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A Debt to be Paid
At fifteen, Elizabeth Bennet is intelligent, perceptive, and doted upon by her father. Life in Hertfordshire is peaceful—until the arrival of Mr. Damian Fiennes, the new master of Netherfield Park. Though outwardly charming, something about him unsettles Elizabeth. She does her utmost to avoid him, yet the spirited young girl captivates Mr. Fiennes, and he is determined to possess her. When a series of manipulations ensnares both Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet, father and daughter find themselves trapped in a perilous situation—and with only one means of preserving their family’s good name, Elizabeth must marry the very man she mistrusts. With no other option, she consents, sacrificing her freedom to safeguard her family's honor.
Disillusioned by the shallow flirtations of London society, Darcy encounters a remarkable young woman unlike any he has known—intelligent, graceful—and married. Mrs. Elizabeth Fiennes captivates him at once. Warned away by his cousin, who has heard dark tales of the lady's husband, Darcy does not see her for some time. When fate reunites them, both are grieving in their own way, and a quiet, powerful bond begins to form. Elizabeth is now a widow, and Darcy sees happiness in his grasp.
Yet as swiftly as his feelings deepen, she vanishes. Years later, back in Hertfordshire, their paths cross once more. Haunted still by the shadows of her past, Elizabeth guards her heart. Determined not to lose her again, Darcy sets out to win it—but freeing her from the ghosts of all she has endured may be the greatest challenge he has ever faced.
A Debt to be Paid is a medium-angst, forced-marriage Pride and Prejudice variation.
Note: Non-graphic instances of narcissistic manipulation and abuse are present in this book.
Disillusioned by the shallow flirtations of London society, Darcy encounters a remarkable young woman unlike any he has known—intelligent, graceful—and married. Mrs. Elizabeth Fiennes captivates him at once. Warned away by his cousin, who has heard dark tales of the lady's husband, Darcy does not see her for some time. When fate reunites them, both are grieving in their own way, and a quiet, powerful bond begins to form. Elizabeth is now a widow, and Darcy sees happiness in his grasp.
Yet as swiftly as his feelings deepen, she vanishes. Years later, back in Hertfordshire, their paths cross once more. Haunted still by the shadows of her past, Elizabeth guards her heart. Determined not to lose her again, Darcy sets out to win it—but freeing her from the ghosts of all she has endured may be the greatest challenge he has ever faced.
A Debt to be Paid is a medium-angst, forced-marriage Pride and Prejudice variation.
Note: Non-graphic instances of narcissistic manipulation and abuse are present in this book.
- GenresAbuse
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2026
88 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 31, 2025
Fiennes manipulates Bennet into agreeing to a marriage with his favorite daughter against his will. The man is a controlling individual who is driven by his neurosis and his past.
The build up is long, but it brings us to Elizabeth learning how to endure her short marriage without completely losing herself, and picking up the pieces once her husband is dead. Then, ultimately, how to trust and love again when she meets Darcy again a few years later.
Lady Westland, a woman who experienced a similar marriage, befriends Elizabeth in London and is her saving grace. She is both a support and a guiding light during the nightmare and in the aftermath.
This story feels long, especially while reading the more painful aspects of Elizabeth's journey. The author doesn't stint on portraying how arduous the healing process is for any woman seeking peace and security after being mentally and emotionally abused. Thankfully, we are not exposed to the more intimate details of Elizabeth's marriage.
The beginning delved into Fiennes motives, but I was left wondering what the big deal was with his past. We never learn what the big mystery is. I'd have preferred a shorter build up and instead, a longer look at why he chose to marry Elizabeth, a woman he claimed not to find attractive, yet for some reason had to own and control.
Not always an easy read. Kudos to Ms. Stratton for tackling a difficult trope.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily leave a review.
The build up is long, but it brings us to Elizabeth learning how to endure her short marriage without completely losing herself, and picking up the pieces once her husband is dead. Then, ultimately, how to trust and love again when she meets Darcy again a few years later.
Lady Westland, a woman who experienced a similar marriage, befriends Elizabeth in London and is her saving grace. She is both a support and a guiding light during the nightmare and in the aftermath.
This story feels long, especially while reading the more painful aspects of Elizabeth's journey. The author doesn't stint on portraying how arduous the healing process is for any woman seeking peace and security after being mentally and emotionally abused. Thankfully, we are not exposed to the more intimate details of Elizabeth's marriage.
The beginning delved into Fiennes motives, but I was left wondering what the big deal was with his past. We never learn what the big mystery is. I'd have preferred a shorter build up and instead, a longer look at why he chose to marry Elizabeth, a woman he claimed not to find attractive, yet for some reason had to own and control.
Not always an easy read. Kudos to Ms. Stratton for tackling a difficult trope.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily leave a review.
January 4, 2026
Not sure about this book. I really enjoy MJs work but this was a bit flat for me. I liked the last 3rd of the book very much.
January 16, 2026
I have read other JA Variations in which Elizabeth or Darcy are married before meeting each other. However, this one not only has Elizabeth married (at age 15) but also has her forced into that marriage when Damian Fiennes adds Mr. Bennet to his long list of ruined men. (Men whom he lends money to "invest" in what looks to bring wealth to those men...only to have that investment fail and the men losing everything when they cannot pay Fiennes back).
I am not going to relate all that Elizabeth suffers in this marriage. However, she does meet and make friends with Suzanne Westland, who has had a similar bad marriage and just happens to be half-sister to Lady Matlock.
With what she has learned about the state of marriage, Elizabeth is not going to enter that state again, a state in which a man "owns her" and makes all the decisions in their life.
Darcy comes into the picture and soon wants to court her. However, Darcy has a long path to win her trust and her love.
We do have an epilogue which I always enjoy.
I have enjoyed many of this author's JA Variations and recommend this one. Know that it is a longer story with much more than I related here.
I am not going to relate all that Elizabeth suffers in this marriage. However, she does meet and make friends with Suzanne Westland, who has had a similar bad marriage and just happens to be half-sister to Lady Matlock.
With what she has learned about the state of marriage, Elizabeth is not going to enter that state again, a state in which a man "owns her" and makes all the decisions in their life.
Darcy comes into the picture and soon wants to court her. However, Darcy has a long path to win her trust and her love.
We do have an epilogue which I always enjoy.
I have enjoyed many of this author's JA Variations and recommend this one. Know that it is a longer story with much more than I related here.
January 9, 2026
Full disclosure: I had a hand in editing this book, so I will refrain from writing a full review.
January 14, 2026
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
When Netherfield Park changes hands, the new owner Damian Fiennes, charms local Society.
Mother's view him as eligible and the gentlemen enjoy his company.
The 15 year old Elizabeth Bennet, newly launched on Society is uneasy in Fiennes company and tries to avoid him.
In truth, Fiennes is a nasty character who manipulates Mr Bennet and Elizabeth, leaving no alternative but a forced marriage.
This is hard to read, because you can see what is going to happen but have to watch it slowly unfold.
Elizabeth struggles to find her feet as a 15 year old wife to a narcissistic abuser.
She is saved by an encounter in the park. The young widowed Countess of Westland had a very similar marriage.
The friendship and support make life bearable, just.
When the marriage is ended by the sudden death of Fiennes, Elizabeth has to find her way in life as a widow.
The friendship with Fitzwilliam Darcy is sweet and gentle, but before it can become anything else, Elizabeth disappears from London.
When they meet again many years later, the friendship is rekindled and they grow closer. However, her experience has given Elizabeth, a great fear of ever being in anyone's power.
She cannot imagine another marriage but Darcy is determined to find a way for Elizabeth to be free of Fiennes ghost.
Great story but a hard read at first.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...
When Netherfield Park changes hands, the new owner Damian Fiennes, charms local Society.
Mother's view him as eligible and the gentlemen enjoy his company.
The 15 year old Elizabeth Bennet, newly launched on Society is uneasy in Fiennes company and tries to avoid him.
In truth, Fiennes is a nasty character who manipulates Mr Bennet and Elizabeth, leaving no alternative but a forced marriage.
This is hard to read, because you can see what is going to happen but have to watch it slowly unfold.
Elizabeth struggles to find her feet as a 15 year old wife to a narcissistic abuser.
She is saved by an encounter in the park. The young widowed Countess of Westland had a very similar marriage.
The friendship and support make life bearable, just.
When the marriage is ended by the sudden death of Fiennes, Elizabeth has to find her way in life as a widow.
The friendship with Fitzwilliam Darcy is sweet and gentle, but before it can become anything else, Elizabeth disappears from London.
When they meet again many years later, the friendship is rekindled and they grow closer. However, her experience has given Elizabeth, a great fear of ever being in anyone's power.
She cannot imagine another marriage but Darcy is determined to find a way for Elizabeth to be free of Fiennes ghost.
Great story but a hard read at first.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 2, 2026
Fascinating and very entertaining
A wonderful and insightful story showing the difficulties and grief for a woman trapped in marriage of verbal and emotional abuse. Elizabeth pays the price for her father's insolence and must marry a dreadful man. Later, she must learn to understand and heal from his abuse in order to find true love with Darcy. Very good writing and characterization. Highly recommend!
A wonderful and insightful story showing the difficulties and grief for a woman trapped in marriage of verbal and emotional abuse. Elizabeth pays the price for her father's insolence and must marry a dreadful man. Later, she must learn to understand and heal from his abuse in order to find true love with Darcy. Very good writing and characterization. Highly recommend!
January 4, 2026
A touch of angst
Poor Elizabeth is put through the wringer for the first few chapters with a controlling and narcissistic husband. Can everything come good? Of course it can.
I don’t usually like too much sugar but this was a great balance and worked really well for me.
Poor Elizabeth is put through the wringer for the first few chapters with a controlling and narcissistic husband. Can everything come good? Of course it can.
I don’t usually like too much sugar but this was a great balance and worked really well for me.
January 2, 2026
Very heartbreaking but HEA in the end
This was truly a well written story. The author took Jane Austen’s characters and put them into a unique situation that had to resolved. The steps to the resolution were well thought of and written. Kudos to Ms Stratton!
This was truly a well written story. The author took Jane Austen’s characters and put them into a unique situation that had to resolved. The steps to the resolution were well thought of and written. Kudos to Ms Stratton!
January 3, 2026
Absolutely Excellent
If you love truly detailed stories that are low angst yet centered on surviving emotional abuse and the PTSD that comes with it, while still being a sweet and wonderful tale; this is a book for you.
If you love truly detailed stories that are low angst yet centered on surviving emotional abuse and the PTSD that comes with it, while still being a sweet and wonderful tale; this is a book for you.
January 2, 2026
An Enchanting What-If
While this novel certainly changes the basics of how ODC met, their characters remain true to the original. The angst is real, especially in the first several chapters, but the growth and ultimate happiness are real as well. Very well done!
While this novel certainly changes the basics of how ODC met, their characters remain true to the original. The angst is real, especially in the first several chapters, but the growth and ultimate happiness are real as well. Very well done!
Review of advance copy received from Author
An emotional journey to true love.
“Yet beneath the elegance lies a cold and calculating mind – a man who views compassion as weakness and other people as tools to be shaped, owned, or broken. He is patient in his cruelty and deliberate in his charm. Every gesture hides intent, every kindness conceals strategy.” (quote from the book)
This was a captivating and engrossing story that spoke to me. The book description gives you a good idea of what to expect, however, it is so much more. It is compelling, at times dark, very well written and your heart breaks for Elizabeth. It begins earlier than canon with new original characters as well as some changes to the Bennet family and others. Mr. Collins was definitely a surprise!
This story is seamlessly told from several perspectives, and this gives you a closer look into the minds of not only Elizabeth and Darcy, but also Mr. Bennet and Mr. Damien Fiennes.
“She moved as one guided by invisible strings, aware only that each step erased another piece of herself.” (quote from the book)
This book made me ‘feel’ all of Elizabeth’s emotions. You journey with her as she tries to come to terms with the path she must take to protect her family. A path she should not have had to take. You journey with her through her marriage, the aftermath and the growing relationship between her and Mr. Darcy. However, it is the burying of her memories that she must overcome and face in order to move forward. This was so emotional and haunting at times.
“He had always believed love a quiet, rational affection, governed by honour and choice. Now he knew it to be something nobler and far more perilous – a force that demanded surrender as much as strength.” (quote from the book)
Mr. Darcy in this story has his own journey but the friendship he develops with Elizabeth is a thing of beauty. There is a quiet nobleness about him that speaks to Elizabeth. Yes, he blunders, however he is willing to improve.
The insight and understanding of a narcissistic individual is well portrayed. Long ago I knew such an individual. One who controls every aspect of your life with an iron hand that sucks the life out of you. One who manipulates those around them with false charm and easy manners yet keeping everyone at a distance using them for their own gain.
I highly recommend this moving outside-the-box variation. There is so much more that I loved within the pages of this book. I just feel you need to experience it for yourself!
Brava Ms. Stratton!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
“Yet beneath the elegance lies a cold and calculating mind – a man who views compassion as weakness and other people as tools to be shaped, owned, or broken. He is patient in his cruelty and deliberate in his charm. Every gesture hides intent, every kindness conceals strategy.” (quote from the book)
This was a captivating and engrossing story that spoke to me. The book description gives you a good idea of what to expect, however, it is so much more. It is compelling, at times dark, very well written and your heart breaks for Elizabeth. It begins earlier than canon with new original characters as well as some changes to the Bennet family and others. Mr. Collins was definitely a surprise!
This story is seamlessly told from several perspectives, and this gives you a closer look into the minds of not only Elizabeth and Darcy, but also Mr. Bennet and Mr. Damien Fiennes.
“She moved as one guided by invisible strings, aware only that each step erased another piece of herself.” (quote from the book)
This book made me ‘feel’ all of Elizabeth’s emotions. You journey with her as she tries to come to terms with the path she must take to protect her family. A path she should not have had to take. You journey with her through her marriage, the aftermath and the growing relationship between her and Mr. Darcy. However, it is the burying of her memories that she must overcome and face in order to move forward. This was so emotional and haunting at times.
“He had always believed love a quiet, rational affection, governed by honour and choice. Now he knew it to be something nobler and far more perilous – a force that demanded surrender as much as strength.” (quote from the book)
Mr. Darcy in this story has his own journey but the friendship he develops with Elizabeth is a thing of beauty. There is a quiet nobleness about him that speaks to Elizabeth. Yes, he blunders, however he is willing to improve.
The insight and understanding of a narcissistic individual is well portrayed. Long ago I knew such an individual. One who controls every aspect of your life with an iron hand that sucks the life out of you. One who manipulates those around them with false charm and easy manners yet keeping everyone at a distance using them for their own gain.
I highly recommend this moving outside-the-box variation. There is so much more that I loved within the pages of this book. I just feel you need to experience it for yourself!
Brava Ms. Stratton!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
January 13, 2026
4.25 stars
This is a well written story where Elizabeth catches the attention of a scrupulous man, Mr Fiennes. He is a master manipulator and has earned his fortune in an evil and calculating way. His latest conquest is Netherfield Park. Something about him unsettles Elizabeth, so is immune to his charms. Unfortunately that makes her the perfect challenge, he wants to possess her and crush her spirit and molding her into the the perfect wife. So he can enter the first circle/the haute ton.
So he also manipulates Mr Bennet, so he has to choose between going to debtor’s prison or let Mr Fiennes marry Elizabeth.
The story starts when Elizabeth is only 15 and has just started her come out. A soon as they are married, he whisks her of to London. Where he starts to enter the ton. Luckily Elizabeth meets a young dowager countess Suzanne, who instantly recognizes the toxic relationship Elizabeth is in. Because of her status Mr Fiennes allows the them to become friends. Suzanne’s half sister is the countess of Matlock. She briefly meets both Mr Darcy and the Coronel Fitzwilliam. Darcy is instantly drawn to Elizabeth, but the Coronel warns him regarding her husband dubious image.
I will not reveal more, but I highly recommend the story
I received a free copy through Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review
This is a well written story where Elizabeth catches the attention of a scrupulous man, Mr Fiennes. He is a master manipulator and has earned his fortune in an evil and calculating way. His latest conquest is Netherfield Park. Something about him unsettles Elizabeth, so is immune to his charms. Unfortunately that makes her the perfect challenge, he wants to possess her and crush her spirit and molding her into the the perfect wife. So he can enter the first circle/the haute ton.
So he also manipulates Mr Bennet, so he has to choose between going to debtor’s prison or let Mr Fiennes marry Elizabeth.
The story starts when Elizabeth is only 15 and has just started her come out. A soon as they are married, he whisks her of to London. Where he starts to enter the ton. Luckily Elizabeth meets a young dowager countess Suzanne, who instantly recognizes the toxic relationship Elizabeth is in. Because of her status Mr Fiennes allows the them to become friends. Suzanne’s half sister is the countess of Matlock. She briefly meets both Mr Darcy and the Coronel Fitzwilliam. Darcy is instantly drawn to Elizabeth, but the Coronel warns him regarding her husband dubious image.
I will not reveal more, but I highly recommend the story
I received a free copy through Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review
Review of advance copy received from Author
Master Manipulator
It was horrible to read that Elizabeth not only married young, at only sixteen, but also married to a manipulator. The foreword had its merit for sure to put me on my guard.
There are so many situations in the story that are one way or another similar to what I have had experiences of, or have heard others mentioned of, which makes this whole plot real and true to our everyday life. The only difference is that someone like Darcy may not necessarily come our way and revive the trust that was lost before.
It is always a salvation to see the correction Mr Bennet put himself through, and better yet to be accompanied by the improvement in Mrs Bennet.
HEA, which we all need, if not in real life, at least in Elizabeth and Darcy.
It was horrible to read that Elizabeth not only married young, at only sixteen, but also married to a manipulator. The foreword had its merit for sure to put me on my guard.
There are so many situations in the story that are one way or another similar to what I have had experiences of, or have heard others mentioned of, which makes this whole plot real and true to our everyday life. The only difference is that someone like Darcy may not necessarily come our way and revive the trust that was lost before.
It is always a salvation to see the correction Mr Bennet put himself through, and better yet to be accompanied by the improvement in Mrs Bennet.
HEA, which we all need, if not in real life, at least in Elizabeth and Darcy.
January 10, 2026
The author did such an amazing job writing a narcissistic character and the trauma that Elizabeth went through. If this is something that is hard for you to read, you could skip to chapter 13. That is where he dies. The rest of the book, Elizabeth is about how she deals with her previous trauma and learns to overcome it. The author balances the heavy stuff Elizabeth went through with a kind and flirty Darcy (although he only ever flirts with Elizabeth).
I liked the protective character of Lady Westland. She bonds with Elizabeth and tries to help her endure her situation. She also is a huge help in helping Elizabeth heal and helping her to move forward after Damian Fiennes dies.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked the protective character of Lady Westland. She bonds with Elizabeth and tries to help her endure her situation. She also is a huge help in helping Elizabeth heal and helping her to move forward after Damian Fiennes dies.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 21, 2025
A Debt to Be Paid by MJ Stratton is a compelling Pride and Prejudice variation that dives into duty, honor, and the emotional cost of loyalty. Darcy and Elizabeth face new pressures that test their pride, trust, and the affection that has quietly grown between them. With familiar characters, fresh conflicts, and inner struggles, this reimagining delivers love tested and bonds strengthened for devoted fans of Pride and Prejudice variations.
January 12, 2026
second chances
I admit that the premise of this story scared me a bit. I feared for Elizabeth and what she would endure. Knowing that for Elizabeth and Darcy to have HEA, her first husband must die. How long will her torture last. I’m glad to say that my heart rested easy. Once again, Ms Stratton, brings a unique twist to our couple. Well Done!
I admit that the premise of this story scared me a bit. I feared for Elizabeth and what she would endure. Knowing that for Elizabeth and Darcy to have HEA, her first husband must die. How long will her torture last. I’m glad to say that my heart rested easy. Once again, Ms Stratton, brings a unique twist to our couple. Well Done!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A very well written story about extreme cruelty and lust for power, with hapless victims caught in the spider’s web. Very young Elizabeth survives a traumatic forced marriage, but her trust is broken. A beautiful story about Elizabeth learning to trust and for Darcy learning how to understand trauma and helping her to overcome its crippling effects.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews