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Shall We Dance
Elizabeth Bennet decides on an entirely different approach to dancing at the Meryton Assembly.
- GenresHistoricalFan Fiction
44 pages, ebook
Published June 25, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 19, 2017
Link https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12546463...
this is a singularly BRILLIANT short story that magically compresses the entirety of Pride and Prejudice into a seven chapter long story set in a 3 hour period.
" Somehow, through some preternatural sequence of events, the two had gone from enemies to acquaintances to friends to lovers in less than three hours."
This seemingly simple, yet unbelievably nuanced, story is set at the Assembly in Meryton. When Lizzy overhears Mr. Darcy's set down she harnesses her inner Lydia and approaches him and loudly states that she is there for their dance. Since Darcy quickly realizes that refuting her claim will damage both of their reputations among Meryton's tabbies he has no choice but to acquiesce to her request and soon they are dancing, depsite never having been introduced. when Darcy notices this Lizzy gives him a brilliant set down "As you well know sir, I am Miss Tolerable. Your friend is dancing with my sister, Miss Not Handsome Enough."
During their dances they move rapidly (How did no one point out I had typed 'rabidly' 7.19.17) from strangers to intimates and after are sharing confidences. When Lizzy realizes that her two dances with Darcy will make them the target of her matchmaking mama she sets him up to dance with Charlotte and Jane. These dances are postponed when Col. Fitzwilliam arrives with Georgiana; leading Lizzy & Jane to quickly befriend this young lady whilst her guardians are dancing. Lizzy: "with five daughters; I daresay she could take up residence and it would be a full month before either of my parents noticed one extra" Then Anne deBourgh arrives with Mr. Collins Anne:"Mr. Collins, we really must work on your manners. At this point, you will need to either be silent, or go get some refreshment, or I may need to have you dragged out and shot". Not long after who should make an appearance but Lady Catherine & Wickham. Wickham speaks disdainfully of Lizzy & Charlotte and is quickly set upon and removed by John Lucas. Lady Catherine's demands are ignored and Darcy & Lizzy dance a third
"We have already danced two sets. With the third set we would be practically engaged, and a fourth set would require grandchildren."
Oh I loved this story so much.
this is a singularly BRILLIANT short story that magically compresses the entirety of Pride and Prejudice into a seven chapter long story set in a 3 hour period.
" Somehow, through some preternatural sequence of events, the two had gone from enemies to acquaintances to friends to lovers in less than three hours."
This seemingly simple, yet unbelievably nuanced, story is set at the Assembly in Meryton. When Lizzy overhears Mr. Darcy's set down she harnesses her inner Lydia and approaches him and loudly states that she is there for their dance. Since Darcy quickly realizes that refuting her claim will damage both of their reputations among Meryton's tabbies he has no choice but to acquiesce to her request and soon they are dancing, depsite never having been introduced. when Darcy notices this Lizzy gives him a brilliant set down "As you well know sir, I am Miss Tolerable. Your friend is dancing with my sister, Miss Not Handsome Enough."
During their dances they move rapidly (How did no one point out I had typed 'rabidly' 7.19.17) from strangers to intimates and after are sharing confidences. When Lizzy realizes that her two dances with Darcy will make them the target of her matchmaking mama she sets him up to dance with Charlotte and Jane. These dances are postponed when Col. Fitzwilliam arrives with Georgiana; leading Lizzy & Jane to quickly befriend this young lady whilst her guardians are dancing. Lizzy: "with five daughters; I daresay she could take up residence and it would be a full month before either of my parents noticed one extra" Then Anne deBourgh arrives with Mr. Collins Anne:"Mr. Collins, we really must work on your manners. At this point, you will need to either be silent, or go get some refreshment, or I may need to have you dragged out and shot". Not long after who should make an appearance but Lady Catherine & Wickham. Wickham speaks disdainfully of Lizzy & Charlotte and is quickly set upon and removed by John Lucas. Lady Catherine's demands are ignored and Darcy & Lizzy dance a third
"We have already danced two sets. With the third set we would be practically engaged, and a fourth set would require grandchildren."
Oh I loved this story so much.
July 4, 2017
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
This 7 chapter novella was a delight to read just before going off to sleep. The author's clever story set completely at the Meryton Assembly relies heavily upon conversation which at first is all on Elizabeth's shoulders as she has her own way to stand up against a wrong committed by Mr. Darcy.
We know Elizabeth can be quick with a retort and how she loves to tease and even how she can put down a person without that person realizing how badly they have been out maneuvered. So when She comes up to Darcy at the dance and states that she is ready for their TWO sets, the nearby clusters of ladies who are on looking and listening prevent the gentleman from calling her a liar, as he knows he did not ask for any set, much less two.
The evening goes on as Elizabeth and Darcy trade barbs but in which he soon realizes he must apologize and then as he seeks to know her better as he admits to himself he is fortunate that she accepts his apology...he should not have even thought much less said she was only tolerable. Soon they have a friendship (even if only for a night).
Soon the circle of conversation expands as first Elizabeth makes introductions but then Darcy is forced by the arrival of new company to make his own introductions.
This tale was amusing but also so very romantic as openness prevailed and interventions were made for the comfort of dear ones and then sorties were played out by those who thought to have their own way. Well done and highly recommended to all!
This 7 chapter novella was a delight to read just before going off to sleep. The author's clever story set completely at the Meryton Assembly relies heavily upon conversation which at first is all on Elizabeth's shoulders as she has her own way to stand up against a wrong committed by Mr. Darcy.
We know Elizabeth can be quick with a retort and how she loves to tease and even how she can put down a person without that person realizing how badly they have been out maneuvered. So when She comes up to Darcy at the dance and states that she is ready for their TWO sets, the nearby clusters of ladies who are on looking and listening prevent the gentleman from calling her a liar, as he knows he did not ask for any set, much less two.
The evening goes on as Elizabeth and Darcy trade barbs but in which he soon realizes he must apologize and then as he seeks to know her better as he admits to himself he is fortunate that she accepts his apology...he should not have even thought much less said she was only tolerable. Soon they have a friendship (even if only for a night).
Soon the circle of conversation expands as first Elizabeth makes introductions but then Darcy is forced by the arrival of new company to make his own introductions.
This tale was amusing but also so very romantic as openness prevailed and interventions were made for the comfort of dear ones and then sorties were played out by those who thought to have their own way. Well done and highly recommended to all!
July 20, 2019
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12546463/1/
“Dance is the hidden language of the soul.” Martha Graham
Short 7-chapters, quick read, clean… and absolutely adorable. I loved the language; I loved the interaction between Darcy and Elizabeth; I loved their banter and their play. I simply loved this story. What fun! I smiled the entire time I read this short. I mean… a big smile the entire time. OMG! This was adorable and a hoot. The ending was completely swoon-worthy.
The music had stopped when the Netherfield party arrived at the Meryton Assembly. But, in this story, they are not the only party to arrive. Throughout the night the dance was interrupted by a new set of arrivals. What a hoot. Our author was sneaky and didn’t reveal the new people right away. You have to wait for it. What fun.
This would be an assembly no one will EVER forget. I simply adored John Lucas and his friends. Now that’s how you handle situations in the country. Way to go!!
Some might not think it’s fair to give 5-stars to such a short work… but I couldn’t help it. I just loved it.
1st read: 6-30-17
2nd read: 12-28-17
3rd read: 7-19-19
“Dance is the hidden language of the soul.” Martha Graham
Short 7-chapters, quick read, clean… and absolutely adorable. I loved the language; I loved the interaction between Darcy and Elizabeth; I loved their banter and their play. I simply loved this story. What fun! I smiled the entire time I read this short. I mean… a big smile the entire time. OMG! This was adorable and a hoot. The ending was completely swoon-worthy.
The music had stopped when the Netherfield party arrived at the Meryton Assembly. But, in this story, they are not the only party to arrive. Throughout the night the dance was interrupted by a new set of arrivals. What a hoot. Our author was sneaky and didn’t reveal the new people right away. You have to wait for it. What fun.
This would be an assembly no one will EVER forget. I simply adored John Lucas and his friends. Now that’s how you handle situations in the country. Way to go!!
Some might not think it’s fair to give 5-stars to such a short work… but I couldn’t help it. I just loved it.
1st read: 6-30-17
2nd read: 12-28-17
3rd read: 7-19-19
January 14, 2025
Dancing is just discovery, discovery, discovery. ~Martha Graham
Elizabeth refuses to ignore rudeness when she overhears it and challenges Darcy to the dance floor. During their dance, Darcy discovers himself – his flaws, his strengths and his future.
I confess I didn’t always understand how the multiple characters arrived at the Meryton Assembly! Nor did I figure out the various pairings of individuals who arrived in company, especially the final pair. But all the canon characters attended the Assembly and found their destiny.
This is a seven-chapter story covering seven dances available at:
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12546463/1/
Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels. ~Faith Whittlesey
Elizabeth refuses to ignore rudeness when she overhears it and challenges Darcy to the dance floor. During their dance, Darcy discovers himself – his flaws, his strengths and his future.
I confess I didn’t always understand how the multiple characters arrived at the Meryton Assembly! Nor did I figure out the various pairings of individuals who arrived in company, especially the final pair. But all the canon characters attended the Assembly and found their destiny.
This is a seven-chapter story covering seven dances available at:
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12546463/1/
Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels. ~Faith Whittlesey
December 28, 2017
Absolutely inspired short story that captures the essence of Pride and Prejudice in only seven chapters with everything unfolding swiftly at the Meryton assembly. Wonderful characterizations that feel true to canon, great dialogue, excellent writing. Not to be missed. Should be published for the entire JAFF community to discover!
July 4, 2017
4⭐️Fun & entertaining short story, but it did leave you wondering about certain couples who showed up unexpectedly at the Assembly.
July 18, 2017
A brilliant short story that could easily be converted into a play: we have only one place where all the actors are meeting as the story develops into a period of time of three hours.
June 30, 2017
Dear Reader,
This was a wonderful story,playful,witty and simply a joy to read!!
Having overheard the ungentlemanly comment Darcy makes regarding her good self,Lizzy infuriatingly puts said man on the spot,leaving him with no choice but to dance two sets with her.
Initial anger and incredulity turns quickly to fascination and high regard as they dance and slowly become aquatinted with each other.
With the inclusion of a host of Darcy's relations,who all insist on having their share in the conversation,this story offers a unique twist,one that will see you smiling smugly to yourself at story's end!
Clever,humorous and highly recommended, this story is just delightful!!! I loved it!!
This was a wonderful story,playful,witty and simply a joy to read!!
Having overheard the ungentlemanly comment Darcy makes regarding her good self,Lizzy infuriatingly puts said man on the spot,leaving him with no choice but to dance two sets with her.
Initial anger and incredulity turns quickly to fascination and high regard as they dance and slowly become aquatinted with each other.
With the inclusion of a host of Darcy's relations,who all insist on having their share in the conversation,this story offers a unique twist,one that will see you smiling smugly to yourself at story's end!
Clever,humorous and highly recommended, this story is just delightful!!! I loved it!!
January 10, 2023
Absolutely OOC, hard to believe and quite silly madcap caper that starts with a chuckle and leaves you with a smile 😊
April 1, 2021
P&P in a pressure cooker
Chaos, dancing and a barrel of laughs. This charming madcap novelette is home to irreverent prose, a delightful meet cute, and everything light hearted and teasing that made you fall in love with Austen.
It is Darcy and Lizzy getting a crash course on each other-the good, the bad, and the nonsense- in a quick, wacky yet plausible, succession, that suffocates any sparks of misunderstanding before they could smart into the wildfire on which it is based.
To read 'Shall We Dance', click here
Chaos, dancing and a barrel of laughs. This charming madcap novelette is home to irreverent prose, a delightful meet cute, and everything light hearted and teasing that made you fall in love with Austen.
It is Darcy and Lizzy getting a crash course on each other-the good, the bad, and the nonsense- in a quick, wacky yet plausible, succession, that suffocates any sparks of misunderstanding before they could smart into the wildfire on which it is based.
To read 'Shall We Dance', click here
October 15, 2019
This Pride & Prejudice short story was so much fun and features almost all the canon characters visiting the Meryton Assembly. A sharp Elizabeth tricks Darcy into dancing with her after hearing his infamous "tolerable" comment. He finds her more and more enchanting through each dance. Elizabeth's command of the situation and his surprise visitors show him before the night is through that his true love is standing just in front of him.
Oct 2019 - still LOVE it!
Oct 2019 - still LOVE it!
May 17, 2018
This was one of the most unique, imaginative and entertaining variations I've had the pleasure to read.
Now, it ain't secret that I'm not one to love angst, so I was simply completely entertained with this small novel!
The characterization of our dear Meryton citizens was nice, funny and with just the small bit of craziness that seams to be the author's "natural teasing tone". I loved seeing Mr Darcy treat them as friends, and actually making an effort at being civil -slash- likable.
Anne de Borgh and Miss Darcy's entrance dispense comments.
The trashing Jonh Lucas gave Wickham probably not. So I'll keep to saying that it was soooo satisfying (even not actually reading much of the whole stunt).
Even Bingley seemed to have more backbone in the one or two times he was mentioned.
Now, it ain't secret that I'm not one to love angst, so I was simply completely entertained with this small novel!
The characterization of our dear Meryton citizens was nice, funny and with just the small bit of craziness that seams to be the author's "natural teasing tone". I loved seeing Mr Darcy treat them as friends, and actually making an effort at being civil -slash- likable.
Anne de Borgh and Miss Darcy's entrance dispense comments.
The trashing Jonh Lucas gave Wickham probably not. So I'll keep to saying that it was soooo satisfying (even not actually reading much of the whole stunt).
Even Bingley seemed to have more backbone in the one or two times he was mentioned.
July 31, 2019
An adorable short JAFF. The appearance of certain guest stars at the assembly leaves some questions.
June 24, 2021
This was witty and clever. The main characters in P&P were present and the entire story takes place in 7 chapters. I thought Lizzie’s way of dealing with Darcy’s “tolerable” gaffe was fun and unique.
Here is the story:
https://m.fanfiction.net/s/12546463/1...
Here is the story:
https://m.fanfiction.net/s/12546463/1...
December 22, 2020
Wade H's P&P fanfiction are beyond description. I love them.
December 30, 2023
3.5*
A little bit of jolly fun, not to be taken too seriously.
A little bit of jolly fun, not to be taken too seriously.
January 18, 2024
Well written but parts were confusing.
December 25, 2018
One of my favorites from Wade H.
It does suffer from massive alteration of feelings in a short amount of time that was in the author's other works, but I didn't mind it that much in this story. Because, it wasn't as fast as his other works, and also because it somehow suits this story, as if the reader expects it.
My only issue with this fanfiction is that it is short. It has a nice premise and can be a novel-length work, but it wasn't. Some might find this to be an advantage, but I would have enjoyed this more if I had more time with it.
It does suffer from massive alteration of feelings in a short amount of time that was in the author's other works, but I didn't mind it that much in this story. Because, it wasn't as fast as his other works, and also because it somehow suits this story, as if the reader expects it.
My only issue with this fanfiction is that it is short. It has a nice premise and can be a novel-length work, but it wasn't. Some might find this to be an advantage, but I would have enjoyed this more if I had more time with it.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews