Unequal Affections: A Pride and Prejudice Retelling

by Lara S. Ormiston

When Elizabeth Bennet first knew Mr. Darcy, she despised him and was sure he felt the same. Angered by his pride and reserve, influenced by the lies of the charming Mr. Wickham, she never troubled herself to believe he was anything other than the worst of men--until, one day, he unexpectedly proposed. Mr. Darcy's passionate avowal of love causes Elizabeth to reevaluate everything she thought she knew about him. What she knows is that he is rich, handsome, clever, and very much in love with her. She, on the other hand, is poor, and can expect a future of increasing poverty if she does not marry. The incentives for her to accept him are strong, but she is honest enough to tell him that she does not return his affections. He says he can accept that--but will either of them ever be truly happy in a relationship of unequal affection?

Diverging from Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice at the proposal in the Hunsford parsonage, this story explores the kind of man Darcy is, even before his "proper humbling," and how such a man, so full of pride, so much in love, might have behaved had Elizabeth chosen to accept his original proposal.

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Retellings, Historical Romance, Regency

352 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

I am the daughter of Christian missionaries, and was born on the beautiful island of Java, Indonesia. I spent most of my first eleven years in that tropical country, with only occasional furloughs in the States. I consider myself to have had a high privileged childhood, rich not in money but experiences. When I was eleven we moved to Zimbabwe, where I lived until I was sixteen, followed by a year in Marin County, California, and a year in Penang, Malaysia (of the two places, Marin County was by far the most foreign to me).

After that I attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Texas, and I still reside less than a hour away, in the city of Round Rock, where I am currently homeschooling my three children.

Growing up overseas meant very little television and lots of free time, which I eventually came to spend in reading. I was greatly influenced by my mother's taste in books, and it was through her that I was introduced to Regency romance in the form of Georgette Heyer, whose works our local library in Gweru, Zimbabwe, had in abundance. I also read a great deal of fantasy when I was younger, but of the two genres, historical fiction has remained my enduring favorite.

I remember reading one or two of Jane Austen's works when I was teenager, and being mainly disappointed that there was no kissing. It really wasn't until I was in my early thirties and the mother of small children that I began to read through her works and was thoroughly captivated with their wit and humor, as well as the good sense and strong morality that fills them. Eventually I stumbled across the world of Jane Austen fan fiction on the web, and was hooked. After many hours spent reader other writer's stories I could not resist the urge to write my own, and here we are now.

Unequal Affections is my own novel so far, but it is far from the only Pride and Prejudice-based story I have written. I tend to specialize in comedic short stories and novella-length chapter stories. My other writings can be found posted on my personal blog, or at the Derbyshire Writer's Guild, where I post under my middle name, Suzanne O, and at fanfiction.net, where I use the pseudonym OnlyaNovel.

Reviews

[Khanh, first of her name, mother of bunnies · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sick as a dog. I have the flu. My head hurts. I read this book curled up in bed in the wee hours of the morning while every cell in my body was aching.

This book was just what I needed. It is one of the best Pride and Prejudice reimaginings I have ever read.

I read a horrifying amount of Pride and Prejudice fan published fiction. There is just something about Darcy and Elizabeth and Jane and Bingley that keeps me wanting more. I want to know what happens when they get married. I want to know what could have been if only this happened, if only that didn't happen.

This book tries to reimagine what would have happened if Elizabeth, instead of refusing Darcy outright at the parsonage, had decided to accept him instead.

The characters are adequately represented. There were few instances in which my head was screaming at me "WAIT A MINUTE, DARCY WOULD NOT---" or "ELIZABETH WOULD NEVER"...

You catch my drift.

Elizabeth's emotions and fears concerning her impending marriage was real. This book brought forth issues I never thought to consider, like what her neighbors at Longbourne must think of her when she accepted Darcy's offer of marriage.

Even more dismally she recalled the vehemence with which she had criticized and laughed at Mr. Darcy the previous autumn. How much she wished she had been more moderate in her expressions, more discreet in her opinions! Would there be a person among them who would doubt that she accepted him only for his wealth? In her mind’s eye she could see her neighbors’ knowing looks and half-hidden smirks. No one would blame her, of course. They would think her uncommonly clever to have made such a match, even while they pitied her for her proud and unpleasant husband.

It offers an alternate view of Mr. Bennet that may seem controversial, but I found believable.

"[The younger Bennet sisters] are spoiled, vain, and silly, with no sense of propriety and hardly even of common decency. Their mother positively encourages them, while their father has the sense to know better, yet chooses to mock them rather than make any attempt to restrain them.”

I have to admit that is sadly true, Mr. Bennet obviously adores Lizzy and Jane, but he is sadly neglectful of his younger daughters, choosing to ignore them instead of disciplining them. Undoubtedly, he plays favorites, and this book points this fact out quite well in a way that I found to be quite reasonable.

Darcy is not a man instantly changed by love. He is gentle towards Elizabeth, but his standoffishness and discipline retains that of Pride. He is not a jerk, but he still thinks himself better than others, even when conducting himself with Elizabeth's family and her neighbors, whom he deems unworthy. It took a dressing-down from Elizabeth to make him realize his faults. Her friends, her neighbors, however silly they may seem at first, are people too. People who mean much to her.

She sighed, sitting down on a fallen log. “It’s not just Sir William, you know. Mrs. Long, the lady you once sat next to for half an hour without speaking? She can seem like a foolish old woman when you first meet her, but she has a very tender heart. Nearly all of her free time she spends making clothes for local children."

“Even my mother has her moments,” she continued, a reminiscent tone taking over her voice. “One year we got news that one of our tenants had an infant son who was sick and going to die. Perhaps because it was a boy, and she had never been able to have one herself, but there was a look on her countenance I never saw before—or since—and before I knew it, she was out the door with Hill and blankets and hot soup and a bottle of Hill’s all-purpose remedy that she used to dose us all with regularly as children, and we did not see anything more of either of them for the rest of that day or the night. When morning came she returned, looking tired, and went straight to her room. She never talked of it—I think she thought a woman of her station should not be nursing the tenants’ children—and out of respect for her neither did Hill, but we heard afterwards that the little boy recovered, and his mother swore that my mother saved his life.”

Darcy and Elizabeth's courtship---naturally, does not end with the acceptance of the engagement. She has to struggle with her own emotions and guilt in entering a marriage she admits, with somewhat mercenary attitudes at first. He has to struggle with the fact that he may be forcing a woman he loves and respects into a trap, rather than a marriage. Darcy has to come to terms with the fact that he doesn't have the solution when it comes to Elizabeth.

“I was selfish!—because I thought only of how much I wanted her; I was arrogant because I was so certain that marriage to me would be an unalloyed good for her. She was poor; I would make her rich. She was unmarried; I would make her a wife. She was unappreciated and unequalled in her current company; I would take her and place her among society worthy of her. I would give all and be all, and never did I consider how little she truly desired anything I had to offer.”

Lest you think the whole book is based on histrionics and bold declarations of love---it's not. It is sweet, the relationship and love and misunderstandings between Elizabeth and Darcy and her family are well built and believable. This book presents dimensions within the original that I never expected. I loved it.

Forgive me for using so many lengthy quotes. It's just impossible to adequately capture the tone of the book otherwise.

[Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

So after two swings and misses on the Jane Austen fanfic, I went back to my GR friend Shifra's list of her top 10 JAFF novels, and read the Kindle sample of the one that came out on top, which was this one. It hooked me in enough that I actually decided to pay for it (it wasn't cheap, fair warning, but I was really needing some good P&P fanfic to take the taste of the mediocre ones out of my mouth).

In this iteration of Elizabeth Bennet and Darcy's tale, the point of divergence occurs when Darcy makes his first proposal to Elizabeth while she's visiting her friend Charlotte (who recently married Mr Collins). Rather than turning Darcy down flat, she asks him for some time to think about his proposal. Yes, she's still angry about his interference in Jane's and Wickham's lives, but he's intelligent, rich and handsome, and he inexplicably (to Elizabeth) has fallen in love with her, and he's promising to take care of her family if and when needed ... I guess this version of Elizabeth is a little more practical-minded than the original.

So after several days of mulling things over, Elizabeth accepts Darcy's proposal, though she warns him that she's not in love with him. Not a problem! says Darcy, sure that she'll fall for him soon. But as things develop, there are naturally bumps in the road (many of them familiar to P&P fans), Elizabeth isn't falling in love very quickly, and there are ample reasons during the engagement for both Elizabeth and Darcy to wonder if they're really doing the right thing. These being Regency times, it's very difficult to back out of an engagement, though.

So yes, I really did enjoy this one. It's much more romantic and relationship-focused than the original P&P, but it's pretty true to the original story and characters, and far more intelligently written than your run-of-the-mill fanfic. Lara Ormiston does a great job of digging into the characters' flaws and making them work through issues with a fair degree of realism.

And I'm a romantic at heart, I guess. This one got me in the feels. I probably wouldn't recommend this book to those who aren't down with Regency romance. But if you are, this one really is well done for the genre. It’s up near the top of my own JAFF list too! Will def reread when I need a romance fix.

[Katie Lumsden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this one - a very intriguing and interesting Pride and Prejudice retelling, a kind of novelised thought experiment and character study, full of little details and fantastic writing. Very compelling and good fun. I'd highly recommend.

[L A i N E Y (will be back) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brilliant Regency-esque writing with barely any amount of anarchism as to be entirely negligible. Which sadly got sincerely hurt by the length of its story. Still worth checking out for readers who love Pride & Prejudice variations though.



Audiobook narrated by Carmela Corbett

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! A Challenging Courtship Full of Concealment and Conflict

TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Variation

TIME FRAME: Darcy’s Proposal at Hunsford through early June + epilogue

CHARACTERS: A very Darcy and Elizabeth centric story, but all our old friends make an appearance

SYNOPSIS: What if Lizzy didn’t say no? What if, after hearing Darcy’s insulting proposal, she focused on his surprisingly ardent love and passion instead of her previous judgments and impressions about him? What if, Lizzy felt Mr. Darcy’s marriage proposal was too advantageous (for both her and her family) to hold up against her dream of marrying for love?

WHAT I LOVED:

- To Win Her Heart: Elizabeth is honest with Darcy at his proposal, she admits to having no affection or love for him. And Darcy is determined to change that…but the poor man has the cards stacked against him… He doesn’t know Elizabeth’s feelings, he doesn’t know that she despises him, is offended by his manners, or holds him at fault for breaking up Bingley and Jane and ruining Mr. Wickham’s future. Seeing Darcy try so desperately to win Elizabeth’s love made my heart melt. Observing his confidence and perseverance diminish into bleak and despairing awareness throughout their courtship was heart-wrenching and intense. I enjoyed seeing his honesty when discussing his decision and their aftereffects with Bingley.

- Conceal and Avoid: While Elizabeth is honest about her lack of affection for Darcy, she remains mum about the very important offenses she holds against him. Even though she realizes her former opinion of Darcy must be wrong, she makes a conscious effort to not bring up Bingley, Wickham, or her initial dislike. At first I wasn’t so sure this disguise and falsity were true to Elizabeth’s character make-up, I thought for sure she would bring up her issues and speak her true mind in any of her private conversations with Darcy. But at the same time, I can understand how Elizabeth, in light of keeping things amicable and pleasant with her complicated and not-so-pleasant fiancee, would want to avoid more tension and skirt around all hot-button issues.

- It’s Going To Be a Bumpy Ride!: Once engaged, Darcy and Elizabeth embark on a month-long courtship at Longbourn. With no refusal and no letter, their courtship hits a lot of bumps in the road! As a reader, we knew what the bumps would be, but we didn’t know how and when they would come. I loved seeing their relationship witness develop slowly on page. Each bump would reluctantly be addressed, canvassed, and smoothed out one at a time. And to add even more drama, all these delicate issues were being discussed around the Bennets with limited privacy and freedom! Oh boy!

- Characterization: I really felt the essence of Jane Austen’s original characters with this variation. Ms. Ormiston beautifully and skillfully captured Lizzy’s arch and playful manner towards Darcy, Darcy’s aloof and disdainful manner towards the Bennet, and Darcy’s oblivious cluelessness about Lizzy’s feelings. When it came to a character’s conversation, tone, and manners, it always felt spot on in this novel.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

- Pacing: Truly a minor complaint. But at some points the pacing did feel too slow and some scenes too drawn out. It did get better at the end though!

CONCLUSION:

Turbulent emotions, evocative prose, and reverent characterization – Unequal Affections is a Pride and Prejudice variation not to be missed! If you are riveted to love stories fraught with complications, changing affections, and undying hope, you will love this variation! I highly recommend!

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Oh, Lizzy! Do anything rather than marry without affection.” Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

In this what-if variation of P&P, our author asks the question what-if Elizabeth didn’t refuse the Hunsford proposal. What-if she was honest with Darcy regarding her feelings of surprise and being completely unaware of his regard. He actually thought she returned his feelings and was expecting his proposal. The story progressed as Darcy attempted to ease her mind and offered to give her time when she left Kent and returned to her London relatives. During that time, she thought about what she wanted, what she needed, the future needs of her family [the entail], and the fact that she probably would never have another opportunity like this again. She accepted his offer and they went about the daily routine of him courting her and trying to win her love.

“If equal affection cannot be,
Let the more loving one be me.” W. H. Auden

The above quote describes Darcy completely as this was the most romantic Darcy I’ve read in a while. I loved how the author used the senses to convey emotion through the use of: a sensuous look, the pursing of lips, the slowly lowering of lashes, the gentle light touch, the use of enticing, intimate and seduction maneuvers between D&E without ever being sexual. The play on the sensual was most amazing. I swooned at his speech with her, as he described his desire and love for her. My heart melted and yet she continued to guard her emotions with an iron resolve. I wanted to shake her.

“We all know him to be a proud, unpleasant sort of man; but this would be nothing if you really liked him.” Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

In canon, it was Elizabeth’s refusal of the Hunsford proposal that set Darcy on a journey of self-discovery and to the changing of his behavior, hhs attitude toward Elizabeth’s connections, her social standing, and her relations. Since he didn’t get that set-down, he was as he always was, haughty, rude, and unpleasant when in society at large, but more so when in the company of her relations and neighbors, because they didn’t mean anything to him and were decidedly beneath him. Top that with her already dislike of him due to his separating Jane and Bingley and his treatment of Wickham. She didn’t ask him about either situation, and he didn’t tell.

“Had I been in love, I could not have been more wretchedly blind. But vanity, not love, has been my folly.” Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

It took Elizabeth forever, Forever, FOREVER to figure out that she was in love. I suppose when the only up-close examples of marriage she had ever seen were her parents and her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, I imagine it was hard for her to know what real love was. However, I think this took too long. It could have been trimmed a bit. Elizabeth was beginning to get on my nerves. I felt the author was messing with Darcy and I was starting to become rather protective of him. He was showing himself and his love at every turn. He jumped through every hoop that Lizzy threw his way. She, on the other hand, was hateful. At times her attitude was approaching mean in her treatment of him. I didn’t care for that one bit.

“In nine cases out of ten, a woman had better show more affection than she feels.” Jane Austen

Elizabeth was an expert at hiding her emotions and feelings, especially when she was mad or upset. Charlotte’s words had more meaning when Darcy discovered Elizabeth’s original dislike for him. He was devastated. Lydia… you stupid, ignorant… cow… I simply do not have the words. She was so careless and let slip that Lizzy despised Darcy… and within his hearing. I thought this would be the straw that finally broke the camel’s back. I thought it was over. Man… this was hard to read. Darcy’s emotions were in tatters, his heart bleeding as her words cut him to the quick. I felt awful for him. I wanted to cry.

Wickham: The ‘failure to inform’ or reveal Wickham’s evil ways has always been a thread of contention for me. Because Darcy failed to inform Elizabeth, Meryton, the Bennets, or the world at large… Wickham was allowed to roam the countryside creating mischief at will. There were several scenes that frightened me to the point that I held my breath. It could have gone really bad had Darcy not intervened. The only saving grace was the epilogue. Oh, Wickham, you should always read the fine print. That’s what you get for not asking questions. He got what he deserved.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

“‘My only regret is that I did not love her more. If I had loved her more—if I had thought more of her feelings and less of my own—then I would have courted her properly… I was selfish!—because I thought only of how much I wanted her; I was arrogant because I was so certain that marriage to me would be an unalloyed good for her. She was poor; I would make her rich. She was unmarried; I would make her a wife. She was unappreciated and unequalled in her current company; I would take her and place her among society worthy of her. I would give all and be all, and never did I consider how little she truly desired anything I had to offer.’”

I think I went into this book with higher expectations than I should have. I expected, if not Austen-esque writing then at least something close to it, but really, this just read like fanfiction. Not bad fanfiction, but fanfiction nonetheless. I think, on its own, separated from Pride and Prejudice this book could do fairly well. However, I just couldn’t get past all the character inconsistencies. Elizabeth was so much meeker in this version of the story, and Darcy was nearly unbearable. Yes, I know, he was a bit of a fixer-upper in the book too but some of this was just too much for me. I especially disliked how forceful and almost … controlling Darcy was with Elizabeth. I understand, this book is set during a time when women’s rights was more of a joke than anything, but Jane Austen was able to maintain a careful balance of not making me feel uncomfortable but still reminding me that a woman’s situation was … limited.

The writing did not ring true to Jane Austen’s (neither in tone or characterization), the characters fell flat (Elizabeth Bennet is one of my all-time favorite heroines and it was nearly impossible for me to see her character so watered down), and even as a standalone novel, the writing was just okay. Lastly, the novel was far far too long. Sitting at a decent 352 pages, it may not seem like much but contrasting it with Pride and Prejudice’s 279 (or even 334 depending on your edition), it’s just too much. Especially considering that this novel starts at chapter 37 of Pride and Prejudice. It’s too many pages with far too little happening to the point where I started skimming and then, ultimately, dnfing the book (and believe me, it takes a lot for me to decide I’m just not going to push through to the end).

[ꕥ Ange_Lives_To_Read ꕥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion, and one that is not unique, Pride and Prejudice is perfect. I have re-read it, along with Jane Austen's other works, once every two years or so almost since I learned how to read, so...lots and lots of times. Being such an Austen fan, I am surprised at how open I am to fan fiction, sequels, and re-imaginings of her novels. (Similarly, I'm willing to watch almost ANY ridiculous variation of A Christmas Carol.) I guess when something is SO good, and you can't get more of the original, you are always looking for a fix of something that is ALMOST as good.

Of course, much of it is dreck. But once in a while you come across a gem. And Unequal Affections: A Pride and Prejudice Retelling is a gem. It asks the question: What if Lizzie had accepted Darcy's proposal at Rosings?

There are probably valid arguments that the characters would never behave this way, but that in no way diminished my appreciation, because I enjoyed THIS story so much. It was romantic and heartbreaking, and in many ways the retelling reinforces why Austen's version was so perfect.

I am so grateful to Rebekah for bringing this one to my attention, and I couldn't possibly do better than her excellent review, so here is the link: https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read most of the longer than-a-sentence-or-two reviews on Amazon and have to agree with many of the positive comments. This book is excellent. It is one for which I would warn you that you will want to read slowly and contemplatively. And I read it in one day, starting early in the morning and ending late in the evening. PLUS it is one I will re-read.

The premise that Lizzy doesn't refuse Darcy at Hunsford but instead asks for a week to consider is one which is difficult to swallow. BUT this author does a credible job of having Lizzy display a different reaction, knowing that she also has suspicions about his interference in Jane's and Bingley's life and that he sabotaged Wickham's chances for a happy life. The fact that she doesn't love him while the knowledge that he does love her are first and foremost in considerations for both parties. And how contradictory in the light of the advice Darcy gave Bingley! Oh, the author does a wonderful job here of putting the onus where it belongs and having characters consider who is responsible for the final decision and outcome.

I had tears as Lizzy, late in this courtship and after observing how Darcy removes himself emotionally from socially interacting with her friends and family, so expertly humbles him by relating acts on the part of Sir Lucas, her aunt and her mother. (Don't judge a book by its cover...a lesson for all here.)

And while ODC is open about much of what they feel and have observed, they both have some secrets, which eventually come out and have to be dealt with. There are points in this story at which you can wonder if we are going to get our HEA. Both Elizabeth and Darcy reach a point at which they consider if they are fair to make each other keep their word to marry...both wonder at how the other can put up with so many affronts, so many rude comments, so many in each family not happy with this engagement.

As others have said there are no new characters and the story follows much of canon. But the step-by-step process of really getting to know each other, of learning to be open and also accepting each other with good and bad traits displayed is very well done here. And we also read some realities about other characters, i.e., Mr. Bennet accepting his role in the whole dowry debacle and in changing his mind about Brighton.

Well done and despite the high price a book not to be missed.

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

At some point in every P&P fans life they will ask did Lizzy really love Darcy? And after a few days of soul searching and reading they will decide yes, of course. Lara Ormiston runs with that question and creates an incredible book.

This is a P&P variation; where instead of Lizzy's famous set down of Darcy, following his proposal at Hunsford parsonage, she asks for time to think about it. Yes every one knows that Lizzy and Jane have sworn to only marry for the deepest love; but Lizzy is clever and knows that Darcy loves her very much and that she may never meet another man who loves her that much.

What comes next is a very compacted P&P set mostly in Meryton. It is a fascinating look into the thought processes of Darcy and Lizzy. How Darcy goes from the proud man to the kind man and how Lizzy falls in love with 'the last man in the world whom I could ever be persuaded to marry'. We also see how Darcy's almost constant presence at Longbourn changes all the members of the Bennet family.

Time compressing P&P is tricky and Ms. Ormiston makes it work perfectly. My only minor disappointment was that the book ends at the wedding and this is a story where I want more.

[Eloise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ormiston's knowledge of Regency-era vocabulary and social background pleased me. They are her most notable accomplishments. She creates strong, lovable characterizations that reflect a keen comprehension of Austen's characters. Some readers may be relieved to learn that the love tension was kept alive almost until the final page. While I like her broad vocabulary, I noticed her pacing a bit off. Scenes were too long at times, which slowed my interest, and her decision to spend two-thirds of the novel in the Bennets' drawing-room was as agonizing for Darcy as it was for me.

This is a novel that is both sophisticated and engaging, as well as romantic. Certain parts will irritate you, while others will compel you to continue. It is the display of these dichotomies that makes for memorable storytelling. This one will stick with you for a long time.

[Melindam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite my giving it 3,5 stars, this is still an outstanding P&P variation and more than fanfic.

I had a few bones to pick with it personally (will try and elaborate later) and found it a bit too slow, sometimes bordering on boring (too many happenings rinsed and repeated), but the writing was good and the characters were mostly true yo themselves.
Also, the whole process of Elizabeth and Darcy learning about themselves and each other in a different way was presented thoughtfully and credibly.

The narrator was not bad and the book was included for free in my Audible subscription. All in all a pleasant reading experience.

[Katja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this

She accepts him at Hunsford. It's a perfect book. That's all I've got. Read it, I will do so again.

Rereading: yes, I have reread it twice this year already, so what? I'm entitled to an emotional support book.

[Pallabi Dutta · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 glorious stars

WOW. Just WOW.

I was already a huge fan of Pride and Prejudice. Like it's my favourite and I have read it three times already. I think I even memorised some of the lines from the novel. Which is weird considering I am never able to remember my business class notes. Nada.
Then when I was mulling over my thoughts of how I wanted to read more about Mr.Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, and low and behold Goodreads-my darling-recommended me this book. It was just lovely. Goodreads knows about my preferences in books so clearly it's kind of scary. Because when I read the blurb, I literally shouted, "YES!!! This is what I wanted."

The whole book is based on a simple question, "What if."

Remember the scene where Mr.Darcy proposes to Elizabeth Bennet. If you don't, let me jog your memory-

“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. He then proceeds to explain how he loves her against his will, against his reason, and even against his character. Insulted by his prejudice against her family, appalled by his injustice towards Mr. Wickham and angered by his part in separating her sister Jane from Mr. Bingley, she finalizes her refusal by proclaiming that he was “the last man in the world whom [she] could ever be prevailed on to marry.”

The "What if" here is:
What if Elizabeth really thought about the marriage proposal rather than outright rejecting him?

So the story continues as it is till chapter 34, where Mr.Darcy proposes to Miss Elizabeth Bennet in the Hunsford Parsonage, where she doesn't reject him nor does she even say how much she despises him. Then what would have happened if she accepted him?

We get to see more of Mr.Darcy. He is portrayed the same as he is in the original. The same arrogance, cold aloofness. Having trouble speaking with people he doesn't know nor does he care. His struggle in accepting the Bennet family. Overcoming his cold behaviour. He is outright not changed just because he declared his love, but takes time to know Elizabeth's acquaintances who he deems unworthy.

(I still prefer Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy but this is the gif I could find on short notice meeting my criteria.)

And Elizabeth Bennet's struggle to come to terms with her impending marriage to a man she doesn't even love (which she disclosed to Mr.Darcy when he proposed). Thus starts the month long courtship with lots of bumpy rides.

And I really liked what the author did with George Wickham's character at the end. He got what he deserved. And Lydia is as annoying as ever.

It may be a retelling but reading the original you maybe be expecting something quite similar to happen any moment but don't waste your time. This is completely different yet same in some ways. The author understood the characters wholeheartedly and didn't try to stray them off character.
The suspense of romance was with us till the end.
And the classic scenes were altered but still they were immensely enjoyable.

I seriously adored this book. My favorite Pride and Prejudice retelling till date. Sometimes the pacing seemed a bit off but in general I was in love with the plot and the characters. Love-love-love this book. I could just grab it and sleep with it. Yes people books are my teddybears. Deal with it.

I highly recommend. READ THIS BOOK.
And for people who follow Mark Twain's quotes on criticism against Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, you'll can go suck it.

[800£Chimneypiece · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought of giving it two stars, but I don't think it deserves them.
It honestly baffles me how this has such high ratings.

The premise was intriguing: what if Elizabeth had actually accepted Mr Darcy's first proposal? Sadly, the execution was not so satisfactory.
First of all, the length: the whole original novel is about the same length of this one, that takes place only in the second half.
At first, I was not displeased: the dialogue was reminiscent of the original and was a decent evocation, and for a chapter, a chapter and a half, it was ok.
Then, the characters start behaving in the complete opposite way as Jane Austen presented them: Mr Darcy randomly kissing and touching Elizabeth's face, Lizzy calling him Fitzwilliam--- it was not romantic, it was sappy and more adequate to a generic harlequin romance than a P&P retelling.

Then, the writing. This is a fanfiction, albeit a published one, and you can feel it. I'm not stranger to fanfictions (I read them!), but still, from a published novel I expect something different, if I had wanted sappiness and OOC-ness, I would have read any fanfiction on the internet.
The writing is what fanfiction (and maybe, generally modern) writing is: overly-detailed of every action, every though, every movement EVER made with a lot -ly adverbs. Repetitive, redundant, sappy.

Nothing really happens, and yet this NOTHING is stretched over 23 chapters, and over and over again there was Mr Darcy staring at Elizabeth, and putting his hands on her face.

Not to mention to the cookie-cutter endings given to other characters, as if it were some Disney Channel show or one of those South American soap operas aimed at teenagers.

Maybe I wouldn't have disliked it SO much had my expectations been lower.
Luckily, I got it with my e-book provider points and not actually BUYING it.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read many retellings of Pride & Prejudice now, many of which have portrayed Darcy as not really proud and disagreeable but merely misunderstood. I had forgotten that he does start out as proud and disagreeable in P&P and that he had character flaws that he had to work to overcome to be the man we all know and love and admire so much.

In this retelling Elizabeth does not tell Darcy in his first proposal all the things she does not like about him – what he did to Jane, his treatment of Wickham nor of her feelings about his pride and “selfish disdain for the feelings of others”. These offenses, rather than being revealed in one intense proposal scene, are revealed slowly through their engagement period. Not a lot of action occurs in the book, it is more the slow development of character which propels the story along. This book was intense and introspective. It took me on a journey with Elizabeth and Darcy as they both examined their minds, hearts, motives and character flaws and slowly grew closer to each other and into better versions of themselves.

This book inspired a lot of personal reflection for me. It was hard to read at times because for the first time I saw some of Darcy and Elizabeth’s character flaws in myself. I didn’t always like Darcy or Elizabeth nor did I like some of the feelings the book inspired in me. But the very fact that it did make me feel and examine myself and compelled me to keep reading was the sign of a good book.



Wedding Day Vignette https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written but uneventful
Reviewed in Canada on April 23, 2019
I found it too similar to other variations, but did appreciate it had few typos. I was surprised to see contractions used. I was left wanting more than the story ending where it did. It’s definitely a story of self-examination.

March 9, 2022 - Starting Audiobook
I enjoyed this book much better the second time around with the audiobook and upgraded my rating from four to five stars.

January 14, 2025 - Audiobook re-listen
Darcy’s devotion, knowing Elizabeth doesn’t love him, breaks my heart in this book, but that devotion is also what I love most in the story. Lara Ormiston writes it so well. I love this Darcy to pieces, even though he was very haughty and proud towards many. His love for Elizabeth is profound. She never intends to hurt him and thankfully, she comes around.

[Ｓｈｉｆｒａ ♕ · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first, allow me to state that when I think of my favorite JAFF works, this always is the first to come unbidden to mind. And although I have many a favorite JAFFs, I suspect this work is first in my heart.
My reviews are most inspired when a book is trash and I just want to roast the author for closure.
I have nothing but praise, she nailed it.
Now, reader, you must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love this JAFF.

This JAFF is everything a JAFF ought to be, witty, romantic, light hearted yet passionate!


Now, reader, A brief synopsis so we are on the same page;
Lizzy accepts Darcy proposal even though she doesn't love him, she is upfront about this, and he accepts regardless. However he knows he wants all of Lizzy and so he has 7 weeks before their wedding to make her love him back. He would of course still marry her, but he wants an equal marriage in terms of regard.

What I liked:
Darcy convincing Bingley his affections from Jane aren't returned scene, right off the bat was such a treat! Exactly how I would picture it went in cannon, and it made such a delicious contrast to Darcy’s hypocritical proposal thereafter.

Darcy pointing out differences between himself and Bingley in their attachment, since Darcy proposes to Lizzy even though he knows she doesn’t love him back, and etc.

I couldn’t put it down, lost sleep. Thats as good as it gets.

Pacing was perfect, never a dull moment

I think we are all exhausted of reliving again and again Wickham ruining Lydia like a groundhog day, here Wickham is but a small nuisance and his plans are foiled easily. Its fresh and serves the plot but doesn't take centerstage. The less Wickham the better!

Romance feel genuine authentic and most important, Austenesque.
-I laughed out loud often, and I even felt my heart squeeze at some instances;

Darcy: "Besides, Elizabeth’s company calmed him. He could forget anything in the presence of her eyes and smiles. If he left her he would do nothing but brood—about his family, about her family, and most of all about her and her heart—that most desirable, most mysterious, most elusive of organs."

What I detested:
Nothing, it was so perfect !
If anything, I would have liked to see the wedding. Kind of abrupt ending and I would have liked it to have been longer, but as Jane Austen once said,

“If a book is well written, I always find it too short.”

My favorite scene;
There is the most charming dinner at Longborn where everyone is talking over each other and Lizzy, mortified, reluctantly looks up to Darcy expecting his look of censure and fault but instead is met with his laughing eyes.
Then they are in their own private joke cocoon. Lizzy and Darcy finally feel equal, a team, he understands the absurdity of the neighbors and can appreciate the comedy of it. It felt akin to Darcy and Lizzy against the world. It was one of those rare JAFF scenes that perfectly captured their relationship and it was well done. Just perfect!

Conclusion:
Lizzy's wit and heart is evident and Darcy is besotted in true to form. It just reads true to Austen; the characters, dialogue & language and plausibility- all of it is executed so perfectly.

This novel has so much to recommend it, and it’s a travesty Ms Ormiston hasn't written more for she is immensely talented. I’ll be looking out with bated breath for her future works.

I have reread at least 3 times and often revisit my favorite passages.
Must read, you won't be disappointed!

I measure the quality of a JAFF by three factors, as follows;

1. Did I feel the characters acted true to Austen's character framework (allowing for changed circumstance and scenario to offer some leeway)?
2. Was I engaged during the reading and not bored?
3. Was the writing compelling/ intelligent and was there sufficient interaction/dialogue between the main characters?

[Eliza Baum · Rating 5 out of 5]

(10/1/18) I've pretty much stopped counting how many times I've read this. It's an audiobook go-to when I can't make up my mind what else I wanna read.

Third (?) reading (10/26/16):

I'm officially changing my rating from 4 stars to 5 stars, as this has become one of my not-so-guilty pleasure stories. The audio book is fabulous, and it makes the raw emotion of it all that much more intense. I think I originally rated it down a star because there wasn't as much external conflict to make the story exciting, but that's honestly what I've come to appreciate about this one. Elizabeth's and Darcy's respective internal struggles are plenty compelling enough. My favorite scene is near the end during the dinner party where everyone is talking over each other, and Elizabeth and Darcy finally start to truly come together. It's masterfully written.

Second reading (4/20/16):

I think I enjoyed this even more the second time, and the audio book was very well done.

First reading (7/3/15):

I enjoyed this variation on the story. Elizabeth and Darcy approached their engagement and marriage in a very logical, mature, grown-up fashion. It made for a rather low-conflict story, but that's not always a bad thing. I read this in an afternoon all in one sitting, and I'd recommend it for anyone who wants a low key P&P fix.

[Skrivena stranica · Rating 2 out of 5]

My dear friend recommended this work to me. She is very well read person and a talented writer, so I had quite high expectations.
In the end, it turned to be just another fanfiction.

I was not impressed with portrayal of the main characters and not really with others either. Some things that Austen wrote really well and a bit sneaky like Mr. Bennet's characters, here was too much into your face.

In general I do not feel like this work brought us anything. It rewrote a part that we've already read, but worse. It's simply redundant.

There were some things that also pulled me out of the historical period and some sentences that made me feel rather uncomfortable. There were sentences where it seemed like he talked about needing to own Elizabeth and it did not strike me as something she would let slide, no matter her situation. It is evident that Darcy in this version felt only lust and no real love until much later. Lizzy is on the other hand connecting her feelings of love to finding physical attraction, which is kind of fair.

I will also say, this to me seemed in much as a fanfiction not of the book but movie adaptation with Keira Knightley, which I do not really like.
First 3/4 of the book were very drawn out, especially since we already know all the backgrounds and everything.
Still, I did enjoy in reading it to some level. It even inspired me, so I give it as a good sign too. But, oh well, I am more picky of fanfictions than I am of original works. I have much respect for fanfiction writers and still I believe very small number of them does their respected work justice. A good fanfic needs someone who is good at pastiche writing.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the best P&P retelling I’ve EVER read. Beautiful, I was actually in tears at the end (and I never cry reading). I cannot believe how believable this story was, how many amazing little moments there were with Darcy & Elizabeth, and truly how much I felt for both their hearts going through this journey. It devastates me this seems to be a one hit wonder for this author, she is incredibly talented.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Goes on for way too long, and there is an insane amount of waffling inside the characters heads rather than actual plot.
It is very well written in the Austen style as in readability. It is a good idea and at times you have to remind yourself that these aren’t meant to be the same Lizzy and Darcy we know because they haven’t had the character arcs like in the original.
How this could have been improved:
1. Darcy not being the saviour.
Let Lydia shame herself like in the original and see if Darcy will still marry into the family
2. Time jump
Just skip to past the wedding. There was no need to have it all during their engagement period, it was simply too long and the plot points that happened would have been better if they were actually married.
3. Short, sweet and expansive
Way too long for the courtship and for the time period, a little risqué. The amount of times they kissed and held hands while in her parents house simply wouldn’t happen. It felt like Groundhog Day with it repeating itself and I had to skip pages. The plot of the original book should have been used as a guide and expanded on, with further events, mysteries and turning points, rather than less.
4. Less sap more zap
Too much kissing, face touching, hand holding and don’t even get me started on the pet names. Darling?? Sweetheart?? No. Just no. Where’s the sexual chemistry? The spark, the debating minds? Every time they had an argument it was 1 of them too clearly in the wrong and feeling sorry for themselves. Why not have 2 reasonable sides to the argument to show how much the characters have to put aside their prejudices in exchange for love.

[Leslie Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

2025: Reread; still wonderful.

I say this in the best possible way: this is superbly written fan fiction. I plan on re-reading this again in the future. Characterizations are believable and progression of storyline is flawless. I didn't want it to end. If Ormiston wanted to write a fluff continuation of the Darcy's marriage I would be first in line.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did he have to be so charming in some ways and so insufferable in others? She was sure she had hurt far more than just his pride. Would it always be so hard?

I admired and enjoyed this alternative imagining of Elizabeth and Darcy’s romance very much. Very. What if Elizabeth took the more practical approach of her friend Charlotte and accepted Darcy’s proposal at Hunsford?

She had been proposed to by a stranger. A very rich, very handsome stranger who was very much in love with her. She could not possibly accept him—but, suddenly, she could not possibly refuse him either, not now. This was, she knew clearly, a chance unlike any other she would ever receive. She could not turn him down for the satisfaction of it. She had to think.

You will need fear nothing as my wife, neither poverty nor loneliness, dishonor, or disloyalty, unkindness, neglect . . . you will be the most cherished wife in all of England.”

Who could resist such a declaration? After a week of soul-searching, she accepts Darcy. Not only for the good she can do her family, especially Jane, but because she starts to see Darcy in a new light. She thought he despised her. She was so wrong. How else has she misjudged him? Before she can truly come to love Darcy as he ardently wishes, he has to change. And changing the habits and attitudes of a lifetime is by necessity slow going. But I never found it tedious. It really felt like this is how it would have gone. In the book, Elizabeth's words in summarily rejecting Darcy’s proposal shake him to the core, and he starts to change. Just as ”the letter” starts Elizabeth on her path. In this book, it is a much different process. How Elizabeth finally gets through to him is a great scene.

As for Darcy, he had been completely unable to speak. Elizabeth’s words had cut through him like knives, shaming him deeply, and shame was not an emotion he was accustomed to experiencing…Was it possible that he, who had studied throughout his life to improve his mind and character, had overlooked such an essential flaw?…He had not understood her then, but he did now. His refusal to talk was an active unkindness, a deliberate slight on the value of those he had thought beneath him. He had not thought their feelings even worth the effort of a few polite remarks and a smile or two. He certainly had not been willing to consider lowering his own dignity to promote theirs. Nor . . . his brows furrowed deeply in pain . . . nor to promote Elizabeth’s happiness either.

This book includes many high points of Austen’s novel. Particularly delicious is this version of Lady Catherine de Burgh and Elizabeth’s confrontation in the garden. And in this one, we have Darcy’s reaction to his aunt's unmitigated gall and ill manners “which rather threw anything anyone in the Bennet family had ever done in the shade” when he walks into the middle of the fray. All of the characters remain true to Austen’s creations. And the more time we spend with Mr. Bennet and Lydia the more contemptible they are revealed to be. I liked how Lizzie started seeing her father more clearly and lost a lot of her respect for him. At one point, she even intervenes and protects her mother from Mr. Bennet’s mockery. There is even a dramatic rescue of Lydia and an exciting confrontation with Wickham as well.

I also found the dialogue, vocabulary, and narrative very authentic to Jane Austen’s style. The book is too long and repetitive but it rarely got tiresome. I admit that I found Elizabeth’s change from confusion to liking, to loving Darcy way too gradual to be believable or sympathetic. But Ormiston’s treatment of Darcy, I thought, was brilliant. His admiration, love, and passion for Elizabeth remains steadfast throughout. In this, he proves, again and again, the ardent words of his proposal in the original. Even when Elizabeth's fearful secret is revealed to him: that not only did she not love him, but how much she actively and publicly disliked him, he doesn’t blame Elizabeth but himself. Elizabeth has to accept the fact that her actions and manners were not above reproach either and have caused great pain.

This is easily the best reimagining of or sequel to Pride and Prejudice, I have ever read. I hate to call it Fan Fiction, although it is, because it doesn’t do it justice. When I looked for more of Lara Ormiston’s books, I was so disappointed to learn she hasn’t written anything else.

https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....

[Chautona Havig · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best Austen retellings I've ever read.
The book bills itself as "what would have happened if Elizabeth Bennet had accepted Mr. Darcy's first proposal. And it is. But instead of the expected mercenary machinations of a country miss trying to improve her family's standing, we are treated to a young woman (Lizzy) who is determined to make the best of a less-than-perfect alliance.
While the book is deeply romantic, it isn't inappropriately so. I don't usually enjoy such an intense romantic plot, but it works here because it's about more than emotions and warm fuzzies. This is about choosing to honor someone you've promised yourself to--despite all the obstacles.
The personal growth shown by Lizzy and Darcy are great character studies in learning to live with "less of self and more of Him."
The faith shown in this book is subtle, but it is present and rich, too. I'll be thinking on the lessons that I don't evenk now if the author meant to teach for some time. And I'll be checking out her other books... just in case.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. I loved it for so many reasons it's going to be hard to summarise and do justice to the story. This book is long... almost 14 hours on audio book but it's worth it!

We start at Huntsford where, still knowing and believing everything she did about Darcy as Jane Austen told us, she responds to his proposal for asking for some time to consider. In that time they talk, she asks so many questions and he answers them all. In the end she accepts and things go well until they return to Hertfordshire - where he is a pompous arse and she us constantly biting her lip! As the story unfold and they get to know each other, the disappointments and disputes become more emotionally charged. As Darcy reflects more on his own behaviour, it's hard to not agree with him that he was completely arrogant and insufferable whilst obviously still adoring him for all his other lovely qualities! And yet Elizabeth has also made some massive mistakes and behaved quite unfairly towards him.

The reader is privy to so much dialogue between Darcy and Elizabeth it's unusual but made all of their uncertainties and misunderstands much more real and less frustrating than when we are dealing with pages and pages of reflection. The pace is slow... it follows a month long engagement but nothing is rushed. Elizabeth does not know the man she has agreed to marry, and he doesn't really know her. We see all of their relationship developing and changing whilst still being very in keeping with the times. Darcy's relationship with Mr Bennet is fascinating. I also loved the part where Darcy confesses to Bingley and he has done exactly what he encouraged Bingley not to do. Bingleys reaction is priceless... he just doesn't get it, and neither does Darcy.
!! There is some lovely gentle humour which was lovely.

Usually I am left thoroughly dissatisfied by Epilogues. As a rule I hate them. This one was short, very short but absolutely beautiful and finished the book perfectly. This will definitely be going on my list of favourites!!

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasantly surprising retelling of Pride & Prejudice!

A fellow author and reader put this unknown gem on my radar, and I’m incredibly grateful.

I rarely listen to audiobooks for books I haven’t read, but since this one appears to be out of print, the audiobook was my only shot. And the narrator is superbly brilliant. She has such a smooth cadence and perfect character voicing.

Built on the premise of if Elizabeth Bennett had accepted Mr. Darcy’s first proposal in the Collins’ living room comes this tale. It’s unexpected, interesting, and yet faithful to the original text in character portrayal. The part the intrigued me most was the fact that accepting the first proposal meant there was no Darcy’s letter… and that changed the story in terms of secrets.

For the most part, I didn’t feel like Ormiston took too many liberties with the characters. Elizabeth is a bit more subdued, and Mr. Darcy is more possessive. Part of that possessiveness comes from the “woman are property/possessions” mentality of the time which was a bit uncomfortable to read, particularly with comments about Darcy “allowing his wife to do xyz.”

Overlooking that, this was a charming read. The romance is passionate and tender (unlike in Austen, kissing happens & there is brief mentions of consummating marriage), without being inappropriate or spicy. It’s a story of misunderstandings, pride, and ultimately humility. I would have loved the marriage to have happened sooner than the last chapter so that we got a few chapters of married life, since the engagement middle does drag a bit.

On the whole, I was enamoured, and if I can ever find a physical copy, it will make its way to my shelves!

[Truitt_T · Rating 4 out of 5]

A RL friend, knowing I’m a Pride and Prejudice fan, raved about Unequal Affections: A Pride and Prejudice Retelling.
I’m not going to rave about it, but I did enjoy it.

The premise is this: what if Elizabeth didn’t reject Mr. Darcy’s less than flattering proposal out of hand? What if she thought about it, and decided that it was too good an offer to pass up? Twisting the plot in this way gives the reader a chance to see their relationship develop differently, while waiting for the other, familiar plot elements to play themselves out.

It is truly nicely done, and even if I don’t entirely see things falling out as they do, it was still a pleasure to read.

Note: The action in Unequal Affections: A Pride and Prejudice Retelling begins mid chapter 34 of P&P, just after the proposal. I listened to / reread P&P up to that point. Truthfully, that probably wasn’t necessary, as I’ve read the novel many, many times, but I enjoyed the setup.

[James S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saddest variation I’ve ever read

336 = the number of pages in the book
Early in the book Darcy proposes and Lizzy accept even though
She hates him
292 = the page Darcy overhears that Lizzy detested him
315 = the page Lizzy decides she loves him now

So for almost the whole book and for much longer before the story starts Darcy knows he was detested. And how does he take it? He’s sorry he forced a marriage on her and wishes he hadn’t because if she ever meets a man she can love, he will have made her life so miserable. She has lied about her feelings for so very long, and he knows it and his only thought is about her happiness.

At page 315 she tells him she loves him, which she does. But he can’t possibly know she isn’t lying again. But he is so lonely, so starved for love, so burdened with such awful relatives and new relatives to be, the Bennets, that he accepts her new story of love. The end.

But in the future, when they argue, as all people do, how is he not going to remember when she detested him for so long...and hid it from him?

This is not a real HEA in my opinion.

I’ve read this book twice since this old review and I look back at my review with abhorrence. I was caught up with idea of Lizzie being mercenary when the real story was how two people their way past prior mistakes and found that each loved the other so much, the other’s happiness became more important than their own.

[Claudine DiMuzio / Just Jane 1813 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first P&P am variation I ever read, which has led me to read 35 more in the past three months... They are addicting!!! This book was so sweet and filled with clean, intimate moments. Lots of great tension that led to a great deepening of the Darcys' love and affection for each other...