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In the Library at Netherfield Park: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
“She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me.”
When Wickham hears about Darcy’s early criticism of Elizabeth Bennet’s beauty, he thinks he’s found the perfect way to finally get revenge on his former friend. What would be a greater punishment for the proud Fitzwilliam Darcy than being forced to marry a woman he finds only tolerable, and who comes from a family he openly despises?
And the Netherfield Ball will provide the perfect opportunity…
Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy are shocked when a mistake results in them being locked in the Netherfield library together during the ball. But as the night passes, they grow to enjoy one another’s company until their increasing attraction catches them both by surprise, and causes them to do something they would never have imagined. And when they are discovered together, the consequence is precisely what Wickham intended.
Wickham’s triumph quickly turns to outrage when he discovers Darcy is already in love with his future bride. But soon, he finds another way to destroy the life of the man he is convinced deprived him of his due.
In the Library at Netherfield Park is a Pride and Prejudice Variation novella of approximately 34,000 words
When Wickham hears about Darcy’s early criticism of Elizabeth Bennet’s beauty, he thinks he’s found the perfect way to finally get revenge on his former friend. What would be a greater punishment for the proud Fitzwilliam Darcy than being forced to marry a woman he finds only tolerable, and who comes from a family he openly despises?
And the Netherfield Ball will provide the perfect opportunity…
Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy are shocked when a mistake results in them being locked in the Netherfield library together during the ball. But as the night passes, they grow to enjoy one another’s company until their increasing attraction catches them both by surprise, and causes them to do something they would never have imagined. And when they are discovered together, the consequence is precisely what Wickham intended.
Wickham’s triumph quickly turns to outrage when he discovers Darcy is already in love with his future bride. But soon, he finds another way to destroy the life of the man he is convinced deprived him of his due.
In the Library at Netherfield Park is a Pride and Prejudice Variation novella of approximately 34,000 words
125 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2020
43 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 24, 2020
This is a short, quick P&P what if that imagines Wickham as the deus ex machina and his fiendishly clever plan to take revenge upon Darcy by forcing him to marry a woman who is tolerable but not handsome enough goes perpetually wrong.
The night of the Netherfield ball someone lures Lizzy to the the library where Darcy is trying to evade the hustle and bustle of the party, and locks them in. During their confinement barriers fall and they chat and play chess and cards and share a few kisses which is just about the time they are discovered.
So while neither would say at that moment that the other was the companion of their future life, and both are embarrassed it isn't a complete disaster. (Unless you are Caroline Bingley)
They are getting along okay but Wickham keeps turning up to pour poison in Lizzy's ear. Because once he discovers that ODC aren't battling bickersons he ramps up his revenge; alas he underestimates his appeal.
There is a lovely scene of comeuppance.
The book sticks to the main plot and has little divergence.
I liked it
The night of the Netherfield ball someone lures Lizzy to the the library where Darcy is trying to evade the hustle and bustle of the party, and locks them in. During their confinement barriers fall and they chat and play chess and cards and share a few kisses which is just about the time they are discovered.
So while neither would say at that moment that the other was the companion of their future life, and both are embarrassed it isn't a complete disaster. (Unless you are Caroline Bingley)
They are getting along okay but Wickham keeps turning up to pour poison in Lizzy's ear. Because once he discovers that ODC aren't battling bickersons he ramps up his revenge; alas he underestimates his appeal.
There is a lovely scene of comeuppance.
The book sticks to the main plot and has little divergence.
I liked it
September 1, 2020
What a sweet little story -- not much new ground covered but the story is well-written and well-told.
September 4, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
Wickham attempts to "punish" Darcy by arranging a compromise during the Netherfield Ball as Darcy seeks solitude in the library and Wickham arranges that Elizabeth is sent there to "save" Lydia from being compromised. As the door locks behind her Elizabeth finds she is the one who is compromised.
Wickham feels he has won some revenge on Darcy but is dismayed to realize that Darcy's feelings about Elizabeth are the opposite of what he assumed. Then Wickham tries a different course of revenge as he attempt to seduce Elizabeth into "jilting" Darcy.
This story was short and sweet. If you are looking for such you may enjoy it. There are some moments between Darcy and Elizabeth when the chemistry proves the match is a good one.
Wickham attempts to "punish" Darcy by arranging a compromise during the Netherfield Ball as Darcy seeks solitude in the library and Wickham arranges that Elizabeth is sent there to "save" Lydia from being compromised. As the door locks behind her Elizabeth finds she is the one who is compromised.
Wickham feels he has won some revenge on Darcy but is dismayed to realize that Darcy's feelings about Elizabeth are the opposite of what he assumed. Then Wickham tries a different course of revenge as he attempt to seduce Elizabeth into "jilting" Darcy.
This story was short and sweet. If you are looking for such you may enjoy it. There are some moments between Darcy and Elizabeth when the chemistry proves the match is a good one.
March 11, 2025
Where do I start?
Honestly I don‘t know anymore why I first rated 5 stars because now it deserves maybe 2,5-3 Stars..
I love a good Compromise premise at the ball, especially if Wickham is involved though this was too much.
The story had ALL my pet peeves. In short Elizabeth was a stupid girl. As soon as she saw Wickham she was like a dog with a bone. Very eager to see him. Lydia 2.0 but more subtle.
It was already too much Wickham for my taste. 25%-30% only Elizabeth and Wickham telling his lies and No Darcy at all.
Honestly I don‘t know anymore why I first rated 5 stars because now it deserves maybe 2,5-3 Stars..
I love a good Compromise premise at the ball, especially if Wickham is involved though this was too much.
The story had ALL my pet peeves. In short Elizabeth was a stupid girl. As soon as she saw Wickham she was like a dog with a bone. Very eager to see him. Lydia 2.0 but more subtle.
It was already too much Wickham for my taste. 25%-30% only Elizabeth and Wickham telling his lies and No Darcy at all.
January 22, 2021
“Because I’m the kind of girl who fantasizes about being trapped in a library overnight.” –Rainbow Rowell, Fangirl
Rating: clean: but contains some discussions of adult matters: angst level: low-medium: several swoon-worthy declarations. Heavy sigh. Source: Borrowed from KU 1-20-21: I highly recommend.
Villain: that SBRB [scum-bag-rat-bastard] has done it again. He has attempted to throw water on Darcy’s peace of mind. This was a carousel of events that kept circling around with Wickham as the ringmaster. What a horrid, horrid man. I have never disliked him more than I did in this story. However, I was just as upset with Elizabeth.
Elizabeth: WHAT-IS-YOUR-PROBLEM???? OMG! I wanted to shake some sense into her for believing the glib-tongued, SBRB. Oh, she was so willing to listen to his every word, until—Wickham overplayed his hand. He was too smooth by half. He forgot that Elizabeth was not Lydia, nor was she like any of the bimbos that usually fell all over themselves at his every word. This scared the crap out of me. I kept thinking… OMG, please just ask Darcy for the truth of the matter. I hate it when she stubbornly refuses to talk to him. She nearly blew it. Whew! Where are my salts?
“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! – When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.” –Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Rating: clean: but contains some discussions of adult matters: angst level: low-medium: several swoon-worthy declarations. Heavy sigh. Source: Borrowed from KU 1-20-21: I highly recommend.
Villain: that SBRB [scum-bag-rat-bastard] has done it again. He has attempted to throw water on Darcy’s peace of mind. This was a carousel of events that kept circling around with Wickham as the ringmaster. What a horrid, horrid man. I have never disliked him more than I did in this story. However, I was just as upset with Elizabeth.
Elizabeth: WHAT-IS-YOUR-PROBLEM???? OMG! I wanted to shake some sense into her for believing the glib-tongued, SBRB. Oh, she was so willing to listen to his every word, until—Wickham overplayed his hand. He was too smooth by half. He forgot that Elizabeth was not Lydia, nor was she like any of the bimbos that usually fell all over themselves at his every word. This scared the crap out of me. I kept thinking… OMG, please just ask Darcy for the truth of the matter. I hate it when she stubbornly refuses to talk to him. She nearly blew it. Whew! Where are my salts?
“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! – When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.” –Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
May 26, 2020
Nicely done novella-length P&P variation. Wickham sneaks into the Netherfield ball and creates mischief, hoping to create scandalous gossip (at the least) or lifelong misery (at the best) for Darcy, believing he dislikes Elizabeth Bennet. Lured into the library and then finding the door locked, Elizabeth is dismayed to be stuck there with the dour Mr. Darcy. Both know that, depending upon who finally unlocks the door, it's likely to be deemed a compromise regardless of their innocence. When the end results don't satisfy Wickham's thirst for revenge, he takes additional measures.
I like the unique plot, and the characters are consistent with Jane Austen's. The writing sounds a bit modern in spots but generally has correct spelling and grammar. Content is clean.
I like the unique plot, and the characters are consistent with Jane Austen's. The writing sounds a bit modern in spots but generally has correct spelling and grammar. Content is clean.
Read
May 10, 2021DNF 32% - just not for me. Couldn’t really connect to the characters :/
September 13, 2020
Nothing new here.
A rather pathetic forced marriage story. If you’ve read any book like that before, you know this one.
Zero originality in the plot. Can you imagine Wickham telling Lizzy that Darcy has a mistress just to stir up trouble? I’m sure you’ve not ever read a book like that.
Also, in addition to being one of at least 30 books in which the exact same thing happens, there are grammatical errors caused by relying on spell check and not an actual proofreader.
I urge you not to bother with this one.
A rather pathetic forced marriage story. If you’ve read any book like that before, you know this one.
Zero originality in the plot. Can you imagine Wickham telling Lizzy that Darcy has a mistress just to stir up trouble? I’m sure you’ve not ever read a book like that.
Also, in addition to being one of at least 30 books in which the exact same thing happens, there are grammatical errors caused by relying on spell check and not an actual proofreader.
I urge you not to bother with this one.
October 18, 2020
3 1/2 stars
May 17, 2020
Wickham at it again
3.5 stars rounded up. Wickham keeps trying to ruin Darcy’s life instead of living his own. Lots of misunderstandings and lies. Not a must read.
3.5 stars rounded up. Wickham keeps trying to ruin Darcy’s life instead of living his own. Lots of misunderstandings and lies. Not a must read.
February 2, 2021
A short story where Wickham plans the perfect revenge that will last a lifetime on Darcy by forcing him into a marriage with a woman he seems to find unattractive and repulsive. Jokes on him when, as he prepares to bask in his success, he discover that maybe Darcy isn't as unhappy in this scenario as Wickham had hoped. Determined to rob Darcy of any possible happiness, Wickham devises a second step in in which to secure Darcy's humiliation and misery. Will he succeed?!? This was an enjoyable read.
June 27, 2020
Good book
I loved this love story, loved the way lizzy figured it out and went to the trouble of verifying the claims. Good book liked how the villan got his comeuppance. Wished for an epilogue.
I loved this love story, loved the way lizzy figured it out and went to the trouble of verifying the claims. Good book liked how the villan got his comeuppance. Wished for an epilogue.
August 15, 2020
In today's edition of randomly going through Kindle Unlimited Pride and Prejudice variations, I found this little short novella about what could've happened if Wickham had engineered Darcy's marriage with Elizabeth on the basis of his original comments. I'd like to say that the cover is a major detractor from the book, it's not very appealing and probably keeps a few people from opening the book. It's much better than the cover would lead one to believe. But it still has it's characterization issues.
It was probably too short for what it was attempting to convey. The rise and fall of Wickham's machinations were swift and not all that impactful. The misunderstandings also felt a lot less significant for Darcy and Elizabeth than they could have been. In the synopsis of the book, it seems like there's going to be some significant damage at some point. Really though it just takes away Elizabeth's original misunderstanding of Darcy's proposal, Wickham and Lydia's elopement, and basically anything else that would cause any trouble.
A much happier ending, but not as satisfying considering the lack of real stress. I thought for a second maybe Elizabeth would believe Wickham, that would've just been against her character though. So decent characterization, not the best AU though.
This review and all my others can be found at: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot....
June 2, 2020
Delightful little confection
Short story about Elizabeth and Darcy being locked in the library at Netherfield by Wickham, during the Netherfield ball, in the hopes that they would be compromised and Darcy would be unhappy about marrying Elizabeth. Wickham's plan backfires, since Darcy and Elizabeth find that they get along well and are actually happy about getting married.
This story is charming because Darcy is a swoonworthy romantic, not hesitating to kiss and hug Elizabeth at any opportunity. Elizabeth, rather than being her usual stubborn and prejudiced self, enjoys Darcy's advances, and undergoes a major softening of her attitude towards him. Wickham is the thorn in both of their sides, but their growing attraction for one another unites them against his evil efforts to turn them away from each other.
This was great fun to read, and well crafted for such a short story. It is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
Short story about Elizabeth and Darcy being locked in the library at Netherfield by Wickham, during the Netherfield ball, in the hopes that they would be compromised and Darcy would be unhappy about marrying Elizabeth. Wickham's plan backfires, since Darcy and Elizabeth find that they get along well and are actually happy about getting married.
This story is charming because Darcy is a swoonworthy romantic, not hesitating to kiss and hug Elizabeth at any opportunity. Elizabeth, rather than being her usual stubborn and prejudiced self, enjoys Darcy's advances, and undergoes a major softening of her attitude towards him. Wickham is the thorn in both of their sides, but their growing attraction for one another unites them against his evil efforts to turn them away from each other.
This was great fun to read, and well crafted for such a short story. It is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
May 27, 2020
A plot gone awry
Darcy and Elizabeth are comprised after being locked in the library during the Netherfield ball by Wickham. Wickham believes he is getting revenge on Darcy, but actually gives Darcy his heart’s desire. When Darcy and Elizabeth continue to fall in love, Wickham changes tactics to try to prevent the marriage and steal Elizabeth for himself. A HEA foe Darcy and Elizabeth seems unlikely until a Chance meeting exposes Wickham’s devious plot.
Quick read on a break from work that was well worth it.
Darcy and Elizabeth are comprised after being locked in the library during the Netherfield ball by Wickham. Wickham believes he is getting revenge on Darcy, but actually gives Darcy his heart’s desire. When Darcy and Elizabeth continue to fall in love, Wickham changes tactics to try to prevent the marriage and steal Elizabeth for himself. A HEA foe Darcy and Elizabeth seems unlikely until a Chance meeting exposes Wickham’s devious plot.
Quick read on a break from work that was well worth it.
September 10, 2020
2.5 stars, rounded up. Another compromised in the library at Netherfield story. This one is very short, an evening's read. I like the idea for this one, with a surprising person engineering the compromise, but the execution of it leaves room for improvement. Too many sentences were awkwardly structured, and many events in the story seem implausible. It is entertaining, though, so if that's all you're looking for, and you can suspend disbelief and ignore sentence structure, go for it.
March 16, 2022
This book is a compromise just as you envisioned it to be with Wickham trying to make Darcy miserable. It is basically Elizabeth learning how trust Darcy relatively quickly around Wickham's constant lies and attempts to poison her against him, as he had thought Darcy would be miserable with her, and was most frustrated that was not the case. It all worked itself out relatively quickly and an HEA was had!
May 31, 2020
Cute, sweet, and funny
I would recommend this for anyone to read. This author was consistent with a very clean, sweet, and expressive story. I found who they came together sweet with a touch of romance. Through the middle towards the end I found the descriptions so outrageous, I was surprised. The ending was great. Highly recommended to read. Great storyline
I would recommend this for anyone to read. This author was consistent with a very clean, sweet, and expressive story. I found who they came together sweet with a touch of romance. Through the middle towards the end I found the descriptions so outrageous, I was surprised. The ending was great. Highly recommended to read. Great storyline
June 3, 2020
Mr Wickham will do what ever he can think of to cause trouble for Darcy. Elizabeth and Darcy are the victims of a planned compromise. He also takes the time to play on fears and insecurities in his efforts. Love helps our dear couple find their way until they find themselves very happy with their situation. How they get there is an angsty and clean story.
April 29, 2021
Book three!
This is the third book by this author I have read in the past weeks and I have enjoyed them all very much. I have to say this was my least favorite of the three simply because Wickham had a big part. I never enjoy a variation that revolves around him. That being said, it was still a good book that I can easily recommend!
This is the third book by this author I have read in the past weeks and I have enjoyed them all very much. I have to say this was my least favorite of the three simply because Wickham had a big part. I never enjoy a variation that revolves around him. That being said, it was still a good book that I can easily recommend!
May 24, 2020
Enjoyable read
Darcy and Elizabeth and all of the usual characters were true to form. I thought their personalities were consistent with the original which is something I generally appreciate. Good story.
Darcy and Elizabeth and all of the usual characters were true to form. I thought their personalities were consistent with the original which is something I generally appreciate. Good story.
May 26, 2020
Brilliant story
I really enjoyed this story from beginning to the end . Lizzy gets given a letter by a doorman telling her that Lydia was having a liaison with a soldier in the library, so she goes to rescue her sister and gets locked in herself with Me Darcy.
I really enjoyed this story from beginning to the end . Lizzy gets given a letter by a doorman telling her that Lydia was having a liaison with a soldier in the library, so she goes to rescue her sister and gets locked in herself with Me Darcy.
May 29, 2020
I found this book hard to get into really only got into it at the last couple of chapters. I did like a slightly more savvy Lizzy but did not make totally make up for my lack of interest in this one. But others may think differently.
July 16, 2020
Fun, Short Variation
This is a light, easy take on P&P, with some shenanigans but no really departure from canon. It is a well-written novelette, but it needs a bit of polishing by a good editor. There are missing words and errors in several spots.
This is a light, easy take on P&P, with some shenanigans but no really departure from canon. It is a well-written novelette, but it needs a bit of polishing by a good editor. There are missing words and errors in several spots.
January 4, 2022
Wickham locks Darcy and Elizabeth in the library
He thinks it would make Darcy unhappy to marry her. It's the beginning of a beautiful friendship but of course dear George must try to lie some more to drive a wedge between them.
He thinks it would make Darcy unhappy to marry her. It's the beginning of a beautiful friendship but of course dear George must try to lie some more to drive a wedge between them.
January 22, 2022
Amelia wood I like your style.
Great story, Wickham plans an elaborate way to trick Darcy.Read this one you will not be disappointed.Elizabeth is too smart for Wickham.I loved the conversations be tween Darcy and Elizabeth .
Great story, Wickham plans an elaborate way to trick Darcy.Read this one you will not be disappointed.Elizabeth is too smart for Wickham.I loved the conversations be tween Darcy and Elizabeth .
May 25, 2020
Lovely
A rather short and sweet variation inspired by Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice. It was a lovely read.
A rather short and sweet variation inspired by Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice. It was a lovely read.
June 14, 2020
Well Done in a New Light
Well done. Simple, yet explicit, at times truly suspenseful. Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth will always enjoy walks as well as libraries.
Well done. Simple, yet explicit, at times truly suspenseful. Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth will always enjoy walks as well as libraries.
June 26, 2020
Great, fun, easy read
This was a quick read, just over 100 pages, but I loved it. It was fun and well written. I will most likely read it again too!
This was a quick read, just over 100 pages, but I loved it. It was fun and well written. I will most likely read it again too!
June 27, 2020
Short
Wicked Wickham. Reminds me of the devil in Paradise Lost Wikipedia synopsis. Some language smacks of today rather than Regency.
Wicked Wickham. Reminds me of the devil in Paradise Lost Wikipedia synopsis. Some language smacks of today rather than Regency.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews