Darcy and Elizabeth: A Most Unlikely Couple

by Brenda J. Webb

Darcy and Elizabeth – A Most Unlikely Couple is a Pride and Prejudice variation. Not a simple retelling, it is an intriguing new story that does not follow canon. It is rated for mature audiences.

With his persuasive tongue, Andrew Darcy is a very charismatic scoundrel. Having dealt for years with the scandals created by this wayward cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy has grown weary. Thus, when yet another gentleman confronts Darcy about Andrew’s blatant betrayal of his daughter, Darcy decides he has had enough.

He sets out for Meryton to find Andrew, but no sooner has Andrew left for Manchester to offer for the unfortunate lady, than Meryton is abuzz with a new scandal involving Andrew and a local woman.

Feeling obligated to offer his assistance to the father, Darcy has no idea that accompanying Bingley to Longbourn will change his life forever. For the lady whose reputation is now at stake, Elizabeth Bennet, is the very reason he fled Meryton only weeks before.

Genres: Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction

576 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 23, 2014

About the author

Welcome to my author page; let me tell you a little about myself.

First, I have never followed soap operas, I hardly have time to watch television at all. Thus, if any of my characters match names of soap opera characters, I assure you it is a coincidence. I come up with the names all by myself. Now that that is addressed, I shall move on. "big smile"

I worked for years in the accounting world until I traded my career for life on a small farm. A voracious reader and romance movie aficionada, one day I happened to notice that one of my favorite Jane Austen books had been made into a movie. It was the 2005 production of Pride and Prejudice and I went to the theatre to see it instead of waiting, as usual, for the DVD or online video release. Nothing can compare to seeing this production on the big screen. It captured my imagination and made me want more of these beloved characters or others like them. I began buying all of Jane Austen's novels on Amazon.com and discovered the Jane Austen Fan Fiction genre.

I read everything I could find and then decided to write a story of my own, which was posted on a fan fiction site. A nice response from my readers convinced me to publish the story. I began a forum, DarcyandLizzy.Com, where I post my stories before they are published. It features many other writers as well.

Reviews

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this compelling and unique story. This is a twist in the tale of P&P that has so many alterations it would be impossible to record them all.

The highlights -
Darcy and Lizzy marry quite early in the book
Darcy's enemies are numerous and include relatives
Darcy's aunt & uncle have come from Ireland and are a breath of fresh air
There is lots of drama and angst but it isn't overdone and works.

This is a long book but there is a lot of ground to cover.

[Sam H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. Was not expecting Georgiana's role in this story playing out that way. In all the variations I have read so far, this was the first time I came across such a rendition of her.

My only negative point would be how beleagered the whole love-twulove- was made in to -"we get it, they love each other, the older couple's marriage was deep love too. Stop beating me over the head with it and get on with the story already!" Just sayin...

[Elin Eriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot and heavy!
This book is so thrilling it is almost painfull to read. The book is heartwretching and romantic from start to finish. Unputdownable.

Reread: 06.07.20: Riveting tale, holds up perfectly as a reread.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and loved all of Brenda's stories. I especially love long tales with lots of twists and turns, angst and mystery, misunderstandings and manipulative people who add to the tension of not whether we will have our happily ever after but how it is going to be reached. And I love the sexual attraction, the chemistry which can’t be denied.

In this story, Andrew Darcy connives with Wickham with the most evil of plots. Lady Susan wants Darcy and lies and manipulates (with Lord Attaway) a gullible Georgiana who proves not to be the shy, sweet girl in canon. We find lots of sneaking about, spying on people and on events on the neighboring estates. A child who resembles our hero? A nude portrait – with blackmail intended. Darcy and Elizabeth do marry but the circumstances are not what anyone would expect. Then there are Olivia and Joseph Fitzwilliam, family outcasts from Ireland: you will fall in love with them. They offer wisdom and support so badly needed when things seem dark and dismal.

There are many times that gossip seems to paint an ominous picture or even to force an event not expected, not foreseen. A cottage on the estate, a pass through a valley, a case of malicious words causing misunderstandings (again) all add to the draw this story makes on one's interest. Having read this on the forum, I could not read ahead. But be warned you will not want to put this book down.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW what an emotional roller coaster ride!!!

I read this book as it was pick for me off my TBR list in a reading group by a fellow member. I have had this book on my TBR list for awhile mainly because of the length (571 pgs) and was not sure when to delve into something that long. I am grateful that I did because it is a wonderful book.

Ms Webb really knows how to spin a tale filled with twists and turns, though never making the reader feel as if there is no substance and only (repeated) filler. There is a bit of everything in this book: angst, compromise, lust, misunderstandings, reconciliation, love and affection, plotting, memory loss, kidnapping, risk of scandal, return of memory, some violence, and a HEA!!!! Ms Webb is well versed in how to write a splendid book that takes the reader on a journey towards true everlasting love. She is very descriptive in her phrasing, though not so much that you get lost in the point of the scene. Well done Ms Webb.

I truly loved the fact that Ms Webb used date/place indicators to highlight the change in scene, place, and time. These indicators were an enormous assistance to keep track of things in a book this long. I can't stand when authors go on and on, blending the story together without any breaks to indicate the change in place, time or who is conversing.

This story starts where Mr F Darcy is secretly at Netherfield Park assisting Mr Bingley learn estate mgmt. He doesn't want anyone to know he's there, doesn't plan to be social secondary to not staying long in the area. Though his plotting for incognito was dashed when the two eldest Miss Bennets stay at Netherfield Park while Jane recovers. Elizabeth meets and is intrigued by this Mr F Darcy, though because he suddenly snubs her she forms her bad her opinion of him, leaving her vanity ripe for the picking of rakes to come.

This story has several new characters to enlarge the story: Mr Andrew Darcy, cousin to Mr F Darcy, rake and profligate conartist. He came to Pemberley when his parents died, though became fast friends with Mr Wickham and neighbor Lady Susan, starts to scheme against the august Mr F Darcy. Lady Susan has been a long-time neighbor of the Darcy’s and has stated that she will be the next Mrs Darcy no matter what she needs to do. These three desolate characters soon take the impressionable, young, and naïve Georgiana under their wing spinning tails to make her rebel against her brother.

The best of the new characters is a loving couple that is uncle and aunt to Mr F Darcy, Georgiana, and Colonel Fitzwilliam, Joseph and Olivia Fitzwilliam. Joseph is the brother of Lord Matlock, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and Lady Anne Darcy, who was ostracized because of marrying well beneath him in status and forgoing the rich hand-picked debutante. Mr and Mrs Fitzwilliam are the epitome of a loving relationship, they love their nephews (F Darcy and Col Fitzwilliam) and come to build the foundation for Elizabeth and Mr F Darcy.

Let's also just say that I loath the Georgiana in this story!!! She is a b****y, pampered, naïve, and sulky 17 y/o who holds more stock in what A Darcy, Wickham, and Lady Susan say over her own brother. She is described as sort-of Lady Catherine like.

This story had me sitting on egg shells and unable to put it down. I loved the strength and integrity of Colonel Fitzwilliam and how he understands F Darcy so well and is willing to do anything to aide his cousin. I loved this quote by Col Fitzwilliam, where he is chastising F Darcy, after losing his memory, about the love F Darcy has for Elizabeth: “There is no shame in loving someone society claims is beneath you. The shame comes in letting society convince you otherwise. You were drawn to Elizabeth Bennet at first sight. In fact, the first time you told me of your admiration for her, you seemed almost in a trance. That was when I knew that she had stolen your heart. You would do well to give your heart to her again.”

I would highly recommend this book to all JAFFers, though for mature audiences because of adult content.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

That any person could write 568 pages of a book sounds incredible.

That an author could do so in such a compelling and bewitching way, enveloping us from the first page in an intriguing story involving plot twists, misunderstandings, perceived lies but ultimately a very happy ending for ODC left me practically speechless!!

I loved this book, the journey undertaken by ODC, the pain, angst, blunders and the moments of sheer bliss-the ring,the cottage...... I dare not say anymore than to urge any and all lovers of JAFF to treat themselves to this piece of literary indulgence ....... You won't regret it!

My sincere thanks to Ms Webb for such pure delight!!

[Talia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this author. This is the second book I have read by her. It is a P & P variation with lots of added characters and action. I liked it very much.

Reread: Just terrific and full of angst! I love this author.

Reread: Too much angst for me today!

Reread: Great story but E changes her feelings very suddenly. E's courage seemed to fail her during the first part of the story in London.

[James S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another off canon romp

Only a 4 star review because there i am beginning to feel a sameness the author’s plots. Seemingly every evil person in England is out to get Darcy and/or Lizzy. Meanwhile brilliant Lizzy will find reasons to hate Darcy. Darcy or someone else convinces Lizzy she is wrong.

Once I would like to see Darcy drop Lizzy and Darcy falling for Jane, who has learned that Charles is spineless, falls for Darcy.

The writing is good to very good so I recommend the book but I don’t think I will reread the book again.

2nd reading

I enjoyed the story more. I think the part I didn’t enjoy both time I’ve read the story is when Darcy gets amnesia from a murder attempt. It terribly unrealistic and detracts from the steady progress in learning to love each other fully. It’s artificial and detracts from the flow.

The rest of the story is 5 stars. The colonel is written so well and ALWAYS has Darcy’s back. He in an important part of the whole book and is a joy to read about.

Two new characters, Joseph and Olivia Fitzwilliam lead and help our dear couple just by being themselves. They are a testament to the young people in the story showing you can be kind, loving and good and have a superb life.

[Anna Fitzwilliam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of tropes here. Not me cup of tea really.

[Joana Starnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read. Engaging, poignant, beautifully written. It was riveting to read about the development in Elizabeth and Darcy’s relationship, from a marriage of necessity (at least where Elizabeth was concerned) through heartache, misunderstandings, adverse circumstances to a powerful union of hearts and minds. The new characters were a great addition to this story – the dastardly cousin, the scheming neighbour, the kindly uncle and aunt (almost like parental figures to Darcy and Elizabeth). Darcy’s interaction with his cousin was as adorable as ever. I was laughing out loud when Mrs Reynolds caught them racing up the stairs like unruly boys, and then Darcy sought to summon some dignity and look the part of master of Pemberley. It made me think of ‘Love, actually’ and Hugh Grant’s victory dance, and how he unsuccessfully tried to look professional when his secretary caught him at it. I loved Colonel Fitzwilliam – how could anyone not love him? – and especially his impassioned defence of Darcy’s character and motives, which set Elizabeth to rights. I loved the way our favourite couple found each other, despite all the heartache they had to endure. The cottage in the woods was a corner of heaven and it was so sweet to see them coming together at last! The setback was heartbreaking, but that made their journey back to each other even sweeter. I was moved to tears by Darcy’s reactions to his dreams/memories and I loved the ring and the poignant part it played. Every word was beautifully crafted. But the ones that took my breath away were ‘First, last, only, always.’ Wow! No better way to encapsulate Darcy’s love for her!

[Jennifer Redlarczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Congratulations to Brenda Webb on another intriguing story filled with mystery and passion. After reading countless JAFF tales, I found “Darcy and Elizabeth - A Most Unlikely Couple” to be one of the most refreshing “what-if” stories I have read, and one that was hard to put down once I started.
From the very first I was drawn into this non-canon tale by the brotherly bond that exists between Darcy and his cousin Richard. They have been confidants for years and it is through this relationship that we first get a glimpse of some of the struggles that our hero will face throughout the story. To begin with, an almost look-alike cousin, Andrew Darcy, has been the source of trouble with Darcy taking the responsibility of providing for his “cast-offs.” Surprisingly, his younger sister, Georgiana, has also been a source of worry since she is not the tender, shy girl that Jane Austen presented in canon. Here she is spoiled, headstrong and a great favorite of a very manipulative woman, Lady Susan. Then on top of everything, Darcy has that all too familiar “attraction” to Elizabeth Bennet which it seems impossible for him to conquer.
I would like to thank MS Webb for giving us this compelling story and highly recommend it to readers who would like to join our favorite couple on a very different road to Pemberley. ~Jen Red~

[Lady Jl · Rating 5 out of 5]

glad I read it

At first the price held me back. So many P&P stories out there have not been worth the money. This book and yes it is a book not a novella took me almost nine hours to read and I read a lot! The angst between Lizzy and Darcy is there however Darcy has family members that make story more interesting. Darcy's sister is a spoilt girl who never seems to disappoint with her bad choices. It was actually fun to read about her being "the not so good little sister" for a change. The Darcy's really did have to overcome more obstacles in this telling however it all played into the entire plot of the story. Other than George Wickham there were others that made the story interesting. I would have given it five stars if there was more than just the epilogue tying up the life of the Darcy's. I wanted to read more. I hate epilogues that finish off a story quickly once they defeat the villains.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. There are old friends and enemies as well as new friends, Darcy's Aunt Olivia and Uncle Joseph who married for love and are not accepted by the Fitzwilliam side of the family. There is Darcy's half brother, Andrew who sides with Wickham. Then there is Georgiana who is not the loving sister we see in other stories. Darcy and Elizabeth have their own obstacles to overcome and as soon as one is resolved another, even more seemingly insurmountable, obstacle comes along. It was difficult to put this book down.

[colleen churm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darcy and Elizabeth - A Most Unlikely Couple

This story was wonderful as all of Brenda Webb's stories are, full of problems for our Beloved Couple to overcome, and romance to thrill, too! Brenda you're wonderful, please keep writing!!!

[Elizabeth Bennet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my 4th Brenda Webb book. I like the conflict in her books, her villains always vile and disturbing. For all you angst lovers you will be in love as I felt I needed an anti anxiety pill during the read. Elizabeth did not admire Darcy and could not picture her happy in a marriage with him and it did not help that there was so many people striving to keep them apart. Where I loved Georgianna in Fitzwilliam Darcy an honourable man in this one she is blinded with hate that it totally altered her nature. Lizzy and Darcy finally fall in love at about 55-60% but you know it's not over and there is one lady in particular who wants Darcy as hers at any cost. She hides as Georgianna's friend and tells lies about her son belonging to Darcy. She involves her cousin into the mix to court Georgianna and at one point devices a scheme involving Wickham as well to forge a nude drawing of Lizzy. Anyway they can discredit and humiliate her is their goal. Darcy is a victim as well when he knocked from his horse and suffers head trauma leaving him with amnesia. But at last at about 90% the worst is behind our couple and you can breathe easy and just enjoy their lovely lives along with an awesome epilogue that leaves you feeling good. Enjoy!

[abmom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story did't sit well with me. I felt as if everything was exaggerated. The good people are so good that nearly they're saints and the villains are so bad they're nearly demons. Even emotions are so extreme that it reduced my enjoyment of the story. And boy, did Darcy and Elizabeth go through hell or what from beginning to end! Guess just not my cup of tea.

[Bettye McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent writing, new characters, great story

This is quite a long story but definitely worth the time spent reading it. The epilogue is similar to the begats in the Old Testament for those readers who want to know what happened in the aftermath.

Fitzwilliam Darcy has a cousin, Andrew Darcy, who runs with the wrong crowd. A childhood friend, Lady Susan, now widowed, has set her sights on becoming Mrs. Darcy. She is tolerated by Darcy in the same way Caroline Bingley is tolerated.

When Fitzwilliam Darcy realizes he has fallen in love with Elizabeth Bennet, he tries to distance himself from her. However, at a social gathering, Andrew takes Elizabeth to the gazebo and kisses her before witnesses, thereby ruining Elizabeth and her entire family. Fitzwilliam Darcy calls on Mr. Bennet and offers to marry Elizabeth. It is either Mr. Darcy or Mr. Collins, and Elizabeth makes the right choice.

73

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story in which Darcy has a cousin, Andrew, who grew up with him and Wickham, but Andrew has long tended toward Wickham's character than the upright Darcy. However, when Andrew compromises Miss Elizabeth Bennet and then disappears, Darcy steps in to offer for the woman he loves but never thought his family would permit him to marry.

But his Derbyshire neighbor, the widowed Lady Susan, had wished to marry Darcy, and despite his hurried and hushed marriage to Elizabeth, plans to ruin their marriage with the assistance of a spoiled and horrid Georgiana who never believed Darcy's tales of their cousin Andrew's natural children or Wickham's gambling. Georgiana quickly becomes a pawn in the game of winning Darcy away from Elizabeth by Lady Susan with Wickham and Andrew's assistance.

There are several original characters(OC) in this fan fiction variation of Austen's Pride and Prejudice, including Andrew Darcy, and Fitzwilliam Darcy's uncle and aunt, Joseph Fitzwilliam and his wife Olivia, who were banished from the family for marrying without approval. Their beautiful marriage becomes the goal for both Darcy and Elizabeth who are in love but are too afraid to admit the truth to one another.

And thus the story unfolds with intrigue, kidnappings, highwaymen, several attempted murders, and plotting of various kinds that both endanger Darcy and Elizabeth while also bringing them closer together. A real roller-coaster ride, Regency-style!

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t see that coming...
Filled with angst, another great read from Brenda Webb will keep you turning the pages from cover to cover (mind you, my angst tolerance is low and this might seem tame to some). A long story, but there’s much going on. There are lots of villains in this storyline. There’s definitely a piece I didn’t see coming, but I won’t spoil it for others. Well done, I highly recommend!

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the new characters and the story

This is a true variation that deviates from canon from the start. Darcy goes to Netherfield but leaves quickly to escape is growing feelings for Elizabeth. He is still arrogant and the addition of a not so nice Darcy cousin starts our couple on a unique path filled with misunderstandings, love, an accident with heartbreaking consequences, scheming and a well deserved HEA.

The (sort of) non-canon characters were nice, but seemed to take the place of certain canon characters that were also included in the story but played more of a background role.

[Charles R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful as always

I love your stories! I wish they were audible. I read them over and over. There is something about them that just makes you want to never put the book down. The story gets you in the first chapter. Can't wait to see what is next.

Oh and if you ever do decide to have them read for audible, Stevie Zimmerman is a awesome reader, just saying.

J.maner

[Ladyhawke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

Her books at times have often kept me awake until the wee hours of the morning. This one is no exception. I didn’t stop reading it until 7am. But I was kinda disappointed with this one. Her characters can be truly evil. But some of the instances in this one are a little far fetched. This is the only b Webb book that I can say that I liked less than the others.

[RTD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just okay

Although this author is known for semi-long stories with a lot of plots twist, I usually welcome them, but the kidnapping plot in this story was a joke. It was totally laughable. This book would have been better served by focusing on Darcy and Elizabeth relationship only.

[Elpha Farrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the long read

Very rarely do i give 5 stars. It is filled with emotions and a great plot. There were moments that i wanted to throw my Kindle cause i was so frustrated but could not put it down. I did about 2 late nights that i regretted the next day. Not the best Georgiana.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this little romp with Darcy and Elizabeth. I always love a variation JAFF that has well-rounded characters, angst, and emotions. Brenda Webb delivers. While it took me a while to get through, that was not because it was boring. It was a page-turner!

[sharon temple · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!!! This is a long and winding tale that takes you from one extreme emotion to another. So many things happen in this story and if you like to be swept up and taken on a wild ride, this is a book for you.
Beautifully written.

[T M S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

A great full length P&P variation, full of love, passion, and angst. A well written story that would leave me thinking about it even when not reading. I highly recommend!

[Bienvenida Baez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Great story…well drawn characters. Some angst but handled so well. Coul not put it down. Loved the temperament of Darcy and Elizabeth.

[sharon bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all Brenda’s books. This particularly good.

[Leanne Eastman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good premise but was drawn out with details not needed. Took me a long time to finish.