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Darcy and Elizabeth Short Stories #2
Expecting His Proposal
In this diverting Pride and Prejudice short story, what if Darcy had not wounded Elizabeth's pride by insulting her at the Meryton assembly and had danced with her instead? What if Elizabeth had refused to hear a negative word formed against Darcy by his former friend, George Wickham? What if Elizabeth had been so agreeably engaged with thoughts of the master of Pemberley that by the time his visit to Kent was drawing nearer to its end, she was indeed expecting his proposal?
92 pages, Paperback
First published August 12, 2014
About the author
P.O. Dixon
89 books170 followersP. O. Dixon has authored several Jane Austen "Pride and Prejudice" adaptations, all written with one overriding purpose in mind—falling in love with Darcy and Elizabeth. Sometimes provocative, but always entertaining, her stories have been read, commented on, and thoroughly enjoyed by thousands of readers worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 13, 2026
What if Elizabeth had the perspicacity to see through Darcy's austere demeanor during his stay in Hertfordshire and she also saw through Wickham's lies, then how would things play out differently at Rosings-Hunsford? P.O. Dixon manages to present a variation with less pride and less prejudice, but still with enough conflict and character growth that made this a satisfying listen.
Expecting His Proposal is aptly titled in that Elizabeth is privately in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy, but is well aware her humbler family connections and lack of fortune make a potential match not something to be assumed even if the gentleman has given her hints that he is equally interested in her. But fortunately, he does share her affections and they are engaged.
Then, the wheels fall off and we have one miffed lady and a suitor left scrambling to to find a way to keep her from dashing all his romantic hopes and ending their engagement.
Expecting His Proposal is a novella-length piece so it set things up swiftly, assumed listener/readers are familiar with the P&P original so there was a minimum of background development and the focus was on the characters and their interactions. This was a relatively low-angst variation, but there was still good rising action, crisis, and denouement to be had. I liked this Lizzy was more understanding, but still had some spirit and fire in her while this Darcy was able to place love over duty though he tripped up over one remaining blind spot and had to work that out.
Pearl Hewitt is a narrator for whom I'm very familiar, but it has been some time since I heard her soft, sweet tones delivering a story. I enjoyed her ability to still in those soft dulcet tones render the male voices as well as the ladies.
All in all, a delightful quick listen for the sweet romance low-angst lovers.
Expecting His Proposal is aptly titled in that Elizabeth is privately in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy, but is well aware her humbler family connections and lack of fortune make a potential match not something to be assumed even if the gentleman has given her hints that he is equally interested in her. But fortunately, he does share her affections and they are engaged.
Then, the wheels fall off and we have one miffed lady and a suitor left scrambling to to find a way to keep her from dashing all his romantic hopes and ending their engagement.
Expecting His Proposal is a novella-length piece so it set things up swiftly, assumed listener/readers are familiar with the P&P original so there was a minimum of background development and the focus was on the characters and their interactions. This was a relatively low-angst variation, but there was still good rising action, crisis, and denouement to be had. I liked this Lizzy was more understanding, but still had some spirit and fire in her while this Darcy was able to place love over duty though he tripped up over one remaining blind spot and had to work that out.
Pearl Hewitt is a narrator for whom I'm very familiar, but it has been some time since I heard her soft, sweet tones delivering a story. I enjoyed her ability to still in those soft dulcet tones render the male voices as well as the ladies.
All in all, a delightful quick listen for the sweet romance low-angst lovers.
October 4, 2023
Status: Read October 3, 2023
via audiobook edition
Rating: ⭐⭐
Review:
Another reviewer fittingly said, "it was fine, but nothing spectacular." Hence my 2-star rating (it was ok).
My Library Notes:
Expecting His Proposal: A Darcy & Elizabeth Short Story (Darcy & Elizabeth Short Stories, #2)
by P.O. Dixon
Kindle Edition, 94 pages
Published August 12, 2014 by Regents and Cotswold Book Group
ASIN: B00MOSUDK8
"A Darcy and Elizabeth short story which fashions many of Jane Austen's own timeless words into another engaging path to happily ever after!"
In this diverting Pride and Prejudice short story, what if Darcy had not wounded Elizabeth's pride by insulting her at the Meryton assembly and had danced with her instead? What if Elizabeth had refused to hear a negative word formed against Darcy by his former friend, George Wickham? What if Elizabeth had been so agreeably engaged with thoughts of the master of Pemberley that by the time his visit to Kent was drawing nearer to its end, she was indeed expecting his proposal?
Expecting His Proposal: A Darcy & Elizabeth Short Story (Darcy & Elizabeth Short Stories, #2)
by P.O. Dixon, Pearl Hewitt (Narrator)
Published by Regents and Cotswold Book Group
Audiobook, Unabridged, 2 pages
[ b&n audiobook ]
Listening Length: 1 hours and 54 minutes
Expecting His Proposal: A Darcy & Elizabeth Short Story (Darcy & Elizabeth Short Stories, #2)
by P.O. Dixon, Pearl Hewitt (Narrator)
Published by Regents and Cotswold Book Group
Audiobook, Unabridged, 2 pages
[ apple audiobook ]
Listening Length: 1 hours and 54 minutes
via audiobook edition
Rating: ⭐⭐
Review:
Another reviewer fittingly said, "it was fine, but nothing spectacular." Hence my 2-star rating (it was ok).
My Library Notes:
Expecting His Proposal: A Darcy & Elizabeth Short Story (Darcy & Elizabeth Short Stories, #2)
by P.O. Dixon
Kindle Edition, 94 pages
Published August 12, 2014 by Regents and Cotswold Book Group
ASIN: B00MOSUDK8
"A Darcy and Elizabeth short story which fashions many of Jane Austen's own timeless words into another engaging path to happily ever after!"
In this diverting Pride and Prejudice short story, what if Darcy had not wounded Elizabeth's pride by insulting her at the Meryton assembly and had danced with her instead? What if Elizabeth had refused to hear a negative word formed against Darcy by his former friend, George Wickham? What if Elizabeth had been so agreeably engaged with thoughts of the master of Pemberley that by the time his visit to Kent was drawing nearer to its end, she was indeed expecting his proposal?
Expecting His Proposal: A Darcy & Elizabeth Short Story (Darcy & Elizabeth Short Stories, #2)
by P.O. Dixon, Pearl Hewitt (Narrator)
Published by Regents and Cotswold Book Group
Audiobook, Unabridged, 2 pages
[ b&n audiobook ]
Listening Length: 1 hours and 54 minutes
Expecting His Proposal: A Darcy & Elizabeth Short Story (Darcy & Elizabeth Short Stories, #2)
by P.O. Dixon, Pearl Hewitt (Narrator)
Published by Regents and Cotswold Book Group
Audiobook, Unabridged, 2 pages
[ apple audiobook ]
Listening Length: 1 hours and 54 minutes
December 17, 2016
This was a free Kindle Edition offer and I have given an honest review.
This is not canon so don’t get your knickers in a wad. Know going in that it has a different bent. It is a ‘what if’…that means… if this changes… then how does that affect the rest of the story?
This is a novella or short story that starts with Elizabeth and Darcy meeting again in Kent. This is after their acquaintance at the Meryton Assembly where… Darcy actually dances with her… and at Lucas Lodge… and at the Netherfield ball. During this time, they discover they like each other.
Because Elizabeth was not prejudiced against Darcy, when the militia came to town, Wickham was not able to poison her with his stories. She was able to hear him with a clear and open mind and felt his stories did not match up with what she knew of Mr. Darcy. Plus, he kept changing parts of his story and as she questioned him, caught him in several lies.
At Kent they spend time together and Darcy finally finds the courage to propose. Elizabeth accepts and they decide to wait to announce their engagement until they can approach her father for his consent. Mr. Collins overhears them talking and rats them out to Lady Catherine. Things go downhill from there. Lady C goes off and demands Collins toss her out. Cousin Anne goes off due to destroyed hopes and threatens to write Georgiana and tell her what a horrible person Elizabeth is.
Then things really get bad when Elizabeth has that conversation with the Colonel regarding Darcy taking such care of Bingley [separating him from an imprudent marriage]. She now has second thoughts about marrying a man who has destroyed the hopes of her beloved sister and holds her family in such disdain. She now wonders if she really knows him. How can she marry him? She bolts and runs to London to the Gardiner’s home where Jane is staying.
This was a whirlwind of a story. It crashes and burns and yet is pulled out of the fire at the last minute. I held my breath the whole time. It does end quickly. I read it twice it was such a quick read. I kept thinking I missed something so I reread it again.
Several elements were darker in this version…Lady Catherine was pure evil and I was surprised with Anne’s response. In most JAFF she doesn’t want to marry Darcy. In this version…she was so brainwashed by her mother’s expectations that she really didn’t know what she wanted. I really felt for her.
I was pleased to see Charlotte stand up to Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine when Lady C demanded they toss Elizabeth out of the Parsonage.
You really have to wait for the HEA, and I felt there were several threads that were left hanging. There were minimal errors, nothing major, minor editing and word replacements. All in all, I enjoyed it.
This is not canon so don’t get your knickers in a wad. Know going in that it has a different bent. It is a ‘what if’…that means… if this changes… then how does that affect the rest of the story?
This is a novella or short story that starts with Elizabeth and Darcy meeting again in Kent. This is after their acquaintance at the Meryton Assembly where… Darcy actually dances with her… and at Lucas Lodge… and at the Netherfield ball. During this time, they discover they like each other.
Because Elizabeth was not prejudiced against Darcy, when the militia came to town, Wickham was not able to poison her with his stories. She was able to hear him with a clear and open mind and felt his stories did not match up with what she knew of Mr. Darcy. Plus, he kept changing parts of his story and as she questioned him, caught him in several lies.
At Kent they spend time together and Darcy finally finds the courage to propose. Elizabeth accepts and they decide to wait to announce their engagement until they can approach her father for his consent. Mr. Collins overhears them talking and rats them out to Lady Catherine. Things go downhill from there. Lady C goes off and demands Collins toss her out. Cousin Anne goes off due to destroyed hopes and threatens to write Georgiana and tell her what a horrible person Elizabeth is.
Then things really get bad when Elizabeth has that conversation with the Colonel regarding Darcy taking such care of Bingley [separating him from an imprudent marriage]. She now has second thoughts about marrying a man who has destroyed the hopes of her beloved sister and holds her family in such disdain. She now wonders if she really knows him. How can she marry him? She bolts and runs to London to the Gardiner’s home where Jane is staying.
This was a whirlwind of a story. It crashes and burns and yet is pulled out of the fire at the last minute. I held my breath the whole time. It does end quickly. I read it twice it was such a quick read. I kept thinking I missed something so I reread it again.
Several elements were darker in this version…Lady Catherine was pure evil and I was surprised with Anne’s response. In most JAFF she doesn’t want to marry Darcy. In this version…she was so brainwashed by her mother’s expectations that she really didn’t know what she wanted. I really felt for her.
I was pleased to see Charlotte stand up to Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine when Lady C demanded they toss Elizabeth out of the Parsonage.
You really have to wait for the HEA, and I felt there were several threads that were left hanging. There were minimal errors, nothing major, minor editing and word replacements. All in all, I enjoyed it.
August 26, 2023
It's fine. I mean, it's not the first canon divergence Pride & Prejudice story that I've read, and it was fine, but nothing spectacular.
I got this as an audiobook on a stuff your ears freebie Friday, so I'm grateful that it was free because if I had paid audiobook prices for this, I would have been upset.
3 out of 5 stars, it was just okay.
I got this as an audiobook on a stuff your ears freebie Friday, so I'm grateful that it was free because if I had paid audiobook prices for this, I would have been upset.
3 out of 5 stars, it was just okay.
March 1, 2016
This is a rather simple retelling of P&P with much of canon present although reset as to timing and with one main misunderstanding and then with the happy ending much earlier in span of time.
As the book description queries: what if Elizabeth was not insulted at the Meryton Assembly, what if Darcy asked her alone (outside of his party) to dance and what if George Wickham's slanderous complaints were not believed by her? Can you not see that they would come to an understanding much more quickly?
The twist here is that Darcy proposes BEFORE Colonel Fitzwilliam drops the bombshell about Darcy's actions with a friend. So Elizabeth subsequently fears she has made a mistake. And now she even ponders what he must be thinking about her family if he used that reason to separate her sister from his friend. Darcy must work fast to keep the engagement he thinks he has in place. And he follows her to Gracechurch Street to put into action proof he has changed, that his regard of her family will be above reproach.
This very short story does not have any surprises but is a sweet little piece for lovers of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet and their romance. I liked it and it was another variation to attract attention to that couple's romance, if that is what one is drawn to.
As the book description queries: what if Elizabeth was not insulted at the Meryton Assembly, what if Darcy asked her alone (outside of his party) to dance and what if George Wickham's slanderous complaints were not believed by her? Can you not see that they would come to an understanding much more quickly?
The twist here is that Darcy proposes BEFORE Colonel Fitzwilliam drops the bombshell about Darcy's actions with a friend. So Elizabeth subsequently fears she has made a mistake. And now she even ponders what he must be thinking about her family if he used that reason to separate her sister from his friend. Darcy must work fast to keep the engagement he thinks he has in place. And he follows her to Gracechurch Street to put into action proof he has changed, that his regard of her family will be above reproach.
This very short story does not have any surprises but is a sweet little piece for lovers of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet and their romance. I liked it and it was another variation to attract attention to that couple's romance, if that is what one is drawn to.
October 19, 2023
Fun little short story audio book that I got for free. I didn't really connect with these characters, but just needed a short audio to listen to during a drive.
June 11, 2024
At under two hours, this is good and quick listen of the audiobook, narrated by Pearl Hewitt, who I like very much.
August 17, 2014
Ms Dixon strikes again with a wonderful tale. The only problem in my eyes was that it was too short!!!! Just when it was getting good with Mr Bennet's letter it ends!!! I like this Elizabeth because she was more accepting, that is until provoked. This story really does emulate how vain Elizabeth really is in most P&P fanfiction. And dear Mr Darcy, still is proud but definitely appears more accepting and changeable than ever. Kudos to Ms Dixon!! You keep rolling them out and I'll keep buying!!!
August 26, 2023
I needed to listen to something for a couple hours while scraping paint and had this audiobook in my library. I figured the length would be perfect for my needs. And it was.
I enjoy P&P variations and I always think it is interesting to see what each author comes up with to make the story their own. This one starts out with Lizzy and Darcy already liking each other and ready to get engaged. There is still some conflict for them but it is such a short story that it couldn't be dwelt on too long. It was fun to see them getting along, at least until the conflict hit and I enjoyed seeing Darcy more effective in his wooing. He can be swoony when he wants to be.
I was a little surprised that there weren't more repercussions from Lady Catherine. In a longer story she might have been more of a villain. Also, with the length of the story we didn't see a lot of the characters from canon though some were mentioned by name. I did love Charlotte in this one for the brief time we saw her.
If you don't like short stories then this one probably isn't a good choice for you but if you going in knowing you are going to get just a little taste instead of a whole bite then it is quite enjoyable.
Pearl Hewitt did a great job on the narration adding to the enjoyment of the story.
No sex, language or violence
I enjoy P&P variations and I always think it is interesting to see what each author comes up with to make the story their own. This one starts out with Lizzy and Darcy already liking each other and ready to get engaged. There is still some conflict for them but it is such a short story that it couldn't be dwelt on too long. It was fun to see them getting along, at least until the conflict hit and I enjoyed seeing Darcy more effective in his wooing. He can be swoony when he wants to be.
I was a little surprised that there weren't more repercussions from Lady Catherine. In a longer story she might have been more of a villain. Also, with the length of the story we didn't see a lot of the characters from canon though some were mentioned by name. I did love Charlotte in this one for the brief time we saw her.
If you don't like short stories then this one probably isn't a good choice for you but if you going in knowing you are going to get just a little taste instead of a whole bite then it is quite enjoyable.
Pearl Hewitt did a great job on the narration adding to the enjoyment of the story.
No sex, language or violence
July 26, 2020
Another P&P variation. hehe.
This one changes the events of things. What if Darcy didn't wound Elizabeth's pride by insulting her at the Meryton assembly and actually DID dance with her instead. What if Elizabeth had refused to hear a negative word from Wickham? Things are all different except that Darcy DID convince Bingley to abandon Jane since she doesn't seem to care about him.
I liked it. It was cute. It was fun watching Lizzie wait for his proposal at Kent. It was adorable seeing them be in love early on.
But not all is roses and rainbows here. Darcy STILL did convince Bingley Jane doesn't have real feelings. And of course...somehow (won't say)....Elizabeth did find out about this. So yes - there was some drama. Darcy did a good job fixing everything, but I was worried about HOW he would fix it.
The narrator was perfect! I think she did the last one? I can't remember, but I have heard her voice before.
This was short and cute. If you need some P&P variation in your life, I recommend this. There are others in this "series" but it is just a collection and not a real "series" as we know it, so you can read out of order like me. I'll give this 5 stars.
This one changes the events of things. What if Darcy didn't wound Elizabeth's pride by insulting her at the Meryton assembly and actually DID dance with her instead. What if Elizabeth had refused to hear a negative word from Wickham? Things are all different except that Darcy DID convince Bingley to abandon Jane since she doesn't seem to care about him.
I liked it. It was cute. It was fun watching Lizzie wait for his proposal at Kent. It was adorable seeing them be in love early on.
But not all is roses and rainbows here. Darcy STILL did convince Bingley Jane doesn't have real feelings. And of course...somehow (won't say)....Elizabeth did find out about this. So yes - there was some drama. Darcy did a good job fixing everything, but I was worried about HOW he would fix it.
The narrator was perfect! I think she did the last one? I can't remember, but I have heard her voice before.
This was short and cute. If you need some P&P variation in your life, I recommend this. There are others in this "series" but it is just a collection and not a real "series" as we know it, so you can read out of order like me. I'll give this 5 stars.
February 14, 2018
What if Mr. Darcy hadn't snubbed Elizabeth at the Meryton assembly, but had danced with her instead? What if he had allowed her to see the man he was instead of the prideful facade he showed to the world? In this variation, Lizzy falls for Darcy and she longs for his proposal. But with Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins to interfere, happily ever after isn't guaranteed for our favorite couple.
This is a sweet quick read I listened to in one sitting. It takes place in Kent, so the Bennett family isn't featured much, but we get plenty of Lady Catherine. I loved Darcy in this version, he knew what he wanted and how to go after it, and he knew when to keep quiet! This Lizzy was a bit more wishy washy than in canon, and strings poor Darcy along. There isn't much angst, and it's a nice sweet story. The narration was great, Pearl Hewitt brings the characters to life and is always a pleasure to listen to.
This is a sweet quick read I listened to in one sitting. It takes place in Kent, so the Bennett family isn't featured much, but we get plenty of Lady Catherine. I loved Darcy in this version, he knew what he wanted and how to go after it, and he knew when to keep quiet! This Lizzy was a bit more wishy washy than in canon, and strings poor Darcy along. There isn't much angst, and it's a nice sweet story. The narration was great, Pearl Hewitt brings the characters to life and is always a pleasure to listen to.
May 10, 2026
When you get it for free on Libro.fm Stuff your earbud weekend, don't expect too much. It just felt like a fanfic for the most part which is ok since it was only an Hour and 30 mins long. This centers around " If Liz accepted Darcy's first proposal" which takes out the biggest turning point of the story. When Liz confronts him about what happened to Bingley concerning Jane, how he insulted her Mom and sister and her rejecting his first proposal which is so important for the rest of the story to happen. Without it, this just is a fluff piece with a little confrontation when she finds out about Jane and Bingley's situation after the proposal.
September 12, 2023
Such a delightful story of Darcy and Elizabeth, with a slight twist from what we know to happen in Pride and Prejudice! (this time she was expecting his proposal!)
I loved how the author wove in lines from P&P and still kept them in the same context as what was intended.
I'm not one to read too many adaptations or retellings of my favorite novel, so to say that I was engaged with the story is saying something!
I loved how the author wove in lines from P&P and still kept them in the same context as what was intended.
I'm not one to read too many adaptations or retellings of my favorite novel, so to say that I was engaged with the story is saying something!
January 5, 2024
Stuff Your Earbuds Find!
I am a sucker for anything that has to do with Lizzie and Darcy or even Pride and Prejudice in general. Indeed this was extremely short but I liked it all the same. Just filling in the small moments where there was a time skip or a time jump. As always Collins is a pain in the behind but I do love that they showed the backbone here predominantly in Lizzie best friend. Love getting a daydream back into the world I fell in love with.
I am a sucker for anything that has to do with Lizzie and Darcy or even Pride and Prejudice in general. Indeed this was extremely short but I liked it all the same. Just filling in the small moments where there was a time skip or a time jump. As always Collins is a pain in the behind but I do love that they showed the backbone here predominantly in Lizzie best friend. Love getting a daydream back into the world I fell in love with.
November 16, 2025
It felt like starting in the middle of the story, which it kind of did. This is a “what would have happened” kind of retelling so the characters are the same.
I listened to it on audiobook and while the narration was good, the book itself was just okay. It wasn’t bad it just wasn’t anything spectacular and I found myself getting a little bored with it at times.
I listened to it on audiobook and while the narration was good, the book itself was just okay. It wasn’t bad it just wasn’t anything spectacular and I found myself getting a little bored with it at times.
May 12, 2026
Rating: 2.5/5
Expecting His Proposal is a what-if, divergence short story inspired by Pride and Prejudice, focusing on Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
I received this audiobook for free, so thank you for that. Overall, it was an enjoyable short read, though I do wish it had been longer and more developed.
Expecting His Proposal is a what-if, divergence short story inspired by Pride and Prejudice, focusing on Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
I received this audiobook for free, so thank you for that. Overall, it was an enjoyable short read, though I do wish it had been longer and more developed.
May 3, 2020
Clean, sweet, and interesting
Cute and interesting on how Darcy and Elizabeth came together. Loved how they stood this and faced the opposition. Loved how some truths came out, but loved even more how they worked it out. Highly recommended to read
Cute and interesting on how Darcy and Elizabeth came together. Loved how they stood this and faced the opposition. Loved how some truths came out, but loved even more how they worked it out. Highly recommended to read
August 26, 2023
I enjoyed this alternative take on Pride and Prejudice. I liked how although Elizabeth and Darcy had a better understanding of each other at the beginning they still had some issues to work through to get their happily ever after. All in all, a good novella.
September 9, 2025
I'm always welcome to more Pride & Prejudice content, so I dove into this one. The shift in this short story is Darcy proposing much earlier in the story. This adds so much more drama. It was well written, but I found all the arguing droning rather than enjoyable.
May 12, 2026
This is a Pride and Prejudice “What if.” At around 2 hours rounded up, it had familiar characters and themes but a change in how events went. Was it nice to see a change in how the canon story went, yes, but wasn’t spectacular. It filled the time I needed to clean.
August 21, 2022
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 2
I seem to remember this was OK, but it was so incredibly forgettable that I am not sure.
Rating: 2
I seem to remember this was OK, but it was so incredibly forgettable that I am not sure.
January 27, 2023
Interesting plot, some misunderstandings and a very sweet and romantic Darcy. Lovely read!
August 25, 2023
Sweet story!
August 25, 2023
A cute read, a different perspective on his proposal. Enjoyed the read.
September 13, 2023
2.5 stars, basically just a shorter version of pride and prejudice but no Enemies to lovers.
September 13, 2023
I have always loved Pride and Prejudice. This was a great quick read to remind me why I love it so much.
September 16, 2023
It was okay, I would like it to have a different ending
December 4, 2023
The only thing that was really changed was that they were engaged before she found out about Darcy’s involvement in breaking up Bingley and Jane rather than after it was all resolved.
May 30, 2024
I had hoped it was going to be stories of Jane and Darcy together. Adding onto the original Pride and prejudice. But it resold a bit of the story with different events and I didn't enjoy the change.
September 20, 2024
I was left wanting after reading this.There as nothing wrong with it per say, but just left feeling unsatisfied at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews