What If Darcy Remained at Rosings and Georgiana Joined Him?

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Purchased

TYPE OF NOVEL: Variation, Mature Audiences

THE PREMISE:  Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth both unwillingly and unexpectedly see more of each other at Rosings after Mr. Darcy’s disastrous proposal. Their emotions are troubled, the tension is tortuous, and they must process it all quickly and internally. And yet, at the same time, this prolonged exposure to each other steers their feelings, understandings, and relationship in a new direction…

WHAT I LOVED:

• Rereading: I decided to reread this book because it is one of the few dozen that I read before starting my blog in 2009 and it deserves a review! But I also decided to reread this book to complete a requirement on From Pemberley to Milton’s 2025 JAFF Bingo (book released in the 2000s). I was so eager to spend some time with a classic Abigail Reynolds – her first 5 self-published works will always be so special to me. And I was surprised how much of it stayed with me these past 16 years! When you think of how many hundreds of of variations I’ve read and how many scenarios/scenes could be similar. But Mr. Bennet’s opposition and Elizabeth’s impulsivity were key elements I remember from my first reading.

• Internal and External Forces:  It’s a truth universally acknowledged, Mr. Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s minds can be their own worst enemy sometimes. They will perpetually latch onto a preconceived notion and let it torment them before they will ever ask a question. It is just their nature! And while there was an abundance of misconstrued assumptions and misunderstandings on both sides, it was balanced by characters who created opposition and strife as well. I liked that it was other character who created the drama and tension (Mr. Bennet and Georgiana) instead of the usual suspects (Wickham, Caroline Bingley, Lady C).

• The Ardency:  Passionate and powerful – I love seeing such feelings portrayed between Darcy and Elizabeth. The physical aching, the irrepressible desire, the fire and sparks. This story is full of impassioned emotions and ardent embraces, and I loved each and every one. Especially from Mr. Darcy’s POV, his feelings are so fervent and tangible. (NOTE: As might be expected given this description, there are several scenes that are suited for Mature Audiences only)

• Vulnerabilities and Insecurities: I always appreciate the realism of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth having doubts, hidden scars, and sensitivities. I love the truth of even the strongest, boldest, and most confident of characters having something they fear and feel unsure about. That was very true of this premise, and I loved seeing Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy learn this about each other. I can easily conceive the truth of Elizabeth’s self-confidence being a form of self-reliance. And that Mr. Darcy has so much burden and responsibility placed on him that it sometimes induces anxiety.

• Profoundly Deep Love: I love the idea of love being such a powerful emotion. To have feelings so strong they consume you, they take over your self-control, and they are the very center of your existence. This is the type of love that inspires lyrics, poems, and art.

• Bravo, Bingley: Love a man who will defend a woman. Period.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:

• Perhaps there was a time or two where having a smidgen of conversation before they allowed their passions free reign would have been more helpful/kept pace better.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

🤔 Intimate, introspective, and illuminating – I love Abigail Reynolds’s thoughtful spotlight on the internal developments and emotional depths of these characters.

👩🏻‍🏫 Abigail Reynolds could teach a course on ardency…specifically ardency in Fitziwilliam Darcy.

🫶🏼  The type of emotive and romantic Pride and Prejudice variation that made me fall in love with this sub-genre.

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