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Mr. Darcy and Mrs. Fitzwilliam: a Pride and Prejudice variation
What if Elizabeth married Colonel Fitzwilliam?
When Colonel Fitzwilliam has a lucky night at cards, he finds himself in possession of an estate and income, and there is suddenly no barrier between a union between himself and Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Elizabeth is pleased to make such an advantageous match and accepts the proposal of the amiable colonel. It is only after she learns the truth about Mr. George Wickham that she feels the first twinge of regret for what might have been with the colonel’s cousin, Mr. Darcy.
But it is twenty years before anything can come of such thoughts—twenty years of marriage, children, struggles, and surrenders.
It is only at Elizabeth’s late husband’s funeral that she and Mr. Darcy can even possibly consider a connection.
After all this time, does feeling still smolder between them?
Dear reader, I conceived of this idea out of a desire to write about Elizabeth at my own current age, forty. If you’d enjoy a story about a more mature Darcy and Elizabeth, both widowed and with nearly-grown children, give this a read. Fair warning, as with most of my variations, it is not entirely clean, and unlike most of my variations, some activity does occur outside of the bonds of matrimony.
When Colonel Fitzwilliam has a lucky night at cards, he finds himself in possession of an estate and income, and there is suddenly no barrier between a union between himself and Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Elizabeth is pleased to make such an advantageous match and accepts the proposal of the amiable colonel. It is only after she learns the truth about Mr. George Wickham that she feels the first twinge of regret for what might have been with the colonel’s cousin, Mr. Darcy.
But it is twenty years before anything can come of such thoughts—twenty years of marriage, children, struggles, and surrenders.
It is only at Elizabeth’s late husband’s funeral that she and Mr. Darcy can even possibly consider a connection.
After all this time, does feeling still smolder between them?
Dear reader, I conceived of this idea out of a desire to write about Elizabeth at my own current age, forty. If you’d enjoy a story about a more mature Darcy and Elizabeth, both widowed and with nearly-grown children, give this a read. Fair warning, as with most of my variations, it is not entirely clean, and unlike most of my variations, some activity does occur outside of the bonds of matrimony.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 24, 2021
Unhappy marriage
SPOILERS
Lizzy marries the colonel when he proposes the day after Darcy’s terrible proposal. The colonel didn’t know Darcy had proposed. Unlike some other variations Lizzy’s marriage to him isn’t blissful. It’s not a horrible marriage, just not what either Lizzy or the Colonel wished for. Everything is ok but nothing is perfect except the children.
Lizzy’s husband is jealous, he has an idea Lizzy is less happy than he hoped for. He is drunk now and then and they have pretty bad arguments every so often. The difference in intellect is a problem. Lots of little and some large problems a marriage lots of people in the Regency Era might have had and I dare say people now can have.
The rest of the book is how the road everyone is on changes and how it changes them all.
An original take on a believable what-if. I liked the story but I didn’t love it. The writing was fine, just a bit of a downer story.
SPOILERS
Lizzy marries the colonel when he proposes the day after Darcy’s terrible proposal. The colonel didn’t know Darcy had proposed. Unlike some other variations Lizzy’s marriage to him isn’t blissful. It’s not a horrible marriage, just not what either Lizzy or the Colonel wished for. Everything is ok but nothing is perfect except the children.
Lizzy’s husband is jealous, he has an idea Lizzy is less happy than he hoped for. He is drunk now and then and they have pretty bad arguments every so often. The difference in intellect is a problem. Lots of little and some large problems a marriage lots of people in the Regency Era might have had and I dare say people now can have.
The rest of the book is how the road everyone is on changes and how it changes them all.
An original take on a believable what-if. I liked the story but I didn’t love it. The writing was fine, just a bit of a downer story.
October 17, 2022
This was an interesting variation. It's mainly about Elizabeth's relationship with two men the Colonel and later his cousin Darcy. The morning after Darcy's disastrous proposal, Elizabeth accepts the Colonel's proposal because she felt that she could potentially fall in love with him. But her married life was not really ideal. So, even though she feels attracted to Darcy, after her widowhood nearly 20 years later, she hesitates to marry him when he proposes again. As I said interesting. I am happy that the author acknowledges a point about spousal abuse. When a woman/man tolerates abuse from a spouse most often they're trying to protect their child(ren). But they often forget the effect of witnessing such abuse have over the same child(ren). How their outlook on marriage is established is well addressed by the author. I felt some of the language/events are not period appropriate (I'm no expert on that) and most of the graphic scenes could have been avoided or at least been less so, but it's just my opinion.
October 22, 2021
The mistakes of youth are given a second chance to get it right. Elizabeth and Darcy make mistakes in their youth that change the direction of their lives.
Elizabeth rejection of Darcy’s marriage proposal in anger believing Wickham’s lies and hurting her sister Jane by separating her from Bingley leads her down another path. In the morning Colonel Fitzwilliam arrives after a night of gambling and proposes marriage for he now owns an estate and can marry as he chooses. Darcy writes his letter of explanation but comes upon his cousin Richard proposing to Elizabeth. Darcy leaves and upon Richard’s return words are exchanged and Darcy tells Richard that he also proposed marriage but Elizabeth rejected him. They argue but make up agreeing to never speak of it again.
Elizabeth’s life and marriage to Richard was not as she imagined. Richard does not manage the estate well, he drinks and accuses Elizabeth of cheating with Darcy. Elizabeth is tired of doing everything by herself and when Richard dies she regrets the life she should have had.
Darcy and Richard’s relationship suffers with Richard’s marriage. Darcy decides to marry Ann de Bourgh and finds love but not the same love he felt for Elizabeth. They have a happy life until Anne dies. Darcy tries to live his best life for him and his son but something is lacking. When Richard dies, he helps Elizabeth and her family.
Elizabeth and Darcy recognize they have an attraction to each other. Darcy wants to marry Elizabeth but Elizabeth’s previous experience with marriage has turned her off to being put in that position again. She wants the benefits of marriage without being legally married. The couple go through a series of entanglements while they learn about themselves and their love.
I liked having a more mature Elizabeth, it was hard knowing her choice of husband caused more hardships than one of my favorite characters should experience, but life is life and not all that pleasant. Elizabeth’s daughter was a little to like Lydia for my liking and not much was said of her son, only that he was away at school. Darcy was a mature man, who once again needed to realize Elizabeth’s experience with marriage was not as happy as he thought and needs to understand how that changed her into the woman she is and why she does not want to marry and just love him. This book made them human with faults and all. I would have liked to see more of their future and what happened to their almost grown children.
This is a mature book and covers mature subjects.
Elizabeth rejection of Darcy’s marriage proposal in anger believing Wickham’s lies and hurting her sister Jane by separating her from Bingley leads her down another path. In the morning Colonel Fitzwilliam arrives after a night of gambling and proposes marriage for he now owns an estate and can marry as he chooses. Darcy writes his letter of explanation but comes upon his cousin Richard proposing to Elizabeth. Darcy leaves and upon Richard’s return words are exchanged and Darcy tells Richard that he also proposed marriage but Elizabeth rejected him. They argue but make up agreeing to never speak of it again.
Elizabeth’s life and marriage to Richard was not as she imagined. Richard does not manage the estate well, he drinks and accuses Elizabeth of cheating with Darcy. Elizabeth is tired of doing everything by herself and when Richard dies she regrets the life she should have had.
Darcy and Richard’s relationship suffers with Richard’s marriage. Darcy decides to marry Ann de Bourgh and finds love but not the same love he felt for Elizabeth. They have a happy life until Anne dies. Darcy tries to live his best life for him and his son but something is lacking. When Richard dies, he helps Elizabeth and her family.
Elizabeth and Darcy recognize they have an attraction to each other. Darcy wants to marry Elizabeth but Elizabeth’s previous experience with marriage has turned her off to being put in that position again. She wants the benefits of marriage without being legally married. The couple go through a series of entanglements while they learn about themselves and their love.
I liked having a more mature Elizabeth, it was hard knowing her choice of husband caused more hardships than one of my favorite characters should experience, but life is life and not all that pleasant. Elizabeth’s daughter was a little to like Lydia for my liking and not much was said of her son, only that he was away at school. Darcy was a mature man, who once again needed to realize Elizabeth’s experience with marriage was not as happy as he thought and needs to understand how that changed her into the woman she is and why she does not want to marry and just love him. This book made them human with faults and all. I would have liked to see more of their future and what happened to their almost grown children.
This is a mature book and covers mature subjects.
October 26, 2021
Story started after the Hunsford ill proposal. It took on a different road when Mr. Darcy was waiting to give Elizabeth his letter. The story was in Elizabeth and Darcy's perspective (though I feel more of Lizzy's).
Not really a fan of ODC being married to others and reuniting in their old age. Also, didn't care much for the middle part (Lizzy's marriage with Richard and maybe the early part of the affair... (Spoiler) Love scenes were explicit and the giggling were bothersome. Also, I am not fond of stories with a lot of introspection. However, this story was thought-provoking and realistic. The story, the messages and the funny scenes with Darcy, Caroline and Lizzy will captured one's attention. This is a great story. Highly recommend this to P & P fans (and those contemplating about marriage).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Not really a fan of ODC being married to others and reuniting in their old age. Also, didn't care much for the middle part (Lizzy's marriage with Richard and maybe the early part of the affair... (Spoiler) Love scenes were explicit and the giggling were bothersome. Also, I am not fond of stories with a lot of introspection. However, this story was thought-provoking and realistic. The story, the messages and the funny scenes with Darcy, Caroline and Lizzy will captured one's attention. This is a great story. Highly recommend this to P & P fans (and those contemplating about marriage).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2021
In this book, Richard (that's Darcy's cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam for you Austen fanfic newbies) comes into some money by gambling and can afford to marry Elizabeth. He is troubled from the war, however, and drinks more than is good for him. Darcy and Anne de Bourgh did well enough together. But when both Darcy and Elizabeth are widowed, they must decide what to do about it. Darcy still wants to marry her but Elizabeth thinks that as a widow she's more free than while married. At the end of the book there is a Caroline subplot that took me a little by surprise.
This is competently written and edited and kept my attention throughout. I finished this book in one sitting. It's just that getting married to other people severely limits the main couple's interactions and I wanted to see more of them together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is competently written and edited and kept my attention throughout. I finished this book in one sitting. It's just that getting married to other people severely limits the main couple's interactions and I wanted to see more of them together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2022
Different
I'm not sure if I liked this story at all. The same day that Elizabeth refused Darcy's proposal an intoxicated Colonel Fitzwilliam proposed bc he just won an estate in a card game. They don't have a very wonderful marriage bc he's drinking too much at times and is jealous of Darcy. Years later after the spouses have died Darcy and Elizabeth begin a sexual relationship. Unfortunately Caroline Bingley finds out and suddenly they are in a scandal.
What I find ridiculous is that both people were " stupid " enough to even be in the same room as Caroline or even think she's changed. Darcy confessed about the affair in the same room as a supposedly passed out Caroline ( shades of Mr Hurst) and then Elizabeth agrees to attend a dinner with 2 single men and Caroline. WHAT were they thinking??
I'm not sure if I liked this story at all. The same day that Elizabeth refused Darcy's proposal an intoxicated Colonel Fitzwilliam proposed bc he just won an estate in a card game. They don't have a very wonderful marriage bc he's drinking too much at times and is jealous of Darcy. Years later after the spouses have died Darcy and Elizabeth begin a sexual relationship. Unfortunately Caroline Bingley finds out and suddenly they are in a scandal.
What I find ridiculous is that both people were " stupid " enough to even be in the same room as Caroline or even think she's changed. Darcy confessed about the affair in the same room as a supposedly passed out Caroline ( shades of Mr Hurst) and then Elizabeth agrees to attend a dinner with 2 single men and Caroline. WHAT were they thinking??
October 26, 2021
Through a glass darkly.
The story begins after Darcy’s disastrous first marriage proposal to Elizabeth. Me. Darcy regrets his insulting Elizabeth and her family and seeks to amend. He writes his letter of apology overnight and waits for Elizabeth the next morning. Darcy spots Elizabeth but freezes when he also sees his cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam come down the path to speak with Elizabeth. Mr.Darcy overhears his cousin asking Elizabeth for her hand in marriage. The colonel has just won an estate on a bet and has come into money. He is then devasted when he hears Elizabeth asks his cousin to ask her again when he is sober; meaning she will accept him. Darcy rips up his letter and leaves. Later, he finds out that Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam have married. Darcy marries Anne. Darcy and Anne have a happy marriage, unlike Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam who aren’t. Fitzwilliam drinks too much neglecting his estate duties because he is affected by the war.
Time passes and Anne and Fitzwilliam pass away. This leaves Elizabeth and Darcy to be together. Elizabeth proposes a secret love affair to Dary, which Darcy does not want. He wants to marry Elizabeth. Elizabeth refuses. She’d rather keep her freedom as a widow. This leads to many arguments between Elizabeth and Darcy.
This is a good what-if and a good story. I enjoyed it. Well-written. It kept my interest. I loved how the author wrote the characters. Anne wasn’t just a poor soul. She was three -dimensional and I loved how Darcy fell in love with her. Lol. I thought the arguments between Darcy and Elizabeth about getting married or not went on too long. I skipped some of it. Lol. The sex scenes are tastefully written and not sleazy. All in all, I really liked the book. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and it will not be be my last. I love her writing and can not wait for her next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving a review.
The story begins after Darcy’s disastrous first marriage proposal to Elizabeth. Me. Darcy regrets his insulting Elizabeth and her family and seeks to amend. He writes his letter of apology overnight and waits for Elizabeth the next morning. Darcy spots Elizabeth but freezes when he also sees his cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam come down the path to speak with Elizabeth. Mr.Darcy overhears his cousin asking Elizabeth for her hand in marriage. The colonel has just won an estate on a bet and has come into money. He is then devasted when he hears Elizabeth asks his cousin to ask her again when he is sober; meaning she will accept him. Darcy rips up his letter and leaves. Later, he finds out that Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam have married. Darcy marries Anne. Darcy and Anne have a happy marriage, unlike Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam who aren’t. Fitzwilliam drinks too much neglecting his estate duties because he is affected by the war.
Time passes and Anne and Fitzwilliam pass away. This leaves Elizabeth and Darcy to be together. Elizabeth proposes a secret love affair to Dary, which Darcy does not want. He wants to marry Elizabeth. Elizabeth refuses. She’d rather keep her freedom as a widow. This leads to many arguments between Elizabeth and Darcy.
This is a good what-if and a good story. I enjoyed it. Well-written. It kept my interest. I loved how the author wrote the characters. Anne wasn’t just a poor soul. She was three -dimensional and I loved how Darcy fell in love with her. Lol. I thought the arguments between Darcy and Elizabeth about getting married or not went on too long. I skipped some of it. Lol. The sex scenes are tastefully written and not sleazy. All in all, I really liked the book. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and it will not be be my last. I love her writing and can not wait for her next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving a review.
October 22, 2021
The morning after the dreadful Hunsford proposal, Darcy seeks out Elizabeth, with a letter defending himself and explaining the truth about George Wickham.
As he approaches, Elizabeth meets Colonel Fitzwilliam, on his way home from a very successful night gambling. So successful, that he has won an estate and funds to support a family. He proposes on the spot and is accepted. Darcy retreats unseen.
So begins a twenty-year marriage, to a man who becomes steadily less amiable, the more he drinks. He has fits of jealousy, convinced Elizabeth and Darcy care for each other. Although he was an excellent soldier, he is a poor estate manager. So, Elizabeth must raise her children, run her household and take over running the estate.
When Fitzwilliam dies, Darcy and Elizabeth are drawn together, but Elizabeth is determined never to marry again, unwilling to lose her independence. What will the outcome be?
I really enjoyed this. It shows the gritty reality of life and marriage. It was good to see Darcy and Elizabeth as a mature couple.
Well worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
As he approaches, Elizabeth meets Colonel Fitzwilliam, on his way home from a very successful night gambling. So successful, that he has won an estate and funds to support a family. He proposes on the spot and is accepted. Darcy retreats unseen.
So begins a twenty-year marriage, to a man who becomes steadily less amiable, the more he drinks. He has fits of jealousy, convinced Elizabeth and Darcy care for each other. Although he was an excellent soldier, he is a poor estate manager. So, Elizabeth must raise her children, run her household and take over running the estate.
When Fitzwilliam dies, Darcy and Elizabeth are drawn together, but Elizabeth is determined never to marry again, unwilling to lose her independence. What will the outcome be?
I really enjoyed this. It shows the gritty reality of life and marriage. It was good to see Darcy and Elizabeth as a mature couple.
Well worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
March 6, 2022
Since an indigestion a couple of years ago I now select my Jane Austen’s retelling very carefully,
This author is however almost an auto buy for me. Ma Lennox creates original and yet relatable sliding doors for ODC who remain true to themselves albeit in a different context.
I loved Lizzy here, it is in my opinion one of the best alternative Elisabeth Bennet I have ever read. She is curios, funny, stubborn but also insecure on the matters of love and phisical attraction as a gently bred lady would have been. She is a capable women but has her faults and it is nice to see her maturing and growing out of certain insecurities just to remain attached to others as we all do.
Darcy also is not infallible here, he is a good man with faults and insecurities himself.
However a specific mention must be given to Caroline Bingley a character too often depicted as an absolute villain in a lot of other retelling while I (as the author) believe that she can be funny in her desperate sort of way.
In short read it if you like second chances with some sadness a lot of humor and love.
This author is however almost an auto buy for me. Ma Lennox creates original and yet relatable sliding doors for ODC who remain true to themselves albeit in a different context.
I loved Lizzy here, it is in my opinion one of the best alternative Elisabeth Bennet I have ever read. She is curios, funny, stubborn but also insecure on the matters of love and phisical attraction as a gently bred lady would have been. She is a capable women but has her faults and it is nice to see her maturing and growing out of certain insecurities just to remain attached to others as we all do.
Darcy also is not infallible here, he is a good man with faults and insecurities himself.
However a specific mention must be given to Caroline Bingley a character too often depicted as an absolute villain in a lot of other retelling while I (as the author) believe that she can be funny in her desperate sort of way.
In short read it if you like second chances with some sadness a lot of humor and love.
December 4, 2021
After his disastrous Hunsford proposal Mr. Darcy writes Elizabeth his letter and waits for her to come to the spot he knows she usually walks when he becomes a witness to another proposal. Col. Fitzwilliam won an estate in a high-stakes game of cards and is now in a position to propose to Elizabeth. She accepts and what follows is two decades of tolerable life. Mr. Darcy also marries and even comes to love Anne, but then he loses her. In a few years, Elizabeth loses Richard and now Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves in a position to be able to explore all the what-ifs. What follows is a mild naughty romance with the best ending possible. I loved the story, but that is because Ms. Lennox never stirred me wrong in my quest to fulfill my insatiable need for more Darcy-Elizabeth romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2021
What a great variation story! Watching Darcy and Elizabeth’s lives diverge shortly after the trip to Rosings made my heart ache. Pushing aside true and deep feelings for other choices that seem really felt like a sentence to a life of mediocrity and wishing for something else. It was really interesting to see connections re-established in very interesting ways as the plot unfolded. I must admit that the original “mean girl” Caroline really added some unique and unexpected twists to the story. Watching all the pieces fall in place for so many familiar characters was very satisfying in the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2025
Lizzy has a difficult life with Colonel Fitzwilliam, who is not that good of a man in this incarnation. 4 1/2 stars rounded up to 5. The morning after Elizabeth rejects Mr. Darcy, she is walking at Rosings and Darcy has his letter to give her, but Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam comes back from a night of gambling, still a bit drunk, and comes upon her before Darcy can give her the letter. Richard announces that he won an estate while gambling, and proposes to her. Now it's poor Mr. Darcy; his conversation with Richard about Elizabeth after she accepted Richard would be hilarious if it wasn't so sad. Also, when he goes to Mr. Bingley to tell him Jane is in town, he humbles himself and when Bingley asks why he is so miserable, he says he has reaped what he sowed.
They marry, and Elizabeth is very disappointed in the marriage bed. Richard cares nothing for her enjoyment and goes to sleep immediately. Every time. She finds herself wondering if Mr. Darcy would do it better and then thinks of hilarious ways he would probably want sex, as she still thinks he is repressed, although she wonders about what marriage to Darcy would be like, because Richard has set her straight about Wickham, and Jane and Bingley get married.
Richard does not know anything about running an estate and gradually all the work is taken over by Elizabeth, so she is constantly exhausted, with two children to care for and responsibility for the household and the estate too. So she is not inclined to accept him into her bed, which makes him angry, so the relationship deteriorates. Sometimes Richard suffers from PTSD from his experiences in the war, which makes him angry, and gradually he starts to drink too much. Unfortunately he is pretty awful when drunk, yelling at her and being paranoid that she is in love with Darcy.
Mr. Darcy marries his cousin Anne. Of course he wasn't marrying Anne because he couldn't have Elizabeth, he's marrying her because it's practical, tidy and they were a good match on paper. After all, there was no one else who could compare to Elizabeth, not that he ever thought about her. Darcy and Anne's wedding night was so different, he was so sweet to Anne, one could only feel sad for Elizabeth's experience with Richard. Anne has a son, Oliver, and Darcy gradually falls in love with her over the years, but she finally passes when Oliver is ten years old; fifteen years after the proposal at Hunsford. This part is very touching. At her funeral Richard and Darcy have an argument about Elizabeth, where Darcy emphasizes that he would never touch Elizabeth, but he threatens Richard not to hurt her.
Richard dies when Elizabeth is thirty-nine. At that point, she and Richard were basically living separate lives where she is responsible for the estate, the household and the children. She is quite overwhelmed with all the stuff that needs to be done for the funeral. In comes Darcy, who takes over a bunch of stuff, bringing new servants to help, so that Elizabeth can have time to herself to mourn Richard. In his usual fashion, Darcy tells all the servants not to say who is doing all this for her. Of course she guesses, and is angry that he never even spoke with her about it. She tells him he has a good heart, but he goes about things wrong.
Darcy wants to marry Elizabeth, but she doesn't want to get married again. She wants to only have an affair with Darcy, not marriage. They get together for a weekend where they have great sex, but then Darcy realizes that he was just having wishful thinking about marrying her. Poor Darcy; such misunderstandings yet again. There are lots of conversations about marriage and why she doesn't want to marry and why he wants to marry.
At this point we are just half way through the book, and this is where I have to take off half a star. I would take off a whole star except some of it is funny along the way. The rest of the book contains way too about Mrs. Sharpe, the former Miss Bingley, and the awful things she does - will Elizabeth never learn? It's like the female victim in a horror movie where we all know she should not go there, but she does anyway. Mrs. Sharpe was married and her husband gambled all their money. Now she is dependent on Bingley. Lots of rumors abound - the worst being that she is pregnant with Darcy's baby. They all run around trying to find a husband for her to help stop the rumors. While some of it is humorous, I would have preferred much less about her. Honestly, some of it was confusing, even on the second read, though it wasn't important stuff.
Darcy and Elizabeth get together once more, and Darcy uses a French letter so he doesn't have to pull out, but it breaks. More agony and too much discussion over maybes, etc. Finding Caroline a husband is like a three ring circus. As I said, some of it was funny but got a bit ridiculous, in my opinion. However, I'm sure the author was having fun, so can't be too harsh about it, haha. Eventually they get Caroline married off. Elizabeth finds she is not pregnant, and she realizes she is sad about it and decides to marry Darcy after all.
The rest was wonderful, of course, they marry and are happy and have a little girl. Elizabeth is happy to have a baby because she is not so exhausted and Darcy takes care of her. Awwww. I would like to have seen more of Darcy in the Epilogue, but it was good, anyway.
I did like the structure of the story, with Part 1, 2, etc. I felt it made a good separation for the different parts of the story.
I definitely recommend this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They marry, and Elizabeth is very disappointed in the marriage bed. Richard cares nothing for her enjoyment and goes to sleep immediately. Every time. She finds herself wondering if Mr. Darcy would do it better and then thinks of hilarious ways he would probably want sex, as she still thinks he is repressed, although she wonders about what marriage to Darcy would be like, because Richard has set her straight about Wickham, and Jane and Bingley get married.
Richard does not know anything about running an estate and gradually all the work is taken over by Elizabeth, so she is constantly exhausted, with two children to care for and responsibility for the household and the estate too. So she is not inclined to accept him into her bed, which makes him angry, so the relationship deteriorates. Sometimes Richard suffers from PTSD from his experiences in the war, which makes him angry, and gradually he starts to drink too much. Unfortunately he is pretty awful when drunk, yelling at her and being paranoid that she is in love with Darcy.
Mr. Darcy marries his cousin Anne. Of course he wasn't marrying Anne because he couldn't have Elizabeth, he's marrying her because it's practical, tidy and they were a good match on paper. After all, there was no one else who could compare to Elizabeth, not that he ever thought about her. Darcy and Anne's wedding night was so different, he was so sweet to Anne, one could only feel sad for Elizabeth's experience with Richard. Anne has a son, Oliver, and Darcy gradually falls in love with her over the years, but she finally passes when Oliver is ten years old; fifteen years after the proposal at Hunsford. This part is very touching. At her funeral Richard and Darcy have an argument about Elizabeth, where Darcy emphasizes that he would never touch Elizabeth, but he threatens Richard not to hurt her.
Richard dies when Elizabeth is thirty-nine. At that point, she and Richard were basically living separate lives where she is responsible for the estate, the household and the children. She is quite overwhelmed with all the stuff that needs to be done for the funeral. In comes Darcy, who takes over a bunch of stuff, bringing new servants to help, so that Elizabeth can have time to herself to mourn Richard. In his usual fashion, Darcy tells all the servants not to say who is doing all this for her. Of course she guesses, and is angry that he never even spoke with her about it. She tells him he has a good heart, but he goes about things wrong.
Darcy wants to marry Elizabeth, but she doesn't want to get married again. She wants to only have an affair with Darcy, not marriage. They get together for a weekend where they have great sex, but then Darcy realizes that he was just having wishful thinking about marrying her. Poor Darcy; such misunderstandings yet again. There are lots of conversations about marriage and why she doesn't want to marry and why he wants to marry.
At this point we are just half way through the book, and this is where I have to take off half a star. I would take off a whole star except some of it is funny along the way. The rest of the book contains way too about Mrs. Sharpe, the former Miss Bingley, and the awful things she does - will Elizabeth never learn? It's like the female victim in a horror movie where we all know she should not go there, but she does anyway. Mrs. Sharpe was married and her husband gambled all their money. Now she is dependent on Bingley. Lots of rumors abound - the worst being that she is pregnant with Darcy's baby. They all run around trying to find a husband for her to help stop the rumors. While some of it is humorous, I would have preferred much less about her. Honestly, some of it was confusing, even on the second read, though it wasn't important stuff.
Darcy and Elizabeth get together once more, and Darcy uses a French letter so he doesn't have to pull out, but it breaks. More agony and too much discussion over maybes, etc. Finding Caroline a husband is like a three ring circus. As I said, some of it was funny but got a bit ridiculous, in my opinion. However, I'm sure the author was having fun, so can't be too harsh about it, haha. Eventually they get Caroline married off. Elizabeth finds she is not pregnant, and she realizes she is sad about it and decides to marry Darcy after all.
The rest was wonderful, of course, they marry and are happy and have a little girl. Elizabeth is happy to have a baby because she is not so exhausted and Darcy takes care of her. Awwww. I would like to have seen more of Darcy in the Epilogue, but it was good, anyway.
I did like the structure of the story, with Part 1, 2, etc. I felt it made a good separation for the different parts of the story.
I definitely recommend this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2022
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Elizabeth Bennet accepts the hand of Colonel Fitzwilliam the day after rejecting Fitzwilliam Darcy. After this decision is made she learns how wrong she was about Darcy and acknowledges that her previous opinion was wrong. The paths that were chosen are followed = a hard life for Elizabeth and a calm life for Darcy.
As their lives change again, past feelings and fears lead them to revisit their past thoughts and actions. They must learn to communicate and accept love to find their happily ever after.
As their lives change again, past feelings and fears lead them to revisit their past thoughts and actions. They must learn to communicate and accept love to find their happily ever after.
February 9, 2022
Carpe Diem
Great story, showing the crazy things that might happen when someone does not seize the day. Darcy misses his chance to give Elizabeth his letter after the Hunsford proposal, and then takes twenty years to find their happiness. Sweet, sentimental, realistic emotions described in thoughtful writing. Some marital sex scenes and a beautiful romance.
Great story, showing the crazy things that might happen when someone does not seize the day. Darcy misses his chance to give Elizabeth his letter after the Hunsford proposal, and then takes twenty years to find their happiness. Sweet, sentimental, realistic emotions described in thoughtful writing. Some marital sex scenes and a beautiful romance.
October 22, 2021
Mr. Darcy and Mrs. Fitzwilliam, a Pride and Prejudice variation that is very different than most. In this story with its ups and downs they get a second chance at love. I enjoyed reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2022
3.5
This is not an author to read for historical accuracy or good grammar, but that aside it’s one of their more realistic works and pretty enjoyable. I will say though, to paraphrase Darcy “she GIGGLES too much”.
This is not an author to read for historical accuracy or good grammar, but that aside it’s one of their more realistic works and pretty enjoyable. I will say though, to paraphrase Darcy “she GIGGLES too much”.
September 6, 2023
a great read
While it was hard to read about Elizabeth’s marriage, I love the way the author developed Darcy and Anne’s marriage. That was a hearty twist I’ve yet to see in a variation.
While it was hard to read about Elizabeth’s marriage, I love the way the author developed Darcy and Anne’s marriage. That was a hearty twist I’ve yet to see in a variation.
January 9, 2025
loved every bit of it.
Another excellent story by one of the best pride and prejudice variation authors in the game, in my opinion. Always unique and funny and heartfelt. And oh lord, always steamy and romantic. This Darcy is just oh so perfect.
Another excellent story by one of the best pride and prejudice variation authors in the game, in my opinion. Always unique and funny and heartfelt. And oh lord, always steamy and romantic. This Darcy is just oh so perfect.
Read
October 24, 2023DNF. There is something entertaining with this story however it’s too modern for me. I like how ODC are older. This author should try and write modern variations.
December 28, 2021
Loved this older Lizzy and Darcy
This is a book I've been waiting for. The personalities of the characters are well developed and interesting and...FUN, well, except for the Colonel. But everyone is relatable, at least for me. There is also a capital A-amazing sex scene, so if that's not your thing, then pass this by. Myself, I think I'll go back and read it again. :) Thank you, Valerie, for a great book.
This is a book I've been waiting for. The personalities of the characters are well developed and interesting and...FUN, well, except for the Colonel. But everyone is relatable, at least for me. There is also a capital A-amazing sex scene, so if that's not your thing, then pass this by. Myself, I think I'll go back and read it again. :) Thank you, Valerie, for a great book.
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