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In Netherfield Woods: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
How can she feel such passion for a man she despises?
Elizabeth Bennet cannot wait to return home to Longbourn. Her stay at Netherfield Park while her sister, Jane, recovers from her illness, has been long and tedious, especially when the proud and unsociable Mr Darcy insists on sitting in the same room as her for hours at a time without speaking. When the rain briefly relents, she hurries outside to enjoy the fresh air before the weather worsens.
Mr Darcy wishes he could stay away from Elizabeth. Her low connections mean marriage to her is out of the question, yet he is drawn to her like a man bewitched. But when she fails to return from her walk before dark, he rushes out to find her, knowing where her habits will draw her.
Forced to find shelter for the night, Elizabeth and Darcy struggle to keep warm despite the potential scandal of being alone together. But the bitter cold compels them to stay close and leads to a response neither of them expected. And when they are found together, Elizabeth accepts she has no choice but to marry the man she has despised up until now.
But there are people close to them who are even more unhappy about the forced marriage than Elizabeth is. And when Elizabeth is offered an alternative to marrying Darcy, are her growing feelings for him strong enough to overcome the pressure of those trying to separate them?
One Night at Netherfield Park is a Pride and Prejudice variation novella of approximately 30,000 words
Elizabeth Bennet cannot wait to return home to Longbourn. Her stay at Netherfield Park while her sister, Jane, recovers from her illness, has been long and tedious, especially when the proud and unsociable Mr Darcy insists on sitting in the same room as her for hours at a time without speaking. When the rain briefly relents, she hurries outside to enjoy the fresh air before the weather worsens.
Mr Darcy wishes he could stay away from Elizabeth. Her low connections mean marriage to her is out of the question, yet he is drawn to her like a man bewitched. But when she fails to return from her walk before dark, he rushes out to find her, knowing where her habits will draw her.
Forced to find shelter for the night, Elizabeth and Darcy struggle to keep warm despite the potential scandal of being alone together. But the bitter cold compels them to stay close and leads to a response neither of them expected. And when they are found together, Elizabeth accepts she has no choice but to marry the man she has despised up until now.
But there are people close to them who are even more unhappy about the forced marriage than Elizabeth is. And when Elizabeth is offered an alternative to marrying Darcy, are her growing feelings for him strong enough to overcome the pressure of those trying to separate them?
One Night at Netherfield Park is a Pride and Prejudice variation novella of approximately 30,000 words
111 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2020
49 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 3, 2020
This isn't a bad short story, but similar premises have been explored by other authors, who've executed it better.
Elizabeth, feeling too cooped up at Netherfield after several days of rain, goes a-wandering when there's a break in the weather and gets caught too far away in a long-lasting torrential storm. Darcy notices she's missing and gets up a search party, and he's the one who finds her. The two take shelter in an abandoned cabin overnight. Compromise!
Modern ("cooped up") and non-British ("feet" rather than "meters") phrasing throughout. Nothing very new here.
Elizabeth, feeling too cooped up at Netherfield after several days of rain, goes a-wandering when there's a break in the weather and gets caught too far away in a long-lasting torrential storm. Darcy notices she's missing and gets up a search party, and he's the one who finds her. The two take shelter in an abandoned cabin overnight. Compromise!
Modern ("cooped up") and non-British ("feet" rather than "meters") phrasing throughout. Nothing very new here.
January 15, 2020
Short, but cute.
January 25, 2020
Short and a bit predictable. Low angst but so sweet I liked it anyway.
January 28, 2020
Funny Romance
Lizzy and Darcy are compromised because of weather. The story is their quick romance. There are some funny scenes which enhances the story. Quick, pleasant read.
Lizzy and Darcy are compromised because of weather. The story is their quick romance. There are some funny scenes which enhances the story. Quick, pleasant read.
July 23, 2021
Easy to guzzle down in a sitting.
This deviation cuts in during Lizzy's stay at Netherfield. The whole house is in an uproar when a heavy rainstorm begins and Lizzy has yet to return from one of her rambles. Darcy, wrestling with his increasingly strong feelings for Lizzy, is particularly on edge. A search party is organized and he serendipitously ends up being the one to locate her.
We then get the lovable trope of them being sequestered in a confined space, knowing their reputation will likely not survive the night, and their defenses being lowered thus, almost as if in surrender. Darcy quickly ferrets out that Lizzy hasn't a very flattering opinion of him which induces him to try and improve it.
I will say at times I found it increasingly difficult to reconcile OG Darcy with this progressively open, forward, and verbose version of him, particularly due to some of the rather bold instances of dialogue he got, i.e.
Acknowledging that JAFF must allow it's authors liberties with the characters to an extent, and that his lines were, while at times jarring, also entertaining, I went with it; I am not one to resent charming strangers. And though it stressed my suspension of disbelief, it never broke it, nor inspired an inclination to tear my eyes away.
Indeed the dialogue in general does feel more modern influenced in both structure & bluntness at times, and the speed at which propriety was abandoned was fairly incongruous with the era as I have come to understand.
The tradeoff suited me well enough, for it quipped and elicited laughs in proportion to my clutching of pearls. If this were a contemporary book, it is totally PG, but for the setting it was disconcerting to see the ease wit which ODC abandoned the dictates their characters would have grown around, and in general, I do prefer my regency novels to adhere to the perimeters of the time,
If you can forgive it's slight anachronistic tendencies in the name of fast paced novelette and entertainment I wager you too will find it agreeable.
꙳ Spice Scale rating: Subtle Serrano 🌶 🌶/5 ꙳
This deviation cuts in during Lizzy's stay at Netherfield. The whole house is in an uproar when a heavy rainstorm begins and Lizzy has yet to return from one of her rambles. Darcy, wrestling with his increasingly strong feelings for Lizzy, is particularly on edge. A search party is organized and he serendipitously ends up being the one to locate her.
We then get the lovable trope of them being sequestered in a confined space, knowing their reputation will likely not survive the night, and their defenses being lowered thus, almost as if in surrender. Darcy quickly ferrets out that Lizzy hasn't a very flattering opinion of him which induces him to try and improve it.
I will say at times I found it increasingly difficult to reconcile OG Darcy with this progressively open, forward, and verbose version of him, particularly due to some of the rather bold instances of dialogue he got, i.e.
“Mr Collins,” said Darcy in a firm voice. “I have compromised Elizabeth. Not only that night, but repeatedly ever since. And I will continue to compromise her until we are married and I will take great pleasure in doing so.”
“I do not need to hear that,” Mr Bennet muttered.
Acknowledging that JAFF must allow it's authors liberties with the characters to an extent, and that his lines were, while at times jarring, also entertaining, I went with it; I am not one to resent charming strangers. And though it stressed my suspension of disbelief, it never broke it, nor inspired an inclination to tear my eyes away.
Indeed the dialogue in general does feel more modern influenced in both structure & bluntness at times, and the speed at which propriety was abandoned was fairly incongruous with the era as I have come to understand.
The tradeoff suited me well enough, for it quipped and elicited laughs in proportion to my clutching of pearls. If this were a contemporary book, it is totally PG, but for the setting it was disconcerting to see the ease wit which ODC abandoned the dictates their characters would have grown around, and in general, I do prefer my regency novels to adhere to the perimeters of the time,
If you can forgive it's slight anachronistic tendencies in the name of fast paced novelette and entertainment I wager you too will find it agreeable.
꙳ Spice Scale rating: Subtle Serrano 🌶 🌶/5 ꙳
February 5, 2020
The title when I borrowed this from KU was In Netherfield Woods.
This story is anther FMS. Yes, as the blurb tells us Elizabeth has been forced by the weather to forego any walk outside during the time she has tended to Jane at Netherfield. When there is a break in the weather she walks out and ignores signs that the weather is again worsening. So when dark befalls it is noticed that she has not returned. While many go out to search for her it is Darcy who finds her huddled in the woods. They find their way to a small abandoned cabin which, fortunately, has several changes of men's clothing and a small amount of firewood. Both attempt to keep to proprieties as much as possible, erecting a curtain so both can change out of their sodden clothing and finding separate places to sleep. However as the night becomes colder and the firewood burns out they determine to share space on the bed so as to also share body warmth.
Morning finds passion suddenly erupting (Don't worry - they don't get too carried away.) and then the door bursts open with Bingley and several other men observing their embrace. ODC has already discussed and accepted the fact that they will have to marry.
It was a dear thing to read of how this couple (maybe OOC) finds many opportunities to reignite that passion. Then precious to also read that Darcy is looking at her, expecting her to acknowledge that there is something between them other than just a matter of accepting their fate after their stolen interludes leave them both breathless.
This story is anther FMS. Yes, as the blurb tells us Elizabeth has been forced by the weather to forego any walk outside during the time she has tended to Jane at Netherfield. When there is a break in the weather she walks out and ignores signs that the weather is again worsening. So when dark befalls it is noticed that she has not returned. While many go out to search for her it is Darcy who finds her huddled in the woods. They find their way to a small abandoned cabin which, fortunately, has several changes of men's clothing and a small amount of firewood. Both attempt to keep to proprieties as much as possible, erecting a curtain so both can change out of their sodden clothing and finding separate places to sleep. However as the night becomes colder and the firewood burns out they determine to share space on the bed so as to also share body warmth.
Morning finds passion suddenly erupting (Don't worry - they don't get too carried away.) and then the door bursts open with Bingley and several other men observing their embrace. ODC has already discussed and accepted the fact that they will have to marry.
It was a dear thing to read of how this couple (maybe OOC) finds many opportunities to reignite that passion. Then precious to also read that Darcy is looking at her, expecting her to acknowledge that there is something between them other than just a matter of accepting their fate after their stolen interludes leave them both breathless.
January 13, 2020
Absolutely loved this one. Darcy and Elizabeth were terrific. Just right.
January 15, 2020
This is a fun read simple story but not badly written.
I enjoyed it.
I enjoyed it.
December 18, 2020
Pretty good forced marriage scenario
Reviewed in Canada on January 17, 2020
Another stormy night in a cabin for ODC who resign themselves to a forced marriage after being compromised. A good short story with no angst. Writing needs a bit more attention to proofreading and grammar.
Reviewed in Canada on January 17, 2020
Another stormy night in a cabin for ODC who resign themselves to a forced marriage after being compromised. A good short story with no angst. Writing needs a bit more attention to proofreading and grammar.
January 29, 2020
This is a novella, and a quick, light, late-night read for me when I was between longer books.
The timing of this Pride and Prejudice variation is when Lizzy is staying at Netherfield to care for Jane, who is ill. After spending a nearly intolerable hour in the library with silent Mr. Darcy, she goes for a walk between rain showers, and wanders farther than she intended. She gets caught in a severe storm while walking in the woods. Mr. Darcy, who knows that she went out for a walk, had advised against it in this weather, and even offered to go with her - she insisted on being alone - becomes worried about her. Elizabeth is gone so long, while the storm is worsening, that he raises an alarm, and the household men search for her in the dark and stormy weather.
I found the means of the compromise completely believable and providential. I enjoyed this quite a lot. The humorous banter between ODC was a nice touch. I just wish there weren't so many typos.
The timing of this Pride and Prejudice variation is when Lizzy is staying at Netherfield to care for Jane, who is ill. After spending a nearly intolerable hour in the library with silent Mr. Darcy, she goes for a walk between rain showers, and wanders farther than she intended. She gets caught in a severe storm while walking in the woods. Mr. Darcy, who knows that she went out for a walk, had advised against it in this weather, and even offered to go with her - she insisted on being alone - becomes worried about her. Elizabeth is gone so long, while the storm is worsening, that he raises an alarm, and the household men search for her in the dark and stormy weather.
I found the means of the compromise completely believable and providential. I enjoyed this quite a lot. The humorous banter between ODC was a nice touch. I just wish there weren't so many typos.
February 22, 2020
While tending to Jane at Netherfield, Elizabeth has had a bit much of Caroline Bingley and so she sets off on walk. The woods call to her and off she goes. Darcy, who protests to much, realizes that she is missing in the torrential rain storm. He heads off to rescue her and they end up in an old cottage over night. It is a well known story line as they overcome their differences and come out kissing on the other side.
March 5, 2020
This is the first book I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it. While I have read many books using the compromised theme I really enjoyed how light this one was and all the humor throughout the story. I especially loved the scene were Bingley came across Darcy and Elizabeth as well as the following one where Elizabeth was telling Jane about it.
February 19, 2020
Sweet
This is a charming short story, starting at Netherfield Park when Elizabeth is tending to a sick Jane. On a stormy afternoon, Elizabeth takes advantage of a break in the weather to go for a walk to escape from a stern Mr. Darcy and a snooty Caroline Bingley. The weather gets bad again, and when Elizabeth still hasn't returned when it's starting to get dark, Darcy forms a search party to look for her. He finds her in the woods, but they become lost in the dark and take shelter in an abandoned cabin.
This is a popular premise for a P&P variation, one that I've read several times already. This is one of the better ones for a couple of reasons. First, this is a talented writer, and the story does not seem rushed. She allows enough time for character development and story flow. The events and behavior of the characters make sense and seem believable.
Next, I like Darcy and Elizabeth in this version. They're reasonable people, and accept their mistakes without a lot of annoying stubbornness. Darcy starts the story as usual, trying to resist his attraction to Elizabeth, but he caves in readily when he knows there is no other option. Elizabeth starts out with her usual dislike of Darcy, but quickly learns of his kindness, care and sense of humor, and is relieved to be so wrong about him.
The book did have quite a few editing errors, and It was distracting enough to deduct a star. However, I recommend it highly as a pleasant way to pass some time.
This is a charming short story, starting at Netherfield Park when Elizabeth is tending to a sick Jane. On a stormy afternoon, Elizabeth takes advantage of a break in the weather to go for a walk to escape from a stern Mr. Darcy and a snooty Caroline Bingley. The weather gets bad again, and when Elizabeth still hasn't returned when it's starting to get dark, Darcy forms a search party to look for her. He finds her in the woods, but they become lost in the dark and take shelter in an abandoned cabin.
This is a popular premise for a P&P variation, one that I've read several times already. This is one of the better ones for a couple of reasons. First, this is a talented writer, and the story does not seem rushed. She allows enough time for character development and story flow. The events and behavior of the characters make sense and seem believable.
Next, I like Darcy and Elizabeth in this version. They're reasonable people, and accept their mistakes without a lot of annoying stubbornness. Darcy starts the story as usual, trying to resist his attraction to Elizabeth, but he caves in readily when he knows there is no other option. Elizabeth starts out with her usual dislike of Darcy, but quickly learns of his kindness, care and sense of humor, and is relieved to be so wrong about him.
The book did have quite a few editing errors, and It was distracting enough to deduct a star. However, I recommend it highly as a pleasant way to pass some time.
February 8, 2020
If you want to find it, this story has changed its name in Amazon, the name is "In Netherfield Woods: A Pride and Prejudice Variation".
A very good short story. The description very much says it all. Just to add that it is a very sweet story, full of kisses and sweet moments between ODC. The story happens when Elizabeth is staying at Netherfield during Jane's illness and there is never ending rain, that forces everyone to be indoors. When there is a short stop in the rain, Elizabeth decides to take it, but when she is not back by the evening, Darcy and Bingley organise a search party, being Darcy who finds Elizabeth sheltered under some branches. They are lost and it's dark so they take the first shelter they find. Without spoiling it too much, when they are found after spending the night in the cabin, there is no doubt they need to marry (Elizabeth is not too compromised but compromised enough). I love how Darcy holds her hand after that!! :) :)
Caroline is so annoying, as Mr Collins, and Lady Catherine is her old imposing and rude self, but Lizzy's courage rises with any attempt to intimidate her, and she has her white knight to support her. Also Mr Bennet is great!!
Anyway, a very good sweet short story (no mature scenes, just sweet kisses and lots of love between ODC). The only thing is that it needs a bit more editing, there are some "then" instead of "than" and "affect" instead of "effect". That's why I discounted 1 star.
A very good short story. The description very much says it all. Just to add that it is a very sweet story, full of kisses and sweet moments between ODC. The story happens when Elizabeth is staying at Netherfield during Jane's illness and there is never ending rain, that forces everyone to be indoors. When there is a short stop in the rain, Elizabeth decides to take it, but when she is not back by the evening, Darcy and Bingley organise a search party, being Darcy who finds Elizabeth sheltered under some branches. They are lost and it's dark so they take the first shelter they find. Without spoiling it too much, when they are found after spending the night in the cabin, there is no doubt they need to marry (Elizabeth is not too compromised but compromised enough). I love how Darcy holds her hand after that!! :) :)
Caroline is so annoying, as Mr Collins, and Lady Catherine is her old imposing and rude self, but Lizzy's courage rises with any attempt to intimidate her, and she has her white knight to support her. Also Mr Bennet is great!!
Anyway, a very good sweet short story (no mature scenes, just sweet kisses and lots of love between ODC). The only thing is that it needs a bit more editing, there are some "then" instead of "than" and "affect" instead of "effect". That's why I discounted 1 star.
November 16, 2020
This is a cute, sweet read that is short and can be read in an afternoon. The plot is not a new concept, but I enjoyed it anyway! Elizabeth has been cooped up at Netherfield, caring for Jane who has been ill. As there is finally a break in the rain, Elizabeth sees a chance to get away from the annoying Miss Bingley and the too proud Mr. Darcy. She heads towards the woods where she has not explored for years. Mr. Darcy becomes worried for her when he realizes that it is near dark and she has not returned. As he and Bingley head a search party, now that it is raining heavily and is almost dark, Darcy decides to search into the woods, thinking this is likely where she walked. When he finds her, both are soaked, cold, and unable to see which way to go. When they stumble upon an abandoned cabin, their goal is to get warm and dry. As a result of their circumstances, they will arrive at a better understanding and opinion of each other.
I loved how the author worked with these characters. There was not a lot of originality in the telling, but it is a quick, fun read.
I loved how the author worked with these characters. There was not a lot of originality in the telling, but it is a quick, fun read.
March 4, 2020
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Lizzy unwisely takes a solitary walk during Jane's stay at Netherfield. When a storm arrives, the servants and gentlemen staying at Netherfield go in search of her. Mr. Darcy finds her and the two are forced to take shelter together and maybe learn a little more about each other in the process.
I really enjoyed this intimate take on Pride and Prejudice! Lizzy and Darcy are thrown into a dangerous situation and Darcy shows his true self to Lizzy. She also reveals some truths about his pride and how he's perceived in Hertfordshire. This is a clean variation but I loved how close and affectionate the couple became. I normally don't notice grammatical errors, but this version had multiple errors in each chapter, things like "windows" instead of wind, and mixing up people's names. Otherwise it was a really enjoyable read!
I really enjoyed this intimate take on Pride and Prejudice! Lizzy and Darcy are thrown into a dangerous situation and Darcy shows his true self to Lizzy. She also reveals some truths about his pride and how he's perceived in Hertfordshire. This is a clean variation but I loved how close and affectionate the couple became. I normally don't notice grammatical errors, but this version had multiple errors in each chapter, things like "windows" instead of wind, and mixing up people's names. Otherwise it was a really enjoyable read!
March 7, 2020
Cute story. Lots of problems
Could have been written by Mrs. Malaprop from The Rivals. Too many times a word was used that was close to the appropriate word, but not. These errors aren’t caught by a simple spell check - they needed a real, live proofreader. So that was frustrating.
Why the abrupt ending? A few more sentences would
Yeah, it sucks when that happens, doesn’t it?
Almost zero tension. Implausible timeline from compromise to I love you. If you’re looking for a poorly proofread cute little story, this is it. If you’ve set your bar a bit higher, don’t bother.
Could have been written by Mrs. Malaprop from The Rivals. Too many times a word was used that was close to the appropriate word, but not. These errors aren’t caught by a simple spell check - they needed a real, live proofreader. So that was frustrating.
Why the abrupt ending? A few more sentences would
Yeah, it sucks when that happens, doesn’t it?
Almost zero tension. Implausible timeline from compromise to I love you. If you’re looking for a poorly proofread cute little story, this is it. If you’ve set your bar a bit higher, don’t bother.
July 27, 2021
A decent novella. Short, sweet, and predictable. I found Mr Darcy’s change from taciturn to gregarious to be a bit much. I guess once he gets over his shyness, he’s an outspoken, ardent lover.
Content clean. It bugged me a little at the end that it was implied that Elizabeth had no idea how babies were made and how it was connected to marriage. I cannot believe Elizabeth would remain satisfied living in such ignorance, especially how she’s got 3 younger siblings.
Content clean. It bugged me a little at the end that it was implied that Elizabeth had no idea how babies were made and how it was connected to marriage. I cannot believe Elizabeth would remain satisfied living in such ignorance, especially how she’s got 3 younger siblings.
May 16, 2020
Cute and sweet
I enjoyed reading this fully descriptive variation. Elizabeth tried to hold herself back from being too honest, but gate changed that. Darcy tried to leave Elizabeth alone, but gate changed that. Together they worked through the differences (Lady Catherine) and made it. Recommended to read
I enjoyed reading this fully descriptive variation. Elizabeth tried to hold herself back from being too honest, but gate changed that. Darcy tried to leave Elizabeth alone, but gate changed that. Together they worked through the differences (Lady Catherine) and made it. Recommended to read
August 3, 2022
This was short and sweet, and this much easier path for ODC to take in order for them to fall in love.
Mr. Bennet’s indolence is made to see reason despite his lax intentions to end the entail via sacrificial Elizabeth, so while he was cruel he was not exactly malicious.
It didn’t do anything special, but I was in the mood for a compromise premise and this delivered in that respect.
Mr. Bennet’s indolence is made to see reason despite his lax intentions to end the entail via sacrificial Elizabeth, so while he was cruel he was not exactly malicious.
It didn’t do anything special, but I was in the mood for a compromise premise and this delivered in that respect.
January 28, 2020
Sweet romance
This was a really sweet and fluffy story. Not a lot of angst as our couple quickly came to recognize the feelings that were developing between them with a little help from some compromising circumstances.
This was a really sweet and fluffy story. Not a lot of angst as our couple quickly came to recognize the feelings that were developing between them with a little help from some compromising circumstances.
February 7, 2020
Decent read!
The premise was a bit elementary but I like how affectionate Darcy was from the start with Elizabeth and her physical response to him was refreshing. At least that’s what kept me reading this novel.
The premise was a bit elementary but I like how affectionate Darcy was from the start with Elizabeth and her physical response to him was refreshing. At least that’s what kept me reading this novel.
March 14, 2020
3.5 stars rounded to 4
This is an enjoyable story for a lazy afternoon. I reduced the rating from 4 stars because of numerous editing errors that detracted from the flow of the storyline.
This is an enjoyable story for a lazy afternoon. I reduced the rating from 4 stars because of numerous editing errors that detracted from the flow of the storyline.
March 18, 2020
Lots of Fun and More . . .
A really enjoyable read. A much more decisive and masterful Darcy than most stories. Give it a try; I would like to read reviews by others. By J.A. Montgomery
A really enjoyable read. A much more decisive and masterful Darcy than most stories. Give it a try; I would like to read reviews by others. By J.A. Montgomery
May 30, 2020
Not the most original of plots, and somewhat clumsily executed with grammatical errors, this is an okay quick read. Characterisation is a bit rushed given the length and it is hastily given its HEA with little threat. It passes the time and isn't the worst variation I've read though.
November 25, 2022
I vacillated between four and five stars and went with five because my most substantial complaint was that I wanted more of this.
It's your basic stuck-in-a-cabin-with-one-bed story but it's very sweet and I liked the subtle ways that Darcy communicated his feelings without saying it.
It's your basic stuck-in-a-cabin-with-one-bed story but it's very sweet and I liked the subtle ways that Darcy communicated his feelings without saying it.
December 5, 2025
Lovely romance, though not very Austen like. The conversations felt direct and modern, the E&D were different, but not to the point of making them completely ooc so I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would
January 27, 2020
Very fluffy, short read. Cute.
Needs a few editorial fixes.
Needs a few editorial fixes.
February 17, 2020
2.5 rounded up.
March 2, 2020
A gentle read
I enjoyed the humour throughout this book. There is no angst and all matters are resolved very quickly making this a great afternoon read.
I enjoyed the humour throughout this book. There is no angst and all matters are resolved very quickly making this a great afternoon read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews