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So Gradually: A Pride & Prejudice Tale
A Pride & Prejudice Novelette.A much better summer for Darcy prevents the worst of the misunderstandings in Hertfordshire. This results in a fast, strong friendship between Elizabeth and Darcy. While in Kent, Darcy abruptly discovers that despite, considering Elizabeth only a friend, she has fallen in love with him.
78 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 19, 2018
This variation has Elizabeth in love with Darcy while he calls her a dear friend. Everyone else can see it is more for Darcy: the colonel, Jane, Anne, Bingley, etc. So while at Rosings and Elizabeth doesn't show up for dinner due to feeling ill he goes and finds her crying and it dawns on him as she looks at him that she loves him. She refuses to think of marrying if he only sees her as a friend and thus he sets out on a course, with the help of his friends and relations, to fall in love.
December 25, 2015
What a lovely no-angst E&D HEA story!!!
This story is such a cute and easy read!!! We start in Hunsford with Elizabeth and Mr Darcy as the 'best of friends'. Mr Darcy did not have the troublesome summer prior (like in canon), therefore doesn't make the stupid remark. Instead Elizabeth and Mr Darcy are able to recognize their similarities and become fast friends.
Though Elizabeth is hiding a secret, or she believes she is, until she is confronted by Colonel Fitzwilliam while on a walk. At the dinner at Rosings when Elizabeth stays behind claiming to be unwell, Mr Darcy finally gets a clue.
The rest of this book continues on a path that Mr Darcy has set out on to make things right. Let me just say that I love this Mr Darcy!!!! He is the same as ever, yet different because of changed circumstances. He is not so prideful or arrogant, but just a little blind. And I absolutely LOVE this Elizabeth!!! She is still feisty, witty, and accepting, but because her pride wasn't attacked she wasn't prejudiced!!!
Of the other characters, I adored Colonel Fitzwilliam, Lady Matlock, and surprisingly Lydia grew on me. I love how each was a helpful hand at some form or fashion to the end result. The only stick-in-the-mud was Miss Bingley of course, but nothing to dire was accomplished by her.
This is a well written book, a very easy read, and no-angst to fret over which made it a great read on Christmas Eve!!! This is definitely a keeper for me, one to re-read when I'm feeling down. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to all JAFFers!!!!
This story is such a cute and easy read!!! We start in Hunsford with Elizabeth and Mr Darcy as the 'best of friends'. Mr Darcy did not have the troublesome summer prior (like in canon), therefore doesn't make the stupid remark. Instead Elizabeth and Mr Darcy are able to recognize their similarities and become fast friends.
Though Elizabeth is hiding a secret, or she believes she is, until she is confronted by Colonel Fitzwilliam while on a walk. At the dinner at Rosings when Elizabeth stays behind claiming to be unwell, Mr Darcy finally gets a clue.
The rest of this book continues on a path that Mr Darcy has set out on to make things right. Let me just say that I love this Mr Darcy!!!! He is the same as ever, yet different because of changed circumstances. He is not so prideful or arrogant, but just a little blind. And I absolutely LOVE this Elizabeth!!! She is still feisty, witty, and accepting, but because her pride wasn't attacked she wasn't prejudiced!!!
Of the other characters, I adored Colonel Fitzwilliam, Lady Matlock, and surprisingly Lydia grew on me. I love how each was a helpful hand at some form or fashion to the end result. The only stick-in-the-mud was Miss Bingley of course, but nothing to dire was accomplished by her.
This is a well written book, a very easy read, and no-angst to fret over which made it a great read on Christmas Eve!!! This is definitely a keeper for me, one to re-read when I'm feeling down. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to all JAFFers!!!!
January 9, 2016
Sweet story,ideal if you're looking for a brief snapshot into ODC's lives...
July 29, 2022
Kind of cute. Overall, just okay.
March 11, 2024
Adorably short and sweet.
I’m sure I have never read quite the premise as this very short story has. Darcy considers Elizabeth a very good friend while Elizabeth has already fallen deeply in love him. The rest of the world seems to know that Darcy is in fact in love with Elizabeth and conspires to get them together. It’s a very cute feel-good snippet I have a feeling will leave a smile long after putting it down.
I’m sure I have never read quite the premise as this very short story has. Darcy considers Elizabeth a very good friend while Elizabeth has already fallen deeply in love him. The rest of the world seems to know that Darcy is in fact in love with Elizabeth and conspires to get them together. It’s a very cute feel-good snippet I have a feeling will leave a smile long after putting it down.
September 8, 2016
Complacent in love: 3.5 stars
Commercials on TV constantly advise us against becoming nose-blind to those scents around us that are offensive to others. This little novella is proposing that a man [Darcy] can become emotionally blind, or insensitive, to his feelings, by becoming complacent in his dealings with the object of his affection [Elizabeth].
This was a short read [at 67 pages], and action was handled quickly and precisely. We move from one scene to another at a rapid pace and that in itself was a distraction. The story was divided into four sections: Friendship, A Ball, A Hope, and A Garden.
This was clean, no language, no severe angst other than on Elizabeth’s side and guilt on Darcy’s. This variation [meaning it was not canon], flipped the love interest in that it was Elizabeth that was in love with Darcy and he was completely unaware or blind to her feelings. We then follow her through the story as she deals with the angst of unrequited love. It’s one thing to follow Darcy’s struggles in canon; however, it’s another to follow Elizabeth being in love with Darcy. It was embarrassing and humiliating as she watched his stunned expression when he realized for the first time that she was in love with him. Oh, I wanted to shake him.
In the minor characters’ category, I really liked Lydia in this variation. She was the Lydia that I have always wanted to see and read about. She had the basic building block to becoming quite a character, and I don’t mean that in a bad way. She was most excellent and I would love a story about her and her adventures as she matured and grew into becoming all she could be. Our author really made a statement with the Bennet sisters in this work. Wow!!! I was really impressed. They actually had sense and brains. Each sister was given a moment in the spotlight and her strengths were allowed to shine. This was really poignant and I liked them. Oh…poor Caroline Bingley did not stand a chance when the Bennet sisters were working together in order to distract her from Darcy. This was so funny as she had no idea she was being manipulated by the best manipulator known to Austenesque.
I have always loved Colonel Fitzwilliam and I sort of felt for him. I couldn’t tell if he was goading Darcy or if he was speaking from his heart when he said if Darcy didn’t want Elizabeth, he’d attempt to win her. Man, that hurt. I really wanted someone for him and there wasn’t an epilogue for him. Drat!!!
Problems: edit, edit, edit, and use of modern phrases. I know cookies have been around forever, but not when reading Regency works. We usually hear the term biscuit or scone before we hear cookie. Phrases that sounded a bit too modern were: foot-in-mouth disease, and [at 49%] swore up one side and down the other. Other than that, it was a cute read. I liked it.
Commercials on TV constantly advise us against becoming nose-blind to those scents around us that are offensive to others. This little novella is proposing that a man [Darcy] can become emotionally blind, or insensitive, to his feelings, by becoming complacent in his dealings with the object of his affection [Elizabeth].
This was a short read [at 67 pages], and action was handled quickly and precisely. We move from one scene to another at a rapid pace and that in itself was a distraction. The story was divided into four sections: Friendship, A Ball, A Hope, and A Garden.
This was clean, no language, no severe angst other than on Elizabeth’s side and guilt on Darcy’s. This variation [meaning it was not canon], flipped the love interest in that it was Elizabeth that was in love with Darcy and he was completely unaware or blind to her feelings. We then follow her through the story as she deals with the angst of unrequited love. It’s one thing to follow Darcy’s struggles in canon; however, it’s another to follow Elizabeth being in love with Darcy. It was embarrassing and humiliating as she watched his stunned expression when he realized for the first time that she was in love with him. Oh, I wanted to shake him.
In the minor characters’ category, I really liked Lydia in this variation. She was the Lydia that I have always wanted to see and read about. She had the basic building block to becoming quite a character, and I don’t mean that in a bad way. She was most excellent and I would love a story about her and her adventures as she matured and grew into becoming all she could be. Our author really made a statement with the Bennet sisters in this work. Wow!!! I was really impressed. They actually had sense and brains. Each sister was given a moment in the spotlight and her strengths were allowed to shine. This was really poignant and I liked them. Oh…poor Caroline Bingley did not stand a chance when the Bennet sisters were working together in order to distract her from Darcy. This was so funny as she had no idea she was being manipulated by the best manipulator known to Austenesque.
I have always loved Colonel Fitzwilliam and I sort of felt for him. I couldn’t tell if he was goading Darcy or if he was speaking from his heart when he said if Darcy didn’t want Elizabeth, he’d attempt to win her. Man, that hurt. I really wanted someone for him and there wasn’t an epilogue for him. Drat!!!
Problems: edit, edit, edit, and use of modern phrases. I know cookies have been around forever, but not when reading Regency works. We usually hear the term biscuit or scone before we hear cookie. Phrases that sounded a bit too modern were: foot-in-mouth disease, and [at 49%] swore up one side and down the other. Other than that, it was a cute read. I liked it.
December 29, 2015
Why do I read these short novellas?
This was a nice twist on P&P, but it was too short and could have been a more well-developed story line... Maybe someone else can take this premise... And run longer with it?
This was a nice twist on P&P, but it was too short and could have been a more well-developed story line... Maybe someone else can take this premise... And run longer with it?
April 14, 2016
Tedious
I'm sorry really could not get into this story. Read 87% of the book but the idea that Elizabeth is the one who is ardently in love with Darcy and pathetically so, just didn't sit right with me. Plus there was Hugh gaps in the story and I just kept getting frustrated. Needed to just stop the torture. Sorry others might like this story but it just wasn't for me.
I'm sorry really could not get into this story. Read 87% of the book but the idea that Elizabeth is the one who is ardently in love with Darcy and pathetically so, just didn't sit right with me. Plus there was Hugh gaps in the story and I just kept getting frustrated. Needed to just stop the torture. Sorry others might like this story but it just wasn't for me.
December 2, 2016
4.5 but such a clever ending, I bumped it up to 5 stars.
I like my P&P variations longer but this one is 5 star worthy. The premise seemed so off the mark but it made for a cute Darcy. A very clever twist with Lady Matlock and Mrs. Bennett left me smiling. Just a sweet visit with my favorite characters.
I like my P&P variations longer but this one is 5 star worthy. The premise seemed so off the mark but it made for a cute Darcy. A very clever twist with Lady Matlock and Mrs. Bennett left me smiling. Just a sweet visit with my favorite characters.
March 28, 2017
This book has a fascinating premise. Here, Elizabeth falls in love with Darcy first as they are friends. Thus, the premise is essentially flipped though Elizabeth cannot pursue Darcy. I enjoyed the pursuit of Elizabeth by Darcy once he realizes what he wants to do. Very sweet story. I also enjoyed what occurs with Lydia and Kitty.
April 5, 2019
Sweet story
The very best aspect of the story was the story itself. A fun, original plot presented simply and effectively.
I recommend this short story.
The very best aspect of the story was the story itself. A fun, original plot presented simply and effectively.
I recommend this short story.
February 26, 2018
Lovely,!
Different but engaging, I enjoyed this variation of my favorite book. This time around I loved all the Bennet sisters.
Different but engaging, I enjoyed this variation of my favorite book. This time around I loved all the Bennet sisters.
April 10, 2015
Good writing and good flow -- a lively and heartwarming tale.
I'm the first to admit that I couldn't read Jane Austen. I tried once, thirty years ago, and didn't make it past the first dozen pages.
This story is very little like I remember Austen. It's crisp, sparsely described and well-structured. People are warm and likable, the plot comprehensible, the action pleasing. It reads like a good short romance, and there are any number of period-specific elements (which I had to have explained to me :-) ). I don't know how well it hews to the Pride and Prejudice canon, but it's a good read. Recommended, at least, to fans of good short romantic work.
I'm the first to admit that I couldn't read Jane Austen. I tried once, thirty years ago, and didn't make it past the first dozen pages.
This story is very little like I remember Austen. It's crisp, sparsely described and well-structured. People are warm and likable, the plot comprehensible, the action pleasing. It reads like a good short romance, and there are any number of period-specific elements (which I had to have explained to me :-) ). I don't know how well it hews to the Pride and Prejudice canon, but it's a good read. Recommended, at least, to fans of good short romantic work.
December 18, 2020
What if Elizabeth’s love for Darcy was unrequited?
Reviewed in Canada on February 13, 2020
This book was recommended to me by a member of a JAFF group I belong to after I asked if there were any variations out there that basically asked that question. This delightful short story answered my call nicely. I could really see this storygiven more detail and further developed into a full novel. That was my only real disappointment. It was too short! Some proofreading errors, but the storyline and dialogue were very good.
Reviewed in Canada on February 13, 2020
This book was recommended to me by a member of a JAFF group I belong to after I asked if there were any variations out there that basically asked that question. This delightful short story answered my call nicely. I could really see this storygiven more detail and further developed into a full novel. That was my only real disappointment. It was too short! Some proofreading errors, but the storyline and dialogue were very good.
September 29, 2015
This is a sweet twist on P&P where Darcy denies his attraction for Lizzy while she loves him from first sight.
September 10, 2016
Cute 3.5 stars
It wasn't wonderful, but it was certainly very cute and enjoyable!! A fun cute read, though a little rushed. With KU, it is worth your time :)
It wasn't wonderful, but it was certainly very cute and enjoyable!! A fun cute read, though a little rushed. With KU, it is worth your time :)
January 19, 2024
This is a quick no-angst story in which Elizabeth falls in love first and when Darcy finds her upset at Hunsford it's because of her unrequited feelings. But of course he is in love with her too, he just doesn't know it yet. He sets out to set himself up to fall for her, so to speak. There's not much suspense or surprise as it's just a matter of asking her in a romantic spot, but it was a pleasantly written story and a plotline that felt fresh. No arguments, no Wickham, and even Lydia behaves, so everything goes pretty smoothly for ODC.
July 23, 2017
It's ok
It's ok. This variation - with Elizabeth realizing her feelings first were strong, doesn't feel right. It is also not convincing thst Darcy loved her thst much. Hd developed love but not as intense I feel like in ghe original version or like the one Elizabeth feels hefe in the story. May be strong like with pity.
It's ok. This variation - with Elizabeth realizing her feelings first were strong, doesn't feel right. It is also not convincing thst Darcy loved her thst much. Hd developed love but not as intense I feel like in ghe original version or like the one Elizabeth feels hefe in the story. May be strong like with pity.
April 1, 2024
In this Pride and prejudice variation, Elizabeth Bennet is visiting with the Collinses, when Darcy and the Colonel visit Rosings. Elizabeth, it is noticed to be is in love with Darcy while he only considers her a friend. Can he in the future fall in love with Elizabeth and havr their happy ending.
February 16, 2024
3&1/2 stars rounded up to 4
Short and sweet opposite canon read where she falls first.
Apparently this is one that I had before I started tracking books on Goodreads. I was surprised when I downloaded it and it was 99% complete.
Short and sweet opposite canon read where she falls first.
Apparently this is one that I had before I started tracking books on Goodreads. I was surprised when I downloaded it and it was 99% complete.
September 13, 2019
What a shame this author has not any or new material to offer the readers.
December 21, 2019
Lovely
An interesting variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. A rather lovely story that’s short and sweet
An interesting variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. A rather lovely story that’s short and sweet
May 10, 2020
Sweet and expressive
Sweeter side of Darcy and meetings is shown in this variation. Well written, great plot, and expressive story is written. Highly recommended to read
Sweeter side of Darcy and meetings is shown in this variation. Well written, great plot, and expressive story is written. Highly recommended to read
October 5, 2020
Sweet read
This was a quick read for me. But absolutely delightful. If you are just after some sweetness this is for you.
This was a quick read for me. But absolutely delightful. If you are just after some sweetness this is for you.
November 24, 2020
A lovely story too short but that's the way it came.
March 22, 2024
3.5-stars rounded up
August 9, 2015
So Gradually: A Pride and Prejudice Tale
A very enjoyable story. Elizabeth falls in love with Darcy when he arrives at Netherfield. He enjoys debating and discussing books, the war with France, everything under the sun. While at Netherfield, Jane and Bingley marry and Darcy comes for the wedding, Elizabeth is in love and Darcy sees a friend. Upon arriving in Kent, Darcy is
happy to reconnect with Elizabeth and mentions in the presence of Colonel Fitzwilliam, that he hoped that his Aunt, Lady Matlock, will introduce her to an appropriate suitor. No pride or prejudice this time, but Darcy was stricken with blindness. Both Anne de Bourgh and Colonel Fitzwilliam recognize that Elizabeth loves Darcy. When she doesn't show up at Rosings Darcy walks to the parsonage to find her crying. After talking to her it dawns on him what the problem is - him. Fitzwilliam sets him straight, but tells Darcy she would refuse his offer at this time, because he feels guilty that he made her sad. Plans to have Mrs. Bingley, Lady Matlock, Georgiana, help him prove that he does love her - just didn't realize it, or denied it. Not seeing her for a month until his aunt's ball, Darcy acted the jealous suitor; danced with her three times, glared at other men wanting to meet her, and followed her like a love sick puppy. Returning to Netherfield, he brings Georgiana. When Lydia and Kitty meet her, both girls decided that they wanted to be more like her, Lizzy, and Jane. When the Gardiners with Lizzy, the Bingleys, and Hursts travel to Pemberley, Kitty and Lydia travel with them. Darcy has arranged to have both girls learn from Mrs. Annesley while Mary learns from a pianoforte master. While at Pemberley, clueless Caroline doesn't realize that with all the Bennet daughters, excluding Mary, are at Pemberley for a reason. In the garden, under the rose arch, Darcy proposes to Elizabeth. She accepts and Darcy travels to Longbourn to obtain Mr. Bennet's permission and blessings. Lady Matlock easily confounds Mrs. Bennet with taking care of planning the wedding at Pemberley. Happy ending.
A very enjoyable story. Elizabeth falls in love with Darcy when he arrives at Netherfield. He enjoys debating and discussing books, the war with France, everything under the sun. While at Netherfield, Jane and Bingley marry and Darcy comes for the wedding, Elizabeth is in love and Darcy sees a friend. Upon arriving in Kent, Darcy is
happy to reconnect with Elizabeth and mentions in the presence of Colonel Fitzwilliam, that he hoped that his Aunt, Lady Matlock, will introduce her to an appropriate suitor. No pride or prejudice this time, but Darcy was stricken with blindness. Both Anne de Bourgh and Colonel Fitzwilliam recognize that Elizabeth loves Darcy. When she doesn't show up at Rosings Darcy walks to the parsonage to find her crying. After talking to her it dawns on him what the problem is - him. Fitzwilliam sets him straight, but tells Darcy she would refuse his offer at this time, because he feels guilty that he made her sad. Plans to have Mrs. Bingley, Lady Matlock, Georgiana, help him prove that he does love her - just didn't realize it, or denied it. Not seeing her for a month until his aunt's ball, Darcy acted the jealous suitor; danced with her three times, glared at other men wanting to meet her, and followed her like a love sick puppy. Returning to Netherfield, he brings Georgiana. When Lydia and Kitty meet her, both girls decided that they wanted to be more like her, Lizzy, and Jane. When the Gardiners with Lizzy, the Bingleys, and Hursts travel to Pemberley, Kitty and Lydia travel with them. Darcy has arranged to have both girls learn from Mrs. Annesley while Mary learns from a pianoforte master. While at Pemberley, clueless Caroline doesn't realize that with all the Bennet daughters, excluding Mary, are at Pemberley for a reason. In the garden, under the rose arch, Darcy proposes to Elizabeth. She accepts and Darcy travels to Longbourn to obtain Mr. Bennet's permission and blessings. Lady Matlock easily confounds Mrs. Bennet with taking care of planning the wedding at Pemberley. Happy ending.
July 21, 2015
A lovely novella with several major changes from Austen's P&P: Bingley returns to Netherfield a week after the Netherfield Ball and asks for Jane's hand; they are married when this story begins.
Darcy and Elizabeth are best friends; they can talk about anything and they do. However, Elizabeth has fallen in love with her "best friend," and on a subsequent trip to Rosings, her low spirits are such that Colonel Fitzwilliam confronts her (with Anne's prodding) to admit her love. Darcy also confronts her over her lack of good spirits, and that when the story gets intriguing....
A delightful read--so refreshingly original and light-hearted--a perfect summer afternoon book!
Darcy and Elizabeth are best friends; they can talk about anything and they do. However, Elizabeth has fallen in love with her "best friend," and on a subsequent trip to Rosings, her low spirits are such that Colonel Fitzwilliam confronts her (with Anne's prodding) to admit her love. Darcy also confronts her over her lack of good spirits, and that when the story gets intriguing....
A delightful read--so refreshingly original and light-hearted--a perfect summer afternoon book!
May 1, 2015
I have to say that this short story was enjoyable but it was way to short. I would have prefered the author had fleshed out the story a bit more. I liked the idea of the idea of Elizabeth being the one who was in love at first. It was a very original concept in the world of JAFF. Again I just wished she would have fleshed out the story a lot more. I'm sort of glad that I only read it on Kindle Unlimited and didn't shell out the money to buy this tale.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews