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A Locked Door at Netherfield: Pride and Prejudice Variations

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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'!

531 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2025

317 people are currently reading
29 people want to read

About the author

Laraba Kendig

44 books108 followers
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’.

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5 stars
181 (44%)
4 stars
151 (37%)
3 stars
61 (15%)
2 stars
6 (1%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
23 reviews
June 3, 2025
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.
223 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Mariska.
667 reviews2 followers
May 31, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Sam H..
1,228 reviews61 followers
May 31, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Terri M.
211 reviews3 followers
June 1, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Allison Ripley-Duggan.
1,807 reviews14 followers
June 5, 2025
I loved it!

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

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 sweet and clean, low angst story where all of the Bennet sisters have happy endings, with a satisfying epilogue. This story has 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. 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 Ree.
1,338 reviews80 followers
July 2, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Teresita.
1,231 reviews12 followers
August 8, 2025
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.
1,205 reviews31 followers
June 10, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Laura.
331 reviews
July 9, 2025
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.
121 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2025
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.
5 reviews
July 2, 2025
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.
74 reviews
November 3, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,698 reviews206 followers
June 19, 2025
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.
331 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
301 reviews1 follower
November 27, 2025
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.
40 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2025
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!
268 reviews6 followers
June 19, 2025
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.
194 reviews
October 14, 2025
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.
43 reviews
June 7, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Michelle David.
2,560 reviews13 followers
June 9, 2025
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.
17 reviews
June 24, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Nina.
283 reviews7 followers
July 8, 2025
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
Profile Image for Ashvini.
205 reviews8 followers
August 20, 2025
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
7 reviews
September 17, 2025
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!
530 reviews4 followers
June 5, 2025
Another Great Retelling

I so enjoy Laraba's take on the different aspects of the Pride and Prejudice retelling. Wonderful twists to this classic.
23 reviews
June 10, 2025
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.
40 reviews
July 1, 2025
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.
2 reviews
July 18, 2025
Useful characteristics

I was drawn to the idea of Mr. Collins being a genius. It was fun for me to see the development of the characters,
46 reviews
August 3, 2025
Another One!

This is yet another wonderful offering from one of my very favorite P&P variation authors. I purchase all of Kendig books for my library!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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