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Mistress of Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

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Mistress of Pemberley – A Tale of Love Forged in Adversity
When Fitzwilliam Darcy is shot mere days after his return from Kent, he finds himself facing a grim future that could turn into disaster at any moment—and only one person can help him. Despite his disastrous proposal and her painful rejection, he turns to Elizabeth Bennet, placing his fate, his sister, and his estate in her hands.

Guided by her unwavering sense of justice and benevolence, Elizabeth sets aside past grievances to aid the man she once thought she despised. What begins as a compassionate yet pragmatic arrangement for Elizabeth—an unorthodox union born of necessity—soon transforms into something far more powerful. As she steps into the role of mistress of Pemberley, she discovers a Mr Darcy the world seldom sees—honourable, devoted, and deeply vulnerable. In the quiet moments between duty and desire, she finds herself facing an unexpected her heart belongs to him. However, the man she loves could die at any moment, and as the tale unfolds, unexpected truths emerge, adding layers of intrigue and mystery to their love story.

What makes the situation even more complicated is that George Wickham, a figure with a history of deceit and betrayal, is no stranger to the tragedy that has occurred.
Set against a backdrop of intrigue, sacrifice, and an undeniable passion that leaps off the page, Mistress of Pemberley is a sweeping tale of love tested by fate, proving that even the most unlikely beginnings can lead to the happiest of ever afters.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2025

156 people are currently reading
51 people want to read

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Florence Gold

37 books22 followers

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5 stars
173 (43%)
4 stars
126 (31%)
3 stars
73 (18%)
2 stars
22 (5%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,705 reviews206 followers
August 9, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

This story moved slowly for me. Plus although there is some angst about whether or not Darcy will die, for me it had little angst.

I did like the part where Mr. Bennet gives his daughters a talk about what they should be looking for in considering marriage. Elizabeth wants independence and that is the main reason she accepts the proposal from Darcy. He wants to leave his sister, his estate and his finances in good hands and by marrying her he can die in peace.

We also have several new or different from canon relationships: Charlotte's and Mary's with Elizabeth. Charlotte bends to Collins' behavior in kowtowing to Lady C. While Mary joins Elizabeth in London and also accompanies her to Pemberley where Mary finds her own love.

There are several scenes in which Darcy and Elizabeth address the physical feelings that their relationship has brought them to.

Yes, as the author's blurb tells us Darcy has been shot so that thread in a large part of the story: who shot him and why and how do they find the culprit(s)?

Profile Image for Browntigerdog's Papermoon.
91 reviews8 followers
May 23, 2025
Emotional tender read! The author develops our dear couples feelings in a very interesting romantic way. Grab a box of Kleenex for this one!
Profile Image for Ange.
106 reviews
June 15, 2025
Enjoyable

This story started slowly for me and I was confused by Charlotte's inconsistencies. She said Darcy did not like Elizabeth, which was striking and odd, and then the he must be in love with you dialogue was included, and then she returned to stating that Darcy did not care for Elizabeth. Then the time Elizabeth spent with Lady Catherine after Darcy left Hunsford was odd and felt disjointed. Why was it there? Lady Catherine never reappears after Elizabeth goes to London or after Elizabeth and Darcy marry.

The story was better once Darcy was shot and Elizabeth went to London. I appreciated Mary's storyline and enjoyed the complete absence of Miss Bingley and the minimal inclusion of Lydia & Mrs Bennet. I do strongly prefer stories that have substantial time devoted to ODC's interactions.
154 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2025
Heartfelt story

The only reason I gave this story 4 stars, is because all of Darcy's relatives knew about his incident except Lady Catherine? This type of crime would have been in the papers and so many others knew about his situation. Plus even after all was said and done, Lady Catherine and the Collinses were never mentioned or voiced any reaction even though they seemed to play A significant role in the beginning of the story. Very heart wrenching theme.
664 reviews
May 8, 2025
3.5 Stars

What I liked:

- A good and entertaining storyline.

- Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship.

- It doesn't follow the typical P&P path.

Storylines that fell by the wayside:

- Mr. Bennet's fatherly talk with his four daughters looked promising, but nothing came of it.

- Lady Catherine took the time to show Elizabeth around Rosings and spend time with her one-on-one. After that, there was no more Lady Catherine.

- Jane and Bingley's storyline disappeared, but I’m rarely interested in that couple, so it wasn't truly a loss for me.

Overall, my primary interest was in Darcy and Elizabeth. Though, I do wonder why those scenes were included.


48 reviews1 follower
Read
April 19, 2025
"How do I love thee,Let me count the ways "...
This is my take on this book.
My heart aches so badly while reading and tears streaming on my face at the same time.
I love this story so much ❤️. Except for the scoundrel Wickham, the rest of the characters are wonderful!
My new favorite to be read and re read for years to come. Highly recommend 👌 .
4 reviews
May 14, 2025
Beautifully Written!

I wish this had been longer or had sequels. It was so beautifully written. I love how Elizabeth’s emotions evolved throughout the story. Georgiana was written masterfully as someone who, instead of hiding within herself after the ordeal with Wickham, she grew stronger.
8 reviews
April 27, 2025
interesting premise

Without giving away the main premise which made the book gripping, I was disappointed in the author’s obsession with sex as if that was a requirement. it makes sense based on the premise, but I thought it was overdone.
Profile Image for Teresita.
1,240 reviews12 followers
June 11, 2025
Wonderful "" what if "

An emotional story depicting unusual circumstances that create a faster bond and closeness between our beloved couple. I loved the descriptions of places and fashions and the discovery of each individual Bennet.
Profile Image for Allison Ripley-Duggan.
1,844 reviews15 followers
April 19, 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. Set against a backdrop of intrigue, sacrifice, and an undeniable passion that leaps off the page, This is a sweeping tale of love forged in adversity and tested by fate, proving that even the most unlikely beginnings can lead to the happiest of ever afters.

When Fitzwilliam Darcy is shot mere days after his return from Kent, he finds himself facing a grim future that could turn into disaster at any moment, and only one person can help him. Despite his disastrous proposal and her painful rejection, he turns to Elizabeth Bennet, placing his fate, his sister, and his estate in her hands.

Guided by her unwavering sense of justice and benevolence, Elizabeth sets aside past grievances to aid the man she once thought she despised. What begins as a compassionate yet pragmatic arrangement for Elizabeth, an unorthodox union born of necessity, soon transforms into something far more powerful. As she steps into the role of mistress of Pemberley, she discovers a Mr Darcy the world seldom sees, honourable, devoted, and deeply vulnerable. In the quiet moments between duty and desire, she finds herself facing an unexpected truth: her heart belongs to him. However, the man she loves could die at any moment, and as the tale unfolds, unexpected truths emerge, adding layers of intrigue and mystery to their love story.

What makes the situation even more complicated is that George Wickham, a figure with a history of deceit and betrayal, is no stranger to the tragedy that has occurred. 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.
Profile Image for Terri M.
211 reviews3 followers
April 28, 2025
A slow burn, enemies to lovers story. Darcy comes to Kent with his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and his sister, Georgiana. They are eager to meet Elizabeth Bennet after hearing about Darcy’s admiration for her. Once they meet and befriend her they are also eager to engage in matchmaking for the couple and Darcy is encouraged to pursue her even though he still finds her family unacceptable.

Fitzwilliam errs when he tells Elizabeth how Darcy saved his friend, Bingley, from a fortune hunter who is, of course, Elizabeth’s beloved sister. Before Fitzwilliam can warn Darcy of his blunder Darcy has already made his disastrous proposal and been soundly rejected. Darcy delivers his letter to Elizabeth the following day as he, his sister and cousin return to London. Now in possession of certain facts Elizabeth somewhat regrets Darcy leaving so quickly.

To her surprise she receives a letter from Darcy’s sister begging her to come to London at Darcy’s request. Darcy has been shot and is not expected to live long. Elizabeth goes to him and he proposes again; this time with no expectation that they will be husband and wife in truth. He asks Elizabeth to care for his sister and Pemberley in exchange for financial independence once his sister is safely married and can take control of Pemberley. This time Elizabeth accepts. Darcy is still in love with Elizabeth while she believes she likes, but does not love him.

As the couple prepares for a tragic future something changes in their relationship as feelings begin to emerge. Elizabeth must now face the possibility that she will lose the only man she can ever love before she can tell him about her feelings.

This book does allude to marital relations, although there are not any real specific details. Also I dislike that Elizabeth calls him “Darcy” rather than Fitzwilliam or William. It subtracts from the intimacy of the relationship.
Profile Image for DasAbby.
7 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2025
Interesting...

It was an interesting take on the Pride and Prejudice story; however... The last few chapters cover a topic I don't believe Jane Austin would have included in her original books and I had to skim the last paragraphs of the book due to the toy topic described in vague yet specific phrasing. A decent read up until the last couple of chapters.
195 reviews
May 19, 2025
Florence Gold knows how to write a sweet story of love and romance which gives every character an important role. Her books are so beautifully written so it is a great pleasure to be immersed in the moment.
Profile Image for Sarah Gilligan.
1 review2 followers
June 17, 2025
has some typos

The story overall was fine, had the usual misunderstandings that needed to be resolved and then HEA. I just was really taken out of the story by the typos / find and replace errors for the names toward the end which knocked the rating down.
175 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2025
Fabulous story

I enjoyed reading this book. The story was different yet profoundly interesting. I have not read this unique storyline but I enjoyed it.
101 reviews
May 2, 2025
I love you Darcy

This was a incredibly intriguing romantic story. It had all extremes of pain, sorrow, ridiculous mishaps, but yet, I kept reading because it also had suspense.
Profile Image for Ashton Butler.
1,101 reviews
June 25, 2025
Mrs Darcy

Interesting variation. Similar events that occur after Kent…but Mr. Darcy is shot. Needing Elizabeth, just Elizabeth- they enter into a beautiful arrangement.
Profile Image for Alessandra.
509 reviews8 followers
July 21, 2025
It was okay but got quite boring towards the latest part.
6 reviews2 followers
October 13, 2025
Emotional and satisfying read

Quick read, though heart wrenching at times. Didn’t want to put it down for fear of what might happen next for ODC.
Profile Image for Nina.
284 reviews7 followers
November 3, 2025
3.75 stars
When Darcy is attacked he turns to Elizabeth for support for his sister and himself.
269 reviews6 followers
June 21, 2025
Darcy is dying

After the awful proposal, Elizabeth leaves Hunsford at once to go to Darcy who has been shot. He asks for marriage in order to provide for her and Georgiana. Elizabeth is challenged to immediately become Darcy’s proxy in all his estate. An engrossing tale of Elizabeth leaping into her new role, the uncertainty of time remaining to Darcy, the mystery of how he came to be shot—and what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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