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In Want of a Wife: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
When Elizabeth Bennet’s wealthy cousin, Lady Susan Lacey, invites her to join her for a season in Bath, Elizabeth is delighted to accept. Maybe there, she can escape her mother’s embarrassing determination to match one of her daughters to their mysterious new neighbour, Mr Bingley, and be free to find love in her own way. But in the shallow, gossipy society of Bath, can she find a husband she can truly love and respect?
Mr Darcy of Pemberley has always disliked Bath. But when his young sister Georgiana begs him to take her there, he cannot refuse her. Besides, at eight and twenty, it is high time he find himself a wife, and Bath is as good a place to find one as any other. But will he manage to overcome his natural reserve? And can he find a lady he can truly love, or will he bow to society’s expectations that he marry for wealth and position?
When Elizabeth forms a close friendship with Georgiana, Darcy’s shy little sister, Darcy is immediately attracted to the lively, pretty girl who has brought his sister out of her shell. Elizabeth is also powerfully attracted to her new friend’s aloof older brother. Their feelings grow as they are drawn together, despite the reservations and better judgements of both.
But Georgiana shares a secret with Elizabeth that could ruin her life and Darcy's, unless Elizabeth persuade her away from the dangerous path she is taking. And an unwelcome figure from Darcy’s past arrives in Bath unexpectedly, and threatens to destroy everything Darcy loves.
Mr Darcy of Pemberley has always disliked Bath. But when his young sister Georgiana begs him to take her there, he cannot refuse her. Besides, at eight and twenty, it is high time he find himself a wife, and Bath is as good a place to find one as any other. But will he manage to overcome his natural reserve? And can he find a lady he can truly love, or will he bow to society’s expectations that he marry for wealth and position?
When Elizabeth forms a close friendship with Georgiana, Darcy’s shy little sister, Darcy is immediately attracted to the lively, pretty girl who has brought his sister out of her shell. Elizabeth is also powerfully attracted to her new friend’s aloof older brother. Their feelings grow as they are drawn together, despite the reservations and better judgements of both.
But Georgiana shares a secret with Elizabeth that could ruin her life and Darcy's, unless Elizabeth persuade her away from the dangerous path she is taking. And an unwelcome figure from Darcy’s past arrives in Bath unexpectedly, and threatens to destroy everything Darcy loves.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2017
12 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Julia Middleton
17 books5 followersJulia Middleton is the founder and Chief Executive of Common Purpose Charitable Trust. She is passionate about helping people to develop as leaders, and campaigns to encourage leaders from all backgrounds to make an active and tangible contribution to their communities and to wider society.
In the autumn of 1988, Julia formed Common Purpose, a not-for-profit social enterprise. Common Purpose runs leadership development programmes that enable people from different backgrounds, sectors and geographies to work together to solve common problems. In the process, it gives participants the inspiration, skills and connections to become better leaders, both at work and in society.
Common Purpose runs local courses for leaders in cities across the world, and global programmes for leaders from over 100 countries across six continents. Each year, 4,000 leaders become Common Purpose alumni.
Julia has helped in the founding of: Demos (an independent think tank), Impetus Trust (developing venture philanthropy in the UK) and was also involved in the founding of The Media Standards Trust (fostering high standards in the news media) and Alfanar (developing venture philanthropy in the Arab world) and is now on the board of both. She is also on the International Advisory Council for Fundação Dom Cabral (a non-profit business institution in Brazil).
Julia was born in London and educated at French Lycées around the world. She worked for the Industrial Society after receiving an economics degree from the London School of Economics. She is married and has five children.
Julia is the author of the bestselling book Beyond Authority: Leadership in a Changing World and her latest book CQ: The competitive edge for leaders crossing borders will be published on 22 May 2014. Julia defines Cultural Intelligence (CQ) as “the ability to cross divides and thrive in multiple cultures”.
In the autumn of 1988, Julia formed Common Purpose, a not-for-profit social enterprise. Common Purpose runs leadership development programmes that enable people from different backgrounds, sectors and geographies to work together to solve common problems. In the process, it gives participants the inspiration, skills and connections to become better leaders, both at work and in society.
Common Purpose runs local courses for leaders in cities across the world, and global programmes for leaders from over 100 countries across six continents. Each year, 4,000 leaders become Common Purpose alumni.
Julia has helped in the founding of: Demos (an independent think tank), Impetus Trust (developing venture philanthropy in the UK) and was also involved in the founding of The Media Standards Trust (fostering high standards in the news media) and Alfanar (developing venture philanthropy in the Arab world) and is now on the board of both. She is also on the International Advisory Council for Fundação Dom Cabral (a non-profit business institution in Brazil).
Julia was born in London and educated at French Lycées around the world. She worked for the Industrial Society after receiving an economics degree from the London School of Economics. She is married and has five children.
Julia is the author of the bestselling book Beyond Authority: Leadership in a Changing World and her latest book CQ: The competitive edge for leaders crossing borders will be published on 22 May 2014. Julia defines Cultural Intelligence (CQ) as “the ability to cross divides and thrive in multiple cultures”.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 12, 2017
“In marriage do thou be wise: prefer the person before money, virtue before beauty, the mind before the body; then, thou hast a wife, a friend, a companion, a second self.” William Penn
A clean, fast read and a very different variation on the first meeting of our dear couple. This story started with a similar premise to one I’ve read before. A wealthy, well placed distant relative of Mr. Bennet’s takes Elizabeth under her wing. Only this time, she introduces Lizzy to her social circle in Bath.
Elizabeth and Darcy met accidentally on their own, without the insult, without the prejudice and pride that so tripped up their meeting at the Meryton Assembly. They were able to interact on level ground and form their own opinions on each other. I was concerned when the evil one appeared.
“Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts.” E. B. White
Wickham was quite adept at spinning his web of lies to the point his stories of woe grew exponentially. Oh, he was such a low-life, bottom-feeder, scum-bag, rat-bastard. Of course, Elizabeth believed him implicitly and thought the worst of Mr. Darcy. What ultimately happened to Wickham was awesome. It was so well deserved and fitting. There is no honor among thieves. His embarrassment should be complete when word gets out at what actually took him down. He may have to turn in his man-card.
I really liked Lady Lacey. She was fun and was the catalyst needed to move Elizabeth into position to meet Darcy. However cute this was, there were many editing and continuity problems. In chapter 1, Elizabeth had black hair and elsewhere [chapter 4], she had chestnut with red highlights. At one point [chapter 10], she called Lady Lacey… Aunt, when she was in fact a cousin to Mr. Bennet. This was carried out in the final chapters as Lizzy was mentioned as niece. I don’t remember her asking Elizabeth to call her Aunt, maybe I overlooked it. From chapter 5 on, both Elizabeth and Georgiana were walking about Bath without mention of a chaperone, maid or footman. At times, the language and attitudes came across as modern, to the point it was difficult remembering that this was Regency.
It was a cute story and I loved the introduction of Jessie, the dog. Nothing brings a story together like a cute dog [3.5 stars].
**** SPOILER **** **** End Spoiler ****
A clean, fast read and a very different variation on the first meeting of our dear couple. This story started with a similar premise to one I’ve read before. A wealthy, well placed distant relative of Mr. Bennet’s takes Elizabeth under her wing. Only this time, she introduces Lizzy to her social circle in Bath.
Elizabeth and Darcy met accidentally on their own, without the insult, without the prejudice and pride that so tripped up their meeting at the Meryton Assembly. They were able to interact on level ground and form their own opinions on each other. I was concerned when the evil one appeared.
“Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts.” E. B. White
Wickham was quite adept at spinning his web of lies to the point his stories of woe grew exponentially. Oh, he was such a low-life, bottom-feeder, scum-bag, rat-bastard. Of course, Elizabeth believed him implicitly and thought the worst of Mr. Darcy. What ultimately happened to Wickham was awesome. It was so well deserved and fitting. There is no honor among thieves. His embarrassment should be complete when word gets out at what actually took him down. He may have to turn in his man-card.
I really liked Lady Lacey. She was fun and was the catalyst needed to move Elizabeth into position to meet Darcy. However cute this was, there were many editing and continuity problems. In chapter 1, Elizabeth had black hair and elsewhere [chapter 4], she had chestnut with red highlights. At one point [chapter 10], she called Lady Lacey… Aunt, when she was in fact a cousin to Mr. Bennet. This was carried out in the final chapters as Lizzy was mentioned as niece. I don’t remember her asking Elizabeth to call her Aunt, maybe I overlooked it. From chapter 5 on, both Elizabeth and Georgiana were walking about Bath without mention of a chaperone, maid or footman. At times, the language and attitudes came across as modern, to the point it was difficult remembering that this was Regency.
It was a cute story and I loved the introduction of Jessie, the dog. Nothing brings a story together like a cute dog [3.5 stars].
**** SPOILER **** **** End Spoiler ****
April 25, 2017
At only 88 pages this short story was a delight.
Mr. Bennet's cousin from his father’s side of the family, a widow called Susan Lacey, comes to visit and "borrow" one of his daughters to take with her to visit in her house on The Circle in Bath. Being that Jane is oldest, Lady Lacey would have taken her. However a Mr. Bingley is to soon arrive at Netherfield and Mrs. Bennet has always designated him as Jane's to-be-husband.
So it is in Bath (not Ramsgate) that Darcy brings his sister who is recovering from an illness. Elizabeth meets him as he comes searching for Georgiana's dog, Jessie, who has escaped the house and found a new friend to play with. Neither one gets the other's name. But each has pleasant thoughts about the other and hope to meet again.
Circumstances have Elizabeth meeting first Wickham at an assembly and he has those lies to tell her about a childhood friend. Then she meets Georgiana who has broken a heel while walking and needs assistance. They talk and eventually Georgiana confides in Elizabeth about a childhood friend of her brother's who loves her and wants her to elope.
As the story progresses, Darcy, (who had plans to find a wife while in Bath) meets Elizabeth and finds he likes her very well but also has misgivings as to her suitability.
Things come to a head one morning when Elizabeth realizes her misconceptions as to who is telling who the truth and as to certain nefarious plans. She has put together "who" is meant in the stories told her by Wickham and by Georgiana. She goes to the Darcys' house and KABOOM!...well, here my review will not give any more details so you will just have to read the rest for yourself. You do know that there is a HEA in store. But it is not a lovely walk in the park for ODC.
Excellent little story. Take an hour or two and enjoy this.
Mr. Bennet's cousin from his father’s side of the family, a widow called Susan Lacey, comes to visit and "borrow" one of his daughters to take with her to visit in her house on The Circle in Bath. Being that Jane is oldest, Lady Lacey would have taken her. However a Mr. Bingley is to soon arrive at Netherfield and Mrs. Bennet has always designated him as Jane's to-be-husband.
So it is in Bath (not Ramsgate) that Darcy brings his sister who is recovering from an illness. Elizabeth meets him as he comes searching for Georgiana's dog, Jessie, who has escaped the house and found a new friend to play with. Neither one gets the other's name. But each has pleasant thoughts about the other and hope to meet again.
Circumstances have Elizabeth meeting first Wickham at an assembly and he has those lies to tell her about a childhood friend. Then she meets Georgiana who has broken a heel while walking and needs assistance. They talk and eventually Georgiana confides in Elizabeth about a childhood friend of her brother's who loves her and wants her to elope.
As the story progresses, Darcy, (who had plans to find a wife while in Bath) meets Elizabeth and finds he likes her very well but also has misgivings as to her suitability.
Things come to a head one morning when Elizabeth realizes her misconceptions as to who is telling who the truth and as to certain nefarious plans. She has put together "who" is meant in the stories told her by Wickham and by Georgiana. She goes to the Darcys' house and KABOOM!...well, here my review will not give any more details so you will just have to read the rest for yourself. You do know that there is a HEA in store. But it is not a lovely walk in the park for ODC.
Excellent little story. Take an hour or two and enjoy this.
April 16, 2017
This is such a cute, sweet story. The short story is executed well and moves along at a rate that keeps the reader engaged.
Lady Susan Lacey is Mr. Bennet's cousin with whom he has maintained an ongoing correspondence over the years. She is from a wealthier, titled branch of the Bennets (presumably NOT the same branch that produced the odious Mr. Collins), and she is lonely since being rather recently widowed. She comes to Longbourn unexpectedly and ends up bringing Elizabeth with her to Bath. The two ladies' personalities are similar despite the difference in their age and social status, so they quickly develop a convivial relationship.
At a park in Bath, Elizabeth encounters a handsome gentleman who has come searching for his sister's escaped dog. Days later, also at a park, she meets young Georgiana Darcy, and the two strike up a friendship. Elizabeth's days are filled with shopping excursions with her new friend and social functions that she attends with Lady Lacey.
Mr. Darcy has come to Bath at his sister's insistence. He recognizes that Georgiana is at an age where she needs either a companion or a sister. He enters the social scene at Bath and throws himself into the hunt for the future Mrs. Darcy, hoping to provide the latter for his sister but quickly becoming discouraged.
Of course, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy meet and swiftly find themselves attracted to each other. Mr. Wickham also comes into play with his usual underhanded shenanigans.
I do question the number of instances where Elizabeth and/or Georgiana is out and about without being accompanied by a maid or footman. Neither Lady Lacey nor Mr. Darcy would approve, yet it's never mentioned.
Less troublesome are the large number of coincidences in such a short space of time. Dickens and Austen utilize plenty of them, too. It's a common literary device though perhaps overused a bit here.
I loved Lady Lacey's character, but I wish she had been more actively engaged in the story. Of course, she is the means of bringing Elizabeth into Mr. Darcy's world, but beyond that she's no more than a Mrs. Gardiner-type figure, giving helpful advice but not really being in the middle of the action.
My critique doesn't diminish the fact that this is a very enjoyable, well-written short story.
Lady Susan Lacey is Mr. Bennet's cousin with whom he has maintained an ongoing correspondence over the years. She is from a wealthier, titled branch of the Bennets (presumably NOT the same branch that produced the odious Mr. Collins), and she is lonely since being rather recently widowed. She comes to Longbourn unexpectedly and ends up bringing Elizabeth with her to Bath. The two ladies' personalities are similar despite the difference in their age and social status, so they quickly develop a convivial relationship.
At a park in Bath, Elizabeth encounters a handsome gentleman who has come searching for his sister's escaped dog. Days later, also at a park, she meets young Georgiana Darcy, and the two strike up a friendship. Elizabeth's days are filled with shopping excursions with her new friend and social functions that she attends with Lady Lacey.
Mr. Darcy has come to Bath at his sister's insistence. He recognizes that Georgiana is at an age where she needs either a companion or a sister. He enters the social scene at Bath and throws himself into the hunt for the future Mrs. Darcy, hoping to provide the latter for his sister but quickly becoming discouraged.
Of course, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy meet and swiftly find themselves attracted to each other. Mr. Wickham also comes into play with his usual underhanded shenanigans.
I do question the number of instances where Elizabeth and/or Georgiana is out and about without being accompanied by a maid or footman. Neither Lady Lacey nor Mr. Darcy would approve, yet it's never mentioned.
Less troublesome are the large number of coincidences in such a short space of time. Dickens and Austen utilize plenty of them, too. It's a common literary device though perhaps overused a bit here.
I loved Lady Lacey's character, but I wish she had been more actively engaged in the story. Of course, she is the means of bringing Elizabeth into Mr. Darcy's world, but beyond that she's no more than a Mrs. Gardiner-type figure, giving helpful advice but not really being in the middle of the action.
My critique doesn't diminish the fact that this is a very enjoyable, well-written short story.
December 7, 2019
3.5⭐️
May 5, 2017
This is an absurdly fast paced (mach 3) P&P reimagining that has a touch of Northanger Abbey. Here Lizzy Bennet's aunt takes her to Bath and there she meets the Darcys; Fitzwilliam & Georgiana, and has a mad cap adventure / romance. The pacing is so silly you can't get around it; the coincidences are ridiculous.
My low rating is based mostly upon people not behaving properly for the period or their character
Lizzy goes to a park to walk and removes her spencer & bonnet. And she is unaccompanied. Later Georgiana; who isn't out and is a Darcy, encounters Lizzy while walking alone in the same park. Later the two girls meet and walk to the pump room together - unaccompanied by maids, footmen or companions. Bath isn't London but nor is it Meryton. Wickham brings out his tale of woe to Lizzy before she even formally meets Mr. Darcy. When Wickham has Georgie & Lizzy he plans to marry Georgiana at an Inn in England. In England you couldn't get married without the reading of Banns or a common and you had to be married in a church license, while a Special License would allow you to marry anywhere Georgiana was only 16 and would require the permission of her parent or guardian.
Silly book
Oh I should add it really didn't take me close to a month to read. I just stopped about 1/3 through and picked it up and finished it tonight
My low rating is based mostly upon people not behaving properly for the period or their character
Lizzy goes to a park to walk and removes her spencer & bonnet. And she is unaccompanied. Later Georgiana; who isn't out and is a Darcy, encounters Lizzy while walking alone in the same park. Later the two girls meet and walk to the pump room together - unaccompanied by maids, footmen or companions. Bath isn't London but nor is it Meryton. Wickham brings out his tale of woe to Lizzy before she even formally meets Mr. Darcy. When Wickham has Georgie & Lizzy he plans to marry Georgiana at an Inn in England. In England you couldn't get married without the reading of Banns or a common and you had to be married in a church license, while a Special License would allow you to marry anywhere Georgiana was only 16 and would require the permission of her parent or guardian.
Silly book
Oh I should add it really didn't take me close to a month to read. I just stopped about 1/3 through and picked it up and finished it tonight
April 21, 2017
Love in Bath
Cute sweet P&P variation. In this alternative a distant cousin of Mr Bennet, Lady Lacey visits the Bennet's with the intention of taking one of the girls with her to Bath. Elizabeth is chosen and off to Bath they go. Who do you think they find? Non other than Mr Darcy. Not knowing who the other is they strike up a friendship via Georgiana's puppy Jesse. Georgiana meets Elizabeth and they become fast friends. Everything goes smoothly until Wickham is thrown in the mix.
There really isn't a lot of angst, but I did enjoy this short story. It was a nice romantic HEA.
Cute sweet P&P variation. In this alternative a distant cousin of Mr Bennet, Lady Lacey visits the Bennet's with the intention of taking one of the girls with her to Bath. Elizabeth is chosen and off to Bath they go. Who do you think they find? Non other than Mr Darcy. Not knowing who the other is they strike up a friendship via Georgiana's puppy Jesse. Georgiana meets Elizabeth and they become fast friends. Everything goes smoothly until Wickham is thrown in the mix.
There really isn't a lot of angst, but I did enjoy this short story. It was a nice romantic HEA.
April 17, 2017
Before Darcy ever comes to the assembly in Meryton, Elizabeth has the opportunity to travel to Bath with a relative. There she befriends Wickham and the Darcy's. She must decide who is more trustworthy while trying to help Georgiana with her marriage proposal. Wickham is as expected and Darcy is more expressive than typical but not over the top. There is also a precious dog that plays the part of matchmaker and detective. Add some adventure and this was a fun clean read.
April 8, 2017
Refreshing
It was a welcome change from the usual conflict with Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine. Darcy was more approachable and Elizabeth not quite as judgemental. I liked it and I have read quite a few JAF fiction.
It was a welcome change from the usual conflict with Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine. Darcy was more approachable and Elizabeth not quite as judgemental. I liked it and I have read quite a few JAF fiction.
April 25, 2017
*3.5 stars
I enjoyed this story very much. Would have liked a more developed ending but the variation was delightful. I like stories where Georgiana is involved. I just felt that the ending was rushed and that the resolution of the issue came to quickly.
I enjoyed this story very much. Would have liked a more developed ending but the variation was delightful. I like stories where Georgiana is involved. I just felt that the ending was rushed and that the resolution of the issue came to quickly.
April 26, 2017
Original but wanting
If you throw Regency propriety out the window this is entertaining. However, the OC Lady Lacey, who bestows some good advice, competes with canon Mrs Younge on her diligence as a chaperone. And for goodness sake, there are far too many typos, etc. for such a short work. Have a little pride in what you publish and sell!
If you throw Regency propriety out the window this is entertaining. However, the OC Lady Lacey, who bestows some good advice, competes with canon Mrs Younge on her diligence as a chaperone. And for goodness sake, there are far too many typos, etc. for such a short work. Have a little pride in what you publish and sell!
April 10, 2017
RATE 4.5 A Well Balanced Story
This story had just the right amount of angst to make it interesting and enjoyable. I've never seen this storyline before so that was a big plus for me. I just wished this was a longer story because I really enjoyed ODC and the other characters.
This story had just the right amount of angst to make it interesting and enjoyable. I've never seen this storyline before so that was a big plus for me. I just wished this was a longer story because I really enjoyed ODC and the other characters.
June 1, 2017
4.5! Georgiana and Elizabeth become friends before Elizabeth formally meets you know who. Yea!
September 26, 2018
Short and sweet
What if Lizzie and Darcy met in Bath?
They would get along better. But Wickham is always near the Darcys, trying to figure out a way to get money from them.
So Lizzie would meet Wickham and he would spin his lies to her. Will she believe him?
That’s the nexus of the story. Short read, fun story, not enough pages to allow for much angst. Enough for some action though.
I recommend this book.
What if Lizzie and Darcy met in Bath?
They would get along better. But Wickham is always near the Darcys, trying to figure out a way to get money from them.
So Lizzie would meet Wickham and he would spin his lies to her. Will she believe him?
That’s the nexus of the story. Short read, fun story, not enough pages to allow for much angst. Enough for some action though.
I recommend this book.
May 6, 2017
Cute story
Relatively short book. A friendship develops between Darcy and Elizabeth. I felt it took too long for Elizabeth to get a clue about Wickham.
Relatively short book. A friendship develops between Darcy and Elizabeth. I felt it took too long for Elizabeth to get a clue about Wickham.
August 20, 2017
Cute story
My only disappointment was that I never found found out if Lizzy ended up liking the coffee that Lady Lacey had her try on her first day in Bath.
My only disappointment was that I never found found out if Lizzy ended up liking the coffee that Lady Lacey had her try on her first day in Bath.
April 19, 2021
Wickham is an ass.
October 15, 2021
Cute story, a little too short for my tastes. Little to no angst. 3.5 stars
September 5, 2021
It's a good story, but the text is positively riddled with errors. This would easily be a 4-star novella if edited properly.
April 15, 2017
3 stars
It's a pleasant, short story D&E meeting in Bath. My favorite part of the book is ODC encountering each other in the park, and the description of Bath's social life. There are a few things which don't fit. Georgiana slipping out of the house without a chaperone, and nobody seems concerned about it. Elizabeth falling so easily for Wickham's lies, though she had no reason to be prejudiced against Darcy, and was a bit uneasy about Wickham.
I liked Lady Lacey and a few minor original characters. There were some good and funny scenes. It was an okay read.
It's a pleasant, short story D&E meeting in Bath. My favorite part of the book is ODC encountering each other in the park, and the description of Bath's social life. There are a few things which don't fit. Georgiana slipping out of the house without a chaperone, and nobody seems concerned about it. Elizabeth falling so easily for Wickham's lies, though she had no reason to be prejudiced against Darcy, and was a bit uneasy about Wickham.
I liked Lady Lacey and a few minor original characters. There were some good and funny scenes. It was an okay read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews