I’ve been an avid reader of Jane Austen fan fiction for years, and I’m thrilled that this genre continues to thrive. Despite the wealth of well-crafted and imaginative Jane Austen continuations and adaptations, most of them revolve around “Pride & Prejudice.” After all, who wouldn’t want to emulate Lizzy Bennet and find their own Mr. Darcy?
There are indeed a few JAFF novels focusing on characters from Austen’s lesser-known works, and even fewer that explore a wider range of her characters. This leaves us wondering what it might be like if all the beloved characters from Austen’s novels lived in the same world. Could the Bennets, Darcys, Elliots, Dashwoods, Bertrams, and others all be friends or even family?
This idea has always fascinated me. I’ve often wondered how Austen’s heroines would interact and if they might find better matches in the characters from her other novels. Beyond the heroes and heroines, the minor characters seem like a community in need of reunion. Imagine Miss Bates gossiping with Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Jennings, or Mr. Collins discussing sermons with Mr. Elton or Henry Tilney! Could Georgiana Darcy and Marianne Dashwood bond over their love of music? Perhaps Harriet Smith’s true parents are characters we already know. (Spoiler alert: yes, indeed!)
My debut novel, “Happier in Her Friends Than Relations,” is the first in a series that brings many of Austen’s beloved characters together. The story begins, as much good Austen fan fiction does, with Lizzy and Darcy, and indeed, they get a happy ending, but from there, events unfold differently.
Marianne and Elinor encounter Elizabeth Bennet on her journey to happiness, and both of Lizzy’s new friends have stories that take unexpected turns. Mrs. Jennings not only becomes fast friends with Mrs. Bennet but is also revealed to be Mr. Darcy’s aunt on his father’s side, making Lady Middleton and Charlotte Palmer his and Georgiana’s cousins. This, in turn, means Mrs. Jennings and Lady Catherine are sisters by marriage, with all the tumult one might expect.
Mr. Darcy isn’t the only character to gain surprising relatives in “Happier.” Elizabeth meets distant cousins from Surrey and has the Ferrarses as her new neighbors, as they rent Netherfield when Bingley opts out. Colonel Fitzwilliam is promoted to a viscount and gets new family members, including a sweet younger brother, a spirited younger sister, and new cousins named Woodhouse. Plus, he gains a romantic interest that keeps him on his toes!
Though “Happier in Her Friends Than Relations” mainly focuses on “Pride & Prejudice” and “Sense & Sensibility,” characters from “Emma,” “Mansfield Park,” and Austen’s unfinished work “Sanditon” make appearances throughout the story.
I’m currently working on Book 2 of the “Friends and Relations” series, where characters from “Pride & Prejudice,” like Georgiana Darcy and Mary Bennet, will play a part, and readers can expect surprises from Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Book 1 introduces characters from “Mansfield Park” and “Emma,” who will become more prominent in Book 2, including Emma herself.
As in the first book, the second book will weave together the lives of familiar characters from across the Austen universe. Future installments will include intriguing twists for Anne Elliot, Catherine Morland, and others, while also hoping to feature “Sanditon” at some point.
While I don’t yet have a release date for Book 2, Book 1, “Happier in Her Friends Than Relations,” is available now on Amazon/Kindle. If you haven’t read it yet, I’d love to share an excerpt involving Marianne, Lizzy, and the Parker sisters from “Sanditon.” Let me know what you think of this crossover of Austen’s works!
This grand event, though still a fortnight away, was hotly discussed at dinner that evening. Marianne, with a mischievous smile, suggested including Lady Rebecca in their invitations, recalling how well Mrs. Jennings got along with her at the Netherfield ball.
Mrs. Palmer agreed enthusiastically, and her husband humorously noted Lady Rebecca had imbibed more than the men at his wedding breakfast. Mrs. Jennings laughed heartily, and Marianne seized the moment to hint that the mentioned nephew might also be invited.
Elizabeth grew anxious. Though Marianne had promised to keep her secret, Mrs. Jennings seemed easily coaxed into Marianne’s schemes. Would Mr. Darcy come? Elizabeth had already sent an apology to Rebecca but hadn’t mentioned Darcy specifically. She hoped to resolve things with Rebecca in person, wondering about Darcy’s feelings. If he did come to Cleveland, she’d have little time to prepare for their meeting.
Trying to divert the conversation, Elizabeth inquired about the Palmers’ time in Bath. Mrs. Palmer lamented they didn’t extend their stay and recalled seeing Willoughby there. Elizabeth noticed Marianne’s discomfort and was shocked that Mrs. Palmer, aware of Marianne’s history with Willoughby, mentioned it so casually.
Mrs. Palmer speculated that Willoughby’s presence might mean he was searching for a new wife and contemplated inviting him back, but her mother advised against it. Oblivious to Marianne’s distress, Mrs. Palmer continued chatting, prompting Elizabeth to steer the topic elsewhere.
Intrigued yet alarmed, the Misses Parker began fussing over Marianne, offering various remedies. Eventually, Marianne, showing signs of irritation, excused herself abruptly from the room.
Miss Parker, misreading Marianne’s distress, suggested it was a symptom of melancholia, while Miss Susan sighed sympathetically. Meanwhile, Mr. Arthur Parker remained focused on his meal, asking for another serving of venison.
