To the Advantage of Both

‘To the Advantage of Both’ is a romantic Regency Pride and Prejudice variation that features all well-known characters and situations as well as new appearances and unexpected twists of the plot.
(see author's note below!)
The story begins a week before the Netherfield ball, after Elizabeth and Jane have spent several days at Netherfield, Mr Collins and Mr Wickham have arrived on the scene, and Darcy has already fallen in love with Elizabeth. She, on the other hand, is ignorant of Darcy’s admiration and partial to the charming Mr Wickham and the misfortunes he has suffered.
While taking one of her usual solitary walks between Meryton and Netherfield, Elizabeth meets a gentleman who seems lost, and she directs him to Netherfield — his stated destination. The unexpected guest is Admiral Thomas Andrew Pembroke, who is Lady Matlock’s brother as well as an old friend of the Darcys.
The admiral is outspoken — more used to battles than to diplomacy. He is a great friend and protector of Darcy but also his severest critic. He is a good judge of character and sees worthiness even where fortune and connections are lacking; therefore he immediately approves of Elizabeth and Jane and befriends Mr Bennet.
Several visits to Longbourn help Darcy to improve his opinion of the Bennets and to regard Elizabeth not just as a woman he admires from afar but as someone who might be his match in every way.
Elizabeth is also offered the opportunity to observe Darcy in a new light, to see more of his true nature, especially when he offers his assistance in a situation that reveals his kind heart.
During the Netherfield ball, some distressing circumstances occur, leading to gossip that could affect their names and reputations.
Elizabeth and Darcy must make a decision that will affect their lives forever. While they are not on equal ground in terms of wealth, family connections, or feelings for each other, their decision is mutual — an agreement made with honesty and commitment on both sides to make the best of what they have been dealt.
Admiral Pembroke is a supportive and affectionate friend to both, but he has his own past — a painful one, full of regrets and sorrow — a past closely connected to the Darcys.
When that past is brought into the present by malicious interference, Darcy will find himself in danger of losing everything he has ever known, loved, and cherished his entire life.
With Elizabeth by his side, they both will need all the strength of their minds and characters to build their lives together, while struggling to accept the consequences of others’ actions.
Although their marriage begins as an arranged one, necessitated by outside intervention, it will soon be filled with care, respect, and friendship growing into true, deep, ardent love, which is very much to the advantage of both.
Author’s note: Chapter 28 contains a romantic and rather steamy description of the marriage consummation, but this part can be skipped by readers who prefer it without altering the quality of the story.

Romance