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The Second Mrs. Darcy: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Novella
Devastated by Elizabeth’s refusal of his infamous proposal, Darcy marries his sickly cousin, Anne de Bourgh. Darcy expects Elizabeth will be out of his life forever, but Anne Darcy and fate bring Elizabeth to Pemberley. With Darcy already ensnared by Anne, will he and Elizabeth ever find happiness?
This Pride and Prejudice variation novella is the first collaborative effort between Renata McMann and Summer Hanford.
The Second Mrs. Darcy is approximately 31,000 words.
This Pride and Prejudice variation novella is the first collaborative effort between Renata McMann and Summer Hanford.
The Second Mrs. Darcy is approximately 31,000 words.
- GenresRomance
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2014
78 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 6, 2017
I have to agree with Barb's review; this story was better than I expected. Darcy marrying his cousin, Anne? However did that occur? Even when in canon Elizabeth has turned him down, Darcy does not see an appropriate Mistress of Pemberley in his sickly cousin, especially knowing she is under her mother's thumb. And on top of that there it the realization that Lady Catherine just wants to also manage Pemberley.
But these two authors did an excellent job of giving us a side to Anne no one has seen. There is at least one other book that I read in which Anne leaves a will which changes the course of several lives. So it is in this book: not only does Anne manage to set up her own short time on earth just as she wishes but she also manipulates people before and after death. I don't want to spoil things even a little but I must say I found this tale to be so clever and there is enough angst and romance to satisfy my hunger for such.
You may say you dislike that either Elizabeth Bennet or Fitzwilliam Darcy marry anyone other than as in canon, but know this: their hearts are given to no one else. So gratifying!
That first story is only 80% of the space on Kindle and then we read Mrs. Bennet's Triumph: a charming POV from that woman. Both her husband and Lady Lucas have died in a carriage accident and we hear moaning and whining about sharing beds at the Philips' home as well as to the small allowances which are doled out according to how much each Bennet sister shares chores around the house. Mary catches the eye of Mr. Philips' clerk in taking over the chore of copying documents when Elizabeth is invited to reside with M/M Collins. Interesting twist here: Mrs. Bennet plots her own path to change circumstances in who she invites to Mary's wedding. Well done and amusing.
But these two authors did an excellent job of giving us a side to Anne no one has seen. There is at least one other book that I read in which Anne leaves a will which changes the course of several lives. So it is in this book: not only does Anne manage to set up her own short time on earth just as she wishes but she also manipulates people before and after death. I don't want to spoil things even a little but I must say I found this tale to be so clever and there is enough angst and romance to satisfy my hunger for such.
You may say you dislike that either Elizabeth Bennet or Fitzwilliam Darcy marry anyone other than as in canon, but know this: their hearts are given to no one else. So gratifying!
That first story is only 80% of the space on Kindle and then we read Mrs. Bennet's Triumph: a charming POV from that woman. Both her husband and Lady Lucas have died in a carriage accident and we hear moaning and whining about sharing beds at the Philips' home as well as to the small allowances which are doled out according to how much each Bennet sister shares chores around the house. Mary catches the eye of Mr. Philips' clerk in taking over the chore of copying documents when Elizabeth is invited to reside with M/M Collins. Interesting twist here: Mrs. Bennet plots her own path to change circumstances in who she invites to Mary's wedding. Well done and amusing.
August 9, 2014
After his proposal at Hunsford is cruelly rejected by Elizabeth Bennet Darcy impulsively marries a woman who is sneaky, underhanded and devious. No he didn't marry Caroline Bingley, he married Polydactyly Anne de Bourgh.
This short book is chock full of surprises and twists. I really couldn't put it down.
This short book is chock full of surprises and twists. I really couldn't put it down.
September 1, 2016
The Second Mrs. Darcy surprised me. I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. Any story that involves Darcy marrying someone else prior to Elizabeth makes me uncomfortable. But, this one worked.
Darcy has handed the letter to Elizabeth after the disastrous proposal at Hunsford and is returning to Rosings when he sees Anne in the garden. Unbeknownst to ODB, Anne has become quite good at spying and manipulation in order to survive in Lady Catherine's household. She knows Elizabeth has refused Darcy and takes the opportunity to waylay Darcy while he is vulnerable to convince him to propose. He almost immediately regrets it, but marries Anne.
Darcy is now trapped in a tolerable marriage with Anne, and a pregnant Anne has convinced Elizabeth to join her at Pemberley. Anne knows she is unlikely to live through childbirth and looks to Elizabeth for help. Elizabeth believes Darcy and Anne are happily married, but has some debt of gratitude to Anne that causes her to become a house guest in the household. Will Anne survive childbirth? Will the child survive? Will Darcy and Elizabeth get together at some point?
The surprise for me was how plausible the story line appeared. The writing was really very good, and the dialogue believable. The ending is as to be expected, given the title, and the resolution is satisfying. Highly recommended.
Darcy has handed the letter to Elizabeth after the disastrous proposal at Hunsford and is returning to Rosings when he sees Anne in the garden. Unbeknownst to ODB, Anne has become quite good at spying and manipulation in order to survive in Lady Catherine's household. She knows Elizabeth has refused Darcy and takes the opportunity to waylay Darcy while he is vulnerable to convince him to propose. He almost immediately regrets it, but marries Anne.
Darcy is now trapped in a tolerable marriage with Anne, and a pregnant Anne has convinced Elizabeth to join her at Pemberley. Anne knows she is unlikely to live through childbirth and looks to Elizabeth for help. Elizabeth believes Darcy and Anne are happily married, but has some debt of gratitude to Anne that causes her to become a house guest in the household. Will Anne survive childbirth? Will the child survive? Will Darcy and Elizabeth get together at some point?
The surprise for me was how plausible the story line appeared. The writing was really very good, and the dialogue believable. The ending is as to be expected, given the title, and the resolution is satisfying. Highly recommended.
February 26, 2016
This wasn't a novella so much as it was a summary of a novel. There were interesting concepts with uninteresting execution. The characters had no growth. I felt like the story tried to manipulate my emotions the way Anne manipulated Darcy, but I wasn't having it. I did like the idea of Elizabeth being invited to Pemberley by Anne and much of the circumstances that followed, but the story had no heart. Too many things were rushed even beyond summary level, like --they all pushed the plot along a path, but in a way that felt contrived. Elizabeth and Darcy's love didn't feel earned.
February 2, 2023
Unexpected and surprisingly unliked yet worthwhile
Spoiler alert*
This variation is delightfully brief which is one reason to venture into it. Doesn’t take much time to read, which is always a plus for time-strapped readers.
Another reason why this is worthwhile the read is an unexpectedly conniving Anne de Bourgh, and an unsure and hardly steadfast Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth shines with her kindness and generosity of spirit and compassion, yet somewhat unlike Canon because of her lack of spirit in terms of confronting Darcy for his shortcomings, thereby prolonging the misunderstandings between them.
This reader, in all honesty, dislikes variations which has either Darcy or Elizabeth married before they resolve their differences; and this one is no exception. However, for reasons stated above, she was willing to go through the novella, endure and finish it for what little consolation the ending can give her in terms of a happy ending.
Not for everyone’s taste, and probably a challenge to some.
Spoiler alert*
This variation is delightfully brief which is one reason to venture into it. Doesn’t take much time to read, which is always a plus for time-strapped readers.
Another reason why this is worthwhile the read is an unexpectedly conniving Anne de Bourgh, and an unsure and hardly steadfast Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth shines with her kindness and generosity of spirit and compassion, yet somewhat unlike Canon because of her lack of spirit in terms of confronting Darcy for his shortcomings, thereby prolonging the misunderstandings between them.
This reader, in all honesty, dislikes variations which has either Darcy or Elizabeth married before they resolve their differences; and this one is no exception. However, for reasons stated above, she was willing to go through the novella, endure and finish it for what little consolation the ending can give her in terms of a happy ending.
Not for everyone’s taste, and probably a challenge to some.
May 17, 2017
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Ms. Anne de Bourgh takes center stage to manipulate the players to her will. While the reader know what she is up to, the characters do not. The story takes place after Darcy delivers his post proposal letter to Elizabeth. Anne has everything set up to play to Darcy's weakness and arrange for a marriage for herself. She wants a legacy in the world - a child. She does this knowing full well that Darcy loves Elizabeth.
As the story continues, Elizabeth ends up supporting Anne at Pemberly while Darcy is in London. Her unwavering care for Anne's child and everything else puts Elizabeth and Darcy together. I won't provide any spoilers, but there is a happily ever after and a very nice epilogue.
This story also comes with a bonus tale - Mrs. Bennet's Triumph
As the story continues, Elizabeth ends up supporting Anne at Pemberly while Darcy is in London. Her unwavering care for Anne's child and everything else puts Elizabeth and Darcy together. I won't provide any spoilers, but there is a happily ever after and a very nice epilogue.
This story also comes with a bonus tale - Mrs. Bennet's Triumph
August 11, 2025
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. This is a part of the A Pride and Prejudice Variation series.
Devastated by Elizabeth’s refusal of his infamous proposal, Darcy marries his sickly cousin, Anne de Bourgh. Darcy expects Elizabeth will be out of his life forever, but Anne Darcy and fate bring Elizabeth to Pemberley. With Darcy already ensnared by Anne, will he and Elizabeth ever find happiness? Also, don’t forget to enjoy the short bonus story at the end. 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. This is a part of the A Pride and Prejudice Variation series.
Devastated by Elizabeth’s refusal of his infamous proposal, Darcy marries his sickly cousin, Anne de Bourgh. Darcy expects Elizabeth will be out of his life forever, but Anne Darcy and fate bring Elizabeth to Pemberley. With Darcy already ensnared by Anne, will he and Elizabeth ever find happiness? Also, don’t forget to enjoy the short bonus story at the end. 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 10, 2024
This one packs such a lot of plot in a small number of pages that none of the twists have any real emotional impact. Like, at one point there's a tragic accident during a young couple's honeymoon, and one might expect ugly crying and heartwrenching scenes. But at ten pages left of the story, it's just a thing that happened *shrug*
Anne De Bourgh's motivations were somewhat murky to me. On occasion, she was portrayed as a devious and manipulative spy. Then again a bit helpless, sad and pitiful but well meaning. And then again, some sort of a benevolent matchmaker. The complaints that Anne tricked Darcy into marriage made no sense to me. He was not forced to blurt out a proposal, he did that out of his own impulses, despite her actions.
Anne De Bourgh's motivations were somewhat murky to me. On occasion, she was portrayed as a devious and manipulative spy. Then again a bit helpless, sad and pitiful but well meaning. And then again, some sort of a benevolent matchmaker. The complaints that Anne tricked Darcy into marriage made no sense to me. He was not forced to blurt out a proposal, he did that out of his own impulses, despite her actions.
June 24, 2020
Pleasantly surprised
I normally avoid P&P fan fiction where Darcy and Elizabeth unite after a prior marriage, as I'm usually anxious for them to come to an understanding sooner rather than later. However, thanks to this being a novela I knew the unpleasantness couldn't last too long. I found myself quite enjoying the story. There was a moment or two I was furious with Darcy, but thanks to authors who don't stir up angst and make it stew and linger for pages upon pages he was quickly forgiven.
I normally avoid P&P fan fiction where Darcy and Elizabeth unite after a prior marriage, as I'm usually anxious for them to come to an understanding sooner rather than later. However, thanks to this being a novela I knew the unpleasantness couldn't last too long. I found myself quite enjoying the story. There was a moment or two I was furious with Darcy, but thanks to authors who don't stir up angst and make it stew and linger for pages upon pages he was quickly forgiven.
May 1, 2023
Mrs. Darcy, II
A perplexing diabolical manipulation by cousin Anne this cross-up caught the handsome most sought after Mr. Darcy. Miss Elizabeth Bennett was caught in Anne’s web and fought for her own life as well as Darcy’s daughter.
Weep, cry and don’t put this volume down until you can breathe a full breath.
A perplexing diabolical manipulation by cousin Anne this cross-up caught the handsome most sought after Mr. Darcy. Miss Elizabeth Bennett was caught in Anne’s web and fought for her own life as well as Darcy’s daughter.
Weep, cry and don’t put this volume down until you can breathe a full breath.
February 21, 2018
Meh
Potential, but did the misunderstandings need to go on and on? And Jane and Bingley's reunion did not come across as overly believable. Meh.
Potential, but did the misunderstandings need to go on and on? And Jane and Bingley's reunion did not come across as overly believable. Meh.
August 5, 2019
I liked this version of Anne.
February 19, 2020
Interesting and inquisitive
Oh Anne, did you want to escape that bad? In this variation Anne married Darcy after he is rejected by Elizabeth. Unfortunately it maybe not Elizabeth accidentally meets up with Me and Mrs Darcy when they return to Pemberley. Anne ask her to stay with her, which in it turn into permanent spot. Anne dies after child birth. What happens. Can't tell, but you need to read. Sweet variation in which love conquers a lot
Oh Anne, did you want to escape that bad? In this variation Anne married Darcy after he is rejected by Elizabeth. Unfortunately it maybe not Elizabeth accidentally meets up with Me and Mrs Darcy when they return to Pemberley. Anne ask her to stay with her, which in it turn into permanent spot. Anne dies after child birth. What happens. Can't tell, but you need to read. Sweet variation in which love conquers a lot
August 16, 2014
An interesting premise, but was rushed and a little disjointed. There were sections I enjoyed, but the overall plot and tone seemed 'off' because of how quickly it jumped from one event to the other. The seemingly strange actions and motivations of the characters (especially Anne de Bourgh) are not explained very satisfactorily. It may have been better had the author expanded the story into a longer novel, and given more time to fully develop the story and the characters.
September 7, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyed this different version of Elizabeth and Darcy. Darcy marries Anne de Bourgh first. The short story, another round about version of the story, feature Mrs. Bennet loosing Mr. Bennet and she and all the girls getting thrown out of Longbourn by Charlotte Collins. Both a quick and fun read.
August 8, 2024
3.5 rounded up
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews