UNTIL THE DAY of the Netherfield Ball, Elizabeth Bennet’s greatest concerns are wondering who might partner with her for a dance and the likely ruin of her shoe roses after she stands up with Mr Collins. A death in the neighbourhood changes everything, including her belief in the benevolence of the father she has always adored. Suddenly, she alone holds the means of salvation for her family’s future. Alas, what is required of her is marriage to a man old enough to be her grandfather.
FITZWILLIAM DARCY REGRETTED insulting the lovely Elizabeth Bennet—but not enough to apologise. After all, raising the hopes of such an ineligible young lady would be improper and unkind. That night at Netherfield, however, he not only discovers Elizabeth’s future is tragically decided, but he begins to see a depth of grace and courage in her that he has never known in another.
HOW CAN DARCY possibly abandon her? He must find some way to help, even as he knows he must leave her permanently, severely, and irresistibly alone.
This Pride and Prejudice variation is a second chance romance that is novella length.
A soliloquy in the form of a novella, we see everything through Elizabeth’s eyes, thoughts and emotions.
Not that there isn’t interaction, there is plenty! From Mr. Bennet give Elizabeth what she considers her death knell of a marriage arrangement, to Darcy’s little compassionate acts of kindness and listening ear.
However, Elizabeth in her turmoil separates from her family and friends by walking out and away from Longbourn. She can’t even confide in Jane, her dearest sister and friend, who is on the cusp of a very happy engagement of her own. A choice Elizabeth won’t get to make for herself. She feels bereft and alone. Then she finds a friend…
There is a bit of a mystery in the form of a debt, but we never really learn the details, imho, they aren't important. What is, is the journey Elizabeth takes, within herself and in relation to the important people around her.
This shorter book packs a wallop and a half. By the end my heart was grateful it wasn’t a full length novel. I don’t think my nerves could bare it.
The reader gets entrenched in Elizabeth’s journey of despair, loss, love and resolve, to shock again and supreme joy. Julie Cooper is an author now joining my other absolute faves!
And that cover-stunning! A book to own and reread. 5+*
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Your choices of action may be limited, but your choices of thought are not. ~ Esther Hicks
“I have been pierced in the heart and am bleeding to death inside.”
That sentence, thoughts from one Elizabeth Bennet, comprise the angst of “Irresistibly Alone”.
On the day of the Netherfield Ball, Elizabeth’s father calls her into his bookroom for a distressing conversation — distressing for Elizabeth, at least. Mr. Bennet has arranged a marriage for Elizabeth which will be officiated very soon. Elizabeth will be married to a friend of her father’s, who is eight years her father’s senior.
Elizabeth has no choice in the matter.
Our lives are fashioned by our choices. First, we make our choices. Then our choices make us. ~ Anne Frank
Elizabeth is distressed at the ball. She takes no pleasure in dancing and escapes to the open air. She is followed by Mr. Darcy.
Quote from the book: What does it matter whether I explain, to this near stranger, the news which has brought me low? I must become accustomed to the telling of it. Why not practise on the one man in the county who disapproves of me and despises my family? If nothing else, he will, finally, leave me alone.
Imagine Elizabeth’s surprise when Mr. Darcy, this near stranger, is her sole support in adjusting to her situation. What a kind, warmhearted Darcy!
Love is a choice. Total forgiveness is a choice. It is not a feeling — at least at first — but is rather an act of the will. It is the choice to tear up the record of wrongs we have been keeping. ~ R. T. Kendall
If Elizabeth is free to choose love, can she also choose to forgive? To forgive her mother who has her own interests at heart? To forgive her father who arranged this marriage of inconvenience?
Choices are the hinges of destiny. ~ Edwin Markham
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This! 5+++++ stars! This! This book is everything a Pride and Prejudice variation should be. Julie Cooper, in this unputdownable novella, has written a perfect love story in the truest sense of those words. Oh my, I wish I could give it ten stars.
Mr. Bennet has arranged a marriage for Elizabeth in order to pay a personal debt to a distant, widowed cousin who needs an heir—Mr. Goulding! Elizabeth is incredulous and becomes broken.
“What is wrong with you, Lizzy?” she [Mary] asked, after walking in to find Elizabeth staring blankly at the wall instead of donning her gown. Elizabeth only shrugged. I have been pierced in the heart and am bleeding to death inside, she thought but could not say.”—quote from book
In the gardens during the Netherfield Ball, and in subsequent walks, Elizabeth makes Mr. Darcy somewhat aware of her troubles, never giving him the name of her future betrothed. With the weather becoming colder during these encounters, he guides her to a secret Netherfield folly as a place where she can warm herself as she seeks solitude from Longbourn. He gives her the key.
Oh I don’t want to give anymore of this story away. It is an absolute must read. I didn’t expect it to be a tearjerker, but for me, it definitely is. Sometimes the trigger was sad, but other times just so endearing it brought tears to my eyes. The writing is outstanding and I truly found it emotional, charming and oh so romantic! In fact, this book strikes me as one of the most romantic variations I’ve read to date.
“Roughly wiping away the wetness on her cheeks, she whispered to the flames, “I have a thousand entries for my book now. ’Tis your name, Mr Darcy, repeated a thousand times.”—Elizabeth, quote from book
“I spent this leisurely morning of reading wrapped in the loveliest, softest shawl in the world, and pretended—just this once, I promise—that it was your embrace keeping me warm and secure.”—Elizabeth, quote from book
When Elizabeth believes she is walking to meet her fate, I found myself walking with her, feeling her fear and anxiety.
“Ice travelled through Elizabeth’s limbs and up through her facial nerves, leaving her feeling frozen inside. She could walk, she could converse, but she had already begun quelling all the pieces of self that made her herself, crushing them down and flattening them so they would fit into the small space henceforth to be allowed.”—quote from book
I just loved it all, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. This one definitely goes into my all-time favourites stack. Your heart, like mine, will be truly engaged from start to finish. I’ll definitely be owning this book and audiobook when they are published.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased the published version for my Kindle library.
**Audiobook Duology It’s wonderful that Quills & Quartos Publishing has released this book also as part of an audiobook duology featuring two excellent Pride and Prejudice variation novellas by two very talented authors, Julie Cooper and Frances Reynolds.
This is a delightful quick read which gives us a compacted story of ODC getting to their HEA When Lizzy is confronted by a unexpected betrothal the day of the Netherfield ball leading to her being out of sorts and instead of dancing and dueling with Mr Darcy she pretty much has a come apart and tells Mr. Darcy her woes.
This gives Darcy a chance to shine and Lizzy to reflect and it's just charming and wonderful
“I will come right to the point…You are to be married.” (quote from the book)
With those words that brooked no refusal on her part, Elizabeth’s life as she knew it was shattered and my heart broke for her. Who knew that the death of a local heir would propel Elizabeth toward a future she did not want let alone imagine. Who knew the only one she could talk to was the taciturn Mr. Darcy, who only looked at her to find fault.
“I have discovered three things, she thought. I am thankful for naps, for the warmth of a fire on a cold day, and for you, Mr. Darcy” (quote from the book)
And I am thankful for Ms. Cooper’s ability to always write a beautiful and evocative story of Darcy and Elizabeth that provides a window into their souls as they face the realities of life. With a deft hand, clever twists and turns, I was irresistibly drawn in.
I will come right to the point…I highly recommend this novella! In fact, I highly recommend ALL of Ms. Cooper’s novels.
My precious, I preordered you long ago, but you arrived at an unfortunate moment. I have lots of homework from college, and I can't enjoy you properly now. I promise you that I will be back as soon as I can.
There is so much to love in this novella. I loved Darcy and all of his acts of kindness. I loved Elizabeth’s perseverance in the face of a future she did not want. I loved how the community found out about Wickham’s proclivities. I loved the portrayal of a thoughtful and wise Mary Bennet. I loved the twist and surprising resolution. Did I mention I loved this Darcy? I’m not going to rehash the plot, it’s a medium length novella, 13 chapters and an epilogue. I highly recommend it. Did I mention the swooniest Darcy?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and voluntarily leave this review. All opinions are my own.
This beautiful novella explores the impact on Elizabeth of having her eyes well and truly opened to the realities of life experienced by young gentlewomen living in the early 1800s. The safe and protective home environment which had allowed her to grow into a joy-filled and lively young woman has suddenly become uncertain and emotionally unsafe. In this new and uncertain world she finds, much to her surprise, that her anchor is none other than Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy.
When Elizabeth needs sanctuary, Darcy provides it; when Elizabeth needs comfort, Darcy provides it; when Elizabeth needs time, Darcy provides it.
The only internal voice we 'hear' in this book is that of Elizabeth and it is difficult not to be moved by her plight. Whilst the author could have shared the thoughts of Darcy and even of Mr Bennet I think it is just right as it is. Her conversations with Darcy are well written as is a charming conversation with her least-understood sister. The conversation with Charlotte gave the reader and interesting perspective on the expected behaviour of young gentlewomen such as Elizabeth but it did not give Elizabeth any comfort.
The writing and editing is excellent as readers have come to expect from this author and this publishing house. Editing is crucial in a novella and this reader particularly appreciated the effort.
The only less-than-glowing comment is the cover. The scene it portrays is highly pertinent to the plot but the style of dress and hair seems out of keeping with the period, looking more like a 20th century bride to me. This is a small point however and this is a highly recommended story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Elizabeth Bennet and her sister Jane, swore to marry only for the deepest love.
Always her father’s favourite, she felt secure in his love and respect. Many happy hours were spent together in his book room, reading, debating and sharing the quiet peace.
On the day of the Netherfield ball, Mr Bennet summons her. One brief conversation destroys all of her plans for the future, her faith in her father and her equanimity.
He has arranged a marriage for her, to Mr Goulding, a man older than her father, a man she thinks of as an uncle.
Goulding needs an heir, after the recent death of his son and Bennet owes him a debt. Unfortunately, Elizabeth is to pay that debt. The only concession is a small delay to allow Elizabeth to come to terms with the match.
Elizabeth is grief stricken at her loss of choice, of hope, of all she had planned.
Although forced to attend the ball, Elizabeth rapidly seeks sanctuary in the dark, frosty garden.
When Fitzwilliam Darcy entered Hertfordshire Society, he presented himself as proud and haughty, declaring Elizabeth not handsome enough to tempt him when they first met.
Unfortunately, Elizabeth heard the insult and was determined to despise him.
Time has shown him that Elizabeth is indeed tempting and he believes himself to be infatuated with her.
Darcy follows Elizabeth into the garden, concerned that she seems distressed. Elizabeth reveals the news of her forced betrothal and breaks down in tears.
Darcy is remarkably kind and comforting.
So begins an unlikely friendship. They meet while out walking on a snowy day and Darcy leads Elizabeth to a folly for shelter.
He has arranged for fires to be lit and food provided. Then he presents her with the key.
Elizabeth tries to come to terms with her fate, but has no appetite and isn’t sleeping.
She visits the folly regularly, finding sanctuary from her sorrows. Each time Darcy has added another refinement, a comfortable chair, cushions, delicacies to tempt her appetite.
Eventually, Elizabeth realises that she has fallen in love with Darcy and determines that she should no longer go to the folly.
She leaves a note for Darcy. “I spent this leisurely morning of reading wrapped in the loveliest, softest shawl in the world, and pretended—just this once, I promise—that it was your embrace keeping me warm and secure.”
Darcy has realised that infatuation was a massive understatement!
“Watching over you while you slept, realising it was the first and last time I would ever have that privilege… the thought was abhorrent.”
Every time I read a new Julie Cooper book, I think that she can’t possibly do even better. This is her finest yet.
Her portrayal of Elizabeth’s feelings of grief and betrayal are devastating. This Darcy is such an excellent man. Kind, thoughtful, compassionate and generous.
I would give this ten stars if I could!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What If Elizabeth Received Marriage Orders Just Before the Netherfield Ball?
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella
THE PREMISE: Elizabeth’s freedom of choice and dreams of marrying for the deepest love are unexpectedly and harshly stripped away as Mr. Bennet informs her that he has arranged a match for her. Overcome with despair and unable to share her burdens with her closest confidants, Elizabeth reveals some of her woes to a man she views as a near stranger – a man that she believes disapproves of her…
MY THOUGHTS: A new novel by Julie Cooper? Sounds irresistible, doesn’t it? Especially if you are like me, and deeply loved her other Pride and Prejudice stories!
Julie Cooper’s writing is incredibly captivating and evocative, and our dear Lizzy’ predicament in this story immediately engaged and consumed me. Told solely from Elizabeth’s perspective, Ms. Cooper does an exceptional job of conveying Elizabeth’s emotions with such perceptive discernment and authenticity. I appreciated all the honest emotions Elizabeth went through – the frustration and disillusionment, the grappling with envy, the small resurgences of her spirits since our girl is not “formed for ill-humor,” and the abject pain when Elizabeth finds herself irrevocably in love. It was all depicted with such strong and tangible emotions. So much so, that I felt pain in my own heart while reading some of these poignant scenes.
And while I loved spending time in Elizabeth’s mind, I equally adored witnessing all of Mr. Darcy’s actions and expressions through her eyes. Even though Mr. Darcy becomes her friend and the two share several private conversations, Mr. Darcy still maintains a lot of his reserve and somberness. Although, he did sometimes display a hint of dry wit and playfulness, and he did provide answers for Elizabeth’s direct questions. But because we are not in Mr. Darcy’s mind, we aren’t directly told his thoughts and feelings. (I’m sure they would be quite revealing and interesting!) But he speaks them loudly through his actions and gestures. So many sweet and swoony moments! I shall not list them and spoil any surprises. But be assured, by the end of the story you will love Mr. Darcy even more than you already do! I especially loved the surprising reveals when he said his piece…
Emotive and exquisite – Irresistibly Alone is another brilliantly composed and skillfully executed Pride and Prejudice tale by the talented Julie Cooper! A sure-fire win for readers who love when emotions are deeply felt and witnessing Darcy and Elizabeth have special moments together! I highly recommend!
Edition: Irresistibly Alone by Julie Cooper Kindle Edition, 168 pages Published April 24, 2023 by Quills & Quartos Publishing (first published March 26, 2023) ASIN: B0BWXDTGQC [ kindle unlimited ]
Until the day of the Netherfield Ball, Elizabeth Bennet’s greatest concerns are wondering who might partner with her for a dance and the likely ruin of her shoe roses after she stands up with Mr Collins. A death in the neighbourhood changes everything, including her belief in the benevolence of the father she has always adored. Suddenly, she alone holds the means of salvation for her family’s future. Alas, what is required of her is marriage to a man old enough to be her grandfather.
Fitzwilliam Darcy regretted insulting the lovely Elizabeth Bennet—but not enough to apologise. After all, raising the hopes of such an ineligible young lady would be improper and unkind. That night at Netherfield, however, he not only discovers Elizabeth’s future is tragically decided, but he begins to see a depth of grace and courage in her that he has never known in another.
How can Darcy possibly abandon her? He must find some way to help, even as he knows he must leave her permanently, severely, and irresistibly alone.
On the day of the Netherfield ball, Mr. Bennet summoned Elizabeth to his study. There he informed her that arrangements had been made for her to marry Mr. Goulding, an older friend of Mr. Bennet. Naturally Elizabeth protested strongly to no avail. The marriage would take place.
In the weeks that followed, Elizabeth lost weight and sported dark circles about her eyes. As she desperately sought an avenue of escape, she was sustained by an unexpected source of solace.
October 15, 2023 reread. I still love this book as much as ever!
May 27, 2023 review:
It doesn't get much more romantic than this novella-length Pride and Prejudice variation. I think some might, if they're looking for a flaw, only find it a bit too knight-in-shining-armor-ish. But not me. I found this to be one of the most romantic P&P variations I've read. It's sweet, angst-filled, and very touching. It was just what I needed, after stopping reading another not-to-be-named book just before it.
This one, I couldn't have left unfinished. Impossible!
To Elizabeth Bennet's dismay, her father acts completely against the character of the father she thought she knew when he decides to force her to marry an acquaintance and distant relation, a much older widower, because his property is entailed and his only son recently died. Apparently Mr. Bennet owes the man a great debt, and the man has insisted he needs a wife so he can father another heir. He wants one of the two eldest Bennet daughters. Since Jane appears to be soon engaged to Mr. Bingley, it's up to Elizabeth. She's shocked, and of course refuses at first, but soon realizes her father is completely serious and unrelenting. He gives her a few days to adjust to the idea, and insists she still attend the Netherfield Ball.
Highly recommended to lovers of Jane Austen variations, or to anyone who loves a romantic story.
At the day of the Netherfield ball Elizabeth learns that her life will change completely, her father has decided that she is to be married to his friend who has lost his only son. Elizabeth is to be expected to provided an new heir for him. With her world in tatters Elizabeth escapes the dancing as soon as possible. In the garden she encounters Mr. Darcy and tells him the whole story. The following days he tries to ease her discomfort and provide her some escapes from this madness. But then Elizabeth’s father tells her that she is to be married sooner than expected. Can Darcy rescue her from this fate? Is there a chance for the love she begins to feel for him?
The author Julie Cooper has created a really great story which touches the heart. At the beginning, when Elizabeth learns that she is to be married against her will you can feel her loneliness and her hopelessness on every page. This feeling is even stronger the day she is going to visit her soon-to-be-betrothed with her family. I have cried silent tears of hopelessness with her while I read this. But on the other hand there are also so much signs of hope and love in this book. I love the way Darcy cares for Elizabeth and tries to ease her suffering whenever he is able to. And the great love both develop independently from each other. I also like that Darcy is able to show his vulnerability to Elizabeth and that she is able to value it.
The scene I liked most was when ODC confesses their love to each other, it was so a lovely scene and so well written. After all Darcy and Elizabeth were going through it was so well deserved. This will certainly remain one of the love confessions I liked most.
Besides that, I liked, that in this story Mary was a very sensible girl and became in some points a confidante to Elizabeth. I like it very much when she is not that silly or eccentric as she is often shown. Here I found her a very nice girl. But on the other side I hated Mr. Bennet very much. In this book he was not the father he should have been for Elizabeth. Sometimes I really get angry with him because of his plans for Elizabeth. I was so glad when everything changed.
I highly recommend this story, it was definitely one of the best and loveliest I read this year. You absolutely need to read it.
I won a copy of this great book and I am voluntary leaving a review.
What if Mr. Bennet forced Elizabeth to get engaged with one of his old friends? How would Elizabeth cope with the loss of her freedom, and with the prospect of a life with a man old enough to be her grandfather? While her entire family has their eyes on Jane’s romance with Mr. Bingley, and Elizabeth’s engagement is not yet public knowledge, she ends up confiding in Mr. Darcy, the only person who seems to be there exclusively to listen and support her. As their relationship evolves from a mere acquaintance to friendship, and later on to something much deeper than that, Mr. Darcy demonstrates to Elizabeth what true love is. Without ever expressing verbally his feelings, Mr. Darcy understands exactly what Elizabeth needs to feel less alone and delivers it in the perfect measure. With his small but meaningful gestures, he is able to bring back some warmth into Elizabeth’s live, to reduce her despair, and to make her feel loved.
Irresistibly Alone is a very touching, emotive and romantic novella. It is beautifully written and it was able to entice in me all kinds of feelings. I loved all the turmoil Elizabeth went through, her pain, her envy, her despair, but also the way she found to have small pleasures in life and to have a positive approach to her ordeals. Above all, I loved all the intimate moments she had with Mr. Darcy and how he was the perfect gentleman.
Mr. Darcy was reserved as he always is, and because the book is told entirely from Elizabeth’s point of view, the reader never knows what he is thinking, but we can tell he is respecting Elizabeth’s privacy, giving her the space she needs to deal with her situation and simultaneously showing her through small details or tokens he is there for her. The love story between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth in Irresistibly Alone was incredibly beautiful and powerful, and I loved everything about it.
I also loved Mary’s character in this book and I kept invested with her plotline. I wanted to know what she would do, and what would life reserve for her. Mary Bennet was overlooked by her family but she had a wisdom that only Elizabeth appeared to grasp. Not only did I like Mary’s character, her own story and decisions, but also the friendship that ended up emerging between her and Elizabeth. Apart from Mr. Darcy, Mary was the only person who truly realized what was happening to Elizabeth and I loved the advices these sisters shared with each other. For me it was very interesting to see Mary closer to Elizabeth than Jane because I think Mary is a more fascinating person than Jane.
Irresistibly Alone is another hit from author Julie Cooper. It is very well written, engrossing, romantic and unputdownable, I highly recommend it to all readers who like a good novella.
This author really writes some beautiful and romantic sentences. Very evocative. I could deeply empathize with her characters. The story was a creative twist and tightly written. There wasn’t any fluff to skim over.
This was so heartbreaking and so romantic. Julie Cooper is one of my favorite authors and is such a wonderful writer.
I don’t want to go over the details of the book and spoil the building tension with reveals. It was sad for most of the book, yet Darcy is a swoon worthy hero here.
Very well-written, well-edited story. An enjoyable afternoon spent. Actually, I wished it was a full length novel. I usually dislike novellas generally because they feel rushed and shallow. This one didn’t.
4.5 stars. Very well done, especially for a novella. It got a tiny bit unbelievable in the end, because I do not believe people around 1800 would make speeches about feelings like Darcy did, but other than that it was beautiful. Especially Elizabeth was very believable. Understandably angry, sad and a bit depressed, but she was also trying to make the best of it, like I would expect her to do. And I really loved what the author did with Mary!
We take a journey with Elizabeth starting with the morning of the Netherfield ball at time she is most despondent and desperate when she's forced into a marriage by her father. And what a journey it was! If you like your Darcy sweet and caring even while being his usual taciturn self, you'll love this story. Will leave you sighing in happiness.
This was well-written and I enjoyed it; it was certainly a very emotive tale. I felt the ending was somewhat rushed; perhaps a natural consequence of the novella’s length, but I felt it weakened the story.
I tend to associate angst with melodrama & nonsensical & absurd misunderstandings. This was nothing like that. No melodrama. No nonsense. It was heart rending and beautiful. It was also the perfect length. I think anything else to prolong the story would have become melodramatic and this beautiful amazing story would have lost the raw humanity that made it spectacular.
Absolutely beautiful! Elizabeth Bennet receives some very unexpected news and is absolutely devastated. Her meetings with Darcy and their conversations help her deal with her thoughts and emotions.
After a couple of years of reading P&P variations, it is a wonder to this reader why she hasn’t come across this author before; but most pleased to have read her first of many to follow.
This variation sees Elizabeth Bennet in dire straits, being pushed into a marriage she neither consents to nor desires. As much as readers wish Elizabeth to be always strong and courageous to avoid this kind of cruel predicament, this shows an Elizabeth helpless/hopeless as she surrenders to a dismal future she doesn’t want but forced to accept due to her selfless and sacrificing love for and duty to her family. In this circumstance, the author shows to the new generations of readers the realities of what many genteel ladies in Regency times had to endure: to be auctioned or sold off to the highest bidder like chattel.
Comes in the reticent and severe Mr. Darcy, who true to form in Canon with his insults and seemingly distaste for our heroine and everyone in Meryton, who shows a kinder, compassionate side when he happens upon the distressed Elizabeth at the gardens of Netherfield on the night of Bingley’s promised ball. What follows is a friendship that slowly blossoms to esteem, respect, affection and love, on Elizabeth’s part at least. Those still faced with a depressing future, she finds comfort in the kindness and compassion of the surprising confidant and friend that is Mr. Darcy. The thoughts and feelings of Elizabeth are raw and often times heartbreaking, especially when she discovers deep love for an unattainable man, while especially promised to another.
This reader feels this story remarkable in the way Elizabeth not only fell for Mr. Darcy but also needed him as much as woman truly in love needs her beloved, even when he is not aware of it. She might be strong and courageous but this shows Elizabeth as vulnerable and in need of support, and she is not afraid to voice that out. While the final revelations of Fitzwilliam Darcy and conclusion wraps this endearing love story up in the most satisfying way, it is also its brevity and its fast pace that would most likely appeal to readers, possibly making this as one of their favorite variations.
Despite this readers misgivings about the title, it does not make a dent on her recommendation of this novella as a must-read for fans of P&P variations.
The story begins shortly before the Netherfield ball. To her utter disbelief, Elizabeth is commanded by her father to marry Mr Goulding, a man older than her father, and who she has always looked upon as an uncle. Shocked, and feeling betrayed by someone she thought would allow her some choice, Elizabeth walks out and meets Darcy during her ramble. She ends up confiding her troubles to him,, surprising herself, since she doesn't much like Darcy. He gradually becomes someone she can turn to, and in the days following she becomes more and more used to him, and more dependent on his thoughtful support and sympathy.
This is a super sweet and romantic tale that's almost like a fantasy, in the wonderful and impossibly thoughtful ways that Darcy tries to comfort Elizabeth, and see to her health and well-being. It's completely unrealistic, but completely charming. This is definitely a swoon worthy Darcy, and a very vulnerable Elizabeth who is responsive to his kindness, and makes an effort to learn more about the man that she so harshly and quickly judged after the infamous insult at the assembly.
I almost deducted a star because of Mr Bennett. While it's fine that a variation allows for some out-of-character behavior, his command to Elizabeth about the marriage, and the subsequent disposition of it, are never quite explained in a satisfactory way. It doesn't make much sense to me. However, the book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for a wonderful, but short, romance.
A short story that features only Elizabeth and mainly her interactions with Mr Bennet, Mr Darcy, and a more sensible Mary.
Quite intriguing up until the dinner with Mr Goulding. I found the resolution a little too easy and too sweet for Darcy and Elizabeth, especially the public bits.
I liked Mary and Charlotte, but the marriage prospects for both end on a sad note, with Elizabeth noticing Mr Collins’ wandering eye and having the idea that Mr Goulding was fine after all if he was for Mary. I thought that instead of making her seem more open, it made her come across more selfishly.
This is a delightful P & P variation. I enjoyed reading this creative book. It's a story that starts the day of the Netherfield Ball. Elizabeth's life is turned upside down. She has no one to talk to, until the most unlikely person she thought would ever show her compassion, does, & puts aside his naughtiness.