In June 2025, my original publisher of “Darcy’s Passions” approached me about rereleasing the book, along with another title from the nine books I did for them back in the early 2000s. Like many publishers they wanted back on the Austen train, especially with the resurgence of Austen’s popularity after her 250th birthday. When all of us “old timers” were originally asked to write for traditional publishers, it was the “Twilight” craze that drove the publications. In case you did not know, “Twilight” is a vampiric version of “Pride and Prejudice,” as is my “Midnight at Pemberley,” originally called “Vampire Darcy’s Desire,” being rereleased in July 2026.
“Darcy’s Passions” tells Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice from Mr. Darcy point of view, just as Austen kept her readers only in the head of Elizabeth Bennet, my story tells their maddening courtship from Darcy’s POV. Initially, I insisted that the subtitle said something of Darcy being passionate about Pemberley, his sister, and Elizabeth Bennet. The “passion” in the title does not indicate “adult” content, as we think of those words today. So, what I am saying it is not “50 Shades of Grey,” which was originally a “Twilight” fan fiction story. Are you confused? I am also.
There were quite a few us writing and publishing what we now call Jane Austen Fan Fiction [JAFF] around 2004 and 2005. I began my journey on a challenge from one of my students. I was complaining about the multiple anachronisms in a book I had been reading for my own pleasure. This was an Advanced Placement Language course where students needed to be able to place the piece in history based on the events and the word choices by the author. One of my students said, “If you know how to do it, do it yourself.” So, I rewrote Pride and Prejudice from Mr. Darcy’s POV. I had one of my students draw the cover image so she could be admitted into a college art program as a “published artist” and, then, basically, forgot about it. I was not thinking of writing full time in those days. By word of mouth, it went to #8 [before there was multiple divisions of book categories] on Amazon’s list, and a new career path was opened for me. I retired from teaching after 40 years in the classroom in 2007. I am now at 75+ novels and counting.
Relive the witty and romantic story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy once again in this charming Pride and Prejudice retelling from Darcy’s point of view. For fans of historical romance like the Bridgerton novels to lovers of alternative point-of-view books like E. L. James’ Grey and Stephenie Meyers’s Midnight Sun, Darcy’s Passions invites readers into the heart and mind of Fitzwilliam Darcy, revealing the hidden thoughts and intense emotions that fueled his riveting courtship of Elizabeth Bennet. While the Bennet sisters are discussing the next ball to attend, placating their mother and fretting over potential suitors at their Longbourn estate, Mr. Darcy is moving into Netherfield Park, worrying over his young sister and attempting to maintain his position in society. One night at a town assembly, he meets Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a challenging yet beautiful young woman whose position and fortune in life is decidedly below his own. But he’s intrigued, and her presence simply can’t be ignored.Darcy’s Passions reimagines one of the most iconic love stories of all time, with an inside look at every thought behind Mr. Darcy’s stoic demeanor, cool glances, and quiet longing for our beloved and witty Elizabeth Bennet. Through Darcy’s eyes, we’ll see their epic love story unfold, understanding the heart and mind of the man that has captivated readers for centuries.
A sweet romance retelling of “Pride and Prejudice” from Mr. Darcy’s perspective, revealing his hidden thoughts and emotions as he falls in love with Elizabeth Bennet.
Classic tropes you’ll love in Darcy’s Passions:
Enemies to lovers
Unlikely match / opposites attract
Marriage plot
Slow burn romance
Witty heroine
Charming villain
Hero falls first
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Enjoy this opening excerpt from “Darcy’s Passions.”
Chapter One
“. . . your conjecture is totally wrong.”
FITZWILLIAM DARCY LOUNGED lazily in the high-backed chair of the library at Netherfield Park, sipping his morning coffee and savoring the news found in his sister’s letter. The Bingley party had yet to come down, and Darcy so enjoyed these moments of solitude. Most considered him a self-assured man, confident and independent, for he assumed the care of others. In fact, his benevolence was the reason he now found himself at Netherfield Park, sitting with his back to the sun and smiling at his sister’s opening words. Previously, he had made a transaction with the Bingley family’s firm and rediscovered his associate from his university years. As he was then, Charles Bingley was an affable young man, who was greatly in need of direction. Therefore, Darcy found himself assisting his friend’s transition into Society. Although their temperaments differed immensely, from the beginning, they had cast a solid relationship. Bingley’s easy-going nature accepted without censure the stolid disposition Darcy displayed. Yet, their affection for each other was genuine, and both men counted the other to be an intimate associate. Taking another sip of the tepid brew, Darcy reread the first few lines of Georgiana’s letter.
2 October
My dear William,
I pray your sojourn to Netherfield Park was without incident, and you found it to be pleasantly suited. Mr. Bingley’s possession of Netherfield is another step in his establishing himself in fine Society. Hopefully, Netherfield will permit Mr. Bingley to discover the happiness he deserves. As he is your friend, I find him as dear, as are you.
Darcy smiled at the tact Georgiana displayed. She realized, obviously, Charles Bingley had taken Netherfield at Caroline Bingley’s insistence and because of the lady’s need to present herself as a woman whose family held enough wealth to merit an estate, while also establishing Bingley’s position in Society. Bingley desired his sister’s happiness so he let Netherfield Park to that purpose.
I hope you will enjoy Miss Bingley’s company, as well as Hertfordshire’s society. Your happiness always plays uppermost in my mind. You have, William, been my support when I faced my worst of times; I can never repay your kindness; yet, Brother, I fear you place your own life at bay.
His sister had experienced love of the basest form, having briefly given her heart to a familiar cad. Thank goodness Darcy had arrived in time to save her innocence and her heart. For several months, Georgiana had pined for the braggart, and as he gently guided his ward, Darcy had stewed at the man’s audacity. Thankfully, he found Mrs. Annesley, a companion, who would, hopefully, turn his impressionable, innocent sister into a culturally refined young lady.
Darcy marveled at Georgiana’s reference to Caroline Bingley. Although they had never discussed Miss Bingley, he realized his sister found Miss Bingley’s advances too forward. Yet, Georgiana would welcome Caroline into her home and her family if the woman pleased him. In reality, Caroline Bingley pleased Darcy as much as any other woman. She possessed refined tastes; yet, he held no affection for her. He understood he must marry soon, but he had always wanted more; he wanted the passion he had witnessed in his parents’ marriage. Unfortunately, even though he often met women of fine society, all of whom would welcome his advances and his wealth, he never encountered such emotions. As to finding Hertfordshire’s society pleasing, the prospect of that possibility remained as thin in Darcy’s mind as did the likelihood of his developing affection for Miss Bingley.
Mrs. Annesley and I enjoyed a concert touted by the Prince Regent. Oh, dear, Brother, you have never heard such music. It could pick one up and transport him to realms of emotional fantasies. Mrs. Annesley says we shall seek the sheet music, and Mr. Steventon will assist me until I achieve at least a semblance of the concert’s greatness. Then I shall give you a private performance, which I pray you will enjoy.
Although a slow process, Georgiana had displayed signs of recovering from her brush with romantic disaster. Since the age of twelve when his beloved mother had died shortly after his sister’s birth, Darcy had protected Georgiana. He had become her legal guardian when their esteemed father passed several years prior. Yet, Darcy had actually assumed the position when his father had become ill. His sister’s gentleness complemented his staunch manner; he adored Georgiana in a way few could understand. With the age difference, Darcy and Georgiana each possessed the characteristics of being the only child, needing private time each day to focus, to listen to soothing music, to meditate, or to read a book. Her care was a great responsibility, but he had been groomed for responsibility. Mayhap, I should make arrangements for a new pianoforte for my sister to be delivered to Pemberly; it would give her such pleasure. “A birthday present,” he said aloud. He returned to the letter, for he wanted to finish it before the Bingley household descended upon him.
William, it has been a long time since I felt contentment, but I owe my current condition to you, my dearest. Your love and kindness have provided me the impetus to continue on after my foolhardiness, and I promise, once more, that I will soon be your younger, sometimes precocious, sister. Extend to Mr. Bingley and his family my fondest regards.
Georgiana
Darcy closed his eyes and imagined Georgiana. For a fleeting moment, he vividly saw her smile’s sweetness. Then he slowly folded the letter, savoring the moment, and placed it in the inside pocket of his morning jacket. The sound of Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst in the morning room interrupted his reflections. Darcy unfolded his frame, stood, adjusted his clothing, and strode purposely from the library to join his hosts.
“Ah, Mr. Darcy, you keep country hours,” Caroline said as he entered the room.
Darcy made a quick bow to both ladies. Crossing to the breakfast repast to refill his coffee cup, he politely replied, “It is true, Miss Bingley, I prefer to rise early. It is a habit instilled by my late father. This morning, besides enjoying your family’s hospitality, I have read a letter from my sister.”
“How is dear Georgiana?” she replied without any true concern evident in her voice. Typical Caroline Bingley, thought Darcy. She knew the expected words to say in each situation, but Miss Bingley possessed no real emotion–no thoughts of her own.
“My sister enjoys her time in London and her favorite pastime: music,” Darcy added quickly, hoping this would end Caroline’s inquiries.
Unfortunately, Miss Bingley rose and strolled elegantly across the room. She, obviously, hoped to emphasize her “assets.” As a man of wealth, women in pursuit of a husband often targeted him, and Darcy recognized her game. He had learned diplomatically to avoid the advances with a haughty, prideful manner. An indifference to such ambitions. As Caroline sashayed across the room playing up her feminine qualities, Darcy took on a familiar somber face. “I do wish Georgiana had joined us at Netherfield,” she said, refilling the cup and taking a step closer to him.
“She has her studies to which to attend,” Darcy responded as he walked away to take up a position by the window. Turning to observe the grounds, he continued, “Will your brother be down soon? I had hoped we could survey the estate today.”
As if on cue, Charles Bingley sauntered into the room. “Come, Darcy, I am not that late, am I? We will have plenty of time to take an accounting of my lands. Assuredly, they will never live up to your Pemberley, but it will be a fit beginning, do you not think?”
Making a slight nodding bow to his friend, Darcy could not help but become caught up in Charles’s enthusiasm; it had that effect upon him. “We should survey the fields, the fence line, and observe the homesteads on the estate. Then we may assess what to address immediately and what to delay until the new growing season. We should do so before the obligatory calls from your neighbors begin and before you decide to stay in Hertfordshire by purchasing Netherfield Park, rather than letting it.”
“I am most looking forward to meeting my new neighbors,” Bingley replied as he prepared a plate of eggs and fresh fruit.
“I fear,” said Darcy, assuming his customary superior attitude, “you will find little true society in Hertfordshire. It is a country society, lacking in manners and refinement.”
“Darcy, you should open yourself to new adventures,” Bingley teased.
Placating to Darcy, Caroline declared she too feared a lack of society. Louisa Hurst tutted her disapproval. Yet, Bingley’s countenance brightened as he turned to his sister. “If that be so, Caroline, you will be credited with changing their lives forever. Every woman will copy your style, and men will eat from your hand.”
Darcy noted how Caroline dropped her eyes in a coy-like manner before excusing herself to her chambers.
Darcy changed to his riding attire and rushed towards the stables. He loved being in the saddle and being out in the open. Cerberus waited for him at the mounting block. Customarily, a man of property rode an inspection of his land in the springtime, but as was typical for his friend Bingley had made an impetuous decision. Without the usual inquiries of the soundness of the structure or the condition of the land, Bingley had claimed possession of Netherfield Park. Then his friend had begged Darcy to lend his expertise to the matter. Darcy’s father had spent years teaching his son the responsibility of being Master of Pemberley. As a child, Darcy had accompanied his father on the spring inspection. Ownership of land determined wealth and status in Society. Darcy had inherited Pemberley through a system of primogeniture. As Bingley’s father had made his wealth in trade, his friend held neither ancestral ties to the land nor any real knowledge of the accountability involved in owning an estate.
As the two men rode, Darcy pointed out the delights of and the responsibilities of being a man of property. Netherfield Park held areas where drainage needed to be addressed, but it also possessed immediate grounds offering paths and parkways for the pleasure of its owner. As both men mounted a hill for a better view of the prospect leading to Netherfield, Bingley queried, “Well, Darcy, do I have your blessing in this matter?”
“Let us wait a bit longer, my friend,” Darcy began, “until you spend a winter at Netherfield. A fine home in the late summer or early autumn may be a drafty pit in the winter.”
“Darcy, you are the voice of gloom,” Bingley laughed.
Darcy flushed with his friend’s taunt. “Gloom appears to be a sound reason from my perspective.”
Bingley turned towards home, but as Darcy circled Cerberus to follow, he espied a glint of color moving along the road below them and to the right. Upon closer inspection, he realized the apparition was a young lady walking at a robust pace. Nearly running. How unladylike. Yet, the woman’s obvious joy at ignoring propriety momentarily intrigued him, and he found himself smiling at the sight of such unbridled freedom. She is delightfully happy. Oh, but such as I could be!
Returning to the manor, both men washed away the dust of their ride and retired to the study to recapture their thoughts on Bingley’s investment. “The manor’s lodge is stately and will serve you well, especially for shooting parties.”
“Although the wooded area was a bit overgrown, the stream is adequately stocked,” Bingley observed.
“Being able to harvest some of the wooded area for heating purposes will serve the estate, Bingley, and, if you later choose to purchase Netherfield, you may sell off some of it for profit. Yet, be prepared seedlings are available to replenish the area.”
“Darcy, your counsel is invaluable.”
“As for the house itself, the lighting in the dining room, morning room, and study is pleasantly suited, picking up the early light. Of course, for my taste, I hope, Bingley, you will address the library’s need for comfortable furniture and adequate evening lighting.”
“Although I am not the reader you are, I will certainly address your concerns,” Bingley mocked.
Their conversations continued along this vein until supper when the gentlemen dressed for the meal and escorted the ladies into the formal dining room. Congenial conversation followed the meal of several courses. “We received,” confided Miss Bingley, “several cards and invitations. We expect our neighbors to call tomorrow.”
“I am anticipating taking the acquaintance of the neighborhood,” Bingley beamed.
“Do not think the local gentry will offer much towards polite society,” Darcy warned. “Country manners, I find, are greatly lacking in a sense of decorum and can often be viewed as vulgar. Though, no doubt many of your neighbors will be intolerable.”
The conversation on what to expect continued over the meal and a game of whist. Bingley’s usual gracious nature hoped for pleasant hospitality. The rest of the party felt the intrusions upon their privacy to be a necessary imposition. Either way, those considered to be from “society” in Hertfordshire would soon introduce themselves to the Bingleys.
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