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You need not be afraid, Elizabeth. Nothing will harm you while I am here.When Elizabeth Bennet visits Pemberley on a summer holiday tour with her aunt and uncle Gardiner, her greatest fear is encountering Mr Darcy. She has been haunted by guilt for her past misjudgment of Mr Darcy, and regrets refusing his proposal. She can only imagine how he might act were he to see her on the grounds of his estate.

When Fitzwilliam Darcy unexpectedly meets Elizabeth Bennet at Pemberley, his second impression shows little improvement over his first—but surely all is not lost? Her mystifying appearance cannot be mere happenstance. Certainly, the hand of Fate must be guiding their reunion and Darcy believes he has been granted another opportunity to woo her properly.

But is it the hand of fate, or perhaps something more supernatural, which aims to bring them together and protect them from the forces which seek to tear them apart? Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves subject to the whims of powers beyond the natural world in this second chance romance.

Pemberley is a regency romance inspired by Pride and Prejudice as well as the gothic novels popular in the time of Jane Austen.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2024

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58 people want to read

About the author

Mary Smythe

17 books56 followers
Mary Smythe is a homemaker living in South Carolina with a rather useless BA in English collecting dust in a closet somewhere. She discovered the works of Jane Austen as a teenager, thanks to the 1995 BBC Pride and Prejudice miniseries featuring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, and has since gone on to read everything written by Ms Austen at least once yearly, always wishing that there were more. She has been writing since 2001, but only discovered Jane Austen Fanfiction in the summer of 2018.

Dare to Refuse Such a Man is the first full-length novel she has ever completed, though she can boast a few shorter works in her library, as well.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,691 reviews84 followers
April 10, 2025
Pemberley is haunted! Never fear, though; this book's atmosphere is less gothic and more like a ghost story/comedic romance.

It begins with Elizabeth and Darcy both heading to Pemberley. Despite a warning at the inn in Lambton that a ghost has been seen around the estate's pond, Elizabeth tours the estate with the Gardiners as in the original Pride and Prejudice. She becomes separated from the rest of the party, who have gone outside. Trying to find her way out through the unfamiliar labyrinth of hallways and rooms, she finds herself in the master's study, where she sees a portrait of his deceased parents. She's had Darcy on her mind, reflecting upon all her encounters with him as well as the letter he'd given her after she refused his marriage proposal. Wondering what his parents would have thought of her as their son's choice, she receives what could be interpreted as an answer to her question when the family Bible falls to the floor with its pages opened to an appropriate verse.

Meanwhile, Darcy's dog, Freddy, enthusiastically greets his early-returning master at the stables, prompting Darcy to take him for a walk. When they get to the pond, the pooch jumps in, and Darcy feels inspired to follow suit. The playful Great Dane finds Elizabeth, who has now made her way outside looking for the others and has wandered by the pond. Her attentions to the pup cause her to linger a bit by the water's edge. A muddy, leaf-strewn, soggy figure suddenly emerges from the water, startling her into losing her balance and falling when she momentarily believes she's seeing Pemberley's ghost.

She's not, of course, and her interaction with Darcy becomes doubly embarrassing because her skirts have gotten snagged on a tree branch and she needs his help to get to her feet - and then her aunt and uncle show up with Mrs. Reynolds when the two of them are in a decidedly awkward position.

This sets the lighthearted tone that fills the entire story. Paranormal shenanigans help bring the couple together and repeatedly thwart Caroline Bingley, who makes pathetic attempts to separate them, or to entice Mr. Darcy, or to set up a compromise situation that will force him to marry her.

The book is beautifully written and edited. The chemistry in every scene between Darcy and Elizabeth is palpable. There are many imaginative plot elements, with Freddy the Great Dane being my personal favorite.

Overall, it's an entertaining story that I recommend - and the Epilogue sets the stage for the second book in this series.

Content is clean.

I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,736 reviews142 followers
September 23, 2024
“At night, here in the library, the ghosts have voices.” –Alberto Manguel, The Library at Night

SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***

>>Rating: mature teen: they didn’t anticipate their vows, but it was close
>>Angst Level: medium due to the haunting of Pemberley: it was tempered with laughter over the behavior of the spirits toward a certain guest at Pemberley who had the audacity to attempt… well, let’s just say they were not happy
>>Source: Free copy via Booksprout 8-6-24: 34 chapters + epilogue
>Trope: Supernatural: ghosts/spirits
>>New Character: Freddy: I adored this character

“Remember thee? Ay, thou poor ghost, while memory holds a seat
In this distracted globe. Remember thee?” –William Shakespeare, Hamlet

Elizabeth and her aunt and uncle Gardiner visited Derbyshire and a haunted Pemberley. That was what the serving boy at the Inn told them as he expounded, ‘I ain’t afraid of no ghost.’ This was hilarious and shocking and I laughed my head off as things were just crazy at Pemberley.

“Now I know what a ghost is. Unfinished business, that’s what.” –Salman Rushdie, The Satanic Verses

This was so much fun. I loved it. Two women visited Pemberley and only one was welcomed by the spirits dwelling therein. The estate did not approve of the aspirations of one lady to be the new mistress at all costs. Not if the spirit of the former mistress could help it. Oh, that was hilarious.

“Nothing is ever as simple as it seems. At the edge of perception, weird things dance and howl.” –M.H. Boroson, The Girl with Ghost Eyes.
909 reviews73 followers
August 30, 2024

Frightfully Fantastic Fun!

With just the right amount of tension and humour, along with a dose of the Gothic, this novel sparked such joy in me!

“Well, Lizzy, I see you found what lurks in the lake.” (quote from the book)

Are there actual ghosts haunting Pemberley? What will Elizabeth find while visiting with the Gardiners during their Derbyshire tour? These questions and more will be revealed once you start reading.

“The house itself would not be visible for a couple of miles yet, but he felt a rush of comfort wash over him the moment he crossed into his ancestral lands. This sense of belonging, of this being his place in the world, was almost mystical; it was as if Pemberley itself knew its master had arrived and embraced him with open arms.” (quote from the book)

This is a very sensory story that fully came to life for me. Pemberley is very much a main character along with Mr. Darcy and his favourite puppy, who provide great entertainment that you won’t want to miss. His reaction in seeing Miss Elizabeth Bennet at Pemberley was quite…riveting.

“A number of other invectives skittered across Caroline’s mind as she witnessed ‘her’ Mr. Darcy, the man she fully intended to take as her husband, bend over Eliza Bennet’s hand and wrest from the chit permission to call upon her at the local inn.” (quote from the book)

But let’s not forget the ever-grasping Miss Caroline Bingley who arrives with her brother, Charles, and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst. Oh, what a termagant she was! Chapter 17 was a hoot! A well-deserved comeuppance, but that didn’t stop her!

I more than highly recommend this story. Miss Smythe has knocked this one out of the park!
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,711 reviews207 followers
August 21, 2025
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.

This variation gives us some ghosts. Rumor has it that Pemberley is haunted and in this story we have the ghosts of Fitzwilliam Darcy's parents helping not only to bring them together but also warding off Caroline Bingley's attempts to secure her own desires (loved that part of the story).

As in canon, Bingley and his two sisters and Hurst arrive soon after Darcy, in his return to Pemberley. Elizabeth is visiting Lambton with her Aunt & Uncle Gardiner. They tour Pemberley and after Elizabeth comes upon a disheveled Darcy leaving the pond waters, they are invited to Pemberley and end up staying there.

Darcy and Elizabeth have many moments together and soon do come to an understanding, even if that is aided by the ghosts (among other things) making sure that the door to the room they are in won't open, forcing them to stay together overnight. These ghosts have some powers which aid them in prolonging the time and affecting manner in which ODC spend together.

One of the charming aspects of this story is reading the relationship between Anne and George Darcy, who remain in love and still show affection!

Darcy's dog, Freddy, adds to the story, also. And of course we have Georgiana and a few other characters. There is a short epilogue.

I recommend this story and now play to read the next in this short series.
Profile Image for Madenna U.
2,171 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2024
Elizabeth Bennet and the Gardiners come across Darcy on their tour of Pemberley. A few strange things happen bringing them closer together. Miss Bingley has other ideas, but fate does not help.

The story is fun, Caroline’s incidents are hilarious and the ghosts are touching.
Profile Image for Kristin O'donoghue.
158 reviews7 followers
September 30, 2024
As I have delved more and more into the world of Austen inspired readings, Mary Smythe has become one of my favorites. Her latest novel, Pemberley, is a delightful, low angst read with just a touch of the supernatural to add a unique twist to the beloved classic.

In Pemberley (Happily Ever Afterlife), Smythe, imagines how things could have been resolved more quickly and with less drama between Darcy and Elizabeth, if Elizabeth had spent more time at Pemberley after their chance meeting. Darcy is thrilled that fate has seen fit to show Elizabeth that he is a man worthy of her against the beautiful backdrop of his ancestral home. After getting over the initial embarrassment of their less than formal reunion, Elizabeth quickly relishes the opportuniy to know Darcy better and explore her growing feelings for him.

Of course, not everything is smooth for our favorite couple as Darcy's traveling companions join them at Pemberley and Elizabeth finds that the stories of Pemberley's halls being haunted may not be stories at all. Caroline Bingley adds plenty of laughs in this story as she does her best to thwart the budding romance between Darcy and Elizabeth. However, it seems that Darcy's ancestors have other plans in mind as mysterious forces always seem to get in the way of Ms. Bingley's schemes.

Smythe does lovely job of giving us sweet and also passion filled moments between Darcy and Elizabeth as their attachment to one another grows. It's just what any Austen fan would have wanted without Lydia's ill planned elopement with Wickham. I really enjoyed that this was written dual POV so we got a chance to really appreciate how much Darcy felt for Elizabeth. Finally, with just the right amount of fantasy, Smythe gives us an opportunity to meet more of Darcy's family and have them be involved in his happiness in a life with Elizabeth. There is something so touching about the fact that even though Darcy's parents are no longer with him in person, they are still able to impact his path in a positive way.

This is a delightful read that is filled with laughs, tension, lovely dialogue and the a sweet ending that Austen would adore. I definitely recommend it to any Austenesque lover and can't wait for Smythe's next book!
Profile Image for Gratia.
231 reviews6 followers
September 28, 2024
4.5* rounded up.
I took my time reading this story, relishing each chapter. With the myriad of events taking place at Pemberley's lake, the visuals of the 1995 mini-series pervaded my thoughts as I read this charming and magical book. I loved this story, along with its descriptions of the setting. It truly invoked what I imagine Pemberley to be. The conflict in the story is not between Darcy and Elizabeth, but rather the rumoured haunting of Pemberley. With the exception of the epilogue, the story begins with the Gardiners' journey to Derbyshire and concludes within about a month. Darcy's quest to woo his lady love intertwines with an unspecified power struggle in the plot. Hijinx and sparkling dialogue place this book on my purchase and re-read often list.
Profile Image for Teresita.
1,246 reviews12 followers
November 6, 2024
Loved it!

Enchantingly original and light, with througly enjoyable things happening to a most deserving character, a pretty love story for our dear couple and a pair of mischievous ghosts.
Profile Image for Gill M.
378 reviews28 followers
October 7, 2024
Review also posted on my blog

https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...

Elizabeth Bennet regrets misjudging Fitzwilliam Darcy and her vociferous rejection of his proposal.
While on a tour of Derbyshire with her aunt and uncle Gardiner, her greatest fear is encountering Mr Darcy.

With some reluctance, she agrees to visit Pemberley, on being assured that the Darcy family are from home.

During her tour of the house, Elizabeth encounters a supernatural presence.

At this point, I fully expected a gothic pride and prejudice variation!

Darcy arrives home and they meet again. But will the "Shades of Pemberley" help or hinder our dear couple?

Delightful story, great characters and a mischievous great Dane puppy. What more could you want?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ashvini.
210 reviews9 followers
October 21, 2024
what a fantastic fanciful story

Do Pemberley have ghosts? what is their intention? Will Elizabeth see them when she tours Pemberley with Gardiners? Why does Darcy feels as if Pemberley recognizes him as master and makes him calm and peaceful

You have to read the books to know all these answers. The book has mystery, some 'jump in your skin' moments, lots of swoon worthy romance and 'Freddy' the great Dane and Caroline Bingley the termagant. What more you need to enjoy a book

I love how Caroline Bingley keeps getting her due almost every time she opens her mouth. But the picnic day fun kept me laughing even after i completed the book.

a very very nice read
Profile Image for Melanie.
210 reviews17 followers
September 16, 2024
Elizabeth is touring Derbyshire with her aunt and uncle Gardiner. When they visit Pemberley Elizabeth's only hope is to not encounter Mr Darcy there because she is ashamed of her past actions and regrets the way she has refused him in Kent.
When Darcy unexpectedly encounters Elizabeth on his grounds he is sure that this is not mere happenstance but that fate favours him. His is determined to take this second chance and to woo her properly this time.
But maybe it is not fate but something more supernatural that has the aim of bringing Darcy and Elizabeth together? Will these forces help them to withstand the obstacles that are put in their path? Will they finally find the love they are searching for? And what is it all about this supernatural force?

The book was very well written by the author Mary Smythe. I like the gothic atmosphere she creates and that this atmosphere is palpable throughout the whole book. At first, everything seems normal and, at the end, one expects something supernatural behind every occurrence. I liked the tension this atmosphere creates very much and I'm looking forward to the next books in this series.

I also like the tension and attraction that is palpable between Darcy and Elizabeth. Both see their encounter as a second chance because they both regret their past actions and behaviour and both can, unbeknownst to the other, imagine a future together. There were often moments I awaited a declaration of love from one of them, but there were always events or actions hindering them. Therefore, as they finally are able to declare themselves, it is definitely worth the wait and they are able to solve all misunderstandings at once 😉.

Besides Darcy and Elizabeth I really loved Freddie, Mr Darcy's dog. She was present in all important scenes and was definitely in favour of Darcy's and Elizabeth's relationship.

Miss Bingley was the only "villain" in this story, but more correctly I would like to call her a viper, because that is what she is. She tries to wiggle her way into Darcy's life and to intrude on every interaction with Elizabeth. Until the supernatural forces have enough and she finally is taught a lesson. She definitely deserves this.

Speaking of supernatural forces: I like the way the author created the story with these forces and the way she finally explains what is happening. I will not tell more but I liked the secret surrounding the supernatural forces very much and am lucky they were there the way they were. That was very well done.

If you like to know about the supernatural forces at Pemberley and how they help Darcy and Elizabeth to finally reach an understanding, you should definitely read this book.

I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of the book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jeanah.
304 reviews6 followers
October 7, 2024
interesting

I have read some supernatural P&P variations. This one was okay and worth reading although I still felt more could explained to the reader. I also would have liked to hear what ended up happening to other characters in the epilogue after the Pemberley “super tale.”
Profile Image for Terri Conley.
1,057 reviews7 followers
September 29, 2024
Thankfully not as scary as it could have been its kinda sweet.
Pretty romantic
79 reviews4 followers
September 24, 2024
Spirited goings on

The chance encounter at Pemberley, of a regretful Elizabeth and a contrite and reformed Darcy plays out amidst supernatural shenanigans to charming ( mostly) affect. Caroline is her usual determined self and... well, no spoilers, but no surprises either. Mild heat towards the ahem, fulfillment of the love story. Overall, worth the read.
Profile Image for Allison Ripley-Duggan.
1,876 reviews16 followers
April 15, 2025
I loved it!

It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This story is a regency romance inspired by our beloved classic, as well as the gothic novels popular in that time period. Elizabeth need not be afraid, for nothing will harm her while he is there. When Elizabeth Bennet visits Pemberley on a summer holiday tour with her aunt and uncle Gardiner, her greatest fear is encountering Mr Darcy. She has been haunted by guilt for her past misjudgment of Mr Darcy, and regrets refusing his proposal. She can only imagine how he might act were he to see her on the grounds of his estate. When Fitzwilliam Darcy unexpectedly meets Elizabeth Bennet at Pemberley, his second impression shows little improvement over his first, but surely all is not lost? Her mystifying appearance cannot be mere happenstance. Certainly, the hand of Fate must be guiding their reunion and Darcy believes he has been granted another opportunity to woo her properly. Is it the hand of fate, or perhaps something more supernatural, which aims to bring them together and protect them from the forces which seek to tear them apart? Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves subject to the whims of powers beyond the natural world in this second chance romance. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
213 reviews3 followers
April 8, 2025
Pemberley ( Happily Ever Afterlife Book 1)

A very spirited happy story. Well meaning ghosts add to the Gardiners and Elizabeth’s visit to view Pemberley during their summer trip to Derbyshire. Unfortunately the disastrous Hunsford proposal took place, but Elizabeth has realized her hurtful words in her refusal were as bad as Darcy’s words of his proposal. She was reluctant to visit Pemberley, but was told the Master was in London. Intrigued by the hound boy’s tale of hauntings at the great house, Elizabeth is convinced to the visit. Fate has a way of interfering with mere mortals. Darcy is returning and a romp with his Great Dane, Freddie, has convinced him a swim in the lake is needed after his hot and dusty ride home. As he emerges from the lake, a shocked Elizabeth is knocked over from her running away imagination. The ghosts begin to work overtime to bring ODC together and to stop Caroline Bingley’s delusional desires from coming to reality. They do a great job completing both endeavors. Cute story.
Profile Image for Just JAFF.
75 reviews8 followers
September 5, 2025
Premise: The shades of Pemberley... are unrepentant matchmakers! Elizabeth and the Gardiners visit Derbyshire and tour Pemberley, as in canon. But Mr Darcy's very large dog and a couple of Pemberley's ghosts (of course it is haunted, as all great old houses ought to be if they possibly can) conspire to keep Elizabeth within Darcy's reach. Caroline Bingley has her own plans, which are amusingly thwarted by the specters.

What I liked: This was a frothy light farce with a paranormal twist. Great fun!

Characterization: No huge alterations. Caroline is a bit more desperate and ott.

Spice level: Low. Some kisses.

Any non-canon parings:

Other notes or issues: Freddy the dog is the Best Girl.
Profile Image for Dawn.
652 reviews33 followers
September 24, 2024
This book was a lot of spooky fun. It was light hearted and very enjoyable. As the title implies, the story takes place at Pemberley. There is a lot of page time between D&E that gives them the chance to clear up past misunderstandings and misconceptions and to grow their affection. I enjoyed the portrayal of the supporting characters as well. The introduction of a new character, Freddy, a lovable canine was my favorite.

This story was a short and easy read. It was engaging and heartwarming. While there were flaws, it was a book that I was enjoying enough that the flaws weren't troublesome and easy to overlook. This is an author I have enjoyed in the past and continue to enjoy. Can't wait for her next book!
Profile Image for Patricia Edmisson.
149 reviews4 followers
September 25, 2024
What could be better than a story beginning at Pemberley for our dear couple's second meeting post Hunsford? What supernatural influences have to do with Lizzy and Darcy? Will they help or hurt them?

All of the usual players are at Pemberley. How will Caroline effect the couple's relationship? I do love Caroline's scenes in this tale. They were hilarious.

I enjoyed this version of Pride and Prejudice. How has the author altered Lizzy and Darcy's personalities? Do these changes help them, or must they "suffer" through more circumstances? How will they get their happily ever after?

This tale was lovely could be read in an afternoon with a cup of tea.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,546 reviews20 followers
April 11, 2025
Ghostly Touch

I loved the idea of ghosts at Pemberley! With this variation mostly centered on Elizabeth’s tour with her aunt and uncle , it allowed for much more to happen between this beloved couple. Seeing Darcy at his home more relaxed and …dishevelled … made him even more personable. With strange happenings partnered with a scheming Caroline there was rarely a dull-or at times dry-moment. Loved it!
Profile Image for Nina.
284 reviews7 followers
April 11, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
As in the original Elizabeth meets Mr Darcy on her tour to Derbyshire with her aunt and uncle.
Fortunately there is no elopement to keep the couple apart, rather they have ghostly help to get to a happy conclusion
This of course makes Caroline desperate but she meets ghostly obstacles
An enjoyable low angst read by an author, I have come to enjoy very much.
I will definitely recommend trying some of her other stories as well
Profile Image for Jen B.
613 reviews7 followers
September 16, 2024
This read was a great deal of fun and left me with a smile on my face throughout the silliness and Miss Bingley getting what was coming to her. It was light and the pacing was just right with touches of gothic, romance and tenderness. Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lexy.
21 reviews
October 17, 2024
LOVED IT. Love the unexisting angst and the fact that we got a lot of Darcy and Elizabeth being in love and enjoying each other's company. Maybe too precdictable and quick how everything happens but it was exactly what I nedeed. I'm a sucker for retellings like this one.
I'm also new to leaving reviews so I´m sorry if you´re reading this and get nothing out of it.
123 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2025
This is a sweet variation. The epilogue ends abruptly and the mention in said epilogue of a minor character's death does not make much sense. This character doesn't even appear in the plot... I would have preferred an epilogue centered on the ghosts, just to give a sense of completion. It's still a pleasant read but it could have been better.
817 reviews5 followers
December 6, 2024
Pemberley: A Supernatural

Pemberley: A supernatural tale book 1.
Thus was truly one that I laughed out loud on and that is saying a lot for me. I normally grin but not voice a laugh with a book.
Thoroughly enjoyed!
Profile Image for Elizabeth S.
798 reviews17 followers
October 2, 2024
A cute story, with certain ghosts helping to ensure Darcy's marriage to Elizabeth. All the action takes place at Pemberley, when Elizabeth travels there with the Gardiners.
102 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2024
Very cute

Well written, funny, and enjoyable. Not much angst, just a pleasant story with a couple of mischievous ghosts and an errant dog.
4 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2025
Really loved it but you do need book two
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