It’s a Wonderful Life…Mr. Darcy?

We are coming up on the holiday season, which some would say is the most wonderful time of the year. I’ve often found that it’s not only a season of giving and receiving, but also introspection.

In Frank Capra’s classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” after a financial misstep, the main character George Bailey doesn’t believe his life is worth living anymore; that those he loves would be better off without him.

I remember watching this for the first time, only a few years ago. My husband had turned it on and was completely engrossed. I mentioned that I had never really watched it before, and he was dumbstruck. I believe for a split second he questioned his decision to marry me.

However, after he made a tub of popcorn and grabbed some red vines out of the cupboard, we sat down to watch it together from the beginning.

I was intrigued. Here you had a man who by all accounts was honest, hardworking and honorable. But, no matter what he did, he was being ‘squeezed out’ by the powerful Mr. Potter, who did not have the community’s best interest at heart. I immediately began to draw parallels to Pride and Prejudice (as I so often do) and was surprised at how easy it was.

Me: “Babe, George Bailey is like Darcy from P&P.”

Husband: “How?”

Me: “He’s honorable, pure intentioned and is beholden to Mr. Potter, like Darcy to Wickham for fear Wickham will ruin Georgiana.”

Husband:   “He also influences so many other people and doesn’t realize the effect he has on them.”

Me:  “You’re right.”

Husband: “You should write a story about it.”

Me: “What?”

Husband: “You should write ‘It’s a Wonderful Life…Mr. Darcy.’ He’s under a lot of pressure, and I’m sure he would feel the same as George Bailey if things became overwhelming. Like when Georgiana was almost ruined? You’ve said yourself that’s probably one of the reasons he was so rude at the Meryton Assembly. He was worried about his sister and didn’t want to be at the dance. Think of all the things he must worry about. Yes, you should write a story.”

And so, I began a short little Christmas novella which grew, and grew, and grew. Two years, and 341 pages later, ‘A Life Worth Choosing’ was born. It is very much like “It’s a Wonderful Life” because the focus isn’t on the love story of Darcy and Elizabeth, it’s about how we all impact others lives.

I think the most powerful effect for me in writing this book was the feedback from readers. So many people reached out to me about how it helped them see the impact they’ve made on other people, and how it helped them see their lives differently.

When you think about it, isn’t that what we all want? To make a difference? To help someone else?

For me, it was my 11th grade History teacher, Ann Manent. She made me want to be a teacher. I loved going into her classroom where I felt safe and learning was encouraged.

How have you made a difference? Who has impacted your life for the better who might not even realize it?

Here’s an excerpt from “A Life Worth Choosing” which is available on Amazon, Amazon Kindle and Audible.  Mr. Darcy has arrived in London and is being shown to a room by a servant in de Bourgh House, not realizing how his actions affected this person in an ‘alternate’ life. I hope you enjoy!  🙂

From Day 9:

“This is a beautiful home,” Darcy said to the young man.

“Yes, sir.”

“Have the de Bourghs resided here long?”

“No, sir.”

Not one of the more loquacious servants, is he? “And how long have been with the family?”

“I was recently brought above stairs after another footman was let go for…after another footman was let go,” he said in the sharp northern accent of Derbyshire. “You will be in the Blue Room, sir. If you need assistance, there’s the bell. Briggs has been assigned as your valet during your stay.”

“Briggs?” Darcy asked in surprise. “Is he no longer residing at Pemberley?”

The young man looked at Darcy quickly, then lowered his eyes as a good servant would. “No, sir. He left Pemberley since it is no longer in the family. Many of the staff have moved to Darce––de Bourgh House since…well…since. Miss de Bourgh has seen fit to put us to work here, but others have moved on, sir.”

“And you are from Pemberley?” Darcy asked, not recognizing the footman from his other life.

“Yes, sir. My family has lived at Pemberley since my grandfather was a lad.”

“And what is your name?”

“Gale, sir. Ranse Gale.”

“Ranse Gale? Why I thought you had gone to the Americas to apprentice with an uncle eight years ago?” I know you did! I gave your father money to help with your passage when you were but twelve years of age.

The young man stopped short and looked at him questioningly. “I do have an uncle who is in America and asked me to apprentice, but our family could not afford the passage.” He began walking again and opened the door. “Here is your room, sir. Briggs will arrive shortly unless I can help you with something else, sir.” And with that, the young man bowed and left the room.