Without Vanity or Pride: Two Short Story Variations of Pride and Prejudice

Without Vanity or Pride is a collection of two short story variations of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.Insufficient Vanity by LM RomanoAll I have ever desired—what I long for and crave with every fibre of my being—is that one day you would love me as fiercely and constantly as I love you.When an unfortunate accident results in a prolonged, and somewhat torturous, visit by the recently wedded Wickhams at Longbourn, Elizabeth Bennet is miserable. Despite knowing all that Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy has done to save her family’s reputation, Elizabeth cannot believe that the gentleman could ever bring himself to renew his offer of marriage to her, not when she is now sister to Mr George Wickham.When Mr Darcy returns to Hertfordshire, the romantic hopes of Darcy and Elizabeth are rekindled–but hope can be a very fickle thing indeed. Will it be enough to afford them a second chance at love?No Improper Pride by Amy D’OrazioIndeed he has no improper pride. He is perfectly amiable.Following his disastrous proposal at Hunsford, Fitzwilliam Darcy is resolved to giving up on his hope of winning Elizabeth Bennet’s heart and hand. His cousin, Viscount Saye has a different view of the matter; he believes that in handing her a letter and disappearing from her life, Darcy has done no more than assure himself of the last word in their argument.A chance meeting of Darcy, Saye and Elizabeth in Hyde Park in London proves a second chance for Darcy to prove he has been humbled. He offers her a chance for her own last word in the argument, to say to him whatever truth is within her heart. It turns out that the truth is a surprise to them both, but where will their candour lead them? Read more