Pride and Proposals: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Victoria Kincaid

A Pride and Prejudice variation


What if Mr. Darcy’s proposal was too late?


Darcy has been bewitched by Elizabeth Bennet since he met her in Hertfordshire. He can no longer fight this overwhelming attraction and must admit he is hopelessly in love.


During Elizabeth’s visit to Kent she has been forced to endure the company of the difficult and disapproving Mr. Darcy, but she has enjoyed making the acquaintance of his affable cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam.


Finally resolved, Darcy arrives at Hunsford Parsonage prepared to propose—only to discover that Elizabeth has just accepted a proposal from the Colonel, Darcy’s dearest friend in the world.


As he watches the couple prepare for a lifetime together, Darcy vows never to speak of what is in his heart. Elizabeth has reason to dislike Darcy, but finds that he haunts her thoughts and stirs her emotions in strange ways.


Can Darcy and Elizabeth find their happily ever after?


This book has been professionally edited.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Historical, Regency, Retellings

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 12, 2015

About the author

Victoria has a Ph.D. in English literature and has taught composition to unwilling college students. Today she teaches business writing to willing office professionals and tries to give voice to the demanding cast of characters in her head.

She lives in Virginia with an overly affectionate cat, two children who are learning how much fun Austen’s characters can be, and a husband who fortunately is not jealous of Mr. Darcy. A lifelong Austen fan, Victoria has read more Jane Austen variations and sequels than she can count – and confesses to an extreme partiality for the Colin Firth miniseries version of Pride and Prejudice.

Visit her at www. victoriakincaid. com

Reviews

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if Colonel Fitzwilliam Called and Proposed at Hunsford First?

In her second Pride and Prejudice variation, author Victoria Kincaid presents a most poignant premise – she explores what would happen if Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam receives an inheritance and was able to marry whomever he chooses. And it just so happens, he chooses Elizabeth Bennet…Poor Darcy was just minutes too late to make his proposal! His cousin proposed first and was happily accepted. Now he must learn to hide his disappointed hopes, lend his support towards their match, and not let anyone know of his deep and fervent regard for the bride.

Darcy is in agony. Richard is marrying the love of his life, and Darcy is tortured by the thought of Elizabeth returning Richard’s regard. At their betrothal dinner Darcy learns from his cousin that Elizabeth believes Darcy holds her in disdain and painfully realizes that she never had any tender regard for him. His heart is broken, his dreams severed, and all hope is lost…what is a desolate Darcy to do???

Oh! I do not want to give away any more of the plot because it is full of delicious turns and surprising twists that will leave you spellbound! Instead I will now expound upon how much I loved this emotionally turbulent variation! First of all, I thought the premise was brilliant! Here is some worthy and likable competition for Darcy! There is a good deal of plausibility in both Elizabeth and Colonel Fitzwilliam’s feelings towards each other – they have such ease with each other, there is companionship, affinity an affection on both sides, and their happiness looks and feels complete. This scenario presents a good challenge for the reader because we are supposed to be #TeamDarcy all the way!

But what I especially loved most about this novel was the expressive prose – it’s emotionally wrought, powerful, and soul-gripping. Darcy’s anguish is tangible and there are so many passages where the reader can feel his unabated love, his awful guilt, and his abject despair. He finds himself constantly at war between his conscience and his heart – I enjoyed seeing him face such an internal struggle. It was all beautifully written and I immensely enjoyed how emotionally invested I felt. I cannot tell you how many times my body reacted to what I read…I felt my heart skip beats and accelerate in anticipation. I held my breath and felt tears begin to gather in my eyes numerous times. It held me completely enthralled!

Besides seeing a hopelessly devoted and fervently passionate Darcy, I enjoyed seeing a compassionate and strong Elizabeth. She is very much in the dark about Darcy’s feelings for her and she continuously is trying to sketch out his character…with very little success. I found her confusion about Darcy and feelings towards this complex man to be very believable. One minute he shows deep friendship, concern, and protectiveness, the next minute he is leaving town with all haste and impetuosity! I thoroughly enjoyed observing the progression and analyzation of Elizabeth’s thoughts, feelings and understanding throughout the course of the novel.

However, this variation may not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you tend to shy away from angst-filled and heart-wrenching tales, this one (while it does of course end happily!) might have more anguish and tension than you’d like to experience. In addition, I also did notice that some proprieties and customs of the time period were disregarded and the occurrence of some unlikely situations which may bother some, but for me it detracted nothing – my mind was always “more agreeably engaged.”

Pride and Proposals is a captivating and consuming read! I loved the intense premise, skillful character development, and emotive prose Victoria Kincaid employed. I would absolutely love to read more from her in the future! I highly recommend this novel to readers looking for a sensational and impassioned variation of Pride and Prejudice!

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those times when I cannot say too much about a book, literally. I must limit my comments so as not to deny the pleasure of discovery, of revelation, to other readers. Be warned: if you have any tendency to cry with angst, with pleasure or even sadness, this book will evoke such. I did not count how many tissues I used today. Yes, I bought and read this novel in only a matter of hours. (I think it might be 5 or 6 hours but didn't really note when I began. I finished before 3:30 PM and know it was sometime after 10 AM that I began.)

As the book description and/or the Sample relate this tale begins in Hunsford as Darcy rides to the parsonage to propose to Elizabeth, going over in his mind how to word that soliloquy. All lovers of Jane Austen's prized work will empathize with our dear fellow as he walks into the parlor and is informed by his cousin, Col. Fitzwilliam, that Elizabeth has just accepted his marriage proposal!!! Does Fitzwilliam Darcy rant, does he rave, and does he turn about and walk out? Elizabeth and Richard are (next to Georgiana) the two people he loves best in his life: one acknowledged and the other...perhaps now always to be denied? You know, you must know, that Darcy is not one to share his emotions, his anguish with the world, even with close acquaintances and/or family members.

We read many of the thoughts from Darcy’s point of view. And if you thought canon had misunderstandings, miscommunication, misrepresentation this tale has so much more. Distance, separation, time, and even attempting to inure one by frequenting the presence of the source of pain cannot change or deaden the feelings of this man towards his cousin’s intended. Again society’s and family’s opinions and snubs play a part in the events. Even Wickham has his role to play and it is not exactly as you may think.

Darcy is portrayed as analyzing and overanalyzing both his feelings and not only those of others but also how they are reacting or how they should react to events. He attempts to act as protector, as guardian, only to have those acts interpreted as officious.

You have to wonder and, please allow such to urge you to read this book: how can Col. Fitzwilliam afford to propose marriage? He is a second son, with no fortune. And Elizabeth has stated to Jane her intention of only marrying for true love. Has something happened to bring about the change in circumstances? Surely she is not in love with the Colonel. Is the Happily-Ever-After to be of a different resolution for JAFF readers?

There is so much to be said but I will not ruin it for others. You can see this was a page-turner for me. I highly recommend this book.

[Claudine DiMuzio / Just Jane 1813 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story filled with lots of twists and turns...

This book had me hooked right from the start. I am so grateful a friend lent it to me... It's actually a storyline I had recently thought about... I love Colonel Fitzwilliam and I always believed Jane Austen intended that he and Elizabeth would have been together except for the whole fortune thing... And the passion she always felt for Mr. Darcy...

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome awesome awesome P &P alternative

Wow there is just so much I loved about this book. It had lots of angst and misunderstanding and of course the path to true love!

The story starts at the Hunsford parsonage, but instead of Darcy's awful proposal we learn that Col Fitzwilliam's has proposed to Elizabeth and has been excepted. Of course Darcy is devastated and spends a lot of time trying to cover his love for Elizabeth. The journey from the engagement and the path to Darcy is a long one and with lots of obstacles. Though I had to chuckle at one of them near the end of the book but the path the story took was incredible and I highly recommend this book to ALL JAFF readers.

Incredible story so worth reading.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was so strange watching Darcy on the sidelines as Colonel Fitzwilliam proposed to Elizabeth. There are lots of twists and turns in this delightful story, one that I highly recommend. Yes, it's a variation, but the main protagonists in this book are the Lizzy & Darcy of Jane Austen's imaginings...... They are true to character and act as we would expect them to. Yes- I did enjoy this book.

[Madenna U · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Colonel Fitzwilliam asks Elizabeth to marry him before Darcy is able to - and she accepts him. To say to much about this book would be considered a spoiler, but it is full of angst, danger, spoiled members of the ton, and love - lots of love.

[Sam H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened on audiobook. Performance was very good.
I am such a sucker for 1st Col. F, then Darcy stories.
This was very well done. Elizabeth doesn't actually get to marry and she is left in no mans land as far as her reputation is concerned.
This is mainly via Darcy's view point, as he suffers thinking E will never be his.

2024 - forgot I had this as an audiobook and read it as an ebook. Sad and sweet tale.

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It had a great premise (Elizabeth engaged to Colonel Fitzwilliam) and I don't know why someone hasn't written it before. The writing was very good and the plot didn't get bogged down -- it kept up a good pace. I thought it was true to Austen's characters. It was a moving and dramatic story. I can't wait for more from this author!

[Holly in Bookland · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars

[Suzan Lauder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admirable work with genius sections such as Wickham's methods of being evil towards Elizabeth. No one would have dreamed up those ideas as villain's work but this author, and they are amazing and different without being offensive (no spoiler!). Darcy's proposal wording was also fantastic, being just as foolish as in canon, but for different reasons. The letter from Richard made me cry buckets. Moderate to high angst, depending on your tolerance for the time when (spoiler alert) E isn't paired with D and D is out of the country while she is getting married. Great action scene at the climax. I wish W had got his due in a better way after the fact.

Well edited. Good use of language with the exception of the words "mesmerize" and "staff," both of which are non-Regency in the applications here. Clever characterization and strong scene setting. The author did a great job of time-hopping or scene changing to avoid long passages of boredom. Some authors get caught by feeling like they must describe everything; she did not.

My biggest complaint is the trite, clichéd use of D pulling E's pins out of her hair (in the carriage near the end) as the symbol of the scene getting steamy. I object because it's out of character for Darcy in any book to make E look like she's been tupped when she walks out of a carriage, and it isn't that steamy to mess her hair. A clever author can write a scene twice as steamy as that one and leave her hair and clothing intact.

But that is small potatoes in a book that's stunning from beginning to end. This book made some "Best of" lists and deserved to be on them. I read this book quickly because it was so good and mourned it when it was done.

Disclaimer: I'm a JAFF author and some might say my reviews constitute a conflict of interest; however, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial.

[Don Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Richard Got There First

Ms Kincaid offers her readers a deep character study of the torture unrequited (or so believed) love brings. This compelling "what if" leads us back to Hunsford to a newly- enriched Colonel Fitzwilliam making a successful proposal to Elizabeth moments before Darcy would make a disastrous one. While the scarring of that offer was avoided, the pain and agony Darcy goes through over the next few years is daunting to him and the reader. Subsequent events if detailed here would be unwelcome spoilers. If you have not immersed yourself in Ms I'd work, treat yourself to this one.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good, but not great and a little overdone in my opinion. I liked the premise and felt it could have been better. There were just a little too many misunderstandings and lack of communication that I started wanting to beat my head against the wall and started to lose interest.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good... we start with Darcy on his way to Huntsford Parsonage to propose, only to find that the Colonel has beaten him to it! This put me in mind of The Unthinkable Triangle by Joana Starnes... which is such an epic tale I wasn't sure whether to stick with this book... but I'm so glad I did... what a total nightmare this situation is!!! The Colonel is just lovely and my loyalty was really divided... Darcy, my word, he is completely clueless!!

This tale has some real twists and turns and I found myself towards the end just wanting to give Darcy a good shake!! But I loved it and read this book at such a rapid pace I probably need to read it again to do it justice! There are some real moments of sadness and Wickham is such a scoundrel!!

Elizabeth is a brilliant character. She is genuinely oblivious to Darcy's interest and the reader is treated to little clues and insights about her feelings all the way along. I loved hearing Darcy's thoughts too - his procrastination is completely understandable because we get to hear all the thoughts in his head. There is also some brilliant humour too.

This didn't take long to read... maybe 5 hours which is surprising given the amount going on and the tale spans a long time. Despite this, I didn't think anything was missing. A brilliant book and would definitely recommend!

[Ｓｈｉｆｒａ ♕ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Synopsis:
Colonel Fitzwilliam finds himself coming into an unexpected inheritance of an estate of 4,000 a year and in the fortuitous position of being at liberty to marry as he pleases, and he pleases with Elizabeth Bennet.
Darcy is dismayed to find he has been anticipated by his cousin and now must watch the love of his life engaged.

What I enjoyed:
-Darcy mulling over his proposal speech on his way to Hunsford parsonage
-Her phrasings are economical; Author manages to artfully convey emotion, dialogue and mood in a manner that is not flooded by an excess of words. Some JAFF puff up a story with too many descriptors throwing in with abandon frilly dated vocabulary in a vain attempt to impress upon the reader that the writing is ‘Austenesque’, instead of fools gold.
-THE PRIVATE WALTZ!
-Richards letter to Darcy..
-RICHARD FITZWILLIAM GOD BLESS HIM

What Displeased Me:
-WHY WAS WICKHAM ALLOWED IN HER HOUSE!?
-I did not feel their was enough establishing scenes for a growth in admiration for Mr Darcy on Lizzy part. It didn't feel organic.
-When Darcys proposal was accepted it felt awkward. I think the author lost her momentum. The first half of book was compelling.

This drove me to my cups at 1 in the afternoon. Richard did not deserve this neither did Darcy. It was a bitter and angsty read especially since the majority of the narrative we endure in Darcy’s distraught guilt ridden mind.

" However, he could not envision marrying anyone other than Elizabeth. Nor could he envision marrying Elizabeth.

Damned if you do, damned if you do not.

Just damned."

His thoughts and regrets make for ill company. I am not built for melancholy, if this story didn’t hurt so good I would have abandoned it. It’s searingly bittersweet, and well written and thus I was helpless but to endure it.


The hardest JAFF’s for me to bear and not reach for drink are the ones where months or years pass by and ODC is separated. I don't mind the angst as long as its of short duration.

“I hope your pain is of short duration.”

I would have been fine with Lizzy and Richard having the HEA, I adore Darcy but with the multiverse of JAFF, why cant we throw a bone to the good Colonel once in a spell? Their chemistry has always been evident which is why so much JAFF contains a pinning Colonel or one who wishes for a similar women to Lizzy for a wife.
Lizzy’s descriptor for the easy going, witty and social man she always envisioned for a husband- which she described in the original source as a reason why she is attracted to Wickham - perfectly encapsulates Colonel Fitzwilliam. It should be explored. Rant over.

- I don’t see why poor Richard had to endure a year of engagement to Lizzy, suffer her relations, the disapproval of his parents, and do it with equanimity and valor- the man had Mrs. Bennet over for dinner at his house for gad’s sake- and not even be rewarded with getting laid.
It’s in poor taste, they should have been married, even for a fortnight or less, even if no child came from the union!
Darcy still would have loved her and if their was a baby he would have cared for his cousins child. Richard deserved a boon for his troubles and a happy last year of a hard soldiers life. Its cruel.


- Kirkwood visiting Darcy just to reiterate his proposal plans to Lizzy, was bizarre, what is he a Bond villain?



Conclusion
-Started strong, middle and end was increasingly weak. I believe author lost interest.
I wouldn't reread, too depressing.



I measure the quality of a JAFF by three factors, as follows;

1. Did I feel the characters acted true to Austen's character framework (allowing for changed circumstance and scenario to offer some leeway)?Yes
2. Was I engaged during the reading and not bored?Yes
3. Was the writing compelling/ intelligent and was there sufficient interaction/dialogue between the main characters?Yes first half, second half no

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book starts off with Darcy being too late to propose to Elizabeth as Richard has beaten him to the punch. This sets off a chain of events with the wedding being delayed for over a year, Darcy leaving with Georgiana for America to visit with family, and finally ending with Richard getting injured days before the wedding and dying from the infection. I did wonder how Darcy and Lizzy would get together if she married Richard. He died before the book was even a third of the way over. The problem about Richard was solved. lol. The rest of the book has Darcy and Elizabeth keep coming into contact with each other, with Lizzy eventually falling in love with him even though she doesn't realize it til almost the end of the book.

Just like with Ms. Kincaid's first book I couldn't put this one down. This was very easily for me a winner. I can foresee this author quickly becoming on of my favorite JAFF artists to turn to. If you loved The Secrets of Darcy and Elizabeth you'll definitely love this book.

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very different P& P what if. Starting at Rosings, we see a tortured Darcy who is thwarted from a failed proposal when he discovers Elizabeth is engaged to Col. Fitzwilliam.

These are truly star crossed lovers as the world seems to conspire to prevent their marriage. First Lydia's elopement, then a death in the family and the disdain of the Fitzwilliams toward Elizabeth and so on. The Darcy's flee to America as Fitzwilliam cannot control his feeling for Elizabeth.

This will keep you on the edge of your seat til the end.

[Talia · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband won this for me in a giveaway, thank you to him! I love Colonel Fitzwilliam. He is one of my fave characters almost as much as Darcy. I don't want to spoil anything about the book so I won't say much. I liked it very much. There was one big story element that I thought was a cop-out but overall, it was a fun read.

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story that makes our favorite couple take a long and winding road to be together but well worth the ride. You won't regret reading it, feeling the strugles and pain of ODB with the situation and the usual misunderstandings between ODC.

Highly recommended!!!

[Lady Wesley]

What if Mr. Darcy's proposal was too late?

[Rita Deodato · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Pride and Proposals shortly after it came out in 2015 but never reviewed it because it was a pre-blog read, so when I saw that it had come out in Audible, and that the narrator was Erin Evans-Walker I decided it was time to come back to this story and these characters.

I’m currently not listening as many audiobooks as I used to because I’m sharing the commutes with my husband and I don’t want to neglect him during the 50 minute drive, but I still try to listen to audiobooks when I’m doing chores or cooking. Audiobooks make these tasks more pleasurable and keep me company so I will not give them up that easily. But the fact that I’m listening to fewer audiobooks makes me more selective, and I’m choosing the narrators very carefully now, taking them as much in consideration as I do the authors. Having listened to The Meryton Murders narrated by Erin Evans-Walker made me confident that I would like this narration and I was not wrong. Erin Evans-Walker was the perfect narrator for The Meryton Murders, she was particularly good at narrating a mystery book and that makes me want to hear The Highbury Murders too, even if I’m not much of an Emma fan. Narrators can either make it or break it, and Erin Evans-Walker is certainly talented, particularly in that sub-genre, so I’m convinced to give it a try. But coming back to Pride and Proposals, I believe she has made a very good job and if you do decide to listen to this audiobook you will not regret it. I believe she is more suited for mystery stories, but she was able to differentiate the male and female voices very well, she varies the tone and keeps the readers engaged in the story which is one of the most important aspects of a narration in my opinion. The narration of Pride and Proposals was very agreeable and I will certainly continue to listen to books narrated by Erin Evans-Walker.

Pride and Proposals starts with the Colonel receiving an inheritance that allows him to choose his wife as he pleases, and that happens precisely while he is at Rosings, so he has the freedom to propose to Miss Elizabeth. You are starting to see the outcome, aren’t you? I love stories where Mr. Darcy has a rival, even if that rival is our dear colonel, and I didn’t quite remember the details of this story so my expectation when listening to it this time was very high. This story seemed just perfect for me and I was not overly disappointed because Victoria Kincaid hardly ever disappoints and I did love all the angst this book has, I’m an angst addict after all, but I did find that Elizabeth’s love for Darcy came too late in the book and too suddenly. I would have prefer to see her gradually falling in love for Darcy instead of discovering it only because of her own reaction to a certain situation. This was my main quibble with the book because I love angst, but I prefer when it comes out of the impossibility of our dear couple getting together despite their love. In this case, the angst was all on Darcy’s side, and I do like to see Elizabeth suffer a little too 🙂

I absolutely loved Darcy in this story, he was a true gentleman! He was so caring, protective, understanding and respectful that even I felt bad for all he suffered. He did deserve the ending and I only wished for it to have come sooner for him.

Wickham was a real villain and he also deserved the ending he had, I really enjoyed seeing what Elizabeth did to him, and the reactions that followed were very diverting. Victoria Kincaid is a very good writer and was able to make that particular scene very funny. Despite the context I really laugh out loud and I believe that was also because of the way Erin Evans-Walker narrated this scene. Very well done!

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a little angst like myself, and who are not bothered by the fact that Elizabeth gets engaged to someone before Darcy. I believe it is important to mention that nothing improper happens between her and her first betrothed, so do not let that influence you. Darcy’s love for Elizabeth is very pure in this book and they do spend a lot of time together, so readers who like Darcy and Elizabeth moments may enjoy this book too.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book three stars, not because I didn't like it, but because I am more indifferent about it than anything else.

This variation is about what would happen if Colonel Fitzwilliam proposed to Elizabeth first, before Darcy arrived to the cottage.

What I liked about this story - The story itself was very well written. For once I didn't catch many grammatical errors. It held my interest. I loved to see Darcy's constancy to Elizabeth. Instead of enduring many months of anticipation, he endures years of it. He even spends time in America to try to distance himself, but with no success. Wickham is perfectly evil as well.

What I didn't so much like about this book: I felt so bad for Darcy, and it's not until the very end that he seems to have any hope whatsoever. I am also uncomfortable with Elizabeth actually being in love with the Colonel. Although she never says it aloud, she never contradicts it either, but just says it was different than what she feels for Darcy in the end. Although I am sure that would be true, I am still uncomfortable with it. Also Elizabeth states that Darcy is 'vexing' about ten times too many. Let's find some synonyms. She seems to hold on to the fact that he's too proud for years, never relenting, even when they become honest friends. I also miss some of our other characters who are just never present, like Lady Catherine, Mrs. Bennet makes a brief appearance, but her sisters and father are barely in it at all.

So overall this book was good, I just didn't like the story in general, but I believe Ms. Kincaid is very talented!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Darcy arrives at Hunsford to propose to Elizabeth he is prevented from doing so by Richard (Colonel Fitzwilliam) who has just been accepted in his proposal to Elizabeth. Darcy's turmoil was heart wrenching in this novel especially when he watched the woman he loved with his cousin who was dearer than a brother. Unable to deal with his emotions, Darcy escapes to America with Georgiana and a year later he comes home to the grief of a deceased cousin, realizing he is still very much in love with Elizabeth. Guilt over Richard holds him back but he cannot leave Elizabeth on her own dealing with Richards parents, London society and even Wickham. The pain experienced by Darcy in thIs novel was well written and you feel as if you get to know Darcy and Richard more. Both were good men and Elizabeth realizes that also. Darcy must restrain his passionate feelings for Elizabeth but finds it harder to do so whenever she is near. Elizabeth tries to understand him and to longs for a friend that connects her with Richard, a friend in Darcy and not just for his sisters sake. Beautiful heart wrenching story with a happy ending for our Darcy and Elizabeth with Richards memory being a part of their life.

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What could possibly go wrong for Mr. Darcy as he heads off to the Hunsford parsonage to propose to Miss Elizabeth? We all know what does happen in canon, but what if Colonel Fitzwilliam is there when he arrives and is asking for his congratulations? Yes, Darcy's world just imploded.

This book is a journey in which Darcy struggles to deal with his feelings for the loss of Elizabeth to his cousin. Prepare yourself to feel his anguish and anger at himself. At times, your heart is in a vise-like grip as you immerse yourself in this story and especially after reading the letter the Colonel has written to Darcy. It is not all angst though for I found my self chuckling at times throughout the book. The Bennet family and the Bingley's are more in the background. Wickham does rear his 'ugly self' which will have you wanting to wring his neck! Or take him out at the knees! Not wanting to give anything away, I also enjoyed how Elizabeth was portrayed. There was a lightness to her as well as her indomitable spirit that can never be intimidated!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite P&P variations in recent years. Absolutely spot on characterisation which made it a complete delight to read. Darcy in particular is wonderful. His pain and honour are very touching, very much in character, incredibly endearing and somehow make him even more of a romantic hero. I adored how he was written in this, bravo Ms Kincaid!

Our characters have a million barriers and struggles to fight their way to an understanding and I was enthralled from the very beginning. Despite the serious nature of the story, it was fast paced and by no means a difficult read, with lots of twists, turns and conflicts along the way.

What a wonderful, thoughtful, painful, deeply romantic story (I even shed a tear and more than once!). I would heartily recommend this as one of the best P&P variations out there.

[E Brookhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one really got to me..

This story is much more than I expected. What I assumed would be a quick fix about halfway through, was not at all. It is such a delicate thing to write about a second love, and it would be easy to shy from it all together, but Ms Kincaid really went for it, and came up a champion. I am very impressed. I did however have a nightmare after finishing it last night that my husband didn't love me but someone else and never married me, so Darcy's inner doubts must have really hit me harder than I thought! Lol

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars...this was more frustrating than not as I got through it. A sound idea to mix up the story but frustrating in how long it took to get to the point. And introducing Wickham but not really giving him more than a sentence or two without elaborating then making him a bigger plot point towards the end felt extra contrived, like the author had to invent something to finally push the two main characters together or else I fear we'd be reading this one forever.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this alternate ending to the Pride and Prejudice story! On that fateful day when Darcy was to propose to Elizabeth while she was at Hunsford Parsonage, he was too late. His cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, had already gotten to Elizabeth first, not realizing how Darcy felt about her. The Colonel had come into some money from the death of an aunt, and he knew he could now offer for Elizabeth’s hand. She had accepted, so Darcy and Georgiana left for America so that Richard and Elizabeth could be happy. Upon returning almost two years later, Darcy learns that Richard has died from a horseback riding accident and that he and Elizabeth were not wed. Richard had left her a small living and his townhouse in London. Many people began to take notice of Elizabeth because she was to help Georgiana with some of her coming-out arrangements. Wickham starts to make himself a nuisance with Elizabeth, wanting money from her in order to keep silent about his late-wife Lydia’s lifestyle before her death. Elizabeth refuses to give Wickham any money, so he begins to harass her. Meanwhile, Darcy comes to realize that he does love Elizabeth and wants her for his wife. After he saves her from Wickham, they both realize they have feelings for each other and that Richard gives them his “heavenly” blessing to wed.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was full of angst (Darcy’s) until the last chapter, yet it still managed to flow quickly and feel fairly light and often humorous. I’m not sure why I read Col F/Lizzy variations as I don’t actually want them to be together, so I appreciate ones like this where the author doesn’t show us very much of their relationship. The story is mostly Darcy and Elizabeth, with only small parts played by other characters. I think the Mr Collins scene was my favourite of these. The author makes references to events such as Darcy’s time in America and Wickham’s tricks, but we don’t see them in person and so the story is allowed to maintain its pace and interest. By concentrating mainly on Darcy and Lizzy’s feelings, the author gives us a story that feels emotional and deep, yet is a quick read.

However the speed did leave a couple of issues. I didn’t believe Elizabeth could really have lived alone and received so many male callers, or travelled alone, without being compromised. This was clearly a way to further the plot. Wickham’s role was also concluded surprisingly easily given his prior destruction and his resentful temper. I felt like everything wrapped up too quickly.

Would read again.

[Christine Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria Kincaid has become one of my favorite authors of Pride and Prejudice variations. I very much enjoy the varied and innovative ways she asks the reader, "what if?" in her riffs off this classic tale. She won my heart with this variation by postulating what would happen if Colonel Fitzwilliam proposed to Lizzie Bennet before Mr. Darcy had the chance to make his disastrous first proposal. Colonel Fitzwilliam is one of my favorite secondary characters and I have often thought that he and Lizzie would be well suited to one another.

This is an unusual variation in that much of the narration is from the perspective of Mr. Darcy. I honestly would have liked to have had more time with Lizzie and Colonel Fitzwilliam but the story moves along at good pace and Kincaid does an admirable job of giving Lizzie two tender- and very different- romances.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different take on P&P. Darcy is too late to propose to Elizabeth, she's going to marry Richard. Now, don't get me wrong, I love Richard, but I don't believe that Elizabeth would have married him if she wasn't in love with him. She only ever called him her 'best friend', but I couldn't buy that she could actually love him. For me, it's always got to be Darcy and Elizabeth.

I loved Darcy. He was so tormented through most of the book and his thoughts and emotions were well-written.

Wickham - ugh!

I was never quite clear on how Elizabeth decided she was in love with Darcy. She was always 'vexed' with him. Darcy was the saving grace for me in this version.