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Darcy and Elizabeth What If? #1-3
Darcy and Elizabeth What If? Collection 1 by Jennifer Lang
This collection contains the first three novellas in the Darcy and Elizabeth What If? series. All the novellas in the series are separate, standalone stories. They can be read in any order.#1 Elizabeth's MistakeWhat if Mr Wickham had been a wealthy man when he arrived in Meryton?When Mr Darcy meets Mr Wickham in Meryton, he quickly finds himself growing jealous of Wickham’s attentions to Elizabeth, and he becomes suspicious of Wickham’s sudden wealth. When he discovers that Wickham’s fortune comes from a rich wife, he demands that Wickham tells Elizabeth the truth. But when Wickham refuses, and Mr Darcy tells her himself, Elizabeth does not believe him . . .#2 Mr Darcy's RescueWhat if Miss Elizabeth Bennet had been on holiday in Ramsgate at the same time as Miss Georgiana Darcy?When Elizabeth Bennet sees Georgiana being abducted by George Wickham, she is forced to turn to Mr Darcy, who has made it clear that she is beneath him. When Georgiana has been rescued, Elizabeth is thankful she will never have to see Mr Darcy again. But fate has other plans . . .#3 A Pair of Fine EyesWhat if Mr Darcy had proposed to Jane Bennet before meeting Elizabeth?For years, Mr Darcy has been haunted by the fine eyes of a woman he glimpsed in a carriage. Unable to find her, he has at last proposed marriage to the sweet, gentle Jane Bennet so that his sister will have an affectionate friend and he himself will have a beautiful and biddable wife. But on finally meeting Jane’s sister, he is stunned to find she is the woman of his dreams. Unable to go back on his word, he is tormented by his feelings, the more so because he suspects that Elizabeth is falling in love with him. Their path to happiness lies through tangled circumstances and it is not until the unwitting intervention of Lydia that a solution can be seen.
- GenresFiction
Mass Market Paperback
First published July 6, 2015
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About the author
Jennifer Lang
55 books15 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 28, 2018
My Rating: 2.5*
This is a collection of three novellas that bring Elizabeth and Darcy together. They are simple tales that are very quick to read. There is more telling than showing, though each 'what if' is unique.
December 10, 2015
2.833333333333333 Stars, to be precise :)
Elizabeth's Mistake: 2 Stars
Mr Darcy's Rescue: 3 Stars
A Pair of Fine Eyes: 3.5 Stars
Elizabeth's Mistake: 2 Stars
Mr Darcy's Rescue: 3 Stars
A Pair of Fine Eyes: 3.5 Stars
January 13, 2019
This book is a collection of three novellas...
Elizabeth's mistake is the first story in this book. Wickham's story is a prominent feature - he has decided to elope with Georgiana but then meets a different, wealthy heiress in distress. Who better to come to her aid? But, true to form, Wickham soon tires and travels to Meryton where he flirts like a single, eligible bachelor - Elizabeth catches his eye, not only because she's lovely, but because Wickham knows Darcy has noticed her too. I thought this was a very interesting what if. Wickham often always occupies the same role so it was interesting to see what happens when he is on a more equal footing with Darcy. I felt a bit dissatisfied with the very of this book but I think with short stories/novellas, the character development can be a bit lacking.
The second story is Darcy's rescue which sees Elizabeth in Ramsgate and accidentally meets Georgiana who is being pursued by Wickham - and Darcy could not be any less grateful for her involvement! He is so rude and Elizabeth manages his poor manners beautifully. This does not have the feel of a short story at all - a lot happens and we see Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship growing and changing. This is a really good story, I enjoyed it a lot.
The final story is a Pair of Fine Eyes. There is a whole load of changes here... the Bennet's are dead, Collins is dead and the Bennet sisters are at Longbourn while the distant heir is located. On Lady Catherine's orders, Darcy has been to Longbourn and decided to propose to Jane... the only doubt is a pair of fine eyes he saw one as he passed a lady in a carriage. He's never seen the mystery lady... but he also has not met Elizabeth Bennet... she arrives half an hour after he has proposed to Jane! What a mess! This is a really enjoyable story, I also particularly enjoyed the ending.
Usually, I get a bit frustrated with novellas - I don't think I have enough imagination/creativity to fill the gaps in shorter stories - but I really enjoyed all of these and will definitely be reading the other collections by this author!
November 4, 2015
There are three short stories within this first of a series. The third story was my favorite one and it is the one which brought a tear to my eyes.
The first story is entitled Elizabeth's Mistake. This author plays up the identifying characteristics of our main players. Elizabeth is so set to believe the charming lies of one man and to vilify the other in her decision as to which is being honest with her! Yes, this story is centered on the relationships with Darcy and Wickham. And to further complicate matters, Wickham has a secret. One which makes the facade he presents in Meryton even more evil. Jane doesn't help matters as she, in her usual attempt to paint an alternate for what seems like misbehavior, presents Wickham with a perfect excuse for the interpretation Darcy revealed to Elizabeth...and with Wickham's usual reliance on his charm, to cause her (and others) to prefer his side of the story.
Then we have Darcy's manner of appearing aloof, of communicating with scowls, of standing around in a "stupid" manner. Plus there is that infamous insult to set Elizabeth’s opinion about this proud arrogant man in place. Darcy makes it very difficult for himself in his efforts to protect Elizabeth from seduction and to forward himself in her regards.
I am sure other readers will realize the irony in Elizabeth’s need to be the one to send a letter of apology when all is realized. And Readers, we have a wet shirt scene…no – two wet shirts!
(I did think that the ending was a little abrupt. There was enough material in the happenings to give this tale some more substance.)
@32%: In Mr. Darcy’s rescue Ms. Lang has a true snob of a man looking down on and being totally in disregard of the least of good manners much less the need for gratitude due to a rescue of his sister performed by a woman beneath his acquaintance. Time after time Darcy steps back, pulls away and sends off the only woman to whom his wounded sister seems to warm. And when he goes so far as to intercept a letter to Georgiana and to keep it from her, I was in all indignation wanting to slap him myself. Yes, he wants to be in charge and order the lives of those over whom he has some influence.
This story is initially set in Ramsgate and the Gardiners are there with Elizabeth to allow her uncle to rest and regain his health. A chance meeting between Elizabeth and Georgiana affords Elizabeth the opportunity to witness and make a judgment about the latter’s renewal of her acquaintance with our renowned scoundrel…and to take steps to intervene. Again a letter is involved, one which is written by Georgiana and includes information shared with her brother at Elizabeth’s suggestion. I was astounded at the audacious dismissal of Elizabeth at the end of a chase and rescue…did he expect her to wave a wand and come up with a means of transportation to London? Badly done, Darcy! Badly done!
Things resolve themselves more nicely at Netherfield but you will love the suggestion of “India” made to a certain man. Again the climax came more quickly than anticipated. The language used was of a simple sort and page space was spent on descriptions of putting on and taking off of bonnets, pelisses, dancing shoes, etc. - mundane personal attentions to wardrobe or tasks.
@63% we come to A Pair of Fine Eyes. Here we have a reversal to the pairing we have come to expect. And to make matters worse, Darcy has been dreaming of and searching for a pair of fine eyes he spied riding by in a carriage several years prior to his decision to propose to “the wrong sister”. I don’t want to say much about this one as it will not do to present SPOILERS here.
I did find some parts humorous: Lizzie has to have her say to break the hauteur of this enigmatic man. And she must consult with her aunt and with herself to judge his suitability as a husband. REALLY? Must he think he has to again control and plan for everyone? Doesn’t he allow anyone to have an opinion? “Must she have so decided an opinion?” He thinks. (His only need is a bride who looks good, minds her manners and knows her place.) The book description tells us that Lydia is responsible for bringing matters to a head. But don’t think for a minute that it is as in canon.
The first story is entitled Elizabeth's Mistake. This author plays up the identifying characteristics of our main players. Elizabeth is so set to believe the charming lies of one man and to vilify the other in her decision as to which is being honest with her! Yes, this story is centered on the relationships with Darcy and Wickham. And to further complicate matters, Wickham has a secret. One which makes the facade he presents in Meryton even more evil. Jane doesn't help matters as she, in her usual attempt to paint an alternate for what seems like misbehavior, presents Wickham with a perfect excuse for the interpretation Darcy revealed to Elizabeth...and with Wickham's usual reliance on his charm, to cause her (and others) to prefer his side of the story.
Then we have Darcy's manner of appearing aloof, of communicating with scowls, of standing around in a "stupid" manner. Plus there is that infamous insult to set Elizabeth’s opinion about this proud arrogant man in place. Darcy makes it very difficult for himself in his efforts to protect Elizabeth from seduction and to forward himself in her regards.
I am sure other readers will realize the irony in Elizabeth’s need to be the one to send a letter of apology when all is realized. And Readers, we have a wet shirt scene…no – two wet shirts!
(I did think that the ending was a little abrupt. There was enough material in the happenings to give this tale some more substance.)
@32%: In Mr. Darcy’s rescue Ms. Lang has a true snob of a man looking down on and being totally in disregard of the least of good manners much less the need for gratitude due to a rescue of his sister performed by a woman beneath his acquaintance. Time after time Darcy steps back, pulls away and sends off the only woman to whom his wounded sister seems to warm. And when he goes so far as to intercept a letter to Georgiana and to keep it from her, I was in all indignation wanting to slap him myself. Yes, he wants to be in charge and order the lives of those over whom he has some influence.
This story is initially set in Ramsgate and the Gardiners are there with Elizabeth to allow her uncle to rest and regain his health. A chance meeting between Elizabeth and Georgiana affords Elizabeth the opportunity to witness and make a judgment about the latter’s renewal of her acquaintance with our renowned scoundrel…and to take steps to intervene. Again a letter is involved, one which is written by Georgiana and includes information shared with her brother at Elizabeth’s suggestion. I was astounded at the audacious dismissal of Elizabeth at the end of a chase and rescue…did he expect her to wave a wand and come up with a means of transportation to London? Badly done, Darcy! Badly done!
Things resolve themselves more nicely at Netherfield but you will love the suggestion of “India” made to a certain man. Again the climax came more quickly than anticipated. The language used was of a simple sort and page space was spent on descriptions of putting on and taking off of bonnets, pelisses, dancing shoes, etc. - mundane personal attentions to wardrobe or tasks.
@63% we come to A Pair of Fine Eyes. Here we have a reversal to the pairing we have come to expect. And to make matters worse, Darcy has been dreaming of and searching for a pair of fine eyes he spied riding by in a carriage several years prior to his decision to propose to “the wrong sister”. I don’t want to say much about this one as it will not do to present SPOILERS here.
I did find some parts humorous: Lizzie has to have her say to break the hauteur of this enigmatic man. And she must consult with her aunt and with herself to judge his suitability as a husband. REALLY? Must he think he has to again control and plan for everyone? Doesn’t he allow anyone to have an opinion? “Must she have so decided an opinion?” He thinks. (His only need is a bride who looks good, minds her manners and knows her place.) The book description tells us that Lydia is responsible for bringing matters to a head. But don’t think for a minute that it is as in canon.
October 28, 2017
I own these separately and together - what's up with that??
Elizabeth's Mistake (Darcy and Elizabeth What If? #1) ***
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mr Darcy's Rescue (Darcy and Elizabeth What If? #2) ****
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Pair of Fine Eyes (Darcy and Elizabeth What If? #3) *****
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Elizabeth's Mistake (Darcy and Elizabeth What If? #1) ***
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mr Darcy's Rescue (Darcy and Elizabeth What If? #2) ****
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Pair of Fine Eyes (Darcy and Elizabeth What If? #3) *****
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
November 23, 2017
I thought the first two stories were good and quick reads, but I am having a problem getting through the third. I don't enjoy the prospect of placing one sister against another and the confusion/ conflict or pain that this may cause. Elizabeth vs. Jane is not fun to me. So I am reading almost anything else on fan fiction and other works and avoiding this.
September 15, 2021
There’re no telegrams in Austen
Whew, all I can say is that anachronism is not the only failing of these most juvenile P&P variations. My 15-year-old Austen fan could’ve written better.
Whew, all I can say is that anachronism is not the only failing of these most juvenile P&P variations. My 15-year-old Austen fan could’ve written better.
October 28, 2021
lovely
A rather lovely collection of short and sweet variations inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Jennifer Lang.
A rather lovely collection of short and sweet variations inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Jennifer Lang.
January 3, 2016
A collection of three, very light, variations. They are all reasonably well written and easy to read, although I began to find the authors obsession with mens 'tight pantaloons' a little disconcerting, not to mention Darcy and Wickham wrestling in the river...
In fact, reading all three of these stories in one go is probably a mistake as it does make it appear as if the author repeats herself a lot whereas reading them with a little time between would make this less obvious.
I think I enjoyed the third story (A Pair of Fine Eyes) the most - Darcy actually becomes engaged to Jane, not realising her sister is the owner of said eyes, which had captivated him two years previously. He had given up hope of finding her until circumstances led to his becoming involved with the Bennetts and deciding marrying Jane would help them and provide him with a 'suitable' wife. How this is all resolved is predictable but still enjoyable (although there is never ANY indication that Elizabeth remembers noticing Mr Darcy when he first spots those fine eyes of hers...)
The first story (Elizabeth's Mistake) is weaker, in my view, although still worth reading. Wickham is a married man in this one, Darcy discovers this but Elizabeth is hard to convince. The outcome depends on a huge coincidence rather than anything else, but it is acceptable for a short story.
The middle story (Mr Darcy's Rescue) is where I have some issues - in this one, Elizabeth is on holiday in Ramsgate and makes friends with Georgina in the first instance, meeting Darcy through her. In this retelling, he is a rude, arrogant man and there is absolutely no excuse for his behaviour to Elizabeth and certainly every reason for her to dislike him. Everything comes good, of course, but there is one example of Darcy's boorishness which really goes too far - having scooped Lizzy up in his carriage to help rescue Georgiana, once that is achieved, he apparently seriously expects her and her maid to WALK the fifty miles to London! This is far too silly - Darcy IS a gentleman and by then realises at least that she is a gentlewoman, and he would NEVER have suggested anything so unmannerly unless he had no redeeming qualities at all.
This is an undemanding little collection of tales and, despite the caveats above, I will be reading the others in the series
In fact, reading all three of these stories in one go is probably a mistake as it does make it appear as if the author repeats herself a lot whereas reading them with a little time between would make this less obvious.
I think I enjoyed the third story (A Pair of Fine Eyes) the most - Darcy actually becomes engaged to Jane, not realising her sister is the owner of said eyes, which had captivated him two years previously. He had given up hope of finding her until circumstances led to his becoming involved with the Bennetts and deciding marrying Jane would help them and provide him with a 'suitable' wife. How this is all resolved is predictable but still enjoyable (although there is never ANY indication that Elizabeth remembers noticing Mr Darcy when he first spots those fine eyes of hers...)
The first story (Elizabeth's Mistake) is weaker, in my view, although still worth reading. Wickham is a married man in this one, Darcy discovers this but Elizabeth is hard to convince. The outcome depends on a huge coincidence rather than anything else, but it is acceptable for a short story.
The middle story (Mr Darcy's Rescue) is where I have some issues - in this one, Elizabeth is on holiday in Ramsgate and makes friends with Georgina in the first instance, meeting Darcy through her. In this retelling, he is a rude, arrogant man and there is absolutely no excuse for his behaviour to Elizabeth and certainly every reason for her to dislike him. Everything comes good, of course, but there is one example of Darcy's boorishness which really goes too far - having scooped Lizzy up in his carriage to help rescue Georgiana, once that is achieved, he apparently seriously expects her and her maid to WALK the fifty miles to London! This is far too silly - Darcy IS a gentleman and by then realises at least that she is a gentlewoman, and he would NEVER have suggested anything so unmannerly unless he had no redeeming qualities at all.
This is an undemanding little collection of tales and, despite the caveats above, I will be reading the others in the series
December 16, 2015
I can't get enough of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy
I love the what if stories they are so fun and entertaining. I had a hard time putting it down and can't wait to read the next collection.
I love the what if stories they are so fun and entertaining. I had a hard time putting it down and can't wait to read the next collection.
March 31, 2017
1) Elizabeth's mistake - HATED this! Too much about Wickham. I can't believe Elizabeth wouldn't be smart enough to see through him. Lost respect for her.
2) Mr. Darcy's Rescue - I enjoyed this story quite a bit.
3) A Pair of Fine Eyes - Darcy is engaged to Jane. I had a hard time finding this believable because she's got no personality. But I did like the way the issues got resolved.
2) Mr. Darcy's Rescue - I enjoyed this story quite a bit.
3) A Pair of Fine Eyes - Darcy is engaged to Jane. I had a hard time finding this believable because she's got no personality. But I did like the way the issues got resolved.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews