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He’d give anything to keep his sister safe.
Even his own future.

Georgiana Darcy sees the world differently. Gifted with a sensitive soul and a mind that feels what others miss, she is the misfit in an aristocratic family. She’s also the reason her brother, Fitzwilliam Darcy, lets few people into his heart.

Teaching her, guiding her, and pushing away those who would not understand her, Darcy has done all in his power to protect his sister. Is it enough? If he cannot convince his uncle, the earl, that Georgiana’s place is with him, he is in danger of losing her forever.

Darcy’s worst nightmare comes true when Georgiana stumbles—quite literally—into a guest at Pemberley. But, when that guest turns out to be Elizabeth Bennet, the only woman in the world he ever dreamed of having by his side, Darcy learns to hope that there may still be a way to have everything.

Can he persuade Elizabeth to give him another chance? Will they find a family and a love that endures all, hopes all, and never fails?

A Fine Mind is a sweet, novella-length, Regency variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

106 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 2021

85 people are currently reading
50 people want to read

About the author

Alix James

60 books129 followers
Satisfying romance with a happy ending
Alix James is a best-selling Jane Austen romance author. #janeaustenfan #janeaustenfans #janeaustenfanfiction #mrdarcy #austenadapations #austenvariations

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5 stars
250 (53%)
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142 (30%)
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58 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,703 reviews207 followers
January 16, 2021
The author's blurb really covers this premise well. However we also have Jeanne's and Elin's excellent reviews. I received an advance copy of this story. However this review is all my own and was not demanded of me by the author.

Having worked as a caseworker with Individuals with Physical and Mental Disabilities I know that they need "sameness" in their lives. If you are going to deviate, i.e. take them to see a doctor, you must begin to prepare them ahead of time and keep reminding them as that appointment nears. I also found most of them to be very loving when they got to know you and knew you were coming to visit them regularly.

Georgiana Darcy has certain things which set her off: trips from Pemberley to London and back again are very taxing. Strangers, physical touches, getting dressed and having her hair done can be issues which set her off. By that I mean she might hide in a corner or run away in terror. Darcy has few friends because he doesn't want anybody to meet Georgiana both for her sake usually and so that gossip is not spread.

In this book Georgiana literally runs into Elizabeth while she and the Gardiners are touring Pemberley (after the Hunsford proposal). Elizabeth is able to start a conversation with G. eventually when they return to the house. Georgiana's description of music and colors is creatively done.

Lord Matlock presents the problem here. He has the power to send Georgiana away and has brought a doctor to Pemberley to "examine" her. I won't tell you how it is handled by Darcy but I was close to tears at the sensitivity described. Each of us is an individual and deserve to be judged on our own qualities. Expecting an individual to fit a mold is degrading to us...to them.

I highly recommend this short story.
Profile Image for wosedwew.
1,339 reviews125 followers
March 17, 2025
The mind is the most capricious of insects — flitting, fluttering. ~ Virginia Woolf

What if Georgiana Darcy was different?

We are accustomed to sweet, shy Georgiana from canon P&P.

In “A Fine Mind” Georgiana suffers from a malady without a name at the time. In the 21st century, she would be diagnosed as Autistic. With no one available to support him, with no medical guidance, Fitzwilliam Darcy must do what he can to help his beloved sister manage in a world where she doesn’t always fit.

'Tis the great art of life to manage well
The restless mind.
~ John Armstrong (1709–1779)


His situation is worsened by two things:
1. Elizabeth Bennet has refused his marriage proposal.
2. His Uncle Matlock has certain legal powers in regard to Georgiana’s fate.

I loved this sensitive portrayal of a sister’s life, a brother’s love, and a friend’s compassion.

No mind, however loving, could bear to see plainly into all the recesses of another mind. ~ Arnold Bennett
Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,736 reviews140 followers
January 14, 2021
“If they can’t learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn” –O. Ivar Lovaas

“Autism: Where the ‘randomness of life’ collides and clashes with an individual’s need for… sameness…” –Eileen Miller, The Girl Who Spoke with Pictures: Autism Through Art

Rating: clean: angst: low–medium: 16-chapters plus an epilogue [5-years later]. This was a short quick read. This review may contain ***spoilers*** [4.5-stars round to 5-stars] What a beautiful cover.

Our story, post-Kent, has Elizabeth touring Derbyshire with her aunt and uncle Gardiner. As she walked through the Pemberley gardens… she was knocked down by another person who had been running through the shrubbery. When a gentleman’s hand offered to help her up… she found herself looking into the eyes of, none other than Mr. Darcy himself. Georgiana Darcy, his sister, had been the offending Miss that had barreled into her at a full run. What an interesting first meeting since April.

Darcy: His meeting Elizabeth on the grounds of Pemberley threw Darcy into a morass of emotions. Firstly, he was thrilled to be in her company again. Secondly, as he helped her up from the ground, he was aghast that she should meet Georgiana during one of her outbursts. He had been so careful in protecting Georgiana and her secret from public scrutiny. What would this meeting mean for them?

“Autists are the ultimate square pegs, and the problem with pounding a square peg into a round hole is not that the hammering is hard work. It’s that you’re destroying the peg.” –Paul Collins

Lord Matlock: villain or honest concern for the family reputation and the Darcy name? He was the force pushing the drama. Thank goodness we didn’t have his sister Lady Catherine to deal with. OMG! I don’t think I could have endured her too. His Lordship was enough to put the fear of God in Darcy and Georgiana. He stormed Pemberley determined to have his way and Darcy was just as determined that he would not.

This was a difficult story to read and will not be for everyone. Because it was novella length, it was a quick read. We have Darcy dealing with a family secret. Disabilities during the Regency era or any of the early eras for that matter… was of the mindset… ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ That usually meant that patients were put away and out of the sight of society. Darcy was having none of that. Elizabeth would soon stand by his side and support his decisions for his sister.

“On the other hand, I think cats have Asperger’s. Like me, they’re very smart. And like me, sometimes need to be left alone.” –Jodi Picoult, House Rules

Source: [1-13-21] I received an ARC with no expectations of a review. The views expressed are my own. This author is an automatic buy and I await the release date for my preorder to download. I highly recommend this for those who like reading P&P variations that are outside the box.
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,686 reviews82 followers
January 16, 2021
Such an exceptional story!

Elizabeth, touring the grounds of Pemberley with her aunt and uncle Gardiner, heads off on her own and encounters Miss Georgiana Darcy - momentarily - before Mr. Darcy. It's apparent, even with this briefest of meetings, that Miss Darcy is a bit...different. She's a closely kept Darcy family secret, and now Elizabeth Bennet is in on it.

Elizabeth's reaction only confirms to Darcy that she's the only woman for him. Unfortunately, a provision in his late father's will regarding his sister is about to hit a tipping point. Darcy loves Elizabeth (of course), but he also loves Georgiana and has a familial duty to her that must supercede his own desires. The rest of his family sees Georgiana as unbalanced, unable to function in society, and fit only to be institutionalized. Only Darcy recognizes how special she is.

Ms. Clarkston gives us an inspired portrayal of Georgiana as autistic, both a gift and a burden to her brother. Georgiana's unusual behavior also serves as a convincing explanation for Darcy's aloof behavior around anyone not part of his inner circle.

I don't have first-hand knowledge to judge the accuracy of this depiction, but I found it heart-rendingly believable. Although Georgiana's autism is integral to the plot, her situation doesn't take away from the sizzling romance between Elizabeth and Darcy. Ms. Clarkston weaves the two storylines so they complement each other perfectly. Her writing, as always, engages the reader completely.

Content is clean. Highly recommend!

I received an Advanced Readers Copy from the author with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise.
Profile Image for Elin Eriksen.
Author 24 books160 followers
January 14, 2021
This is a unique, sweet and romantic twist to our dear couple's reunion at Pemberley.

Elizabeth is roaming through Pemberley woods alone when she happens to run into Mr Darcy and his sister. Inadvertently, she stumbles upon a family secret where our dear girl gets a chance to prove her trustworthiness and compassionate nature.
In addition, we are let in on the back story to Mr Darcy's serious nature that showed the goodness in his heart.

Heartily recommend this book!

Rated: Chaste
Profile Image for Sam H..
1,228 reviews62 followers
June 13, 2023
29.Nov.22-the audiobook is exquisite!

Not much to add, with the wonderful reviews already written for this story.

IMHO this author is a gift to us and I thank her for sharing it.
903 reviews71 followers
January 15, 2021

My Rating: 5++++++

"Do you ever feel like what you want to say is too big for words? (quote from the book)

That is how I feel about this book. The sensitivity, poignancy, and love that is poured into this story touched my heart. There is such depth of emotion that gently flows over and around you. Your heart at first aches, not just for Georgiana Darcy, but for Fitzwilliam Darcy...for Georgiana Darcy struggles to handle all that life throws at her. She is a 'restless soul'. And Darcy does all within his power to help her. This is a Darcy that will not just charm you, but fill you with pride and wonder. Improper pride? I think not.

"It was as if he had finally permitted her to see all of who he was - and he was irresistible." (quote from the book)

This story takes place after the Hunsford proposal and during Elizabeth's tour of Derbyshire with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. The Gardiners are, as always, a delight to be around. Their understanding and compassion soothe not only Elizabeth, but Darcy and Georgiana. Others are not as discerning, and Elizabeth is fierce in her defense of those she loves.

"I think everyone could do with a companion for their soul." (quote from the book)

I highly recommend this compassionate and elegant written story. Their is much beauty to be found within it's pages...and the cover reflects that as well.

I was fortunate to receive an early copy of this story with no expectation for a review.
Profile Image for Christina.
Author 14 books327 followers
January 30, 2021
Alix James writes smart, thoughtful, and sweet happily-ever-after stories. This novella has a clever twist: Georgiana Darcy has autism, and the story is told with grace and sensitivity. I like how Elizabeth recognizes Darcy’s sister’s extraordinary gifts and how the connection with Darcy is cultivated, and their romance blooms. This satisfies in one sitting!
Profile Image for Lady Mercury.
244 reviews3 followers
December 30, 2024
And again a brilliant book in Alix James‘s ‚Sweet Sentiments‘ Series. 😍

The story sets solely in Derbyshire when the Gardiners and Elizabeth were touring Derbyshire. And as in canon, Elizabeth comes upon Darcy but with a little plot twist.

Really enjoyable!!
Profile Image for Dung.
488 reviews
February 4, 2021
What a beautiful written novella that tugs at your heartstrings! The other reviews do a wonderful job at summarizing the novella.

Anyone who loves Jane Austen and Pride & Prejudice should definitely read this heartwarming novella!
Profile Image for James S.
1,437 reviews
January 28, 2021
A different Georgiana

Georgiana has special needs and Regency England tries to ignore people like Georgiana and isolate them from family and others. The earl of Matlock on the verge of doing this with Georgiana.

Darcy is trying to convince him to leave her alone but that goes against the times they live in. Darcy is frightened, proud and just wants to keep his sister with him, in safety and love. He is so very lonely.

Excellent story. Brought tears to my eyes a couple of times. Brought a vision of beauty I’ve never experienced myself toward the end of the book. The author is so very good. I am glad she still writes P&P variations. My thanks to her.
545 reviews21 followers
November 8, 2022
A beautiful story! I love a vulnerable Darcy and a supportive Elizabeth. The author portrays an autistic mind so beautifully.
Profile Image for Craftyhj.
1,233 reviews
November 28, 2025
A beautiful novella

A very different short story with only a few characters thus avoiding being too busy.

Darcy is perfectly recognisable and described here and Elizabeth is her usual compassionate self.

A lovely hopeful read.
652 reviews13 followers
February 7, 2021
This is a short story of 99 pages. Elizabeth and Darcy meet again at Pemberley but Georgiana is there and has a condition that we now say would put her on the autistic spectrum- gifted at music but very overwhelmed by some aspects of sound, light and society. The Earl of Matlock wants to put her in some kind of facility. The focus is on the developing relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth but Georgiana's story runs alongside.

I enjoyed this book a lot until I got to the end. Being a short story the ending has to be quick but I found the Earl being outraged at Darcys engagement to this country nobody changed far too quickly to, not just acceptance, but respect for her opinion. Elizabeth's opinion about Georgiana was given far too much weight - i didn't like it. But otherwise this is a great story.
Profile Image for LowBrowReader.
302 reviews11 followers
June 30, 2021
There was an interesting premise here but it really would have needed longer exploration.

The subject matter is weighty and although the author was very adept at writing about a person on autism scale in Regency setting, everything was resolved far too easily and quickly. I know it's due to the novella format but I think this was a wrong plot to choose for a short story.
Profile Image for Christine Baglow.
50 reviews14 followers
February 5, 2021
ASD Meets P&P

What a gift! As the mother of two sons with ASD, I couldn’t be happier with this P&P variation. It is imbued with the dignity of the human person- regardless of their differences. Thank you for this. I feel seen. I feel as though my beautiful boys are seen and appreciated. Thank you again and again.
Profile Image for Ree.
1,344 reviews80 followers
January 28, 2021
Very Poignant and Emotional
How many individuals today have not been touched by a family member or friend, or one of their children, who has not experienced a life similar to Georgiana’s and Darcy’s? There are three such individuals I have known in my own life, as they and their families have lived through the trials and triumphs within a world not always willing to accept being different. Indeed, they are a gift.

“What I believe? I believe that through all her ways, her little oddities, and her greater trials, I believe my sister is a gift, Miss Elizabeth.”

High praises to Alix James/Nicole Clarkston for such a beautifully-written story. Highly recommend this book.
83 reviews3 followers
February 1, 2021
Beautifully written...

What a beautiful tale about autism and the trials and triumphs of those who have it as well as their families. I was drawn into their world and my only complaint is that I didn't want it to end. I highly recommend this original and wonderfully written story.
Profile Image for Cristina Huelsz.
Author 29 books10 followers
August 29, 2021
A beautiful short story around Georgiana Darcy, whom Darcy has protected in the last 5 years from everyone, as she´s someone special but not easily understood by others, and when Darcy realices that he might loose her, he receives the help from someone close to his heart.

I really loved this short novel, as I enjoy all the stories from Alix James.
1,213 reviews31 followers
February 2, 2021
Wonderful! Thank you for another fabulous work.

Based on P&P, the story begins in Derbyshire, when Elizabeth is touring Pemberly with her aunt and uncle Gardiner. Darcy shows up, along with his sister Georgiana, who in this version is quite severely autistic, and he's struggling to retain his guardianship of her. The Earl of Matlock believes Georgiana is mentally ill, and should be institutionalized, and the late Mr Darcy's will gives him the power to intervene if necessary.

Your heartstrings are in for some serious pulling in this story. Although this is a short book, the authors have done a marvelous job of conveying Darcy's exhaustion and heartache, but also his deep love for Georgiana, in his daily struggle to understand her needs and to protect her from others who would look on her behavior as odd. Behaviors like autism and obsessive compulsive disorder were not well understood in this era. It was a stroke of genius to give Mrs Gardiner personal experience, thereby passing advice along to Elizabeth so that she could make a connection with Georgiana.

This is a swoon worthy Darcy, but one who is almost desperate to win Elizabeth. Because of Georgiana's condition, and because the Earl of Matlock comes for a visit while the Gardiners are in Derbyshire, Darcy is in crisis mode, and his need for the support and care that only Elizabeth can give him drives him to renew his addresses in the most compelling way. The romance is sweet and lovely.

The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly for a feel-good story about a rather serious, but important subject.
Profile Image for Allison Ripley-Duggan.
1,825 reviews14 followers
May 28, 2025
I loved it!

It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is Book 3 in the Sweet Sentiments series. A short and sassy romance for busy readers. He’d give anything to keep his sister safe, even his own future.

Georgiana Darcy sees the world differently, gifted with a sensitive soul and a mind that feels what others miss, she is the misfit in an aristocratic family. She’s also the reason her brother, Fitzwilliam Darcy, lets few people into his heart. Teaching her, guiding her, and pushing away those who would not understand her, Darcy has done all in his power to protect his sister. Is it enough? If he cannot convince his uncle, the earl, that Georgiana’s place is with him, he is in danger of losing her forever.

Darcy’s worst nightmare comes true when Georgiana stumbles, quite literally, into a guest at Pemberley, but, when that guest turns out to be Elizabeth Bennet, the only woman in the world he ever dreamed of having by his side, Darcy learns to hope that there may still be a way to have everything. Can he persuade Elizabeth to give him another chance? Will they find a family and a love that endures all, hopes all, and never fails? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
476 reviews4 followers
February 1, 2021
Sweet, short and satisfactory

This is one of the best short variations I’ve read from this JAFF author, who is one of my favorite authors. Not only does this cater to the busy reader it being short and concise, but also it focuses on what is essential in every exemplary P&P variation: it emphasizes on Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, their characterization, their thoughts and feelings and their romance. A remarkable aspect of this variation is highlighting Georgiana Darcy as a means of bringing our deadly beloved couple closer together. She caused them to come together faster than that of Canon and it’s endearing the way Elizabeth Bennet helped the Darcys with their predicament and struggles. The way Elizabeth pointed out to the Earl of Matlock his faults in a most proper ladylike tactful manner depicts her extraordinary character and intelligence; and this is definitely the Elizabeth Bennet many P&P fans love to see and read about. Georgiana having a mental condition (anxiety disorder and/or ADHD) is quite novel and many readers will probably relate to this familial struggle. The writing is very good and the exchanges between FD and EB are very endearing. Truly a delightful read and highly recommended. This reader is buying the Kindle format for future reading pleasure.
Profile Image for Suzanne Brighte.
131 reviews8 followers
February 25, 2021
Miss Darcy runs into Elizabeth at Pemberley, literally, while Elizabeth is touring the grounds with her aunt and uncle. Due to Georgiana’s “odd” behavior, Darcy explains to Elizabeth her situation best he can (which to the reader, all points to ASD). While Darcy offers for Elizabeth and her relatives to join for refreshments and to fish in his pond (similar to the original P&P story), we learn of his fear of society finding out about Georgiana and his uncle, Earl of Matlock, potentially wanting her to go to Bedlam. From there, the story plays out.
It’s a very nice story and definitely had a lot of potential. Where it fell short is in how quickly everything resolves, how quickly Elizabeth has a change in her heart and falls in love with Darcy, and just how much weight is put into Elizabeth’s opinion of Georgiana. Not saying her opinion doesn’t add weight!! It’s more so on how VERY QUICKLY her opinion held so much weight to more than just Darcy. I don’t want to say much as I don’t want to put any spoilers.
As I said, this story definitely had potential to be much better and earn 5 star rating had it been more fleshed out and not so rushed. It’s a fairly quick read. Definitely can read it in a day if you have a few hours.
Profile Image for Barbara K..
759 reviews21 followers
March 7, 2021
This is a novella-length Pride and Prejudice variation that involves a young woman with special needs.

The story begins at the time in the original story when Elizabeth Bennet is visiting Derbyshire with her aunt and uncle, the Gardiners. But the first scene is of Mr. Darcy returning home to Pemberley with his younger sister, who has difficulty traveling. Georgiana is by this point overwhelmed and needs to get out of the carriage. Now.

Georgiana, in this variation, and based on my limited knowledge, seems to be autistic. Darcy has been struggling to help her adjust to life in society, in order to please his family. But there are times when he is forced to simply let her be herself, and this is one of those times. She rushes from him toward home, on foot, and runs smack into a visitor who has been touring Pemberley. That visitor turns out to be Elizabeth Bennet.

Thus Miss Bennet is made aware of his secret, one which he never even mentioned in his letter to her after his botched marriage proposal at Hunsford. The secret is kept in order to protect his sister, but could Elizabeth be the answer to all his and Georgiana's problems?

I found this to be an incredibly sensitive and romantic variation, one which I wanted to start at the beginning and read again as soon as I finished it. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for JenBsBooks.
2,649 reviews71 followers
September 28, 2025
This was a "bitty book" ... novella, still with 16 chapters and an epilogue. Alternating POVs (3rd person/past tense) between Darcy and Elizabeth. Everything has been the same as the original, diverging as D&E meet again at Pemberly. There is some slight difference in Darcy's backstory, as here, Georgiana, while never said in the text (a term not known at the time) comes across as autistic. A musical savant, but struggling with social interaction and some aspects of daily living. Elizabeth, seeing Darcy with his sister, and making her own connection with Georgiana, builds their relationship in a new but satisfying way.

Georgiana, her actions and the treatment of her by the others in the story, make this variation memorable. Wickham did make his usual play for G (really taking advantage of her innocence) but we just hear about it after the fact. We see more of the Gardiners, but none of the other Bennets or Bingleys are characters (other than mentions/memories).

In epilogue - name drop of D&E's son ... Bennet (daughter Ana).

Text in KindleUnlimited, and the audio available on Hoopla.
Profile Image for Stephany Busto.
276 reviews15 followers
October 27, 2021
Que maravilloso ha sido volver a leer una nueva variación "Orgullo y precio" de la mano de Alix James (@nicoleclarkston), cuanta imaginación y creatividad en una sola persona, nos regala un nuevo giro en la historia que sorprende y enternece a partes iguales.

Nos encontramos con un Sr. Darcy que es hermano y protector ante todo, que sin pretenderlo si quiera se vuelve a robar nuestros corazones, a Georgiana que encuentra su refugio en la música y nuestra valiente Elizabeth siempre sorprendiéndonos, haciendo todo con el corazón y sin miedos de por medio.

Ante todo una historia corta donde reconocer los errores es necesario, el valor de lo que se cree y se sabe justo es el principal motivo por el cual luchar. .

Puntuación ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5.

Para finalizar quisiera dar las gracias nuevamente a @cristranslates89 su magnifica traductora, por la oportunidad que me dio al conocer estas hermosas variaciones y su gran trabajo de traducción.

#UnaMenteNoble
#NicoleClarkston
#AlixJames
#Kindle
280 reviews
December 18, 2023
Georgiana Darcy is a talented and insightful young lady. Adored and protected by her Brother .

When Miss Elizabeth Bennet and her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner arrived in Derbyshire and while taking a tour , of Pemberly, she regrets all she gave up by her refusal to wed Fitzwilliam Darcy. However, the estate is not what really matters . What matters is the fact that she has finally come to realize that she loves Fitzwilliam and that he is the only man she wishes to marry. Mr. Darcy would like nothing more than to renew his addresses but there's the matter of securing the future of his sister, Georgiana. This is a quick read and utterly delightful. Enjoy!
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