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Darcy and... A Pride and Prejudice Variations Collection #5
With the Colonel's Help: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
For Darcy and Elizabeth, overcoming the odds has never been more challenging For Fitzwilliam Darcy, choosing between his heart and what he thinks is his duty is no easy task. However, when a gentleman has a cousin such as Darcy does, sorting out what is best becomes far easier. If only that cousin had not tried to improve Miss Elizabeth's opinion of Darcy! Since their first meeting, Elizabeth Bennet has not held Mr. Darcy in high esteem. Indeed, she has loudly proclaimed her dislike for the gentleman. However, after hearing the tale Colonel Fitzwilliam has to tell, that dislike threatens to grow into unyielding disdain. When a gentleman of honour creates a problem, he must see the trouble resolved. It is, therefore, under the watchful eye of Colonel Fitzwilliam that Darcy and Elizabeth begin down a path of greater understanding until fate and relations, intervene creating a situation bordering on impossible. With the Colonel's Help is just one of Leenie Brown's numerous Pride and Prejudice inspired stories. If you like well-written, sweet romance where family ties are strong, understanding runs deep, and love rises above any obstacle, then you will love this story about capturing and restoring a love that was almost lost. So, put the kettle on, grab your copy of With the Colonel's Help , and slip into a world of sweet romantic indulgence today. ____ Book [This book can also be found in Darcy And... A Pride and Prejudice Variations Collection ]
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2017
104 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Leenie Brown
95 books112 followersLeenie Brown has always been a girl with an active imagination, which, while growing up, was both an asset, providing many hours of fun as she played out stories, and a liability, when her older sister and aunt would tell her frightening tales. At one time, they had her convinced Dracula lived in the trunk at the end of the bed she slept in when visiting her grandparents!
Although it has been years since she cowered in her bed in her grandparents’ basement, she still has an imagination which occasionally runs away with her, and she feeds it now as she did then ─ by reading!
Her heroes, when growing up, were authors, and the worlds they painted with words were (and still are) her favourite playgrounds! Now, as an adult, she spends much of her time in the Regency world, playing with the characters from her favourite Jane Austen novels and those of her own creation.
When she is not traipsing down a trail in an attempt to keep up with her imagination, Leenie resides in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia with her two sons and her very own Mr. Brown (a wonderful mix of all the best of Darcy, Bingley, and Edmund with a healthy dose of the teasing Mr. Tilney and just a dash of the scolding Mr. Knightley).
Although it has been years since she cowered in her bed in her grandparents’ basement, she still has an imagination which occasionally runs away with her, and she feeds it now as she did then ─ by reading!
Her heroes, when growing up, were authors, and the worlds they painted with words were (and still are) her favourite playgrounds! Now, as an adult, she spends much of her time in the Regency world, playing with the characters from her favourite Jane Austen novels and those of her own creation.
When she is not traipsing down a trail in an attempt to keep up with her imagination, Leenie resides in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia with her two sons and her very own Mr. Brown (a wonderful mix of all the best of Darcy, Bingley, and Edmund with a healthy dose of the teasing Mr. Tilney and just a dash of the scolding Mr. Knightley).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 2, 2017
Great variation. Colonel Fitzwilliam proves himself to be an able tactician and indispensable partner to Darcy in winning Elizabeth's good opinion. The Colonel's sensitivity to her response when he tries to highlight his cousin's better qualities in service to a friend (Bingley!) leads him to recognize that something's amiss. When Richard subsequently interrogates Darcy, he forces Darcy to admit his feelings for Elizabeth and also gets Darcy to see all his missteps throughout their relationship.
Because of Richard's invaluable assistance, Darcy makes remarkable headway with the lady in a relatively short time. But the path to an HEA is not smooth, as Lydia's misbehavior stirs the usually indolent Mr. Bennet to extreme measures to protect his family, not realizing the heartbreak his actions create.
The plot is developed beautifully, and the writing itself is quite good. This book definitely stirs the reader's emotions, as a good romance should.
Because of Richard's invaluable assistance, Darcy makes remarkable headway with the lady in a relatively short time. But the path to an HEA is not smooth, as Lydia's misbehavior stirs the usually indolent Mr. Bennet to extreme measures to protect his family, not realizing the heartbreak his actions create.
The plot is developed beautifully, and the writing itself is quite good. This book definitely stirs the reader's emotions, as a good romance should.
May 18, 2018
“One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives.” –Euripides
I have read nearly all that Leenie Brown has written and am a huge fan of her work. I love a good colonel story and I am happy to say I was not disappointed in this one. Our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam is a cousin/brother to Fitzwilliam Darcy. According to canon and Brown, he may not be as tall, handsome or as rich as Darcy; however, he has his back. He is a friend, confidant and brother to Darcy and is co-guardian to Georgiana.
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” –King Solomon
This was a clean story and opened in Kent where our dear Colonel realized that his morose cousin was attracted to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He also didn’t realize the intense mess Darcy had made for himself in his acquaintance with the lively miss while his cousin was staying in Hertfordshire. Nor did our dear Colonel realize that, in his attempt to ingratiate his cousin to the witty Miss Elizabeth, that he had in fact stirred the pot against him. What a predicament and what to do? Well, you cannot get a Colonel of His Majesty’s service down with one set-back… our dear Colonel was, if nothing else, a master at strategy. Now, if he could only arrange his cousin’s life and that of Miss Elizabeth.
“My best friend is the man who is wishing me well wishes it for my sake.” –Aristotle
When Miss Elizabeth heard of Darcy’s involvement with separating her sister Jane and Mr. Bingley she was livid. She was prepared to hate him for all eternity. Calm and sensible Charlotte helped her friend to see the situation through different eyes and encouraged Elizabeth to go to Rosings and not feign having a headache and hide… em… stay at the parsonage. We who know the canon story know that another disaster was averted. Whew, that was close.
By now our dear Colonel and Darcy had worked out a plan to slip Miss Elizabeth a letter explaining their history with Wickham. This was delivered in a most surprising way. That night Elizabeth read the account of Wickham’s dealings with the Darcy family and especially with a very young Georgiana. She met the gentlemen the next morning on her walk… contrite and ashamed that she had fallen for Wickham’s lies. Since she was going back to London, Darcy and his cousin offered to transport Elizabeth and Maria back to London in the Darcy carriage.
While on the London Road they encountered a disheveled Lydia, who had escaped from Wickham. She fainted shortly after Elizabeth heard her story. She wouldn’t respond nor did she wake up for some time. By then Mr. Bennet had arrived in London and sent a letter to Darcy house severing all connections with Darcy. Mr. B blamed Darcy for the failure to inform Meryton of Wickham’s proclivities. He didn’t want him near his daughters.
Our dear Colonel had Wickham in custody but the scum-bag-rat-bastard was claiming that Lydia had stolen his purse. This was a serious crime if in fact the charges were true… not only was her reputation ruined… she would also be branded a thief and possibly transported.
Now we have the dark days of Darcy and Elizabeth and their forced separation. Mr. Bennet was unyielding. I was so angry with him. What was his culpability in Lydia’s situation? Where did he stand in all this mess? Grrr! How dare he throw stones at Darcy when he lived in a glass house. What about him and his wife and their behavior? I wanted to scream.
“… He that is without sin among you, let him cast a stone…. ” John 8: 7 [KJV]
Our dear Colonel was so smart in his dealings with Mr. Bennet. He told Bennet of Darcy paying off Wickham’s debts to the merchants in Meryton, purchasing a commission in the Regulars, and making plans for Wickham to be escorted under heavy guard to a ship headed for Canada. As Bennet wondered why Darcy would do those things… our dear Colonel reminded Bennet of how he had blamed Darcy for Wickham’s debts and how Darcy felt it was his responsibility to correct. He then handed Bennet a stone and asked him to remember what the Good Book said about casting the first stone. It was a powerful metaphor.
It was a while before we reached the HEA. There were strong moments where Darcy and Elizabeth were able to convey their true feelings to each other. That scene in the library will melt your heart. I loved it. Without Mr. Bennet’s consent, they could do nothing as Elizabeth was underage. These were indeed dark days and Darcy nearly made a horrible decision but for our dear Colonel’s intervention.
I have read nearly all that Leenie Brown has written and am a huge fan of her work. I love a good colonel story and I am happy to say I was not disappointed in this one. Our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam is a cousin/brother to Fitzwilliam Darcy. According to canon and Brown, he may not be as tall, handsome or as rich as Darcy; however, he has his back. He is a friend, confidant and brother to Darcy and is co-guardian to Georgiana.
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” –King Solomon
This was a clean story and opened in Kent where our dear Colonel realized that his morose cousin was attracted to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He also didn’t realize the intense mess Darcy had made for himself in his acquaintance with the lively miss while his cousin was staying in Hertfordshire. Nor did our dear Colonel realize that, in his attempt to ingratiate his cousin to the witty Miss Elizabeth, that he had in fact stirred the pot against him. What a predicament and what to do? Well, you cannot get a Colonel of His Majesty’s service down with one set-back… our dear Colonel was, if nothing else, a master at strategy. Now, if he could only arrange his cousin’s life and that of Miss Elizabeth.
“My best friend is the man who is wishing me well wishes it for my sake.” –Aristotle
When Miss Elizabeth heard of Darcy’s involvement with separating her sister Jane and Mr. Bingley she was livid. She was prepared to hate him for all eternity. Calm and sensible Charlotte helped her friend to see the situation through different eyes and encouraged Elizabeth to go to Rosings and not feign having a headache and hide… em… stay at the parsonage. We who know the canon story know that another disaster was averted. Whew, that was close.
By now our dear Colonel and Darcy had worked out a plan to slip Miss Elizabeth a letter explaining their history with Wickham. This was delivered in a most surprising way. That night Elizabeth read the account of Wickham’s dealings with the Darcy family and especially with a very young Georgiana. She met the gentlemen the next morning on her walk… contrite and ashamed that she had fallen for Wickham’s lies. Since she was going back to London, Darcy and his cousin offered to transport Elizabeth and Maria back to London in the Darcy carriage.
While on the London Road they encountered a disheveled Lydia, who had escaped from Wickham. She fainted shortly after Elizabeth heard her story. She wouldn’t respond nor did she wake up for some time. By then Mr. Bennet had arrived in London and sent a letter to Darcy house severing all connections with Darcy. Mr. B blamed Darcy for the failure to inform Meryton of Wickham’s proclivities. He didn’t want him near his daughters.
Our dear Colonel had Wickham in custody but the scum-bag-rat-bastard was claiming that Lydia had stolen his purse. This was a serious crime if in fact the charges were true… not only was her reputation ruined… she would also be branded a thief and possibly transported.
Now we have the dark days of Darcy and Elizabeth and their forced separation. Mr. Bennet was unyielding. I was so angry with him. What was his culpability in Lydia’s situation? Where did he stand in all this mess? Grrr! How dare he throw stones at Darcy when he lived in a glass house. What about him and his wife and their behavior? I wanted to scream.
“… He that is without sin among you, let him cast a stone…. ” John 8: 7 [KJV]
Our dear Colonel was so smart in his dealings with Mr. Bennet. He told Bennet of Darcy paying off Wickham’s debts to the merchants in Meryton, purchasing a commission in the Regulars, and making plans for Wickham to be escorted under heavy guard to a ship headed for Canada. As Bennet wondered why Darcy would do those things… our dear Colonel reminded Bennet of how he had blamed Darcy for Wickham’s debts and how Darcy felt it was his responsibility to correct. He then handed Bennet a stone and asked him to remember what the Good Book said about casting the first stone. It was a powerful metaphor.
It was a while before we reached the HEA. There were strong moments where Darcy and Elizabeth were able to convey their true feelings to each other. That scene in the library will melt your heart. I loved it. Without Mr. Bennet’s consent, they could do nothing as Elizabeth was underage. These were indeed dark days and Darcy nearly made a horrible decision but for our dear Colonel’s intervention.
July 6, 2024
Colonel Fitzwilliam for the win
He was a star in this sweet story.
Just enough drama to keep it interesting. I think I like this one the most of all of this author's stories.
He was a star in this sweet story.
Just enough drama to keep it interesting. I think I like this one the most of all of this author's stories.
November 19, 2018
Another fine story by Leenie Brown. I hope there is a sequel or two to tie up some loose ends. But really, they don't need tobe put down on paper and perhaps wouldn't be as much fun to read them.
I would say the book could be summed up with this sentence. Sometimes it takes a village to help a couple achieve their Happily Ever After.
Some reviewers have mentioned Mr. Bennet was totally in the wrong in this story. I, who have a grown daughter, can understand overreacting if something horrible happen to a daughter.
I’m not sure how an honorable gentleman is supposed to control anyone, including Wickham, without breaking the law. Should the Bennets have been better parents. Well of course but how many good parents have had kids that made bad decisions? Many.
Really, the puzzle of Wickham is a hard one to solve in everyday real life. Really a soldier who has deserted should have been taken care of by the militia. Deserting and leaving debts behind...hanging or deportation should have been his result.
I would say the book could be summed up with this sentence. Sometimes it takes a village to help a couple achieve their Happily Ever After.
Some reviewers have mentioned Mr. Bennet was totally in the wrong in this story. I, who have a grown daughter, can understand overreacting if something horrible happen to a daughter.
I’m not sure how an honorable gentleman is supposed to control anyone, including Wickham, without breaking the law. Should the Bennets have been better parents. Well of course but how many good parents have had kids that made bad decisions? Many.
Really, the puzzle of Wickham is a hard one to solve in everyday real life. Really a soldier who has deserted should have been taken care of by the militia. Deserting and leaving debts behind...hanging or deportation should have been his result.
June 26, 2024
Colonel Fitzwilliam will not let the situation alone! He works his will on Darcy to think through, plan, and act on his attraction to Elizabeth. There are many blockers that are put up during the path but he leads the charge. Luckily, Elizabeth has her own "colonel" in Charlotte Collins.
November 4, 2017
As the Title indicates ....
As angst free a novella as you would come upon, but well written and edited. Nothing superfluous added in but thereby, limited in scope and depth. A brief, pleasant diversion. Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars.
As angst free a novella as you would come upon, but well written and edited. Nothing superfluous added in but thereby, limited in scope and depth. A brief, pleasant diversion. Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars.
June 26, 2024
Fun variation with the Colonel in a leading role
I liked this story enough to reread. The Colonel is a fun character and the romance between our dear couple develops sweetly. At first, the Colonel helps convince Elizabeth and later Mr Bennet.
June 2024: I changed my rating because I still liked it after X rereads.
I liked this story enough to reread. The Colonel is a fun character and the romance between our dear couple develops sweetly. At first, the Colonel helps convince Elizabeth and later Mr Bennet.
June 2024: I changed my rating because I still liked it after X rereads.
July 19, 2018
First of all, I’m so happy that the author kept the Colonel’s first name Richard. I know he’s not given a Christian name in cannon but I’m so used to thinking of him as Richard from all the JAFF I’ve read that I can’t stand to have him called anything else. OK, rant over. This might be my favorite Colonel story yet. I always love it when Fitzwilliam steps in to help Darcy secure the woman he loves. Great plot twist. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
October 30, 2017
This particular “Colonel” book is wonderful!
Colonel Fitzwilliam has always been one of my favorite Jane Austen characters. In this variation, he plays the key person in the happiness of so many people. The way he and Darcy curtail the proclivities of Wickham is genius!!
Colonel Fitzwilliam has always been one of my favorite Jane Austen characters. In this variation, he plays the key person in the happiness of so many people. The way he and Darcy curtail the proclivities of Wickham is genius!!
September 8, 2020
A Lovely Read
I always enjoy a good portrayal of Colonel Fitzwilliam, and this short story does it well. Not by design or with malice, he reveals Darcy’s role in separating Bingley and Jane to Elizabeth. Upon seeing her reaction, he realizes his colossal blunder and makes it his mission to heal the breach and bring Darcy and Elizabeth together.
I loved this. The Colonel, in a leadership role, takes control of a bad situation which ultimately brings about a HEA for our dearest couple. Recommend.
I always enjoy a good portrayal of Colonel Fitzwilliam, and this short story does it well. Not by design or with malice, he reveals Darcy’s role in separating Bingley and Jane to Elizabeth. Upon seeing her reaction, he realizes his colossal blunder and makes it his mission to heal the breach and bring Darcy and Elizabeth together.
I loved this. The Colonel, in a leadership role, takes control of a bad situation which ultimately brings about a HEA for our dearest couple. Recommend.
November 27, 2017
While at Rosings Colonel Fitzwilliam inform Elizabeth Bennet of a deed of friendship that Darcy had recently performed, unfortunately. How can the Colonel rectify his mistake and so bring Darcy and Elizabeth together.
Very enjoyable read and if a story involves the Colonel I am going to read it.
Very enjoyable read and if a story involves the Colonel I am going to read it.
February 4, 2023
Mr. Darcy is anxious to redeem himself and win Miss Elizabeth's heart, but he'll need help.
Darcy's cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam is ready to render aide, especially since he has inadvertently put Darcy in a bad light. Upon further examination, he can clearly see that they have feelings for each other. Just when it seems they could be off to a good start, they come upon an injured Lydia stumbling down a street in town near their Aunt and Uncle's home. Their Farther has come to town with Sir William search for Lydia and to retrieve their daughters . Finding Lydia in poor health and finding out how she'd been treated by Wickham, Mr. Bennet is furious. He becomes even more so when he is told of Wickham's past activities and the fact that Mr. Darcy had not warned the unsuspecting people of Merryton. It will require the Colonel's help to untangle this mess . The maneuvers applied by the Colonel are masterful. I'm sure you'll enjoy this wonderful story.
Darcy's cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam is ready to render aide, especially since he has inadvertently put Darcy in a bad light. Upon further examination, he can clearly see that they have feelings for each other. Just when it seems they could be off to a good start, they come upon an injured Lydia stumbling down a street in town near their Aunt and Uncle's home. Their Farther has come to town with Sir William search for Lydia and to retrieve their daughters . Finding Lydia in poor health and finding out how she'd been treated by Wickham, Mr. Bennet is furious. He becomes even more so when he is told of Wickham's past activities and the fact that Mr. Darcy had not warned the unsuspecting people of Merryton. It will require the Colonel's help to untangle this mess . The maneuvers applied by the Colonel are masterful. I'm sure you'll enjoy this wonderful story.
July 31, 2024
Observant Cousin
Colonel Fitzwilliam plays a wonderful role in this variation. As a more sociable and outgoing person, of course his great emotional intelligence would factor into his ability to detect discord and navigate the best way to resolve it. Once again we are reminded about what it means to be human… easy to err yet more challenging to acknowledge it. We had opportunity to see this with many characters in this story- humble when acknowledging and “owning” errors and also graceful when forgiving others. Sweet and very satisfying!
Colonel Fitzwilliam plays a wonderful role in this variation. As a more sociable and outgoing person, of course his great emotional intelligence would factor into his ability to detect discord and navigate the best way to resolve it. Once again we are reminded about what it means to be human… easy to err yet more challenging to acknowledge it. We had opportunity to see this with many characters in this story- humble when acknowledging and “owning” errors and also graceful when forgiving others. Sweet and very satisfying!
July 9, 2024
Colonel Fitzwilliam realizes his error in telling Lizzy about Bingley. He tells Darcy before he proposes and they start to show the kind side of him. Charlotte also helps ease Lizzy's opinion of the situation.
While traveling to London they find Lydia on the side of the road. She had escaped Wickham who had attempted to put her up as payment in cards. Mr. Bennet cuts ties with Darcy blaming him for Lydia trusting Wickham since he doesn't understand his character.
While traveling to London they find Lydia on the side of the road. She had escaped Wickham who had attempted to put her up as payment in cards. Mr. Bennet cuts ties with Darcy blaming him for Lydia trusting Wickham since he doesn't understand his character.
September 18, 2020
Good plot
Characters are pretty true to the original. I like the twist with Lydia and Wickham. I just wish her story had been finished off. The ending bothered me a bit. It was very in-depth until just before the final ending. That felt a bit tacked on.
For .99 I would recommend it.
Characters are pretty true to the original. I like the twist with Lydia and Wickham. I just wish her story had been finished off. The ending bothered me a bit. It was very in-depth until just before the final ending. That felt a bit tacked on.
For .99 I would recommend it.
July 28, 2020
So enjoyable
I love Ms. Brown's stories that contain Richard Fitzwilliam. She makes him seem such a wonderful character. He is always pushing for justice and truth. Sometimes he is fierce and sometimes he is gentle. I cannot help loving him in all of her portrayals.
I love Ms. Brown's stories that contain Richard Fitzwilliam. She makes him seem such a wonderful character. He is always pushing for justice and truth. Sometimes he is fierce and sometimes he is gentle. I cannot help loving him in all of her portrayals.
November 5, 2022
Not bad at all
I love any book that has Colonel Fitzwilliam as one of the main characters but especially the ones where he helps Lizzy and Darcy find their true path. In this book he is the main instigator of Darcy getting the woman he truly loves.
I love any book that has Colonel Fitzwilliam as one of the main characters but especially the ones where he helps Lizzy and Darcy find their true path. In this book he is the main instigator of Darcy getting the woman he truly loves.
January 30, 2024
The shorter ones are good, too.
When I feel like strangling a fictional character, it tells me that the author is a really god writer. Lydia and that father of hers really rile me up. And that's why I love Leenie Brown!
When I feel like strangling a fictional character, it tells me that the author is a really god writer. Lydia and that father of hers really rile me up. And that's why I love Leenie Brown!
November 5, 2017
Very good
I️ love this twist on pride and prejudice. There were parts that I️ absolutely loved. Wish it had been a little longer.
I️ love this twist on pride and prejudice. There were parts that I️ absolutely loved. Wish it had been a little longer.
November 9, 2017
Not enough ....
The writing style is very fanfiction like. The characters lack depth...nice story but I'm sorry I spent money on it
The writing style is very fanfiction like. The characters lack depth...nice story but I'm sorry I spent money on it
November 19, 2018
Heartfelt
Although shorter than others, the depth of emotions rang true for me ... especially the ending which brought tears to my eyes.
Although shorter than others, the depth of emotions rang true for me ... especially the ending which brought tears to my eyes.
June 20, 2020
Lovely
Another lively and cheerful romance variation inspired by Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice by the talented Leenie Brown.
Another lively and cheerful romance variation inspired by Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice by the talented Leenie Brown.
January 16, 2021
I enjoyed Colonel Fitzwilliam's sense of humor and his brotherly love for Darcy.
March 22, 2022
Richard felt too much at times, although he wasn't half as intrusive as Darcy prying into Jane's and Lizzy's feelings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2022
I found this to be charming. I liked the Colonel's strategic thinking, as well as his handling of Mr. Bennet.
March 20, 2023
One of the best!
This was such a great story! Fairly short, with some unexpected twists, and a lot of love and understanding. So glad I read it.
This was such a great story! Fairly short, with some unexpected twists, and a lot of love and understanding. So glad I read it.
March 21, 2023
Cute
The colonel to the rescue.
A sweet love story that couldn't have happened without the colonel determination to make things right.
The colonel to the rescue.
A sweet love story that couldn't have happened without the colonel determination to make things right.
June 24, 2024
What a Great Serjes
This was the 5th Book of this series. It was delightful. The love the Colonel so it was entertaining and heart felt.
This was the 5th Book of this series. It was delightful. The love the Colonel so it was entertaining and heart felt.
August 24, 2024
Good read
Very nicely done story. Darcy and Elizabeth settled early on. Nicely wrapped up happy ending too. 5 stars a d a moon.
Very nicely done story. Darcy and Elizabeth settled early on. Nicely wrapped up happy ending too. 5 stars a d a moon.
August 31, 2024
Quite enjoyable and creative with good characterization, and only a few slips into modern phraseology (which isn't bad, it just distracts my brain while I am reading). I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews