This is an alternative scenario to Jane Austen’s original Pride & Prejudice story.

I have included all the main characters, but their paths are very different in this variation.

I have added a whirl more of excitement and a touch more love.

Fitzwilliam Darcy, realising he can no longer ignore or suppress his feelings for Elizabeth Bennet, returns to Hertfordshire only one week after leaving.

But even the best-laid plans can go awry, and their first encounter is disastrous, leaving Elizabeth with the same opinion of Mr Darcy as before.

However, when invited to dine at Longbourn by her father, Darcy accepts, and then reluctantly confides in Mr Bennet the true depth of his love and admiration for Elizabeth.

Having informed and assured Mr Bennet his intentions are strictly honourable, Mr Bennet agrees to let the young man approach his favourite daughter, confident that Elizabeth will refuse him.

However, Mr Bennet has one stipulation, Mr Darcy has only one month, until Christmastide, to win Elizabeth’s love, or lose her forever.

Tentatively, Darcy begins to woo his beloved, Elizabeth.

Then, just when everything seems to be progressing nicely, Caroline Bingley, George Wickham and Elizabeth’s own sister, Lydia, to throw everything into jeopardy.

Caroline’s reckless actions force Darcy and Elizabeth, accompanied by, Mr Bennet, Mr Bingley and Georgiana to set off for London, where Darcy is determined to deal with his nemesis once and for all.

Mr Darcy’s Proposal uses UK English grammar, spelling and historical terms and phrases throughout.