Mr. Darcy, Downstairs

Book excerpt: Mr. Darcy is the steward of a grand estate. Elizabeth Bennet is a lowly housemaid. It's P&P, but all the characters are servants below stairs All Elizabeth Bennet wants is to escape. The housemaid position in the refuge of Donwell Abbey seems to be the answer to all her prayers. She finds an immediate friend in fellow housemaid Jane Langley, and she respects the housekeeper, Mrs. Charlotte Lucas. Certainly, the steward, Mr. Darcy, is haughty and proper and thinks she’s not handsome enough to tempt anyone, but he’s easily avoided. Soon, however, Elizabeth must dodge the advances of the butler, Mr. Collins, who has determined making her his wife will greatly increase his happiness, and the jealousy of fellow housemaid Caroline Bingley. And if that weren’t bad enough, a dark man from her past lurks outside on the grounds, ready to destroy her new life. Mr. Wickham knows all her secrets, and he can crush her if so decides. Dear reader, this variation places all the characters we know and love as servants in Donwell Abbey—yes, Mr. Knightley’s Donwell Abbey. This timeline takes place after the events in Emma and features the happily married couple and a cantankerous Mr. Woodhouse. I wanted everyone to read it, so I did my very best to keep it clean. And I mostly succeeded (mostly, mostly, but you know me, so there are some innuendos…), however I could not help but write a bonus steamy wedding night scene at the very end of the book for my spice-loving JAFF aficionados! Enjoy!