Yes, I have a new book in the works! I’m really excited about the plot twist because it’s breaking new ground in the world of Pride & Prejudice variations (and least as far as I know – I can’t keep track of all of the ones out there any more). But since it’s different, I’m also nervous about how people will react to it. I’m going to be posting several chapters over the next few weeks to see if anyone’s going to throw rotten tomatoes at me this time. Usual caveats – this is not a final draft and is subject to change.
Never fear, I’m not messing with the essentials – it’s an Elizabeth and Darcy happily-ever-after with all the usual characters, set in the usual locations with the usual cast of characters. Instead of changing events or characters, I’ve gone whole hog.
I’ve changed history.
So, join me in Meryton in 1811, six years after Napoleon’s invasion of England. Welcome to occupied Britain!
Chapter 1
Elizabeth Bennet ignored the familiar sight of the Lucas carriage stopping in front of the house. After all, Lady Lucas often called on Mrs. Bennet with the latest gossip. But the heavy footsteps in the hall could not belong to Lady Lucas.
Sir William Lucas, his usually jovial face grim, strode into the sitting room at Longbourn. “Bad news,” he told Mr. Bennet, without pausing to greet the ladies first. “Robinson has been arrested.”
Mr. Bennet’s eyes widened. “Arrested? What crime could he possibly have committed? Losing his way?”
“He contested Captain Renard’s plan to commandeer his house. The good captain has taken a fancy to it. He wants it as his residence and does not care that it has been in Robinson’s family for generations. When Robinson declined to be evicted and threatened to make a complaint to General Desmarais in London, the captain ordered his soldiers to search the house. They went through his newspapers and found a copy of The Loyalist. They say that is treason.”
“When did reading The Loyalist become treason?” asked Mr. Bennet mildly. “It is anti-French and illegal, to be sure, but a small bribe will convince the officers to look the other way. If reading it is treason, they will have to hang half the town.”
Elizabeth looked up from her mending, unable to keep silent. “I imagine it is only treason if you happen to possess something Captain Renard wants. What is being done to help Mr. Robinson?”
Sir William mopped his brow. “That is why I am here. Bennet, I need your help. Captain Renard has given me three days to talk sense into Robinson, and if he still will not give up his claim to the house, he will be hanged. Robinson is more likely to listen to you than to me. There is a small cottage at Lucas Lodge where he can live until he finds something else.”
Of course Captain Renard would do whatever he wished, and the only question was how to convince Mr. Robinson to submit to the yoke. Under her breath, Elizabeth said, “If only I were a man…”
Her sister Kitty gave a derisive snort. “If you were a man and did all the things you say, you would have been hanged long ago.”
“Just think how much easier that would have made your life!” Elizabeth retorted.
Mr. Bennet pinched the bridge of his nose. “This situation is difficult enough without having squabbling geese underfoot,” he said sourly.
Elizabeth looked away. Her father might be able to accept everything the French did, but she could not. It had been easier in the first years after the French invasion, when she and Jane had lived with the Gardiners in London. She could almost have imagined nothing had changed – nothing except blue uniforms taking the place of red coats and people wearing clothes two seasons out of date owing to Napoleon’s levies to pay for his war. Not only did the English suffer defeat at the hands of the French, but then they had to pay for the privilege as well.
In Meryton she could not forget the existence of the French garrison for more than a few hours. French soldiers were everywhere, pestering any girl they saw, exacting non-existent fees and fines to line their own pockets, and strutting about as if they owned the town. It was painful to watch them and say nothing, especially with all the suffering her poor sister Jane had endured.
“So you will help me convince poor Robinson to give in?” Sir William asked.
Mr. Bennet frowned. “I suppose I must.”
“Capital! I will drive you there.” Sir William lowered his voice. “On a happier note, I have met Mr. Bingley, our new neighbor at Netherfield. He is young and unmarried – a fine thing for our girls. A most amiable fellow, I would say.”
“Is he English?” asked Mr. Bennet.
“Indeed he is.” Sir William’s usual good nature seemed partially restored by indulging in gossip. “His money is from trade, so the French have allowed him to keep it. He has two sisters who do not care to leave the social whirl of London. Of course, before the French came their breeding would not have been good enough, but now they can mix with the highest circles. He will not be alone at Netherfield, though. A friend of his, a gentleman, will be arriving soon for an extended stay.”
“Is his friend unmarried as well?” asked Kitty eagerly.
“He is not married, but his young sister will accompany him. She is half-witted, they say.”
Poor fellow! It was good of him to keep his sister with him rather than sending her to an asylum. “Is he in trade as well?” asked Elizabeth.
“No,” said Sir William, dragging out the single syllable as if reluctant to say more. “He is from an old family with aristocratic connections. He owns a large estate in the north.”
A traitor, then. After the invasion, the French had taken their revenge on the English aristocracy and landed gentry by confiscating all the grand estates. The only exceptions had been for property owners who agreed to cooperate with and assist the invaders. So much for pitying the man! But she should make certain she had not misunderstood. “He still owns his estate?”
“He does.” Sir William waggled his eyebrows meaningfully.
Mr. Bennet removed his spectacles and polished them with his handkerchief. “Well, we can all guess the price he has paid for keeping it. Lizzy, you must take care if you meet him. Kitty, I am sure you care nothing for his politics as long as he is rich and wears trousers, but I would urge you not to trust him. I even begin to doubt this Mr. Bingley for having such a friend.”
Sir William nodded. “I quite agree with your caution, but I will withhold judgment for now. Perhaps this fellow and Bingley went school together. Or it might have been his father who made the decision and he has but inherited it.”
“I do not think I could remain friends with someone who accepted such an arrangement,” declared Elizabeth. “It is hard enough to remain sisters with —”
“Lizzy!” snapped Mr. Bennet.
Kitty tossed her head. “If you wish to be a fool and throw your life away dreaming of the past, do not let me stop you. Some of us want a future and it is obvious where that lies. You may not like what Lydia has done, but you are happy enough to enjoy the benefits of it.”
“That is not true. You know perfectly well I would rather go into exile in Scotland with nothing but the clothes on my back than to accept luxuries under these circumstances.” How she envied the fortunate Scots who had nothing Napoleon wanted and therefore could keep their own country. “I would do more than go into exile to be free of French rule.”
“That is easy to say while you still have an excuse. You are just jealous of Lydia because she was the first or us to marry.”
“Jealous? Now that I can assure you I am not. How long until you decide to sell yourself, Kitty? Are you holding out for a higher price than Lydia?”
Mrs. Bennet bustled in. “Oh, you have no consideration for my nerves! Arguing like this where the servants could hear you! Would you have us thrown out into the hedgerows, Lizzy? Begone from my sight, you wicked girl!”
Elizabeth gathered her dignity around her and ignored Kitty’s smirk. “Happily!” She stalked away, her shoulders aching with tension.
***
Elizabeth carried the tea tray from the kitchen across the courtyard, past the empty stalls of the stables to the former tack room which had been converted for Jane’s use. She knocked three times — rat a tat tat— and waited while Jane raised the bar across the inside and opened the door.
“Teatime!” Elizabeth said brightly, carrying the tray into Jane’s tiny sitting room. “Not the swill that is all we can buy these days, but the last of chamomile I picked and dried last summer. I had it hidden in my room.”
Jane’s face lit up. “Bless you, Lizzy! I do not like to complain, but I can barely swallow some of that so-called tea. I think it must be tar and sawdust with a few leaves added to fool us into thinking it is real tea.”
“I cannot disagree!” There was no point in telling Jane that the tea Lydia served tasted just as tea should. Even so, every drop of it threatened to choke Elizabeth whenever she drank it. How could she enjoy tea purchased by a French officer?
Jane’s brows drew together. “What is the matter, Lizzy? There is no need to put on false cheer for me.”
“Nothing of importance. I quarreled with Kitty again. I should not let her provoke me, I know, especially since none of it compares to what you suffer every day. I do not know how you bear it!”
“It is not hard. Things could be much worse. After all, I have everything I need right here.” Jane poured out the tea into two cups.
“Except the freedom to leave these rooms!” Elizabeth said hotly. “Oh, I could just kill that man!”
“It would not help me for you to be hanged for murder. One of these days Captain Renard will be transferred elsewhere and I will be able to go back to my old life. In the meantime, I have your visits and Charlotte’s to look forward to. It is not so bad.”
“I wish you did not have to be alone so much.” Elizabeth forced herself to swallow her rage. All it did was upset Jane, who had already suffered enough. “How is the tea?”
Jane lifted her teacup to her mouth. “Heavenly!”
***
Mrs. Bennet expressed a wish for fresh pastries from the bakery in town, so naturally her middle daughter Mary had to display her charity by offering to fetch them. Unfortunately, that meant Elizabeth and Kitty were obliged to go with her. It was unsafe for a woman to walk alone these days, so perforce they had to escort each other. It had not always been that way. Elizabeth could remember taking long walks in the countryside with no company but her own, but that had been before the French came.
She did not mind the walk, only the company. If there was one thing worse than suffering Kitty’s chatter about the officers, it was enduring Mary’s constant admonitions about loving their enemies. At least Mary truly believed forgiving their enemies was the right thing to do. Kitty only wanted the financial advantages the enemy could provide her. What did it matter to Kitty why the officers were in Meryton as long as she could flirt with them and accept their little gifts?
Elizabeth paid little attention to her sisters as they walked. Instead she girded herself for battle. Not the kind of battle which could be fought openly, but the painful battle within herself whenever she met the officers in their fancy blue coats. Even after all this time, it was a struggle to force herself to smile at them and converse pleasantly. But her parents relied on the goodwill of the French soldiers, and Lydia’s husband could not single-handedly protect them if Elizabeth made a show of resistance. Still, it stung. How it stung!
“Miss Kitty! Miss Elizabeth!” Lieutenant Bessette hailed them as they entered town, a fellow officer by his side.
Kitty, her eyelashes fluttering, said, “Bonjour, Lieutenant Bessette, Sous-Lieutenant Gareau.”
“Bonjour, mesdemoiselles,” said the lieutenant. “How charming to meet with such lovely ladies! Have you heard about the Assemblée? Capitaine Renard says all the young ladies must attend and dance the night away.”
“I will look forward to it,” said Elizabeth, who would do nothing of the sort. Lieutenant Bessette might be more tolerable than most of the other officers, but he was still a French soldier.
“Merveilleux!” cried the lieutenant. “May I have the honor of the first dance, Miss Elizabeth?”
Her other choices for a dancing partner would likely be worse. “Of course. I would be delighted.” At least she could count on Lieutenant Bessette to behave properly.
A drum roll sounded from the market square, making Elizabeth’s hands clench into fists. The lieutenant seemed to notice the change in her bearing and said, “There is no need to concern yourself, Miss Elizabeth. A sous-lieutenant is being promoted. That is all.”
That was much better than the other occasions for drumrolls – a public flogging or, even worse, an execution – but there would still be the usual problem. The second drum roll came, followed by the inevitable chorus of “Vive l’Empereur!”
Just as inevitably, a voice not far behind Elizabeth cried, “God save Her Highness!” A young boy, from the sound of it.
The lieutenant turned to give chase, but Elizabeth caught his sleeve in her hand. When he rounded angrily on her, she gave him her warmest smile. “Remember, Lieutenant, that you were once a boy and loved your country.”
His expression softened slightly. “Mais oui. Boys will be boys.” But he set off after him anyway, albeit at a slower pace.
But he did not get far. Townspeople began pouring into the streets, doing nothing more than talking to their neighbors, sweeping the pavement, or carrying buckets to the well. And, coincidentally, forcing the soldiers giving chase to slow down and weave around them. The French were never fooled by these tricks, no matter how much the townsfolk denied hearing the treasonous shouts.
There was little the people of Meryton could do to resist the invaders. Even this small gesture of resistance warmed Elizabeth’s heart.
***
Mr. Bennet pushed himself to his feet as his guest entered his library. “Why, Mr. Bingley, how good of you to return my call so quickly. How are you finding Netherfield?”
Bingley sat down across from Mr. Bennet. “It is very much to my taste, and I am enjoying meeting my neighbors.”
“Good, good. I understand you have a guest coming to stay with you.” Mr. Bennet watched him closely.
“Yes, an old friend. He arrived two days ago.”
In that case, it was time to test the amiable Mr. Bingley’s loyalties. Mr. Bennet poured out two glasses of port. He handed one to his guest and then, one eyebrow cocked, he held out his own glass as if to make a toast.
Mr. Bingley looked startled, but did not hesitate. He clinked his glass against Mr. Bennet’s. “Her Highness. God save her.” It was the established toast since the invasion, ambiguous enough to mislead the French, yet understood by all loyal Englishmen. God save Her Highness Princess Charlotte, the mad king’s granddaughter and heir – and England’s last hope.
“God save her,” Mr. Bennet echoed quietly. Apparently Mr. Bingley was a loyalist despite being the friend of a French sympathizer.
“I have just come from a visit with Sir William Lucas. What a fine fellow he is! He asked for my assistance in a small matter, although it clearly went much against the grain for him. Still, when times change, we must change with them. His daughter has been invited to an assembly with the French officers. Refusing is not an option, I gather, and Sir William says fathers are not welcome to attend.”
Mr. Bennet curled his lip. “It is true. They prefer our daughters to be unprotected. I suppose Sir William is in a difficult position now that his son has been conscripted into Napoleon’s Grande Armée. He escorted Charlotte to dances in the past.”
“You have perceived his difficulty! Sir William asked if I would be kind enough to escort his daughter in place of his son, purely as a matter of her safety. Naturally I was happy to oblige.” Bingley paused to take a sip of port. “He also hinted I might wish to speak to you about the matter.”
In general, Mr. Bennet preferred to pretend that particular problem did not exist. Still, if Sir William was going to make this simple for him, the least he could do was to oblige. “I imagine he was thinking of my Lizzy. I have a married daughter, but her husband, I am sorry to say, is a French officer himself.” It was not worth the trouble of explaining that Mary was not invited and Kitty had no desire to be protected.
“My friend would no doubt be happy to escort Miss Elizabeth, if it would help to keep her safe.”
Mr. Bennet raised an eyebrow. “I am certain you mean well, but who is to protect my daughter from your friend?”
Frowning, Bingley leaned forward. “Sir, I do not know what you have heard, but you misjudge him. Darcy would never take advantage of a young lady. He has a young sister and is well aware of the dangers to ladies in these situations.”
“Softly, my friend, softly! If you say he is honorable in this regard, I will believe you. I understand, though, that his estate and fortune were not forfeit to the Emperor, so apparently his honor does not extend as far as remaining loyal to England.”
Bingley set down his port. “I have known Darcy for years and I trust him implicitly. If he has agreed to cooperate with the French, I have complete certainty it was because the other options open to him were even less honorable. We have all made compromises with our enemies, all of us who have chosen to remain alive rather than fighting to the death. You also still own an estate. Should I assume you are disloyal?”
Mr. Bennet snorted. “Anyone in Meryton can tell you the price I paid to keep Longbourn, and most likely they have already done so. But in case they have not, I will tell you myself. The French took this house and used it as a barracks until a year ago, at which point they offered it back to me at the cost of my youngest daughter, who fortunately was quite eager to be sacrificed. But the French know I am not their friend.”
“I am not criticizing you, sir, merely noting we have all made such arrangements. The French are perfectly happy to tolerate me as long as my factories keep producing caissons and limbers to transport their artillery, and I can justify it to myself because it protects the Englishmen who work in those factories from being conscripted to fight in Europe. But you and I are both living in glass houses, so let us not throw stones!”
Mr. Bennet inclined his head. He did not agree with Mr. Bingley on this, but Lizzy would be safer with a gentleman to escort her, even one who had struck a deal with the French in the past. “We have all made difficult decisions. If you believe your friend is trustworthy and would be willing to provide an escort for my daughter, I would be obliged to you and to him.”
***
The stage is set! You’ll meet Darcy in next Monday’s chapter, in one of my favorite scenes ever.
So many questions! What will happen at the Assembly? Why is Jane hiding in the stables? And most importantly, why is Darcy helping the enemy??? I’d love to hear your theories.
Thanks for reading!
© Abigail Reynolds 2016
115 comments
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Wow! Talk about changing history!
I’ve never read any variation that has done this. Some time travel ( not a favorite) and paranormal themes but not a history rewrite!
I’ve enjoyed what ive read so far, but , as expected, have questions!
One to the next chapter!
Author
I’m very pleased to have come up with a type of variation no one has already written. It’s gotten quite difficult to be original!
I’m hooked. I can’t wait until next Monday!
Author
Glad to hear it! 🙂
I wondered what you were up to, Abigail!
I knew it had to be something big.
This looks VERY promising!
Author
Glad you think so! I’m very excited about this one. And there’s a big twist yet to come!
This is most certainly a change from any other variation. I do look forward to next week’s scene, since you said it is a favorite. Who can turn down the opportunity to meet Darcy?
Author
I love the first meeting between Elizabeth and Darcy in this book – it was one of those magical scenes that just burst from my pen. That’s my favorite part of writing!
Speculation: Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam are British Counterintelligence, pretending to be traitors.
You’re right — this is one plot I’ve never seen before. Watching for your updates.
Author
Oh, I love speculation! Just think how hard it is for Darcy, for whom disguise of every sort is his abhorrence, having to put on an act!
Wow, that’s certainly a very different variation, Abigail! It all sounds most intriguing and next Monday can’t come soon enough for me. More questions than answers: what is Jane’s suffering and why is she in the stables? Why is Mary excluded from the Assembly? Why does Darcy still have Pemberley and is Georgiana really a half-wit?
You won’t see any rotten tomatoes from me!
Author
I’ll answer one question – Mary is excluded because the French don’t like being lectured at, and they don’t have to be fair when they invite people (or when they do anything else, for that matter). As for the others, it will take a few chapters to answer them all…
I’m wondering about Lady Catherine and Richard’s parents. Were they executed…or did they just die?
Oh lord Abigail, I’m hooked already. I have so many questions which will no doubt have to wait until I get to read it. I was a little uncertain about this idea until I started reading but I have all your books and must add this one. I can’t wait for the next excerpt. (I must admit I am hoping for an early marriage between Darcy and Elizabeth to protect her from the French!)
Author
So glad you’re hooked! I’m hoping people will give this idea a try. Although I’ve done a lot of historical research to make my new history as genuine as possible, I’ve tried not to put much history into the book itself. As long as readers know who Napoleon was, they should do fine with this book. But you’re quite right that Darcy needs to protect Elizabeth from the French…. but how? 😉
Oh yes, let them marry soon, please! I love the books where you get to know her as Darcy’s wife and mistress of Pemberley… so many end with the wedding, but that’s the time when Lizzy has to take a role she was not trained for and that is a huuuuge obstacle to overcome, especially with a husband who is torn between his love for her and his snobbery… that’s why “The last man in the world” is one of my favourites amogst your books, although it’s so sad 🙂
Really enjoyed this quirky variation, Abigail So many questions to answer as the tale unfolds not least what is Darcy up to? I like the idea of counter intelligence one other reader has already mentioned. Not to mention Georgiana a half wit I do not want to believe that one and what will happen to Princess Charlotte with this French invasion?
How exciting – looking forward to next Monday
Author
It’ll take a few chapters before you discover what Darcy is actually up to, but you’ll get hints along the way. Princess Charlotte is safely in Canada for now. As for Georgiana being a half-wit, all I’ll say is that she’s sane and healthy but has a pronounced, although very understandable, anxiety disorder.
When I began reading I thought that it was kind of weird but it did not take long for me to wonder all the same questions I have reading any variation. How will Elizabeth and Darcy get together? What obstacles will they encounter? But the first question is this. What happened with Jane??? I am hooked!
Author
The truth is that despite changing history, it’s the same as any other variation – all the same questions. Glad you’re enjoying it!
I’m hooked!! More!! More!!
Author
Hee hee…
VERY interesting, Abigail! I can’t wait to see how this story plays out!
Author
Glad you like it!
Great beginning! I can’t wait for more. When is this one coming out?
I’m still working on the second draft, so I’d guess around February. 🙂
Nice, My other favorite gerne is Alternate History, so this is a double treat. I can only recall
two other story’s with D&E as resistance fighters during French occuppied Britain
So there are other stories! I haven’t found any. Of course, Darcy and Elizabeth aren’t actually in the resistance in this book, but telling what they are doing would be giving the plot away… 😉
Wow, what a great story ABigail, and interesting premise. The story can go in so many ways, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Darcy, of course Lizzie, Jane. I am all a-twitter for more!!!
Thanks! I think everyone’s anxious to hear about Colonel Fitzwilliam’s role here. 🙂
And we cannot forget Wickham!!!
I’ve been waiting for someone to mention Wickham! This situation is tailor-made for him, wouldn’t you say?
So Miss Darcy is a half-wit, Mary is not wanted at a dance, Jane is hiding from someone and, the Colonel will be working in the background with Darcy and Bingley – look forward to reading the next excerpt
Author
Bingley might be a bit risky, though – not so good at standing up for himself, you know. 🙂
Honestly, I didn’t like this idea at all on the face of it, but I read the first chapter and, of course, now I love it! Darcy and Elizabeth as part of the resistance. Just such great potential for this storyline. I don’t know how you continue to do this, make crazy scenarios so engaging and exciting (and really, it’s not that crazy, is it? Napoleon might have won, after all, if he hadn’t tried to take Russia in the winter). I’ve just tossed out all my historical preconceptions and am now anxiously awaiting the next chapter. I do fear for Colonel Fitzwilliam, though. I sadly suspect he has not survived. ;-< Either that or he's deep underground running the resistance himself, lol–can't wait to see what comes next! Thanks so much for taking this chance!
Author
I’m expecting a lot of people to be unhappy with the premise, thinking that the book is going to be about Napoleon invading England, but it’s just like any other variations – the story of how Darcy and Elizabeth fall in love, just with a different set of obstacles. The ‘history’ isn’t crazy at all – Napoleon was all set to invade with 200,000 men at Calais, and if he hadn’t used a bad design for his landing craft, he would have done it and probably have won. The English lived in hourly anticipation of an invasion in 1803-5.
Well, this was just great–can’t wait for next Monday!
I do fear for Colonel Fitzwilliam. I do prefer him as the heroic officer (not the villain that some authors have written him).
Very interesting premise and most original. I am looking forward to the next chapter. I hope all get what they deserve, including the French!
Author
Thanks! Almost everyone gets what they deserve. One of the themes is about Elizabeth’s prejudice that all French soldiers are bad people, and she has to come to see them as human beings first and enemies second. 🙂
This is quite the departure from both Austen and history, and it is so very intriguing!! I am very much looking forward to reading the excerpts you post here and then the book as a whole when it is published.
I wonder what’s the situation regarding Georgiana? For Sir William’s source of gossip to refer to her as “half-witted” sounds quite serious. I wonder if she was attacked by a French soldier…or perhaps one from Derbyshire who has changed alliances to his benefit in these turbulent times.
Thank you for sharing this first glimpse of your new book with us, Abigail!! I am very much looking forward to the coming installments!
Have a lovely week!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
Author
One problem with writing a book set in occupied territory is that bad things happen to women. But I don’t want my book to be about dark things, so I’ve taken pains to make sure no one is violated and I don’t show violence, although pistols do get pointed at people at various points. 🙂
Just great as usual!!
I am extremely intrigued by an invaded ENgland, sounds so weird but interestint at the same time.
Author
Thanks! I think it’ll be interesting. 🙂
Waiting keenly for next update and will comment once I have more to work with.
I love the approach and can not wait to read more. It is just as fun to see how you handle the history as it is the characters. As always your works are my favorite!
Author
Thank you! It means a lot to hear that.
This is a fascinating premise for a P+P “what-if,” and I will enjoy reading more. My speculations: Georgiana as a “half-wit” – I would think that Darcy and his sister are playing up her anxiety disorder as a means of protecting her from the French. Jane in the stables – I would imagine this is for her protection. With Captain Renard taking Robinson’s house under threat of death, I can see he would not hesitate to “take” Jane, with or without benefit of marriage, if it suited him. “Reynard” means “fox” in French, so to make a very bad joke, it’s a good thing that Jane is hiding in the stables and not the hen house. I hope that “poor, stupid” Lydia’s sacrifice was to save Jane. Lydia never disappoints with her bird-brained antics.
As for Darcy, the maxim “keep your friends, close but your enemies closer” comes to mind. If Colonel Fitzwilliam is part of the resistance, then Darcy being supposedly in league with the French would certainly provide a good source of usable intelligence. I’m just curious as to what Darcy had to do to keep Pemberley and have the French off his back.
Kudos to Bingley for keeping his workers from being conscripted.
I’m a fan of regular P+P variations, as well as the time-travel and supernatural ones, so I will look forward to reading this new variation with an open mind and great interest.
50of47
Author
Excellent speculations, Florence! Have you been peeking in my hard drive? 😉 I hadn’t thought about Reynard and fox before, but it’s very apropos. My French officers’ names all came from lists of, um, French officers in Napoleon’s army. I’m so unoriginal sometimes! Fortunately Captain Renard/Reynard will get his just deserts one of these days…
Oooooo! Can’t wait. And hopefully, Robinson will get his house back.
Do you know “Désirée” by Annemarie Selinko? It’s a novel about young Désirée, who was Napoleons first fiancee, later the wife of bis General Bernadotte, who became Kong of Sweden – an ancestor of today’s Swedish Royals that still hold that Surname. But back to the book – it’s a wonderful insight into Napoleonic France… History in its besteht form 🙂
Author
I haven’t read it, but i’ll have to check it out!
Abigail–There was a movie made of “DESIREE” in the late 40s or early 50s. I saw it a long time ago.
Wow, that sounds very promising, Abigail, well done! You just put a smile on my face, because some time ago, I was thinking what was essential to Darcy’s self confidence and what could happen to make him feel worthless of Lizzy – and one of my answers was him being a grand Landlord, carrying so much responsibility. How would he feel like, if he lost that, how would it affect his self esteem and would he be a little bit more humble on their first meeting?
I really love the dialogue between Bingley and Mr. Bennet! Bingley is so much more confident, suits him well! But one thing I missed- Mr. Bennet is intelligent and well read – wouldn’t he have recognised the name “Darcy” as very French? And how could Darcy’s potential French connections have influence on the plot?
Well, I’m very excited and you really got me hooked, I’m looking forward to reading more and getting to know Madcap Princess Charlotte 😉
P.S.: I’ ve been to the movies today, watching Bridget Jones Baby and really enjoyed Colin Firth – he plays Darcy so well!
I love the idea of Darcy losing everything! (Hopefully temporarily.) I would really like to see how he would interact with Elizabeth under such circumstances – especially if Abigail were the one to write it. 🙂
Author
Lena, Darcy hits some real all-time lows in this book. I do enjoy torturing him so.
Author
One of the questions I asked myself when I started this is what it would take for Darcy to learn to play a false role. We know how he feels about disguises of every sort, so it would take something really big. In the real P&P world, he hasn’t ever been pushed that far. In this book, he has, and it does make him more humble.
I hadn’t thought about using D’arcy – an interesting point. I may throw that in at some point!
This is going to be so interesting! I love the idea of an alternate history.
Author
Thanks! It’s been really fun to look into historical possibilities for this book. The story is all about Elizabeth and Darcy, but you know me – I have to know all the background even if I never put it in the book!
This is great, Abigail! I always enjoy your variations. 🙂
Speculation: Georgiana’s condition is purposely exaggerated to keep the French soldiers from being too interested in her. I hope Jane isn’t pregnant with a French officer’s child, but I can see it going that way. (She would have been unwilling, of course.) As for Darcy, I have no idea what he might have done to keep his estate….but I can’t wait to find out!
Author
Thanks! Your speculations are going in the correct direction, but Jane isn’t pregnant – I have a firm no-violence-towards-women rule for this book. There are some Frenchmen who try to apply pressure to get their way, but they don’t succeed. It’s not very realistic for an occupied territory, but it’s my book and I like keeping my characters safe. 😉
I am excited! loving the first chapter…here is hoping that Darcy is just lying about Georgiana for her own protection! can’t wait for next week 🙂
Author
Thanks ! You’ll get to see Georgiana soon – if not next week, then the week after. 🙂
Abigail, your books were the first P&P variations I bought four years ago, and I was hooked. This looks like a very interesting vagary, and I look forward to the next installment. Keep up the good writing.
Author
Thanks, Gianna. Of course, I do have to pedantically insist that this is a variation, not a vagary, for the key reason that I invented the term variation for this kind of story (I wanted my stories to have a unique descriptor – that was a total failure!), so a variation is exactly what I say it is. 😉
hehehehehehehehe!
I love your books a great deal, and it appears that this one will live up to the excellence of the others. Looking forward to reading more!
Author
Thanks, Laurie!
enjoyed this excerpt very much. Bingley is the voice of reason. He is fit. Everyone had to make concessions, even Mr. Bennet. I looking forward to meeting Darcy. I wonder if he is part of an underground.
Sorry. My mobile is having fits. I am typing too rapidly for it. Bingley is right not fit. And I enjoyed this excerpt very much.
Wow! This is certainly a unique what if and very interesting. Thank you for sharing. I am really curious to see what is going on and if the French invaders can be thrown off.
Author
Well, Napoleon didn’t manage to keep any of the other countries he conquered, so I think Britain has a good chance. 🙂
I have not read the other comments as I just got my computer back from repairs. So I have a lot to catch up on. England invaded by the French…
OMG!!! Jane is beautiful so the family hides her to protect her…whether she has already been compromised or not is anyone’s guess at this point but I will hope she is not compromised…poor thing.
Did Lydia go willingly? You say the Bennets had to sacrifice their youngest daughter so I am wondering if it was free will and/or whether Lydia truly knew what she was doing…she only has half a brain IMO, anyway. Georgiana is a half-wit? So she was raped? Or some such event affected her…is Wickham a traitor who threw in with the French and used his position to take her?
I am always happy to read another story by Abigail Reynolds but this one is such a turn about. I am glad you assured us of a HEA for ODC but what of the Motherland? Changing world history – my, oh, my, but you are brave.
Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to the next post.
Author
Lydia, I assure you, was completely willing. Blue coats, red coats, what’s the difference? A soldier is a soldier, after all. 🙂
Although I strive for historical accuracy and women were frequently sexually assaulted in occupied countries, it’s not something I want to include in my book. There are some attempts to blackmail women into sexual liaisons, but they don’t succeed, and there is no violence towards women beyond some off-screen rough treatment during an arrest. in fact, in most of the cases where a weapon is appears in this book, it’s a woman holding a pistol on a man. Usually a pretty little muff pistol, since those fit in reticules so nicely. 🙂
As for England – well, Germany, Prussia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Portugal all managed to survive occupation by Napoleon’s army, and England will, too. There’ll always be an England. 🙂
Thank you for relieving some of my angst although I do like angst…just not sexual assault of any kind. Looking forward to the rest of the story.
Oh I laughed when I read the French invaded Britain and are now in control! Brilliant what-if! Already, I am hooked and I actually like how you have portrayed Bingley. He seems less boyish and more manly with his opinions. I can well imagine D’arcy using his family name and maybe French connections to keep his land in order to assist the ‘Loyalists’! I agree about Georgiana’s role of a half-wit to be more of a cover to keep her safe. Oh but Elizabeth already has some very pert opinions so the road ahead for the two of them looks very rocky. As for Lydia, why am I not surprised! Kitty is headed in the same direction unless you can save her from herself in some way. I do like it when she and Mary are somewhat ‘reformed’. I can only imagine what you have in mind for Mr. Collins! Then there is Lady Catherine and her strong personality bowing to the French…that should prove interesting! Who can forget Wickham…the only dilemma I see there is the fact that he was in the militia…unless he turned sides and gave sensitive information for them to trust him. Yes, that would be his modas operandi!
I can just imagine the fun you are going to have with his! Thank you for sharing and looking forward to Monday!
Author
Yes, Bingley has had to learn to stand up for himself more in this brave new world. Darcy, on the other hand, has turned inwards even more than in P&P. One thing I’ve had to keep in mind is that the invasion happened in 1805, so anything that would have happened after 1805 may not have happened. Wickham doesn’t join the militia in P&P until 1811, so that’s a non-issue here. The one place I’ve had to bend that rule is regarding a name. I refer a couple of times to Lord Wellington, but in 1805 he was still plain Arthur Wellesley, so that’s what he should be called in this world. Unfortunately, few of my readers would have any idea who General Wellesley was, so I’m rather stuck with Wellington.
As for Lady Catherine… well, since the French would most likely have invaded through Kent, Rosings would have been an early stop for them. in other occupied countries, Napoleon’s troops were the most violent at the very beginning. I Imagine Lady Catherine telling them, ‘Over my dead body!’ The invaders would be in total agreement, especially with all the riches of Rosings waiting to be plundered. This is why I’m glad the invasion was over 6 years before my story starts!
Oh my, definitely a new variation! I might need to brush up on my history a bit, but the plot sounds fascinating.
So many questions and conspiracy looming on Darcy’s role with the French. Can’t wait for more!
Author
The history should all be self-explanatory. Darcy’s role may be a bit of a surprise!
Wow! What a fascinating idea for a variation! And, as usual, your writing is superb. One little grammar correction: The past tense of execution by hanging is “hanged.” A picture is hung, but a man strung up by the neck to die is hanged.
Author
Thanks, Debbie. I’ve made the correction, though it sent me on a wild goose chase since I was sure one of the primary sources I used had ‘hung.’ Turns out they were interchangeable back in the day and the rule was made in the late 19th century. But since I’m writing in 2016, I’m glad to have the correction. 🙂
How do you say “obstinate headstrong girl” in French? Way to go, Abigail! You may get an Oscar for this one.
Author
Ooh, I wish I knew! So glad you’re enjoying it!
Way to go Ms Reynolds. This is totally a new twist to a story. To be underrule of the French. WOW! I am drooling waiting for the chapter. I am so curious to find the story behind Jane’s imprisionment. I am following this to publication. It will definately be one for my library.
Thank you
Author
So glad you like the idea! As for Jane’s imprisonment, it is one of many things in this book that are not what they seem. 🙂
Changed a bit of history in your new Pride and Prejudice Variation, but I’m ready for more! Hopefully, there will be a HEA for ODC and the country. So type away, quickly please.
Author
I’m working on it, and I guarantee a happy ending for our characters. 🙂
Wow! The mind boggles at all the mysteries and the potential for a resentful and hotheaded Lizzy! Looks like a great story, and I can’t wait to read more. 🙂
Author
Yes, Lizzy really has the potential to get herself into trouble in this one, especially since the French are so ready to employ their gallows on almost any excuse. It makes for fun plotting!
I believe that I have only read 1 variation where the French successfully invaded England. It was great in the beginning, but got very strange, so I stopped reading it. Anywho…I love the sound of this new story and look forward to seeing where you go from here. I am especially curious what you do with Georgianna’s character. Is she the reason that Darcy had to make a deal with the French? Can’t wait for more!
Author
You may yet decide that this story goes in a strange direction – we will have to wait and see! And you’re right – Darcy would have been left without the ability to support or protect Georgiana if he hadn’t made a deal with the French. I suspect many people would make trade-offs like that, not for their own sake, but for the sake of people they love.
I am intrigued, because, one of my favorite alternative history series Thursday Next by that crazy Welshman Jasper Fforde.
Author
I’ve enjoyed that series, too!
When you change history, you do it completely!! I’m totally hooked, can’t wait for next week!
Author
Gotta do something to keep my stories interesting! 😉
Oh my! What a change of – well, nearly everything! What an idea!
I confess: At first I was quite offended. What have you done to my favourite characters?! I usually do not like those war-stories at all.
Your variations were the first ones I read about half a year ago – all of them. After about 100 other mostly good stories they still are my most favourite ones.
So I read the first chapter, though, and was intrigued, soon!
Since then I caught myself on several occations menthally tiptoeing about Longbourn and Meryton trying to be invisible among all those French officers…. I am hooked!
Well, I meant not menatally but I was woolgathering… 🙂
Author
I’m glad you gave it a chance! This isn’t actually a war story at all, just like Pride & Prejudice isn’t – and it did take place during a war that was constantly on everyone’s minds, even if Jane Austen didn’t mention it. If there hadn’t been fear of invasion, there wouldn’t have been a militia in Meryton. Or Casablanca – the plot depends on the war, but it isn’t a war story, just the story of two people.
Have a spot on my shelf waiting for the book. Can’t wait.
Author
Thanks for keeping a spot open! 🙂
Forgot to ask when will it be complete?
Author
My best guess would be February, but it could be sooner or later. All but a few scenes are written and in final edits.
Wow! You’ve got me hooked. Great idea! I also have all your books, so am so pleased you are working on another! And what a concept!!! Can hardly wait to see where you take us with this one!!!!!!!!!!
Author
Thanks! This one is really fun to plot. 🙂
Oh, this is such a cool idea! Love it!
Author
I gather it’s not actually the first time someone has done it, but it’s fun exploring new territory!
There is trouble coming, that’s for sure. I absolutely love this change, it’s very intriguing. I imagine some difficulties ahead for Darcy as he comes into this neighborhood. And I suspect Kitty may learn a very hard lesson as well. I look forward to the next installment!
Author
Trouble is coming, indeed – and you can just guess how warmly Elizabeth is going to meet the traitor Darcy! 😉
Hi Abigail, I wonder if Mrs. Bennet is (in secret) pleased that the French invaded. In the story “Twelf Days in August”, England is conquerd by the French. Because the French Code Civil becomes the law of the land, The Entail of Longbourn doesn’t exit anymore and Mr. Collins can’t throw the Bennet Ladies into the hedgerows after Mr. Bennet dies.
Author
I’m not familiar with that story, but the Napoleonic Code plays into my book in several ways, especially around rules on marriage. It does protect Mrs. Bennet in that regard, and while she’s anxious to see LIzzy bag a rich man, she isn’t pushing anyone to marry – except perhaps Lydia, since that was the price of getting Longbourn back. I don’t go into the inheritance question in detail because it isn’t important to my story, but it is very nice to be able to leave Mr. Collins out of the story!
Money, though, would still be a huge issue for Mrs. Bennet. Napoleon was well-known for forcing occupied countries pay for their own occupation as well as providing funds and cannon fodder for his wars, leading to general impoverishment. But I’ve spent a lot of time wondering about how the English would respond to the new marriage laws, since people following them would not necessarily be married by English laws, and vice versa. I suspect a lot of people went through both processes to be on the safe side.
Yes,we had some issues with the French Civil Code in the Netherlands to. The French demanded that everbody had a Surname and set up register (outside of the church) for births, marriage, death etc,.They also demanded that every house had an adress (street&number). Some took a poke at the French officials and said that their Surname should be “Shithead” or something like that and thought they pulled a fast one on the French. But the horror was when the French left, and the new dutch goverment kept the new ex-French civil register and the names. They finally had the means to tax almost everybody and knew where to find them if they didn’t pay up.
Author
That must have been an unpleasant surprise! But what government could possibly resist using a ready-made tax list? There are big chunks of the Code in some of the states that were part of the Louisiana Purchase, when Napoleon sold some of France’s colonial land to the new US – in order to finance his invasion of England. How different the US would be if that sale had never taken place!
What a variation on a theme!
Am totally intrigued and I have no idea where this story is going. What I do know is that I’m looking forward to taking this journey with these beloved characters,sure in the knowledge that Darcy is not a traitor,Georgiana is assuredly not a half wit,and sparks will indeed fly between Darcy and Elizabeth.
Oh,what verbal slings and arrows we will be witness to! What barbs,veiled looks and telling states we have to look forward to! Can’t wait! Cheers for such a fascinatingly different story!
Author
Slings and arrows? Sorry, wrong Shakespeare play, as you’ll discover in tomorrow’s chapter. 🙂 Elizabeth isn’t going to go easy on poor Darcy. 😉
Wasn’t expecting to like it but as always got hooked on your writing now want to keep going.