The last thing Fitzwilliam Darcy was looking for was a wife. However, he found he was unable to forget the young woman with the chestnut curls and flashing eyes that tempted him almost beyond decorum. Unbeknownst to him, a despised former friend has also set his sights on Miss Elizabeth Bennet and is determined to do what is necessary, including the unthinkable, to woo, wed and bed her.
Elizabeth Bennet has found that her mind, heart and even her body have engaged feelings never experienced before that leave her unsure and frustrated. As a result, she finds it difficult to keep her temper regulated when around Mr. Darcy, even as her feelings for him continue to grow. Will these two passionate people ever resolve their differences and obtain their ‘happily ever after?’ Or will Darcy’s adversary be successful in winning Miss Elizabeth as his own?
"Darcy Chooses: A Pride and Prejudice Variation is a wonderful combination of old and new styles. Gianna writes with a style that embraces Jane Austen's and remains true to her characters, but also with a bit of a modern flare that guarantees a pleasurable read for both Jane traditionalists and readers of more modern Regency romance novels. Gianna's knowledge of the Regency period adds an authentic shine that puts the story at the top of the must-read list." Kay Springsteen, Amazon #1 Bestselling Author
Please note: This is a 150,000 word novel.
Here is an excerpt:
Darcy startled when she laughed and was mortified when he realized she must have overheard his rude remark. He wiped his hand down his face, excused himself from Bingley's presence and approached Elizabeth.
"Miss Bennet, I am surprised to see you here."
"Yes, I'm sure you are, Mr. Darcy…but I live here," said Elizabeth with a smirk.
"You overheard my thoughtless remark."
"Yes."
Shifting from one foot to the other, Darcy paused and then said, "My apology for speaking without thinking first how my remark would sound. Bingley has been harassing me all evening about being more outgoing, yet, I find it difficult to know what to talk about with persons I do not know or dancing with women I am unacquainted with at all. My thoughts abandon me at times like this."
"I think..." Elizabeth hesitated, tipping her head to the side as though considering the situation, "I will accept your apology, Mr. Darcy, as I can identify with some of those same feelings on occasion. I will say, because there are many more young women here tonight than men, that I sit for a couple of dances so others may have an opportunity to dance as well. Otherwise, my dance card would be full. We have a close community here, and showing thoughtfulness to others is appreciated."
That remark made Darcy even more uncomfortable as he felt his comment was worse than he imagined. His ears turned pink at the thought.
Elizabeth noted his discomfort and change in color and decided to end his misery. "Mr. Darcy, may we agree to forget any thoughtless remarks and remember the past only as it gives one pleasure? Might we be friends?" said she with a smile and a gleam in her eye.
Darcy felt warmth spread through his chest and, then he smiled in return at Elizabeth, and she nearly gasped at the two dimples that were displayed. Oh, my! How handsome he is when he smiles. Why does he not smile more often?
Darcy threw his resolve to forget her to the four winds and said, "Miss Elizabeth, might I have the honor of this next dance so we may seal our friendship?"
Elizabeth gulped, smiled and then said, "That...would be delightful, Mr. Darcy." Later, she could not remember dancing the steps to the quadrille or what was said. She felt like she was dancing on a cloud in a dream. So, did Darcy. And then the dream ended, and Darcy escorted her to her family, took her hand, gently kissed the back of it, wished her a good evening as he gazed into her eyes with a smile on his lips, and the assembly was over.
Elizabeth Bennet has found that her mind, heart and even her body have engaged feelings never experienced before that leave her unsure and frustrated. As a result, she finds it difficult to keep her temper regulated when around Mr. Darcy, even as her feelings for him continue to grow. Will these two passionate people ever resolve their differences and obtain their ‘happily ever after?’ Or will Darcy’s adversary be successful in winning Miss Elizabeth as his own?
"Darcy Chooses: A Pride and Prejudice Variation is a wonderful combination of old and new styles. Gianna writes with a style that embraces Jane Austen's and remains true to her characters, but also with a bit of a modern flare that guarantees a pleasurable read for both Jane traditionalists and readers of more modern Regency romance novels. Gianna's knowledge of the Regency period adds an authentic shine that puts the story at the top of the must-read list." Kay Springsteen, Amazon #1 Bestselling Author
Please note: This is a 150,000 word novel.
Here is an excerpt:
Darcy startled when she laughed and was mortified when he realized she must have overheard his rude remark. He wiped his hand down his face, excused himself from Bingley's presence and approached Elizabeth.
"Miss Bennet, I am surprised to see you here."
"Yes, I'm sure you are, Mr. Darcy…but I live here," said Elizabeth with a smirk.
"You overheard my thoughtless remark."
"Yes."
Shifting from one foot to the other, Darcy paused and then said, "My apology for speaking without thinking first how my remark would sound. Bingley has been harassing me all evening about being more outgoing, yet, I find it difficult to know what to talk about with persons I do not know or dancing with women I am unacquainted with at all. My thoughts abandon me at times like this."
"I think..." Elizabeth hesitated, tipping her head to the side as though considering the situation, "I will accept your apology, Mr. Darcy, as I can identify with some of those same feelings on occasion. I will say, because there are many more young women here tonight than men, that I sit for a couple of dances so others may have an opportunity to dance as well. Otherwise, my dance card would be full. We have a close community here, and showing thoughtfulness to others is appreciated."
That remark made Darcy even more uncomfortable as he felt his comment was worse than he imagined. His ears turned pink at the thought.
Elizabeth noted his discomfort and change in color and decided to end his misery. "Mr. Darcy, may we agree to forget any thoughtless remarks and remember the past only as it gives one pleasure? Might we be friends?" said she with a smile and a gleam in her eye.
Darcy felt warmth spread through his chest and, then he smiled in return at Elizabeth, and she nearly gasped at the two dimples that were displayed. Oh, my! How handsome he is when he smiles. Why does he not smile more often?
Darcy threw his resolve to forget her to the four winds and said, "Miss Elizabeth, might I have the honor of this next dance so we may seal our friendship?"
Elizabeth gulped, smiled and then said, "That...would be delightful, Mr. Darcy." Later, she could not remember dancing the steps to the quadrille or what was said. She felt like she was dancing on a cloud in a dream. So, did Darcy. And then the dream ended, and Darcy escorted her to her family, took her hand, gently kissed the back of it, wished her a good evening as he gazed into her eyes with a smile on his lips, and the assembly was over.
