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It Started with a Kiss: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
The second half of Pride and Prejudice progresses much differently after Mr. Darcy leaves Elizabeth with no doubt as to his continued affection upon finding her touring his beloved Pemberley.
When Darcy finds Elizabeth touring the park around Pemberley, he assumes he is still in the grips of one of his dreams, and acts accordingly. It quickly becomes apparent that he is mistaken.
When Darcy finds Elizabeth touring the park around Pemberley, he assumes he is still in the grips of one of his dreams, and acts accordingly. It quickly becomes apparent that he is mistaken.
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2015
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July 12, 2016
“…to sleep, perchance to dream – ay, there’s the rub, for in this sleep of death what dreams may come…” Shakespeare
Yes, Darcy had dreams. And the dreams of Elizabeth being his wife, were crushed at Huntsford Parsonage. Those dreams, once precious, then became his worst nightmare. Every night he was subjected to just what his behavior had cost him as she came to him while he slept and then left with the morning sun.
This was a delightful story of what happens when the mist between our dreams and the real world is suddenly lifted and we are presented with a new reality. Darcy awoke from the dream where his beautiful wife Elizabeth welcomed him home with a kiss, to the reality of his holding the Miss Elizabeth Bennet in a passionate kiss and embrace. OOPS!!! Compromise... half the gardening staff stood amazed as they witnessed their master kissing a visitor on the Pemberley tour. Uncle and Aunt Gardiner quickly realized there was definitely something between their niece and the Master of Pemberley.
Well, our canon story changed from this point on and things certainly began to happen. We go along the same trail; however, circumstances changed. We, as lovers of P&P canon, know that as soon as Elizabeth returns to the Inn, letters are waiting for her from Jane regarding Lydia. Only this time Georgiana was with Darcy when he walked in on Elizabeth’s distress. She was able to mediate their confusion and clear up their misunderstanding from canon. [She, thinking he only wanted to be away from her and would never see him again. He, thinking of ways to find the couple and needing to leave quickly so he could go after them.] Georgiana was pretty cool in this variation.
Wickham was such a sleaze and what happened to him was our dream fulfilled. Even the servants agreed. Lydia, was such a spoiled brat and did not deserve such a fate simply because she was too silly to realize the reality check she was about to receive. That is, if she ever grew up enough to understand. It was always someone else’s fault, all attention belonged solely to her, she pouted when denied the desire of her heart, and she had no qualms in asking for funds from her much richer sisters. Her sole desire was to marry first before all her sisters so she could step ahead of them as a married woman. Will she ever realize that she threw away her chance at a real life…a better life? Had she but waited, but then that is the rub, Lydia never waited for anything. Mrs. Bennet will you ever realize what you created in your favorite child?
Bingley…oooooh, that man. I have never seen his behavior like this before and was stunned. The end result was hilarious and I could not stop laughing. You will have to wait for it, but it was worth it. As was the epilogue with Caroline Bingley. Oh, poor thing. Bless her heart. The twist and big reveal was too good. I loved it. I never saw it coming and it was one of those OMG moments.
Yes, Darcy had dreams. And the dreams of Elizabeth being his wife, were crushed at Huntsford Parsonage. Those dreams, once precious, then became his worst nightmare. Every night he was subjected to just what his behavior had cost him as she came to him while he slept and then left with the morning sun.
This was a delightful story of what happens when the mist between our dreams and the real world is suddenly lifted and we are presented with a new reality. Darcy awoke from the dream where his beautiful wife Elizabeth welcomed him home with a kiss, to the reality of his holding the Miss Elizabeth Bennet in a passionate kiss and embrace. OOPS!!! Compromise... half the gardening staff stood amazed as they witnessed their master kissing a visitor on the Pemberley tour. Uncle and Aunt Gardiner quickly realized there was definitely something between their niece and the Master of Pemberley.
Well, our canon story changed from this point on and things certainly began to happen. We go along the same trail; however, circumstances changed. We, as lovers of P&P canon, know that as soon as Elizabeth returns to the Inn, letters are waiting for her from Jane regarding Lydia. Only this time Georgiana was with Darcy when he walked in on Elizabeth’s distress. She was able to mediate their confusion and clear up their misunderstanding from canon. [She, thinking he only wanted to be away from her and would never see him again. He, thinking of ways to find the couple and needing to leave quickly so he could go after them.] Georgiana was pretty cool in this variation.
Wickham was such a sleaze and what happened to him was our dream fulfilled. Even the servants agreed. Lydia, was such a spoiled brat and did not deserve such a fate simply because she was too silly to realize the reality check she was about to receive. That is, if she ever grew up enough to understand. It was always someone else’s fault, all attention belonged solely to her, she pouted when denied the desire of her heart, and she had no qualms in asking for funds from her much richer sisters. Her sole desire was to marry first before all her sisters so she could step ahead of them as a married woman. Will she ever realize that she threw away her chance at a real life…a better life? Had she but waited, but then that is the rub, Lydia never waited for anything. Mrs. Bennet will you ever realize what you created in your favorite child?
Bingley…oooooh, that man. I have never seen his behavior like this before and was stunned. The end result was hilarious and I could not stop laughing. You will have to wait for it, but it was worth it. As was the epilogue with Caroline Bingley. Oh, poor thing. Bless her heart. The twist and big reveal was too good. I loved it. I never saw it coming and it was one of those OMG moments.
October 23, 2015
What a reunion!!
It Started a With a Kiss is a sweet and romantic reunion story starting where Mr Darcy arrives at Pemberley while Elizabeth and the Gardiners were touring the grounds. After the refusal in Hunsford, Mr Darcy has seen Elizabeth everywhere by day and she haunts his dreams at night, so when Mr Darcy sees Elizabeth walking towards him on the grounds at Pemberley, he believes he's dreaming and does what he would do in his dream.....kiss Elizabeth passionately. But when she calls him Mr Darcy he realizes that she is real, not a figment of his imagination, and the Gardiners and several of his staff are witness to it. He is therefore unofficially engaged by the end of the day.
This story continues in canon with Mr Darcy and Georgiana walking in on an upset Elizabeth with a letter from Jane about Lydia and Wickham's elopement. When Mr Bennet receives word that Lydia and Wickham were found and what was to be done, there is a note to expect Mr Darcy and what happened.
Here is another story where I dislike Mr Bennet. His feeling the duty of being a father again rears itself at the wrong time and no matter what Elizabeth says, he plans to not allow her to remain engaged to Mr Darcy. I'm not sure if I'm reading stories correctly, but whenever Mr Bennet is written similarly, I get such a wrong impression of him as a father. I mean he is possessive of Elizabeth and not wanting to believe she'll ever leave him, which to me is disturbing and just wrong.
Besides Mr Bennet, a ridiculously silly (and clueless) Mrs Bennet, a jealous Lydia, and a crass Lady Catherine, I loved this story!!! Mr Bingley has a secret, a reason why Mr Darcy kept him from returning to Netherfield, that will have you reeling and not to happy with the friendly rake! ;)
The story was well written and smooth flowing. It was so easy to read that I finished it the same day I started it. I would recommend this book to all JAFFers and would say it is PG13 with no adult content.
It Started a With a Kiss is a sweet and romantic reunion story starting where Mr Darcy arrives at Pemberley while Elizabeth and the Gardiners were touring the grounds. After the refusal in Hunsford, Mr Darcy has seen Elizabeth everywhere by day and she haunts his dreams at night, so when Mr Darcy sees Elizabeth walking towards him on the grounds at Pemberley, he believes he's dreaming and does what he would do in his dream.....kiss Elizabeth passionately. But when she calls him Mr Darcy he realizes that she is real, not a figment of his imagination, and the Gardiners and several of his staff are witness to it. He is therefore unofficially engaged by the end of the day.
This story continues in canon with Mr Darcy and Georgiana walking in on an upset Elizabeth with a letter from Jane about Lydia and Wickham's elopement. When Mr Bennet receives word that Lydia and Wickham were found and what was to be done, there is a note to expect Mr Darcy and what happened.
Here is another story where I dislike Mr Bennet. His feeling the duty of being a father again rears itself at the wrong time and no matter what Elizabeth says, he plans to not allow her to remain engaged to Mr Darcy. I'm not sure if I'm reading stories correctly, but whenever Mr Bennet is written similarly, I get such a wrong impression of him as a father. I mean he is possessive of Elizabeth and not wanting to believe she'll ever leave him, which to me is disturbing and just wrong.
Besides Mr Bennet, a ridiculously silly (and clueless) Mrs Bennet, a jealous Lydia, and a crass Lady Catherine, I loved this story!!! Mr Bingley has a secret, a reason why Mr Darcy kept him from returning to Netherfield, that will have you reeling and not to happy with the friendly rake! ;)
The story was well written and smooth flowing. It was so easy to read that I finished it the same day I started it. I would recommend this book to all JAFFers and would say it is PG13 with no adult content.
March 22, 2020
Mostly funny tongue in cheek
What-if Darcy thought his meeting with Lizzy was part of his imagination.
Things would change. (Duh) mostly in a fun way. Great short read. Recommended.
What-if Darcy thought his meeting with Lizzy was part of his imagination.
Things would change. (Duh) mostly in a fun way. Great short read. Recommended.
May 2, 2021
The title prompts Mr Brightside to play in my head.
It may be a bordering on novelette length territory with 130 pages, but it sure doesn't feel that short.
Innocuous mayhaps, but dreadfully dull & aimless.
Synopsis:
Ever since the Hunsford Disaster Proposal, Darcy has used romantic daydreams of Lizzy as a coping mechanism to manage the heartbreak, one of which involves him arriving home to Pemberley and being greeted with a kiss. Thus when he actually arrives at Pemberley and sees the lady in question he takes it as a product of his vivid imagination and scandalously embraces her in full sight of his servants and the Gardiners.
She reciprocates but he soon realizes that this is the real world not fantasy. They are compromised, but willingly so. Darcy's lapse in reality holds no negative repercussions- as acting out your daydream and kissing someone out of the blue would tend to- since Lizzy is serendipitously favorably disposed towards him.
Darcy:
Lydia’s elopement news arrives and Darcy tells Lizzy he will recover her and assures her it changes nothing. However when he gets to Longbourn Mr Bennet is not inclined to grant permission to their union, see this story features Lamebrain-Lizzy™; when she went to explain her engagement to her father she got a major brain fart and could not make a coherent sentence and let a misconception fester as to her willingness to the engagement, which very nearly cost her the miserable half of Derbyshire.
Bingley was actually secretly engaged to another lady while at netherfield which is why Darcy cautioned him off, so Jane is devastated when she learns of this. I like this twist not only for it giving a new lens to Bingley's flight, but also for the one laugh this text elicited:
The Good:
♡Cute premiss.
♡Jane laying down the law with Bingley
The Bad
✗Dialogue/ Idiosyncrasies a bit off- still up to code, but not anything that blew me away or struck me as on point.
✗Boy, Lizzy is not in control of the conversation when Mr B asks about Darcy’s intentions- she is super bad at communicating, it was beyond the pale OOC. And then she starts crying?! What! I’d believe the exchange of Jane, or Georgiana, not 'Lizzy-my- Courage- Always-Rises- Bennet' and here she is just talking with her dad! That is such a weird scene! Takes you out of the story it is so bizarre!
Suspension of disbelief too big a check to cash - I can’t deal with characters acting so dumb- the only way these are Austen's rational creatures is if they all took a seizable hit to their IQ’s.
✗Writing is amateurish: there is this thing where it is states everyone was confused, or relieved and then it goes one by one saying why each was so and it is not charming, Tis head hopping.
➳ Darcy pretty much admits to Mr B he has wet dreams of his daughter!!
And then he wonders at Mr B's reluctance to accept his suit!
The Brass Tacks:
This was a skimmer, I liked the premiss & a little of the beginning but after they all went to Longbourn I just found this a really challenging read. I am sure someone looking for a cutesy story would find this tenable if you can forgive leaps in characterization/ idiosyncrasies & the emotional/ introspective shallowness.
It may be a bordering on novelette length territory with 130 pages, but it sure doesn't feel that short.
Innocuous mayhaps, but dreadfully dull & aimless.
Synopsis:
Ever since the Hunsford Disaster Proposal, Darcy has used romantic daydreams of Lizzy as a coping mechanism to manage the heartbreak, one of which involves him arriving home to Pemberley and being greeted with a kiss. Thus when he actually arrives at Pemberley and sees the lady in question he takes it as a product of his vivid imagination and scandalously embraces her in full sight of his servants and the Gardiners.
She reciprocates but he soon realizes that this is the real world not fantasy. They are compromised, but willingly so. Darcy's lapse in reality holds no negative repercussions- as acting out your daydream and kissing someone out of the blue would tend to- since Lizzy is serendipitously favorably disposed towards him.
Darcy:
Lydia’s elopement news arrives and Darcy tells Lizzy he will recover her and assures her it changes nothing. However when he gets to Longbourn Mr Bennet is not inclined to grant permission to their union, see this story features Lamebrain-Lizzy™; when she went to explain her engagement to her father she got a major brain fart and could not make a coherent sentence and let a misconception fester as to her willingness to the engagement, which very nearly cost her the miserable half of Derbyshire.
Bingley was actually secretly engaged to another lady while at netherfield which is why Darcy cautioned him off, so Jane is devastated when she learns of this. I like this twist not only for it giving a new lens to Bingley's flight, but also for the one laugh this text elicited:
The Good:
♡Cute premiss.
♡Jane laying down the law with Bingley
The Bad
✗Dialogue/ Idiosyncrasies a bit off- still up to code, but not anything that blew me away or struck me as on point.
✗Boy, Lizzy is not in control of the conversation when Mr B asks about Darcy’s intentions- she is super bad at communicating, it was beyond the pale OOC. And then she starts crying?! What! I’d believe the exchange of Jane, or Georgiana, not 'Lizzy-my- Courage- Always-Rises- Bennet' and here she is just talking with her dad! That is such a weird scene! Takes you out of the story it is so bizarre!
Suspension of disbelief too big a check to cash - I can’t deal with characters acting so dumb- the only way these are Austen's rational creatures is if they all took a seizable hit to their IQ’s.
✗Writing is amateurish: there is this thing where it is states everyone was confused, or relieved and then it goes one by one saying why each was so and it is not charming, Tis head hopping.
➳ Darcy pretty much admits to Mr B he has wet dreams of his daughter!!
And then he wonders at Mr B's reluctance to accept his suit!
The Brass Tacks:
This was a skimmer, I liked the premiss & a little of the beginning but after they all went to Longbourn I just found this a really challenging read. I am sure someone looking for a cutesy story would find this tenable if you can forgive leaps in characterization/ idiosyncrasies & the emotional/ introspective shallowness.
January 1, 2016
3.5 stars from me. I found this to be an easy and quick read, yet somewhat hard to believe. Darcy "accidentally" kissing Elizabeth when she visits Pemberley seemed a bit far fetched for me. But the rest was cute and offered a diverting enough read for an hour.
August 2, 2016
2.5 Stars
A quick sweet read, but somewhat simplistic.
A quick sweet read, but somewhat simplistic.
January 5, 2016
3.5 stars
OK, we have another compromise situation. But in this case it is not because Mrs. Bennet walked in on them while Darcy was whispering in Elizabeth's ear. Nor is it a situation where Mr. Bennet has died and Darcy offers to provide for the family financially IF Elizabeth will agree to marry him. Furthermore it is not one in which Darcy offers for Elizabeth to cover up Georgiana's actions at Ramsgate.
This is a situation in which Darcy CANNOT get Elizabeth out of his head nor his dreams after she has refused him at Hunsford. And he allows his dreams to be played out as he returns to Pemberley and once again daydreams of his wife, Elizabeth, greeting him with open affection. He has to reward her with a kiss... and she returns his kiss...BUT then she calls him, "Mr. Darcy." He wakes up! Dreams don't have an unknown couple and Pemberley servants witnessing their affection with startled looks. Yes, they must marry. But have Elizabeth's feelings changed?
What is different here is Mr. Bennet's reaction. Now you have to be aware that while the Gardiners were touring Pemberley with Elizabeth, Wickham and Lydia were running away from Brighton to London, not Gretna Green. So when Mr. Bennet is made aware of Lydia's actions and how she MUST now be forced to marry he vows that no other daughter will ever be forced to marry a man. So you can imagine what he says when the man he knows Elizabeth hates asks for his permission to marry Elizabeth and explains the compromise.
This story is mostly as expected from canon. However whereas in many stories Bingley's and Jane's story is all smooth running waters in this story we see a Bingley as a man who has secrets and a Jane who learns of them by eavesdropping. You know what they say about eavesdropping?
There was a literary device in Chapters 7 and 9 where in the first line of certain sections we read, "Mr. Bennet was confused.", then, "Mrs. Bennet was confused." and further along "Elizabeth was confused." Later it is, "Lydia was relieved, Wickham was relieved, Kitty...Mary...Mr. Bennet...Mrs. Bennet...Mr. Darcy...Elizabeth...Jane was relieved." I found that a charming device but then I am a simple creature.
And I enjoyed immensely the descriptions of Lydia's pouting when Elizabeth engagement is announced during Mr. and Mrs. Wickham's short visit to Longbourn on their way to New Castle. Lydia is not happy when her place at the center of attention is usurped by Elizabeth. Oh, and you will so enjoy the little story about Caroline in the epilogue.
This was a short and sweet read which I completed in an afternoon. It is for all those who can't get enough of ODC.
OK, we have another compromise situation. But in this case it is not because Mrs. Bennet walked in on them while Darcy was whispering in Elizabeth's ear. Nor is it a situation where Mr. Bennet has died and Darcy offers to provide for the family financially IF Elizabeth will agree to marry him. Furthermore it is not one in which Darcy offers for Elizabeth to cover up Georgiana's actions at Ramsgate.
This is a situation in which Darcy CANNOT get Elizabeth out of his head nor his dreams after she has refused him at Hunsford. And he allows his dreams to be played out as he returns to Pemberley and once again daydreams of his wife, Elizabeth, greeting him with open affection. He has to reward her with a kiss... and she returns his kiss...BUT then she calls him, "Mr. Darcy." He wakes up! Dreams don't have an unknown couple and Pemberley servants witnessing their affection with startled looks. Yes, they must marry. But have Elizabeth's feelings changed?
What is different here is Mr. Bennet's reaction. Now you have to be aware that while the Gardiners were touring Pemberley with Elizabeth, Wickham and Lydia were running away from Brighton to London, not Gretna Green. So when Mr. Bennet is made aware of Lydia's actions and how she MUST now be forced to marry he vows that no other daughter will ever be forced to marry a man. So you can imagine what he says when the man he knows Elizabeth hates asks for his permission to marry Elizabeth and explains the compromise.
This story is mostly as expected from canon. However whereas in many stories Bingley's and Jane's story is all smooth running waters in this story we see a Bingley as a man who has secrets and a Jane who learns of them by eavesdropping. You know what they say about eavesdropping?
There was a literary device in Chapters 7 and 9 where in the first line of certain sections we read, "Mr. Bennet was confused.", then, "Mrs. Bennet was confused." and further along "Elizabeth was confused." Later it is, "Lydia was relieved, Wickham was relieved, Kitty...Mary...Mr. Bennet...Mrs. Bennet...Mr. Darcy...Elizabeth...Jane was relieved." I found that a charming device but then I am a simple creature.
And I enjoyed immensely the descriptions of Lydia's pouting when Elizabeth engagement is announced during Mr. and Mrs. Wickham's short visit to Longbourn on their way to New Castle. Lydia is not happy when her place at the center of attention is usurped by Elizabeth. Oh, and you will so enjoy the little story about Caroline in the epilogue.
This was a short and sweet read which I completed in an afternoon. It is for all those who can't get enough of ODC.
October 27, 2019
What a kiss!
Nice story to read.
I like Mary here and I keep disliking Lydia as it normally happens.
Happy ever after :)
Nice story to read.
I like Mary here and I keep disliking Lydia as it normally happens.
Happy ever after :)
October 18, 2021
Mediocre
Reviewed in Canada on March 27, 2019
Not a bad read if you only have time for a quick read or like a lot less angst. Bingley wasn’t very clever in this one. I did like the beginning.
Reviewed in Canada on March 27, 2019
Not a bad read if you only have time for a quick read or like a lot less angst. Bingley wasn’t very clever in this one. I did like the beginning.
April 29, 2016
3.5 Stars
This is a light but charming quick read with little angst. Mr. Darcy has been refused by Elizabeth at the parsonage in Hunsford and ever since, he cannot stop dreaming about her! When he arrives at Pemberley before his guests, his thoughts are consumed with her. Not realizing she is there with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, he sees her. He believes he is still day-dreaming and reacts without thinking...and so the story unfolds. If you are looking for a short, sweet read about Darcy and Elizabeth, then this is the book for you!
This is a light but charming quick read with little angst. Mr. Darcy has been refused by Elizabeth at the parsonage in Hunsford and ever since, he cannot stop dreaming about her! When he arrives at Pemberley before his guests, his thoughts are consumed with her. Not realizing she is there with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, he sees her. He believes he is still day-dreaming and reacts without thinking...and so the story unfolds. If you are looking for a short, sweet read about Darcy and Elizabeth, then this is the book for you!
November 1, 2022
Not a whole lot of substance, but angst free & a short, quick read. Premise/Plot is a little bland but straightforward nonetheless.
November 3, 2024
Very cute short story with very little drama
October 2, 2015
It Started with a Kiss: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Delightful story. Yes, unfortunately Hunsford happened. Darcy was so enamoured by the dreams he had over Elizabeth, that when he saw her touring Pemberley, he grab her and kissed her in front of her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner not to mention quite a few of his servants. When talking with Elizabeth's Uncle, Darcy told about their entire relationship. Her uncle wrote to his brother-in-law, and Mr. Bennet decides to not give his permission or blessings. When Lizzy jumps up from her chair in tears and runs from his study to the garden, Darcy shows up. Elizabeth is beside herself and tells Darcy what her father said. Darcy goes in to talk with him, and agree to wait until Lizzy is of age in a few months. When Lydia and Wickham show up, Lydia reveals that Darcy was at their wedding. Mrs. Bennet tells Mr. Bennet and when he calls Lizzy into his study, he wants to know why. Elizabeth explains how Darcy found them and made them marry. Beginning to see that his future son-in-law loves his favorite daughter, he allows them to announce their betrothal, but still allow her to reach her majority before marrying. Bingley's road is a little more difficult to walk. Caroline is in shock when Darcy's wedding announcement appears in the London Society section as well as Lady Catherine. Her reaction is to try and brow beat Lizzy into refusing to marry Darcy. Darcy comes Longbourn, sees his aunt's carriage, and runs to find Elizabeth. Being told she's outside, Darcy makes it known that be is marrying Elizabeth and until she apologizes, she not be in their company. She tries to get her brother, the Earl, to back her, but the Matlock's have already heard from Richard how great she is for Darcy so she realizes turns to Rosings defeated. The Viscount is killed, so Richard becomes the future Earl, resigns his commission, and marries Anne de Bourgh. The Darcys have nine children and their impromptu fights up the steps completely embarrass their children, but they all recognize that their love is what in a partner. Was worth the price just reading about dear, old Caroline.
Delightful story. Yes, unfortunately Hunsford happened. Darcy was so enamoured by the dreams he had over Elizabeth, that when he saw her touring Pemberley, he grab her and kissed her in front of her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner not to mention quite a few of his servants. When talking with Elizabeth's Uncle, Darcy told about their entire relationship. Her uncle wrote to his brother-in-law, and Mr. Bennet decides to not give his permission or blessings. When Lizzy jumps up from her chair in tears and runs from his study to the garden, Darcy shows up. Elizabeth is beside herself and tells Darcy what her father said. Darcy goes in to talk with him, and agree to wait until Lizzy is of age in a few months. When Lydia and Wickham show up, Lydia reveals that Darcy was at their wedding. Mrs. Bennet tells Mr. Bennet and when he calls Lizzy into his study, he wants to know why. Elizabeth explains how Darcy found them and made them marry. Beginning to see that his future son-in-law loves his favorite daughter, he allows them to announce their betrothal, but still allow her to reach her majority before marrying. Bingley's road is a little more difficult to walk. Caroline is in shock when Darcy's wedding announcement appears in the London Society section as well as Lady Catherine. Her reaction is to try and brow beat Lizzy into refusing to marry Darcy. Darcy comes Longbourn, sees his aunt's carriage, and runs to find Elizabeth. Being told she's outside, Darcy makes it known that be is marrying Elizabeth and until she apologizes, she not be in their company. She tries to get her brother, the Earl, to back her, but the Matlock's have already heard from Richard how great she is for Darcy so she realizes turns to Rosings defeated. The Viscount is killed, so Richard becomes the future Earl, resigns his commission, and marries Anne de Bourgh. The Darcys have nine children and their impromptu fights up the steps completely embarrass their children, but they all recognize that their love is what in a partner. Was worth the price just reading about dear, old Caroline.
April 21, 2016
This is a short book that is just a roller coaster ride. It starts at Pemberley when a tired, dirty Darcy sees Elizabeth Bennet and having dreamed of her greeting him upon his return sweeps her into a passionate embrace before her relatives and his staff. Stunned that she is really there he quickly converts his faux pas into an engagement with a proper loving proposal. But as we all know there is a big drop around the corner when Lydia's folly is exposed but this book leaves neither you nor Lizzy in doubt of his motivation; thanks to Georgiana quickly saying "Will what will you do?" (Thanks Georgie)
So Lizzy happily heads back to Longbourne with a secret and Mr. Darcy recovers Wickham and then the next surprise - Mr. Bennet decides to be a responsible parent and refuses Darcy's request for Lizzy's hand. (Weeeeeeeeee)
Now Darcy is obligated to stay in Meryton to court Lizzy properly. But there are more surprises to come. Will ODC ever be able to wed? What of Bingley and Jane? The author uses the final chapter to project far into the future so nothing is unresolved.
So Lizzy happily heads back to Longbourne with a secret and Mr. Darcy recovers Wickham and then the next surprise - Mr. Bennet decides to be a responsible parent and refuses Darcy's request for Lizzy's hand. (Weeeeeeeeee)
Now Darcy is obligated to stay in Meryton to court Lizzy properly. But there are more surprises to come. Will ODC ever be able to wed? What of Bingley and Jane? The author uses the final chapter to project far into the future so nothing is unresolved.
June 30, 2024
This was another enjoyable Pride and Prejudice Variation by Beth Wood. I enjoyed reading about Darcy and Elizabeth while they waited for Mr. Bennet to give his blessing and how Mary began to come out of her shell while acting as their chaperone. I liked this Mary and was happy with how things worked out for her in the epilogue. The epilogue at the end was really fun and had some great scenes in it.
January 27, 2018
This is a short, sweet and fun read.
Thinking he is dreaming Darcy embrace and kiss Elizabeth when they meet at Pemberley creating a very funny scene. Laughed a lot in the begining of the book.
Mr Bennet and Elizabeth first engagement discussion was rather annoying. Elizabeth would never be unable to explain...
That said it was an enjoyable read. Clean, sweet, fun and angst free.
Thinking he is dreaming Darcy embrace and kiss Elizabeth when they meet at Pemberley creating a very funny scene. Laughed a lot in the begining of the book.
Mr Bennet and Elizabeth first engagement discussion was rather annoying. Elizabeth would never be unable to explain...
That said it was an enjoyable read. Clean, sweet, fun and angst free.
October 12, 2019
Just go with it.
For some reason, this author makes it easy to suspend your better judgment, and accept that the story being told will push the envelope of belief with some fantastic behavior. Such is the case here, where the story begins with Mr. Darcy kissing Elizabeth in front of her aunt and uncle Gardiner during their tour of Pemberly the summer after his disastrous proposal at Hunsford personage. This is the kiss alluded to in the title, and it sets off a wonderful train of events and a most romantic story. Most of the things that ensue are right from the original P&P, but are all colored differently due to that first passionate exchange.
The debacle with Lydia and Wickham comes next, and that's pretty much unchanged. There is, however, a big change in the Jane and Bingley story that makes it so much more interesting. Lady Catherine shows up at the usual time and tries to do her damage, but that threat is quickly handled. Caroline Bingley is sort of in the background as an annoying pest, but she doesn't get much attention here. Mrs. Bennett is more than usually dim witted in this version, so is even more annoying than in the original.
That kiss in the beginning creates the loving and less reserved Darcy that we're treated to for the rest of the story. Gone is the tension and uncertainty of that part of the tale, replaced with romance and fun, and a more easygoing feeling. The original P&P is cited frequently, but the tone is different.
This is a short story that is well written and well worth the couple of hours to read it. I recommend it highly.
For some reason, this author makes it easy to suspend your better judgment, and accept that the story being told will push the envelope of belief with some fantastic behavior. Such is the case here, where the story begins with Mr. Darcy kissing Elizabeth in front of her aunt and uncle Gardiner during their tour of Pemberly the summer after his disastrous proposal at Hunsford personage. This is the kiss alluded to in the title, and it sets off a wonderful train of events and a most romantic story. Most of the things that ensue are right from the original P&P, but are all colored differently due to that first passionate exchange.
The debacle with Lydia and Wickham comes next, and that's pretty much unchanged. There is, however, a big change in the Jane and Bingley story that makes it so much more interesting. Lady Catherine shows up at the usual time and tries to do her damage, but that threat is quickly handled. Caroline Bingley is sort of in the background as an annoying pest, but she doesn't get much attention here. Mrs. Bennett is more than usually dim witted in this version, so is even more annoying than in the original.
That kiss in the beginning creates the loving and less reserved Darcy that we're treated to for the rest of the story. Gone is the tension and uncertainty of that part of the tale, replaced with romance and fun, and a more easygoing feeling. The original P&P is cited frequently, but the tone is different.
This is a short story that is well written and well worth the couple of hours to read it. I recommend it highly.
February 19, 2023
Delightful brief novelette with a tinge of humor
If one can get past the premise that Mr. Darcy kissed a very real Elizabeth Bennet because he thought he was kissing her in a dream, then this variation would be most satisfying.
Mr. Darcy is wonderfully steadfast in his resolve to show Elizabeth he is a changed man as he took her reproofs to heart. It is equally delightful that Elizabeth Bennet is somewhat rushed into the realization how much Mr. Darcy actually means to her after that kiss in Pemberley.
Despite its low angst, we get some in small doses from unexpected quarters. Also, the drama involving Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley is also an engaging additions.
Another plus is the writing which is quite humorous and well done. The style of repetition of words such as “confused” and “relieved” makes this a fun variation and this reader hoped that there were more of those. The pace is fast enough to keep the reader engaged, not to mention that the “kiss” happens in the first few pages; makes one think that the author does not waste time getting to the point. Highly recommended for those who wish for a quick satisfying read.
If one can get past the premise that Mr. Darcy kissed a very real Elizabeth Bennet because he thought he was kissing her in a dream, then this variation would be most satisfying.
Mr. Darcy is wonderfully steadfast in his resolve to show Elizabeth he is a changed man as he took her reproofs to heart. It is equally delightful that Elizabeth Bennet is somewhat rushed into the realization how much Mr. Darcy actually means to her after that kiss in Pemberley.
Despite its low angst, we get some in small doses from unexpected quarters. Also, the drama involving Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley is also an engaging additions.
Another plus is the writing which is quite humorous and well done. The style of repetition of words such as “confused” and “relieved” makes this a fun variation and this reader hoped that there were more of those. The pace is fast enough to keep the reader engaged, not to mention that the “kiss” happens in the first few pages; makes one think that the author does not waste time getting to the point. Highly recommended for those who wish for a quick satisfying read.
September 6, 2017
Avid Reader
This is my second reading of this book. It is a always interesting to see what you missed during the first reading. After Wickham insulted Elizabeth, Darcy broke his nose with one punch. Wickham had never experienced this side of Darcy, so he stayed away from Darcy for the rest of his and Lydia 's visit. Second reading was more enjoyable.
This is my second reading of this book. It is a always interesting to see what you missed during the first reading. After Wickham insulted Elizabeth, Darcy broke his nose with one punch. Wickham had never experienced this side of Darcy, so he stayed away from Darcy for the rest of his and Lydia 's visit. Second reading was more enjoyable.
September 18, 2018
Sweet story with no angst
This story begins at Pemberley when Darcy greets Elizabeth with a kiss the whys and the hows move quickly to a HEA fo our couple. There is a minor hiccup by way of Mr. Bennet but it is quickly resolved.
This story begins at Pemberley when Darcy greets Elizabeth with a kiss the whys and the hows move quickly to a HEA fo our couple. There is a minor hiccup by way of Mr. Bennet but it is quickly resolved.
September 21, 2019
Dreaming of real??
This sweet story was an incredible variation. Darcy and Elizabeth lost a moment of sensibility. They found their way to forgiveness other and move forward. Mr Bennet could not forget it forgive for awhile. Wickham and Lydia don't change. Cute to read, please do
This sweet story was an incredible variation. Darcy and Elizabeth lost a moment of sensibility. They found their way to forgiveness other and move forward. Mr Bennet could not forget it forgive for awhile. Wickham and Lydia don't change. Cute to read, please do
August 3, 2024
It’s a lovely light hearted romp through the classic, I think it’s what should have happened, I was never quite sold on Jane forgiving Bingley so quickly and easily, this variation gave me what had been missing.
February 7, 2019
Light & a little silly (as obvious from blurb), but quite well written. A few Americanisms.
April 23, 2019
Lovely
Another wonderful variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice by Beth Woods. It differs from canon but is enjoyable
Another wonderful variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice by Beth Woods. It differs from canon but is enjoyable
October 17, 2019
A lovely way to while away an afternoon second reading and still really liked it.
November 13, 2019
From this author, just another cute, sweet read. This is a quick read that is a clean romance. Enjoyed it.
January 4, 2020
Oof. Another unfortunate one that I can't bring myself to finish.
November 23, 2020
The beginning is very abrupt, but the pace improves as you move through the book.
April 28, 2021
So cute. The book is meant to be short, so don’t expect a complex plot. If you’re looking for a fluff read you’ve come to the right place.
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