"Before She Knew Him" by Melissa Anne... And Why Short Stories Make Such Perfect Jane Austen Variations.
Updated: Aug 26
There is something wonderfully satisfying about settling in with an Austenesque Variation—but sometimes, you simply do not have the time for a 100,000-word novel. That is where short stories come in.
For readers who love Pride and Prejudice variations, a short story can offer all the things we enjoy most about an Austen-inspired romance without requiring quite the same investment of time. You can have your Darcy and Elizabeth, enjoy a clever change to the original story, watch their relationship develop, and reach a happily-ever-after—all in a story you can finish in an evening.
Life does not always cooperate with our reading plans. Perhaps you have only an hour before bed. Maybe you are waiting for an appointment, sitting in the car while someone runs an errand, or enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea. A short story is perfect for these moments. Instead of thinking, "I would love to start a new book, but I don't have time," you can pick up a short Austen variation and know that the entire story is within reach.
There is something particularly satisfying about finishing a complete romance in one sitting. A well-written Austen variation can take one small change to the original story and explore all the delightful possibilities that follow. What if Darcy met Elizabeth before the Netherfield ball? What if Elizabeth had never heard Wickham's version of events? What if a single encounter changed everything?
These little what ifs are the heart of JAFF, and they are particularly well suited to short stories. There is no need to spend dozens of chapters establishing an entirely new world. We already know Pemberley, Longbourn, Meryton, and the people who inhabit them. We can simply step into the familiar world and see what happens when one or two things change. And sometimes, that one little change is enough to give us an entirely new romance.
There is also something wonderfully indulgent about a short story that focuses closely on Darcy and Elizabeth. Instead of following every event of a long courtship, we might spend an afternoon with them at Pemberley, accompany them on a carriage ride or witness an unexpected conversation. These smaller moments can be some of the most enjoyable parts of a Pride and Prejudice variation.
We already know we love Darcy and Elizabeth. Sometimes we simply want to spend a little more time with them. Sometimes we just want that comfort read without the commitment to a full-length novel.
Short stories are also wonderfully re-readable. A long novel may require several days—or weeks—to finish. A short story can be revisited whenever you need a little Austen-inspired comfort. Perhaps there is a particular scene that makes you smile. Perhaps you love the way Darcy proposes. Perhaps Elizabeth's teasing catches him completely off guard. Or perhaps you simply enjoy knowing that everything will turn out beautifully in the end.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of a short variation is that it gives us exactly what we are looking for: a little escape. We can step away from our busy lives and spend an hour in Regency England. We can visit Pemberley. We can attend a ball. We can listen to Elizabeth tease Mr Darcy. We can watch Darcy fall hopelessly in love. And then, before the evening is over, we can close the book with the comforting knowledge that our favorite couple has found their happily-ever-after. Sometimes, that is exactly the kind of reading we need.
So if you find yourself longing for a little Darcy and Elizabeth, make yourself a cup of tea, settle into your favorite chair, and give yourself an hour or two in Jane Austen's world.
Today, Dear Readers, we have the privilege of hearing about a short story recently released by Melissa Anne...
"Before She Knew Him" is about 12,000 words, and positively charming! Check out the synopsis.
While touring Pemberley with her aunt and uncle, Elizabeth encounters a handsome gentleman working among the roses. With his coat discarded and his hands marked by honest labour, she naturally assumes he is one of the estate’s gardeners—and speaks to him with all her usual openness.
Fitzwilliam Darcy knows he ought to correct her mistake. Instead, charmed by a young woman who sees neither his fortune nor his consequence, he allows their conversation to continue.
When Elizabeth later discovers his identity, she is mortified. Yet the mistake that should have ended their acquaintance has already revealed something neither can easily dismiss. With the elder Mr Darcy quietly encouraging them, Georgiana eager for a new friend and only a se’nnight before Elizabeth must leave Derbyshire, they are given a precious few days to discover whether their unexpected connection might become something more.
Before Elizabeth knew who he was, she had already begun to know the most important parts of him.
I cannot deny, Dear Reader, I was instantly drawn in! I have to admit, I had to spend an hour devouring this sweet tale. Here is my review...
"Before She Knew Him" is such a wonderfully fluffy, low-angst Pride and Prejudice variation! It was an absolute delight from beginning to end, with a charming romance that never became weighed down by unnecessary drama. I loved watching Elizabeth and Darcy get to know one another in such a natural and unguarded way, especially before Elizabeth knew exactly who she was speaking to.
One of my favorite parts was Mr Darcy Senior quietly observing his son’s growing attachment and then gently creating opportunities for Darcy and Elizabeth to spend time together. His encouragement is absolutely charming! There was something particularly heartwarming about watching a father recognize that his son has found someone special and discreetly doing what he can to give the young couple a chance to discover it for themselves.
The entire story has such a warm, cozy feeling. The romance is sweet, the misunderstandings are amusing rather than painful, and the time they have together feels precious without becoming overly dramatic. If you are looking for a delightful, feel-good Darcy and Elizabeth romance with plenty of sweetness and very little angst, "Before She Knew Him" is a lovely selection!
Now, enjoy this excerpt provided by the author... The first was a family portrait of the master and his late wife, painted, Elizabeth supposed, when they were newly married. There was something familiar in the gentleman’s countenance that struck her as odd, but she had no idea where she might have seen him before.
A moment later, another portrait drew her attention—and this time there was no uncertainty about its subject’s familiarity.
“He was not a gardener,” she whispered, the truth settling upon her all at once. A warm flush rose swiftly to her cheeks.
She had, in fact, spoken with Mr Darcy himself in the gardens—and he had answered her many questions without once correcting her.
He must have thought me exceedingly foolish. Mortified by the recollection, she was nevertheless unable to look away from the portrait for several moments.
Mrs Reynolds, observing her interest, came to stand beside her.
“Master Darcy is a fine gentleman, is he not?” she said kindly. “He is the very image of his father, and I have little doubt that, when the time comes, he will prove as good a master as any of those who came before him. Mr Darcy has raised him well, and both gentlemen are very fond of Miss Darcy—the young lady of the family.”
Author Bio:
Melissa Anne never intended to write a book. However, after reading dozens (hundreds) of variations of Pride and Prejudice, she decided to give it a shot. She started posting on a Fan Fiction site and soon grew an audience that appreciated her work.
In the last year, she has managed to finish and self-publish seven full-length novels and one novella, all based on the characters and setting of Pride and Prejudice. Three of her books have become audiobooks, and she plans to publish more in the future.
While most of her books adhere to the original Regency era time period of Pride and Prejudice, Finding Love at Loch Ness is a sweet variation where American grad student Elizabeth Bennet encounters and falls in love with a Scottish William Darcy.
Hailing from East Tennessee, Melissa Anne has settled in Georgia with her husband and three children. Melissa Anne is a pseudonym.
Looking for Melissa Anne online?
Looking forward to more JAFF reviews, blogs, and historical content from Caroline Cartier?
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