Mr. Darcy, the Dance, and Desire

Book excerpt: Mr. Darcy’s father lives. Twisted by the machinations of Mr. Wickham, the elder Mr. Darcy has all but disowned his son, who is forced to make his way on his own with no help from his family. Currently, Mr. Darcy is a member of the militia, doing odd jobs like dancing instruction. He is an expert on a new and scandalous dance—the waltz. When Miss Elizabeth Bennet meets him on the road to Meryton with her sisters, she has already heard the stories of his wretchedness from Mr. Wickham, the charming guest of Mr. Bingley, who has set his sights on her sister Jane. When Mr. Wickham’s true nature is revealed, Elizabeth finds herself swept up in a plan to help those he has harmed. A plan that involves learning the wicked dance, the waltz. From none other than Mr. Darcy. This variation switches the roles of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham and adds in a few winking nods to the film Dirty Dancing (Nobody puts Lizzy in a corner). Can Mr. Darcy’s reputation be restored? Can Wickham’s scheming be put to an end? Will Elizabeth and Darcy find their happily ever after?