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A Loss at Longbourn: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
Mr. Bennet's sudden death the morning after the Netherfield ball throws Longbourn into chaos. With their futures suddenly uncertain, Elizabeth and her sisters are entirely dependent on the whims of Mr. Collins... something Mr. Darcy quickly realises is untenable, when the silly parson shares his plan to marry Elizabeth. Beautiful, spirited Elizabeth Bennet, married to this foolish sycophant? Unacceptable. But the only plan Darcy can come up with to thwart Mr. Collins is to declare his interest in Elizabeth himself!
Astonished by the revelation that Mr. Darcy had asked Mr. Bennet to court her, Elizabeth must deal with two rival suitors, all while battling her own grief. When Mr. Collins' cruelty escalates, she has no choice but to rely on Mr. Darcy's generosity as Mrs. Bennet's worst fears come true and the Bennets are cast out of Longbourn to fend for themselves..
Though initially adversaries, Elizabeth and Darcy find themselves drawn together as circumstances lead them down an unexpected path. Surrounded by scheming and cruelty, they discover new depths of understanding. But will Darcy and Elizabeth overcome their pride and prejudices to find love? Or will those determined to keep them apart prevail?
Astonished by the revelation that Mr. Darcy had asked Mr. Bennet to court her, Elizabeth must deal with two rival suitors, all while battling her own grief. When Mr. Collins' cruelty escalates, she has no choice but to rely on Mr. Darcy's generosity as Mrs. Bennet's worst fears come true and the Bennets are cast out of Longbourn to fend for themselves..
Though initially adversaries, Elizabeth and Darcy find themselves drawn together as circumstances lead them down an unexpected path. Surrounded by scheming and cruelty, they discover new depths of understanding. But will Darcy and Elizabeth overcome their pride and prejudices to find love? Or will those determined to keep them apart prevail?
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
About the author
Catherine Bilson
388 books85 followersI've been writing since I was 5 years old. I've always had to set it aside and try to concentrate on so-called 'real life' though. I've had a number of interesting careers - engineer, real estate sales agent, owner of an electrical goods store, silversmith - but finally the time has come for me to return to my first love. Writing.
I've always loved the works of Jane Austen, so perhaps it's fitting that my first published work should be a variation on the much beloved Pride And Prejudice.
Visit my website, www.catherinebilson.com, to read several free short fics in the Pride and Prejudice fandom, and to leave me comments on my work!
I also write not-for-profit fanfiction set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and if you'd like to read those free works please go to the Archive Of Our Own and search for the user handle ozhawk.
I've always loved the works of Jane Austen, so perhaps it's fitting that my first published work should be a variation on the much beloved Pride And Prejudice.
Visit my website, www.catherinebilson.com, to read several free short fics in the Pride and Prejudice fandom, and to leave me comments on my work!
I also write not-for-profit fanfiction set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and if you'd like to read those free works please go to the Archive Of Our Own and search for the user handle ozhawk.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 8, 2024
“It’s only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything.” –Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
Rating: Mature: Smarmy thoughts of a degenerate and the tragic death of characters
Angst Level: rather stressful as things implode at Longbourn
Source: I borrowed this from KU [10-1-24] and I volunteered to leave a review of my thoughts and opinions. [3.5 stars round to 4 stars]
Trope: Bennet dies [no spoiler as it was stated in the blurb
“Tears shed for another person are not a sign of weakness. They are a sign of a pure heart.” –José N. Harris, MI VIDA: A Story of Faith, Hope and Love
The day after the Netherfield Ball, Bingley decided to take his leave of Longbourn rather than have a letter delivered. Darcy traveled with him so he could see Miss Elizabeth one final time. Upon arriving at Longbourn, Jane bolted from the study and, seeing Bingley, ran to him calling him by his proper name, ‘Charles’. There was no mistaking her feelings for Bingley at that moment.
Mr. Bennet had died. Things would never be the same at Longbourn. We slowly watched as the household imploded. Mr. Collins was now lord and master and he let everyone within his purview know it. He was horrid and insisted that the beautiful and ‘voluptuous’ Miss Elizabeth would marry him. He was sure she could not say no. However, she did, and in no uncertain terms. It became juvenile as he kept insisting she would.
What I didn’t like: Several things made me question the story events. Things that felt off. Where was the reading of the will? When Collins pulled his fast one, why were they unable to take their belongings? What happened to the things purchased with personal money and not estate funds? Why didn’t Phillips and Gardiner get more involved? Surely Bennet designated someone as guardian rather than leave his wife and daughters at the mercy of the fool Collins. Jane was the only daughter of age. Surely, Bennet provided for his underage daughters. Someone needed to be the guardian.
As I read the story, I kept waiting for… something. Only, the something never came. There had to be a list of things Mrs. Bennet brought to the marriage or things Bennet purchased with his own money. Would that have included his books? It just felt off.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
Rating: Mature: Smarmy thoughts of a degenerate and the tragic death of characters
Angst Level: rather stressful as things implode at Longbourn
Source: I borrowed this from KU [10-1-24] and I volunteered to leave a review of my thoughts and opinions. [3.5 stars round to 4 stars]
Trope: Bennet dies [no spoiler as it was stated in the blurb
“Tears shed for another person are not a sign of weakness. They are a sign of a pure heart.” –José N. Harris, MI VIDA: A Story of Faith, Hope and Love
The day after the Netherfield Ball, Bingley decided to take his leave of Longbourn rather than have a letter delivered. Darcy traveled with him so he could see Miss Elizabeth one final time. Upon arriving at Longbourn, Jane bolted from the study and, seeing Bingley, ran to him calling him by his proper name, ‘Charles’. There was no mistaking her feelings for Bingley at that moment.
Mr. Bennet had died. Things would never be the same at Longbourn. We slowly watched as the household imploded. Mr. Collins was now lord and master and he let everyone within his purview know it. He was horrid and insisted that the beautiful and ‘voluptuous’ Miss Elizabeth would marry him. He was sure she could not say no. However, she did, and in no uncertain terms. It became juvenile as he kept insisting she would.
What I didn’t like: Several things made me question the story events. Things that felt off. Where was the reading of the will? When Collins pulled his fast one, why were they unable to take their belongings? What happened to the things purchased with personal money and not estate funds? Why didn’t Phillips and Gardiner get more involved? Surely Bennet designated someone as guardian rather than leave his wife and daughters at the mercy of the fool Collins. Jane was the only daughter of age. Surely, Bennet provided for his underage daughters. Someone needed to be the guardian.
As I read the story, I kept waiting for… something. Only, the something never came. There had to be a list of things Mrs. Bennet brought to the marriage or things Bennet purchased with his own money. Would that have included his books? It just felt off.
October 4, 2024
Disappointing
2.5 stars
Ms Bilson’s Infamous Relations is still one of my favorite JAFF, and I wish I thought more of this one. If Mr Bennet dies, Collins only inherits the estate, not the guardianship of its unwed daughters. I would think Mr Gardiner and Mr Philips would disabuse Collins of his error, but the Gardiners make the briefest of appearances, and the Philipses none. Hanging the plot around such a gaping flaw makes it impossible for this reader to willingly suspend disbelief.
In addition, this low-angst story has no angst. The story moves at a glacial pace, and once Collins is dealt with (around the 80% mark), the rest of the story was filler. Even the scenes with LCdB don’t deliver.
I know this author can do better. I’m feeling generous tonight, so I’ll fill in three stars instead of two. It remains a 2.5 star book, however.
2.5 stars
Ms Bilson’s Infamous Relations is still one of my favorite JAFF, and I wish I thought more of this one. If Mr Bennet dies, Collins only inherits the estate, not the guardianship of its unwed daughters. I would think Mr Gardiner and Mr Philips would disabuse Collins of his error, but the Gardiners make the briefest of appearances, and the Philipses none. Hanging the plot around such a gaping flaw makes it impossible for this reader to willingly suspend disbelief.
In addition, this low-angst story has no angst. The story moves at a glacial pace, and once Collins is dealt with (around the 80% mark), the rest of the story was filler. Even the scenes with LCdB don’t deliver.
I know this author can do better. I’m feeling generous tonight, so I’ll fill in three stars instead of two. It remains a 2.5 star book, however.
January 2, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
One thing I did not like about this story is that certain thoughts/scenes kept being repeated even though different words might have been used.
Collins is a monster. When Bennet dies and he takes over Collins demands that Elizabeth marry him. When that doesn't happen and he is not willing to look at another sister, he "throws" them into the hedgerows". Darcy and Bingley do act as protectors. Collins is so "mean", he won't allow anything "belonging" to the Bennets to be taken by them. He states that everything in Longbourn now belongs to him. Ironically, he is left without even a servant as those walked out with the Bennets.
The climax is not a full surprise as we expect some event like what happened.
ODC, of course, have their misunderstanding: he - refusing to give into his feelings due to the lack of money or connections on her part, and she - "knowing" he is above her is those.
One thing I did not like about this story is that certain thoughts/scenes kept being repeated even though different words might have been used.
Collins is a monster. When Bennet dies and he takes over Collins demands that Elizabeth marry him. When that doesn't happen and he is not willing to look at another sister, he "throws" them into the hedgerows". Darcy and Bingley do act as protectors. Collins is so "mean", he won't allow anything "belonging" to the Bennets to be taken by them. He states that everything in Longbourn now belongs to him. Ironically, he is left without even a servant as those walked out with the Bennets.
The climax is not a full surprise as we expect some event like what happened.
ODC, of course, have their misunderstanding: he - refusing to give into his feelings due to the lack of money or connections on her part, and she - "knowing" he is above her is those.
October 5, 2024
I didn't like this poorly written sob story. The plot is centered on an evil Collins who is conveniently disposed of towards the end of the story whereas the reader expects some kind of retribution for his bad behaviour. Elizabeth lost her spunk somewhere along the way. Too many tears. Darcy as the knight in shining armour is just plain boring. The writing is repetitive and the climatic scene opposing Collins to the Bennet sisters is ludicrous. I do not recommend this variation.
October 15, 2024
Repetitive
The day after the Netherfield ball, Mr Bennett dies. Jane discovers him in his study just as Bingley and Darcy are arriving at Longbourn, and Mr Collins is already there. Jane guarantees that Bingley will come to the aid of the Bennett females by running to Bingley, calling him by his Christian name, and asking him for his help. Instantly, both Bingley and Darcy go into protective mode, which is fortunate because this is an evil Mr Collins' version. In spite of the fact that they just lost their father, a lecherous Mr Collins immediately insists that Elizabeth must marry him. When Darcy hears this, he tells everyone that he had Mr Bennett's permission to court Elizabeth, even though it was a lie. At this point, Elizabeth doesn't much like Darcy, but she's overwhelmed by his attempts to protect herself and her sisters, and his subsequent efforts to get them all away from the cruel and vindictive Mr Collins.
I like this author, but this isn't one of her better creations. The book could easily have been shortened drastically by judicious editing, without losing any of the story's integrity. It's painfully repetitive. It almost became laughable how many times one idea was repeated over and over again, and then a few more times after that! I started skimming, and that's never a good thing.
I liked that Jane and Bingley have backbones, and their romance is sweet. However, I wasn't feeling the chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy. Elizabeth is grieving her father, and doesn't even like Darcy the until suddenly she does, near the end of the book. Until then, it's not very romantic.
The storyline is a bit simplistic and idealized, given Darcy's sudden determination to make all problems disappear, and the Matlock's magical agreement with it all. It's sweet, but strange and out-of-character. I recommend the book with reservations.
The day after the Netherfield ball, Mr Bennett dies. Jane discovers him in his study just as Bingley and Darcy are arriving at Longbourn, and Mr Collins is already there. Jane guarantees that Bingley will come to the aid of the Bennett females by running to Bingley, calling him by his Christian name, and asking him for his help. Instantly, both Bingley and Darcy go into protective mode, which is fortunate because this is an evil Mr Collins' version. In spite of the fact that they just lost their father, a lecherous Mr Collins immediately insists that Elizabeth must marry him. When Darcy hears this, he tells everyone that he had Mr Bennett's permission to court Elizabeth, even though it was a lie. At this point, Elizabeth doesn't much like Darcy, but she's overwhelmed by his attempts to protect herself and her sisters, and his subsequent efforts to get them all away from the cruel and vindictive Mr Collins.
I like this author, but this isn't one of her better creations. The book could easily have been shortened drastically by judicious editing, without losing any of the story's integrity. It's painfully repetitive. It almost became laughable how many times one idea was repeated over and over again, and then a few more times after that! I started skimming, and that's never a good thing.
I liked that Jane and Bingley have backbones, and their romance is sweet. However, I wasn't feeling the chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy. Elizabeth is grieving her father, and doesn't even like Darcy the until suddenly she does, near the end of the book. Until then, it's not very romantic.
The storyline is a bit simplistic and idealized, given Darcy's sudden determination to make all problems disappear, and the Matlock's magical agreement with it all. It's sweet, but strange and out-of-character. I recommend the book with reservations.
October 28, 2024
Beautiful story
This is a beautiful story it would be more so if the thought of the characters weren't repeated, sometimes up to 3 times, with almost the same words. It makes for a lengthy read 🥱
Otherwise I enjoyed the story.
This is a beautiful story it would be more so if the thought of the characters weren't repeated, sometimes up to 3 times, with almost the same words. It makes for a lengthy read 🥱
Otherwise I enjoyed the story.
October 27, 2024
Nauseous
This novel was so lovey, dubby. It just got worse until the end. I love you. I was used so much, that's why I could hardly stand to finish it.
There was angst in the beginning, which was good. But all Mr. Darcy could say it and safe and on and on how about how he will make Elizabeth so happy basically, and Elizabeth was just as bad. The last 3 to 4 chapters are just too much. I'm so glad to be your wife, and I'm glad to be your husband. Such and so on. I gave it three stars because everything is too easy after the angst. Everybody is so accepting, and I think this author had a good intent but just lost her way. Everything was tidied up so easily. Enough said. I hate to write this mostly negative review, but I will not be reading any more novels written by this author.
This novel was so lovey, dubby. It just got worse until the end. I love you. I was used so much, that's why I could hardly stand to finish it.
There was angst in the beginning, which was good. But all Mr. Darcy could say it and safe and on and on how about how he will make Elizabeth so happy basically, and Elizabeth was just as bad. The last 3 to 4 chapters are just too much. I'm so glad to be your wife, and I'm glad to be your husband. Such and so on. I gave it three stars because everything is too easy after the angst. Everybody is so accepting, and I think this author had a good intent but just lost her way. Everything was tidied up so easily. Enough said. I hate to write this mostly negative review, but I will not be reading any more novels written by this author.
October 12, 2024
Jane grows a strong backbone, and the behavior of the rest of the Bennets improves.
The rest of the story veers all over the place. There's mention of some of the family staying with the Phillips, but they never appear. Not to support her sister and nieces, not to help with the legal issues involving the estate and the underage girls.
Bingley and Darcy make various plans of how to offer the Bennets shelter, and then go with a different plan entirely.
The rest of the story veers all over the place. There's mention of some of the family staying with the Phillips, but they never appear. Not to support her sister and nieces, not to help with the legal issues involving the estate and the underage girls.
Bingley and Darcy make various plans of how to offer the Bennets shelter, and then go with a different plan entirely.
December 27, 2024
Disappointing. Very repetitive and there were plot holes and inconsistencies. Also, Collins would not have been the guardian for the Bennet daughters just because he inherited Longbourn.
October 27, 2024
Disappointing writing
Ms. Bilson's plot is fine, but the execution is not. This novel reads as though the author was being paid by the word. Why say something once when you can keep repeating it? It ought to have been a fairly taut novella; instead it is a bloated slog.
Ms. Bilson's plot is fine, but the execution is not. This novel reads as though the author was being paid by the word. Why say something once when you can keep repeating it? It ought to have been a fairly taut novella; instead it is a bloated slog.
November 7, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up
I liked the premise, execution needs some work. Badly in need of an editor.
I liked the premise, execution needs some work. Badly in need of an editor.
April 19, 2025
Tra le tante variazioni che esistono, una che parla della cacciata da Longbourn di tutte le ragazze Bennet é davvero originale. Tuttavia questa base, diciamo, innovativa non è stata sfruttata al meglio perché la metà delle pagine sono occupate da stucchevolissimi dialoghi del tipo: " ti amo e ti renderò felice". " Sono così felice". " Lui mi ama e mi renderà felice"... Ripetuti ossessivamente. Un po' va bene, ma il troppo stroppia! Darcy é eccessivamente melenso. La sua dichiarazione che contiene mille " ti amo e ti farò felice" non ha nulla della poesia della Austen, sembra, anzi, che lui stia lì a piagnucolare. L'idea di Collins "cattivo" é buona, ma non ben sfruttata. Ci vuole un antagonista di ben altra caratura. In questo caso sembra l'autrice non sia riuscita a caratterizzare i personaggi negativi perché anche Lady Catherine è piuttosto scialba. Due parole in croce e se ne va. E che dire di Wickham? Non viene neppure spiegato cosa ci guadagni a fare amicizia con Collins... La sua partecipazione a questa variazione sembra inserita per caso. In ultimo, noiosissimo il pezzo in cui ogni ragazza sceglie cosa studierà in futuro. Ai fini della trama é totalmente non interessante e i Matlock!!! Assolutamente non credibili. Insomma, l'idea c'è, lo sviluppo non è all'altezza.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2024
From tragedy to HEA
The early chapters of this well written book might be triggers for the recently bereaved and later for domestic abuse and bullying. Ms Bilson might have gone a little over the top here, but then real life stories often seem impossible until we experience them. However, the tragedy and trauma allow Darcy and Bingley to put their best feet forward, and put them they do. The trajectory then is a Cinderella trope, but I was so engaged with the characters I was happy to see it work out so idyllically.
The early chapters of this well written book might be triggers for the recently bereaved and later for domestic abuse and bullying. Ms Bilson might have gone a little over the top here, but then real life stories often seem impossible until we experience them. However, the tragedy and trauma allow Darcy and Bingley to put their best feet forward, and put them they do. The trajectory then is a Cinderella trope, but I was so engaged with the characters I was happy to see it work out so idyllically.
October 15, 2024
a sweet and beautiful variation
I love a strong and determined Bingley! This one does not disappoint. He knows his mind and knows what he wants and what he wants is Jane and to protect her family. Always good to have a swoon worthy Darcy, but a spoon worthy Bingley was a pleasant surprise.
This story was beautifully written and placed all the Bennett’s in a good light. I recommend it for anyone who loves a feel good story. This will be placed on my reread list of favorite stories.
I love a strong and determined Bingley! This one does not disappoint. He knows his mind and knows what he wants and what he wants is Jane and to protect her family. Always good to have a swoon worthy Darcy, but a spoon worthy Bingley was a pleasant surprise.
This story was beautifully written and placed all the Bennett’s in a good light. I recommend it for anyone who loves a feel good story. This will be placed on my reread list of favorite stories.
April 10, 2025
A Loss at Longbourn
A white lie, a tearful Jane, A broken family and lots of protection. We have a horrible, horrible Collins and a small amount of threatening from Lady Catherine.
Mr Bennet must have come back to haunt him.
Only downfall was repetition, especially on Mr Daddy's love declaration, although a bit silly on Mr Collins's repetition. Smooth those out and would be 5.
Very interesting plot!
A white lie, a tearful Jane, A broken family and lots of protection. We have a horrible, horrible Collins and a small amount of threatening from Lady Catherine.
Mr Bennet must have come back to haunt him.
Only downfall was repetition, especially on Mr Daddy's love declaration, although a bit silly on Mr Collins's repetition. Smooth those out and would be 5.
Very interesting plot!
June 23, 2025
evil Mr. Collins
Mr. Bennett has died and William Collins takes over. He is nasty, angry because Elizabeth won’t marry him. Darcy says he got permission for a courtship from Mr. Bennett before he died. His attempt to save Elizabeth from Collins.
Mr. Collin’s end up throwing the Bennett family out into the snow. Darcy and Bingley come to the rescue. Of course Elizabeth marries Darcy. How else could it end?
Mr. Bennett has died and William Collins takes over. He is nasty, angry because Elizabeth won’t marry him. Darcy says he got permission for a courtship from Mr. Bennett before he died. His attempt to save Elizabeth from Collins.
Mr. Collin’s end up throwing the Bennett family out into the snow. Darcy and Bingley come to the rescue. Of course Elizabeth marries Darcy. How else could it end?
February 25, 2025
I read “The Meddling Matlocks” and liked it well enough to check out the author’s other books.
I’m sorry to say that this one was so different in writing quality, plot, depth, and even spelling and grammar that I would never have thought it was written by the same person. It’s like a first draft was written and published without a second reading and certainly without editing.
I’m sorry to say that this one was so different in writing quality, plot, depth, and even spelling and grammar that I would never have thought it was written by the same person. It’s like a first draft was written and published without a second reading and certainly without editing.
September 24, 2025
Saccharin loveliness
All conflict comes external to the core romance. Perhaps developing the continued miscommunication between characters and adding more consternation between family members funding their lives upended could have enhanced the story.
Though a more marvelous end to an antagonist did we never see.
All conflict comes external to the core romance. Perhaps developing the continued miscommunication between characters and adding more consternation between family members funding their lives upended could have enhanced the story.
Though a more marvelous end to an antagonist did we never see.
October 2, 2024
A different take.
This book was very an original plot.
Collins is awful
Darcy is wonderful
Bingley is strong
The Bennet ladies need heroes and that's what they get.
This book was very an original plot.
Collins is awful
Darcy is wonderful
Bingley is strong
The Bennet ladies need heroes and that's what they get.
October 2, 2024
Lovely
Though it has tears and loss this story also has love and the loyalty of true friends and good family. I enjoyed it.
Though it has tears and loss this story also has love and the loyalty of true friends and good family. I enjoyed it.
October 13, 2024
3.5 star rounded up.
November 6, 2024
The first half was truly compelling.
November 11, 2024
2.75 stars
May 22, 2025
Disappointing
What started as a potentially wonderful storyline devolved halfway through into a disjointed jumble. Very very disappointing. What a shame.
What started as a potentially wonderful storyline devolved halfway through into a disjointed jumble. Very very disappointing. What a shame.
September 15, 2025
2.75⭐️
July 10, 2026
I loved the beginning. The proposal scene was rushed and at an inappropriate time. Also really repetitive.
November 15, 2024
This is surprising. I've read Bilson's other variations, and they're terrific. This one has a page-turner plot, but the writing is often so repetitive.
February 21, 2025
Me ha gustado, de sus siete libros por ahora publicados en español es uno de mis favoritos. Por su nombre ya se adivina que hay una muerte en Longbourn. Son libros amenos y no muy largos, ojala fueran más largos. con historias muy bien construidas, este es ideal. Una situación que podría perfectamente haber pasado.
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