What do you think?
Rate this book
Mr Darcy's Dryad
Mr Darcy’s Dryad
Not a simple re telling of Miss Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. But a reimagining of events. This tale begins the morning after Mr Darcys shocking faux pas at the Meryton assembly. When Lizzy meets the abominable gentleman on Oakham mount, she immediately berates him for his ungentlemanlike behaviour. His apology and explanation lead to a better understanding. His beloved cousin and best friend Colonel Fitzwilliam has disappeared from the army before the great battle at Waterloo. His uncle the Duke of Matlock is trying to investigate, but information from the continent is slow due to adverse weather in the channel. The Colonel returns from France some months later with a charming French bride. Both in poor health. Mr Wickham and Miss Bingley create mayhem, and Mr Collins causes his own confusion. Lady Catherine is outwitted by Mrs Fitzwilliam, and finally true love runs smoothly, if only Mrs Bennet would remain at Longbourn! This is a happy tale with very little angst.
Miss Austen often did not give her subsidiary characters first names. Colonel Fitzwilliam is one such, as he is perhaps my favourite Austen character, in several screen productions he is named Richard and as I like the name he is always Richard in my retelling. Miss Austen made his parents an Earl and his Countess. I bumped them up the aristocratic ladder and made them a Duke and his Duchess just because I could.
Mr Darcy’s Dryad contains some mild sexual scenes between happily married couples, and may be better suited to readers over the age of eighteen
Not a simple re telling of Miss Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. But a reimagining of events. This tale begins the morning after Mr Darcys shocking faux pas at the Meryton assembly. When Lizzy meets the abominable gentleman on Oakham mount, she immediately berates him for his ungentlemanlike behaviour. His apology and explanation lead to a better understanding. His beloved cousin and best friend Colonel Fitzwilliam has disappeared from the army before the great battle at Waterloo. His uncle the Duke of Matlock is trying to investigate, but information from the continent is slow due to adverse weather in the channel. The Colonel returns from France some months later with a charming French bride. Both in poor health. Mr Wickham and Miss Bingley create mayhem, and Mr Collins causes his own confusion. Lady Catherine is outwitted by Mrs Fitzwilliam, and finally true love runs smoothly, if only Mrs Bennet would remain at Longbourn! This is a happy tale with very little angst.
Miss Austen often did not give her subsidiary characters first names. Colonel Fitzwilliam is one such, as he is perhaps my favourite Austen character, in several screen productions he is named Richard and as I like the name he is always Richard in my retelling. Miss Austen made his parents an Earl and his Countess. I bumped them up the aristocratic ladder and made them a Duke and his Duchess just because I could.
Mr Darcy’s Dryad contains some mild sexual scenes between happily married couples, and may be better suited to readers over the age of eighteen
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2017
30 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Barton
7 books26 followersStacy Barton is the award-winning author of the novella and stories, Lily Harp (WordFarm 2015; an INDIEFAB Book of the Year), the poetry chapbook Like Summer Grass (Finishing Line Press 2014), the short story collection Surviving Nashville (WordFarm 07), the picture book Babba and I (Kregel 04). Her stories and poems have appeared in a variety of literary journals including Gargoyle, Best of Potomac Review, Real South, Ruminate, and Southern Women’s Review. In addition to poetry and short fiction, Stacy is the author of three picture books, two one-act plays, three animated short films and a children’s television show. Many of her live show scripts have been produced by entertainment companies like Disney, Sea World, Ringling Bros., and others. Please visit her at www.stacybarton.com or @stacybarton on twitter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 29, 2018
In reading this book I was immediately struck by the non-existent editing. Even a good spell check program would have vastly improved this writing. Run-on sentences (2 and even 3 together), misspellings, almost a complete lack of proper punctuation, etc. made this tedious for me. I had made notes of some errors but finally gave that chore up. But I also found myself stopping to play games on my computer or to do a chore as this story was not holding my attention. I do like to finish what I start in terms of books but this was not only tedious but also long: over 75 chapters.
There is little angst and some of that is even events we have read of in other variations, i.e., Collins relating to Elizabeth that Darcy is engaged to Anne. Caroline and Wickham (who is using an alias) plot an evil deed which when it is thwarted causes Caroline to be foaming at the mouth.
The Colonel finds love while on the continent during war time and his Thea is delightful. A good portion of the tale is about their relationship and fortunes. Thea has a lot of innate common sense, as well as a deep passion for her man. That was pleasant to read about. Jane's and Bingley's story is not much changed. However, Mrs. Bennet takes a sadistic pleasure in blaming Lizzy for any decision made in the family which goes against her opinions or desires. Thea is a help here.
We read through not only many twists in family inheritances and fortunes but also through the labor and delivery for three women...and learn of their later family histories in an epilogue of sorts.
I wish I could recommend this book, but I have to be honest. The great need for an editor, alone gave me a negative opinion. There are a few MA scenes with graphic details.
There is little angst and some of that is even events we have read of in other variations, i.e., Collins relating to Elizabeth that Darcy is engaged to Anne. Caroline and Wickham (who is using an alias) plot an evil deed which when it is thwarted causes Caroline to be foaming at the mouth.
The Colonel finds love while on the continent during war time and his Thea is delightful. A good portion of the tale is about their relationship and fortunes. Thea has a lot of innate common sense, as well as a deep passion for her man. That was pleasant to read about. Jane's and Bingley's story is not much changed. However, Mrs. Bennet takes a sadistic pleasure in blaming Lizzy for any decision made in the family which goes against her opinions or desires. Thea is a help here.
We read through not only many twists in family inheritances and fortunes but also through the labor and delivery for three women...and learn of their later family histories in an epilogue of sorts.
I wish I could recommend this book, but I have to be honest. The great need for an editor, alone gave me a negative opinion. There are a few MA scenes with graphic details.
December 6, 2017
Editing: Non-existent
Punctuation: Little to none and what is included is misplaced.
But it you can read to the end, you'll find the story is ordinary.
Punctuation: Little to none and what is included is misplaced.
But it you can read to the end, you'll find the story is ordinary.
November 3, 2022
interesting
A rather interesting and mostly angst free variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Stacy Barton.
A rather interesting and mostly angst free variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Stacy Barton.
December 20, 2017
I couldn't read this
I didn't get past the first chapter. I almost didn't get past this paragraph: "Once out into the open pasture land girl and dog started to run. He was so tall so handsome with a taunt firm backside, broad where a man should be broad, oh those wonderful wide shoulders and lean where a man should be lean with no need of corsetry to trim his torso or padding to accentuate his well-muscled rider’s thighs. But so arrogant so above his company, his hair was so dark and so curly, his backside in those breeches so taunt and so firm, so dismissive of her. Not handsome enough to tempt him, abominable man! But he did have that taunt firm backside and those wonderful long lean horseman’s legs. He only chose to dance with his friend’s sisters, even though many ladies were in want of partners, what an insufferable man. His coat stretched over his wide impressive shoulders was impeccable and such a becoming shade of blue, the swallow tails covering that taunt firm backside!"
How many times is the word "taunt" used? And yes, she meant "taut". Not to mention the pronoun confusion of that first "he". I thought Elizabeth was lusting after her dog.
There are also numerous issues with missing commas and run-on sentences. And as I said I didn't finish the first chapter. Just skip this really.
I didn't get past the first chapter. I almost didn't get past this paragraph: "Once out into the open pasture land girl and dog started to run. He was so tall so handsome with a taunt firm backside, broad where a man should be broad, oh those wonderful wide shoulders and lean where a man should be lean with no need of corsetry to trim his torso or padding to accentuate his well-muscled rider’s thighs. But so arrogant so above his company, his hair was so dark and so curly, his backside in those breeches so taunt and so firm, so dismissive of her. Not handsome enough to tempt him, abominable man! But he did have that taunt firm backside and those wonderful long lean horseman’s legs. He only chose to dance with his friend’s sisters, even though many ladies were in want of partners, what an insufferable man. His coat stretched over his wide impressive shoulders was impeccable and such a becoming shade of blue, the swallow tails covering that taunt firm backside!"
How many times is the word "taunt" used? And yes, she meant "taut". Not to mention the pronoun confusion of that first "he". I thought Elizabeth was lusting after her dog.
There are also numerous issues with missing commas and run-on sentences. And as I said I didn't finish the first chapter. Just skip this really.
Read
January 7, 2018I loved this story. It may have had some grammatical problems but it was very sweet and entertaining.
December 16, 2017
Loved it!
I'm sorry to have to give this only 4 stars but the editing was poorly done. Other than that, I really enjoyed this story, especially the very ending. I actually had tears. I enjoyed the concept of Bingley, Colonel Fritzwilliam and Darcy being best friends for years! And to read about the Colonel coming home with a French bride! This variation was very good and thank you, Stacy Barton, for the entertainment!
I'm sorry to have to give this only 4 stars but the editing was poorly done. Other than that, I really enjoyed this story, especially the very ending. I actually had tears. I enjoyed the concept of Bingley, Colonel Fritzwilliam and Darcy being best friends for years! And to read about the Colonel coming home with a French bride! This variation was very good and thank you, Stacy Barton, for the entertainment!
June 3, 2020
Love the story
The e star rating is not for the story, which I loved, but for prevalent issues with grammar and punctuation throughout. BUT, I could still read it, and have several times since i originally purchased it. What i want to say, though, is that of all the JAFF novels I have read that follow the Darcys throughout their long lives, this will s one of only two that have such a truly lovely ending for our couple in the twilight of their lives. Well done.
The e star rating is not for the story, which I loved, but for prevalent issues with grammar and punctuation throughout. BUT, I could still read it, and have several times since i originally purchased it. What i want to say, though, is that of all the JAFF novels I have read that follow the Darcys throughout their long lives, this will s one of only two that have such a truly lovely ending for our couple in the twilight of their lives. Well done.
February 24, 2018
Commas
Great storyline. If you can read it. Punctuation is inconsistent and most places nonexisting. Quotation marks where they shouldn’t be, and some at the beginning of a statement, but not at the end. Spelling was also a problem, and there were other things that were difficult to get through. Such a shame, because the storyline was really very good. The end was a little much.
Great storyline. If you can read it. Punctuation is inconsistent and most places nonexisting. Quotation marks where they shouldn’t be, and some at the beginning of a statement, but not at the end. Spelling was also a problem, and there were other things that were difficult to get through. Such a shame, because the storyline was really very good. The end was a little much.
September 27, 2021
A tricky book to rate
This was a tricky book to rate. I liked the story quite a bit, especially the characters of Colonel Fitzwilliam and his bride. But the book desperately needs a copy editor. Some of the sections are basically without punctuation and are incredibly difficult to decipher.
This was a tricky book to rate. I liked the story quite a bit, especially the characters of Colonel Fitzwilliam and his bride. But the book desperately needs a copy editor. Some of the sections are basically without punctuation and are incredibly difficult to decipher.
December 15, 2017
Same Old
The plots in this were the same as lots of the others. The grammar and punctuation in this book were appalling, making it very hard to read. There were few paragraphs and even fewer commas. She also didn't use the English of the day.
The plots in this were the same as lots of the others. The grammar and punctuation in this book were appalling, making it very hard to read. There were few paragraphs and even fewer commas. She also didn't use the English of the day.
January 8, 2018
Focus
Mixture of focus. I really like stories that primarily the center of focus are our beloved couple- Lizzy & Darcy. Thus one has a lot about the Col & Thea. I Like the ending however
Mixture of focus. I really like stories that primarily the center of focus are our beloved couple- Lizzy & Darcy. Thus one has a lot about the Col & Thea. I Like the ending however
January 24, 2018
Needs Editing
After reading several chapters of this book, I stopped. The book needs editing. Sentences are often incomplete and in need of punctuation.
After reading several chapters of this book, I stopped. The book needs editing. Sentences are often incomplete and in need of punctuation.
February 2, 2018
Great plot and charcterizations were very good. I would have given this a 5 star, but could not, due to the many editorial errors and ommisions: it was often difficult to read. Punctuation was the biggest problem I found. I had to reread many passages out loud in order to understand the sentence.
Beyond that, I only wanted the book to last longer!!
Beyond that, I only wanted the book to last longer!!
June 22, 2020
Interesting and enjoyable read
I enjoyed reading this book. I found a different Elizabeth than who I usually read about. In this story Elizabeth was shown that despite how strong she shows herself, she still has a side that can come through with needing of approval. Darcy was extremely rewarding with showing a softer side. Loved the new character, Lady Thea Fitzwilliam! This author brilliantly wrote in a strong, independent, and yes French beauty. I enjoyed how the author used most of her characters to help other characters within the storyline. I truly loved the "new" Lydia in this story. There was a few who just were worse than the original. Great read and highly recommended to a more mature audience. Some sexual content within.
I enjoyed reading this book. I found a different Elizabeth than who I usually read about. In this story Elizabeth was shown that despite how strong she shows herself, she still has a side that can come through with needing of approval. Darcy was extremely rewarding with showing a softer side. Loved the new character, Lady Thea Fitzwilliam! This author brilliantly wrote in a strong, independent, and yes French beauty. I enjoyed how the author used most of her characters to help other characters within the storyline. I truly loved the "new" Lydia in this story. There was a few who just were worse than the original. Great read and highly recommended to a more mature audience. Some sexual content within.
January 23, 2018
Romantic and passionate read. I have deducted a star because it occasionally dragged a bit.
Meeting at Oakham mount the day after the assembly, Elizabeth berates Darcy for the insult at the assembly. Receiving an apology and some flattering remarks resets her opinion of him. Several encounters on the before mentioned hill, gives ODC better understanding of each other.
The colonel finally returns from the war, bringing back his new wife. Both of them eager to push Darcy towards the love of his life, others are in the meantime plotting against him.
They marry and so does Bingley and Jane.
The rest of the book contains Elizabeth's entrance into society, the birth of their, the Bingley's and the Fitzwilliam's children. The death of the elders in the story and ODC in the epilogue.
Mrs Bennet is particularly mean and obtuse in this story.
Meeting at Oakham mount the day after the assembly, Elizabeth berates Darcy for the insult at the assembly. Receiving an apology and some flattering remarks resets her opinion of him. Several encounters on the before mentioned hill, gives ODC better understanding of each other.
The colonel finally returns from the war, bringing back his new wife. Both of them eager to push Darcy towards the love of his life, others are in the meantime plotting against him.
They marry and so does Bingley and Jane.
The rest of the book contains Elizabeth's entrance into society, the birth of their, the Bingley's and the Fitzwilliam's children. The death of the elders in the story and ODC in the epilogue.
Mrs Bennet is particularly mean and obtuse in this story.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews