Pride & Prejudice fanfic rec list (1 of 3)
Meant to post this ages ago. Here's my list of COMPLETED P&P fanfics which I rec:
What you won’t find on this list: There are very few stories on this list which feature a lot of angst. There are also very few short stories because I prefer novel or novella length fics. And as I’ve only read a handful of modern-era fics (I prefer Regency fics), there are only a handful of those fic res at the bottom of this list.
Most of the story names below are links to the story’s listing on jaffindex.com. However, for the links to work you must first sign in to the website (The username is SASReader and password is Edinburgh), then manually copy and paste the link into a new window. For some reason those links won’t work for me if I simply click on them. The benefit to going to the jaffindex listing for a story is that there are more details there than I’m bothering to include on this list, such as the various categories a story falls under or links to sequels.
Story: Affinity and Affection
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=2102
Word count: 137,500
Rating: Mature
Author: sadriani
Summary: What if Mr. Darcy did not simply ride away in anger when he met with Mr. Wickham that day in Meryton? What if he had actually warned Elizabeth Bennet of that gentleman's despicable character?
Gioia’s Rec: I’ve read this story more than once. It’s notorious for having premarital sex in it and some rather smutty scenes.
My only critique: I’m going to be upfront and admit that the entire story is completely OOC, but if I tell myself it’s a romance novel inspired by P&P, I really enjoy it. This is a published P&P story.
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Story: All That This Entails
http://austen.com/derby/noells1.htm
Word count: 134,900
Rating: All
Author: Noell S.
Summary: The Bennets fortunes change when an entail of a different kind is instituted. The change in their connections will affect every aspect of their lives.
Gioia’s Rec: A well-written version of the premise in which the Bennets are suddenly wealthy and titled. This sort of crack!fic entertains me, and I liked that even though there is a longer road till things are resolved, it’s a completely fluffy, angst-free journey.
My only critique: This is one of several fics in this sub-genre of P&P fanfic, so I’ll address my critique of these types of fics here rather than in each individual fic review. As any casual reader of P&P could discern, the idea of the Bennets actually having riches, titles, or significant connections rather ruins P&P’s entire purpose. Although I get a kick out of this genre, many of you will not enjoy such a radical divergence from canon, as I must acknowledge that it diminishes the depth of P&P.
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Story: Amour Propre
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2929901/1/Amour_Propre
Word count: 70,500
Rating: All
Author: Qwara
Summary: In a P&P altered reality, Mrs. Bennet is deceased, and Elizabeth & Darcy find themselves drawn to each other by a series of eerie premonitions...but a conspiracy lurks in the shadows.
Gioia’s Rec: Generally well-written (just a few minor typos). The fic is completely AU, with Mrs. Bennet dead and a new Mrs. Bennet (with wealth and business sense) causing the Bennet girls to grow up on a more prosperous estate outside of Hertfordshire, where they meet the Darcys just after Ramsgate. The story is very much a gothic romance/mystery. Its style reminded me of an early Louisa May Alcott novel, whose title I’ve forgotten. Elizabeth was a bit OOC due to her changed circumstances, but was still recognizable, and I like the way well-written AU fics like this allow us to examine how a change in circumstances affects canon characterizations.
My only critique: The story is very rec-able, but not exactly to my tastes simply because I’m not a fan of this type of tale. Even so, it was worth reading.
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Story: An Alternate Ending for P&P 2005
http://www.penandink.thehiddentower.net/stories/s_alternateending.html
Word count: 2,400
Rating: All
Author: Splatt
Summary: A scene that I wish had been in the film: Lizzy and Darcy meet up after they have both spoken with Mr Bennet in his library.
Gioia’s Rec: I was thrilled when I discovered that one of my favorite authors from the HP fandom writes P&P fic! I was even more excited to find that she enjoyed the 2005 movie, as I do. This extremely well-written short is a missing moment from the 2005 movie. There is a sequel: Here.
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Story: An Arranged Marriage
http://austen.com/derby/old_2004/janh2.htm
Word count: 91,400
Rating: All
Author: Jan H
Summary: For reasons of economy, Elizabeth is forced to marry a man she thinks she does not love.
Gioia’s Rec: This fic is much more angsty than a lot of those I love, but it’s well worth it. The story begins with Elizabeth’s marriage to Mr. Darcy due to her father’s death shortly after Darcy’s failed Easter proposal. The story does a great job of depicting their marriage, particularly the first few months. Darcy is very much himself in this story.
My only critique: I have issues with the non-con/reluctance nature of the arranged marriage sub-genre, but this author handles the subject well.
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Story: Beloved
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=1332
Word count: 79,900
Rating: Adult
Author: Pat M.
Summary: Elizabeth Bennet is taken as a newborn to Staffordshire, and is raised as the true daughter of a very wealthy family. She knew the Darcy family all her life, and had a crush on Darcy as a child. Darcy was always fascinated with Elizabeth, even when she was is a baby (no folks, he is not a pedophile!). This is their love story and there is no angst between them (other characters, yes, but not them). There is lots of HMS. These two just wanted to do the deed all the time, and who am I to stop them?
Gioia’s Rec: I’ve read this twice and enjoyed it. There is a lot of action and its so completely AU that its interesting to see how Elizabeth’s canon-characterization can be worked into such a radically different setting. The nature vs. nurture debate is illustrated well here.
My only critique: It’s very fanficish in its entire plot and writing style, so be forewarned. Mrs. Bennet is very OOC, but that’s deliberate, and in this fandom characterizing Mrs. Bennet as “truly ghastly” is considered an actual sub-genre.
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Story: A Better Man
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=1357
Word count: 106,200
Rating: All
Author: Lea B
Summary: After returning from Kent, Elizabeth continues to reflect on Mr. Darcy's letter and her reflections lead to changes in her life at Longbourn.
Gioia’s Rec: When Elizabeth reflects upon Darcy’s letter at Hunsford she realizes that her father’s way of managing the family is destroying his children’s lives. She is so disillusioned with him that she decides to go stay with the Gardiners before their summer trip to Derbyshire.
My only critique: I think the extent of the rift between Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet is rather OOC for both characters, but the entire point of the story is to examine how that change would have impacted things, so I don’t actually object to this.
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Story: Chance Encounters
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=1537
Word count: 245,800
Rating: Adult
Author: Linda (booknut)
Summary: After Ramsgate, Darcy is unwilling to leave Georgiana. Bingley decides that he will wait for Darcy to join him before moving into Netherfield. Darcy and Elizabeth first encounter each other in February, when she visits her aunt and uncle.
Gioia’s Rec: I’ve read this fic twice. But let’s be honest: there’s a lot of OOC behavior in it. It’s a fun idea and the writing is technically very good. However it is based on the premise that Ramsgate was much more traumatic to Darcy. So by the time he meets Elizabeth, he’s already much humbler and does not at all behave like he did in canon upon their first introduction. I liked it regardless, but be prepared for a much more sappy romance in this fic. This is a published P&P story.
My only critique: OOC behavior, particularly in Darcy.
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Story: Church Announcements
http://meryton.com/mrr/allegretto7/ChurchAnnouncements.html
Word count: 13,700
Rating: Adult
Author: Allegretto
Summary: n/a
Gioia’s Rec: After Elizabeth and Darcy inadvertently play voyeur to one another’s skinny dipping, the Hunsford proposal goes much differently. This fic is essentially an excuse for a lot of very well-written smut.
My only critique: OOC behavior in both Elizabeth and Darcy, particularly given the historic time period.
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Story: Colonel Fitzwilliam Interferes
http://austen.com/derby/old_2002/lissa5.htm
http://webspace.webring.com/people/ns/superl99/CFI1.html
Word count: 41,000
Rating: Adult / All
Author: Lissa
Summary: Unaware of his cousin's feelings for Elizabeth, Colonel Fitzwilliam decides to follow his heart instead of his purse and ask Elizabeth to marry him. She happily accepts him. Darcy is shocked when he hears.
Gioia’s Rec: I was surprised to find I really enjoyed this fic. I'm not sure it's precisely in-character in all points, but it's a very interesting story. Elizabeth's relationships with Darcy and Col. Fitzwilliam is handled with far more decorum than some authors would've managed. It’s not anywhere near as angsty as one might imagine.
My only critique: There’s a scene at Pemberley between Elizabeth and Darcy that bothered me a bit.
Note: The PG version is on Austen.com, the Adult version is on webspace.webring.com
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Story: Coming Home
http://www.austen.com/derby/old_2007/lindak1.htm
Word count: 15,100
Author: Linda K
Summary: Married six months, the Darcys are returning to Pemberley for the summer. They run into trouble along the way and Darcy is left to wonder if he will ever see his beloved Elizabeth again.
Gioia’s Rec: The story is listed as mild angst because the ending is a foregone conclusion. But that didn’t stop me from crying while I read this beautiful story.
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Story: The Companion of His Future Life
http://austen.com/derby/old_2007/jackc3.htm
Word count: 81,600
Author: Jack Caldwell
Summary: What if Mr Collins didn't marry Charlotte? How would that change things?
Gioia’s Rec: This explores the question of what would’ve happened if Mr. Collins married Mary instead of Charlotte, and specifically how that would’ve impacted Jane and Elizabeth’s romances.
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Story: Connections Redux
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=5612
Word count: 116,800
Rating: All
Author: Harvey S.
Summary: Mr. Bennet is shaken by the untimely deaths of his siblings, and later his first wife. His response to these tragedies, his much happier second marriage, and the family connections resulting from it, drastically alter the trajectories of his daughters' lives.
Gioia’s Rec: JA FF writer Sharni wrote an abandoned, novel-length story called “Connections.” With her permission, Harvey S. rewrote and completed the story. He made some changes, but left in some of my favorite elements, such as Elizabeth’s reference about having “plain, honest parents” who weren’t nobility. The premise in this story is that the Bennets not only have better connections than supposed as a result of his second marriage, but also Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth and Mr. Gardner put their minds to such use as to build a huge fortune. The story is crack!fic, honestly, but it’s great fun.
My only critique: See my comments on “All That This Entails” about this sub genre, however this is the best fic I’ve encountered in this category.
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Story: Curiosity & Correspondence
http://www.austeninterlude.org/maria/civ/Letterstitle.html
Word count: 22,000
Rating: All
Author: Mariafaith
Summary: After receiving Darcy’s letter at Hunsford, Elizabeth writes a letter to him in return.
Gioia’s Rec: This sweet story captures a lot of the doubts, uncertainties and hope that existed between Darcy and Elizabeth after his first proposal.
My only critique: The idea of Elizabeth writing to Darcy post-Hunsford requires willing suspension of disbelief, but then so do most AU fics.
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Story: Depths of Attachment
http://ali972.cbellamy.net/stories/depths-of-attachment
Word count: 21,900
Rating: Adult
Author: Ali (Ali972)
Summary: This short story picks up at the very end of P&P, after Darcy proposes for the second time. It deals with the progression of Elizabeth and Darcy's engagement and early marriage, from two single people who know each other in essentials only to the intimacy and the happiness Jane Austen indicates they achieve in marriage.
Gioia’s Rec: Very sweet, very canon-centric peek at what it might’ve like for Elizabeth and Darcy just before and after their wedding. Definitely recommended.
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Story: A Delay in the Post
http://www.austen.com/derby/oldf/collex4b.htm
Word count: 15,400
Rating: All
Author: Anna P & Lauren D
Summary: After having been surprised by Darcy's presence at Pemberley, Elizabeth remains oblivious of the problems with Lydia, because Jane's letters have gone astray.
Gioia’s Rec: This is a lovely story that explores how things would’ve progressed if Elizabeth & Darcy had more time together at Pemberley before Jane’s letters arrived. Not pure fluff, and it’s interesting seeing what doesn’t change, but the story ends well.
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Story: A Double Wedding
http://janh3.mrsdarcy.com/page6.html
Word count: 53,300
Rating: All
Author: Jan H
Summary: Elizabeth and Darcy have finally declared their love. But will she and Jane be able to have their double wedding in spite of numerous obstacles and the obstructions of a obstropolous father?
Gioia’s Rec: The story picks up from the moment after Elizabeth accepts Darcy’s proposal and then fills in the missing moments before the wedding. Darcy and Elizabeth come to a better understanding of each other, the community is scandalized, and Mr. Bennet struggles with letting his favorite daughter go.
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Story: An Earlier Impression
http://austen.com/derby/old_2003/kathyt4.htm
Word count: 4,100
Rating: All
Author: Kathy Taylor
Summary: An accident on the way to Netherfield introduces Darcy to a brave and witty young lady.
Gioia’s Rec: I thoroughly enjoyed this light, fluffy fic in which Elizabeth and Darcy meet just a bit sooner than they did in the book. I liked the little things which served to demonstrate each individual’s character in the story.
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Story: The Evening Before
http://austen.com/derby/old_2005/danilh10.htm
Word count: 32,900
Rating: All
Author: Daniella H
Summary: Mr Bennet happens to walk into the hallway of Mr Gardiner's house, just in time to see Mr Darcy request to call on him, an event which changes everything.
Gioia’s Rec: This story is well written and does a good job of showing the post-Lambton events from the perspectives of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet. I recommend it for the purpose of seeing their POVs.
My only critique: Tthe fic’s premise really isn’t followed through very well. Very little diverges from canon, and it certainly isn’t “an event which changes everything.” In actuality, it changes nothing. Events proceed exactly as in canon, except that Mr. Bennet knows of Darcy’s involvement.
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Story: Failing and Fainting
http://www.austeninterlude.org/elsa/F&F.html
Word count: 36,200
Rating: Adult
Author: Elsa
Summary: Darcy accompanies Bingley when he returns to Hertfordshire. One day before they visit the Bennet family, a storm breaks out and alters a bit the course of events.
Gioia’s Rec: A sweet, romantic tale.
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Story: Fair Stands the Wind
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5262224/1/Fair_Stands_the_Wind
Word count: 49,200
Rating: All
Author: MaxineB (Maisedoat)
Summary: This is a Pride and Prejudice E&D AU, and that's all the info you're gonna get :D ALL comments gratefully received, especially if you think I could do better.
Gioia’s Rec: Truly great story. Darcy is the second son in this tale, and so when Elizabeth meets him at the Meryton assembly, he is Capt. Darcy. Mr. Bennet is ill at the time and Mr. Collins looms threateningly in the background. There is very slight angst in this story, though it’s largely resolved quickly. Mostly, it’s a really, really good drama. Great characterizations.
My only critique: This fic has an intentionally extremely AU premise. Darcy is a naval captain, not the master of Pemberley. I liked this a lot, but it may not be to everyone’s taste.
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Story: Fate and Consequences
http://austenunderground.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=128
Word count: 270,100
Rating: Adult
Author: Linda (booknut)
Summary: Darcy arrives at Ramsgate just hours after Georgiana leaves with Wickham. He immediately gives chase to stop the marriage, but can not stop the ruin of their reputations.
Gioia’s Rec: As with this author’s story, Chance Encounters, this is another tale in which Darcy is much more humble at the time he meets Elizabeth, prior to the Merryton assembly. I liked this story better than Chance Encounters, though, as I felt that there was better groundwork laid for the changes in Darcy’s character. The storyline was very interesting, too. This is a published P&P story.
My only critique: This author’s version of Darcy is a bit OOC (purposefully so), as is Mr. Bennet.
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Story: The Final Indignity
http://austen.com/derby/old_2003/lucy1.htm
Word count: 7,900
Rating: All
Author: Lucy
Summary: Caroline Bingley slowly comes to terms with the fact of the Darcy marriage and with her mortification at its success.
Gioia’s Rec: This is a delightful, humorous post-canon story told from Caroline’s POV. She is first embarrassed at the opera in London when she sees Elizabeth Darcy received with all the acclaim which Caroline so desired. Later, Caroline’s hopes of finding the Darcy’s unhappily situated at Pemberley are all for naught, too. Her indignation is quite funny!
My only critique: There are a few punctuation errors in this story.
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Story: The Final Reason
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=332
Word count: 29,800
Rating: Mature
Author: Ola (ardnaskela)
Summary: Elizabeth is already promised to another when she meets Darcy.
Gioia’s Rec: This is an interesting one. Lizzy is engaged to someone else and Darcy very aggressively pursues her, against her will. But even while he is rather forceful and even domineering at times, there is a gentleness, a patience and concern for her, which drives his actions. His character definitely has some grey shades here, but it makes him all the more interesting. (There is no unfaithfulness that occurs.)
My only critique: The way in which Darcy & Elizabeth’s happy ending is secured struck me as OOC for Darcy and several of Elizabeth’s relatives.
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Story: Five Minutes Later
http://austen.com/derby/old_2002/lissa3.htm
Word count: 3,300
Rating: All
Author: LissaMU
Summary: Darcy arrives at the Lambton inn in time to invite the Gardiners and Elizabeth to ride around the grounds of Pemberley. Later that day, he proposes again to Elizabeth. Then, the letter concerning Lydia arrives.
Gioia’s Rec: This is such an awesome example of fluff. I love how the author takes only a little bit of liberty with canon in order to resolve things much quicker, and with far less anxiety than Jane Austen’s last act bestowed. I love this story and this author.
My only critique: I’m struggling to come up with something to criticize. I’m not sure that Elizabeth was ready to accept a proposal (or that Darcy was ready to offer one) at that moment in canon, but I think that’s quibbling as I’m really not certain about that.
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Story: For the Sake Of A Child
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=5336
Word Count: novel-length
Rating: Mature
Author: Sidney
Summary: Raised in America, Beth Gardiner travels back to England with her father to start a new life. Will their wealth be able to shelter them from the past?
Gioia's Rec: I liked the way that this fic honestly addressed the issues of what problems can arise when one person in the relationship has had previous sexual experience and the other hasn't. However, that wasn’t the focus of this generally fluffy fic. There was a lot of fun historical info about early 19th century America included in the story. And while there were some crack-ish elements, overall this is a very fun, well-written story, and best of all, there was very little angst.
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Story: A Fortuitous Meeting
http://austen.com/derby/old_2005/aliciam13.htm
Word count: 93,800
Rating: All
Author: Alicia M
Summary: After Jane calls on the Bingley sisters in London, their efforts to prevent her meeting their brother come to nothing. Bingley is as enamored as ever.
Gioia’s Rec: I liked the way this fic didn’t overly romanticize Elizabeth & Darcy’s journey just because they met in London after Bingley left Netherfield. Spending more time around each other isn’t automatically the remedy to their misunderstandings - they still have to come to understand their own individual failings first. Very nicely written with solid characterizations.
My only critique: Much like the final line in the movie “While You Were Sleeping,” the author uses the fic’s title in the closing conversation of the fic in a way which had me rolling my eyes.
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Story: A Fortunate Mishap
http://aaran-st-vines.nsns.fanficauthors.net/A_Fortunate_Mishap_by_Pamela_St_Vines/index/
Word count: 35,000
Rating: All
Author: Pamela St Vines
Summary: A Fortunate Mishap begins the day after Fitzwilliam Darcy's first proposal to Elizabeth Bennet. In the original novel, Darcy hands her a letter that morning and their paths do not cross again for some months. In this story an accident allows the pair to resolve their differences before leaving Kent.
Gioia’s Rec: Abandoned. The day that Darcy gives his letter to Lizzy at Hunsford, she is injured and doesn’t return from her walk. When he finds her, they reconcile their differences. In this fic, Anne de Bourgh is suffering from a laudanum addiction that may have been purposefully inflicted.
My only critique: Sadly, the fic is MIA, but it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger.
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Story: A Glimpse
http://www.bennetgirls.com/Alicia/AG.html
Word count: 13,000
Rating: All
Author: Alicia M
Summary: Dreams bring Darcy and Elizabeth closer together, but their actual meetings do not.
Gioia’s Rec: It was a rare combination of mystical elements combined with P&P. I thought it was very romantic. As usual, this author does a good job of imitating JA’s writing-style.
My only critique: I enjoyed it so much I wish it had been longer!
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Story: A Good Vintage Whine
http://www.thehiddentower.net/penandink/stories/t_whine.htm
Word count: 7,800
Rating: All
Author: Tess (Teg)
Summary: Darcy has just returned to Netherfield Park following Bingley's engagement to Jane, when the two friends are afforded a rare opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings prior to their next meeting with the Bennet family.
Gioia’s Rec: This is a fluffy fic, essentially a “missing moment,” depicting a humorous conversation between Bingley and Darcy after Aunt Catherine confronts Elizabeth and before Darcy proposes a second time.
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Story: A Highly Unusual Circumstance
http://austen.com/derby/old_2006/kara7.htm
Word count: 18,200
Author: kara
Summary: Life for the Darcy's takes an unexpected turn when Elizabeth discovers she is expecting their fifth child at the age of 41. Their only daughter, Eleanor, is being presented to society and the only certainty in life is that nothing seems to be certain - but it will be adventurous!
Gioia’s Rec: This focuses mostly on the romance of Elizabeth & Darcy’s daughter. The background story is Elizabeth’s pregnancy.
My only critique: This is a nice look at life for the middle-aged Darcy’s, but I wish there had been more about the pregnancy and the public’s reaction to it.
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Story: Happily Ever After
http://aaran-st-vines.fanficauthors.net/Happily_Ever_After_by_Pamela_St_Vines/index.php
Word count: 55,300
Rating: All
Author: Pamela St Vines
Summary: Happily Ever After begins six to eight weeks after the first proposal when Elizabeth Bennet receives an unusual request from Georgiana Darcy.
Gioia’s Rec: This is a lovely, romantic, fluff piece. I enjoyed it very much and grinned much of the way through it. The author’s stated intent is to eliminate much of the angst and conflict that separated Elizabeth & Darcy post-Hunsford, but compared to others I’ve seen with a similar goal, she does a far, far better job in achieving that aim without making the story vapid and silly. Elizabeth is summoned to Darcy’s deathbed to reassure him that she doesn’t hate him. Instead, he recovers and they fall in love while he courts her in London. There’s at least one other version of this premise out there, but this is much better. I felt the author did an admirable job in keeping her protagonists in-character.
My only critique: As with any fic in which an avoidance of angst is the author’s stated purpose, this may be too fluffy or sweet for some.
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Story: Hunsford Awakenings
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=4040
Word count: 146,800
Rating: Adult
Author: Rachel P
Summary: To help her get over Bingley, Lizzy takes Jane with her to visit Charlotte. Here Jane meets Col. Fitzwilliam who falls head over heels for her.
Gioia’s Rec: The relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth feels a bit sudden here, but the fact that they still have to resolve some issues is well addressed. The story plays out nicely as a sweet romance between Darcy & Elizabeth and Col. Fitzwilliam and Jane.
My only critique: Elizabeth falls in love FAST.
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Continued:
P&P Recs - Page 2 of 3
P&P Recs - Page 3 of 3
What you won’t find on this list: There are very few stories on this list which feature a lot of angst. There are also very few short stories because I prefer novel or novella length fics. And as I’ve only read a handful of modern-era fics (I prefer Regency fics), there are only a handful of those fic res at the bottom of this list.
Most of the story names below are links to the story’s listing on jaffindex.com. However, for the links to work you must first sign in to the website (The username is SASReader and password is Edinburgh), then manually copy and paste the link into a new window. For some reason those links won’t work for me if I simply click on them. The benefit to going to the jaffindex listing for a story is that there are more details there than I’m bothering to include on this list, such as the various categories a story falls under or links to sequels.
Story: Affinity and Affection
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=2102
Word count: 137,500
Rating: Mature
Author: sadriani
Summary: What if Mr. Darcy did not simply ride away in anger when he met with Mr. Wickham that day in Meryton? What if he had actually warned Elizabeth Bennet of that gentleman's despicable character?
Gioia’s Rec: I’ve read this story more than once. It’s notorious for having premarital sex in it and some rather smutty scenes.
My only critique: I’m going to be upfront and admit that the entire story is completely OOC, but if I tell myself it’s a romance novel inspired by P&P, I really enjoy it. This is a published P&P story.
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Story: All That This Entails
http://austen.com/derby/noells1.htm
Word count: 134,900
Rating: All
Author: Noell S.
Summary: The Bennets fortunes change when an entail of a different kind is instituted. The change in their connections will affect every aspect of their lives.
Gioia’s Rec: A well-written version of the premise in which the Bennets are suddenly wealthy and titled. This sort of crack!fic entertains me, and I liked that even though there is a longer road till things are resolved, it’s a completely fluffy, angst-free journey.
My only critique: This is one of several fics in this sub-genre of P&P fanfic, so I’ll address my critique of these types of fics here rather than in each individual fic review. As any casual reader of P&P could discern, the idea of the Bennets actually having riches, titles, or significant connections rather ruins P&P’s entire purpose. Although I get a kick out of this genre, many of you will not enjoy such a radical divergence from canon, as I must acknowledge that it diminishes the depth of P&P.
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Story: Amour Propre
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2929901/1/Amour_Propre
Word count: 70,500
Rating: All
Author: Qwara
Summary: In a P&P altered reality, Mrs. Bennet is deceased, and Elizabeth & Darcy find themselves drawn to each other by a series of eerie premonitions...but a conspiracy lurks in the shadows.
Gioia’s Rec: Generally well-written (just a few minor typos). The fic is completely AU, with Mrs. Bennet dead and a new Mrs. Bennet (with wealth and business sense) causing the Bennet girls to grow up on a more prosperous estate outside of Hertfordshire, where they meet the Darcys just after Ramsgate. The story is very much a gothic romance/mystery. Its style reminded me of an early Louisa May Alcott novel, whose title I’ve forgotten. Elizabeth was a bit OOC due to her changed circumstances, but was still recognizable, and I like the way well-written AU fics like this allow us to examine how a change in circumstances affects canon characterizations.
My only critique: The story is very rec-able, but not exactly to my tastes simply because I’m not a fan of this type of tale. Even so, it was worth reading.
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Story: An Alternate Ending for P&P 2005
http://www.penandink.thehiddentower.net/stories/s_alternateending.html
Word count: 2,400
Rating: All
Author: Splatt
Summary: A scene that I wish had been in the film: Lizzy and Darcy meet up after they have both spoken with Mr Bennet in his library.
Gioia’s Rec: I was thrilled when I discovered that one of my favorite authors from the HP fandom writes P&P fic! I was even more excited to find that she enjoyed the 2005 movie, as I do. This extremely well-written short is a missing moment from the 2005 movie. There is a sequel: Here.
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Story: An Arranged Marriage
http://austen.com/derby/old_2004/janh2.htm
Word count: 91,400
Rating: All
Author: Jan H
Summary: For reasons of economy, Elizabeth is forced to marry a man she thinks she does not love.
Gioia’s Rec: This fic is much more angsty than a lot of those I love, but it’s well worth it. The story begins with Elizabeth’s marriage to Mr. Darcy due to her father’s death shortly after Darcy’s failed Easter proposal. The story does a great job of depicting their marriage, particularly the first few months. Darcy is very much himself in this story.
My only critique: I have issues with the non-con/reluctance nature of the arranged marriage sub-genre, but this author handles the subject well.
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Story: Beloved
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=1332
Word count: 79,900
Rating: Adult
Author: Pat M.
Summary: Elizabeth Bennet is taken as a newborn to Staffordshire, and is raised as the true daughter of a very wealthy family. She knew the Darcy family all her life, and had a crush on Darcy as a child. Darcy was always fascinated with Elizabeth, even when she was is a baby (no folks, he is not a pedophile!). This is their love story and there is no angst between them (other characters, yes, but not them). There is lots of HMS. These two just wanted to do the deed all the time, and who am I to stop them?
Gioia’s Rec: I’ve read this twice and enjoyed it. There is a lot of action and its so completely AU that its interesting to see how Elizabeth’s canon-characterization can be worked into such a radically different setting. The nature vs. nurture debate is illustrated well here.
My only critique: It’s very fanficish in its entire plot and writing style, so be forewarned. Mrs. Bennet is very OOC, but that’s deliberate, and in this fandom characterizing Mrs. Bennet as “truly ghastly” is considered an actual sub-genre.
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Story: A Better Man
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=1357
Word count: 106,200
Rating: All
Author: Lea B
Summary: After returning from Kent, Elizabeth continues to reflect on Mr. Darcy's letter and her reflections lead to changes in her life at Longbourn.
Gioia’s Rec: When Elizabeth reflects upon Darcy’s letter at Hunsford she realizes that her father’s way of managing the family is destroying his children’s lives. She is so disillusioned with him that she decides to go stay with the Gardiners before their summer trip to Derbyshire.
My only critique: I think the extent of the rift between Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet is rather OOC for both characters, but the entire point of the story is to examine how that change would have impacted things, so I don’t actually object to this.
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Story: Chance Encounters
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=1537
Word count: 245,800
Rating: Adult
Author: Linda (booknut)
Summary: After Ramsgate, Darcy is unwilling to leave Georgiana. Bingley decides that he will wait for Darcy to join him before moving into Netherfield. Darcy and Elizabeth first encounter each other in February, when she visits her aunt and uncle.
Gioia’s Rec: I’ve read this fic twice. But let’s be honest: there’s a lot of OOC behavior in it. It’s a fun idea and the writing is technically very good. However it is based on the premise that Ramsgate was much more traumatic to Darcy. So by the time he meets Elizabeth, he’s already much humbler and does not at all behave like he did in canon upon their first introduction. I liked it regardless, but be prepared for a much more sappy romance in this fic. This is a published P&P story.
My only critique: OOC behavior, particularly in Darcy.
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Story: Church Announcements
http://meryton.com/mrr/allegretto7/ChurchAnnouncements.html
Word count: 13,700
Rating: Adult
Author: Allegretto
Summary: n/a
Gioia’s Rec: After Elizabeth and Darcy inadvertently play voyeur to one another’s skinny dipping, the Hunsford proposal goes much differently. This fic is essentially an excuse for a lot of very well-written smut.
My only critique: OOC behavior in both Elizabeth and Darcy, particularly given the historic time period.
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Story: Colonel Fitzwilliam Interferes
http://austen.com/derby/old_2002/lissa5.htm
http://webspace.webring.com/people/ns/superl99/CFI1.html
Word count: 41,000
Rating: Adult / All
Author: Lissa
Summary: Unaware of his cousin's feelings for Elizabeth, Colonel Fitzwilliam decides to follow his heart instead of his purse and ask Elizabeth to marry him. She happily accepts him. Darcy is shocked when he hears.
Gioia’s Rec: I was surprised to find I really enjoyed this fic. I'm not sure it's precisely in-character in all points, but it's a very interesting story. Elizabeth's relationships with Darcy and Col. Fitzwilliam is handled with far more decorum than some authors would've managed. It’s not anywhere near as angsty as one might imagine.
My only critique: There’s a scene at Pemberley between Elizabeth and Darcy that bothered me a bit.
Note: The PG version is on Austen.com, the Adult version is on webspace.webring.com
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Story: Coming Home
http://www.austen.com/derby/old_2007/lindak1.htm
Word count: 15,100
Author: Linda K
Summary: Married six months, the Darcys are returning to Pemberley for the summer. They run into trouble along the way and Darcy is left to wonder if he will ever see his beloved Elizabeth again.
Gioia’s Rec: The story is listed as mild angst because the ending is a foregone conclusion. But that didn’t stop me from crying while I read this beautiful story.
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Story: The Companion of His Future Life
http://austen.com/derby/old_2007/jackc3.htm
Word count: 81,600
Author: Jack Caldwell
Summary: What if Mr Collins didn't marry Charlotte? How would that change things?
Gioia’s Rec: This explores the question of what would’ve happened if Mr. Collins married Mary instead of Charlotte, and specifically how that would’ve impacted Jane and Elizabeth’s romances.
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Story: Connections Redux
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=5612
Word count: 116,800
Rating: All
Author: Harvey S.
Summary: Mr. Bennet is shaken by the untimely deaths of his siblings, and later his first wife. His response to these tragedies, his much happier second marriage, and the family connections resulting from it, drastically alter the trajectories of his daughters' lives.
Gioia’s Rec: JA FF writer Sharni wrote an abandoned, novel-length story called “Connections.” With her permission, Harvey S. rewrote and completed the story. He made some changes, but left in some of my favorite elements, such as Elizabeth’s reference about having “plain, honest parents” who weren’t nobility. The premise in this story is that the Bennets not only have better connections than supposed as a result of his second marriage, but also Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth and Mr. Gardner put their minds to such use as to build a huge fortune. The story is crack!fic, honestly, but it’s great fun.
My only critique: See my comments on “All That This Entails” about this sub genre, however this is the best fic I’ve encountered in this category.
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Story: Curiosity & Correspondence
http://www.austeninterlude.org/maria/civ/Letterstitle.html
Word count: 22,000
Rating: All
Author: Mariafaith
Summary: After receiving Darcy’s letter at Hunsford, Elizabeth writes a letter to him in return.
Gioia’s Rec: This sweet story captures a lot of the doubts, uncertainties and hope that existed between Darcy and Elizabeth after his first proposal.
My only critique: The idea of Elizabeth writing to Darcy post-Hunsford requires willing suspension of disbelief, but then so do most AU fics.
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Story: Depths of Attachment
http://ali972.cbellamy.net/stories/depths-of-attachment
Word count: 21,900
Rating: Adult
Author: Ali (Ali972)
Summary: This short story picks up at the very end of P&P, after Darcy proposes for the second time. It deals with the progression of Elizabeth and Darcy's engagement and early marriage, from two single people who know each other in essentials only to the intimacy and the happiness Jane Austen indicates they achieve in marriage.
Gioia’s Rec: Very sweet, very canon-centric peek at what it might’ve like for Elizabeth and Darcy just before and after their wedding. Definitely recommended.
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Story: A Delay in the Post
http://www.austen.com/derby/oldf/collex4b.htm
Word count: 15,400
Rating: All
Author: Anna P & Lauren D
Summary: After having been surprised by Darcy's presence at Pemberley, Elizabeth remains oblivious of the problems with Lydia, because Jane's letters have gone astray.
Gioia’s Rec: This is a lovely story that explores how things would’ve progressed if Elizabeth & Darcy had more time together at Pemberley before Jane’s letters arrived. Not pure fluff, and it’s interesting seeing what doesn’t change, but the story ends well.
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Story: A Double Wedding
http://janh3.mrsdarcy.com/page6.html
Word count: 53,300
Rating: All
Author: Jan H
Summary: Elizabeth and Darcy have finally declared their love. But will she and Jane be able to have their double wedding in spite of numerous obstacles and the obstructions of a obstropolous father?
Gioia’s Rec: The story picks up from the moment after Elizabeth accepts Darcy’s proposal and then fills in the missing moments before the wedding. Darcy and Elizabeth come to a better understanding of each other, the community is scandalized, and Mr. Bennet struggles with letting his favorite daughter go.
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Story: An Earlier Impression
http://austen.com/derby/old_2003/kathyt4.htm
Word count: 4,100
Rating: All
Author: Kathy Taylor
Summary: An accident on the way to Netherfield introduces Darcy to a brave and witty young lady.
Gioia’s Rec: I thoroughly enjoyed this light, fluffy fic in which Elizabeth and Darcy meet just a bit sooner than they did in the book. I liked the little things which served to demonstrate each individual’s character in the story.
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Story: The Evening Before
http://austen.com/derby/old_2005/danilh10.htm
Word count: 32,900
Rating: All
Author: Daniella H
Summary: Mr Bennet happens to walk into the hallway of Mr Gardiner's house, just in time to see Mr Darcy request to call on him, an event which changes everything.
Gioia’s Rec: This story is well written and does a good job of showing the post-Lambton events from the perspectives of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet. I recommend it for the purpose of seeing their POVs.
My only critique: Tthe fic’s premise really isn’t followed through very well. Very little diverges from canon, and it certainly isn’t “an event which changes everything.” In actuality, it changes nothing. Events proceed exactly as in canon, except that Mr. Bennet knows of Darcy’s involvement.
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Story: Failing and Fainting
http://www.austeninterlude.org/elsa/F&F.html
Word count: 36,200
Rating: Adult
Author: Elsa
Summary: Darcy accompanies Bingley when he returns to Hertfordshire. One day before they visit the Bennet family, a storm breaks out and alters a bit the course of events.
Gioia’s Rec: A sweet, romantic tale.
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Story: Fair Stands the Wind
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5262224/1/Fair_Stands_the_Wind
Word count: 49,200
Rating: All
Author: MaxineB (Maisedoat)
Summary: This is a Pride and Prejudice E&D AU, and that's all the info you're gonna get :D ALL comments gratefully received, especially if you think I could do better.
Gioia’s Rec: Truly great story. Darcy is the second son in this tale, and so when Elizabeth meets him at the Meryton assembly, he is Capt. Darcy. Mr. Bennet is ill at the time and Mr. Collins looms threateningly in the background. There is very slight angst in this story, though it’s largely resolved quickly. Mostly, it’s a really, really good drama. Great characterizations.
My only critique: This fic has an intentionally extremely AU premise. Darcy is a naval captain, not the master of Pemberley. I liked this a lot, but it may not be to everyone’s taste.
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Story: Fate and Consequences
http://austenunderground.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=128
Word count: 270,100
Rating: Adult
Author: Linda (booknut)
Summary: Darcy arrives at Ramsgate just hours after Georgiana leaves with Wickham. He immediately gives chase to stop the marriage, but can not stop the ruin of their reputations.
Gioia’s Rec: As with this author’s story, Chance Encounters, this is another tale in which Darcy is much more humble at the time he meets Elizabeth, prior to the Merryton assembly. I liked this story better than Chance Encounters, though, as I felt that there was better groundwork laid for the changes in Darcy’s character. The storyline was very interesting, too. This is a published P&P story.
My only critique: This author’s version of Darcy is a bit OOC (purposefully so), as is Mr. Bennet.
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Story: The Final Indignity
http://austen.com/derby/old_2003/lucy1.htm
Word count: 7,900
Rating: All
Author: Lucy
Summary: Caroline Bingley slowly comes to terms with the fact of the Darcy marriage and with her mortification at its success.
Gioia’s Rec: This is a delightful, humorous post-canon story told from Caroline’s POV. She is first embarrassed at the opera in London when she sees Elizabeth Darcy received with all the acclaim which Caroline so desired. Later, Caroline’s hopes of finding the Darcy’s unhappily situated at Pemberley are all for naught, too. Her indignation is quite funny!
My only critique: There are a few punctuation errors in this story.
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Story: The Final Reason
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=332
Word count: 29,800
Rating: Mature
Author: Ola (ardnaskela)
Summary: Elizabeth is already promised to another when she meets Darcy.
Gioia’s Rec: This is an interesting one. Lizzy is engaged to someone else and Darcy very aggressively pursues her, against her will. But even while he is rather forceful and even domineering at times, there is a gentleness, a patience and concern for her, which drives his actions. His character definitely has some grey shades here, but it makes him all the more interesting. (There is no unfaithfulness that occurs.)
My only critique: The way in which Darcy & Elizabeth’s happy ending is secured struck me as OOC for Darcy and several of Elizabeth’s relatives.
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Story: Five Minutes Later
http://austen.com/derby/old_2002/lissa3.htm
Word count: 3,300
Rating: All
Author: LissaMU
Summary: Darcy arrives at the Lambton inn in time to invite the Gardiners and Elizabeth to ride around the grounds of Pemberley. Later that day, he proposes again to Elizabeth. Then, the letter concerning Lydia arrives.
Gioia’s Rec: This is such an awesome example of fluff. I love how the author takes only a little bit of liberty with canon in order to resolve things much quicker, and with far less anxiety than Jane Austen’s last act bestowed. I love this story and this author.
My only critique: I’m struggling to come up with something to criticize. I’m not sure that Elizabeth was ready to accept a proposal (or that Darcy was ready to offer one) at that moment in canon, but I think that’s quibbling as I’m really not certain about that.
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Story: For the Sake Of A Child
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=5336
Word Count: novel-length
Rating: Mature
Author: Sidney
Summary: Raised in America, Beth Gardiner travels back to England with her father to start a new life. Will their wealth be able to shelter them from the past?
Gioia's Rec: I liked the way that this fic honestly addressed the issues of what problems can arise when one person in the relationship has had previous sexual experience and the other hasn't. However, that wasn’t the focus of this generally fluffy fic. There was a lot of fun historical info about early 19th century America included in the story. And while there were some crack-ish elements, overall this is a very fun, well-written story, and best of all, there was very little angst.
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Story: A Fortuitous Meeting
http://austen.com/derby/old_2005/aliciam13.htm
Word count: 93,800
Rating: All
Author: Alicia M
Summary: After Jane calls on the Bingley sisters in London, their efforts to prevent her meeting their brother come to nothing. Bingley is as enamored as ever.
Gioia’s Rec: I liked the way this fic didn’t overly romanticize Elizabeth & Darcy’s journey just because they met in London after Bingley left Netherfield. Spending more time around each other isn’t automatically the remedy to their misunderstandings - they still have to come to understand their own individual failings first. Very nicely written with solid characterizations.
My only critique: Much like the final line in the movie “While You Were Sleeping,” the author uses the fic’s title in the closing conversation of the fic in a way which had me rolling my eyes.
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Story: A Fortunate Mishap
http://aaran-st-vines.nsns.fanficauthors.net/A_Fortunate_Mishap_by_Pamela_St_Vines/index/
Word count: 35,000
Rating: All
Author: Pamela St Vines
Summary: A Fortunate Mishap begins the day after Fitzwilliam Darcy's first proposal to Elizabeth Bennet. In the original novel, Darcy hands her a letter that morning and their paths do not cross again for some months. In this story an accident allows the pair to resolve their differences before leaving Kent.
Gioia’s Rec: Abandoned. The day that Darcy gives his letter to Lizzy at Hunsford, she is injured and doesn’t return from her walk. When he finds her, they reconcile their differences. In this fic, Anne de Bourgh is suffering from a laudanum addiction that may have been purposefully inflicted.
My only critique: Sadly, the fic is MIA, but it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger.
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Story: A Glimpse
http://www.bennetgirls.com/Alicia/AG.html
Word count: 13,000
Rating: All
Author: Alicia M
Summary: Dreams bring Darcy and Elizabeth closer together, but their actual meetings do not.
Gioia’s Rec: It was a rare combination of mystical elements combined with P&P. I thought it was very romantic. As usual, this author does a good job of imitating JA’s writing-style.
My only critique: I enjoyed it so much I wish it had been longer!
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Story: A Good Vintage Whine
http://www.thehiddentower.net/penandink/stories/t_whine.htm
Word count: 7,800
Rating: All
Author: Tess (Teg)
Summary: Darcy has just returned to Netherfield Park following Bingley's engagement to Jane, when the two friends are afforded a rare opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings prior to their next meeting with the Bennet family.
Gioia’s Rec: This is a fluffy fic, essentially a “missing moment,” depicting a humorous conversation between Bingley and Darcy after Aunt Catherine confronts Elizabeth and before Darcy proposes a second time.
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Story: A Highly Unusual Circumstance
http://austen.com/derby/old_2006/kara7.htm
Word count: 18,200
Author: kara
Summary: Life for the Darcy's takes an unexpected turn when Elizabeth discovers she is expecting their fifth child at the age of 41. Their only daughter, Eleanor, is being presented to society and the only certainty in life is that nothing seems to be certain - but it will be adventurous!
Gioia’s Rec: This focuses mostly on the romance of Elizabeth & Darcy’s daughter. The background story is Elizabeth’s pregnancy.
My only critique: This is a nice look at life for the middle-aged Darcy’s, but I wish there had been more about the pregnancy and the public’s reaction to it.
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Story: Happily Ever After
http://aaran-st-vines.fanficauthors.net/Happily_Ever_After_by_Pamela_St_Vines/index.php
Word count: 55,300
Rating: All
Author: Pamela St Vines
Summary: Happily Ever After begins six to eight weeks after the first proposal when Elizabeth Bennet receives an unusual request from Georgiana Darcy.
Gioia’s Rec: This is a lovely, romantic, fluff piece. I enjoyed it very much and grinned much of the way through it. The author’s stated intent is to eliminate much of the angst and conflict that separated Elizabeth & Darcy post-Hunsford, but compared to others I’ve seen with a similar goal, she does a far, far better job in achieving that aim without making the story vapid and silly. Elizabeth is summoned to Darcy’s deathbed to reassure him that she doesn’t hate him. Instead, he recovers and they fall in love while he courts her in London. There’s at least one other version of this premise out there, but this is much better. I felt the author did an admirable job in keeping her protagonists in-character.
My only critique: As with any fic in which an avoidance of angst is the author’s stated purpose, this may be too fluffy or sweet for some.
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Story: Hunsford Awakenings
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?showtopic=4040
Word count: 146,800
Rating: Adult
Author: Rachel P
Summary: To help her get over Bingley, Lizzy takes Jane with her to visit Charlotte. Here Jane meets Col. Fitzwilliam who falls head over heels for her.
Gioia’s Rec: The relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth feels a bit sudden here, but the fact that they still have to resolve some issues is well addressed. The story plays out nicely as a sweet romance between Darcy & Elizabeth and Col. Fitzwilliam and Jane.
My only critique: Elizabeth falls in love FAST.
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P&P Recs - Page 2 of 3
P&P Recs - Page 3 of 3