The Wallflower

Mr Darcy is the most honest man in London, I am perfectly convinced. So much so that even civility has no claim upon him. ELIZABETH BENNET and her sister Jane have come to London in the autumn at the invitation of their uncle. Mr Gardiner’s fortunes, happily, have risen so greatly as to admit him and his relations into the company of earls, admirals, and other such worthies. Elizabeth is initially delighted by the novelty of new acquaintances and experiences in London, although she cannot like the proud, conceited, unfairly handsome Mr Darcy who renders a grievous insult to her at one of their first meetings. Alas, the social downfall of this insult is rapid and severe for Elizabeth. Still worse is the fact that Jane Bennet’s romantic inclinations cause Elizabeth to be thrown into company with the haughty Mr Darcy far too often. FITZWILLIAM DARCY regrets his intemperate words about Miss Elizabeth's desirability as a dance partner, and wishes everyone—particularly the beguiling young lady herself—would allow them to be forgot. Alas, with Charles Bingley set on winning Jane Bennet's heart and hand, and his noble uncle eager to further an acquaintance with the Gardiners, he will have to do more than merely wish. He will have to admit that a young lady left sitting without a dance partner may still be very tempting indeed. The Wallflower is a novella length variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.