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English
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Published:
2026-07-05
Updated:
2026-08-21
Words:
40,122
Chapters:
33/40
Comments:
26
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16
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Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy’s Grand Tour

Summary:

It is 1805. A young gentleman of family and fortune, having left the University, may naturally be expected to see something of the world. Unfortunately, thanks to that accursed Corsican, much of the Continent is closed to him, and neither France nor Italy is within his reach. Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, however, is not a man to be easily reconciled to disappointment. If he cannot go to Italy, he will go to Russia.

He accordingly sets out, armed with a letter of recommendation from his uncle, Lord Fitzwilliam, to Prince Basile Kouraguine. A young Englishman of his birth and fortune may reasonably expect to be received wherever he goes. Yet his arrival will upset a great many other people’s lives; and of all this Mr Darcy will remain entirely unaware.

Note: In writing this crossover, in addition to the relevant passages of War and Peace, I have drawn on the letters written by the young Lord Royston to his father, the Earl of Hardwicke, and other members of his family during his journey through Russia in 1806. His itinerary has also supplied part of the route followed here. Lord Royston, unhappily, was lost at sea on his return voyage.

Mr Darcy, it need hardly be said, returned safely to Pemberley.

Chapter 1: William Fitzwilliam, Fourth Earl Fitzwilliam, to Prince Basile Kouraguine

Chapter Text

Wentworth House, Yorkshire, March 1805

Earl Fitzwilliam presents his compliments to Prince Basile Kouraguine, and begs leave to recommend to his favourable notice his nephew, Mr Darcy, of Pemberley, in Derbyshire, who has it in contemplation to travel through the Russian Empire.

Mr Darcy, though still very young, possesses, Earl Fitzwilliam trusts, sufficient prudence and good sense to do credit to those who have the honour of recommending him. As this is his first visit to Russia, any advice with which Prince Basile Kouraguine may be pleased to favour him will be received with the greatest gratitude, both by Mr Darcy himself and by his family.

Earl Fitzwilliam cannot deny himself the pleasure of adding, that his nephew has long entertained the liveliest desire of seeing a country which now bears so distinguished a part in the affairs of Europe, and whose alliance no sincere friend to the peace and independence of nations can fail to value.

Accept the assurances of Earl Fitzwilliam's most perfect consideration.

Fitzwilliam