Mr. Darcy's Journey: A Pride & Prejudice Variation in Austen Variations

Jun 11, 2016 Sheila Majczan rated it really liked it

Elizabeth wants to get out of Meryton. The local gossips are painting her as a woman jilted and she has run out of patience. With her father’s agreement and a maid servant as a chaperone she is to take the stage to London. But when riding to town in a carriage makes Nelly sick, Elizabeth flaunts customs and decides that since there are several other women on the stage she will forge on. As the women get off at subsequent stops, as a cleric makes advances and then rain and ice force the stage to Elizabeth wants to get out of Meryton. The local gossips are painting her as a woman jilted and she has run out of patience. With her father’s agreement and a maid servant as a chaperone she is to take the stage to London. But when riding to town in a carriage makes Nelly sick, Elizabeth flaunts customs and decides that since there are several other women on the stage she will forge on. As the women get off at subsequent stops, as a cleric makes advances and then rain and ice force the stage to make an overnight stop, Elizabeth is offered help by a handsome young man, Mr. Hopewell. Should she trust him?

But it is a small world. When Elizabeth is invited to visit the Collinses in Kent, not only does Darcy turn up at his Aunt Catherine’s but so also does Mr. Hopewell, who is introduced as Sir Anthony Duxbury. Things become tangled quickly.

Prior to the trip to Kent, Darcy had been biding time in London as an escort for Frederica, a jilted and angry cousin. His aunt, Lady Matlock, won’t allow any of Frederica’s three brothers to accompany her to society functions as their tempers cannot be trusted if they were to run into the man who courted and then walked away from their sister. Darcy has a much calmer temper PLUS all Frederica’s old friends will flock to her side for an introduction to Darcy.

Yes, Darcy makes a journey to attempt to save the lives of several old university friends jailed as Luddite agitators and due to hang. Although the trip was to be two men off to the rescue, first one, then another person either invites themselves along or is dragged along by persuasion. The trip makes for some interesting conversations as well as revelations.

In this tale we read of the manipulative powers of a strong and insightful woman and it is not just one woman who is a force to be reckoned with, as a certain French woman crosses paths with Elizabeth while at Rosings, Frederica confronts her old flame and tells him what is now going to happen, and Elizabeth, who has never been afraid to state her mind or travel her own path, learns even further how to make things happen. But it is a learning process; danger shadows the parties, injuries occur and rescuing is needed.

Much of this story (as we read in the book description) is a tale of how the Luddite rebellion might have affected ODC. The details taken from history by the author make for a very interesting and enlightening read. A crop failure, men losing jobs to machines, hanging for breaking those machines and riots in the streets are realities. Lady Matlock offers some succor. Lord Matlock’s lecture to Anthony tells even us of a modern age the wisdom of working from the inside of politics to gain rational and permanent changes.

My quibble with this book is that I felt the romance for Darcy and Elizabeth was lost among much of the action. There were a few sizzling moments i.e., when Elizabeth is to act the “doxie”, but other moments not expanded upon, which could have added to that flare of feelings and emotions were ignored by the author…but that’s just my opinion.

There are other romances related, and an epilogue which presents another “little” woman flexing her muscles. Women’s roles and rights, anyone? ...more

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May 18, 2020 Ceri rated it really liked it

Shelves: austen-variation, austen-inspired, austenesque-no-sex-scenes, 2016-austeneseque-challenge

One of my favourite things about reading historical novels is the chance to pick up some knowledge of history in a more interesting manner. This latest story by Abigail Reynolds looks at what may have happened if Mr Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet had somehow got caught up with the Luddite uprisings in the North of England, which happened at the same time that ‘Pride and Prejudice’ was set. In very basic terms, there was rioting and breaking of the looms – the machinery that had begun to replace One of my favourite things about reading historical novels is the chance to pick up some knowledge of history in a more interesting manner. This latest story by Abigail Reynolds looks at what may have happened if Mr Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet had somehow got caught up with the Luddite uprisings in the North of England, which happened at the same time that ‘Pride and Prejudice’ was set. In very basic terms, there was rioting and breaking of the looms – the machinery that had begun to replace jobs in the fabric mills. I assumed that this variation would somehow spring from the Gardiners’ trip to the North, but considering that the uprising had begun to take root by the summer of 1812 it might be unlikely that they would make the trip. Instead, this deviates at an earlier point in the story. Firstly, Elizabeth makes a longer stay with Jane at the Gardiners’ and makes the trip alone rather than in the company of Sir William Lucas and his daughter Maria, which leads to some adventure, and then to Rosings.

Mr Darcy doesn’t just come to Rosings with Colonel Fitzwilliam here; instead he is also accompanied by the Colonel’s mother and sister, Lady Frederica. At the request of his Aunt Matlock, Darcy has been making a show of paying attention to Lady Frederica, as she has been practically jilted, and the Ton is being none too kind to her. Lady Frederica is not treated well (or fed well, for that matter!) by Lady Catherine, who sees her as a rival to Anne for Darcy’s hand. So, Lady Frederica spends a good deal of time at the parsonage, where she takes a fancy to Elizabeth.

At Lady Frederica’s urging, Elizabeth accompanies the Fitzwilliam family party, including Darcy, to the North, where two of Darcy’s old friends are in serious trouble. It is considered treasonous to speak up for the rights of ordinary men and this what these ‘radicals’ have been doing. However, the danger of the situation has been underestimated by the party. Elizabeth, Darcy and the Fitzwilliam family, now further expanded to include another Fitzwilliam son, Jasper, find themselves caught up in the violence.

The Fitzwilliam family are certainly a bunch of characters – Colonel Fitzwilliam and his brother are both fond of a fight, and their sister has certainly not been brought up to be meek and mild. Their mama is a very managing female who nearly always manages to get her own way. The whole family is talkative and don’t see a need for privacy in their conversations:

‘It had been a most uncomfortable half an hour, having to pretend the various confessions of treason, slapping, confrontations, challenges, betrothal demand and family crises occurring were typical drawing room conversations.’

This was a very fun adventure and I was never quite sure what was coming next. It was interesting to see some of the scenes that towns such as Sheffield might have experienced when the Luddites revolted, and to imagine the steps that people who believed in the rights of their fellow men might have taken to rectify matters. Though this subject matter could be quite heavy, the story is not, it’s quite humorous. The Fitzwilliam family are such big personalities that they quite take over the story and the Darcy and Elizabeth storyline is a little pushed to the side at times, so it’s not highly romantic like some of this author’s other stories, though there are some lovely romantic touches sprinkled here and there, and the couple both have a way to go in understanding the other and learning to see things from the other’s point of view.

There are no sex scenes in this story, and although some of the characters are the victims of violence, it’s all off-page, so there are no distressing scenes. I’d certainly recommend this book as I very much enjoyed it. This is a 4 star read for me.

*My thanks to the author, who provided me with an e-ARC of 'Mr Darcy's Journey' for my honest review. ...more

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Jun 05, 2017 Nicole Clarkston rated it it was amazing

Delightful, Abigail never disappoints! This was a thrilling, moderately angsty ride from start to finish. Elizabeth was strong yet properly ladylike, Darcy utterly smitten as he should be. I LOVED the whole Fitzwilliam family! What a hoot! Thanks for the enjoyment, Abigail.

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Sep 18, 2016 Nicole Barton Sasser rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, jaff, p-and-p, 2016-austenesque-lovers-challenge, physical-library, author-abigail-reynolds

Status: Read September 16-18, 2016

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Library Notes:

Mr. Darcy's Journey: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
by Abigail Reynolds
Paperback, First Edition, 443 pages
Published June 9, 2016 by White Soup Press
ISBN13: 978-0692730904 / ISBN: 0692730907

On the Road with Mr. Darcy...

Mr. Darcy is at his wits' end. Elizabeth Bennet, the woman he can't live without, overhears him insulting her family. Now she won't even listen to his apologies. Then his old friend Sir Anthony Duxbury tells him two of th ...more

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Dec 03, 2016 Dung rated it really liked it

Shelves: austen-inspried

Love the Fitzwilliam clan and some of the new characters, especially her honorary brother.

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Feb 24, 2024 Nina rated it it was amazing

This one turned out to be one of my favorite by Abigail Reynolds.
The story starts with Lizzie being called to London to nurse Jane.
Who has been really hurt by a very spiteful Miss Bingley. After a while her attention is too much for Jane, so she makes Lizzie go to Kent. Here enters the Fitzwilliam side of the family especially two original characters Lady Frederica and Jasper both siblings to Richard. The countess of Matlock also play an important part as well as her husband to a lesser extent. ...more

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Apr 19, 2019 SOS rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ebook, fiction, relationships-friendship, chick-lit, england, class-differences, humor, women, easy-reading, relationships-marital

4 1/2 stars

Abigail Reynolds is the unquestioned queen of Jane Austen sequels and variations. Her books never disappoint, and Mr. Darcy’s Journey certainly didn’t disappoint me. While there is a physical journey involved in this book, I believe the title refers to the internal journey Darcy, and Elizabeth Bennet, travel through the book as they realize their true feelings about each other.

To start with, Elizabeth enjoys a visit with her friend, Charlotte, at Hunsford. While she’s there, Lady Cath 4 1/2 stars

Abigail Reynolds is the unquestioned queen of Jane Austen sequels and variations. Her books never disappoint, and Mr. Darcy’s Journey certainly didn’t disappoint me. While there is a physical journey involved in this book, I believe the title refers to the internal journey Darcy, and Elizabeth Bennet, travel through the book as they realize their true feelings about each other.

To start with, Elizabeth enjoys a visit with her friend, Charlotte, at Hunsford. While she’s there, Lady Catherine’s nephews, niece, and sister-in-law arrive at the specific command of Lord Matlock, who remains in London. In order to escape Lady Catherine’s haranguing, the younger members of the party make frequent visits to spend time in reasonable conversation with Elizabeth and Charlotte. During these calls, Elizabeth and Frederica become fast friends.

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, we’re drawn into the world as the Luddite Rebellion gets underway. On this journey, Elizabeth joins the party at the urging of Frederica. Along with the ladies, we travel with Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, his sister Lady Frederica Fitzwilliam, and his mother, Lady Matlock. We also meet Sir Anthony Duxbury, who early in the story champions Elizabeth in order to protect her. He’s a radical and, under an alias, is involved in the movement to bring full rights to the workers. It’s a dangerous position to take, and he uses the alias to protect his family. This group of family and friends will find themselves living in the midst of riots and food shortages. Lady Matlock goes out of her way to smooth the waters, but there’s only so much she can do. It’s soon discovered that two school friends of the gentlemen are being held in jail for treason

It’s a delight to read and learn about the background of the rebellion, and to watch how this brave band of outsiders find themselves involved. You won’t want for derring-do and will enjoy not only the action, but the developing romance that develops between . . . more than one set of characters. As always, there are heroics, physical altercations, romance, thrills, and more. While Darcy and Elizabeth reside at the heart of the story, this tale offers so much more. To me, that makes it much more readable than just a gooey romance. I doubt you’ll be disappointed ...more

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Oct 12, 2016 Deborah rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ja-read, 2016-austenesque-reading-challenge

A definite must read for any lover of JAFF. After meeting in Kent Darcy must go north to the sscene of the mill riots to help friends falsely accused of felony criminal acts. His aunt, Lady Fitzwilliam, the Earl f Matlock's wife and their daughter go along on the journey bringing Elizabeth as her companion. Can Darcy keep Elizabeth safe and can our dear couple overcome their differences to reach a happily ever after? I could not put this book down. ...more

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Nov 29, 2021 Megan Wilkins rated it it was amazing

So good!

Ms. Reynolds does it again! This story is a delightful read. The story was original and the new characters were a wonderful addition. I loved how the Fitzwilliam family is portrayed. They were a hoot! I highly recommend this one!

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