A Pride and Prejudice Variation ~ What if Emma Woodhouse, Jane Austen’s most tenacious character, arrives in Meryton to visit her Bingley cousins and determines to perform a little match making? Emma has a fortnight to meet her promise ~ three matches for her three friends, Elizabeth, Jane, and Charlotte. What could possibly go wrong? What could possibly go right? Excerpt: Charles Bingley took his place at the head of the Netherfield dining table with Caroline at his right side and his cousin Emma Woodhouse at his left. Mr. Darcy, a close friend of Bingley’s sat next to Emma. His height, even though he was sitting, made Emma feel small despite the fact that she was a tall young lady. Emma took note of Mr. Darcy’s dark curly hair as one lock fell onto this forehead. He carried himself with the same air of confidence as did Mr. Knightley. But, whereas her neighbor exuded warmth, Mr. Darcy held himself in reserve. Perhaps he was merely shy? She determined to investigate him further since he was staying at Netherfield and there would be time enough. Mrs. Louisa Bingley Hurst, sister to Charles and Caroline sat at Mr. Darcy’s other side whilst her husband, Mr. Hurst, was seated opposite her. Caroline Bingley had arranged the placement of the guests so that Mr. Knightley was at her side and Mr. Darcy across from her. It didn’t take deep thought to understand that Caroline Bingley’s intention was to use Mr. Knightley as a means to provoke Mr. Darcy to jealousy. Miss Bingley indulged in a flow of artificial titters whenever Mr. Knightley made the slightest remark. The woman made a fool of herself while causing her guest discomfort. Darcy exchanged glances with Bingley who managed a sheepish expression but could not rescue his friend from his predatory sister. It was the first night of Emma’s visit to Netherfield. Her cousins reiterated how pleased they were that Miss Woodhouse and Mr. Knightley had agreed to join them at the Meryton Ball, the following evening. It would be the Bingleys’ first venture into local society. Miss Bingley expected to be bored beyond belief at the country assembly; it was only the thought of the grand entrance they would make that enticed her to attend. She imagined arriving in the company of Miss Woodhouse, Mr. Knightley, and Mr. Darcy; it fed her ego with fantasies of the envy she would inspire. Being an avid student of human nature, Emma observed how distracted her cousin Caroline was by the quiet, handsome, Fitzwilliam Darcy. The gentleman politely waved off every attempt Caroline made to flatter or cajole him. Frustrated, the scarlet-haired woman turned her attentions to Mr. Knightley, for he was both rich and possessed of a handsome countenance worthy of a flirt. It was clear to Emma that her cousin Caroline was on the hunt for a husband, but if she were really interested in Mr. Knightley, then her aim was quite off for she had chosen a confirmed bachelor. She was better advised to pursue Mr. Darcy although that gentleman’s discomfort with her attentions became more evident as the meal progressed.

Take a full cup of humor; add a sprinkling of angst and stir. Bake for a fortnight, and presto: three happy endings, or maybe even four? This is a full length Darcy and Elizabeth Regency novel. I hope you enjoy it! I love to hear from my readers. Please contact me at one of the many links at the end of this book. Reviews are very, very much appreciated. Thank you for your wonderful comments on my slightly comedic take on Jane Austen’s classics. I like to think Jane would have enjoyed them.