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The Bell: A Pride and Prejudice Novella
NEW COVER - Mrs. Darlington, the current lessee of Netherfield Park, wants out of her lease, and rumor has it that Mr. Bingley, a handsome gentleman from the North, is interested in leasing a country estate near to London. In order to entice Mr. Bingley to take over the lease, Mrs. Darlington had planned to host an intimate party to show off the neighborhood and the local beauties. When word gets out that there is an eligible bachelor in the neighborhood, all of Mrs. Darlington’s plans go out the window, and a small card party becomes a full-blown affair. One of the people adding to the confusion is Mr. Bingley’s friend, Mr. Darcy of Pemberley, who is reported to be an elderly gentleman who travels with an ear horn. When the real Mr. Darcy arrives at Netherfield Park, all eyes are on the gentleman from Derbyshire, but who will be the fortunate lady to capture Mr. Darcy's attention? Confusion, mistaken identities, and an obnoxious bell all make for an interesting evening at Netherfield Park. 27,000 words
79 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2019
42 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Mary Lydon Simonsen
46 books182 followersI am the authors of several Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion re-imaginings. I have also written a modern love story, The Second Date, Love Italian-American Style, and three British mysteries, Three's A Crowd, A Killing in Kensington, A Death in Hampden, Dying to Write, and Murder by Moonlighting.
I am a wife, mother, grandmother, volunteer, reader, writer, serious recycler.
When I read for relaxation, I read mysteries. My greatest love is history. When I am doing the research for a new book, I love digging for historical nuggets.
I am a wife, mother, grandmother, volunteer, reader, writer, serious recycler.
When I read for relaxation, I read mysteries. My greatest love is history. When I am doing the research for a new book, I love digging for historical nuggets.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 12, 2019
I really like this basic idea: Darcy gets strong indications from Georgiana, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Bingley that he's too serious and aloof shortly before he arrives at Meryton with his friend to look over the Netherfield estate. Darcy resolves he will try to be be more sociable.
The story skews the timeline a bit, with much interaction between the two gentlemen and the neighborhood families even before Bingley signs the lease. In fact, with the shortage of eligible young men in the area, everyone is determined to help him decide this is a wonderful, welcoming place to live. This includes a house party hosted at Netherfield by the wife of the current tenant (who wants out of the remaining time on their lease). Humorously, we end up with the Regency equivalent of speed dating: in order to allow Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy to mingle and meet with everyone in attendance, the hostess will ring a bell to signal that everyone should move along to another group.
Ms. Simonsen develops her characters and tells her story well, as she always does. There are some unnecessary tidbits about Darcy's valet Mercer and Darcy's scandalous cousin Antony Fitzwilliam - those who've read this author's other books already know about these characters, and the mentions of them here are irrelevant to the events in this short story.
Not a lot of pride OR prejudice the way the plot evolves, but it's a nice, light read. Content is clean.
The story skews the timeline a bit, with much interaction between the two gentlemen and the neighborhood families even before Bingley signs the lease. In fact, with the shortage of eligible young men in the area, everyone is determined to help him decide this is a wonderful, welcoming place to live. This includes a house party hosted at Netherfield by the wife of the current tenant (who wants out of the remaining time on their lease). Humorously, we end up with the Regency equivalent of speed dating: in order to allow Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy to mingle and meet with everyone in attendance, the hostess will ring a bell to signal that everyone should move along to another group.
Ms. Simonsen develops her characters and tells her story well, as she always does. There are some unnecessary tidbits about Darcy's valet Mercer and Darcy's scandalous cousin Antony Fitzwilliam - those who've read this author's other books already know about these characters, and the mentions of them here are irrelevant to the events in this short story.
Not a lot of pride OR prejudice the way the plot evolves, but it's a nice, light read. Content is clean.
January 13, 2019
There are several other reviews, which in addition to the story description gives the reader an excellent taste as to what this story entails. Debbie's calling it "speed-dating" is a perfect clue. But the party in which that event takes place is about 3/4 of the way through the story.
Several important things happen first: Darcy is reprimanded by not only his sister but also his cousin, the colonel, and his friend, Charles Bingley about how he presents himself in social gatherings. Secondly, Bingley wants to avoid the mistake he made with the one estate he looked at in that he could not hold back on his exuberance and had annoying letters from the estate's agent for two months afterwards. So Darcy agrees to look at the estate and he, in turn, has his own man additionally look into this new estate, Netherfield, that Bingley is considering. Much is made about Bingley's interest and the possibility that a new, single, wealthy, handsome man might be moving into the neighborhood. Everyone wants to know every bit of gossip about him and then the interested young ladies and their mothers parade up and down High Street in Meryton when they learn he will be in town.
But, the bell comes in as Netherfield's present owner's wife, decides to set up a social event made to convince Bingley that he should least that estate. Darcy is not what the ladies expected and this, plus the fact that Bingley refuses to rotate when the bell rings, makes for a different event than planned.
This short story leaves us hanging but with the idea that both Darcy and Elizabeth will make an effort to get to know each other better in the immediate future. He does not show disdain and has made considerable effort to converse with the many ladies who seek to also get to know him.
Several important things happen first: Darcy is reprimanded by not only his sister but also his cousin, the colonel, and his friend, Charles Bingley about how he presents himself in social gatherings. Secondly, Bingley wants to avoid the mistake he made with the one estate he looked at in that he could not hold back on his exuberance and had annoying letters from the estate's agent for two months afterwards. So Darcy agrees to look at the estate and he, in turn, has his own man additionally look into this new estate, Netherfield, that Bingley is considering. Much is made about Bingley's interest and the possibility that a new, single, wealthy, handsome man might be moving into the neighborhood. Everyone wants to know every bit of gossip about him and then the interested young ladies and their mothers parade up and down High Street in Meryton when they learn he will be in town.
But, the bell comes in as Netherfield's present owner's wife, decides to set up a social event made to convince Bingley that he should least that estate. Darcy is not what the ladies expected and this, plus the fact that Bingley refuses to rotate when the bell rings, makes for a different event than planned.
This short story leaves us hanging but with the idea that both Darcy and Elizabeth will make an effort to get to know each other better in the immediate future. He does not show disdain and has made considerable effort to converse with the many ladies who seek to also get to know him.
June 6, 2019
The years teach much which the days never knew. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
“The Bell” tells an alternative, much shortened version of the original Pride & Prejudice – without the pride and prejudice.
Bingley has visited Netherfield Park and liked it but he is mindful of a previous foray into leasing an estate where the house needed extensive repairs. He asks his friend Darcy to evaluate the house before the lease is signed. Darcy makes a quick visit on his way North; then sends his much older steward to make a thorough inspection. Since Darcy pays all the costs of the inspection, the villagers assume the steward is Darcy. Meryton buzzes with gossip.
My favorite lines of the book are those related to the misunderstanding of Darcy’s identity. The town is ready to receive a hirsute, deaf old man.
Netherfield’s current lessees plan an evening for Bingley (and Darcy) to meet Meryton society as a way to encourage Bingley to sign. A “speed-dating” mixer should do the trick! A bell will be the signal.
How does any of this relate to the book title? The Bell is old too!
I enjoyed this amusing little tale.
Grow old with me! The best is yet to be. ~ Robert Browning
“The Bell” tells an alternative, much shortened version of the original Pride & Prejudice – without the pride and prejudice.
Bingley has visited Netherfield Park and liked it but he is mindful of a previous foray into leasing an estate where the house needed extensive repairs. He asks his friend Darcy to evaluate the house before the lease is signed. Darcy makes a quick visit on his way North; then sends his much older steward to make a thorough inspection. Since Darcy pays all the costs of the inspection, the villagers assume the steward is Darcy. Meryton buzzes with gossip.
My favorite lines of the book are those related to the misunderstanding of Darcy’s identity. The town is ready to receive a hirsute, deaf old man.
Netherfield’s current lessees plan an evening for Bingley (and Darcy) to meet Meryton society as a way to encourage Bingley to sign. A “speed-dating” mixer should do the trick! A bell will be the signal.
How does any of this relate to the book title? The Bell is old too!
I enjoyed this amusing little tale.
Grow old with me! The best is yet to be. ~ Robert Browning
January 11, 2019
A different Directive
What if the request to socialize came, not from Bingley, but from Georgiana? And Darcy was given a bit of a heads up about Miss Elizabeth Bennet? Here is a variation, brief, well written and entertaining that explores a rearrangement of the circumstances. A quick little endeavor, 3.5 rounded up to 4.
What if the request to socialize came, not from Bingley, but from Georgiana? And Darcy was given a bit of a heads up about Miss Elizabeth Bennet? Here is a variation, brief, well written and entertaining that explores a rearrangement of the circumstances. A quick little endeavor, 3.5 rounded up to 4.
April 11, 2019
Cute story.
August 20, 2019
Sweet story. Never can have too much wooing and teasing in a Darcy and Elizabeth story. All of Mary Simonsen’s novellas are enjoyable. And will leave you with a happy heart. Read one—read them all.
January 18, 2019
Wonderful story but really no angst. Darcy is commanded by his sister to go with Bingley to Netherfield. To enjoy himself and not be to judgmental of the people. So Darcy goes with this in mind and meets Elizabeth and the rest is history.
January 16, 2019
What an evening
A nice short story, well written. It did make it easier to understand why Darcy dislikes social gatherings ever so much. A room full of huntresses and only prey to be hunted.
Only so so interesting. It was a small, potential beginning to something special for Lizzie and Darcy.
Rate it 3.5 stars. Recommended.
A nice short story, well written. It did make it easier to understand why Darcy dislikes social gatherings ever so much. A room full of huntresses and only prey to be hunted.
Only so so interesting. It was a small, potential beginning to something special for Lizzie and Darcy.
Rate it 3.5 stars. Recommended.
August 10, 2019
Pride and Prejudice variation
I would have liked this story better if the introduction part of the book had been shorter but the premises were intriguing and the dry wit was delightful.
Mr Darcy were made aware of the faults in his character before his introduction into the Meryton society which changed his behaviour.
The introduction came by a card party, held by the lady referred to as "the town crier" and had an interesting and creative twist that involved a bell as well as the intrigue of a mistaken identity.
The ending were a little unsatisfying though. No HEA, only a hint of what might come...
Worthwhile!
I would have liked this story better if the introduction part of the book had been shorter but the premises were intriguing and the dry wit was delightful.
Mr Darcy were made aware of the faults in his character before his introduction into the Meryton society which changed his behaviour.
The introduction came by a card party, held by the lady referred to as "the town crier" and had an interesting and creative twist that involved a bell as well as the intrigue of a mistaken identity.
The ending were a little unsatisfying though. No HEA, only a hint of what might come...
Worthwhile!
February 9, 2019
Very nice but unfinished
Ms.Simonsen can be relied upon to furnish a nice story told in an enjoyable way. This being a novella, I expected the absence of many of the characters from the original P&P book, and this certainly was very condensed in terms of familiar names. Only the Bennett family, Darcy, Georgiana and Bingley appear, as well as some newly introduced persons. It's a cute and silly plot involving a card party as a means of having Bingley meet the families of Meryton.
While it is an easy and fun book, it is a little annoying as well in its repetitive mentioning of certain things, such as Mrs. Darlington's desperation to unload Netherfield and Mrs. Bennett 's desperation to marry off her daughters. And then the end of the story comes without a satisfying conclusion. It is only hinted that Darcy enjoyed his time with Elizabeth, but it ends before any true connection can be made. I wish the book had gone on a little longer. The tongue-in-cheek humor is nice. A good way to pass a couple of hours.
Ms.Simonsen can be relied upon to furnish a nice story told in an enjoyable way. This being a novella, I expected the absence of many of the characters from the original P&P book, and this certainly was very condensed in terms of familiar names. Only the Bennett family, Darcy, Georgiana and Bingley appear, as well as some newly introduced persons. It's a cute and silly plot involving a card party as a means of having Bingley meet the families of Meryton.
While it is an easy and fun book, it is a little annoying as well in its repetitive mentioning of certain things, such as Mrs. Darlington's desperation to unload Netherfield and Mrs. Bennett 's desperation to marry off her daughters. And then the end of the story comes without a satisfying conclusion. It is only hinted that Darcy enjoyed his time with Elizabeth, but it ends before any true connection can be made. I wish the book had gone on a little longer. The tongue-in-cheek humor is nice. A good way to pass a couple of hours.
January 21, 2019
Very sweet story. It had some cute dialogue. I would have liked a longer story in this world as I would like to see how Georgiana's influence on Darcy would affect his behavior in other situations and with other people.
June 20, 2023
I liked this story.
I enjoyed EB and FD's interactions. However, it was a bit too short. The setting before their meeting was too long compared to their page-time together.
It is an enjoyable read nonetheless.
I enjoyed EB and FD's interactions. However, it was a bit too short. The setting before their meeting was too long compared to their page-time together.
It is an enjoyable read nonetheless.
March 18, 2019
Not What I Expected
This was great fun to read probably because Darcy became so approachable in this story. It defied many of my preconceptions about how he would behave. Doing this opened up entirely new possibilities for the rest of the story. I was anxious to read more when the story ended. That was a little abrupt for me.
This was great fun to read probably because Darcy became so approachable in this story. It defied many of my preconceptions about how he would behave. Doing this opened up entirely new possibilities for the rest of the story. I was anxious to read more when the story ended. That was a little abrupt for me.
November 18, 2021
LOVELY STORY!
This is my 4th reading of THE BELL, and every time it gets better. If you are looking for a fun, gentle and romantic book this is it. I highly recommend it.
This is my 4th reading of THE BELL, and every time it gets better. If you are looking for a fun, gentle and romantic book this is it. I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews