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Darcy’s Paramour: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Elizabeth on the run …
Four months have passed since Darcy’s ill-fated proposal to Elizabeth at Hunsford Parsonage. Shaken, he has retreated into solitary pursuits such as walking and fishing. Much time has been lost lamenting past errors, but he sees at last a way forward. He will try to get Elizabeth back. Risk a confession to Bingley. Convince Lady Catherine that he will never marry her daughter. Curb his pride and disrespect for others. Seek a reunion. And hope.
No sooner has this resolution been formed than Darcy receives dramatic news of the Bennets. The family has been disgraced, not by Lydia, but by Elizabeth herself. She has been convicted of a felony and is now missing, believed a fugitive. Alone and without means, she faces destitution—or transportation at best if caught.
Convinced of Elizabeth’s innocence, Darcy stands by his resolution. But how can he help Elizabeth without locating her? And how can he locate her without betraying her to the authorities? The conundrum seems insoluble. Will love find a way?
Four months have passed since Darcy’s ill-fated proposal to Elizabeth at Hunsford Parsonage. Shaken, he has retreated into solitary pursuits such as walking and fishing. Much time has been lost lamenting past errors, but he sees at last a way forward. He will try to get Elizabeth back. Risk a confession to Bingley. Convince Lady Catherine that he will never marry her daughter. Curb his pride and disrespect for others. Seek a reunion. And hope.
No sooner has this resolution been formed than Darcy receives dramatic news of the Bennets. The family has been disgraced, not by Lydia, but by Elizabeth herself. She has been convicted of a felony and is now missing, believed a fugitive. Alone and without means, she faces destitution—or transportation at best if caught.
Convinced of Elizabeth’s innocence, Darcy stands by his resolution. But how can he help Elizabeth without locating her? And how can he locate her without betraying her to the authorities? The conundrum seems insoluble. Will love find a way?
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 29, 2023
5+ stars!
This is yet another amazing, well-written, thoroughly researched, adventure-romance Ms. Sandiford has penned for the main characters of Pride and Prejudice. One of my go-to books to re-read continues to be Darcy's Trial, where Mr. Darcy is falsely accused and imprisoned. This time, Ms. Sandiford turns things around - It's Elizabeth Bennet who suffers a miscarriage of justice.
Elizabeth comes back to Hertfordshire after having refused Darcy's marriage proposal and read his letter. Shortly afterward, she's accused and convicted of stealing merchandise from two Meryton shops based on damning circumstantial evidence, and she's sentenced for deportation to Australia for fourteen years.
After having been refused by the woman he loves, Mr. Darcy takes several months to reflect, and he comes to the conclusion that he must try again to win her heart. When he learns the shocking news about Elizabeth's dire circumstances, she has already been tried and sentenced. Knowing she can't possibly be guilty, he immediately tries to delay her deportation until he can exhaust every possible means of exonerating her.
In the meantime, a lucky opportunity has presented itself, and Elizabeth escapes before Darcy can reach her. She begins a new life as a fugitive from the authorities. Her self-vaunted courage really gets tested in these desperate circumstances. She becomes a completely different person - she is Beth Miller, part of a group of traveling performers whose rough manners are far removed from that of polite society. In fact, she undergoes more than one transition while she is on the run, adapting to the various circumstances she's presented with. Her performing career takes several surprising turns, eventually leading her to hide in plain sight. Although she needs help at first just to survive, eventually she comes to enjoy living by her own wits and talents rather than depending upon a man, and her self-confidence grows.
While Darcy continues to seek out clues to prove Elizabeth's innocence, he also does everything in his power to help her family. The Bennets are obviously under a dark cloud due to the scandal, and Lydia's disgraceful behavior only makes things worse.
The point of view alternates between Elizabeth and Darcy. Don't worry about lack of page time together; they may be separated for about the first one-third of the book but, from that point on, their lives repeatedly cross paths. Darcy's dedication to uncovering the truth never wavers, and he must race frantically against the clock to clear her name.
It's a well-developed mystery. Who DID steal those articles? Who was responsible for the anonymous letters that lied about Elizabeth's actions? I had some suspicions, but I was incorrect. There's a clever mixture of real and faux clues that kept me guessing right up until all was revealed.
I normally rail against books that tarry too long after the resolution of the primary plot. In this case, the last chapters serve as intriguing postscripts to our heroine's life on the run. Elizabeth, under very different circumstances, meets again with those who knew her only as Beth Miller. It's a nice exclamation point on the author's recurring theme of everyone having more than one personality.
Be sure to read the author's notes at the end. Many of the characters and all the circumstances described are based on historical fact.
Fabulous book. Highly recommend!
This is yet another amazing, well-written, thoroughly researched, adventure-romance Ms. Sandiford has penned for the main characters of Pride and Prejudice. One of my go-to books to re-read continues to be Darcy's Trial, where Mr. Darcy is falsely accused and imprisoned. This time, Ms. Sandiford turns things around - It's Elizabeth Bennet who suffers a miscarriage of justice.
Elizabeth comes back to Hertfordshire after having refused Darcy's marriage proposal and read his letter. Shortly afterward, she's accused and convicted of stealing merchandise from two Meryton shops based on damning circumstantial evidence, and she's sentenced for deportation to Australia for fourteen years.
After having been refused by the woman he loves, Mr. Darcy takes several months to reflect, and he comes to the conclusion that he must try again to win her heart. When he learns the shocking news about Elizabeth's dire circumstances, she has already been tried and sentenced. Knowing she can't possibly be guilty, he immediately tries to delay her deportation until he can exhaust every possible means of exonerating her.
In the meantime, a lucky opportunity has presented itself, and Elizabeth escapes before Darcy can reach her. She begins a new life as a fugitive from the authorities. Her self-vaunted courage really gets tested in these desperate circumstances. She becomes a completely different person - she is Beth Miller, part of a group of traveling performers whose rough manners are far removed from that of polite society. In fact, she undergoes more than one transition while she is on the run, adapting to the various circumstances she's presented with. Her performing career takes several surprising turns, eventually leading her to hide in plain sight. Although she needs help at first just to survive, eventually she comes to enjoy living by her own wits and talents rather than depending upon a man, and her self-confidence grows.
While Darcy continues to seek out clues to prove Elizabeth's innocence, he also does everything in his power to help her family. The Bennets are obviously under a dark cloud due to the scandal, and Lydia's disgraceful behavior only makes things worse.
The point of view alternates between Elizabeth and Darcy. Don't worry about lack of page time together; they may be separated for about the first one-third of the book but, from that point on, their lives repeatedly cross paths. Darcy's dedication to uncovering the truth never wavers, and he must race frantically against the clock to clear her name.
It's a well-developed mystery. Who DID steal those articles? Who was responsible for the anonymous letters that lied about Elizabeth's actions? I had some suspicions, but I was incorrect. There's a clever mixture of real and faux clues that kept me guessing right up until all was revealed.
I normally rail against books that tarry too long after the resolution of the primary plot. In this case, the last chapters serve as intriguing postscripts to our heroine's life on the run. Elizabeth, under very different circumstances, meets again with those who knew her only as Beth Miller. It's a nice exclamation point on the author's recurring theme of everyone having more than one personality.
Be sure to read the author's notes at the end. Many of the characters and all the circumstances described are based on historical fact.
Fabulous book. Highly recommend!
May 15, 2020
Simply and utterly brilliant!! This is a meticulously researched P&P what if that takes a road not traveled in the past. The writing is perfect, the plot is original, the story is fabulous!!
This twisty P&P what if imagines that following the disastrous proposal has Lizzy returned to Meryton where she is accused of stealing. When charges mount she is convicted and sentenced to be transported. On her trip to Newgate the cart she is riding in is hijacked and the prisoners escape.
She has a lot of bad luck before stumbling onto an acting troupe that take her in. in disguise she will end up the toast of London performing on stage. She will meet famous and influential people. She will be reunited with Darcy and lots of other excellent adventures.
This is just a lovely outrageous yet believable P&P What if. Read IT!!
This twisty P&P what if imagines that following the disastrous proposal has Lizzy returned to Meryton where she is accused of stealing. When charges mount she is convicted and sentenced to be transported. On her trip to Newgate the cart she is riding in is hijacked and the prisoners escape.
She has a lot of bad luck before stumbling onto an acting troupe that take her in. in disguise she will end up the toast of London performing on stage. She will meet famous and influential people. She will be reunited with Darcy and lots of other excellent adventures.
This is just a lovely outrageous yet believable P&P What if. Read IT!!
May 26, 2020
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars. I did enjoy this story although it varies a lot from canon. It is not one I will reread however, thus not a full 5 stars.
Elizabeth returns home from visiting Charlotte Collins and after being proposed to by Mr. Darcy. As the blurb tells us, she is accused and found guilty of shoplifting. We read that usually a gentlewomen does not go on trial for such but the receipt of 2 anonymous letters about observations concerning Elizabeth seals her fate and she is sentenced to be transported to Australia for 14 years. However before that occurs during a ride towards Newgate with two other women convicts othe husband of one attacks the driver and frees her. Now also freed Elizabeth takes off and after various small adventures finds herself as part of a traveling troupe of entertainers. She gains fame as an actress in a Harlequinade performance. Her life with this troupe is interesting as she learns all about a whole different segment of society.
Meanwhile Darcy has belatedly learned of Elizabeth's fate and decides to attempt to get her cleared of the charges as he knows she would not act in such a manner.
The author, (as other reviews state) has researched and used historical facts about much of what she writes about, what she uses, in this story: Beau Brummel, the Regent, actors, actresses, courtesans, transporting criminals, etc. I have to agree with one comment, however, that it was very much a stretch of the imagination to have Darcy allow his wife to again perform as an actress after their marriage. However in this story Elizabeth is two people (as are some others) and he accepts that part of her life and shows no shame about it nor tries to hide it.
I thought the ending was rather abrupt. I wanted more about their future life.
Elizabeth returns home from visiting Charlotte Collins and after being proposed to by Mr. Darcy. As the blurb tells us, she is accused and found guilty of shoplifting. We read that usually a gentlewomen does not go on trial for such but the receipt of 2 anonymous letters about observations concerning Elizabeth seals her fate and she is sentenced to be transported to Australia for 14 years. However before that occurs during a ride towards Newgate with two other women convicts othe husband of one attacks the driver and frees her. Now also freed Elizabeth takes off and after various small adventures finds herself as part of a traveling troupe of entertainers. She gains fame as an actress in a Harlequinade performance. Her life with this troupe is interesting as she learns all about a whole different segment of society.
Meanwhile Darcy has belatedly learned of Elizabeth's fate and decides to attempt to get her cleared of the charges as he knows she would not act in such a manner.
The author, (as other reviews state) has researched and used historical facts about much of what she writes about, what she uses, in this story: Beau Brummel, the Regent, actors, actresses, courtesans, transporting criminals, etc. I have to agree with one comment, however, that it was very much a stretch of the imagination to have Darcy allow his wife to again perform as an actress after their marriage. However in this story Elizabeth is two people (as are some others) and he accepts that part of her life and shows no shame about it nor tries to hide it.
I thought the ending was rather abrupt. I wanted more about their future life.
May 13, 2020
Very enjoyable, if a bit unrealistic.
May 11, 2020
Plays within a play
Oddly compelling story. One, of many things, that happen to Lizzy is she bones an actress. The entire story seemed to be a play where one act Is about a heroine who becomes an actress. Well that was vague and not very useful to someone reading a review. I attempt to limit my spoiling the story.
Lizzy’s life undergoes immense changes after her trip to visit Mrs. Collins. A really interesting story that is hard to put down. I suggest you not read many reviews and have a great story spoiled.
I recommend the story highly.
Oddly compelling story. One, of many things, that happen to Lizzy is she bones an actress. The entire story seemed to be a play where one act Is about a heroine who becomes an actress. Well that was vague and not very useful to someone reading a review. I attempt to limit my spoiling the story.
Lizzy’s life undergoes immense changes after her trip to visit Mrs. Collins. A really interesting story that is hard to put down. I suggest you not read many reviews and have a great story spoiled.
I recommend the story highly.
May 13, 2020
This is a court of law, young man, not a court of justice. ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
Convicted!!! Elizabeth Bennet was accused and convicted of shoplifting on the basis of unsigned documents from unknown witnesses. Her punishment: 14 Years Deportation.
Elizabeth is freed when another prisoner makes a break from gaol. She must fend for herself and evade capture or face Australian prison colonies or worse. She makes new friends and adopts a new identity.
After his disastrous proposal, Darcy retreats but now decides to meet with Elizabeth again and make amends. When he learns of Elizabeth’s disappearance, he sets out to find her.
This is a well-written and researched story. Details of prison life are included and the facts of a prisoner’s life in Australia. Historical accuracy is also shown in Elizabeth’s life as an escapee.
This story is very far from canon P&P but well worth the time to read.
Some circumstantial evidence is very strong, as when you find a trout in the milk. ~ Henry David Thoreau
Convicted!!! Elizabeth Bennet was accused and convicted of shoplifting on the basis of unsigned documents from unknown witnesses. Her punishment: 14 Years Deportation.
Elizabeth is freed when another prisoner makes a break from gaol. She must fend for herself and evade capture or face Australian prison colonies or worse. She makes new friends and adopts a new identity.
After his disastrous proposal, Darcy retreats but now decides to meet with Elizabeth again and make amends. When he learns of Elizabeth’s disappearance, he sets out to find her.
This is a well-written and researched story. Details of prison life are included and the facts of a prisoner’s life in Australia. Historical accuracy is also shown in Elizabeth’s life as an escapee.
This story is very far from canon P&P but well worth the time to read.
Some circumstantial evidence is very strong, as when you find a trout in the milk. ~ Henry David Thoreau
May 20, 2020
Excellent Variation with a Completely Different Perspective
Fix your schedule and clear the time - you won't willingly put down this book until it ends. And then you'll read the author's notes with curiosity and amazement at the remaining history and details of discovery. A true 5 Star accomplishment.
Fix your schedule and clear the time - you won't willingly put down this book until it ends. And then you'll read the author's notes with curiosity and amazement at the remaining history and details of discovery. A true 5 Star accomplishment.
June 2, 2020
5+ stars. Such an engaging book, lots of adventure and an interesting foray in life of people that really existed.
March 17, 2023
I thought this was well written, but not my favorite storyline. I agreed with Darcy on his feelings about some of Elizabeth’s associations. I really only started to enjoy the story in the second half of the book once Elizabeth is recaptured and Darcy begins a more in depth attempt to have her exonerated. Their goodbye just before she is transported was very touching. I appreciated the informative Afterword.
May 16, 2020
Spectacular
Elizabeth, falsely accused and convicted of thievery, escapes before being placed on a convict ship bound for Australia. This engrossing tale has love, adventure and intrigue. There is interesting historical context and personalities from the recency period that adds much to the tale. 5+ stars IMO.
Elizabeth, falsely accused and convicted of thievery, escapes before being placed on a convict ship bound for Australia. This engrossing tale has love, adventure and intrigue. There is interesting historical context and personalities from the recency period that adds much to the tale. 5+ stars IMO.
May 19, 2020
As Darcy is in London trying to forget Elizabeth Bennet, she is accused of stealing and sentence to be transported! A twist of fate allows her to escape en route to the ship and she takes off to hide and find a life. She falls in with a traveling circus/acting troupe and learns to survive.
Upon learning of the tragedy Darcy works to discover all the can to save the love of his life. There has to have been a mistake! He goes out of his way to help her family (Lydia/Wickham situation still happens) and gathers as much evidence as he can, but can't find her or clear her name.
As time passes, he sees her perform and arranges to meet her. She assumes the gig is up and he is going to turn her in. Much to her surprise he not only covers for her, but works tirelessly to shield her and work to prove her innocence. His protection is provided by pretending that she is his paramour - which is all a front. The two work together to unwind the mystery while learning to actually love each other. A bit MORE danger brings them finally to their happily ever after.
I love how Elizabeth is so very strong in this story. So many things happen to her but she overcomes. She learns to respect all kinds of people and abilities while remaining kind to everyone.
Upon learning of the tragedy Darcy works to discover all the can to save the love of his life. There has to have been a mistake! He goes out of his way to help her family (Lydia/Wickham situation still happens) and gathers as much evidence as he can, but can't find her or clear her name.
As time passes, he sees her perform and arranges to meet her. She assumes the gig is up and he is going to turn her in. Much to her surprise he not only covers for her, but works tirelessly to shield her and work to prove her innocence. His protection is provided by pretending that she is his paramour - which is all a front. The two work together to unwind the mystery while learning to actually love each other. A bit MORE danger brings them finally to their happily ever after.
I love how Elizabeth is so very strong in this story. So many things happen to her but she overcomes. She learns to respect all kinds of people and abilities while remaining kind to everyone.
December 3, 2020
A fast paced story using the P&P characters. E goes through a lot with a kind of stoic fortitude. I liked the action and the pace.
However, as I got to the end of the book I realized there was no actual dealing with feelings or emotions. Not that this had to be likes lot of the highly emotive variations that are available, but aside from a dear here and an excitement there, E never deals with everything she has to endure. The at the very end it all just sort of stops. In a final scene between E&D - very tired, ok, goodnight.
I debated over giving this only 3 stars because of that, but the fact still remains that it was a well written and fun story.
However, as I got to the end of the book I realized there was no actual dealing with feelings or emotions. Not that this had to be likes lot of the highly emotive variations that are available, but aside from a dear here and an excitement there, E never deals with everything she has to endure. The at the very end it all just sort of stops. In a final scene between E&D - very tired, ok, goodnight.
I debated over giving this only 3 stars because of that, but the fact still remains that it was a well written and fun story.
June 5, 2020
2.5 rounded up. While I liked all the historical details, I felt the relationship between D & E was lacking in depth.
July 4, 2020
DNF 18%. Just did not keep my interest.
Not very well written (not much depth or emotion in the characters). No sense of what emotions the characters are going through. It felt like just reading a series of events without being able to relate to the characters or understand what they are going through. The relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy lacked depth. I wasn’t invested in the characters or in seeing them come together.
Not very well written (not much depth or emotion in the characters). No sense of what emotions the characters are going through. It felt like just reading a series of events without being able to relate to the characters or understand what they are going through. The relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy lacked depth. I wasn’t invested in the characters or in seeing them come together.
May 21, 2020
Not what I expected
The book isn't bad, it just didn't do anything for me. Darcy and Elizabeth didn't work for me, so I wasn't rooting or waiting for them to come together. I must say, I was so excited to read this story, mainly because I haven't seen this plot before...but give it try, others seem to like it.
The book isn't bad, it just didn't do anything for me. Darcy and Elizabeth didn't work for me, so I wasn't rooting or waiting for them to come together. I must say, I was so excited to read this story, mainly because I haven't seen this plot before...but give it try, others seem to like it.
May 12, 2020
If your interested in off canon books this one is for you.
A great story well written and lots of fun.
I enjoyed it very much.
A great story well written and lots of fun.
I enjoyed it very much.
May 31, 2020
Good book
Good story, but I don't like it when the villans get away with their crimes. All the villains got away with their crimes,no one was punished except Elizabeth!
Good story, but I don't like it when the villans get away with their crimes. All the villains got away with their crimes,no one was punished except Elizabeth!
June 25, 2021
Hung instead of hang/ing. Annoying. Etiquette thrown out of the window. Darcy would never call a lady by her first name or refer to her as such. Why was it never mentioned that Lizzy called out when she found the stockings on the floor to attract the attentions of those who had just left the shop. Someone who is guilty would never do that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2020
I enjoyed this book, but not as a P&P book. I had to look at it as it’s own story with characters that have the same names as Austen’s characters, but not their personalities. This book had a great story & kept my attention. I couldn’t put it down. If you can keep the “Darcy or Lizzy would never do that or that would never have been happened” thoughts out of your mind by separating it from Jane Austen’s classic, then you have a great and unique book!
August 8, 2020
A left field masterpiece of its kind
I will admit to being a bit dubious about a story that delves so absolutely into the unknown but this story expertly balances historical details with a human storyline . It centres on Elizabeth and Darcy almost exclusively, the other major players in the book are almost all non austenian so if you're a big fan of Jane or Mr Bennet this may not be for you. But honestly despite the unlikely premise, the whole thing is weaved together masterfully and the historical accuracy lends a credibility to plot.
All in all an excellent human story that stats true to both of our dear couple in all their imperfect perfections.
I will admit to being a bit dubious about a story that delves so absolutely into the unknown but this story expertly balances historical details with a human storyline . It centres on Elizabeth and Darcy almost exclusively, the other major players in the book are almost all non austenian so if you're a big fan of Jane or Mr Bennet this may not be for you. But honestly despite the unlikely premise, the whole thing is weaved together masterfully and the historical accuracy lends a credibility to plot.
All in all an excellent human story that stats true to both of our dear couple in all their imperfect perfections.
August 1, 2021
E and D don't seem to work in this particular trope. Even Darcy acknowledges that, thinking to himself: I doubt they would work regardless, with Darcy being who he is.
October 25, 2021
Another wonderful thriller by the author.
Another thriller by the author, this is slightly slower paced. It was amazing to follow Elizabeth as she went one trouble to another. Always thought of Elizabeth as a strong and independent woman, and this novel really shoes that aspect of her. Wonderful read.
Another thriller by the author, this is slightly slower paced. It was amazing to follow Elizabeth as she went one trouble to another. Always thought of Elizabeth as a strong and independent woman, and this novel really shoes that aspect of her. Wonderful read.
June 30, 2022
Not quite 4* - but the idea was original and a lot of the story was enjoyable. It has yet much more potential. I found most of the scenes between Darcy and Elizabeth a bit stiff and the dialogue not flowing... There is so much one can put on the "if I loved you less, I would have talked more" stance...
June 10, 2025
Elizabeth sufers a miscarriage of justice after Hunsford and is due to be transported, Darcy convinced of her innocents tries to clear her name. The story covers the fun and shenanigans while Elizabeth is on the run taking a new name and life learning new skills and falling in love, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
October 4, 2020
An Interesting Variation
This novel takes us on a very different (and seemingly hopeless) path from canon. It’s an entertaining story, with many interesting characters and twists. I enjoyed it.
This novel takes us on a very different (and seemingly hopeless) path from canon. It’s an entertaining story, with many interesting characters and twists. I enjoyed it.
May 30, 2023
I loved the afterword of the book if you can believe that. I didn't know that Miss Austen's aunt had been arrested for shoplifting. That is a great way to get a JAFF story idea. This book kept me on my toes!
May 25, 2020
Wow! Quite the adventure
When Elizabeth is charged with shoplifting their story takes some interesting turns. Adventure ensues for Elizabeth in this engaging read.
When Elizabeth is charged with shoplifting their story takes some interesting turns. Adventure ensues for Elizabeth in this engaging read.
July 6, 2020
Great historical detail!
This story was not the typical P&P sequel! I loved reading about the prisons, the troupe, and all of Elizabeth's adventures before the happily ever after.
This story was not the typical P&P sequel! I loved reading about the prisons, the troupe, and all of Elizabeth's adventures before the happily ever after.
June 24, 2021
A fun, short, and different take on P&P!
October 21, 2022
this book may not be entirely sensible, but it’s certainly a fun read and I loved the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews