Mr. Darcy's Present: A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Vagary

by Regina Jeffers

The Greatest Present He Would Ever Receive is the Gift of Her Love… What if Mr. Darcy purchased a gift for Elizabeth Bennet to acknowledge the festive days even though he knows he will never present it to her? What if the gift is posted to the lady by his servants and without his knowledge? What if the enclosed card was meant for another and is more suggestive than a gentleman should share with an unmarried lady? Join Darcy and Elizabeth, for a holiday romp, loaded with delightful twists and turns no one expects, but one in which our favorite couple take a very different path in thwarting George Wickham and Lydia Bennet’s elopement. Can a simple book of poetry be Darcy’s means to win Elizabeth’s love? When we care more for another than ourselves, the seeds of love have an opportunity to blossom. Words of Praise for Mr. Darcy’s Present… Jeffers takes a familiar story and reinvigorates it with humor, warmth, and wisdom. - Roses and Lilacs Reviews

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Holiday, Historical

204 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2016

About the author

Regina Jeffers, an award-winning author of historical cozy mysteries, Austenesque sequels and retellings, as well as Regency era romances, has worn many hats over her lifetime: daughter, student, military brat, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, tax preparer, journalist, choreographer, Broadway dancer, theatre director, history buff, grant writer, media literacy consultant, and author. Living outside of Charlotte, NC, Jeffers writes novels that take the ordinary and adds a bit of mayhem, while mastering tension in her own life with a bit of gardening and the exuberance of her “grand joys.”

Reviews

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was introduced on a blog with an excerpt that left me longing to open the pages. It has a connection to the Christmas holidays but is of a certainty one which transcends a placement among those limited to seasonal reads.

As the book description tells us, Fitzwilliam Darcy, having been rejected in an earlier-than-canon proposal cannot keeps thoughts of Elizabeth Bennet from his mind. And even in accepting that she will not be by his side in the future, he secures little treasures, writes letters and saves mementoes which are saved away as they can never be given to or shared with her.

In the tradition of estate owners and heads of families, Mr. Darcy is out and about town with his valet seeking gifts for family, acquaintances, tenants and servants. He buys a token for Elizabeth to hide away with those other things which he saves. An accident of dire proportions put him into unconsciousness for two days and takes away the use of his hand. So he cannot address the greetings which go with each gift and there are some of a personal nature which not just anyone can write out for him. So when Charles Bingley, who has been in attendance for the two days he was abed, offers to help out it is with unavoidable angst as to his friend’s illegible handwriting that he has no choice but to accept. The presents are set upon his desk and the notes placed with them along with Darcy’s calling card as he cannot sign the notes. During the holiday rush servants are in charge of sending out the presents and when a mishap occurs during which cards are separated from the intended gift and then attached to another, Darcy does not find out about this mix up until his sister breaks down in tears upon opening the impersonal note attached to her gift from him.

So as we read of Darcy’s part in this story we find him traveling in haste about the countryside, even being assaulted, as he seeks to intercede where certain ladies are in receipt of not just the wrong notes but words which could decide his and her future.

Meanwhile, in Hertfordshire, Elizabeth is hearing and learning new things about not only Darcy but also Wickham. Aunt and Uncle Gardiner have slightly different behaviors herein: she gossips and he seeks to head off damage from such. And so Elizabeth is given food for thought and comes to some interesting conclusions about her own tendency to jump to quick opinions. When Papa receives a package via express addressed to Elizabeth, she is called into his study and they discuss who might be sending her a book – for that is the shape of the object. Mr. Bennet puts off opening it until Christmas morning when they will open it together.

There are other events to remind us that P&P had several entanglements besides that of ODC: there is the subject of Bingley and Jane and then there is that dreadful taking off to Gretna Green of a certain youngest daughter and a man in a red coat. Regina Jeffers gives us a new twist to both stories. Tongue in cheek, Mr. Bennet turns out to have a sly and devious solution to one of those situations while someone actually grows a backbone and makes a move on his own.

This was a delightful tale, not too long in length, which I will recommend to all who love JAFF – especially Pride and Prejudice variations.

[Claudine DiMuzio / Just Jane 1813]

Review, excerpt, guest post and giveaways at Just Jane 1813.

https://justjane1813.com/2016/09/20/m...

Thank you to all of my Goodreads friends who visited this post today!

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A book is a sacred gift.” Lailah Gifty Akita

“Presents are made for the pleasure of who gives them, not the merits of who receives them.” Carlos Ruiz Zafón, The Shadow of the Wind

Fitzwilliam Darcy was trying to live through the Holiday Season and survive. Elizabeth Bennet was foremost in his mind. Every window display made him think of her. Every gown, jewel and book make him think of … her. How would he survive? How could he survive without her in his life?

As Darcy’s valet helped him with his family gift shopping, Darcy accidently bumped into another gentleman. Or the other gentleman [who was inebriated] bumped into Darcy… either way… in his anger, at the audacity of being touched, the young buck pushed Darcy away sending him into the path of a coal cart. When the load shifted and then overturned onto Darcy… all you-know-what hit the fan. Lord Father of the young snit… didn’t appreciate his son being taken to task by a valet/servant until he learned the identity of the man being pulled out from under the coal. Fitzwilliam Darcy, wealthy grandson of an Earl, nephew to the powerful Lord Matlock, and a man the chagrined Lord Father needed to support him in his financial scheme. Let’s just say our young buck was about to have a ‘Come to Jesus’ moment with his father.

Now… what to do about the gifts? Darcy couldn’t write with a bandaged hand and wrist. His secretary was away and that left Darcy with only the help of his valet and his servants [many who could not read]. You know from the book blurb that there was a mix-up with the cards intended for the recipients. Yeah, we had a comedy of errors as Darcy was forced to do DAMAGE CONTROL!! He was all over the place trying to smooth ruffled feathers. Then he was left with the most humiliating mix-up of all. Elizabeth Bennet was sent something he had never intend to send her. What was he do to?

“As we give presents at Christmas, we need to recognize that sharing our time and ourselves is such an important part of giving.” Gordon B. Hinckley

After a terrible time at Rosings [yeah, family does that sometimes], Darcy and Georgiana headed for Hertfordshire. She wanted to help her brother even knowing that Wickham was in Meryton. I loved this Georgiana. She was so brave and creative.

What I liked: There were many scenes that varied from canon; however, our author skillfully manipulated scenes, dialogue and shifted timelines to create a delightful story. Even though there were the familiar scenes, our author shifted them just enough to keep them interesting.

Mr. Bingley and Mr. Gardiner: OMG! Whoa! I loved these guys. I would not want to be in negotiations with either of them or cross them for that matter. I loved how each played their part in setting Lizzy straight on Wickham and Darcy and especially in their dealings with finding Lydia. Yep, these guys rock.

Thank goodness, we didn’t have to deal with Caroline, the Hursts, or Collins for that matter. We heard of them and from them, but didn’t have to endure much page time… thank you very much.

What I didn’t like: Well, actually there wasn’t really anything that I could say irritated me. Of course, I’m not crazy about Lizzy and Wickham having page time, but that was necessary for her to come to her epiphany as to his true nature. She started puting two and two together and suddenly nothing added up with his stories.

Mr. Bennet was better in his dealings with his family. He wasn’t innocent of all that went wrong with his girls. Mrs. Bennet was less obvious and irritating in this story. She was pretty much in the background.

I loved the little clues scattered throughout the story. As they were being revealed, I just wanted to give the author a ‘high-five’ for being so sneaky. I really enjoyed how they handled Wickham this time. Wow! I am surprised it worked. I am also surprised that the stubbornness that Lydia is known for didn’t jeopardize their scheme. However, it was fun to watch it transpire on the page. Well done. I don’t think Wickham realized just what hit him.

This was a good clean story to read during the Christmas and Holiday Season. Enjoy and Blessings to all.

[Les · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book asks a lot from its reader, mostly it asks you to suspend your disbelief. Now thanks to the movie Jurassic Park I firmly will believe that Diplodocus are just like big adorable cows.... so I am pretty good at it but this book took some mental gymnastics.

It is P&P compressed to squeeze into Christmas. So Darcy at the Netherfield ball proposes to Miss Elizabeth; which is pretty OOC. and she rejects him which isn't OOC but uses her Rosing's argument because she supposedly overheard Darcy agreeing with Miss Bingley to separate Bingley and Jane. Our poor Darcy is desperately in love with Miss Elizabeth which is also OOC.

He returns to London, goes Christmas shopping and is involved in a terrible accident; this is a set up for a twist that was so drawn out it was painful. It involves gift tags that all get sent to the incorrect recipients and chaos. And really this didn't add much to the plot the mere fact that a present was delivered to Longbourn, tag correct or not would have moved the plot the same.

Once Darcy returns to Meryton the plot speeds up to an almost manic level but a lot of stuff was still very bizarre. Which all twists up to Wickham attempting to blackmail someone but luckily Mr. Gardiner is a total genius and thwarts him over and over again. However it involves a great deal of lying and denials... until Wickham basically quits and goes away.

All I do know is Darcy left Rosings on the 25th and ended up at Pemberley on January 4th with two separate trips to London in between - oh yeah there's a HEA and an epilogue.

Also 3 charming editing errors
1 while quoting source material "Was not his some excuse for incivility, if I was uncivil?" should be this
2 after teh youth should be the
3 his cousin Miss De -the Bourgh got dropped.

And one awesome bit of vocab
endogamous "marriage within the tribe or group," 1865, from endo- on model of polygamy. Related: Endogamous (1865). Opposed to exogamy. Apparently both were coined by Scottish anthropologist John Ferguson McLennan (1827-1881) in "Primitive Marriage." https://www.etymonline.com/word/endogamy

So awesome word Regency Fail.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

How interesting it is to see how Ms. Jeffers develops the premise that Mr. Darcy does not fight his feelings and actually proposes to Elizabeth Bennet- and is soundly refused- during the Netherfield ball! The book begins in London a month later, where he arranges the purchase of Christmas gifts to family and close friends and also, on a whim, gifts for Elizabeth with no intention of sending them to her. However, due to a combination of mishaps, his servants send out all the presents to the recipients but scramble the accompanying messages. It becomes something of a comedy of errors with everyone receiving the correct gifts (including Elizabeth, who wasn't supposed to receive any) accompanied by awkwardly incorrect notes.

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner have a distinct role here, with Mrs. Gardiner more prone to spread gossip and Mr. Gardiner providing facts and demanding that Elizabeth examine evidence more objectively when it comes to Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth finds that she has a higher level of respect and trust for Mr. Darcy than for Mr. Wickham, who starts to make her feel uneasy. The more she learns, the more she realizes that she was mistaken about Mr. Darcy's character.

As usual, Ms. Jeffers puts a lovely spin on our favorite story. She creatively alters the plotline involving Lydia and Wickham and also provides plenty of sigh-worthy romance in the scenes between Darcy and Elizabeth. I would have liked a little more heated debate between the two of them that is usually characteristic of their exchanges. Perhaps some description of their time together at Netherfield while Jane is ill could have been included to demonstrate that aspect of their relationship. But that is only a minor complaint about this otherwise excellent tale.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear reader,

A sweet story centred on the events that occur after a lovesick Darcy purchases gifts for loved ones,including the lady he admires and cannot persuade himself to forget, Elizabeth Bennet.

Recovering from an accident,the gifts are sent along with personalised gift cards that inadvertently get mixed up and sent to the wrong people.

Realising the error,Darcy sets off to Hertfordshire to explain his actions to Mr Bennet.

Before he and Lizzy can come to an understanding,Lydia's desire to be the first of her sisters married sees her determined to be Mrs Wickham and follow him to London.

Will she be recovered,forced to marry this uncouth and dastardly gent or will Mr Gardiner and others' clever scheme see Wickham's money making plans spoiled and made necessarily redundant?

Readers,this was a lovely story and if I hadn't read quite so many JAFF stories,in such a short time,I would probably have given it a higher rating.

Alas,my interest is beginning to lag,I'm suffering from Darcy and Lizzy 'overkill' and need a break.
For these reasons,I urge you to read this book and discover for yourself, its many merits.

[Kimbelle Pease · Rating 5 out of 5]

As one of my favorite variations I read every holiday season now, I should list the many reasons I enjoy this book. First, it is a Mr. Darcy who is injured that requires help he accepts. Second, there is a present that will be discreetly returned or a summons with a proposal. But in the middle of it all, there is a merry mixup for the fairings he intends to give so that Elizabeth's present, one he never intended to send, was delivered into Mr. Bennet's hands. A mending of hearts, a set down Wickham, interference by way of the Gardiners, a more steady Georgiana, and all ends well in this cute holiday tale!

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming blend of holiday and sweet historical romance in a delightful variation on Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. What if Mr. Darcy whimsically purchased a gift for a lady who spurned his affections with no intent to actually send it, but an injury results in someone else handling his gift giving and a fateful mix-up occurs? Holiday hijinks ensue delivering an engaging new tale for Austen's beloved characters.

The story opens with Fitzwilliam Darcy in London finishing up his holiday shopping and making plans to join his extended family in Kent for the Christmas Season. His heart is bruised and he is forced to take stock of his life after a spirit gentleman's daughter takes him to task before vehemently rejecting his proposal. A severe injury leaves him unable to handle his own cards and gifts so that a gift not meant to be sent and several cards are mixed up when his gifts are presented to their recipients. Maybe fate has given him a second chance if he can sort out his thoughts and his gifts in time.

Lizzy Bennet prides herself on her acumen when it comes to other people. However, with new and insightful observations delivered from impeccable sources, she is forced to conclude that she did Mr. Darcy a grievous wrong. She attacked his character and accused him of wrongs he did not due all because her pride was bruised by a thoughtless remark. His actions to separate her sister from Bingley and his prideful manner along with Wickham's accusations take on new meaning. A stray gift confuses her, but also gives her hope before trouble comes once again to the Bennets. A Christmas miracle might be in order.

Mr. Darcy's Present varies right from the point of the Netherfield Ball. It is not the story that takes a new direction, but also the characters. I was enchanted by how little changes here and there altered the characters to deliver up some surprises. This authors' characters were familiar, but had originality. Bingley, the Gardiners, and even the Bennets presented new faces that I admired. There is a light humorous tone overlaying the romance and character development. The historical context and holiday atmosphere were strong elements as well.

I liked the alternating narration between Darcy and Lizzy along with the various scenes and plot threads that all came together at a good point. The romance is understated while the pair sort out their feelings and are apart for much of the story, but this struck just the right tone for the story.

All in all, this is one that captivated and delighted my afternoon when I was in need of a bit of Austenesque and the holidays. I can highly recommend Mr. Darcy's Present to sweet historical romance lovers and most definitely to Austenesque fans.

[Talia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another clever book by Regina Jeffers. I loved the way Wickham was dealt with in this variation. There was not much interaction with E and D but somehow I found the whole thing endearing.

Reread: Still love it!

[Ree · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best laid plans...
Reviewed in Canada on February 4, 2019
A gift that was never meant to be delivered eventually brings Darcy to his HEA. Very enjoyable read. There seemed to be quite a few spacing errors in the text as read from my Kindle reader.

[Ｓｈｉｆｒａ ♕]

Not my speed, may be yours.
DNF
Synopsis:

Darcy while woolgathering walks straight into a dandy, an ill advised move, as nothing sets off a fop quite like the threat of dishevelment to their meticulous fashion stylings.

This faux pas results in Darcy being shoved into traffic, and he gets gravely injured.

Darcy has letters and gifts he bought for Lizzy that he never intended to send. However, when he foolishly enlists Bingley- infamous for his poor penmanship- to help address his packages, they end up with the lady in question.

Insofar as far as I read, Darcy is fairly OOC: He is your run of the mill, vanilla hallmark leading man, who starts off as a Christmas grouch. Lizzy's refusal to his earlier than canon proposal at the Netherfield Ball featured an extent of precognition to his future transgressions, as I don't think she should have had half of the supporting arguments she used as of yet. The explanation as to why she would was as contrived as it gets.

The ‘Low-Budget Hallmark Holiday Movie’ vibe was overwhelming, I could not stomach it far enough to fairly rate this. The Hallmark production 'Modus Operandi' is one of my migraine triggers and I get some epic, 'Battle for Helms Deep' grade, 'Zeus birthing Athena' tier, ones which I would rather not provoke. However, I missed the clear 'holiday' in the title so I take full responsibility, as this is but a case of a theme that would not appeal to me & my Scrooge predilections, no matter how well executed.

Far be it from me to dissuade a reader based on that. Therefore, if you do fancy the holiday thematic aspect, and can forgive some out of character behavior, you may very well enjoy this.

I will compliment the cover art as it is what reeled me in; much like fish, my folly is I am drawn to pretty, adorned things, that ultimately prove to be hooks in disguise. Hey, I am not put out; all is fair in love, war, & marketing.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book, but have not yet reviewed it fully with the 5 star it deserves from too many orders for my business and reading too many books at once when escape from the work is possible. Well, I stayed up late at night reading this one through as fast as possible so that really means a wonderful intriguing book. This was a standout and one that I simply loved. I hope to post a review on Amazon down the road. My computer was not working properly though I read on an IPad instead of the computer, but the computer and my business consumed my concentration for several days (watch out for too much Adware even on Macintosh computers as they wreak havoc).

[Susanne Leist · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this story to be strange. It centered around presents sent to the wrong people. As expected, people were confused. Some were upset. The book didn't resonate with the wit and humor of the original. Regina Jeffers has done better with her other remakes of Pride and Prejudice.

[Yas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I have read this, and if memory serves, I did enjoy it. However, I cannot remember it enough to rate or review it. So I will have to read it once more.


18 May 2024
I have read it, and liked it a lot. E & D are endearing. It is a sweet well-written story.

[Elizabeth Bennet · Rating 3 out of 5]

A step in the right direction. This is a full length story following the similar guidelines as the original with different twists and characters added in. I agree with another reviewer stating the first 50% was boring before it really began to take off. That's because they have not reached their understanding of one another. Mrs. Bennet was more affectionate towards Lizzy than I've read. She actually asked her if she loved Darcy and admits she was right in refusing Collins. Mr. Bennet was great especially with protecting Lizzy but yet the relationship he forms with Darcy as future son in law was nice to see. It is a clean read complete with chastisement of Wickham. Georgiana was written beautifully and seeing her and Lizzy bond as sisters was enjoyable. For me though I would say I would have liked to see more about where P&P left off rather than an embellished repeat of what we know. Yes, it is different but certain events are always rehashed no matter how it comes about it is predictable and to me boring. Especially with the couple separated. The moments they work as a team and show the endearing looks is when I became captivated. It was a bit sensual on the wedding night but not elaborated on but let you see the gentleman in Darcy calming his nervous bride and letting her know that from here on out all the trials and fears they would work through together. You can't get much more romantic than that. But it does with the serendipity feel when his gifts find there way to Elizabeth and the card for each getting mixed up. Fate proves that the sediments no matter how they found there way to Lizzy landed exactly into the right hands. There is one unique turn from the original that changes the final outcome for a major couple. I can't say I was disappointed because Lizzy did stand up for her man. Enjoy

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: 3.5*

Mr. Darcy has laudanum, brandy and his servants to thank for his 'happily ever after'! This was an enjoyable comedy of errors that had Mr. Darcy scrambling. After his proposal is refused at the Netherfield Ball, Mr. Darcy struggles to forget Elizabeth Bennet, especially in his dreams. When he is injured before Christmas, he accepts the help of Mr. Bingley, who I loved in this book, and his valet to assist him in writing out greetings for each of the presents. Included is a gift for Elizabeth, only known to Mr. Darcy, that he had purchased knowing he would never send it.

As this is not to canon, Elizabeth learns from another source Wickham's character and slowly comes to realize Mr. Darcy's true worth. How Lydia and Wickham's situation is dealt with in this vagary is one I have never seen used before. Lady Catherine has a small part to play that is quickly dealt with...though I felt disappointed for the way Anne was treated. Caroline Bingley is only mentioned but never impacts this tale. Mr. Gardiner was a wonderful character and plays a very vital role through the last half of this book. All in all an enjoyable read!

[Elin Eriksen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book lacking in passion and excitement. The first 50% is boring and should have been 10%. After being refused at the Netherfield ball Darcy byes E a gift for christmas that he does not intend to send. It ends up being sent anyway and that is the plot. D has no intention of offering for E again but realizing that E has reseived his gift hope to change her mind of accepting him. Then Lydia elopes. I find espessially the firts half of this book boring and the second not very much better. It is sweet but I miss a little more interaction between E and D. Es change of mind could have been elaborated a bit more. I did not like that D considered to propose to miss de bourge right after leaving Netherfield. Anyway it is what the book is missing that does not put it on my reread list rather then any problem with its contents

[James S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a new book, but a new spin for ODC

Just a great story. The Gardiners are different this time out. Mrs. G is not perfect, only mostly so, and Mr. G is a pillar of strength and propriety. Lizzy comes to know that in so many ways Darcy is similar to her beloved uncle. Her insight goes a long way to bettering her understanding of Darcy and gentles the road leading to her found love of dark man from Pemberley.

The handling of the Georgiana/Wickham/Lydia problem is handled much better in this variation than in most.

I recommend this book highly.

[Lisa E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weird sentences, no editor? Again?

I might have liked the story if only someone had read it before it was published. Several sentences contained random extra words. Very strange and disconcerting. I get tired of having to work so hard on every Kindle book I read. Cannot even remember the story because all my concentration is on having to edit it. I think Mr. Gardner was much harsher than he is normally portrayed.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute holiday vagary book where Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy overcome their prideful feelings with the help of mixed up holiday cards that accompanied Christmas gifts. Darcy is in an accident where he is pushed off the curbing and into the path of a coal cart. He has already sent out his valet to purchase specific gifts for specific family and acquaintances. After the accident, Bingley visits Darcy’s London home to check on his friend. Darcy has Bingley write specific cards to specific people. Later on, the maid inadvertently spills brandy on the table where the gifts are located and gets the cards misplaced from their matching gifts. Darcy learns of the mix up with the cards when a former female friend who is engaged receives the card concerning his feelings of his duty of marriage, which was to be sent to his cousin Anne de Bourgh. Darcy is called to an inn outside of town to explain to the lady’s fiancé what his intentions are with his bride-to-be. He realizes there was a mix up with the cards and tries to explain this to the groom-to-be. Darcy then begins the race to retrieve the wrong cards before it causes confusion with the recipients. He explains the folly to his cousin Anne de Bourgh, as well as his sister, Georgiana. Then he must travel to Meryton to explain the mishap to Elizabeth Bennet, who has come to realize just how wrong she was about him. When their conversation about their feelings toward each other begins, they are interrupted with news that Lydia has followed Wickham to London. Darcy and the Bennet girls’ Uncle Gardiner are on the move to London to try to bring Lydia home with her reputation intact, as well as the reputation of the whole Bennet family. They find Lydia and rush her back to Longbourn before Wickham can arrive to try to extort money from Mr. Bennet. The whole family is in on the ruse to contradict Wickham at every turn. Lizzie and Darcy become engaged and married in three days. Jane Bennet later on becomes engaged to Mr. Bingley, and Lydia remains unwed, with her reputation intact.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I, along with most other P &P fan girls, love to read about the sensitive side of our dear Darcy. Darcy is back in London with his wounds freshly smarting from Elizabeth's refusal at the Netherfield ball and is purchasing Christmas gifts for his family and friends. He is seized by the impulse to purchase something for his Elizabeth, something to place in a drawer along with the many letters he never posted. Unfortunately, due a series of mishaps including a coal cart and laudanum, not only is his gift posted, but all the messages he had addressed to go with the gifts were sent to the wrong recipients. Darcy rushes off to repair the damage before Elizabeth can receive a shocking gift.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth is home and, without Darcy's enlightening letter in canon, clueless about wicked Wickham. He is of course, up to no good, but Elizabeth receives a warning from a surprisingly wise and forceful Bingley. Elizabeth learns about Darcy's accident and begins to hear good accounts of his behavior and reputation. When a package arrives addressed to her in a gentleman's hand, her father intercepts it and they decide to open it together on Christmas morning.

I really liked this variation, it was a nice twist. This was a shorter story, so there wasn't time to develop some of the traditional plotlines, like Jane and Bingley's, but Lydia and Wickham's plotline was really well done, and I loved the more forceful Mr. Bennet and Bingley. I thought the romance between Darcy and Elizabeth was sweet, but did lack their trademark verbal clashing. I'm going to put this in my reread pile. Well done!

[Gerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another variation on the theme of Pride and Prejudice from Regina Jeffers; confusion, rejection, gift cards going astray, and I loved it. In this version Darcy had proposed to Elizabeth at the Netherfield ball, and was promptly refused. Yet he can't stop thinking about her, about what she said in her refusal to him, and can't help wondering what his life would be like if she'd said yes. This vagary also revolves around the Christmas Holiday and gift giving. Darcy is in London busy buying gifts for his family, servants and also Elizabeth, something he's been doing. Buying things he knows she'd appreciate, things she'd enjoy. He doesn't give them to her, but puts them away. Due to an accidental shove to a drunken young whip, Darcy is severely injured. He survives but is unable to use his hand. Then the confusion of the cards sent with the gifts, which has some dire consequences.
Elizabeth's aunt and uncle from London come from for Christmas, and her uncle's opinion of Darcy is highly complimentary; it has her reconsidering her opinion of Darcy and makes her wonder if she has done him an injustice. Once Bingley arrives at Netherfield for Christmas, Elizabeth has hopes for her sister Jane. Wickham is still in the picture. How can all be arranged to everyone's satisfaction and just desserts? Read this book and enjoy!

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this "Pride and Prejudice Holiday Vagary" which takes place after Darcy and Bingley leave Netherfield after the ball, Mr. Darcy is seriously injured in a freak accident in town while shopping for Christmas presents. Somehow, the cards set with each gift, including ones he bought for Elizabeth but had no intention of actually giving to her, were mixed up, providing many tangles for Mr. Darcy to untie, including the gifts that were mistakenly sent to Elizabeth along with a card written to a former mistress. Yikes!

Darcy and Bingley return to Netherfield for Christmas to untangle the mess, and more hilarity ensues. It's quite the comedy of errors, but as we know to expect a happy-ever-after ending after so many twists and turns of fate, can we be surprised when Elizabeth and Darcy at last end up together?

A light and delightful read--truly enjoyable and very well-written. Ms. Jeffers triumphs again!

[Jacqueline Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Accident Results In A Second Chance

Elizabeth Bennet has already refused Mr Darcy proposal of marriage when this story opens. He is in an accident and as a result of his injuries he is unable to address his own gifts and results in several people, including Elizabeth Bennett receiving the wrong gift and the wrong card. At this point in time, Darcy cannot send Elizabeth a gift without causing a scandal. He father is able to successfully hide this gift, but this allows Elizabeth to reconsider he refusal to marry Darcy.

Overall the story had a good and believable premise. However, it was poorly developed and ended up as a nothing special story. There were also several grammatical errors. These mistakes should have been picked up by the editor. The story also had little substance and I was very disappointed. In addition, the writer added lines from the original story. This is always a negative. Writers should use their own words.

[Camille Fiore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Present

Darcy has proposed and been thoroughly rejected the night of the Netherfield ball. This makes him realize that he cannot give this lovely book of poems and even lovelier ruby pin to the lady who holds his heart, but he can buy them and think of her.

After inadvertently bumping a viscount, he is pushed into the path of a coal cart and for the upset almost loses his life. During the interim of recuperation his Christmas gifts are sent out, including the ones for Miss Elizabeth Bennet. That would have been bad enough but the cards were also mixed up and instead of an anonymous admirer, all would know from whom the gifts had come. Now all he had to do was get Elizabeth to agree to the marriage that he already wanted. Delightful variation that warms the heart.

[Jean Stillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how I have missed this book before, but I am so glad to receive it as a gift from the author. I always enjoy this writer's work so much and this Christmas tale is no exception!
In this book, the proposal has taken place during the Netherfield ball. Following Elizabeth's rejection, Darcy removes to London, taking Bingley with him. Darcy is injured and must rely on the aid of others to send out his Christmas gifts. Cards to each recipient are accidentally switched, leaving to doubt who received what message. As one of the gifts sent went to Elizabeth Bennet, he now agonizes over how she will feel about the possible need for them to marry to protect her reputation.
As always, Ms Jeffers gives us a well written, sweet story, that is a pleasure to read!

[colleen churm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Darcy's Present.

I just loved this story. Anything written by Regina Jeffers is sure to be excellent and this didn't disappoint. Darcy bought a Christmas gift for Elizabeth, after she had refused his proposal after the Netherfield Ball, knowing he couldn't send it to her, but felt compelled to purchase it. Due to an accident the gift landed into Mr. Bennett's hands! Fun to see how they managed to get together and managed to thwart Lt. Wickham mischief at the same story. Good read. This was actually my second read! 's. Jeffers books are fun to read again and again! Good Read.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually only read Holiday ones at Christmas time but I decided to read this now. I guess it's Christmas in July? I really liked the comedy of errors that was happening here in this one which had me finishing this in two days.

The proposal is moved up to the Netherfield ball and Darcy leaves as he originally did but then shopping for gifts for Christmas he buys a gift for Elizabeth, gets injured and things spiral out of control from there! Very entertaining.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

While at the Netherfield Ball Darcy proposes to Elizabeth Bennet, but is refused. Events take an even worse turn for Darcy as when in London an incorrectly worded card and gift is sent to Elizabeth from Darcy House.
More of the Gardiners in this story line, though Wickham still appears.
An enjoyable variation

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I needed something short, and fun! So what to choose, well duh, a variation of course.

In this one, well he has already proposed at Netherfield, Bingley has left and the Bennets are moving on. Lizzy still thinks Darcy is an ass, and Wickham is cool.

I liked the road this one took, especially with Lydia. I did like the Gardiners, but Mrs G was a bit too much at one point. She made a comeback, but for a moment I lost faith in her. As for the Bingleys, it was only Charles around and at one point he showed this sterner side, and I liked that. Not laughs all the time there.

Wickham was of course evil as always. Darcy longed for Lizzy and that's where the whole present comes in. He wants to give her something, but he can't give a single woman a present. The scandal!

It was fun. I do like them for a reason.