𝑀𝑦 𝐽𝐴𝐹𝐹 𝑂𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛

In the summer following her disastrous visit to Hunsford, Elizabeth Bennet inherits a ramshackle beachfront mansion in Brighton. She begins the slow process of arranging for the renovation and repair. Fitzwilliam Darcy has been nursing his wounded pride since his rejection following the worst proposal in literary history. Darcy's cousin, Lord Saye decides that Darcy, Georgiana Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam deserve a holiday by the sea. As with any last minute booking, the choices are limited. Anything left is too small or too far from the sea. Lord Saye spots Elizabeth's house and investigates. He insists on leasing the ruin, despite the amount of work required to make it habitable. A date of occupation is agreed. Work continues apace, but as one issue is fixed, two more are revealed.  Elizabeth makes an evening site visit with a friend, only to find Lord Saye and his party in residence (several weeks early).  The awkwardness is made worse, when Darcy and Elizabeth see each ot...

This delightful novella begins at the Meryton Assembly, with Fitzwilliam Darcy making a disparaging remark about Elizabeth Bennet.  In this pride and prejudice variation, Elizabeth confronts Darcy and demands satisfaction (the pistols at dawn, bring your seconds type of satisfaction). When Darcy faces Elizabeth on the field of combat, it is not quite what he expected.  When honour is satisfied and the duel is over, Darcy declares to his second, Colonel Fitzwilliam, that Elizabeth Bennet is the only woman for him. From that point on Darcy courts Elizabeth, in a novel way, showing her the worthy man he is (when not putting his foot in to his mouth). This Darcy is most definitely swoon worthy and Elizabeth is smart, witty and thoroughly captivated by him.  A pleasing variation with romance, friendship and just a dash of angst. Perfect!

In this variation, while staying at Netherfield Park, Elizabeth Bennet helps a maid, injured by broken porcelain.  The haughty Fitzwilliam Darcy, arranges to pay for medical assistance, when Miss Bingley refuses. Elizabeth is surprised to discover that Darcy is always kind to the servants.  With her typical impertinence, Elizabeth asks why a man who is so kind, treats the people of Meryton with such distain. Thus begins a conversation, that leads to friendship and then to love. We have the usual obstacles, Lady Catherine, Caroline Bingley, George Wickham and others. I particularly enjoyed seeing both Caroline and Wickham receiving their just desserts! The relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth is sweet, tender and grounded in both love and friendship. Excellent book. I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. Amazon review Goodreads review

When Netherfield Park changes hands, the new owner Damian Fiennes, charms local Society.  Mother's view him as eligible and the gentlemen enjoy his company. The 15 year old Elizabeth Bennet, newly launched on Society is uneasy in Fiennes company and tries to avoid him.  In truth, Fiennes is a nasty character who manipulates Mr Bennet and Elizabeth, leaving no alternative but a forced marriage. This is hard to read, because you can see what is going to happen but have to watch it slowly unfold. Elizabeth struggles to find her feet as a 15 year old wife to a narcissistic abuser.  She is saved by an encounter in the park. The young widowed Countess of Westland had a very similar marriage.  The friendship and support make life bearable, just. When the marriage is ended by the sudden death of Fiennes, Elizabeth has to find her way in life as a widow. The friendship with Fitzwilliam Darcy is sweet and gentle, but before it can become anything else, Elizabeth disappears fro...

Caroline Bingley was born the daughter of a wealthy tradesman. Her sole aim was to rise in Society and she felt that she was having some success. Ladies of Society welcomed her and she was sure that her brother's friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy would soon offer for her. To be the mistress of his vast estate, Pemberley would be a social pinnacle. Unfortunately, on the evening of the Northram Ball, Caroline overheard herself being derided in the most scathing of terms. Nothing but a social climbing mushroom. For the first time, Caroline recognises that her family position in Society may increase, but it will take generations. She is mortified and realises that Darcy, grandson of an Earl, was never going to marry someone like her. When Charles Bingley and his party arrive at Netherfield Park, a much changed Caroline enters Meryton Society. No longer sneering and superior, she is approachable and good company.  Darcy is thoroughly unnerved by her lack of fawning attention, convinced that it ...