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A Dance with Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary
The reason fairy tales end with a wedding is no one wishes to view what happens next. Five years earlier, Darcy had raced to Hertfordshire to soothe Elizabeth Bennet’s qualms after Lady Catherine’s venomous attack, but a devastating carriage accident left him near death for months and cost him his chance at happiness with the lady. Now, they meet again upon the Scottish side of the border, but can they forgive all that has transpired in those years? They are widow and widower; however, that does not mean they can take up where they left off. They are damaged people, and healing is not an easy path. To know happiness they must fall in love with the same person all over again.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2017
97 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Regina Jeffers
132 books707 followersRegina 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.”
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 24, 2017
I loved this book. Although there are pages of soul gripping sadness over where we entered the lives of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam there are also finally moments of happiness which brought tears to my eyes. Yes, a few tissues were needed. She is Mrs. McCaffney, a widow managing the inn just over the border in Scotland. Mr. Darcy, crippled from an accident that brought him near to death, has driven into her inn's yard, seeking shelter while on his way to look at property which came under his control in the marriage settlement with Amelia, his aunt's niece. He is a widower, having lost his wife and son when she miscarried.
As we read the poignant thoughts in each mind we again suffer those pangs due to memories of past misunderstandings, fate and the vile actions of others which led to this couples' being separated and believing the other had never truly meant anything with those smiles and gentle conversations, when they met at Pemberley while Elizabeth and the Gardiners visited there.
Darcy is snowed in at McCaffney's Inn. So he is there for more than one night. Neither knows the history of what happened after Pemberley but each knows that the other married. They soon learn that each has lost their spouse. But there is so much more to the story and how much each is willing to share. How open will they be?
Mrs. Wickham lives at the inn with Elizabeth. They have not seen family for over 5 years. While Elizabeth has made a success of managing the inn; she also has worked to correct the behaviors that forced Lydia's marriage. But we learn that Lydia is in a state of limbo. No one knows what became of her husband after he shipped her home and left for the war front.
There is so much to enjoy in this book even if your heart is touched at where we first find ODC. I loved how they came to acknowledge not only their continued love for each other but also the need to share what fears they carried from all the experiences in the time apart. And their plight is helped by Lydia, by Georgiana and a few others.
A Dance With Mr. Darcy is not only in consideration of an injury he suffered which may cause missteps but also the dance life has led this couple into and how they execute the steps.
As we read the poignant thoughts in each mind we again suffer those pangs due to memories of past misunderstandings, fate and the vile actions of others which led to this couples' being separated and believing the other had never truly meant anything with those smiles and gentle conversations, when they met at Pemberley while Elizabeth and the Gardiners visited there.
Darcy is snowed in at McCaffney's Inn. So he is there for more than one night. Neither knows the history of what happened after Pemberley but each knows that the other married. They soon learn that each has lost their spouse. But there is so much more to the story and how much each is willing to share. How open will they be?
Mrs. Wickham lives at the inn with Elizabeth. They have not seen family for over 5 years. While Elizabeth has made a success of managing the inn; she also has worked to correct the behaviors that forced Lydia's marriage. But we learn that Lydia is in a state of limbo. No one knows what became of her husband after he shipped her home and left for the war front.
There is so much to enjoy in this book even if your heart is touched at where we first find ODC. I loved how they came to acknowledge not only their continued love for each other but also the need to share what fears they carried from all the experiences in the time apart. And their plight is helped by Lydia, by Georgiana and a few others.
A Dance With Mr. Darcy is not only in consideration of an injury he suffered which may cause missteps but also the dance life has led this couple into and how they execute the steps.
August 11, 2024
It’s a shallow life that doesn’t give a person a few scars. ~Garrison Keillor
Darcy has scars.
1. Scars on his face from a crash in a carriage five years previous.
2. Scars on his ankle from that same crash – an injury that has never healed.
3. Another injury that has never healed? The pain of knowing Elizabeth Bennet married someone else when he failed to return to Meryton after Lady Catherine’s visit.
Elizabeth has scars.
1. Scars from her abandonment after Darcy didn’t return to her after Lady Catherine’s visit
2. Scars from Lydia’s abandonment by Wickham after Darcy had contracted their marriage
3. Scars from Jane’s second abandonment by Bingley after Wickham returned Lydia to her parents
4. Scars from her abusive husband – a marriage she entered to save Jane and Lydia
Sometimes you can head off a decision you'll regret by looking into your heart and finding regret already there. ~Robert Brault
After five years apart, Darcy and Elizabeth meet accidentally in Scotland. Both have been widowed and both still love the other. Five years is a long time -- regrets and fears have been conceived and matured.
The couple meets, fears, hopes, fears, supports, fears, regrets and fears again.
Will their fears – especially Elizabeth’s – be strong enough to keep them apart?
What will it take to confront and conquer those fears?
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic. ~Author Unknown
This is a bittersweet story of love, loss and hope.
I would recommend this to all JAFF readers.
Life is the sum of all your choices. ~Albert Camus
Darcy has scars.
1. Scars on his face from a crash in a carriage five years previous.
2. Scars on his ankle from that same crash – an injury that has never healed.
3. Another injury that has never healed? The pain of knowing Elizabeth Bennet married someone else when he failed to return to Meryton after Lady Catherine’s visit.
Elizabeth has scars.
1. Scars from her abandonment after Darcy didn’t return to her after Lady Catherine’s visit
2. Scars from Lydia’s abandonment by Wickham after Darcy had contracted their marriage
3. Scars from Jane’s second abandonment by Bingley after Wickham returned Lydia to her parents
4. Scars from her abusive husband – a marriage she entered to save Jane and Lydia
Sometimes you can head off a decision you'll regret by looking into your heart and finding regret already there. ~Robert Brault
After five years apart, Darcy and Elizabeth meet accidentally in Scotland. Both have been widowed and both still love the other. Five years is a long time -- regrets and fears have been conceived and matured.
The couple meets, fears, hopes, fears, supports, fears, regrets and fears again.
Will their fears – especially Elizabeth’s – be strong enough to keep them apart?
What will it take to confront and conquer those fears?
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic. ~Author Unknown
This is a bittersweet story of love, loss and hope.
I would recommend this to all JAFF readers.
Life is the sum of all your choices. ~Albert Camus
April 1, 2017
“There was another life that I might have had, but I am having this one.” Kazuo Ishiguro
“Our biggest regrets are not for the things we have done but for the things we haven’t done” Chad Michael Murray
Our story was about the road not taken, lost opportunities, failed proposals, grief, despondency, lost love and were just a few of the many themes of this story. We are years after the Pemberley visit by Elizabeth, her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner and Lydia’s scandalous patched up marriage to Wickham. So much has happened that the landscape looks nothing like it did in canon, and, sadly, even our characters are not the same. Disappointment and heartache changes a person and often leaves scars that will never go away. Both Darcy and Elizabeth have scars, the outward scars on the body and those that cannot be seen that were etched on the heart and soul.
Slowly through the angst we began to see an evil hand at work. The avalanche, that was the destruction of their lives, seemed to have started with a single act or push. I was horrified as threads, in the tapestry of the lives of our beloved characters, were severed and began to slowly unravel. The consequence of that action was far reaching and devastating.
I liked how our author brought the backstory forward in flashbacks, discussions and retelling to different characters. It was horrifying as secrets were revealed and actions exposed. Our canon dialogue was interspersed throughout this work and it was so neat to run into favorite speeches being expressed through someone else.
We had several beloved characters that made an appearance such as, our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana. They, along with Lydia, were instrumental in working for ODC. We also get to meet many new characters that added to the story. Jane was not present; however, she received a lot of page time through discussion and telling. I know some do not like telling, but it worked in this story. There was so much going on that to show everything would have slowed down the story and would have made the plot too congested.
“Footfalls echo in the memory, down the passage we did not take, towards the door we never opened, into the rose garden.” T. S. Eliot, Four Quartets
The love story was hard won. I felt like I had run a marathon when it was finished. This was not an easy read. I don’t think I have ever encountered so many failed attempts with D&E trying to 1) have a conversation devoid of pride and prejudice, 2) converse without being snarky or bitter, 3) actually listen to what the other person said, 4) overcome guilt and regret, 5) stop being a martyr, 6) totally misunderstanding, 7) push away, when you should pull toward, 8) walk away, when you should walk toward… and on, and on it went.
There were so many tender moments… you just want to swoon. The dialogue was so good between our dear couple at the end… I just couldn’t breathe when they were talking to each other. OMG!! It was so beautiful.
There were also scenes where you want to scream ‘NO’ and/or throw something [NOT the e-reader]. I wasn’t satisfied with the threads that were left hanging. Such as… 1) what happened to those persons I want to loath, hate and despise for all eternity? 2) Did a certain couple’s situation end in a HEA? 3) What about that situation that was supposed to go to court? 4) Was there a way to find out for sure what happened overseas?
I desperately desired an epilogue or something, as I like things wrapped up in a nice and neat package. It ended so quickly that I felt the jolt. I wondered if it was a set up for a Lydia’s story.
“Our biggest regrets are not for the things we have done but for the things we haven’t done” Chad Michael Murray
Our story was about the road not taken, lost opportunities, failed proposals, grief, despondency, lost love and were just a few of the many themes of this story. We are years after the Pemberley visit by Elizabeth, her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner and Lydia’s scandalous patched up marriage to Wickham. So much has happened that the landscape looks nothing like it did in canon, and, sadly, even our characters are not the same. Disappointment and heartache changes a person and often leaves scars that will never go away. Both Darcy and Elizabeth have scars, the outward scars on the body and those that cannot be seen that were etched on the heart and soul.
Slowly through the angst we began to see an evil hand at work. The avalanche, that was the destruction of their lives, seemed to have started with a single act or push. I was horrified as threads, in the tapestry of the lives of our beloved characters, were severed and began to slowly unravel. The consequence of that action was far reaching and devastating.
I liked how our author brought the backstory forward in flashbacks, discussions and retelling to different characters. It was horrifying as secrets were revealed and actions exposed. Our canon dialogue was interspersed throughout this work and it was so neat to run into favorite speeches being expressed through someone else.
We had several beloved characters that made an appearance such as, our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana. They, along with Lydia, were instrumental in working for ODC. We also get to meet many new characters that added to the story. Jane was not present; however, she received a lot of page time through discussion and telling. I know some do not like telling, but it worked in this story. There was so much going on that to show everything would have slowed down the story and would have made the plot too congested.
“Footfalls echo in the memory, down the passage we did not take, towards the door we never opened, into the rose garden.” T. S. Eliot, Four Quartets
The love story was hard won. I felt like I had run a marathon when it was finished. This was not an easy read. I don’t think I have ever encountered so many failed attempts with D&E trying to 1) have a conversation devoid of pride and prejudice, 2) converse without being snarky or bitter, 3) actually listen to what the other person said, 4) overcome guilt and regret, 5) stop being a martyr, 6) totally misunderstanding, 7) push away, when you should pull toward, 8) walk away, when you should walk toward… and on, and on it went.
There were so many tender moments… you just want to swoon. The dialogue was so good between our dear couple at the end… I just couldn’t breathe when they were talking to each other. OMG!! It was so beautiful.
There were also scenes where you want to scream ‘NO’ and/or throw something [NOT the e-reader]. I wasn’t satisfied with the threads that were left hanging. Such as… 1) what happened to those persons I want to loath, hate and despise for all eternity? 2) Did a certain couple’s situation end in a HEA? 3) What about that situation that was supposed to go to court? 4) Was there a way to find out for sure what happened overseas?
I desperately desired an epilogue or something, as I like things wrapped up in a nice and neat package. It ended so quickly that I felt the jolt. I wondered if it was a set up for a Lydia’s story.
May 8, 2017
This is simply one of the best recent P&P what ifs I have read. Set 4 years after Lydia's doomed elopement with Wickham everything has gone pear shaped since she left for Newcastle. Quickly she was returned to her family under the auspice of Wickham going to the Continent; but since this action made people think Lydia was dishonoring her marriage vows along with the 'patched up marriage' made the Bennets reputation plummet. Darcy never comes, Bingley wanders off and the Bennet girls are forced to accept lowly suitors. Jane and Lizzy marry militia members, Jane's is the grandson of a landowner but Lizzy's is merely an inn keeper from the borders.
Lizzy accepted this awful, brutal man to spare Jane from a terrible marriage and in order to spare Lydia from being stuck in Meryton, she will accompany Lizzy to the Inn. [Note- time 1045 to thank the Lord I wasn't living in Regency England]
When an older, limping Mr. Darcy arrives following a carriage break down at McCaffery's Inn he is stunned to see Miss Elizabeth working there. He is even more surprised to learn that she is the owner and that Mrs. Wickham is there with her. Lydia is often nasty to Darcy which makes zero sense; sure she's an immature character but this is never really addressed. And Lizzy and Darcy both seem disinclined to be completely honest with one another. Okay that would make the book shorter but Darcy has a lot of stories that he just doesn't tell. He and Lizzy tip toe around each other until she is nearly killed by a snow related collapse then he professes his love but she sends him away because ... she's a martyr.
Luckily Georgiana is nearby to swoop in and save the day but writing her and filling in all the blanks in Darcy's hollow explanations. After much stubbornness, tears and a few weird occult practices they get to their HEA
This is one of those books that is really awesome while you are reading it but when you reflect on it you might lose a bit of the shine. But I am sticking with my 5 stars I felt when I finished because that was what reading was like.
Lizzy accepted this awful, brutal man to spare Jane from a terrible marriage and in order to spare Lydia from being stuck in Meryton, she will accompany Lizzy to the Inn. [Note- time 1045 to thank the Lord I wasn't living in Regency England]
When an older, limping Mr. Darcy arrives following a carriage break down at McCaffery's Inn he is stunned to see Miss Elizabeth working there. He is even more surprised to learn that she is the owner and that Mrs. Wickham is there with her. Lydia is often nasty to Darcy which makes zero sense; sure she's an immature character but this is never really addressed. And Lizzy and Darcy both seem disinclined to be completely honest with one another. Okay that would make the book shorter but Darcy has a lot of stories that he just doesn't tell. He and Lizzy tip toe around each other until she is nearly killed by a snow related collapse then he professes his love but she sends him away because ... she's a martyr.
Luckily Georgiana is nearby to swoop in and save the day but writing her and filling in all the blanks in Darcy's hollow explanations. After much stubbornness, tears and a few weird occult practices they get to their HEA
This is one of those books that is really awesome while you are reading it but when you reflect on it you might lose a bit of the shine. But I am sticking with my 5 stars I felt when I finished because that was what reading was like.
April 7, 2017
Five years of dreaming of each other...five years of only living half a life. This is a poignant story of what has happened to both Darcy and Elizabeth since his horrific carriage accident and their marriages to others. When his carriage breaks down in Scotland not far from an inn, both are reeling from the shock of seeing each other again. All defenses are raised as they try to tiptoe around each other. It was heartbreaking to watch as they pushed each other away only to be drawn closer.
I was deeply moved by the emotion beautifully written within this novel. These three lines alone tell more of their shattered hopes and dreams than my words.
"He could not touch heaven and then remain on earth without her." (Darcy's thoughts on Elizabeth)
"His was the type of darkness that filled a man's soul." (Elizabeth seeing a broken Darcy)
"I know firsthand that denying even a sliver of hope can rip away a person's soul." (Elizabeth)
This is an emotional tale of love lost and finding the courage to face your fears. And if pressed to say there was something I didn't like, I can't. I just wish there was more of an epilogue or maybe the hope of a continuation.
I was deeply moved by the emotion beautifully written within this novel. These three lines alone tell more of their shattered hopes and dreams than my words.
"He could not touch heaven and then remain on earth without her." (Darcy's thoughts on Elizabeth)
"His was the type of darkness that filled a man's soul." (Elizabeth seeing a broken Darcy)
"I know firsthand that denying even a sliver of hope can rip away a person's soul." (Elizabeth)
This is an emotional tale of love lost and finding the courage to face your fears. And if pressed to say there was something I didn't like, I can't. I just wish there was more of an epilogue or maybe the hope of a continuation.
August 9, 2020
I usually have trouble reading P & P variations where E or D have previous spouses but this book was fantastic. I know, it makes no sense in a lot of ways but I still loved it. :)
Reread: I have now become used to the whole other spouse aspect to JAFF. Thank you, time, for helping with that. Loved it. I need Ms Jeffers to write more and faster so I can enjoy more of her books.
Reread: Agree with my other review.
Reread: I have now become used to the whole other spouse aspect to JAFF. Thank you, time, for helping with that. Loved it. I need Ms Jeffers to write more and faster so I can enjoy more of her books.
Reread: Agree with my other review.
March 28, 2017
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
This is yet another of Ms. Jeffers' stories that effectively tugs at your heartstrings. Elizabeth and Darcy encounter each other five years after the events of the original Pride and Prejudice but, significantly, minus the part where Darcy returns after Lady Catherine lets him know about her confrontation with Elizabeth Bennet. Yes, Darcy TRIED to return to his lady, but his carriage overturned on the way, leaving him with serious injuries that required heavy dosing with laudenum for a year. Aftereffects of his injuries still linger.
At the point where this book begins, both were married to others, but their spouses have now passed. Elizabeth married in order to bring the abandoned Mrs. Wickham to live with her, saving the rest of her family the shame of having her disgraced sister living at Longbourn. Unfortunately, her husband was a brutal man who repeatedly raped and beat her, so it was a blessing when he died. Darcy was broken-hearted when he learned that he was too late to pay his addresses to Elizabeth, and he submitted to a match arranged by his society-minded aunt. Mrs. Amelia Darcy was a sweet, submissive lady, and he feels tremendous guilt for never being able to love her because he never got over his Elizabeth.
Okay, so both are available now so it would seem a straightforward thing that once they reconnect they will happily embrace and enjoy an early HEA. But Mrs. Elizabeth McCaffney is the proprietor of an inn on the Scottish border, which she manages much better than her alcoholic husband ever did. Her circumstances are dramatically reduced from when she was Miss Elizabeth, the daughter of a gentleman. The widowed Mr. Darcy is traveling to inspect a Scottish estate that he inherited as part of his wife's dowry, but he finds himself at Mrs. McCaffney's inn with a snowstorm that holds him there for several days. Once they see each other, both feel the same spark of desire that they remember from years ago. However, Darcy is certain Elizabeth can't forgive him for never returning to her, and while Elizabeth was hurt by that, she's more concerned that her status in trade makes it impossible for him to ever consider marrying her.
Such is the misunderstanding the two must work through. They both are grappling with their pride in this novel. Even after they acknowledge their continued love for each other (which takes a while), Elizabeth refuses to drag down his revered family name by attaching herself to him.
Lydia Wickham's storyline is an interesting one. She is certainly no longer a spoiled, naive young girl, though she still has a rather unguarded tongue and moments of irrepressible vivacity. Sir Robert, a local gentleman, is interested in her but, without either an annulment or proof that Mr. Wickham is dead, she cannot marry anyone. Under the circumstances, Elizabeth worries that Lydia will allow herself to become Sir Robert's mistress.
I was a bit confused about a letter Elizabeth receives from her father, which seems to create the turning point. It's never directly explained how he knows to send her such a soulful epistle at that particular time. It's also more probing and insightful than one would expect, considering he hasn't seen her in years and also considering this is the Regency era, when members of the gentry would not be apt to psychoanalyze anyone.
Despite this, I enjoyed the originality of the premise and, for the most part, the way it played out.
This is yet another of Ms. Jeffers' stories that effectively tugs at your heartstrings. Elizabeth and Darcy encounter each other five years after the events of the original Pride and Prejudice but, significantly, minus the part where Darcy returns after Lady Catherine lets him know about her confrontation with Elizabeth Bennet. Yes, Darcy TRIED to return to his lady, but his carriage overturned on the way, leaving him with serious injuries that required heavy dosing with laudenum for a year. Aftereffects of his injuries still linger.
At the point where this book begins, both were married to others, but their spouses have now passed. Elizabeth married in order to bring the abandoned Mrs. Wickham to live with her, saving the rest of her family the shame of having her disgraced sister living at Longbourn. Unfortunately, her husband was a brutal man who repeatedly raped and beat her, so it was a blessing when he died. Darcy was broken-hearted when he learned that he was too late to pay his addresses to Elizabeth, and he submitted to a match arranged by his society-minded aunt. Mrs. Amelia Darcy was a sweet, submissive lady, and he feels tremendous guilt for never being able to love her because he never got over his Elizabeth.
Okay, so both are available now so it would seem a straightforward thing that once they reconnect they will happily embrace and enjoy an early HEA. But Mrs. Elizabeth McCaffney is the proprietor of an inn on the Scottish border, which she manages much better than her alcoholic husband ever did. Her circumstances are dramatically reduced from when she was Miss Elizabeth, the daughter of a gentleman. The widowed Mr. Darcy is traveling to inspect a Scottish estate that he inherited as part of his wife's dowry, but he finds himself at Mrs. McCaffney's inn with a snowstorm that holds him there for several days. Once they see each other, both feel the same spark of desire that they remember from years ago. However, Darcy is certain Elizabeth can't forgive him for never returning to her, and while Elizabeth was hurt by that, she's more concerned that her status in trade makes it impossible for him to ever consider marrying her.
Such is the misunderstanding the two must work through. They both are grappling with their pride in this novel. Even after they acknowledge their continued love for each other (which takes a while), Elizabeth refuses to drag down his revered family name by attaching herself to him.
Lydia Wickham's storyline is an interesting one. She is certainly no longer a spoiled, naive young girl, though she still has a rather unguarded tongue and moments of irrepressible vivacity. Sir Robert, a local gentleman, is interested in her but, without either an annulment or proof that Mr. Wickham is dead, she cannot marry anyone. Under the circumstances, Elizabeth worries that Lydia will allow herself to become Sir Robert's mistress.
I was a bit confused about a letter Elizabeth receives from her father, which seems to create the turning point. It's never directly explained how he knows to send her such a soulful epistle at that particular time. It's also more probing and insightful than one would expect, considering he hasn't seen her in years and also considering this is the Regency era, when members of the gentry would not be apt to psychoanalyze anyone.
Despite this, I enjoyed the originality of the premise and, for the most part, the way it played out.
May 24, 2021
Very Good
Reviewed in Canada January 29, 2019
Oh how I hated to see Darcy injured, but this was a well written story. I loved the letters Mr. Bennet and Georgiana wrote.
Update: May 24, 2021 - Just finished re-reading this book. This is a very moving story which brought me to tears more than once. Darcy’s words to Elizabeth about fears, and then his vows to her were so wonderful and completely swoon worthy. Again, the letters—Ms. Jeffers excels here. I upgraded my rating from 4 to 5 stars. This is a Regina Jeffers favorite. Highly recommend.
Reviewed in Canada January 29, 2019
Oh how I hated to see Darcy injured, but this was a well written story. I loved the letters Mr. Bennet and Georgiana wrote.
Update: May 24, 2021 - Just finished re-reading this book. This is a very moving story which brought me to tears more than once. Darcy’s words to Elizabeth about fears, and then his vows to her were so wonderful and completely swoon worthy. Again, the letters—Ms. Jeffers excels here. I upgraded my rating from 4 to 5 stars. This is a Regina Jeffers favorite. Highly recommend.
April 4, 2017
This one was tough, she really put them through a lot. I have never felt so sorry for poor Lizzy. Life dealt everyone a cruel hand.
Darcy never returned to Lizzy, though, not by his own choice. He was in a really bad accident and then he married someone else.
But that was not the really bad part. Lizzy was dealt a cruel fate by her marriage. Poor poor Lizzy. She was changed, but at the same time not. I liked how the author made her strong.
The biggest surprise in this book was Lydia. I actually liked her. It had been 5 years so she had the chance to grow up a bit.
Darcy and Lizzy meet again. She is not happy, but slowly they learn truths about each other, and he never stopped loving her. And she never stopped wondering what could have been.
I enjoyed this variation. It was different and they were different people now too.
Darcy never returned to Lizzy, though, not by his own choice. He was in a really bad accident and then he married someone else.
But that was not the really bad part. Lizzy was dealt a cruel fate by her marriage. Poor poor Lizzy. She was changed, but at the same time not. I liked how the author made her strong.
The biggest surprise in this book was Lydia. I actually liked her. It had been 5 years so she had the chance to grow up a bit.
Darcy and Lizzy meet again. She is not happy, but slowly they learn truths about each other, and he never stopped loving her. And she never stopped wondering what could have been.
I enjoyed this variation. It was different and they were different people now too.
May 31, 2017
Damaged Darcy and Elizabeth
More misunderstandings befall ODC as Darcy does not return to Meryton after Lydia marries Wickham. Elizabeth, unaware he is struggling to live after a serious accident, marries another man, thinking Darcy cannot abide the level to which her family has now fallen. Now many years later they meet again as widow and widower. Can they heal from the damage both have suffered and find happiness? It made me cry. Well, done, Ms Jeffers!
More misunderstandings befall ODC as Darcy does not return to Meryton after Lydia marries Wickham. Elizabeth, unaware he is struggling to live after a serious accident, marries another man, thinking Darcy cannot abide the level to which her family has now fallen. Now many years later they meet again as widow and widower. Can they heal from the damage both have suffered and find happiness? It made me cry. Well, done, Ms Jeffers!
August 1, 2017
This was wonderful! The writing was exceptional and I was very happy with the characters in this one. Very clean romance and lots of God moments for me. Thanks to all my JAFF friends for sharing this one with me. 😘
February 6, 2018
A deliciously emotional read with a darker ambiance that I loved. Heart-wrenching and yet it had its funny moments as well.
Five years has passed since canon left off but with the significant change of Darcy never returning to Hertfordshire after lady Catherine's visit. A carriage accident left him on the brink of death and his laudenum fogged recovery unabled him to contact Elizabeth before it's too late...
Bingley soon abandon Jane after Wickham returned his wife to Longbourne as a cast off. Deprived of their former status, Elizabeth made some hard decisions to save her sisters.
Widowed and supporting herself by the inn left her by her husband, she is still looking after Lydia when mr Darcy turns up in her courtyard.
Scared, outside and inside, the two still has some misunderstandings left to quarrel about but their younger siblings has another agenda.
Would have loved a bit more romance in this otherwise exceptional novel.
Heartily recommend this book!
Five years has passed since canon left off but with the significant change of Darcy never returning to Hertfordshire after lady Catherine's visit. A carriage accident left him on the brink of death and his laudenum fogged recovery unabled him to contact Elizabeth before it's too late...
Bingley soon abandon Jane after Wickham returned his wife to Longbourne as a cast off. Deprived of their former status, Elizabeth made some hard decisions to save her sisters.
Widowed and supporting herself by the inn left her by her husband, she is still looking after Lydia when mr Darcy turns up in her courtyard.
Scared, outside and inside, the two still has some misunderstandings left to quarrel about but their younger siblings has another agenda.
Would have loved a bit more romance in this otherwise exceptional novel.
Heartily recommend this book!
January 11, 2018
This is a well done story taking place after the elopement of Lydia and Wickham. It is super sad and angsty. However, I still enjoyed the tale. I was hesitant to read because i don't like stories where D and E marry others and that does occur here. It begins with them both being widowed (though they have yet to discover it). It also mentions some domestic and sexual violence (not explicit). The power in this story is the length and breadth of their love for each other and all the fears they must overcome. I really enjoyed it but for me it was a bit too sad and too depressing at times. Hence 4 stars. But if you like JAFF and can get over the fact that they married others, then you should read this!
Spoiler alert:
Spoiler alert:
March 26, 2017
It is not an easy review to write. I suppose I had expected too much. In general, I felt the book was full of anachronisms, such as everyone sharing everything with everyone else, including very intimate details. Or Mr. Darcy's behaviour after the accident (I know I am vague here; I am trying to avoid spoilers). Or the characters psychoanalizing one another in the best 21st century fashion. Much as I enjoyed Sir Robert and his kindness or this version of Lydia Bennet, they somehow did not seem right in what should be the Regency world. However, I certainly found the book interesting enough to read in one sitting, hence three stars.
April 8, 2017
3.5-4 stars
I loved the relationship between Lydia and Elizabeth in this novel! Seeing Lydia learn from her mistakes and take on a challenged life with Elizabeth was a great character development in this Novel without her losing herself entirely.
Elizabeth seems almost too rough and has lost too much of her confidence.. and Darcy is still as much in love with Elizabeth as years prior.
Darcy and Elizabeth meet years later both widowed but Elizabeth's life has been tough and made her jaded. Darcy needs the help of Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam to give him determination.
I loved the relationship between Lydia and Elizabeth in this novel! Seeing Lydia learn from her mistakes and take on a challenged life with Elizabeth was a great character development in this Novel without her losing herself entirely.
Elizabeth seems almost too rough and has lost too much of her confidence.. and Darcy is still as much in love with Elizabeth as years prior.
Darcy and Elizabeth meet years later both widowed but Elizabeth's life has been tough and made her jaded. Darcy needs the help of Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam to give him determination.
April 2, 2017
A Dance with Mr Darcy
This is a must read for all P&P variation fans. Angst and a HEA in this unique twist. Regina has done it again.
This is a must read for all P&P variation fans. Angst and a HEA in this unique twist. Regina has done it again.
December 18, 2021
Poignant
A beautifully poignant and quietly hopeful variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Regina Jeffers.
A beautifully poignant and quietly hopeful variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Regina Jeffers.
January 11, 2018
I generally enjoy the Austen vagaries, but I always love those written by Regina Jeffers. That said, I nearly had a heart attack when I read the first few pages of this book. No! This can't have happened! Reason took over..it's only a vagary. But this has become one of my favorites of the P&P stories. Both Elizabeth and Darcy have married, but not to the other. One is a widow and the other a widower. They meet up in Scotland after some years have passed since they last saw one another. Lizzy runs an inn with the help of sister Lydia. A snow storm forces Darcy to seek refuge here for himself and his servants. Lydia has found a good man who wants to marry her, but Lydia can't marry him because legally she's married to Wickham, and although he might be dead, she can't prove he's dead. So she she can't remarry. Can Darcy help? No more telling. If you love P&P and Regina Jeffers' take on all things Austin, you will love this story.
April 4, 2021
I liked this story of second chances. Darcy had a carriage accident after Lady Catherine had visited him and never had an opportunity to plead his case before Elizabeth was already married to another. He married as well. Neither spouse had long to live, and now it's five years later, and they meet at the inn that Elizabeth inherited from her husband who used to be abusive. Darcy has his own problems stemming from the carriage accident. Wickham is missing, and Lydia lives with her. There is another suitor for Lydia and it would be good for everyone if they could confirm that Wickham is no longer living.
The last scene at the assembly hall is wonderful.
The last scene at the assembly hall is wonderful.
Read
September 3, 2020Avid Reader
Between Wickham and Lady Catherine, Darcy and Elizabeth lived six miserable years until they met again in Scotland at an inn owned and run by Elizabeth, now a widow, with Lydia 's help. Darcy is crippled due to an accident he was in as he rushed to ask Elizabeth to marry him. Told that Elizabeth had married another, he married Amelia, Lady Matlock's niece. Going from a gentle woman to a trades woman reduced Elizabeth 's status even more, making it difficult for her to reconcile the fact that Darcy still loved and wanted to marry her. There's no epilogue.
Between Wickham and Lady Catherine, Darcy and Elizabeth lived six miserable years until they met again in Scotland at an inn owned and run by Elizabeth, now a widow, with Lydia 's help. Darcy is crippled due to an accident he was in as he rushed to ask Elizabeth to marry him. Told that Elizabeth had married another, he married Amelia, Lady Matlock's niece. Going from a gentle woman to a trades woman reduced Elizabeth 's status even more, making it difficult for her to reconcile the fact that Darcy still loved and wanted to marry her. There's no epilogue.
September 21, 2021
Starts out heartbreaking, ends in bliss
Our favorite couple are rent apart in cruel ways 😢 then meet up years and circumstances later. Neither are who they once were, yet their hearts know true love and though not easy, they manage to go from tragedy to triumph. Bonus Lydia morphs into a lovely human.
Our favorite couple are rent apart in cruel ways 😢 then meet up years and circumstances later. Neither are who they once were, yet their hearts know true love and though not easy, they manage to go from tragedy to triumph. Bonus Lydia morphs into a lovely human.
February 8, 2022
I recommend
Very interesting plot. I wasn't sure how well it would be that the main characters would have already been married to others, but it worked. I enjoyed Lydia maturing. Though, I wish that had been officially stated, it just kind of stopped. I didn't like that Jane & Elizabeth were torn apart. It was romantic without being too mushy or graphic. Ended happily.
Very interesting plot. I wasn't sure how well it would be that the main characters would have already been married to others, but it worked. I enjoyed Lydia maturing. Though, I wish that had been officially stated, it just kind of stopped. I didn't like that Jane & Elizabeth were torn apart. It was romantic without being too mushy or graphic. Ended happily.
November 1, 2017
Darcy in Scotland
Another enjoyable read from one of my favorite authors. I liked the story, it wasn't as dark as some with Elizabeth's marriage to someone other than Darcy. Lydia's improved character was a good change.
Another enjoyable read from one of my favorite authors. I liked the story, it wasn't as dark as some with Elizabeth's marriage to someone other than Darcy. Lydia's improved character was a good change.
Read
November 15, 2023Entertaining although not plausible plot.
I didn’t finish this story because I don’t like to know the characters every thoughts. Please leave something for the readers to discover by themselves!
I didn’t like the way Darcy tells his story to a man he’s just met. That’s not Darcy at all.
I didn’t finish this story because I don’t like to know the characters every thoughts. Please leave something for the readers to discover by themselves!
I didn’t like the way Darcy tells his story to a man he’s just met. That’s not Darcy at all.
October 22, 2024
3rd time reading this book it is just wonderful highly recommended to other lovers of JAFF.
March 30, 2017
Loved it!
I enjoyed this book very much! It had all the P&P twists & turns we all love. Just a good story!
I enjoyed this book very much! It had all the P&P twists & turns we all love. Just a good story!
April 17, 2017
3.5 - 4 stars.
Overall, I liked it, very interesting and different plot variation on P&P. One thing that did bother me a bit was some of the language - it may have actually been correct for that time period, but just seems wrong to today's readers. For example, using the word "affect" instead of "love", or "joining" instead of "marriage" or "wedding". Once or twice would have been fine, but these were used frequently. Other readers may not find this to be an issue for them.
Note - I received this ebook via a giveaway on the author's blog tour.
Overall, I liked it, very interesting and different plot variation on P&P. One thing that did bother me a bit was some of the language - it may have actually been correct for that time period, but just seems wrong to today's readers. For example, using the word "affect" instead of "love", or "joining" instead of "marriage" or "wedding". Once or twice would have been fine, but these were used frequently. Other readers may not find this to be an issue for them.
Note - I received this ebook via a giveaway on the author's blog tour.
May 25, 2018
This is one of my favorite variations! I read this months ago, but have reread because I loved the storyline. We all love Darcy and Elizabeth and their struggles, but this version had struggles beyond their pride and prejudices to overcome. I highly recommend this book.
August 30, 2018
Very nice and entertaining variation. Really enjoyed this book, featuring more mature Darcy and Elizabeth than in the original.
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