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A Good Memory
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This tale picks up just after Darcy's disastrous proposal at Hunsford...with a twist. Elizabeth leaves, while he is forced to stay in Kent.
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This tale picks up just after Darcy's disastrous proposal at Hunsford...with a twist. Elizabeth leaves, while he is forced to stay in Kent.
* A Happy Assembly requires registration.
Published February 17, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 20, 2016
Debbie and Brenda posted 5 star reviews of this unpublished story on Goodreads and thus I had the incentive to look up and read this unpublished story. “Emotionally evocative” Debbie tells us – about 15 tissues’ worth for me. I have never wept so much in reading a story. It reaches into your chest and squeezes your heart. Depths of despair and then transcending to the heights of glorious happiness…in love.
Yes, Elizabeth leaves Hunsford precipitously after receiving and reading the letter from Darcy following his proposal and even in reading and rereading it on her way home she begins to change her opinions, her judgments…but then, and as Lydia looks on, she is run down by a out of control carriage in Meryton. Elizabeth is moved, taken back to Longbourn, as so much damage has occurred that the judgment is that they are only moving her to allow her to die at home. And in the months ahead EVERY doctor tells them to prepare for her death. No hope is given. A Death Watch is put in place with family members taking turns.
Darcy knows nothing of this. He returns to London to begin corrections to his actions and behaviors as dictated by Elizabeth’s assessment in her refusal of his proposal. But even as he does so he sinks into despair at the lack of hope of ever even seeing her again. He does give Bingley his apologies and encouragement to seek his love with Jane and explains how he has a change of opinion about Jane’s feelings and why.
Bingley returns to Netherfield and in seeing what has occurred to the Bennet family sends word via letter (full of crossovers, spots, smears and blurs) and Darcy is pulling out his hair in not really knowing what the situation is. Resourcefulness sends him to seek out the Gardiners and he learns.
So he and Georgiana (who has by now wrung the story out of him as to his feelings for E.) set off to Netherfield to be at hand, knowing the dire predictions. So the core of this story begins.
This story has a lot of angst for more than just Darcy whose has to hear second-hand the reports on Elizabeth’s condition day-by-day, hour-to-hour. Even Georgiana is allowed to take part in attentions to Elizabeth. Darcy is only allowed to visit in her room when he decides to seek in London an expert on head injuries who has treated many a soldier. And as Elizabeth’s death is thought to be imminent all doubt it matters as to propriety if he sees her briefly! It is here that we read of his whispered pleas that she return to him.
But she does revive and now has no memory of Kent, his proposal, the letter, the accident and how will she react to learning all those facts all over again as he has begun to make amends and has developed warm relationships with her family? We want to shake Elizabeth as she rebels against her family, her friends and the medical profession attempting to put limits on her activities in her recovery. This rebellion brings the uncertainties in ODC’s relationship to a head.
This is a story full of angst so be warned. Yes, we know that in the end we will have our HEA (and we do get an epilogue) but the journey is full of ominous shadows.
I did like so much reading about the changes in the Bennet family due to this dreadful and long lasting event. Plus Georgiana became mature, wise and insightful as she hears everyone’s slant on events and emotions and as she in turn shares her own experiences. I urge all to take time to read this story. Too bad it is not published!
Yes, Elizabeth leaves Hunsford precipitously after receiving and reading the letter from Darcy following his proposal and even in reading and rereading it on her way home she begins to change her opinions, her judgments…but then, and as Lydia looks on, she is run down by a out of control carriage in Meryton. Elizabeth is moved, taken back to Longbourn, as so much damage has occurred that the judgment is that they are only moving her to allow her to die at home. And in the months ahead EVERY doctor tells them to prepare for her death. No hope is given. A Death Watch is put in place with family members taking turns.
Darcy knows nothing of this. He returns to London to begin corrections to his actions and behaviors as dictated by Elizabeth’s assessment in her refusal of his proposal. But even as he does so he sinks into despair at the lack of hope of ever even seeing her again. He does give Bingley his apologies and encouragement to seek his love with Jane and explains how he has a change of opinion about Jane’s feelings and why.
Bingley returns to Netherfield and in seeing what has occurred to the Bennet family sends word via letter (full of crossovers, spots, smears and blurs) and Darcy is pulling out his hair in not really knowing what the situation is. Resourcefulness sends him to seek out the Gardiners and he learns.
So he and Georgiana (who has by now wrung the story out of him as to his feelings for E.) set off to Netherfield to be at hand, knowing the dire predictions. So the core of this story begins.
This story has a lot of angst for more than just Darcy whose has to hear second-hand the reports on Elizabeth’s condition day-by-day, hour-to-hour. Even Georgiana is allowed to take part in attentions to Elizabeth. Darcy is only allowed to visit in her room when he decides to seek in London an expert on head injuries who has treated many a soldier. And as Elizabeth’s death is thought to be imminent all doubt it matters as to propriety if he sees her briefly! It is here that we read of his whispered pleas that she return to him.
But she does revive and now has no memory of Kent, his proposal, the letter, the accident and how will she react to learning all those facts all over again as he has begun to make amends and has developed warm relationships with her family? We want to shake Elizabeth as she rebels against her family, her friends and the medical profession attempting to put limits on her activities in her recovery. This rebellion brings the uncertainties in ODC’s relationship to a head.
This is a story full of angst so be warned. Yes, we know that in the end we will have our HEA (and we do get an epilogue) but the journey is full of ominous shadows.
I did like so much reading about the changes in the Bennet family due to this dreadful and long lasting event. Plus Georgiana became mature, wise and insightful as she hears everyone’s slant on events and emotions and as she in turn shares her own experiences. I urge all to take time to read this story. Too bad it is not published!
June 16, 2016
Grab the tissues before you start this story because you will cry at least once. Beginning after the 'disastrous proposal at Hunsford' This twist in the tale has Lizzy rushing back to Meryton to condole with Jane over Bingley's abandonment. But a run away coach strikes Lizzy on the road and she is close to death.
She lays unconscious, injured and possibly dying. When the Bingleys return to Netherfield they learn of accident and thus Darcy is pulled to Meryton in May. Accompanied by Georgiana he begins a vigil of sorts at Longbourn. While Lizzy lies close to death... her family and friends transform. Lydia having witnessed the accident has become quiet and fearful; while Georgiana becomes a true friend and helper to the Bennets.
It was just wonderful. WOnderful
She lays unconscious, injured and possibly dying. When the Bingleys return to Netherfield they learn of accident and thus Darcy is pulled to Meryton in May. Accompanied by Georgiana he begins a vigil of sorts at Longbourn. While Lizzy lies close to death... her family and friends transform. Lydia having witnessed the accident has become quiet and fearful; while Georgiana becomes a true friend and helper to the Bennets.
It was just wonderful. WOnderful
August 16, 2017
“But in such cases as these a good memory is unpardonable.” Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
This story followed the proposal in Kent. Elizabeth was so upset that she left early. So early in fact that her Uncle Gardiner in London was not able to take her to Meryton as he had planned. Rather than wait for him to conclude his business, she took the coach home. When she arrived at Meryton, there was an accident with a run-a-way chase and four and she was unconscious. Lydia and Kitty happened to be in town to pick up their sister. Lydia had walked out of a shop and was witness to her elder sister being run down and went hysterical. Kitty was still in the shop and didn’t see what happened. The town’s people were able to get Lizzy home with a dire prognosis of her demise.
The story then proceeded with the Bennet family establishing a vigil, awaiting Lizzy’s death. Meanwhile, in London, Darcy confessed to Bingley and Bingley immediately sent a message to open Netherfield. Caroline went ballistic as she saw an end to all her planning.
Once they arrived at Meryton and visited Longbourn, they learned of the fate of Miss Elizabeth. Of course, Bingley’s letter to Darcy was not readable, but Darcy did understand that something horrible had happened at Longbourn and it may or may not have involved Elizabeth. The only thing he could do was go to Cheapside and check with Elizabeth’s relations. That was interesting.
This story was hard on the nerves. It was a WIP so there was a lot of repeating, backtracking and minor editing problems. I went for the emotions… and this story definitely raised the emotions. There were a few scenes that absolutely brought me to tears. Darcy’s declaration of love to Elizabeth was the most touching that I have read in a while. OMG! The scene, where Elizabeth, deep in her coma, hears his voice, as he calls to her, thus, bringing her back from the edge, was just beautiful. Oh-my-heart!! I certainly love this author’s writing.
When Lizzy wakes up, she has no memory of going to Kent… thus, no memory of the proposal, receiving Darcy’s letter [or where it wound up], or the revelations of Wickham’s true character, nothing. Therefore, her old prejudices against Darcy are still in place. Dang!
Problems: the author was rather nonspecific in the extent of Lizzy’s injuries. I realize we are dealing with the time period and internal injuries were difficult to diagnose. However, when Elizabeth woke from the coma… her recovery progressed rather quickly. In no time, she was up and about. Broken bones were mentioned early in the story, but she was walking and using her arms… so I assume it wasn’t legs or arms. Also, I was concerned whether she would be able to have children. The vagueness of the accident didn’t clarify if the runaway chase and four just clipped her or ran over her. I was confused.
I was also miffed with Lizzy’s stubbornness. Her demanding her independence and lack of concern for the feelings of others. I wanted to shake her. Dang… she was ridiculous in her demands. To be so smart… she actually came across as stupid. To miscalculate is one thing… to be complete oblivious, for her, was unacceptable. That was just too OOC [out of character]. But, then that gave her an opportunity to apologize, and apologize and… you get the picture. I was afraid that the reconciliation between her and Darcy was not going to happen. She pushed him way too hard and nearly too far for him to come back. It was a big gamble on the part of the author. I consider Darcy a flight risk. It could have easily gone the wrong way. His nature would have been to refuse the summons to Longbourn. It didn’t play well.
I liked Georgiana and how she fit right in with the Bennet sisters. I loved the changes with the Bennet girls and even their mother. It was a good story, clean and medium angst.
This story followed the proposal in Kent. Elizabeth was so upset that she left early. So early in fact that her Uncle Gardiner in London was not able to take her to Meryton as he had planned. Rather than wait for him to conclude his business, she took the coach home. When she arrived at Meryton, there was an accident with a run-a-way chase and four and she was unconscious. Lydia and Kitty happened to be in town to pick up their sister. Lydia had walked out of a shop and was witness to her elder sister being run down and went hysterical. Kitty was still in the shop and didn’t see what happened. The town’s people were able to get Lizzy home with a dire prognosis of her demise.
The story then proceeded with the Bennet family establishing a vigil, awaiting Lizzy’s death. Meanwhile, in London, Darcy confessed to Bingley and Bingley immediately sent a message to open Netherfield. Caroline went ballistic as she saw an end to all her planning.
Once they arrived at Meryton and visited Longbourn, they learned of the fate of Miss Elizabeth. Of course, Bingley’s letter to Darcy was not readable, but Darcy did understand that something horrible had happened at Longbourn and it may or may not have involved Elizabeth. The only thing he could do was go to Cheapside and check with Elizabeth’s relations. That was interesting.
This story was hard on the nerves. It was a WIP so there was a lot of repeating, backtracking and minor editing problems. I went for the emotions… and this story definitely raised the emotions. There were a few scenes that absolutely brought me to tears. Darcy’s declaration of love to Elizabeth was the most touching that I have read in a while. OMG! The scene, where Elizabeth, deep in her coma, hears his voice, as he calls to her, thus, bringing her back from the edge, was just beautiful. Oh-my-heart!! I certainly love this author’s writing.
When Lizzy wakes up, she has no memory of going to Kent… thus, no memory of the proposal, receiving Darcy’s letter [or where it wound up], or the revelations of Wickham’s true character, nothing. Therefore, her old prejudices against Darcy are still in place. Dang!
Problems: the author was rather nonspecific in the extent of Lizzy’s injuries. I realize we are dealing with the time period and internal injuries were difficult to diagnose. However, when Elizabeth woke from the coma… her recovery progressed rather quickly. In no time, she was up and about. Broken bones were mentioned early in the story, but she was walking and using her arms… so I assume it wasn’t legs or arms. Also, I was concerned whether she would be able to have children. The vagueness of the accident didn’t clarify if the runaway chase and four just clipped her or ran over her. I was confused.
I was also miffed with Lizzy’s stubbornness. Her demanding her independence and lack of concern for the feelings of others. I wanted to shake her. Dang… she was ridiculous in her demands. To be so smart… she actually came across as stupid. To miscalculate is one thing… to be complete oblivious, for her, was unacceptable. That was just too OOC [out of character]. But, then that gave her an opportunity to apologize, and apologize and… you get the picture. I was afraid that the reconciliation between her and Darcy was not going to happen. She pushed him way too hard and nearly too far for him to come back. It was a big gamble on the part of the author. I consider Darcy a flight risk. It could have easily gone the wrong way. His nature would have been to refuse the summons to Longbourn. It didn’t play well.
I liked Georgiana and how she fit right in with the Bennet sisters. I loved the changes with the Bennet girls and even their mother. It was a good story, clean and medium angst.
April 11, 2016
Perfect title. A runaway carriage in Meryton hits Elizabeth on her way home from Hunsford. She spends weeks lingering close to death, with her doctors giving the Bennet family no hope of her recovery. Elizabeth's serious injuries have a marked effect on her family, and much of the story centers around their individual changes during the somber death watch. Against all expectations, she finally does awaken, but an unknown young lady is sitting by her bed and introduces herself as Georgiana Darcy. Even more confusing, Elizabeth learns that Miss Darcy and her brother have been frequent visitors during her coma. They are treated like extended family by the rest of the Bennets, and Mr. Darcy's personality is completely different. As she slowly adapts to this new relationship dynamic, it eventually becomes obvious that Elizabeth has no recollection of the months beginning shortly after the Netherfield ball up to and including her accident.
The sequence of events for Darcy after he returns to London from Rosings leading up to Elizabeth's awakening, obviously, is significantly altered from canon, but I don't want to give away too much of the plot. It's a very interesting character study of each of the Bennets' responses during the family crisis. I also loved reading the development of Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship as it unfolds without her knowledge of all that happened between them in Kent as well as his anxiety about having to give full disclosure of that information. The excellent writing really pulls the reader into the story, and there are many tearful scenes. There's lots of angst, with everyone in despair over Elizabeth's anticipated death, then Darcy's concern that she'll send him away when she wakes, then his fear that helping her to remember everything will ruin the relationship they've developed during her recovery.
This is another unpublished variation of Pride and Prejudice that's just superb. I found no editing/grammar errors of note, and the writing is emotionally evocative. Characters all behave with proper motivation and have natural-sounding conversation. The plot rises to a peak and resolves with a very satisfactory ending. The book deserves to be published for more readers to enjoy!
The sequence of events for Darcy after he returns to London from Rosings leading up to Elizabeth's awakening, obviously, is significantly altered from canon, but I don't want to give away too much of the plot. It's a very interesting character study of each of the Bennets' responses during the family crisis. I also loved reading the development of Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship as it unfolds without her knowledge of all that happened between them in Kent as well as his anxiety about having to give full disclosure of that information. The excellent writing really pulls the reader into the story, and there are many tearful scenes. There's lots of angst, with everyone in despair over Elizabeth's anticipated death, then Darcy's concern that she'll send him away when she wakes, then his fear that helping her to remember everything will ruin the relationship they've developed during her recovery.
This is another unpublished variation of Pride and Prejudice that's just superb. I found no editing/grammar errors of note, and the writing is emotionally evocative. Characters all behave with proper motivation and have natural-sounding conversation. The plot rises to a peak and resolves with a very satisfactory ending. The book deserves to be published for more readers to enjoy!
April 26, 2016
Wow, what an emotional roller coaster!
Elizabeth is injured in a run-away carriage accident after she returns home from Darcy's proposal at Hunsford. Laying in an unconscious state for weeks and giving her family a few good scare with her declining health you see a transformation among her family members. Darcy and his sister also spend plenty of time with the Bennets and they also go through a transformation on their own. I love the brother/sister relationship between the two siblings.
It's a beautiful written story full of angst and love. I love seeing how dedicated Darcy is to Elizabeth. With a case of amnesia regarding anything that happened to her after the Neitherfield Ball leading up to the accident, Elizabeth does not remember meeting her friend and cousin at Hunsford or the disastrous proposal. Helping her remember the events after Neitherfield will Darcy remind her of his proposal?
There's a specific scene where he is talking to an unconscious Elizabeth before he leaves for London that just pulls at your heartstrings. I highly recommend reading this story and hope that the author decides to have it published!
Elizabeth is injured in a run-away carriage accident after she returns home from Darcy's proposal at Hunsford. Laying in an unconscious state for weeks and giving her family a few good scare with her declining health you see a transformation among her family members. Darcy and his sister also spend plenty of time with the Bennets and they also go through a transformation on their own. I love the brother/sister relationship between the two siblings.
It's a beautiful written story full of angst and love. I love seeing how dedicated Darcy is to Elizabeth. With a case of amnesia regarding anything that happened to her after the Neitherfield Ball leading up to the accident, Elizabeth does not remember meeting her friend and cousin at Hunsford or the disastrous proposal. Helping her remember the events after Neitherfield will Darcy remind her of his proposal?
There's a specific scene where he is talking to an unconscious Elizabeth before he leaves for London that just pulls at your heartstrings. I highly recommend reading this story and hope that the author decides to have it published!
May 11, 2016
Loved this story! A sometimes heartbreaking but beautiful view of the strength of Darcy's love for Elizabeth.
May 23, 2012
This is a story I read on one of the Fan fiction sites. I enjoyed this story very much. It start's out in Hunsford right after the bad proposal but in this story Elizabeth leaves for home earlier than she was suppose to. Darcy ends up staying at Rosings for an extra week and this is where the story takes off. Just as Elizabeth is reaching home in Meryton, she gets off the coach and as she is walking down the street she gets run over by a runaway gig. She is now gravely injured and her family are praying for her recovery. Meanwhile Darcy is going through his hurt ego and relising that he still love Elizabeth and that even if he cannot have her he can make that wrong with Bingley and Miss Bennet, right! So with this in mind, when he gets to London he tells all to Bingley and Bingley runs of to his angel only to find out the dire straight the Bennet's are in. Anyway Darcy finds out though Bingley that something is not right and so he does not stop in trying to find out who and what happened. The story goes from there and is very interesting how Darcy is able to find his true love. This story is written in Darcy's voice in the begining. There is lots of angst and longing but in true Jane Austen fashion it all works out just perfect!! Definitely a good read!!!
November 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this charming story! It was a real feel-good P&P alternative path. In this story Elizabeth has an accident on her way home, just after the disastrous Hunsford proposal, and is in a coma for a long time. In that time Darcy cannot stay away (despite Elizabeth's refusal of his proposal), bringing Georgiana to stay with Bingley at Netherfield, and spending a great deal of time with Elizabeth's family. I found this quite unique. Probably the first half of the story is almost solely Darcy's and Georgiana's interactions with the Bennet family as they all wait for Elizabeth's recovery. The Bennets have a beneficial impact on Darcy and Georgiana, who both needed to be part of a large boisterous loving family. During Elizabeth's illness we get to experience a lot of Darcy's inner thoughts and turmoil. It was not hard to fall in love with this Darcy (especially after reading his impassioned plea to Elizabeth to wake up and come back to him). And things get even more interesting when Lizzie wakes up! How will she react to finding Darcy and Georgiana firmly ensconced with her family?
It was very well written and I am definitely going to read more from this author. I read this story on the A Happy Assembly website http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show...
And one other thing I enjoyed - no Wickham and Lydia drama! As much as I love D&E, Wickham and Lydia can get a little tiresome to read about.
It was very well written and I am definitely going to read more from this author. I read this story on the A Happy Assembly website http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show...
And one other thing I enjoyed - no Wickham and Lydia drama! As much as I love D&E, Wickham and Lydia can get a little tiresome to read about.
June 5, 2012
What a great story! What is Elizabeth left Kent instead of Darcy after the proposal and then got into a horrible accident that knocked her unconscious and near death? How would Darcy react to this news? How would he try to comfort her? It was a beautiful story of how Darcy reveals his true deep feelings for Elizabeth, the tears he shares for her. OH its beautiful the things he tells Elizabeth while she lays unconscious. He becomes almost a member of the family during this time and when Elizabeth finally awakes, how much will she remember? And how will she react to Darcy being concerned about her health and being so close to her family? More arguments to follow! A good read, I hope the author will publish it!
January 19, 2018
Very enjoyable though very angsty and sad (due to her illness). I loved seeing Darcy seamlessly fit into the Bennett family. Another great read from a favorite author. I will say that at times i wanted them to hurry up and get to the point, the delay seemed unnecessary, but alas, it would not be D &E without lots of stubbornness.
May 17, 2017
Tragedy strikes as Elizabeth returns home from Kent after the proposal and letter. Everyone waits by her side including the hero and his sister. Circumstances allow Darcy to show Elizabeth his love slowly which seems to work of course.
I don't know enough about all manners and expectations in the Regency era. However it seems strange that the boy that loves your daughter or at least claims to love her, is allowed to basically move in while she's recovering.
I don't know enough about all manners and expectations in the Regency era. However it seems strange that the boy that loves your daughter or at least claims to love her, is allowed to basically move in while she's recovering.
September 21, 2025
I wish this was published.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews