The Flight of Elizabeth Bennet: Pride and Prejudice Variations

by Laraba Kendig, Angela Kendig (Illustrator)

Elizabeth Bennet is running from an unwanted engagement.
Mr. Darcy is running from his desire for Elizabeth.

Elizabeth flees her home to avoid a fate worse than death, but rushing into the unknown is terrifying. She has little money and few options to evade those searching for her.

When Mr. Darcy fled Meryton for London to escape his attraction to the lovely and lively Elizabeth Bennet, he had no idea that he would cross paths with her so soon. He is shocked to find her in such a state. Though Darcy might not be able to marry Elizabeth, he feels honor-bound to keep her safe, and he has a plan to avoid besmirching her reputation in any way.

As the weeks pass, Darcy and Elizabeth draw closer together, but neither wishes to unduly pressure the other by speaking plainly of their feelings. Can Mr. Bennet’s schemes, Mr. Wickham’s villainy, and Lady Catherine’s dogged resolve force them to acknowledge their shared love?

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 5, 2026

About the author

I am a scientist by training, but a writer at heart. I have always loved reading with a passion and turned my hand to fanfiction a few years ago. I write stories similar to the ones I enjoy reading. They are interesting but light, romantic but not steamy. I am a super fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and have been having a wonderful time writing P&P variations, exploring how new circumstances affect the beloved characters. So far I have published two novel-length Pride and Prejudice variations plus one short story via Amazon. My books include ‘I am Jael’ and ‘The Blind Will See’.

Reviews

[lori huff]

Always a pleasure

After the Netherfield ball, Elizabeth refuses Mr Collins' marriage proposal, but both Mr and Mrs Bennett insist that she must marry him. Elizabeth jumps on a stagecoach for London to run away, and she's seen on the road by Darcy who follows her to an inn. After learning why she's there, he takes her to his great aunt Gregson , who takes Elizabeth in to hide her from her father until she reaches her majority. Elizabeth learns that she's been very wrong in her bad feelings towards Darcy.

I like this author, who is a reliably good writer and storyteller. I like the new character of Mrs Gregson. I'm only frustrated, in a vindictive sort of way, that Mr Bennett received no comeuppance, as this is an evil Mr Bennett version. Mrs Bennett is also bad, to a lesser extent, and she also got rewarded for her poor behavior. That's why I deducted a couple of stars. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it.

[Patty]

The Flight of Elizabeth Bennet- This is perhaps the coldest most calculating version of Mr Bennet I have experienced. I enjoyed seeing how these changes triggered so many different outcomes in Darcy and Elizabeth’s story. From dealing with Collins and Lady Catherine to Wickham’s involvement, there was always a new twist occurring. Loved it!

Bonus story: Peacocks of Pemberley- It was interesting to see the story unfold with a “unique” Georgiana as the one pulling Darcy and Elizabeth together. One learns so much about other people by observing how they interact and care for others in a kind and genuine way. With additional titbits about so many other beloved characters leaving to different endings, this was a pleasure to read.

Both of these stories were about the same length… Just not sure how the second previously released one is a bonus story tacked onto the first one which was new. Both were enjoyable with very different story lines.

[Patricia Munn]

The Flight of Elizabeth Bennet

I loved this variation not only for the story, but also for the prose! It is such a lovely story filled with beautiful descriptive phrases. Some authors are so descriptive that it is actually boring. Ms. Kendig gives enough to make the scene pop. This is one of her best.

[Ashton Butler]

scarlet fever

I liked this variation very much! The inelegant start gave away to a lush and graceful ending! Great Aunt Gregson, a new addition, to the cast was a much loved character!

[Terri Conley]

A wonderful stories

I really enjoyed the first book and the second was a bonus previously read love it when I did it

[Barry A.]

just one book please

The Flight of Elizabeth was a good read. The plot had interesting twists. Elizabeth and Darcy were well developed. The new character added a convenient solution to the sticky situation.
Adding another complete already published novel distorts the projected length of the book and timeline. I have usually already read the books. Please break this habit with your next book release. Thanks.

[Alison]

Dull dialogue between the main characters and too much repetition

Essentially all Elizabeth and Darcy say to each other is please, thank you and I love you. Any lengthier conversation is to state plot points. Neither has a personality. Elizabeth is described as witty and intelligent but there is not a single conversation or letter to demonstrate this.

Everyone else acts in a hamhanded manner. Repetition abounds. Ended up skimming the second half. It didn't get better.

[Debs Bradders]

I enjoyed the book well enough but was disappointed that it ended at 42%. So less than half the pages indicated. And 3 epilogues? Really?

[Sam]

I didn’t love this one. It wasn’t bad but I just never really like when Mr Bennet goes from a lazy parent to a cruel one. And in this one he was mean just because he was jealous of Lizzy’s intelligence. And that was just Jane’s speculation. It isn’t really clear to me that is the only reason for him to try to force Lizzy to marry Mr Collins against her will.

[Andrea]

I’d liked the concept, but sadly, I found this kind of boring. I was able to skip past several pages and not lose any of the story.

[Ashvini]

A good book from the author. Elizabeth is running from Longbourne as Mr. Bennet threatens her of dire consequences for her refusal to marry Collins. Dr happens to see her in stagecoach and offers his help to hide her in London at his great aunt's place. Then we see lots of interactions of the ODC

Its a predictable book and both Elizabeth and Darcy behave stupidly at times but at least its good read and small book

The book finishes at around 45% in my kindle and author has added peacocks of Pemberley as second book here. I love that book and read that again. I will always rate Peacocks of Pemberley a much higher that the current book though

But after a couple of disappointments from this author (i adore her earlier books a lot) i enjoyed the flight of Elizabeth Bennet

[Judi Dionne]

A version with a twist not often seen.

Another great book from Ms. Kendig. Enter the indolent, snide, backstabbing Mr. Bennet, who tries to force Lizzy to marry Mr. Collins so that Mrs. Bennet and her sisters do not have to leave Longbourn when he dies. We find out, later on, why Bennet was forcing Lizzy into the unwanted marriage, and yes, it’s not even remotely a good reason. Jane does stand up for her sister, but she has her own happy occurrence to celebrate. She also cannnot do much to prevent Bennet from searching for Lizzy and causing trouble. Caroline Bingley also puts her nose where it does not belong and stirs up trouble, the same with Wickham. You’ll have to read it to find out how.
Highly recommended!!

[Cyndi D]

I have always liked this author, but I didn't love this one. I don't care for pages and pages of what is going on in the mind of Wickham, Lady Catherine or Mr. Collins. I noticed more typos in this than I am used to, and I really don't like other books I have already read being added so I don't read them again. The story had a good premise and I liked that part of it but it became tedious for me in certain parts and I admit to skipping past them. Overall I was disappointed.

[Madenna U]

An evil Mr Bennet causes Elizabeth to run after threatening that she must marry Mr Collins. Luckily she runs into Darcy on his way to London post Netherfield ball. He finds a safe place for her and keeps her hidden best he can (within propriety). Luckily Darcy and Elizabeth find happiness legally before those looking to gain are able to put the pieces together.

[Apryl D]

Starts okay then fizzels out

The story starts off okay but putters out halfway through. The dialog, especially between Elizabeth and Darcy, is minimal and not especially interesting. In fact most of the characters are kind of flat and lifeless. Interesting concept for a story unfortunately the execution left a lot to be desired.

[Beryl]

Loved This Variation

I am so enjoying the different variations of Pride and Prejudice, and this one was a joy to read. It was unusual to read that Mr. Bennet was so upset with Elizabeth that he would try and force her to marry the odious Mr. Collins. I especially liked how the story continued through several generations. Great read.

[susan stoken]

Spotty

I truly enjoyed the flight of Elizabeth Bennett. It was fresh and I liked the new characters. The second book I had purchased because I liked how Georgiana was kindly portrayed

[Teresita]

Anything to escape Mr. Collins!

An entertaining plot with an interesting premise that results in an original read. I would have liked to wring Mr. Bennet’s neck and loved the way Wickham was dealt with. A good book.

[Alesha Pegg]

So good I read it twice

A perfect variation with a strong willed Darcy and an intelligent Elizabeth. Very swoon worthy!! Also 2 books included and both equally addictive. I couldn’t put them down.

[Michelle David]

Lovely

A lovely and relatively low angst variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Laraba Kendig. Also includes “The Peacocks of Pemberley”.

[Patricia M.Klosky]

very good

I enjoyed the Flight of Elizabeth. It was very good. Mostly it was different than the usual P&P stories that just regurgitate Jane Austen.

[Kieran]

Fun read

A different plot line with ODC finding happiness with less angst. Enjoyable & uncomplicated. A simple and pleasant afternoon read

[Autumn]

Very enjoyable read!

I enjoyed the more villainous take on Mr Bennett.
Laraba Kendig is one of my favorite JAFF authors. I'm very excited when any new book comes out from her.

[Lisa]

Mr. Bennett is somewhat dastardly.

[Sharon]

Elizabeth's father insists she marry Mr. Collins or he will lock her up in the attic. She runs away to London and runs into Darcy who tries to help her and keep her safe.