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Friendship & Folly
What if instead of meeting Mr. Wickham directly after her stay at Netherfield Elizabeth was once again forced into the company of Mr. Darcy? Could this chance meeting lead the stubborn Elizabeth and arrogant Darcy down a path to friendship and eventually love without the obstacles of distance and misunderstanding they endured in the original? Although not without some pride and prejudice this story and its characters wend their way to a happy ending down a different road, encountering some new and some familiar difficulties.
This approximately 49,000 word novella is low angst and true to the spirit of its inspiration.
The second in my What if series, we are once again imagining what might happen if one detail from our beloved Pride and Prejudice were changed. How would this affect the rest of the story? Each book in the series is a stand alone
This approximately 49,000 word novella is low angst and true to the spirit of its inspiration.
The second in my What if series, we are once again imagining what might happen if one detail from our beloved Pride and Prejudice were changed. How would this affect the rest of the story? Each book in the series is a stand alone
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2020
97 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Squire
2 books9 followersI am a Jane Austen fan which is what led to my writing adaptations of her work, but when I am not immersed in the regency era I am running a small non-profit, attending school and trying to make time for my wonderful family - one fabulous husband, two amazing daughters and three mischievous cats.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 12, 2023
3.5* Found that despite a strong beginning my interest ended up similar to the other reviewers already posted.
December 5, 2020
Nice Variation
An enjoyable read, this book skips the Meryton confrontation of Wickham and Darcy when the sisters walk to Meryton with Mr. Collins. Jane tires along the way, so she and Elizabeth decide to turn back for home. Along the way, they encounter Darcy and Bingley, who assists Jane, and Darcy and Elizabeth walk back to Longbourn together. Subsequently, Wickham never gets to mislead Elizabeth with his version of the history between Mr. Darcy and himself. Instead, our dear couple begin to communicate.
In most variations, I’ve always found that Darcy seems to suffer their love loss the most until they inevitably achieve their happy ending. I think what I enjoyed most about this story is, for a refreshing change, Elizabeth seems to feel that loss the most (not that Darcy doesn’t, mind you).
While there is no horrible proposal at Hunsford, Darcy does make a very bad error in judgement. I really loved the way Elizabeth addresses this and expresses her feelings to Darcy when he finds her in the garden after Mr. Collins’ proposal. That was very well done. However, the story seemed to fizzle a bit for me after this.
Overall, I did enjoy it as a very pleasant read. Proofreading falls a bit short and could be improved.
An enjoyable read, this book skips the Meryton confrontation of Wickham and Darcy when the sisters walk to Meryton with Mr. Collins. Jane tires along the way, so she and Elizabeth decide to turn back for home. Along the way, they encounter Darcy and Bingley, who assists Jane, and Darcy and Elizabeth walk back to Longbourn together. Subsequently, Wickham never gets to mislead Elizabeth with his version of the history between Mr. Darcy and himself. Instead, our dear couple begin to communicate.
In most variations, I’ve always found that Darcy seems to suffer their love loss the most until they inevitably achieve their happy ending. I think what I enjoyed most about this story is, for a refreshing change, Elizabeth seems to feel that loss the most (not that Darcy doesn’t, mind you).
While there is no horrible proposal at Hunsford, Darcy does make a very bad error in judgement. I really loved the way Elizabeth addresses this and expresses her feelings to Darcy when he finds her in the garden after Mr. Collins’ proposal. That was very well done. However, the story seemed to fizzle a bit for me after this.
Overall, I did enjoy it as a very pleasant read. Proofreading falls a bit short and could be improved.
September 8, 2024
I enjoyed this a lot. I feel like I have read this before, was it free on some JAFF site previously?¨
Rereading: I upped the rating because it kept my attention on a reread too
Rereading: I upped the rating because it kept my attention on a reread too
Read
November 21, 2021And another for the DNF pile. They overcome their P&P early on and become friends before E meets W. It was at this point I started skimming.
February 26, 2021
Wow! I was really impressed! Unfortunately the last third unravelled what otherwise would have been a perfect yarn.
Ms Squire nailed Lizzy’s guileless, teasing and charm- the hardest elements to emulate in JAFF. The prose is gloriously in sync with the spirit of Austen, the dialogue quipped and I found the story overall cute and the premiss plausible.
I believe Ms Squire shows so much promise, however the novel is dragged down in the second half by the reliance in repeated and contrived short misunderstandings. It became a crutch to protract the absence of an understanding between ODC and had me putting down the book with increased occurrence out of pure exasperation!
I think she should fiddle around with deviating further from P&P plot and characters as others do in the genre. If she felt more at ease taking those risks she would find greater scope for plot, explore weightier themes and could incorporate genuine trials and conflict and thus wouldn't have to cling to misunderstandings- which offer very little payoff and alienate the reader. The last 30% particularly I found acutely grating and sluggish, which lowered the lot of the story in my estimation from 4 to 3 stars- regardless of the pretty start.
Despite those issues I was rendered most impressed with Ms Squire's prose and characterizations and will be looking forward to all her other and future works!
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)?Yes
2. Was I engaged during the reading and not bored?Mostly
3. Was the writing compelling/ intelligent and was there sufficient interaction/dialogue between the main characters? Yes
P.S. The preface had a really cute apology for naming P&P characters we might expect a certain way, i.e. Richard for the Colonel is here Stephen. As someone who is usually ridiculously cross at JAFF authors who do not adhere to this unspoken understanding it made me uncommonly indulgent.
Ms Squire nailed Lizzy’s guileless, teasing and charm- the hardest elements to emulate in JAFF. The prose is gloriously in sync with the spirit of Austen, the dialogue quipped and I found the story overall cute and the premiss plausible.
I believe Ms Squire shows so much promise, however the novel is dragged down in the second half by the reliance in repeated and contrived short misunderstandings. It became a crutch to protract the absence of an understanding between ODC and had me putting down the book with increased occurrence out of pure exasperation!
I think she should fiddle around with deviating further from P&P plot and characters as others do in the genre. If she felt more at ease taking those risks she would find greater scope for plot, explore weightier themes and could incorporate genuine trials and conflict and thus wouldn't have to cling to misunderstandings- which offer very little payoff and alienate the reader. The last 30% particularly I found acutely grating and sluggish, which lowered the lot of the story in my estimation from 4 to 3 stars- regardless of the pretty start.
Despite those issues I was rendered most impressed with Ms Squire's prose and characterizations and will be looking forward to all her other and future works!
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)?Yes
2. Was I engaged during the reading and not bored?Mostly
3. Was the writing compelling/ intelligent and was there sufficient interaction/dialogue between the main characters? Yes
P.S. The preface had a really cute apology for naming P&P characters we might expect a certain way, i.e. Richard for the Colonel is here Stephen. As someone who is usually ridiculously cross at JAFF authors who do not adhere to this unspoken understanding it made me uncommonly indulgent.
January 11, 2022
Sweet
I really enjoyed this variation where Elizabeth gets an earlier understanding of Darcy's character. A very entertaining and recommended plot.
I really enjoyed this variation where Elizabeth gets an earlier understanding of Darcy's character. A very entertaining and recommended plot.
April 2, 2022
So idealistic
This author is very good at getting her characters to speak their minds to each other. This cuts down on angst. Therefore, Elizabeth should be on firm ground yet she still, even after they are married, makes Darcy think she doubts him when really she does not admit to thinking herself unworthy. Which is rather sad. I like that Darcy ingratiated himself into the Bennet family while Elizabeth is away but it is never really explained how that calms their most excitable members.
This author is very good at getting her characters to speak their minds to each other. This cuts down on angst. Therefore, Elizabeth should be on firm ground yet she still, even after they are married, makes Darcy think she doubts him when really she does not admit to thinking herself unworthy. Which is rather sad. I like that Darcy ingratiated himself into the Bennet family while Elizabeth is away but it is never really explained how that calms their most excitable members.
October 1, 2025
A different sequence of events allows Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy to become tentative friends before the introduction of Mr. Wickham. There are still misunderstandings and Darcy's prideful stupidity to get over, but it's a good story overall. Darcy is a lunkhead, thinking that his perceived duty requires he has to leave her behind.
**spoiler alert** My favorite part is when Darcy admits to Elizabeth that he has feelings for her, but cannot act because of duty and family expectations. Elizabeth states her disappointment: "Were I in your position, the strength of my feelings would not allow me to consider anything beyond how I might most quickly affect [sic] a union between us." Darcy reminds her that she said she was not interested in being the mistress of Pemberley. Her reply is "I have never had such a desire. Indeed, I still do not. Any desires I might have had were connected only with yourself, Mr. Darcy, and not your estate. My feelings are for the man, not the master." Is that not exactly what Darcy needs? And she continues with "However, as our fate is entirely in your hands, we must reconcile ourselves with your being more inclined to value suitability over love, societal approval over affection, and wealth over passion. Therefore, I do most sincerely wish you well."
It takes Darcy a while to put his brain together in the right track, apologize to Elizabeth and propose. Tada!
I felt that parts of the first half moved too slowly, but that might have been caused by other things happening while I was trying to read it.
**spoiler alert** My favorite part is when Darcy admits to Elizabeth that he has feelings for her, but cannot act because of duty and family expectations. Elizabeth states her disappointment: "Were I in your position, the strength of my feelings would not allow me to consider anything beyond how I might most quickly affect [sic] a union between us." Darcy reminds her that she said she was not interested in being the mistress of Pemberley. Her reply is "I have never had such a desire. Indeed, I still do not. Any desires I might have had were connected only with yourself, Mr. Darcy, and not your estate. My feelings are for the man, not the master." Is that not exactly what Darcy needs? And she continues with "However, as our fate is entirely in your hands, we must reconcile ourselves with your being more inclined to value suitability over love, societal approval over affection, and wealth over passion. Therefore, I do most sincerely wish you well."
It takes Darcy a while to put his brain together in the right track, apologize to Elizabeth and propose. Tada!
I felt that parts of the first half moved too slowly, but that might have been caused by other things happening while I was trying to read it.
December 14, 2020
Wonderful
Very nice low angst story. It begins after Jane and Elizabeth's stay at Netherfield Park during Jane's illness. Jane has a relapse after their return to Longbourn, which brings Bingley and Darcy there daily to visit, resulting in a lot more time for Elizabeth and Darcy to get to know each other better. Wickham's negative influence is removed because Darcy confides in Elizabeth much earlier and decides to warn the neighborhood against him. These changes in the storyline have an impact on many of the characters.
This isn't great literature, but sometimes we just need a nice easy story with some easy romance, and this is one. It's tremendously satisfying when Elizabeth and Darcy don't have to go through all of the misunderstandings and acrimony, and instead learn each other's good qualities without so much struggle. The heartaches that they do have are very minor.
This author is a talented writer and storyteller. Although there are many scenes where events happen a little too conveniently, it's still a pleasant way to pass a few hours. It's well written and well edited. I recommend it.
Very nice low angst story. It begins after Jane and Elizabeth's stay at Netherfield Park during Jane's illness. Jane has a relapse after their return to Longbourn, which brings Bingley and Darcy there daily to visit, resulting in a lot more time for Elizabeth and Darcy to get to know each other better. Wickham's negative influence is removed because Darcy confides in Elizabeth much earlier and decides to warn the neighborhood against him. These changes in the storyline have an impact on many of the characters.
This isn't great literature, but sometimes we just need a nice easy story with some easy romance, and this is one. It's tremendously satisfying when Elizabeth and Darcy don't have to go through all of the misunderstandings and acrimony, and instead learn each other's good qualities without so much struggle. The heartaches that they do have are very minor.
This author is a talented writer and storyteller. Although there are many scenes where events happen a little too conveniently, it's still a pleasant way to pass a few hours. It's well written and well edited. I recommend it.
January 28, 2021
I am really starting to rate this author as I have really enjoyed both of the stories I have read from her.
This is a slightly angst but mostly sweet romance with no huge drama or twists - but plenty of happy endings. It’s a quick read and is satisfying.
Jane feels unwell on the walk to Meryton after her stay at Netherfield so Lizzie takes her home - meaning that they no longer encountered Wickham. Instead Bingley and Darcy come across them on their way to ask after her and Lizzie finds herself spending a half hour with Darcy that makes her consider how she could be wrong about him after all.
I enjoy the build up of Darcy and Elizabeth’s friendship and the new character introduced briefly was quite well made - the lack of a villain I feel was a good point in this story as too many variations tend to turn to melodrama. The conflict in the story is from within Darcy and Lizzie themselves.
Some anachronistic phrasing here and there may frustrate the most pedantic of fans, it was well written and fun.
A lovely read - I look forward to more from this author!
This is a slightly angst but mostly sweet romance with no huge drama or twists - but plenty of happy endings. It’s a quick read and is satisfying.
Jane feels unwell on the walk to Meryton after her stay at Netherfield so Lizzie takes her home - meaning that they no longer encountered Wickham. Instead Bingley and Darcy come across them on their way to ask after her and Lizzie finds herself spending a half hour with Darcy that makes her consider how she could be wrong about him after all.
I enjoy the build up of Darcy and Elizabeth’s friendship and the new character introduced briefly was quite well made - the lack of a villain I feel was a good point in this story as too many variations tend to turn to melodrama. The conflict in the story is from within Darcy and Lizzie themselves.
Some anachronistic phrasing here and there may frustrate the most pedantic of fans, it was well written and fun.
A lovely read - I look forward to more from this author!
July 29, 2022
4.25 stars
I absolutely loved the character renditions in this variation and how they were altered from the originals, especially Jane and Bingley.
I thought the Preface was timely and cheeky and while I understand the notion behind accosting an author on their naming choices, I cannot condone it because I respect the decision to do so when done with courage and aplomb.
I think Lizzy’s initial refusal of Darcy was actually more cutthroat than the original and it hit so good. I was all about the heightened drama and stakes and found the execution to be phenomenal.
Truly, what a great variation. I haven’t enjoyed the execution of such a stellar plot in a while in this subgenre and I am pleased to be able to recommend this to anyone who enjoys a healthy and wholesome dose of Regency romance.
I absolutely loved the character renditions in this variation and how they were altered from the originals, especially Jane and Bingley.
I thought the Preface was timely and cheeky and while I understand the notion behind accosting an author on their naming choices, I cannot condone it because I respect the decision to do so when done with courage and aplomb.
I think Lizzy’s initial refusal of Darcy was actually more cutthroat than the original and it hit so good. I was all about the heightened drama and stakes and found the execution to be phenomenal.
Truly, what a great variation. I haven’t enjoyed the execution of such a stellar plot in a while in this subgenre and I am pleased to be able to recommend this to anyone who enjoys a healthy and wholesome dose of Regency romance.
July 30, 2025
Liked it until almost the end.. But then author decided to introduce a new character and have Elizabeth suddenly think that Darcy is going to marry her, just after seeing them talk once. He has already proposed to her and she thinks this even after that. This looks like a cheap shortcut to have Elizabeth accept Darcy's proposal, rather than actually addressing Elizabeth's worry regarding Darcy's constancy.
Darcy didn't propose to her even after she directedly confronted him about her love for him. Compared to canon Darcy, this one falls too short. He and Elizabeth almost had a relationship, with how much time they spent and he was not willing to propose even after that. Therefore i don't find any of gestures after that meaningful and since the author did nothing to make Elizabeth trust him, the ending was really unsatisfying for me.
Darcy didn't propose to her even after she directedly confronted him about her love for him. Compared to canon Darcy, this one falls too short. He and Elizabeth almost had a relationship, with how much time they spent and he was not willing to propose even after that. Therefore i don't find any of gestures after that meaningful and since the author did nothing to make Elizabeth trust him, the ending was really unsatisfying for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2025
Elizabeth and Darcy have occasion to meet and talk after Jane's stay at Netherfield, but before meeting Wickham. Thus she learns early about his wicked ways. She and Darcy spend a great deal of time walking together (unchaperoned) and learning about each other. That's about all there is to the plot. She falls in love with him, but he tells her he can't marry her, even though he wants to. She hares off to the Gardiners to nurse her broken heart.
While in London, Darcy threads his way through an emotional maze in his attempts to apologize and to win back Elizabeth's regard. I lost patience with Elizabeth when her doubts overcame her common sense.
While in London, Darcy threads his way through an emotional maze in his attempts to apologize and to win back Elizabeth's regard. I lost patience with Elizabeth when her doubts overcame her common sense.
March 15, 2022
Good story
It's a little different from the classic but the essentials are in place. There's minimum of great angst and Darcy isn't as foreboding as his usual. He and Elizabeth actually become friends and spend a good amount of time together just talking.
I like this Mrs Bennet because she's not as mean to Elizabeth and is nicer to Darcy rather than the usual severe dislike and her verbally expressed dislike of him. N
It's a little different from the classic but the essentials are in place. There's minimum of great angst and Darcy isn't as foreboding as his usual. He and Elizabeth actually become friends and spend a good amount of time together just talking.
I like this Mrs Bennet because she's not as mean to Elizabeth and is nicer to Darcy rather than the usual severe dislike and her verbally expressed dislike of him. N
September 1, 2024
I really like the start of this book, I love the way that the author manages to show the same themes of pride and prejudice keeping them apart, while still having the couple actually like each other. It feels very real and natural an I really enjoy it. I dont really enjoy the later part of the book, it feels much more forced and twee and not a very natural or reasonable way for them to behavave. Still a fun read though, and I really do think the first part is excellent
April 18, 2022
Another Must-Read Book!
Though this installment of Squire's "What if?" series has more misunderstandings and angst than the other two books, it is no less enjoyable. In fact, it has my favorite line from Jane in the whole series and one of the most adorable plots I've ever read. Highly recommend this one as well!
Though this installment of Squire's "What if?" series has more misunderstandings and angst than the other two books, it is no less enjoyable. In fact, it has my favorite line from Jane in the whole series and one of the most adorable plots I've ever read. Highly recommend this one as well!
December 2, 2020
Lovely
A rather interesting little variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Elizabeth Squire. Interesting premise I enjoyed it.
A rather interesting little variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Elizabeth Squire. Interesting premise I enjoyed it.
January 4, 2021
Wonderful
Thank you for your wonderful book. Thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. I look forward to finding more of your books.
Thank you for your wonderful book. Thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. I look forward to finding more of your books.
May 6, 2022
Lacking
This variation is not bad but I kept waiting for some interesting storyline to distinguish and since it never happened, I found the story lacking.
This variation is not bad but I kept waiting for some interesting storyline to distinguish and since it never happened, I found the story lacking.
December 11, 2025
I like how they became friends first
I like how they became friends first. I like how they had to figure things out by lots of discussions, arguments, and misunderstanding.
I like how they became friends first. I like how they had to figure things out by lots of discussions, arguments, and misunderstanding.
March 22, 2024
2.5-stars rounded up
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