In this variation, Mr. Darcy arrives at Ramsgate too late; Georgiana Darcy has eloped with George Wickham. He finds the couple at Gretna Green, but the deed is done; Georgiana is now Mrs. Wickham. Unfortunately for Wickham, Georgiana’s dowry is protected by a trust, and the money will not be released to him. Wickham is enraged, and it does not take long for Georgiana to understand that she has made a terrible mistake.
After pacing the halls of Pemberley for months, lost in despair, Mr. Darcy decides to honour his promise to his good friend and visit Bingley at Netherfield. There, he meets the enchanting Elizabeth Bennet, and discovers that when he is with her, his turbulent heart finds peace. He wants to be with her always, but she can see what he beneath his anguish and self-recrimination, he is furious with his sister! Elizabeth knows that a heart filled with rage cannot know love, and insists that Mr. Darcy must work through his anger before she can accept him.
Then comes word that Georgiana has escaped from George Wickham and found refuge with her relatives, the Earl and Countess of Matlock. Can Darcy and his sister find their way back to one another, or will Georgiana’s elopement with her brother’s worst enemy forever stand between them?
This book may be triggering to readers who have experienced abusive relationships.
There are several twists to this story which added angst for me. Although we have some of canon, it is turned upside down in several instances.
The main issue for ODC is the anger Darcy retains towards his sister. IMHO he would not have completely abandoned her when she marries Wickham. Georgiana's life becomes a hell...as we are warned about abusive relationships by the author's blurb and other reviews. You would think that even if Darcy had to do it secretly he would want to know that she is well and safe.
So it is that Elizabeth advises Darcy that he must deal with his anger before she will continence any attentions from him.
The author also gives us different paths for Bingley, Jane and the Colonel. I don't want to even hint at those as it would be a spoiler.
This story kept me turning pages. It was a completely different variation from any other I have read. I highly recommend it.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: Mature: per the author: ‘This book may be triggering to readers who have experienced abusive relationships.’ >>Angst Level: I was biting my nails half the time. My manicurists will have a fit. Georgiana Darcy, the Princess of Pemberley, had a rude awakening to the realities of life when she married George Wickham. >>Source: I borrowed this via KU [11-16-24] and volunteered to leave a review. Prologue + 75 Chapters + Epilogue [5 stars] >>Trope: Ramsgate [not in time]
A broken axle delayed Fitzwilliam Darcy in surprising his sister in Ramsgate. Only he was the one surprised when he learned they had already left for Gretna Green. He arrived shortly after the wedded and bedded. Wickham's greedy smile turned to surprise when he learned Georgiana’s dowry was locked in a trust and would not be released to him. Very quickly, the Princess of Pemberley learned that her gilded cage was paradise compared to what her life was like now. She was practically a scullery maid. As the blurb indicated, she would eventually escape to her aunt and uncle Matlock. Her outcome was a shocking twist and a complete surprise.
Darcy had a headache by the time he arrived at Netherfield. He did not attend the assembly and therefore there was no insult to prejudice Elizabeth when she finally met him when Jane fell ill visiting the superior sisters. Oh, they were horrible. It was during this stay at Netherfield that Elizabeth unraveled the dynamics between the Bingley siblings. Bingley admitted he couldn’t say no to Caroline. This weakness was conveyed to Jane who was not impressed with that information. She would have to think carefully before giving her heart to someone who would not protect her against the wishes of his sister. This would take her love arc in a different direction. I loved it.
The language between Elizabeth and Darcy was so interesting. The whole tone of the story was different. I enjoyed the new dynamics within the Bennet family. They were pretty much the same as in canon, only less, which was good. Elizabeth’s conversations with her mother were amusing as they handled situations. I found myself enjoying Mrs. Bennet. Who knew?
The road to a happy ever after was fraught with difficulties for ODC. Darcy had to come to terms with his feelings and emotions regarding his sister’s situation. Elizabeth insisted he could never be happy until he dealt with his anger. She told him that there was no room for love in a heart full of anger, grief, and bitterness. Man, that was hard to read and for him to hear. Georgiana’s situation was a mess. What a twist and I could not believe it went in this direction. As the blurb indicated, she escaped to her aunt and uncle Matlock. Her outcome was completely different.
This is a compelling story about Georgiana, but it’s really a reach that people either don’t read the society page (or perhaps read them upside down). And that Caroline and Lady Catherine specifically, don’t seem to read the society page. I can almost forgive that, though, because it makes the final scene with Caroline possible.
Darcy and Lizzy’s relationship stalls for a spell because he suddenly has anger issues he needs to work on.
Also, Wickham is paying airport prices for cuisine. I’m fine with that, but it made me chuckle.
And for a change it isn't infatuation or lust. No, his sister's actions have birthed such a rage in him, Elizabeth can't be sure his claims of love are real or lasting.
He leaves to figure things out...
This was good and different enough to make it a fresh take on a variation.
The what-if of the story is so unthinkable as to make for good premise. Lots of angst and anger. In fact there is so much angst, lizzy’s part of the tale was not told enough.
Darcy comes to Netherfield to help Bingley, but doesn't attend the assembly. He first meets Elizabeth when she comes to Netherfield to nurse Jane. Darcy discovers that Elizabeth is kind and compassionate, especially when compared to the vicious Caroline Bingley, and quickly confides in Elizabeth the horrible situation of Georgiana, namely that she eloped with the scoundrel George Wickham, and married him at Gretna Green. Darcy is beside himself with guilt and anger at Georgiana, but telling Elizabeth about it helps him feel better. He soon falls in love, but Elizabeth won't consider a courtship until he reconciles with his sister, which becomes more complicated when he discovers that she's pregnant with Wickham's child.
I enjoy variations in which Mrs Bennett is not so cartoonishly awful. She's almost normal, likes all of her daughters, and while still wanting them all to marry, isn't unreasonable about it. Jane has a little more backbone, and isn't so stupidly oblivious to evil in the world. Although I couldn't like Elizabeth's reasoning about denying Darcy a courtship, the romance was lovely, and not just for ODC. Georgiana's ordeal is quite graphic, but not excessively so. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it for an engaging and interesting take on the P&P universe.
This story first intrigued me to keep turning the pages when Mr. Darcy does not make it in time to safe Georgianna. As perdicted Wickham turns out to be a selfish brute and I love it when Jane does not marry Mr Bingley! This story is somewhat unpredictable and fun to read especially with Carolina Bingley.
It's not often that a P&P story deals with all of the complex emotions that naturally exist where Georgiana Darcy and George Wickham are concerned. It has usually been glossed over that among other feelings anger with each other would be there. I love everything about this book.
I would have liked to give this Pride and Prejudice variation 5 stars, but I was put off by the Prologue, and almost didn't read it as a result. I think that Prologue could almost have been eliminated, or could have been handled differently. But after that, and aside from a few word usage problems, and wondering about the title, I love this story. I think the title must refer to how quickly and completely Mr. Darcy opens up about his private life to Elizabeth Bennet, when she is still very much a stranger to him.
The best thing about it is how Mr. Bingley comes through for his friends in a way that is kind and endearing, even romantic, in spite of his early awkwardness in the story, when he's competing with Colonel Fitzwilliam and letting his horrible sister wear him and everyone else down. Everyone has their strengths, and Bingley definitely comes into his own here.
Second to Bingley is Georginana Darcy, who is forced to grow up suddenly, from a protected, sheltered "Princess of Pemberley" into a woman who doesn't want to be so sheltered from the world, because that sheltering is what placed her in danger.
There are definite feminist aspects to this novel, and many plot twists, and even some humor. There are sad endings and happy endings (I still wonder what became of Mrs. Younge), and overall a satisfying conclusion. Recommended.
“And how could he expect forgiveness from anyone, when he could not forgive himself?” (quote from the book)
This is the first time I have read a book by this author. The premise and the reviews already posted intrigued me enough to try it, for I do like an ‘outside-the-box’ twist to canon. This one definitely had that! However, I did have to suspend some belief. This Mr. Darcy was so devastated by what had happened, he didn’t act as the strong and decisive man that we have come to love.
“Georgiana finally understood that she had been the victim of a clever, well-conceived and flawlessly executed plot…She ruined her life at the tender age of fifteen.” (quote from the book)
Georgiana Wickham was given a very harsh awakening. Treated as servant by Mrs. Younge and Mr. Wickham, she still retains her Darcy pride. She will not ask her relatives for money. But what she doesn’t understand is why her brother has abandoned her. Once she escapes, she must face her brother, but there are complications.
“But you understand that you must find a way to release your anger in order to move forward with your life, do you not?” (quote from the book)
Mr. Darcy does not attend the assembly in Meryton when he arrives at Netherfield Park. Therefore, he meets Elizabeth when she comes to care for her sister. I really enjoyed this new twist and how Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship grows and the interactions with the Bennet family. Caroline Bingley’s manipulations and acerbic tongue, wreak havoc on her brother but who will have the last laugh? And with all the anger bottled up inside Mr. Darcy and even Georgiana, will they ever come be able to repair the damage to their relationship? Despite this being a long book, which I loved, the chapters are short, and I found myself unable to put it down!
I highly recommend this variation and look forward to reading more from this author.
This variation follows the life of Georgiana Darcy after she had eloped with Mr Wickham. It also covers how angry Darcy was with his sister for said elopement and how angry she was with Darcy for not giving her any idea that life in the real world could be so very cruel! Absolutely riveting!
The rivalry between Mr Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam for Jane Bennet's hand, why Elizabeth refuses to allow her relationship with Darcy to progress and what will Wickham do with (to?) his wife when denied her dowry all make this a great story. Have Stevie Zimmerman narrate it and ill buy it to hear repeatedly.
This Darcy is self centered, selfish and cruel. He makes Georgiana’s elopement about him! So much so that when he finda her married, he turns his back on her and abandons her to the “care” of a man whom he knows to be dissolute and immoral. She suffers harm and abuse, and the self absorbed brother doesn’t even care to check on his 16 year old sister. This man is not a responsible guardian, not even a mature adult man… I would advice Lizzy to run for the hills instead of tutoring him to do better for the whole extent of the story
Sometimes all you need is a stranger to tell your troubles to…
…and that’s what Darcy found in Lizzy.
Spoilers ahead. I tried to keep them mild. I couldn’t adequately review without them!
This was an interesting version. The timeline was compressed, but as the story switched between characters and times, it didn’t feel shorter. Col Fitzwilliam was fabulous, Miss Bingley deliciously manipulative, Mr Collins blessedly brief, and Lady Catherine absent. Mr Wickham was particularly nasty.
I’ve read an angry Mr Darcy a few times before, but never an Elizabeth quite so insightful. Perhaps it was due to her in-depth knowledge of Chaucer and Middle English? Don’t expect much character growth from her. However, Mr Bingley makes up for it!
For me, Mr Darcy fell a bit flat. He’s overshadowed by the Col’s proactive maneuvering and Bingley’s metamorphosis. Fairly early on there are many, many reasons given why Mr Darcy was so angry, all of them valid. (None of them are acceptable reasons for doing *nothing* for months after the elopement. I cannot believe Mr Darcy would literally abandon her like that!) And all through the book he is told he must vent his anger and speak with his sister. When he finally does, it’s Georgiana who does the venting (her anger is also valid) and then the whole thing turns into a discussion of exactly how much women should be told about the evils of the world. Darcy never actually tells her why he was angry, only that he was—as if that’s an excuse. And then suddenly all is well. It was supremely frustrating! Also, I did not understand the need for the audience. This should have been private! I also did not see the need to break it into two separate scenes. That was awkward and unnecessary.
I appreciated the good editing, noting only a handful of minor errors in the entire text. I enjoyed the creative problem solving and watching the characters develop. I just wish Mr Darcy had been a stronger character and the grand couch sessions more on point.
I think most psych majors would be pulling their hair out over this one, but to me it’s worth it to see Wickham’s teeth get knocked out and Bingley grow up.
Warning: This book may be triggering to some readers who have experienced abusive relationships.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. In this variation, Mr. Darcy arrives at Ramsgate too late; Georgiana Darcy has eloped with George Wickham. He finds the couple at Gretna Green, but the deed is done; Georgiana is now Mrs. Wickham. Unfortunately for Wickham, Georgiana’s dowry is protected by a trust, and the money will not be released to him. Wickham is enraged, and it does not take long for Georgiana to understand that she has made a terrible mistake. After pacing the halls of Pemberley for months, lost in despair, Mr. Darcy decides to honour his promise to his good friend and visit Bingley at Netherfield. There, he meets the enchanting Elizabeth Bennet, and discovers that when he is with her, his turbulent heart finds peace. He wants to be with her always, but she can see what he cannot: beneath his anguish and self-recrimination, he is furious with his sister! Elizabeth knows that a heart filled with rage cannot know love, and insists that Mr. Darcy must work through his anger before she can accept him. Then comes word that Georgiana has escaped from George Wickham and found refuge with her relatives, the Earl and Countess of Matlock. Can Darcy and his sister find their way back to one another, or will Georgiana’s elopement with her brother’s worst enemy forever stand between them? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
Georgiana elopes with Wickham at the age of fifteen. Darcy's response is to get mad at her and abandon her to Wickham.
Wickham/Mrs Younge do not find out that Georgiana's money is held in trust and cannot be accessed by Wickham.
[Georgie is the "princess of Pemberley" (yuck!). Clearly cherished by her brother. Her dowry has been placed in a trust to protect her against fortune hunters. Darcy would not abandon his sister. Not buying it. Wickham grew up with the Darcys yet doesn't know Georgie's money is tied up in a trust. Mrs. Younge, who is a great manipulator, doesn't find out about the trust until after the elopement. Once again, not buying it.]
Darcy meets Elizabeth for the first time at Netherfield when she goes there to nurse Jane back to health. Elizabeth enters the library to retrieve a book and Darcy decides to spill his guts and tell Elizabeth everything. Darcy has not confided in Col. F. or the Fitzwilliams.
[So I'm suppose to believe that Darcy is so mad at Georgie for eloping that instead of seeking help from Col F or his uncle the Earl, Darcy decides to run off to the country with Bingley. While staying with Bingley, he decides to throw over the rules of propriety and confess everything to Elizabeth, who is a complete stranger. They are even caught holding hands by Caroline. This story is all over the place. Not buying it.]
This is a. good story with a rather complex plot. Interesting character nuances of various individuals were well done though different from canon. This reader wanted to be caught up in the story but involvement was both sporadic and superficial. Personal state of mind may have been the reason for the lack of involvement. A good story but not one I would read again.
While there really were multiple holes in the story, it was enjoyable. The main angst surrounded Georgians and Wickham. Even though it went against cannon, it was pleasant to see Mr. and Mrs. Bennet act rationally. Its not for everyone, but I found it an enjoyable story.
I enjoyed this story very much. Different prospective. Creative. Would of loved to see more interaction between ODC. Loved how Bingley turned out. Something I think, I could read again.
Great writing, not too long. Unique storyline. Loved the characters as drawn by the author. Only one despicable, and she received her due, YAY! I love when that happens.