30K words, with low angst, lots of romance, and some original twists in the timeless story of Elizabeth and Darcy, told from Darcy’s point of view.Many of us wonder about the friendship between Darcy and Bingley. How did they end up together when there is a significant difference in age, character, and situation in life between the two? What if their bond has its roots in the past relationship of their families?The story starts in London after Elizabeth returns from Kent, and she and Jane are staying with the Gardiners. Mr. Bingley, his sisters, as well as Mr. Darcy and his relatives are in town too, and their circles are about to collide. Mr. Darcy’s confession, Mr. Bingley’s determination, several meetings between the families, an earlier elopement — all gather our favourite characters together and push them on an arduous journey towards their happily ever after.It is the perfect time for Mr. Darcy to understand that mere regrets are not enough, and past wrongs must be repaired — and to take the step from reflection to real action.

    It assumes Jane Bennet has received the note from Caroline Bingley telling her that Bingley is unlikely to return and implying he may court Georgiana Darcy. Mr. Bennet decides something must be done to secure his family’s future and informs Elizabeth that she must marry Mr. Collins, which he can do because she is not yet of age. Elizabeth thwarts Mr. Bennet's plans by disappearing from Hertfordshire, perhaps forever. The story follows Elizabeth’s escape from what she considers a fate worse than death and her adventures after her escape. It also tells of Darcy's attempts to find her, once he discovers she is gone and is willing to admit to himself that he loves her. However, her father’s betrayal of the trust she had in his love for her makes Elizabeth question whether she will ever be willing to trust a man's love again. If the father she worshiped, whom she thought doted on her, was willing to submit her to a marital life of misery just to satisfy his own desires, how could she ever trust another man’s love. The book also tells how Mr. Bennet's decision, which causes Elizabeth to leave, directly or indirectly impacts the lives of all his daughters.

    Despite their antagonistic start, they discover themselves developing a respect for each other, but it is cut short by Elizabeth’s return to Meryton. Mr Bingley’s choice of an estate brings the two together again and their meeting has consequences not only for themselves, but also for Charlotte Lucas and Mary Bennet, whose lives are irrevocably changed.

    The men in my life would consider it amusing but naïve to afford the same semantics of conversation for wholly different circumstances such as these, or they would should one of them choose to read it.This vagary proposes an alternate telling of the original Pride and Prejudice and considers what may have happened should the characters have been afforded a slightly altered set of circumstances. What if Mr. Darcy had accepted quite early that he was falling in love with Elizabeth? What if Elizabeth was the least stubborn of her sisters? What if Mrs. Bennet was allowed to settle in mind and spirit? What if Mr. Bennet exerted himself on behalf of his daughters? What if Mr. Collins was in some way welcomed as the next owner of the estate? Those are only some of the twists within this tale, and while not canon, I hope I gave your favorite character a moment unto themselves that will make you smile.CAUTION: I want to specifically state that this vagary is not for all Pride and Prejudice genre readers. If one reads to find fault in what is not canon, I’ve been most forthcoming about the fact that it is a vagary, so you should already be on your guard and perhaps pass it by. For those of you who are strict authoress-guidelines conscious, I will argue that in all time periods people spoke with the use of contractions. To that end, I was true to life rather than follow her pointed non-use of them. Outside conversation, however, you will not find them, and I hope that soothes any feathers which may be ruffled at such a bold defiance.CAUTION: My editor also requested that I issue a point of clarification on her behalf. I confess that as an author em-dashes drive me nanabas, so in conflict with her excellent advice, I did not include many of them where she said they should be. Despise me for it if you must, but no novel, story, prose, or verse ever hinged on one’s use. The lacking or use of a comma, however, has cost millions. I promise that for those, I let her fully guide me.NOTE: My personal pleasure in writing this book was the intent to make any who read it find themselves staying up at night; not because ODCs are near death, have been forced to do that which they despise, or are off chasing Lydia again, but because I believe I am not the only one of us who dearly loves to laugh.

    Both the grandfather and father of the master, Mr. Thomas Bennet, married blue-stocking wives from the Continent. These circumstances had a profound effect on Mrs. Bennet and her five daughters. Because of this broader worldview, the Bennet family was more aware of, and affected by some historical events of the period far outside the twenty-four families around Meryton than what one would expect of minor gentry in the backwater.Elizabeth Bennet had a superior mind and the self-assurance of a modern young woman; Mr. Darcy, the too proud master of Pemberley, Derbyshire was properly humbled by Mrs. Bennet during their first meeting. How would the courtship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy go under these different scenarios? How would Mr. Darcy behave when his pride was under good regulation?If you stripped away the changed circumstances, the characters would behave fairly similarly as in canon. If you are looking for extra angst or extra thrills, you will be disappointed. Pride and Prejudice has been classified as a comedy of manners. It is of course a huge challenge for even a seasoned writer to have anywhere close to the genius of Jane Austen to dissect and depict Regency manners with such a sharp insight. The ‘manners’ part of the Regency era was particularly difficult for a twenty-first century first-time fiction writer to emulate. In fact, the reader may detect some modern sensibilities in the Elizabeth in this story: self-assurance, resourcefulness, independence, etc. Hopefully, this story offers some amusing bits to make it a fun read.All verifiable historical characters, buildings and events appearing in this story are borrowed purely as vehicles in a work of fiction, but as much respect as possible is paid to the historical accuracy (as obtained through brief internet searches and well-researched references) in the description of these entities. Chapter notes are provided where appropriate for those who are interested.As of May/June 2021, the whole story has been revised - errors largely corrected, the length slightly shortened to improve the flow of the story, and a few extra chapter notes added.

    But when he finds the accident was caused by Lydia Bennet, he suspects he was deliberately set up for a compromise.At that point, his fledgling love for Miss Elizabeth turns to scorn.He is determined to back out of the hasty engagement, and damn the consequences, until he learns that Miss Elizabeth hates him and does not want to marry him.Suddenly he is equally determined to change her mind and gain her love.Along the way many people are surprised at what they discover about themselves and people they thought they knew.

    In this variation, she meets Georgiana first and thinks the worst of her brother but also finds the mysterious gentleman fascinating. Will she be able to overcome her prejudice to find the proud man worthy, when he is keeping several secrets while holding her own? Rated T for mild language and adult situations

    Collins’s younger brother when they meet Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy’s disapproval of the burgeoning affection between Jane and Charles is painfully obvious, and Lizzy does her best to thwart his attempts to stop the developing relationship. She is puzzled by how invigorating it can be to trade barbs with Darcy, and he seems to enjoy it as well, but he is the last man she could ever soften toward due to his haughty manner and prideful ways.When their ship wrecks, Lizzy and Darcy end up stranded alone on an island. As the days pass while they await rescue, the undeniable attraction between them becomes overwhelming, leading them both to act. Even as Lizzy succumbs to the temptation and falls for Darcy, she wonders if he is indeed the last man she would ever marry, or if she has been fooling herself about the strength of her emotions all along? While Abbey sometimes writes sweet JAFF, this is strictly SENSUAL.

    An intelligent, lively, and beautiful young lady with few gentlemen to turn her eye, Elizabeth was delighted to meet an officer who seemed to match her in every way. Mr. George Wickham seemed to be the only person who had ever read the books she had with the same feelings, or could keep up with her quick wit. He was handsome and charming, and if that were not enough, he also had such a past filled with trials and misfortunes as made him thoroughly interesting to her. She fell rapidly in love, and as the gentleman was likewise afflicted, they were soon engaged. He did not have a fortune to support their union, however, and ultimately the pair concluded that their betrothal must continue for an indefinite period until his fortune could be made.When Wickham departed in June with a plan of returning a wealthier man, Elizabeth fought valiantly against the sorrow his departure produced. However, word came shortly thereafter that destroyed all her peace. He had died under mysterious circumstances in Ramsgate. Elizabeth’s fury against the unknown culprit were only matched by her sorrow at losing the best man she had ever known.While Elizabeth was still wearing black for her beloved, she was shocked to meet a gentleman whom Wickham had often told her about. Mr. Darcy, the son of Wickham’s godfather and the chief cause of his poverty, had come to live at Netherfield house with the very agreeable, handsome man who had leased it. Though Elizabeth’s sister Jane cautioned her against being hostile toward him, Elizabeth was disdainful toward the man from the start. Seeing her to be in mourning and admiring her pretty looks, Mr. Darcy asked somebody about her. But upon learning her former fiance’s identity, he quickly became disgusted with her, as well—presuming she was a party to the wicked schemes the man was in the midst of perpetrating prior to his untimely death.Yet the pair is drawn to one another—he admiring of her valiant spirit and beautiful eyes, and she learning gradually the truth of her former beau’s character, taking comfort in how unlike his former friend Mr. Darcy evidently was. Yet neither were prepared to learn the full breadth of what Wickham had done, nor to deal with its lasting consequences. Will their pursuit of justice for all the victims of Wickham’s crimes bring them together, or tear them apart forever?

    She believes he’s the last man in the world she could ever marry.Fitzwilliam Darcy is eager to escape Netherfield Park to avoid Bingley's guest, the bewitching but unsuitable Elizabeth Bennet, who attracts him more than he likes. He seeks refuge in an empty cottage where he can read in peace and soon loses track of time. When a snowstorm arrives sooner than expected, he realizes he has no choice but to spend the night there.Elizabeth Bennet cannot endure living under the same roof as the disagreeable Mr. Darcy. Determined to avoid his cold arrogance, she escapes Netherfield Park to enjoy the fresh air before the anticipated snowstorm arrives. But when the storm is fiercer than expected, she is forced to take shelter in an empty cottage she knows — only to discover it is already occupied by the last man she wants to see.When Darcy and Elizabeth are found together, they have no choice but to marry to save Elizabeth’s reputation. Neither are happy about their forced alliance, but as they agree to make the best of an unwanted situation, they discover a different side to one another. Both are uneasy about the new and growing love they feel— a love they believe is unreturned.But an old friend of Darcy’s has newly arrived in the neighborhood, and he is determined to avenge himself on Darcy for past grievances by destroying what Darcy loves most. And if Darcy and Elizabeth cannot overcome their fears, all that has been growing between them may be lost.

    Because of a death bed promise, he will only marry a lady who will unconditionally love the infant and whom he can love. However, in his past searches, Darcy found most society ladies saw only his wealth, connections, and property. How is he to find a lady who sees past what he has and loves who he is?Elizabeth Bennet wants to marry only for love, and of one thing she is absolutely sure, she loves Mr. Darcy’s infant ward. The question is, can she love the man as well. If she does choose to marry, she does not want her mother planning a lavish, overly embellished wedding, so how can she thwart her mother’s plans — through a secret arrangement.Besides the issue of love, what other problems could occur? A mother who will take control of the engagement and wedding arrangements, another lady's jealousy, and a grandmother who wants her infant granddaughter to disappear.Will Elizabeth and Darcy find love and happiness?

    They decide to keep the marriage a secret until they can have a proper English wedding, so their sister’s marriage prospects are not tainted by scandal. Sometimes keeping a secret can get hard. (Warning: British spelling variants used.)This is a racy Pride and Prejudice comedy. If you do not like farce, this may not be the book for you. Then again, maybe you will enjoy all the improbable situations our odd couple find themselves. Experience the trials and tribulations of trying to keep a secret marriage a secret while wanting nothing more than to be alone so you can…I apologize in advance for any mistakes; please forgive me. I had an editor lined up to help me out, but unfortunately, it fell through like much of last year. So I was forced to slog through it on my own, along with the program Grammarly. It tells me I have done a decent job, but I find some of the suggestions it tells me to make suspect. Therefore I am suspicious of its accuracy in finding problems. Also, if you think it is a typo it could be the British variant spelling of the word.As a struggling author in these difficult times, I did not have the time to find another editor. I hope the reader will understand. As many times as I have read through the story, I always find something wrong. Or something I want to change. At a certain point, one must move forward or be forever stuck in the same spot in anything one does in life.

    Darcy does not believe in love at first sight. So why does the brief sight of a laughing young woman in a London park disturb his thoughts and dreams? Why can’t he stop searching for her, risking embarrassment from his family? When he does find her, he is aghast at the dreadful behaviour of her family. He dare not get involved. Elizabeth Bennet doesn’t believe in love at first sight, either. She is determined to better herself, be able to support herself if her circumstances require it. Then she finds an old, dusty diary hidden in her uncle’s library. But her study and sleep are disturbed by dreams of the tall, handsome stranger seen for merely a moment across the park. Why has the gentleman affected her so? He is just a passing stranger who scowled into the park. She doesn’t even know his name. He cannot possibly be Mr. Darcy. From studying the diary she knows more about Mr. Darcy’s grandmother than he does. Will her sorrow for the long-dead Flora help her decide whether to accept this Mr. Darcy — and all his many troubles? Her Very Own Mr. Darcy is an extended, complex novel of 90,000 words. It is a sweet and clean full-length Regency romance.

     How Mr Darcy is going to win Elizabeth's heart? *** This is an edited version of the story "Five Questions" published online several years ago. ***

    She promised him that even in the afterlife if there was a way, she would help guide him to find the perfect woman to marry. "I want you to know, my son, that I will always be with you, watching over you. If it is in my power, even in the afterlife, I will guide you toward the happiness you deserve." Years later, after tiring of the search for a woman of substance among the vapid and mercenary women of society, Darcy began experiencing mysterious events, ultimately taking him on an unexpected journey to an unlikely country estate outside of London. There, he is strangely drawn to a woman far beneath society's expectations for him. Though from totally different worlds, they are attracted to each other, but due to misunderstandings and interference from those who would stand in their way, their path to happily ever after is thwarted at every turn. Will Darcy and Elizabeth find what they both desire on their own, or will they need a little help from the afterlife?