The Netherfield Fire

An Elizabeth and Darcy Story (Mr. Underwood's Elizabeth & Darcy Stories)

By: Timothy Underwood

Narrated by: Benjamin Fife

Mr. Darcy saved Elizabeth from the fire, but could he save her from her scars?

When Elizabeth Bennet heard the cry of ‘Fire!’ during the Netherfield ball she ran up to the higher floors to rescue a servant with a broken leg . But as they hurtled downstairs she became lost in the thick, roiling smoke. And just when Elizabeth began to despair, she heard Mr. Darcy’s hoarse voice cry her name.

The next time they meet will be at Rosings Park under Lady Catherine’s watchful gaze…

©2020 Timothy Underwood (P)2025 Timothy Underwood

Great story

One enormous thread pulled. The players all true to character except for the way a few of them change after the fire, or the way some of them react to the tragic circumstances caused by a fire. Examples of how the Bennets might respond to extreme worry or drastically changed outcome of a beloved daughter.

I loved this heroic Darcy. He’s noble yet still struggling with the weight of expectations from family, status, and standing. He takes a long time to get over it. The emotional toll Elizabeth’s experience has taken from her hightens her fears of a future like her parent’s. The Hunsford proposal is still there, but different and more heart wrenching. The Colonel has an interesting role here, still Darcy’s backup man, but the foot he sticks in his mouth before he becomes actually helpful is so huge it’s horrifying.

Elizabeth has the sweetest most loyal and obviously intelligent lady’s maid Rose, who talks some sense in our dear girl and helps her open her eyes, and heart. How Elizabeth gains this friend is very central to the story arc. I loved her.

This story goes straight to my favorites list to relisten to soon. Great narration. Highly recommended.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

I first read this story in 2024, then again in May 2025 with the audiobook that Benjamin Fife did an excellent job of narrating.

In the story, we have much more interaction between Darcy and Elizabeth for those who crave that. They still have their misunderstandings and prejudices to deal with. There is a new side character by the name of Rose. Her story helps to set up the neglect of the Netherfield estate by the current owner. This neglect ends up with her having a broken leg, which Darcy advocates for medical care as well as employment. The estate’s neglect then focuses on unmaintained chimneys & ends up having devastating consequences as there is a fire during the Netherfield ball. Thankfully, there are no lives lost, but that is due to heroic efforts, especially by Elizabeth and Darcy. Both do not come out of this uninjured. The most notable is a burn on Elizabeth’s face. Mrs. Bennet only sees how this will be detrimental to Elizabeth ever finding a good match. Darcy on the other hand, still sees the beauty that radiates from inside Elizabeth. Mr Collins is so focused on the outward appearance that he tells Elizabeth he will not even offer for her because of her injury. Unfortunately, for Elizabeth fever sets in and it is unknown if she will live, this devastates Darcy along with the others who love her. But have no fear the story continues.

Jump forward to Elizabeth healed up and is now visiting Huntsford. Darcy and Elizabeth rekindle their friendship that was built during Rose’s injury and then the fire. They both struggle with feelings from the past, prejudices, expectations, unfeeling sentiments verbally expressed, and more. Lady Catherine has her say but thankfully realizes what is for the best. It is worth the effort and heartache when people talk and truly work through their issues it is amazing what can happen.

Good story

I liked it. But at times it was a bit stiff and somber. But all in all a good story. Great Jaff.

Excellent

Mr Fife was a great choice as narrator. The story was very good - Elizabeth is burned in a house fire and receives a scar on her face. Mr Darcy still loves her but he is still proud.

Another outstanding story!

Timothy Underwood never disappoints! Excellent storyline and perfect narration! This story deals with unexpected injury and it’s emotional impact.