Elizabeth *Almost* Marries Collins

Letters from the Heart: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Kea Bea

ELIZABETH BENNET HAS BEEN CERTAIN of many things in her life: her place in society, the love of her family, her ability to choose her own future, and her ability to accurately judge the character of those she meets. But in Letters from the Heart: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Kea Bea, three days after the Netherfield Ball, a near tragedy shakes that foundation and in the weeks that follow, Elizabeth learns that nothing is certain. Compelled by circumstance along with her mother’s will, Elizabeth is condemned to marry her father’s heir, Mr William Collins. Isolated from everyone she knows and loves, Elizabeth is faced with a dark and difficult future.

UNAWARE OF THE CHANGES that have occurred since his last visit to Netherfield Park, Fitzwilliam Darcy returns to Hertfordshire determined to right his wrongs and prove himself worthy of Elizabeth’s love. When he learns he is too late to secure his happiness, Darcy determines he will express his love for Elizabeth the only way he can – by protecting her younger sisters as well as he would his own.

OLD BONDS ARE STRENGTHENED, family ties are severed, and unlikely allies emerge as each of them struggles to make sense of the changes they face.Can happiness be found when it seems all hope is lost?

Yes, Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by J. Dawn King

Elizabeth Bennet’s girlish dreams of love and romance are shattered in Yes, Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by J. Dawn King. Her father has decided she will be the one to secure her family’s future through a marriage of convenience to his heir. Disappointment and sadness weigh her soul when she travels with her aunt and uncle—a consolation before she submits to duty. When she sees the reflection of her heartbreak in the face of an unknown young lady, Elizabeth reaches out to the girl, extending a hopeful outlook she herself has been denied.

Mr. Darcy regrets missing the opportunity to know the pretty stranger who helped his grieving, younger sister rise above her sadness. Hope keeps him seeking her face in every crowd. As time passes it seems the woman he admires might be an ephemeral dream born of his heart’s desire. Darcy finally finds her when he is forced to visit his friend, Mr. Bingley, but is she already taken? Can he restore hope to this woman he barely knows? Will she let him?

To Refuse Such a Man: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by P.O. Dixon

The first chapters of To Refuse Such a Man: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by P.O. Dixon recapture some of those essentials from canon during Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s stay at Netherfield Park, largely from Mr. Darcy’s perspective.The life-changing repercussions of what happened during that time begin to unfold at the conclusion of the Netherfield ball.

Miss Elizabeth Bennet must decide whether to accept or refuse a proposal from the last man in the world whom she could be prevailed on to marry.

At least two unhappy alternatives are also before her: certain scandal and her mother’s disapprobation. Is there a path to happily ever after in wake of an alliance born out of such circumstances?

This Disconcerting Happiness: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Christina Morland

When familial discord and a terrible illness upend their well-ordered lives in This Disconcerting Happiness: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Christina Morland, Darcy and Elizabeth find in each other an unexpected source of strength.

Yet their growing regard may cause more harm than good — for their families, and for themselves.

So Material a Change: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Amy D’Orazio

MATRIMONY IS THE LAST THING on Elizabeth Bennet’s mind when she arrives at Netherfield Park to tend to her ill sister in So Material a Change: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Amy D’Orazio. When proud Mr Darcy acts rashly to thwart a compromise and tells her that the entire household believes they are engaged, she dismisses him outright and refuses his offer of marriage.

BUT MORE SURPRISES AWAIT her at Longbourn. Mr Collins is ready with an offer of marriage and it is not only her mother who thinks it a fine match; Mr Bennet is willing to press the point until Elizabeth makes clear such a connexion is impossible—because she has accepted an offer of marriage from Mr Darcy.

IT IS AN INAUSPICIOUS BEGINNING, an engagement neither desires, driven to by the machinations of others. Yet what begins as a forced alliance soon changes into something quite different. Will it be enough to lead them into love?

A Winter Wrong: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation (Seasons of Serendipity Book 1) by Elizabeth Ann West

In A Winter Wrong: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation (Seasons of Serendipity Book 1) by Elizabeth Ann West, when Jane Bennet’s illness at Netherfield ends up not being just a trifling cold, but an epidemic that sweeps through Hertfordshire, the lives at Longbourn are turned upside down.

Elizabeth Bennet finds herself lost without a cherished loved one and the interferences of one Fitzwilliam Darcy most aggravating. Combating the bombastic behavior of Mr. Collins, Elizabeth runs to London for the protection of her aunt and uncle.

But acquaintances and introductions bring Mr. Darcy back into her life and Elizabeth discovers he might just mend her broken heart.

A Respectable Man: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Aubrey Anderson

In A Respectable Man: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Aubrey Anderson, a tragic carriage accident leaves Mr. Bennet in a coma from which they are certain he shall never awaken, and robs Jane Bennet’s of her status as the most eligible woman in Hertfordshire.

Facing the fact that they have no head of household, the remaining Bennets are forced to contact their cousin, the elder Mr. Collins, the rightful heir to Longborn, and his son, Mr. William Collins. It soon becomes painfully clear that Elizabeth is the key to their futures, as she is informed that after her father dies, she shall be presented with a choice: marry Mr. William Collins or her family will be forced to leave Longbourn.

Compelled to endure, Elizabeth chooses Mr. Collins and has no hope of any other option until news spreads of a Mr. Bingley arriving at Netherfield Hall. It is at that Meryton assembly that Elizabeth is introduced to Mr. Darcy, she is unaware that he will be her salvation.

Rain and Retribution by L. L. Diamond

When Elizabeth Bennet’s parents attempt to force her into a marriage of convenience for the sake of her family in Rain and Retribution by L. L. Diamond, she flees to make her own future.

Will circumstances and their families conspire to keep Darcy and Elizabeth apart or will they unite to take them on together?

This story contains scenes with adult content.

Implacable Resentment by Jann Rowland

The cruelty of an all-consuming grudge in Implacable Resentment by Jann Rowland is enough to drive a nine-year-old Elizabeth Bennet from her family home to spend the rest of her childhood with the Gardiners.

When she is nineteen, her family calls her home, and she heeds the summons with her head held high, only to discover that the prejudice against her has not abated with time . . . .

Forced into an engagement with William Collins, but having already entered into an understanding with Fitzwilliam Darcy, will Elizabeth be able to find her happily ever after?

Proof of Love – A Pemberley Tale by Brenda J. Webb

During his second year at Cambridge, a young Fitzwilliam Darcy accompanies a classmate to Lucas Lodge in Meryton for the holidays in Proof of Love – A Pemberley Tale by Brenda J. Webb. Whilst there, he encounters a girl of sixteen who instantly captures his attention and soon after, his heart. Yet, because Elizabeth Bennet could never meet his relations’ expectations and he cannot abide her distasteful family, he returns to the university vowing to forget her.

Two years later, they are thrown into each other’s company and forced to spend several days together unchaperoned. Once they are discovered, Darcy suppresses his reservations about marriage to Elizabeth and does his duty in order to save her from ruin.

Will a young, headstrong and prejudiced Elizabeth realize how mistaken she has been about her husband’s character? Likewise, will a prideful, intractable but highly principled Fitzwilliam Darcy acknowledge his faults before their marriage

One Minute More: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Jan Ashton

It has been a miserable few weeks in Meryton in One Minute More: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Jan Ashton. It was not enough that Fitzwilliam Darcy has had to tolerate the attentions of his best friend’s sister. Now he must deal with his cousin’s disastrous romantic alliance and his own unfortunate attraction to the intriguing and elusive Elizabeth Bennet.

Caroline Bingley’s life-changing mistake has landed her the wrong groom and a temporary exile to Longbourn. She packs her temper along with her gowns, ensuring no one is happy about their houseguest. Especially Elizabeth, who not only gives up her bedchamber to her adversary but becomes the focus of Caroline’s scheme to attach her to Mr Collins.

So much has happened in so little time. What can happen in one minute more?

Mr. Darcy’s Rush to Wed: A Pride and Prejudice Regency Variation by Arabella Mead

Mr. Darcy has no wish to get married and yet if he doesn’t he risks losing his beloved Pemberley in Mr. Darcy’s Rush to Wed: A Pride and Prejudice Regency Variation by Arabella Mead. To secure his home and his future his only choice is to find a woman willing to become his wife.

Elizabeth Bennet has never wanted to get married and after turning down a proposal from Mr. Collins she takes up a post as a companion to Georgiana Darcy.

When Mr. Darcy invites Elizabeth to become his wife in-spite of questioning her suitability, she turns him down and leaves her job.

However, Georgiana’s wayward behaviour soon causes Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth to be thrown back together. United in their common aim to rescue Georgiana and her reputation, they slowly learn to trust each other.

But just as Darcy and Elizabeth appear to reach an understanding, secrets and lies threaten to destroy their happiness.

Will their love be strong enough to ensure they reach their happy ever after?

Mr Darcy Likes It Wild: A Pride and Prejudice Diversion by Beth Massey

What if Mr Bennet insisted Lizzy accept Mr Collins’ proposal. That’s what happens in Mr Darcy Likes It Wild: A Pride and Prejudice Diversion by Beth Massey. Would literature’s favourite headstrong female submit to save her mother and sisters; or would she do anything to avoid marrying a ridiculous man?

Imagine the silliness of Billy Wilder’s ‘Some Like It Hot,’ the classic gender reversal comedy of Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It,’ the madcap dialogue of Georgette Heyer’s ‘The Corinthians’ combined with Jane Austen’s iconic story of mismatched lovers searching for understanding and joy in Regency England.

Come laugh and cry with Fitz and Eli as they experience life’s highs and lows on their journey to happiness.

London Holiday: A Pride & Prejudice Romantic Comedy by Nicole Clarkston

Drugged and betrayed in his own household in London Holiday: A Pride & Prejudice Romantic Comedy by Nicole Clarkston, Fitzwilliam Darcy makes his escape from a forged compromise that would see him unhappily wed.

Dressed as a footman and barely conscious, he is welcomed into one of London’s unknown neighbourhoods by a young lady who is running out of time and running for her life.

Deciding to hide in plain sight, Miss Elizabeth Bennet dodges the expectation to marry the man of her mother’s dreams. When the insolent footman she “found” refuses to leave her side until they can uncover a solution to their respective dilemmas, the two new acquaintances have nowhere to turn but each other. Sensing it unsafe to return to their homes until they find some answers, they treat themselves to a holiday, experiencing the best of what Regency England has to offer.

Dearest Friends: A Jane Austen Inspired Novel by Pamela Lynne

Fitzwilliam Darcy left Hertfordshire following a friend’s betrayal in Dearest Friends: A Jane Austen Inspired Novel by Pamela Lynne, but his heart remained with Elizabeth Bennet, the impertinent beauty who captured his attention in ways no woman ever had before. When he encounters her unexpectedly in London, he realizes he can no longer live without her and begins his pursuit for her hand.

When he finds that Elizabeth is not free to marry, will he again walk away or will he fight for the lady he loves?

While Darcy and Elizabeth pursue their own happiness, around them friendships progress to love and infatuation leads to disappointment. Join a group of unlikely friends as they support our dear couple on their journey, each treading unique paths along the way.

**Contains Mature Content

Darcy to the Rescue: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Martine Jane Roberts

When Elizabeth’s parents join together and insist that she accepts Mr. Collins proposal in Darcy to the Rescue: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Martine Jane Roberts, she decides to take matters into her own hand.

The consequences of this see her reputation in tatters and a proposal from Mr. Darcy. However, will Mr. Darcy honour this proposal when he discovers she already has an offer of marriage?

Will Caroline Bingley let him? Or will Elizabeth be forced to marry her odious cousin instead?

Darcy to the Rescue is a light-hearted alternative to Jane Austen’s version of events after the Netherfield Ball.

The Bridge to Pemberley School by Melanie Schertz

Forced to flee from her family’s home in The Bridge to Pemberley School by Melanie Schertz to avoid being forced into a marriage to her father’s cousin, Elizabeth Bennet takes the position as school mistress of Pemberley School.

Fitzwilliam Darcy wished to fulfill his mother’s desire to see the children of the tenants and servants of his family estate have some education, opens the school.

As Darcy protects Elizabeth from her family, his nemesis, Wickham, has met the Bennet family and causes tragedy.

The Collins Conundrum: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne

All seems well, as far as Elizabeth Bennet can tell in The Collins Conundrum: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Meg Osborne. Jane is in love with Bingley, and he with her. Surely marriage is only a short time away. But for Mrs Bennet, securing the eligible bachelor under her roof is a better protection against future poverty than hoping for the prospect of another. And so it is that Elizabeth returns home one day to find her sister engaged, not to Mr Bingley, but to the rather more dreadful prospect of their cousin, Mr Collins.

Begging her father to intervene, the marriage is delayed unless and until Mr Collins can convince Jane to marry him for his own merits, rather than upon her mother’s interference. This sets the redoubtable Mr Collins a task, and he recruits eager Mary Bennet to help him “win fair Jane.” Elizabeth refuses to leave matters to chance, and instead is determined to thrust her sister and Mr Bingley back into one another’s circles again, although this means being at close quarters with Mr Darcy, a man who she so dislikes.

Her actions have another unintended consequence, however, when Mr Bingley’s wavering attachment to Jane begins to consider fixing to another fair maiden – Elizabeth herself.

Can everyone find their way to their rightful partners, or is this muddle to end in each married to the wrong person?

The Companion’s Secret: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Linda C. Thompson

Alone in the world, Elizabeth Bennet had to rely upon herself The Companion’s Secret: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Linda C. Thompson. She knew escape was the only way to ensure her safety. With the help of Longbourn’s faithful servants, Elizabeth disappeared from her home and the odious heir. She was determined to find a way to support herself and remain hidden until after her birthday.

Fortune smiled on Elizabeth when a series of events offered her the position of companion to Georgiana Darcy. In spite of her position, Elizabeth found herself attracted to her new employer. Could he ever see her as more than his sister’s companion? Sometimes Elizabeth thought Mr. Darcy might care for her, too, but would his attraction—if that is what is was—survive when he learned the truth about her?

Hidden away at Pemberley, would Elizabeth be able to remain safely concealed until coming of age? What surprises did the future hold for her?

The Capture of Fitzwilliam by Melanie Schertz

In The Capture of Fitzwilliam by Melanie Schertz, Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, are on a horse buying journey in Wales when they are taken prisoners and forced to work in a slate quarry.

And there are only a few weeks left before Darcy’s wedding to Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

Fearing her daughter’s betrothed will not return in time for the wedding, and having been told by the heir to Longbourn that Darcy is engaged to his cousin, Anne de Bourgh, Mrs Bennet is afraid of what will happen to her when her husband suddenly falls ill. Mr Collins is determined to have Elizabeth as his wife, and will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

Will Collins force a wedding, with the aid of Mrs Bennet? Or will Darcy rescued in time to save his lady love?