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Longbourn's Distinguished Guest: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Elizabeth Bennet had been warned about the importance of returning home early from her woodland ramble to attend the Meryton assembly where her family would meet their wealthy new neighbor, Mr. Bingley. Absorbed in her book, she lost track of the hour and is obliged to run home through the dim woods before she is too late.
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley has been feeling unwell for several days. Only his promise to his friend Bingley forces him to ride out from London to Hertfordshire where he is to assist him with the running of his new estate. But as he rides through the dark woods towards Netherfield, his illness finally overtakes him and he falls unconscious from his horse.
Elizabeth is shocked to find him and with the help of her father, takes the young man home to Longbourn where she nurses him through his illness. He is too weak to be removed to Netherfield and is obliged to remain under the Bennets' care, much to the anger of Mr Bingley’s ambitious sister, Caroline Bingley, who has her sights set on becoming Mrs Darcy.
As Elizabeth and Darcy grow closer, rumours spread through the small town of Meryton about a marriage between the two. Elizabeth attempts to quash the rumours, but trouble starts when they reach the wrong ears and soon, the jealousy of others threaten to tear the two apart.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 19, 2017
This is not a completely original concept, I have read other stories were Mr. Darcy falls ill and must stay at Longbourn. In this version he falls ill while riding to Netherfield on the day of the assembly and is found by Elizabeth Bennet. She gets help and a feverish Mr. Darcy is installed in the guest room and cared for by her and her father. There is no Pride and no Prejudice and Darcy and Lizzy are charming one another from his first sentence. He suffers from his usual qualms about her not meeting the expectations of the ton and his relatives for a wife and she unquestionably considers herself below him. But rumors fly around Meryton that she and Mr. Darcy are to wed. But it all comes to nothing as Mr. Darcy leaves and goes back to London without a by your leave. Luckily Col. Fitzwilliam has a come to Jesus Meeting with him and explains why he is an idiot and we get to HEA.
The story just had a lot of flaws for me. Almost from the beginning I felt like the author was trying to prove she knew the source material. There is a weird exchange between the apothecary and Lizzy about her childhood of climbing trees, then an even stranger exchange about a neighbor who is in her confinement who is a late in life mother. Caroline starts off whiny and gets worse. We have Lizzy constantly in Mr. Darcy's room. The Bennet's had servants, so once the crisis was over it should have been a servant who tended him not Lizzy. Mr. Darcy had servants, once the crisis was over it should have been his valet or a footman who attended him. Everyone is constantly in Darcy's bedroom, even Caroline comes to visit him there.
Mr. Darcy's stay at Longbourn is prolonged excessively. When Jane falls ill at Netherfield they are there about 5 days. Darcy stays for weeks because the apothecary says he can't go out in the cold. We know that Mr. Bingley arrives around Michaelmas, September 29th. How cold is it? "Throughout the month of October daytime temperatures will generally reach highs of around 14°C that's about 57°F. At night the average minimum temperature drops down to around 10°C, that's 49°F." http://www.myweather2.com/City-Town/U... So put on a sweater and get in your carriage. Later in the book Darcy is often outside the house, if you are well enough to be outside, you are well enough to ride 3 miles to Netherfield.
As I said above a rumor sweeps Meryton that Lizzy is to marry Darcy. Mrs. Bennet knows this yet she still pushes Mr. Collins onto Lizzy. There is a bunch of business with Wickham that makes no sense and just annoyed me.
The story just had a lot of flaws for me. Almost from the beginning I felt like the author was trying to prove she knew the source material. There is a weird exchange between the apothecary and Lizzy about her childhood of climbing trees, then an even stranger exchange about a neighbor who is in her confinement who is a late in life mother. Caroline starts off whiny and gets worse. We have Lizzy constantly in Mr. Darcy's room. The Bennet's had servants, so once the crisis was over it should have been a servant who tended him not Lizzy. Mr. Darcy had servants, once the crisis was over it should have been his valet or a footman who attended him. Everyone is constantly in Darcy's bedroom, even Caroline comes to visit him there.
Mr. Darcy's stay at Longbourn is prolonged excessively. When Jane falls ill at Netherfield they are there about 5 days. Darcy stays for weeks because the apothecary says he can't go out in the cold. We know that Mr. Bingley arrives around Michaelmas, September 29th. How cold is it? "Throughout the month of October daytime temperatures will generally reach highs of around 14°C that's about 57°F. At night the average minimum temperature drops down to around 10°C, that's 49°F." http://www.myweather2.com/City-Town/U... So put on a sweater and get in your carriage. Later in the book Darcy is often outside the house, if you are well enough to be outside, you are well enough to ride 3 miles to Netherfield.
As I said above a rumor sweeps Meryton that Lizzy is to marry Darcy. Mrs. Bennet knows this yet she still pushes Mr. Collins onto Lizzy. There is a bunch of business with Wickham that makes no sense and just annoyed me.
October 30, 2017
I give the author props for developing a different plotline than I expected based on the set-up of an injured Mr. Darcy staying at Longbourn for an extended period of time. This is long enough for him to develop feelings for Elizabeth and visa-versa.
Mr. Collins arrives, virtually unannounced, expecting to be pampered by the family due to his blatantly stated intent to marry one of the Bennet sisters and his power to eject them once he inherits. Instead, he finds Mr. Darcy given far more precedence. More disturbingly, his patroness' nephew is given too much attention by the second eldest and seems to be taken in by her arts and allurements despite his betrothal to Anne de Bourgh.
Meanwhile, the militia arrives, and Elizabeth makes the acquaintance of Mr. Wickham who, in this instance, does not air his supposed grievances again Mr. Darcy. He does become a trusted walking companion, which leads to trouble.
I enjoyed the flow of the writing, which kept my interest throughout. There is a lot of non-Regency behavior, which is what prevents me from giving this book a 5-star rating. Otherwise, I liked it.
Mr. Collins arrives, virtually unannounced, expecting to be pampered by the family due to his blatantly stated intent to marry one of the Bennet sisters and his power to eject them once he inherits. Instead, he finds Mr. Darcy given far more precedence. More disturbingly, his patroness' nephew is given too much attention by the second eldest and seems to be taken in by her arts and allurements despite his betrothal to Anne de Bourgh.
Meanwhile, the militia arrives, and Elizabeth makes the acquaintance of Mr. Wickham who, in this instance, does not air his supposed grievances again Mr. Darcy. He does become a trusted walking companion, which leads to trouble.
I enjoyed the flow of the writing, which kept my interest throughout. There is a lot of non-Regency behavior, which is what prevents me from giving this book a 5-star rating. Otherwise, I liked it.
June 5, 2021
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” –Anonymous, Holy Bible; King James Version
Rating: PG-17: trigger warning due to an attempted compromise, vicious gossip, and lack of propriety [which this author tends to overlook]. 31-chapters: Angst Level: slight-to-medium: increased stress since the SBRB was lurking about leaving his slime trail. I just knew he was up to no good and he struck with the lethal speed of an adder. Source: KU [5-28-21] Spoiler Alert: This review may contain *** Spoilers ***
“It’s not love at first sight, it’s having the sight, to distinguish true love, from just mere beauty.” –Anthony Liccione
This was cute. Darcy literally fell at the feet of Miss Elizabeth while she was returning from one of her rambles. He had been feeling unwell when he left London and by the time he arrived in Hertfordshire, he was truly ill. His last words, before he tumbled from his horse, were "help me." Elizabeth rode his horse back to Longbourn to get her father and additional help. Over the next few weeks, Longbourn was the epicenter of concern as Darcy recovered from his fever. Charles was relieved to discover why his friend was late arriving at Netherfield and Caroline was beside herself as she tried to get Darcy moved where she could take care of him. Darcy shuddered at the thought of being senseless and under her control.
“Nothing inspires cleanliness more than an unexpected guest.” –Radhika Mundra
During those recovery days, Darcy had a reality check as to his behavior to those who were decidedly beneath him. He saw life through a different lens and was appreciative of the smaller things in life. Elizabeth Bennet had truly saved his life and she wanted nothing from him. Any other female would have been trying to compromise him. He was intrigued by the intelligent beauty and her family.
“Unless you’re prepared to deal with the aftermath, never invite yourself to a situation where your presence is not requested or welcomed. Don’t pull out a chair at someone else’s table, then turn around and be hurt when you feel unwelcomed.” –Terry a. O’Neal
Mr. Collins arrived at Longbourn [uninvited and unwelcomed] looking for a wife among his cousin’s many daughters. This sent Mrs. Bennet into full matchmaking mode. Darcy was not impressed with Mr. Collins nor with his attentions to Bennet’s second daughter. He was a real snot [Mr. Collins, not Mr. Darcy] and caused all manner of problems. Lady Catherine arrived [guess who contacted her and you might be surprised] to a town full of gossip in expectation of a certain event. Lady Catherine was having none of that. She also had words with the frantic daughter of trade and quickly put her in her place.
The SBRB [scum-bag-rat-bastard, Wickham] was in full evil mode. He spun such a scheme that I nearly had a heart attack. That slimy low-life really did a number on the Darcy siblings and [as he planned] Darcy completely misunderstood the situation. This sent Darcy racing back to London at first light. Elizabeth was horrified by what had happened and heartbroken that Darcy had left without saying a word to her. Thank goodness our dear Colonel had seen the whole thing and knew the true picture. He was able to have a ‘Come-to-Jesus’ discussion with his cousin in order to set the record straight. LA! Darcy, what would you do without your cousin? The ending was such a surprise. I actually enjoyed this story as it provided more page time between ODC, which I like. I recommend this for a quick read.
Rating: PG-17: trigger warning due to an attempted compromise, vicious gossip, and lack of propriety [which this author tends to overlook]. 31-chapters: Angst Level: slight-to-medium: increased stress since the SBRB was lurking about leaving his slime trail. I just knew he was up to no good and he struck with the lethal speed of an adder. Source: KU [5-28-21] Spoiler Alert: This review may contain *** Spoilers ***
“It’s not love at first sight, it’s having the sight, to distinguish true love, from just mere beauty.” –Anthony Liccione
This was cute. Darcy literally fell at the feet of Miss Elizabeth while she was returning from one of her rambles. He had been feeling unwell when he left London and by the time he arrived in Hertfordshire, he was truly ill. His last words, before he tumbled from his horse, were "help me." Elizabeth rode his horse back to Longbourn to get her father and additional help. Over the next few weeks, Longbourn was the epicenter of concern as Darcy recovered from his fever. Charles was relieved to discover why his friend was late arriving at Netherfield and Caroline was beside herself as she tried to get Darcy moved where she could take care of him. Darcy shuddered at the thought of being senseless and under her control.
“Nothing inspires cleanliness more than an unexpected guest.” –Radhika Mundra
During those recovery days, Darcy had a reality check as to his behavior to those who were decidedly beneath him. He saw life through a different lens and was appreciative of the smaller things in life. Elizabeth Bennet had truly saved his life and she wanted nothing from him. Any other female would have been trying to compromise him. He was intrigued by the intelligent beauty and her family.
“Unless you’re prepared to deal with the aftermath, never invite yourself to a situation where your presence is not requested or welcomed. Don’t pull out a chair at someone else’s table, then turn around and be hurt when you feel unwelcomed.” –Terry a. O’Neal
Mr. Collins arrived at Longbourn [uninvited and unwelcomed] looking for a wife among his cousin’s many daughters. This sent Mrs. Bennet into full matchmaking mode. Darcy was not impressed with Mr. Collins nor with his attentions to Bennet’s second daughter. He was a real snot [Mr. Collins, not Mr. Darcy] and caused all manner of problems. Lady Catherine arrived [guess who contacted her and you might be surprised] to a town full of gossip in expectation of a certain event. Lady Catherine was having none of that. She also had words with the frantic daughter of trade and quickly put her in her place.
The SBRB [scum-bag-rat-bastard, Wickham] was in full evil mode. He spun such a scheme that I nearly had a heart attack. That slimy low-life really did a number on the Darcy siblings and [as he planned] Darcy completely misunderstood the situation. This sent Darcy racing back to London at first light. Elizabeth was horrified by what had happened and heartbroken that Darcy had left without saying a word to her. Thank goodness our dear Colonel had seen the whole thing and knew the true picture. He was able to have a ‘Come-to-Jesus’ discussion with his cousin in order to set the record straight. LA! Darcy, what would you do without your cousin? The ending was such a surprise. I actually enjoyed this story as it provided more page time between ODC, which I like. I recommend this for a quick read.
October 20, 2017
Visitor's footfalls are like medicine; they heal the sick. ~ African Proverb
Darcy falls ill as he travels the remaining miles from London to Netherfield. Elizabeth Bennet finds him in the woods near Longbourn and calls for help to move him to safety. She becomes his nurse as he recovers in her home. He wakes from his fever to discover a young woman in his room.
Darcy’s eventual healing involves emotional health as well as physical health.
In our busy 21st century life the one commodity that seems to be going extinct is time and we forget that healing takes time. ~Dr. Frank Lipman
Darcy survives the severe fever and remains at Longbourn for several weeks to regain his strength. As in the quote from Dr. Lipman, we become accustomed to modern methods of treatment. A person has surgery and is sent home from the hospital the next day with antibiotics and pain pills. Two hundred years ago, recovery took time. The length of time Darcy remained at Longbourn was supported by the local apothecary but my guess is Darcy would not have agreed to remain so long except … he was much more attracted to the Bennet sister than to the Bingley sister! I believe he would have departed earlier if he had been unhappy where he was.
The writing is well-done for the most part – but the errors that did slip thru are jarring.
I cringed when I read the following sentences:
Her and Bingley were in conversation and Elizabeth laughed at something he said.
Miss Bingley’s tone was cosy and clearly meant to convey that her and Georgiana had an old and intimate friendship.
She rung the bell for Hill.
Not all errors are discoverable in grammar-check … but when I copied these sentences into Word for this review, the errors were marked at once.
There also were some plot details that seem a little off:
Darcy travels on horseback; his valet and luggage are not scheduled to arrive for two days. It doesn’t seem likely that Darcy would arrive without the proper wardrobe available.
Also, Mr. Bennet searches Darcy’s pockets for identification. ID cards are a recent development. Darcy might have carried a letter with his address or maybe a supply of calling cards but that could have been noted in the story. It seemed a little confusing.
The best of healers is good cheer. ~ Pindar
My favorite part of the story was advice from Bingley of all people! Darcy has not advised Bingley against Jane Bennet – he has merely advised time and thought. Bingley admits he is impulsive. Darcy encourages his friend to take some time and be sure.
And then Bingley advises Darcy:
Quote from the book: “Forgive me if I am being indelicate, but if you have developed feelings for her, I would counsel you with advice that is almost opposite of what you have given me. If you like her, be open to considering her. I know she is not what your family would consider an ideal mate, but if she will make you happy, who cares what they think? It is not they who will come home to her day after day. It is not they who will share their life with her. It is not they who will grow old with her.”
Advice almost opposite to what Darcy has given him. Opposite advice for opposite personalities! Whoever would have thought Bingley was so smart?
Two hundred years ago, recovery took time. So did falling in love.
If you just set people in motion they'll heal themselves. ~Gabrielle Roth
Darcy falls ill as he travels the remaining miles from London to Netherfield. Elizabeth Bennet finds him in the woods near Longbourn and calls for help to move him to safety. She becomes his nurse as he recovers in her home. He wakes from his fever to discover a young woman in his room.
Darcy’s eventual healing involves emotional health as well as physical health.
In our busy 21st century life the one commodity that seems to be going extinct is time and we forget that healing takes time. ~Dr. Frank Lipman
Darcy survives the severe fever and remains at Longbourn for several weeks to regain his strength. As in the quote from Dr. Lipman, we become accustomed to modern methods of treatment. A person has surgery and is sent home from the hospital the next day with antibiotics and pain pills. Two hundred years ago, recovery took time. The length of time Darcy remained at Longbourn was supported by the local apothecary but my guess is Darcy would not have agreed to remain so long except … he was much more attracted to the Bennet sister than to the Bingley sister! I believe he would have departed earlier if he had been unhappy where he was.
The writing is well-done for the most part – but the errors that did slip thru are jarring.
I cringed when I read the following sentences:
Her and Bingley were in conversation and Elizabeth laughed at something he said.
Miss Bingley’s tone was cosy and clearly meant to convey that her and Georgiana had an old and intimate friendship.
She rung the bell for Hill.
Not all errors are discoverable in grammar-check … but when I copied these sentences into Word for this review, the errors were marked at once.
There also were some plot details that seem a little off:
Darcy travels on horseback; his valet and luggage are not scheduled to arrive for two days. It doesn’t seem likely that Darcy would arrive without the proper wardrobe available.
Also, Mr. Bennet searches Darcy’s pockets for identification. ID cards are a recent development. Darcy might have carried a letter with his address or maybe a supply of calling cards but that could have been noted in the story. It seemed a little confusing.
The best of healers is good cheer. ~ Pindar
My favorite part of the story was advice from Bingley of all people! Darcy has not advised Bingley against Jane Bennet – he has merely advised time and thought. Bingley admits he is impulsive. Darcy encourages his friend to take some time and be sure.
And then Bingley advises Darcy:
Quote from the book: “Forgive me if I am being indelicate, but if you have developed feelings for her, I would counsel you with advice that is almost opposite of what you have given me. If you like her, be open to considering her. I know she is not what your family would consider an ideal mate, but if she will make you happy, who cares what they think? It is not they who will come home to her day after day. It is not they who will share their life with her. It is not they who will grow old with her.”
Advice almost opposite to what Darcy has given him. Opposite advice for opposite personalities! Whoever would have thought Bingley was so smart?
Two hundred years ago, recovery took time. So did falling in love.
If you just set people in motion they'll heal themselves. ~Gabrielle Roth
April 14, 2018
This story starts the night of the Meryton assembly. Elizabeth is late and meets with Mr Darcy as he is travelling to Netherfield. He is ill, falls from horse and she comes to his aid. What follows is his stay at Longbourn as he makes his recovery.
This is a lovely, quite gentle story, where Darcy and Elizabeth get to know and appreciate each other slowly. He softens and appreciates the care she gives him, without anterior motive. Running alongside is the romance between Jane and Bingley, Mr Wickham being his usual dastardly self and Mr Collins being even more greedy and awful than Jane Austen imagined him. Caroline Bingley is truly awful and this helps the reader appreciate the terrible time Darcy has in trying to evade her! There is still space for a little misunderstanding between Darcy and Elizabeth but not too much- this is a very low angst book!
There is some lovely humour in this book. We see quite a lot of Mr Bennet and his observations add a lot to the humour and not in the derogatory way his humour can be used in other books of this type. Mr Darcy has a much lighter way about him in this book as a consequence of his early intimacy with Elizabeth and it's refreshing to see him in this way.
This is a 4.5 star book for me. An easier read, lighter with good humour. At times, some of the expression and language seems a little modern... but I enjoyed the story so much, I really didn't care!
This is a lovely, quite gentle story, where Darcy and Elizabeth get to know and appreciate each other slowly. He softens and appreciates the care she gives him, without anterior motive. Running alongside is the romance between Jane and Bingley, Mr Wickham being his usual dastardly self and Mr Collins being even more greedy and awful than Jane Austen imagined him. Caroline Bingley is truly awful and this helps the reader appreciate the terrible time Darcy has in trying to evade her! There is still space for a little misunderstanding between Darcy and Elizabeth but not too much- this is a very low angst book!
There is some lovely humour in this book. We see quite a lot of Mr Bennet and his observations add a lot to the humour and not in the derogatory way his humour can be used in other books of this type. Mr Darcy has a much lighter way about him in this book as a consequence of his early intimacy with Elizabeth and it's refreshing to see him in this way.
This is a 4.5 star book for me. An easier read, lighter with good humour. At times, some of the expression and language seems a little modern... but I enjoyed the story so much, I really didn't care!
November 11, 2017
4.5 stars
I enjoyed this variation. At the beginning I found myself thinking " oh no, another Darcy falls sick at Longbourn. But the author gives us a few new twists in this version. I took half a star off due to a few things that bothered me. For instance, Mrs. Bennett, Lydia and Kitty didn't get on Mr. Darcy's nerves during his extended stay. Mr. Darcy stayed longer than necessary, several scenes weren't true to the Era and we never find out what happens to Mr. Collins, Kitty and Mary. All in all a great variation, I just wanted a little more for it to be 5 stars.
I enjoyed this variation. At the beginning I found myself thinking " oh no, another Darcy falls sick at Longbourn. But the author gives us a few new twists in this version. I took half a star off due to a few things that bothered me. For instance, Mrs. Bennett, Lydia and Kitty didn't get on Mr. Darcy's nerves during his extended stay. Mr. Darcy stayed longer than necessary, several scenes weren't true to the Era and we never find out what happens to Mr. Collins, Kitty and Mary. All in all a great variation, I just wanted a little more for it to be 5 stars.
December 1, 2021
Too much Collins
Reviewed in Canada on March 19, 2019
Not a bad story, but ugh, Collins... I agree with Lydia. This book wasn’t bad. It left me wanting though compared to many I’ve read. Darcy was a bit dumb when he should have been smart, and thank goodness for the Colonel.
Reviewed in Canada on March 19, 2019
Not a bad story, but ugh, Collins... I agree with Lydia. This book wasn’t bad. It left me wanting though compared to many I’ve read. Darcy was a bit dumb when he should have been smart, and thank goodness for the Colonel.
April 7, 2023
A fun plot device
I loved this story, and I love the premise of Darcy and Elizabeth meeting before the canon story would have happened. Darcy being stuck at Longbourn while recuperating from an illness or injury is another favorite scenario, with a chance for Darcy to learn about the goodness of people below his circle in status.
The rest of P&P is there, characters good and bad. But that thread pulled at the beginning changes things enough to keep the reader interested. I had a hard time putting it down. The page time with Darcy and Elizabeth is rewarding. A sweetly developing relationship between ODC
I’m eager now to read more Emily Russell. Highly recommended.
I loved this story, and I love the premise of Darcy and Elizabeth meeting before the canon story would have happened. Darcy being stuck at Longbourn while recuperating from an illness or injury is another favorite scenario, with a chance for Darcy to learn about the goodness of people below his circle in status.
The rest of P&P is there, characters good and bad. But that thread pulled at the beginning changes things enough to keep the reader interested. I had a hard time putting it down. The page time with Darcy and Elizabeth is rewarding. A sweetly developing relationship between ODC
I’m eager now to read more Emily Russell. Highly recommended.
November 16, 2017
This Pride and Prejudice version features the classic fall in love with your nurse scenario. Darcy is saved by Elizabeth and learns that not everyone is out to trap him. He observes family and love and can't stop staring at Elizabeth. There are of course obstacles in the forms of Mr Collins and his Aunt Catherine, but in the end they find their happily ever after.
April 22, 2023
Different circumstances
They get the opportunity to get to know each other, and Darcy gets to have first hand knowledge of the Bennet family. The usual suspects try to mess things up. An entertaining story low on angst.
They get the opportunity to get to know each other, and Darcy gets to have first hand knowledge of the Bennet family. The usual suspects try to mess things up. An entertaining story low on angst.
June 10, 2021
This was a very decent P&P. Darcy’s Pride is talked about, but not displayed. He gets all humble being nursed back to health by the Bennett family. I’m wondering if Darcy would’ve ever gotten over his jealous snit if Colonel Fitzwilliam hadn’t given him a stern talking to. I mean, he was going to fancy social functions shopping for a suitable wife he could tolerate. This was really his only loser moment in the story. If he cared for Lizzy, he should’ve asked her what she was doing. He just left town without saying goodbye. Lame.
Things work out well and I was satisfied with the ending. The Epilogue was unnecessary and boring. I find that JAFF authors often find it necessary to wrap everything up with a nice tidy bow and tell us all about everybody’s lives years later. Nope. Readers just want a good HEA and for all the bad guys to meet terrible ends.
Things work out well and I was satisfied with the ending. The Epilogue was unnecessary and boring. I find that JAFF authors often find it necessary to wrap everything up with a nice tidy bow and tell us all about everybody’s lives years later. Nope. Readers just want a good HEA and for all the bad guys to meet terrible ends.
October 1, 2022
Liked the premise, but Darcy just had to ruin it right at the home stretch!
October 29, 2017
Avid Reader
Caroline, Wickham, and Lady Catherine were the usual villains, but after Lady Catherine told Caroline that Darcy showed absolutely no interest in her, Caroline backed down, especially after Darcy locked his door and let her know that he was awake. Even Lady Catherine and her daughter Anne had tried the same trick with the same results. Darcy could only compare them the Bennett family where no one tried to compromise him thanks to Mr. Bennett. Nicely done!
Caroline, Wickham, and Lady Catherine were the usual villains, but after Lady Catherine told Caroline that Darcy showed absolutely no interest in her, Caroline backed down, especially after Darcy locked his door and let her know that he was awake. Even Lady Catherine and her daughter Anne had tried the same trick with the same results. Darcy could only compare them the Bennett family where no one tried to compromise him thanks to Mr. Bennett. Nicely done!
April 1, 2020
Just okay
Sometimes I appreciate PnP variations for what they don't contain. I usually can do without Wickham altogether, although he was included in the story he was neither over the top, nor a main character, and there wasn't a Wickham and Lydia storyline. Also, Caroline was Caroline, but not the deranged Caroline that is found in other variations. So with that being said, the book was okay, but I appreciate not having to suffer through over the top plots and characters.
Sometimes I appreciate PnP variations for what they don't contain. I usually can do without Wickham altogether, although he was included in the story he was neither over the top, nor a main character, and there wasn't a Wickham and Lydia storyline. Also, Caroline was Caroline, but not the deranged Caroline that is found in other variations. So with that being said, the book was okay, but I appreciate not having to suffer through over the top plots and characters.
February 18, 2022
The last few chapters spoiled this book for me. And was it really necessary to mention Bella Thorne?
January 7, 2022
Another good story from Emily Russell. I have read many and might keep on reading them. This variation has a topic I have read before, where Mr Darcy has an accident and is taken to Longbourn to recover, but in this one Mr Darcy is just coming from London, the Meryton assembly hasn't happened yet, and he is coming a bit late and not feeling well, but he had promised Mr Bingley that he would come so he does but before making it to Netherfield he starts feeling really bad.
Lizzy is late for the assembly and hurrying home when she sees this gentleman yell to her to hep him before falling off his horse. She comes to his aid at once, takes his horse and as fast as she can she gets to Longbourn to tell her father about the gentleman, so her father can organise some men to pick him up. Meanwhile she goes back to him, and hugs him to keep him warm. He has a fever, so as soon as able, Mr Bennet and some of his stable hands take Mr Darcy back to Longbourn. They get the apothecary to attend to him. he has a fever and he is not to be moved at this time.
They find out he is Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley's friend and inform him about the illness and the plan of recovery. Lizzy spends a lot of time taking care of him, sometimes helped by her father or some male servants. So when he wakes up he sees her. They grow close through her care and his illness.
Mr Darcy also grows close with Mr Bennet and learns to respect the family a lot, for all the care they have provided and for not planning to take advantage of him.
Anyway, to not keep on spoiling, it is a good story, ODC's feelings come into play early but there is no early understanding due to Mr Darcy's sense of duty (first) and then some bad impression of something he witnesses. Lizzy doesn't want to hope, so she tries to distance herself from Mr Darcy but gets into a trap....
Mr Wickham is his awful self. Mr Collins is his meddling self, and Lady Catherine is her rude self. Miss Bingley starts annoying and finishes subdued.
Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana come to Netherfield and visit Darcy in Longbourn.
Anyway, a short story, with a nice and sweet ending and an epilogue.
Lizzy is late for the assembly and hurrying home when she sees this gentleman yell to her to hep him before falling off his horse. She comes to his aid at once, takes his horse and as fast as she can she gets to Longbourn to tell her father about the gentleman, so her father can organise some men to pick him up. Meanwhile she goes back to him, and hugs him to keep him warm. He has a fever, so as soon as able, Mr Bennet and some of his stable hands take Mr Darcy back to Longbourn. They get the apothecary to attend to him. he has a fever and he is not to be moved at this time.
They find out he is Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley's friend and inform him about the illness and the plan of recovery. Lizzy spends a lot of time taking care of him, sometimes helped by her father or some male servants. So when he wakes up he sees her. They grow close through her care and his illness.
Mr Darcy also grows close with Mr Bennet and learns to respect the family a lot, for all the care they have provided and for not planning to take advantage of him.
Anyway, to not keep on spoiling, it is a good story, ODC's feelings come into play early but there is no early understanding due to Mr Darcy's sense of duty (first) and then some bad impression of something he witnesses. Lizzy doesn't want to hope, so she tries to distance herself from Mr Darcy but gets into a trap....
Mr Wickham is his awful self. Mr Collins is his meddling self, and Lady Catherine is her rude self. Miss Bingley starts annoying and finishes subdued.
Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana come to Netherfield and visit Darcy in Longbourn.
Anyway, a short story, with a nice and sweet ending and an epilogue.
January 1, 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. Elizabeth Bennet had been warned about the importance of returning home early from her woodland ramble to attend the Meryton assembly where her family would meet their wealthy new neighbor, Mr. Bingley. Absorbed in her book, she lost track of the hour and is obliged to run home through the dim woods before she is too late. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley has been feeling unwell for several days, and only his promise to his friend Bingley forces him to ride out from London to Hertfordshire where he is to assist him with the running of his new estate, but as he rides through the dark woods towards Netherfield, his illness finally overtakes him and he falls unconscious from his horse. Elizabeth is shocked to find him and with the help of her father, takes the young man home to Longbourn where she nurses him through his illness. He is too weak to be removed to Netherfield and is obliged to remain under the Bennets' care, much to the anger of Mr Bingley’s ambitious sister, Caroline Bingley, who has her sights set on becoming Mrs Darcy. As Elizabeth and Darcy grow closer, rumours spread through the small town of Meryton about a marriage between the two. Elizabeth attempts to quash the rumours, but trouble starts when they reach the wrong ears and soon, the jealousy of others threaten to tear the two apart. 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 had been warned about the importance of returning home early from her woodland ramble to attend the Meryton assembly where her family would meet their wealthy new neighbor, Mr. Bingley. Absorbed in her book, she lost track of the hour and is obliged to run home through the dim woods before she is too late. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley has been feeling unwell for several days, and only his promise to his friend Bingley forces him to ride out from London to Hertfordshire where he is to assist him with the running of his new estate, but as he rides through the dark woods towards Netherfield, his illness finally overtakes him and he falls unconscious from his horse. Elizabeth is shocked to find him and with the help of her father, takes the young man home to Longbourn where she nurses him through his illness. He is too weak to be removed to Netherfield and is obliged to remain under the Bennets' care, much to the anger of Mr Bingley’s ambitious sister, Caroline Bingley, who has her sights set on becoming Mrs Darcy. As Elizabeth and Darcy grow closer, rumours spread through the small town of Meryton about a marriage between the two. Elizabeth attempts to quash the rumours, but trouble starts when they reach the wrong ears and soon, the jealousy of others threaten to tear the two apart. 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.
May 11, 2020
Another wonderful variation from Emily Russell.
The description does a good job describing this book. Elizabeth finds Darcy as he falls off his horse, ill. They take him back to Longbourn to recover as they are not sure who he is. Darcy is pretty different from the start, his pride and prejudice not appearing much. He is just grateful and humbled to owe his life to the Bennets. He and Elizabeth fall in love, and it's very sweet and romantic.
The only thing I would like is maybe one more chapter. We have no idea what happens to Mr. Collins in the end. After Elizabeth ultimately turns him down, we hear is out walking with Mary, but we never hear anything after that. What happens to Caroline Bingley? I would have just liked some more closure with some of those characters.
But I loved this variation, and will read it again!
The description does a good job describing this book. Elizabeth finds Darcy as he falls off his horse, ill. They take him back to Longbourn to recover as they are not sure who he is. Darcy is pretty different from the start, his pride and prejudice not appearing much. He is just grateful and humbled to owe his life to the Bennets. He and Elizabeth fall in love, and it's very sweet and romantic.
The only thing I would like is maybe one more chapter. We have no idea what happens to Mr. Collins in the end. After Elizabeth ultimately turns him down, we hear is out walking with Mary, but we never hear anything after that. What happens to Caroline Bingley? I would have just liked some more closure with some of those characters.
But I loved this variation, and will read it again!
November 13, 2017
I enjoyed this variation on P&P. Darcy is ill and must stay at Longbourn. Lizzie takes care of him. I enjoyed them getting to know one another. Collins was his usual icky self. The one thing I didn't like was how taken in by Wickham Lizzie was. Even though the circumstances were different than in the original P&P, I felt that Lizzie would have been a better judge of character. And when Darcy happens upon her in the woods towards the end of the book, he kept referring to her as 'Miss Bennet'. As the second daughter, she would have been 'Miss Elizabeth', which would have made what he was saying to her seem that much more special. 'Miss Bennet' was just TOO formal.
February 19, 2022
Outstanding!
She has done it again. Emily Russell is one of my Favorite Authors of Pride and Prejudice adebtations of all time. I cannot stop reading her books once I start. They are so good they keep you so entertained that you want to know what will happen next. I have read two books in one day of hers. I am so upset that I have almost read all her books already. But no worries I'll read them all again . Yes they are that good! I laugh out loud when I read if it's funny. I love when an author can have that effect on me which she has. I look forward to read anything she writes. I hope you do as well.
She has done it again. Emily Russell is one of my Favorite Authors of Pride and Prejudice adebtations of all time. I cannot stop reading her books once I start. They are so good they keep you so entertained that you want to know what will happen next. I have read two books in one day of hers. I am so upset that I have almost read all her books already. But no worries I'll read them all again . Yes they are that good! I laugh out loud when I read if it's funny. I love when an author can have that effect on me which she has. I look forward to read anything she writes. I hope you do as well.
November 13, 2017
An alternative meeting for Elizabeth and Darcy
Elizabeth had stayed in the woods too long reading her book. She would be late for the evening's assembly. As she hurried homeward, she saw a man on horseback weaving in the saddle. As she watched he said, "Help me," and fell to the ground.
Repressing her fear, she climbed on his horse and rode to tell her father to bring a cart, then quickly returned to the fallen man. Her father arrived with more men and the man was conveyed to Longbourne. He was installed in the guest room and the local apothecary was summoned.
20
Elizabeth had stayed in the woods too long reading her book. She would be late for the evening's assembly. As she hurried homeward, she saw a man on horseback weaving in the saddle. As she watched he said, "Help me," and fell to the ground.
Repressing her fear, she climbed on his horse and rode to tell her father to bring a cart, then quickly returned to the fallen man. Her father arrived with more men and the man was conveyed to Longbourne. He was installed in the guest room and the local apothecary was summoned.
20
October 26, 2017
Great story
Loved this variation of P & P. Though not unique (anothrr story with similar events - Darcy being cared for at Longbojrn). I believed this is the best of them. Enjoyed the unfolding if events. Story is centered with our 2 main characters. ( I find it trying/boring when a story will deal a lot with the other characters. The part Darcy was upset with Lizzy really depressing, but it was perfect. I might have overlooked, who did Mr Collins ended up with?
Loved this variation of P & P. Though not unique (anothrr story with similar events - Darcy being cared for at Longbojrn). I believed this is the best of them. Enjoyed the unfolding if events. Story is centered with our 2 main characters. ( I find it trying/boring when a story will deal a lot with the other characters. The part Darcy was upset with Lizzy really depressing, but it was perfect. I might have overlooked, who did Mr Collins ended up with?
December 19, 2022
Loved this twist
Excellent story..a what if ..story if you please.....it is what iff Darcy and elzlubeth don't meet an assembly but a deserted road that night to an Illness Darcys suffers on hirseback...its a funny and upbeat story with your typical Collins and Outragious Lady Catherine. It's a page turning lovely story with ODC coming to together early on recommend it
Excellent story..a what if ..story if you please.....it is what iff Darcy and elzlubeth don't meet an assembly but a deserted road that night to an Illness Darcys suffers on hirseback...its a funny and upbeat story with your typical Collins and Outragious Lady Catherine. It's a page turning lovely story with ODC coming to together early on recommend it
December 24, 2017
Loved it!
Liked the twist that has Darcy falling ill and staying at Longbourn instead of Jane falling ill and staying at Netherfield. It changes everything m yet everything eventually falls into place as it should be.
Liked the twist that has Darcy falling ill and staying at Longbourn instead of Jane falling ill and staying at Netherfield. It changes everything m yet everything eventually falls into place as it should be.
January 30, 2018
Cute 'what if' Pride and prejudice variation
Very simple, but pleasant retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Plot line and ending obvious from the beginning. If you suspend belief a pleasant short read.
Very simple, but pleasant retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Plot line and ending obvious from the beginning. If you suspend belief a pleasant short read.
February 7, 2018
Unputdownable
I felt the inclusion of some of Jane Austins original lines in a very different story so clever. This book was over far too quick. Recommended to Jane Austin enthusiasts.
I felt the inclusion of some of Jane Austins original lines in a very different story so clever. This book was over far too quick. Recommended to Jane Austin enthusiasts.
November 21, 2020
Another great book
I really like this author and this book. As I have said in previous reviews, she does a nice job staying true to the original, while at the same time making interesting, plausible changes.
I really like this author and this book. As I have said in previous reviews, she does a nice job staying true to the original, while at the same time making interesting, plausible changes.
June 29, 2023
If you gotta nurse someone, let it be Darcy.
I liked this a lot. Darcy is ill at Longbourn and the usual suspects try to cause some trouble. Wickham is the most successful but his triumph does not last very long.
Darcy named his horse Matlock??
I liked this a lot. Darcy is ill at Longbourn and the usual suspects try to cause some trouble. Wickham is the most successful but his triumph does not last very long.
Darcy named his horse Matlock??
October 31, 2017
Different.
Liked this variation. Easy read. Different from another story where Elizabeth rescued Darcy. Enough angst to satisfy all Austen fans.
Liked this variation. Easy read. Different from another story where Elizabeth rescued Darcy. Enough angst to satisfy all Austen fans.
November 17, 2017
I thought it was very well written and enjoyable!
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