Book excerpt: This is a Regency variation of Pride and Prejudice with influences of the well-loved fairytale, Beauty and the Beast. This story DOES NOT contain paranormal elements. This is a novel of 56,171 words. Elizabeth Bennet has gone to Lambton with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner for the summer after her sister Jane has married Mr. Bingley. Before many days have passed, she meets the elusive Mr. Darcy in the woods near Dunleavy, the estate of her Aunt Gardiner's ailing sister Lady Mary Grace. She is at once infuriated and intrigued by the handsome, arrogant man she has only known through tales of the Bingley family. Rumors whispered by the staff of Dunleavy leave her curious and confused by her feelings for the dark stranger who hides away with his sister in their grand estate. In a strange twist of events, Elizabeth's summer will see her brought closer to the gruff Mr. Darcy and his impertinent sister. She will come to understand she loves the beastly master of Pemberley.