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Fitzwilliam Darcy Elopes: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
When Elizabeth receives the news concerning Lydia's elopement with Mr. Wickham, Mr. Darcy proposes a plan to divert gossip away from Elizabeth's younger sister in order to save her from a life as Mrs. Wickham.
This humorous variation on Pride and Prejudice follows Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet on a rather unexpected adventure.
This humorous variation on Pride and Prejudice follows Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet on a rather unexpected adventure.
116 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
March 9, 2025
Nothing travels faster than light, with the possible exception of bad news, which follows its own rules. ~Douglas Adams
What’s the best way to eliminate gossip about an elopement?
Publicize a much more noteworthy elopement, of course!
When Darcy meets Elizabeth at the inn in Lambton, she shares Jane’s letter about Lydia’s indiscretion.
Darcy instigates two events:
1. He sends Colonel Fitzwilliam in search of the miscreants.
2. He elopes with Elizabeth to draw attention away from Lydia/Wickham.
As with many of the best-laid plans, his elopement goes awry!
"Fitzwilliam Darcy’s Elopement" is a short story with a sense of humor. The new couple’s “honeymoon” does have its problems.
There are a terrible lot of lies going about the world, and the worst of it is that half of them are true. ~Winston Churchill
What’s the best way to eliminate gossip about an elopement?
Publicize a much more noteworthy elopement, of course!
When Darcy meets Elizabeth at the inn in Lambton, she shares Jane’s letter about Lydia’s indiscretion.
Darcy instigates two events:
1. He sends Colonel Fitzwilliam in search of the miscreants.
2. He elopes with Elizabeth to draw attention away from Lydia/Wickham.
As with many of the best-laid plans, his elopement goes awry!
"Fitzwilliam Darcy’s Elopement" is a short story with a sense of humor. The new couple’s “honeymoon” does have its problems.
There are a terrible lot of lies going about the world, and the worst of it is that half of them are true. ~Winston Churchill
March 22, 2019
https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/bethw6.htm
“Today’s gossip is tomorrow’s headline.” Walter Winchell
Damage control!!!: “Don’t waste your time with explanations: people only hear what they want to hear.” Paulo Coelho
In this clean, hilarious P&P variation, Fitzwilliam Darcy entered the Lambton Inn shortly after Lizzy received Jane’s letter informing her of the disastrous news that Lydia, her youngest sister, had left Brighton and eloped with George Wickham. In Darcy’s mind, he was already making plans to go and search for the couple. Before he could leave Lizzy, he looked back and saw that her anguish was not so much over Lydia’s scandal, but at his leaving. So, what was any respectable lover to do? He turned back and reassured her of his devotion and affection. Together, they devise a plan that was so outrageous, that it just might work.
The rest of the story was a mad dash to the Scottish border, misleading stories, and the diversions and distractions of key people. Then there was the mad dash back to London to do damage control. This trip was hilarious as Darcy ran into many members of the ton who were staying at the same Inn due to a sporting event being held in the nearby town. This was hilarious. Darcy now faced not only his cousin but a host of husbands belonging to the ton’s worst gossips. Oh, dear.
Our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam: “Rumor travels faster, but it don’t stay put as long as truth.” Will Rogers
Richard and a squad of specially selected soldiers were on a quest to retrieve an AWOL Wickham and restore Lydia to her family. He was quick with his wit, his sword, and his plans to see Wickham pay for his crimes. I loved his planning, his maneuvering of Wickham was brilliant and insightful. Richard wasn’t a colonel for nothing; he earned his position. He was large and in charge.
Lydia: “Gossip, as usual, was one-third right and two-thirds wrong.” L. M. Montgomery, Chronicles of Avonlea
Uncle and Aunt Gardiner took Lydia to Gracechurch Street and tried to get her to understand the consequences of her actions and finally prove to her the real reason Wickham took her with him from Brighton. In this story, Lydia was a bit smarter than canon.
Lord Hastings: “When it comes to gossip, I have to readily admit men are as guilty as women.” Marilyn Monroe
Richard’s older brother, the Viscount Lord Hastings, absolutely stole the show. I love this guy and his interactions with Mr. Bennet were hilarious. Those two were a pair. This guy made me giggle. I looked forward to seeing him on the page.
Caroline Bingley was a bit smarter in this variation. She quickly saw which way the wind was blowing and maneuvered her sails accordingly. Yeah… much smarter actions on her part to the point of being amusing. La! Did I just say that?
This story is to be enjoyed for what it is… a farce and a what-if loosely based on the P&P story. It was a quick read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I couldn’t help but chuckle out loud several times when I hit the ‘Oh-My-Gosh’ sections. I loved this Lizzy and Darcy. They were so adorable. The Epilogue was so cute. OMG!!
1st read 7-26-17
2nd read 10-6-17
3rd read 3-21-19
“Today’s gossip is tomorrow’s headline.” Walter Winchell
Damage control!!!: “Don’t waste your time with explanations: people only hear what they want to hear.” Paulo Coelho
In this clean, hilarious P&P variation, Fitzwilliam Darcy entered the Lambton Inn shortly after Lizzy received Jane’s letter informing her of the disastrous news that Lydia, her youngest sister, had left Brighton and eloped with George Wickham. In Darcy’s mind, he was already making plans to go and search for the couple. Before he could leave Lizzy, he looked back and saw that her anguish was not so much over Lydia’s scandal, but at his leaving. So, what was any respectable lover to do? He turned back and reassured her of his devotion and affection. Together, they devise a plan that was so outrageous, that it just might work.
The rest of the story was a mad dash to the Scottish border, misleading stories, and the diversions and distractions of key people. Then there was the mad dash back to London to do damage control. This trip was hilarious as Darcy ran into many members of the ton who were staying at the same Inn due to a sporting event being held in the nearby town. This was hilarious. Darcy now faced not only his cousin but a host of husbands belonging to the ton’s worst gossips. Oh, dear.
Our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam: “Rumor travels faster, but it don’t stay put as long as truth.” Will Rogers
Richard and a squad of specially selected soldiers were on a quest to retrieve an AWOL Wickham and restore Lydia to her family. He was quick with his wit, his sword, and his plans to see Wickham pay for his crimes. I loved his planning, his maneuvering of Wickham was brilliant and insightful. Richard wasn’t a colonel for nothing; he earned his position. He was large and in charge.
Lydia: “Gossip, as usual, was one-third right and two-thirds wrong.” L. M. Montgomery, Chronicles of Avonlea
Uncle and Aunt Gardiner took Lydia to Gracechurch Street and tried to get her to understand the consequences of her actions and finally prove to her the real reason Wickham took her with him from Brighton. In this story, Lydia was a bit smarter than canon.
Lord Hastings: “When it comes to gossip, I have to readily admit men are as guilty as women.” Marilyn Monroe
Richard’s older brother, the Viscount Lord Hastings, absolutely stole the show. I love this guy and his interactions with Mr. Bennet were hilarious. Those two were a pair. This guy made me giggle. I looked forward to seeing him on the page.
Caroline Bingley was a bit smarter in this variation. She quickly saw which way the wind was blowing and maneuvered her sails accordingly. Yeah… much smarter actions on her part to the point of being amusing. La! Did I just say that?
This story is to be enjoyed for what it is… a farce and a what-if loosely based on the P&P story. It was a quick read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I couldn’t help but chuckle out loud several times when I hit the ‘Oh-My-Gosh’ sections. I loved this Lizzy and Darcy. They were so adorable. The Epilogue was so cute. OMG!!
1st read 7-26-17
2nd read 10-6-17
3rd read 3-21-19
May 26, 2017
This is a moderate length unpublished P&P what if that has plenty of light moments. In this story our 'what if' ponders what would have happened if when told of Lydia's folly in Lambton Mr. Darcy offered to elope with Elizabeth wile sending Col. Fitzwilliam off to locate Wickham. Once the Gardiners are in agree they set off for Scotland only to encounter Mr. Bennet on the way out of the church and thus their romantic ride back to London is turned to a family outing. Then Lizzy drinks a bit too much wine to help her relax. And the following day they encounter Col. Fitzwilliam's older brother; Anthony Viscount Hastings. Their secret elopement is revealed and he joins their traveling party.
What I really liked: The way Lydia is brought to see Wickham is a dastard and how Caro realizes that being a family member of Mr. Darcy's via her brother's marriage is better than nothing and joins Mrs. Bennet in her plot to unite Jane & Bingley. How Jane actually questioned Mr. Bingley about where he has been and whether he can be consistent.
You can read it here https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/bethw6.htm
What I really liked: The way Lydia is brought to see Wickham is a dastard and how Caro realizes that being a family member of Mr. Darcy's via her brother's marriage is better than nothing and joins Mrs. Bennet in her plot to unite Jane & Bingley. How Jane actually questioned Mr. Bingley about where he has been and whether he can be consistent.
You can read it here https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/bethw6.htm
May 26, 2017
This short story is about 66 pages long and well put together.
We are in Lambton and Darcy is with Elizabeth as she has learned of Lydia's and Wickham's elopement. She is in tears as she realizes the fate of the Bennet family. He turns to leave but then sees something in Elizabeth's eyes which gives him pause and he now addresses her as in that second proposal in canon...have her feelings changed? When she admits how they are the opposite to what they were in April, Darcy is quick to come up with a very plausible counter action to what Lydia and Wickham have brought into consequence...come up with a greater scandal and draw all attention away from that other elopement PLUS bring about their union to a more rapid reality.
A letter is sent to his cousin to track down Wickham in the intervening period of time as they elope and then return to London. The Gardeners are in on the plan as it seems the only way to save the family name. Elizabeth writes a letter to be given to Jane when the Gardeners travel to Longbourn to pick up their children.
Darcy is all about propriety as he has his valet and a maidservant for chaperones. He even purchases a second carriage in which the servants are to travel after the wedding...no need for chaperones then. Ironically, Mr. Bennet has searched in London and then, after no success, decides to search in Gretna Green on the slim possibility that they did, indeed, elope to there. Imagine the chagrin of the newlyweds as they step out of church and find Papa Bennet. Then, of course, they have to include him in their carriage on the way back to London...and furthermore, they meet Darcy's cousin, the Viscount, at one inn. Will this couple ever find time alone to celebrate their union?
Gossip's use and how it is so meticulously spread by Lady Matlock (and some others) was fascinating to read of. A dropped hint here and there, a supposition about what she meant and a conclusion reached due to hints and even a newspaper reporter's unexpected presence at one inn all adds to this "whisper-down-the-lane" effect which does have the consequence ODC meant to happen. The colonel adds to substantiating the overall story by escorting one culprit around London and introducing her to members of the ton.
Part of what was so gratifying in this story was what happened with that first set of eloping lovers. Someone did learn a lesson and I was very happy with that variation of the story.
I recommend this, especially those wanting a short, satisfying story.
We are in Lambton and Darcy is with Elizabeth as she has learned of Lydia's and Wickham's elopement. She is in tears as she realizes the fate of the Bennet family. He turns to leave but then sees something in Elizabeth's eyes which gives him pause and he now addresses her as in that second proposal in canon...have her feelings changed? When she admits how they are the opposite to what they were in April, Darcy is quick to come up with a very plausible counter action to what Lydia and Wickham have brought into consequence...come up with a greater scandal and draw all attention away from that other elopement PLUS bring about their union to a more rapid reality.
A letter is sent to his cousin to track down Wickham in the intervening period of time as they elope and then return to London. The Gardeners are in on the plan as it seems the only way to save the family name. Elizabeth writes a letter to be given to Jane when the Gardeners travel to Longbourn to pick up their children.
Darcy is all about propriety as he has his valet and a maidservant for chaperones. He even purchases a second carriage in which the servants are to travel after the wedding...no need for chaperones then. Ironically, Mr. Bennet has searched in London and then, after no success, decides to search in Gretna Green on the slim possibility that they did, indeed, elope to there. Imagine the chagrin of the newlyweds as they step out of church and find Papa Bennet. Then, of course, they have to include him in their carriage on the way back to London...and furthermore, they meet Darcy's cousin, the Viscount, at one inn. Will this couple ever find time alone to celebrate their union?
Gossip's use and how it is so meticulously spread by Lady Matlock (and some others) was fascinating to read of. A dropped hint here and there, a supposition about what she meant and a conclusion reached due to hints and even a newspaper reporter's unexpected presence at one inn all adds to this "whisper-down-the-lane" effect which does have the consequence ODC meant to happen. The colonel adds to substantiating the overall story by escorting one culprit around London and introducing her to members of the ton.
Part of what was so gratifying in this story was what happened with that first set of eloping lovers. Someone did learn a lesson and I was very happy with that variation of the story.
I recommend this, especially those wanting a short, satisfying story.
September 29, 2019
I previously read the unpublished version of this online about two years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed it then and enjoyed it just as much in the newly released edition.
It starts in Lambton, where Darcy is about to leave Elizabeth to hunt down Wickham, but he looks back, sees how distressed she is at his reaction, and realizes how it appears to her if she has feelings for him. Thus emboldened, he assures her of his continued devotion. Darcy thinks so quickly on his feet (perhaps a little too quickly to be completely believable) that he immediately realizes that rescuing Lydia from Wickham is only half of a solution; Elizabeth doesn't want her sister to have to marry the scoundrel, but how can Lydia's reputation be saved if she doesn't?
Oh, he thinks, Let's Give 'Em Something To Talk About (thank you, Bonnie Rait!) besides Lydia. If he and Elizabeth elope, the gossips will assume they were mistaken about which Bennet sister headed for Gretna Green, and Fitzwilliam Darcy is certainly more gossip-worthy than George Wickham!
The plan works beyond their most optimistic expectations. It's really fun to see how the gossip evolves and how it's cleverly manipulated. Colonel Fitzwilliam, his brother (Lord Hastings), and his mother (Lady Matlock) all play key roles here.
There's lots of humor as Darcy is repeatedly frustrated in trying to arrange alone time between him and his new bride thanks to Mr. Bennet (who discovers them when he's searching for Lydia), Lord Hastings, and Colonel Fitzwilliam.
I also appreciate that Lydia is shown as just as a naive, gullible girl rather than being devoid of any sense or affection for her sisters. She's given a rude wake-up call here by Colonel Fitzwilliam. Her spirited personality remains, as it should, but this is a turning point for her, and she shows signs of growing up through the rest of the book.
Clever story, good writing. Generally, it's a lighthearted read. Content is suggestive but clean.
It starts in Lambton, where Darcy is about to leave Elizabeth to hunt down Wickham, but he looks back, sees how distressed she is at his reaction, and realizes how it appears to her if she has feelings for him. Thus emboldened, he assures her of his continued devotion. Darcy thinks so quickly on his feet (perhaps a little too quickly to be completely believable) that he immediately realizes that rescuing Lydia from Wickham is only half of a solution; Elizabeth doesn't want her sister to have to marry the scoundrel, but how can Lydia's reputation be saved if she doesn't?
Oh, he thinks, Let's Give 'Em Something To Talk About (thank you, Bonnie Rait!) besides Lydia. If he and Elizabeth elope, the gossips will assume they were mistaken about which Bennet sister headed for Gretna Green, and Fitzwilliam Darcy is certainly more gossip-worthy than George Wickham!
The plan works beyond their most optimistic expectations. It's really fun to see how the gossip evolves and how it's cleverly manipulated. Colonel Fitzwilliam, his brother (Lord Hastings), and his mother (Lady Matlock) all play key roles here.
There's lots of humor as Darcy is repeatedly frustrated in trying to arrange alone time between him and his new bride thanks to Mr. Bennet (who discovers them when he's searching for Lydia), Lord Hastings, and Colonel Fitzwilliam.
I also appreciate that Lydia is shown as just as a naive, gullible girl rather than being devoid of any sense or affection for her sisters. She's given a rude wake-up call here by Colonel Fitzwilliam. Her spirited personality remains, as it should, but this is a turning point for her, and she shows signs of growing up through the rest of the book.
Clever story, good writing. Generally, it's a lighthearted read. Content is suggestive but clean.
September 28, 2019
I still believe eleven kids is just too much.
September 24, 2019
Nothing travels faster than light, with the possible exception of bad news, which follows its own rules. ~Douglas Adams
What’s the best way to eliminate gossip about an elopement?
To publicize a much more noteworthy elopement, of course!
When Darcy meets Elizabeth at the inn in Lambton, she shares Jane’s letter about Lydia’s indiscretion.
Darcy instigates two events:
1. He sends Colonel Fitzwilliam in search of the miscreants.
2. He elopes with Elizabeth to draw attention away from Lydia/Wickham.
As with many of the best-laid plans, his elopement goes astray!
FD’s Elopement is a short story with a sense of humor. The new couple’s “honeymoon” does have its problems.
It is unpublished and can be found at Derbyshire Writers Guild.
https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/bethw6.htm
There are a terrible lot of lies going about the world, and the worst of it is that half of them are true. ~Winston Churchill
What’s the best way to eliminate gossip about an elopement?
To publicize a much more noteworthy elopement, of course!
When Darcy meets Elizabeth at the inn in Lambton, she shares Jane’s letter about Lydia’s indiscretion.
Darcy instigates two events:
1. He sends Colonel Fitzwilliam in search of the miscreants.
2. He elopes with Elizabeth to draw attention away from Lydia/Wickham.
As with many of the best-laid plans, his elopement goes astray!
FD’s Elopement is a short story with a sense of humor. The new couple’s “honeymoon” does have its problems.
It is unpublished and can be found at Derbyshire Writers Guild.
https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/bethw6.htm
There are a terrible lot of lies going about the world, and the worst of it is that half of them are true. ~Winston Churchill
July 24, 2017
This highly original premise is executed nicely in this unpublished gem.
It starts in Lambton, where Darcy is about to leave Elizabeth to hunt down Wickham, but he looks back, sees how distressed she is at his reaction, and realizes how it appears to her if she has feelings for him. Thus emboldened, he assures her of his continued devotion. Darcy thinks so quickly on his feet (perhaps a little too quickly to be completely believable) that he immediately realizes that rescuing Lydia from Wickham is only half of a solution; Elizabeth doesn't want her sister to have to marry the scoundrel, but how can Lydia's reputation be saved if she doesn't?
Oh, he thinks, Let's Give 'Em Something To Talk About (thank you, Bonnie Rait!) besides Lydia. If he and Elizabeth elope, the gossips will assume they were mistaken about which Bennet sister headed for Gretna Green, and Fitzwilliam Darcy is certainly more gossip-worthy than George Wickham!
The plan works beyond their most optimistic expectations. It's really fun to see how the gossip evolves and how it's cleverly manipulated. Colonel Fitzwilliam, his brother (Viscount Hastings), and his mother (Lady Matlock) all play key roles here.
There's lots of humor as Darcy is repeatedly frustrated in trying to arrange alone time between him and his new bride.
Clever story, good writing. Lighthearted read. I really enjoyed this.
It starts in Lambton, where Darcy is about to leave Elizabeth to hunt down Wickham, but he looks back, sees how distressed she is at his reaction, and realizes how it appears to her if she has feelings for him. Thus emboldened, he assures her of his continued devotion. Darcy thinks so quickly on his feet (perhaps a little too quickly to be completely believable) that he immediately realizes that rescuing Lydia from Wickham is only half of a solution; Elizabeth doesn't want her sister to have to marry the scoundrel, but how can Lydia's reputation be saved if she doesn't?
Oh, he thinks, Let's Give 'Em Something To Talk About (thank you, Bonnie Rait!) besides Lydia. If he and Elizabeth elope, the gossips will assume they were mistaken about which Bennet sister headed for Gretna Green, and Fitzwilliam Darcy is certainly more gossip-worthy than George Wickham!
The plan works beyond their most optimistic expectations. It's really fun to see how the gossip evolves and how it's cleverly manipulated. Colonel Fitzwilliam, his brother (Viscount Hastings), and his mother (Lady Matlock) all play key roles here.
There's lots of humor as Darcy is repeatedly frustrated in trying to arrange alone time between him and his new bride.
Clever story, good writing. Lighthearted read. I really enjoyed this.
September 27, 2019
This premise has been used before. Darcy persuades Elizabeth to elope with him in order to distract attention away from Lydia's eloping with Wickham. Darcy has come upon Elizabeth in the inn at Lambton just after the letter from Jane has arrived. By now Elizabeth's feelings for Darcy have undergone a change so she is easily convinced that this will work. Letters are written to family members to relate their plans so as to have everyone in on the diversion as well as a letter to Colonel Fitzwilliam to search for Wickham and separate Lydia from him...if possible.
Amusingly Mr. Bennet shows up in Gretna Green as he has gone there searching for Lydia. He comes upon ODC just after the wedding in a church rather than "over the anvil". Not only does Mr. Bennet then put a damper on ODC's privacy (After all Darcy cannot expect his new father-in-law to travel post back to town.) but also Darcy's cousin, Lord Hastings, Viscount Anthony Fitzwilliam, just happens to be at one of the inns in which they stay on their way back to town so he, also, joins the party. (Not a lot of privacy especially when an inn's rooms are all but filled up.)
Most of the rest of the story has to do with how various members of the family and/or society are made aware of the "elopement" and their response to that news. Wickham is found but it takes another bit of planning to convince Lydia that Wickham's offer of marriage is not what it seems. Lydia's future in this story does have a much happier result.
Strange bedfellows: Mrs. Bennet and Miss Bingley form a "partnership" to give Mr. Bingley and Jane some privacy although their motives are not the same and their join together again in other endeavors oddly.
The way in which the gossip is spread and how it becomes distorted is a tale in and of itself. You know how "Whisper-down-the-lane" gives amusement when the final "secret" is spoken out loud!
Although there were really no surprises or the angst I like I did find it enjoyable. Just reading how frustrated ODC became in having NO time alone following the marriage was an amusing bit.
Amusingly Mr. Bennet shows up in Gretna Green as he has gone there searching for Lydia. He comes upon ODC just after the wedding in a church rather than "over the anvil". Not only does Mr. Bennet then put a damper on ODC's privacy (After all Darcy cannot expect his new father-in-law to travel post back to town.) but also Darcy's cousin, Lord Hastings, Viscount Anthony Fitzwilliam, just happens to be at one of the inns in which they stay on their way back to town so he, also, joins the party. (Not a lot of privacy especially when an inn's rooms are all but filled up.)
Most of the rest of the story has to do with how various members of the family and/or society are made aware of the "elopement" and their response to that news. Wickham is found but it takes another bit of planning to convince Lydia that Wickham's offer of marriage is not what it seems. Lydia's future in this story does have a much happier result.
Strange bedfellows: Mrs. Bennet and Miss Bingley form a "partnership" to give Mr. Bingley and Jane some privacy although their motives are not the same and their join together again in other endeavors oddly.
The way in which the gossip is spread and how it becomes distorted is a tale in and of itself. You know how "Whisper-down-the-lane" gives amusement when the final "secret" is spoken out loud!
Although there were really no surprises or the angst I like I did find it enjoyable. Just reading how frustrated ODC became in having NO time alone following the marriage was an amusing bit.
October 9, 2019
I too read this as an unpublished story on a FF site, I loved it them and I loved it now. Despite the potential for disaster that is never far out of site for any of the characters there is a just such a sense of joy and happiness imbued in the characters that you can't help but smile. This is also an energetic story that makes you want to read it quickly.
We jump in with both feet in Lambton, so familiarity with P&P is probably required. Darcy comes up with a crazy plan to distract everyone and he and Lizzy are headed for the borders. There are a million unplanned obstacles that prevent ODC from truly becoming husband and wife, but this is a super clean variation so aside from knowing it happened you are blissfully unaware of the mechanics.
Everything turns out very well and everyone lives HEA.
We jump in with both feet in Lambton, so familiarity with P&P is probably required. Darcy comes up with a crazy plan to distract everyone and he and Lizzy are headed for the borders. There are a million unplanned obstacles that prevent ODC from truly becoming husband and wife, but this is a super clean variation so aside from knowing it happened you are blissfully unaware of the mechanics.
Everything turns out very well and everyone lives HEA.
March 24, 2019
Seriously funny story. I’m going to show my age and hereby describe the story as a ‘hoot’.
Lots of plot lines interwoven together to create a very fun story. If it was a movie I would say in was in the comedy genre of slapstick wisecracking. A similar movie would be ‘What’s Up, Doc’, the Barbara Streisand comedy.
I recommend the story.
Lots of plot lines interwoven together to create a very fun story. If it was a movie I would say in was in the comedy genre of slapstick wisecracking. A similar movie would be ‘What’s Up, Doc’, the Barbara Streisand comedy.
I recommend the story.
September 5, 2024
Just finished my third reading of this one. It's still a fun story and moves quickly and has some humor I enjoy. A nice light read for when that's exactly what you need.
Review posted on 2nd reading in November, 2023:
I just finished my second reading of this novella. It's a delightful story, full of humor and sweet romance without a lot of angst or tragedy.
Imagine that when Mr. Darcy comes upon Elizabeth at the inn in Lambton, just after she has read Jane's letters informing her of Lydia's elopement with Wickham, Darcy declares he still loves her and when she admits the same, he suggests they elope, so that if his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, can find Wickham and Lydia quickly enough and return Lydia to her family, the scandal of Lydia's elopement may be overshadowed by the more prominent Mr. Darcy's elopement with Elizabeth. They send the Gardiners on their way back to Hertfordshire, and along with his valet and a maid, Darcy and Elizabeth take off for Scotland.
In spite of a few modern expressions, and Bingley seeming to be not very bright, this is a wonderfully lighthearted and frequently humorous story, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, both times. Highly recommended to all JAFF lovers, and maybe even as a first foray into enjoying fiction based on Jane Austen's novels.
Review posted on 2nd reading in November, 2023:
I just finished my second reading of this novella. It's a delightful story, full of humor and sweet romance without a lot of angst or tragedy.
Imagine that when Mr. Darcy comes upon Elizabeth at the inn in Lambton, just after she has read Jane's letters informing her of Lydia's elopement with Wickham, Darcy declares he still loves her and when she admits the same, he suggests they elope, so that if his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, can find Wickham and Lydia quickly enough and return Lydia to her family, the scandal of Lydia's elopement may be overshadowed by the more prominent Mr. Darcy's elopement with Elizabeth. They send the Gardiners on their way back to Hertfordshire, and along with his valet and a maid, Darcy and Elizabeth take off for Scotland.
In spite of a few modern expressions, and Bingley seeming to be not very bright, this is a wonderfully lighthearted and frequently humorous story, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, both times. Highly recommended to all JAFF lovers, and maybe even as a first foray into enjoying fiction based on Jane Austen's novels.
March 22, 2020
Darcy and Lizzy elope
Full of wry humor, ODC in Love early, and a story of them eloping, why the eloped and ramifications of the elopement.
Story bounces right along in a fun telling. Light, bright and a good read.
I recommend the story.
Full of wry humor, ODC in Love early, and a story of them eloping, why the eloped and ramifications of the elopement.
Story bounces right along in a fun telling. Light, bright and a good read.
I recommend the story.
December 10, 2019
I read this story online previously and enjoyed it! In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Darcy proposes that he and Elizabeth elope in order to cover for Lydia. Hopefully, the gossips will talk about The Darcy's so that Lydia will not have to marry Wickham. Of course, all sorts of fun stuff happens on the way to Scotland and on the way home. There is also the reactions of family. This was a nice quick read.
December 2, 2020
Very lovely tale. Super enjoyable. Well developed fun. Worth all of my time.
December 8, 2019
Well written and funny. Though there are a few quick time jumps toward the end. Greatly enjoyed the book.
January 6, 2020
A Regency-set variation of Pride and Prejudice that splits off from canon at the Inn in Lambton, where Elizabeth has received Jane's letters telling of Lydia's elopement with Wickham. Darcy is on the verge of leaving the inn, when he changes his mind and decides to stay and try to help sort out the situation.
This was definitely a different solution to that rather knotty problem. How to save Lydia's and her sisters' reputations without forcing her into what must have ended up as a very unhappy marriage to that slime-ball? "I know" says Darcy, "I'll elope with Elizabeth instead and get people all confused as to which Bennet sister has actually eloped." Or words to that effect!
This was a well-told tale, that with the help of Darcy's Fitzwilliam relatives, turns into a gigantic game of Chinese Whispers, as rumour and misdirection take on lives of their own. The new characters introduced, such as Lady Matlock and her eldest son Lord Hastings, are a real delight as they play their parts in the story. The scene where Lydia's eyes are opened to exactly what sort of man her proposed husband really is definitely tugs at the heartstrings.
This was definitely a different solution to that rather knotty problem. How to save Lydia's and her sisters' reputations without forcing her into what must have ended up as a very unhappy marriage to that slime-ball? "I know" says Darcy, "I'll elope with Elizabeth instead and get people all confused as to which Bennet sister has actually eloped." Or words to that effect!
This was a well-told tale, that with the help of Darcy's Fitzwilliam relatives, turns into a gigantic game of Chinese Whispers, as rumour and misdirection take on lives of their own. The new characters introduced, such as Lady Matlock and her eldest son Lord Hastings, are a real delight as they play their parts in the story. The scene where Lydia's eyes are opened to exactly what sort of man her proposed husband really is definitely tugs at the heartstrings.
February 18, 2020
I really enjoyed this - we start at the inn at Lambton where Lizzy learns of Lydia's elopement. Instead of rushing to ,leave, Darcy notices Lizzy seems distressed at the thought of him leaving so makes a plan where they elope and make out that it was Lizzy, rather than Lyddie, who eloped and all scandal is avoided... of course there is still the small matter of finding Lydia and convincing her to give up Wickham and trying to get the Darcy marriage recognised....
I really enjoyed this book... it's an easy read, low angst, pretty clean, funny and romantic. It's a relatively short read - I read it in a couple of hours, in one sitting. Definately one I'd recommend!
I really enjoyed this book... it's an easy read, low angst, pretty clean, funny and romantic. It's a relatively short read - I read it in a couple of hours, in one sitting. Definately one I'd recommend!
May 5, 2020
I need everyone to know that autocorrect changed Fitzwilliam to "Godzilla" when I was searching for this book, and now I would love to read "Godzilla Darcy Elopes" please and thank you
January 10, 2020
I didn't know what to expect from this book and in fact, I think I was disinclined to like it for no reason, I am sure. But I found it to be delightfully, charming.
May 28, 2017
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Darcy proposes that he and Elizabeth elope in order to cover for Lydia. Hopefully, the gossips will talk about The Darcy's so that Lydia will not have to marry Wickham. Of course, all sorts of fun stuff happens on the way to Scotland and on the way home. There is also the reactions of family. This was a nice quick read.
October 10, 2022
SEE!!! It can be done! I’ve been unfortunate here lately as to read a string of novellas that left much to be desired. The author(s) seemingly uncaring whether or not their product was readable. However, this was well written & fully developed. The characters were more engaging & there was an actual plot. I really enjoyed reading this.
This variation starts at the point in cannon where Elizabeth, vacationing with her Aunt & Uncle Gardiner, happens upon Darcy. As in cannon, Lydia has run off with Mr. Wickham. Here, the story diverges & Darcy comes up with a plan to save Lydia & get Elizabeth.
This variation starts at the point in cannon where Elizabeth, vacationing with her Aunt & Uncle Gardiner, happens upon Darcy. As in cannon, Lydia has run off with Mr. Wickham. Here, the story diverges & Darcy comes up with a plan to save Lydia & get Elizabeth.
January 17, 2020
3 1/2 stars
Cute story short story. Very little angst. I love angst so though I enjoyed the story it’s not a fav. Definitely worth reading
Cute story short story. Very little angst. I love angst so though I enjoyed the story it’s not a fav. Definitely worth reading
February 8, 2018
A funny and highly entertaining story.
When Darcy visit a distraught Elizabeth at the inn in Lambton, he is unable to leave as he sees Elizabeth's despair as he is about to exit. Quickly he concoct the plan to redirect the gossip to himself and Elizabeth instead, by eloping to Gretna Green. Hopefully, that will buy them time to locate and extract Lydia from Wickham before it is too late...
The Gardiner's are left with little time to protest before ODC is on their way.
Barely making it out of church, they are caught up by a not so pleased mr Bennet. He is in no mood to give the newlyweds any measure of privacy and he are soon followed by Darcy's cousin the viscount. To say Darcy was frustrated woulde be the understatement of the year... The plan does seem to work though and Lydia will be recovered. HEA's for several of the Bennet sisters and Wickham will get his comeuppance.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story!
When Darcy visit a distraught Elizabeth at the inn in Lambton, he is unable to leave as he sees Elizabeth's despair as he is about to exit. Quickly he concoct the plan to redirect the gossip to himself and Elizabeth instead, by eloping to Gretna Green. Hopefully, that will buy them time to locate and extract Lydia from Wickham before it is too late...
The Gardiner's are left with little time to protest before ODC is on their way.
Barely making it out of church, they are caught up by a not so pleased mr Bennet. He is in no mood to give the newlyweds any measure of privacy and he are soon followed by Darcy's cousin the viscount. To say Darcy was frustrated woulde be the understatement of the year... The plan does seem to work though and Lydia will be recovered. HEA's for several of the Bennet sisters and Wickham will get his comeuppance.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story!
October 12, 2024
I read it some time back on an online site. It was a nice read and I quite liked it. Prove is that i still remember the title :)
Mr Darcy is not against an option to turn situation to his advantage. Instead of leaving Elizabeth and thinking about searching for Wickham himself he proposes to elope and secure Elizabeth for himself and sends Colonel on a search run. Sneaky. And smart.
Mr Darcy is not against an option to turn situation to his advantage. Instead of leaving Elizabeth and thinking about searching for Wickham himself he proposes to elope and secure Elizabeth for himself and sends Colonel on a search run. Sneaky. And smart.
September 25, 2019
Grab tissues HILARIOUS
This was funny from beginning to end. This author did not miss a beat. Darcy had such a sense of humour and Elizabeth was just as awesome. Fitzwilliam, Mr Bennet, and Viscount Hastings were just as good. Please give a read
This was funny from beginning to end. This author did not miss a beat. Darcy had such a sense of humour and Elizabeth was just as awesome. Fitzwilliam, Mr Bennet, and Viscount Hastings were just as good. Please give a read
November 9, 2022
Good book
Loved it a good way to save another's reputation. Like it when wickham is dealt with expeditiously. Lydia was finally taught some sense.
Loved it a good way to save another's reputation. Like it when wickham is dealt with expeditiously. Lydia was finally taught some sense.
June 26, 2020
A cute light read
May 1, 2024
A short, fun read - 3.5*
A funny little interlude with a nice balance between plot and humour.
A funny little interlude with a nice balance between plot and humour.
June 6, 2022
This story is as hilarious as it is light-hearted! It is truly a feel-good reading that one can easily reread several times without getting sick of it.
Beth Wood has a knack for writing light-hearted stories.
This particular story diverges from canon events in Lambton, when Elizabeth receives the letters from Jane announcing Lydia's elopement. Instead of leaving as in canon, Darcy decides to throw caution to the wind and comes up with a harebrained scheme that frankly should not work:
Elope with Elizabeth and try to spread gossip that Lydia only left Brighton to be with family after news of Elizabeth's elopement reached her. Darcy's hope is, this will conceal what really happened by obfuscating the details of the elopement ("Lizzy" instead of "Lyddie"), save Lydia from a miserable life with Wickham, and if all fails, Darcy will have married the woman he loves anyway. Win-win.
It really really shouldn't have worked. Even the Gardiners think it won't work when Elizabeth explains the plan.
But the original Austen novel is full of convenient coincidences for Darcy and Elizabeth. And those selfsame convenient coincidences continue to dog ODC's steps in this story:
Mr Bennet sees them coming out of a church in Gretna Green, Darcy's cousin the viscount just happens to be at one of the inns Darcy, Elizabeth and Mr Bennet are staying on the return trip to London, there just happens to be a reporter in the same Inn who hears the Darcy elopement news and sends it to the newspaper in time for Monday's edition, Colonel Fitzwilliam (to whom Darcy sent an express asking for help find Wickham and Lydia) finds W & L even before the Gardiners return to London from Longbourn, the Gardiners are able to intercept Mrs Phillips and work on both her and Mrs Bennet enough that it's the elopement story of Lizzy that's spread instead of Lydia's.
It's a comedy of errors that works ridiculously well for ODC.
By the time ODC is in London and socializing (with help from Darcy's aunt the countess), the gossip is that Darcy eloped with his secret fiancée because of Lady Catherine, and that Elizabeth's father was against the marriage.
The surprising part is the Colonel/Lydia part, but it works in the context of this story. Especially since Lydia learns her lesson.
And the even bigger surprise: Mrs Bennet and Caroline joining forces to get Jane and Bingley together for their own remarkably similar reasons.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
Beth Wood has a knack for writing light-hearted stories.
This particular story diverges from canon events in Lambton, when Elizabeth receives the letters from Jane announcing Lydia's elopement. Instead of leaving as in canon, Darcy decides to throw caution to the wind and comes up with a harebrained scheme that frankly should not work:
Elope with Elizabeth and try to spread gossip that Lydia only left Brighton to be with family after news of Elizabeth's elopement reached her. Darcy's hope is, this will conceal what really happened by obfuscating the details of the elopement ("Lizzy" instead of "Lyddie"), save Lydia from a miserable life with Wickham, and if all fails, Darcy will have married the woman he loves anyway. Win-win.
It really really shouldn't have worked. Even the Gardiners think it won't work when Elizabeth explains the plan.
But the original Austen novel is full of convenient coincidences for Darcy and Elizabeth. And those selfsame convenient coincidences continue to dog ODC's steps in this story:
Mr Bennet sees them coming out of a church in Gretna Green, Darcy's cousin the viscount just happens to be at one of the inns Darcy, Elizabeth and Mr Bennet are staying on the return trip to London, there just happens to be a reporter in the same Inn who hears the Darcy elopement news and sends it to the newspaper in time for Monday's edition, Colonel Fitzwilliam (to whom Darcy sent an express asking for help find Wickham and Lydia) finds W & L even before the Gardiners return to London from Longbourn, the Gardiners are able to intercept Mrs Phillips and work on both her and Mrs Bennet enough that it's the elopement story of Lizzy that's spread instead of Lydia's.
It's a comedy of errors that works ridiculously well for ODC.
By the time ODC is in London and socializing (with help from Darcy's aunt the countess), the gossip is that Darcy eloped with his secret fiancée because of Lady Catherine, and that Elizabeth's father was against the marriage.
The surprising part is the Colonel/Lydia part, but it works in the context of this story. Especially since Lydia learns her lesson.
And the even bigger surprise: Mrs Bennet and Caroline joining forces to get Jane and Bingley together for their own remarkably similar reasons.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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