Interrupted Plans: A Pride & Prejudice Variation

by Brigid Huey

Suppose Elizabeth Bennet never visited Pemberley…

It is October of 1812. Elizabeth Bennet and her family have seen dramatic changes in the past few months—none of them welcome. Her sister Jane needs a fresh start, and Elizabeth is no less eager to leave behind the pain and confusion of not accepting Mr. Darcy’s proposal.

Fitzwilliam Darcy has not seen Elizabeth since he offered for her—and she adamantly refused him. When she appears in London, he is determined to gain her friendship and make amends. When a carriage mishap throws them together, Darcy does all he can to demonstrate his changed behavior.

Though their renewed acquaintance seems to be growing into a genuine friendship, a family secret constrains Elizabeth. As she falls deeper in love with the man she rejected, does she dare tell him the truth?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Regency, Romance, Historical, Fan Fiction, Novella, Historical Romance

142 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 2, 2021

Reviews

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet story has no real angst. It is well edited, which is always a pleasure.

Jane and Elizabeth have come to London to stay with the Gardiners and plan to take a trip to the Lake country soon. They all attend a meeting of the Historical Society of which Uncle is a member. Mr. Darcy is there and soon Bingley, Darcy and Georgiana have a friendship with the Gardiners and their nieces. Darcy is pleased to see Georgiana blossom with Mrs. Gardiner's and Elizabeth's attentions to her in conversation.

However as they begin to travel north the Gardiners' carriage breaks down and is happened upon by the Darcys. While waiting at a roadside inn, news arrives and Gardiner must return to London due to a warehouse fire. Darcy and a Mr. Wessex offer help and the friendships deepen.

Much of this story has to do with the fact that Wickham has been forced to marry Lydia and so now both Jane and Elizabeth fear they (and their family) will lose these renewed friendships when the men learn of that event. We read of Darcy's continued feelings for Elizabeth and her realization that he is just the man for her even though she can now never have him. Jane also is worried as to what Bingley will say.

There is, of course, a HEA. And although this story was short on angst sometimes it is just nice to go back to basics in this favorite romance.

[James S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasant story

Pleasant story. No deep insights, mainly a slightly different course leading to the HEA. I enjoyed reading it but if I hadn’t come across it I don’t feel like I would have missed it. Much like reading a Spider-Man comic book. You know he is going to swing on his web but it feels nice to experience the small changes.

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

“First, let me finish. Then interrupt.” –Brian Spellman, Cartoonist’s Book Camp

Rating: clean: Angst level: low-anxious and mostly self-inflicted. Yeah, our Darcy and Elizabeth were constantly their own worst enemy with their thoughts and opinions. Source: borrowed KU 3-7-21

“Now there is nothing in this world I abominate worse than to be interrupted in a story…” –Laurence Sterne, The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman

Our story opened post-everything with Elizabeth and Jane staying in London with their aunt and uncle Gardiner. Our girls were attending a ball given by the merchant class and were shocked to see Bingley and Darcy at the gathering. This was ODC's first meeting since the Kent debacle and they were embarrassed, ashamed, guilt-ridden, and thinking the other hated and despised them. This meeting was Bingley’s indication that Jane was even in town and it was the start of their reacquaintance. Caroline had some ‘splaining to do.

There was also the introduction of a new character. At first Darcy and I both thought he was interested in Elizabeth. Oh, dear, that caused any number of problems. However, it soon became clear that his interest might be leaning in another direction. That brought us to the part of the story where misunderstandings led to the separation of our dear couple [ODC] for a while. Dang, I wanted to scream or shake both of them until they finally talked to each other and/or reached their senses. Actually, Georgiana played a big part in helping Darcy get his head on straight. Who knew she had grown into such a smart woman? Darcy was having a hard time with that as well. Poor, man.

“Stop letting other people hijack your day.” –Frank Sonnenberg, Soul Food: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life

What I didn’t like: the tease… where ODC were interrupted EVERY-single-time they were about to talk out their problem. GRRR! I clenched my jaw so hard; I nearly broke a tooth. I thought about starting that drinking game. You know… the one where you take a drink each time D & E are interrupted. If I did imbibe, I would have been tipsy, OK, I would have been smashed by the time I finished the story.

What I did like: The swoon-worthy parts of our story were just delightful and worth the wait. Yeah, it was cute. I recommend this for those who enjoy a different road taken for the happy-ever-after.

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What If Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Were Reunited in London instead of Pemberley?

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice variation

THE PREMISE: To escape the gossip from Lydia’s scandalous actions in Brighton, Jane and Elizabeth travel to London for a fresh start and stay with the Gardiner. But instead of meeting and charming new potential suitors, the sisters unexpectedly have the opportunity to renew their acquaintances with Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. Will the news about Lydia’s scandal destroy any chances of happiness Jane and Elizabeth could have with these renewed acquaintances?

MY THOUGHTS: I love unexpected encounters and chance meetings between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, and this book is full of them – at a Historical Society ball, at a bookstore, at an inn on the way to the Lakes. And other than the natural awkwardness of their feelings, what adds even more emotional intensity to these encounters is Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley being completely unaware of what befell Lydia in Brighton and her current situation…

I adored Darcy and Elizabeth so much in this story. Mr. Darcy was full of gentle caution and thoughtfulness with Elizabeth; he was so sensitive to her feelings upon seeing him again – it was very considerate and sweet. He often assumed his presence was unwelcome and sometimes battled with his wishes to be near her and his willpower to stay away However, fortunately for Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth gave little hints that his company was welcome and that her resentment is in no way implacable. I loved watching Elizabeth’s affections for Mr. Darcy gradually grow. She very easily sees his worth now, but sadly she is convinced that all hope is lost. So even though she sometimes displayed encouragement and warmth, she was internally very conflicted.

While some of the plot points may follow a similar arc to events that take place in canon, there were a few unexpected twists that created some alterations that were fun to explore, such as: what happens to the Gardiners on their journey north, and Mr. Wessex, a new original character, who is friends with both Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy and by chance meets Elizabeth. I thought these little deviations were skillfully employed and I enjoyed seeing how they altered the course a little. I especially enjoyed seeing Mr. Darcy come to the rescue and Georgiana display her unbreakable spirit.

Interrupted Plans by Brigid Huey is a sensitive and gentle romance filled with steadfast ardor, unrevealed truths, and selfless consideration. Beautifully composed and balanced – this story will delight readers who enjoy seeing Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s actions speak of their ardent love for each other. I highly recommend.

Austenesque Reviews

[Les · Rating 4 out of 5]

There seems to be a trend in P&P to put the date or month and year in the story I find this mostly unnecessary

This is a P&P where Lizzy doesn't got to Derbyshire in the summer, Lydia does try to elope but in quickly thwarted and married to Wickham with very little effort on Mr. Bennet's part and absolutely zero on Darcy's - he is unaware.

Since the trip to Derbyshire is postponed this gives Lizzy and Jane a chance to hang out in London and go to the Historical Society ball where they are reacquainted with Bingley & Darcy. Alas not for long because their trip north isn't cancelled just postponed.

Neither Jane nor Lizzy can seem to find a way to tell the object of their affection about Lydia.
Apparently "So remember my youngest sister, Lydia, she got married" isn't in their vocabulary so there is much angst about How will they react. And we have Lizzy the Martyr© crucifying herself over her failure to warn people about Wickham. Then when Darcy finally finds out she insists they must end their connection because it is obviously abhorrent to him (take a chill pill sister)
Honestly this got on my last nerve fast. Darcy's like yeah Wickham married your sister that's cool and Lizzy is like a broken hearted mess.

But eventually Wickham gets a commission in the regulars in the north and Darcy comes to the ball and they all live happily every after.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pride and Prejudice variations like this one are comforting because I know how it will end, it’s just the route to Happily Ever After that differs. In this version, Jane and Lizzy are in London after an eventful summer for the Bennet family (the Brighton summer). They are staying with the Gardiners and by chance are able to renew their acquaintance with Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. There’s not a lot of angst but there is a lot of self-reflection and a couple of imaginary obstacles. Circumstances keep throwing Darcy and Lizzy together and they must both decide how to act. Darcy is always the gentleman but he does contrive a few ways to spend time with Elizabeth. Besides the interactions between Darcy and Lizzy, I enjoyed seeing the Gardiners and Colonel Fitzwilliam. I thought Georgiana’s character was particularly well written—she was strong, determined, and a devoted sister. Mr. Bingley also showed a little more backbone and resolve. Caroline was suitably horrible. Mrs. Bennet was her usual self and Kitty and Mary had only brief appearances. This was an enjoyable story.

I won a complimentary ebook from the publisher through a blog tour. A review was not required and all opinions are my own.

[Bezbuza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful story with character portrayals and writing pleasingly faithful to Ms. Austen. I must look up the author’s other offerings. Only slight annoyance was the recurring question « are you well \ ill?» whenever anyone was slightly inattentive... it must have happened 10 times in this short-ish novel. There has to be a better way to spark dialogue.

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: 4.5*

This was a delightful, gentle, low angst variation that I thoroughly enjoyed. It takes place after the Hunsford proposal and Mr. Bingley has not returned to Netherfield. The Bennet family are under a cloud of near scandal. We can all well imagine who has caused it.

"Lizzy, I am quite sure this is a mistake." (quote from the book)

Jane and Elizabeth Bennet have come to visit the Gardiners to try to start afresh. However, when they attend a ball hosted by the Historical Society, they both come face-to-face with the two men they were hoping to avoid.

"Darcy's blood began to race. She was here next to him - holding his arm - this woman he thought was lost to him forever. She had not rebuked him as he had feared. Perhaps there was yet some hope." (quote from the book)

Can Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet build a friendship from their past encounters or will the Bennet family secret come between them? Will Mr. Bingley pursue Jane Bennet now that he has seen her? Will Caroline Bingley be able to persuade her brother away...again? And what role does Georgiana play in helping her brother to understand the female heart? And, what happens when a carriage mishap throws the Gardiners, Elizabeth and Jane back into the path of Mr Darcy and Georgiana?

"He had been right. That was likely the worst part of it all." (quote from the book)

For answers and so much more, I highly recommend this variation...especially if you are in need of break from the intensity of the world around us.

I received this book as a gift, with no expectation for a review.

[ana darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

No angst, nice story, she is in love and he takes very long to try to talk to her.
4.5

[Michelle David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely

Another wonderfully light and pleasing variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Brigid Huey. I enjoyed it.

[Sam H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It is low key, but whatever little thing could go wrong does, on ODC's path to finding love.
Very well written, the story is told seamlessly from event to event as Darcy finds the courage to tell Elizabeth he still loves her.

[Gail Frisby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I loved Darcy he was changed and decided that he was gonna get his woman, hang Wickham. Lizzy was pretty good at dealing with her doubts and fears. Bingley grew some backbone and put Caroline in her place! Would have liked an epilogue!!!

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. This book was enjoyable enough. The only real angst was either being interrupted every single time they tried to talk or the angst that D&E created for themselves by assuming the feelings of the other instead of actually speaking to each other or giving each other the benefit of the doubt. I admit I grew a bit tired of the constant dancing around serious topics and the plentiful introspection, but I did really love the evolution of Elizabeth's feelings for Darcy and how she slowly started seeing him for the man he truly was and the hope slowly restored to Darcy as this journey is made. It was a very sweet and romantic scene when they finally came to understand one another! This was a good book, but would have been better had some of the above mentioned angst been cut out.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avid Reader

This was a delightful story about Darcy and Elizabeth meeting again after his horrid Hunsford proposal. Lydia and Wickham have managed to marry without Darcy 's assistance, but the Bennet family response is still the same. Elizabeth and Jane struggle to tell the man they love the truth! A fortuitous meeting at an inn turns the plot in the right direction.

[Suzan Lauder · Rating 4 out of 5]

No full review due to conflict of interest (I'm a Meryton Press author and this is a Meryton Press book).

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just fine.

Formulaic but a different story line. There is weird mystery about Lydia’s marriage and when the full story of how it came about is finally told, it seems ridiculously anticlimactic.
I rate most books three stars. Four or five stars are reserved for outstanding work in the genre.

[Kluner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful story! Certainly makes me want to read Pride and Prejudice again... or at the very least watch any movie starring Colin Firth 😂

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet variation

Colonel Forster sorted Lydia and Wickham out and Darcy and Bingley are as yet unaware of their marriage when they meet the two eldest Bennet sisters at a London event. Bingley goes a-courting and Elizabeth struggles with her feelings. Darcy seems kinder and still interested in her friendship, but surely all his feelings would revolt if he knew about Wickham being her brother. There are a number of semi-accidental encounters and Georgiana asserts herself before things come to a happier conclusion. I enjoyed this.

[lori huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Another fine work by a talented author. The story begins after the disastrous proposal at Hunsford parsonage, after Elizabeth receives the letter from Darcy and has time to start regretting her refusal, and after Lydia goes to Brighton with the Forsters and the militia. In this version, Lydia and Wickham are caught in the act of trying to elope, and are forced by Colonel Forster and Mr Bennett to marry in order to save her reputation and that of her sisters. The marriage is done quietly, and Darcy has no knowledge of it, and no involvement. Jane and Elizabeth go to stay with the Gardiners in London, Jane nursing her broken heart over Bingley's desertion, and Elizabeth trying to accept that there's no hope of a reunion with Darcy since Wickham is now part of her family.

Reading a JAFF variation that begins after the disastrous proposal at Hunsford is always kind of nice, in that the reader doesn't have to go through all of the acrimony that occurs in the first half of the original P&P. At this point, Darcy already loves Elizabeth, and Elizabeth is figuring out how wrong she was about Darcy, and is softened up considerably. A story like this can dive right into the romance, and that's very satisfying. I like Darcy's determination to win Elizabeth, I like Georgiana's increased involvement and her increased backbone, I like Elizabeth's more humble attitude, and I like Bingley's increased backbone.

My only reservation about the story was the Wessex character, who at first provided a source of jealousy for Darcy, but ended up being a candidate for Georgiana's affection. For me, this was just a little icky, since Georgiana was barely sixteen, and Wessex was not even twenty-one. I felt that this was an unnecessary issue, best to have just left them as friendly acquaintances. For a girl who's supposed to be extremely shy, and not even out yet, why conjecture at the end about their future marital prospects? Yuck.

However, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.

[Maria Escarda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

This is one of the most delightful and exemplary variations I’ve read so far. Short but satisfactory, catered to JAFF readers who constantly need their dose of Pride and Prejudice but do not have the luxury of time. Focuses on the beloved couple and their love affair, yet gives some significance to the development and improvement of many secondary characters: Bingley finally develops a backbone, Jane proves to be steadfast and forgiving, Mrs. Bennet’s behavior and impropriety becomes a test to the Darcys’ tolerance and patience (hence her merit), and Georgiana Darcy is surprisingly mature and strong in this story, which is a pleasant change. What is most remarkable is that whatever circumstance Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet find each other: may they be thrown together by a carriage breakdown/fate or by purpose/design, one feels the inevitable of their happy ending. Love truly conquers the negative emotions that lovers feels (hate/anger/indecision/anxieties) and the passage of time. If it’s meant to be, it will be.

Fitzwilliam Darcy is quite a commendable character here, much improved than most variations. He is expressively honest towards the end which results in exchanges which are endearing and swoon-worthy. No wonder Elizabeth responded the way she did when he asked, “Am I welcome?” The way Elizabeth realizes her love for the gentleman she previously rejected and the way she suffered from her regrets are heart-tugging and memorable. Also, there are these sweet and emotional exchanges between the Darcy siblings which are quite remarkable and hardly depicted in other variations.

Finally, this is one is well-written and concise. Everything fits and important, and no words are wasted. Highly recommended!!!

[Celeste · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twas sweet, but rather unremarkable - however, I wouldn't even really put that in a negative context.

The secret was obvious. Consider how the original tale pans out, I'm not sure it needed to be blown out of proportion in terms of how impactful it was made out to be. The plot was kinda average due to this.

The characterization was solid. Not amazeballs but decent.

It was a fairly quick read, paced in much the same way, and if you don't have high expectations going in, you'll prolly be satisfied.

[S. Neha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick pleasant read..

The story has no villains and minimal angst- whatever angst there is due to insecurities and self doubts.
The story starts six months after Hunsford, the separation has tempered away his pride and her prejudices leaving both Darcy and Elizabeth with regrets.. and when they first meet in London Elizabeth is all ready to fall in love and Darcy all over again.. and promptly do so :)
There is lot of ODC time together and sweet interactions.. making this an interesting story. My only quibble was that in the absence of any real impediment it felt as if Darcy was dragging is feet unnecessarily ...for far too long even though story span was less than 2 months !Still I enjoyed the story a lot
As an aside though am no expert I feel it should be Misses Bennet and not Miss Bennets as has been used in the story quite a few times

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Enjoyable Read

This was a reimagined version of P&P. I enjoyed this story and the author’s versions of ODC and Austen’s other characters. Her own character, Mr. Wessex, added some fun to the story - he was very sweet. Lots to like in this story - I encourage others to give it a try.

[Anne Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read.

This book was written as an other than the Canon with sufficient ties to it that the reader understood all the connections and references. The story was romantic and the angst was moderate. I enjoyed the story, and I do recommend it. The writing was good, and I will see if Ms. Brigid Huey has a another book or two.

[Elle Moreland · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5 I enjoyed this variation as it put Elizabeth and Darcy in each other’s path frequently and shows how steady and loyal Darcy is. I don’t feel like there was much tension though. If you’re looking for a low-angst story, this will do it for you. If you’re looking for more action and drama, this is not really the story you’re looking for.

[Delores Galias · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better variations

I did miss Caroline and Wickham a bit. This Lizzy is more reasonable. After reading so many variations I grow tired of her objections to Darcy. A sequel with Georgiana would be interesting. I would recommend this to any fan of the original story a great introduction.

[Alena (Ally) Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining

Excellent variation. An interesting twist on the theme with an added secondary character to add interest for a budding Georgiana, and doubt to an uncertain Darcy. Low angst since their previous acquaintance was established and only Lydia's imprudent marriage, also past tense, hung between them. Enjoy.

[Marian Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great variation

This was a delightful story. I thought it was well written and true to the original characters with a nice addition of new ones. I hope there will be more to marry off the other ladies in this story.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this P&P variation, Darcy's proposal has been refused. Elizabeth and Jane Bennet have now selfishly left Longbourn to escape the gossip of Lydia’s situation, to stay at the Gardiners. Where they attend a ball for The Historical Society and meet Bingley and Darcy. Can they both secure a happy ending.
An enjoyable story

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend

Very good plot, carried throughout the story. I like that the characters remained true to the original. I found no editing issues. Anyone that likes Elizabeth & Darcy's story will like this.