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Expectations & Apologies
A variation on our beloved Pride and Prejudice where we wonder what might have happened if Elizabeth had not overheard Mr. Darcy's caustic remarks about her at the assembly. Would she still have seen him as arrogant, selfish and conceited? Would he have been able to remain aloof and prideful if Elizabeth was not initially prejudiced against him? The road to true love turns in unexpected ways. Although there will be others in my What if series they are all stand alone stories.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2020
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46 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Squire
2 books9 followersI am a Jane Austen fan which is what led to my writing adaptations of her work, but when I am not immersed in the regency era I am running a small non-profit, attending school and trying to make time for my wonderful family - one fabulous husband, two amazing daughters and three mischievous cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 18, 2020
Angst: a feeling of dread, anxiety, or anguish
I am always just a bit bored if a story doesn’t contain any angst at all and this one was on the sleepy-time borderline for me.
“Expectations and Apologies” is a simple, uncomplicated love story – a good story; a sweet story; a mild story.
Of course, angst can also easily be overdone. Read this on one of those days when Darcy and Elizabeth are creating so many problems for themselves that you scream “one simple conversation could clear this all up” and you wish you could open the Kindle and shake these characters until their heads spin.
I am always just a bit bored if a story doesn’t contain any angst at all and this one was on the sleepy-time borderline for me.
“Expectations and Apologies” is a simple, uncomplicated love story – a good story; a sweet story; a mild story.
Of course, angst can also easily be overdone. Read this on one of those days when Darcy and Elizabeth are creating so many problems for themselves that you scream “one simple conversation could clear this all up” and you wish you could open the Kindle and shake these characters until their heads spin.
September 15, 2020
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
I kinda like the way this author starts with Elizabeth Bennet NOT overhearing Darcy's snarky comment about her at the Meryton assembly and then tweaks various scenes in Hertfordshire to show how Elizabeth's lack of prejudice against him affects her conversations - both those with him and those about him.
This means Darcy gets the full force of the lady's charisma, and he can't help exerting himself more in her company, especially since she makes it playfully clear that she has no marital designs on him. The two develop a warm friendship. When she meets Mr. Wickham and he tries to steer the conversation to air his supposed grievances against Darcy, she diverts the topic, using the same kind of disarming charm that she had directed at Darcy in canon without making him aware that she's not into him.
The book primarily follows Elizabeth's point of view, only occasionally giving glimpses of Darcy's thoughts. The biggest obstacle is the social chasm between them; Elizabeth realizes she loves him when he returns to London but knows he's too far above her to consider marrying her.
All the above leads to a different experience when the two are reunited at Rosings. Lady Catherine becomes the primary antagonist rather than Mr. Wickham.
Quite a lot of passages are lifted directly from the original. Very few authors can match Jane Austen's wonderful prose, and Ms. Squire isn't one of them. In addition, there are overly long paragraphs describing multiple topics that should have been split, plus poor punctuation and various editing-type errors.
While I wouldn't call the story completely free of angst, it's pretty minimal compared to most variations and even compared to canon. It makes for a pleasant story but not an especially gripping one.
Content is clean.
I kinda like the way this author starts with Elizabeth Bennet NOT overhearing Darcy's snarky comment about her at the Meryton assembly and then tweaks various scenes in Hertfordshire to show how Elizabeth's lack of prejudice against him affects her conversations - both those with him and those about him.
This means Darcy gets the full force of the lady's charisma, and he can't help exerting himself more in her company, especially since she makes it playfully clear that she has no marital designs on him. The two develop a warm friendship. When she meets Mr. Wickham and he tries to steer the conversation to air his supposed grievances against Darcy, she diverts the topic, using the same kind of disarming charm that she had directed at Darcy in canon without making him aware that she's not into him.
The book primarily follows Elizabeth's point of view, only occasionally giving glimpses of Darcy's thoughts. The biggest obstacle is the social chasm between them; Elizabeth realizes she loves him when he returns to London but knows he's too far above her to consider marrying her.
All the above leads to a different experience when the two are reunited at Rosings. Lady Catherine becomes the primary antagonist rather than Mr. Wickham.
Quite a lot of passages are lifted directly from the original. Very few authors can match Jane Austen's wonderful prose, and Ms. Squire isn't one of them. In addition, there are overly long paragraphs describing multiple topics that should have been split, plus poor punctuation and various editing-type errors.
While I wouldn't call the story completely free of angst, it's pretty minimal compared to most variations and even compared to canon. It makes for a pleasant story but not an especially gripping one.
Content is clean.
June 7, 2023
A low key book, very elegantly told, in which ODC fall in love in Hertfordshire, yet separate for various reasons. No big bad, no tension and no drama, apart from the canon Lady C. I really liked the warmer version of Charlotte in this.
The main thrust of this whole book is the friendship, to love, to deep love between Darcy and Elizabeth.
A sweet read, for days you just need to chill.
The main thrust of this whole book is the friendship, to love, to deep love between Darcy and Elizabeth.
A sweet read, for days you just need to chill.
December 7, 2020
Nice Variation
Elizabeth never overhears Darcy’s “tolerable” comment, and while she still found him proud and haughty at the assembly, they do form a real, genuine friendship in this different variation. The story’s timeline only runs through to Elizabeth’s return to London after the Hunsford visit.
I absolutely enjoyed the relationship ODC developed without Elizabeth condemning Darcy at the outset. The friendliness and teasing nature between them was delightful. I especially loved the proposal and conversation surrounding it. I most definitely enjoyed this Darcy and Elizabeth. Of course, there has to be a wrench in the plot, which causes Darcy to return to London after the Netherfield ball. I won’t spoil it.
Another clever aspect in the writing is how the author managed to thwart Wickham’s attempts to influence Elizabeth against Darcy by avoiding any confrontation between the two men. This left me wondering throughout when the axe was going to fall, creating a touch of angst in my own mind. While it didn’t ruin the story, which I still deemed to be good, I felt unsatisfied not knowing how Wickham ended up. No mention even in the epilogue.
I do recommend it. This is one of the more rare variations where Elizabeth’s heart is touched early on and really pines for Darcy.
Elizabeth never overhears Darcy’s “tolerable” comment, and while she still found him proud and haughty at the assembly, they do form a real, genuine friendship in this different variation. The story’s timeline only runs through to Elizabeth’s return to London after the Hunsford visit.
I absolutely enjoyed the relationship ODC developed without Elizabeth condemning Darcy at the outset. The friendliness and teasing nature between them was delightful. I especially loved the proposal and conversation surrounding it. I most definitely enjoyed this Darcy and Elizabeth. Of course, there has to be a wrench in the plot, which causes Darcy to return to London after the Netherfield ball. I won’t spoil it.
Another clever aspect in the writing is how the author managed to thwart Wickham’s attempts to influence Elizabeth against Darcy by avoiding any confrontation between the two men. This left me wondering throughout when the axe was going to fall, creating a touch of angst in my own mind. While it didn’t ruin the story, which I still deemed to be good, I felt unsatisfied not knowing how Wickham ended up. No mention even in the epilogue.
I do recommend it. This is one of the more rare variations where Elizabeth’s heart is touched early on and really pines for Darcy.
October 4, 2020
A pleasant surprise
Quite the pleasant story. Lizzy and Darcy become close much sooner but the hurdles to happiness are still in their way
Almost as much story happens in the epilogue as happens in the book.
Not a deep read but a very pleasant story. Thumbs up.
Quite the pleasant story. Lizzy and Darcy become close much sooner but the hurdles to happiness are still in their way
Almost as much story happens in the epilogue as happens in the book.
Not a deep read but a very pleasant story. Thumbs up.
August 27, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
As Rose said in her review this story lacks any angst. There are no surprises just a wording of Jane Austen's story in this author's own words for the most part. No, Elizabeth does not hear Darcy's insult at the assembly, which leads to their becoming friends much sooner, even if there are still thoughts about objections to connections, family and lack of a dowry.
Elizabeth realizes she loves Darcy before he even leaves Hertfordshire but it is her own thoughts about all that separates them that makes her believe that he too knows this and thus has left to prevent any further attachment beyond their friendship.
We don't have that awful proposal from Darcy but we have Elizabeth saying basically the same things in her refusal to accept him.
So if you love or even like the story of P&P I am sure reading it with those slights changes will make a favorite story again enjoyed once more.
As Rose said in her review this story lacks any angst. There are no surprises just a wording of Jane Austen's story in this author's own words for the most part. No, Elizabeth does not hear Darcy's insult at the assembly, which leads to their becoming friends much sooner, even if there are still thoughts about objections to connections, family and lack of a dowry.
Elizabeth realizes she loves Darcy before he even leaves Hertfordshire but it is her own thoughts about all that separates them that makes her believe that he too knows this and thus has left to prevent any further attachment beyond their friendship.
We don't have that awful proposal from Darcy but we have Elizabeth saying basically the same things in her refusal to accept him.
So if you love or even like the story of P&P I am sure reading it with those slights changes will make a favorite story again enjoyed once more.
September 10, 2020
This Pride and Prejudice variation removes Elizabeth's initial prejudice and allows for clearer heads to prevail. It doesn't have anything over emotional or angsty.
June 22, 2022
Loved it!
A completely new approach that finds our beloved couple getting to be friends first. I found this Darcy enchanting and very swoon worthy.
A completely new approach that finds our beloved couple getting to be friends first. I found this Darcy enchanting and very swoon worthy.
June 11, 2022
Elizabeth and Darcy have a more amicable beginning and Darcy is more inclined to flirt openly with her but the disparity of their respective stations still throws some spokes in the wheels.
Overall I loved this story although it might have been improved by another round of editing focusing on fixing some awkward punctuation.
Overall I loved this story although it might have been improved by another round of editing focusing on fixing some awkward punctuation.
December 10, 2025
A Pride and Prejudice variation where Elizabeth fails to hear Darcy's insult. How will this affect her behaviour when she attends Jane at Netherfield and later events. A shame that the most interesting pairing only got a passing mention.
An entertaining story
An entertaining story
November 4, 2020
Not bad, not good.
I hoped for more original dialogue and character development. Far too much was entirely lifted, word for word, from Austen’s text. Also, the proofreading started out well, then got very spotty.
I hoped for more original dialogue and character development. Far too much was entirely lifted, word for word, from Austen’s text. Also, the proofreading started out well, then got very spotty.
September 21, 2020
Brava!
So wonderful to discover a talented new JAFF author. Ms Squire has created a well written book, with a well developed plot. Elizabeth didn't overhear the insult at the Meryton assembly, so, although she still finds Darcy's behavior at the event to be arrogant, she's willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and find out if he's just shy, or perhaps uncomfortable with strangers. They meet again at Lucas Lodge, and begin a friendship wherein she helps him to overcome his anxieties, and to become more easy in company.
The book follows the events of the original P&P right through the visit to Hunsford and return to London afterward. I deducted a star because a fair portion of the book is lifted almost verbatim from the original, so it seemed like I was skimming at times over content that I knew by heart. This is ok if it's not excessive, but I prefer that the author create their own content.
There's a nice balance of angst\no angst in the story. Elizabeth's feelings for Darcy develop quickly, as do Darcy's feelings for her, but there is still a sweet little struggle on both of their parts to accept the reality. The villains, Wickham, Caroline Bingley, and Lady Catherine, all have roles, but are dealt with in very satisfying ways. The romance is lovely and swoon worthy. The proposal scene is one of the best I've encountered.
The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
So wonderful to discover a talented new JAFF author. Ms Squire has created a well written book, with a well developed plot. Elizabeth didn't overhear the insult at the Meryton assembly, so, although she still finds Darcy's behavior at the event to be arrogant, she's willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and find out if he's just shy, or perhaps uncomfortable with strangers. They meet again at Lucas Lodge, and begin a friendship wherein she helps him to overcome his anxieties, and to become more easy in company.
The book follows the events of the original P&P right through the visit to Hunsford and return to London afterward. I deducted a star because a fair portion of the book is lifted almost verbatim from the original, so it seemed like I was skimming at times over content that I knew by heart. This is ok if it's not excessive, but I prefer that the author create their own content.
There's a nice balance of angst\no angst in the story. Elizabeth's feelings for Darcy develop quickly, as do Darcy's feelings for her, but there is still a sweet little struggle on both of their parts to accept the reality. The villains, Wickham, Caroline Bingley, and Lady Catherine, all have roles, but are dealt with in very satisfying ways. The romance is lovely and swoon worthy. The proposal scene is one of the best I've encountered.
The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
November 23, 2020
Great Dialog Keeps Arising
A variation with more character than chaos. In fact, the demeanor here is almost calm, or perhaps I could say mature, but not at all in a physical manner. The outlook here is of intelligent people, more obviously suited to one another than many variations portray. No one is a crass caracter, they are drawn as recognizable personalities, not cartoons, which levels out the story. The relationship between Darcy and the Colonel is portrayed exactly as Austen indicated, but expanded slightly for the reader's enjoyment. I enjoyed this author's offering and though my preference is for a bit of mature content along with mature thought, This book is easily 4.5 IMHO.
A variation with more character than chaos. In fact, the demeanor here is almost calm, or perhaps I could say mature, but not at all in a physical manner. The outlook here is of intelligent people, more obviously suited to one another than many variations portray. No one is a crass caracter, they are drawn as recognizable personalities, not cartoons, which levels out the story. The relationship between Darcy and the Colonel is portrayed exactly as Austen indicated, but expanded slightly for the reader's enjoyment. I enjoyed this author's offering and though my preference is for a bit of mature content along with mature thought, This book is easily 4.5 IMHO.
July 4, 2023
This Variation is Awesome!
I could see this and yet it still surprises me in different plot twist. I enjoyed how Wickham was written. I enjoyed the main story line being the same sequence of events but wit significant changes to the plot but not the main focus of the characters basic qualities and transformations.
That is what I love about P&P the changes that occur with our characters and the strength of dignity and honesty to admit to those failings. The power and humility is to make the changes and maintain those changes. That is what keeps me reading these variations.
I highly recommend all ages reading this story. I freely admit this will be favorite along with Banished, More than a pretty face, Being Mrs. Darcy, and a few others.
I could see this and yet it still surprises me in different plot twist. I enjoyed how Wickham was written. I enjoyed the main story line being the same sequence of events but wit significant changes to the plot but not the main focus of the characters basic qualities and transformations.
That is what I love about P&P the changes that occur with our characters and the strength of dignity and honesty to admit to those failings. The power and humility is to make the changes and maintain those changes. That is what keeps me reading these variations.
I highly recommend all ages reading this story. I freely admit this will be favorite along with Banished, More than a pretty face, Being Mrs. Darcy, and a few others.
October 7, 2023
This is kind of a easy-breezy what-if variation of Pride & Prejudice. Elizabeth doesn't overhear Darcy's insult at the ball so she has not been personally affronted. She just thinks he is arrogant initially. And that does change everything. It is much easier for her to fall in love since she hasn't had her pride hurt and she can begin to see Darcy's real self far more quickly. The story is mostly pleasant. The conflicts are simply Darcy having to overcome Elizabeth's class standing and she totally gets that. It makes her sad but doesn't injure her pride. And then there is Lady C of course. She really gets on her high horse in this one. Despite the conflicts of the story, it is pretty low angst and a pleasant read to get your Darcy fix.
No sex, language or violence
No sex, language or violence
April 17, 2022
Another triumph!
What a delightful tale! I was intrigued by the premise--one I'd never read before--and wondered how great an impact that simple change could make on the story.
And what an impact, indeed!
Ms. Squire, the author, has a gift for writing delightful versions of Mr. Darcy, and this one is no exception. His banter with Lizzy seldom failed to make me smile, particularly his subtle jabs at Caroline's expense.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and think you will too!
What a delightful tale! I was intrigued by the premise--one I'd never read before--and wondered how great an impact that simple change could make on the story.
And what an impact, indeed!
Ms. Squire, the author, has a gift for writing delightful versions of Mr. Darcy, and this one is no exception. His banter with Lizzy seldom failed to make me smile, particularly his subtle jabs at Caroline's expense.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and think you will too!
July 30, 2025
The start was really awkward.. Found Elizabeth really unbearable at first but after she fell in love with Darcy, the story was comparatively better..
Idk how to feel about Darcy leaving Netherfield knowing very well Elizabeth had feelings for him, after repeatedly seeking her out. This happened in the other book of this author and it makes Darcy extremely unfeeling and kinda immoral too. Canon Darcy was overly careful of not raising Elizabeth's hope, as he knew he couldn't pursue her and compared to this, this Darcy's action seem somewhat dishonourable.
Idk how to feel about Darcy leaving Netherfield knowing very well Elizabeth had feelings for him, after repeatedly seeking her out. This happened in the other book of this author and it makes Darcy extremely unfeeling and kinda immoral too. Canon Darcy was overly careful of not raising Elizabeth's hope, as he knew he couldn't pursue her and compared to this, this Darcy's action seem somewhat dishonourable.
September 7, 2020
S'ok
Needs better editing. Some actions seemed unlike Elizabeth. Did not like author summarizing original work in places but perhaps that is better than lifting directly from Austen. Seemed like Elizabeth started with a negative view of Darcy, so what was the point in not overhearing his comment? Just to make her more open to changing her position? Which she then wavered on more than he did.
Needs better editing. Some actions seemed unlike Elizabeth. Did not like author summarizing original work in places but perhaps that is better than lifting directly from Austen. Seemed like Elizabeth started with a negative view of Darcy, so what was the point in not overhearing his comment? Just to make her more open to changing her position? Which she then wavered on more than he did.
February 19, 2023
Enjoyable
I enjoyed this story. I loved this Darcy, he was definitely swoon worthy. I liked the fact there was very little of the Bennet family. I sometimes get tired of them very quickly.
What I disliked: Colonel Stephen Fitzwilliam and Henry Bennet. They should be: Colonel RICHARD Fitzwilliam and THOMAS Bennet.
Fairly well edited. I recommend.
I enjoyed this story. I loved this Darcy, he was definitely swoon worthy. I liked the fact there was very little of the Bennet family. I sometimes get tired of them very quickly.
What I disliked: Colonel Stephen Fitzwilliam and Henry Bennet. They should be: Colonel RICHARD Fitzwilliam and THOMAS Bennet.
Fairly well edited. I recommend.
August 25, 2020
Excellent in Toughtfullness
One of the most delightful renditions of Pride And Prejudice I have read. The characters of Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet are thrust into delightful nuances both believable and enjoyable. I highly recommend this variation.
One of the most delightful renditions of Pride And Prejudice I have read. The characters of Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet are thrust into delightful nuances both believable and enjoyable. I highly recommend this variation.
April 2, 2022
4.5 stars
I normally do not give books 5 stars, and since I could not get this book 4.5 stars, I figured this was the next best option. I liked the perspective in this book, and enjoyed the friendship early on that Elizabeth and Darcy were able to enjoy.
I normally do not give books 5 stars, and since I could not get this book 4.5 stars, I figured this was the next best option. I liked the perspective in this book, and enjoyed the friendship early on that Elizabeth and Darcy were able to enjoy.
July 29, 2022
This does not have a whole lot of plot going on in terms of drama and angst.
It’s low angst and sweet but almost everything about it feels too easy in terms of execution.
So if you’re looking for something easy and breezy of the P&P variation variety, this is probably a good choice.
It’s low angst and sweet but almost everything about it feels too easy in terms of execution.
So if you’re looking for something easy and breezy of the P&P variation variety, this is probably a good choice.
March 22, 2024
Hard to read
The plot was enjoyable. The writing itself was disjointed at parts. I had to reread multiple parts to understand what was happening. The flow wasn't consistent. At times, it was with too much narrative and not enough dialog
The plot was enjoyable. The writing itself was disjointed at parts. I had to reread multiple parts to understand what was happening. The flow wasn't consistent. At times, it was with too much narrative and not enough dialog
September 5, 2020
I Love "What ifs"
A good tale of what could have happened if ODC suffered through less P&P at the beginning of their acquaintance.
A good tale of what could have happened if ODC suffered through less P&P at the beginning of their acquaintance.
September 23, 2020
Interesting little variation. I liked it.
October 11, 2020
This a nice little story a twist from canon but quite likely not too big of a stretch. Well written I really liked the epilogue too.
October 20, 2020
So good
This was unlike any variation I have read.as without Elizabeth hearing Darcy insult her. It lead to such a good friendship and slowburn
This was unlike any variation I have read.as without Elizabeth hearing Darcy insult her. It lead to such a good friendship and slowburn
November 26, 2020
It would be four stars, were it not for the large number of errors that detract from the flow of reading.
December 28, 2021
I enjoyed this
I enjoyed this. No Wickham trouble really, Lady C and Caroline shown their place and the Hunsford proposal lovely. I’ll read more from Elizabeth Squire.
I enjoyed this. No Wickham trouble really, Lady C and Caroline shown their place and the Hunsford proposal lovely. I’ll read more from Elizabeth Squire.
July 30, 2022
I enjoyed this mostly angst free story. Some run on sentences, sentence fragments and modern language were an annoyance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews