An Encounter at Longbourn

Longbourn #2

by Margaret Lynette Sharp

Alternate cover edition for ASIN B01M5EZ2SX

At her parent's request, Elizabeth brings both Darcy and Georgiana along to a family gathering at Longbourn. The eyes of the guest-of-honour, Hodges, are immediately and irresistibly drawn not to Catherine (who is smitten by him), but to Miss Darcy, whose sweetness and musical talent excite his sensibilities. What will be the outcome of this mutual attraction, which defies both the best-laid plans of Mrs Bennet and a social hierarchy in which Hodges, though a fine physician, is somehow viewed as wholly unworthy of Georgiana Darcy (except, it seems, by Georgiana herself)?

43 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2016

About the author

My blog: http://margaretlynettesharp.wordpress...

Margaret Lynette Sharp is an award-winning writer, and the author of over eighty titles, including #1 Amazon Best Seller, 'Longbourn Revisited'. Her work was highly commended during the the 2014 Hurstville Discovery Festival of Community Arts, and published by Hurstville Council in an anthology entitled 'Write Out Loud'. In November 2015 she won a Second Prize, again in the short story section of this same competition, and her title, 'More Than a Mere Bagatelle', has been selected for inclusion in another anthology, 'The Art of Writing'.
She spent her early years in an inner city suburb of Sydney, moving with her family to a leafy, outer suburb at the age of ten.
A self-motivated student who loved to seek out information, she matriculated just before her eighteenth birthday. Her enthusiasm for literature led to further studies, with a particular focus on Short Story Writing
Shortly after the death of her elderly mother whom she cared for, Margaret met and later married Ronald Sharp B.E.M., the creator of the Sydney Opera House Grand Organ. She believes that, without doubt, he was her greatest fan and motivator.
Excelling in English himself, Ron had edited much of her early work. He passed away on 21st July, 2021.

Margaret's books have been read and reviewed by readers from Australia, U.S. and India; the vast majority of reviews have been positive.

In addition, she has three blogs on WordPress, which has received many encouraging comments.

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Encounter at Longbourn was another enjoyable read by Aussie author Margaret Lynette Sharp. This story follows on from the first one in the Longbourn series, Longbourn Revisited. Although these tales are short, they sure do leave you wanting more.

Apart from having truly enjoyed this story I must also say how much I love the cover, it's absolutely beautiful. With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review. Recommended.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margaret Lynette Sharp’s second foray into Jane Austen Fan Fiction, An Encounter at Longbourn, follows directly on from her first, Longbourn Revisited. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy are invited to attend dinner at Longbourn. They are exhorted to bring along Fitzwilliam’s sister, Georgiana, whose superior skills on the pianoforte might assist Mary Bennet’s studies.

Also invited is Hodges, the physician who has been attending Mr Bennet so capably, and whom Mrs Bennet is eager to impress. The Bennet family is also well aware that Catherine hopes her attraction to him might be reciprocated. But things go in rather a different direction….

Sharp easily evokes the style and tone of Austen’s writing, giving the reader a taste of what might have followed in the lives of Lizzy and Darcy and Lizzy’s extended family. Taken in the spirit intended, this is a brief but enjoyable read.
With thanks to the author for this copy to read and review.

[Debbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not much story here. Elizabeth and Darcy have been married for a while, and they accept an invitation to go to Longbourn, bringing Georgiana with them. Mr. Bennet has been ill, and Dr. Hodges is treating him. Mrs. Bennet is actively promoting a match between Kitty and the doctor, and Kitty is very smitten with the young man. Unfortunately, he is clearly more interested in someone else.

The conflict appears to be that Darcy doesn't approve of this as a good match for Georgiana despite seeing how attracted they are to each other. At the end of the story, with no apparent motivation besides thinking it over, Darcy changes his mind and agrees to allow Dr. Hodges to call on his sister at Pemberley.

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, little short story Pride and Prejudice fan fiction.
Elizabeth and Mr Darcy spend a few days at Longbourn to visit an ailing Mr Bennett.
Short and sweet. Reads like a chapter grabbed out of a longer book.
I enjoyed it.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short version: a thoroughly enjoyable, fast-paced and innovative addition to the myriad of universes in the multiverse of Pride and Prejudice fan fiction, written in an excellent approximation of early-19th-century prose and Austen's own, inimitable stylistic register. The rest is just generally to limn the story to whet your appetite, but it's slightly spoilerish, so you might want to skip it if you'd rather just go ahead, snap up and read the book (which I recommend that you do, in any case).

And now, for those of you who want it, something in the way of a teaser or a "trailer" from the actual plot (the "longer version" of the review):

Mrs. Bennet wants Catherine to land the estimable (and handsome) Dr. Hodges, the Bennets' family physician -- and Catherine urgently wants that, too (though so, perhaps, does her more passive sister, Mary). Regrettably, though, Hodges fails to reciprocate the romantic interest of either of the sisters, but is rather greatly enamoured of Mr. Darcy's sister, Georgiana, who outranks him on the social hierarchy, however, and Fitzwilliam is determined that his sister should not marry beneath him, for all that he, himself, is married to Elizabeth -- who takes a dim view of his attitude towards Hodges. Got that? It's an exhilarating and well-crafted romp in the world of Pride and Prejudice, with variations, romantic intrigue, and the intricacies of a triangle of attraction... or possibly a quadrangle... or possibly an octagon (I'm not serious, just lazy about counting the entanglements). But it's a page-turning roller-coaster ride to a happy ending, and an emotionally satisfying one. Guaranteed to entertain.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this book is a work of fan fiction, it takes you back to the places and characters of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

With An Encounter at Longbourn, Margaret Lynette Sharp has created a nice piece of fan fiction. If you have read Pride and Prejudice or watched the TV mini series (1980), you recognize the world of Elizabeth Darcy, née Bennet. The Longbourn series is centred on Elizabeth, whose warmth and intelligence also made Pride and Prejudice special. It is a short read, taking you back to Longbourn and Pemberly to further extend your Pride and Prejudice and Longbourn experiences. Margaret Lynette Sharp took up the hard challenge of writing fan fiction on a classic by Jane Austen, enhancing the story without changing the characters' ways. If you loved Pride and Prejudice, you will appreciate the additional stories this courageous author has to offer.

This is a book for you if you like Pride and Prejudice, fan fiction, classic reads, and classic reads' fan fiction.

[Carol Perrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Encounter at Longbourn

This is the book that followed " Longbourn Revisited ", and this is a better story. Darcy and Elizabeth's feelings for one another showed in this book compared to her first entry into Jane Austen's fan fiction. Mrs Bennet is determined to have the hound, handsome doctor for dinner with her family for Kitty's sake. However, with Elizabeth and Darcy came Georgiana. As the evening progressed, it was obvious to Elizabeth that Georgiana and Dr. Hodges has a feeling towards one another. Georgiana knows that Kitty has feelings for the doctor, but cannot help their attraction to on another. Kitty's annoyance with Georgiana quickly disappeared when she and Mary walked to Meryton and discovered that the military was returning to town. Now all Kitty talked about is the red coats. While eating, Mrs Bennet asked Georgiana does she prefer a red coat. Knowing the Bennet family history, she thinks of Lydia's stupid elopement with George Wickham. In the process, she spills the scalding hot tea over her hand and burns it. The night before, his and Elizabeth's discussion about the developing feelings met with severe refusal. Today, Darcy calls to have Hodges sent for, and when the doctor enters the room, the look of the two gives their feelings away. Darcy realizes from last night's discussion that Elizabeth has called him out once before about Jane and Bingley, he would not do it to Georgiana. Basically, he gave permission for the handsome young doctor to call on his twenty year old sister at Pemberley. His love for Elizabeth clearly comes through in this story.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Longbourn. A gala dinner & music were about to take place.
Others in attendance are: Mr. Bennet (husband/father), Mrs. Bennet (wife/mother), Elizabeth “Lizzy” Darcy (Fitzwilliam’s wife, nee Bennet), Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy (Elizabeth’s husband, Georgiana’s brother), Hodges (young physician), Kitty Bennet (daughter/sister, embroidery), & Lady Catherine (sister).
Mary Bennet (daughter/sister, pianist) after the dinner engagement for all the guests will begin her recital.

Ms. Georgiana Darcy (20, Fitzwilliam’s sister, sister-in-law, pianist, wealthy) would follow her.
Hodges would defiantly make 1 of the girls a fine suitor.
The militia will be returning to Meryton.
Another chance for the single girls to meet a guy.
What did Lizzy & Fitzwilliam discuss?

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written romance (short story) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great romantic movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Margaret Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Rating:
5 stars!Reviewed By Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Mr. Bennet is still recovering from his illness, but the new and very young, very handsome physician, Hodges, has assured the family that he will make a full recovery. Mrs. Bennet has her eyes set on this handsome physician. What a fine husband Hodges would make for one of their unmarried daughters still living at home. But when Elizabeth returns to Longbourn with her husband and his sister, Georgiana, Mrs. Bennet's well laid plans take a decidedly different turn as there is an instant spark of interest between Georgiana and the physician. But there is conflict in this unexpected twist of fate. Hodges is not from the pedigreed background that Mr. Darcy would expect of someone seeking to court his sister.

Author Margaret Lynette Sharp's novel, An Encounter at Longbourn, is true to the Jane Austen legacy of proper etiquette, established places in society, and the innate desire to find true love (but in the confines of one's position in society). Elizabeth continues to be shocked with certain outbursts from either her mother or her sisters, statements which are much too forward or blunt to be acceptable in polite society. And the twist in the plot from what Elizabeth's mother wants is very much in keeping with the ever endearing and popular Austen style. Whilst Austen narrates a good story, her writing uses dialogue sparingly. Margaret's style, although very much in keeping with the style of Austen's Pride and Prejudice, uses dialogue to narrate the story. The happily-ever-after scenario of Austen's original is definitely in good hands with Margaret, whose penchant for storytelling has provided Austen fans with a wonderful array of 'what if' scenarios for the Bennet and the Darcy families.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good start to a book. However, it ended most abruptly.

[Madenna U · Rating 2 out of 5]

The second episode in the author's series is just long enough to visit Longbourn, meet an eligible man and learn that the militia is returning.