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Hidden Hearts: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
If only their fake betrothal was real.
The last thing Fitzwilliam Darcy wants to do is spend more time with the Bennet family, even if Miss Elizabeth has bewitched him. After residing under the same roof as her for the last week, he needs greater distance between them, not less. When his friend answers for him about attending an excursion to a nearby cave, Darcy's honour requires he keep his word. Thankfully, there are separate chambers in which to find solitude.
Elizabeth Bennet harbours a long-held secret which has turned her world upside down since the arrival of Mr. Darcy to the community. The addition of a handsome and wealthy bachelor to the area should have her heart racing in excitement, or at least offer amusement. Unfortunately, such hopes were dashed faster than the man could scowl. Dragged along as her family visits a nearby cavern, Elizabeth seeks out space for a self-imposed isolation. Unfortunately, her privacy is intruded upon by Mr. Darcy in the most unlikely of ways.
When the ceiling unexpectedly gives way, they are trapped in the cave. Upon their rescue, gossipmongers make it clear that Elizabeth's reputation must be salvaged. Darcy is rather happy to provide the service. The only problem is that she is in love with another man, the mysterious Mr. P.
While everyone in Meryton and beyond believe Darcy and Elizabeth are on their way to being husband and wife, Darcy knows the truth of the agreement he has made with the lady he loves. Their engagement and his time to win her love has an expiry date. Will he discover who Mr. P is and how to replace him in Elizabeth's heart before their fake betrothal comes to an end?
Mayhem causes scandal with a twist in Hidden Hearts, a new addition from Rose Fairbanks. If you love sweet romance, secret yearnings, and a love that cannot be concealed, grab a cup of your favorite tea and download now.
Hidden Hearts is 46,000 words and 236 pages in print.
The last thing Fitzwilliam Darcy wants to do is spend more time with the Bennet family, even if Miss Elizabeth has bewitched him. After residing under the same roof as her for the last week, he needs greater distance between them, not less. When his friend answers for him about attending an excursion to a nearby cave, Darcy's honour requires he keep his word. Thankfully, there are separate chambers in which to find solitude.
Elizabeth Bennet harbours a long-held secret which has turned her world upside down since the arrival of Mr. Darcy to the community. The addition of a handsome and wealthy bachelor to the area should have her heart racing in excitement, or at least offer amusement. Unfortunately, such hopes were dashed faster than the man could scowl. Dragged along as her family visits a nearby cavern, Elizabeth seeks out space for a self-imposed isolation. Unfortunately, her privacy is intruded upon by Mr. Darcy in the most unlikely of ways.
When the ceiling unexpectedly gives way, they are trapped in the cave. Upon their rescue, gossipmongers make it clear that Elizabeth's reputation must be salvaged. Darcy is rather happy to provide the service. The only problem is that she is in love with another man, the mysterious Mr. P.
While everyone in Meryton and beyond believe Darcy and Elizabeth are on their way to being husband and wife, Darcy knows the truth of the agreement he has made with the lady he loves. Their engagement and his time to win her love has an expiry date. Will he discover who Mr. P is and how to replace him in Elizabeth's heart before their fake betrothal comes to an end?
Mayhem causes scandal with a twist in Hidden Hearts, a new addition from Rose Fairbanks. If you love sweet romance, secret yearnings, and a love that cannot be concealed, grab a cup of your favorite tea and download now.
Hidden Hearts is 46,000 words and 236 pages in print.
- GenresForced Proximity
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2022
69 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Rose Fairbanks
61 books112 followersRose Fairbanks believes in grace, redemption, and the enduring power of love rooted in faith. Drawn to the elegance and charm of the Regency era, she writes stories where ballroom whispers and country walks are just the beginning. After a deep renewal of her walk with God, she felt called to infuse her historical romances with the truth of the Gospel. Each novel shares the timeless message of God’s love, set against the backdrop of a world filled with duty, honor, and second chances. Through every page, she invites readers to discover the greatest love story ever told.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 5, 2022
In this variation, Elizabeth has visited Pemberley with her Aunt & Uncle Gardiner several times: the first being when she was 15 years of age. She had met Darcy, his cousin, Richard, and Wickham and even was a witness to an interaction between two of the young men.
Years later when Darcy arrives along with Bingley in Hertfordshire, Elizbeth is dismayed to find herself insulted and Darcy showing his disdain towards the community. She is disappointed in what seem to be changes in his behavior.
When, upon visiting a cave with the Bingleys, her family and Darcy, Elizabeth finds herself trapped in a chamber with Darcy as there is a cave-in. As they work together to attempt to clear away some of the rubble they become friends. As time passes and they are forced to spend the night, the chill of the cavern has them embracing to share warmth and it is one more reason they accept that he will have to offer for her.
However in this story the couple plans a way to save their reputations and to also save themselves from a marriage in which love was not the foundation. Although Darcy opines that they might find themselves falling in love, Elizabeth informs him that she already loves a man even though he doesn't know of her love and does not love her.
This story does not have Wickham persuading Elizabeth of Darcy's actions in not keeping his father's will. Caroline has a small role. Lady Catherine does show up but Elizabeth handles her quite nicely in twisting the Lady's own words back on her.
Ironically, the misunderstanding in this story is not about Darcy's seeming lack of character as in canon, nor of Elizabeth's thinking him the last man in the world she would marry. No...both have feelings for the other, but keep that to themselves, Darcy believing E. loves another man, and Elizabeth refusing to marry for anything but love and thinking Darcy is only engaged to her as an act of honor.
Mary and Richard have met before and that is another thread in this short story. I enjoyed this story.
Years later when Darcy arrives along with Bingley in Hertfordshire, Elizbeth is dismayed to find herself insulted and Darcy showing his disdain towards the community. She is disappointed in what seem to be changes in his behavior.
When, upon visiting a cave with the Bingleys, her family and Darcy, Elizabeth finds herself trapped in a chamber with Darcy as there is a cave-in. As they work together to attempt to clear away some of the rubble they become friends. As time passes and they are forced to spend the night, the chill of the cavern has them embracing to share warmth and it is one more reason they accept that he will have to offer for her.
However in this story the couple plans a way to save their reputations and to also save themselves from a marriage in which love was not the foundation. Although Darcy opines that they might find themselves falling in love, Elizabeth informs him that she already loves a man even though he doesn't know of her love and does not love her.
This story does not have Wickham persuading Elizabeth of Darcy's actions in not keeping his father's will. Caroline has a small role. Lady Catherine does show up but Elizabeth handles her quite nicely in twisting the Lady's own words back on her.
Ironically, the misunderstanding in this story is not about Darcy's seeming lack of character as in canon, nor of Elizabeth's thinking him the last man in the world she would marry. No...both have feelings for the other, but keep that to themselves, Darcy believing E. loves another man, and Elizabeth refusing to marry for anything but love and thinking Darcy is only engaged to her as an act of honor.
Mary and Richard have met before and that is another thread in this short story. I enjoyed this story.
April 7, 2022
cave in
Lizzy and Darcy are trapped in a cave so they might have to marry. I didn’t enjoyed the coming together because I thought Lizzy wasn’t seeing Darcy accurately. In most stories that’s understandable but they have long, emotional talks in the dark cave and the reason was upset about the forced marriage didn’t ring true.
Good story for the most part.
Lizzy and Darcy are trapped in a cave so they might have to marry. I didn’t enjoyed the coming together because I thought Lizzy wasn’t seeing Darcy accurately. In most stories that’s understandable but they have long, emotional talks in the dark cave and the reason was upset about the forced marriage didn’t ring true.
Good story for the most part.
April 12, 2022
Young Lizzy falls in love
Elizabeth’s travels take her to Pemberley in her youth while traveling with the Gardiner’s. While visiting Pemberley she falls in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy but knows nothing will come of it. Later the Netherfield party comes into Elizabeth’s world and she overhears Darcy’s comments about her lack of beauty. On a outing Elizabeth and Darcy get trapped in a cave. Elizabeth agrees to a fake engagement not wanting to force the man she loves to marry her. Darcy being the fool thinks she loves another.
This is a clean quick read without too much angst making it very enjoyable to read.
Elizabeth’s travels take her to Pemberley in her youth while traveling with the Gardiner’s. While visiting Pemberley she falls in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy but knows nothing will come of it. Later the Netherfield party comes into Elizabeth’s world and she overhears Darcy’s comments about her lack of beauty. On a outing Elizabeth and Darcy get trapped in a cave. Elizabeth agrees to a fake engagement not wanting to force the man she loves to marry her. Darcy being the fool thinks she loves another.
This is a clean quick read without too much angst making it very enjoyable to read.
July 12, 2022
A really sweet story. Elizabeth develops a crush on Darcy when she's fourteen and is visiting Pemberley with Gardiners and a deep respect when she accidentally witnessed him dealing with Wickham when he comes to claim his inheritance after spending his four thousand pounds. But when Darcy comes to Hertfordshire and behaves all proud and mighty, she feels cheated. Things proceed as in canon but after Jane and Elizabeth return to Longbourn, Lydia proposes an outing to a cave structure some distance away from Hertfordshire. When Darcy and Elizabeth moves by themselves to a remote part of the cavern to avoid others, they get trapped in a cave(?)in. Now the story takes a decidedly interesting turn and the author keeps it going very well till the end squeaky clean and charming and sweet. Though Elizabeth felt a bit less confident than usual, I still enjoyed Darcy doing everything to woo her and Elizabeth falling hard. A nice feel good read.
May 12, 2025
A Pride and Prejudice variation where the Gardiners and Elizabeth have visited Pemberley several times. But now it is 1811, and post Jane falling ill at Netherfield. Due to an unfortunate accident Darcy and Elizabeth are now betrothed, but they agree that they will keep secret that it is a pretend engagement until all her sisters are married. Will this be possible.
An entertaining and well-written variation, but I would have liked more about Mary and her first meeting with the Colonel, and Anne de Bourgh.
a re-read.
An entertaining and well-written variation, but I would have liked more about Mary and her first meeting with the Colonel, and Anne de Bourgh.
a re-read.
Read
April 14, 2022It's okay
This story isn't as interesting or exciting as most. Darcy and Elizabeth get stuck together in a cave after cave-in while touring it with the residents of both Longbourne and Netherfield. They don't get rescued until the next day and of course its a compromise. Collins decides she's a fallen woman and berates her until Darcy steps in to propose. They have met before now at Pemberley during 2 different tours with the Gardiners and at age 14 she fell in love with him! Most of the story is a series of misunderstanding - he believes she loves someone. She wants him to really fall in love with her. Richard falls for one of her sisters who he met the day before having to rush to Ramsgate and rescue Georgiana. Mary felt abandoned and thinks Richard is toying with her. About the only ones not having trouble are Charles and Jane! Its nothing earth shattering ...just a few weeks in Hertfordshire.
This story isn't as interesting or exciting as most. Darcy and Elizabeth get stuck together in a cave after cave-in while touring it with the residents of both Longbourne and Netherfield. They don't get rescued until the next day and of course its a compromise. Collins decides she's a fallen woman and berates her until Darcy steps in to propose. They have met before now at Pemberley during 2 different tours with the Gardiners and at age 14 she fell in love with him! Most of the story is a series of misunderstanding - he believes she loves someone. She wants him to really fall in love with her. Richard falls for one of her sisters who he met the day before having to rush to Ramsgate and rescue Georgiana. Mary felt abandoned and thinks Richard is toying with her. About the only ones not having trouble are Charles and Jane! Its nothing earth shattering ...just a few weeks in Hertfordshire.
July 6, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this updated release of Hidden Hearts. Rose Fairbanks took a lovely story and has given it even more depth and impact. The Netherfield party and the residents of Longbourn visit a nearby cave. A passage collapses creating a compromising situation. Darcy is honorable, but Elizabeth refuses a marriage of convenience. Neither wants to be the cause of the other’s disappointed hopes and are each willing to sacrifice their own happiness to insure the other has theirs. This story includes an appropriate amount of angst and prayers for deliverance and guidance. An excellent revision for a very moving and compelling read. I hope you love it as much as I did.
April 2, 2022
a familiar take on a familiar trope
3.25 stars
KU read
One simple conversation could have solved so much, and when that’s the case, there’s not much plot to begin with. I did have hopes with LCdB and Anne’s arrival, but that line went nowhere. Mr Preston was roped into the book on the flimsiest of pretenses.
I know Ms Fairbanks can write well: I adore Mr Darcy’s Bluestocking Bride, as well as the one with the flighty/not flighty Bingley. These books feature very real characters. This, however, was not written well.
3.25 stars
KU read
One simple conversation could have solved so much, and when that’s the case, there’s not much plot to begin with. I did have hopes with LCdB and Anne’s arrival, but that line went nowhere. Mr Preston was roped into the book on the flimsiest of pretenses.
I know Ms Fairbanks can write well: I adore Mr Darcy’s Bluestocking Bride, as well as the one with the flighty/not flighty Bingley. These books feature very real characters. This, however, was not written well.
October 2, 2023
While the repression was its own tension, the pleasure of the outcome was felt, the infusion of Mary and the Colonel's story was not enough or should have been cut completely as that was, for me, an interesting and unheard of story for Mary's character! I would love to read that book! But the couple we expected to find their path through all the blockers they put in front of themselves, hers intentionally, his unconsciously, were eventually cleared up so they could find their way to the HEA we expect!
December 30, 2023
Is it possible to find oneself the man of your dreams at such a render age as fourteen?
For Miss Elizabeth Bennet, it appears it may just be possible. That is until she encounters Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy in her home area of Hertfordshire, and is utterly disenchanted by his arrogant behavior. So what will happen if she finds they must marry to save not only her reputation but also her beloved sisters . What's even more interesting, can she reveal her true feelings for the man and he for her? Set back, relax, and enjoy!
For Miss Elizabeth Bennet, it appears it may just be possible. That is until she encounters Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy in her home area of Hertfordshire, and is utterly disenchanted by his arrogant behavior. So what will happen if she finds they must marry to save not only her reputation but also her beloved sisters . What's even more interesting, can she reveal her true feelings for the man and he for her? Set back, relax, and enjoy!
January 21, 2024
I loved it!
A Pride and Prejudice variation where the Gardiners and Elizabeth have visited Pemberley several times. Due to an unfortunate accident Darcy and Elizabeth are now betrothed, but they agree that they will keep secret that it is a pretend engagement until all her sisters are married. Will this be possible? I wished the story could’ve been longer by adding more character interactions, including the surprise Mary and Col. Fitzwilliam romance, but over-all it was a well-written variation.
A Pride and Prejudice variation where the Gardiners and Elizabeth have visited Pemberley several times. Due to an unfortunate accident Darcy and Elizabeth are now betrothed, but they agree that they will keep secret that it is a pretend engagement until all her sisters are married. Will this be possible? I wished the story could’ve been longer by adding more character interactions, including the surprise Mary and Col. Fitzwilliam romance, but over-all it was a well-written variation.
July 29, 2022
2.5 stars
This was very meh for me.
I didn’t love the execution of the plot with the reasoning behind the fake engagement.
From a characterization standpoint, Preston was unnecessary and I stand by that statement.
Also, what happened to the Colonel and Mary? That subplot died real quick.
And Wickham’s inclusion left me feeling like he was rather redundant. And he’s supposedly a main villain.
So yeah, nothing special here.
This was very meh for me.
I didn’t love the execution of the plot with the reasoning behind the fake engagement.
From a characterization standpoint, Preston was unnecessary and I stand by that statement.
Also, what happened to the Colonel and Mary? That subplot died real quick.
And Wickham’s inclusion left me feeling like he was rather redundant. And he’s supposedly a main villain.
So yeah, nothing special here.
April 7, 2022
So Delightful!!!
A beautiful well paced story that is low angst, yet filled with pathos. Watching our favourite characters Lizzy, Jane, Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley, Colonel Fitswilliam, & Mary reaching for and seizing their happily ever afters is a happy gift for we the readers.
A beautiful well paced story that is low angst, yet filled with pathos. Watching our favourite characters Lizzy, Jane, Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley, Colonel Fitswilliam, & Mary reaching for and seizing their happily ever afters is a happy gift for we the readers.
October 22, 2022
What if Elizabeth met Darcy when she was only fourteen?
What if circumstances forced Mr Darcy to propose to Elizabeth?
Can a marriage to protect her reputation turn into a love that lasts through the ages?
This book was a lot of fun. I read it in one sitting.
What if circumstances forced Mr Darcy to propose to Elizabeth?
Can a marriage to protect her reputation turn into a love that lasts through the ages?
This book was a lot of fun. I read it in one sitting.
December 21, 2022
very sweet!
This book has been in my TBR file for a while now. I’m glad I got to it! I loved how Darcy and Elizabeth grew in their understanding and love, and how, pretty much his entire family came out in support.
This book has been in my TBR file for a while now. I’m glad I got to it! I loved how Darcy and Elizabeth grew in their understanding and love, and how, pretty much his entire family came out in support.
April 1, 2022
Sweet story
This was a sweet, clean P&P variation with no angst whatsoever. I highly recommend it for a light afternoon read.
This was a sweet, clean P&P variation with no angst whatsoever. I highly recommend it for a light afternoon read.
April 2, 2022
Lovely
Another absolutely lovely and enjoyably sweet variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Rose Fairbanks.
Another absolutely lovely and enjoyably sweet variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Rose Fairbanks.
April 4, 2022
Adorable
Enjoy able to quite a lot more than you can think..... Well written loved the fact she admired him as her perfect man Gor so many years .....
Enjoy able to quite a lot more than you can think..... Well written loved the fact she admired him as her perfect man Gor so many years .....
April 20, 2022
A cute story very enjoyable story.
July 18, 2022
Good quick read
This was a nice quick read with a little angst. It was also nice to get a bit from both POV's
This was a nice quick read with a little angst. It was also nice to get a bit from both POV's
December 1, 2022
Very enjoyable
A light read, low angst. I very much enjoyed the slightly out of character groupings. But Jane still got Charles, Elizabeth got Darcy. Mary got a HEA too.
A light read, low angst. I very much enjoyed the slightly out of character groupings. But Jane still got Charles, Elizabeth got Darcy. Mary got a HEA too.
December 5, 2023
Enjoyed it.
July 30, 2025
I loved how they both wanted the engagement to be real. It was lovely to watch Darcy try to win his lady!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews