From this spot, the Master of Pemberley had a panoramic view of the manor and gardens — a view with the power to heal. And he was in need of a cure from the wounds he had suffered at the hands of Elizabeth Bennet. Not only had Elizabeth refused his proposal of marriage, she had made it clear that she wanted nothing further to do with him. He had hardly anticipated rejection, no less banishment. But the thought of never seeing her again…it was simply too much to bear.
(from “Darcy and Elizabeth: Behind Pemberley’s Walls”)
“Darcy and Elizabeth: Behind Pemberley’s Walls” is one of three short stories by Mary Lydon Simonsen inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice that re-imagine Darcy and Elizabeth’s meeting at Pemberley following her rejection of his proposal at Hunsford. I reviewed “Darcy and Elizabeth: Lost in Love” a few years ago, and my review of “Darcy and Elizabeth: Answered Prayers” will be posted tomorrow.
In this story, Darcy is still heartbroken from Elizabeth’s unexpected refusal when he returns to Pemberley on the same day Elizabeth is touring his estate with her aunt and uncle. With the help of his butler, Darcy eavesdrops on Elizabeth as she views the portrait gallery and confides in her aunt Gardiner about what happened between them.
“Darcy and Elizabeth: Behind Pemberley’s Walls” is a sweet story about second chances. I enjoyed the humor as Darcy confides in Jackson and spies on Elizabeth, and Elizabeth and Darcy’s eventual meeting as she is trying to get the Gardiners to quickly leave Pemberley was a cute touch. Simonsen’s stories are great for when you’re in the mood for something short and sweet while drinking a cup of coffee or tea. My only complaint is that it ended too soon, though one could easily imagine the couple achieving their happy ending.
Disclosure: “Darcy and Elizabeth: Behind Pemberley’s Walls” is from my personal library.
I’ve had my eye on these and keep promising myself that I’ll get to them when I finish the stack I have. So glad they were sweet and heartwarming.
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You can read each one in an hour or so, so if you’re looking for a quick read, these are perfect.
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Thank you for this review Anna. I didn’t know about this book but your review convinced me to buy it. I’m enjoying short stories more and more everybday and you made this one sound very interesting 🙂
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Thanks, Rita! I find that I enjoy short stories more these days, too. I hope you enjoy them!
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Thanks for highlighting another lovely book, Anna. It sounds like such a heartwarming read!
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All three were delightful. Hope you get a chance to read them!
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That’s why I don’t like short stories – they end too soon!
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At least with these, I have a pretty good idea of how things would play out in the end. I just got so involved that when they ended, I was sad.
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I’m not sure I know enough about Darcy and Elizabeth to get the most from books like these.
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Maybe not, but it gives you a good reason to read P&P! 😉
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It was a nice, short story, and I enjoyed it as well.
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Glad to hear it! I really enjoy Mary’s books.
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Anna, Thank you for the sweet review. So glad you enjoyed the story, and thanks to all your readers for commenting.
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My pleasure, Mary! 🙂
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Anna, this sounds very enjoyable! I like that it is short and sweet. Wonderful review once again.
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Thanks, Suko!
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I have to move Mary’s short stories from my wishlist to my TBR list soon! Lovely review!
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Thanks, Carole! I highly recommend all of Mary’s books and stories.
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I have this book and I enjoyed it although as you said I would have loved it to be longer (although I say that about a lot of books, even those which are 500 pages to start with!) Great review.
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Thanks, Glynis! I say the same thing! Once you get wrapped up in a good story, you don’t want them to end, ever!
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[…] « Review: Darcy and Elizabeth: Behind Pemberley’s Walls by Mary Lydon Simonsen […]
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Sounds good 😀 Of course
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I figured you’d say that! 😉
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I love what I’ve read of Mary’s work so far. Looks like another addition to the Wish List.
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Happy reading, Anji!
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It is too adorable that he would be spying on Lizzy while she talks with her aunt. Almost like a school boy with a crush.
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It was pretty funny and cute!
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