Pride and Prejudice Janeicillin: Part One

I have long suffered from a most annoying ailment that I call please-don't-let-this-be-the-last-pageitis. The disorder kicks in whenever I reach the end of a particularly satisfying book, usually resulting in my turning back to page one and starting to read it all over again. But relief is on the way for, at long last, after many failed attempts, I have finally succeeded in manufacturing a cure. I call it Janeicillin.

"What is Janeicillin," you ask? Really nothing more than the very bad title I have given to a recent writing project, largely still in its conceptual phase. The idea is to take those last few pages of Austen's novels, when she speedily rushes us towards the end, and elaborate on them to create short stories detailing the time between the engagements and the weddings. I started easy with Pride and Prejudice and, now that I have the story half written, thought I would start sharing it with you. Ideally, I'd like to post approximately 2500 words each Thursday, but I can make no guarantees that I wont become distracted with another project. So, if you are in need of a weekly dose of Janeicillin, please badger me to keep writing. Enjoy

Pride and Prejudice Janeicillin: Part One

"Ma’am, I have something truly wonderful to tell you. Mr. Darcy has been so kind as to request my hand in marriage, and I have accepted." Elizabeth watched her mother closely, both curious and terrified of her response, but Mrs. Bennet only stared. She had persuaded that excitable matron to sit down before making this important communication, as swooning seemed one of her probable responses, and to encounter calm collection instead was rather unnerving. "Mama, do you attend?"

"Yes, Lizzy dear."

"Mr. Darcy has proposed."

Nothing. Mrs. Bennet just sat there, blinking at her daughter in seeming obliviousness. Elizabeth had expected this moment of disclosure to her mother to be difficult, but at least the customary flutterings and fidgetings that were habitual to Mrs. Bennet were familiar: she knew how to manage them. This stunned silence was something extraordinary.

“Mama?”

Mrs. Bennet heard her daughter, but as if through a fog and at great distance. Mr. Darcy? Could she have heard correctly? That odious man who snubbed Lizzy? Mr. Darcy, the great, proud man, ask her daughter for her hand? There must be some mistake. But no, she says it again. Could it be a joke? Lizzy doesn’t look as if she jests. But why? Mr. Darcy of Pemberley? Mr. Darcy with ten thousand …, “Oh my! Excuse me, child, but what did you say?”

Elizabeth smiled in relief, “Mr. Darcy has asked me to marry him. Is this not felicitous?”

“Oh yes indeed, my dear girl. But Mr. Darcy? You are quite certain?”

“Yes, ma’am. I am quite certain.”

Mrs. Bennet stood up, only to sit back down again, as if unsure of what it was she wanted to do. She stared up at Elizabeth and began to ramble, with a great deal of awe, "Good gracious! Lord bless me! Only think! Dear me! Mr. Darcy! Who would have thought it! And is it really true?”

“Yes indeed it is, Mama. I would not jest regarding a matter of such import.”

“Oh! My sweetest Lizzy! But how rich and how great you will be!”

“I suppose I must be, as Mr. Darcy is himself so rich and great.”

“But only consider! What pin-money, what jewels, what carriages you will have! Jane's is nothing to it – nothing at all.”

“I’m sure you need not share that opinion with her.”

“Oh! I am so pleased – so happy. Such a charming man! – so handsome! so tall! Oh, my dear Lizzy! Pray apologize for my having disliked him so much before. I hope he will overlook it.”

“You will find Mr. Darcy everything gracious. We have been very much mistaken in him. He is the best of men.”

“Yes, yes of course. Oh my dear, dear Lizzy. A house in town! Every thing that is charming! Three daughters married! Ten thousand a year! Oh, Lord! What will become of me. I shall go distracted."

This Elizabeth took as a sign that she had best leave her mother to such sanguine reflections and, excusing herself, retreated to her own room. She was pleased her mother was happy and could, in private, rejoice in her triumph, but she felt no need to subject herself to the spectacle. Unfortunately, Mrs. Bennet was not ready to quietly reflect on the family’s good fortune and not three minutes later was at her daughter’s door: "My dearest child," she cried, "I can think of nothing else! Ten thousand a year, and very likely more! 'Tis as good as a Lord! And a special license. You must and shall be married by a special license. But my dearest love, tell me what dish Mr. Darcy is particularly fond of, that I may have it tomorrow."

This was a sad omen of what her mother's behavior to the gentleman himself might be. “Dear Mama, Mr. Darcy himself has already complimented the excellence of your table. You need not go to extraordinary means to please him.”

“Yes, yes of course, you clever girl! He particularly enjoyed the partridges. But we can’t possibly serve them again – not so soon. Do you think grouse will suffice?”

 “I am sure that would be delightful.”

As her mother bustled off to plague Hill with menus, Elizabeth reflected that, though in the certain possession of his warmest affection, and secure of her relations' consent, there was still something to be wished for in her engagement. She was sorry her relations were sure to be such a trial to Fitzwilliam but, thankfully, he was determined to overlook them for her sake. She must do her best to minimize his mortifications. 

On their way to Longbourn the next day, Mr. Bingley, too, predicted much discomfiture for his friend at the hands of their future mother-in-law. “Shall you enjoy having the opportunity to kill all the pheasants at Longbourn? Admit it, Darcy, few hostesses are so generous.”

“Indeed. It may prove a very welcome invitation. Each time I am tempted to snub the lady, I’ll take a gun and deplete her park instead, a very satisfactory exchange.”

“Hopefully we will be able to continue to orchestrate long walks with Jane and Elizabeth, instead of remaining confined at Longbourn. I daresay you will miss Mrs. Bennet’s previously cold demeanor. At least you have spared me the brunt of her effusions, you being a far greater matrimonial prize than I. I shall surely be neglected now that you have eclipsed me.”

“Don’t be so downcast, Bingley. I have perfect faith that Mrs. Bennet has enough admiration to spare for us both.”

Despite his jocular tone, Darcy was quite nervous to witness the change in demeanor that Mrs. Bennet was sure to display now that Elizabeth had announced their engagement. He hoped to conduct himself in a manner to make Elizabeth proud, enduring Mrs. Bennet with good grace and tolerance. More he doubted he could muster. He braced himself for the onslaught upon their arrival, but his precautions proved unnecessary. All the ladies of the house were at home, and it was upon a scene of peaceful domesticity that the gentlemen entered. Jane and Elizabeth came forward with greetings, but Mrs. Bennet seemed oddly subdued. She smiled nervously at the gentlemen and invited them to sit down, but after offering and ordering refreshments fell silent - she, Mary, and Kitty choosing to stare at Darcy rather than assault him with felicitations.

Bingley looked at Darcy with a shrug before taking his place beside Jane. Darcy, following his lead and Elizabeth’s invitation, proceeded likewise. Her smile put him somewhat at ease, but the inattention of the three ladies across the way to their needlework as they continued to inspect him was unnerving.

Elizabeth, while relieved her mother wasn’t cooing over her intended, was very aware that such unusual behavior on her family’s part was almost as conspicuous. She never thought it would come to this, but decided she ought to nudge Darcy into opening conversation with her mother. Clearly, that lady was so very awed by such a grand son-in-law that the proverbial cat had quite stolen her tongue. Darcy, though rather nervous, complied.

“Mrs. Bennet, it is a lovely afternoon, is it not?”

“Yes indeed, Mr. Darcy, very lovely,” was that normally loquacious lady’s response.

Darcy looked again to Elizabeth, who smiled in encouragement. “Unseasonably warm too.”

“Yes, quite so. Unseasonably warm. Don’t you agree, Kitty?”

With a jump that young lady responded, “Yes, Mama. Unseasonably warm.”

This would not do. Elizabeth realized her family was so very impressed by Mr. Darcy that anything resembling coherent conversation was beyond them. The situation called for drastic measures. Turning to Mr. Darcy, she said, “My mother had a wonderful notion last evening. She suggests that we marry by special license. Would that not be felicitous?”

Darcy turned to her in surprise, well aware that such ostentation was far from what Elizabeth preferred. She tilted her head towards her mother and, glancing in that lady’s direction, he noted her blushing countenance and responded appropriately, “Yes, of course I can acquire one, if you like. My uncle is well acquainted with the archbishop and I have often dinned in his company.”

By Mrs. Bennet’s response, he knew he had hit upon precisely the right topic, “Do you really know the archbishop himself, sir?

“I do indeed, ma’am. His Grace and my uncle were at school together.”

Mrs. Bennet beamed and addressed the daughters that were flanking her, ”There! Now you see, my girls!”

“See what, Mama?” Kitty questioned, much confused.

“Why, what a very great gentleman Mr. Darcy is, just as I said!”

This reply left him flustered, but Elizabeth knew how to steer the conversation back to her purpose, “I imagine the procurement of a special license will require several days in London. There must be some protocol to be followed, and as his Grace is a familial connection, it is of particular import that you not be remiss in these matters. How long must you be away?” She smiled slyly at him, and he took the hint.

“Yes. You are correct. I imagine a month might suffice, for once I am in town I cannot possibly leave without paying my respects to those of my primary connections currently in residence.”

“But sir,” Mrs. Bennet interrupted, “surely you intend to go to town to see to the settlements?”

“Bingley and I had intended to perform a quick trip, just to consult our lawayers, and then be gone. I would not even have had to place the knocker on my door for such a mission. But a consultation with the archbishop will take time to arrange, and society must be given its due.”

“Oh no, Mr. Darcy. One can never be too correct regarding such things. For the honor conveyed by a special license, I believe I can bear the separation from your delightful company.”

Though her tone was teasing, the novelty of claiming her affections as his own was still so new to Mr. Darcy that he said whispered worriedly, “Can you?” Reassured by her smile, he said honestly, “I am afraid I am not likewise ready to part from your company at this time.”

“Then you mustn’t!” declared Mrs. Bennet, much in her usual manner. “Though your heart is set on marriage by special license, Lizzy, you simply must make do with the banns! Soon you shall be a married woman and will have to accustom yourself to accommodating your husband’s wants.” She made several strange gestures with her eyebrows in Elizabeth’s direction which her daughter did not seem to notice, attending as she was to her needlework, to Darcy’s great relief. Bingley, on the other hand, was not so spared, Jane’s grim face being diffused with crimson.

Still plying her needle, Elizabeth responded with a subtle grin, “I imagine I can tolerate the disappointment, Mama, if you can.”

“Dissapointment, Lizzy? What are you speaking of, child? Never have I been more content!”

No one in the room had the least doubt of the veracity of Mrs. Bennet’s claim.

                                                                       

Following an uncommonly fine meal, from which Mrs. Bennet derived still greater depths of satisfaction upon learning that grouse, prepared in just that manner, was a favorite of Mr. Darcy’s, the gentlemen were entertained by both Mr. Bennet’s amusing anecdotes of their fiancées’ childhood antics and a very tolerable Madeira. They joined the ladies and, upon Mrs. Bennet’s urging, Elizabeth performed a few light pieces upon the pianoforte, to Mr. Darcy’s infinite satisfaction. With out any urging, Mary succeeded her sister to the instrument. In fact, it was only with her mother’s coercion that she finally was prevailed upon to cease. Greatly relieved to be finally able to return his attention to Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy was unaware of Mr. Bennet’s approach.

    

“Mr. Darcy, I would be pleased if you would join me in my library. I understand that the allure of books pales besides my Lizzy, but you will indulge your future father-in-law, will you not?”

Darcy glanced at Elizabeth in surprise, but her encouraging smile allowed him to respond with his customary dignity, “Certainly sir. I am delighted.”

“No need to go that far, sir. Willing will suffice.”

The gentlemen settled themselves into the comfortably worn armchairs, Mr. Darcy curious as to the nature of this tête-à-tête. Surely, everything needing to be said had been said the day before. He had noticed that, like himself, Mr. Bennet was not a man of idle conversation, adding to the unexpectedness of this interview.

“Well Mr. Darcy, you have weathered my wife’s effusions admirably. I commend you for it, through my entertainment would have been better secured had your notable self-command faltered. And she did let you off easy, you know. It seems the requisition of such a grand son-in-law has been precisely the balm to sooth her nerves. Pity I didn’t think of it years ago. Take my advice, Mr. Darcy, and keep Mrs. Bennet in awe of you. If she perceives a crack in that notable dignity of yours, we shall all suffer.”

Darcy smiled, “I will do my best, sir.”

“Of course, if she knew of your service to her youngest daughter, there would be no escaping her gratitude, which would come in the form of massive imposition, as she would surely expect you to forevermore play the hero in all our family dramas.”

Mr. Darcy flushed. “I had no notion you knew, sir.”

“Lizzy only just told me.” He lost his typical air of humor and grew serious, “We are deeply indebted to you, Mr. Darcy. I cannot conceive how Lydia’s adventure could have ended so well had you not intervened.”

“I thought only of Elizabeth, sir. I could not, having witnessed her desolation at Lambton, allow her to suffer so. She has already thanked me. You owe me nothing.”

“Nothing, sir? Excuse me, but it is inconceivable that you did not lay out an absurd amount of money to bring about the marriage of two of the most worthless individuals to ever grace this earth, to say nothing of the personal exertions of body and mind such an endeavor entailed. I ask that you disclose all, so I may at least compensate you for the financial loss.”

“That is unnecessary, Mr. Bennet. Please be assured that I understand why this arrangement is uncomfortable for you, but also that I acted on my own behalf. I am a future member of your family, soon to be the husband of your daughter. I would do anything to insure her happiness, and if you attempt to reimburse me for each favor I bestow upon her, you will soon find yourself in a sorry state.”

Mr. Bennet chuckled. “When you phrase it that way sir, your advice seems rather sound, though I must admit to some disappointment. I was certain you would resist cooperating, but not in such an amiable manner. I was so looking forward to a violent display of lovers’ devotion. Bingley would have done it right.”

“I am sorry to disappoint, sir,” Darcy chuckled.

“Oh, no need to apologize. I’m none the worse in gaining a sensible son-in-law. Mary and Kitty will surely fulfill their potential by marrying two thoroughly amusing specimens of mankind. At least except my thanks, Mr. Darcy. While Lydia and Wickham are undeserving of your kindness, Jane and Elizabeth are not. I think you will make my Lizzy a very happy woman.”

“I will do my best, sir.”

“I need not importune you any longer, son. You had best get back to Elizabeth.”

 “Gladly. Please know, Mr. Bennet, that you will always be welcome at Pemberley.”

“I will keep that in mind. Longbourn will be awfully tedious once my only daughters with sense depart.”

The next morning Mr. Bennet penned the following, long delayed response to Mr. Collins’ last missive:

"DEAR SIR,

I must trouble you once more for congratulations. Elizabeth will soon be the wife of Mr. Darcy. Console Lady Catherine as well as you can. But, if I were you, I would stand by the nephew. He has more to give.

Your's sincerely, &c."

First Impressions Giveaway

Wow! The author copies are here already! I have found a couple of formatting issues, but overall they look very agreeable. So, in honor of all the good news I can possible tolerate in a single day, I am giving away one brand new, hot-off-the-press copy of First Impressions: A Tale of Less Pride and Prejudice. All you have to do to enter is to leave a comment before 12:00 AM (EST), Sunday April 4th, stating which character from Pride and Prejudice you would alter the fate of (if you could) and how, along with your email address. I'll try to inspire you by dropping some hints regarding one of the destinies I play with in the book: Wickham's

In my version of events, Wickham and Lydia never marry - in fact, they barely converse. Having been warned away from him by Mr. Darcy, our rogue sets his sight on another eligible lady in the neighborhood. Anyone who can guess her identity will get a second entry in the giveaway.

So to recap: leave a comment with your email, which character's destiny you would change, and, for a second entry, guess the name of my mystery lady before Easter Sunday to win a copy of First Impressions. Good luck!

First Impressions Published!

O.K.! You can now actually buy First Impressions on Amazon! Barnes and Noble still hasn't gotten the book listed, but Amazon has copies in stock and ready to ship! No image of the book is yet posted, but still! In a few days (hopefully), I will receive my first round of author's copies in the mail! I'm so excited. Now I just have to wait around with bated breath for reviews to come in. I feel like Marianne waiting for Willoughby to write to her, or Anne, "deep in the happiness of such misery, or the misery of such happiness." Either way, I'm bouncing off the walls.

First Impressions Animated Scene 2

As if it wasn't bad enough to have already wasted one day in this manner, I have now wasted the better part of a second at XtraNormal, all to bring you another jilted, Lego rendition of a scene from my book. It's just too much fun, even though the results are less than overwhelming. The following is actually a bit edited (you know, film adaptations must always be given some leeway), so I have included the excerpt it is based on (below), so you can judge for yourself how bad my animated rendering really is. The text is not from the final draft, which I can't easily paste into Blogger, and I have decided not to edit it. Call it laziness or an interesting glimpse into the writing process, either way I apologize for some of the choppier prose. The scene takes place towards the end of the Bennet ladies' stay at Netherfield between our hero and heroine, who have established a rather playful rapport. It's rather silly. I hope you enjoy it.

Neither Elizabeth nor Darcy, despite their best resolutions, were able to steel themselves against their susceptibility to one another. In each others' company they could not help but enjoy themselves in defiance of Elizabeth's vulnerability and Darcy's pride. Miss Bingley, remarkably subdued, avoided any intercourse she could with her unwanted guest, adding relief from the lady of the house's glares to the incentives Darcy had to seek Elizabeth out. He began to wonder if much of her bravado towards himself was a facade for they had, of late, taken to gazing at each other in what he believed was a tender way. He sincerely wanted the attraction he was experiencing to be mutual though he had no doubts that, should he ask, she would accept his proposal regardless. All the Bennet girls were surely obligated to marry as well as possible: everyone was, including himself. Therein lay his dilemma.

What constitutes a good marriage? Should wealth and breeding be the utmost concern? Many a marriage that perfectly fulfilled the worldly qualification ended in misery, as Darcy had far too often observed, and a lack of refinement was not an accusation that could be leveled at Miss Elizabeth. He marveled at how she maintained her grace and composure in the face of the incivility of her hostess. 

“Mr. Darcy, you really must not continue to frown so,” Elizabeth admonished. “If you persist you will force me to do something most unbecoming and childish”.

“And what would that be,” he asked, instantly intrigued.

She spoke softly and conspiratorially: “When no one else is looking I shall stick my tongue out at you!”

He laughed, “Oh how ever will I survive such an attack.” Temporarily all his concerns were forgotten. She had a unique and delightful way of causing him to lose himself.

The passing of another day saw Jane well enough to join the party after dinner, where Mr. Bingley fawned over her while his sister glowered. On the other side of the room Darcy and Elizabeth were discussing their favorite poets. Observing Elizabeth's approving glance at her sister and Bingley, Darcy decided the time was right to fulfill a determination he had made, upon the evening of Elizabeth's arrival and the declaration of Bingley’s intentions, to inquire into the state of Jane's affections.

“Your sister seems much improved.”

“Yes,” she responded brightly, though he thought he could detect a tinge of regret. “I believe we shall return to Longbourn soon.”

“When Miss Bennet has not yet had the opportunity to enjoy her stay?”

“For someone who has been ill she has had a remarkable time I assure you,” Elizabeth laughed.

“She does seem to enjoy Bingley's company.”

“I believe she said he is everything a gentleman should be.”

“High praise indeed.”

“From Jane it certainly is.” She grew serious, “Your friend would not toy with a lady's affections, would he sir?”

He responded in kind, “He has been known to fall in and out of love with great rapidity.” Noticing Elizabeth's frown he hurried to reassure her, “But he does seem to be experiencing a most sincere attachment to your sister.”

“Does he indeed?” Elizabeth asked excitedly, her sparkle returned.

Darcy laughed, thrilled to see her joy, “I cannot betray my friend's confidence. I have already said far too much.

“So you have, sir, as have I. Shall we resume the much safer subject of poetry?”

Published? Maybe?

So this is where the self-publishing world gets frustrating. Today I finally received the long awaited "Your Book Has Been Published" email from Outskirts Press, but you can't actually buy the book yet. Furthermore, I have absolutely no notion when it will actually be available. In limbo I continue to wait, wondering when I will finally get the darn thing in my hands. The thing is, if I go to the website Outskirts has assigned me - outskirtspress.com/firstimpressions - I can hit on a buy button for Amazon and end up on a page graced with my name and book title. That's kind of like an actual book in my hands, isn't it? Sort of? I can't get there by entering my info in Amazon's search field, and even once I access the page there is no information available able about the book, but still, it is there, and I'm excited. I can even pre-order it for some magic, undefined time down the road. No matter that the corresponding Barnes & Nobel buy button does nothing. Nothing shall burst my bubble. How shall I bear the joy of a physical book? I'm sure I will somehow manage, if only given the opportunity. 

In the name of shameless self-promotion, please let me refer you to the sidebar where you can read my "apology" and link to the first three chapters of the book. 

Sexy JAFF: A Conversation with Lory Lilian

Back in January, after reading and commenting on Mary Simonsen's interview with Lory Lilian, the author of Rainy Days and Remembrance of the Past, I began an email conversation with this latter lady in which we discussed the prevalence of sex in Austen fan fiction. I have some pretty strong feelings on this issue and had used what was theoretically supposed to be a review of Remembrance of the Past to rant and rave about it. Imagine my mortification when I learned that Ms. Lilian had read my crazy ramblings! I ran right out and purchased Rainy Days (reviewed here), which I very much enjoyed, in order to repay her kindness in debating with me by giving her work proper recognition. Here is the result of our conversation.  Ms. Lilian would like me to emphasize that these are her personal, private opinions put forth (just as mine are) and that she is not attempting in any way to speak on the behalf of other writers or readers of Jane Austen fan fiction. I hope you enjoy this debate on the reasons for and merits of the inclusion of sexual activity in JAFF, the effects film has had on the sexualization of Austen, and what it's like to actually write one of these steamy scenes. We certainly enjoyed ourselves having it!


Alexa: I'm a bit ashamed that you read the review I did of Remembrance of the Past, having used it as an opportunity to rant and rave rather than give your book proper attention. I read it right when the question of sex in Austen fan fiction was the focus of my mind, having just finished reading a slew of books in which it was a prominent feature. I know many fans love these scenes and the pressure to include them, especially when writing in an online forum, must be intense. I would love to have a conversation with you on this subject, if you are interested in pursuing the topic further. If not, I understand. It certainly is not my intention to force you into the role of defender of all the many writers who decide to follow Lizzy and Darcy into the bedroom.

Lory: First of all – let me say I would love to talk to you, too, on any subject regarding Jane Austen, including hot mush scenes and why people love them :) . However, I can only speak for myself, not for the other authors, so if my opinion is enough for you – it’s fine with me.

Alexa: Of course, your voice is your own and cannot speak for anyone but yourself - still, I think the conversation will be both enlightening and entertaining. Thank you for taking the time. I believe you are the ideal person to help me, because I am afraid I just don't get it: I cannot figure out what it is that makes Austen fans want these scenes in the first place. As you read in my sorry excuse for a review, you know I am not generally prudish - sex scenes do not offend me elsewhere in literature - but they are just so incongruous with Jane Austen. I guess I feel protective of her for some completely irrational reason. It's silly, I know, but in this way I am like E.M. Forster, "slightly imbecile about Jane Austen."

Lory: I agree with you on some points regarding Pride and Prejudice variations; the most important thing I want to repeat is that Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book in the world (and I really read a lot), so I am very protective over it, too. I have very strong, sometimes silly reactions about it, too, and I don’t hesitate to express my opinion openly on forums every time I have a chance. I do not like reading some online fanfiction stories that are changing Regency Darcy and Elizabeth in a dramatic way… For me, Darcy and Elizabeth can only belong together with no other men or women interfering with them; this is why I love this story so much (besides Jane Austen’s genius and her awesome writing) – despite pride, prejudice and many other things, Darcy and Elizabeth are meant to be together and they will be ‘the happiest couple in the world’, no question about that!!!!  And I think this is part of the answer regarding the desire of reading (and writing) more about this aspect of their happy married life. Jane Austen implied so much and told us so little, and we simply cannot have enough of it.

Alexa: The sexual fascination with these characters is astounding to me. I guess their status as the most perfect couple in literature (in my opinion) leads people to want to imagine the perfections of their love life. If they are, indeed, "the happiest couple in the world", as you said, it seems safe to assume that their love life would correspond to that state. Personally, I require no elucidation to be assured of the fact. I also often wonder how much of this fascination can be laid at the feet of Andrew Davies and Colin Firth, though I still adore both men even if they are culpable. Do you know how prevalent such imaginings were before 1995?

Lory: Pride and Prejudice1995 had a dramatic and devastating impact on people's sexual fascination with Darcy and Elizabeth. As far as I know, the process of Pride and Prejudice fanfiction itself started immediately after the 1995 film was aired (somewhere around 96 - 97), and it turned into a major phenomenon that grew year by year.

I, for one, started to fantasize about Darcy and Elizabeth's extra scenes right after I saw it and discovered that Colin Firth was my perfect Darcy. His gazes at Elizabeth, his silence, his body language, his small gestures, the expression on his face, the pain on his face when he was rejected, the embarrassment when he met Elizabeth at Pemberley, the happiness when he stared at Elizabeth at the pianoforte, his briefly holding her hands at the Lambton Inn and their final kiss in the end, all these were the reasons that made me start writing fanfiction. Each of Colin and Jennifer's glances, each of their interactions, each of their sparkling dialogs were inspiration for my writing, and all I had to do was to put them in different circumstances and to guess how they would react, based on what I had seen and read. When I first saw the movie, I had already been in love with P and P for many years, but I never consider imagining anything beyond what Jane Austen wrote. An aspect of Jane's genius is that she said (wrote) little but suggested so much about the hidden part of Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship, and allowed the reader’s imagination to work and to explore it. Well, after I saw the miniseries, my imagination turned wild – and I was grateful when I discovered the fanfiction world.

Alexa: I must emphatically agree that Colin Firth is incredibly swoon worthy and the perfect Mr. Darcy. There is huge sexual tension in the film and it is almost all expressed in his eyes. This certainly explains why so many of these books are a) written from Darcy's perspective and b) focus in on his dirty thoughts. But there is Pride and Prejudice fan fiction that predates this film, just not the treasure trove that we now have. I adore this movie and fully understand why it would inspire so many, but I will admit that I get kind of irritated when fan fiction is based more on the movie than the book, because it is very different in many ways (not so much sexual tension in the book, is there?). This is why the sex sometimes bothers me so much - Jane Austen could never have written such scenes, not only because of her sexual inexperience but because of her own sense of what was seemly and what wasn't. I think I am most appalled when the moral strictures of the day are completely disregarded, displaying Elizabeth and Darcy, before they are married, getting it on in a field or some such craziness, or flirting in a manner that would have been considered totally disgracefully while in public. But then of course, some of my favorite books are Abigail Reynolds' Pemberley Variations, which almost always seem to involve extensive premarital sex, so I am obviously quite capable of overcoming my qualms.

Lory: I love Abigail's stories, too. She was the author who made me a JAFF addict five years ago. I still remember the day she invited me to post at Austen Interlude (there were only a very few authors there at that time) -  I was soooo flattered, so happy!

I have studied the Regency period a little and have also asked many questions of our "Regency experts" in fanfic; I know that sexual interludes between engaged people were not rare at all. and while nobody openly approved it, everybody expected it to happen. Even more, I read that children conceived during the engagement were considered legitimate if they were born after the marriage. This is why it was such a big deal for a woman to break an engagement: everybody expected that some sexual things already happened during the engagement and, consequently, she was not so pure anymore.

Despite all these, I do not like much the idea of Darcy and Elizabeth engaged in premarital sexual relations or in any kind of intimate interludes in places where they could have been seen. Darcy would never expose Elizabeth or himself to public censure for improper behavior. This is my opinion, and this is what I did in my books.

As for their wedding night, as “my” Darcy said in Remembrance, I wanted it to be perfect, in the privacy of their home. In my opinion, I doubt Darcy would spend his wedding night in an Inn, surely he could have waited a few more hours to reach his Town House, as London was pretty close to Hertfordshire. (However, there are a few stories which I love, in which they did spend the wedding night in an Inn, so I am not very strict about it -- LOL ). On the other hand, I am sure they would indulge their passion with some small, half-guilty pleasurable moments, like kisses, touches, holding hands and all, with extreme caution to keep it private.

Alexa: As I said in my blog post on Remembrance of the Past, I was very appreciative of the fact that you did not include scenes of premarital sex between Elizabeth and Darcy. The prevalence of sex in the book put me off a bit, I admit, but you incorporated it with a lot more taste and decency than is often employed.

I'm very curious about both why and how you decided to take what had been an explicitly PG text (Rainy Days) and increase its adult content. I assume that fans of your writing requested these additions, is that correct?

Lory: In none of my stories do Darcy and Elizabeth have premarital sexual interludes. There are many more sex scenes in Remembrance than in Rainy Days because the story continues after their marriage, and I used the sex scenes to show the development in their relationship as a married couple, to illustrate the process of knowing each other better and sharing everything, including marital happiness. I also used two sex scenes between Cassandra and David in two critical points of the story. To be honest, I agree I could have done the same thing without those detailed sex scenes, but I wonder if the impact on the readers would have been equally as strong. (I really wonder, not sure at all...) All I know is that Remembrance was planned from the very beginning to include detailed, hot scenes and more angst than my first book, because I felt the story itself asked for it. I know some people agree, some disagree; I just hope the readers do not consider the sex scenes gratuitous and unnecessary.

As for Rainy Days – it was my first book and first I posted it on DWG, so it was PG general; I finished it and I even wrote the wedding night, keeping it PG 13! Then, I started posting it on HG – which was an adult site – and some cyber friends started to ‘demand’ to enhance some scenes, to explore more of Darcy’s thoughts, to write more details about their touches and kisses and passion. I confess I was a little shy at the beginning, but then I started to enjoy entering deeper into Darcy and Elizabeth’s thoughts, wishes, fears, desires, to put a stronger touch of passion into their love. And, since the readers’ reaction was very positive, this was an incentive to continue this exploration. I will only say that, while writing, I had screen captures from Pride and Prejudice 95 on my desktop LOL, and I could easily tell you which scene inspired me to write a certain scene in Rainy Days. However, though there are many hot scenes in Rainy Days, in my opinion – and in some of my readers’ opinion –  the hottest scene in the book is the one in the library during the Netherfield Ball, when Darcy took off Elizabeth’s gloves and kissed her hands. It is hot and it is PG general, right? Sothe question is: Could I write hot scenes and keep them PG-13? Probably yes… but I confess my guilty pleasure in writing hot mush, and I most likely will continue doing it as long as my readers join me in this guilty pleasure. I also hope that the readers who do not approve of these kinds of scenes will find it easy to simply skip them and still enjoy my stories.

Alexa: Well I can certainly assert that I still enjoyed both your books, in spite of my Austen-sepcific prudishness. When I return to enjoy them again (as I will surely do - especially Rainy Days, which I really loved) I will do as you suggest and jump over those scenes that make me blush. While I'm not sure we reached any revolutionary conclusions here, I do think I now have a better sense as to why other people so enjoy these scenes that make me cringe. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with me. It has been excessively diverting! 

Lory discovered JAFF in 2004 as an avid reader then a year later as a tentative author. She lives in Bucharest, Romania, with her dear husband, her dear daughter of 15 and her dear dog ( a French bulldog). She is 41 and works as a Recruitment and Training Manager in a multinational company, and when she is not working ( which is very rare), she loves reading ( Pride and Prejudice is the all time favorite), going to the theater and writing ( JAFF, of course).

Images of Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in varying stages of undress borrowed from What Kate Did Next, My Pride and Prejudice, The Republic of Pemberley, and My Pride and Prejudice again, respectively.

Epistolary Fan Fiction: Letters From Pemberley and More Letters From Pemberley by Jane Dawkins

So I am currently reading My Dear Charlotte by Hazel Holt, an epistolary mystery that makes free use of quotes from Jane Austen's letters, and it has gotten me thinking about Austen's use of the epistolary form and the temptation it poses for writers of JAFF. We know one of Austen's biggest influences, Samuel Richardson, was something of the king of the epistolary novel, and that she frequently experimented with it, both in her juvenalia (like recently reviewed The Three Sisters) and early novels. Lady Susan remains intact as an example of Austen's prowess with letters, giving ample food for our fantasies about what Elinor and Marianne (Sense and Sensibility) and First Impressions (Pride and Prejudice) might have been like. For unknown reasons, Austen decided to abandon the format (not that I am complaining), but it seems to be a favorite of her fans, especially those who have opted to pick up the pen and elaborate on her work. I have read two short series written in epistolary form: Letters From Pemberley and More Letters From Pemberley by Jane Dawkins and A Visit to Highbury and Later Days at Highbury (both of which are in desperate need of reprinting as copies are getting scarce and expensive) by Joan Austen-Leigh. As I have commented on the books by Ms. Austen-Leigh previously (you may read my glowing reviews here and here), today I'd like to focus on Ms. Dawkins' work.

Letters From Pemberley was one of the earliest pieces of Austen fan fiction I read, and I continue to return to it to pursue its peaceful pages again and again. Ms. Dawkins' books are my favorite Pride and Prejudice continuations available, as they provide those desperately wanted glimpses of Darcy and Elizabeth's lives at Pemberley (it chronicles the first year of their marriage) without including anything untoward like over the top drama and gushy sex scenes. The epistolary form works very well towards this end. As Elizabeth is our letter writer (Jane is the recipient), Ms. Dawkins is freed from the burden of trying to capture Austen's voice, saving her energy for creating a years worth of activity upon nothing more than those few teasing words at the end of Pride and Prejudice, indicating what the future holds in store for our happily married couples.

More Letters from Pemberley is also excellent, though perhaps not quite as fulfilling as it's predecessor. Here we learn about the next five years of married life, rendering this book more speculative than the first, and the picture is broadened by including Elizabeth's correspondence with several parties: Jane, Aunt Gardiner, Georgianna, Mrs. Bennet, Kitty, Charlotte, Darcy himself, several new acquaintances (some bearing a striking resemblance to characters from Austen's other novels), and even Mr. Humphrey Repton! In one carefully worded letter to Lady Catherine, Ms. Dawkins demonstrates her excellent grasp of Elizabeth's voice and character while playing with some of the advantages the epistolary form allows:

I am also deeply obliged to you for your words of advice; it was most kind of you to take so much of your valuable time to impart your own experience , and I intend to make careful study of your words, particularly since you mention that my dear friend, Mrs. Collins (whose good sense I value highly) has benefited so greatly from the. Your Ladyship may rest assured that I am resolved to be a good Mother to my Children, to pray for the, to set them good examples, to give them good advice, to be careful of their souls and bodies, and to watch over their tender minds. Since (as you say) my Children will have all the advantage of wealth and position, I am sure you will agree that as their Parents, Mr. Darcy and I will be obliged to remind them how priviledged they are, and instill in them the qualities of good character, modesty, integrity and compassion for others, without which wealth and position are meaningless.

Now, we never read the letter to which this was written in response, just as we never hear Lady Catherine's reply, but the epistolary format allows us to infer what both might have looked like. Knowing Lady Catherine as we do, the high handed condescension (or is it honesty and frankness?) doled out in the former is easy to envision, as is her vocal response (perhaps "Obstinate, headstrong girl!") upon reading the above. And isn't it just like Lizzy to choose her words so carefully, so as to claim agreement while simultaneously undermining the sentiment expressed? Lady Catherine's outrage, though never witnessed, is palpable: therein lies the beauty of an epistolatory narrative.

As I consider the novels of both Ms. Dawkins and Ms. Austen-Leigh some of the very best JAFF available, I hope that more sincere Janeites will follow their example by adopting this somewhat archaic format. Its use both honors Austen's literary foundations and encourages her style of witticism, all while providing an excellent vehicle for capturing her tone without besmirching her subject matter with our modernism.