An Overdue Apology: A Short Story based on Pride and Prejudice

by Melissa Anne

The day after his rejected proposal, Fitzwilliam Darcy cannot leave Hunsford without one last walk through the grove—and one more glimpse of Elizabeth Bennet. When fate brings them face to face, truths long hidden are spoken at last.

In this poignant short story of remorse and renewal, a gentleman’s apology becomes the first step toward forgiveness—and a love neither expected to find again.

Approximately 10,000 words

Genres: Short Stories, Fan Fiction

39 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2025

Reviews

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if…
What if Darcy didn’t leave Hunsford directly after he handed his letter to Elizabeth?

A short and sweet what if…

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of emotion and resolve

I so enjoy stories where anger and shame bring Darcy and Elizabeth to just talk. This is such a sweet story, full of the emotions brought on by understanding. It makes P&P a much shorter story, but it satisfies me.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Pride and Prejudice short story where the day after his proposal at Hunsford and Elizabeth reading his letter they meet again. How will this affect the future.
An enjoyable and well-written story

[Debra McMaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming short tale

After their infamous proposal blowup, ODC come to a better understanding and appreciation of one another. It’s a pleasure to see them acting like decent young adults growing in respect and love.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done. We have Darcy not leaving Kent after his disastrous proposal. Instead he walks out finds Elizabeth and then there is much more openness about their feelings and behaviors as they sit and talk. Courting when Elizabeth returns to the Gardiners on her way home and later as Elizabeth travels to Derbyshire with the Gardiners things come to a climax.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but so deep!

Great story, well written. You can really feel Darcy’s emotions. The scene in the Rosings glade is very good. The story has just the right amount of detail for a short story - that’s difficult to achieve. Blessedly error-free, too. Thank you!

[Linda K Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An overdue Apology

Ahhhhhh.
A precious love story!
We have the disaster ous proposal and the letter. But Darcy can't stay away. He goes back. What a wonderful decision. They discuss issues and then it is the wonderful lobe story.

[Terri Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely deligthfull

[Patricia M.Klosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

very sweet

A very short, sweet story. No villains, only corrected attitudes and expectations. Very well written. It certainly did not take long to read.

[Jeanah · Rating 5 out of 5]

short and sweet.

I was a very quick read. Only 2 long chapters, but I feel the dialogue was very well done. A good portion in the beginning to used to reveal a deeper understanding of the mind and thoughts of the newly rejected Darcy and follows how things could have occurred if he had not left immediately after giving Elizabeth his letter the next day.

[Madenna U · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story fits as a "missing scene" triggered by Darcy searching out Elizabeth about his post proposal letter instead of just leaving Rosings. Communication wins the day!

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly lovely!

Aside from one small spelling error, this is a truly beautiful and gentle story for a quick read. You will not regret this!