The Strange Disappearance of Lizzie Bennet

Disappearance and Emergence #1

by Helena Mira

The story begins with the disappearance of Lizzy following the the Netherfield Ball. No one is able to find her, despite looking everywhere and talking to everyone they can find. Will the Bennets ever find her so that she can marry Mr. Collins and save Mrs. Bennet from the hedgerows?


This is the first book of two. It is followed by:
The Triumphant Emergence of Elizabeth Darcy

Genres: Historical

ebook

Published January 14, 2017

Reviews

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show...

OMG! Wow! Read the other reviews. If you choose to read this very long story, there will be a major cliff hanger at the end that sets up the story for the next installment… ‘The Triumphant Emergence of Elizabeth Darcy’ http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show... which I highly recommend, even though it is unfinished. It ends at a good stopping place.

Part 1 contains chapters 1-38, while… Part 2 contains chapters 39-42 and moves at a faster pace. I would rate the story as PG-17 due to scenes of violence, trigger warnings for those sensitive to physical abuse, discussions and descriptions of violence, and non-graphic sexual discussions of the wedding night.

Lady Catherine was a piece of work and her daughter Anne was... I can't even describe her. Lady C was demented… em… determined that Darcy would marry Anne… whether he wanted to or not. His opinion did not matter and she would move heaven and earth to see that it was brought about. Nothing nor no one would stand in her way.

Mr. Collins was worse than a toad. In fact, I don’t wish to disparage toads by including him in their species. Just let me say that I loathe and despise that man. He was a cretin and what he and Mrs. Bennet did to Lizzy was simply horrid. Trigger warning at this point.

Then… you have the rest of the Bennet family. I lump them all into one group and condemn every single one of them. You cannot believe their actions, thoughts, or feelings [since they don’t have any] where Elizabeth was concerned. I am sick to death of all of them. Well, I have a miniscule of sympathy for Kitty. That will be explained at a later time. Let me say it again... what a story.

Don’t even get me started on Bingley and the Superior Sisters. I did; however, like Mr. Hurst and his snarky remarks which served a purpose… what a hoot. Bingley was a... well, someone called him a puppy and wait until you hear Darcy describe him. Yeah, this Bingley was pathetic.

Aunt and Uncle Gardiner were wonderful as were the Cavendish relations. I loved our dear Colonel, Georgiana and Mrs. Reynolds. OMG!! Fabulous characters and they were so supportive and helpful in pushing certain events forward. Love those Scottish bodyguards… oh my!!

Darcy’s love for Elizabeth was so endearing and those snippets of conversations, where he declared himself, are so lovely and touching that you just want to melt into a puddle. Sigh…

First read: 6-16-17 ~ 6-17-17
Second read: 10-1-17 ~ 10-2-17
Third read: 2-12-18 ~ 2-13-18
Fourth Read 3-10-18 ~ 3-14-18 [older version]
Fifth Read 9-28-18 ~ 9-29-18
Sixth Read 11-30-18 ~ 12-1-18
Seventh Read 12-2-18 ~ 12-3-18 [Older version]
I simply can’t help myself. 3-11-19 ~ 3-12-19
[Older version] 3-13-19 ~ 3-14-19
6-17-19 ~ 6-18-19
[Older version] Speed read the old part and then read the new part 6-18-19 ~ 6-19-19
[Reread older version] 9-7-19 ~ 9-8-19
2-20-20 ~ 2-21-20 [all versions]
3-10-20 Just a quick glance
11-5-20 ~ 11-7-20
4-14-21 ~ 4-16-21 It’s been too long
11-16-21 ~ 11-21-21 Well, I can’t help myself
4-11-22 ~ 4-12-22 I don’t have to explain
6-10-23 ~ 6-11-23 I'm not going to explain

[wosedwew · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can find the edited/revised version of this story here:
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show...

This is posted at AHA as a 2-part story but is at this time (March 2018) incomplete.
The 2nd part is The Triumphant Emergence of Elizabeth Darcy
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show...

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In reading this story your stomach may turn and your jaw may clench as we read of Elizabeth being the sacrificial lamb in the Bennet family. There is no one who stands by her or speaks up for her, even as they watch Mr. and Mrs. Bennet at their worst, and on top of that, as they allow Mr. Collins to demonstrate just how he will bring Elizabeth into line after they are married.

I want to spill it all as it is such a good but angst filled story...but on the other hand, if you can stand tense edge-of-your-seat drama and if you have the hours to devote to reading at a fast pace, you deserve to uncover it all for yourself.

And in learning about Elizabeth’s life we read of some connections to the ton and a grandmother who loved and provided for her…but no one named Bennet seems to know of the provisions this grandmother left for Elizabeth and for her sisters. Grandmother wisely chose someone she knew would make sure the inheritance went where it was suppose to go, not to provide for an unwise Mr. and Mrs. Bennet who could not stay within a budget or manage an estate to its best yield.

Elizabeth is saved but a huge sacrifice is made. The knight who saves her knows that in her salvation he is now bound for life to remain by her side, even if she never comes to love him. And you will LOVE the careful and meticulous steps all along the way that are taken so that nothing can be undone. Plus I loved, absolutely loved, how the couple was able to do what had to be done without detection until the final hurtle was crossed. Then there is the matter of Elizabeth’s opinions about that man; she is definitely not in love with him. This first book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger so you will want to jump right into the next book to see how a certain threat is dealt with.

If you know anyone who has suffered abuse, even a one-time incident, you know how much more damaging it is when the perpetrator is a family member. In this story you will be cheering on the steps our heroine makes in becoming not only a woman who can stand up for herself but also the perfect lady to stand by her man.

The author has a sequel which she just began in March of 2017 but then a family crisis and a health issue came into her life. So I don’t know when or if the sequel will be finished but the part we have is excellent. I loved this story and highly recommend it. The sequel is The Triumphant Emergence of Elizabeth Darcy http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show...

I now read this (again) in its original form with both books as one.

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG OMG OMG!!! This is definitely up there in the most unique, creative, angsty pieces of JAFF ever.

Beginning immediately following the Netherfield ball the story is told in 3 volumes giving a different perspective or view on the story. Due to this there is some repetition; which also may be caused by it be serialized in an online forum. When the story is being published you might go a week or more between sections and a little memory booster is helpful. And as all unpublished jewels there are apt to be a typo or three but I am more than willing to overlook that and move on.

Okay back to the awesome, wonderful, very good, compelling story. After the ball Lizzy is very annoyed and vocal about her desire NOT to marry her smelly, greasy, oafish cousin. This is met by actual Violence - The author does warn about this- while her worthless father looks on and her sisters are useless. Realizing rather than agree to her parents - yes PARENTS' -wishes and cousin's violence she would rather die; she disappears. And I mean that exactly for the entire first volume you have no real idea where Lizzy went or what happened to her. You do learn what happened at Longbourn, Gracechurch St and other locations. The Bennets are loathsome, vile, evil creatures all of whom only care for their own comfort. And lady Catherine is more of a gorgon than you could ever imagine.

Volume 2 tells us of Lizzy's disappearance from her point of view, what happened, where she went, who her rescuer was. How she plans to stay hidden until her 21st birthday. We also learn who Lizzy's Grandmother Bennet was and how she planned to keep Lizzy safe from her son and wicked daughter-in-law. Lizzy begins to find love and feel safe again but she is in someways permanently altered by learning there is so much evil in the world.

Volume 3 Begins the reintroduction of Elizabeth back to her friends and supportive members of her family. But Lady Catherine isn't finished trying to ruin her happiness; or wed her daughter Anne to Mr. Darcy.

And it ends. And the story continues in The Triumphant Emergence of Elizabeth Darcy - which you can read here: http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show...

[Anna Fitzwilliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrilling story! It was a page turner for sure. We not only have good characters, but a very excellent plot. I can't wait to read the second part!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is 4 instead of 5 stars for a couple of reasons. (I obviously bumped it back up). The plot is fantastic and the story is good. however, it drags because the author re-explains some information over and over which could be more neatly edited down. Also, this ends on a cliffhanger and was rather lengthy. Thus, I'm a bit disappointed to still not have a resolution. But, I highly enjoyed the plot and story line. The beginning is very fascinating and I could not put the book down. If you love JAFF stories, this is one to check out.

Merged review:

I read this a while back. I really enjoyed the story. Kept me very interested until the end.

update****
I re-read parts to recall what happened. This is such a lovely story but it does have some tragic and graphic abuse. In this tale, we have Mrs. Bennett as a truly mean mother to poor Lizzy. Luckily, she has Mrs. Bennett (her dad's mom) to save her. Mrs. Bennett basically raises Lizzy and teachers her how to be a real lady. Lizzy thrives and becomes very accomplished. None of her sisters are similarly educated because Mrs. Bennett does not see the point. (most of this back story information we learn as the events of today unfold). The crux of the story is that Lizzy disappears the night after the ball. She comes home and is told that she must marry Mr. Collins and is not supported by the two people who she thought were on her side (Jane and Mr. Bennett). Other horrible things happen but I will not spoil it. Most of the beginning of the story is us seeing Longbourn's reaction to her being missing and the search for her.

Then we see her story and learn what really happens. This part is truly lovely. Mr. Darcy becomes the shining knight rescuing his fair maiden. The interaction between him and lizzy is wonderful.

I don't want to say much more about the story line. But i was hooked until the very end. There is a sequel that I have not yet read yet but plan to. I highly recommend this to all fans of JAFF.

read for 3rd time. Still enjoy but the repetition makes it a solid 4 stars for me.

[Aspen 111 · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://meryton.com/aha/index.php?/to...
Great story! Very well done. Action packed with a well developed romance gradually increasing trust and love. Cliffhanger. Followed by "The Triumphant Emergance of Elizabeth Darcy" **Trigger Warning** One incident of vicious domestic violence on a teenager. Author marks it so you can skip it.

[Kasia Burlakoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Great characters and plot, but some repeated information from different POV made it drag a little bit. The Bennets' faults were taken to a new level, but it was a very interesting take. As much as I don't like selfish Jane, her character here rang true to me. It would be more likely for her to be self-centered and feeling entitled to a good future after having been spoilt by Mrs. Bennet all her life. Genuine, angelic Jane isn't too realistic, though I love her that way. :)

[Sam H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great FF story. I can so see this as a professionally published book - with a lot of polishing! The story is that good. Completely angst ridden, read this at your own peril.

Lots of the story arcs are left unopened, to be continued in the 2nd part.

[Madenna U · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Elizabeth must rise above. She proves herself worthy to those who defend her from the evil in her life - mainly ALL her relations. She was very fortunate to find her knight in shining armor in one Fitzwilliam Darcy. He helps her recover and navigate a world where people would use her for their own advancement.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars. The premise of the book makes it 5 stars alone. What a great plot. It’s a tad disturbing how awful her family is to her but really drives the story for her heroic rescue. I do also love a wicked Jane. The only thing that bothered me was Darcy constantly discussing marriage to her throughout his rescue of her. She was a emotionally and physically abused woman. I wished he would have just given her some space there and that the love/marriage idea process had come naturally without Darcy pushing the subject.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, emotionally intense book that gets into the hearts and minds of the characters, good or bad. It has been one of the most engaging Pride and Prejudice variations that I have ever read. I appreciate the wonderful research notes this author provides, as I am a historian myself and like the background. Others have evaluated this book very well before me. It is well written though a few words seem to be missing in places, but with a book this huge, it is a challenge to check everything no matter how much you look. Mrs. Bennet, Jane, and Mr. Bennet are simply awful and abusive or traitors here. Mr. Collins is an abusive fool here. Lady Catherine and Anne are awful too. The Bennet sisters are either ignored or indulged, and Lizzy is abused. Uncle and Aunt Gardiner are the main source of kindess among Lizzy's family except for a deceased grandmother who loved and cared for Lizzy until she died when Lizzy was about 9. There is also a higher ranking relatives who work with Mr. Gardiner and care for Lizzy from afar but do not surface here.

Much of the beginning of the book is a mystery about her location after a terrible incident of abuse. Then we are taken to Darcy and Lizzy where Lizzy has to recover and pick up the pieces at the same time she and Darcy grow deeply in love., but have to go to Scotland to protect her.

I certainly hope this wonderful author will complete the sequel which I am starting to read. The version I found is not complete. Anyway, The Strange Disappearance cost me many hours of sleep as I literally could not put it down. The writing keeps one on the edge of the seat wondering about the mystery and makes you cry sometimes. It is almost like these characters are real. This is a very long book, so there's good reason for dividing it. I hope I can find more of the sequel so this--I only see part of it in the part I can find online. Thank you for posting and sharing this. I have to give it 5 stars despite a few missing words. It is one of those variations that stands out from most. Oh, please publish this in book and kindle form. It is a bit of a challenge to read the unpublished books on line and find them and the place again.

[Elin Eriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable!!!
Excruciatingly angsty it was an emotional rollercoaster but utterly captivating. Not for the faint hearted as it contains graphic descriptions of violence...

Enters at the Netherfield ball. Elizabeth tries to escape her clawing cousin when they arrive home from the ball but she does not succeed. The scene that followed was probably the most difficult that I have ever read...
I doubt anyone would have much sympathy for the Bennet's or mr Collins after reading this story. The abuse Elizabeth suffered in the Bennet household was heart-wrenching. Destined to be the sacrificial lamb, marrying her cousin to save her mother and sisters from the hedgerowes. Elizabeth flees but there are more than the Bennet's on the hunt for her.
Lady Catherine was particularly evil in this story.

She does have some relatives on her side though. The Gardiner's and some new characters that she are related to through her grandmother Bennet.

As most of her nearest family fail her, the gentleman from Derbyshire does not.
Loved how their relationship developed. Darcy is persistent in his pursuit, without being forceful and Elizabeth rises like the Phoenix from the ashes with his aid. There are no quick fixes in this story. The healing process was well written and plausible.

Heartily recommend this book, I absolutely loved it!

[Gail Frisby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book I like it when the villains get their comeuppance! Mr Bennet, Mrs Bennet and Mr Collins were terrible people!!!!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pure angst and devastation in this story is utterly excruiciating. Sacrificed by those who were meant to love and protect her, Lizzy is promised by her father in marriage to Mr Collins who isn't nonplussed about physically reprimanding her for what he perceives to be her faults. As long as Mrs Bennet isn't thrown into the headrows then there cannot be any problem in her eyes of using abusive explatives and deplorable abuse, but Lizzy won't allow herself to be handed over for slaughter and neither will her secretive and protective suitor. Unforeseen players will emerge, hidden heritages revealed and friendly relationships formed, but was everybody in Elizabeth's former life immune to her suffering? Despite the crippling amount of despair that permeates from many of the pages, it is the tentative glimmers of friendship and hope, as well as the extensions of generosity and care that will stay with you the most.

[Myossens · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is not a pride and prejudice variation. The only thing this story has in common with Jane Austen's novel is the name of the characters.

All the character are so vile, it's riduculous. There is no place for nuance or complexity. The characters are either totally evil or saintly. The writing is pueril.

If you enjoy pages after pages of unabashed character assassination this story might for you. But it you enjoy Jane Austen's work, there are many authors whose work reflect their deep love, respect and understanding of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a very wild ride! You have to know right up front that as far as Austen’s P&P goes, there is little, only names & places that are alike. The plot & characters really get quite ridiculous & crazy, but even so, the story is captivating & draws you in quite early on & makes it hard to put down. For as crazy as it was, it was an enjoyable read.

[Melanie Gibbons · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good story. I enjoyed it.

[Karla Beba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello i'm try to buy this book but I can't find it

[Nassira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello I'm French so I hope you will forgive my written English. I'm desperate to find à copie of the first version of this story. On Aha the revisited is unfinished and I'm dying to read the 1st version. I wanted to buy the book but couldn't find it anywhere...please if someone can write me and tell me where I can have one I will be forever grateful. THANK YOU