“My brother-in-law is celebrated for his wit and intelligence, and Elizabeth is her father’s daughter. She gives as good as she gets.”
“Yes, I found that out the hard way — through personal experience.”
“Both of you are being overly generous in your praise,” an embarrassed Lizzy answered. “In your statements, there is the impression that being a wit is akin to being wise. However, you can be both witty and wrong.”
(from “Darcy and Elizabeth: Answered Prayers”)
“Darcy and Elizabeth: Answered Prayers” 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. (Check out my reviews of “Darcy and Elizabeth: Lost in Love” and “Darcy and Elizabeth: Behind Pemberley’s Walls”)
In this story, Darcy arrives at Pemberley after riding through a storm that has sickened his manservant. He learns there are visitors touring Pemberley and hopes they will not be stranded there when the skies open up again. However, when Darcy realizes the visitors are Elizabeth Bennet and the Gardiners, he delays their departure by having his staff give them refreshments. Meanwhile, Elizabeth keeps insisting to her aunt that they should leave, having realized her judgment of Darcy was mistaken since rejecting his proposal.
This was my favorite of the three stories about second chances, mainly because there was more detail about how both Darcy and Elizabeth have changed since Hunsford and more interaction between them. In particular, I enjoyed the scene where Darcy and Elizabeth meet in his study that night to discuss his letter despite the impropriety of them being alone together. Like the other stories, “Darcy and Elizabeth: Answered Prayers” ended on a hopeful note, and my only complaint is that it felt too short. Even so, it was a satisfying read that can be enjoyed in one sitting.
Disclosure: “Darcy and Elizabeth: Answered Prayers” is from my personal library.
This story sounds so sweet!!
Haven’t really delved too much into this author’s work,I might need to rethink that.
Loved your review,it’s such a pity that the book didn’t elaborate on certain facets of the story,hence your feeling that it was too short.
LikeLike
I really hope you give Mary’s books/stories a try. It was a satisfying story for sure, but I think I just got so wrapped up in it that I wanted it to continue.
LikeLike
Yay PP, they always cheer me up
LikeLike
Yes, and I need a lot of cheering up these days!
LikeLike
I have this one as well and enjoyed it. Sometimes I like to read something short and sweet but I would also have preferred a bit more. However I would recommend it to someone who likes a quick read.
LikeLike
Glad to hear you enjoyed it! I find myself looking for short stories in between reading longer books. I guess it makes me feel more accomplished; there’s just something about being able to finish a story over a cup of coffee or tea.
LikeLike
Sounds like a great read, Anna.
LikeLike
I really enjoyed it!
LikeLike
Who knew there are so many Austen variations out there?
LikeLike
Oh, I’ve read dozens, but I’ve truly only scratched the surface of what’s available!
LikeLike
I have read 20 of Mary’s stories and these three was included in that list. I find I enjoy her stories. I have another one that is half read about the Great Train Wreck – an account of a tragic historical event here in Pennsylvania.
LikeLike
You’ll have to let me know what you think about that one. So far, I’ve read nearly all of Mary’s JAFF books/stories.
LikeLike
I have several of her novels but have to read her short stories as I do love her writing! Thank you for the lovely review!
LikeLike
My pleasure! Hope you enjoy the stories!
LikeLike
Hello again, Anna. Thanks for the review of Answered Prayers. You are one of my favorite reviewers, so it’s always a joy when you tell me that you enjoyed one of my stories. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks so much for the kind words, Mary!
LikeLike
Answered Prayers sounds wonderful! Terrific review as usual.
Enjoy the long weekend, Anna!
LikeLike
Thanks, Suko! I don’t get a long weekend, unfortunately, but I do hope you enjoy yours!
LikeLike
This sounds nice. I like these second chances stories
LikeLike
Me, too, though I always get so wrapped up in them that I wish they were novel length.
LikeLike