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Mr. Darcy Goes to Brighton: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella
An unexpected second chance...But will Lydia ruin it?
A much needed escape…
Mr. Darcy abruptly leaves Pemberley to avoid Miss Bingley's matchmaking. Perhaps Brighton and Col. Fitzwilliam will distract him from the memories of Elizabeth Bennet. And the futility of improving himself for a woman who does not love him.
A Change of scenery…
Elizabeth, along with the Gardiners, accompany Lydia to Brighton in hopes of preventing trouble. Elizabeth's secret hope is that the trip will help her get Mr. Darcy's memory and her regretful words out of her head.
An unexpected second chance...
From the moment Mr. Darcy runs into Elizabeth, he vows to show that he has taken her words to heart and improved. Elizabeth is embarrassed, thinking he must hate her. But his warmth and genial nature has them grow close during their time in Brighton.
Will their yearning and love be enough to overcome their class differences? Or will her family's behavior push Mr. Darcy away again....and this time forever?
Mr. Darcy Goes to Brighton is a 30,000 word Pride and Prejudice variation sweet and clean novella that features no cliffhanger, enemies to friends, angst, friends to lovers, second chance romance, Mr. Darcy saves the day, class warfare, on the road romance, redemption, second chance, unrequited love, woman in peril and Miss Bingley being ignored.
A much needed escape…
Mr. Darcy abruptly leaves Pemberley to avoid Miss Bingley's matchmaking. Perhaps Brighton and Col. Fitzwilliam will distract him from the memories of Elizabeth Bennet. And the futility of improving himself for a woman who does not love him.
A Change of scenery…
Elizabeth, along with the Gardiners, accompany Lydia to Brighton in hopes of preventing trouble. Elizabeth's secret hope is that the trip will help her get Mr. Darcy's memory and her regretful words out of her head.
An unexpected second chance...
From the moment Mr. Darcy runs into Elizabeth, he vows to show that he has taken her words to heart and improved. Elizabeth is embarrassed, thinking he must hate her. But his warmth and genial nature has them grow close during their time in Brighton.
Will their yearning and love be enough to overcome their class differences? Or will her family's behavior push Mr. Darcy away again....and this time forever?
Mr. Darcy Goes to Brighton is a 30,000 word Pride and Prejudice variation sweet and clean novella that features no cliffhanger, enemies to friends, angst, friends to lovers, second chance romance, Mr. Darcy saves the day, class warfare, on the road romance, redemption, second chance, unrequited love, woman in peril and Miss Bingley being ignored.
- GenresRomanceRetellings
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2019
61 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Bella Breen
54 books41 followersTo be notified of new releases and special sales, subscribe here: http://bit.ly/bellabreen
Bestselling author of clean and sweet Pride and Prejudice variation books, Bella Breen's books feature Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. She first fell in love with Pride and Prejudice in highschool and again with the BBC mini series. Colin Firth will forever be the perfect Mr. Darcy. Today she brings her fantasies to life for every fan of Mr. Darcy.
She was born in Missouri, then moved to Iowa in grade school and finally settled in South Dakota which reminds her of the English countryside, if you squint and ignore the harsh winters and humid summers. Her favorite animals are cats, corgis and horses. When she's not writing you can find her walking in nature, cross stitching, reading, antique hunting and practicing calligraphy.
Visit her website at https://www.bellabreen.com
Bestselling author of clean and sweet Pride and Prejudice variation books, Bella Breen's books feature Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. She first fell in love with Pride and Prejudice in highschool and again with the BBC mini series. Colin Firth will forever be the perfect Mr. Darcy. Today she brings her fantasies to life for every fan of Mr. Darcy.
She was born in Missouri, then moved to Iowa in grade school and finally settled in South Dakota which reminds her of the English countryside, if you squint and ignore the harsh winters and humid summers. Her favorite animals are cats, corgis and horses. When she's not writing you can find her walking in nature, cross stitching, reading, antique hunting and practicing calligraphy.
Visit her website at https://www.bellabreen.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 16, 2022
a Brighton story
Lizzy and Gardiners are in Brighton so as to stop Lydia being a flirt and worse. Darcy is there visiting his cousin the Colonel.
The plot is just nonsensical. No one can over watch lydia since she is with Mrs. Forster and when she is with a relative
, Lydia ignores them.
Wickham is there and no one tells the Gardiners or the militia what an evil man he is. Darcy does nothing except spend money to pay for searchers.
Darcy is once again always wrong and must change. Lizzy rarely makes a good decision but no one seems to think she needs to change.
The plot is ridiculous and the amount of mistakes Darcy makes makes him sound stupider than Bingley and one wonders how he could make decisions for Pemberley.
This a short novella and it’s already leaving my memory.
Lizzy and Gardiners are in Brighton so as to stop Lydia being a flirt and worse. Darcy is there visiting his cousin the Colonel.
The plot is just nonsensical. No one can over watch lydia since she is with Mrs. Forster and when she is with a relative
, Lydia ignores them.
Wickham is there and no one tells the Gardiners or the militia what an evil man he is. Darcy does nothing except spend money to pay for searchers.
Darcy is once again always wrong and must change. Lizzy rarely makes a good decision but no one seems to think she needs to change.
The plot is ridiculous and the amount of mistakes Darcy makes makes him sound stupider than Bingley and one wonders how he could make decisions for Pemberley.
This a short novella and it’s already leaving my memory.
May 1, 2021
This is an interesting P&P what if that has a Darcy who can't decide who he is.
Our twist in the tale has the Gardiners deciding that Mr. Bennet's apathy regarding Lydia's visit to Brighton is not to be tolerated and instead of traveling north to Derbyshire instead go to Brighton. At the same time that Darcy decides he will visit his cousin the Colonel in Brighton.
When the Gardiners & Lizzy arrive they find Lydia being an absolute flirt accompanied by her bestie Mrs. Forester while the colonel adopts Mr Bennet's philosophy "Girls just want to have fun"
So we have endless encounters of Darcy seeing Lydia at her worst while Lizzy is embarrassed and still thinking the worst of Mr. Darcy. When Lydia goes missing with Wickham Darcy seems to disappear which leaves Lizzy to mourn his absence and weep. Lizzy does a lot of weeping.
Darcy does decide to reunite Bingley and Jane and returns to Meryton only to be horrified anew by the Bennets. He resolves not to offer for Lizzy and Lizzy plans to go to London since she feels there are no men in Meryton.
It is only this planned trip that spurs Darcy to action as he realizes he cannot live without her and Lizzy does a lot more weeping.
Our twist in the tale has the Gardiners deciding that Mr. Bennet's apathy regarding Lydia's visit to Brighton is not to be tolerated and instead of traveling north to Derbyshire instead go to Brighton. At the same time that Darcy decides he will visit his cousin the Colonel in Brighton.
When the Gardiners & Lizzy arrive they find Lydia being an absolute flirt accompanied by her bestie Mrs. Forester while the colonel adopts Mr Bennet's philosophy "Girls just want to have fun"
So we have endless encounters of Darcy seeing Lydia at her worst while Lizzy is embarrassed and still thinking the worst of Mr. Darcy. When Lydia goes missing with Wickham Darcy seems to disappear which leaves Lizzy to mourn his absence and weep. Lizzy does a lot of weeping.
Darcy does decide to reunite Bingley and Jane and returns to Meryton only to be horrified anew by the Bennets. He resolves not to offer for Lizzy and Lizzy plans to go to London since she feels there are no men in Meryton.
It is only this planned trip that spurs Darcy to action as he realizes he cannot live without her and Lizzy does a lot more weeping.
April 30, 2022
Meh, good story , not great. More than half the book is Lydia behaving badly.
February 16, 2024
Wicked fast and easy read. A nice little pallet cleanser.
March 19, 2020
Good book
I loved it , good story and I loved the colonel. Glad there was not too much Wickham and I wished for an epilogue
I loved it , good story and I loved the colonel. Glad there was not too much Wickham and I wished for an epilogue
July 26, 2020
In this P&P variation instead of travelling to the Lakes, the Gardiners go to Brighton because Elizabeth is concerned about Lydia and her possible behaviour. Meanwhile Colonel Fitzwilliam is stationed in Brighton and invites his cousin Darcy to visit.
An enjoyable story with the Colonel being once again the most likeable character. Lydia's behaviour is a bit over the top, and Darcy is once again uncertain when faced with Lydia and Mrs Bennet.
Overall an enjoyable story
An enjoyable story with the Colonel being once again the most likeable character. Lydia's behaviour is a bit over the top, and Darcy is once again uncertain when faced with Lydia and Mrs Bennet.
Overall an enjoyable story
October 7, 2019
Tasty tidbit
Darcy says it best at the end of this story when he suggests to Elizabeth that they always be honest and speak openly to each other in the future, because this is a story filled with things not said, and feelings that are misunderstood. Elizabeth and the Gardiners travel to Brighton to prevent Lydia from getting into trouble, but she does anyway. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam go to Brighton for a holiday, but it's mixed with business for the Colonel since the militia are stationed there. Darcy and Elizabeth meet again awkwardly, since this is the first meeting since Elizabeth refused his proposal of marriage in Hunsford. Both of them are regretful about their former behavior towards each other, and secretly wish for another chance to get together.
It's a cute story, but an annoying one. For one thing, Darcy and Elizabeth can't seem to carry on an adult conversation, they're both so nervous and beset by doubts and lack of confidence. The other major source of annoyance is Lydia, whose badness in this version is almost diabolical. No fifteen year old would get away with her actions, especially not in this era. Thankfully, the Gardiners show some backbone with her, but she never truly suffers any consequences for her deeds, and she definitely should. And then there's Mr. Darcy, who one moment claims that he can't live without Elizabeth, and the next moment he's exhibiting a wishy-washy attitude as soon as he encounters either Lydia or Mrs. Bennett. His commitment to Elizabeth feels a little doubtful.
It's a very short story, and therefore a quick read. It's well written and a nice way to lightly pass a couple of hours.
Darcy says it best at the end of this story when he suggests to Elizabeth that they always be honest and speak openly to each other in the future, because this is a story filled with things not said, and feelings that are misunderstood. Elizabeth and the Gardiners travel to Brighton to prevent Lydia from getting into trouble, but she does anyway. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam go to Brighton for a holiday, but it's mixed with business for the Colonel since the militia are stationed there. Darcy and Elizabeth meet again awkwardly, since this is the first meeting since Elizabeth refused his proposal of marriage in Hunsford. Both of them are regretful about their former behavior towards each other, and secretly wish for another chance to get together.
It's a cute story, but an annoying one. For one thing, Darcy and Elizabeth can't seem to carry on an adult conversation, they're both so nervous and beset by doubts and lack of confidence. The other major source of annoyance is Lydia, whose badness in this version is almost diabolical. No fifteen year old would get away with her actions, especially not in this era. Thankfully, the Gardiners show some backbone with her, but she never truly suffers any consequences for her deeds, and she definitely should. And then there's Mr. Darcy, who one moment claims that he can't live without Elizabeth, and the next moment he's exhibiting a wishy-washy attitude as soon as he encounters either Lydia or Mrs. Bennett. His commitment to Elizabeth feels a little doubtful.
It's a very short story, and therefore a quick read. It's well written and a nice way to lightly pass a couple of hours.
October 11, 2020
As an Austen fan, I love reading variations of this story. What a neat idea to have Lizzie and the Gardners switch their vacation plans to be in Brighton at the same time Lydia is there! I always had wondered about the type of man Colonel Forster was. More details about him, his wife and Lydia‘s friendship as well as their antics in Brighton provided depth to the story. It was interesting as well to see Colonel Fitzwilliam in action as both soldier and as Darcy‘s voice of reason. More interactions and reflective dialogue between Lizzie and Darcy were refreshing to see. I must say I found way the ending played out to be much more emotional and thus more satisfying than I anticipated. Overall this was a great variation read.
August 8, 2019
A JAFF novella in which Lydia gets lost in a cave with Wickham and Mr Darcy becomes the hero by buying some sandwiches for the searchers.
February 12, 2024
Mr. Darcy Goes to Brighton
I enjoyed this story very much. A quick read, it was over before it seemingly started. Darcy still had his pride, but it was Elizabeth who constantly looked to find fault where none existed. The Gardiners took Elizabeth to Brighton rather than Derbyshire, because they too were worried about Lydia’s behavior going to where there were an encampment of soldiers. Her particular friend was just as flirty as Lydia and not an ideal chaperone. Darcy has traveled to visit Colonel Fitzwilliam. Fitzwilliam figures out what has been bothering Darcy since Hunsford. When Lydia goes missing in the caves with Wickham, they all figure the worse has happened and Lydia is ruined. Wickham however was running away from his responsibilities in the militia and left Lydia in the cave by herself in his effort to escape. Colonel Fitzwilliam organized the search, and when Darcy leaves when the search begins, Elizabeth immediately thinks the worst. He has gone to send food and hot tea from the inn to the men searching the caves. Of course, that fact is unknown to Elizabeth. Once Lydia is found, Colonel Forster wants her removed from Brighton and the encampment, because he realizes his wife’s behavior was just as bad as Lydia’s. When the Gardiners return with Lydia in tow, she is angry at them and Elizabeth for ruining her favorite daughter’s happiness even though she read the colonel’s letter. Darcy travels to London to confess to Bingley. They return to Netherfield unfortunately with the superior sisters. Darcy and Bingley visit Longbourn, but Mrs. Bennet’s uncouth behavior and Lydia’s lack of decorum chases him off again. When Jane is invited to dinner, she is accompanied by Mary instead of Elizabeth. When Jane slyly says why Elizabeth didn’t come, Darcy hurries to Longbourn. Again he needs to swallow his pride, and Elizabeth needs to be forced to listen. When he explains why he left the scene at Brighton, and explains his leaving the day before, he hears Elizabeth sobbing at her own stupidity. He finally gets her to look at him long enough to get his second proposal out. It was so much better than his first that through her tears, she accepts with a blinding smile while makes him smile as wide as hers. Lydia comes in and congratulates them both saying her going to Brighton brought them together again, and she was serious. Silly Lydia, if she only knew how foolish she and her mother actually were! Where as, Elizabeth and Darcy wondered how fast they could marry.
I enjoyed this story very much. A quick read, it was over before it seemingly started. Darcy still had his pride, but it was Elizabeth who constantly looked to find fault where none existed. The Gardiners took Elizabeth to Brighton rather than Derbyshire, because they too were worried about Lydia’s behavior going to where there were an encampment of soldiers. Her particular friend was just as flirty as Lydia and not an ideal chaperone. Darcy has traveled to visit Colonel Fitzwilliam. Fitzwilliam figures out what has been bothering Darcy since Hunsford. When Lydia goes missing in the caves with Wickham, they all figure the worse has happened and Lydia is ruined. Wickham however was running away from his responsibilities in the militia and left Lydia in the cave by herself in his effort to escape. Colonel Fitzwilliam organized the search, and when Darcy leaves when the search begins, Elizabeth immediately thinks the worst. He has gone to send food and hot tea from the inn to the men searching the caves. Of course, that fact is unknown to Elizabeth. Once Lydia is found, Colonel Forster wants her removed from Brighton and the encampment, because he realizes his wife’s behavior was just as bad as Lydia’s. When the Gardiners return with Lydia in tow, she is angry at them and Elizabeth for ruining her favorite daughter’s happiness even though she read the colonel’s letter. Darcy travels to London to confess to Bingley. They return to Netherfield unfortunately with the superior sisters. Darcy and Bingley visit Longbourn, but Mrs. Bennet’s uncouth behavior and Lydia’s lack of decorum chases him off again. When Jane is invited to dinner, she is accompanied by Mary instead of Elizabeth. When Jane slyly says why Elizabeth didn’t come, Darcy hurries to Longbourn. Again he needs to swallow his pride, and Elizabeth needs to be forced to listen. When he explains why he left the scene at Brighton, and explains his leaving the day before, he hears Elizabeth sobbing at her own stupidity. He finally gets her to look at him long enough to get his second proposal out. It was so much better than his first that through her tears, she accepts with a blinding smile while makes him smile as wide as hers. Lydia comes in and congratulates them both saying her going to Brighton brought them together again, and she was serious. Silly Lydia, if she only knew how foolish she and her mother actually were! Where as, Elizabeth and Darcy wondered how fast they could marry.
January 5, 2021
Short story about a disastrous trip
Elizabeth and the Gardiners go to Brighton to keep an eye on Lydia who is determined to ruin her reputation. Of course it's the usual out of control, poor manners, and a total lack of proprietary Lydia. She gets lost in a series of caves chasing Wickham and the entire Army camp including Colonel Fitzwilliam ends up searching for her. Disastrous.... Of course she's tossed out of the camp and returned home where her mother doesn't see anything wrong with her behavior!
Darcy and Elizabeth have their typical miscommunication problems but it ends well.
Elizabeth and the Gardiners go to Brighton to keep an eye on Lydia who is determined to ruin her reputation. Of course it's the usual out of control, poor manners, and a total lack of proprietary Lydia. She gets lost in a series of caves chasing Wickham and the entire Army camp including Colonel Fitzwilliam ends up searching for her. Disastrous.... Of course she's tossed out of the camp and returned home where her mother doesn't see anything wrong with her behavior!
Darcy and Elizabeth have their typical miscommunication problems but it ends well.
February 3, 2023
While this book revolved around a self-centered Lydia, on the side was a constant barrage of misunderstandings that the author, thankfully, said by the end that Elizabeth and her Mr. Darcy should always speak plainly to one another. I loved this. The true fun character to follow in this tale was the devilishly perfect Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was always just...perfectly written into or about in every way and for that alone was the fourth star!!! I was glad I read it as part of this year's JAFF goodreads challenge!
May 3, 2022
Good story
It is a very nice tale that left me with a huge disappointment. Never once is Mrs & Mr Bennet forced to become aware that Lydia's behavior in Brighton so egregious that passers by mistook her for a doxy!! It's a perfect opportunity that is left wasted despite the fact that from the moment Darcy & Col. Fitswilliam mistake her for one as they pass her in the camp that readers are literally left waiting for her & her parents to be called on it.
It is a very nice tale that left me with a huge disappointment. Never once is Mrs & Mr Bennet forced to become aware that Lydia's behavior in Brighton so egregious that passers by mistook her for a doxy!! It's a perfect opportunity that is left wasted despite the fact that from the moment Darcy & Col. Fitswilliam mistake her for one as they pass her in the camp that readers are literally left waiting for her & her parents to be called on it.
May 20, 2022
I really didn't care much for this. Short, HEA, but hokey and all wrapped up way too easily. What happened to Wickham? And Lydia was just a brat with nothing redeemable and nobody actually taking the time to correct her. Both Darcy and Elizabeth seemed OOC too.
May 6, 2025
Too short for any meaningful development of resolution
ODC only really exchange a few words in the entire story. Also, there’s no attempt at all to address how truly abhorrent most of the characters are. Finally, the interactions and behaviors were quite unrealistic for the era.
ODC only really exchange a few words in the entire story. Also, there’s no attempt at all to address how truly abhorrent most of the characters are. Finally, the interactions and behaviors were quite unrealistic for the era.
February 13, 2022
Interesting
It was good but hokey. Lydia is as age always is. I had hoped that Mr. Bennett would finally do something in this story.
It was good but hokey. Lydia is as age always is. I had hoped that Mr. Bennett would finally do something in this story.
June 4, 2022
3.5. A lovely different take on a moment with Mr Darcy and Elizabeth. As usual a misunderstanding delays their inevitable betrothal.
December 5, 2022
Lydia goes to Brighton .
Lydia goes to Brighton ,then the trouble starts.A very good read from start to finish.Darcy finds Elizabeth again ,after the failed proposal.
Lydia goes to Brighton ,then the trouble starts.A very good read from start to finish.Darcy finds Elizabeth again ,after the failed proposal.
August 11, 2023
I loved it! Such a riveting tale. I couldn’t put it down. I got so engrossed in the story that I actually felt like I was apart of the story. I also love the all time classic original book it’s based, plus all the TV series and movie adaptations as well.
December 25, 2019
Interesting and amusing alternative ending
The storyline is interesting. It's feasible that Elizabeth would change her plans to follow Lydia to Brighton to protect the family honor. Loved the way they stopped Lydia's tantrums. I will send the author noted on edits as she requested, but not many.
The storyline is interesting. It's feasible that Elizabeth would change her plans to follow Lydia to Brighton to protect the family honor. Loved the way they stopped Lydia's tantrums. I will send the author noted on edits as she requested, but not many.
July 4, 2019
Unfortunate
The language used was mostly modern. Characters were mostly non-sensical. Very silly overall and not written very well at all.
The language used was mostly modern. Characters were mostly non-sensical. Very silly overall and not written very well at all.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews