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Thaw
A short(ish) Regency forced marriage scenario, written in epistolary form. Elizabeth sends to Jane after something has happened to force her to marry a certain haughty gentleman from Derbyshire.
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This is also available on FanFiction at https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7318470/....
After an unfortunate mishap has forced Elizabeth Bennet to marry a certain haughty gentleman from Derbyshire, she writes letters to her sister Jane, trying to come to terms with her new role as a wife and the Mistress of Pemberley.
* A Happy Assembly requires registration.
~~~~~~~~~~
This is also available on FanFiction at https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7318470/....
After an unfortunate mishap has forced Elizabeth Bennet to marry a certain haughty gentleman from Derbyshire, she writes letters to her sister Jane, trying to come to terms with her new role as a wife and the Mistress of Pemberley.
76 pages, ebook
Published August 24, 2011
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 20, 2016
This unpublished short story is a variation of Pride and Prejudice comprised of a series of Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy's letters to her sister Jane beginning shortly after her forced marriage to Mr. Darcy. He had compromised her when she slipped and fell into Thompson's pond and, because she was injured, he had to carry her back to Longbourn. Mr. Bennet insisted that they marry to save her reputation, and Mr. Darcy agreed. Very soon after their December wedding, Miss Bingley was able to convince Mr. Bingley to take her and the Hursts back to London.
The early letters convey Elizabeth's belief that this will be an unhappy marriage despite her attempts to make the best of it. Her negative impression of Darcy fueled by Mr. Wickham's previous influence only deepens during the weeks immediately following the wedding. Darcy is quiet and forbidding, and there are long periods of awkward silence between them. She is apprehensive about meeting Georgiana, her new sister, considering what Wickham had told her, as well as Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Elizabeth's character is nicely defined and easily imagined from her "voice" in these letters. I enjoyed her witticisms and amused observations about a wide range of subjects, including herself. She encourages Jane through Bingley's abandonment and responds to news from home and then news from London when Jane goes to stay with the Gardiners. Despite Elizabeth's unhappy situation, she maintains her sense of humor, and her attitude eventually lightens over the months as she comes to understand her husband's character better. The title is certainly apt, since it refers both to the spring weather in Pemberley and also to Elizabeth's attitude about Darcy.
I'm not certain how well this works as a stand-alone story without prior knowledge of the Pride and Prejudice characters and their backstories, but it IS unpublished Jane Austen Fan Fiction, so that's probably irrelevant. I did find some of the non-canon elements difficult to piece together from the fragments split up and sprinkled among the letters. The story is not written in Regency style, although it's not distractingly modern, either. This is a short, breezy, satisfying read, and generally it's nicely done.
The early letters convey Elizabeth's belief that this will be an unhappy marriage despite her attempts to make the best of it. Her negative impression of Darcy fueled by Mr. Wickham's previous influence only deepens during the weeks immediately following the wedding. Darcy is quiet and forbidding, and there are long periods of awkward silence between them. She is apprehensive about meeting Georgiana, her new sister, considering what Wickham had told her, as well as Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Elizabeth's character is nicely defined and easily imagined from her "voice" in these letters. I enjoyed her witticisms and amused observations about a wide range of subjects, including herself. She encourages Jane through Bingley's abandonment and responds to news from home and then news from London when Jane goes to stay with the Gardiners. Despite Elizabeth's unhappy situation, she maintains her sense of humor, and her attitude eventually lightens over the months as she comes to understand her husband's character better. The title is certainly apt, since it refers both to the spring weather in Pemberley and also to Elizabeth's attitude about Darcy.
I'm not certain how well this works as a stand-alone story without prior knowledge of the Pride and Prejudice characters and their backstories, but it IS unpublished Jane Austen Fan Fiction, so that's probably irrelevant. I did find some of the non-canon elements difficult to piece together from the fragments split up and sprinkled among the letters. The story is not written in Regency style, although it's not distractingly modern, either. This is a short, breezy, satisfying read, and generally it's nicely done.
November 12, 2016
Unputdownable!!! Loved it. The way P&P was woven into it was seamless and I liked Lizzie's character very much. Doing it in the epistolary form was genius.
February 20, 2018
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
I read this before but didn't post a review, maybe because I found no listing of this on Goodreads.
Elizabeth's letters to Jane early in a marriage due to a situation of compromise. Written over about a 6 month period we have Elizabeth and Darcy with many periods of silence or arguments. The exact circumstances of the compromise are not spelled out in detail but a gossip has helped push the necessity of marriage on the couple.
We read as Elizabeth meets Georgiana, Colonel Fitzwilliam, neighbors and servants. We delight in the details of some gingerbread and dragonflies and Mrs. Reynolds' grandson. We want to reach in and shake these two when they come so close but then draw back.
The author has added some comments by Darcy from his journal among the comments from the readers. His writings are a little more earthy at the end as he talks about "scoring"... not exactly Regency speech.
Part of the letters do tell us of Elizabeth's thoughts on what Jane writes from home: thus, we learn of Lydia's downfall. We also find chagrin when Wickham's name is brought up and Darcy forbids the mention of such ever again in his house...without explaining why.
This was a quick read. But you must know the story of P&P as this is not a stand alone piece by any stretch.
I read this before but didn't post a review, maybe because I found no listing of this on Goodreads.
Elizabeth's letters to Jane early in a marriage due to a situation of compromise. Written over about a 6 month period we have Elizabeth and Darcy with many periods of silence or arguments. The exact circumstances of the compromise are not spelled out in detail but a gossip has helped push the necessity of marriage on the couple.
We read as Elizabeth meets Georgiana, Colonel Fitzwilliam, neighbors and servants. We delight in the details of some gingerbread and dragonflies and Mrs. Reynolds' grandson. We want to reach in and shake these two when they come so close but then draw back.
The author has added some comments by Darcy from his journal among the comments from the readers. His writings are a little more earthy at the end as he talks about "scoring"... not exactly Regency speech.
Part of the letters do tell us of Elizabeth's thoughts on what Jane writes from home: thus, we learn of Lydia's downfall. We also find chagrin when Wickham's name is brought up and Darcy forbids the mention of such ever again in his house...without explaining why.
This was a quick read. But you must know the story of P&P as this is not a stand alone piece by any stretch.
November 9, 2016
It’s rude to read someone’s letters: 3.5-stars
Although it is rude to read someone’s letters, let’s just say… we would not know what was going on in the lives of our characters if we didn’t.
How creative for our author Boogima to regale us with a series of letter exchanges between Elizabeth Darcy née Bennet and her elder sister Jane Bennet. From the POV of our dear girl Elizabeth, we read Jane’s letters and we then shamelessly watch over her shoulder as she writes back to her sister. Through several letters we learn the happenstance that caused the marriage of ODC [our dear couple] and their activities since their arrival at Pemberley.
At first, I didn’t understand the use of the word ‘Thaw’ as the title for this WIP [work in progress]. What the heck did ‘Thaw’ mean? After I observed the ice and chill in the marriage of ODC, I then understood it perfectly. Over time, ice and chill soon started to thaw ever so slowly and that thawing process between ODC helped me realize it was appropriately titled. I loved how the feelings and emotions evolved over time from dislike to like, moved through esteem and on to affection, and finally falling into love. It was interesting how the author turned a marriage of ice, between the main characters, into a blazing fire by the end of the work. It was so cute. I especially liked the addition of a new character… young Samuel Reynolds… with his dragonflies, how adorable.
Our author took us on the journey through all the points of the P&P story. The angst, the frustrations, the heartache and the joy, were all represented in the letters between beloved sisters.
Thanks to Mary for the link to this story.
Although it is rude to read someone’s letters, let’s just say… we would not know what was going on in the lives of our characters if we didn’t.
How creative for our author Boogima to regale us with a series of letter exchanges between Elizabeth Darcy née Bennet and her elder sister Jane Bennet. From the POV of our dear girl Elizabeth, we read Jane’s letters and we then shamelessly watch over her shoulder as she writes back to her sister. Through several letters we learn the happenstance that caused the marriage of ODC [our dear couple] and their activities since their arrival at Pemberley.
At first, I didn’t understand the use of the word ‘Thaw’ as the title for this WIP [work in progress]. What the heck did ‘Thaw’ mean? After I observed the ice and chill in the marriage of ODC, I then understood it perfectly. Over time, ice and chill soon started to thaw ever so slowly and that thawing process between ODC helped me realize it was appropriately titled. I loved how the feelings and emotions evolved over time from dislike to like, moved through esteem and on to affection, and finally falling into love. It was interesting how the author turned a marriage of ice, between the main characters, into a blazing fire by the end of the work. It was so cute. I especially liked the addition of a new character… young Samuel Reynolds… with his dragonflies, how adorable.
Our author took us on the journey through all the points of the P&P story. The angst, the frustrations, the heartache and the joy, were all represented in the letters between beloved sisters.
Thanks to Mary for the link to this story.
February 18, 2018
I love books that are written in epistolary form (Letters) 'and now despise me if you dare.' This book is composed entirely of letters from Elizabeth to Jane. Elizabeth Darcy, following a forced marriage scenario where Lizzy has an accident and is rescued by Darcy. But this incident is never spelled out because obviously both the writer and the recipient know what happened so you have to guess based upon certain things.
I had commented on a review recently that I think the 'compromised while being rescued from a legitimate injury' was ridiculous. Is it truly as Mr. Collins says, "The death of your daughter would have been a blessing in comparison of this.". Imagine if you will a story where Darcy calls upon Longbourn and tells Mr. Bennet "I am sad to report your second eldest lies drowned in a local pond. For while I respected your late daughter a great deal I didn't want to be compelled to marry her by you and your idiot neighbors." Or conversely imagine it today. "Jane Smith was rescued from the car wreck by the fire department she and Lt. Marks posted their banns" - ridiculous right?
Anyway enough about me and back to the delightful story. Lizzy and Darcy are married strangers. She still resents his interference with Jane and Bingley and his mistreatment of Wickham. She is not silent about her displeasure. She is nice to Georgiana and the Colonel and he accuses her of flirting. Slowly they begin to work through their disappointments.
She lets go of her prejudice and begins to actually see Darcy as a good man. This is a clean story that feels realistic.
I had commented on a review recently that I think the 'compromised while being rescued from a legitimate injury' was ridiculous. Is it truly as Mr. Collins says, "The death of your daughter would have been a blessing in comparison of this.". Imagine if you will a story where Darcy calls upon Longbourn and tells Mr. Bennet "I am sad to report your second eldest lies drowned in a local pond. For while I respected your late daughter a great deal I didn't want to be compelled to marry her by you and your idiot neighbors." Or conversely imagine it today. "Jane Smith was rescued from the car wreck by the fire department she and Lt. Marks posted their banns" - ridiculous right?
Anyway enough about me and back to the delightful story. Lizzy and Darcy are married strangers. She still resents his interference with Jane and Bingley and his mistreatment of Wickham. She is not silent about her displeasure. She is nice to Georgiana and the Colonel and he accuses her of flirting. Slowly they begin to work through their disappointments.
She lets go of her prejudice and begins to actually see Darcy as a good man. This is a clean story that feels realistic.
Read
April 6, 2018Re-read this... again. Very charming story
March 26, 2016
I've read this story at least 5x in full and certain chapters multiple times. It's given me so much delight, both in its humor and in its romance, that I've been remiss in not communicating that enjoyment to its author. Boogima should be very proud of herself for having captured so vividly our dear Mrs. Darcy's incomparable wit and vivacity. I suppose I should consider "Fix You" (another triumph!) as a companion piece of sorts since it is from Mr. Darcy's POV, but I would love to read a true companion piece to this work from his perspective as I am dying of curiosity regarding the unfortunate beginning to this most beautiful of relationships. Still, I consider it a real blessing to have discovered her work. I hope she has not abandoned writing P & P fanfiction, but I shall count myself fortunate that she decided to begin writing these stories at all.
March 27, 2018
A delightful read in a chuckling/snickering kind of way. Loved the humour in this story.
Written in the form of letters which I am usually not so fond of but in this story it was cleverly done.
A forced marriage scenario which will reveal itself throughout the story.
Enters a few days after they have reached Pemberley and Thaw was the perfect title.
The thawing of the icy ambiance between the newlyweds are portrayed through a serie of letters from Elizabeth to Jane.
Heartily recommend this book!
Written in the form of letters which I am usually not so fond of but in this story it was cleverly done.
A forced marriage scenario which will reveal itself throughout the story.
Enters a few days after they have reached Pemberley and Thaw was the perfect title.
The thawing of the icy ambiance between the newlyweds are portrayed through a serie of letters from Elizabeth to Jane.
Heartily recommend this book!
December 7, 2017
3.5 stars
Cute story about Elizabeth's changing views after a forced marriage. The dates seemed off to me because it said they married prior to December 1812 and I would have thought 1811 but oh well. I am not a big fan of epistolary writing so that's why it's not a higher rating for me.
Cute story about Elizabeth's changing views after a forced marriage. The dates seemed off to me because it said they married prior to December 1812 and I would have thought 1811 but oh well. I am not a big fan of epistolary writing so that's why it's not a higher rating for me.
March 20, 2016
Delightful!
March 25, 2018
One of the best canon Elizabeth I ever read.
November 16, 2016
Oh This book was delightful. I shouldn't be calling this a book because it is a series of letters put together from Elizabeth to her dear sister Jane. The joy that is Merryton society allows us to read such amazing gem of a book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and wished I could have an thorough account of Darcy as Elizabeth surely won't speak of everything to her sister.
May 13, 2019
A short story with an abundance of angst and a smattering of humor.
November 9, 2016
Dear reader,
If you are looking for a short,sweet but utterly adorable snapshot into the early marriage of ODC,then you should definitely feast your eyes on this piece of writing!
Based on letters penned by Elizabeth to her dear sister Jane,these missives make us privy,in a most comedic fashion,to the circumstances which led to the forced marriage between Darcy and Lizzy and their tenuous,oft times fiery yet comfortingly predictable path to acceptance,flirtation, romance and love!
Written in a light,airy,humorous and utterly beguiling manner,you will find yourself laughing out loud at the accidents that befall Lizzy,at the stoic reaction of her saviour and at said saviour's reaction to having a rival for her affections!
You will be forgiven for reading these beautifully crafted letters with a broad grin on your face,as you seemingly eavesdrop on Lizzy as she slowly realises that she no longer suffers her husband's strained silences or labours under the constrained and forced conversations between them,but rather looks forward to seeing him,acutely misses his absence as tendrils of understanding slowly begin to permeate her senses and she finally confesses that yes,she has actually come to admire and love her husband!
I loved,simply loved this series of witty insights into the early days of Lizzy and Darcy's life together.
Read in less than two hours,it's a cosy, heartwarming and happy account,that will cheer you up on the darkest of days,perk you up if the need arises,or restore your faith in romance,love and compatibility.
A sweet,indulgent and non calorific treat that deserves to be read by all!!
If you are looking for a short,sweet but utterly adorable snapshot into the early marriage of ODC,then you should definitely feast your eyes on this piece of writing!
Based on letters penned by Elizabeth to her dear sister Jane,these missives make us privy,in a most comedic fashion,to the circumstances which led to the forced marriage between Darcy and Lizzy and their tenuous,oft times fiery yet comfortingly predictable path to acceptance,flirtation, romance and love!
Written in a light,airy,humorous and utterly beguiling manner,you will find yourself laughing out loud at the accidents that befall Lizzy,at the stoic reaction of her saviour and at said saviour's reaction to having a rival for her affections!
You will be forgiven for reading these beautifully crafted letters with a broad grin on your face,as you seemingly eavesdrop on Lizzy as she slowly realises that she no longer suffers her husband's strained silences or labours under the constrained and forced conversations between them,but rather looks forward to seeing him,acutely misses his absence as tendrils of understanding slowly begin to permeate her senses and she finally confesses that yes,she has actually come to admire and love her husband!
I loved,simply loved this series of witty insights into the early days of Lizzy and Darcy's life together.
Read in less than two hours,it's a cosy, heartwarming and happy account,that will cheer you up on the darkest of days,perk you up if the need arises,or restore your faith in romance,love and compatibility.
A sweet,indulgent and non calorific treat that deserves to be read by all!!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews