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Discretion and Avarice: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Elizabeth Bennet, a spirited and quick-witted young woman of eighteen, finds herself instantly drawn to Fitzwilliam Darcy, a handsome gentleman of twenty-two from a wealthy family. Despite their initial attraction, the realities of their social and financial positions create a seemingly insurmountable divide. As a second son, Darcy's future is uncertain, while Elizabeth's family estate is entailed to a distant male cousin, leaving her with few prospects for a secure future.
Circumstance and obligation separate Elizabeth and Darcy. Darcy must return to Pemberley to manage the estate in his elder brother Drew's absence, as Drew grapples with personal challenges that threaten the family's stability. Meanwhile, Elizabeth remains at Longbourn, tending to her family and contemplating her own future as the arrival of the estate's heir brings new complications to her life. Despite the distance between them, Elizabeth and Darcy find their thoughts constantly drifting to one another.
Darcy's friend, Charles Bingley, a very young head of his family, is deeply attracted to Elizabeth's sister Jane, but not ready for marriage. While Elizabeth pines for Darcy, Jane and Bingley's love threatens to upend both the Bennet and Bingley families.
As they take responsibility for their families' needs while apart, Elizabeth and Darcy grow and are changed by the challenges they face. They learn to trust their own judgment and to stand firm in their beliefs, even as those around them seek to shape their destinies.
Elizabeth and Darcy must confront the depth of their feelings and the reality of their situation. They must determine whether their love is strong enough to overcome the obstacles that stand between them, or whether they will let each other go, forever wondering what might have been.
Discretion and Avarice is Elizabeth and Darcy's story, exploring the strength of the human spirit and the sacrifices we make for those we hold dear. Their journey is one of growth, resilience, and the unwavering belief that true love has the power to conquer even the most daunting of circumstances.
401 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2024
92 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 11, 2024
I really liked how this started, it totally drew me in. However, it got a little too reflective and slowed the forward movement.
Then we learn the terms of Darcy Sr.'s will. and I was out. I couldn't get my mind around the fact that Darcy Sr. gave ODB *all* the responsibility of Pemberley with none of the financial backing. Why?
Because he is the second son, but the first born can't be relied on. (Sounds like a manic depressive and lord knows they wouldn't have known how to deal with it back then.)
Yet, mother Darcy urges her responsible son to seek his happiness anyway. Um... with what?! a paltry allowance?
On top of that, when he has the chance for happiness, he doesn't grab it right away. Yeah, Elizabeth, I'd be angry or disappointed too.
So to finish it I read the dialog, skipping all the ponderance, reflective parts. Unnecessarily long.
Then we learn the terms of Darcy Sr.'s will. and I was out. I couldn't get my mind around the fact that Darcy Sr. gave ODB *all* the responsibility of Pemberley with none of the financial backing. Why?
Because he is the second son, but the first born can't be relied on. (Sounds like a manic depressive and lord knows they wouldn't have known how to deal with it back then.)
Yet, mother Darcy urges her responsible son to seek his happiness anyway. Um... with what?! a paltry allowance?
On top of that, when he has the chance for happiness, he doesn't grab it right away. Yeah, Elizabeth, I'd be angry or disappointed too.
So to finish it I read the dialog, skipping all the ponderance, reflective parts. Unnecessarily long.
July 11, 2024
Massive amount of Darcy fixing Pemberley
3.5 stars. Toward the end of the book Darcy has promised himself to Lizzy yet he spends ALL of his time away from her while he fixed his estate problems brought on by his older brothers death. He cauldron have written to him via her father or Georgiana could have written to. Lizzy almost marries another man. Darcy acts like his head I’d nothing but a hatrack. I dislike when the large amount angst in a story could be solved by a note.
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3.5 stars. Toward the end of the book Darcy has promised himself to Lizzy yet he spends ALL of his time away from her while he fixed his estate problems brought on by his older brothers death. He cauldron have written to him via her father or Georgiana could have written to. Lizzy almost marries another man. Darcy acts like his head I’d nothing but a hatrack. I dislike when the large amount angst in a story could be solved by a note.
.
August 25, 2024
Romantic
Interesting portrayal of Darcy as a second son, who is more approachable and open. Completely adorable! A little angsty but very entertaining.
Interesting portrayal of Darcy as a second son, who is more approachable and open. Completely adorable! A little angsty but very entertaining.
November 9, 2024
I really enjoyed the story, although it did seem long. Our dear couple has so many obstacles to overcome on their way to happily ever after. Narcissistic and bipolar behavior play a huge part in their ongoing struggles.
July 13, 2025
I liked this book a lot a long satisfying read. So well plotted and written you can not go wrong with it.
November 22, 2024
I loved it!
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. Elizabeth Bennet, a spirited and quick-witted young woman of eighteen, finds herself instantly drawn to Fitzwilliam Darcy, a handsome gentleman of twenty-two from a wealthy family. Despite their initial attraction, the realities of their social and financial positions create a seemingly insurmountable divide; as a second son, Darcy's future is uncertain, while Elizabeth's family estate is entailed to a distant male cousin, leaving her with few prospects for a secure future. Circumstance and obligation separate Elizabeth and Darcy, for Darcy must return to Pemberley to manage the estate in his elder brother Drew's absence, as Drew grapples with personal challenges that threaten the family's stability; in the meantime, Elizabeth remains at Longbourn, tending to her family and contemplating her own future as the arrival of the estate's heir brings new complications to her life. Despite the distances between them, Elizabeth and Darcy find that their thoughts are constantly drifting to one another. Darcy's friend, Charles Bingley, a very young head of his family, is deeply attracted to Elizabeth's sister Jane, but not ready for marriage, and while Elizabeth pines for Darcy, Jane and Bingley's love threatens to upend both the Bennet and Bingley families. As they take responsibility for their families' needs while apart, Elizabeth and Darcy grow and are changed by the challenges they face and they learn to trust their own judgment and to stand firm in their beliefs, even as those around them seek to shape their destinies. Elizabeth and Darcy must confront the depth of their feelings and the reality of their situation and they must determine whether their love is strong enough to overcome the obstacles that stand between them, or whether they will let each other go, forever wondering what might have been. This story, explores the strength of the human spirit and the sacrifices we make for those we hold dear. Their journey is one of growth, resilience, and the unwavering belief that true love has the power to conquer even the most daunting of circumstances. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. Elizabeth Bennet, a spirited and quick-witted young woman of eighteen, finds herself instantly drawn to Fitzwilliam Darcy, a handsome gentleman of twenty-two from a wealthy family. Despite their initial attraction, the realities of their social and financial positions create a seemingly insurmountable divide; as a second son, Darcy's future is uncertain, while Elizabeth's family estate is entailed to a distant male cousin, leaving her with few prospects for a secure future. Circumstance and obligation separate Elizabeth and Darcy, for Darcy must return to Pemberley to manage the estate in his elder brother Drew's absence, as Drew grapples with personal challenges that threaten the family's stability; in the meantime, Elizabeth remains at Longbourn, tending to her family and contemplating her own future as the arrival of the estate's heir brings new complications to her life. Despite the distances between them, Elizabeth and Darcy find that their thoughts are constantly drifting to one another. Darcy's friend, Charles Bingley, a very young head of his family, is deeply attracted to Elizabeth's sister Jane, but not ready for marriage, and while Elizabeth pines for Darcy, Jane and Bingley's love threatens to upend both the Bennet and Bingley families. As they take responsibility for their families' needs while apart, Elizabeth and Darcy grow and are changed by the challenges they face and they learn to trust their own judgment and to stand firm in their beliefs, even as those around them seek to shape their destinies. Elizabeth and Darcy must confront the depth of their feelings and the reality of their situation and they must determine whether their love is strong enough to overcome the obstacles that stand between them, or whether they will let each other go, forever wondering what might have been. This story, explores the strength of the human spirit and the sacrifices we make for those we hold dear. Their journey is one of growth, resilience, and the unwavering belief that true love has the power to conquer even the most daunting of circumstances. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
August 1, 2024
A different view of a younger Darcy and Elizabeth
The title seemed somewhat unlike the reality given some of the revelations from several characters. Both discretion and avarice are present, just not applied as this reader expected. Without providing spoilers, it is the case that Darcy and Elizabeth exhibit discretion to the point it causes misunderstandings for them. Avarice is definitely displayed by at least two persons as expected. There were some surprises involving Jane and Charles, Caroline B., the heir of Longbourn, Mr. Bennet and Darcy’s brother..
All in all this was an interesting story that is different from other variations I have read. It did take a few chapters to get pulled into the action, but once involved I couldn’t put it down. Recommended highly!
The title seemed somewhat unlike the reality given some of the revelations from several characters. Both discretion and avarice are present, just not applied as this reader expected. Without providing spoilers, it is the case that Darcy and Elizabeth exhibit discretion to the point it causes misunderstandings for them. Avarice is definitely displayed by at least two persons as expected. There were some surprises involving Jane and Charles, Caroline B., the heir of Longbourn, Mr. Bennet and Darcy’s brother..
All in all this was an interesting story that is different from other variations I have read. It did take a few chapters to get pulled into the action, but once involved I couldn’t put it down. Recommended highly!
October 3, 2024
Mostly engrossing
Alexander has bravely gone where no other Austenesque author has gone in this novel. But no reveals. I liked the author’s development of her characters and the very tender young Darcy. I did think at times a little judicious pruning might tighten the narrative and I did think it odd Darcy could be London for 6 months and not find one day to ride to Longborn. Recommended.
Alexander has bravely gone where no other Austenesque author has gone in this novel. But no reveals. I liked the author’s development of her characters and the very tender young Darcy. I did think at times a little judicious pruning might tighten the narrative and I did think it odd Darcy could be London for 6 months and not find one day to ride to Longborn. Recommended.
July 13, 2024
Excellent
Excellent journey with Darcy as a second son and all that entailed and meeting Elizabeth when he remained a penniless second son. Darcy's journey included losing family members, to dealing with Pemberley, his older brother's issues and of course, Wickham. There are a few typos, too. Enjoy!
Excellent journey with Darcy as a second son and all that entailed and meeting Elizabeth when he remained a penniless second son. Darcy's journey included losing family members, to dealing with Pemberley, his older brother's issues and of course, Wickham. There are a few typos, too. Enjoy!
July 18, 2024
Well done!
Though not strictly canon, the personalities of the main characters were quite recognizable. The writing was quite good, with realistic and enjoyable dialogue. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and look forward to reading more of this authors work.
Though not strictly canon, the personalities of the main characters were quite recognizable. The writing was quite good, with realistic and enjoyable dialogue. I thoroughly enjoyed this, and look forward to reading more of this authors work.
March 8, 2025
Long and pleasant read
Enjoyable variation. All the same characters to canon but with some twists and turns that kept me on my toes. While some parts dragged, overall very enjoyable.
Enjoyable variation. All the same characters to canon but with some twists and turns that kept me on my toes. While some parts dragged, overall very enjoyable.
July 28, 2024
interesting
Darker in tone and emotion this variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Mary Alice Alexander was an interesting story. I enjoyed it.
Darker in tone and emotion this variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Mary Alice Alexander was an interesting story. I enjoyed it.
August 24, 2024
Good interesting story
I liked the story very much. It could have Been edited a little better. Still get enjoyable and charming read.
I liked the story very much. It could have Been edited a little better. Still get enjoyable and charming read.
September 16, 2024
A Pride and Prejudice variation in which Lady Anne is still alive and Darcy is the younger brother.
April 24, 2025
Different take on the characters but satisfying.
July 7, 2025
As another reviewer commented, unnecessarily prolonged. I wanted to shake both ODC at times!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews