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The Darcys’ Christmas Series #1
Darcy and Elizabeth: Christmas 1811: Pride and Prejudice behind the scenes
Sweet, Austen-inspired treats, perfect with a cup of tea. Full of hope and ripe with possibility, Christmastide tales refresh the heart with optimism and anticipation.
Darcy and Elizabeth: Christmas 1811
Jane Austen never wrote the details of Christmastide 1811. What might have happened during those intriguing months? Following the Netherfield ball, Darcy persuades Bingley to leave Netherfield Park in favor of London to avoid the match-making machinations of Mrs. Bennet. Surely, the distractions of town will help Bingley forget the attractions of Miss Jane Bennet. But Bingley is not the only one who needs to forget. All Darcy wants this Christmastide is to forget another Miss Bennet. Can the diversions of London help Darcy overcome memories of the fine eyes and pert opinions of a certain Hertfordshire miss? Without the Bingleys, the Bennets are left to the company of Mr. Collins and the militia officers-entirely suitable company, according to Mrs. Bennet. Elizabeth disagrees, refusing an offer of marriage from the very eligible Mr. Collins. Mama's nerves suffer horridly until Elizabeth follows her advice to make the most of the officers' company. Even Mr. Bennet seems to agree. So, whilst Jane pines for Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth admits the attentions of one agreeable Lt. Wickham. What possible harm can it cause, especially when her parents are so pleased?
210 pages, Paperback
Published November 29, 2017
89 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Maria Grace
100 books321 followersSix time BRAG Medallion Honoree, #1 Best-selling Historical Fantasy author Maria Grace has her PhD in Educational Psychology and is a 16-year veteran of the university classroom where she taught courses in human growth and development, learning, test development and counseling. None of which have anything to do with her undergraduate studies in economics/sociology/managerial studies/behavior sciences. She pretends to be a mild-mannered writer/cat-lady, but most of her vacations require helmets and waivers or historical costumes, usually not at the same time.
She stumbled into Jane Austen fan-dom in the mid '90s with Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility film, having somehow graduated HS without ever having read Austen. It was only a short leap then to consume all of Austen's works, in all their various media forms. In the hopes of discovering more works by Austen, she stumbled into the fan fiction forums, which naturally led to asking 'What if...' herself. Twenty nine books later, she still asks that question.
She writes gaslamp fantasy, historical romance and non-fiction to help justify her research addiction.
She stumbled into Jane Austen fan-dom in the mid '90s with Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility film, having somehow graduated HS without ever having read Austen. It was only a short leap then to consume all of Austen's works, in all their various media forms. In the hopes of discovering more works by Austen, she stumbled into the fan fiction forums, which naturally led to asking 'What if...' herself. Twenty nine books later, she still asks that question.
She writes gaslamp fantasy, historical romance and non-fiction to help justify her research addiction.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 22, 2019
We have the lives of Pride and Prejudice's Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy described here in parallel stories which never intersect. After all, this imagines events from the morning after the Netherfield ball through Christmas 1811 up to January 7, 1812, during which time Elizabeth is still at Longbourn and Darcy is in London. The chapters more or less alternate between the two and describe what they're experiencing.
Elizabeth has the whole uncomfortable situation with Mr. Collins, of course, and her mother's continued vehement disapproval when she refuses his marriage proposal. There's some expansion on the idea that Mary would have rejoiced if she had been able to garner Mr. Collins' attentions, and there's also plenty of evidence that Jane is brokenhearted at Mr. Bingley's abandonment.
Most of the Meryton part of the story, however, focuses on Elizabeth's relationship with Mr. Wickham. He clearly singles her out at local gatherings where both are present. Interestingly, she observes how easily he sidesteps complete truthfulness when it's convenient to do so. Mrs. Bennet encourages Elizabeth to secure him as a husband, and Mr. Bennet and Jane both approve of him, but Elizabeth is surprised when her Aunt Gardiner has a decidedly different opinion. We learn how engaged Elizabeth's feelings may or may not be and her response when Mr. Wickham turns his attentions from her to Mary King. Once the Bennets are ushering in the New Year with their family tradition, she gives up hope of a future with Mr. Wickham.
Darcy doesn't exactly have a Happy Christmas, either. No matter how he tries to push his thoughts about her aside, he's got Elizabeth Bennet on the brain. Meanwhile, Bingley is comically clueless about Caroline's desire to become Mrs. Darcy and pushes Darcy into two very uncomfortable social situations with his sister. Colonel Fitzwilliam and mother persuade him to attend a ball, as they coordinate what they believe is an appropriate Twelfth Night role for him and a partner who will be agreeable because she is already betrothed to another. Nothing diminishes Darcy's preoccupation with Elizabeth, and he comes to an important resolution by the time the book ends.
As always with Ms. Grace's books, the writing is excellent and the characters are consistent with Jane Austen's. I love the Regency Christmas rituals that are integrated into the story too, as we learn about the charms and their symbolism found within the flaming plum pudding, preparations in anticipation of the "first footer," and what’s involved in a Twelfth Night celebration. While the story itself isn’t romantic-- come on… what do you expect when Darcy and Elizabeth are separated for the entire book??-- love and attraction are certainly in the thoughts of both as they envision their respective futures.
Sometimes I feel unsatisfied with “behind the scenes” stories because it’s hard to fill in these missing pieces and still give them the structure a novel or novella requires: a turning point and a significant change in attitude or circumstance. Happily, this one does a believable job of providing that for each of these parallel stories.
Elizabeth has the whole uncomfortable situation with Mr. Collins, of course, and her mother's continued vehement disapproval when she refuses his marriage proposal. There's some expansion on the idea that Mary would have rejoiced if she had been able to garner Mr. Collins' attentions, and there's also plenty of evidence that Jane is brokenhearted at Mr. Bingley's abandonment.
Most of the Meryton part of the story, however, focuses on Elizabeth's relationship with Mr. Wickham. He clearly singles her out at local gatherings where both are present. Interestingly, she observes how easily he sidesteps complete truthfulness when it's convenient to do so. Mrs. Bennet encourages Elizabeth to secure him as a husband, and Mr. Bennet and Jane both approve of him, but Elizabeth is surprised when her Aunt Gardiner has a decidedly different opinion. We learn how engaged Elizabeth's feelings may or may not be and her response when Mr. Wickham turns his attentions from her to Mary King. Once the Bennets are ushering in the New Year with their family tradition, she gives up hope of a future with Mr. Wickham.
Darcy doesn't exactly have a Happy Christmas, either. No matter how he tries to push his thoughts about her aside, he's got Elizabeth Bennet on the brain. Meanwhile, Bingley is comically clueless about Caroline's desire to become Mrs. Darcy and pushes Darcy into two very uncomfortable social situations with his sister. Colonel Fitzwilliam and mother persuade him to attend a ball, as they coordinate what they believe is an appropriate Twelfth Night role for him and a partner who will be agreeable because she is already betrothed to another. Nothing diminishes Darcy's preoccupation with Elizabeth, and he comes to an important resolution by the time the book ends.
As always with Ms. Grace's books, the writing is excellent and the characters are consistent with Jane Austen's. I love the Regency Christmas rituals that are integrated into the story too, as we learn about the charms and their symbolism found within the flaming plum pudding, preparations in anticipation of the "first footer," and what’s involved in a Twelfth Night celebration. While the story itself isn’t romantic-- come on… what do you expect when Darcy and Elizabeth are separated for the entire book??-- love and attraction are certainly in the thoughts of both as they envision their respective futures.
Sometimes I feel unsatisfied with “behind the scenes” stories because it’s hard to fill in these missing pieces and still give them the structure a novel or novella requires: a turning point and a significant change in attitude or circumstance. Happily, this one does a believable job of providing that for each of these parallel stories.
December 21, 2017
A wonderful behind the scenes story of the Christmas that Darcy and Bingley spend in London and away from Elizabeth and Jane. If you like Scenes that Jane Austen Never Wrote then you will definitely love this. There’s a lot of interesting information about traditions of the time, too, that I really enjoyed.
July 23, 2019
This book is another one of those scenes that Jane Austen did not write but might have. It does not cover a long amount of time as the title informs us.
Darcy and the Bingleys leave Netherfield after the ball and we read of their sojourn in London up to the day after Darcy attends his Aunt Matlock's Twelfth Night Ball. We also read much about Elizabeth both turning down Mr. Collins and then her friendship with Mr. Wickham up to just after Mary King inherits her 10,000 pounds and Wickham's attentions are turned her way.
Darcy is fighting his attraction to Elizabeth but at every turn she continues to show up in his thoughts. He even finds himself tracking a boy from her Uncle Gardiner's place of business to that man's house in an attempt to determine if Elizabeth accompanied Jane to London.
Elizabeth is under constant scolding from her mother due to turning down Mr. Collins' proposal but then both mother and father approve of Mr. Wickham and encourage his frequent visits. However, Aunt Gardiner warns Elizabeth to take care (as in canon) as any young couple must need something to live on.
This story does not have ODC coming together but is simply a look behind the scenes as it says in the title. I did enjoy reading it. The author does give us a look at all the traditions of the season in 1811/1812. Most interesting was Mr. Bennet's keeping of the tradition for New Year's Eve.
Darcy and the Bingleys leave Netherfield after the ball and we read of their sojourn in London up to the day after Darcy attends his Aunt Matlock's Twelfth Night Ball. We also read much about Elizabeth both turning down Mr. Collins and then her friendship with Mr. Wickham up to just after Mary King inherits her 10,000 pounds and Wickham's attentions are turned her way.
Darcy is fighting his attraction to Elizabeth but at every turn she continues to show up in his thoughts. He even finds himself tracking a boy from her Uncle Gardiner's place of business to that man's house in an attempt to determine if Elizabeth accompanied Jane to London.
Elizabeth is under constant scolding from her mother due to turning down Mr. Collins' proposal but then both mother and father approve of Mr. Wickham and encourage his frequent visits. However, Aunt Gardiner warns Elizabeth to take care (as in canon) as any young couple must need something to live on.
This story does not have ODC coming together but is simply a look behind the scenes as it says in the title. I did enjoy reading it. The author does give us a look at all the traditions of the season in 1811/1812. Most interesting was Mr. Bennet's keeping of the tradition for New Year's Eve.
December 27, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed being inside the heads of Darcy and Elizabeth after the Netherfield Ball and when Darcy agrees to persuade Bingley, to remain in London.
Darcy struggles with his feelings for Elizabeth and with his social awkwardness. As Christmastide approaches, he reminisces about the traditions and customs that his mother ingrained in him as he helps his housekeeper continue them. All the while seeing Elizabeth in this role.
Then there is Elizabeth dealing with the obsequious attentions of Mr. Collins and the strident yammerings of her mother. When she refuses Mr. Collins proposal, the militia become an even bigger part of the Bennet household...especially the charming Mr. Wickham, who has singled out Elizabeth.
All does not run smoothly for either Darcy or Elizabeth. Though they never come together in this Christmas novella, we get to imagine what might have been happening during this separation.
Darcy struggles with his feelings for Elizabeth and with his social awkwardness. As Christmastide approaches, he reminisces about the traditions and customs that his mother ingrained in him as he helps his housekeeper continue them. All the while seeing Elizabeth in this role.
Then there is Elizabeth dealing with the obsequious attentions of Mr. Collins and the strident yammerings of her mother. When she refuses Mr. Collins proposal, the militia become an even bigger part of the Bennet household...especially the charming Mr. Wickham, who has singled out Elizabeth.
All does not run smoothly for either Darcy or Elizabeth. Though they never come together in this Christmas novella, we get to imagine what might have been happening during this separation.
December 2, 2017
Darcy and Elizabeth: Christmas 1811: A Pride and Prejudice behind the scenes
Loved that Maria presented her readers with a very tortured Fitzwilliam Darcy. With his misplaced pride that enabled him to demean those socially beneath him, he deserved to have his mind flooded with his memories of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. His performance at the Twelfth Night Ball only went to prove that the Bennets were not the only family whose manners were lacking. His inability to refuse Bingley's many requests for his company with Caroline present only added to the weakness this Darcy seemed to project. The other characters were true to Austen's original characterizations: weak willed Charles Bingley, whiny, conniving Caroline Bingley, smooth talking George Wickham, slimy William Collins, and last but not least the very prejudicial Elizabeth Bennet. Enjoyable story.
Loved that Maria presented her readers with a very tortured Fitzwilliam Darcy. With his misplaced pride that enabled him to demean those socially beneath him, he deserved to have his mind flooded with his memories of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. His performance at the Twelfth Night Ball only went to prove that the Bennets were not the only family whose manners were lacking. His inability to refuse Bingley's many requests for his company with Caroline present only added to the weakness this Darcy seemed to project. The other characters were true to Austen's original characterizations: weak willed Charles Bingley, whiny, conniving Caroline Bingley, smooth talking George Wickham, slimy William Collins, and last but not least the very prejudicial Elizabeth Bennet. Enjoyable story.
June 13, 2025
A Fine Regency Tale
In Pride and Prejudice, Austen's narrative drops several blocks of time-most likely to hurry the story along. This novella offers possible events on what happened when Bingley and his houseguests leave Meryton and go back to London, with Darcy's point of view on Miss Elizabeth Bennett growing warmer to the point of distraction.
In truth, Maria Grace's accounting reads as if it could have been written in Austen's own hand, as finely as it is penned.
I heartily recommend this story, but was secretly disappointed there are no dragons lurking in the background, Ms . Grace blends them in so well!
In Pride and Prejudice, Austen's narrative drops several blocks of time-most likely to hurry the story along. This novella offers possible events on what happened when Bingley and his houseguests leave Meryton and go back to London, with Darcy's point of view on Miss Elizabeth Bennett growing warmer to the point of distraction.
In truth, Maria Grace's accounting reads as if it could have been written in Austen's own hand, as finely as it is penned.
I heartily recommend this story, but was secretly disappointed there are no dragons lurking in the background, Ms . Grace blends them in so well!
March 17, 2024
Christmas during P&P with all its challenges
A very challenging part of P&P to dive into. Limited time, limited options on where to take the characters and yet incredibly well done.
Darcy struggles on in London to forget the fine eyes of Elizabeth.
Elizabeth struggles to deal with accepting just how awful her family are and whether or not Wickham is a potential husband for her.
Well written as with all of Maria Grace’s books. Very well researched. Beautiful scene descriptions.
A very challenging part of P&P to dive into. Limited time, limited options on where to take the characters and yet incredibly well done.
Darcy struggles on in London to forget the fine eyes of Elizabeth.
Elizabeth struggles to deal with accepting just how awful her family are and whether or not Wickham is a potential husband for her.
Well written as with all of Maria Grace’s books. Very well researched. Beautiful scene descriptions.
May 14, 2022
I wish I hadn’t read this.
I was curious about what this story would be, set right in the middle of JA’s story. Now I wish I hadn’t. I cannot imagine Darcy celebrating Christmas anywhere else than with Georgiana. Lizzy’s preoccupation with Wickham is contrived and stilted. Not a fun read at all; not even intriguing.
I was curious about what this story would be, set right in the middle of JA’s story. Now I wish I hadn’t. I cannot imagine Darcy celebrating Christmas anywhere else than with Georgiana. Lizzy’s preoccupation with Wickham is contrived and stilted. Not a fun read at all; not even intriguing.
January 7, 2022
Not really sure what to make of this book. I haven't read a p&p variation in which lizzy and Darcy have no interactions, they each are living their own lives without any contact. Also there is no ending. the month just ends
February 27, 2024
This story felt unfinished...a story without a middle or an ending.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews