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.
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 short excerpt of the Bingley party preparing for the Meryton assembly.
Dressing for the evening, Darcy did not anticipate a pleasing experience. Being animated and congenial only among his close acquaintances, he detested large gatherings. In fact, large gatherings brought on a different persona. Even among those of refined tastes, Darcy often withdrew. Those who encountered him customarily found a daunting scowl plastered upon his countenance. His attitude towards a gathering where anyone who could afford a ticket could attend bordered on pure disdain. According to all reports, he despised dancing, though he knew such was not always true. As a young man he had enjoyed his share of amusements and flirtations. It was only after his father’s passing did he realize the weight of Pemberley and the welfare of hundreds of others rested on his shoulders. Making a mistake was no longer to be tolerated.
Likewise, Caroline and the Hursts suffered an appearance at the assembly as a social duty. A full moon shone brightly as the party descended from their carriages outside the Meryton Assembly Hall. Sir William Lucas welcomed them, coming forward after their party had disposed of their evening wraps. Ironically, as Bingley and his sisters stepped into the crowded assembly hall, the music stopped, and the dancers made their turn and came face-to-face with Town fashion.
“Permit me to give you the acquaintance of my wife and daughters,” Sir William said as Bingley’s party made a slow progression across the room. With a nod of acquiescence from Bingley, Sir William continued, “My wife, Lady Lucas, sir, and my two eldest, Miss Lucas and Miss Maria.”
The eldest Miss Lucas was no beauty, and Darcy considered how she was more than a bit long in the tooth still to be considered a “Miss.” Even so, she appeared pleasant enough. While crossing the room at the back of the Bingley party, Darcy became astutely aware of the impression they all made on those assembled. He realized within five minutes both his and Bingley’s financial wealth would be common knowledge. Often, he heard it said a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. Darcy assumed the premise permeated the thoughts of those of a lower level too.
To his party’s horror, a woman that Bingley identified as “Mrs. Bennet” elbowed her way before them and made her own introductions.
“Mr. Bingley,” she said with a curtsy, “it is pleasant to claim your acquaintance again, and, with your permission, sir, I would give you the acquaintance of my daughters.”
Again, Bingley agreed with a simple nod of his head, while Darcy recognized his friend’s interest in the rumors of the Bennet sisters.
Darcy studied Miss Jane Bennet as the girl made her bow to their party. She had golden hair, elegant classic Greek features, and deep blue eyes. Privately, he declared Miss Bennet very attractive. In fact, she proved the most handsome female in the room, but Darcy possessed no real desire to know her better. Bingley, on the other hand, requested a turn on the dance floor with the lady.
The other Bennet daughters possessed less handsome countenances. The younger ones were nothing more than giggling school girls, and he wondered whether it was wise to permit them out in society. The middle girl wore her hair in too strict of a style to do anything for her plain features. The second daughter appeared to think something amusing about his party. It was as if she judged him when it was, obviously, his prerogative to judge her. She stared at him with challenge in her eyes, a fact which made him sorrowfully discomfited.
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