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Meryton Vignettes: Tales of Pride and Prejudice
In this collection of six short stories, the people of Pride and Prejudice move on, grow up, and explore paths not taken. Time leads these beloved characters down roads of self-discovery, courage, and heartbreak.
And sometimes the journey takes them to surprising places.
The stories are -
1 - Mistress of Longbourn
2 - Life After Darcy
3 - First Attachments
4 - To Do Her Duty:
5 - To Fool A Fool
6 - He Had It Coming
And sometimes the journey takes them to surprising places.
The stories are -
1 - Mistress of Longbourn
2 - Life After Darcy
3 - First Attachments
4 - To Do Her Duty:
5 - To Fool A Fool
6 - He Had It Coming
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2016
24 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Adams
27 books291 followersElizabeth Adams is a book-loving, tango-dancing, Austen enthusiast. She loves old houses and thinks birthdays should be celebrated with trips—as should most occasions. She can often be found by a sunny window with a cup of hot tea and a book in her hand.
She writes romantic comedy and comedic tragedy in both historic and modern settings.
You can find more information, short stories, and outtakes at eadamswrites.com
She writes romantic comedy and comedic tragedy in both historic and modern settings.
You can find more information, short stories, and outtakes at eadamswrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 7, 2017
Series of shorts stories that can be read quickly
1) Mistress of Longbourn: Charlotte Returns:
We have Charlotte’s POV as she walks through Longbourn and contemplates her new station in life. We see her thoughts as they assume possession of Longbourn. Her feelings on birthing the heir to Longbourn and her feelings toward her husband. Mary walks through the Longbourn Estate one last time as she finishes packing the last of their possessions. Mary’s behavior toward Charlotte is considered the barest of civilities. Mary never married and Charlotte contemplates whether she would have married Mr. Collins and perhaps have been a better clergyman’s wife. But then, she brushes those thoughts aside. Charlotte’s next project is to establish a name in the community. They are next to the largest estate in the county, next to Netherfield Park. And make a name she does with her picnic. It will be the talk of the community for some time. Hilarious!!!
2) Life After Darcy: Caroline Bingley:
This story is Caroline coming to grips with the fact that there will be no offer from Mr. Darcy now that he has married that nobody from the country. How humiliating. She’s convinced herself that he will come to regret it shortly and he will regret her. Caroline has been invited to a house party and she intends to hold her head high and completely ignore those that are aware of her lost hopes for Mr. Darcy. She is so oblivious to her surrounds that she nearly misses out on her own future hopes. There is a really cute ending. Considering it is Caroline, I almost missed it myself.
Alternate Paths
3) First Attachments: Young Lizzy Bennet
This was memory flashbacks of a very young Lizzy Bennet and her friend, one of the young boys on the farm near Longbourn. Over the years their budding friendship grew into affection. There was a vast difference in their station and this was hard on the young people. Years later, Elizabeth was visiting Charlotte at Hunsford and refused to believe her friend’s statement that Mr. Darcy had a tender for her. Elizabeth was well aware of Mr. Darcy’s expression, and the way he stared at her. It was to find fault, and was not a tendre. She knew what an expression looked like that held a tendre.
4) To Do Her Duty: Mrs. Bennet
OMG!! Get your tissues, this simply broke my heart. I can’t even mention it without giving it away. No matter how you feel about Mrs. Bennet, this will just break your heart. Oh- my- goodness.
In The Dark
5) To Fool a Fool: Elizabeth Collins née Bennet
Em… how to explain this one. Hehehe… I can’t… It’s too much. For mature audiences. Not graphic, but sexual in nature. Hahaha… I can’t help it.
6) He Had It Coming: Lydia and Wickham
Oh-My-Goodness, I shudder to think about Lydia having been with Wickham nine years. We open the story with such a shocking scene… I still cannot believe she was in such reduced circumstances. It was almost unbelievable. Gone forever was the vivacious uncontrolled girl from her Longbourn days. That girl no longer exists and has long since been forgotten. Somehow, Lydia managed to send a cryptic letter to her sister Elizabeth. After Elizabeth shared it with Jane, they agreed regarding the message they understood was written between the lines and hurried off to Newcastle to their sister.
As I read this, I had visions of the 1944 movie Arsenic and Old Lace. I couldn’t help it. It just popped into my head. Anyway, the story was rather shocking. I’ve never seen it used before in JAFF. It was pretty cool. The three sisters were amazing, cool, calm, collected and pretty dang smart.
The stories ended at 91% of the book. There were two excerpts: ‘Unwilling’ and ‘The Houseguest’.
1) Mistress of Longbourn: Charlotte Returns:
We have Charlotte’s POV as she walks through Longbourn and contemplates her new station in life. We see her thoughts as they assume possession of Longbourn. Her feelings on birthing the heir to Longbourn and her feelings toward her husband. Mary walks through the Longbourn Estate one last time as she finishes packing the last of their possessions. Mary’s behavior toward Charlotte is considered the barest of civilities. Mary never married and Charlotte contemplates whether she would have married Mr. Collins and perhaps have been a better clergyman’s wife. But then, she brushes those thoughts aside. Charlotte’s next project is to establish a name in the community. They are next to the largest estate in the county, next to Netherfield Park. And make a name she does with her picnic. It will be the talk of the community for some time. Hilarious!!!
2) Life After Darcy: Caroline Bingley:
This story is Caroline coming to grips with the fact that there will be no offer from Mr. Darcy now that he has married that nobody from the country. How humiliating. She’s convinced herself that he will come to regret it shortly and he will regret her. Caroline has been invited to a house party and she intends to hold her head high and completely ignore those that are aware of her lost hopes for Mr. Darcy. She is so oblivious to her surrounds that she nearly misses out on her own future hopes. There is a really cute ending. Considering it is Caroline, I almost missed it myself.
Alternate Paths
3) First Attachments: Young Lizzy Bennet
This was memory flashbacks of a very young Lizzy Bennet and her friend, one of the young boys on the farm near Longbourn. Over the years their budding friendship grew into affection. There was a vast difference in their station and this was hard on the young people. Years later, Elizabeth was visiting Charlotte at Hunsford and refused to believe her friend’s statement that Mr. Darcy had a tender for her. Elizabeth was well aware of Mr. Darcy’s expression, and the way he stared at her. It was to find fault, and was not a tendre. She knew what an expression looked like that held a tendre.
4) To Do Her Duty: Mrs. Bennet
OMG!! Get your tissues, this simply broke my heart. I can’t even mention it without giving it away. No matter how you feel about Mrs. Bennet, this will just break your heart. Oh- my- goodness.
In The Dark
5) To Fool a Fool: Elizabeth Collins née Bennet
Em… how to explain this one. Hehehe… I can’t… It’s too much. For mature audiences. Not graphic, but sexual in nature. Hahaha… I can’t help it.
6) He Had It Coming: Lydia and Wickham
Oh-My-Goodness, I shudder to think about Lydia having been with Wickham nine years. We open the story with such a shocking scene… I still cannot believe she was in such reduced circumstances. It was almost unbelievable. Gone forever was the vivacious uncontrolled girl from her Longbourn days. That girl no longer exists and has long since been forgotten. Somehow, Lydia managed to send a cryptic letter to her sister Elizabeth. After Elizabeth shared it with Jane, they agreed regarding the message they understood was written between the lines and hurried off to Newcastle to their sister.
As I read this, I had visions of the 1944 movie Arsenic and Old Lace. I couldn’t help it. It just popped into my head. Anyway, the story was rather shocking. I’ve never seen it used before in JAFF. It was pretty cool. The three sisters were amazing, cool, calm, collected and pretty dang smart.
The stories ended at 91% of the book. There were two excerpts: ‘Unwilling’ and ‘The Houseguest’.
December 22, 2016
Lots of interesting shorts here, each focusing on the point of view of a different female character from Pride and Prejudice. All are very well written.
It starts off with "Charlotte Returns," an intriguing character study of Charlotte Collins after 17 years of marriage. She reflects on the course her marriage has taken over the years, the children she's had with Mr. Collins, and the way she has handled her relationship with him. Now that she is the new mistress of Longbourn, she has some guilt over having pursued Mr. Collins as doggedly as she did after Elizabeth refused him, knowing that Mary would have accepted him and the Bennet family would not be displaced now. It is clear that she has done her best to make the transition easier for them than her husband would otherwise have permitted. Despite that, her Meryton neighbors seem to be more judgmental and stand-offish than she expected.
The next, "Life After Darcy," is Caroline Bingley's story. Considering how she made no secret of expecting to marry Mr. Darcy among her social circle, how does she pick up the pieces and move on when he marries someone else instead? We read her private musings about what went wrong, as she wonders why she is still on the shelf even though she's such an attractive, fashionable woman, and she fantasizes about Mr. Darcy coming to his senses and regretting letting her go. She holds her head high, though, and determines she will rise above this. She accepts an invitation to a winter house party and tries not to notice the smirks and disparaging glances from those she has considered friends.
"First Attachments" is particularly interesting. Elizabeth Bennet, currently a guest at Hunsford, is reflecting about Charlotte's assertion that Mr. Darcy is interested in her. She considers her maturing attitude about what true love actually is, and she reminisces about her longstanding relationship with a childhood playmate, Jack Turner. They were best friends growing up. Unfortunately, he was the son of a tenant farmer rather than her social equal.
We move back to Longbourn for "To Do Her Duty" and a story about Mrs. Bennet. Her two eldest daughters and her youngest are now married. But she's about to experience an unexpected surprise that will have long-term effects on the future of the Bennet family.
Many JAFF readers dislike the idea of Elizabeth ever marrying Mr. Collins, but in "To Fool A Fool," that's what has happened. This is a very humorous account of how she handles the distasteful duty of the marriage bed.
"He Had It Coming" is the longest and most serious of the stories. Lydia has been married to Mr. Wickham for 9 years, and she is a battered wife. She finally has the courage and finds the means to reach out to her sisters for help. We can clearly see how she's grown from a silly, spoiled child to a mature adult who is now wise beyond her years. I really love the happy ending she's given here.
The short stories end at 92% on my kindle, with the last part of this download being excerpts from Unwilling: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary and The Houseguest: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary, also by this author.
It starts off with "Charlotte Returns," an intriguing character study of Charlotte Collins after 17 years of marriage. She reflects on the course her marriage has taken over the years, the children she's had with Mr. Collins, and the way she has handled her relationship with him. Now that she is the new mistress of Longbourn, she has some guilt over having pursued Mr. Collins as doggedly as she did after Elizabeth refused him, knowing that Mary would have accepted him and the Bennet family would not be displaced now. It is clear that she has done her best to make the transition easier for them than her husband would otherwise have permitted. Despite that, her Meryton neighbors seem to be more judgmental and stand-offish than she expected.
The next, "Life After Darcy," is Caroline Bingley's story. Considering how she made no secret of expecting to marry Mr. Darcy among her social circle, how does she pick up the pieces and move on when he marries someone else instead? We read her private musings about what went wrong, as she wonders why she is still on the shelf even though she's such an attractive, fashionable woman, and she fantasizes about Mr. Darcy coming to his senses and regretting letting her go. She holds her head high, though, and determines she will rise above this. She accepts an invitation to a winter house party and tries not to notice the smirks and disparaging glances from those she has considered friends.
"First Attachments" is particularly interesting. Elizabeth Bennet, currently a guest at Hunsford, is reflecting about Charlotte's assertion that Mr. Darcy is interested in her. She considers her maturing attitude about what true love actually is, and she reminisces about her longstanding relationship with a childhood playmate, Jack Turner. They were best friends growing up. Unfortunately, he was the son of a tenant farmer rather than her social equal.
We move back to Longbourn for "To Do Her Duty" and a story about Mrs. Bennet. Her two eldest daughters and her youngest are now married. But she's about to experience an unexpected surprise that will have long-term effects on the future of the Bennet family.
Many JAFF readers dislike the idea of Elizabeth ever marrying Mr. Collins, but in "To Fool A Fool," that's what has happened. This is a very humorous account of how she handles the distasteful duty of the marriage bed.
"He Had It Coming" is the longest and most serious of the stories. Lydia has been married to Mr. Wickham for 9 years, and she is a battered wife. She finally has the courage and finds the means to reach out to her sisters for help. We can clearly see how she's grown from a silly, spoiled child to a mature adult who is now wise beyond her years. I really love the happy ending she's given here.
The short stories end at 92% on my kindle, with the last part of this download being excerpts from Unwilling: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary and The Houseguest: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary, also by this author.
May 7, 2018
This is just an almost perfect clean, but with some dark themes collection of P&P what ifs. It is like a sampler platter of tasty little treats
The stories are -
1 - Mistress of Longbourn - where Charlotte Collins realizes being the Mistress of Longbourn is a hard act to follow
2 - Life After Darcy - I loved this bit of redemption of Caroline Bingley as she struggles to come to grips with her failure to secure Darcy
3 - First Attachments - An adorable tale of Lizzy's first albeit impossible first love
4 - To Do Her Duty - A variation explored somewhat in Unwillingly Mrs. Bennet's trip to Margate with her husband has unexpected results
5 - To Fool A Fool - In this nightmare inducing P&P what if Lizzy marries Mr. Collins but keeps herself a maiden.
6 - He Had It Coming This is a brutal story about violence toward women and the power of sisterhood. The ending will have you grinning.
The stories are -
1 - Mistress of Longbourn - where Charlotte Collins realizes being the Mistress of Longbourn is a hard act to follow
2 - Life After Darcy - I loved this bit of redemption of Caroline Bingley as she struggles to come to grips with her failure to secure Darcy
3 - First Attachments - An adorable tale of Lizzy's first albeit impossible first love
4 - To Do Her Duty - A variation explored somewhat in Unwillingly Mrs. Bennet's trip to Margate with her husband has unexpected results
5 - To Fool A Fool - In this nightmare inducing P&P what if Lizzy marries Mr. Collins but keeps herself a maiden.
6 - He Had It Coming This is a brutal story about violence toward women and the power of sisterhood. The ending will have you grinning.
June 25, 2025
If you can't write your idea on the back of my calling card, you don't have a clear idea. ~David Belasco
Short stories -- a moment captured.
What were Charlotte's emotions as she returned to Longbourn as mistress?
Could Elizabeth have had a childhood love?
Did Lydia really have a HEA with Wickham?
There were also brief excerpts from two books I have read before. I would recommend those books if you haven't already read them.
The book seemed a bit pricey for only about 100 pages, but that's my only criticism.
Very well done.
Brevity is the soul of wit -- William Shakespeare
Brevity is the soul of lingerie -- Dorothy Parker (doesn't have anything to do with the book, just amused me!)
Short stories -- a moment captured.
What were Charlotte's emotions as she returned to Longbourn as mistress?
Could Elizabeth have had a childhood love?
Did Lydia really have a HEA with Wickham?
There were also brief excerpts from two books I have read before. I would recommend those books if you haven't already read them.
The book seemed a bit pricey for only about 100 pages, but that's my only criticism.
Very well done.
Brevity is the soul of wit -- William Shakespeare
Brevity is the soul of lingerie -- Dorothy Parker (doesn't have anything to do with the book, just amused me!)
February 6, 2017
This is an intriguing collection of six short stories on several characters from Pride & Prejudice. It is always enjoyable to read reflections of characters on alternate paths or what their futures would be.
1) Mistress of Longbourn: This is Charlotte's story 17 years after marrying Mr. Collins and has become mistress of Longbourn. It is a reflective story as she walks through Longbourn looking over the various rooms however, she is dismayed over Mary Bennet's reaction to her as well as the villagers. So she plans a picnic...what could possibly go wrong!
2) Life After Darcy: What is a woman to do when the man of all her dreams ignores her and marries that hoyden, Elizabeth Bennet. Caroline Bingley refuses to walk away quietly from the sniggering of her so-called friends after her pursuit of Mr. Darcy is lost. She embarks on a mission to find a man with a title. In her blind pursuit, she misses what is right in front of her!
3) First Attachments: Elizabeth Bennet refuses to believe Charlotte Collins when she says that Mr. Darcy admires her. This short story has Elizabeth reminiscing about her childhood and a love lost due to station...touching.
4) To Do Her Duty: This is a tale about Mrs. Bennet that tugs at your heart strings.
5) To Fool A Fool: Heaven forbid but Elizabeth has married Mr. Collins! This has need of a mature audience due to subject matter...shivers...and thank goodness is all you are saying at the end of this one!
6) He Had It Coming: The longest of the stories and in two parts. Lydia's life with Wickham is all we expected it to be but the foolish child has grown into a woman that has known abuse. How she eventually thwarts Wickham with the help of her sisters is brilliant and over time learns the power of true love.
1) Mistress of Longbourn: This is Charlotte's story 17 years after marrying Mr. Collins and has become mistress of Longbourn. It is a reflective story as she walks through Longbourn looking over the various rooms however, she is dismayed over Mary Bennet's reaction to her as well as the villagers. So she plans a picnic...what could possibly go wrong!
2) Life After Darcy: What is a woman to do when the man of all her dreams ignores her and marries that hoyden, Elizabeth Bennet. Caroline Bingley refuses to walk away quietly from the sniggering of her so-called friends after her pursuit of Mr. Darcy is lost. She embarks on a mission to find a man with a title. In her blind pursuit, she misses what is right in front of her!
3) First Attachments: Elizabeth Bennet refuses to believe Charlotte Collins when she says that Mr. Darcy admires her. This short story has Elizabeth reminiscing about her childhood and a love lost due to station...touching.
4) To Do Her Duty: This is a tale about Mrs. Bennet that tugs at your heart strings.
5) To Fool A Fool: Heaven forbid but Elizabeth has married Mr. Collins! This has need of a mature audience due to subject matter...shivers...and thank goodness is all you are saying at the end of this one!
6) He Had It Coming: The longest of the stories and in two parts. Lydia's life with Wickham is all we expected it to be but the foolish child has grown into a woman that has known abuse. How she eventually thwarts Wickham with the help of her sisters is brilliant and over time learns the power of true love.
July 15, 2018
I'm usually not a big fan of small stories, but these are gems. I've read all of her stories, some more than once and I'm still a big fan.
If you're a Jane Austen's lover go for it.
If you're a Jane Austen's lover go for it.
March 23, 2017
Sensitive and Thoughtful Snapshots
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars!
To be terribly cliché, I’m going to borrow the box of chocolates analogy from Forrest Gump because I feel anthologies truly are like a box of chocolates! One box contains several petite, individual pieces that are distinctive, delectable, and filling if you eat more than one. Oh and yes… “you never know what you’re gonna get.” And that is why I love them so much! I was so happy to see that Elizabeth Adams put together an anthology of her own and I love that many of the stories focus on secondary characters from Pride and Prejudice. There are six short stories in total and they range from seven to eighteen pages in length, with the last story being the longest (thirty-seven pages).
I hope you find this breakdown helpful!
MISTRESS OF LONGBOURN
Type of Story: Sequel focusing on Charlotte Collins
My Thoughts: I never thought of what it would be like for Charlotte to return to Meryton as mistress of Longbourn! How her new position in her hometown might present some awkwardness, and how it felt to be moving into her best friend’s childhood home! I enjoyed Charlotte’s reflections, seeing her interact with her children, and her attempt to make a good impression with her neighbors.
LIFE AFTER DARCY
Type of Story: Sequel focusing on Caroline Bingley
My Thoughts: I can’t believe I am saying this but I feel some sympathy for poor Caroline. She is struggling to formulate a plan B now that Darcy married his country miss. And true to form, she is ambitious, conniving, and very single-minded. I loved following the progression of her feelings and her friendship with Mr. Taunton in this story. He was a terrific match for her!
FIRST ATTACHMENTS
Type of Story: Variation focusing on Elizabeth Bennet
My Thoughts: Oh this was so sweet! I love Elizabeth’s comparison between Mr. Darcy and her childhood friend Jack Turner. I enjoyed how this story was told through flashbacks to significant moments and memories, those scenes were endearing and sweet. This story had a beautiful poignancy to it and Elizabeth makes a very good point at the end…
TO DO HER DUTY
Type of Story: Sequel focusing on Mrs. Bennet
My Thoughts: “A happy thought indeed!” While it begins with excitement and good fortune, this story does become tinged with another emotion at the end. It was beautifully written and I enjoyed the tenderness between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. My only complaint is that it did progress rather rapidly and the shifts in time sometimes felt a little sudden.
TO FOOL A FOOL
Type of Story: Variation focusing on Elizabeth Bennet
My Thoughts: Horror of horrors! Elizabeth is married to Mr. Collins! And Elizabeth Adams is showing us what happens on their wedding night. (NOTE: This story is more suited for Mature Audiences). How brave Ms. Adams is to imagine such a scene! LOL! I think she portrays Elizabeth and Mr. Collins wonderfully, Elizabeth is clever and Mr. Collins is indeed a fool!
HE HAD IT COMING
Type of Story: Sequel focusing on Lydia Wickham
My Thoughts: “I betcha you would have done the same!” (sorry, I had to!) Oh poor Lydia! She has been married to Mr. Wickham for nine years and it is had been a cruel and bleak price to pay for her imprudent and reckless actions. (NOTE: This story is more suited for Mature Audiences) I really loved this “sadder but wiser” version of Lydia and I am absolutely enamored with the surprise twist at the end! I think it absolute perfection! This is my favorite of the six stories.
CONCLUSION:
What a delightful and diverse collection of short stories in this elegant anthology. While we know Ms. Adams is proficient at writing stories that are charming and beautifully romantic, in this collection she displays that she adept at handling scenarios that are dark, tragic, and…gross! The only reason I’m rating this collection 4.5 stars instead of 5 is because I found myself wishing some of these stories were fleshed out just a little bit more. But just like any proper box of chocolates, this tempting collection of short stories is savory, sweet, and deliciously satisfying!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars!
To be terribly cliché, I’m going to borrow the box of chocolates analogy from Forrest Gump because I feel anthologies truly are like a box of chocolates! One box contains several petite, individual pieces that are distinctive, delectable, and filling if you eat more than one. Oh and yes… “you never know what you’re gonna get.” And that is why I love them so much! I was so happy to see that Elizabeth Adams put together an anthology of her own and I love that many of the stories focus on secondary characters from Pride and Prejudice. There are six short stories in total and they range from seven to eighteen pages in length, with the last story being the longest (thirty-seven pages).
I hope you find this breakdown helpful!
MISTRESS OF LONGBOURN
Type of Story: Sequel focusing on Charlotte Collins
My Thoughts: I never thought of what it would be like for Charlotte to return to Meryton as mistress of Longbourn! How her new position in her hometown might present some awkwardness, and how it felt to be moving into her best friend’s childhood home! I enjoyed Charlotte’s reflections, seeing her interact with her children, and her attempt to make a good impression with her neighbors.
LIFE AFTER DARCY
Type of Story: Sequel focusing on Caroline Bingley
My Thoughts: I can’t believe I am saying this but I feel some sympathy for poor Caroline. She is struggling to formulate a plan B now that Darcy married his country miss. And true to form, she is ambitious, conniving, and very single-minded. I loved following the progression of her feelings and her friendship with Mr. Taunton in this story. He was a terrific match for her!
FIRST ATTACHMENTS
Type of Story: Variation focusing on Elizabeth Bennet
My Thoughts: Oh this was so sweet! I love Elizabeth’s comparison between Mr. Darcy and her childhood friend Jack Turner. I enjoyed how this story was told through flashbacks to significant moments and memories, those scenes were endearing and sweet. This story had a beautiful poignancy to it and Elizabeth makes a very good point at the end…
TO DO HER DUTY
Type of Story: Sequel focusing on Mrs. Bennet
My Thoughts: “A happy thought indeed!” While it begins with excitement and good fortune, this story does become tinged with another emotion at the end. It was beautifully written and I enjoyed the tenderness between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. My only complaint is that it did progress rather rapidly and the shifts in time sometimes felt a little sudden.
TO FOOL A FOOL
Type of Story: Variation focusing on Elizabeth Bennet
My Thoughts: Horror of horrors! Elizabeth is married to Mr. Collins! And Elizabeth Adams is showing us what happens on their wedding night. (NOTE: This story is more suited for Mature Audiences). How brave Ms. Adams is to imagine such a scene! LOL! I think she portrays Elizabeth and Mr. Collins wonderfully, Elizabeth is clever and Mr. Collins is indeed a fool!
HE HAD IT COMING
Type of Story: Sequel focusing on Lydia Wickham
My Thoughts: “I betcha you would have done the same!” (sorry, I had to!) Oh poor Lydia! She has been married to Mr. Wickham for nine years and it is had been a cruel and bleak price to pay for her imprudent and reckless actions. (NOTE: This story is more suited for Mature Audiences) I really loved this “sadder but wiser” version of Lydia and I am absolutely enamored with the surprise twist at the end! I think it absolute perfection! This is my favorite of the six stories.
CONCLUSION:
What a delightful and diverse collection of short stories in this elegant anthology. While we know Ms. Adams is proficient at writing stories that are charming and beautifully romantic, in this collection she displays that she adept at handling scenarios that are dark, tragic, and…gross! The only reason I’m rating this collection 4.5 stars instead of 5 is because I found myself wishing some of these stories were fleshed out just a little bit more. But just like any proper box of chocolates, this tempting collection of short stories is savory, sweet, and deliciously satisfying!
July 28, 2018
Down the Road/Mistress of Longbourn - Charlotte Returns: Yes, Mr. Bennet has died and the new Mistress of Longbourn remembers how it all came about that she is now there. She wants to make her own mark and not be compared to Mrs. Bennet who knew how to set a find table and so she plans a picnic. It is a day which will be long remembered by the residents of Meryton.
@16% Life After Darcy: Caroline Bingley opines about how she should have been the one to marry Mr. Darcy. But as life goes on and she is running out of options and even having to think about life on her own she finds a man who is “a male version of herself”! They spend time at dinners and at dances looking down on and taking apart the physical characteristics, wardrobes and even the connections of all upon whom they gaze. Caroline is then shocked when she asks Brook if he knows of any man who might be a good match for her and he becomes quite cold and distant.
The put-down from a friend makes a mark and she begins to think seriously about her actions. And in the end she is surprised by what she did not know about him.
Alternate Paths/@32% First Attachments: I did not care for this story as it has Elizabeth Bennet with a “First Love”…a boy, then teen, then man of the servant class who goes away to apprentice as a carriage maker. He also bestows on her that first kiss. Maybe I am at fault but I only want Darcy to be her first kiss and her first love.
@44% To Do Her Duty: Mrs. Bennet, late in life, has one of those “after- thoughts” – a child in her older years and I actually cried reading about the result. She would be forty-one and she knows the risks but “duty” makes her thinks that if it can be a boy it will be worth it…the pain and the risks.
In The Dark/@54% To Fool a Fool: “On her wedding night, Elizabeth Collins, nee: Bennet…” I was repulsed at the idea of Elizabeth being married to Collins but you may find it amusing as to how this wife actually “managed” him. Ugh!
There are always those papers both her father and her husband signed which might make it worthwhile – the entail is to end with Collins’ death and she would inherit Longbourn.
@60% He Had It Coming: Married nine long years Lydia devises a way to finally communicate with her sisters without Wickham censoring her letters. Elizabeth and Jane had their suspicions but when they view Lydia’s face those are not only confirmed but added to the oral report just one part of the abuse she has suffered. Even Jane is on board to take matters into their own hands. And as the story progressed Lydia has some sunshine on her horizon.
@93% excerpt from Unwilling
@95% excerpt from The Houseguest
The two vignettes I did not care for but they were all well written if you can accept those premises among the others. I have read her other books and enjoyed those. I want to read her newest one: The 26th of November: A Pride and Prejudice Comedy of Farcical Proportions
@16% Life After Darcy: Caroline Bingley opines about how she should have been the one to marry Mr. Darcy. But as life goes on and she is running out of options and even having to think about life on her own she finds a man who is “a male version of herself”! They spend time at dinners and at dances looking down on and taking apart the physical characteristics, wardrobes and even the connections of all upon whom they gaze. Caroline is then shocked when she asks Brook if he knows of any man who might be a good match for her and he becomes quite cold and distant.
The put-down from a friend makes a mark and she begins to think seriously about her actions. And in the end she is surprised by what she did not know about him.
Alternate Paths/@32% First Attachments: I did not care for this story as it has Elizabeth Bennet with a “First Love”…a boy, then teen, then man of the servant class who goes away to apprentice as a carriage maker. He also bestows on her that first kiss. Maybe I am at fault but I only want Darcy to be her first kiss and her first love.
@44% To Do Her Duty: Mrs. Bennet, late in life, has one of those “after- thoughts” – a child in her older years and I actually cried reading about the result. She would be forty-one and she knows the risks but “duty” makes her thinks that if it can be a boy it will be worth it…the pain and the risks.
In The Dark/@54% To Fool a Fool: “On her wedding night, Elizabeth Collins, nee: Bennet…” I was repulsed at the idea of Elizabeth being married to Collins but you may find it amusing as to how this wife actually “managed” him. Ugh!
There are always those papers both her father and her husband signed which might make it worthwhile – the entail is to end with Collins’ death and she would inherit Longbourn.
@60% He Had It Coming: Married nine long years Lydia devises a way to finally communicate with her sisters without Wickham censoring her letters. Elizabeth and Jane had their suspicions but when they view Lydia’s face those are not only confirmed but added to the oral report just one part of the abuse she has suffered. Even Jane is on board to take matters into their own hands. And as the story progressed Lydia has some sunshine on her horizon.
@93% excerpt from Unwilling
@95% excerpt from The Houseguest
The two vignettes I did not care for but they were all well written if you can accept those premises among the others. I have read her other books and enjoyed those. I want to read her newest one: The 26th of November: A Pride and Prejudice Comedy of Farcical Proportions
June 21, 2020
What happened when the Collinses finally move into Longbourn? What became of Caroline Bingley after her wedding dreams for Darcy vanish? What if Lizzy had a childhood sweetie before she met Darcy? What if... what if... I sure wanted to explore all these avenues and happily reached for this collection that has sadly been waiting awhile for my attention.
Meryton Vignettes are six short stories that explore sequels and alternate paths within the Pride and Prejudice story for main characters and side characters alike.
The titles are:
1. Mistress of Longbourn which is a sequel about Charlotte and her Collins family eventually moving into Longbourn many years after.
2. Life After Darcy is a sequel immediately following the events of P&P with Caroline Bingley's story.
3. Alternate Paths is an adult Elizabeth who is irritated by Mr. Darcy during her stay at Hunsford finding herself reminded of a young innocent friendship and first love with Jack a farmer's son.
4. In the Dark is another Elizabeth story, but it took a twisted path so she finds herself on a wedding night with a man who she was forced to marry.
5. He Had It Coming is a sequel telling Lydia Wickham's tragic story that doesn't end on a sad note when the Bennet sisters stand united.
Each of these explored a different path and were compact, but splendidly rendered. I do love to follow paths less trodden and what could have been. The development was done well and I was utterly engaged with each story though I felt a few ended abruptly- granted they were the ones with a macabre note to them that jarred one. I do believe she saved the best for last. Sister Power!!! And, Caroline's tale was not far behind it. Those who enjoy exploring the 'what if's should definitely give this little sparkling collection a go.
Meryton Vignettes are six short stories that explore sequels and alternate paths within the Pride and Prejudice story for main characters and side characters alike.
The titles are:
1. Mistress of Longbourn which is a sequel about Charlotte and her Collins family eventually moving into Longbourn many years after.
2. Life After Darcy is a sequel immediately following the events of P&P with Caroline Bingley's story.
3. Alternate Paths is an adult Elizabeth who is irritated by Mr. Darcy during her stay at Hunsford finding herself reminded of a young innocent friendship and first love with Jack a farmer's son.
4. In the Dark is another Elizabeth story, but it took a twisted path so she finds herself on a wedding night with a man who she was forced to marry.
5. He Had It Coming is a sequel telling Lydia Wickham's tragic story that doesn't end on a sad note when the Bennet sisters stand united.
Each of these explored a different path and were compact, but splendidly rendered. I do love to follow paths less trodden and what could have been. The development was done well and I was utterly engaged with each story though I felt a few ended abruptly- granted they were the ones with a macabre note to them that jarred one. I do believe she saved the best for last. Sister Power!!! And, Caroline's tale was not far behind it. Those who enjoy exploring the 'what if's should definitely give this little sparkling collection a go.
April 23, 2020
Avid Reader
These Meryton Vignettes were interesting, especially the first one where Charlotte Collins nee Lucas returns as the New mistress of Longbourn. Her presence isn't welcomed, and she gives a picnic, which ends in disaster. The Bennet name is removed from the pew and replaced with Longbourn.. The neighborhood members have no intention of allowing her name on the Bennet family pews.
These Meryton Vignettes were interesting, especially the first one where Charlotte Collins nee Lucas returns as the New mistress of Longbourn. Her presence isn't welcomed, and she gives a picnic, which ends in disaster. The Bennet name is removed from the pew and replaced with Longbourn.. The neighborhood members have no intention of allowing her name on the Bennet family pews.
April 20, 2018
What a great collection of short stories. I wouldn’t mine reading a bit more on some of the stories.
April 12, 2020
I have no idea why this book has received so few stars. I loved it. So clever and entertaining. Just wonderful.
Reread: I absolutely love this book.
Reread: Short but wonderful.
Reread: So many great stories in this one.
Reread: I absolutely love this book.
Reread: Short but wonderful.
Reread: So many great stories in this one.
January 14, 2023
Wonderful
This is a wonderful collection of books. I hope more Audible books are available soon from this author. I really look forward to it.
This is a wonderful collection of books. I hope more Audible books are available soon from this author. I really look forward to it.
December 27, 2024
Back in November, I listened to a couple of these vignettes on YouTube. They're listed individually, not as a collection. It appears that not all are available on YouTube. I'm picking it up and finishing off what I can.
Listened to:
1) Mistress of Longbourn a story about Charlotte Collins - I was rather surprised by the ending - it felt incomplete to me, but I know these are all vignettes
2) Life after Darcy - a story about Caroline Bingley - I really liked this
(in November & again today - Dec 27th)
3) First Attachments - a story about Elizabeth Bennet in her youth and then again when she was older - she was attached to a young farm worker and encouraged him in his education. Nice, but I prefer a Darcy & Elizabeth story.
4) To do Her Duty - bittersweet - a lovely tale (in November & again today - Dec 27th)
There were two more in this collection - #5 and #6 (He had it Coming - parts 1 and 2 are listed as two separate videos on YouTube). I'm skipping #5 due to the mature content (as per J.W.'s review) and I'm not in the mood for #6. I would've listened to #6 if it were shorter, as it is probably the type of story I would "enjoy" but it's significantly longer than #1-4, and I'd rather listen to something more uplifting. :-) Maybe I'll be in the mood another day. So for now, I'm just going to count this book as "done" for 2024!
Reminder to self:
#5 (skip) and #6 (maybe someday)
Listened to:
1) Mistress of Longbourn a story about Charlotte Collins - I was rather surprised by the ending - it felt incomplete to me, but I know these are all vignettes
2) Life after Darcy - a story about Caroline Bingley - I really liked this
(in November & again today - Dec 27th)
3) First Attachments - a story about Elizabeth Bennet in her youth and then again when she was older - she was attached to a young farm worker and encouraged him in his education. Nice, but I prefer a Darcy & Elizabeth story.
4) To do Her Duty - bittersweet - a lovely tale (in November & again today - Dec 27th)
There were two more in this collection - #5 and #6 (He had it Coming - parts 1 and 2 are listed as two separate videos on YouTube). I'm skipping #5 due to the mature content (as per J.W.'s review) and I'm not in the mood for #6. I would've listened to #6 if it were shorter, as it is probably the type of story I would "enjoy" but it's significantly longer than #1-4, and I'd rather listen to something more uplifting. :-) Maybe I'll be in the mood another day. So for now, I'm just going to count this book as "done" for 2024!
Reminder to self:
#5 (skip) and #6 (maybe someday)
November 22, 2017
An enjoyable group of short stories - well-written - I like the ones in particular about Lydia, Charlotte and Caroline Bingley.
April 6, 2020
What a variety of stories!
Different protagonists: with different paths or after the story as it happens with Lydia.
I have enjoyed all the stories and loved most of them.
Different protagonists: with different paths or after the story as it happens with Lydia.
I have enjoyed all the stories and loved most of them.
July 22, 2018
Good
Good stories, varied and surprising.... Mr Wickham certainly got his just deserts. It was good to see Lydia happy at last.
Good stories, varied and surprising.... Mr Wickham certainly got his just deserts. It was good to see Lydia happy at last.
November 26, 2016
The stories are independent tales, so I review them one by one.
Mistress of Longbourn starts with the Collins family occupying Longbourn. I loved that the author wrote quite a lot about the Bennet family, however I was also afraid that it will turn into the story of the Bennets rather than how Charlotte and Mr Collins cope with the difficulties, but by the end everything fell into place, especially that the Bennets were significant part of Meryton society with their estate and also as former neighbours of Charlotte they were part of her life longer than Mr Collins, though 17 years passed already since her marriage. Charlotte’s musings about Mary Bennet and generally the Bennets were very well written and fascinating. You will see that Mrs Bennet has more significance and accomplishments than we tend to ascribe to her.
Life after Darcy is one of my favourite from the short stories. Caroline Bingley is everything she is in Pride and Prejudice and then she is everything I wanted or wished her to be. There is a beautiful scene where she is walking and out of the blue she understands a certain person. First time I needed tissues. Then it ends in the grand manner! Elizabeth Adams is quite generous to her. More tissue needed… Another little thing I loved here were the names. All of them. It’s a little thing, but can you love a story when you don’t like the names? Sounds a bit like Anne Shirley, but she had valid points when she analysed the names in Anne of Green Gables.
First attachments is a cute love story between Lizzy and a childhood, boy-next-door friend.
To do her duty – Well, if I said the author was generous with Caroline Bingley in Life after Darcy, she was not generous to Mrs Bennet in this story. You’ll need tissues! I like that both, Mistress of Longbourn and To do her duty portrayed Mrs Bennet in good light.
To Fool a Fool – OMG! and OMG! again. This is definitely a short story which could be developed into a novel. So much potential! My favourite scenario in a weird way. I had no idea I could cry (because of sadness) and laugh (because of the absurdity of the scene) at the very same time. I felt sick in my stomach because I knew and dreaded what was going to happen… I had to take a break. All I say without giving away a lot is that the main protagonists are Mr Collins and Elizabeth and they are behind closed doors… It takes a lot of courage and skill to paint that grotesque / funny / sad / upsetting picture with words! Think about it! Someone, namely Elizabeth Adams imagined what Jane Austen herself couldn’t. I’m almost sure no one can read it with joy, but hey ho! try to get over the first paragraph and if you get used to the idea of what will come, you’ll enjoy the absurdity. Both characters are true to themselves and don’t worry, there is poetic justice, if we can talk about poetic justice when the author ‘mixed it up’ on purpose. I mean, you’ll see how the main character of the next story had it coming, poetic justice needed, but it comes from the original character’s behaviour, so his fate is unavoidable: it has to end how it did. On the other hand, in this instance, we have not a bad but a ridiculous person who ended up on the Other Side because the author couldn’t possibly leave Elizabeth in such a dreadful situation. Don’t forget to have some chocolate close to you…
He had it coming – The first part of the story is rather disturbing and dark. You’ll need lots of tissues. Luckily the author compensates in the second part and as depressing as it is in the beginning, as idyllic the second part is. We can sort of expect from the original what happens here, but the author just made it ‘real’ in this story. As annoying Lydia is, who wants to see her suffer as much as she is suffering here. I’ve read lots of books where Wickham was sent away or killed off, but the fate Elizabeth Adams destined him is way too good for him. On the other hand, it’s not fair on two or three other characters. And that’s where Darcy comes in with my favourite scene where we get to know what he thinks about the whole situation. It is amazingly Darcyesque. Elizabeth Adams had an eye on details. This exactly what makes the whole story prefect.
I heartily recommend this book as it is a delightful collection of short stories, which I will happily read again.
Mistress of Longbourn starts with the Collins family occupying Longbourn. I loved that the author wrote quite a lot about the Bennet family, however I was also afraid that it will turn into the story of the Bennets rather than how Charlotte and Mr Collins cope with the difficulties, but by the end everything fell into place, especially that the Bennets were significant part of Meryton society with their estate and also as former neighbours of Charlotte they were part of her life longer than Mr Collins, though 17 years passed already since her marriage. Charlotte’s musings about Mary Bennet and generally the Bennets were very well written and fascinating. You will see that Mrs Bennet has more significance and accomplishments than we tend to ascribe to her.
Life after Darcy is one of my favourite from the short stories. Caroline Bingley is everything she is in Pride and Prejudice and then she is everything I wanted or wished her to be. There is a beautiful scene where she is walking and out of the blue she understands a certain person. First time I needed tissues. Then it ends in the grand manner! Elizabeth Adams is quite generous to her. More tissue needed… Another little thing I loved here were the names. All of them. It’s a little thing, but can you love a story when you don’t like the names? Sounds a bit like Anne Shirley, but she had valid points when she analysed the names in Anne of Green Gables.
First attachments is a cute love story between Lizzy and a childhood, boy-next-door friend.
To do her duty – Well, if I said the author was generous with Caroline Bingley in Life after Darcy, she was not generous to Mrs Bennet in this story. You’ll need tissues! I like that both, Mistress of Longbourn and To do her duty portrayed Mrs Bennet in good light.
To Fool a Fool – OMG! and OMG! again. This is definitely a short story which could be developed into a novel. So much potential! My favourite scenario in a weird way. I had no idea I could cry (because of sadness) and laugh (because of the absurdity of the scene) at the very same time. I felt sick in my stomach because I knew and dreaded what was going to happen… I had to take a break. All I say without giving away a lot is that the main protagonists are Mr Collins and Elizabeth and they are behind closed doors… It takes a lot of courage and skill to paint that grotesque / funny / sad / upsetting picture with words! Think about it! Someone, namely Elizabeth Adams imagined what Jane Austen herself couldn’t. I’m almost sure no one can read it with joy, but hey ho! try to get over the first paragraph and if you get used to the idea of what will come, you’ll enjoy the absurdity. Both characters are true to themselves and don’t worry, there is poetic justice, if we can talk about poetic justice when the author ‘mixed it up’ on purpose. I mean, you’ll see how the main character of the next story had it coming, poetic justice needed, but it comes from the original character’s behaviour, so his fate is unavoidable: it has to end how it did. On the other hand, in this instance, we have not a bad but a ridiculous person who ended up on the Other Side because the author couldn’t possibly leave Elizabeth in such a dreadful situation. Don’t forget to have some chocolate close to you…
He had it coming – The first part of the story is rather disturbing and dark. You’ll need lots of tissues. Luckily the author compensates in the second part and as depressing as it is in the beginning, as idyllic the second part is. We can sort of expect from the original what happens here, but the author just made it ‘real’ in this story. As annoying Lydia is, who wants to see her suffer as much as she is suffering here. I’ve read lots of books where Wickham was sent away or killed off, but the fate Elizabeth Adams destined him is way too good for him. On the other hand, it’s not fair on two or three other characters. And that’s where Darcy comes in with my favourite scene where we get to know what he thinks about the whole situation. It is amazingly Darcyesque. Elizabeth Adams had an eye on details. This exactly what makes the whole story prefect.
I heartily recommend this book as it is a delightful collection of short stories, which I will happily read again.
February 20, 2017
Though each story is a novella they are all long enough that I feel like I didn't miss anything. All well written well-rounded. I loved Caroline's story, and Lydia's!
Great quick read!
Great quick read!
August 21, 2017
I really enjoyed the first story about Charlotte becoming mistress of Longbourn. It was quiet and subtle, and the way the emotions were evoked through the small details and in talking around the characters' desires reminded me a lot of Katherine Mansfield (high praise). To be honest, this was the story that made me give Adams' books a chance and I wish a lot more of her writing was like this. There were other fun vignettes -- Life After Darcy was an enjoyable look at Caroline after the Darcy marriage and To Fool a Fool was quite funny as well. Even To Do Her Duty was on the whole not bad (so, five of the six stories). Unfortunately, the last and longest story has probably tainted my perception of the rest of the book. I didn't mind part one of He Had it Coming. But part two was just awful -- it reminded me of the worst parts of The Houseguest: off pacing, sappy, unrealistic. Characters shipped together for convenience rather than any logical plot point. Also, Darcy's thoughts on were pretty cringe worthy and revealed the limitations of the writer.
March 18, 2019
This was...not good lol. This is pretty much just Pride & Prejudice fan fiction and while I wasn't expecting to love this, I didn't expect to dislike it this much. This is a collection of six short stories that either take place after the book ends or during the book. I found the first and last stories to be the most interesting ones. The other four were either boring, straight up trash, or just badly written. One of the stories (the straight up trash one) is about Elizabeth being married to Mr. Collins (ew who wants to read about that?!??) and I... *shudders* It scarred me. Kind of skimmed most of that one. After that one, I almost didn't finish the book. It was that bad. I honestly don't know why this book doesn't have more negative reviews.
April 17, 2023
A very strange series of short stories. A couple of them are interesting but most take a bizarre twist. Like the one where Lydia has been with Wickham for several years and after being physically abused for that long she finally reaches out to Elizabeth and jane, who are happily married, and they go and get her from this terrible life. But in order to assure themselves that Wickham won't come after lydia, they kill him! They poison him and kill him and then take Lydia home. I would not call these stories Pride and Prejudice variations, they are Pride and Prejudice Twilight zones!
May 18, 2021
A very interesting set of short stories that mostly delve into side characters. Some of these tie back to other stories from the author, while others are one-offs. Some have sad endings, so be prepared! I found these really interesting and may re-read a few.
October 7, 2021
3.75 stars
I liked some of the concepts/ideas here, but they just needed more fleshing out? I'm thinking Elizabeth Adams shines best in longer works, but still an enjoyable collection.
CW: Listed in updates, plus fatphobic language
I liked some of the concepts/ideas here, but they just needed more fleshing out? I'm thinking Elizabeth Adams shines best in longer works, but still an enjoyable collection.
CW: Listed in updates, plus fatphobic language
June 8, 2024
An interesting and eclectic mix of short vignettes
What an amazing blend of stories. This may all be short stories but there is so much depth in each one of them. I would be hard pressed to pick a favourite as they were all so very good in their own way.
Highly recommended.
What an amazing blend of stories. This may all be short stories but there is so much depth in each one of them. I would be hard pressed to pick a favourite as they were all so very good in their own way.
Highly recommended.
January 17, 2018
Interesting take on what takes place to some of the secondary characters of P&P
April 29, 2018
Interesting alternatives
Many fun stories. In one, The Bennet sisters take their vengeance on Wickham. Wish thar scene was part of a single long book
Many fun stories. In one, The Bennet sisters take their vengeance on Wickham. Wish thar scene was part of a single long book
December 10, 2018
I enjoyed all the what if stories. Short and sweet. . glad to finally see Lydia have the beginning of a good life.
January 4, 2019
Interesting
Some very different variations of the lives of some of our Meryton friends from Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice
Some very different variations of the lives of some of our Meryton friends from Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice
Read
February 8, 2020Didn’t love these.
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