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A Proper Form of Pride: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
In a timeline where Wickham’s misdeeds start earlier and Fitzwilliam Darcy’s father holds his godson over his heir in all things, young Darcy must learn from different role models to find his own path. With the support of his Fitzwilliam relatives and his friend, Charles Bingley, he resists the temptation to give in to emotional blackmail or behave less honorably to gain his father’s praise. Instead, he plans and prepares for a future without Pemberley. When the crisis comes, he takes an unusual path that eventually leads him to Meryton and Elizabeth Bennet. Despite his changed circumstances, his honorable behavior shows young Darcy to have a proper form of pride.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
501 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2021
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July 19, 2025
You are not responsible for the programming you picked up in childhood. However, as an adult, you are one hundred percent responsible for fixing it. ~ Ken Keyes, Jr.
I read this originally as it was posted at a fanfiction site. If you have read “No Good Deed” by this same author, you will recognize the first chapters of this story. The premise is the same: George Darcy, in gratitude to his steward Mr. Abraham Wickham, indulges young George Wickham in the extreme and favors the boy over his son, Fitzwilliam (Will). Will’s childhood is miserable as a result.
When the boys are as young as eight years, young Wickham is manipulating Mr. Darcy. George Darcy believes that his son, Will, lies. He believes Will is destructive. He believes Will is a thief. He believes Will is a snob who refuses to play with the son of a steward.
Again and again, he punishes Will for George’s misbehavior.
Lady Anne cautions her husband that he should investigate the offenses further and not blindly believe George Wickham.
So does her brother, the current Viscount, father of two sons who also dislike George.
So does Wickham, Sr., the father of George.
Yet, time and time again, George Darcy puts his faith in George Wickham.
Finally, Will and George are finished with their schooling. George has always claimed he is also a son of Mr. Darcy and that his father will disinherit his legitimate son in favor of his bastard. Will believes that will happen and decides not to wait to be disinherited. He has considerable experience tutoring others during his school career and he accepts a position as tutor to a young boy. He sends his father a letter, changes his name, and disappears.
We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future. ~ George Bernard Shaw
Eventually, Will takes a position with a family residing at Netherfield Hall and meets the Bennets.
Since I have read both stories, I find it impossible not to compare them. I liked the beginning of this story the best but as the tale developed, I preferred the original.
In “A Proper Form of Pride”, George Darcy and George Wickham are not central to the story after Will splits from his Father. In the original, it was the threat of Wickham’s reappearance which drives the action of the story. Without a constant threat from Wickham, the tale seems lacking. The book follows Will’s life and eventual meeting again with his father. Then it becomes a story of George Darcy: whether he can be redeemed from his misjudgments; whether he can be forgiven; whether he can forgive himself.
The book is long with some characters very out of canon. The Bennet family is changed by the addition of young Tommy and the circumstances of Lydia who is not her mother’s favorite child. Lady Catherine is a nice surprise as is the Earl and Viscount and their families.
The willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life is the source from which self-respect springs. ~ Joan Didion
I read this originally as it was posted at a fanfiction site. If you have read “No Good Deed” by this same author, you will recognize the first chapters of this story. The premise is the same: George Darcy, in gratitude to his steward Mr. Abraham Wickham, indulges young George Wickham in the extreme and favors the boy over his son, Fitzwilliam (Will). Will’s childhood is miserable as a result.
When the boys are as young as eight years, young Wickham is manipulating Mr. Darcy. George Darcy believes that his son, Will, lies. He believes Will is destructive. He believes Will is a thief. He believes Will is a snob who refuses to play with the son of a steward.
Again and again, he punishes Will for George’s misbehavior.
Lady Anne cautions her husband that he should investigate the offenses further and not blindly believe George Wickham.
So does her brother, the current Viscount, father of two sons who also dislike George.
So does Wickham, Sr., the father of George.
Yet, time and time again, George Darcy puts his faith in George Wickham.
Finally, Will and George are finished with their schooling. George has always claimed he is also a son of Mr. Darcy and that his father will disinherit his legitimate son in favor of his bastard. Will believes that will happen and decides not to wait to be disinherited. He has considerable experience tutoring others during his school career and he accepts a position as tutor to a young boy. He sends his father a letter, changes his name, and disappears.
We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future. ~ George Bernard Shaw
Eventually, Will takes a position with a family residing at Netherfield Hall and meets the Bennets.
Since I have read both stories, I find it impossible not to compare them. I liked the beginning of this story the best but as the tale developed, I preferred the original.
In “A Proper Form of Pride”, George Darcy and George Wickham are not central to the story after Will splits from his Father. In the original, it was the threat of Wickham’s reappearance which drives the action of the story. Without a constant threat from Wickham, the tale seems lacking. The book follows Will’s life and eventual meeting again with his father. Then it becomes a story of George Darcy: whether he can be redeemed from his misjudgments; whether he can be forgiven; whether he can forgive himself.
The book is long with some characters very out of canon. The Bennet family is changed by the addition of young Tommy and the circumstances of Lydia who is not her mother’s favorite child. Lady Catherine is a nice surprise as is the Earl and Viscount and their families.
The willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life is the source from which self-respect springs. ~ Joan Didion
July 28, 2021
Difficult to review
My rating 3.5*
***This review probably contains spoilers. I usually try not to do so, but this is a difficult book to review for me, as there is much I liked, but also some aspects of the book I didn’t enjoy.
I thought it started out really well. It opens with events that take place on the day of Fitzwilliam Alexander Darcy’s christening, when Pemberley’s steward, Mr. Wickham, saves the lives of the elder Mr. Darcy, Lady Anne and their infant son. In gratitude, Mr. Darcy offers to be godson for Wickham’s son when he is born. The story continues with the young lives of Fitzwilliam and his cousins Richard and Alex as boys dealing with the insufferable George Wickham, who managed to deceive his godfather into believing he was an innocent and Fitzwilliam guilty of all things. Despite his son’s pleadings, and those of other family members, George Darcy always takes the side of his godson and not his own son. Foolish, blind, and obstinate man! This continues for years until upon graduation from Cambridge, young Darcy decides to walk away from his father and Pemberley to make his own living by becoming a tutor. He even gives up the Darcy name and becomes William Alexander.
Up until this point, I was liking the story, albeit the fact that it is quite long and wordy. Nevertheless, it retained my interest. It was the portrayal of the Bennet parents that I found extremely disappointing. A much more than usual indolent and uncaring Mr. Bennet, and an extreme shrew of a Mrs. Bennet, not past attempting compromises to get her daughters married. She also wouldn’t accept Lydia’s birth, who now lives with her Aunt and Uncle Philips. There is a Bennet son, who is younger than the four oldest daughters.
Then there is the loss of a most beloved character. I did not see the necessity of it, and it broke my heart. It is this event that actually introduces Elizabeth to Darcy when she approaches him in his grief.
Eventually, Mrs. Bennet succeeds by ripping Elizabeth’s dress and pushing her into her partner during a dance at the Netherfield ball. William comes to her rescue and offers marriage.
William and Elizabeth are very likeable throughout the story and as they had already been friends, come to love one another. However, there is so much going on in this book, that I feel the author lost sight of the love story. While the impression is there that they get on well, and even love each other, there’s not much loving prose or passion.
The young Darcy’s eventually take on management of Rosings at the request of Lady Catherine, who is very nice in this story, as are all the Fitzwilliams.
While William will eventually have a slight reconciliation with his father, he never returns to Pemberley as Master. That will go to William’s second son. His heir gets Rosings. I didn’t like this aspect of the book either. I know it’s the story the author wanted to tell, but in my mind, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Pemberley go hand in hand. Some things shouldn’t change. Just my opinion.
I couldn’t like Lydia being the only one who didn’t have a happy marriage, as told in the epilogue. Why do that? She’d been fine until then. Seemed unfair.
Things I did love:
- The families William worked for as a tutor.
- The Fitzwilliams—all of them were wonderful as they gave their complete and loving support to William as a boy and adult.
- Tom Bennet, Heir to Longbourn. Wonderful boy.
- The Bingleys, including papa Bingley, and except for Caroline who goes mad and lives in her own little world. That was weird.
- Aunt Catherine
- Georgiana and all the Bennet sisters, who, without Mrs. Bennet’s influence, did well.
- The Gardiners and Philipses... great portrayals.
So bottom line, I liked more than I didn’t like. Would have enjoyed more William and Elizabeth time, especially with such a lonnnnng story. Some will probably love it. I couldn’t quite get there.
My apologies for such a wordy and scattered review. I warned it was difficult to write.
My rating 3.5*
***This review probably contains spoilers. I usually try not to do so, but this is a difficult book to review for me, as there is much I liked, but also some aspects of the book I didn’t enjoy.
I thought it started out really well. It opens with events that take place on the day of Fitzwilliam Alexander Darcy’s christening, when Pemberley’s steward, Mr. Wickham, saves the lives of the elder Mr. Darcy, Lady Anne and their infant son. In gratitude, Mr. Darcy offers to be godson for Wickham’s son when he is born. The story continues with the young lives of Fitzwilliam and his cousins Richard and Alex as boys dealing with the insufferable George Wickham, who managed to deceive his godfather into believing he was an innocent and Fitzwilliam guilty of all things. Despite his son’s pleadings, and those of other family members, George Darcy always takes the side of his godson and not his own son. Foolish, blind, and obstinate man! This continues for years until upon graduation from Cambridge, young Darcy decides to walk away from his father and Pemberley to make his own living by becoming a tutor. He even gives up the Darcy name and becomes William Alexander.
Up until this point, I was liking the story, albeit the fact that it is quite long and wordy. Nevertheless, it retained my interest. It was the portrayal of the Bennet parents that I found extremely disappointing. A much more than usual indolent and uncaring Mr. Bennet, and an extreme shrew of a Mrs. Bennet, not past attempting compromises to get her daughters married. She also wouldn’t accept Lydia’s birth, who now lives with her Aunt and Uncle Philips. There is a Bennet son, who is younger than the four oldest daughters.
Then there is the loss of a most beloved character. I did not see the necessity of it, and it broke my heart. It is this event that actually introduces Elizabeth to Darcy when she approaches him in his grief.
Eventually, Mrs. Bennet succeeds by ripping Elizabeth’s dress and pushing her into her partner during a dance at the Netherfield ball. William comes to her rescue and offers marriage.
William and Elizabeth are very likeable throughout the story and as they had already been friends, come to love one another. However, there is so much going on in this book, that I feel the author lost sight of the love story. While the impression is there that they get on well, and even love each other, there’s not much loving prose or passion.
The young Darcy’s eventually take on management of Rosings at the request of Lady Catherine, who is very nice in this story, as are all the Fitzwilliams.
While William will eventually have a slight reconciliation with his father, he never returns to Pemberley as Master. That will go to William’s second son. His heir gets Rosings. I didn’t like this aspect of the book either. I know it’s the story the author wanted to tell, but in my mind, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Pemberley go hand in hand. Some things shouldn’t change. Just my opinion.
I couldn’t like Lydia being the only one who didn’t have a happy marriage, as told in the epilogue. Why do that? She’d been fine until then. Seemed unfair.
Things I did love:
- The families William worked for as a tutor.
- The Fitzwilliams—all of them were wonderful as they gave their complete and loving support to William as a boy and adult.
- Tom Bennet, Heir to Longbourn. Wonderful boy.
- The Bingleys, including papa Bingley, and except for Caroline who goes mad and lives in her own little world. That was weird.
- Aunt Catherine
- Georgiana and all the Bennet sisters, who, without Mrs. Bennet’s influence, did well.
- The Gardiners and Philipses... great portrayals.
So bottom line, I liked more than I didn’t like. Would have enjoyed more William and Elizabeth time, especially with such a lonnnnng story. Some will probably love it. I couldn’t quite get there.
My apologies for such a wordy and scattered review. I warned it was difficult to write.
July 22, 2022
Totally different timeline
What if George Darcy essentially raised Wickham like a son and treated his son like he should of treated Wickham? Darcy finishes Cambridge and has to figure out what his adult life shall be.
The story is large in scope,and there is great sadness and lots of angst. Just like in P&P, Darcy’s life is full of coincidences and turning points. Very original premise leads to a pretty good story.
What if George Darcy essentially raised Wickham like a son and treated his son like he should of treated Wickham? Darcy finishes Cambridge and has to figure out what his adult life shall be.
The story is large in scope,and there is great sadness and lots of angst. Just like in P&P, Darcy’s life is full of coincidences and turning points. Very original premise leads to a pretty good story.
August 21, 2021
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. At 501 pages there is just too much to even hint at. There are two long reviews which I read today, which give good wrap-ups of this saga.
There is very little romance in this story even though many marriages are talked about. Rather the author focuses on relationships. The main focus in the beginnings is that between George Darcy, his son (and heir), Fitzwilliam, and his godson, George Wickham. We are told of an attempt to murder Fitzwilliam and his mother, Anne, on the former's christening day. The fact that Abraham Wickham saves their lives leads to George Darcy's commitment to giving favorable treatment to Abraham's son. However, somehow, he carries this to the extreme. Fitzwilliam becomes the scapegoat in every interaction between himself and George Wickham. And eventually not only does Wickham begin to deliberately set up one event after another which leads to punishment for Fitzwilliam, but also Wickham comes to proclaim that he is the "natural" son of George Darcy. Fitzwilliam finally breaks this cycle as he graduates from university. He changes his name, cuts off all contact with his father and strikes out on his own.
Now we come to family relationships which give Fitzwilliam some form of self-esteem and loving support. Everyone in the family (except his father) believe his side of each story as he grows up. His cousins, Richard and Alex Fitzwilliam, take his side. And even as the family (and his wife, Anne,) confront George Darcy time after, offering proof and questioning his opinions George Darcy does not relent in his treatment of the two boys/men.
Darcy gains employment as a tutor. It is as he works for the second family at Netherfield that he meets the Bennets. In this story (again) we see two characters whose behaviors are painted as extremes. Mrs. Bennet is not above setting up a compromise to get a daughter married. Mr. Bennet isolates himself in his bookroom and neglects his estate. However, the saving of that estate falls upon the shoulders of his son. Yes, there is a son, Thomas, fifth in the birth order and a teenager when we meet him. He is sickly and coddled by his mother as he enters the story. Lydia has been taken in by the Phillips as Mrs. Bennet rejects her.
Lady Catherine has had two deaths in her family and isolated herself for many years. She resurfaces and becomes a major force in this story at about the same time as Elizabeth and Darcy marry (under rather forced circumstances...not a love match). Now the story focuses on Darcy and Elizabeth (and her sisters) and their relationships with Lady Catherine.
George Darcy does, finally, make attempts to bring Fitzwilliam back into his life. His attempts are misguided and have little success. Even his relationship with Georgiana is not a good one. An act by ODC gives some hope to seeing some redemption for George but he never regains what should have been his role as a father figure.
BTW: George Wickham is dealt with in two steps: in one he is out of Fitzwilliam's life for good and then, in an ironic event, he meets with justice as the wheels of fate come full circle.
This story was interesting enough to keep me reading. However it is more like a long history of lives which intersect with Fitzwilliam as he deals with all that fate throws at him. Sadly, there is the loss of one character, whom most of us love in reading of him in JAFF. I will let you find out his identity for yourself.
Many of the notes and/or highlights I marked are for errata. There is a great need for proofreading. some I didn't mark as I could not make heads or tails of what was meant to be said by the author.
There is very little romance in this story even though many marriages are talked about. Rather the author focuses on relationships. The main focus in the beginnings is that between George Darcy, his son (and heir), Fitzwilliam, and his godson, George Wickham. We are told of an attempt to murder Fitzwilliam and his mother, Anne, on the former's christening day. The fact that Abraham Wickham saves their lives leads to George Darcy's commitment to giving favorable treatment to Abraham's son. However, somehow, he carries this to the extreme. Fitzwilliam becomes the scapegoat in every interaction between himself and George Wickham. And eventually not only does Wickham begin to deliberately set up one event after another which leads to punishment for Fitzwilliam, but also Wickham comes to proclaim that he is the "natural" son of George Darcy. Fitzwilliam finally breaks this cycle as he graduates from university. He changes his name, cuts off all contact with his father and strikes out on his own.
Now we come to family relationships which give Fitzwilliam some form of self-esteem and loving support. Everyone in the family (except his father) believe his side of each story as he grows up. His cousins, Richard and Alex Fitzwilliam, take his side. And even as the family (and his wife, Anne,) confront George Darcy time after, offering proof and questioning his opinions George Darcy does not relent in his treatment of the two boys/men.
Darcy gains employment as a tutor. It is as he works for the second family at Netherfield that he meets the Bennets. In this story (again) we see two characters whose behaviors are painted as extremes. Mrs. Bennet is not above setting up a compromise to get a daughter married. Mr. Bennet isolates himself in his bookroom and neglects his estate. However, the saving of that estate falls upon the shoulders of his son. Yes, there is a son, Thomas, fifth in the birth order and a teenager when we meet him. He is sickly and coddled by his mother as he enters the story. Lydia has been taken in by the Phillips as Mrs. Bennet rejects her.
Lady Catherine has had two deaths in her family and isolated herself for many years. She resurfaces and becomes a major force in this story at about the same time as Elizabeth and Darcy marry (under rather forced circumstances...not a love match). Now the story focuses on Darcy and Elizabeth (and her sisters) and their relationships with Lady Catherine.
George Darcy does, finally, make attempts to bring Fitzwilliam back into his life. His attempts are misguided and have little success. Even his relationship with Georgiana is not a good one. An act by ODC gives some hope to seeing some redemption for George but he never regains what should have been his role as a father figure.
BTW: George Wickham is dealt with in two steps: in one he is out of Fitzwilliam's life for good and then, in an ironic event, he meets with justice as the wheels of fate come full circle.
This story was interesting enough to keep me reading. However it is more like a long history of lives which intersect with Fitzwilliam as he deals with all that fate throws at him. Sadly, there is the loss of one character, whom most of us love in reading of him in JAFF. I will let you find out his identity for yourself.
Many of the notes and/or highlights I marked are for errata. There is a great need for proofreading. some I didn't mark as I could not make heads or tails of what was meant to be said by the author.
August 16, 2021
Wonderful
She wrote two variations of this story and honestly I loved both of them. Just a few small changes in the timeline and it led to radically different stories but both great in their own way. I really hope she publishes the mirror story as well. I love her work and I hope she keeps writing and publishing her stories for us to enjoy. Thanks for all the magic.
She wrote two variations of this story and honestly I loved both of them. Just a few small changes in the timeline and it led to radically different stories but both great in their own way. I really hope she publishes the mirror story as well. I love her work and I hope she keeps writing and publishing her stories for us to enjoy. Thanks for all the magic.
December 31, 2023
“Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.” –Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: mature: adult themes and discussions
>>Angst Level: high octane and an especially frustrating Mr. George Darcy
>>Tissue Alert: OMG! I wanted to cry my eyes out due to the death of a major character. I tear up as I write this. Good Grief!
>>Source: Borrowed from KU and read it twice: I volunteered to leave a review of my thoughts and opinions. I first read it as it was posted on the forums.
>>Trope: [1] Several of the fathers were still alive: Darcy, Bingley, and the elder Earl. That would be young Darcy’s grandfather [2] NSN (several not-so-nice characters) George Darcy, George Wickham, and Mr. & Mrs. Bennet. Bennet was indolent while his wife was deluded. Seriously, I despised both of them.
Fitzwilliam Darcy: “Protect your good image from the eyes of negative viewers, who may look at your good appearance with an ugly fiendish eye, and ruin your positive qualities with their chemical infested tongues.” –Michael Bassey Johnson
Young Darcy was such a wonderful character. His father’s godson, George Wickham, was an evil presence in his young life and I am surprised the boy survived. Young Darcy soon saw the writing on the wall. His father would never believe him nor take his side against the viper in their midst. Wickham would haunt their lives throughout the first quarter of the story.
George Darcy: “Most of the evil in this world is done by people with good intentions.” –T.S. Eliot
Darcy Senior started out with good intentions; however, they morphed into something horrible that destroyed everything in its path. His life, and that of his family, soon spiraled out of control. He clung to his breast a viper ready to strike any second. Darcy never realized he had pushed his son and family away until it was too late. I’ve never disliked a character as I did this man. Oh, wait. I do believe I disliked Mr. & Mrs. Bennet just as much. Only, they didn’t have good intentions. They were just mean.
The Bennet household was not a happy place. A Bennet son had been born; however, his health was precarious. His over-protective and indulging mother feared he would not live long enough to break the entail. His father’s health was another reason for her fit of nerves. The hedgerows loamed ever large in her imagination. What she did to her family was not to be borne. I loathed that woman. She pulled a fast one that was beyond the pale and she didn’t even care. The rest of the story was the result of her actions on the night of the Netherfield Ball. Only, someone else had leased Netherfield.
The rest of the story is saga-like and presents the lives of the various characters. It was a long story. The epilogue pulled the various threads together.
1st read: 11-21-23 ~ 11-23-23
2nd read: 12-29-23 ~ 12-31-23
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: mature: adult themes and discussions
>>Angst Level: high octane and an especially frustrating Mr. George Darcy
>>Tissue Alert: OMG! I wanted to cry my eyes out due to the death of a major character. I tear up as I write this. Good Grief!
>>Source: Borrowed from KU and read it twice: I volunteered to leave a review of my thoughts and opinions. I first read it as it was posted on the forums.
>>Trope: [1] Several of the fathers were still alive: Darcy, Bingley, and the elder Earl. That would be young Darcy’s grandfather [2] NSN (several not-so-nice characters) George Darcy, George Wickham, and Mr. & Mrs. Bennet. Bennet was indolent while his wife was deluded. Seriously, I despised both of them.
Fitzwilliam Darcy: “Protect your good image from the eyes of negative viewers, who may look at your good appearance with an ugly fiendish eye, and ruin your positive qualities with their chemical infested tongues.” –Michael Bassey Johnson
Young Darcy was such a wonderful character. His father’s godson, George Wickham, was an evil presence in his young life and I am surprised the boy survived. Young Darcy soon saw the writing on the wall. His father would never believe him nor take his side against the viper in their midst. Wickham would haunt their lives throughout the first quarter of the story.
George Darcy: “Most of the evil in this world is done by people with good intentions.” –T.S. Eliot
Darcy Senior started out with good intentions; however, they morphed into something horrible that destroyed everything in its path. His life, and that of his family, soon spiraled out of control. He clung to his breast a viper ready to strike any second. Darcy never realized he had pushed his son and family away until it was too late. I’ve never disliked a character as I did this man. Oh, wait. I do believe I disliked Mr. & Mrs. Bennet just as much. Only, they didn’t have good intentions. They were just mean.
The Bennet household was not a happy place. A Bennet son had been born; however, his health was precarious. His over-protective and indulging mother feared he would not live long enough to break the entail. His father’s health was another reason for her fit of nerves. The hedgerows loamed ever large in her imagination. What she did to her family was not to be borne. I loathed that woman. She pulled a fast one that was beyond the pale and she didn’t even care. The rest of the story was the result of her actions on the night of the Netherfield Ball. Only, someone else had leased Netherfield.
The rest of the story is saga-like and presents the lives of the various characters. It was a long story. The epilogue pulled the various threads together.
1st read: 11-21-23 ~ 11-23-23
2nd read: 12-29-23 ~ 12-31-23
September 13, 2021
In order to break away from his father, who only believes George Wickham, Fitzwilliam Darcy breaks away from his family and works as a tutor. Everyone else in his life tells George Darcy that he is crazy for always believing Wickham over his own son, but he chooses not to listen.
While this story does find Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy together happily, the main point of the story is the relationship between father and son.
While this story does find Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy together happily, the main point of the story is the relationship between father and son.
September 27, 2021
Darcy stands up to his father against Wickham
Mr. Darcy and lady Anne are ambushed just after the christening of the son Fitzwilliam and saved by Mr. Wickham. As the years go by Mr. Darcy favors the son of Mr. Wickham, George more so than his own under the belief he is honoring the man who saved his family from certain death.
"This does not look good," Darcy said, gesturing out the window at the two boys. He sighed. "I wonder what Will's excuse will be this time?"
This is not the only time Mr. Darcy questions his son’s character and honesty believing George to be the better person. Over the years Fitzwilliam learns creative workarounds to care for himself and rely on his own efforts to forge a future for himself without his father. Fitzwilliam has enough and decides to write one last letter to his father after graduating from Cambridge and receiving another letter from his father once again accusing him of Wickham deeds.
Mr. Darcy does not believe his son and thinks he will come home and take responsibility for his supposed misdeeds, but Fitzwilliam takes a position as a tutor not using his Darcy name.
Years go by and Fitzwilliam proves he is capable of making a living on his own and finds Elizabeth, of course the their road to happiness is not smooth and they face many challenges.
Mr. Darcy learns the truth about Wickham and tries to get his son back only to learn it’s not a easy fix.
I enjoyed the story so much I went back to reread it once I finished it. This Fitzwilliam is a strong man of character and finds work arounds to live his life almost free of Wickham. This Darcy stands up to Mrs. Bennet and protects his wife and her family and when his father tries to apologize he stands his ground forcing him to take responsibility for his mistakes.
While this story is heartbreaking journey for Fitzwilliam Darcy he becomes a better man.
Mr. Darcy and lady Anne are ambushed just after the christening of the son Fitzwilliam and saved by Mr. Wickham. As the years go by Mr. Darcy favors the son of Mr. Wickham, George more so than his own under the belief he is honoring the man who saved his family from certain death.
"This does not look good," Darcy said, gesturing out the window at the two boys. He sighed. "I wonder what Will's excuse will be this time?"
This is not the only time Mr. Darcy questions his son’s character and honesty believing George to be the better person. Over the years Fitzwilliam learns creative workarounds to care for himself and rely on his own efforts to forge a future for himself without his father. Fitzwilliam has enough and decides to write one last letter to his father after graduating from Cambridge and receiving another letter from his father once again accusing him of Wickham deeds.
Mr. Darcy does not believe his son and thinks he will come home and take responsibility for his supposed misdeeds, but Fitzwilliam takes a position as a tutor not using his Darcy name.
Years go by and Fitzwilliam proves he is capable of making a living on his own and finds Elizabeth, of course the their road to happiness is not smooth and they face many challenges.
Mr. Darcy learns the truth about Wickham and tries to get his son back only to learn it’s not a easy fix.
I enjoyed the story so much I went back to reread it once I finished it. This Fitzwilliam is a strong man of character and finds work arounds to live his life almost free of Wickham. This Darcy stands up to Mrs. Bennet and protects his wife and her family and when his father tries to apologize he stands his ground forcing him to take responsibility for his mistakes.
While this story is heartbreaking journey for Fitzwilliam Darcy he becomes a better man.
December 29, 2023
I enjoyed this very out of canon story. Mr Darcy Sr treats Wickham better than ever and ODB believes he may be disinherited so he strikes out on his own to make a life for himself. In this version ODB has all his best qualities without that insufferable pride that makes him so unpalatable in canon.
August 3, 2021
Such a great book story premise and so well written very long and satisfying read LOVED it. One to reread when lost for something to read.
August 12, 2021
Great story
I admire this author, for her skill as a storyteller and a writer. I've read other JAFF variations by her, and know she's good at crafting a tale. To call this one a Pride and Prejudice variation is a stretch, since the only things in common with the original are the names, locations, and the general time period. The personalities of the characters, the family dynamics, and the timelines are altered so much that you can't really relate this to P&P, this is its own story. I'm my opinion, a more apt title for the book would have been "The Coming of Age of William Darcy." The title given doesn't really fit. This story is about the sad life of William Darcy, from birth to manhood, and the deep impact of an abusive father and an evil George Wickham on his life, as well as his relations. If you're looking for a love story about Darcy and Elizabeth, this is NOT it. They are a couple in the story, eventually, but their relationship is just a small part of the bigger picture, and is handled very clinically. This is definitely not a romance.
The book is lo-o-ong, way too long. It could have been half as long and still tell the same thing. As I said before, the author is talented, but in this case there's excessive repetition of dialogues and ideas, as well as way too much time spent on trivial and unimportant detail, such as people going in and out of doors, or going up and down stairs, or giving orders for tea, or greeting every person they meet in turn, etc. A character will ask someone "Are you well?," and instead of " I'm fine " you'll get a five paragraph litany of their discomforts. A conversation will take place with one person, then the contents of that conversation will be repeated to another person in its entirety, and then to another person as well. So much text is wasted on ideas and dialogue that does nothing to advance the plot.
I've never been a fan of variations featuring an evil Mr and Mrs Bennett. In this book, they're cartoonishly bad, so not only do we have to read about Darcy's sad childhood, but Elizabeth and her siblings are also abused. In fact, the book contains 3 (!) characters that suffer from mental illness caused by one thing or another. Talk about depressing!! Thankfully there are good and loveable characters to balance this out, but this is not a cheerful book.
This is a good idea for a premise, and overall the storyline is interesting. The book is well written, albeit way too wordy. I recommend it with reservations.
I admire this author, for her skill as a storyteller and a writer. I've read other JAFF variations by her, and know she's good at crafting a tale. To call this one a Pride and Prejudice variation is a stretch, since the only things in common with the original are the names, locations, and the general time period. The personalities of the characters, the family dynamics, and the timelines are altered so much that you can't really relate this to P&P, this is its own story. I'm my opinion, a more apt title for the book would have been "The Coming of Age of William Darcy." The title given doesn't really fit. This story is about the sad life of William Darcy, from birth to manhood, and the deep impact of an abusive father and an evil George Wickham on his life, as well as his relations. If you're looking for a love story about Darcy and Elizabeth, this is NOT it. They are a couple in the story, eventually, but their relationship is just a small part of the bigger picture, and is handled very clinically. This is definitely not a romance.
The book is lo-o-ong, way too long. It could have been half as long and still tell the same thing. As I said before, the author is talented, but in this case there's excessive repetition of dialogues and ideas, as well as way too much time spent on trivial and unimportant detail, such as people going in and out of doors, or going up and down stairs, or giving orders for tea, or greeting every person they meet in turn, etc. A character will ask someone "Are you well?," and instead of " I'm fine " you'll get a five paragraph litany of their discomforts. A conversation will take place with one person, then the contents of that conversation will be repeated to another person in its entirety, and then to another person as well. So much text is wasted on ideas and dialogue that does nothing to advance the plot.
I've never been a fan of variations featuring an evil Mr and Mrs Bennett. In this book, they're cartoonishly bad, so not only do we have to read about Darcy's sad childhood, but Elizabeth and her siblings are also abused. In fact, the book contains 3 (!) characters that suffer from mental illness caused by one thing or another. Talk about depressing!! Thankfully there are good and loveable characters to balance this out, but this is not a cheerful book.
This is a good idea for a premise, and overall the storyline is interesting. The book is well written, albeit way too wordy. I recommend it with reservations.
August 23, 2021
Avid Reader
The Senior Darcy favored young George Wickham because his father Abraham Wickham had saved his life and that of Ms. Darcy, and Fitzwilliam 's on the day that he was christained. Unfortunately, the event would lead to much pain and a separation between Darcy and his father as well as Wickham and his father. No one could convince Senior Darcy of young George Wickham 's evilness until it was too late. By then Fitzwilliam Darcy has walked away from his father and Pemberly, convinced that George Wickham was actually his father 's natural son and would one day inherit Pemberly! Mr. Wickham tracked down his own son, discovered his lies, confronted him, told him the truth about his parentage, and lost his life because of it! By then, Fitzwilliam was already married to Elizabeth whom he had met the day he received notice that Richard had died in battle. Thanks to Mrs. Bennet, one of the worst mothers ever, Darcy and Elizabeth became engaged. Mr. Bennet was also a horrible father and seemed to take delight in causing misery to everyone. Jane stood up to him and Mrs. Bennet. Lady Catherine and the Fitzwilliam family were the best adults and saved Darcy and Georgina. They also were good friends with Gardenier and the Bingley family. Caroline lived in another world thanks to a head injury. Young Darcy stood up to his father and showed strength of character that was missing in Senior Darcy and Mr. Bennet.
The Senior Darcy favored young George Wickham because his father Abraham Wickham had saved his life and that of Ms. Darcy, and Fitzwilliam 's on the day that he was christained. Unfortunately, the event would lead to much pain and a separation between Darcy and his father as well as Wickham and his father. No one could convince Senior Darcy of young George Wickham 's evilness until it was too late. By then Fitzwilliam Darcy has walked away from his father and Pemberly, convinced that George Wickham was actually his father 's natural son and would one day inherit Pemberly! Mr. Wickham tracked down his own son, discovered his lies, confronted him, told him the truth about his parentage, and lost his life because of it! By then, Fitzwilliam was already married to Elizabeth whom he had met the day he received notice that Richard had died in battle. Thanks to Mrs. Bennet, one of the worst mothers ever, Darcy and Elizabeth became engaged. Mr. Bennet was also a horrible father and seemed to take delight in causing misery to everyone. Jane stood up to him and Mrs. Bennet. Lady Catherine and the Fitzwilliam family were the best adults and saved Darcy and Georgina. They also were good friends with Gardenier and the Bingley family. Caroline lived in another world thanks to a head injury. Young Darcy stood up to his father and showed strength of character that was missing in Senior Darcy and Mr. Bennet.
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August 4, 2021Great story
MS Rayleigh has never failed to deliver great stories for her readers and this is no exception. I was fortunate to originally read this story at a fan fiction site while she was writing it and fell in love with her characters. Darcy's having had problems with his father his entire life because of Wickhams lies and misconduct that is blamed on Will. He ends up leaving and taking the position of private tutor for wealthy families. He meets Elizabeth and married her after her mother forced a compromise with a despicable militia officer. Mrs Bennet is worse than in typical stories and Mr Bennet is much more lazy than depicted. While they have a son who will inherit Mrs Bennet is still screeching about those hedge rows!
I enjoyed reading this story again and highly recommend it. The characters aren't too far off from Miss Austen's so purists should still enjoy reading this.
MS Rayleigh has never failed to deliver great stories for her readers and this is no exception. I was fortunate to originally read this story at a fan fiction site while she was writing it and fell in love with her characters. Darcy's having had problems with his father his entire life because of Wickhams lies and misconduct that is blamed on Will. He ends up leaving and taking the position of private tutor for wealthy families. He meets Elizabeth and married her after her mother forced a compromise with a despicable militia officer. Mrs Bennet is worse than in typical stories and Mr Bennet is much more lazy than depicted. While they have a son who will inherit Mrs Bennet is still screeching about those hedge rows!
I enjoyed reading this story again and highly recommend it. The characters aren't too far off from Miss Austen's so purists should still enjoy reading this.
May 20, 2023
Darcy stands firm
A long, but interesting story at times. I did begin to skim towards the end, though. I think I started to lose interest when Elizabeth decided to help George Darcy (see below).
I can't say I totally bought into the story completely, but it had its moments.
🤔
I understand wanting to give characters an HEA. What I don't understand is what Elizabeth saw in George Darcy to want to find a wife for him. Elizabeth and Darcy are wary of him. They will not spend the night under the same roof with him, yet they think this is a good idea to set him up. According to Darcy and Elizabeth, George Darcy is controlling, manipulative, and has an addiction on top of that. Nor does it go hand in hand that if someone was married to an addict that they would be open to taking on the burden a second time. To even suggest it is insulting. Of course, all worked out in the end for George Darcy's HEA, but I had a hard time wrapping my mind around that entire scenario.
A long, but interesting story at times. I did begin to skim towards the end, though. I think I started to lose interest when Elizabeth decided to help George Darcy (see below).
I can't say I totally bought into the story completely, but it had its moments.
🤔
I understand wanting to give characters an HEA. What I don't understand is what Elizabeth saw in George Darcy to want to find a wife for him. Elizabeth and Darcy are wary of him. They will not spend the night under the same roof with him, yet they think this is a good idea to set him up. According to Darcy and Elizabeth, George Darcy is controlling, manipulative, and has an addiction on top of that. Nor does it go hand in hand that if someone was married to an addict that they would be open to taking on the burden a second time. To even suggest it is insulting. Of course, all worked out in the end for George Darcy's HEA, but I had a hard time wrapping my mind around that entire scenario.
November 23, 2021
a very different view
Wickham plays a very large role in the shaping of this story along with Darcy Senior‘s stubborn stance in his own beliefs. Luckily everyone else sees the truth and Fitzwilliam is protected by the rest of the Fitzwilliams. Lizzy and Fitzwilliam meet and their story is much gentler than in some other stories though Mr and Mrs Bennett are truly horrible. Wickham causes his own downfall and doesn’t make an appearance in W&L’s life until a very late mention. Caroline and Collins get very small parts, Lady Catherine and Mrs Phillips are really nice characters and young Tom Bennett comes into his own. Well recommended.
Wickham plays a very large role in the shaping of this story along with Darcy Senior‘s stubborn stance in his own beliefs. Luckily everyone else sees the truth and Fitzwilliam is protected by the rest of the Fitzwilliams. Lizzy and Fitzwilliam meet and their story is much gentler than in some other stories though Mr and Mrs Bennett are truly horrible. Wickham causes his own downfall and doesn’t make an appearance in W&L’s life until a very late mention. Caroline and Collins get very small parts, Lady Catherine and Mrs Phillips are really nice characters and young Tom Bennett comes into his own. Well recommended.
November 23, 2024
painfully boring
Oh man. I was engaged for the first 25% and I always enjoy a plot where Darcy is employed / not the pemberley master. But by 30% in I was seeing a pattern. Painfully drawn out conversations, repetition, boring “plots”, heroes being perfect and villains getting punished, people not acting like they would in real life, wayyyyy too much talking about their feelings for 19th century Brits. And just unsatisfying overall. I forced myself to scroll through and catch a few sentences per page which was more than enough to get the gist of how the very basic story went. I can’t recommend this unless you don’t care about being bored to tears.
Oh man. I was engaged for the first 25% and I always enjoy a plot where Darcy is employed / not the pemberley master. But by 30% in I was seeing a pattern. Painfully drawn out conversations, repetition, boring “plots”, heroes being perfect and villains getting punished, people not acting like they would in real life, wayyyyy too much talking about their feelings for 19th century Brits. And just unsatisfying overall. I forced myself to scroll through and catch a few sentences per page which was more than enough to get the gist of how the very basic story went. I can’t recommend this unless you don’t care about being bored to tears.
August 3, 2021
It started slow, picked up and had a little fun, and then dragged so incredibly slow for the last like... hundreds of pages (my kindle was being confusing about the pages), which unfortunately caused me to drop two stars. On top of the incredibly slow pace, I felt like we did a "last time on" like every 25 pages or so, and there really wasn't much left to the imagination. I also think that there were way too many active characters to keep track of really any of them. My biggest gripe, however, is the lack of true Elizabeth/Darcy love story
October 5, 2021
I loved this story and almost read all of it in one sitting but then life got in the way. This is an epic tale about children succeeding despite the failures of their parents. This is also a great love story about how one action can result in great change. I loved the characterizations of everyone and how a simple nudge of personality can completely change a story. I am definitely going to read everything I can from this author.
August 26, 2021
Love, love, love this book
This is one of my absolute favorite JAFF stories. There is angst but never between E&D; it's all external to them and they work through it together. A very different take on P&P. The characterizations are wonderful and not over-the-top caricatures, as too often happens.
A touch longer than some stories; shorter than others. Very worth the read.
This is one of my absolute favorite JAFF stories. There is angst but never between E&D; it's all external to them and they work through it together. A very different take on P&P. The characterizations are wonderful and not over-the-top caricatures, as too often happens.
A touch longer than some stories; shorter than others. Very worth the read.
May 17, 2023
Fantastic
I seriously could not put this book down. I love the new twist of the story as well as the way the characters specifically Caroline Darcy and Elizabeth are portrayed. This particular Darcy anybody could follow up with Anne I like that the story moved along at a good pace didn’t lag very often and with each subplot had a victory
I seriously could not put this book down. I love the new twist of the story as well as the way the characters specifically Caroline Darcy and Elizabeth are portrayed. This particular Darcy anybody could follow up with Anne I like that the story moved along at a good pace didn’t lag very often and with each subplot had a victory
September 15, 2025
would’ve loved to seen more Lizzy and Will
I was a little disappointed that their wasn’t more of Elizabeth and Will you’re very general in their relationship and story they’re no in-depth to their story and how they deal with being thrown together and how those first days go or any of it I would’ve loved to seen that more fleshed out
I was a little disappointed that their wasn’t more of Elizabeth and Will you’re very general in their relationship and story they’re no in-depth to their story and how they deal with being thrown together and how those first days go or any of it I would’ve loved to seen that more fleshed out
September 17, 2021
Entertaining and different.
A cleverly crafted story using the well known characters . Some characteristics were subtly changed so a unique story emerged. Well written, well worth reading.
A cleverly crafted story using the well known characters . Some characteristics were subtly changed so a unique story emerged. Well written, well worth reading.
December 3, 2021
A Very Interesting Variation!
This is a long, fascinating tale that takes some unexpected turns from P&P canon. I really enjoyed it. The book could use a polishing edit, but the errors are not too disruptive.
This is a long, fascinating tale that takes some unexpected turns from P&P canon. I really enjoyed it. The book could use a polishing edit, but the errors are not too disruptive.
November 16, 2022
Marvelous!
I love long books featuring Darcy and Elizabeth. The characters are both true to canon and tweaked as appropriate for this interesting plot. If you like P&P FanFiction, you will enjoy this book.
I love long books featuring Darcy and Elizabeth. The characters are both true to canon and tweaked as appropriate for this interesting plot. If you like P&P FanFiction, you will enjoy this book.
August 23, 2021
So original
I really loved this. Such an interesting take. Kept me engaged from start to finish and loved every minute. Can't wait to read more of her books!!
I really loved this. Such an interesting take. Kept me engaged from start to finish and loved every minute. Can't wait to read more of her books!!
October 20, 2021
Loved it
Such a different story.. I'll be keeping it in my reread Pyle. I love reading low- angest stories but this is not one of them.
Such a different story.. I'll be keeping it in my reread Pyle. I love reading low- angest stories but this is not one of them.
October 26, 2025
Not many romance between ODC. They were friends when they married, then within 3/4 chapters they were in love without much description.
January 28, 2025
I've read this a few times. I must say that I like a noble (with an angsty childhood) Darcy and Elizabeth both with terrible parents that find each other and face the world together with grace. And a nice Lady Catherine! Will wonders never cease?
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