No Charm Equal: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Jan Ashton

The enchanting qualities of Elizabeth Bennet drive Darcy from Netherfield earlier than expected, but encounters in London with friends and relations quickly remind him why she pierced his reserve and captured his heart.

No Charm Equal was previously published as part of the anthology An Inducement into Matrimony. This short story is a low-angst, romantic enemies to lovers, second chance at love romance. Content is clean.

Genres: Fan Fiction

59 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2025

About the author

Author and editor of Austenesque novels, lover of history and romance, co-founder of Quills & Quartos Publishing.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is short and sweet at only 6 chapters and ends at the Netherfield Ball. Darcy comes to his senses much sooner and it’s virtually angst free.

[Katja]

I read this in the anthology.
Darcy leaves Netherfield before the ball and does some thinking. He is asked to bring some friends to Bingley's ball and he realizes how much snobbery Bingley faces because of his background and how unfair it is. Elizabeth finds out that she misses him while he's gone. This was quite sweet. I was expecting the friends to be of more consequence than they were.

[Allison Ripley-Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a standalone story that is a part of the Pride, Prejudice, and Romance series. This story was previously published as part of the anthology An Inducement into Matrimony. This short story is a low-angst, romantic enemies to lovers, second chance at love romance, with clean content. The enchanting qualities of Elizabeth Bennet drive Darcy from Netherfield earlier than expected, but encounters in London with friends and relations quickly remind him why she pierced his reserve and captured his heart. 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.

[Maria Escarda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less and a bit wanting

This is the least satisfying variation that this reader has ever read by this author. Save for the last page which has the promise of a beautiful blossoming romance between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, the rest are rather shallow and inadequate. Although its brevity may pose as an excuse for the lack of what could have been, one can’t help but feel there is something largely lacking in the story; as if what was written is merely an outline or blueprint of something bigger. In substance, this variation is wanting. However, one cannot deny that this is still a well-written novella.

[Camille Fiore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and Sweet

Although I still feel sorry for Elizabeth's feet after being trampled by a bumbling Mr Collins, I really enjoyed this variation. Conversations with each other instead of assuming one understood what the other was thinking and feeling. How novel! Very enjoyable!

[Debra McMaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming vignette

Darcy’s thoughts do not tie him up in knots, low angst level, no proper ending, but full of bright possibilities.

[Helen Homer · Rating 4 out of 5]

a happier, more firmly decided darcy. a lovely short read

[Vem · Rating 3 out of 5]

sweet, but both darcy's and Elizabeth's change wasn't that convincing. He is leaving to put distance but next day suddenly speaking of marry her to cousin. But still, a nice read

[Karen Petrone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute

Very cute short story. I like how they liked each other so quickly. It was a nice change to see.