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Mr. Darcy and the Designing Woman: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary
"You do not know your place!" Elizabeth Bennet had heard those words time and time again from every man she encountered, with the exception of Mr. Thomas Bennet. Her dear father encouraged her unusual education, especially her love of architecture.
Fitzwilliam Darcy finally could name the day his beloved Pemberley would know its renewal. For five years, he had denied himself the pleasures afforded the landed gentry in order to view Pemberley House rebuilt after a questionable fire had left it in ashes. He would now choose a wife as the next mistress of Pemberley and raise a family.
When Darcy hires Elizabeth's relation as his architect, they are thrown together in unexpected ways. He requires a proper Georgian manor to win the hand of an equally proper wife, but Elizabeth is determined only the house she has designed will do. The house of her heart for the man of her heart, even though she would never spend a day within.
Fitzwilliam Darcy finally could name the day his beloved Pemberley would know its renewal. For five years, he had denied himself the pleasures afforded the landed gentry in order to view Pemberley House rebuilt after a questionable fire had left it in ashes. He would now choose a wife as the next mistress of Pemberley and raise a family.
When Darcy hires Elizabeth's relation as his architect, they are thrown together in unexpected ways. He requires a proper Georgian manor to win the hand of an equally proper wife, but Elizabeth is determined only the house she has designed will do. The house of her heart for the man of her heart, even though she would never spend a day within.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2023
31 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Regina Jeffers
130 books704 followersRegina Jeffers, an award-winning author of historical cozy mysteries, Austenesque sequels and retellings, as well as Regency era romances, has worn many hats over her lifetime: daughter, student, military brat, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, tax preparer, journalist, choreographer, Broadway dancer, theatre director, history buff, grant writer, media literacy consultant, and author. Living outside of Charlotte, NC, Jeffers writes novels that take the ordinary and adds a bit of mayhem, while mastering tension in her own life with a bit of gardening and the exuberance of her “grand joys.”
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 7, 2023
I liked this mature Elizabeth and Darcy
Both are 2 years older than in canon and a lot has happened to both, but mainly Darcy.
The Bingley's are married and Lydia had her thing with Wickham, which Bingley helped solve. Darcy on the other hand, spent the last 5 years bring Pemberly back from ruin, physically and financially.
So this is not a Darcy scarred and haughty from years of being chased in the Ton. Despite that and despite liking Elizabeth from the get go, he spends time meeting appropriate ladies.
My heart broke for Elizabeth, she fell for him fast and knew she hadn't a chance.
About 60% through we had seen their proposal, wedding and happily living on the Pemberly estate.
So I couldn't begin to think what the remaining 40% might entail.
Well- Lady C. and Anne, Col. F saving his parents, a little more guilt for Darcy regarding Georgiana and babies!
Oh, and the epilogue is a riot!
Enjoyed this book very much.
Both are 2 years older than in canon and a lot has happened to both, but mainly Darcy.
The Bingley's are married and Lydia had her thing with Wickham, which Bingley helped solve. Darcy on the other hand, spent the last 5 years bring Pemberly back from ruin, physically and financially.
So this is not a Darcy scarred and haughty from years of being chased in the Ton. Despite that and despite liking Elizabeth from the get go, he spends time meeting appropriate ladies.
My heart broke for Elizabeth, she fell for him fast and knew she hadn't a chance.
About 60% through we had seen their proposal, wedding and happily living on the Pemberly estate.
So I couldn't begin to think what the remaining 40% might entail.
Well- Lady C. and Anne, Col. F saving his parents, a little more guilt for Darcy regarding Georgiana and babies!
Oh, and the epilogue is a riot!
Enjoyed this book very much.
November 9, 2023
Interesting Premise
I very much enjoyed the premise of this variation. Elizabeth and Darcy meet when they are a few years older than in canon, and the Bennet/Gardiner family structure has two brothers for Mrs. Gardiner who both play significant roles in the story—one a rector and the other an architect.
Nearing his thirtieth year, for five years Darcy has been occupied with paying off debt and restructuring the Pemberley estate after a major fire destroys the house and takes the life of George Darcy. He is now ready to rebuild the house and requires an architect.
Elizabeth is traveling with the now married Jane and Bingley. When their carriage wheel breaks, it is Darcy who comes across them and he meets Elizabeth. Elizabeth will introduce him to Mrs. Gardiner’s architect brother. Her other brother holds the living Wickham gave up. Of course, Elizabeth has an interest in architecture. It’s kind of love at first sight for the both of them, but it’ll take a while before Darcy realises Elizabeth is the one. She has no hope of him, believing he will choose someone with a higher station and a good dowry—plus, Lydia and Wickham.
I genuinely enjoyed the story and was inclined to rate it five stars. However, I noticed an abundance of errors in the book that were somewhat distracting. Given the author's reputation, I had higher expectations in terms of editing/proofreading. To end on a positive note, I found the book’s plot engaging and the epilogue to be quite entertaining and enjoyable.
I do recommend the book if you can overlook the errors.
I very much enjoyed the premise of this variation. Elizabeth and Darcy meet when they are a few years older than in canon, and the Bennet/Gardiner family structure has two brothers for Mrs. Gardiner who both play significant roles in the story—one a rector and the other an architect.
Nearing his thirtieth year, for five years Darcy has been occupied with paying off debt and restructuring the Pemberley estate after a major fire destroys the house and takes the life of George Darcy. He is now ready to rebuild the house and requires an architect.
Elizabeth is traveling with the now married Jane and Bingley. When their carriage wheel breaks, it is Darcy who comes across them and he meets Elizabeth. Elizabeth will introduce him to Mrs. Gardiner’s architect brother. Her other brother holds the living Wickham gave up. Of course, Elizabeth has an interest in architecture. It’s kind of love at first sight for the both of them, but it’ll take a while before Darcy realises Elizabeth is the one. She has no hope of him, believing he will choose someone with a higher station and a good dowry—plus, Lydia and Wickham.
I genuinely enjoyed the story and was inclined to rate it five stars. However, I noticed an abundance of errors in the book that were somewhat distracting. Given the author's reputation, I had higher expectations in terms of editing/proofreading. To end on a positive note, I found the book’s plot engaging and the epilogue to be quite entertaining and enjoyable.
I do recommend the book if you can overlook the errors.
November 15, 2023
346 pages on my Kindle for PC.
Darcy and Elizabeth meet under completely different circumstances than in canon. She is traveling with Jane and her husband, Charles Bingley, to visit their aunt Gardiner's two (Ericks) brothers. One is a vicar and the other an architect. Their carriage breaks down and Darcy comes upon them and offers his help.
Darcy has been living, mostly as a recluse, at his estate, Pemberley, which suffered a major fire in which his father died. He has finally reached a state in which he can now afford to rebuild and/or remodel the manor. Many pages are given to Darcy hiring one of the Ericks as his architect and thoughts by Elizabeth of how she would remodel Pemberley if she were consulted.
Lydia's fiasco with Wickham has already occurred and Darcy was not the one to pay him off to marry Lydia. That part of the story has a different outcome in this version. Lydia has not changed much but several life lessons force her to eventually move back to Longbourn.
Mary and Kitty have larger roles in this story and find their own happy endings. I won't spoil that thread by giving details here.
Mr. Bennet remains close to Elizabeth in this story. And the epilogue was a total surprise with a modern twist.
I enjoyed this story. I have read many stories by this author.
Darcy and Elizabeth meet under completely different circumstances than in canon. She is traveling with Jane and her husband, Charles Bingley, to visit their aunt Gardiner's two (Ericks) brothers. One is a vicar and the other an architect. Their carriage breaks down and Darcy comes upon them and offers his help.
Darcy has been living, mostly as a recluse, at his estate, Pemberley, which suffered a major fire in which his father died. He has finally reached a state in which he can now afford to rebuild and/or remodel the manor. Many pages are given to Darcy hiring one of the Ericks as his architect and thoughts by Elizabeth of how she would remodel Pemberley if she were consulted.
Lydia's fiasco with Wickham has already occurred and Darcy was not the one to pay him off to marry Lydia. That part of the story has a different outcome in this version. Lydia has not changed much but several life lessons force her to eventually move back to Longbourn.
Mary and Kitty have larger roles in this story and find their own happy endings. I won't spoil that thread by giving details here.
Mr. Bennet remains close to Elizabeth in this story. And the epilogue was a total surprise with a modern twist.
I enjoyed this story. I have read many stories by this author.
November 14, 2023
an alternate timeline to the original Pride and Prejudice
Pemberley has almost all burned down and Darcy’s father died in the fire. Lizzy meets Darcy while he is working to save his estate. The story was hard to put down. Because of the new timeline there were lots of surprises. I put it in the read again list. Nuff said.
Pemberley has almost all burned down and Darcy’s father died in the fire. Lizzy meets Darcy while he is working to save his estate. The story was hard to put down. Because of the new timeline there were lots of surprises. I put it in the read again list. Nuff said.
November 12, 2023
Romantic and original
All starts with an interesting set of circumstances that are the foundation for an excellent story full of energy and beautiful descriptions. The side stories are well blended with the main one, contributing to an entertaining tale.
All starts with an interesting set of circumstances that are the foundation for an excellent story full of energy and beautiful descriptions. The side stories are well blended with the main one, contributing to an entertaining tale.
November 9, 2023
I loved it!!! Regina did it again...it was a page turing wonderful story with a GREAT EPILOGUE..THAT MADE ME LOL!!!! I really reccomend this story it was such a different take ..with the same old characters and new ones you will absolutly love!!!
January 13, 2024
An unusual storyline which is not surprising for the wordsmith Regina Jeffers.
Elizabeth is a bit different in this one. Not quite as feisty and with an unladylike interest in architecture!
She even designs her own perfect house but keeps the drawing hidden until her friendship develops with Fitzwilliam Darcy. Who is trying rebuild Pemberly after a devastating fire which also killed his father.
Darcy is looking for a wife to be mistress of the new rebuilt house.
But he is disappointed in the choices of women that his aunt Matlock selects for him. He is bored stiff with their beauty and bland conversations. Reminding him of the fascinating Elizabeth Bennet!
He meets Lizzy when Jane and Bingley are taking her on a trip to Sheffield.
When their carriage breaks down. Darcy assists them of course. He discovers that the relative they’re visiting is a well known architect.
Exactly what Darcy had been in search of to rebuild Pemberly.
Wickham plays his usual unpleasant role in the story. Though he finally gets his comeuppance!
This is an easier love story for our beloved couple. Only a few misunderstandings:)
Regina Jeffers is one of my favorite authors and she put together another fabulous novel. Well done!
Elizabeth is a bit different in this one. Not quite as feisty and with an unladylike interest in architecture!
She even designs her own perfect house but keeps the drawing hidden until her friendship develops with Fitzwilliam Darcy. Who is trying rebuild Pemberly after a devastating fire which also killed his father.
Darcy is looking for a wife to be mistress of the new rebuilt house.
But he is disappointed in the choices of women that his aunt Matlock selects for him. He is bored stiff with their beauty and bland conversations. Reminding him of the fascinating Elizabeth Bennet!
He meets Lizzy when Jane and Bingley are taking her on a trip to Sheffield.
When their carriage breaks down. Darcy assists them of course. He discovers that the relative they’re visiting is a well known architect.
Exactly what Darcy had been in search of to rebuild Pemberly.
Wickham plays his usual unpleasant role in the story. Though he finally gets his comeuppance!
This is an easier love story for our beloved couple. Only a few misunderstandings:)
Regina Jeffers is one of my favorite authors and she put together another fabulous novel. Well done!
March 14, 2024
4.5 stars
This vagary is very different than others I've read, which I guess is why it is called a vagary, right? I loved that Elizabeth is ahead of her time in her studies and particularly in architecture and I was happy when Darcy finally followed suit. They marry early in the second half of the book so the reader gets to see quite a bit of their married life together, up through the birth of their first child. We got to spend time with all of E's family for varying amounts of page time. I enjoyed her relationship with her father particularly. We hear tell of Wickham and Collins but don't spend time with them. And get just a bit of page time with Lady C, Anne, the colonel and his older brother. I am always delighted when Mary finds true love so I enjoyed that aspect of this story almost as much as E&D. It was lovely that E&D don't have all the negative situations and what there is is quickly resolved. I enjoy their being in love and adoring each other much more than the pride and prejudice part so I didn't miss spending a lot of time in that part at all. This was an enjoyable story and I enjoyed spending some hours in Darcy & Elizabeth's world.
I know the epilogue was intended as tongue in cheek but I didn't love that part though I think others loved it.
Sex: references to marital intimacy
Language: very little
Violence: no
This vagary is very different than others I've read, which I guess is why it is called a vagary, right? I loved that Elizabeth is ahead of her time in her studies and particularly in architecture and I was happy when Darcy finally followed suit. They marry early in the second half of the book so the reader gets to see quite a bit of their married life together, up through the birth of their first child. We got to spend time with all of E's family for varying amounts of page time. I enjoyed her relationship with her father particularly. We hear tell of Wickham and Collins but don't spend time with them. And get just a bit of page time with Lady C, Anne, the colonel and his older brother. I am always delighted when Mary finds true love so I enjoyed that aspect of this story almost as much as E&D. It was lovely that E&D don't have all the negative situations and what there is is quickly resolved. I enjoy their being in love and adoring each other much more than the pride and prejudice part so I didn't miss spending a lot of time in that part at all. This was an enjoyable story and I enjoyed spending some hours in Darcy & Elizabeth's world.
I know the epilogue was intended as tongue in cheek but I didn't love that part though I think others loved it.
Sex: references to marital intimacy
Language: very little
Violence: no
November 13, 2023
I am always amazed that Ms. Regina Jeffers can prove me wrong by writing a book I could love more than her last one, which is exactly what she has done with her new book: "Mr. Darcy and the Designing Woman." It was everything I hoped for and have come to expect from this wonderful author.
What I appreciate so much about this author's work is her unfailing attention to detail and her love of history. In this book, like all her others, she delivers both. I loved how she shared the architectural elements required I building so.e of the landmark homes of the Regency period. This book was such a new, refreshing way to bring us Darcy and Elizabeth's love story. And, speaking of Darcy and Elizabeth, I loved the characterizations of these two in this book. And, Mary's lovely romantic tale was a perfect addition to introduce a new character.
And as fabulous as was the book, I was beyond happy with the epilogue! I loved the nod to "Lost," a personal favorite, and to "Star Wars" in the most fun epilogue I have ever read!
What I appreciate so much about this author's work is her unfailing attention to detail and her love of history. In this book, like all her others, she delivers both. I loved how she shared the architectural elements required I building so.e of the landmark homes of the Regency period. This book was such a new, refreshing way to bring us Darcy and Elizabeth's love story. And, speaking of Darcy and Elizabeth, I loved the characterizations of these two in this book. And, Mary's lovely romantic tale was a perfect addition to introduce a new character.
And as fabulous as was the book, I was beyond happy with the epilogue! I loved the nod to "Lost," a personal favorite, and to "Star Wars" in the most fun epilogue I have ever read!
December 19, 2024
This book was slow to start, but it picked up about half way through. Darcy's home, Pemberley, has had a fire which burnt about half of it, and it caused his father's death. Darcy spends five years living in the ruins, borrowing money to improving the farms on the estate (his father has not bothered to modernize and money was tight). When the book starts, he's just finished paying off all loans and is ready to have the house rebuilt and to marry and start a family. Just by chance, Lizzy is travelling with Bingley and Jane when their carriage has a broken wheel. Darcy is passing by, recognizes his old college friend, and offers to take the women into town. They are travelling to stay with their relative, an architect, and Darcy speaks with him about his house and hires him to do repairs.
I liked this book because of how Wickham and Lydia ended up. Finally they get what's due to them. And Mary also gets some happiness. Satisfying ending.
I liked this book because of how Wickham and Lydia ended up. Finally they get what's due to them. And Mary also gets some happiness. Satisfying ending.
December 6, 2023
Very Enjoyable!
I always like a very different plot to explore the relationship of ODC. This one didn’t disappoint. The historical and architectural relevance was also well done. The Epilogue was fantastic! While I’m not one to complain or downgrade a rating about errors in a book or the need for proofreading, I’m capable of putting that aside to enjoy, this book does need a proofreading review as I found not just a couple errors. Thanks!
I always like a very different plot to explore the relationship of ODC. This one didn’t disappoint. The historical and architectural relevance was also well done. The Epilogue was fantastic! While I’m not one to complain or downgrade a rating about errors in a book or the need for proofreading, I’m capable of putting that aside to enjoy, this book does need a proofreading review as I found not just a couple errors. Thanks!
November 15, 2023
Designing a Future
Really enjoyed this variation!
The story line wasn’t in the regular P&P plot which made it more interesting for me even though knowing our pair would end up together in the end. Lots of twists and turns. Mainly focused on Darcy and Elizabeth. I liked the additional new characters also. Very enjoyable highly recommend!
Really enjoyed this variation!
The story line wasn’t in the regular P&P plot which made it more interesting for me even though knowing our pair would end up together in the end. Lots of twists and turns. Mainly focused on Darcy and Elizabeth. I liked the additional new characters also. Very enjoyable highly recommend!
November 27, 2023
Lots of twists and turns
Absolutely outside canon from the beginning, as Darcy struggles to rebuild Pemberley, while Elizabeth travels near Derbyshire with Charles and Jane Bingley. Most of our favorite characters show themselves, except Caroline. A very lively and impertinent Lizzy, a troubled Darcy trying to marry "correctly", a typical Colonel, and a dreadful Wickham.
Absolutely outside canon from the beginning, as Darcy struggles to rebuild Pemberley, while Elizabeth travels near Derbyshire with Charles and Jane Bingley. Most of our favorite characters show themselves, except Caroline. A very lively and impertinent Lizzy, a troubled Darcy trying to marry "correctly", a typical Colonel, and a dreadful Wickham.
November 19, 2023
Regina Jeffers imo is a very reliable author her books are well written well plotted and enjoyable.
As is this one it's worth reading for the epilogue which was a bit of a giggle.
As is this one it's worth reading for the epilogue which was a bit of a giggle.
December 22, 2023
Loved the book. I thought the ending was a super fun treat!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews