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Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins's Widow: An Elizabeth and Darcy Story
Elizabeth planned to never remarry. She had married Mr. Collins to protect Jane when Mr. Bennet died. But would her memories of how he hurt her keep her from finding love with Mr. Darcy?
Elizabeth was only 15 when Mr. Bennet died. His heir, Mr. Collins, was an awful, ugly man who mistreated the servants. Elizabeth would never let her dear Jane marry him. Never. Jane was beautiful, kind, and good. She deserved to marry someone she loved. Elizabeth convinced Mr. Collins to choose her instead. His character was far worse than she had imagined it could be, and her marriage was an unending nightmare. Elizabeth felt joy when he died.
Years later Mr. Bingley took Netherfield, and Elizabeth met his haughty and handsome friend, Mr. Darcy. Even though he saw himself as superior to most of the local gentry, Elizabeth and Darcy quickly became fast friends. But as they grew closer Elizabeth’s terrifying memories of Mr. Collins returned....
Four to five people told me, while they don't like the idea of Elizabeth married to Mr. Collins, they really liked the story. He is dead by the first paragraph.
Elizabeth was only 15 when Mr. Bennet died. His heir, Mr. Collins, was an awful, ugly man who mistreated the servants. Elizabeth would never let her dear Jane marry him. Never. Jane was beautiful, kind, and good. She deserved to marry someone she loved. Elizabeth convinced Mr. Collins to choose her instead. His character was far worse than she had imagined it could be, and her marriage was an unending nightmare. Elizabeth felt joy when he died.
Years later Mr. Bingley took Netherfield, and Elizabeth met his haughty and handsome friend, Mr. Darcy. Even though he saw himself as superior to most of the local gentry, Elizabeth and Darcy quickly became fast friends. But as they grew closer Elizabeth’s terrifying memories of Mr. Collins returned....
Four to five people told me, while they don't like the idea of Elizabeth married to Mr. Collins, they really liked the story. He is dead by the first paragraph.
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First published March 7, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 15, 2016
What if Mr. Bennet died when Elizabeth was 15?
What if Mr. Collins came to Longbourn willing to marry one of his cousins and Elizabeth sacrificed herself to prevent her family to be “thrown into the hedgerows”?
What if he died about a year later, Elizabeth inherited Longbourn and decided to run it without male help?
What if Mr. Darcy knew of this in the first assembly ball and decided to engage her into conversation?
What if they became friends and fall in love?
I have to say I hated the idea of Elizabeth getting married to Mr. Collins at the age of 15. Well, I would not like to see her married to him at any age. But I still decided to read the book due to some reviews I’ve read saying that Mr. Colins would not even appear. That much is true, he is dead when the story begins, so we do not have to see him married to our beloved Elizabeth, but we do have to read how Elizabeth suffered at his hands, and we do have to feel that she was once married to that man before Darcy.
Maybe I could I have dealt better with that if it weren’t such an important thing in the book, but it is! Elizabeth is traumatised with her first marriage and that is why she refuses Darcy’s first proposal. For me that was too much to bear.
Also, the characters are so different from the ones we knew in Pride and Prejudice, I could hardly recognise them. Darcy is not himself, and neither is Elizabeth. Unfortunately I did not fell in love with the book. The storyline did not convince me, but if you have nothing against the premise of the book, you could give it a try.
What if Mr. Collins came to Longbourn willing to marry one of his cousins and Elizabeth sacrificed herself to prevent her family to be “thrown into the hedgerows”?
What if he died about a year later, Elizabeth inherited Longbourn and decided to run it without male help?
What if Mr. Darcy knew of this in the first assembly ball and decided to engage her into conversation?
What if they became friends and fall in love?
I have to say I hated the idea of Elizabeth getting married to Mr. Collins at the age of 15. Well, I would not like to see her married to him at any age. But I still decided to read the book due to some reviews I’ve read saying that Mr. Colins would not even appear. That much is true, he is dead when the story begins, so we do not have to see him married to our beloved Elizabeth, but we do have to read how Elizabeth suffered at his hands, and we do have to feel that she was once married to that man before Darcy.
Maybe I could I have dealt better with that if it weren’t such an important thing in the book, but it is! Elizabeth is traumatised with her first marriage and that is why she refuses Darcy’s first proposal. For me that was too much to bear.
Also, the characters are so different from the ones we knew in Pride and Prejudice, I could hardly recognise them. Darcy is not himself, and neither is Elizabeth. Unfortunately I did not fell in love with the book. The storyline did not convince me, but if you have nothing against the premise of the book, you could give it a try.
August 8, 2020
The best Lydia in a variation
Excellent story it has much sadness, beautifully written and great joy, also written well.
The scene with Darcy leads a lame horse to a farm is just excellent.
A scene where a young Lydia provokes Georgiana with questions about Darcy, to make sure he is worthy enough for
Lizzy, is priceless.
The depiction of an abused wife and her trauma is intense and poignant. It made me think that horse whipping for a punishment might not be out align. Not to say there is any such thing that happens in the book.
I recommend this book highly.
Excellent story it has much sadness, beautifully written and great joy, also written well.
The scene with Darcy leads a lame horse to a farm is just excellent.
A scene where a young Lydia provokes Georgiana with questions about Darcy, to make sure he is worthy enough for
Lizzy, is priceless.
The depiction of an abused wife and her trauma is intense and poignant. It made me think that horse whipping for a punishment might not be out align. Not to say there is any such thing that happens in the book.
I recommend this book highly.
June 16, 2018
At present, there are 45 reviews on Amazon. After reading many of them, I find that there is really nothing more for me to add. It was a difficult book to read.
Edit... there wasn't a 'start reading' date shown... I may have to re-read this so I can review it. I may have something to say now... that I didn't then. 'My courage always rises...' that crap... just saying.
Edit... there wasn't a 'start reading' date shown... I may have to re-read this so I can review it. I may have something to say now... that I didn't then. 'My courage always rises...' that crap... just saying.
January 4, 2026
Good Read
Reviewed in Canada on October 31, 2019
An enjoyable read. Underwood always tells a good story and I usually like his books. The storyline itself was very good. I liked the character portrayals and the way pieces of canon dialogue and situation were twisted slightly to fit nicely into this story. Well done. I’d like to see fewer dangling prepositions, which would make the good writing even better.
March 17, 2022 - Audiobook
Enjoyable listen, narrated by Virginia Ferguson, however, I found her voice sounded a bit too old for the ladies of Longbourn and there wasn’t enough variation in the performance of the different characters. There are also some glitches in the audio, with some repeated short phrases. All in all, still good.
August 25, 2024 - Audiobook
Reviewed in Canada on October 31, 2019
An enjoyable read. Underwood always tells a good story and I usually like his books. The storyline itself was very good. I liked the character portrayals and the way pieces of canon dialogue and situation were twisted slightly to fit nicely into this story. Well done. I’d like to see fewer dangling prepositions, which would make the good writing even better.
March 17, 2022 - Audiobook
Enjoyable listen, narrated by Virginia Ferguson, however, I found her voice sounded a bit too old for the ladies of Longbourn and there wasn’t enough variation in the performance of the different characters. There are also some glitches in the audio, with some repeated short phrases. All in all, still good.
August 25, 2024 - Audiobook
July 8, 2016
Elizabeth, with a torturous past caused by a shockingly evil Mr Collins, must overcome her fears and nightmares to allow love in her life. Mr Darcy is, of course, just the man to break through those walls while learning about himself in the meantime. As always, this author writes the meanest Mrs Bennett possible. There is also a very good PTSD discussion. I enjoyed the story.
March 27, 2016
2.5 Stars - Enjoyable read, but overall impression was just above "ok."
March 19, 2025
First one I have read by this author that I didn't hate and the writing was bearable too!
Some of the story line was very well executed and I liked the E and Lydia relationship.
However, Mrs. B didn't know about L's abuse? show the bruises... and with all the build up of fearing Collins and the nightmares, that was the incident? Not to mention, I am sure C was just a violent to E in bed, but that was never touched on and certainly would cause more PTSD in relation to a new love/trust with Darcy.
Not sure I would reread this, but far better than anything else I have by T.U.
Some of the story line was very well executed and I liked the E and Lydia relationship.
However, Mrs. B didn't know about L's abuse? show the bruises... and with all the build up of fearing Collins and the nightmares, that was the incident? Not to mention, I am sure C was just a violent to E in bed, but that was never touched on and certainly would cause more PTSD in relation to a new love/trust with Darcy.
Not sure I would reread this, but far better than anything else I have by T.U.
May 11, 2025
Does not deserve more than 3 Stars.
I‘m glad Mr Collins is dead very quickly, however several things did not made sense to me..
All the Bennets lived with Collins and Elizabeth, and yet Mrs Bennet did not see the ab*se towards Lydia, especially the bruises?! Heard them.. Mrs Bennet paints Lydia and Elizabeth as liars when they told her it was Mr Collins!!
There was also never really a set down for Mrs Bennet, in Elizabeth‘s mind it would not do because that would hurt their reputation 🤦♀️ yeah no.. the prominent families knows about the marriage,and a little of how Collins was. A set down for Mrs Bennet would not hurt.
I liked Elizabeth‘s and Lydia‘s relationship. It was beautiful!!
As for Darcy and Elizabeth, they were sweet together but OOC. (Out of character)
I‘m glad Mr Collins is dead very quickly, however several things did not made sense to me..
All the Bennets lived with Collins and Elizabeth, and yet Mrs Bennet did not see the ab*se towards Lydia, especially the bruises?! Heard them.. Mrs Bennet paints Lydia and Elizabeth as liars when they told her it was Mr Collins!!
There was also never really a set down for Mrs Bennet, in Elizabeth‘s mind it would not do because that would hurt their reputation 🤦♀️ yeah no.. the prominent families knows about the marriage,and a little of how Collins was. A set down for Mrs Bennet would not hurt.
I liked Elizabeth‘s and Lydia‘s relationship. It was beautiful!!
As for Darcy and Elizabeth, they were sweet together but OOC. (Out of character)
April 14, 2022
Re-read on this one.
March 5, 2019
Timothy Underwood has done an exceptional job of bringing about the demise of the odious Mr. Collins while, at the same time, informing the reader that he has fallen far from his vows as a minister of God. You know that Lizzy was hurt, to what extent, that is not necessarily for us to know. The assumption that something happened to Lydia is also made known, but I am very pleased that all the finer details are left to the readers' imagination. The story flowed so beautifully. There are some very real traumas' that Lizzy has to face and Mr. Underwood kept the story moving ever forward. The growth of Darcy's character is always nice to see, as are friendships, trusts, and love. The book flowed beautifully and smoothly I found it difficult to put down.
A wonderful story, thank you, Mr. Underwood.
Christa Buchan
A wonderful story, thank you, Mr. Underwood.
Christa Buchan
May 18, 2025
bro i was not expecting to enjoy this this much, i just didn’t think it was mentally healthy to read pride and prejudice twice in 3 days
March 27, 2022
Great book.
April 17, 2015
3.5 stars: we are introduced to Elizabeth as Mrs Collins who sacrifices herself instead of Jane in an unhappy marriage upon her fathers death. Mr Collins is a horrible man and though Elizabeth becomes a widower early in her marriage, the scars of her marriage will stay with her for many years, even keeping her from happiness wen t is possible. Darcy misread of insulting her at the assembly they meet, actually debates with her as she is accused of being an"steward" by Caroline. Her business sense intrigues Darcy and the two quickly form a friendship. Friendship entails that they are honest with each other about Darcy's view of those in trade and his pride. When Darcy realizes he loves Elizabeth he must fight his own feelings and those of Elizabeth who is determined never to marry. Elizabeth appears to be suffering from PTSD and Lydia is her defender! I enjoyed reading the last half of the book especially as we see Darcy's view of himself change and his determination yet hesitancy with Elizabeth.
September 21, 2015
Sweet story, a little too sweet
The characters the author developed are sweet but one dimensional. The storyline involving the marriage of Collins and Elizabeth could have been developed further. And the trauma Elizabeth experienced, was never truly resolved ( colonel fitzwilliam gives Darcy information about post traumatic stress, which he never uses to help Elizabeth heal...why write about it?) and I have to mention the description of our favorite characters kissing: "They spent 20 happy minutes with their mouths against each other", left much to be desired. However, a quick read with many enjoyable conversations between our heroes.
The characters the author developed are sweet but one dimensional. The storyline involving the marriage of Collins and Elizabeth could have been developed further. And the trauma Elizabeth experienced, was never truly resolved ( colonel fitzwilliam gives Darcy information about post traumatic stress, which he never uses to help Elizabeth heal...why write about it?) and I have to mention the description of our favorite characters kissing: "They spent 20 happy minutes with their mouths against each other", left much to be desired. However, a quick read with many enjoyable conversations between our heroes.
August 7, 2019
Well written. Language is mostly era-appropriate but weirdly some really out of place words or figures of speech pop in. Good plot, likeable characters. The period is decently researched. Little details like steward's salaries etc.
There is never much of animosity between Elizabeth and Darcy, their main problems arise from his excess of self-importance and also the aftermath of her disastrous marriage to deceased Mr. Collins.
Would seriously benefit from a little investment into a better cover that is not based on a poorly designed template. The story is worth reading but the cover screams "unprofessional and cheap".
There is never much of animosity between Elizabeth and Darcy, their main problems arise from his excess of self-importance and also the aftermath of her disastrous marriage to deceased Mr. Collins.
Would seriously benefit from a little investment into a better cover that is not based on a poorly designed template. The story is worth reading but the cover screams "unprofessional and cheap".
December 31, 2017
Love it. One of my favorite's!
February 7, 2022
This one of my favorites very witty in places everytime I read I get a good giggle.
More stars of I could.
More stars of I could.
November 17, 2021
This was an interesting twist on Pride and Prejudice. The story overall was sweet and well written, though the author did take liberties with proprieties of the time. Several things occurred that would never have occurred in those times, but overall it was well done. I would have liked to give it four stars but this author did something that always drives me a bit crazy. He took a epilogue way too far. I'm someone who likes to read an epilogue that tells me about, for example, the wedding, people's reactions to the wedding, a few paragraphs about where everyone ended up taking residence, and hopefully, the people who deserve to get there comeuppance do so. But I don't want to know too much further than that, I prefer to have the Timeless image in my head of the two main characters living happily Ever After. Unfortunately you never truly get the satisfaction of seeing a characters who deserve it get a good setting down. In addition the author went on to not only tell you what happened to some of the characters, he tells you how long they lived, the children they had, how they lived into middle age and old age, Etc. He even wrote about how their many descendants we're better off because of the financial implementations the Darcys had set in place! Descendants! How far into the future did he have to go?! Now I'm left with an image of a Darcy and Elizabeth long gone, buried and forgotten somewhere in the English Countryside. Disappointing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2018
A curious concoction of characters
Enjoyed this story and throughout many of the characters displayed traits from the original.
I agree with those who told the author that they didn't like Elizabeth marrying Mr Collins...it just didnt sit well with me either. But, the reasons are well explained in the story.
I also struggled with the use of the words 'gotten' and 'stymied' and the use of 'Right?' at the end of a sentence.
Wickhams brief inclusion in the main body of the story could have been expanded a little too, it seemed a bit rushed, but as for the rest a good read.
Enjoyed this story and throughout many of the characters displayed traits from the original.
I agree with those who told the author that they didn't like Elizabeth marrying Mr Collins...it just didnt sit well with me either. But, the reasons are well explained in the story.
I also struggled with the use of the words 'gotten' and 'stymied' and the use of 'Right?' at the end of a sentence.
Wickhams brief inclusion in the main body of the story could have been expanded a little too, it seemed a bit rushed, but as for the rest a good read.
November 8, 2024
After Elizabeth suffers through a short, abusive marriage with Mr. Collins, she's determined never to marry again. Then she meets Mr. Darcy.
The first 70% of the book is about her PTSD and trying to move past the trauma.
This Darcy is a slightly less arrogant, prideful man and one who learns to treat Elizabeth gently as she tries to leave her past behind.
Less bitterly angst than it sounds and the resolution between the two is sweet.
Also features a much-improved Lydia.
The first 70% of the book is about her PTSD and trying to move past the trauma.
This Darcy is a slightly less arrogant, prideful man and one who learns to treat Elizabeth gently as she tries to leave her past behind.
Less bitterly angst than it sounds and the resolution between the two is sweet.
Also features a much-improved Lydia.
March 9, 2025
A surprisingly good adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, in a completely different timeline where the Bennets are quite different people when they meet Bingley and Darcy. Despite errors in grammar and spelling, and some places in the writing style that could use editing, this was a good read. If you are obsessed with Pride and Prejudice like me, and don’t mind an alternate storyline, you will like it.
November 6, 2019
Let me say there was an interesting storyline in this variation, but the editing was terrible. I have read several books from this author and have not found any of those to be so poorly edited. I loved Darcy and Elizabeth's characters and surprisingly, that of Lydia. I enjoyed the plot quite a bit.
March 21, 2020
3.5, rounded up. This is the best of his work I’ve read so far, with well written dialogue and only very occasional Americanisms. He dealt very well with Lizzy’s issues and I really liked this Lydia. Darcy’s “Hunsford moment” was quite clever. It is short and quick to read, occasionally missing depth, but enjoyable nevertheless. I think the ending was a little flat compared to the start.
December 13, 2021
One of the best P and P variantions
I have read this story several times, and this is one of the best.
There are several memorable quotes in this story and my favorite is, “He may be a puppy, but he is a happy puppy!.
I enjoyed the way that the beginnings of feelings of love bring on mixed emotions of fear and hope in the beginning phases.
It’s almost a perfect love story.
I have read this story several times, and this is one of the best.
There are several memorable quotes in this story and my favorite is, “He may be a puppy, but he is a happy puppy!.
I enjoyed the way that the beginnings of feelings of love bring on mixed emotions of fear and hope in the beginning phases.
It’s almost a perfect love story.
October 16, 2023
Angst
From the description of the book it sounds as if it has more angst than it does. As a whole it settles into a more moderate level. The book moves the characters around and while only changing a few, cleverly uses the most memorable lines of the original, even if the speaker is different! I highly recommend this one!
From the description of the book it sounds as if it has more angst than it does. As a whole it settles into a more moderate level. The book moves the characters around and while only changing a few, cleverly uses the most memorable lines of the original, even if the speaker is different! I highly recommend this one!
May 15, 2021
A good read.
It wa# good to see the Bennet family in a very different light. The horrors of Lizzies early life and the very different character of Lydia made for interesting reading.
It wa# good to see the Bennet family in a very different light. The horrors of Lizzies early life and the very different character of Lydia made for interesting reading.
August 20, 2021
A variation unlike any other
This was a refreshing take. Something completely different. The author understands emotional trauma and the recovery and applies it very well. This has to be one of my favorites
This was a refreshing take. Something completely different. The author understands emotional trauma and the recovery and applies it very well. This has to be one of my favorites
January 5, 2025
Dark beginnings but then hope
A dark and rough beginning for our dear girl in this variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Timothy Underwood. She perseveres and has hope for a brighter future for her family through hard work. I liked it.
A dark and rough beginning for our dear girl in this variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Timothy Underwood. She perseveres and has hope for a brighter future for her family through hard work. I liked it.
January 22, 2025
It was true
It was true that women’s rights were at this point only a dream and a more than usually reprehensible Mr Collins more than possible. A woman in the position of Elizabeth Collins, widow, would surely have had much to overcome besides the typical pride and prejudice.
It was true that women’s rights were at this point only a dream and a more than usually reprehensible Mr Collins more than possible. A woman in the position of Elizabeth Collins, widow, would surely have had much to overcome besides the typical pride and prejudice.
April 6, 2025
I like the proposal of Elizabeth. It was wonderfully done. Not forced and not too forward at the same time. I especially like the earlier part of their friendship and the funny moments about the salty soup. The second courtship seems to be a drag though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews