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Evenings with Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Love is not a game. A chance meeting in London accelerates the courtship of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. Valentines, kisses, and various parlor games follow, bringing Jane Austen’s most romantic couple together. Evenings with Darcy is a Pride and Prejudice Variation novella set in the Regency Era.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2019
37 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Jane Grix
43 books31 followersI've been half in love with Mr. Darcy since I was twelve, although I'll admit, the first time I read Pride and Prejudice, I was totally taken in by Wickham. I was stunned when Mr. Darcy proposed (I guess I was reading too quickly to catch all the hints), and even more stunned when Wickham turned out to be a jerk. But by the end of the book I was completely smitten by Darcy. I am still smitten.
The best part about writing Jane Austen Variations is that I can relive those moments of discovery and watch Elizabeth fall in love with Darcy one more time.
All my books and short stories are standalone stories, each with a slightly different Darcy and Elizabeth.
The best part about writing Jane Austen Variations is that I can relive those moments of discovery and watch Elizabeth fall in love with Darcy one more time.
All my books and short stories are standalone stories, each with a slightly different Darcy and Elizabeth.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 31, 2019
A lovely, fluffy story.
Elizabeth accompanied Jane to town and soon ran into Mr Darcy. Loved how her opinion of him changed and that Darcy enlisted the help of Mr Bingley in his persuit.
A delightful read that I heartily recommend!
Elizabeth accompanied Jane to town and soon ran into Mr Darcy. Loved how her opinion of him changed and that Darcy enlisted the help of Mr Bingley in his persuit.
A delightful read that I heartily recommend!
March 12, 2019
This pleasant story makes two simple changes from canon and shows how they might affect everything that comes after. First, Elizabeth goes with Jane to stay with the Gardiners in Cheapside. Second, Mr. Bingley comes across the Bennet sisters as they leave the Town home after their uncomfortable visit with Caroline and Louisa.
As a result, Bingley comes to Gracechurch Street the following morning, bringing Darcy with him. This leaves both gentlemen unable to deny their attraction to their respective ladies. Naturally, Darcy has Elizabeth's dislike to overcome, as his manner continues to appear disapproving at times and she still believes Wickham's story. Determined to improve her opinion of him, Darcy arranges for a series of social activities where they can interact.
What's fun is the description of Regency parlor games that allow Darcy to show a more playful side to his personality. What's less understandable is how Caroline Bingley is often present but only rarely injects herself to dissuade Elizabeth from getting closer to Darcy and Georgiana.
Content is clean.
As a result, Bingley comes to Gracechurch Street the following morning, bringing Darcy with him. This leaves both gentlemen unable to deny their attraction to their respective ladies. Naturally, Darcy has Elizabeth's dislike to overcome, as his manner continues to appear disapproving at times and she still believes Wickham's story. Determined to improve her opinion of him, Darcy arranges for a series of social activities where they can interact.
What's fun is the description of Regency parlor games that allow Darcy to show a more playful side to his personality. What's less understandable is how Caroline Bingley is often present but only rarely injects herself to dissuade Elizabeth from getting closer to Darcy and Georgiana.
Content is clean.
February 27, 2019
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
March 7, 2021
“Life is more fun if you play games.” –Roald Dahl, My Uncle Oswald
Rating: clean: quick read: prologue, 10-chapters, plus an epilogue: angst: low: this review may contain spoilers.
This was a quick read with our couples [B&J, D&E] trying to find their happy-ever-after. After Christmas, both Jane and Elizabeth traveled back to London with their aunt and uncle. After a disastrous visit with the superior Bingley sisters, Jane and Elizabeth actually ran into Mr. Bingley as he was returning home. He did not know Jane was in town and that changed everything.
As the title implies, our story centered around many evenings that placed Elizabeth in the company of Mr. Darcy. I was beginning to wonder if she was EVER going to calm down and allow her feelings to grow or if she was going to be angry and refuse to give him a chance to redeem himself or not. Whew! It was a close call there for a while. I don’t like an obstinate and headstrong girl when she steps across the line and enters into being stupid. Again, it was a close call. The story then became just cute. I loved how our author brought our couple together. Heavy sigh. I recommend this for a darling HEA story.
“We do not stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing!” –Benjamin Franklin
Rating: clean: quick read: prologue, 10-chapters, plus an epilogue: angst: low: this review may contain spoilers.
This was a quick read with our couples [B&J, D&E] trying to find their happy-ever-after. After Christmas, both Jane and Elizabeth traveled back to London with their aunt and uncle. After a disastrous visit with the superior Bingley sisters, Jane and Elizabeth actually ran into Mr. Bingley as he was returning home. He did not know Jane was in town and that changed everything.
As the title implies, our story centered around many evenings that placed Elizabeth in the company of Mr. Darcy. I was beginning to wonder if she was EVER going to calm down and allow her feelings to grow or if she was going to be angry and refuse to give him a chance to redeem himself or not. Whew! It was a close call there for a while. I don’t like an obstinate and headstrong girl when she steps across the line and enters into being stupid. Again, it was a close call. The story then became just cute. I loved how our author brought our couple together. Heavy sigh. I recommend this for a darling HEA story.
“We do not stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing!” –Benjamin Franklin
February 12, 2019
London is for lovers
The what-if Lizzy had gone to London with Jane and what-if Jane met Bingley while she was leaving after she and Lizzy called on Caroline?
The ensuing story was fun and interesting. My only wish was Lizzy should have more time thinking about her mistakes.
I recommend this story.
The what-if Lizzy had gone to London with Jane and what-if Jane met Bingley while she was leaving after she and Lizzy called on Caroline?
The ensuing story was fun and interesting. My only wish was Lizzy should have more time thinking about her mistakes.
I recommend this story.
September 25, 2023
Once Darcy admits his feelings for Elizabeth Bennet he arranges to spend his evenings courting her.
August 2, 2022
Elizabeth and Jane both go to London. Darcy finds out that she finds him stern and intimidating and decides to change her opinion. They spend some fun nights playing parlor games and everything culminates in a creative proposal.
March 11, 2021
This is a low-angst, low-conflict Pride and Prejudice variation that differs from the original in that there is no trip to Hunsford and Rosings Park for Elizabeth. Instead, she accompanies her sister Jane to visit their aunt and uncle in Cheapside. They both call on Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, and as they are leaving, disappointed in the visit, Mr. Bingley rides up and greets them. After that, everything seems more relaxed. This is a sweet romance, well written and satisfying, if low on the angst I know so many readers love. A pleasant read when you need a simple, calmly romantic story.
March 3, 2019
Cute and sweet
The idea of parlour games is very original to show Mr. Darcy in a less serious and stiff way. This is a less implacable Darcy, although he does give a brief show of reservation about pursuing Elizabeth. All of the sources of angst in the original P&P are swept away quite easily and neatly. Lady Catherine, Wickham, Jane and Bingley 's separation - all of these problems just conveniently clear up with very little effort.
I know this is a short story, but the narrative felt somewhat rushed, almost simplistic at times. Whole events and passages of time were glossed over in a couple of quick sentences. At times it felt like an outline for a story rather than a finished product.
It's cute and sweet, but I've read better from this author.
The idea of parlour games is very original to show Mr. Darcy in a less serious and stiff way. This is a less implacable Darcy, although he does give a brief show of reservation about pursuing Elizabeth. All of the sources of angst in the original P&P are swept away quite easily and neatly. Lady Catherine, Wickham, Jane and Bingley 's separation - all of these problems just conveniently clear up with very little effort.
I know this is a short story, but the narrative felt somewhat rushed, almost simplistic at times. Whole events and passages of time were glossed over in a couple of quick sentences. At times it felt like an outline for a story rather than a finished product.
It's cute and sweet, but I've read better from this author.
June 17, 2021
Written in modern language, the first 20% is like a high-school book report of Pride & Prejudice. A slight deviation from canon takes Elizabeth to London with Jane for a stay with the Gardiners. Then things vary from the original considerably, with a chance meeting, dinners, balls, theatre, childish games, etc. It's a light and fluffy, angst-free novella that helped me pass time while in the dentist's waiting room. It's okay if you aren't expecting anything of substance.
February 14, 2019
Sweet story
Not much tension here - a quick read. I knew it was a novella, but it went by so quickly that it hardly seems worth paying for. Live and learn - I won’t be paying for another.
Not much tension here - a quick read. I knew it was a novella, but it went by so quickly that it hardly seems worth paying for. Live and learn - I won’t be paying for another.
February 28, 2019
Fun story
Short but sweet. Loved the games, especially Darcy’s part in them trying to woo his love. Nice quick afternoon read.
Short but sweet. Loved the games, especially Darcy’s part in them trying to woo his love. Nice quick afternoon read.
March 16, 2019
Short and sweet
A simple, short pride and prejudice variation. A few great moments but very simplistic read not much character depth or really story either.
A simple, short pride and prejudice variation. A few great moments but very simplistic read not much character depth or really story either.
February 13, 2021
Evenings with Darcy ( Or Ode to Parlor Games)
Synopsis:
An at times withdrawn and other times entirely too forward Darcy auspiciously courts an immature and resentful Lizzy over two weeks of fun parlous games as Bingley actually courts Jane.
Meet a Lizzy without charm and a Darcy without character. You'll be entertained just enough that you may overlook it.
We open on Lucas Lodge, Lizzy gathers Darcy is disdainful of the company and rises to tease him. This is one of the few marked scenes of actual dialogue and I own it is well done. Later after the Netherfield ball Darcy realizes he is in too much danger of loosing his heart to Lizzy, and doesn;t want to to rise expectations. In his deliberation he also owns, that he is jealous of her seeming preference of Wickham.
“It infuriated him that she obviously liked Wickham when he wanted her to like himself instead.”
How sweet.
The deviation thus truly begins with Lizzy-who wishes to escape her mothers admonitions over her refusal of Collins- accompanies Jane to London (a very logical course).
Thus Lizzy and Jane call on the Bingley's and run into Mr. Bingley unexpectedly after their call. Thus Bingley and Jane do not experience much of a hitch, and Darcy can't run from his heart. Parlour games and courting ensues.
What I liked:
-Lizzy is bold, witty and extra impertinent towards Darcy, but only at Lucas Lodge and the London theatre (Every other scene she comes off as either incredulously shy of his random flirtations, or disdainful of him).
-Lizzy captivating Darcy dinner party with her lively mermaid song, I felt she had the room wrapped around her finger, song reflexes relationship between Lizzy and Darcy- this was the definitive highlight of the entire book.
-Bingley's proposal is ADORABLE!
-I enjoyed learning about the parlour games they played and I felt the excitement of being at a regency party
What I detested:
-Much too fast paced, which is a double edged sword, the little dialogue thrown in is good.
-Darcy seems suddenly a master flirt with winks and such, he is much too bold. Lizzy is prejudiced against him to new heights that she comes off akin to a little girl thumbing her nose at any possible friendship or romance between them when other characters allude to it, and she seems immature.
-ODC bordering on out of character at best
-Lizzy shows no inclination or growing of regard to Darcy, she accepts him and I felt as it must be for $ mulla $ because we never see a turn in her affections, it was out of nowhere.
Conclusion:
2.7 stars, rounded up. It accomplishes what it sets out to be, a short light read. I wouldn't revisit.
I measure the quality of a JAFF by three factors, as follows;
1. Did I feel the characters acted true to Austen's character framework (allowing for changed circumstance and scenario to offer some leeway)? No
2. Was I engaged during the reading and not bored? Yes
3. Was the writing compelling/ intelligent and was there sufficient interaction/dialogue between the main characters? No
Thus I rate it a fun read, lacking substances, and most regrettably, heart and pulse.
Quote I liked:
“ Darcy sat between Elizabeth and Miss Bingley in the boxed seats. Between heaven and hell, he thought.”
Synopsis:
An at times withdrawn and other times entirely too forward Darcy auspiciously courts an immature and resentful Lizzy over two weeks of fun parlous games as Bingley actually courts Jane.
Meet a Lizzy without charm and a Darcy without character. You'll be entertained just enough that you may overlook it.
We open on Lucas Lodge, Lizzy gathers Darcy is disdainful of the company and rises to tease him. This is one of the few marked scenes of actual dialogue and I own it is well done. Later after the Netherfield ball Darcy realizes he is in too much danger of loosing his heart to Lizzy, and doesn;t want to to rise expectations. In his deliberation he also owns, that he is jealous of her seeming preference of Wickham.
“It infuriated him that she obviously liked Wickham when he wanted her to like himself instead.”
How sweet.
The deviation thus truly begins with Lizzy-who wishes to escape her mothers admonitions over her refusal of Collins- accompanies Jane to London (a very logical course).
Thus Lizzy and Jane call on the Bingley's and run into Mr. Bingley unexpectedly after their call. Thus Bingley and Jane do not experience much of a hitch, and Darcy can't run from his heart. Parlour games and courting ensues.
What I liked:
-Lizzy is bold, witty and extra impertinent towards Darcy, but only at Lucas Lodge and the London theatre (Every other scene she comes off as either incredulously shy of his random flirtations, or disdainful of him).
-Lizzy captivating Darcy dinner party with her lively mermaid song, I felt she had the room wrapped around her finger, song reflexes relationship between Lizzy and Darcy- this was the definitive highlight of the entire book.
-Bingley's proposal is ADORABLE!
-I enjoyed learning about the parlour games they played and I felt the excitement of being at a regency party
What I detested:
-Much too fast paced, which is a double edged sword, the little dialogue thrown in is good.
-Darcy seems suddenly a master flirt with winks and such, he is much too bold. Lizzy is prejudiced against him to new heights that she comes off akin to a little girl thumbing her nose at any possible friendship or romance between them when other characters allude to it, and she seems immature.
-ODC bordering on out of character at best
-Lizzy shows no inclination or growing of regard to Darcy, she accepts him and I felt as it must be for $ mulla $ because we never see a turn in her affections, it was out of nowhere.
Conclusion:
2.7 stars, rounded up. It accomplishes what it sets out to be, a short light read. I wouldn't revisit.
I measure the quality of a JAFF by three factors, as follows;
1. Did I feel the characters acted true to Austen's character framework (allowing for changed circumstance and scenario to offer some leeway)? No
2. Was I engaged during the reading and not bored? Yes
3. Was the writing compelling/ intelligent and was there sufficient interaction/dialogue between the main characters? No
Thus I rate it a fun read, lacking substances, and most regrettably, heart and pulse.
Quote I liked:
“ Darcy sat between Elizabeth and Miss Bingley in the boxed seats. Between heaven and hell, he thought.”
June 2, 2022
Fun reading
I am loving the series of your books Just little things like the way Darcy and Elizabeth interact with each other puts smiles on my face Thank you for an enjoyable read.
I am loving the series of your books Just little things like the way Darcy and Elizabeth interact with each other puts smiles on my face Thank you for an enjoyable read.
May 29, 2020
Amusing
A short and sweet amusing variation inspired by Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Grix. Enjoyable story
A short and sweet amusing variation inspired by Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Grix. Enjoyable story
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews