Conversations with Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Novella

by Mary Lydon Simonsen

It did not begin well. At the Meryton assembly, Fitzwilliam Darcy was rude, and Elizabeth Bennet was offended. But what if, through a series of conversations, Darcy and Lizzy come to recognize the virtues that lay hidden beneath his pride and her prejudice? Even though the lovers walk a smoother path, there are obstacles, including other suitors for Lizzy and societal hurdles for Mr. Darcy. Conversations with Mr. Darcy, a novella, is a gentle “what if” Pride and Prejudice re-imagining where Darcy finds courage and inspiration in a long-ago love story from his own family. Novella length - approximately 30,000 words

97 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2017

About the author

I am the authors of several Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion re-imaginings. I have also written a modern love story, The Second Date, Love Italian-American Style, and three British mysteries, Three's A Crowd, A Killing in Kensington, A Death in Hampden, Dying to Write, and Murder by Moonlighting.

I am a wife, mother, grandmother, volunteer, reader, writer, serious recycler.

When I read for relaxation, I read mysteries. My greatest love is history. When I am doing the research for a new book, I love digging for historical nuggets.

Reviews

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Even a fish wouldn’t get into trouble if he kept his mouth shut.” Anonymous

It all started at the Meryton assembly. Yeah, Darcy ‘opened his mouth,’ was rude, Elizabeth heard him and was offended. That set the tone for the remainder of this P&P variation. I say variation, as the story deviated a bit from canon. Elizabeth was less prejudice against Darcy, even though he offended her. Darcy was less prideful, even though the company in Hertfordshire was decidedly beneath him.

Our timeline was a bit different as our author introduced new relatives to the Darcy family tree. I really liked the inclusion of these relations and their story would be a great by itself. We have a whole new family history that our author masterfully provided in the story text and in the author’s notes at the end of the story. Well done.

The restructuring of the elopement story had details that deviated a bit from canon, but not at the expense of the story. Georgiana was still recovering from the Ramsgate debacle and was staying with relations in St. Albans. When Darcy visited her, she gave him the best piece of advice that he could ever get. It was life changing. This was a very mature and much wiser Georgiana speaking from her heart. I was really touched by what she had to say.

Caroline was large and in charge. Wickham slithered about spreading his poison to unsuspecting victims. Mr. Collins arrived full of himself and his right to first choice of bride from among his young Bennet cousins. Yeah, good luck with that. Since this was a small window of time, we were rushed for time and didn’t deal with a lot of problems that are normally seen in a JAFF variation. So, our efforts and concentration dealt with this small time-frame.

I thought it delightful, clean, minimal angst, and full of thoughts and emotions of ODC as they worked through their pride and prejudice on their road to their HEA. Their misunderstandings were hilarious as they each thought something completely different about the other. I liked the times when they could interact and have those conversations that cleared the air and set the record straight. Well done.

[Nicole Barton Sasser · Rating 3 out of 5]

Status: Read January 24-25, 2017

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

My Library Notes:

Conversations with Mr. Darcy
by Mary Lydon Simonsen
Kindle Edition, First Edition, 97 pages
Published January 9, 2017 by Quail Creek Publishing, LLC
ASIN: B01N7QLCR2

It did not begin well. At the Meryton assembly, Fitzwilliam Darcy was rude, and Elizabeth Bennet was offended. But what if, through a series of conversations, Darcy and Lizzy come to recognize the virtues that lay hidden beneath his pride and her prejudice? Even though the lovers walk a smoother path, there are obstacles, including other suitors for Lizzy and societal hurdles for Mr. Darcy. Conversations with Mr. Darcy, a novella, is a gentle “what if” Pride and Prejudice re-imagining where Darcy finds courage and inspiration in a long-ago love story from his own family.

Novella length - approximately 30,000 words

[Les · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.? begrudgingly rounded up to 4. It was that or go back and reduce the stars on the previous story by this author I completed yesterday.

Maybe I shouldn't have read the two book back to back, maybe I am getting cynical and jaded by some of the amazing stories I have read recently from fanfiction.net maybe I have the 'winter ain't never gonna end here blues' but this book was really rather meh

It's clean and it's error free but it was kind of tedious. We begin with the boys (D&B) chatting and learn a weird and mostly pointless story from Mr. Darcy's past this time about an aunt who rebelled and followed her heart and was disinherited. Then we have the assembly and it is pretty much canon.
In this version Darcy actually does improve upon acquaintance and Miss Elizabeth is his preferred conversational partner. There are a bunch of scenes JA didn't write and didn't need to. Lizzy is disinclined to credit Wickham's vitriol and Darcy's sister is staying in a near by town so he can go and have a good heart to heart.

There are still a bunch of miscommunications and misconceptions but we get to our HEA the night of the Netherfield ball.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this variation, which manages to loosen Darcy up a bit and to make Elizabeth less stubborn about changing her initial impression of him without either of them seeming too out of character from canon. As the title suggests, they simply have more conversations together.

Elizabeth's artless manner causes Darcy to unbend and then gradually to confide in her. Without naming Wickham, he alludes to the scoundrel in passing while telling Elizabeth about the early challenges he faced after his father died. Consequently, when Wickham himself turns up in Hertfordshire, Elizabeth receives his version of the story with skepticism.

Having read many of Ms. Simonsen's books, I always look for some reference to the exploits of Colonel Fitzwilliam's incorrigible older brother Antony, and I was not left disappointed! And it was nice to read how Mercer watches out for his boss, as usual.

There is a miscommunication that causes Darcy some angst. This gets cleared up nicely at the Netherfield ball.

I do find the ending to be too abrupt. Even though the HEA is apparent, there's some cleaning up of loose ends left undone at Longbourn.

It's a pleasant, relatively obstacle-free novella. Content is clean.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

Mrs Simonsen has struck again!!!! I loved this story, though here is just one horrible thing to complain of..... TOO DANG SHORT LEAVING ME IN A LURCH!!!!! What the heck Mrs Simonsen!!!! All seriousness, I adore Mrs Simonsen and all she writes. I generally never have issues with her Darcy and Elizabeth.

In Conversations with Mr Darcy, we start out as canon with meeting and the insult at the Meryton Assembly. But in Conversations, Darcy and Elizabeth actually have real conversations, ones where Elizabeth can sketch Mr Darcy's character!!!

I have to say the best treat of all was Georgiana!!!! So thoughtful and insightful at a young age after the trial of her life!!!!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE MRS SIMONSEN!! PLEASE EXPAND THIS STORY!!!!

I will highly recommend this story to all JAFFers as a clean romance.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read many of this author's JAFF stories and enjoyed all.

This story varies a little from canon but as the title would indicate we are allowed to read more verbal interactions between Elizabeth and Darcy. Even with the insult Elizabeth soon comes to be changing her initial opinion about Darcy. He reveals his early need to take over the estate with his father's death. In conversations we learn along with Elizabeth that his management of those was much more onerous than canon would indicate. And he also relates about his relationship with Wickham. Elizabeth's intuition had made her doubt Wickham's version but Darcy's side of the story turns her opinions much earlier in the story.

However the situation with Mr. Collins places a damper on Darcy's feeling towards Elizabeth. Caroline has related that Elizabeth is to marry Collins and, although Darcy can understand the need to protect her family's future, he also opines about a certain aunt who gave up financial security to follow her heart's inclinations. How he would wish that for Elizabeth.

This story was lovely. Of course, there is a HEA. The author has given us another view of how ODC might have obtained such.

[wosedwew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The trouble with brains is — they are so easily washed. ~Dr. Idel Dreimer

Darcy has made up his mind; he knows what he wants; and so, possibly does Caroline Bingley.

She casually tells Darcy that Elizabeth is to marry Mr. Collins.
She is sure it's true since she has the story directly from Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Bennet.

This story is a rare one in JAFF -- Darcy and Elizabeth actually begin communicating early in their acquaintance, leading Darcy to ask Elizabeth directly for confirmation of that rumor (although he does hint around a bit first). Relatively little "willful misunderstandings" here.

Most of the usual angst is absent here because ODC understands each other. A short, simple love story.
Even Wickham's threats are neutralized; apparently without sacrificing Lydia to a marriage with him.

I usually like a little more conflict but I liked this story in spite of the lack.

[Gratia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but sure

3.5* rounded up. I like this author's style of writing - to the point, with little fluff. Here, Darcy is a man of canon principles, but also a man of action. There is little angst albeit a brief misunderstanding. A quick read.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always a wonderful feeling, when I found out Simonsen has a new book or novella out that revolves around Darcy & Elizabeth. She's one of my favorite JAFF authors and one I instantly purchase new material from.

Conversations with Mr. Darcy was a wonderful new addition to the genre, since it's something we don't get much of in Austen's original novel, "conversations with Mr. Darcy." He's the quiet, conceited man in the corner for much of P&P, so JAFF stories that give him a voice are often times my favorite ones. A glimpse into the man inside is often times eye opening. The grief and guilt he fears from Georgiana's Ramsgate episode, and the weight of the Darcy legacy are all things we know he felt, but to hear in his words his own emotions is powerful.

Another great story by Simonsen. I can only hope a full length novel is in the works, because I never want her works to end!

[James S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keep your safety belts fasted and table trays in an upright position

Keep your safety belts fasted and table trays in an upright position...because the story ends abruptly. Well crafted but not as interesting as most of the author’s other works. Lacked pizazz ( a well known writers term)

[Eliza Baum · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was okay, but not my favorite. It involved extended conversations between various characters at key points during the story, all leading up to better understanding between all parties and a quicker resolution of things. I think my biggest issue is that some of these conversations added information that was pretty superfluous, so overall it felt like it only served to bloat the story--which is funny, since the whole thing is under 100 pages.

[Carol Perrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conversations with Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Novella

No angst other than Georgiana's betrayal by Wickham. But she is in the country with her cousin Emily. Darcy is at Netherfield visiting Bingley's new estate. His unfortunate remark at the Meryton Assembly was still spoken and heard. During the next several house parties, Darcy seeks her company, explains why he said that at the assembly and apologizes to Elizabeth stating that it was not true. Once he lets go of his pride, and she lets go of her prejudice, further teasing and speaking between them was the beginning of a friendship that would develop into more. By the time of Jane's incarceration at Netherfield, Darcy is completely besotted and bewitched. He takes off to visit his sister for a couple of days, and when he returns after his sister tells him to listen with his heart, Wickham has entered Meryton and spreads his sad tale of woe to Elizabeth. Elizabeth listened politely, but didn't believe his story, because to her something in his tale was missing from the explanation. Bingley relates to Darcy that he might have competition for Elizabeth. Mentions Wickham, but feels she is too smart to believe him. But it is Caroline that tells him of the soon to be betrothal of Elizabeth and her cousin, Collins. Bingley explains the entail, gets to explaining Collins and states that Jane has said nothing about this betrothal. Netherfield Ball is held and Darcy is looking forward to dancing with Elizabeth. He starts mentioning seeing Rosings for herself, meeting his illustrious aunt, and when he congratulates her on her betrothal, she darn near faints at the mere thought of Collins. When she stutters through the explanation and tells him that she'll never marry Collins regardless of what her mother said, Darcy is so relieved to hear her not marrying Collins, that he proposed right there sitting on the bench. He's happily accepted by Elizabeth. He's so thrilled that he was ready to seek Mr. Bennet's permission that evening. Bingley has also proposed to Jane at the ball. Mr. Bennet is certainly going to be a busy man come morning since both men are anxious to get through the library door. Good, happy story, because when they conversed with one another there were no misunderstandings.

[J.C. Plummer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the fact that I needed three evenings to read a 97-page story says a lot about how tedious this was for me. I found the story of Darcy’s great aunt confusing. Exactly what was the lesson to be learned from the story? That she lived a lonely, impoverished life after being widowed at a young age? I couldn’t see how her sad life would inspire Georgiana or Darcy.

2.5-stars rounded up. Reasonably well edited.

[Ann Downs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Enjoyable

I must say this book was most delightful. I found myself thinking "Finally, people are talking to each other". I loved the conversation between Darcy very heartfelt. The conversations between Darcy and Elizabeth were really all that was needed to do away with a lot of hurt feelings and misunderstandings

[Lynda Case · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always a good read

One consideration, it was too short,but was sweet. I always enjoy Ms. Simonsen's work and this did not disappoint. I also believe she does a great deal of research of the period so I always learn something and often am lead to do more reading on the subject.

[Debra McMaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short read

What I liked most about this P&P variation was the gentle unfolding of friendship. I was surprised that the story ended so abruptly. Like Bingley, I wanted to see the uproar following two engagements at Longbourn.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a low-angst variation in which Darcy speaks with Elizabeth and other people and gets some insight that helps him screw his head on straight. It was a pleasant read that I enjoyed. The ending felt a little abrupt and could have used some more fluff.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and sweet

This was a cute short story in which Mr Darcy actually makes a good first impression. Mr Darcy and Elizabeth learn how to deal with problems more effectively.

[Vera Tuscano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun!

This low angst novella offers just enough suspense to keep you reading. Nicely done characterization without all the histrionics.
Loved it!

[Michelle David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it

A rather short but delightfully nice variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Mary Lydon Simonsen.

[Jennifer Mcpherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming!

I loved this book! Not because it was full of angst and intrigue, because it wasn't. I loved it for its sweetness. It is how I wanted Pride and Prejudice to be as I was reading it. Probably a bit simple in my reasoning but it is what it is.

[Angela Withrow TheArdentReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The conclusion was a bit quick for me, but just as sweet.
I found the conversations between Darcy and Elizabeth to be really well written. Though I'm not sure if the period and rules of the period would allow for the kinds of discourse between the two, I found it enlightening and heartening.
Recommend this for a quick visit with the Darcy's and the Bennetts!

[Kasia Burlakoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story made me laugh, Lizzy's remarks were pert an amusing. D&E relationship developed quicker, because of their honest conversations. Low angst, HEA. Just the right book for one afternoon, when you feel like reading something pleasant and light.