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Which that Season Brings
Broken promises often lead to disappointed hopes and dreams and even broken hearts.
Such was the aftermath of the Netherfield party’s departure from Hertfordshire on the heels of the ball. What if Mr. Darcy returns with his friend Mr. Bingley to Hertfordshire during the Christmas season?
Darcy’s reasoning is sound. He simply means to be of service to his lovesick friend. There’s also the matter of wanting to protect Miss Elizabeth Bennet from his nemesis, George Wickham.
What if Darcy’s true motive is of a rather more personal nature—one that he is not even aware of himself?
When asked, by those who know her best, how she feels about Mr. Darcy’s return, Elizabeth insists his reasons can have nothing at all to do with her. Blinded by her dislike of the proud gentleman from almost the first moment of their acquaintance, will Elizabeth finally see what others see when the season brings Mr. Darcy and her back together again?
Which that Season Brings is a delightful ‘happy for now’ novella which reimagines Jane Austen’s timeless classic, combining just enough of the old to satisfy your want of nostalgia and enough of the new to quench your desire for another romantic escape with Darcy and Elizabeth.
Such was the aftermath of the Netherfield party’s departure from Hertfordshire on the heels of the ball. What if Mr. Darcy returns with his friend Mr. Bingley to Hertfordshire during the Christmas season?
Darcy’s reasoning is sound. He simply means to be of service to his lovesick friend. There’s also the matter of wanting to protect Miss Elizabeth Bennet from his nemesis, George Wickham.
What if Darcy’s true motive is of a rather more personal nature—one that he is not even aware of himself?
When asked, by those who know her best, how she feels about Mr. Darcy’s return, Elizabeth insists his reasons can have nothing at all to do with her. Blinded by her dislike of the proud gentleman from almost the first moment of their acquaintance, will Elizabeth finally see what others see when the season brings Mr. Darcy and her back together again?
Which that Season Brings is a delightful ‘happy for now’ novella which reimagines Jane Austen’s timeless classic, combining just enough of the old to satisfy your want of nostalgia and enough of the new to quench your desire for another romantic escape with Darcy and Elizabeth.
- GenresFictionHistorical
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 24, 2018
73 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
P.O. Dixon
89 books170 followersP. O. Dixon has authored several Jane Austen "Pride and Prejudice" adaptations, all written with one overriding purpose in mind—falling in love with Darcy and Elizabeth. Sometimes provocative, but always entertaining, her stories have been read, commented on, and thoroughly enjoyed by thousands of readers worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 27, 2018
It's always nice to read a Pride and Prejudice variation that gives Charles Bingley a backbone. He's got one here, all right. And I LOVE when the Gardiners get a pivotal role, as they do here.
It's December, and Bingley insists to Darcy that he WILL return to Netherfield for the festive season because he believes that Jane Bennet DOES love him. He wants Darcy to accompany him to see for himself just how wrong he is. Charles even manages to dissuade his sister Caroline from joining them, knowing that she disapproves of the entire Bennet family, and he doesn't want her to ruin his chances with his angel.
Darcy isn't altogether opposed to returning because he's uncomfortable about having left Miss Elizabeth Bennet there unprotected against George Wickham. He realizes that he should tell her more about his history with the scoundrel so she'll be less apt to become another victim. When he accompanies Bingley to Longbourn, the entire family is surprised to see him.
The Gardiners are spending time with their Bennet relatives and planning to return to London with Jane and also bring Elizabeth, if they can convince her parents, knowing that she needs to escape her mother's constant belittlement over her refusal of Mr. Collins's marriage proposal. Meanwhile, Mrs. Bennet can't abide having the Gardiners there during the festive season without hosting dinner parties for their entertainment every night. Her other guests frequently include the officers from the Meryton militia, so Mr. Wickham is often in attendance. Naturally, once Mr. Bingley has returned to the neighborhood, he and Darcy are also invited there frequently. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner are much more observant than Mrs. Bennet and recognize the undercurrents flowing between certain guests and family members.
This is a satisfying short story. Content is clean.
It's December, and Bingley insists to Darcy that he WILL return to Netherfield for the festive season because he believes that Jane Bennet DOES love him. He wants Darcy to accompany him to see for himself just how wrong he is. Charles even manages to dissuade his sister Caroline from joining them, knowing that she disapproves of the entire Bennet family, and he doesn't want her to ruin his chances with his angel.
Darcy isn't altogether opposed to returning because he's uncomfortable about having left Miss Elizabeth Bennet there unprotected against George Wickham. He realizes that he should tell her more about his history with the scoundrel so she'll be less apt to become another victim. When he accompanies Bingley to Longbourn, the entire family is surprised to see him.
The Gardiners are spending time with their Bennet relatives and planning to return to London with Jane and also bring Elizabeth, if they can convince her parents, knowing that she needs to escape her mother's constant belittlement over her refusal of Mr. Collins's marriage proposal. Meanwhile, Mrs. Bennet can't abide having the Gardiners there during the festive season without hosting dinner parties for their entertainment every night. Her other guests frequently include the officers from the Meryton militia, so Mr. Wickham is often in attendance. Naturally, once Mr. Bingley has returned to the neighborhood, he and Darcy are also invited there frequently. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner are much more observant than Mrs. Bennet and recognize the undercurrents flowing between certain guests and family members.
This is a satisfying short story. Content is clean.
November 18, 2021
I was disappointed with the abrupt ending @ 91% on my Kindle.
Bingley insists to Darcy that he will return to Netherfield as he is not convinced that Jane Bennet has no feelings for him. So Darcy decides to tag along although he had hoped to get over his own attraction to Elizabeth. Bingley's sisters do not accompany them.
In this short story we have OCD not only dancing nicely together but also then having dreams about the other. They enjoy some longer conversation and get to know each other better. Wickham approaches Elizabeth while she is out-of-doors alone and she gets vibes that say he is up to no good. Fortunately Darcy appears and saves the day and also takes time then to give her the true story of his history with Wickham.
The Gardiners are visiting and have plans to take Jane (and maybe Elizabeth) back to London with them.
The story ends with plans to meet again in London so we don't really have an official courtship not an engagement although that could be assumed. I would have liked more.
Bingley insists to Darcy that he will return to Netherfield as he is not convinced that Jane Bennet has no feelings for him. So Darcy decides to tag along although he had hoped to get over his own attraction to Elizabeth. Bingley's sisters do not accompany them.
In this short story we have OCD not only dancing nicely together but also then having dreams about the other. They enjoy some longer conversation and get to know each other better. Wickham approaches Elizabeth while she is out-of-doors alone and she gets vibes that say he is up to no good. Fortunately Darcy appears and saves the day and also takes time then to give her the true story of his history with Wickham.
The Gardiners are visiting and have plans to take Jane (and maybe Elizabeth) back to London with them.
The story ends with plans to meet again in London so we don't really have an official courtship not an engagement although that could be assumed. I would have liked more.
December 26, 2018
A lovely, sweet and romantic, Christmas themed Pride and Prejudice variation.
Bingley can not be persuaded to stay away from Hertfordshire and Darcy finds himself with less opposition to the scheme of returning to Netherfield, than one would assume.
The Yuletide festivities throw him in the company of the bewitching miss Elizabeth but also in the company of the pernicious Mr Wickham.
Conniving relatives not withstanding, their road to an understanding was lovely.
Heartily recommend this book!
Bingley can not be persuaded to stay away from Hertfordshire and Darcy finds himself with less opposition to the scheme of returning to Netherfield, than one would assume.
The Yuletide festivities throw him in the company of the bewitching miss Elizabeth but also in the company of the pernicious Mr Wickham.
Conniving relatives not withstanding, their road to an understanding was lovely.
Heartily recommend this book!
December 27, 2018
Uneven story
The majority of the story moves along slowly.
But just when something dramatic happens, Wickham being outside with Lizzy and showing signs he will NOT take no for an answer, Darcy comes upon them and knocks Wickham down. And that’s the end of Wickham’s trying to ruin Lizzy. We never see Wickham again.
A somewhat contrived HEA in the future occurs and the story ends.
Uneven pacing of the plot, abrupt ending, both Lizzy and Darcy going from inept jousters for much of the story to friends and almost a couple in the blink of an eye.
I usually like the author’s stories but I can’t recommend this one.
The majority of the story moves along slowly.
But just when something dramatic happens, Wickham being outside with Lizzy and showing signs he will NOT take no for an answer, Darcy comes upon them and knocks Wickham down. And that’s the end of Wickham’s trying to ruin Lizzy. We never see Wickham again.
A somewhat contrived HEA in the future occurs and the story ends.
Uneven pacing of the plot, abrupt ending, both Lizzy and Darcy going from inept jousters for much of the story to friends and almost a couple in the blink of an eye.
I usually like the author’s stories but I can’t recommend this one.
October 21, 2024
I enjoyed listening to this on youtube!
A quick listen in between administrative chores at the office.
A quick listen in between administrative chores at the office.
December 28, 2018
Which that Season Brings: A Pride and Prejudice Christmas Novella
Loved that Bingley found his backbone in this story, or at least his power of persuasion shifted Darcy's feelings about Jane Bennet. Of course, Darcy's motivation to protect Elizabeth from George Wickham added to his agreement to accompany Bingley back to Netherfield for the Christmas holiday season. Wickham's attempt to press Elizabeth is stopped by Darcy. Never knowing when to shut up, Wickham's remarks about Georgiana causes Darcy to retaliate. Finding himself bested, Wickham slithers off like the snake he is. Bless the Gardiners. Both Elizabeth's aunt and uncle realize Darcy's fondness for their niece. They decide that the two need time together to discuss their misunderstandings. By cleverly arranging the time, Darcy tells Elizabeth about Wickham's perfidy. Mrs. Bennet still clueless about the couple's attraction, sends her least favorite daughter out with the most disagreeable man of her acquaintance to walk with Jane and Bingley. Happiness is sure to find ODC as Darcy invites Elizabeth to his aunt and uncle's Twelfth Night Ball.
Loved that Bingley found his backbone in this story, or at least his power of persuasion shifted Darcy's feelings about Jane Bennet. Of course, Darcy's motivation to protect Elizabeth from George Wickham added to his agreement to accompany Bingley back to Netherfield for the Christmas holiday season. Wickham's attempt to press Elizabeth is stopped by Darcy. Never knowing when to shut up, Wickham's remarks about Georgiana causes Darcy to retaliate. Finding himself bested, Wickham slithers off like the snake he is. Bless the Gardiners. Both Elizabeth's aunt and uncle realize Darcy's fondness for their niece. They decide that the two need time together to discuss their misunderstandings. By cleverly arranging the time, Darcy tells Elizabeth about Wickham's perfidy. Mrs. Bennet still clueless about the couple's attraction, sends her least favorite daughter out with the most disagreeable man of her acquaintance to walk with Jane and Bingley. Happiness is sure to find ODC as Darcy invites Elizabeth to his aunt and uncle's Twelfth Night Ball.
December 11, 2021
I had a hard time reading this book because it jumped from canon to story too much and had too little fresh material, rendering it lucky to get three stars from me.
My review will be technical. You'll have to consult the other reviews for a synopsis.
As I could barely follow the story, I would have to say the plot was a poor one. There was too much re-hashing of canon and sometimes rehashing of the rehashing. It was unnecessary, redundant, distracting, ruined the flow, and took up too much of the space of the story.
Early references to incidents didn't happen in later original drawing out of that part of the story. Let this be a lesson to you, authors. If you refer to canon then rewrite the scene, make sure it matches.
A verbose rehash of Wickham's story missed a key point--his coming back and asking for the living--yet the whole scene was so very long and boring, it was unforgivable.
Good use of point of view and scene changes to suit.
Good use of showing rather than telling.
Good use of language in the original sections. Only one non-Regency application of a word: headed. A phrase "equal importantly" made no sense--it didn't work and was wrong, even if the adverb were switched around. There were no contractions and punctuation was excellent for overall excellent editing.
I didn't like the cliché of Darcy apologizing for the tolerable comment.
I don't care for the cover. It's not attractive, though it is different. It looks blurry and distorted as if it were stretched out of scale somehow. The woman's expression is too haughty and her hair and clothing are reminiscent of a different era or culture. Sometimes that works, but it didn't in this case.
My overall assessment is that if you want to read a book that's mostly Austen and has an underdeveloped plot, go for it. Otherwise, I can't recommend this book.
Disclaimer: I'm a JAFF author, and my reviews might be considered by some to be a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and this review is honest and impartial. It is aimed at helping both readers and authors.
My review will be technical. You'll have to consult the other reviews for a synopsis.
As I could barely follow the story, I would have to say the plot was a poor one. There was too much re-hashing of canon and sometimes rehashing of the rehashing. It was unnecessary, redundant, distracting, ruined the flow, and took up too much of the space of the story.
Early references to incidents didn't happen in later original drawing out of that part of the story. Let this be a lesson to you, authors. If you refer to canon then rewrite the scene, make sure it matches.
A verbose rehash of Wickham's story missed a key point--his coming back and asking for the living--yet the whole scene was so very long and boring, it was unforgivable.
Good use of point of view and scene changes to suit.
Good use of showing rather than telling.
Good use of language in the original sections. Only one non-Regency application of a word: headed. A phrase "equal importantly" made no sense--it didn't work and was wrong, even if the adverb were switched around. There were no contractions and punctuation was excellent for overall excellent editing.
I didn't like the cliché of Darcy apologizing for the tolerable comment.
I don't care for the cover. It's not attractive, though it is different. It looks blurry and distorted as if it were stretched out of scale somehow. The woman's expression is too haughty and her hair and clothing are reminiscent of a different era or culture. Sometimes that works, but it didn't in this case.
My overall assessment is that if you want to read a book that's mostly Austen and has an underdeveloped plot, go for it. Otherwise, I can't recommend this book.
Disclaimer: I'm a JAFF author, and my reviews might be considered by some to be a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and this review is honest and impartial. It is aimed at helping both readers and authors.
January 3, 2019
Too short, but sweet...
Well written, good characterisation. Darcy and Lizzie feature the most altho the Gardners, Wickham and Mrs Bennet have their moments. Unfortunately it was tantalisingly short....
Well written, good characterisation. Darcy and Lizzie feature the most altho the Gardners, Wickham and Mrs Bennet have their moments. Unfortunately it was tantalisingly short....
December 30, 2018
3.5 stars
April 25, 2022
Interesting
A rather interesting premise in this festive variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride by P. O. Dixon.
A rather interesting premise in this festive variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride by P. O. Dixon.
January 4, 2022
It was okay, could have been better. Bingley wants to return to Hertfordshire for Christmas and Darcy comes along, letting Elizabeth know about Wickham before that man can do any damage.
Gardiners do a little matchmaking and I guess it's a bit of Christmas magic that gets both Darcy and Elizabeth dreaming about each other. Honestly I was a little confused by the dreams at first as I didn't realize it was a dream. I would prefer real life interaction.
It ends in a probably-happy-in-the-future as Darcy invites Elizabeth to an event that seems like it might herald an engagement but we don't get to see that.
Gardiners do a little matchmaking and I guess it's a bit of Christmas magic that gets both Darcy and Elizabeth dreaming about each other. Honestly I was a little confused by the dreams at first as I didn't realize it was a dream. I would prefer real life interaction.
It ends in a probably-happy-in-the-future as Darcy invites Elizabeth to an event that seems like it might herald an engagement but we don't get to see that.
August 1, 2019
Okay read not one of her better re-tellings
Read again but my opinion has not altered from when I first read it.
Read again but my opinion has not altered from when I first read it.
February 10, 2019
Wonderful
I find the variations most enjoyable that allow Darcy to be more human, less strict and stubborn, more willing to loosen up and feel things sooner. In this short, Christmas themed story, Bingley stands up to Darcy and insists on returning to Netherfield before Christmas so that he can spend the holiday season wooing Jane Bennett. Darcy has no where else to be, so accompanies him back to Hertfordshire and back to Elizabeth Bennett, the woman he finally will admit has stolen his heart. He comes to realize that he will need to overcome her poor opinion of him, and I greatly enjoyed the role that aunt and uncle Gardiner played in helping him with this. Here is a Darcy more willing to accept that he must loosen up a little and show some emotion to Elizabeth in order to change her attitude. The parallel dream sequence was sweet.
They ending was rather abrupt. I wish it had gone on a little longer to include a romantic proposal or something, but this was a fun way to pass a couple of hours.
I find the variations most enjoyable that allow Darcy to be more human, less strict and stubborn, more willing to loosen up and feel things sooner. In this short, Christmas themed story, Bingley stands up to Darcy and insists on returning to Netherfield before Christmas so that he can spend the holiday season wooing Jane Bennett. Darcy has no where else to be, so accompanies him back to Hertfordshire and back to Elizabeth Bennett, the woman he finally will admit has stolen his heart. He comes to realize that he will need to overcome her poor opinion of him, and I greatly enjoyed the role that aunt and uncle Gardiner played in helping him with this. Here is a Darcy more willing to accept that he must loosen up a little and show some emotion to Elizabeth in order to change her attitude. The parallel dream sequence was sweet.
They ending was rather abrupt. I wish it had gone on a little longer to include a romantic proposal or something, but this was a fun way to pass a couple of hours.
January 17, 2019
Half a story at best
Ug, I don't recommend spending your money on this story. I usually enjoy Dixon's books. This one is barely half a tale. Not satisfactory in the least. Save your money on this one.
Ug, I don't recommend spending your money on this story. I usually enjoy Dixon's books. This one is barely half a tale. Not satisfactory in the least. Save your money on this one.
July 19, 2019
I Always Enjoy P.O. Dixon
P O. Dixon is very insightful I have enjoyed other stories of hers. Very satisfied when Darcy sets Wickham on his derriere. My only problem was that it ended too soon.
P O. Dixon is very insightful I have enjoyed other stories of hers. Very satisfied when Darcy sets Wickham on his derriere. My only problem was that it ended too soon.
December 31, 2018
As always P.O. Dixon has delivered a wonderful P&P what if story that any fan of Jane Austen will enjoy. Her characters are true to Ms Austen’s vision with a little twist on the original.
March 18, 2019
I liked the storyline, but wanted more. I realize that it was a novella, but too short to truly satisfy.
January 14, 2021
The author has a knack for telling a tale. My only criticism was I felt the ending was a bit too abrupt. I wanted more, which I suppose is a good thing.
November 18, 2021
Meh.
It felt like half the story was left untold, and what there was, was marred by typos and word misuse.
It felt like half the story was left untold, and what there was, was marred by typos and word misuse.
May 31, 2023
(Novella) Bingley decides to return to Neverfield during Christmas, and Darcy joins him.
December 23, 2023
Sweet little romance about how things might have changed if Bingley and Darcy had returned after the Netherfield Ball. Too short though and ends rather abruptly.
January 3, 2024
Sometimes I just want a lovely, sweet tale. This is perfect.
December 16, 2025
As I have always had a high regard for Mr & Mrs Gardiner, I very much approve of their strategy.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews