In this Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation, Elizabeth Bennet is introduced to Fitzwilliam Darcy through her sister, Mary, who is friends with Darcy’s sister. They make an immediate connection and a courtship follows. When Darcy proposes, Elizabeth is eager to accept him.Darcy escorts his betrothed to her home estate of Longbourn, which happens to be next door to Darcy’s friend’s leased home of … leased home of Netherfield. Two people from Darcy’s life—his aunt and his former friend—appear in the area, determined to step between the couple, but Darcy puts them in their places and they go on their way.
One of those people, however, is out for revenge, and plans to use Elizabeth to hurt Darcy. When she goes missing, Darcy tears the county apart looking for her. Will he find her in time, or will she be lost to him forever?
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“A flower cannot blossom without sunshine, and man cannot live without love.” Max Muller 3.5-stars
This was a quick novella [at 81 pages] and able to be read in a little over an hour. I CNPID [could-not- put-it-down]. That was a good thing as the action moved quickly to the point problems were overcome and resolutions reached in quick-step fashion. However, that also caused problems with scenes feeling rushed. I would just be getting into the action when it would be over. Romantic scenes should never be rushed to the point that they felt sterile and bland instead of romantic. I wanted more face-time with ODC [our dear couple].
I liked this story even though there were problems. The purist will have a cow because the non-canon characters were OOC [out of character], failed to follow propriety of the era, used language a bit modern, and turned and looked the other way in regard to etiquette. However, every once in awhile, you just need a quick D&E [Darcy and Elizabeth] fix and this was that novella. It was so cute.
The author redid the first meeting of ODC and that set the tone for their meeting on equal ground. Darcy was not upset due to being in the company of strangers and therefore never made his famous insult.
Elizabeth, not affronted due to said insult, was able to see Mr. Darcy as an acquaintance of her sister’s. Without their pride and prejudice, they were able to meet and find equal ground between them. At that point, they could explore what they did have in common and their relationship could begin. It was so cute. I loved the addition of another Aunt and Uncle with sense. Lord and Lady Watts, a Bennet connection, through Mr. Bennet’s sister. Since the Longbourn entail followed sons, this connection did not affect the heir, Mr. Collins.
Villains: thank goodness we didn’t have page time with Caroline, she was already forced out [reason to be revealed later]. OMG!! Wait until you hear. Lady Catherine rushed to Longbourn to make her sentiments known. This marvelous scene could have been fleshed out a bit more. Due to the minimalistic writing of this encounter, we were denied Anne’s comments or wishes in supporting her cousin Darcy. That would have been awesome. Wickham, the SBRB [slime-bag-rat-bastard] was such a coward that he attempted an act of revenge so egregious that Darcy was forced to contact our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam. Now you’ve gone and done it.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, although not villains [per se], each in their own way, did not protect their daughter. Mr. Bennet, through neglect, and Mrs. Bennet, not understanding Lizzy and thus, disregarded her. Mr. Darcy was not best pleased by their actions and let his thoughts and feelings on the subject be known.
The last scene of this story was so awesome… I lost my breath. I have always loved Colonel Fitzwilliam… but this man… absolutely took my breath. OMG!!! I am still stunned. Amazing ending! Oh–My–Gosh!!!
Revise review: I had stated that there were 81 pages in my 1st paragraph and someone commented on my Amazon review that there were in fact 158 pages… I stand corrected and wish to note that… apparently, there is a discrepancy between e-format and print copy.