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Jane Austen Reimaginings #3
No Cause to Repine: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Librarian Note: Alternate/new cover edition for ASIN# B00VFK48V6.
When a simple accident is misinterpreted and threatens Elizabeth Bennet's reputation, her fate seems sealed as Fitzwilliam Darcy's wife. While the bride is resigned, the gentleman could hardly be happier until betrayals and schemes threaten to entirely take the matter out of their hands. Overcoming the plots before them will take all the patience, perseverance and collaboration they can muster, but a partnership requires truth. Self-discovery and trust await Jane Austen's most beloved and willfully blind couple as they attempt to master their own destiny in life and love.
When a simple accident is misinterpreted and threatens Elizabeth Bennet's reputation, her fate seems sealed as Fitzwilliam Darcy's wife. While the bride is resigned, the gentleman could hardly be happier until betrayals and schemes threaten to entirely take the matter out of their hands. Overcoming the plots before them will take all the patience, perseverance and collaboration they can muster, but a partnership requires truth. Self-discovery and trust await Jane Austen's most beloved and willfully blind couple as they attempt to master their own destiny in life and love.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2015
80 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Rose Fairbanks
61 books112 followersRose 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 25, 2021
Phew! I read this one after Suddenly, Mrs Darcy and so this was a breath of fresh air. Back came the wit! Back came the romance! Back came bumbling Darcy! Ah! Thank you! Loved it!
Edit: Read again and still loved it.
Edit: Read again and still loved it.
August 8, 2016
Dear reader,
If you are looking for a sweet,comprehensive and well written variation,then this is the book for you!
Centred around a forced marriage,we witness the many changes Darcy makes to ensure he is acceptable to Elizabeth,and see how she,in turn,starts to slowly fall in love with him.
We learn more of the backstory of Lady C. abs perhaps understand if not totally excuse the various plots and she employs to guarantee a marriage between Darcy and Anne.
Loved to read of the pains Darcy went to,to ensure the physical safety and reputation of the Bennet family,particularly Lydia,when faced with Wickham's scheme.
Also loved reading the epilogue,and being privy to what happened to ODC and their extended family.
Recommended to Austen fans who are looking for a low angst read.
If you are looking for a sweet,comprehensive and well written variation,then this is the book for you!
Centred around a forced marriage,we witness the many changes Darcy makes to ensure he is acceptable to Elizabeth,and see how she,in turn,starts to slowly fall in love with him.
We learn more of the backstory of Lady C. abs perhaps understand if not totally excuse the various plots and she employs to guarantee a marriage between Darcy and Anne.
Loved to read of the pains Darcy went to,to ensure the physical safety and reputation of the Bennet family,particularly Lydia,when faced with Wickham's scheme.
Also loved reading the epilogue,and being privy to what happened to ODC and their extended family.
Recommended to Austen fans who are looking for a low angst read.
July 16, 2015
What If Mr. Darcy Fell into a Compromising Position?!?
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Variation
SETTING: March 1812 during Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s simultaneous visits to Kent
MAIN CHARACTERS: Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet, Lady Catherine, Mr. Bennet, George Wickham, Georgiana Darcy
WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS NOVEL:
- I enjoyed Letters from the Heart, a charming novella variation by Rose Fairbanks and wanted to see what she would do with a full-length novel.
- I love premises that explore compromising situations and forced marriages!
- It seems like Lady Catherine plays a prominent role in this variation, I always love to see what mischief and schemes she gets into!
WHAT I LOVED:
- A Compelling Premise: Oh yesssss! Another compromising situation and forced marriage! Can we ever have too many of them? (Answer: no, definitely not!) And this scenario takes an interesting twist as Darcy and Elizabeth are somewhat forestalled in proceeding with their forced marriage by other – well for lack of a better word – forces! Not everyone believes that Elizabeth’s reputation is tarnished and some try to exert their control in this situation…
- Darcy is All the Things: He’s perceptive, passionate, and extremely honorable – just everything you could possibly love about him. (Don’t worry, he still has flaws!) In this variation he shows a lot of intuition and quickly perceives Elizabeth’s unfavorable feelings for him and how she formed such a negative impression of his character. But at the same time, he is a man ardently in love and to see his vulnerability for Elizabeth and his need for her willing affection made my heart melt! I also loved seeing Darcy come to feel remorse for Elizabeth for being trapped into this situation and seeing him compare his reserved nature with Jane Bennet’s…very insightful!
- Lizzy Falling in Love: After seeing Darcy come to her defense to his most infuriated and intimidating relation, Elizabeth immediately senses she gravely misunderstood Darcy’s character. She softens her opinions and gives him the benefit of the doubt in regards to Wickham, but she doesn’t immediately fall in love. I loved seeing the moments where she analyzes her feelings and questions what love is. In addition, I also loved seeing her defend Darcy, protect his feelings, and show in little ways that she was beginning to care for him. *sigh*
- The History of Lady Catherine: I love it when an author reveals something we don’t know about Jane - Austen’s characters. In this variation we learn about Lady Catherine’s past, and with this history her behavior and strong desire for Darcy and Anne to marry becomes a bit more understandable. What drove Lady Catherine to such lengths is a circumstance not too uncommon for the this period, but one we frequently don’t see in Austenesque novels.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Waiting on Wickham: Of course Wickham is up to no good. That’s no surprise! (Although, it was quite a fun surprise to learn who he is in cohorts with!) But it sort’ve felt like we were waiting a long time for his nefarious schemes and actions to take place. And when there was a plan to stop Wickham, it involved more waiting and putting someone in a potentially dangerous circumstance. It just left me wondering if Darcy would really allow something like that to happen…
CONCLUSION:
No Cause to Repine is a splendidly romantic and enjoyable tale! I greatly enjoyed how Ms. Fairbanks invented such a thoughtful premise and developed such perceptive and characters! I definitely recommend this variation to readers who enjoy seeing Darcy and Elizabeth in forced situations and love witnessing a gradual growth of consideration, understanding, and love.
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Variation
SETTING: March 1812 during Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s simultaneous visits to Kent
MAIN CHARACTERS: Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet, Lady Catherine, Mr. Bennet, George Wickham, Georgiana Darcy
WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS NOVEL:
- I enjoyed Letters from the Heart, a charming novella variation by Rose Fairbanks and wanted to see what she would do with a full-length novel.
- I love premises that explore compromising situations and forced marriages!
- It seems like Lady Catherine plays a prominent role in this variation, I always love to see what mischief and schemes she gets into!
WHAT I LOVED:
- A Compelling Premise: Oh yesssss! Another compromising situation and forced marriage! Can we ever have too many of them? (Answer: no, definitely not!) And this scenario takes an interesting twist as Darcy and Elizabeth are somewhat forestalled in proceeding with their forced marriage by other – well for lack of a better word – forces! Not everyone believes that Elizabeth’s reputation is tarnished and some try to exert their control in this situation…
- Darcy is All the Things: He’s perceptive, passionate, and extremely honorable – just everything you could possibly love about him. (Don’t worry, he still has flaws!) In this variation he shows a lot of intuition and quickly perceives Elizabeth’s unfavorable feelings for him and how she formed such a negative impression of his character. But at the same time, he is a man ardently in love and to see his vulnerability for Elizabeth and his need for her willing affection made my heart melt! I also loved seeing Darcy come to feel remorse for Elizabeth for being trapped into this situation and seeing him compare his reserved nature with Jane Bennet’s…very insightful!
- Lizzy Falling in Love: After seeing Darcy come to her defense to his most infuriated and intimidating relation, Elizabeth immediately senses she gravely misunderstood Darcy’s character. She softens her opinions and gives him the benefit of the doubt in regards to Wickham, but she doesn’t immediately fall in love. I loved seeing the moments where she analyzes her feelings and questions what love is. In addition, I also loved seeing her defend Darcy, protect his feelings, and show in little ways that she was beginning to care for him. *sigh*
- The History of Lady Catherine: I love it when an author reveals something we don’t know about Jane - Austen’s characters. In this variation we learn about Lady Catherine’s past, and with this history her behavior and strong desire for Darcy and Anne to marry becomes a bit more understandable. What drove Lady Catherine to such lengths is a circumstance not too uncommon for the this period, but one we frequently don’t see in Austenesque novels.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Waiting on Wickham: Of course Wickham is up to no good. That’s no surprise! (Although, it was quite a fun surprise to learn who he is in cohorts with!) But it sort’ve felt like we were waiting a long time for his nefarious schemes and actions to take place. And when there was a plan to stop Wickham, it involved more waiting and putting someone in a potentially dangerous circumstance. It just left me wondering if Darcy would really allow something like that to happen…
CONCLUSION:
No Cause to Repine is a splendidly romantic and enjoyable tale! I greatly enjoyed how Ms. Fairbanks invented such a thoughtful premise and developed such perceptive and characters! I definitely recommend this variation to readers who enjoy seeing Darcy and Elizabeth in forced situations and love witnessing a gradual growth of consideration, understanding, and love.
December 29, 2015
Really 3.5 Stars
I expected this book would be mesmerizing due to the other reviews. This Darcy was too good to be true, even though there were some really sweet scenes between ODC. Mr. Bennet was an interesting character. Lydia and Wickham were just not believable. There were some good plot twists and I'd read another book by this author... Her next one looks good...
I expected this book would be mesmerizing due to the other reviews. This Darcy was too good to be true, even though there were some really sweet scenes between ODC. Mr. Bennet was an interesting character. Lydia and Wickham were just not believable. There were some good plot twists and I'd read another book by this author... Her next one looks good...
July 19, 2015
Again we have a story of compromise and forced marriage between Darcy and Elizabeth. I do adore such. The “situation” occurs almost immediately in this story first set in the Hunsford Parsonage but before the planned proposal. And to make the worst of matters it just happens to be our “dear” Mr. Collins, his wife, her sister and the maid who walk in on the unfortunate scene. Of course, Darcy then offers his hand and is all happy to have gained what he sees as the natural outcome for his intentions anyway.
Meanwhile, to back up (and the author does that a lot in this story as she presents one viewpoint, stops, and goes back to the other viewpoint) Mr. Collins has, as expected, run off to relate all to his noble patroness. Darcy sits at Hunsford as he awaits Lady C.’s arrival and Elizabeth begins to see how protective Darcy is towards those for whom he cares.
Lady Catherine plays a very large role in this book and we learn some of her motivation when we are educated as to her own personal history, going back to her own parents’ relationship. She, indeed, has been planning to have her way for a very long time and has enrolled several miscreants as the enablers. Her tentacles reach far and insidiously into others’ lives. You may (or may not) be surprised at not only whom she has employed but how far back her schemes go and upon who they were directed.
(Some SPOILERS) As Darcy and Elizabeth escape Lady C.’s tirade and travel to London and onward to Longbourn he begins to learn some of Elizabeth’s feelings. (He has been acting as if they are lovers, calling her sweet names and endearments.) His meeting with Mr. Bennet is dramatic, to say the least, especially when Mr. B. shouts at him what he knows of Elizabeth’s true feeling about Darcy! Darcy does take steps to not only right the separation of Bingley and Jane but also to protect young ladies, his future “sisters” from Wickham. Further on, we meet a charming dog, Alfred, off and on, upon whose ear Darcy bespeaks all the feelings and misunderstandings in his meeting, and then his relationship, with Elizabeth.
Colonel Fitzwilliam’s role in the family and in our story takes on a new role. Anne de Bourgh and her mother show up in London and Anne’s ill health takes a surprising turn. Wickham, Lydia and a few new characters have interactions which extend this tale beyond a simple courtship narration. Jane’s and Bingley’s relationship is allowed to be much more open and proceeds on a natural course, despite his sisters and the time he has been away. Mr. Bennet’s objections to this forced marriage are loud and vehement and backed up by several other parties having bent his ear before Darcy enters his library.
Some of what I found pleasing in reading of ODC’s courtship was their letters to each other, some of which included excerpts of poetry. Although I do not personally read much poetry I do enjoy reading stories in which the author has found the perfect excerpt of such to use in correspondence or conversation between two lovers.
I did enjoy this story but have to say that although it was a sweet rendering there were not a lot of new variations in the telling.
Meanwhile, to back up (and the author does that a lot in this story as she presents one viewpoint, stops, and goes back to the other viewpoint) Mr. Collins has, as expected, run off to relate all to his noble patroness. Darcy sits at Hunsford as he awaits Lady C.’s arrival and Elizabeth begins to see how protective Darcy is towards those for whom he cares.
Lady Catherine plays a very large role in this book and we learn some of her motivation when we are educated as to her own personal history, going back to her own parents’ relationship. She, indeed, has been planning to have her way for a very long time and has enrolled several miscreants as the enablers. Her tentacles reach far and insidiously into others’ lives. You may (or may not) be surprised at not only whom she has employed but how far back her schemes go and upon who they were directed.
(Some SPOILERS) As Darcy and Elizabeth escape Lady C.’s tirade and travel to London and onward to Longbourn he begins to learn some of Elizabeth’s feelings. (He has been acting as if they are lovers, calling her sweet names and endearments.) His meeting with Mr. Bennet is dramatic, to say the least, especially when Mr. B. shouts at him what he knows of Elizabeth’s true feeling about Darcy! Darcy does take steps to not only right the separation of Bingley and Jane but also to protect young ladies, his future “sisters” from Wickham. Further on, we meet a charming dog, Alfred, off and on, upon whose ear Darcy bespeaks all the feelings and misunderstandings in his meeting, and then his relationship, with Elizabeth.
Colonel Fitzwilliam’s role in the family and in our story takes on a new role. Anne de Bourgh and her mother show up in London and Anne’s ill health takes a surprising turn. Wickham, Lydia and a few new characters have interactions which extend this tale beyond a simple courtship narration. Jane’s and Bingley’s relationship is allowed to be much more open and proceeds on a natural course, despite his sisters and the time he has been away. Mr. Bennet’s objections to this forced marriage are loud and vehement and backed up by several other parties having bent his ear before Darcy enters his library.
Some of what I found pleasing in reading of ODC’s courtship was their letters to each other, some of which included excerpts of poetry. Although I do not personally read much poetry I do enjoy reading stories in which the author has found the perfect excerpt of such to use in correspondence or conversation between two lovers.
I did enjoy this story but have to say that although it was a sweet rendering there were not a lot of new variations in the telling.
March 3, 2019
Accidental compromise
Darcy accidentally falls into Lizzy’s lap at Hundsford in front of witnesses coming in from outside. So she is compromised they are bound to marry.
But this a Darcy who hasn’t made the awful proposal so he has no idea how much Lizzy doesn’t like him and why. The rest of the book is Darcy and Lizzy changing manners and learning to compromise.
Sounds boring but there’s lots more. Many people are trying to break them up while others are supporting them.
A really good page turner. I recommend this book.
Darcy accidentally falls into Lizzy’s lap at Hundsford in front of witnesses coming in from outside. So she is compromised they are bound to marry.
But this a Darcy who hasn’t made the awful proposal so he has no idea how much Lizzy doesn’t like him and why. The rest of the book is Darcy and Lizzy changing manners and learning to compromise.
Sounds boring but there’s lots more. Many people are trying to break them up while others are supporting them.
A really good page turner. I recommend this book.
October 5, 2015
Unfortunately, this author and I do not get on together. I cannot explain it, just does not work for me and I find myself exceedingly bored.
May 1, 2016
An enjoyable variation! I like how the story flowed and the characters were true to form. I will read this one again!
June 19, 2016
4-stars: Road to HEA is not always a straight line: [Purchased as box set: Compromising Mr. Darcy]
This was a delightful read as you never knew what was going to happen. Several twists and turns were wonderfully crafted into a story that left you shocked and surprised.
Fairbanks did a superb job in crafting her words. The juxtaposition of canon dialogue was delivered in the most surprising ways, and yet was seamlessly woven into our story. It was such a giggle to see our favorite dialogue and poems delivered at unusual yet appropriate times. I totally didn’t expect it.
My favorite reviewers [you know who you are] have preceded me and written excellent reviews that will detail the story. I will comment on my take of the story itself. Like several JAFF variations, our story deals with a compromise, a very funny compromise when you see how Fairbanks delivered it. Who knew Darcy was clumsy.
Characters: similar to canon with a little something extra that propelled the story in a different way.
Lady Catherine: more devious and cunning than canon. Her back story was rather shocking as family secrets were revealed. Hey…people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. There isn’t a family in any country that is exempt from scandal if you go back far enough in the family tree. Anyway, her story is rather shocking and we are made to feel pity for her as she comes to grips with her crimes against the family. One reviewer suggested Darcy was too tame in dealing with her as those crimes were being revealed. I have to agree somewhat. Just because she has a shocking story does not absolve her from her evil plans. Fairbanks was most excellent as she wove financial history of the era into the story. It was an insight as to what motivated Lady Catherine in her machinations for financial and social gain.
Collins: more toady that canon, if that is possible. His willingness to assist Lady Catherine with his servile flattering and attitude toward his benefactress was simply disgusting. Poor Charlotte tried so hard to assist Elizabeth against her husband and the vitriol rantings from Lady Catherine.
Caroline was her delicious, foul, and fragrant self…I had to giggle as Darcy could smell her before she even approached. She was inserted in the story for comic relief and we see her story in the epilogue.
Bingley and Jane were their usual selves and I liked their HEA.
Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne de Bourgh: I loved our dear Colonel and we saw a different side to him and his place within the family. Anne had more page time than we usually see in JAFF. Her story was a bit sad as she dealt with her mother’s push for her to marry Darcy, when her heart was with another.
Wickham showed more intelligence in this JAFF than we have seen before. That made him a bit more dangerous as he cunningly worked to establish financial gain from the Darcy coffers. He truly had no heart, remorse or conscience. He was jealous, devious, cunning, a rake, scoundrel, and had no compunctions regarding dishonoring young innocents. In fact, it seemed to be his goal in life to destroy the lives of young women. His end was amazing and such a shock. He never realized that Darcy was one step ahead of him and had hired men to protect the Bennet girls from his devious plans. Wickham was so secure in his chess game with Darcy that he did not see the final checkmate that took him down.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet: WOW! I’ve never seen Mr. Bennet so described in any JAFF. Darcy walked into his study, looked around and evaluated our dear Mr. Bennet down to the ninth degree. It was a rather revealing summation. I was impressed that Fairbanks could do that. I’ve never seen it done before and was very intrigued at the way it was used. Mrs. Bennet was her usual self and provided comic relief by actually fainting, for real, at one point.
Darcy and Elizabeth: Let’s just say ODC had to work hard for their HEA. The distance from dislike to love is not always a straight line. Darcy loved and loved completely. He was so secure in his beliefs that Elizabeth felt the same that it was devastating when he found out she disliked him. Elizabeth was so stunned that Mr. Darcy ardently loved her that she had to rethink every conversation they had ever had.
This took a while. Readers accustomed to short stories and fast paced novellas are strained to endure a slower paced story. I liked watching the evolution of Elizabeth’s regard for Mr. Darcy. Wickham’s lies, the interference of Jane and Bingley, and her prejudice had to be overcome step by step. I loved that Mr. Darcy was willing to wait until she came full circle and was able to like and finally love him. He was willing to let her transition at her own pace and knew that when he won her, she would be his completely. Their letter writing was so touching and at times my heart did a pitter patter as I sighed aloud. It was a good story.
I love a good epilogue and was not disappointed with this one. What a hoot.
This was a delightful read as you never knew what was going to happen. Several twists and turns were wonderfully crafted into a story that left you shocked and surprised.
Fairbanks did a superb job in crafting her words. The juxtaposition of canon dialogue was delivered in the most surprising ways, and yet was seamlessly woven into our story. It was such a giggle to see our favorite dialogue and poems delivered at unusual yet appropriate times. I totally didn’t expect it.
My favorite reviewers [you know who you are] have preceded me and written excellent reviews that will detail the story. I will comment on my take of the story itself. Like several JAFF variations, our story deals with a compromise, a very funny compromise when you see how Fairbanks delivered it. Who knew Darcy was clumsy.
Characters: similar to canon with a little something extra that propelled the story in a different way.
Lady Catherine: more devious and cunning than canon. Her back story was rather shocking as family secrets were revealed. Hey…people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. There isn’t a family in any country that is exempt from scandal if you go back far enough in the family tree. Anyway, her story is rather shocking and we are made to feel pity for her as she comes to grips with her crimes against the family. One reviewer suggested Darcy was too tame in dealing with her as those crimes were being revealed. I have to agree somewhat. Just because she has a shocking story does not absolve her from her evil plans. Fairbanks was most excellent as she wove financial history of the era into the story. It was an insight as to what motivated Lady Catherine in her machinations for financial and social gain.
Collins: more toady that canon, if that is possible. His willingness to assist Lady Catherine with his servile flattering and attitude toward his benefactress was simply disgusting. Poor Charlotte tried so hard to assist Elizabeth against her husband and the vitriol rantings from Lady Catherine.
Caroline was her delicious, foul, and fragrant self…I had to giggle as Darcy could smell her before she even approached. She was inserted in the story for comic relief and we see her story in the epilogue.
Bingley and Jane were their usual selves and I liked their HEA.
Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne de Bourgh: I loved our dear Colonel and we saw a different side to him and his place within the family. Anne had more page time than we usually see in JAFF. Her story was a bit sad as she dealt with her mother’s push for her to marry Darcy, when her heart was with another.
Wickham showed more intelligence in this JAFF than we have seen before. That made him a bit more dangerous as he cunningly worked to establish financial gain from the Darcy coffers. He truly had no heart, remorse or conscience. He was jealous, devious, cunning, a rake, scoundrel, and had no compunctions regarding dishonoring young innocents. In fact, it seemed to be his goal in life to destroy the lives of young women. His end was amazing and such a shock. He never realized that Darcy was one step ahead of him and had hired men to protect the Bennet girls from his devious plans. Wickham was so secure in his chess game with Darcy that he did not see the final checkmate that took him down.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet: WOW! I’ve never seen Mr. Bennet so described in any JAFF. Darcy walked into his study, looked around and evaluated our dear Mr. Bennet down to the ninth degree. It was a rather revealing summation. I was impressed that Fairbanks could do that. I’ve never seen it done before and was very intrigued at the way it was used. Mrs. Bennet was her usual self and provided comic relief by actually fainting, for real, at one point.
Darcy and Elizabeth: Let’s just say ODC had to work hard for their HEA. The distance from dislike to love is not always a straight line. Darcy loved and loved completely. He was so secure in his beliefs that Elizabeth felt the same that it was devastating when he found out she disliked him. Elizabeth was so stunned that Mr. Darcy ardently loved her that she had to rethink every conversation they had ever had.
This took a while. Readers accustomed to short stories and fast paced novellas are strained to endure a slower paced story. I liked watching the evolution of Elizabeth’s regard for Mr. Darcy. Wickham’s lies, the interference of Jane and Bingley, and her prejudice had to be overcome step by step. I loved that Mr. Darcy was willing to wait until she came full circle and was able to like and finally love him. He was willing to let her transition at her own pace and knew that when he won her, she would be his completely. Their letter writing was so touching and at times my heart did a pitter patter as I sighed aloud. It was a good story.
I love a good epilogue and was not disappointed with this one. What a hoot.
May 21, 2015
I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this book! I have read hundreds of Pride and Prejudice Variations and this was a good one! The point in the book where the variation begins is in the parsonage before the dreaded proposal and I LOVED what happened there! Elizabeth's respect and feelings SLOWLY grow rather than in 2 days time she is deeply in love as is the case in many other variations. Mr. Darcy grows kinder towards her family MUCH faster in this book in fact its in the carriage ride! He seems to humble himself very quickly which makes lots of room for lovely courting scenes all throughout the book. He was Elizabeths Champion with Lady Catherine and that was LOVELY! In this variation he was VERY open with his past with wickham more open than I have seen before. I was not a big fan of Mr. Bennett. I felt like he was kind of a jerk ha ha but SOMEONE has to be the jerk :)This is EXTREMELY Low angst in fact I would say there was none which in my eyes gives makes it a lovely rainy afternoon book. ALSO there are no sexual scenes described in this book which I LOVED!! Great Read if you are a BIG fan of Elizabeth and Darcy!
May 12, 2016
having omitted a review of this story I re-read it when I got https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
This is a P&P variation where when Darcy pays his call upon Miss Bennet at the the parsonage while the Collins are out [the you can't have always been at Longbourn and what are 50 miles of good road day] Upon rising to leave Mr. Darcy stumbles and falls upon Miss Bennet's person just as the Collins and Miss Lucas return.
Darcy immediately proposes to protect Lizzy's reputation and they flee Rosings to escape Lady Catherine's wrath.
Mr. Bennet is less than inclined to allow Lizzy to marry Mr. Darcy and insists upon waiting to see if the 'compromise' is made public. Lady Catherine offers Mr. Bennet a hefty bribe to stop the engagement, that isn't. Darcy is left to court Lizzy in secret.
There is loads and loads and loads of drama and angst. To the point of absurdity. And the ending just gets dragged out,
This is a P&P variation where when Darcy pays his call upon Miss Bennet at the the parsonage while the Collins are out [the you can't have always been at Longbourn and what are 50 miles of good road day] Upon rising to leave Mr. Darcy stumbles and falls upon Miss Bennet's person just as the Collins and Miss Lucas return.
Darcy immediately proposes to protect Lizzy's reputation and they flee Rosings to escape Lady Catherine's wrath.
Mr. Bennet is less than inclined to allow Lizzy to marry Mr. Darcy and insists upon waiting to see if the 'compromise' is made public. Lady Catherine offers Mr. Bennet a hefty bribe to stop the engagement, that isn't. Darcy is left to court Lizzy in secret.
There is loads and loads and loads of drama and angst. To the point of absurdity. And the ending just gets dragged out,
February 28, 2021
A lovely "what if"
I really enjoyed this twist to a beloved story, the original way in which an accident forces Elizabeth to view Darcy in a new perspective and they find their way to a love for a lifetime. I really enjoy this author's stories!
I really enjoyed this twist to a beloved story, the original way in which an accident forces Elizabeth to view Darcy in a new perspective and they find their way to a love for a lifetime. I really enjoy this author's stories!
July 27, 2023
Enjoyed it
A rather interesting and action packed variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Rose Fairbanks. I enjoyed it.
A rather interesting and action packed variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Rose Fairbanks. I enjoyed it.
May 11, 2015
Great fun, with insider jokes aplenty
No Cause to Repine by Rose Fairbanks
4.5 stars
Like, no doubt, many of those who may be attracted to this book, I’ve read Jane Austen’s novels many times, as well as my fair share of Jane Austen fan fiction/alternate universe works. A whole industry has sprung up reinterpreting Miss Austen’s works, and I’m in the thick of those who like to read those reimaginings. Some are very well done, entertaining and thought-provoking. Others? Well, not really.
This book stands among those that are well done.
Through a complete accident, Mr. Darcy finds himself having compromised Miss Elizabeth Bennet during a fateful one-on-one meeting at Hunsford Parsonage. Things are not as they seem when Mr. and Mrs. Collins and Miss Lucas walk in, but it looks bad. Darcy, being who he is, immediately offers marriage, though he is not displeased at the prospect because he is in love with Elizabeth and supposes she feels the same about him. Elizabeth, recognizing that there really is no viable alternative, accepts his proposal despite the fact that she cannot abide the man.
And away we go.
As you can imagine, the hijinks of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, the obstinate refusal of Mr. Bennet to accept the situation, and the lurking threat of Mr. Wickham all come to bear on the resulting happenings. The author develops the characters well and consistently with their established personalities - something which I appreciate. I will also give the author credit for not completely clinging to established canon in her cast - I enjoy seeing new interpretations of the P&P universe when written well, and these are. Toward the end of the book it seemed the pacing got faster and faster, almost as if an overzealous editor had done a bit of slash and burn to shorten the novel; Lady Catherine’s capitulation seemed too rushed to be completely believable, and Mr. Wickham is more of a shadow puppet than an actual character in this book - but these are fairly minor quibbles. Where Ms. Fairbanks really shines is in the development of the relationship between our hero and heroine, which was fresh and sincere in a genre that’s spent a lot of time reconciling these two people over and over again.
The author has worked in many recognizable phrases from the Austen novel which serve as a wink and nudge to those of us who delight in these. She also used the book’s title, or bits of it, more than once and in a few cases it feels as if she tried too hard to make the use relevant. The book has a few typos and one apparent word misuse, but these are easily overlooked when the story is entertaining - and this one definitely is. I solidly recommend this to any Janeite who enjoys an alternate telling - this is a well-written path not travelled.
No Cause to Repine by Rose Fairbanks
4.5 stars
Like, no doubt, many of those who may be attracted to this book, I’ve read Jane Austen’s novels many times, as well as my fair share of Jane Austen fan fiction/alternate universe works. A whole industry has sprung up reinterpreting Miss Austen’s works, and I’m in the thick of those who like to read those reimaginings. Some are very well done, entertaining and thought-provoking. Others? Well, not really.
This book stands among those that are well done.
Through a complete accident, Mr. Darcy finds himself having compromised Miss Elizabeth Bennet during a fateful one-on-one meeting at Hunsford Parsonage. Things are not as they seem when Mr. and Mrs. Collins and Miss Lucas walk in, but it looks bad. Darcy, being who he is, immediately offers marriage, though he is not displeased at the prospect because he is in love with Elizabeth and supposes she feels the same about him. Elizabeth, recognizing that there really is no viable alternative, accepts his proposal despite the fact that she cannot abide the man.
And away we go.
As you can imagine, the hijinks of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, the obstinate refusal of Mr. Bennet to accept the situation, and the lurking threat of Mr. Wickham all come to bear on the resulting happenings. The author develops the characters well and consistently with their established personalities - something which I appreciate. I will also give the author credit for not completely clinging to established canon in her cast - I enjoy seeing new interpretations of the P&P universe when written well, and these are. Toward the end of the book it seemed the pacing got faster and faster, almost as if an overzealous editor had done a bit of slash and burn to shorten the novel; Lady Catherine’s capitulation seemed too rushed to be completely believable, and Mr. Wickham is more of a shadow puppet than an actual character in this book - but these are fairly minor quibbles. Where Ms. Fairbanks really shines is in the development of the relationship between our hero and heroine, which was fresh and sincere in a genre that’s spent a lot of time reconciling these two people over and over again.
The author has worked in many recognizable phrases from the Austen novel which serve as a wink and nudge to those of us who delight in these. She also used the book’s title, or bits of it, more than once and in a few cases it feels as if she tried too hard to make the use relevant. The book has a few typos and one apparent word misuse, but these are easily overlooked when the story is entertaining - and this one definitely is. I solidly recommend this to any Janeite who enjoys an alternate telling - this is a well-written path not travelled.
May 11, 2015
*I received a copy of this novel for my fair and honest review*
And I must say I honestly loved this retelling! One misstep is all it takes for Mr. Darcy to get what he wants, but Miss Bennet is not so easy to give in. To have a true relationship, the kind they both desire, they must both be honest and forthcoming with all their own misgivings and wrong interpretations of each other's feelings.
It is a wonderful story with the intrigue that is George Wickham and, of course, the most seriously displeased Lady Catherine! I like the interactions between Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet. Rose Fairbanks writes their conversations very well. And in the true form of Miss Austen herself.
The only character I was miffed at was Mr. Bennet! How dare he be so mean to Mr. Darcy! LOL I feel like these are my friends and when one doesn't act right I want to talk sense to them.
The twists that Ms. Fairbanks adds to the story for Miss de Bourgh and for Mr. Darcy's cousin are very well done. I don't want to spoil the book, but I love what the author did there! In just about every novel I've read about these very wonderful people, I always say a thank you for Mr. & Mrs. Gardiner's good sense, and I will say it here again!
The story line is fresh without taking our favorite characters on an impossible journey. The writing is superb! And the teaser at the end leaves me wanting the next "what-if" to be here sooner than summer! I feel the author knows these characters very well. As another JAFF reader, I find it hard to believe she has only written 4 books! The depth of character seems like she has "sat with these people" for much longer!
Highly recommend this one!!
And I must say I honestly loved this retelling! One misstep is all it takes for Mr. Darcy to get what he wants, but Miss Bennet is not so easy to give in. To have a true relationship, the kind they both desire, they must both be honest and forthcoming with all their own misgivings and wrong interpretations of each other's feelings.
It is a wonderful story with the intrigue that is George Wickham and, of course, the most seriously displeased Lady Catherine! I like the interactions between Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet. Rose Fairbanks writes their conversations very well. And in the true form of Miss Austen herself.
The only character I was miffed at was Mr. Bennet! How dare he be so mean to Mr. Darcy! LOL I feel like these are my friends and when one doesn't act right I want to talk sense to them.
The twists that Ms. Fairbanks adds to the story for Miss de Bourgh and for Mr. Darcy's cousin are very well done. I don't want to spoil the book, but I love what the author did there! In just about every novel I've read about these very wonderful people, I always say a thank you for Mr. & Mrs. Gardiner's good sense, and I will say it here again!
The story line is fresh without taking our favorite characters on an impossible journey. The writing is superb! And the teaser at the end leaves me wanting the next "what-if" to be here sooner than summer! I feel the author knows these characters very well. As another JAFF reader, I find it hard to believe she has only written 4 books! The depth of character seems like she has "sat with these people" for much longer!
Highly recommend this one!!
May 11, 2015
No Cause To Repine
by Rose Fairbanks
I was given a copy in return for an honest review.
Hmm Darcy and Elizabeth "No Cause to Repine"
After Elizabeth refused Mr. Darcy's first proposal, they ultimately did become betrothed. It was not under the most ideal of circumstances.
In this novel, Rose Fairbanks gives us a very compelling tale. We learn a lot about them and their lives. Darcy and Eliizabeth learn too.
Darcy and Elizabeth cannot have an open and public courtship. This brings a multitude of hardships to this budding relationship. They must keep Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins and that dastardly Wickham from ruining not only their lives but those of their families.
Darcy and Elizabeth have difficulties along the way to discovering their feelings for one another, unknown facts about each of their own families and that of the others. family.
Rose Fairbanks weaves all of this into a delightful story. As the couple learns about relationships amid mystery, romantic desires and dastardly deeds, you as the reader are drawn into the events and do not want to put the book down.
For all readers of P&P Variations this is an absolutely must have and read novel. For all readrs of romance It is also a must read.
One of the best P&P Variations to date.
There will be no reason for you to repine.
by Rose Fairbanks
I was given a copy in return for an honest review.
Hmm Darcy and Elizabeth "No Cause to Repine"
After Elizabeth refused Mr. Darcy's first proposal, they ultimately did become betrothed. It was not under the most ideal of circumstances.
In this novel, Rose Fairbanks gives us a very compelling tale. We learn a lot about them and their lives. Darcy and Eliizabeth learn too.
Darcy and Elizabeth cannot have an open and public courtship. This brings a multitude of hardships to this budding relationship. They must keep Lady Catherine, Mr. Collins and that dastardly Wickham from ruining not only their lives but those of their families.
Darcy and Elizabeth have difficulties along the way to discovering their feelings for one another, unknown facts about each of their own families and that of the others. family.
Rose Fairbanks weaves all of this into a delightful story. As the couple learns about relationships amid mystery, romantic desires and dastardly deeds, you as the reader are drawn into the events and do not want to put the book down.
For all readers of P&P Variations this is an absolutely must have and read novel. For all readrs of romance It is also a must read.
One of the best P&P Variations to date.
There will be no reason for you to repine.
May 9, 2015
In exchange for an honest review I received a free advanced copy of this book. No Cause to Repine starts off at the Hunsford Parsonage. Mr. Darcy is visiting Elizabeth while the other ladies are gone from the house. These two talk for a few minutes and Darcy realizes the danger of the situation and gets up to leave. Fate somehow intervenes and Darcy trips over the rug and into Elizabeth's lap. To make matters worst guess who shows up at that moment? If you guessed the Collinses and Maria Lucas you would be right. Of course Mr. Collins could not keep said information to his self and runs off to Rosings to inform Lady Catherine of the latest news. We all know Mr. Collins very well and instead of saying it was an innocent accident, he accuses Elizabeth of prostituting and imposing herself on Darcy. Throughout the book you have Lady Cat and her side kick Collins trying to break Darcy's and Elizabeth's engagement. Let's not forget about the notorious Wickham who is (drum roll) in Lady Cat's employ. Wickham does what Wickham always does, try to find a way to get money from Darcy. I must say that I really enjoyed book. I loved it. It gives JAFF variations a whole new meaning. I would recommend this book to any Jane Austen Fan. Mrs. Fairbanks once again has outdone herself and has given us a story to remember.
May 8, 2015
Received an advanced copy for an honest review.
This book starts off with Darcy visiting Elizabeth at the Hunsford Parsonage with the other ladies gone from the house. They talk for a few minutes and when Darcy goes to leave he trips over the rug and falls into her lap. Guess who shows up at that moment? If you guessed the Collinses and Maria Lucas you would be right. Mr Collins accuses Elizabeth of imposing herself on Darcy and the fun begins. Throughout the book you have a irate Lady Catherine trying her best to break the engagement between the two. At one point she has Mr Collins help her. Wickham is in the employ of her also and is also trying to break them up. But towards the end of the book he is just trying to seduce Lydia into an elopement so he can collect more money off Darcy.
I have to say I enjoyed this book. Yeah the book did start slow at first but then all these events happen. I have to say I couldn't put the book down. I could have finished it sooner but real life takes over sometimes and you have to stop what you're doing to attend to it. I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys a good romance or anybody who loves a good JAFF book.
This book starts off with Darcy visiting Elizabeth at the Hunsford Parsonage with the other ladies gone from the house. They talk for a few minutes and when Darcy goes to leave he trips over the rug and falls into her lap. Guess who shows up at that moment? If you guessed the Collinses and Maria Lucas you would be right. Mr Collins accuses Elizabeth of imposing herself on Darcy and the fun begins. Throughout the book you have a irate Lady Catherine trying her best to break the engagement between the two. At one point she has Mr Collins help her. Wickham is in the employ of her also and is also trying to break them up. But towards the end of the book he is just trying to seduce Lydia into an elopement so he can collect more money off Darcy.
I have to say I enjoyed this book. Yeah the book did start slow at first but then all these events happen. I have to say I couldn't put the book down. I could have finished it sooner but real life takes over sometimes and you have to stop what you're doing to attend to it. I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys a good romance or anybody who loves a good JAFF book.
August 27, 2015
You all know by now that I like my variations :D
Here Darcy is about to propose, when something happens. And they have to get engaged in haste. I liked this, cos it was before he said all those stupid things. Instead they get to know each other, they talk, and Lizzy starts to doubt what she knows about him. Maybe she has been too prejudiced? Yes you have been.
They take things slow, because Lady Catherine is of course angry. Bingley and Jane will get their chance. There is still Wickham to worry about. But this is a nice variation and everyone will live happily ever after. I liked how at the end will learned what everyone did, who everyone married. I enjoyed that :)
It was a good variation. They way to learned about each other, fell in love (Darcy was of course in love already.)
Variations rock! I hope I never tire of them.
Here Darcy is about to propose, when something happens. And they have to get engaged in haste. I liked this, cos it was before he said all those stupid things. Instead they get to know each other, they talk, and Lizzy starts to doubt what she knows about him. Maybe she has been too prejudiced? Yes you have been.
They take things slow, because Lady Catherine is of course angry. Bingley and Jane will get their chance. There is still Wickham to worry about. But this is a nice variation and everyone will live happily ever after. I liked how at the end will learned what everyone did, who everyone married. I enjoyed that :)
It was a good variation. They way to learned about each other, fell in love (Darcy was of course in love already.)
Variations rock! I hope I never tire of them.
May 14, 2015
* I received an advanced copy for an honest review* I loved it! there is just the right amount of angst. Nothing with the plot didn't fit. She used lines from P&P that worked perfectly with her story line! Definitely a must read for anyone who likes to read retelling/alternate paths of Pride and Prejudice.
August 7, 2024
There were elements that I liked but every once in a while I came across something that I didn't get, so I found my attention drifting and I finished several other stories in the middle of reading this. There was a bit of thinking about what other characters are thinking, and some of it seemed to require quite a bit of guesswork, jumping to unwarranted conclusions, and mindreading. Some reasoning seemed contrived and convoluted, and a few plot elements didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. I don't know, it is possible I missed something when reading in such a piecemeal manner.
July 8, 2023
What I loved...
- This was grounded in a scene from the original story. The book starts when Lizzy is visiting Charlotte in Kent. We pick up in the scene where Darcy visits the parsonage, imagining all the ladies to be within, and encounters only Lizzy. All the events up to this point occurred as written in pride and Prejudice.
- The language throughout. Fairbanks cleverly repurposes language in the narrative and dialogue from the original story to meet the needs of this new story.
- The characters feel very true to Pride and Prejudice (with one exception)
- I liked the way Fairbanks used Wickham in this story.
What I struggled with...
- Particularly in the first half of the story (but also a little bit in the last half of the book) there were a number of shifts in tense, and shifts from third to first person. Mostly, this was to denote the thoughts of characters, but the text is not marked as thoughts using italics, which makes it very jarring.
- The story was quite long, which wouldn't have been a problem, but I feel that there was quite a lot of unnecessary repetition.
- I don't know that I can see Mr Bennet reacting to Darcy's proposal with such energy and anger, but that was the only thing that didn't quite ring true to me.
- This was grounded in a scene from the original story. The book starts when Lizzy is visiting Charlotte in Kent. We pick up in the scene where Darcy visits the parsonage, imagining all the ladies to be within, and encounters only Lizzy. All the events up to this point occurred as written in pride and Prejudice.
- The language throughout. Fairbanks cleverly repurposes language in the narrative and dialogue from the original story to meet the needs of this new story.
- The characters feel very true to Pride and Prejudice (with one exception)
- I liked the way Fairbanks used Wickham in this story.
What I struggled with...
- Particularly in the first half of the story (but also a little bit in the last half of the book) there were a number of shifts in tense, and shifts from third to first person. Mostly, this was to denote the thoughts of characters, but the text is not marked as thoughts using italics, which makes it very jarring.
- The story was quite long, which wouldn't have been a problem, but I feel that there was quite a lot of unnecessary repetition.
- I don't know that I can see Mr Bennet reacting to Darcy's proposal with such energy and anger, but that was the only thing that didn't quite ring true to me.
June 26, 2019
This story begins at Huntsford with a compromise with Elizabeth before Darcy can make his ill fated proposal. He couldn't be more pleased and openly declares his adoration. Elizabeth seems to realise almost straight away that she has assessed Darcy extremely poorly and her feelings soon start changing.
Although an understanding is reached straight away, there is a delay in announcing the engagement due to the scheming Wickham.... this is what let the story down for me. I felt far too much weight was given to this and I didn't find it particularly plausible.
We spend lots of time with Darcy and Elizabeth in this book and see their relationship changing and developing. We also see the letters they exchange which was quite cute!
This is a nice easy read with little real angst.
Although an understanding is reached straight away, there is a delay in announcing the engagement due to the scheming Wickham.... this is what let the story down for me. I felt far too much weight was given to this and I didn't find it particularly plausible.
We spend lots of time with Darcy and Elizabeth in this book and see their relationship changing and developing. We also see the letters they exchange which was quite cute!
This is a nice easy read with little real angst.
August 15, 2017
Needs much editing of substance
First of all, this variation should have been a novella or short story, not a full-length work. So much meaningless repetition, endless rehashing of misunderstanding, & almost no real plot. Sure, there are a couple of developments and extensions of the original story (no reveals or spoilers here) but not nearly enough to hold interest. I also found anachronisms and contradictions throughout. At least there were not many typos.
First of all, this variation should have been a novella or short story, not a full-length work. So much meaningless repetition, endless rehashing of misunderstanding, & almost no real plot. Sure, there are a couple of developments and extensions of the original story (no reveals or spoilers here) but not nearly enough to hold interest. I also found anachronisms and contradictions throughout. At least there were not many typos.
May 14, 2017
This story was very wordy and consisted of what happened to everyone in Darcy's family, Elizabeth's family, the Gardiner's family, Bingley's family. There was so much going on with everyone else, I felt cheated out of Darcy and Elizabeth.
November 16, 2019
2.5
I kept getting the feeling I’d read this before. I don’t think I have, though. Unless it was somewhere online before it was published? I liked the beginning, not so much the end section, though. It dragged a bit then.
I kept getting the feeling I’d read this before. I don’t think I have, though. Unless it was somewhere online before it was published? I liked the beginning, not so much the end section, though. It dragged a bit then.
May 13, 2020
Great storyline
I love that she took the story to the very end by telling about each character in the book and how things ended up. She never leaves you hanging or wondering what happened to all of them and ended with a satisfying chapter. Great story line. Worth the read!!!
I love that she took the story to the very end by telling about each character in the book and how things ended up. She never leaves you hanging or wondering what happened to all of them and ended with a satisfying chapter. Great story line. Worth the read!!!
Read
August 27, 2022DNF at 14%. Show, don’t tell. Please leave something for me to imagine. I don’t enjoy knowing Darcy and Elizabeth every thought.
June 9, 2015
*I got this book for free, from the author, in exchange for a fair review*
First off, I loved this as it was very realistic. I liked that Elizabeth didn't just fall in love with Darcy the minute they were informally engaged, or when he told her that he was in love with her. It was slow, and he gained her respect and love inch by inch. While I don't mind the stories with them being kind of swept away and falling in love right away, after so much angst, it's nice to take a breather and read something that is realistic. And see the story through the eyes of someone who is trying to find the best in her situation (both are), and go from there.
I'm interested in historical romances simply because the women of that time often had to choose between love and comfort. Or to maintain a certain appearance for their families, etc. So I loved the whole premise just for that reason.
Second, I loved Lady Catherine's storyline--which ties in my love for historical romances. I can see her being a very bitter and nosy old woman because she was older than her siblings, was married off to save her family from ruin, while her younger siblings (in her mind) got off scot free and ran off into the sunset, while she was stuck with a twit (in her mind). And then being too proud and scared to ask for help, but to do everything she could to get Anne and Darcy together. Again, I felt that this was very realistic. Nothing that made me go WHOA! in a bad way, but made me look at the character in a different way than I had before.
As a sidenote, I'll never forget when I had the realization that P&P Lady Catherine was just a nosy busybody that had nothing else to do but ride in an uncomfortable carriage for hours, just to make sure her nephew wasn't polluting the shades of Pemberley.
Lastly, I also liked how Caroline (although the part was small) immediately cosied up to Elizabeth. While I enjoy stories where Caroline does everything she can to disrespect Elizabeth after she finds out that they're engaged, Caroline is the type to privately throw a hissy fit, and then smile to your face. Again, so realistic of the time periods.
This book also speaks to the amount of research and time the author spent on talking about the particulars of Lady Catherine's debts. It was a really nice touch--a nice history lesson.
I'm a fast reader, so I read this within a day, but it's definitely something you don't want to put down. I only wish there'd been more Bingley and Jane. And Caroline (private hissy fit in next book please! Or outwardly scheming Caroline--I never thought she was as smart or accomplished as she thought she was).
First off, I loved this as it was very realistic. I liked that Elizabeth didn't just fall in love with Darcy the minute they were informally engaged, or when he told her that he was in love with her. It was slow, and he gained her respect and love inch by inch. While I don't mind the stories with them being kind of swept away and falling in love right away, after so much angst, it's nice to take a breather and read something that is realistic. And see the story through the eyes of someone who is trying to find the best in her situation (both are), and go from there.
I'm interested in historical romances simply because the women of that time often had to choose between love and comfort. Or to maintain a certain appearance for their families, etc. So I loved the whole premise just for that reason.
Second, I loved Lady Catherine's storyline--which ties in my love for historical romances. I can see her being a very bitter and nosy old woman because she was older than her siblings, was married off to save her family from ruin, while her younger siblings (in her mind) got off scot free and ran off into the sunset, while she was stuck with a twit (in her mind). And then being too proud and scared to ask for help, but to do everything she could to get Anne and Darcy together. Again, I felt that this was very realistic. Nothing that made me go WHOA! in a bad way, but made me look at the character in a different way than I had before.
As a sidenote, I'll never forget when I had the realization that P&P Lady Catherine was just a nosy busybody that had nothing else to do but ride in an uncomfortable carriage for hours, just to make sure her nephew wasn't polluting the shades of Pemberley.
Lastly, I also liked how Caroline (although the part was small) immediately cosied up to Elizabeth. While I enjoy stories where Caroline does everything she can to disrespect Elizabeth after she finds out that they're engaged, Caroline is the type to privately throw a hissy fit, and then smile to your face. Again, so realistic of the time periods.
This book also speaks to the amount of research and time the author spent on talking about the particulars of Lady Catherine's debts. It was a really nice touch--a nice history lesson.
I'm a fast reader, so I read this within a day, but it's definitely something you don't want to put down. I only wish there'd been more Bingley and Jane. And Caroline (private hissy fit in next book please! Or outwardly scheming Caroline--I never thought she was as smart or accomplished as she thought she was).
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