A Locked Door at Netherfield: Pride and Prejudice Variations

by Laraba Kendig, Angela Kendig (Illustrator)

A magnificent ball. A locked door. And a villain in search of scandal.

When Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy find themselves locked together in the library during the Netherfield Ball, they face compromise and scandal. Elizabeth’s startling solution to the problem causes Fitzwilliam Darcy to discover something profound – the lady he ardently admires thoroughly despises him.

Darcy resolves to do everything in his power to change her mind about him. With gossip and slander flowing throughout Meryton, this is not an easy task, but Darcy has never backed down from difficulty.

When the Bennets leave Meryton to escape the whispering of their neighbors, Darcy and Bingley follow, determined to assist the ladies they adore. The appearance of Darcy’s imperious aunt, Lady Catherine, makes the situation grow even more complicated.

Darcy can only forge onward, battling recalcitrant relatives and old enemies, in pursuit of the thing he wants most of all, the hand and heart of Elizabeth Bennet.

Over 500 pages. This is a sweet and clean, low angst Pride and Prejudice variation where all of the Bennet sisters have happy endings, with a satisfying epilogue.

As a free bonus, this ebook includes Laraba's full ‘A Fortuitous Fall’ and 'The Enigmatic Mr. Collins'!

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Regency

531 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2025

About the author

I am a scientist by training, but a writer at heart. I have always loved reading with a passion and turned my hand to fanfiction a few years ago. I write stories similar to the ones I enjoy reading. They are interesting but light, romantic but not steamy. I am a super fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and have been having a wonderful time writing P&P variations, exploring how new circumstances affect the beloved characters. So far I have published two novel-length Pride and Prejudice variations plus one short story via Amazon. My books include ‘I am Jael’ and ‘The Blind Will See’.

Reviews

[Sam H.]

Wickham will stop at almost nothing

From a locked door to an unholy alliance, people have it out for Elizabeth.

Luckily, she and Darcy find a way and learn to count on one another. During that journey lovely sisterly relationships are forged.

An entertaining read.

[Sophia]

Those of us who enjoy romances have always said about the 'misunderstanding' trope that we wished we could lock the pair in a closet so they'd just talk and get it sorted out. Lo and behold, P&P variation author, Laraba Kendig explored just how the story would change if Darcy and Lizzy were locked in a room and had to talk about his pride and her prejudice.

Does this mean they come to an understanding sooner? Buahaha! Not hardly! Though it does lead to an alternate story in which Darcy learns sooner what Lizzy really thinks of his pride in his family, wealth, and status and she learns that her 'wise' character sketches are dreadfully flawed and is forced to begin again when it comes to Darcy, Wickham, and even her own family.

A whisper campaign threatens to hurt the Bennets as a result of Darcy and Elizabeth getting locked together at the Netherfield Ball. Darcy learns fast that he's not the prize he thought he was to a woman like Elizabeth and, if he was wrong about her, then his assumption about her family including Jane Bennet for his friend Bingley, was in error.

Elizabeth finds herself forced to do what she least wishes, but with longer time spent with Darcy, she comes to learn that the man she detested doesn't exist. Instead, Darcy sets out to prove to her and himself that he can be a man who can earn her love.

More than one someone wants the two to suffer and never find their happy even to the point of putting into place despicable plans to thwart Darcy, Lizzy and their family and friends.

While this was not named a holiday romance, I did love that it lead up to the holidays and had a strong sense of family and a heartwarming romance building as they faced mostly external conflict after they got their misunderstandings squared away. It was a delighted inspirational historical romance for those who want a gently, comfy read.

My original review for this pair of extra stories that came as bonus content
A Fortuitous Fall and The Enigmatic Mr. Collins
An eventful night at the ball when a clumsy man falls during the dance and hits his head alters the path of his life and that of so many other people in a light, warmhearted P&P variation tale. Laraba Kendig comes up with some of the most sweet, amusing, low-angst, inspirational romances and I delight in losing myself in them when I want a comfy, easy read.

A Fortuitous Fall: Expanded Edition is a duet of stories including A Fortuitous Fall and the sequel, The Enigmatic Mr. Collins. I'm glad to get them both together because I felt they were one story broken into two parts.

A Fortuitous Fall quickly introduces Fitzwilliam Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet, and Mr. William Collins and a brief summary of their situation at the Netherfield Ball. The story barely gets going when bumbling Mr. Collins takes a hard fall and is knocked out of his senses. Or, erm, more accurately, had the sense knocked into him. He fell down a stupid, sycophantic man giving unwanted attentions to his cousins because his patroness told him to marry one of them and when he woke up, he was a brilliant polymath genius who says it like it is. Darcy is captivated by the changed man and cares for his needs when he is injured when everyone else just wants to get rid of the annoying man. This sets a new chain of events in motion when Elizabeth sees this and realizes that she might have read the man's character wrong.

Mr. Collins ends up advising and aiding everyone he comes in extended contact with to find their life's path, particularly the twisting road to love for several people.

A Fortuitous Fall and its sequel is a family saga with many romances and growing, extended family relationships that are all directly or indirectly resulting from Mr. Collins.

Some variations, anyone can pick up and enjoy as a standalone historical romance. This isn't one of them. For one, there is an assumption that the reader is up to speed on the P&P events that lead up to the Netherfield Ball and up on all the principle characters because these are all quickly and briefly developed. And, I think that those who would enjoy this type of low-angst, more passive-style plot are those who already know and love the story and characters and are fans of Austenesque-JAFF style storytelling. There are blips of mild action moments, but mostly this story duo are a telling of how many people are led to see their skill strengths and find their romance partner sometimes through complicated circumstances.

Though not much action, I found it fascinating to see how the Bennet sisters and their friends find enjoyment in a diverse talents and pursuits. The ladies really shine. One of the Bennet sisters becomes an amateur scientific scholar and another an artist and architectural designer.

So, I enjoyed seeing the interesting romance pairings, friendships, and how one man's genius brings it all about. Again, primary audience are Austenesque fans.

[Alexandra Straus]

Very inventive of the author to change Mr. Collins into a great character !

I enjoyed the development of Mr. Collins - into the Genius - very much ! Great new twist of our beloved story.

[Wendy Wasiunec]

A Locked Door at Netherfield

An enjoyable read. I found it easy going and not too bad of angst. I totally enjoyed the epilogues. I always like to see where everyone ended up. Something I would probably read again.

[Mariska]

Absolutely Delightful!

I truly enjoyed everything about A Locked Door. But then I love low angst stories. I also love it when Lady Matlock permanently puts Caroline Bingley in her place.

The bonus of the revised Fortunate Fall is also fabulous in every way.

[Terri M]

Three and a half stars, rounded up to four. This book was surprisingly not as well-edited as I have come to expect of this author. There were missing words, incorrectly inserted words, etc that drew me out of the story. As usual, the book is written from a Christian perspective but I find her books to be not overly preachy and most biblical references appropriately placed in the story.

During the ball at Netherfield Elizabeth takes a break from her own pique and family’s bad behavior in the library. Darcy shortly follows to explain his relationship with Wickham. Wickham overhears Elizabeth’s reaction to Darcy’s revelation and becomes angry at them both. He locks the door to the library leaving them to their fate. Elizabeth, not sanguine about being forced to marry, exits out the library window and down the trellis escaping Darcy and his inept marriage proposal. When Wickham realizes that there will be no “discovery” of the couple in a salacious situation, he decides to fix it and the rumors begin.

Elizabeth and Darcy must now decide how to protect Elizabeth and her family from social ruin. The situation is not aided when Caroline Bingley, angry at a double engagement, starts the same rumors in London. And if that is not bad enough a furious Lady Catherine enters the scene with her own brand of chaos. It is almost certain that Elizabeth must marry Darcy, whether or not she can learn to love him. Will Darcy ever be able to earn her love?

There are three chapters of epilogue at the story’s end so be prepared for a lot of information on what happens in Elizabeth and Darcy’s lives, as well as that of all their extended families. Also there is a surprise redemption in character for one of our villains.

[Ree]

Enjoyable story—great narration
This was an enjoyable plot with Wickham overhearing Darcy revealing to Elizabeth the truth about him, and then doing all he can to compromise their reputations. But once he and the two other usual characters who always place a wrench into ODC’s romance got their just due, I thought the story lagged and went on longer than was really necessary.

Harry Frost’s narration was brilliant as always. Five stars for the performance.

[Teresita]

Quite an original premise.

A very entertaining plot with descriptions that almost allow the reader to see the scene. I loved this Darcy and liked the way he goes about getting Elizabeth to know him. Full of interesting situations and entertaining resolutions. Completely worth reading.

[lori huff]

Nice

At the Netherfield ball, Elizabeth and Darcy are locked in the library by Wickham, who believes Darcy will not be happy to marry a compromised Elizabeth, a woman far below him in social status. Darcy would be only too happy to marry her, since he's been fighting his strong attraction to her, but Elizabeth makes a daring escape out a window, informing Darcy that she despises him. Having been foiled in that attempt at revenge, Wickham then starts circulating negative rumors about Elizabeth and Darcy's absence from the ball, implying improper behavior. This leads to complications for them both, and a most surprising suggestion by Darcy to Elizabeth. Darcy becomes aware, to his chagrin, that he must change his ways, and improve Elizabeth's opinion of him.

I like this author. She's an automatic purchase for me. This premise is very familiar, and although this book is well written, it's not one of Ms Kendig's better creations. I skimmed almost half of the first half because much of the content was lifted directly from the original P&P. I'm always annoyed when that's the case. A few references and quotes from the original are expected, but page after page of Jane Austen's work seems like laziness. I know Laraba Kendig is capable of some very fine, imaginative work.

The romance is lovely, and there's plenty of very nasty villains to spice things up. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it for an enjoyable way to pass some time.

[Laura]

4.5 stars
Wow this was one of my favorite Pride and Prejudice retellings. I couldn’t put it down I loved how all the characters had a point of view. Also May times with retellings they just put chunks of quotes from the OG and it kind of derails the book in my opinion. This book kept some of the best quotes but had either other people say them or say them in a different setting and I really liked that. Also I love the Storyline of Miss Anne de Burgh. Very well told. Some times it got a bit preachy but not crazy. Overall fantastic book.

[Bello Valérie]

Bland. I couldn't finish this variation. I didn't like the succession of short, often subdivided, chapters, nor the constant change of POV. The story felt disjointed and the characters quite shallow as a result.

[Amanda E]

too little plot and too many epilogues

I enjoyed the book in general. But by the time I hit the epilogues I was done. They just meandered with no real purpose. The free second book was also like an epilogue, I didn’t really know where the story was going and what was the point and again- it just went too long past its point. These could be tightened up and they’d be great.

[ste]

A fun read but it dragged for too long in the end, I adored the Darcy family (Lady Matlock I’m looking at you) but I think that E&D didn’t have enough chemistry and their romance felt a bit sudden. I really really loved Lydia’s redemption, I wish she had more screen time.

[Sheila Majczan]

In this story the main thread is all about how gossip controlled lives in that era. Wickham (in Hertfordshire) and Caroline Bingley (in London) are responsible for initiating the spread of such after both Elizabeth and Darcy take a break from the ball and disappear (at separate times) into the library. Wickham follows and as he overhears Darcy explaining the truth about Wickham decides to wreak revenge on both...and so he locks the door...setting up a compromise.

When ODC realizes they are locked in Darcy is immediately offering marriage. But Elizabeth is having none of that. She has other reasons not to think well of him besides what Wickham has told her. SO..she escapes down the trellis outside one window. Despite that, gossip is spread.

Elizabeth does agree, with her father's advice, to become engaged to Darcy for a period of time and at the end of that time is free to break that engagement.

So we have a period of time during which both get to know each other better. I found it entertaining that Bennet decides to rent a house in town for various reasons. There, of course, they interact with the Gardiners and with Georgiana. I also liked how that other Bennet sisters learned from their new situation.

Lady Catherine and Anne have large parts in this story while Wickham has a different fate.

The author includes several chapters of epilogues so we get to see far into the future in this story. She also includes A Fortuitous Fall: Expanded Edition: A Pride and Prejudice Variation at the end, which I have read and reviewed previously.

I enjoyed this story and recommend it.

[Camille Fiore]

Both Are Lovable

It is always gratifying to read of a damsel who becomes a conquering hero(ine). In 'A Locked Door', Elizabeth refuses to remain within the locked library with Mr Darcy. She climbs out the window and down the trellis. Unfortunately, Mr Wickham, who was the one to lock them in, begins rumors to continue his persecution of Darcy, assuming he would not marry her.

The entire story is well-written, well-edited, and extremely entertaining. But the true surprise comes from 'The Fortuitous Fall'. I've read variations where Elizabeth falls, Darcy falls, and even Jane falls. This one has Mr Collins fall and recover his true self, a genius who has total recall! Absolutely amazing! Having Lydia become a scientist was also a very delightful twist.

Thank you for including it, or I may not have read that one.

[Kimberly]

This has the longest epilog I ever read. It was about as long a novella. It could have been a 1.5 sequel.
I don't think Caroline got a real redemption. Her being mentioned so much in the updates gave her to much respect. And I don't like that. Wickham was pretty much the instigator for all the obstacles.
I don't like how Jane was the decider to what happened to Wickham.
In fact Jane was more proactive. She lit a fire under Mr. Bennet. I like that it was done in a a Jane type of way so it didn't feel OOC. The locked door that set off this plot, I liked what went on in that room. I like Mr Darcy's persistency in trying to woo Elizabeth.
Happy endings all around.

[Donna Bokaie]

Enjoyable read - Two stories!!

A Locked Door was a great read. Wickham and Lady C were both pretty nasty. Mr. and Mrs. B had quite the evolution of character. However, really enjoyed gotcha and Kitty's interaction with Darcy. Very touching!

Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship was excellent. We know it's A story of a compromise. However, unlike so many others were Elizabeth acts so angry and stupid, this one shows an Elizabeth that is more intelligent and listens.

Of course I have read A Fortuitous Fall prior, but this is very nicely expanded!

[Debra McMaster]

Couldn’t put it down

I loved A Locked door at Netherfield. Things that stand out include the rolling stone effect of malicious gossip, Wickham’s just desserts and Col. Fitzwilliam’s quick actions, Caroline foolishly sealing her fate, and, last but not least, improved communication between Our Dear Couple. Additionally, I hadn’t read Ms. Kendig’s earlier tales, A Fortuitous Fall and The Enigmatic Mr. Collins, in a long time and had forgotten how good they are. There are some great twists and turns that work out to the good.

[OAL]

boring and bland

The premise was good at first, but the execution was not. The story was very dull and hard to keep my interest. There weren’t any good moments of Darcy and Lizzy falling in love, the dialogue was too modern sounding, pacing was off, and it was just so long with nothing there. I got to 50% (which after investigating, was close to done with the actual book, but still so many epilogues and extras left) and stopped reading because I was just unable to get into these characters. I don’t recommend.

[sharon temple]

This is a good story with sine serious issues and sine funny moments woven into it.
The story highlights how fragile a woman’s reputation was in times gone by. Even a woman who is popular and who has always been known to be virtuous, kind and intelligent can become the victim of slander and shunned by her neighbours and the people who love and respect her.
This story highlights the power of words misused by wicked people.
It all ends well and is definitely worth reading.

[C]

I loved this book. This is a low angst P&P variation where Elizabeth's reputation is impacted by gossip from Wickham. But it also places Darcy and Elizabeth in a situation that allows Darcy to realize that Elizabeth does not like him and he sets out to correct that. This was a very enjoyable story with some evil folks that get their just rewards.

[Michelle David]

two for one

An entertaining and new variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Laraba Kendig who also includes the extended edition of “A Fortuitous Fall”. I liked it.

[Kieran]

What a concept

This is an entertaining and novel variation- ODC have much less angst, however the various secondary characters and their adventures definitely provide entertainment and chuckles.

[Nina]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.

The story was low angst, as is usual for this author.
I liked the story, but it was a little boring. or maybe that is the wrong word. Some how it was a little lacking.
I listened to the audio version and Harry Frost is always great

[Ashvini]

This book also contains the fortuitus fall book of the author.

I enjoyed the Locked door along with epilouges. But somehow it doesnt match with the oether books by miss kendig

Still its worth a read

[Denise]

Well written

What an exceptional read, especially the twist regarding Mr. Collins… I never saw that coming… But loved every bit of it! Thank you for the exceptional well written variation of this pride and prejudice!

[Claudia]

This was fine but I felt like something was missing. I missed a bit of tension, all the problems were resolved so easily and it just didn't feel complete. Althoug I really loved the early scene where Darcy proposes in his insulting way and Lizzy just nopes out of there.

[PJ Jones]

Another Great Retelling

I so enjoy Laraba's take on the different aspects of the Pride and Prejudice retelling. Wonderful twists to this classic.

[Anna Wenzlick]

both books included are well done

I enjoyed both books. And I am glad I grabbed it from kindle unlimited. Both were well done with history included.

[Delores Galias]

A very unique and interesting variation.

If you would like a likeable Mr Collins you will no be able to put this one down till the end.