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Darcy and the Twins
As in this author’s previous books, the characters in this book are those found in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice plus others he has introduced in previous books, however, familiarity with the previous books is not necessary.
This novel, in three parts, begins in Lambton when Darcy encounters Elizabeth Bennet in her granduncle’s store. Elizabeth still dislikes Darcy for his part in the separation of her elder sister Jane and Mr. Bingley, Darcy’s friend. It is the first time Darcy has seen Elizabeth in nine months, since his visit to Bingley at Netherfield Park, the estate next to Longbourn, the Bennet estate. Because of a major fire at Pemberley, Darcy was forced to return to Pemberley before Bingley hosted his first ball at Netherfield and also before his old nemesis, George Wickham, appeared in the local town of Meryton.
Part one of the book explores the trial and tribulations of Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship and introduces us to the Darcy twins. Elizabeth is injured while visiting Pemberley and must convalesce at Pemberley for several weeks. Elizabeth’s sister Kitty comes to stay with her and when she and Darcy’s sister, Georgiana, are introduced to one another, they find themselves to be kindred spirits. Eventually, Kitty goes to live with the Darcys, and she and Georgiana become so close, many start to call them the Darcy twins. Intertwined in Part one is also the story of Mary, Elizabeth’s next younger sister. Parts two and three, occurring the next year, describe the love adventures of Kitty and Georgiana after their debut in London–Part two being Kitty’s story and Part three being Georgiana’s story. The Epilogue covers what happens to Lydia, the youngest of the Bennet sisters. Each part is written in the first person of the title character of that part.
This novel, in three parts, begins in Lambton when Darcy encounters Elizabeth Bennet in her granduncle’s store. Elizabeth still dislikes Darcy for his part in the separation of her elder sister Jane and Mr. Bingley, Darcy’s friend. It is the first time Darcy has seen Elizabeth in nine months, since his visit to Bingley at Netherfield Park, the estate next to Longbourn, the Bennet estate. Because of a major fire at Pemberley, Darcy was forced to return to Pemberley before Bingley hosted his first ball at Netherfield and also before his old nemesis, George Wickham, appeared in the local town of Meryton.
Part one of the book explores the trial and tribulations of Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship and introduces us to the Darcy twins. Elizabeth is injured while visiting Pemberley and must convalesce at Pemberley for several weeks. Elizabeth’s sister Kitty comes to stay with her and when she and Darcy’s sister, Georgiana, are introduced to one another, they find themselves to be kindred spirits. Eventually, Kitty goes to live with the Darcys, and she and Georgiana become so close, many start to call them the Darcy twins. Intertwined in Part one is also the story of Mary, Elizabeth’s next younger sister. Parts two and three, occurring the next year, describe the love adventures of Kitty and Georgiana after their debut in London–Part two being Kitty’s story and Part three being Georgiana’s story. The Epilogue covers what happens to Lydia, the youngest of the Bennet sisters. Each part is written in the first person of the title character of that part.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2015
35 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Don H. Miller
27 books21 followersDon H. Miller was born and grew up in Iowa, went to the University of North Carolina where he received a degree in Mathematics, spent three years as a U.S. Navy officer, got a Ph.D. in Mathematical Statistics from the University of Chicago, spent three years as a college professor, and then spent the rest of his working career as a research scientist working in various fields including naval operations research, environmental impact analysis, and command, control and communications technology. He is now retired, enjoys golfing, pickleball, and writing, and is the art director of the monthly newsletter of the community in which he now lives. He has written twenty-five novels in the genre of Jane Austen fan fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 3, 2020
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars
While this was a pleasant story in which all the Bennet sisters not only marry well but also reform their behaviors and take an interest in educating themselves in many subjects and learn the expectations of society it had no real angst for me. Thus it took me much longer than usual as I found I was easily distracted to look elsewhere and put this story down. The title is misleading as it deals with three of the sisters in large part and the fourth in the epilogue.
When the story begins Jane has married and moved to America with her husband. Elizabeth is living with the Gardiners due to her mother's displeasure with the rejection of Mr. Collins. She travels with them to Pemberley where they become isolated by flooding during their tour of the estate. While out riding with Darcy and others the rain causes part of the riding path to disintegrate and horse and rider fall down the cliff side. Elizabeth is severely injured with amnesia and while Darcy courts her has a chance to judge him anew.
The next two parts have Kitty and Georgiana with their own romances. They are nicknamed "The Darcy Twins" as Kitty has moved to live with the Darcys and become very close with Georgiana. All through this story Elizabeth acts as governess teaching or encouraging her sisters, including G., in languages, various other subjects and music, etc. Mrs. Darcy is much admired and that alone encourages men to look at her "sisters" to see if there are any similarities.
There are many suitors and much time is given to introducing each man, his family, his place in society, his personality and his approach to a relationship with one or more of the sisters. We don't really read much about Mr. or Mrs. Bennet except that both seem subdued while at events in the ton. (Having a daughter marry a Duke might just be a bit overwhelming.)
I was determined to finish this story and if you like pleasant stories without angst then this might be for you. It does need editing and many of the highlights I marked are due to that.
While this was a pleasant story in which all the Bennet sisters not only marry well but also reform their behaviors and take an interest in educating themselves in many subjects and learn the expectations of society it had no real angst for me. Thus it took me much longer than usual as I found I was easily distracted to look elsewhere and put this story down. The title is misleading as it deals with three of the sisters in large part and the fourth in the epilogue.
When the story begins Jane has married and moved to America with her husband. Elizabeth is living with the Gardiners due to her mother's displeasure with the rejection of Mr. Collins. She travels with them to Pemberley where they become isolated by flooding during their tour of the estate. While out riding with Darcy and others the rain causes part of the riding path to disintegrate and horse and rider fall down the cliff side. Elizabeth is severely injured with amnesia and while Darcy courts her has a chance to judge him anew.
The next two parts have Kitty and Georgiana with their own romances. They are nicknamed "The Darcy Twins" as Kitty has moved to live with the Darcys and become very close with Georgiana. All through this story Elizabeth acts as governess teaching or encouraging her sisters, including G., in languages, various other subjects and music, etc. Mrs. Darcy is much admired and that alone encourages men to look at her "sisters" to see if there are any similarities.
There are many suitors and much time is given to introducing each man, his family, his place in society, his personality and his approach to a relationship with one or more of the sisters. We don't really read much about Mr. or Mrs. Bennet except that both seem subdued while at events in the ton. (Having a daughter marry a Duke might just be a bit overwhelming.)
I was determined to finish this story and if you like pleasant stories without angst then this might be for you. It does need editing and many of the highlights I marked are due to that.
September 19, 2025
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, because of an accident on Pemberly grounds Elizabeth is forced to stay, and Kitty comes to join her and stays as one of the Twins. There are three different and separate pov - Darcy, Catherine Bennet and Georgiana Darcy. A story of Kitty and Georgiana with the ever so perfect Elizabeth which does get somewhat boring. Unfortunately no bad characters like Caroline Bingley.
An enjoyable story.
An enjoyable story.
February 28, 2017
A Pleasant Surprise
As with all of Don Miller's P&P variations, "Twins" is a pleasing journey through the Bennet sister mythology which he has created. What I find attractive is that he treats us to extensions of the side characters' lives and loves which are most satisfying. Now, I am of a darker bent and do find externally driven strife to be a part of the Canonical approach which I like. The is no Wickham here to beguile Lydia. Yes, Miller has it that GW had attempted to compromise Georgianna and had also used his silver tongue to mislead Elizabeth. But, he is never brought into the present tense. There is no Caroline Bingley as Jane married another and moved to America. Lady Catherine is relegated to one minor scene and then to waste away at Rosings' dower house. So, the only tension is that which rests between the main characters' ears. Readers of is work will be pleased to observe how he develops minor plot items (the dogs, for instance) for use in later works. I admire that consistency. Finally, unlike his previous work, this book is plagued by some unfortunate typos and mistaken words.
As with all of Don Miller's P&P variations, "Twins" is a pleasing journey through the Bennet sister mythology which he has created. What I find attractive is that he treats us to extensions of the side characters' lives and loves which are most satisfying. Now, I am of a darker bent and do find externally driven strife to be a part of the Canonical approach which I like. The is no Wickham here to beguile Lydia. Yes, Miller has it that GW had attempted to compromise Georgianna and had also used his silver tongue to mislead Elizabeth. But, he is never brought into the present tense. There is no Caroline Bingley as Jane married another and moved to America. Lady Catherine is relegated to one minor scene and then to waste away at Rosings' dower house. So, the only tension is that which rests between the main characters' ears. Readers of is work will be pleased to observe how he develops minor plot items (the dogs, for instance) for use in later works. I admire that consistency. Finally, unlike his previous work, this book is plagued by some unfortunate typos and mistaken words.
January 4, 2016
Even though the book description says it's one book in 3 parts, this is more accurately 3 separate novellas. Each of the 3 is written in the first person from a different point of view. It's Darcy in the first, of course. The "twins," less predictably, are actually Kitty Bennet and Georgiana Darcy, with Kitty's story in the second novella and Georgiana in the third. The two girls are now living together with the Darcys and have become as close as sisters. They are so inseparable that they become known as the "Darcy twins" despite not really looking alike.
Throughout all 3 stories, Elizabeth is perfect. Annoyingly so. She's beautiful. She's brilliant. She's warm and nurturing. She speaks several languages. She sings like a professional and performs regularly at social gatherings. She coaches and encourages other musicians. She is wonderful in society and always knows just the right thing to say to anyone in any situation. In fact, most of the characters in these stories are without significant flaws - this is a supportive, sometimes overly-communicative, sincerely polite world. There is no angst, no conflict and, generally speaking, very little of interest happening.
These are the stories of 3 courtships - Elizabeth and Darcy, Kitty and several potential suitors, and Georgiana and several potential suitors. The most disturbing thing that happens is Elizabeth falls from her horse, breaks some bones, is unconscious for days and, when she awakens, has amnesia, though all her other amazing mental and personality assets remain intact. The main storyline is whether she will agree to marry Darcy despite her amnesia. She thinks she might love him but, having no frame of reference without memory of any other men, she resists.
Kitty and Georgiana's stories are very similar. Both are basically a chronology of their experiences at parties and balls, meeting different gentlemen and analyzing the pros and cons of each potential relationship in a remarkably detached manner. Aside from that, in Kitty's story, her "sister" Georgiana falls, too, this time down stairs, with results similar to Elizabeth's in the previous story. Though Georgiana doesn't have amnesia, she is unable to participate in the rest of the Season because of her injuries, and the family eventually goes back to Pemberley with the intent to return the following Season. Not exactly riveting stuff here.
The writing technique of each story being in first person would be more successful if it was more consistent. Perhaps the drafts were written in third person and then converted to first, because there are multiple instances where a sentence shifts back and forth between them. I mean, one second Darcy is telling his own story, and suddenly it's an observer talking about him. Unfortunately, there also a lot of repetition, and much of the dialogue is very stilted, unnatural-sounding and overly analytical. It was hard to stay interested.
Throughout all 3 stories, Elizabeth is perfect. Annoyingly so. She's beautiful. She's brilliant. She's warm and nurturing. She speaks several languages. She sings like a professional and performs regularly at social gatherings. She coaches and encourages other musicians. She is wonderful in society and always knows just the right thing to say to anyone in any situation. In fact, most of the characters in these stories are without significant flaws - this is a supportive, sometimes overly-communicative, sincerely polite world. There is no angst, no conflict and, generally speaking, very little of interest happening.
These are the stories of 3 courtships - Elizabeth and Darcy, Kitty and several potential suitors, and Georgiana and several potential suitors. The most disturbing thing that happens is Elizabeth falls from her horse, breaks some bones, is unconscious for days and, when she awakens, has amnesia, though all her other amazing mental and personality assets remain intact. The main storyline is whether she will agree to marry Darcy despite her amnesia. She thinks she might love him but, having no frame of reference without memory of any other men, she resists.
Kitty and Georgiana's stories are very similar. Both are basically a chronology of their experiences at parties and balls, meeting different gentlemen and analyzing the pros and cons of each potential relationship in a remarkably detached manner. Aside from that, in Kitty's story, her "sister" Georgiana falls, too, this time down stairs, with results similar to Elizabeth's in the previous story. Though Georgiana doesn't have amnesia, she is unable to participate in the rest of the Season because of her injuries, and the family eventually goes back to Pemberley with the intent to return the following Season. Not exactly riveting stuff here.
The writing technique of each story being in first person would be more successful if it was more consistent. Perhaps the drafts were written in third person and then converted to first, because there are multiple instances where a sentence shifts back and forth between them. I mean, one second Darcy is telling his own story, and suddenly it's an observer talking about him. Unfortunately, there also a lot of repetition, and much of the dialogue is very stilted, unnatural-sounding and overly analytical. It was hard to stay interested.
January 23, 2016
Darcy and the Twins
A mostly happy story. When the Gardiners and Elizabeth visit family and friends in Lambton, Darcy sees her and thought he'd forgot her. But when they meet in Rodgers Emporium, Darcy cannot avoid the two ladies, because Georgiana is speaking to them and has invited them to Pemberley. When Darcy is reintroduced to Mrs. Gardiner, he finally remembered where knew her from besides Lambton; she and her husband own the tea and coffee house they own. When he finds out that they have added a book store next to the other shop, he was amazed that they connected the two stores with a hallway. He finds out a lot about Elizabeth that he didn't know. When he asks why, she responded, because he never asked. On Wednesday when they visited Pemberley the rain was pouring down. Soon families from the flooded areas were ensconced at Pemberley. When Darcy sees how well his tenants take to Elizabeth and she to them, his mind begins to think differently. Days after the rain stopped, Georgiana m Elizabeth and Darcy take a ride to see how the flooded areas are draining. Georgiana leads them up the hill to the next ridge. She and Darcy cleared the top with Elizabeth almost there. A fox ran in front of her horse and spooked him causing the horse and Elizabeth careening down the hill. They watched hit one tree and coming to stop against another. When he saw that she went limp, he sends Georgiana to summon help while he goes down to Elizabeth. When he sees how badly she's hurt, be starts berating himself and decides he can't live without her. While Elizabeth was in a coma, the Gardiners leave for London stopping at Longbourn on the way. They quietly tell Bennet what's happened and suggested he take Kitty with him. When she finally awakes after six days, she remember anything but that Darcy helped her. She doesn't remember him, in fact, she doesn't remember who she is! When she realizes that he is holding her hand, she asks if they are betrothed or married. For a brief moment, he was thinking about lying, but figured once she regained her memory she'd remember that she hated Darcy. It took months before she was ready to come down for dinner. Her ribs and broken leg still bothered her. Of course, Darcy carried her around until he got on the wheelchairs from a tenant. Now she could have footman carry her and the chair safely. Darcy asked her again to marry him, but again until she could remember who she was and some of her life back could he wait. In London, Mary had returned with Gardiners to educate her nieces and nephew and has changed so dramatically that Elizabeth did not know her. When she starts categorize the books again some of her memory is returning. Once Lord and Lady Matlock accepted Elizabeth, the Darcy twins, Georgiana and Kitty, are preparing to be presented to the Queen. Elizabeth has earned acceptance from the 8 families of London, because she's a beautiful singer. During teas and balls, she sings a duet with members of the small group of performers. When she teaches Kitty to sing, she and Kitty often sing together. Elizabeth always ends the performance with an unaccompanied song, A Mother's Lament, sung in French and then in English. Many happy weddings occurred in this story: Darcy and Elizabeth, Richard Fitzwilliam and Mary, Catherine and Daniel Stonington ( a peer who will eventually become a Duke ), and last, Lydia who marries Mark Dumont ( the richest non-titled family in England or the world of that time ) and the other Darcy twin, Georgiana, marries an Irish Baron, Bryan. The only sad part, it seems Darcy and Bingley are no longer friends, and Jane married a wealthy American and lives in New York State. Naturally all the young ladies of the realm wondered how these penniless girls with no connections managed to grab all these wealthy gentlemen. Sour grapes perhaps, or the well water around Longbourn was very magical!
A mostly happy story. When the Gardiners and Elizabeth visit family and friends in Lambton, Darcy sees her and thought he'd forgot her. But when they meet in Rodgers Emporium, Darcy cannot avoid the two ladies, because Georgiana is speaking to them and has invited them to Pemberley. When Darcy is reintroduced to Mrs. Gardiner, he finally remembered where knew her from besides Lambton; she and her husband own the tea and coffee house they own. When he finds out that they have added a book store next to the other shop, he was amazed that they connected the two stores with a hallway. He finds out a lot about Elizabeth that he didn't know. When he asks why, she responded, because he never asked. On Wednesday when they visited Pemberley the rain was pouring down. Soon families from the flooded areas were ensconced at Pemberley. When Darcy sees how well his tenants take to Elizabeth and she to them, his mind begins to think differently. Days after the rain stopped, Georgiana m Elizabeth and Darcy take a ride to see how the flooded areas are draining. Georgiana leads them up the hill to the next ridge. She and Darcy cleared the top with Elizabeth almost there. A fox ran in front of her horse and spooked him causing the horse and Elizabeth careening down the hill. They watched hit one tree and coming to stop against another. When he saw that she went limp, he sends Georgiana to summon help while he goes down to Elizabeth. When he sees how badly she's hurt, be starts berating himself and decides he can't live without her. While Elizabeth was in a coma, the Gardiners leave for London stopping at Longbourn on the way. They quietly tell Bennet what's happened and suggested he take Kitty with him. When she finally awakes after six days, she remember anything but that Darcy helped her. She doesn't remember him, in fact, she doesn't remember who she is! When she realizes that he is holding her hand, she asks if they are betrothed or married. For a brief moment, he was thinking about lying, but figured once she regained her memory she'd remember that she hated Darcy. It took months before she was ready to come down for dinner. Her ribs and broken leg still bothered her. Of course, Darcy carried her around until he got on the wheelchairs from a tenant. Now she could have footman carry her and the chair safely. Darcy asked her again to marry him, but again until she could remember who she was and some of her life back could he wait. In London, Mary had returned with Gardiners to educate her nieces and nephew and has changed so dramatically that Elizabeth did not know her. When she starts categorize the books again some of her memory is returning. Once Lord and Lady Matlock accepted Elizabeth, the Darcy twins, Georgiana and Kitty, are preparing to be presented to the Queen. Elizabeth has earned acceptance from the 8 families of London, because she's a beautiful singer. During teas and balls, she sings a duet with members of the small group of performers. When she teaches Kitty to sing, she and Kitty often sing together. Elizabeth always ends the performance with an unaccompanied song, A Mother's Lament, sung in French and then in English. Many happy weddings occurred in this story: Darcy and Elizabeth, Richard Fitzwilliam and Mary, Catherine and Daniel Stonington ( a peer who will eventually become a Duke ), and last, Lydia who marries Mark Dumont ( the richest non-titled family in England or the world of that time ) and the other Darcy twin, Georgiana, marries an Irish Baron, Bryan. The only sad part, it seems Darcy and Bingley are no longer friends, and Jane married a wealthy American and lives in New York State. Naturally all the young ladies of the realm wondered how these penniless girls with no connections managed to grab all these wealthy gentlemen. Sour grapes perhaps, or the well water around Longbourn was very magical!
May 11, 2022
Winning formula, but with issues
Don H. Miller has created a winning formula for his stories about the characters created in Pride and Prejudice, plus his array of of families of the ton known as the Group of Eight. His stories are pleasantly diverting, if a little repetitive.
Mr. Miller does have the disconcerting habit of including anachronistic concepts such as the subconscience, bonding with children, and so forth. But the last third of this particular volume completely ignores mourning rituals and customs of the time in order to effectuate the storyline. That is unacceptable. If courting customs are stretched but still addressed, primal customs of mourning for the loss of a parent should also be addressed. This internal inconsistency ruined this volume for me. It's just too much of a departure.
Furthermore, all of Mr. Miller's KU books suffer from inadequate proofreading. I have found the tradeoff of entertainment sufficient to not be phased by wrong words, missing words, incorrect verb tense agreement, and myriad other grammatical issues. But my tolerance is fueled by these being KU books and the reading equivalent of mindless eating. If I were paying per volume, I would have given up long ago as such sloppiness is simply not professional.
Don H. Miller has created a winning formula for his stories about the characters created in Pride and Prejudice, plus his array of of families of the ton known as the Group of Eight. His stories are pleasantly diverting, if a little repetitive.
Mr. Miller does have the disconcerting habit of including anachronistic concepts such as the subconscience, bonding with children, and so forth. But the last third of this particular volume completely ignores mourning rituals and customs of the time in order to effectuate the storyline. That is unacceptable. If courting customs are stretched but still addressed, primal customs of mourning for the loss of a parent should also be addressed. This internal inconsistency ruined this volume for me. It's just too much of a departure.
Furthermore, all of Mr. Miller's KU books suffer from inadequate proofreading. I have found the tradeoff of entertainment sufficient to not be phased by wrong words, missing words, incorrect verb tense agreement, and myriad other grammatical issues. But my tolerance is fueled by these being KU books and the reading equivalent of mindless eating. If I were paying per volume, I would have given up long ago as such sloppiness is simply not professional.
October 6, 2023
What a great story!
This story presented the Darcy Twins who were previewed in an earlier book by this author. The use of the different POVs of Darcy himself, Kitty and Georgie were delightful. The names of the same families of the ton as appeared in other books were again used with different descriptions and outcomes. It is refreshing to have stories with little to no mention of Lady C, Wickham, Collins and the Bingleys. As usual, there were editing errors that disrupted the flow of the story. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this story.
This story presented the Darcy Twins who were previewed in an earlier book by this author. The use of the different POVs of Darcy himself, Kitty and Georgie were delightful. The names of the same families of the ton as appeared in other books were again used with different descriptions and outcomes. It is refreshing to have stories with little to no mention of Lady C, Wickham, Collins and the Bingleys. As usual, there were editing errors that disrupted the flow of the story. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this story.
June 30, 2019
Wonderful
Yet another wonderful variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice by Don H. Miller. Thoroughly enjoyable as usual
Yet another wonderful variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice by Don H. Miller. Thoroughly enjoyable as usual
December 26, 2015
Awesome variation...
Good retelling of pride and prejudice. A must read for the pride and prejudice fans like myself so enjoy I did.
Good retelling of pride and prejudice. A must read for the pride and prejudice fans like myself so enjoy I did.
January 14, 2016
Everyone needs a happily ever after sometimes
Highly enjoyed the story from the views of various characters. The author does a fine job of keeping proper voice and continuity.
Highly enjoyed the story from the views of various characters. The author does a fine job of keeping proper voice and continuity.
February 3, 2016
Excellent variation
Lots of typos...that's the only reason I didn't give this 5 stars. Love the stories and the different prospective of each character.
Lots of typos...that's the only reason I didn't give this 5 stars. Love the stories and the different prospective of each character.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews