Inspired by the longing mood of Jane Austen's Persuasion, this Pride & Prejudice variation explores what might have happened if Mr. Bingley returned to Hertfordshire from London after the Netherfield Ball and proposed to Jane as he originally intended to do.

Jane becomes Mrs. Bingley, and Elizabeth still goes to Hunsford to visit Mrs. Collins, where she is met with an abysmal proposal from Mr. Darcy. Blinded by her own prejudice, she refuses him on the basis of her own dislike and his reported treatment of Mr. Wickham. After receiving a letter from Mr. Darcy, she drastically changes her mind and begins to reevaluate his character, but her change of heart comes too late—Mr. Darcy departs for good.

Some events are altered due to the marriage of Jane and Mr. Bingley:

• The Gardiners never take Elizabeth to see Pemberley that summer—their trip to the Lake country ensues as originally planned.

• Lydia elopes with Mr. Wickham, but it is Mr. Bingley who takes credit for the marriage, sworn to secrecy by his best friend Mr. Darcy, so Elizabeth never ends up learning of his efforts on behalf of her happiness.

• Lady Catherine de Bourgh never calls on Elizabeth to berate her and demand an unreasonable promise, because without Mr. Darcy traveling to Hertfordshire again, there are no rumors to induce her ladyship to travel there.
  

Read on to see how the following eight years pass after Mr. Darcy's failed proposal at Hunsford—eight long years of longing, separation, and missed connections before Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth finally achieve their happily ever after.