To Have And To Hold

A Pride And Prejudice Variation

By: Lily Michaels

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Loving her was easy. Choosing her was not. When Mr. Darcy turns away, Elizabeth journeys to Canada to heal a heart he refused to claim.

When Elizabeth first laid eyes on the tall, dark-eyed gentleman, she had no notion that he was one of London’s most sought-after bachelors—nor that he would soon turn her life upside down.

REVISED TO INCLUDE LYDIA'S MISSING STORY.
Mr. Darcy's rough edges were also softened. Other minor edits have also been addressed in this final version.

Mr. Darcy, for his part, did not yet know that he was undone. He knew only that this enchanting woman was not for him. By every measure of society—status, fortune, education, and connection—she stood beneath him. Yet fate had other designs, and Mr. Darcy soon found himself caught between his growing desire and his unyielding sense of duty—quite unprepared when Elizabeth led him on a merry chase.

When Elizabeth Bennet rescues Georgiana Darcy from a disastrous entanglement with George Wickham in Ramsgate, she expects nothing in return—least of all a meeting with the girl's formidable brother. Fitzwilliam Darcy arrives at the Gardiners' leased seaside cottage prepared to reclaim his sister and confront her would-be seducer. Instead, he finds himself caught off guard by the quick wit, steady nerve, and captivating spirit of the young woman who intervened on Georgiana’s behalf.

From the moment Elizabeth meets Mr. Darcy, her heart begins its quiet surrender. But when she dares to hope for his affection in return, she finds herself facing a man torn between his growing desire and his deep-rooted sense of duty. Though clearly drawn to her, Darcy resists, determined to suppress what he feels and protect them both from the consequences of a misalliance. Elizabeth, unwilling to beg for a love she already knows is hers, chooses to walk away.

Meanwhile, at Longbourn, Frances Bennet discovers that Lydia is with child, and she and Mr. Bennet are forced to reckon with more than just disgrace—they must learn to work together, perhaps for the first time, to preserve the future of their family. In the face of shame, uncertainty, and society’s unforgiving eye, both parents find strength where it has long lain dormant.

While Elizabeth and Darcy’s story lies at the center of this tender reimagining, each of the Bennet sisters must also find her own way.

Set against the backdrop of Regency England and steeped in longing, wit, and emotional complexity, To Have and To Hold offers readers a deeper look into the choices, sacrifices, and triumphs that define love and family.

This variation departs from canon to explore themes of courtship, marriage, and a woman’s right to self-protection. Set in the Regency era, it imagines a world where women enjoy greater freedom and agency. The story weaves in subtle romantic elements and, at times, touches gently on the private intimacies of married life. While these moments are portrayed with discretion and sensitivity, readers who prefer to avoid stories with sensual undertones may wish to proceed with care.

For those who delight in a more emotionally intimate Darcy and Elizabeth, and who enjoy a blend of loyalty, personal growth, and romantic tension, To Have and To Hold is a moving and memorable variation inspired by Jane Austen’s timeless tale.

Features: • Enemies-to-lovers • Journey to Montreal • Villainous schemes • Brooding hero • Courageous heroine • Slow-burn romance • Intrigue • Bad Carolyn • Ruined & Rescued Lydia • Clever Anne de Bourgh • Happily Ever After

Imaginative engrossing story

I love the vagaries. So much more in-depth than the original. Though I loved the original characters it’s so much fun to see them in all manner of situations. It’s like what would Darcy do, if….? This is a wonderful story, well written with lots of conversation instead of just story telling. The author can really set a scene. I would have liked a lengthier ending or perhaps I just didn’t want it to end. Exceptionally well done.

Great read

This was a long story. Elizabeth rescued Georgiana from Wickham. All men in this book Falk’s for Elizabeth. Even mr Bingley due to not meeting Jane. She married another before that. Good story.

Didn’t care for Darcy in this adaptation

The premise of the story was interesting but the actions of Darcy in this adaptation turned me off the Darcy/Lizzie story arc completely. His displays of jealousy, officiousness and always needing to be in control set off numerous red flags for an abusive personality. He came across as less ‘in love’ with Elizabeth than obsessed with her and determined to have his way regardless of anyone else’s feelings. In putting up with him and, ultimately, deciding she loves him above others who treated her better, did nothing to recommend Elizabeth as the strong, willful woman she was in the book. The entire relationship left a sour taste.
In other story arcs, I do like how the other sisters and Anne and Richard were portrayed and how their lives progressed. I would have liked to know more of Lydia’s time in school and in Canada as she is a much more rounded character here than usual.
While not a total waste of time, it’s not one I would recommend.

Lessons

This might sound foolish, but this book reminded me of my teenage years so much and I wish I would’ve had this book back then as a guide. All of the life lessons were put together so well at least for me and I thoroughly enjoyed this new perspective. I have read many many versions of pride and prejudice over the years as kind of a buffer before reading something heavier and other than the original this version has been the most enjoyable. Well done and thank you!

The she finally brought him to the point

I enjoyed the tension between Darcy and Elizabeth. I cried and I laughed and enjoyed the teasing around the pregnancy. I will be listening to this book again.