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Officious Interference

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This story starts with the walk in the park at Rosings where Elizabeth learns from Col. Fitzwilliam that Darcy has purposely separated Bingley and Jane, only rather than get sad, she gets mad and goes to dine at Rosings anyway.

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Published April 12, 2012

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,687 reviews83 followers
December 7, 2017
Another delicious road-not-taken Pride and Prejudice from this talented author!

The set-up is quite simple, really. At Rosings, Colonel Fitzwilliam confirms Elizabeth's worst fears that Darcy was instrumental in separating Bingley from Jane, and she tells him (Colonel Fitzwilliam) directly that the lady in question is her beloved sister, who is still suffering the heartache of Bingley's desertion. Rather than stay at the parsonage with a "headache," Elizabeth goes to dinner at Rosings with a major chip on her shoulder towards Darcy. She is so rude to him that he ends up leaving the next day without finding an opportunity to propose. In the carriage ride to London, he learns from his cousin what put her in such a foul mood and realizes how much she dislikes him and that she would have spurned his proposal of marriage.

As the story progresses, though, it's not only Mr. Darcy who engages in "officious interference." Elizabeth herself is guilty of it as she tries to force Jane to get over Bingley and to give another man, Mr. Scripps, a chance to earn her devotion. In trying to promote a match between Mr. Scripps and Jane, Elizabeth doesn't realize that she has attracted the serious interest of Lord Falmouth, Mr. Scripps' good friend. A series of innocent developments at a ball leads to scandalous snowballing gossip about Elizabeth, ruining her reputation in Hertfordshire unless she agrees to marry a man she doesn't love just as she has come to the conclusion that she does love Mr. Darcy.

The scenes where Darcy actively woos Elizabeth are just lovely and make the reader fall under his spell even more easily than Elizabeth. As in the original P&P, he also does everything he can to extricate his beloved from the scandal swirling about her and her family. He gets help from a most unexpected source whose motivation is clear and logical.

I must add that I do wish Charlotte had been given a better fate. Her marriage to Mr. Collins, as described, is even more miserable than in canon and provides motivation for her foolish impulsive behavior- to a degree. Despite behaving badly, though, Charlotte doesn't deserve to be stuck with yet another undesirable companion.
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,705 reviews206 followers
May 23, 2016
4.5 stars

As others have posted this story begins as in canon where the Colonel is walking with Miss Bennet and knowing of his cousin’s amorous inclinations towards Elizabeth is attempting to persuade her as to Darcy’s loyalty and caring for his friends. He tells her of how Darcy saved a friend from a decidedly ill-intended entanglement with a woman whose mother was eager for the marriage of her daughter to a wealthy suitor. Elizabeth’s reception of this tale is as in P&P and then she also relates back how his infamous remark at the Meryton Assembly was heard by not only her but also by others. Then the Colonel questions her about a remark from Lady C. concerning her rejection of Mr. Collins’ proposal. So much more has shared between these two.

In this tale Elizabeth does not claim illness that evening. Rather she goes to dinner and acts very cool towards Darcy…whose attempts to get her to go for a walk, to sit a little apart for a private conversation, etc. (as he intends to propose that night) all are thwarted when she tells him she is not so inclined PLUS he reads her anger in her eyes. (Darcy was so sure of her acceptance he had sent for his mother’s ring.)

As Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam depart for London the next day questions arise about Darcy’s intention to propose and as they talk the Colonel reveals his attempt to support Darcy by telling of his good act for his friend! Oops! There is now much discussion as to what Darcy should do. And we are reading of his thoughts as he considers whether to give up, to enter the Season and seek a bride again there or just what. His decision to reenter into the whirl of the social scene is now noted by all the young ladies and their mothers. Soon rumors about Darcy’s intent to marry reach Georgiana’s ears and, worried about the consequences for her if he does so, Georgiana has a discussion with and gains a promise from him that she will meet any lady to whom he plans to propose BEFORE he does so.

Darcy is alarmed at the rumors and although Bingley has been informed of Darcy’s officious interference in Bingley’s love affair but has taken no steps to return to Netherfield and take up his courtship of Jane, Darcy resolves to twist his arm and persuade him to do just that…so that Darcy, in turn, has a second chance to do so with Miss Elizabeth. Little do they both know that there are other irons in the fire so to speak because….

Meanwhile, back at Longbourn: Elizabeth makes a decision to befriend Miss Mary King who has returned to the area to reside with her Aunt and Uncle, a Mr. and Mrs. Scripps. Learning from Mary how George Wickham’s pursuit of her was found to be only for her money, Elizabeth realizes that Darcy’s attitude and behavior towards that man might indeed be well justified. Then, lo and behold, Mary invites Elizabeth and Jane to visit her as her cousin, Mr. Robert Scripps has recently returned from his grand tour, and in the company of his friend, Lord Falmouth of Cornwall. The latter has inherited Barkway on his father's death, a very nice estate, not as large as Netherfield but with an income of nearly four thousand pounds a year. These two gentlemen are now placed in the role of suitors for the Bennet sisters’ hands.

The story is not as simple as one might think. And for me, a reader who just recently read A Willful Misunderstanding by the same author, the small doses of angst added here are sweet treats compared to those in that book! Some malicious gossip fuels an uproar. Friends become enemies. Lady Catherine takes up quite an unexpected cause. And we will get our happy endings for more than just ODC.

Amy has never disappointed me in the readings of her unpublished books. Please add this to your TBR pile if you enjoy a gentler retelling of P&P.
Profile Image for Les.
2,911 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2016
This is a P&P what if with a really seemingly simple change that causes splendid results.

Beginning at Rosings, we get Darcy's perspective of his intention toward Elizabeth Bennet. She is a young lady who isn't formed for ill-humor; however when she is dining at Rosings; following her learning of Mr. Darcy's actions to separate her dearest sister from Bingley she is unequivocally cool in her refusal to ... Walk in the garden with Mr. Darcy.

Upon his departure from Rosings Darcy is shocked to learn of her bad opinion of him from Colonel Fitzwilliam. He had planned to propose at her Uncle's house but is frozen by shock and indecision.
Eventually he musters the courage to confess his interference to Bingley as the gentlemen plan their return to Netherfield.

But in Meryton the Bennet sisters have not been repining. Lizzy has befriended Miss Mary King, that nasty freckled thing, and through her Lizzy and Jane have met two fine gentlemen. Now Jane is still saddened by the loss of Mr. Bingley and isn't as pleased with the gentlemen as Lizzy. Nor is she pleased with Lizzy's endless hectoring over her need to get over Mr. Bingley. Lizzy is walking and talking with Lord Falmouth, owner of an estate in Cornwall, while convincing herself that she is merely allowing Jane to be courted by his friend, Mr. Scripps.

When Bingley and Darcy return to Netherfield Darcy is transformed. He is openly wooing and charming Miss Elizabeth. Soon he is ready to beg her to be his wife; but he promised Georgiana that he would introduce her to in intended before he proposes. And before he can it appear that Miss Elizabeth is compromised in the garden by Lord Falmouth. The rumor is spread by one of Lizzy's trusted friends and is quickly a wild fire in Hertfordshire. Further Falmouth refuses to deny the compromise hoping the Mr. Bennet will compel Lizzy to marry him.

I have said in every review of this author that she is uniquely brilliant. In every story I have read she has found a completely original plot point that I have not seen in any of the over 300 P&P variations and sequels I have read. The singularly best part of this wonderful book is why Lady Catherine wants Darcy to marry Anne And as she in unopposed to his marriage to Miss Elizabeth she hies to Longbourn to save her reputation.

And I have often bemoaned 'epilogues' but the ending of this book is a gift to the reader - wrapping up every plot point and loose end.

Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,736 reviews140 followers
June 19, 2016
This starts out like any other JAFF. You have ODC at Kent and Darcy is trying to propose but when Colonel Fitzwilliam tells Elizabeth about Darcy’s interference in Bingley’s love life, Elizabeth tells him it was her sister. Then everything changes. Needless to say, Elizabeth is honked at Darcy and he and Fitzwilliam leave for London without his proposal.

In London, we have a dark and brooding Darcy and Bingley after he tells him about his interference. Neither knows what to do and we struggle with them as they rail against each other and life in general. Caroline is in rare form as Bingley rants at her and she ignores him. He attempts to kick her out of his house and his life…to no avail.

We then have Darcy and Bingley heading back to Netherfield in order to patch things up with Elizabeth and Jane. When they arrive they encounter other men attempting to court their women. This was a comedy of errors as everyone tries to outdo and skirt around each other.

Most of what I have written is general JAFF variation. There were a few deviations from our usual story line and that made it interesting and exciting to read. There was lots of drama between our couples and at times all seemed to be lost. It was a real nail biter.

Then all of a sudden the tone of the book changed and it became very dark. Several things happened that I’ve not seen in any JAFF that I’ve read. There is a betrayal of friendship that was so shocking and devastating to a P&P character. It was such a surprise. What a creative bent to a character that is usually portrayed as a beloved friend.

We were also made privy to an R-rated reveal that was so very shocking. I’ve never seen this used before. I was stunned and read in horror of what went on behind closed doors. I cringed in dread of what might next appear on the page. I couldn’t put it down. It was like watching a train wreck.

Lady Catherine…I’ve never seen her portrayed this way. She was one sharp intuitive lady. Her thought process on Darcy and his search for a bride…or lack thereof, was the most shocking creative take I’ve ever read. She was perfectly resigned to her way of thinking and until she was proven wrong was willing to use Anne to solve the problem. To her that was perfectly acceptable. WOW! I am still reeling from the gut punch the author delivered in that quarter.

Lady Catherine proved over and over that she was no shrinking violet. She knew what needed to be done to solve the MAJOR scandal that hit Hertfordshire/Meryton/Longbourn and nothing was going to stop her. She was a powerhouse and she got things done. I did not know how they were going to stop the scandal.

Toward the end the book lightened up a bit and ended the way we want a P&P to end with our couples and their HEA. The epilogue was creative and such a twist on our characters. I can’t say anything because it will spoil the reveal.

This was a WIP [work in progress] and hopefully the errors will be addressed before publication.
Profile Image for Brenda.
137 reviews6 followers
Read
December 31, 2014
Quite slow for the first 30%, it got really good for a while then I only skim read from 63% - didn't like where the story headed.

At 55% - omg, where did this Darcy come from?! He's acting more like Mr. Tilney than Darcy and phew, I like!

At 44% - Well, Darcy is certainly impressing me with his first attempts at flirting!!

"Mr. Darcy you seem to delight in inducing discomfiture in me this evening. At any rate, I must tell you sir, that with such passionate leanings, I cannot imagine any scenario in which I would find myself singing such a song in your presence. Surely no lady would be at ease to perform such a song, save she sang it to her husband."

Mr. Darcy was not dissuaded, and raised his eyebrows at her in mock astonishment. "Are you proposing to me Miss Elizabeth? Indeed, that is quite a demand for just a song, but I admit, I am not disinclined toward considering your suit."

"My suit!" Elizabeth exclaimed, laughing merrily. "Upon my word, you have missed my meaning entirely."

Darcy grew serious, and lowered his voice, saying to her, "Have I indeed? Well, then I can only hope that you do not miss mine."
Profile Image for Charlene.
474 reviews
July 13, 2016
This i the second book in the past month that I've read from this author and I just love her books!!! I started this book and finished within 2 days. I just couldn't put it down. This book is not avaiable to purchase and I read it on thhe darcyandlizzy web site, but I certainly hope that this author gets her book published!!! :D Thi story is an alternative that I haven't read before and was clearly well done. Darcy never get's to propose because the conversation between the Colonel and Elizabeth ends up going into much greater detail and the conversation was indepth. Elizabeth now knowing more info decides that she is not going to let Darcy upset her and she ends up going to Rosings. Therefore Darcy has no chance and ends up going back to London with the Colonel. During this ride the Colonel discloses all the particulars to Darcy and from there the story goes on. And boy does it go on. Just wonderful twist and turns. Just loved it. Big suprise with Lady Catherine and even Charlotte. Worth reading
Profile Image for Sara.
411 reviews32 followers
December 8, 2017
I agree with the reviews of Leslie, Debbie and Rose. This is an interesting read. Well done. I wish Caroline had a worse ending and think Charlotte was not dealt with harshly enough. I also thought the ending lacked a bit of the magic the rest of the story contained. Flirty Darcy was super fun to read. Darcy as a rake was hilarious.
Profile Image for Susan.
7,311 reviews69 followers
May 23, 2016
In this Pride and Prejudice, Darcy does not get to propose to Elizabeth at Rosings. His interference with Bingley has become known to Elizabeth, and Darcy starts to believe that Elizabeth does not even like him. What more could go wrong..
Profile Image for Allison.
395 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2017
This is another great story by this author. I've read a ton of variations and after awhile the plots all start looking the same. Not so with this writer. Stories I've read so far have all been very fresh with new perspectives. So I am enjoying them. I will say, however, that they are fairly high on the angst so I may need to take a break and read something a little more lighthearted before coming back to her work :)
Profile Image for Elin Eriksen.
Author 24 books160 followers
February 26, 2018
Absolutely fabulous book.
I am impressed by the ability of Amy D'Orazio to create unique and captivating plots.

Somehow I had thought that Elizabeth would give Darcy a tongue lashing at the dinner but that came from a surprising source a little later.
The proposal never happened but that does not change the fact that it is a very depressed Darcy that leaves for London...
Darcy confesses his interference to Bingley and I liked how he reacted. Must say that I even liked Bingley better than Darcy in the beginning. He grows a backbone and Caroline can tell...

Darcy redeem himself admirably as he gets serious in wooing Elizabeth. Several awe, sigh and swoon moments created by flirty Darcy, oh my... Not to forget the laugh out loud moments, especially the scheme Darcy has concocted to win her hand.

A heart-wrenching twist followed and a scandal is involved. Loved how Elizabeth dealt with the villain in the end. Showed her true mettle.

Lady Catherine was a surprise but not an unpleasant one. She is as high handed as ever but there was a twist, making her rather useful for a change. The reason for her wanting Darcy to marry her daughter was hilarious.

Ended in a lovely epilogue.

Heartily recommend this book!
Profile Image for Madenna U.
2,166 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2017
Due to Elizabeth asking Fitzwilliam questions during their walk around Rosings Park, Darcy does not propose in Kent. As a result the traditional story takes a turn, as Darcy has to figure out what he is going to do about it.

Darcy courting Elizabeth is so much fun! They are surrounded by competition and jealous people that try to get in the way.
282 reviews
October 19, 2025
4 stars mainly for flirty and bold Darcy. It was also interesting to read an Elizabeth equally being into him and enjoying his actions.

Darcy’s lack of quick actions frustrated me sometimes but it’s understandable most of the time and he quickly realized and did what he had to do so it was ok.

But it’s the parts where Darcy pursues her and she falls for him that were the best and I loved them.. wish we had more of it or even a slower gradual romance, as here Darcy didn’t have to do much to change her opinions from bad to good, only from neutral to good, as Elizabeth was already aware of Wickham’s actions through other means.

Loved this different portrayal of Lady Catherine. It’s hilarious to read her thinking Darcy as gay because of him not seeking any woman and wanting Anne to marry him so that she will be safe with him. It’s even more hilarious as Elizabeth’s other suitor accused Darcy of being a rake. These small gems made it more enjoyable.

I found the epilogue awkward and kinda unsatisfying but didn’t mind it much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dung.
490 reviews
January 4, 2017
4.5 Stars

Loved this bold and flirtatious Darcy!

There's definitely unexpected twists in this story that you would have never expected. From Mary King, Charlotte, Mr. Collins, and Lady Catherine. There are moments where you just laugh out loud and others when you just want to scream at the characters.

The other reviews sum it up perfectly.

I highly recommend this one!
Profile Image for Barb.
522 reviews50 followers
October 24, 2017
Please, Amy, publish this one! I really enjoyed this variation. Lady Catherine and Mrs. Bennet plot together. Quite entertaining!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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