“The test of a man or woman’s breeding is how they behave in a quarrel.” George Bernard Shaw
Rating: clean, 3 short chapters: Oh, how absolutely delightful. Never have I enjoyed an argument [registering 9 points on the Richter Scale] as I did this confrontation between ODC [our dear couple]. The genius of the writing was amazing. Every point Lizzy ever wanted to make toward Mr. Darcy was given full rein in this short story. We open at the Hunsford Parsonage, just after Darcy’s awful proposal. Elizabeth's anger was white-hot, fully loaded, and ready to blast Darcy from his high horse with the full force of her vehemence. However, in a moment of clarity, she had second thoughts as she considered his power of retribution and revenge. So, our dear Lizzy tempered her fury and attempted a different strategy to defuse the situation. Darcy agreed to listen to her points and was stunned by her observations and declarations.
Point by point, our dear boy was hit with every infraction he had ever committed since entering Hertfordshire. This was so well done, precise, and very concise as she addressed his infractions point by point. I was amazed at the writing at this point. The author took a completely different tack than what we usually see during the DHP [Disastrous Hunsford Proposal] scene. I was so amazed at the brilliant strategy. Well done, WadeH.
Poor Darcy… was not only knocked off his high horse but was completely gob-smacked by the points that Elizabeth brought up regarding his behavior and attitude while he was in Meryton. Excellent… just excellent. I’ve never seen it done this way or this thoroughly.
1st read: 9-13-17, 2nd read: 10-13-17: OMG!! I absolutely love this short story. I am amazed and moved [again] beyond reason by the language in this conversation between D&E at Hunsford Parsonage. Whew! It was so moving that it will take your breath away. The genius of how WadeH conveys Lizzy's wisdom and insight as she points out Darcy's actions, behavior, opinions, and life decisions. Wow!
Her references to circles [thus the appropriate story title] reminded me of Hebrews 4:12 "... Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." [NIV] Darcy had never experienced anything like this confrontation with Elizabeth. His entire life flashed before him. Nothing was to be hidden from the spotlight of her observation.
At the beginning of the story, the reader felt, along with D&E, the extremely uncomfortable situation they found themselves in. Such a proposal. Elizabeth considered carefully what could/would happen if she went against this powerful man. Many things were said and presented that I’ve never considered and yet... WadeH brought that to our attention.
Our story ended with the arrival of the Rosings coach and Charlotte entering the parlor where Darcy and Elizabeth were still together. As Elizabeth’s emotions and feelings come full circle, I was grabbing my fan. What went through Elizabeth’s head was simply swoon-worthy. Her insightful thoughts made me call for my salts. Well done, Wade... well done.
3rd read: 10-30-18: There are just certain stories that keep pulling you back to read again. 4th read: 7-2-19: Yeah, still good. 5th read: 12-15-19 heavy sigh 6th read: 7-4-21 so sue me 7th read: 11-28-22 I can feel you judging me 8th read: 1-5-24 I love this story
This is a short, 3 chapter, story set all within the disastrous proposal at Hunsford where Lizzy delivers a blistering set down that is mostly without prejudice but purely fact based. Mr Darcy is stunned and they all live HEA
We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men. ~Herman Melville
Here is another short story beginning with the Disastrous Hunsford Proposal.
This proposal is a little less disastrous because Elizabeth, while becoming angry, does not display her anger inappropriately. She is eventually able to explain her refusal to marry by pointing out the Circles that Darcy inhabits which lock him in communities where she chooses not to reside.
The story begins slowly – he insisting on her reasons for refusal; she resisting all explanations and asking rather that they just say goodbye. About 20% into the story, Elizabeth begins explaining her “circular” reasoning.
Each of us is a being in himself and a being in society, each of us needs to understand himself and understand others, take care of others and be taken care of himself. ~Haniel Clark Long
This short story takes a different turn during the Hunsford proposal as Elizabeth calms down and begins to question Darcy's actions. He in turn asks her for clarification of faults in his character in order to change. Well written and enjoyable...very short.
While emotions on both sides begin very high when Elizabeth refuses Mr. Darcy's marriage proposal, she quickly realizes that angering such a powerful man could have serious consequences for her and her family. She forces herself to calm, which does the same for Darcy, and they continue to speak.
She prevaricates when he asks her the specific reasons for disliking him, wishing to bring their conversation to a close on a civil note. He continues to press her for clear answers.
The result is that Elizabeth actually learns things about Mr. Darcy she never would have believed of him.
It's very well written, as this author's works always are, with believable characters who are consistent with Jane Austen's. The premise is plausible and well executed.
This short Pride and Prejudice scene is an amazing conversation between Elizabeth and Darcy at Hunsford. Their individual thoughts and feelings are stated in a way that summarizes the feelings of the entire Pride and Prejudice story. The emotional turmoil is incredible as they leave nothing behind.
Circles refers to Elizabeth's way of identifying commonality and it is very creative. I really enjoyed this writing.
Absolutely wonderfully perfect short story! Only three chapters, but perfect. Story is an alternative at Hunsford parsonage and well done. A definite must read.
I love this little piece of gem. It is actually one single scene, and yet so much happens in it that I think it is one of the best scenes I've ever read in a JAFF. It made me search for the Authors other works. And I found out that I already like some of his works. My only problem with this story is that it is too short, and I wanted more.
In this Pride and Prjudice short story can Elizabeth control her emotions to explain calmly her refusal. If so will this result in a better understanding between the two. Enjoyable story
A really good short story about the parish proposal.
Instead of Lizzy going out of control in anger, she explains, in VERY great detail why she will not marry Darcy. Of course a lot of the reasons are the ones covered in P&P.
But that’s just the beginning. She covers every fault you can think of. As an example he shows no honor stringing cousin Anne and Lady Catherine along when knows he won’t marry Anne. That’s just an example of the list.
It was a very entertaining story. I wish the author would self publish some her/his work.