Why I Won’t Write Lizzie and Darcy

Since the publication of Charlotte Collins in 2010, I’ve written stories about five minor characters from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice: Charlotte Collins, Maria Lucas, Caroline Bingley, Mary Bennet, and Lydia Bennet (Coming Soon in Holidays with Jane: Spring Fever). I’ve also written one modern retelling of Persuasion in Holidays with Jane: Christmas Cheer.

I love Austen’s minor characters. Their unique personalities leap off the page, and in my opinion, Pride and Prejudice ended before their stories were complete.

Some of them made poor choices, like Charlotte, who married that oaf Mr. Collins.

Does she look happy to you? via cap-that.com
Does she look happy to you? via cap-that.com

Some of them were overlooked, like Mary Bennet.

Mary
Mary tried so hard to be seen and heard. via cap-that.com

Two characters in particular left me wondering if they could be redeemed.

What a...nice lady. via cap-that.com
What a…nice lady. via cap-that.com
Lydia
Lydia, always classy. via cap-that.com

For one reason or another, all of these minor characters left me wondering what happened to them next. What was their happily ever after?

I just never felt that way about Lizzie and Darcy.

Happily Ever After via http://www.cap-that.com
Happily Ever After via http://www.cap-that.com

Jane Austen wrote the perfect ending to their story. They got their happily ever after.