Tolerable: Sensual Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Darcy Fitzwilliam

Playful enemies-to-lovers romance!

When Fitzwilliam Darcy insults Elizabeth Bennet at a ball, he’s shamed into dancing with her. To his surprise, she’s utterly charming. Her fine, dark eyes enchant him. Lively Elizabeth is the wrong sort of woman for aristocratic Darcy—but is she the only one who can win his heart?

This Regency Pride and Prejudice variation is heartfelt and fun. It has a happy ending and no cliffhanger.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Decadent Darcy Press
• Release date: Apr 15, 2024

Book preview

Tolerable

Sensual Pride and Prejudice Variation

Darcy Fitzwilliam

Decadent Darcy Press

Copyright © 2024 Darcy Fitzwilliam

First edition, April 2024

All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Published by Decadent Darcy Press

Learn more about Darcy’s books by visiting www.DarcyFitzwilliam.com

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This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination, are derived from the public domain works of Jane Austen, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

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This ebook is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of international copyright law, and subject to criminal prosecution. An ebook format cannot legally be loaned or given to others. No portion of this literary work may be sold, manipulated, transmitted, copied, reproduced, or distributed, in any form or format, by any means or in any manner whatsoever, without the express written permission of the author, except for brief excerpts used for the purpose of review. To request written permission, contact Decadent Darcy Press at DarcyFitzwilliam.com.

All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.

Published in the United States of America.

This book is set in England and uses predominantly British spelling.

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

About the Book

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

About the Author

About the Book

Playful enemies-to-lovers romance!

When Fitzwilliam Darcy insults Elizabeth Bennet at a ball, he’s shamed into dancing with her. To his surprise, she’s utterly charming. Her fine, dark eyes enchant him. Lively Elizabeth is the wrong sort of woman for aristocratic Darcy—but is she the only one who can win his heart?

This Regency Pride and Prejudice variation is heartfelt and fun. It has a happy ending and no cliffhanger.

∞∞∞

Download a steamy bonus scene when you sign up for Darcy Fitzwilliam’s newsletter.

Chapter 1

Meryton, Hertfordshire, 1811

The last place Fitzwilliam Darcy wanted to be was at a country ball, standing like a Doric column, nursing a warm glass of lemonade. Yet he found himself doing just that at the Meryton assembly rooms, unimpressed by what he saw.

Though spacious enough for the crowd, the rooms lacked the opulence of fashionable London. They were modest and functional: simple crown moulding, iron chandeliers, walls painted an unobtrusive buff. Green velvet curtains blocked the autumn chill from seeping through the windows. The musicians on their dais played a jaunty reel, but the acoustics were dreadful.

Darcy had attended the ball for the sake of his friend Charles Bingley. The fellow was looking for a property to buy, and he had let Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire for a year. Though the house tended towards dampness, it was a fine dwelling for a man of Bingley’s station.

The neighbourhood, however, held little promise. This ball was Darcy’s first foray into Meryton society. The atmosphere was as provincial as he had feared. The clothing styles were at least two years out of date.

Bingley approached, disapproval written on his usually cheerful face. He was tall, though not as tall as Darcy. His dark brown skin contrasted with his starched white cravat.

Come, Darcy, he said in a confident yet coaxing tone. I hate to see you standing by yourself in this stupid manner. You had much better dance.

Darcy’s expression remained steady. I certainly shall not. You know how I detest it, unless I’m particularly acquainted with my partner. And you’re dancing with the only pretty girl in the room. Darcy nodded towards the eldest Miss Bennet.

A smile brightened Bingley’s features. She’s the most beautiful creature I ever beheld. But one of her sisters is sitting just behind you. She’s very pretty, and I daresay very agreeable.

Which do you mean? Darcy turned and caught the young lady’s eye. Then, he looked back to his friend. She’s tolerable, but not enough to tempt me. Go, enjoy your partner’s smiles. You’re wasting your time with me.

Bingley gave him an exasperated glance, then returned to Miss Bennet. The next moment, the sister brushed past Darcy, approaching a group of young ladies. Her eyes on Darcy, she spoke to them wearing a grin. They looked over at him and laughed.

He was appalled. Were they laughing at him? This assemblage of nobodies?

He marched over to Bingley and his partner—demanding an introduction to the younger Miss Bennet.

When he was presented to the chit, who could not have been more than twenty, she arched a brow at him. Her heart-shaped face was topped with a riot of dark curls threaded through with tiny daisies. Up close like this, her eyes sparkled with mirth.

He spoke to her in his most imposing voice. Miss Elizabeth, will you do me the honour of a dance?

She looked him over, her expression dubious. He began to worry she might refuse and make a fool of him. But if she did, propriety dictated she could not dance again that night.

Why, Mr. Darcy, she said in dulcet tones, I’d love to.

He led her out onto the floor, where they joined the Scottish reel in progress. The dance forced them to switch partners from time to time—but not so much that conversation was impossible.

This must be a change for you from London, she ventured. Not as many ostrich plumes.

Whatever he’d expected her to say, it wasn’t that. I’m sure I haven’t noticed. I pay no attention to fripperies.

One must wear the right number of ostrich plumes, you know. Less than three would be stingy, but more than five would be gauche. I understand Queen Charlotte is quite a stickler. Have you met her?

The dance separated them for a moment. When he returned to her, he replied, Not I. My mother did, of course, when she was presented. She was Lady Anne Fitzwilliam then.

Miss Elizabeth’s lips parted. I see. From a noble family.

His nod was nonchalant. Her brother is the Earl of Matlock.

That silenced her—or so he thought. But then he realised her brows were drawn in contemplation.

Matlock, she said. Is his seat in Derbyshire?

Yes—as is my estate.

A wistful expression softened her features. I’ve always longed to visit the Peaks.

Darcy didn’t know how to interpret that statement. Surely she wasn’t expecting an invitation?

Oh, heavens, Mr. Darcy! She let out a tinkling laugh. You need not worry that I and my whole family will one day descend on you and demand your hospitality.

No, of course not. He felt sheepish that she had correctly read his momentary consternation. My housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, leads tours while I’m away.

Well, that puts me in my place. If I should ever dare to call, I’ll make sure your family is not at home.

I didn’t mean— Darcy suddenly remembered why he hated to dance. Forgive me, Miss Bennet. I’ve been unutterably rude. I meant no harm, I assure you. This is why I avoid dancing with strangers.

They circled round each other, back-to-back, then faced each other again. Elizabeth gave him an arch look. Especially those whose station is beneath yours.

He felt her rebuke. He was making an ass of himself. I was not raised to be ungracious, I assure you. I’ve learned from hard experience—giving notice to young ladies I barely know can raise certain hopes in them. More than one has tried to trap me into a compromising situation.

Elizabeth’s eyes widened, and she seemed to choke back a laugh. Then I hope you keep a chaperone with you at all times.

What nonsense was she speaking? A chaperone! I can hardly imagine how demeaning that would be.

Now you understand how young ladies feel.

He frowned at her in confusion. But young ladies need protection from unscrupulous men.

And you just suggested you need protection from unscrupulous women.

Darcy hardly knew how to reply. Elizabeth unbalanced him. Her eyes sparkled and her cheeks glowed from exercise. He began to understand why the Bennet girls were admired for their beauty.

Her steps had a natural grace, and dancing with her was a pleasure. Much more than he had expected. But whatever feelings her animal spirits raised in him, he must keep his wits about him.

He decided it would be better for his peace of mind not to speak