Mr Darcy Makes a List: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

Fitzwilliam Darcy has made plans to help his friend, Charles Bingley, learn the ropes of managing an estate, but he is delayed in his commitment by nearly a month. During that month, Bingley has met a lady he wishes to marry. Darcy founds himself drawn into conversations about marriage and what a man might need and wish for in a wife.

Darcy assumes he wishes for an elegant and accomplished lady who is both respectful and respectable, and he spins out a rather comprehensive list of traits, accomplishments, and circumstances that the next mistress of Pemberley must embody.

However, it may be that Darcy just does not know his "type" until he sees it. When Elizabeth Bennet intrudes on his lonely breakfast with mud on her skirts and wind-blown hair, he decides that his list can be relegated to the fire. He sets out to get to know this unique lady, and soon he sets out to court her.

For her part, Elizabeth is surprised and intrigued by Darcy and his new list of "Characteristics of Mrs Darcy."

However there are obstacles to their Happily Ever After. In list form, in no particular order:
1. William Goulding, Jr.
2. Mr Bennet
3. Charlotte Lucas

Mr Darcy Makes a List is a low-angst novella with about 54K words. There is a bit of mature content.