Books and Bonds

A pride and Prejudice Novella Variation

By: Lydia Fairfax

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

When Mr. Morris, Netherfield’s steward and an old friend of Mr. Bennet, asks if Mrs. Hill, Longbourn's housekeeper, might assist in readying the estate for its new tenant, Elizabeth eagerly persuades her father to let her and Mary join. She is especially eager to explore the estate’s renowned library. Sensing his daughters' enthusiasm, Mr. Bennet, though seeing no obligation, agrees.

When the new neighbors arrive, Elizabeth has an unexpected first encounter with Mr. Bingley’s friend, Mr. Darcy. Darcy regards her efforts with faint amusement, dismissing them as “suitable for those of no consequence.” After the Meryton assembly, where Darcy’s aloof manner only reinforces her first impression, Elizabeth feels certain that the man is as unagreeable as he is arrogant.

But when Jane falls ill, Elizabeth goes to Netherfield to care for her and finds herself once more in Darcy’s path. What begins with tense glances and silence slowly unfolds into an unexpected bond through their shared love of literature. Against her expectations, Darcy proves to be an engaging and thoughtful reader, and their mutual passion for books sparks an undeniable connection.

Yet someone nearby is determined to end their friendship before it can bloom. Rumors swirl, and a subtle campaign of deception threatens to sever their growing connection and drive them apart.

Books and Bonds began with a single question: "What might Darcy and Elizabeth truly share in common?" The answer, it seems, is books. This clean romance, with a touch of villainy, is a fresh retelling of Jane Austen’s beloved Pride and Prejudice, complete with a happily-ever-after that’s perfect for all ages.

Nice story but...

Lizzie is portrayed as gullible and unrealistically blind to her own consequence in life for Regency England. for her to fall for the contrived situations by people she did not like to begin with as well as gossip mongers feels off-canon.