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Partial and Prejudiced: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
He is the last man in the world she would ever marry. She is the woman he longs for against his better judgment. Can love grow from a marriage brought about by deceit?
Fitzwilliam Darcy cannot fix on the moment when Elizabeth Bennet became so appealing to him. He had scarcely allowed her to be tolerable on their first meeting, but now, he is utterly bewitched by her. If it were not for her ridiculous family and the inferiority of her connections, Darcy thought he would be in some danger of making a foolish alliance.
Elizabeth Bennet has disliked Darcy from the moment they met. Not only did he insult her appearance and express disdain towards her family, but he has also denied his former childhood friend Wickham his inheritance. When they attend the Netherfield ball, Elizabeth is determined to avoid the proud, haughty gentleman as much as she can.
But Wickham has his own plans where Darcy is concerned. Wickham has vowed to humble his former friend, and what could be more humiliating for Darcy than being forced to marry a woman he finds barely tolerable and whose family will make him the laughingstock of society? And what better place to arrange a compromising situation than at a ball?
When Darcy and Elizabeth are forced to marry to save Elizabeth’s reputation, Darcy finds himself happier than he expected. And as Elizabeth's feelings for her future husband grow, she struggles to understand how a man who treats her with such kindness and affection could betray a friend so cruelly.
When Wickham discovers Darcy is in love with Elizabeth, he is furious to realise he has merely helped him get what he wanted, yet again. Now, he must find another way to take revenge on his old friend. And what better way to do it than through the woman Darcy loves?
Partial and Prejudiced is a Pride and Prejudice Variation novella of approximately 36,000 words.
Fitzwilliam Darcy cannot fix on the moment when Elizabeth Bennet became so appealing to him. He had scarcely allowed her to be tolerable on their first meeting, but now, he is utterly bewitched by her. If it were not for her ridiculous family and the inferiority of her connections, Darcy thought he would be in some danger of making a foolish alliance.
Elizabeth Bennet has disliked Darcy from the moment they met. Not only did he insult her appearance and express disdain towards her family, but he has also denied his former childhood friend Wickham his inheritance. When they attend the Netherfield ball, Elizabeth is determined to avoid the proud, haughty gentleman as much as she can.
But Wickham has his own plans where Darcy is concerned. Wickham has vowed to humble his former friend, and what could be more humiliating for Darcy than being forced to marry a woman he finds barely tolerable and whose family will make him the laughingstock of society? And what better place to arrange a compromising situation than at a ball?
When Darcy and Elizabeth are forced to marry to save Elizabeth’s reputation, Darcy finds himself happier than he expected. And as Elizabeth's feelings for her future husband grow, she struggles to understand how a man who treats her with such kindness and affection could betray a friend so cruelly.
When Wickham discovers Darcy is in love with Elizabeth, he is furious to realise he has merely helped him get what he wanted, yet again. Now, he must find another way to take revenge on his old friend. And what better way to do it than through the woman Darcy loves?
Partial and Prejudiced is a Pride and Prejudice Variation novella of approximately 36,000 words.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2021
38 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 8, 2021
Didn't take any risks.
Synopsis:
Wickham gets wind of how unfavorable Darcy’s opinion is of the Bennets, in particular his slights directed towards Elizabeth, and how the lady in question loathes him in return.
Wickham:
Ever the opportunist, he recognizes the potential for sweet retaliation on the man who stopped funding his dissolute ways. It would be deliciously wicked if he were to ensure Mr Darcy’s misery & way lay all his plans for an advantageous marriage by orchestrating a compromise at the Netherfield ball to a woman who hates him, one who he in turn found unattractive, and whose union would be a degradation.
Though succeeding in the compromise, his plans are threatened when it seems the couple may be warming up to one another. Wickham- practiced, ingratiating charmer he is- will use all his tricks to keep Elizabeth prejudiced towards Mr Darcy.
Wickham:
Will his tall tales work to keep Lizzy's blinders firmly in place?
The Brass Tacks:
There simply is not much here to laud or critique, which is an indicator the work didn't take any risks. Overall nothing new, nothing compelling; I found it quite staid. It is a quick read so it may be worth a try, but I can't say I recommend it.
📎 I recommend this author's other work Through Pemberley Woods: A Pride and Prejudice Variation.
꙳ Spice Scale rating: Belle Pepper Chaste 🌶/5 ꙳
Synopsis:
Wickham gets wind of how unfavorable Darcy’s opinion is of the Bennets, in particular his slights directed towards Elizabeth, and how the lady in question loathes him in return.
Wickham:
Ever the opportunist, he recognizes the potential for sweet retaliation on the man who stopped funding his dissolute ways. It would be deliciously wicked if he were to ensure Mr Darcy’s misery & way lay all his plans for an advantageous marriage by orchestrating a compromise at the Netherfield ball to a woman who hates him, one who he in turn found unattractive, and whose union would be a degradation.
Though succeeding in the compromise, his plans are threatened when it seems the couple may be warming up to one another. Wickham- practiced, ingratiating charmer he is- will use all his tricks to keep Elizabeth prejudiced towards Mr Darcy.
Wickham:
Will his tall tales work to keep Lizzy's blinders firmly in place?
The Brass Tacks:
There simply is not much here to laud or critique, which is an indicator the work didn't take any risks. Overall nothing new, nothing compelling; I found it quite staid. It is a quick read so it may be worth a try, but I can't say I recommend it.
📎 I recommend this author's other work Through Pemberley Woods: A Pride and Prejudice Variation.
꙳ Spice Scale rating: Belle Pepper Chaste 🌶/5 ꙳
June 8, 2021
I loved how this book gave me all the pride and prejudicial behavior that I could ask for in less than 150 pages. Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are thrown together at the whim of George Wickham in order to save the Bennet family reputation. Imagine his surprise when it doesn't quite go the way he wanted. Our dear couple gets to know each other and have plenty of time for misunderstandings as well before their scheduled wedding.
May 12, 2021
“A company of wolves is better than a company of wolves in sheep’s clothing.” –Anthony Liccione
Rating: clean: PG-13 due to discussions of adult themes, but not overt. Angst Level: low-to-medium: due to the SBRB and his lies that caused tension in the story. Source: [KU] 5-11-21: This review may contain *** Spoilers ***
SECURITY: “All men are bastards. Some are obvious bastards. Some are covert bastards. The ones who appear to be bastards are safer as you know what you are dealing with. The men who hide behind a façade of manners and politeness are the coldest of bastards.” –Reham Khan
Wickham was his horrible self. The SBRB [scum-bag-rat-bastard] was horrid. Greed and jealousy drove him in his quest to get more from Darcy than he deserved. He was like a slimy, bottom-feeding, life-form whispering his lies as smoothly as Satan spoke to Eve in the Garden of Eden. Yeah, and we know how that ended. For a bit, I was upset with Elizabeth as she listened to his tale of woe. I also wanted to snatch Lydia by the hair and drag her to her room and not let her out until she either grew up or reached her age of majority. Oh, that girl caused more trouble than she knew. Everything was a joke to her.
What I didn’t like: it ended… abruptly with no resolution as to what happened and there wasn’t an epilogue. Did the SBRB get his comeuppance? Seriously! That guy needed to be dealt with. I was left with so many questions. I loved our Darcy. He was so good.
Rating: clean: PG-13 due to discussions of adult themes, but not overt. Angst Level: low-to-medium: due to the SBRB and his lies that caused tension in the story. Source: [KU] 5-11-21: This review may contain *** Spoilers ***
SECURITY: “All men are bastards. Some are obvious bastards. Some are covert bastards. The ones who appear to be bastards are safer as you know what you are dealing with. The men who hide behind a façade of manners and politeness are the coldest of bastards.” –Reham Khan
Wickham was his horrible self. The SBRB [scum-bag-rat-bastard] was horrid. Greed and jealousy drove him in his quest to get more from Darcy than he deserved. He was like a slimy, bottom-feeding, life-form whispering his lies as smoothly as Satan spoke to Eve in the Garden of Eden. Yeah, and we know how that ended. For a bit, I was upset with Elizabeth as she listened to his tale of woe. I also wanted to snatch Lydia by the hair and drag her to her room and not let her out until she either grew up or reached her age of majority. Oh, that girl caused more trouble than she knew. Everything was a joke to her.
What I didn’t like: it ended… abruptly with no resolution as to what happened and there wasn’t an epilogue. Did the SBRB get his comeuppance? Seriously! That guy needed to be dealt with. I was left with so many questions. I loved our Darcy. He was so good.
May 23, 2021
This author's blurb is very complete in giving us the outline of the story.
This tale focuses on Wickham's desire to bring harm to Darcy in any way possible. Having been foiled in his plan to elope with Georgiana he now observes the tension and ill-feelings between Darcy and Elizabeth. Thus he decides to set up a compromise to force Darcy to marry a woman who hates him...even though Wickham likes Elizabeth himself.
But imagine how chagrined he is when he observes and hears from Lydia, in particular, that after marrying Darcy's feelings towards Elizabeth are the opposite of what Wickham thought. So now he seeks to harm Darcy by coming between him and his wife.
Although I did like this story I would have enjoyed having it expanded somewhat. I have read a number of this author's stories and did enjoy those also.
This tale focuses on Wickham's desire to bring harm to Darcy in any way possible. Having been foiled in his plan to elope with Georgiana he now observes the tension and ill-feelings between Darcy and Elizabeth. Thus he decides to set up a compromise to force Darcy to marry a woman who hates him...even though Wickham likes Elizabeth himself.
But imagine how chagrined he is when he observes and hears from Lydia, in particular, that after marrying Darcy's feelings towards Elizabeth are the opposite of what Wickham thought. So now he seeks to harm Darcy by coming between him and his wife.
Although I did like this story I would have enjoyed having it expanded somewhat. I have read a number of this author's stories and did enjoy those also.
May 19, 2021
This was a short, pleasant read with some sweet romantic scenes as our couple get to know and appreciate one another due to their being forced into an engagement. It’s not deep or complex, but for a short diversion, it was very satisfying.
August 10, 2021
An enjoyable read.
I like that despite their awful beginning, we get to see ODC fall in love.
Wickham makes a second try to ruin Darcy's happiness.
I like that despite their awful beginning, we get to see ODC fall in love.
Wickham makes a second try to ruin Darcy's happiness.
July 6, 2021
Good Story
I loved Darcys, can't we just kill Caroline and Wickham in every story and go on. I loved how Lizzy gradually came to love Darcy glad she found the villain out!
I loved Darcys, can't we just kill Caroline and Wickham in every story and go on. I loved how Lizzy gradually came to love Darcy glad she found the villain out!
December 9, 2022
A nice short story by Emily Russell.
Mr Darcy has been insulting the people of Meryton, especially the Bennets. Wickham is at it, trying to convince everyone that he has been ill used by Mr Darcy. To make his former friend humble and humiliated, Wickham decides to humble Darcy by pairing him with the girl he insulted, part of the family he despises.
Unbeknownst to Wickham, Mr Darcy is already fighting his attraction to Elizabeth, telling himself all the disadvantages that an alliance with the Bennets would bring to him, but the heart wants what it wants, so against his better judgement and contrary to Canon Darcy, he spends more time in her presence and making conversation with her and she grudgingly starts liking him more. Hence, by the time of the Netherfield ball, they are more acquainted than in canon.
Mr Wickham attends the Netherfield ball trying to stay clear of Darcy but keeps an eye on him to follow his plan to trap him with Elizabeth. She dances with Wickham and then goes to the terrace as his suggestion.
Unknown to her, Mr Darcy is already at the same place, looking for a place to hide from the crush of the ball. When they try to go back to the ball, the door is locked, and even if they knock and knock on doors and windows, trying to get attention from the partying people, the music is too loud so they can’t hear them. They manage to pick a lock from the garden gate but unfortunately, Mr Darcy has a year on the shoulder of his shirt and Elizabeth has grass marks on her gown, and she is wearing Mr Darcy's jacket, so everything seems to incriminate them in front of their host, Mr Bingley.
Both of them resist, but after an article published in the gossip section of the newspaper, they can’t avoid the issue anymore, so Mr Darcy rides to Longbourn and offers for Elizabeth. She resists at first but then accepts him. Thus starts their courtship. Contrary to her expectations, Mr Darcy stays in Hertfordshire to know her better, and after some private moments, and some kisses, she starts developing feelings for him, but he is still not completely reformed, so she scolds him for his rudeness, and he starts trying to be nicer to her family, really being polite and making the effort.
However, word gets to Wickham of the improvement of Darcy’s relationship with Elizabeth, and he is bent on turning her against him…
Anyway, to summarize and not spoil anymore. Wickham is found out on his lies by Elizabeth in an unexpected way and all the things he had said about Mr Darcy are proven to actually describe his own rotten self.
Mr Darcy gets reformed much quicker due to his affection and love for Elizabeth and the importance her opinion has to him. They solved their issues nicely and have a HEA much faster than in canon.
Nice read, sweet and short. Recommended!! 4 stars.
Mr Darcy has been insulting the people of Meryton, especially the Bennets. Wickham is at it, trying to convince everyone that he has been ill used by Mr Darcy. To make his former friend humble and humiliated, Wickham decides to humble Darcy by pairing him with the girl he insulted, part of the family he despises.
Unbeknownst to Wickham, Mr Darcy is already fighting his attraction to Elizabeth, telling himself all the disadvantages that an alliance with the Bennets would bring to him, but the heart wants what it wants, so against his better judgement and contrary to Canon Darcy, he spends more time in her presence and making conversation with her and she grudgingly starts liking him more. Hence, by the time of the Netherfield ball, they are more acquainted than in canon.
Mr Wickham attends the Netherfield ball trying to stay clear of Darcy but keeps an eye on him to follow his plan to trap him with Elizabeth. She dances with Wickham and then goes to the terrace as his suggestion.
Unknown to her, Mr Darcy is already at the same place, looking for a place to hide from the crush of the ball. When they try to go back to the ball, the door is locked, and even if they knock and knock on doors and windows, trying to get attention from the partying people, the music is too loud so they can’t hear them. They manage to pick a lock from the garden gate but unfortunately, Mr Darcy has a year on the shoulder of his shirt and Elizabeth has grass marks on her gown, and she is wearing Mr Darcy's jacket, so everything seems to incriminate them in front of their host, Mr Bingley.
Both of them resist, but after an article published in the gossip section of the newspaper, they can’t avoid the issue anymore, so Mr Darcy rides to Longbourn and offers for Elizabeth. She resists at first but then accepts him. Thus starts their courtship. Contrary to her expectations, Mr Darcy stays in Hertfordshire to know her better, and after some private moments, and some kisses, she starts developing feelings for him, but he is still not completely reformed, so she scolds him for his rudeness, and he starts trying to be nicer to her family, really being polite and making the effort.
However, word gets to Wickham of the improvement of Darcy’s relationship with Elizabeth, and he is bent on turning her against him…
Anyway, to summarize and not spoil anymore. Wickham is found out on his lies by Elizabeth in an unexpected way and all the things he had said about Mr Darcy are proven to actually describe his own rotten self.
Mr Darcy gets reformed much quicker due to his affection and love for Elizabeth and the importance her opinion has to him. They solved their issues nicely and have a HEA much faster than in canon.
Nice read, sweet and short. Recommended!! 4 stars.
May 20, 2021
Pleasant and light
This is a familiar theme for a P&P variation. Wickham arranges a compromise situation between Darcy and Elizabeth, thinking that it will hurt Darcy to be forced into marriage with a woman he dislikes, and who is so far beneath him. Wickham doesn't know that Darcy is fighting his strong attraction to Elizabeth, and that Darcy is only too happy to have an excuse to marry her.
Emily Russell is a fine author, but the writing is kind of simplistic. This isn't great literature. However, it's a sweet and low angst tale, in which both Elizabeth and Darcy wisely decide to make the most out of an unfortunate situation, and make an effort to have an affectionate relationship. It's nice, in these forced marriage variations, when they both are smart enough to do this, and it makes for a pleasing and romantic story. In this one, Wickham is pretty much the only villain, and he outdoes himself with the poison he tries to pour into Elizabeth's ears. But with Darcy bending over backward to improve Elizabeth's opinion, she isn't completely taken in by Wickham's lies.
This is a pleasant way to pass a few hours, with little drama and easy disposition of obstacles. There are only a few editing errors, which is nice. I recommend it.
This is a familiar theme for a P&P variation. Wickham arranges a compromise situation between Darcy and Elizabeth, thinking that it will hurt Darcy to be forced into marriage with a woman he dislikes, and who is so far beneath him. Wickham doesn't know that Darcy is fighting his strong attraction to Elizabeth, and that Darcy is only too happy to have an excuse to marry her.
Emily Russell is a fine author, but the writing is kind of simplistic. This isn't great literature. However, it's a sweet and low angst tale, in which both Elizabeth and Darcy wisely decide to make the most out of an unfortunate situation, and make an effort to have an affectionate relationship. It's nice, in these forced marriage variations, when they both are smart enough to do this, and it makes for a pleasing and romantic story. In this one, Wickham is pretty much the only villain, and he outdoes himself with the poison he tries to pour into Elizabeth's ears. But with Darcy bending over backward to improve Elizabeth's opinion, she isn't completely taken in by Wickham's lies.
This is a pleasant way to pass a few hours, with little drama and easy disposition of obstacles. There are only a few editing errors, which is nice. I recommend it.
June 6, 2021
A delightful read
This type of variation is what makes this author endearing to fan readers. This readers considers this author one of her JAFF favorites.
This forced-marriage scenario is simple yet very effective. It focuses on how the beloved couple reached not only an understanding to make the most of a seemingly unpleasant situation but also affection and love of the acutest kind.
Apart from a couple of issues that this reader disagrees with, this variation is highly recommended. The focus on Darcy and Elizabeth is effectively addressed and this reader approves of the straightforward manner the lovers speak to each other even early on their engagement. Truly enjoyable.
This type of variation is what makes this author endearing to fan readers. This readers considers this author one of her JAFF favorites.
This forced-marriage scenario is simple yet very effective. It focuses on how the beloved couple reached not only an understanding to make the most of a seemingly unpleasant situation but also affection and love of the acutest kind.
Apart from a couple of issues that this reader disagrees with, this variation is highly recommended. The focus on Darcy and Elizabeth is effectively addressed and this reader approves of the straightforward manner the lovers speak to each other even early on their engagement. Truly enjoyable.
May 27, 2021
A fun novella with Wickham doing even more scheming and forcing Darcy and Elizabeth to marry after an incident at the Netherfield ball. There are some really sweet scenes where ODC find common ground, that I really enjoyed.
June 19, 2021
The Very Best P&P Variation
I have read many of the P&P variations but this is the very best, in my estimation. It was a turn from the others but I enjoyed it very much. I won't give away the story, read and enjoy as well.
I have read many of the P&P variations but this is the very best, in my estimation. It was a turn from the others but I enjoyed it very much. I won't give away the story, read and enjoy as well.
June 6, 2021
Sweet and short
Rather a lot of Wickham but eventually Elizabeth figures him out.
I have enjoyed several Pride and Prejudice variations by this author.
Rather a lot of Wickham but eventually Elizabeth figures him out.
I have enjoyed several Pride and Prejudice variations by this author.
July 5, 2021
Excellent.
This was my first read of Emily Russell. I had trouble putting it down. I recommend the book. My only regret is that it was not longer
This was my first read of Emily Russell. I had trouble putting it down. I recommend the book. My only regret is that it was not longer
September 19, 2024
Short and sweet
A short and sweet little variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Emily Russell. I enjoyed it.
A short and sweet little variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Emily Russell. I enjoyed it.
May 30, 2021
Unusual compromise
Darcy and Elizabeth are found in a compromise by the entire town when they are in the garden at Netherfield and stuck because Wickham locked both the windows and doors. He wanted to make Darcy miserable by sticking him with a woman he hated. Unfortunately, Darcy doesn't hate Elizabeth and she begins to see him in a different light. Wickham then whispers poisonous words to her when Darcy is away - tales of gambling, drunkenness, debauchery, and having a mistress.
It's a well written story that moves quickly and doesn't get bogged down. I enjoyed reading this story.
Darcy and Elizabeth are found in a compromise by the entire town when they are in the garden at Netherfield and stuck because Wickham locked both the windows and doors. He wanted to make Darcy miserable by sticking him with a woman he hated. Unfortunately, Darcy doesn't hate Elizabeth and she begins to see him in a different light. Wickham then whispers poisonous words to her when Darcy is away - tales of gambling, drunkenness, debauchery, and having a mistress.
It's a well written story that moves quickly and doesn't get bogged down. I enjoyed reading this story.
October 8, 2021
I don't love the premise of a marriage of necessity in my Pride and Prejudice variations.
In this case, I actually didn't hate it.
Unfortunately, while Darcy and Lizzy's betrothal and subsequent engagement period was actually kind of entertaining and sweet to read, Wickham and his manipulative tendencies, and his social awareness with respect to EQ was all over the place. His smugness rivalled Darcy's pride in that Lizzy could be in love with him, and every time his perspective came up, I was not impressed.
Plot-wise, nothing terribly exciting occurs that's not out of the ordinary, and this being a novella, not a lot of character development and growth is expressed in a gripping way.
But, since it was so quick to get through, there truly was not enough time to really dislike it fully either.
So while I wasn't gaga for the whole thing, I didn't hate my reading experience, so if you're interested, I won't tell you to rethink that decision, but merely advise you to temper your expectations.
In this case, I actually didn't hate it.
Unfortunately, while Darcy and Lizzy's betrothal and subsequent engagement period was actually kind of entertaining and sweet to read, Wickham and his manipulative tendencies, and his social awareness with respect to EQ was all over the place. His smugness rivalled Darcy's pride in that Lizzy could be in love with him, and every time his perspective came up, I was not impressed.
Plot-wise, nothing terribly exciting occurs that's not out of the ordinary, and this being a novella, not a lot of character development and growth is expressed in a gripping way.
But, since it was so quick to get through, there truly was not enough time to really dislike it fully either.
So while I wasn't gaga for the whole thing, I didn't hate my reading experience, so if you're interested, I won't tell you to rethink that decision, but merely advise you to temper your expectations.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews