Showing results by author "Catherine Bilson" in All Categories

This tale begins with an exchange of letters between Elizabeth Bennet and her favorite aunt, discussing the happenings in Hertfordshire as the Bennet family becomes acquainted with their new neighbors, the Bingleys and their house guest, Mr. Darcy.

A Pride and Prejudice What If...? story. What if...Mr Collins had been even more despicable than in Jane Austen's original tale? Would such an infamous relation destroy Elizabeth and Darcy's chance of happiness forever, or would his actions set in motion an entirely different sequence of events?

When Charlotte Lucas becomes the new Mrs. Bennet, taking charge of the household after her predecessor's untimely death, she guides the fates of the five Bennet sisters with a steady hand. Even Mr. Darcy can find little to criticise in the elegant family, and much to admire in the witty, clever Elizabeth. However, rumours and scandals brew when the charming but deceitful Mr. Wickham arrives in Meryton. Jealous Caroline Bingley fans the flames against the Bennets, but level-headed Charlotte manoeuvres each challenge with grace.

Four short stories set in the beloved world of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, which explore missing scenes and paths not taken in the original story. The stories in this quartet include: "A Slip and a Trip", "The Darcy Inquisition", "Mr. Bennet's Call", and "The Exception That Proves the Rule".

Arriving from America to claim the earldom he never expected to inherit, Thomas Havers finds himself responsible for not only a huge estate full of servants and tenants, but also several female relatives. A countess to help him negotiate the unfamiliar intricacies of his new position is essential and sooner, rather than later. But how is he to choose? The beautiful Lady Louisa is born and bred for the role, but Thomas finds his heart pulling him in another direction entirely.

Summoned to London in order to be presented to society and married off to get her off her guardian's hands, Persephone cannot imagine a worse fate. Refusing to leave her remote tower home, she seizes the opportunity when Lord Blaymire himself arrives on her doorstep to demand her compliance. After all, she only needs to kidnap him for a few weeks....

When the earl her father had promised her to turns out to be an unspeakable cad, Ava Brunswick is not willing to become an abused and overlooked wife. Defending herself against the earl's despicable advances, she is forced to take drastic action and flee. Remaining in England is out of the question, and there's a ship headed for the Americas right there. The captain seems more inclined to ask questions than take her money and look the other way, but Ava is determined, and soon the Stella Marie is casting off...and Ava is headed for a new life.

Relieved widow Marianne has vowed never to let a man have power over her again after surviving a hellish marriage. Determined to maintain her independence, she refuses to let her scheming nephew turn her into an unpaid governess for his daughters and takes refuge with Ellen, Countess of Havers, at the countess’ first house party.

Governess Phoebe Faraday is aghast when she finds the pea in her Twelfth Night cake and is crowned Queen for the day...only for not one, not two, but three beans to be found by eligible gentlemen! Three Kings is two too many, but which king will Phoebe choose?

In the enchanting depths of Cornwall, Evie Kernow, a spirited rebel banished from the glittering streets of London, embarks on a journey where love blooms unexpectedly. Amidst a land steeped in secrets and smugglers, she stumbles upon Gryffyn Pascoe, a brooding and formidable figure. Initially unimpressed by the locals, Evie finds herself irresistibly drawn to the handsome owner of a fine estate—a man who has forgotten the warmth of a smile.

Fainting at the feet of the handsome, extremely eligible young duke she is introduced to at her first London ball is the single most humiliating experience of Diana Creighton's life. Learning she's been nicknamed The Fainting Flower by the ton's young bucks means her prospects aren't likely to improve any time soon, so when Diana and her sister Clarissa are asked to accompany their aunt and her new husband on their honeymoon trip to Italy, they jump at the opportunity.