Suddenly Mr Darcy Read online

  SUDDENLY MR. DARCY

  (A PRIDE AND PREJUDICE NOVELLA)

  ANNE LOUISE

  SUDDENLY MR. DARCY ~ (A Pride and Prejudice Novella) Copyright © 2017 by Anne Louise

  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, in whole or in part, in any form whatsoever.

  This book is a work of fiction. The characters depicted in this book are fictitious or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  INTRODUCTION

  COMMENTS

  PART I

  PART II

  PART III

  PART IV

  PART V

  PART VI

  EPILOGUE

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  DEDICATION

  INTRODUCTION

  This story is a variation of Jane Austen’s classic, and once again I have borrowed her beloved characters for my own purpose. I have tried to portray them as she might have in 1809, except I am an American and the year is 2017 and I have never lived in England, though it is the home of many of my ancestors. The timeline for my book is two years earlier than in Pride and Prejudice.

  This is my second book and the first was Suddenly Elizabeth. There were many positive reviews and encouragement for me to write another such book, and this one is the result. As with my first book, this one also deals with what might have happened if Elizabeth and Darcy had met earlier. This time, the setting is at Pemberley, Darcy’s grand estate in Derbyshire, and Elizabeth Bennet is on holiday with her aunt and uncle and one day they visit Pemberley to tour the estate.

  Finding love that very day was the last thing Elizabeth would have thought on the morning that the carriage pulled up in front of the mansion. She had no experience in love and had never given it much thought, but hours later her world had changed.

  For a serious man who had been a workaholic since he inherited the Darcy family estate after his father’s death, Fitzwilliam Darcy was not unlike Miss Bennet and was just as innocent. The little experience he had with women were the suffering mamas pushing their fortune hunter daughters to marry a man of wealth, and so Darcy avoided many dances and soirees and other functions where he would be hounded. He was unhappy and had almost given up on finding an innocent woman whom he could love and who would love him and not his fortune.

  As with my first story, this one removes most of the angst of Pride and Prejudice, for Darcy and the others are two years younger, and Darcy has not yet dealt with George Wickham and his sister’s near elopement. With this knowledge, we have a chance to see their reaction to suddenly meeting and observe how suddenly Elizabeth Bennet realizes how much she cares for the man.

  I enjoyed writing this story and do hope you enjoy the read. If you have the time, I would appreciate if you would submit your review. Please see the author’s comments on the next page, and thank you.

  AUTHOR’S COMMENTS

  I do hope that you will read the free sample because I do not want you to be disappointed. This book is written as a fun story, meant to entertain you, and nothing more. You will likely find some errors, so if that bothers you, and you want to grade my paper, I prefer you save your money and time and not make the purchase and later complain.

  My book is not written in the style of Jane Austen, and I have not spent my life studying the writings of the Regency period in England. If that is what you are looking to read in this book, you will be disappointed. I shall leave that writing for those authors who are so talented and inclined. Most readers just want a good story and do not look at these P and P variations as though they are part of a doctoral thesis.

  Unlike some authors, I cannot afford to pay for others to proof my work, so I do my own. Believe me, it is very tedious. If you read my previous book, Suddenly Elizabeth, you might have read that some readers who publish reviews on Amazon on P & P stories appear to look for a new book with little or no reviews and rate their review as a 1 star, the lowest on a scale of 1 to 5. Some even say they would rate some books a 0, if possible. These people give Amazon a bad name. It is even more unbelievable that some people will read an author a second time, even though they stated they wished to rate that same author a 0. What purpose does this serve except to be spiteful and attempt to destroy the author’s new book before it has a chance to be successful? If sticking one’s hands in the fire is painful, then why do it a second time?

  No, such reviewers have an agenda to bury other author’s books while they praise either their own book or those of their friends. Though I am acutely aware that a book’s success is dependent on good reviews to thrive, I believe many 1 star reviewers must have some Schadenfreude going on.

  I can well imagine there are many writers of Pride and Prejudice fan fiction who have the same experiences, so I wish to know your thoughts, and no, I do not want to hear that I should join the many fan fiction fan clubs and have others lurking over my writing to make certain I have not offended or broken any rules as enforced by the Jane Austen fan club police.

  In my other book, I cited a reviewer named the Flying Detritus, who specializes in such reviews. There are many others. One can only suspect that this reviewer and others of that ilk exist to stab authors with biased poor reviews right out of the gate. These people should be censored by Amazon and called out. In any event, I would like to read what your thoughts are regarding these drive by reviews. If you are an author, I can imagine you may have had similar experiences.

  I invite you to read some of the reviews that were posted on my other book, Suddenly Elizabeth. The hateful reviews are the words of tormented souls, many of whom profess that a variation on Jane Austen’s masterpiece is unacceptable if it is not written exactly in her style and the language of her day. You will find there is a pattern of several 1 star reviews being sent on approximately the same date, and that was after several good reviews, so this tells me that there is a campaign on behalf of some reviewers to sabotage other’s books. How childish is that?

  I believe that one can easily distinguish the thoughtful reviews from the drive by 1 star variety that kill a book before it has a chance. This is wrong. Surely Jane Austen would embrace the English language of the twenty-first century and would encourage rather than attack the efforts of other authors.

  The majority of fan fiction authors write because they enjoy doing so, and I am no exception. Most reviewers are also honest and sincere, but the time has come to confront those reviewers who post such spiteful reviews. Such comments as “Bad! Bad! Bad!, Worst Book Ever” does not belong on a book review page.

  I respectfully ask you to provide any comments you have along with your review, and I appeal to you to rebut such spiteful and vicious reviews when you see them, and not just on my books, but on others you read. Perhaps then, we can shame such reviewers and eventually end this foolishness. Amazon has not done this, but perhaps you readers can help light a fire under their bottom if you call out these people.

  Thank You,

  Anne Louise

  PART I

  PEMBERLEY,

  DERBYSHIRE, ENGLAND

  JULY, 1809

  For many weeks the housekeeper at Pemberley, Mrs. Reynolds, had worried about its master, Fitzwilliam Darcy. After old Mr. Darcy’s sudden death two years earlier, she had seen the son work hard to learn to manage the Darcy properties and other investments, but she also could see that such work was taking a toll on the man and that his health was declining. At age twenty-six he was a large man who turned heads wherever he went by his noble mien and handsome looks, but recently he had lost weight and got little sleep and easily became moody.

  Darcy was not a man to talk about his concerns. The one person he confide
d in was the woman he had known since he was a lad of four and he knew she would keep their talks private. One afternoon he invited her to his study and asked her if she thought it was time that he marry. She could see his discomfort and knew what they would discuss was important and so gave him her full attention. In their private talks she called him William, and he addressed her as Mrs. Reynolds.

  “This is the first time we have spoken about such a thing. What has brought you to this point, William?”

  The older woman watched as the man twisted his signet ring and rubbed his hands in nervousness.

  “Most people I know are married and that is the natural order of things. Also, Georgiana needs a sister.”

  “And what do you want, William?”

  “Now, that is the big question that I want to talk about. I want to find a woman I can love and who will love me in return. Presently I am not happy, and Pemberley needs a family again. Georgiana and I rattle away in this large house and I want to bring happiness to this place. The problem is, I have never invested the time and energy in seeking out a wife. One thing I am certain about is I do not want to marry a fortune hunter and I have heard from others that some women are not faithful.”

  He did not mention his friend Charles Bingley, who he befriended at Cambridge. The man was always falling in love, or so he thought. Though his friend gained experience in such pursuits, Bingley preferred not to dwell on his romantic disappointments and continued to look forward to meeting the one woman who would change his life. Both he and Darcy were opposites and each man gained much in such a friendship as the two men complimented each other well.

  Darcy was careful and thoughtful and was deliberate whilst Bingley was impulsive and was led by a friendly countenance, in contrast to Darcy, who was more reserved and had a taciturn manner about him and often seemed shy amongst strangers.

  “Now William, you must understand that men also are unfaithful. Certainly a woman exists somewhere in England who will make you happy and whom you might consider for a wife. Let us make a list of what you are looking for in wife and perhaps we can see if we can find such a prospect. I will help you by making up my own list.”

  “Mrs. Reynolds, let us spend a few minutes and make the list together. If this is not a convenient time, we can have this discussion later.”

  “This is a good time and I want to help. You must know I am pleased that you have sought my counsel.”

  “Good, because I hope I am not asking too much of you, but you know me better than anyone.”

  “Yes, I suppose I do. That has been my great pleasure in life, but I will be most satisfied if you find happiness in marriage. Very well, at the top of your list must be that the woman makes you happy.”

  He agreed and for the next two hours they worked on the list and changed it around. Later that evening as he sat alone in his study, Darcy again reviewed the list and thought of the women he had met. Not one woman came to mind as would rank high on his list. Now he began to think that his best chance for felicity in marriage would be to marry a gentlewoman, who was well read and happy. She would not need to be from the highest circles or be beautiful, but he wanted an intelligent woman who would challenge him to become a better man. Because he was an innocent, he looked for a young woman who was the same.

  Finally, while having his evening brandy, he held the crystal glass up to the fire and saw the light of the amber liquid sparkle like diamonds. He immediately added to the list that he wanted a young woman with eyes that sparkled like diamonds on a pretty face. That night he did sleep better, but that was after turning over so many thoughts about what kind of woman he wished for a wife.

  For the next month he carefully observed the women he met and even struck up a conversation with a few, but he saw none who interested in.

  “Why are you so downcast, William?”

  “So I figured you would say that. It is just that I am frustrated and I do not believe this is working out. I have yet to meet a woman who comes close to what is on my list.”

  “That is a problem. You are one of the richest and most sought after bachelors in the country. What woman would refuse you after seeing Pemberley?”

  “I need a special woman that is not a fortune hunter. Somewhere there is a young woman who is different and is looking to find a man to love. If you learn of such a woman, please let me know.”

  “Your best chance to find such a woman is back in town, unless you meet such a woman during the tours of the place.”

  “No, that will not do. We have both observed the fortune hunters who have tried that before.”

  “Tis true what you say, but not every single woman seeking a tour of Pemberley is out to marry you. I am convinced that most have never heard of you.”

  “Perhaps I should disguise myself as a servant or an under gardener and then I may determine how that person acts around ordinary people.”

  “If that is a question, my response is that you must go to town if you wish to meet such a woman. You have a little over a fortnight before you return to Darcy House.”

  ****

  Young Elizabeth Bennet and her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner were on holiday touring Derbyshire. Two days earlier they had arrived in Lambton, the little village about five miles from Pemberley. Mrs. Gardiner grew up in Lambton where her father had a shop and old Mr. Darcy had loaned him the money to start his business.

  After learning that Pemberley was still accepting tours of the property, they agreed to visit the great estate the following day. They left for their visit after breakfast and carried a packed lunch for later. It was a beautiful, sunny day with a few clouds against a magnificent blue sky. The soft breeze brought the fragrances of the many wild flowers along the way. Not long after departing the village they entered a beautiful woods and Mrs. Gardiner said they were now on the grounds of Pemberley. Elizabeth was in awe of all she saw including large trees planted many years ago and there were stretches where the rise and fall of the road combined with the many curves to offer the best views of the estate and the adjoining tenant farms, of which there appeared to be many.

  Madilyn Gardiner had told her niece about visiting the place when she was a girl of twelve, and her descriptions were exact.

  “Aunt, shall we arrive before evening?”

  “Lizzy, it is the longest five miles, I know, but you will be able to see the great house shortly. A few minutes later as the carriage came out of a sharp turn, all could see the great mansion in the distance. It was truly a magnificent edifice. Fronting the mansion was a lake and some small meandering streams, but there were many gardens and green vistas for as far as the eye could see.”

  “Stop the coach,” her uncle called out to the driver. Elizabeth next reacted to seeing the great mansion and the grounds.

  “Oh my! I have never seen a more beautiful setting. It represents the best of what nature and man can do working together. With the heights beyond he mansion, I am convinced that all views from the great house are grand.”

  “So you are not disappointed?”

  “No, Uncle, I am quite taken in by what I see. This place is truly beautiful and I am certain the inside of Pemberley will be as well.”

  The carriage rolled up to a stop at the front of the house and next the visitors approached the great house. Darcy was outside tending to one of his gardens and had watched as the carriage stopped and saw an older man escort two women from the carriage. As they approached the house to inquire about a tour, Darcy noticed the young woman who he took as a daughter visiting with her parents, and he observed the young woman had turned to watch him, even though he was not near.

  There Mrs. Reynolds, already I see a young woman here to tour the place and she is looking my way. Perhaps I should introduce myself? Darcy had seen enough to draw his attention to the young woman.

  Mrs. Reynolds met with the visitors and agreed to give them a tour and told them that later a coachman would be happy to give them a ride around the estate if they so desired. The Gardiners, kn
owing that they would be there several hours, allowed their driver to return to Lambton, and he would return for them later that day.

  The visitors were not immune to the beauty and grandeur of the great house with the Italian marble floors and full height windows and beautiful woodwork. Unlike other great mansions they had seen, Pemberley was more inviting. The furnishings were fine and not ostentatious and the house was more like a very large home than a mansion.

  Elizabeth said she would rather walk some of the grounds after her tour and perhaps return another day to explore more of the grounds, saying that she preferred long walks along the many trails.

  Mrs. Reynolds was happy to receive the visitors and soon had determined they were a respectable couple, but she was most impressed with Elizabeth and had a good feeling that she was a young woman that her master might be interested in meeting. The final part of the tour was of the great hall where the many portraits of previous owners and family covered the walls. As the Gardiners left to ride around Pemberley, Elizabeth continued to stare at a portrait of a man. Oddly enough, from the little she saw of the gardener as they approached the great house, she thought the man looked similar to the man in the portrait.

  “Miss Bennet, I see you looking at the family portraits. That one is of my master, Fitzwilliam Darcy, and that one is of his sister, Georgiana, on her fourteenth birthday.”

  “They are exceedingly handsome. Am I to assume that they are the only family at Pemberley?”

  Mrs. Gardiner replied to her question and told of the family history and Darcy’s work to learn to manage the estate.

  “But he sounds like he works constantly. This cannot be good for his health, being held up in this large house alone.”

  Mrs. Reynolds used the opportunity to learn as much as she could about the young woman and mentally checked off the list of desirable qualities that she and Darcy had discussed. Does Miss Bennet have these qualities that my master is looking for in a wife? So far, I believe she does. Somehow I must get him to meet her and he has already asked for my help if I ever discover such a woman.