Instincts and Affection: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella

by Lydia Fairfax

Elizabeth Bennet has never forgiven Mr. Darcy for insulting her at the Meryton assembly. Proud, disdainful, and wholly unsociable, he is the last gentleman in Hertfordshire she could ever admire. But when her spirited spaniel, Pippin, takes an inexplicable liking to Mr. Darcy’s dignified greyhound, Apollo, Elizabeth finds herself repeatedly and unwillingly thrown into Darcy’s company.

What begins as canine chaos soon becomes the talk of the neighbourhood. Apollo refuses to be parted from Pippin, and Pippin returns the devotion with reckless enthusiasm. As the dogs’ attachment grows, so too does society’s assumption that their masters must surely follow.

Elizabeth is determined to resist. Darcy is equally resolved. Yet the more their dogs conspire to entangle them, the more difficult it becomes to deny the stirrings of instinct and affection in their own hearts.

Filled with witty dialogue, lively family scenes, canine mischief, and moments of heartfelt angst, Instincts and Affection is a clean Pride and Prejudice variation that proves even the proudest hearts can be tamed. And of course, after trials and misunderstandings, Darcy and Elizabeth will find their happily ever after.

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2025

Reviews

[Raven Gracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much fluffier than I expected (not complaining). No angst, next to no misunderstandings and pride. There were quite a few notions of Canon that weren't correct, i.e. length of time since the Elder Darcys had died and Georgiana's dowery amount, which irked me but is of little consequence.

[Terri Conley · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can you go wrong P&P with puppies excellent