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Of Permission and Providence: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

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In this sweet, clean, low-angstPride and Prejudice variation, Darcy and Elizabeth meet for the first time when Mr. Darcy Senior stumbles across Elizabeth on the estate grounds. Without a clue as to who this gentleman truly is, she is shepherded into the study to meet the young master of Pemberley. This 62,000 word novel is written from a decidedly Christian perspective although there are scenes of non-graphic intimacy between married couples.
Except:
“Father, what are you about? Why did you coerce poor Miss Bennet into the study? "
"Please sit down, Son. Do you not remember our agreement about you taking a wife and producing some grandchildren before I am too old to enjoy them?"
The young master sputtered. "Can you truly be serious about me considering Miss Bennet? Although I will admit that she is lovely, we know nothing about her other than that she has an uncle in trade."
"You refuse to attend the season in London any longer and tell me that you cannot abide the debutantes you have met there. It seems to me that a vibrant young woman from the country like Miss Bennet might just be the perfect solution to our problem."
"Father," he spoke in the calmest possible voice, "I believe that what you are really seeking is a healthy young woman to give you those grandchildren you seek."
"William, do you remember making me a promise when I was so ill two years ago? You promised me, that should I survive my fever, that you would take a wife and do your best to provide an heir for Pemberley before you turned thirty. At eight and twenty, giving yourself time to meet, court, marry and then have a child, you have truly reached your time limit. Now, William, I know you, Son. I know how you detest attending social events and interacting with those you don't know well. That is why I feel it is necessary to push you now. That is why I can't relax without knowing that you are well-married and settled. Besides needing an heir, you need a mistress for Pemberley and a helpmate. When I saw the lovely Miss Bennet sitting on the hillside this morning with her face lifted to the sun, eyes closed and smiling," he paused to regain his composure, "William, I honestly thought it was providential that she had shown up on our hillside.
"I'm not asking you to take her to wed without getting to know her. But let's not overlook what might be the Almighty's intervention. What if she really is the answer to my prayers, William? Will you not at least allow yourself to get to know her. We could invite her and her aunt and uncle to dinner."
Just at that moment, they heard the sound of carriage wheels on the gravel drive. Mr. Darcy Senior raised his eyebrows at his son and smiled. As a man of his word, William could hardly refuse his father's earnest request. He nodded, and the two men walked to the entrance to meet the Gardiners and extend a dinner invitation.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2022

56 people are currently reading
23 people want to read

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Jae George

31 books12 followers

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5 stars
137 (46%)
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109 (37%)
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32 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,736 reviews133 followers
March 4, 2024
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***

>>Rating: clean for all audiences.
>>Angst Level: It was a bit stressful as Darcy was reluctant to see reason. His Fitzwilliam ancestors were showing and his pride and arrogance nearly lost him the love of his life.
>>Source: Borrowed from KU 2-28-24: I volunteered to leave a review of my thoughts and opinions.
>>Trope: AU: Alternate Universe: Where things are very different.

Mr. Darcy Senior was still alive. He wanted his son to marry and give him grandchildren. He met Elizabeth first and thought she was perfect for his son. Fitzwilliam took a bit longer to decide. This was the problem that made me want to pull my hair or someone’s hair. Fitzwilliam was a bit too flighty for my taste. He was almost a Bingley as he led Elizabeth on a merry chase. He wanted her but couldn’t consider her due to her status, lack of connections, etc. He would walk away; she would cry, and then he’d come back and do it all over again. To prove how inconstant he was, Bingley took him to task for his behavior. He accused him of setting expectations he was not prepared to fulfill. What?!? Yeah, Bingley took his friend to task. I had to laugh at that flip in the story.
Profile Image for Polly.
183 reviews
May 24, 2022
I have never read any variation that has presented Elizabeth so pathetic and weak as this one did. Pining after a man who did nothing but denigrate her social standing and thoughtlessly continued to raise her expectations? Ridiculous. The lack of any resistance when he finally deigned to offer for her is even more insulting to the character of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Darcy was portrayed as spineless, thoughtless, and cruel. It also made no sense that with his father’s full endorsement and encouragement he would continue to resist his feelings for Elizabeth as long as he did, even longer than he did in canon! What was even the point of this variation except to destroy both characters and make them incredibly unlikeable.
Profile Image for Kathrine.
40 reviews
June 14, 2022
couldn’t finish

Darcy runs hot and cold. Lizzie is totally out of character and has no courage and is easily intimidated. Where is the woman who said “I am a gentleman’s daughter, therefore we are equal.”
Profile Image for James S.
1,432 reviews
May 26, 2022
Darcy’s father wants grandchildren

Darcy’s father wants grandchildren . He runs into Lizzy who is sketching in the park of Pemberley one day. He talks with her for a bit and decides she might be a good bride for Darcy and a good mother for some grandchildren . He won’t force the two them together but will push now and then.

Nice story. Not a lot of angst.
Profile Image for Michelle David.
2,546 reviews13 followers
May 26, 2022
Lovely

A rather lovely and enjoyable little variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Jae George.
159 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2022
Fun and clean

I enjoyed that this was a low angst story and that Darcys father was still alive. The story starts a bit slow but I was ok with that, it all lead up to problem to be surmounted. I had mixed feelings about Lizzy pining so much, but she had good reason. The last quarter of the story was more upbeat which helped offset the previous pining. I'd call it a pretty clean story; Intimacy after marriage is implied and there is a brief mention of nudity but nothing more. I'd recommend the story. Happy reading.
1,190 reviews29 followers
July 14, 2022
Vanilla

In this variation, Mr Darcy senior is alive, and he meets Elizabeth sketching on Pemberly's grounds. He is so impressed with her that he brings her to the house to meet young Darcy in the hopes that he will see how special she is. Elizabeth and the Gardiners spend some time with the Darcys during their holiday, and although Darcy starts to admire and esteem Elizabeth, he can't let go of the notion that he must pursue a wife from the first circles of society, someone with wealth and connections. So he informs Elizabeth that although he likes her, there's no future for them. Elizabeth is heartbroken, and Mr Darcy senior and Georgiana are disappointed.

This story is a kind of role reversal, in that it's usually Darcy who is trying to win over Elizabeth, but in this version Elizabeth is suffering from unrequited love. She goes into a very Jane-like melancholy over her doomed feelings of love for Darcy. Then follows the visit that Darcy makes to Bingley at Netherfield. Although Darcy's attraction to Elizabeth is rekindled, he still stubbornly holds to his belief that he must seek a wife from a higher station. Surprisingly it's Bingley who eventually makes Darcy realize what's truly important in life.

Although the book is well written, I just wasn't satisfied with Darcy's behavior, and with how easily Elizabeth capitulated when Darcy finally did come to his senses. I wanted there to be some consequences for Darcy's poor treatment of Elizabeth, and for the fact that he put her through so much suffering. I didn't feel as if Elizabeth had enough backbone in this one. However, it's an interesting premise, and a good story. I particularly like the strong roles played by Mr Darcy senior and Georgiana. I recommend it.
Profile Image for Bethanne.
618 reviews11 followers
June 12, 2022
Great departure from the usual adaptations

I enjoyed this story with the addition of old Mr Darcy and the lack of Wickham ( already taken care of before the story begins). The admiration of Elizabeth by the entire Darcy family is good and then we have both Lady Matlock and Lady Catherine with other views! Good to have some tension.
It's essentially free of the miscommunication that we typically see and thankfully no" tolerable " speech!
The last chapter is rushed but it's not that big a deal since most writers have the same issue ending. It's well written and definitely a good story to spend a few hours with.
Profile Image for Nicole  Yaker.
100 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2024
My ABSOLUTE FAVORITE!

By this author this book I can honestly say this so far is my absolute favorite. A must read for any JAFF. I still have tears running down my face after reading the end. It was another one that once i started reading I never stopped till i finished reading it. She is just that gray at her storytelling. Highly recommend this book and all her other books I think I have only 2 left to read. Im so bummed. But there’s always rereading to be done. Happy reading everyone!
107 reviews
October 20, 2022
A sweet Mr. Darcy Sr.

A fairly quick read. Low on the angst scale. Some fluff which is always welcome. Really enjoyed Mr. Darcy Sr. He is very mild mannered. William must have received the "your duty to marry within the first circle" gene from his mother although there is very little mentioned about her. Not much character depth in this tale but then it wouldn't be fast read.
Give it a go!
1,391 reviews4 followers
July 7, 2023
Looking for an adorable read with an emotional pull, than look no further you found it. I found this story hilarious in a few different ways. I loved how important true family (not only blood) was a focus point. Darcy (young) puts his foot in his mouth a few times with Elizabeth. I loved how Mr Darcy (senior) was all about the grand babies!!! I loved how Bingley was a grown man in this one. Interesting, clean, and very well written. Highly recommend for any one to read
336 reviews
June 6, 2022
Some Sorrow & Sweet

I have to admit Darcy was figuratively blind in story. Elizabeth was a little to weak. However I loved the twist. Mr Darcy senior was in this story and the changes to Georgina and Bingley do not disappoint. I could not stop reading until the end. Love it when authors keep it romantic and clean.
519 reviews2 followers
December 9, 2022
Very sweet

The story develops like a minuet, as Darcy and Elizabeth meet, fall for each other, separate, pine for each other, meet again and fall more in love, separate again, etc, etc. Finally we have a nice happy ending, of course, but no real suspense along the way. A very gentle and sweet romance.
33 reviews
May 28, 2022
A sweet story

The story features a Mr. Darcy that is slow to realize what he truly wants and an extremely patient Elizabeth. Although not perfect it’s still an enjoyable read perfect though
91 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2022
Creative Story

This has elements of the original story intermixed with a different plot. The creativity is refreshing and the quality of writing kept me engaged. I especially like her Biblical references and themes. Recommend.
95 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2022
Loved it

Any story where Darcy still has one of his parents or both is
Worth reading, it make s him more likable but still the same
Man we all love. I’m sure you will like this one as much as I did.
No angst or drama just a sweet Jove story.
Profile Image for Charlene S. Robinson.
338 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2024
lovely story

what a delightful P & P variation! So happy to meet Mr. Darcy.

so glad that Wickham got sent over to the Continent!! Hopefully he died horribly.

Caroline Bingley once again shows her poisonous self. what a Witch!
17 reviews
June 16, 2022
Love, love and more love.

I loved them example of the 4 types of love is this story
Eros. Filial. Agape and storage as incorporated in this story. It was beautiful
161 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2022
Meh. It was fine; extremely low angst so that's worth noting, but also just mostly boring. It passed the time but that's about all I can say.
Profile Image for Diane.
543 reviews
April 12, 2025
This is one of my top five or so favorites of this author, and I've read it at least 3 or 4 times. The elder Mr. Darcy is still alive and finds Elizabeth sketching on Pemberley grounds. She has come with the Gardiners to Lambton. After speaking to her for a little while, Mr. Darcy feels that she might be a perfect wife for his son Fitzwilliam and convinces him to get to know her.

Our Darcy was very recalcitrant about her; being too much of a snob about the fact that Elizabeth isn't a "society" wife. He is a bit unkind to her on several occasions and hurting her feelings. He is lucky that when he *finally* realizes she is right for him, she forgives him too easily.

In spite of all that, I still love the book and recommend it highly.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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