Can veiled conversations and good intentions protect their hearts?
Fitzwilliam Darcy can barely stand to utter the name of his enemy. Only love for the enchanting but headstrong Elizabeth Bennet could make him talk about that man. When she seems besotted with the scoundrel, Darcy attempts to tell her the truth while protecting his sister’s reputation.
Elizabeth would gladly never speak to the arrogant Mr. Darcy again, just as soon as she makes him understand her sister loves his best friend. With no chance for a private conversation and hoping to keep her sister’s feelings secret, Elizabeth can only hint at the matter.
Months pass and seasons change. When Darcy and Elizabeth meet again, they painfully learn the other is as deluded as ever. When they finally have a truthful conversation, will it heal the hearts of their loved ones, or are matters forever altered?
Undone Business, the second novella in the Jane Austen Re-imaginings series, intertwines 19th century history and romance for an unforgettable read from Rose Fairbanks. Buy today!
Rose Fairbanks believes in grace, redemption, and the enduring power of love rooted in faith. Drawn to the elegance and charm of the Regency era, she writes stories where ballroom whispers and country walks are just the beginning. After a deep renewal of her walk with God, she felt called to infuse her historical romances with the truth of the Gospel. Each novel shares the timeless message of God’s love, set against the backdrop of a world filled with duty, honor, and second chances. Through every page, she invites readers to discover the greatest love story ever told.
This was like two stories in one. The first half is about Darcy and Elizabeth, and the second half is about Jane and her suitors and a bit about Bingley's international adventures. I liked the first half and lost a bit of interest in the second. Bingley did some good in the world I guess but at that point I did not care about him anymore. For me the book might just as well have ended with ODC's HEA.
I read this book twice before reviewing as there was something that bothered me about it, but it took me a while to figure it out. I enjoyed the stories very much, but something didn't sit right.
This story is basically the story of both Bennet sisters; Elizabeth and Jane. The first portion of the book is almost strictly Elizabeth, but after she reaches an understanding with Darcy, the story shifts more closely to Jane.
Undone Business follows canon Pride and Prejudice fairly straightforwardly until we hit Darcy's proposal to Elizabeth at Hunsford. One thing slightly different from canon is the thoughts we hear from both Elizabeth and Darcy. Rose Fairbanks has let us into their minds a little bit so that we see more clearly what Darcy was thinking leading up to the proposal and what Elizabeth was thinking that allowed her mind to change fairly quickly in her feelings towards Darcy once the misunderstandings had been cleared up. Where the story takes the variation away from canon is that Darcy does not simply leave Elizabeth with a letter to read. Instead, he stays and explains to her his relationships with both Bingley and Wickham and how this has colored his actions. In this variation, Darcy explains himself such that Elizabeth begins to see his protectiveness of both she and Jane in his beliefs and actions. The writing in this portion of the story is lovely and the story of Darcy and Elizabeth is very sweet.
The second portion of the story involves Jane. When Darcy explains himself to Bingley, Charles makes a totally different choice from canon. This time he determines too much time has passed and he does not believe he will be received well by Jane. So Jane's story goes in a totally different direction from canon. She experiences a season in town with Elizabeth and Darcy after they are married and she is surprised by a prior acquaintance connected to the new residents of Netherfield. Jane turns out to be a much less serene angel and proves to be more like her sister Elizabeth than previously thought. Her heart is broken by Bingley, she is totally unnerved by her mother, and she longs to have what Elizabeth has found.
My problem with this story is the fact that it is two separate stories. Both appear to be artificially shortened in order to fit them into one book. I so wish the author had chosen to separate this into two books and expand upon both stories, but especially Jane's. She has two valid suitors in a very short space of time. We don't have an opportunity to experience any of the courtship with Jane. Yes, you don't fall in love with everyone who fancies you, but we saw very little of the interaction with Jane's suitors such that we have any preference for one over the other. Why did Jane pick the one she did? Show me, let me hear their conversations, and give them some time to understand each other before you yank one away and give the other Jane's whole heart. And, this Jane was not the bland Jane we see in most stories. This one has life and fire. Can't we see more of her life and her experiences? Let us see what Bingley missed and the two new suitors discovered.
So, although I enjoyed this story, I am confident this author could have given us one novella about Darcy and Elizabeth and probably an entire novel about Jane's story. Missed opportunity. What I discovered is the feeling that bothered me about this book was the frustration I felt knowing this could have been something wonderful. 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4.
This was a very interesting and very different twist on the story. I have never read anything like it, especially where Bingley and Jane are concerned, and I have read a fair few variations now! Because of the unique twists in this stories, this review is going to be so hard to write without giving away spoilers! I don't want to ruin it for you all!
This is a story in two halves; first we follow Darcy and Lizzy, and then the second half we see what Jane and Bingley get up to! Here I will address an issue I read in another review, regarding the story feeling disjointed because of the switch half way and Jane becoming the main character in the story. I agree in that it was a quick change, but I personally think it worked. By this point, Darcy and Lizzy were happy, but Jane was yet to reach her happy ending so it isn't surprising that the story switches to Jane's point of view. Darcy and Lizzy aren't completely forgot for the rest of the story as there are some very sweet little scenes when we check in on the happy couple!
Regarding the quality of writing, once again Rose Fairbanks doesn't disappoint. She is great with her historically accuracy, and her writing is pleasant to read and flows well.
The story begins at the Netherfield Ball, and for a while the story is quite similar to canon, with a few small but important differences, and then it all changes after the disastrous proposal. I don't want to tell you how, because you should read it yourself to find out! Let's just say.... there is still a letter involved, and the letter does prove to be very important, but it is not in quite the same way as we know it!
But back to before the letter though, it was interesting to see Darcy's thoughts building up to the proposal in this story, and seeing just how sure he is that she will accept him, which we know he was, but it was fun to read! Similarly, it was interesting, if sad, to have Darcy's point of view during the ill-fated proposal, as Lizzy spouts all her accusations at him.
Another character who has a good part in this story was Anne de Bourgh! She turns into a bit of a meddler, but with good results!
And so now I will say no more about Darcy and Lizzy, but take it from me, it ends happily and it is a very sweet!
Now to Jane and Bingley, and they are going to be even harder to say anything about! Well, we see what Jane really feels about the Bingley situation and how she is really suffering inside. It was upsetting to see Jane's point of view on the whole situation, especially as she has to put up with the pitying looks from friends and family. And that is all I can and want to say, other than that I have never read anything so unique where Jane and Bingley are concerned, and I don't believe this idea has ever been done before in JAFF.
Oh, I do have one more thing I have to say, there is a very sweet little girl in this story, with brown eyes and thick brown hair, and a slightly mischievous air! Sound familiar? Yes, she is called Sophie! See, now you really have to read it! I am not going to say anything about who this little girl belongs to, but she is a cutie ;)
So, that is all I will say! This is shorter than I usually do for a review, but I can't say anymore without giving it all away! And I don't want to spoil it for you, so you'll just have to read it! It is a well written and very original twist on a fantastic story!
3.5 stars: I read this book a while back and re-read it to have it clear in my mind for writing this review.
This book seems to have 3 separate stories, in my opinion. And they don't blend together that smoothly. Elizabeth and Darcy, then Jane and her situation after Bingley goes off to London with no explanation and at the end we meet the latter person who is involved with the abolition of slavery.
In the story of Elizabeth going to Hunsford and meeting Darcy there I thought the story was off to a good start. I liked the handling of the proposal: Darcy brings a letter - a much different letter from the one is canon. But he does not just give the letter to Elizabeth; they have a discussion about the reasons for her rejecting his proposal. He follows her back to her aunt's and uncle's house and again proposes. His meeting with Mr. Bennet does address the question of how Elizabeth's negative feelings towards Darcy changed so quickly.
Then without so much as a mention of the planning and execution of their wedding we are all caught up in Jane's feeling of rejection and confusion about Bingley's disappearance and her learning that not only did Caroline lie about Jane's situation in London but also Bingley's decision not to accompany Darcy to Gracechurch Street. Jane takes on some different characteristics in this book. And there is some further attention from several gentlemen. Mrs. Bennet is her usual pushy self but Jane does make some decision here for her own happiness.
In the end, with a trip to Jamaica by a certain married couple we learn of what Bingley is doing. I didn't find this part of the story well developed at all. He claims to have been writing to his family and to Darcy but none of this correspondence has been delivered. We get a short look into the politics of that era in England's dealing with the issue of emancipation. Bingley's reaction to Jane and vice-versa was flat! This was not the Bingley we know; he seemed very shallow in his dealings with Jane, his family and his friend, Darcy. I just would have appreciated being in his head more from the beginning. The Bingley we knew would not just have walked away from a chance to renew his courtship with Jane. The explanation at the end didn't sit well with this reader.
This was a novella that should have been a novel as the story in my opinion was a bit disjointed and rushed. Not only do we have Darcy and Elizabeth's story, but Jane and Bingley's and then the serious subject of slavery thrown in at the end. It was a light read and I would have to say, I enjoyed Jane's part of the story most of all. We have our usual characters, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, Wickham, Caroline Bingley, Louisa Hurst and Mr. Hurst, Lady Catherine, Anne, Mr. & Mrs. Collins, Colonel Fitzwilliam and a few others. It was all just wrapped up too quickly with not enough depth. The short paragraph of what happens to Wickham was interesting and the potential for Anne was there but again not enough. I realize it is novella and we always want more, however some subjects should be given there due and not just dropped in at the end of a story.
Very, very unique P&P what if. .. The story begins after the Netherfield ball; but has the Bingley sisters and Mr. Darcy waiting several weeks for Mr. Bingley's return. Alas he fails to come back to Meryton, and the guests depart. But Darcy believes he has exposed Wickham to Lizzy. when they meet in Kent they have not really changed. But his letter to her has...
The second half of the book concentrates upon Jane Bennet and her search for love. There are twists and turns and she finally marries her true love. And they become involved in the Abolitionist movement.
Really not a typical or even predictable short novel.
The what if in this book is if Darcy and Elizabeth actually talk it out instead of leaving it to a letter. Then the rest is about Jane actually and then social commentary about anti slavery efforts. It was an easy read but did not seem like a cohesive story from start to finish.
Undone Business: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation
Bingley arrives at Netherfield in time for the Meryton Assembly and seems to be taken by Jane Bennet, but the morning after the Netherfield Ball, he left for London. Darcy, his sisters and brother-in-law remained. Darcy receives a letter from him telling him about all these young ladies he's been seeing while in town. After Christmas, Jane goes to London to stay with the Gardiners until after Easter. Jane wrote that the Bingley sisters were leaving as she called, and have never returned that call. Elizabeth is sad for her sister, but angry at the Bingleys and Darcy. If Elizabeth would only drop her prejudices against Darcy, she would see that he remained two weeks after Bingley's departure as did his sisters. She would put the blame where it belonged on Bingley. He has proved to be inconsistent. When she visits Charlotte, Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, are visiting their aunt, Lady Catherine. Elizabeth feels that she is as pompous and arrogant as her nephew. Elizabeth notices when he meets her on her walks, he is more talkative than ever. She still cannot figure him out. When Colonel Fitzwilliam tells her that he saved Darcy from an alliance with a questionable young lady, she is so upset that she's taken ill. Darcy comes to the parsonage to ask after, and his infamous proposal is said. Her answer in anger is as bad as Austen's original story. The next morning, he finds her and explains why he did question Bingley, and his story with Wickham. Elizabeth sees how wrong she's been and Darcy is seen in a new light. Bingley is inconsistent, and Wickham is a scoundrel. Admitting her mistake, she apologizes to Darcy. Again, he misunderstands what she says, turns around and walks away. Trying to figure out just what and how she made her comment, realizes she didn't express herself clearly. She says she won't cry, but when she opens the letter he left with her, she breaks down and cries for quite awhile. She has messed up the best thing she's ever had happen to her. Before he leaves her, he tells her he cannot give up that she's a part of him. Darcy and Fitzwilliam leave Rosings the next morning, Elizabeth never gets to clarify her words. The poor Gardiners, now both Jane and Elizabeth are miserable. Loved Anne de Bourgh in this story. Anne and Darcy had never wanted to marry, but the fact he let his Aunt go on year after year confused her. When she realizes that he's in love with Elizabeth, she makes a comment about him not being brave enough to go after what he wants. When he tells her he proposed, but was rejected, she figures he said something not quite right in his proposal when he tells her he deserved rejection. After arriving in London, Anne sent a letter telling him she left Hunsford this morning and would be in town only a couple of days, and it would be ungentlemanly to not acknowledge her presence. Hit with the same thought of not being a gentleman, he calls on her the next day. He wants to introduce both her and Jane to Georgiana. When he asks what she's reading, he asks to see it. Upon passing the book, she remembers his note is in the book and tried pulling the book back. When it hits the floor, his note drops out. When he asks her about it, she tells him that it never leaves her sight. Against all hope, he repeats his love for her will never change and before anything else is said, she says, "Yes." Happy, happy twosome. About time. He tells her about Bingley not joining him, and Lizzy decides he didn't deserve Jane. All that she blamed Darcy for was strictly Bingley's inconsistency. Jane is better off without him. Hearing that Bingley was to go to the Indies on business and wouldn't be back for a year, Jane gave up hope. But when the news came that there had been a disaster on the seas, everyone figured him dead. While mulling over Lizzy's offer to come to London for the Season, the wind knocks her bonnet and letter off her person. Chasing it, she runs into a man. He recognizes her, but she doesn't recognize him. Sounding more like Lizzy, he tells her he must amend his poetry. Remembering now, she welcomes Isaiah Burton. Her mother remembering that he didn't offer for her her first year out at fifteen, doesn't want him around. Jane knows she loves Mr. Burton, but he left Netherfield for London before things between them were said. She goes back to Pemberley with the Darcys, because she refused the Viscount, her mother is unrelenting. In Lambton one day while shopping, Jane runs into Isaiah. She is surprised to see him in Derbyshire. He explains that he just bought a major house 15 miles from Pemberley. When he finally comes to Pemberley, he asks her to marry him. They marry, but he must go to Jamaica for business. When they meet the silent partner, two of the Four gasp! Standing there is a very much alive man from the past. When he returned to England, four and twenty years had passed. Sugar being the business, but work on freeing the slaves and abolishing slavery was his life's work. All ended happily for everyone, including Caroline who married for a future title. With these five words that Lizzy carried with her, "Forgive me. I love you," she and Darcy plotted their way to happiness not caring what others thought or felt. Good novella.
This is a short story and picks up with Darcy and Elizabeth in Kent. She still refuses his proposal and when he offers his letter the next day, she refuses to read it but they talk about their misunderstandings instead. Darcy continues to pursue Elizabeth, despite further misunderstandings and invites Bingley to do so too. However, Bingley refuses. Darcy and Elizabeth's story continues on, but the majority of the second part of the book is about Jane.
This was an 'ok' read. The first half is written differently but not hugely different the original. I'm not sure why but I just wasn't completely in interested in Janes story. This may be due to her having new suitors, and due to it being a short story, we don't know them very well so have little invested.
Overall, I think this is perhaps best rated as a 3.5 stars.
Rose Fairbanks is a reliably talented writer and storyteller, and she's also quite prolific. I found this offering to be one of her more mediocre tales, kind of disjointed, confusing at times, and only mildly romantic. It begins at the Netherfield ball, and pretty much follows the original P&P until the disastrous proposal at Rosings. When Darcy is trying to give Elizabeth his letter, rather than immediately separating, they discuss the objections that Elizabeth raised, and then they go their separate ways. After Elizabeth is back in London, Darcy calls on her, and she pretty much ambushes him with an acceptance of his proposal.
The remainder of the story focuses on Jane who, because of Bingley's defection, undergoes a process of maturing, and a decision to be more cautious about falling in love. The scene in which Bingley makes a final decision to no longer pursue Jane is strange , and doesn't make a lot of sense. First he states that he still cares for her, then he refuses to go see her with Darcy. Confusing.
Jane seems to meander around, liking one guy and then another, and when she finally ends up with one, it's pretty anticlimactic. It's almost sad the way she settles on her choice, almost resignedly.
The ending and epilogue, rather than wrapping up all the romance, is devoted to the anti slavery movement that was espoused by all of the Darcy/Fitzwilliam/Bingley men for the next twenty-five years, culminating in the passage of important laws freeing all slaves. While the sentiment is worthy, the tone just feel wrong. It left me flat.
While the book is well written and well edited, I've read much better from this author. This one is just so-so.
A Pride and Prejudice variation that is split into two parts. The first half is primarily about Darcy and Lizzy's relationship. The second half is about Jane and her relationships. Bingley makes different choices in this novel, and wanders off page for most of the book. A quick easy read to ring in the new year.
Both Lizzy and Jane find their HEA, but jane’s is not with Bingley who is still flitting from one woman to another. Janes story is the second half of the story.
I love happy endings and this book does not disappoint! E&D have a fairly non angsty time of it, buy Jane has a bit of a trial to get to her HEA. I loved Jane's character growth. Well done!
The last twenty pages had nothing to do with the rest of the book. Why did we need Jane and bingleys ending and no real ending for odd. Strange. It seemed like 2 books in one. The last twenty pages were almost the skeleton for another story about abolition
(Novella) Follows original until the letter. Instead Darcy & Elizabeth talk and she has a change of heart right away. Jane and Bingley do NOT reconnect. Instead he travels to Jamaica and she rekindles her love with the man who wrote her poetry when she was 15.
I received a complimentary copy of Undone Business in exchange for an honest review. Anything you read here is solely my opinion based upon reading said book. This book is a Pride and Prejudice Novella full of twists and turns. This story in the beginning focuses more so on Elizabeth and Darcy. The story starts off the day after Bingley’s ball. Bingley has some business in town, which initially was thought to take a few days. Darcy and Bingley’s sisters wait a few days, but are convince that Bingley means not to return. With that in mind they return to town to join him. Just like the original story, Elizabeth convinces Jane to go to London. Jane goes and calls on the Bingleys’ and her called is rushed due to some excuse of Caroline’s. Caroline and Louisa go to visit Georgianna at the Darcy townhouse. Georgianna asks about Jane and Caroline deceives the Darcys by saying Jane wrote to them, but never called on them. Meanwhile Elizabeth is on her way to Huntsford to visit Mrs. Charlotte Collins. While there she meets the Colonel and Darcy frequently. While on one of her encounters with the Colonel, he lets it slip that Darcy saved Bingley from an imprudent marriage. This news upsets Elizabeth so she does not attend the dinner at Rosings, which is when Darcy was going to ask her to agree to a courtship. Once Darcy realizes she isn’t coming he makes his excuses to go visit her. Of course this is where the proposal and the big show down happen. The next day Elizabeth goes for a walk and she runs into Darcy. She tries to walk away but it is too late. Darcy sees her and tries to give her the letter. Initially she begins to take it but Darcy says something and she shoves it back. They talk begin talking and Elizabeth takes the letter. Darcy reveals all, he tells her everything. Elizabeth catches on to something that Darcy said and explains that they have all been deceived by Caroline. While lots of things were said there was still no resolution between Darcy and Elizabeth. Darcy leaves Elizabeth once again with business undone. Elizabeth reads Darcy’s letter which simply states I’m sorry, Please forgive me. It is in this moment that Elizabeth realizes she loves Darcy and feels like she should have said yes to his proposal. Darcy receives an unexpected letter from friend who tells him he needs to make things right. Can Darcy make things right? Will he and Elizabeth get their happily ever after? What happens with Jane and Bingley? Find out this and more be reading this story. I literally couldn't stop reading this story. Everything had to wait until I finished reading this story. I thought the story was refreshing and I loved the expected turns. Towards the end of the story I found it a bit too predictable. I am anxiously waiting for Ms. Fairbanks’ up and coming story Renewed Hope to be released in July, which is a continuation of Sufficient Encouragement. I would highly recommend this story for anyone who enjoys reading JAFF.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This novel takes a slight turn from the others. Rose Fairbanks in her usual way weaves a tale that has you xpecting the usual and getting something just a tad different. It has the discord between Elizabeth and Darcy turning 180 degrees. It has Jane and Bingley proceeding in a different direction than you normally get. It is their part of the story that has you holding your breath at moments. No need to fear this story has a ending you will enjoy. Getting there can be a different path through the rose garden. You get the characters point of view from different rose colored glasses. I will not give you spoilers. Oh no I won't. I can insure you that Wickham was still dastardly though swept under the rug so to speak. Catherine de Borgh still needs an attitude adjustment. In esseence, all things are the same but not quite. The author has taken a different path and executed a novel with complex characters and plot and given us a new outlook. It was well written. The title "Undone Business" is very appropriate, each character has business undone and needs to cmpete it to find happiness. As for the story, It leaves you wanting just a bit more and I would like to see her write a series showing each of the group in a follow-up novel recounting their lives from the end of this novel into the future. All in all I give ths five stars. It is well written, a great read and a new perspective.
What to say about this novella? It was a good little story. This book starts off at the Netherfield ball with Darcy trying to warn Lizzy about Wickham but doing a bad job of it. Lizzy was just as judgmental in this tale as she was in Miss Austen's original story. I liked that Darcy and Elizabeth talked more while they were both in Hunsford and the fact that the letter was just him saying he was sorry. My heart melted when I read that simple letter. However how the hell do you fall in love with a person just days after you profess to hate him? That just didn't seem realistic to me. Jane growing a pair when it comes to Bingley not returning to Netherfield to court her was very believable, he didn't deserve her. She needed to less docile anyways I liked the fact that she ended up with the man who wrote her poetry when she was just fifteen years old. Though this time he is a widower with a young daughter.
I will admit that I had mixed feelings before reading this book as I had read a lot of mixed reviews. But I'm glad that I read it. I am eagerly awaiting being able to read more of Ms. Fairbanks books in the future.
What if Darcy and Elizabeth speak about Bingley and Wickham rationally when he attempts to give her his letter? That is the premise of this book although I do not think Elizabeth would have had her feelings change as quickly as they did. It was also sad to see Bingley exposed as fickle and Jane the supposed spinster for years.mi loved her story when she did find happiness, and Jane coming out of her shell.
This was an interesting story, more about Jane than Elizabeth (which I personally liked). Jane had to grow and realize herself more than Elizabeth did. Mrs Bennet was horrible, but funny in !y opinion. Darcy and Elizabeth ended together, but Jane's suitors will surprise you. I love who she ends with. I loved the ending. Incredibly written and highly recommended to read
In Kent, Elizabeth and Darcy meet again after the disastrous proposal and talk, which leads to interesting developments. Meanwhile, after being abandoned by Bingley due to some misunderstandings, Jane has the chance to renew an old acquaintance... you have to read this one.
With this Pride and Prejudice variation a few small unfinished businesses can change the future in a big way. What happens when Bingley goes on a voyage, when a figure from the past visits Netherfield Park. What is Darcy's letter only contain a few sentences...
It is just sheer craziness as to what becomes of poor Bingley and heart broken Jane. Loved that this variation mixed it up for these two and the last half of the book was focused on Jane. Crazy, I tell you!
If you are very familiar with canon, the first thirty something prosent contains a lot of rehash but if you are not it's a lovely read. Entering days after the Netherfield ball, Darcy and Bingley's sisters doesn't follow him to town before a fortnight has passed and that results in a couple more conversations between ODC. The proposal in Kent follows Canon but then the story ventures off... They reach an understanding in London soon after and the last part of the book is largely about Jane's road to happiness.