“It is by no means certain that another offer of marriage may ever be made you.” Mr. Collins reiterated his words in a great bitterness of spirit, promising that no succor would be offered to any of the Bennet family when he finally obtained control of the estate of Longbourn. However, not only was the gentleman wrong about Elizabeth’s marriage prospects, but he was also spectacularly incorrect, for another gentleman of much greater consequence was intent on paying his addresses. And while Elizabeth disliked Mr. Darcy, he was certainly not as personally repugnant as the detestable Mr. Collins. And what of Mrs. Bennet? After having been denied her fondest dream of seeing a daughter married, could she allow this second opportunity to slip away? Mr. Collins's unthinking and uncharitable words set off a series of events no one could expect, and Elizabeth and Mr. Collins both soon learn that words spoken in anger can have greater consequences than the speaker intended. Another Proposal is a Pride and Prejudice Adaptation novella of approximately 37,000 words.
Jann Rowland is a Canadian, born and bred. Other than a two-year span in which he lived in Japan, he has been a resident of the Great White North his entire life, though he professes to still hate the winters.
Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.
When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.
Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.
The story description tells it all. Yes, the day after the Netherfield Ball Elizabeth turns down a proposal from Mr. Collins but soon after that Darcy arrives and also proposes. Mrs. Bennet is (as you know from canon) extremely upset that Elizabeth has turned down Collins but now when she eavesdrops on Mr. Darcy's private time (The door was left ajar for propriety as the servant sought out someone to chaperone.) and hears his proposal she immediately takes action to make sure that this second proposal is made a surety...not trusting her daughter. So it is that she takes off to visit all the gossips in the area and inform them about Elizabeth's engagement.
So the story addresses the various reactions, including Elizabeth's and Darcy's, to this news being circulated. Darcy also takes another step to thwart Collins' insistence that Darcy is engaged to his cousin, Anne de Bourgh. He kisses Elizabeth in front of witnesses. Again there are various reactions to that compromise. Even Lydia has her say about not only the kiss but also information that comes out about Wickham. Oh, yes, Wickham has a reaction and tries to take some revenge against Darcy when he comes upon Elizabeth walking alone in Longbourn's garden.
The story does end rather abruptly. We don't really read anything about the engagement period leading up to a wedding nor is there a epilogue. This story is mostly centered on that day and several days after - ending with a visit from Lady Catherine. Her reaction may surprise you.
This is an angst free, clean, sweet, nice, kinder, gentler, P&P what if. It is short 113 pages and barely covering a week. It offers a simple What if: on the morning after the ball had Darcy taken a ride and encountered Mr. Collins who was in high dudgeon following his rejection by one Elizabeth Bennet and what if Mrs. Bennet resolved to never allow Lizzy to reject another suitor and what if Mr. Darcy paid a call at Longbourn. I have read lots of 'rushed' or 'time condensed' P&P variations and NONE have been handled as well as this book. Things happen quickly but it is neither manic nor unbelievable.
I can't recall at all how I felt about on first reading this. However, here is my second read thoughts: If you take this for what it is-a lighthearted, almost fairy tale like retelling of P&P, it is utterly charming. Almost a vehicle for romance between ODC, peppered with Mrs. B and Lady C being almost appropriate to this particular story. Lydia has a starring role as well as Mr Collins, in complete polar ways. A quick read, which entertains, as long as you don't take it too seriously.
This is a fun little story that takes place mostly the day after the Netherfield ball. When Mr Collins said Elizabeth might never receive another proposal he got proven wrong in very short order. Mrs Bennet wants to make sure Elizabeth doesn't spurn another eligible suitor. Wickham and the younger sisters are dealt with and Lady Catherine is able to be useful. I thought this was very entertaining. Steam level: they settle arguments by kissing.
The issue does not lay with the plot. I could wrap my head around a Darcy who in hearing Lizzy was offered marriage suddenly overcame his apprehensions sooner rather than later. He already was in love with her in canon and its not farfetched the fear that one day she may be proposed to and accept would be a great inducement.
What is bizarre is the dialogue. It's written so bluntly, by which I mean Darcy is direct in clearing everything up and unfazed to the extreme that Lizzy readily admits a dislike for him. (Who in proposing has the balls to not care his affections are not mutual? He is barely bats an eye when Lizzy reveals no affection. Darcy doesn't come off as the shy, at times insecure character that keeps others at arms length and has great pride, he has the confidence of a Wickham, or any suave flirty rake who can not be discouraged). The language doesn't strictly adhere or ring true to how the characters of that time would speak. It is hard therefore to believe this is Darcy talking. It's some other character invented to just reassure Lizzy and take away any possibility of interesting dialogue.
I believe the author wanted to deliver a wish fulfilling, cathartic experience for the readers who after so many reading of P&P want to reach in and slap Darcy and Lizzy, grab them and shove them. It's a forced romance, inherently inorganic and thus not compelling.
Thoroughly Enjoyed It! What a difference communication and good dialogue can make. Instead of leaving for London after the Netherfield ball, Darcy finds himself riding to Longbourn, and appears there just as Mr. Collins is leaving following his failed proposal to Elizabeth. Collins has just proclaimed she will never receive another proposal. What will Darcy do?
I loved the continuous dialogue in this story which, in my opinion, is what makes the difference between an excellent book and one that is just ok. This was excellent! There’s also a wonderful sense of romance on Darcy’s part as well. Highly recommend.
Mr. Collin’s is visiting the Bennetts and he as per usual makes an offer for Elizabeth, which she quickly refuses. Of course, Mrs. Bennett is upset and yells at Elizabeth. Charlotte removes Mr. Collins. Within a short while, Mr. Darcy comes and proposes to Elizabeth. She is shocked. Her mother overhears and comes in and says that Elizabeth will accept. She then runs and tells the neighbors. Of course all,works out in the end as usual. Even Lady Catherine comes around and plans to help Elizabeth enter society!
A decent Pride and Prejudice variation following a what-if Darcy learned of Mr Collins' proposal the day of and it kicked him into gear to propose to Elizabeth himself. Watching the hijinks of Mrs. Bennet (who was determined to see her daughters married) and Mr. Darcy as he tries to convince Elizabeth to marry him was a lot of fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a terrific variation that made Darcy and Elizabeth come together. I loved how Darcy used his brain and thought about what to do or say. Still have enemies, but love never fails
I generally like this writer's work and this book was no exception. It was light and entertaining, especially as Darcy is not so stiff as usually written. I do think that there could have been more story, or a part two. We were left to imagine Wickham's outcome and so much more. But I still liked it and recommend the book.
These short stories are satisfying, having the whole resolution of a situation in a very small amount of time. Like some others, this one is done in a kind of farcical tone, endowing some of the most familiar characters with exaggerated or unusual behaviors. Most of this story takes place on one particular day: the day following the ball at Netherfield. As in the original P&P, Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth, and she refuses. But here is where all the strangeness begins, because in this version Darcy has decided to remain at Netherfield while Bingley goes to London, and he rides over to Longbourn for a visit with Elizabeth, deciding only after he has arrived that he wants to propose to her himself. Anyone who has read P&P knows the stiff and arrogant Mr. Darcy never does anything without lengthy deliberations, so this action gives us to know that this is not your average Mr. Darcy. The ensuing scenes are ridiculous, but enjoyable if you can give in and just go with the flow.
Mr. Collins is always a silly character, but in this version his bizarre behavior is amplified to a painful degree. Mrs. Bennett, always annoying, is also given an even greater degree of absurdly. Darcy 's behavior is confusing, but uncharacteristically romantic. The only person who was toned down was Lady Catherine, who for once displayed some restraint and sense, and gave up her dreams without even a whimper.
I admire Mr. Rowland, and know his work is quality storytelling, well written and well edited. I don't feel this is his best effort, since I found it confusing at times and didn't feel as if the story flowed smoothly. I do appreciate these comic and silly pieces. They're great fun, and a pleasant way to pass a few hours. I recommend it.
Reviewed at http://austendiaries.blogspot.com/202... Title and Author: Another Proposal by Jann Rowland Type: Pride and Prejudice Variation Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth Romance Level: Kissing Recommended: Yes, 2.5 stars I enjoyed it but it wasn't in my top 10 P&P Fan Fiction Access: Available through Kindle Unlimited
Summary: What if.... Mr. Darcy learned of Mr. Collins proposal and it spurred him into action? What if Mr. Bingley never left Netherfield? Would an earlier knowledge of Darcy's feeling change Elizabeth's mind about him? This variation takes place in the few days after the Netherfield Ball and is a short (just over 110 pages) read.
Pros: * This is my favorite Lady Catherine by far. * I like the addition of Fitzwilliam and Georginana * It was a fun premise, but a quick solution and outcome to everything.
Cons: * This was very short (like 110 pages). Since the action takes place over the course of a few days, it doesn't quite feel plausible. * There is almost no conflict here. Mr Collins is really the only thing against the couple and no one takes him seriously. Even Wickham never really gets any wicked place in the story. * It is makes for an interesting retelling, but not believable that Darcy would act on his feelings this early in the story.
The twists and turns in this book were interesting because Mr. Collins and Mrs. Bennet were the cause of most of the fireworks. Lydia and Wickham didn't elope. In fact Lydia verbally and physically attacked Wickham after he claimed to have taken Elizabeth 's virtue and called her a light skirt. Mr. Collins was incensed when Elizabeth rejected him and said things no person should ever say. Since Charlotte witnessed his behavior and verbal exchanges with Elizabeth, Darcy, and Mr. Bennet, she realized that if she married him, she would lose Elizabeth 's friendship. She decided that being married to Collins worth it because he was so disgusting! Lady Catherine arrived at Longbourn with Anne in tow, but she was resolved to accept the engagement, especially after Darcy kissed Elizabeth again in front of everyone. Collins received a stinging set down from Lady Catherine concerning his expectations based upon the type of man that he was.
Another winning story from Jann Rowland, but this one was way too short. I prefer longer works, still, the story itself is excellent with a very determined Mrs Bennet setting in motion a set of circumstances that ensures that Elizabeth has to accept Mr Darcy's unexpected, and not necessarily welcome, proposal.
We see an enraged Mr Collins spitting insults at Elizabeth, whom he accuses of rejecting his proposal in order to accept the much more lucrative offer of Mr Darcy. Some very interesting scenes ensue, not least the one where Lady Catherine descends upon Longbourn.
An excellent, if shorter than I prefer, story that I recommend. 5 stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
What a fun read. Mr. Collins is refused by Miss Elizabeth and begins berating her for her rejection of his suit. Mr. Darcy hears Mr. Collins and upon on impulse visits Longbourn and proposes to Miss Elizabeth. Mrs. Bennet’s actions require the couple to officially become engaged. A series of confrontations bring the couple together, meanwhile Mr. Darcy finds Kissing Miss Elizabeth in front of witnesses a quick and easy way to stop the various objections. This was a quick short story. It was nice to see the couple overcome their obstacles without too much fluff.
This was a completely entertaining story. It will be a while before I forget the entire confrontation in the back garden. Especially the part with the sisters and Wickham. I typically don’t like Lydia when she s written as she as in the the source material . This version of Lydia I loved!
I’ve read many of Jann’s stories the last few days and I’m amazed at the variety of characterizations he comes up with for everyone. Most P&P writers seem to stick to the same throughout all their stories.
A nice story and a pleasant afternoon read. After Elizabeth rejects the proposal of Mr. Collins, Mrs. Bennet is very angry. Then when Darcy shows up, she eavesdrops on his conversation with Elizabeth. As soon as he proposes to Elizabeth, her mother barges in and claims that Elizabeth accepts his proposal. She then, unknown to anyone in the house, takes the carriage to all her friends in Meryton and tells them that Elizabeth is engaged to Mr. Darcy. Some other shenanigans happen, but my primary complaint is that the story ends much too abruptly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoyed this short P&P fanfiction. It was nice to finish a sweet story like this in one sitting. I really appreciated how everyone spoke up and talked instead of half the book being filled with unnecessary misunderstandings and trying to resolve all of those. I will definitely read this again, especially when I want something short and sweet. Needs more editing, but it wasn't to make me quit reading.
This was a cute diversion, I liked the lower angst between ODC, but I will say the very last chapter seemed a bit rushed. This Darcy was my favorite version of the many fanfiction portrays: he knows what he wants and actually trues to be charming. Overall a good job if you are looking for a quick, happy, snowy day kind of read. If you want emotional drama and lots of angst, look elsewhere.
This author understands the structure of a novella perfectly.
Another excellent novella from Jann Rowland. The restricted time frame and honed down plot makes for an enjoyable read with room to make the characters amusing and appealing. Too many novellas make the mistake of attempting to cover too much plot. This story is beautifully constructed and well worth reading.
Another good variation with a very compressed timeline. Darcy is unusually open and Elizabeth experiences a rapid change of heart. Except for Collins other characters were mentioned almost as afterthoughts rather than important components of the plot. Was not as engaging or satisfying as earlier longer variations by this author.
The story is interesting in parts but dull and a repeat of the classic in others. It glosses over events and activities...what happened to Wickham? Caroline is throwing a fit but then disappeared. The lack of details brings the story down. This writer has certainly done much .
A cute and small story about our favorite couple. I did enjoyed very much, at times too much different but it was a good kind of different. I would recommend it for when you need a laugh and you're looking for something light.