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Decisions and Consequences: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
Elizabeth Bennet has received two proposals of marriage in the last twelve one from her ridiculous cousin Mr. Collins and the other from the arrogant and disdainful Mr. Darcy. She turns both of them down flat. Unfortunately for her, between her mother’s insistence that she marry and some mysterious hold Mr. Darcy has over her father, she is forced to choose one.Fitzwilliam Darcy is a man in need of a wife. He has searched high and low amongst the high society women of London but has yet to meet someone who combines all the attributes he requires. When he meets Miss Elizabeth Bennet in the small market town of Meryton, he finds her pointed dislike of him refreshing in its honesty. After observing her for a while, he decides he will marry her, and instructs his solicitor to investigate Mr. Bennet in the hopes of finding some sort of leverage to force her to accept him.Though she chooses Darcy, Elizabeth is not happy. It takes weeks of being in his presence and learning his character, and the drama of people totally unrelated to her, to make Elizabeth see that that the consequence of her decision could possibly be a deep, abiding love.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2016
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July 26, 2016
3.5 stars
I came to purchase this book because a friend recommended it. However, friends do not have to agree on everything. I did not find this book to be exceptional. Much of it was the same story line as canon. HOWEVER, there is an interesting premise, which if this story had been developed better, would have elevated my opinion about the entire novel.
As the book description relates, Mr. Darcy has been hunting for a bride. Now in this variation, Mr. Darcy comes across as one of those "concrete, sequential" (black & white/1-2-3, A-B-C) personalities. He has a list of characteristics he desires in a wife. He has attended many balls and dinners in London during the season and upon finding someone he thinks fits the bill is then shocked to overhear her relate to her lover how she believes she has Darcy on her hook but how he is so droll. So "Honesty" is high on his list now.
He decides to take a break and travel with his friend, Bingley, to help him settle into his newly leased estate, Netherfield. Do I have to add how he attends the assembly and insults Elizabeth? However, in this version, in overhearing him Elizabeth gives as good as she takes. In relating to her friend, Charlotte, his words, she has them take two steps closer to his person in order to make sure he overhears her. Now she has his attention. Obviously, she does NOT like him and furthermore, she is honest in her opinion. So he decides to check her out and, as related in the book description, has his solicitor look into Mr. Bennet's background. He is not one to venture into any relationship until he has all the cards necessary in his hands. After all he knows she does not like him and he, too, is not marrying for love, but for a woman who will be a good mistress of his estates, who will not shame him in public and who will care for his family and any children who come along. (He witnesses her care of Jane at Netherfield, as in canon. They converse and she holds her own in such and in politely handling Caroline’s snipes.)
The reader learns of the information provided Darcy with which he can, if necessary, use to force Mr. Bennet's cooperation in making Elizabeth acquiesce to Darcy's proposal, but Elizabeth is not given those facts. And as told: she is presented with two proposals within a short span of time and immediately upon also turning down the second one, is told by her father that she MUST chose one or the other. At least, she is given a choice. And here Elizabeth does think it through. Despite knowing that Mr. Darcy has some hold over her father, she also realizes that she cannot choose Mr. Collins. Darcy DOES have intelligence, good conversation, and manners on his side...(Not to mention good looks.)
We, as readers, are treated to the period of prenuptial planning and do witness respectful conversations during courting. Of course, Elizabeth, tries to get Mr. Darcy to reveal what he has on her father, but he replies back that it is her father's choice to tell her or not. I found it rather amusing that neither person could put a name on why their bodily reactions to even just kisses were reactions of desiring more, of liking what had happened. Darcy put it down to now knowing she wouldn’t turn him away from her bed, that there was some evidence of passion. But I also found it a little nonsensical that Elizabeth would ask that he not consider her wanton for liking those kisses. How naïve are we suppose to opine about Elizabeth? I, for one in knowing that she is an intelligent woman and in having the fact that they are engaged for this period of time, would expect that kisses would be shared with no one thinking the action "wanton".
So much of the rest of the story is how love develops. However, we also have several side stories of romance in the making. And you know that Wickham has to have his part in the intrigue. That man is stopped short of having his way in Meryton when Elizabeth uses her knowledge about Darcy and the honor of character she has come to know to make a judgment call about Wickham’s story and to share it in all the right places. Wickham does not take that lightly.
This was an interesting read but I felt that at times it was flat and overall could have been better developed. The price is also a point of aggravation with me. I do know that authors don’t set prices but this one is overpriced for the length and quality given.
I came to purchase this book because a friend recommended it. However, friends do not have to agree on everything. I did not find this book to be exceptional. Much of it was the same story line as canon. HOWEVER, there is an interesting premise, which if this story had been developed better, would have elevated my opinion about the entire novel.
As the book description relates, Mr. Darcy has been hunting for a bride. Now in this variation, Mr. Darcy comes across as one of those "concrete, sequential" (black & white/1-2-3, A-B-C) personalities. He has a list of characteristics he desires in a wife. He has attended many balls and dinners in London during the season and upon finding someone he thinks fits the bill is then shocked to overhear her relate to her lover how she believes she has Darcy on her hook but how he is so droll. So "Honesty" is high on his list now.
He decides to take a break and travel with his friend, Bingley, to help him settle into his newly leased estate, Netherfield. Do I have to add how he attends the assembly and insults Elizabeth? However, in this version, in overhearing him Elizabeth gives as good as she takes. In relating to her friend, Charlotte, his words, she has them take two steps closer to his person in order to make sure he overhears her. Now she has his attention. Obviously, she does NOT like him and furthermore, she is honest in her opinion. So he decides to check her out and, as related in the book description, has his solicitor look into Mr. Bennet's background. He is not one to venture into any relationship until he has all the cards necessary in his hands. After all he knows she does not like him and he, too, is not marrying for love, but for a woman who will be a good mistress of his estates, who will not shame him in public and who will care for his family and any children who come along. (He witnesses her care of Jane at Netherfield, as in canon. They converse and she holds her own in such and in politely handling Caroline’s snipes.)
The reader learns of the information provided Darcy with which he can, if necessary, use to force Mr. Bennet's cooperation in making Elizabeth acquiesce to Darcy's proposal, but Elizabeth is not given those facts. And as told: she is presented with two proposals within a short span of time and immediately upon also turning down the second one, is told by her father that she MUST chose one or the other. At least, she is given a choice. And here Elizabeth does think it through. Despite knowing that Mr. Darcy has some hold over her father, she also realizes that she cannot choose Mr. Collins. Darcy DOES have intelligence, good conversation, and manners on his side...(Not to mention good looks.)
We, as readers, are treated to the period of prenuptial planning and do witness respectful conversations during courting. Of course, Elizabeth, tries to get Mr. Darcy to reveal what he has on her father, but he replies back that it is her father's choice to tell her or not. I found it rather amusing that neither person could put a name on why their bodily reactions to even just kisses were reactions of desiring more, of liking what had happened. Darcy put it down to now knowing she wouldn’t turn him away from her bed, that there was some evidence of passion. But I also found it a little nonsensical that Elizabeth would ask that he not consider her wanton for liking those kisses. How naïve are we suppose to opine about Elizabeth? I, for one in knowing that she is an intelligent woman and in having the fact that they are engaged for this period of time, would expect that kisses would be shared with no one thinking the action "wanton".
So much of the rest of the story is how love develops. However, we also have several side stories of romance in the making. And you know that Wickham has to have his part in the intrigue. That man is stopped short of having his way in Meryton when Elizabeth uses her knowledge about Darcy and the honor of character she has come to know to make a judgment call about Wickham’s story and to share it in all the right places. Wickham does not take that lightly.
This was an interesting read but I felt that at times it was flat and overall could have been better developed. The price is also a point of aggravation with me. I do know that authors don’t set prices but this one is overpriced for the length and quality given.
March 20, 2016
This starts with a fairly unusual premise: Darcy and Elizabeth agree to a pure marriage of convenience on both sides. They don't even particularly like each other at that point. But Darcy has decided he needs to marry someone and, to that end, established a set of criteria that Elizabeth meets perfectly. He and Mr. Collins each propose to Elizabeth within 12 hours of each other. She declines both, but her father presents her with an ultimatum, requiring her to choose one or the other in order to provide security for the Bennet family.
Wickham doesn't enter the story quite as early as in Pride and Prejudice. By the time he gets the opportunity to tell his tale of woe to Elizabeth, she already has recognized that Darcy is too honorable to have behaved so disgracefully. Since she and Mr. Bennet both learn the full story of Wickham's character early on, the Meryton shopkeepers and Colonel Forster are warned. Wickham exits the area quickly, vowing revenge against Elizabeth and Darcy.
An additional storyline is the romance between Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mary Bennet.
Most of this was fairly predictable. Aside from Lady Catherine, the marriage is acceptable to everyone, especially Lord and Lady Matlack, who welcome Elizabeth into the family with open arms. It's obvious to the reader that Elizabeth and Darcy are in love long before they admit it to themselves. It is also apparent what kind of precipitating event is going to bring them to that realization. The additional romance just continues the book long after the climax and falling action of the primary story. It's a good book, but not great.
Wickham doesn't enter the story quite as early as in Pride and Prejudice. By the time he gets the opportunity to tell his tale of woe to Elizabeth, she already has recognized that Darcy is too honorable to have behaved so disgracefully. Since she and Mr. Bennet both learn the full story of Wickham's character early on, the Meryton shopkeepers and Colonel Forster are warned. Wickham exits the area quickly, vowing revenge against Elizabeth and Darcy.
An additional storyline is the romance between Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mary Bennet.
Most of this was fairly predictable. Aside from Lady Catherine, the marriage is acceptable to everyone, especially Lord and Lady Matlack, who welcome Elizabeth into the family with open arms. It's obvious to the reader that Elizabeth and Darcy are in love long before they admit it to themselves. It is also apparent what kind of precipitating event is going to bring them to that realization. The additional romance just continues the book long after the climax and falling action of the primary story. It's a good book, but not great.
September 3, 2016
Alpha-male checks his list and checks it twice
Having recently read two other works by this author, I must say this one was much better. It didn’t feel rushed as the other novellas; the characters were fleshed out better and we were able to enjoy the transition from one scene to another without that choppy feeling. I really liked this work. I see our author progressing as she builds her writing career.
Note: I struggled with part of Chapter 1 where we switched POV between Darcy and Elizabeth. At one point, we had his thoughts and then hers. Rather than combining them, we endured sections of his thoughts and actions then had to go over it again with her thoughts and actions. This was a bit disconcerting. It also happened again in a later chapter. I don’t like to backtrack like that; I find it jolting to the senses and confusing.
We open with the Bingley group arriving at the Meryton Assembly and follow shortly with the insult. We then deviate just a bit from canon when Elizabeth moved closer to Darcy so he could hear her comments to her friend as she insulted him right back. This Darcy was no push over. He didn’t crumble into himself by being embarrassed or shy. There was not a shy bone in this guy’s body. Instead, he was intrigued that she didn’t like him and began to take note of her attributes and compared them to the list he had compiled as he searched for a wife. So far things were looking up and he decided to watch her more closely. Oh this was so funny.
Darcy: OK, let’s just say that I loved this version of Darcy. I am sorry, but I love a good strong alpha-male. This guy was a no nonsense, get-it-done, take no prisoners, large and in charge, alpha-male. OMG!!! He would be a terror in a board room. Burton created a backstory for our hero that was amazing. From a small child he was groomed and trained to run Pemberley and all the Darcy holdings. His earliest memories are of himself and his father working the land on horseback and managing the various holdings. Burton really provided a base for his determination and drive. Man, what a guy.
At the Netherfield Ball Darcy dances with Elizabeth and as he escorts her off the floor, asks if he could speak with her. When they are seated, he complements her, lists all her attributes, and states she would make a perfect wife and concludes by asking her to marry him. He is not taken aback when she refuses. In fact, he expected it.
The next morning, she is again assaulted with another proposal, this time from her odious cousin Mr. Collins, which she also refuses. Unknown to her, Mr. Darcy had arrived earlier and was in her father’s bookroom requesting his consent for her hand and negotiating with leverage that Mr. Bennet could not refuse. The first rule of business is to never go into a meeting, deal or negotiations unless you know the strengths and weaknesses of your opponent. Many reviewers were horrified by Darcy’s actions; however, they were consistent with the era, his station in society and his alpha-male-take-control persona. It was a business deal, devoid of emotion and Darcy made sure he held all the cards. Everything hit the fan when Mrs. Bennet burst into the bookroom demanding that Mr. Bennet make Elizabeth marry Mr. Collins.
When we modern readers dwell in novels of the Regency Era, we have to remember that our sensibilities and understanding are very different than the societies of that time period. Yes, they married and were given in marriage but the concept of a marriage of convenience is horrifying to the modern mindset. So, put yourself in that mind frame as Elizabeth was advised she had to marry and was presented with two options. Marry either Mr. Collins, and be mistress of Longbourn; or marry Mr. Darcy, who could also give her the ability to provide for her mother and sisters. Decisions, decisions, decisions… what should she do?
Well, it wouldn’t be a JAFF without the drama and angst of the decision. Elizabeth was very thorough as she made her comparison of the two men and in the end, made the best decision for herself and her family. The next chapters deal with their courtship, learning to kiss, getting to know each other, realizing she liked to kiss, preparations for the wedding, loving to kiss her betrothed, bringing Bingley closer to Jane, kissing each other senseless, overturning Caroline’s lies to Bingley, kissing with abandon, and learning to respect each other.
Wickham, of course, attempted to taint Elizabeth’s image of Mr. Darcy. That backfired big time and with severe consequences. Meryton closed its parlors to the militia officers, shops refused to allow credit and requested payment for services rendered. The end result was Wickham’s anger and rage at ODC and finally being…let me use a modern term…AWOL [absent-with-out-leave].
The arrival of relatives: first, we have Lady Catherine…OMG!!! That was an interesting visit or should I say attack on Elizabeth. Our author gave us the history between Lady Catherine and her younger sister Lady Anne regarding the betrothal of their children. Burton did an excellent job of explaining what really happened between the sisters. It also described the understanding between Darcy and his cousin Anne de Bourgh. Most excellent.
Next, we have the arrival of Lord and Lady Matlock, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana for the ball and wedding. While they were staying at Netherfield, Caroline approached Darcy’s Aunt and Uncle in an attempt to gain their support in stopping Darcy’s wedding to the inappropriate and inferior Miss Elizabeth. That went over well. Bingley did something most excellent and right in the middle of the ballroom. Oh my gosh!!! At the ball, our dear Colonel noticed one of the Bennet sisters and decided she was interesting and he needed to keep his eye on her.
Ever since he-who-shall-not-be-named went AWOL, we have not heard from nor seen any sign of him. There is an air of tension and apprehension as Burton builds the tension for the climax. While Colonel Forster had men on the search for the deserter, life and events continued in Meryton. The wedding was a success and after the wedding breakfast, ODC traveled to Darcy House in London for their honeymoon. When that two-week period was over, ODC was hosted at a party given by Lord and Lady Matlock as they joyfully introduced their new niece to a select group of the ton. Elizabeth, of course, was a success.
And then disaster hit and it was deadly. We struggle with the family as they endure the heartache of the disaster. The action from here on out was dramatic and quick. The story ended with the last chapter wrapping up most of the loose ends and acting as an epilogue. I read this twice, I enjoyed it so much.
Having recently read two other works by this author, I must say this one was much better. It didn’t feel rushed as the other novellas; the characters were fleshed out better and we were able to enjoy the transition from one scene to another without that choppy feeling. I really liked this work. I see our author progressing as she builds her writing career.
Note: I struggled with part of Chapter 1 where we switched POV between Darcy and Elizabeth. At one point, we had his thoughts and then hers. Rather than combining them, we endured sections of his thoughts and actions then had to go over it again with her thoughts and actions. This was a bit disconcerting. It also happened again in a later chapter. I don’t like to backtrack like that; I find it jolting to the senses and confusing.
We open with the Bingley group arriving at the Meryton Assembly and follow shortly with the insult. We then deviate just a bit from canon when Elizabeth moved closer to Darcy so he could hear her comments to her friend as she insulted him right back. This Darcy was no push over. He didn’t crumble into himself by being embarrassed or shy. There was not a shy bone in this guy’s body. Instead, he was intrigued that she didn’t like him and began to take note of her attributes and compared them to the list he had compiled as he searched for a wife. So far things were looking up and he decided to watch her more closely. Oh this was so funny.
Darcy: OK, let’s just say that I loved this version of Darcy. I am sorry, but I love a good strong alpha-male. This guy was a no nonsense, get-it-done, take no prisoners, large and in charge, alpha-male. OMG!!! He would be a terror in a board room. Burton created a backstory for our hero that was amazing. From a small child he was groomed and trained to run Pemberley and all the Darcy holdings. His earliest memories are of himself and his father working the land on horseback and managing the various holdings. Burton really provided a base for his determination and drive. Man, what a guy.
At the Netherfield Ball Darcy dances with Elizabeth and as he escorts her off the floor, asks if he could speak with her. When they are seated, he complements her, lists all her attributes, and states she would make a perfect wife and concludes by asking her to marry him. He is not taken aback when she refuses. In fact, he expected it.
The next morning, she is again assaulted with another proposal, this time from her odious cousin Mr. Collins, which she also refuses. Unknown to her, Mr. Darcy had arrived earlier and was in her father’s bookroom requesting his consent for her hand and negotiating with leverage that Mr. Bennet could not refuse. The first rule of business is to never go into a meeting, deal or negotiations unless you know the strengths and weaknesses of your opponent. Many reviewers were horrified by Darcy’s actions; however, they were consistent with the era, his station in society and his alpha-male-take-control persona. It was a business deal, devoid of emotion and Darcy made sure he held all the cards. Everything hit the fan when Mrs. Bennet burst into the bookroom demanding that Mr. Bennet make Elizabeth marry Mr. Collins.
When we modern readers dwell in novels of the Regency Era, we have to remember that our sensibilities and understanding are very different than the societies of that time period. Yes, they married and were given in marriage but the concept of a marriage of convenience is horrifying to the modern mindset. So, put yourself in that mind frame as Elizabeth was advised she had to marry and was presented with two options. Marry either Mr. Collins, and be mistress of Longbourn; or marry Mr. Darcy, who could also give her the ability to provide for her mother and sisters. Decisions, decisions, decisions… what should she do?
Well, it wouldn’t be a JAFF without the drama and angst of the decision. Elizabeth was very thorough as she made her comparison of the two men and in the end, made the best decision for herself and her family. The next chapters deal with their courtship, learning to kiss, getting to know each other, realizing she liked to kiss, preparations for the wedding, loving to kiss her betrothed, bringing Bingley closer to Jane, kissing each other senseless, overturning Caroline’s lies to Bingley, kissing with abandon, and learning to respect each other.
Wickham, of course, attempted to taint Elizabeth’s image of Mr. Darcy. That backfired big time and with severe consequences. Meryton closed its parlors to the militia officers, shops refused to allow credit and requested payment for services rendered. The end result was Wickham’s anger and rage at ODC and finally being…let me use a modern term…AWOL [absent-with-out-leave].
The arrival of relatives: first, we have Lady Catherine…OMG!!! That was an interesting visit or should I say attack on Elizabeth. Our author gave us the history between Lady Catherine and her younger sister Lady Anne regarding the betrothal of their children. Burton did an excellent job of explaining what really happened between the sisters. It also described the understanding between Darcy and his cousin Anne de Bourgh. Most excellent.
Next, we have the arrival of Lord and Lady Matlock, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana for the ball and wedding. While they were staying at Netherfield, Caroline approached Darcy’s Aunt and Uncle in an attempt to gain their support in stopping Darcy’s wedding to the inappropriate and inferior Miss Elizabeth. That went over well. Bingley did something most excellent and right in the middle of the ballroom. Oh my gosh!!! At the ball, our dear Colonel noticed one of the Bennet sisters and decided she was interesting and he needed to keep his eye on her.
Ever since he-who-shall-not-be-named went AWOL, we have not heard from nor seen any sign of him. There is an air of tension and apprehension as Burton builds the tension for the climax. While Colonel Forster had men on the search for the deserter, life and events continued in Meryton. The wedding was a success and after the wedding breakfast, ODC traveled to Darcy House in London for their honeymoon. When that two-week period was over, ODC was hosted at a party given by Lord and Lady Matlock as they joyfully introduced their new niece to a select group of the ton. Elizabeth, of course, was a success.
And then disaster hit and it was deadly. We struggle with the family as they endure the heartache of the disaster. The action from here on out was dramatic and quick. The story ended with the last chapter wrapping up most of the loose ends and acting as an epilogue. I read this twice, I enjoyed it so much.
June 10, 2023
In this Pride and Prejudice variation circumstances have led Darcy to look for a wife who is above everything else, honest. It will not matter whether they like each other especially. And so Darcy is off to join Bingley at Netherfield.
I enjoyed the story, though not too sure about the premise behind Darcy's thoughts. Though I would have liked a lot more about Jane and Mary's relationships, especially Mary.
Another enjoyable re-read.
I enjoyed the story, though not too sure about the premise behind Darcy's thoughts. Though I would have liked a lot more about Jane and Mary's relationships, especially Mary.
Another enjoyable re-read.
September 21, 2023
Good story
Good beginning for Darcy and Lizzys marriage. Glad that the Wickham misunderstandings were non existent. Loved how they fell in love gradually Good e ding to the villain, the matlocks were surprisingly good to darcy and Lizzy.
Good beginning for Darcy and Lizzys marriage. Glad that the Wickham misunderstandings were non existent. Loved how they fell in love gradually Good e ding to the villain, the matlocks were surprisingly good to darcy and Lizzy.
March 21, 2016
3.5 stars
I came to purchase this book because a friend recommended it. However, friends do not have to agree on everything. I did not find this book to be exceptional. Much of it was the same story line as canon. HOWEVER, there is an interesting premise, which if this story had been developed better, would have elevated my opinion about the entire novel.
As the book description relates, Mr. Darcy has been hunting for a bride. Now in this variation, Mr. Darcy comes across as one of those "concrete, sequential" (black & white/1-2-3, A-B-C) personalities. He has a list of characteristics he desires in a wife. He has attended many balls and dinners in London during the season and upon finding someone he thinks fits the bill is then shocked to overhear her relate to her lover how she believes she has Darcy on her hook but how he is so droll. So "Honesty" is high on his list now.
He decides to take a break and travel with his friend, Bingley, to help him settle into his newly leased estate, Netherfield. Do I have to add how he attends the assembly and insults Elizabeth? However, in this version, in overhearing him Elizabeth gives as good as she takes. In relating to her friend, Charlotte, his words, she has them take two steps closer to his person in order to make sure he overhears her. Now she has his attention. Obviously, she does NOT like him and furthermore, she is honest in her opinion. So he decides to check her out and, as related in the book description, has his solicitor look into Mr. Bennet's background. He is not one to venture into any relationship until he has all the cards necessary in his hands. After all he knows she does not like him and he, too, is not marrying for love, but for a woman who will be a good mistress of his estates, who will not shame him in public and who will care for his family and any children who come along. (He witnesses her care of Jane at Netherfield, as in canon. They converse and she holds her own in such and in politely handling Caroline’s snipes.)
The reader learns of the information provided Darcy with which he can, if necessary, use to force Mr. Bennet's cooperation in making Elizabeth acquiesce to Darcy's proposal, but Elizabeth is not given those facts. And as told: she is presented with two proposals within a short span of time and immediately upon also turning down the second one, is told by her father that she MUST chose one or the other. At least, she is given a choice. And here Elizabeth does think it through. Despite knowing that Mr. Darcy has some hold over her father, she also realizes that she cannot choose Mr. Collins. Darcy DOES have intelligence, good conversation, and manners on his side...(Not to mention good looks.)
We, as readers, are treated to the period of prenuptial planning and do witness respectful conversations during courting. Of course, Elizabeth, tries to get Mr. Darcy to reveal what he has on her father, but he replies back that it is her father's choice to tell her or not. I found it rather amusing that neither person could put a name on why their bodily reactions to even just kisses were reactions of desiring more, of liking what had happened. Darcy put it down to now knowing she wouldn’t turn him away from her bed, that there was some evidence of passion. But I also found it a little nonsensical that Elizabeth would ask that he not consider her wanton for liking those kisses. How naïve are we suppose to opine about Elizabeth? I, for one in knowing that she is an intelligent woman and in having the fact that they are engaged for this period of time, would expect that kisses would be shared with no one thinking the action "wanton".
So much of the rest of the story is how love develops. However, we also have several side stories of romance in the making. And you know that Wickham has to have his part in the intrigue. That man is stopped short of having his way in Meryton when Elizabeth uses her knowledge about Darcy and the honor of character she has come to know to make a judgment call about Wickham’s story and to share it in all the right places. Wickham does not take that lightly.
This was an interesting read but I felt that at times it was flat and overall could have been better developed. The price is also a point of aggravation with me. I do know that authors don’t set prices but this one is overpriced for the length and quality given.
I came to purchase this book because a friend recommended it. However, friends do not have to agree on everything. I did not find this book to be exceptional. Much of it was the same story line as canon. HOWEVER, there is an interesting premise, which if this story had been developed better, would have elevated my opinion about the entire novel.
As the book description relates, Mr. Darcy has been hunting for a bride. Now in this variation, Mr. Darcy comes across as one of those "concrete, sequential" (black & white/1-2-3, A-B-C) personalities. He has a list of characteristics he desires in a wife. He has attended many balls and dinners in London during the season and upon finding someone he thinks fits the bill is then shocked to overhear her relate to her lover how she believes she has Darcy on her hook but how he is so droll. So "Honesty" is high on his list now.
He decides to take a break and travel with his friend, Bingley, to help him settle into his newly leased estate, Netherfield. Do I have to add how he attends the assembly and insults Elizabeth? However, in this version, in overhearing him Elizabeth gives as good as she takes. In relating to her friend, Charlotte, his words, she has them take two steps closer to his person in order to make sure he overhears her. Now she has his attention. Obviously, she does NOT like him and furthermore, she is honest in her opinion. So he decides to check her out and, as related in the book description, has his solicitor look into Mr. Bennet's background. He is not one to venture into any relationship until he has all the cards necessary in his hands. After all he knows she does not like him and he, too, is not marrying for love, but for a woman who will be a good mistress of his estates, who will not shame him in public and who will care for his family and any children who come along. (He witnesses her care of Jane at Netherfield, as in canon. They converse and she holds her own in such and in politely handling Caroline’s snipes.)
The reader learns of the information provided Darcy with which he can, if necessary, use to force Mr. Bennet's cooperation in making Elizabeth acquiesce to Darcy's proposal, but Elizabeth is not given those facts. And as told: she is presented with two proposals within a short span of time and immediately upon also turning down the second one, is told by her father that she MUST chose one or the other. At least, she is given a choice. And here Elizabeth does think it through. Despite knowing that Mr. Darcy has some hold over her father, she also realizes that she cannot choose Mr. Collins. Darcy DOES have intelligence, good conversation, and manners on his side...(Not to mention good looks.)
We, as readers, are treated to the period of prenuptial planning and do witness respectful conversations during courting. Of course, Elizabeth, tries to get Mr. Darcy to reveal what he has on her father, but he replies back that it is her father's choice to tell her or not. I found it rather amusing that neither person could put a name on why their bodily reactions to even just kisses were reactions of desiring more, of liking what had happened. Darcy put it down to now knowing she wouldn’t turn him away from her bed, that there was some evidence of passion. But I also found it a little nonsensical that Elizabeth would ask that he not consider her wanton for liking those kisses. How naïve are we suppose to opine about Elizabeth? I, for one in knowing that she is an intelligent woman and in having the fact that they are engaged for this period of time, would expect that kisses would be shared with no one thinking the action "wanton".
So much of the rest of the story is how love develops. However, we also have several side stories of romance in the making. And you know that Wickham has to have his part in the intrigue. That man is stopped short of having his way in Meryton when Elizabeth uses her knowledge about Darcy and the honor of character she has come to know to make a judgment call about Wickham’s story and to share it in all the right places. Wickham does not take that lightly.
This was an interesting read but I felt that at times it was flat and overall could have been better developed. The price is also a point of aggravation with me. I do know that authors don’t set prices but this one is overpriced for the length and quality given.
January 30, 2016
Decisions and Consequences: A Pride & Prejudice Variation carriage
An awesome story. Darcy and Elizabeth did not like each other all, but Darcy recognized the values this impertinent country miss held. Values that were values he expected in a wife. Although he didn't like, he had to have her. At the Netherfield Ball, Darcy surprises her with a proposal. She declined he's offer only to proposed to the next day by Collins. Having his solicitor check into the Bennets' situation, he finds something that could cause all the Bennets to be thrown out of Longbourn. Mr. Bennet gives Elizabeth a choice: she must marry one of the two men. Although she dislikes Darcy, she chooses him. Really she shouldn't have to think on it. During their engagement, both come to at least like each other, but she admits she loved his kisses. After talking to her Aunt Gardiner, Elizabeth is not wanton, but falling in love with her husband to be. By their wedding, both have come to like and respect one another. After their wedding night, Elizabeth wonders why her mother said wifely duties were a chore. Unbeknownst to the Darcys, wicked Wickham had been watching the couple planning his revenge. Seeing Elizabeth leaving the house alone, he realizes this is his chance. When the carriage stops, he whips open the door and jumps in. Boy was he surprised! Unfortunately in the scuffle, Elizabeth is shot. Darcy begs her not to leave him, realizing he loves her and that he couldn't live with the loneliness that bored down on him after his father died. The nightmares that robbed them from sleep resulted in havoc at the Darcy House. Finally, Colonel Fitzwilliam took Georgiana and Mary to his mother and father's home so they could sleep. Mary and Fitzwilliam marry and Jane and Bingley move within a half days journey from Pemberley. What bothered me in this story was the fact that Jane and Bingley went on their honeymoon instead of coming help the Darcys. Seemed strange with girls close relationship, Jane didn't go to London. And last but not least, the three evil musketeers were in the story, but each was dealt with immediately.
An awesome story. Darcy and Elizabeth did not like each other all, but Darcy recognized the values this impertinent country miss held. Values that were values he expected in a wife. Although he didn't like, he had to have her. At the Netherfield Ball, Darcy surprises her with a proposal. She declined he's offer only to proposed to the next day by Collins. Having his solicitor check into the Bennets' situation, he finds something that could cause all the Bennets to be thrown out of Longbourn. Mr. Bennet gives Elizabeth a choice: she must marry one of the two men. Although she dislikes Darcy, she chooses him. Really she shouldn't have to think on it. During their engagement, both come to at least like each other, but she admits she loved his kisses. After talking to her Aunt Gardiner, Elizabeth is not wanton, but falling in love with her husband to be. By their wedding, both have come to like and respect one another. After their wedding night, Elizabeth wonders why her mother said wifely duties were a chore. Unbeknownst to the Darcys, wicked Wickham had been watching the couple planning his revenge. Seeing Elizabeth leaving the house alone, he realizes this is his chance. When the carriage stops, he whips open the door and jumps in. Boy was he surprised! Unfortunately in the scuffle, Elizabeth is shot. Darcy begs her not to leave him, realizing he loves her and that he couldn't live with the loneliness that bored down on him after his father died. The nightmares that robbed them from sleep resulted in havoc at the Darcy House. Finally, Colonel Fitzwilliam took Georgiana and Mary to his mother and father's home so they could sleep. Mary and Fitzwilliam marry and Jane and Bingley move within a half days journey from Pemberley. What bothered me in this story was the fact that Jane and Bingley went on their honeymoon instead of coming help the Darcys. Seemed strange with girls close relationship, Jane didn't go to London. And last but not least, the three evil musketeers were in the story, but each was dealt with immediately.
January 22, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
I loved the characters the most. Darcy as an alpha - male and Elizabeth as a no - nonsense kind of girl did sit very well with me.
The prologue contained a background story on Mr Darcy which explains some of the actions to come... He has suffered a disappointment in his hunt for a wife and decides to go with Bingley to the country for a respite from the dishonesty of the ton.
He manages to insult Elizabeth at the Meryton assembly and a miffed Elizabeth makes sure he hears her comments to Charlotte about the haughty man from the north... Intrigued by the impertinent miss that does nothing to hide her feelings, Darcy starts to watch her more closely and are impressed.
Deciding he wants her for wife, he stoops to low levels to attain her. Blackmailing Mr Bennet to accept his suit, Elizabeth is eventually given a choice between him and Mr Collins who had also proposed.
The development of the relationship between the two betrothed was a lovely read. It was beautifully done.
Luckily we get to follow them for good while after they are married and eventually understand their own feelings.
Wickham is stopped short in Meryton because Elizabeth is not as easily fooled as she was in Canon but seek revenge later in the story.
Lady C makes an appearance but are delt with in very satisfying way. Love the determination in Darcy in this account.
Lord an lady Matlock sets Caroline in her place which I also appreciated.
I have deducted a star and that's because the story is a bit flat in some parts.
Heartily recommend this book!
I loved the characters the most. Darcy as an alpha - male and Elizabeth as a no - nonsense kind of girl did sit very well with me.
The prologue contained a background story on Mr Darcy which explains some of the actions to come... He has suffered a disappointment in his hunt for a wife and decides to go with Bingley to the country for a respite from the dishonesty of the ton.
He manages to insult Elizabeth at the Meryton assembly and a miffed Elizabeth makes sure he hears her comments to Charlotte about the haughty man from the north... Intrigued by the impertinent miss that does nothing to hide her feelings, Darcy starts to watch her more closely and are impressed.
Deciding he wants her for wife, he stoops to low levels to attain her. Blackmailing Mr Bennet to accept his suit, Elizabeth is eventually given a choice between him and Mr Collins who had also proposed.
The development of the relationship between the two betrothed was a lovely read. It was beautifully done.
Luckily we get to follow them for good while after they are married and eventually understand their own feelings.
Wickham is stopped short in Meryton because Elizabeth is not as easily fooled as she was in Canon but seek revenge later in the story.
Lady C makes an appearance but are delt with in very satisfying way. Love the determination in Darcy in this account.
Lord an lady Matlock sets Caroline in her place which I also appreciated.
I have deducted a star and that's because the story is a bit flat in some parts.
Heartily recommend this book!
June 1, 2018
3.5 stars ✨
March 12, 2017
She made the obvious choice
If she had to marry without love, she wanted at least to be respected.
A wonderful story masterfully told.
Highly recommended!
If she had to marry without love, she wanted at least to be respected.
A wonderful story masterfully told.
Highly recommended!
July 7, 2023
The first 3 chapters of this book followed the same story line as the original P&P. I was just about to stop reading when the story started to vary…a little bit. That’s the first thing that bothered me about this book, if I wanted to read P&P I would have. This was supposed to be a variation. The second thing that bothered me was the very bizarre part of the story where Darcy blackmails Mr. Bennet into forcing Elizabeth to marry him. Yup, you read right. Blackmail. Mr. Bennet’s father’s will stated that Bennet was to marry a gentle born lady, if he married otherwise the estate would immediately be handed over to Mr. Collins. Mr. Bennet disregards the will and marries Fanny, the daughter of a tradesman. Since Collins never knew of the will the estate remained under Mr. Bennet’s care. Until Darcy finds out, that is. He tells Mr. Bennet that he wants Elizabeth to be his wife (even though he doesn’t love her, he just admires her and believes she would be an excellent mistress of Pemberley) and if Mr. Bennet doesn’t agree to this marriage he’ll make the contents of the will public and they will all lose their estate. What. The. Hell. In an even more bizarre twist, Mr. Bennet is not offended! He doesn’t call Darcy out, he doesn’t wail or get angry, he resigns himself and acquiesces to Darcy’s demands. Actually, not fully; at this point of the story Mr. Collins has proposed to Lizzy and been turned down. So Mr. Bennet agrees to tell Elizabeth that she has to choose between Collins and Darcy, but choose she must. Darcy agrees on the compromise, since he’s 100% certain that she will choose him over Collins. Mr. Bennet tells Elizabeth as much but won’t tell her why, just that, if she doesn’t choose one to marry they will lose the estate. She is dismayed but, once again, no anger, no tantrum, no fury at the injustice of it all. She quickly makes the logical decision that she must marry and that Darcy is better than Collins. Now, the story is, overall, good. And it’s excellently written. It stays as true as possible to the authenticity of the manners of the times and her writing style is simply lovely. But these two things just stuck in my side and followed me throughout the book. I figured that, at some point Elizabeth will find out and refuse to marry him, or if they’re already married, she’ll get angry and it will create a divide that must be bridged. But…nope. They marry, they go on their honeymoon, they end up falling in love with each other, etc. Wickham is in the story, plotting to wreak havoc, Georgiana loves Elizabeth, the Matlocks love Elizabeth, Caroline Bingley is outraged, Mrs. Bennet is as annoying as always, etc. Wickham makes his move at one point and shoots Elizabeth in the upper chest, the bullet grazing Darcy’s arm and he attempts to protect her. Wickham gets shot and killed and the whole family (Matlocks, Gardiners and Bennets) converge at Darcy House to hold vigil while Elizabeth is treated and recovers. By this time they’re truly and deeply in love with each other so Darcy decides to tell Elizabeth about the blackmail (mind you, no one has even said the word blackmail but that’s what it is). Elizabeth gets angry for about 5 seconds, then her “logical” mind takes over and she figures that she doesn’t like how the marriage came about, but she’s so in love with Darcy that she figures, oh well. :/ That’s all, brother! How is it possible that Darcy does this despicable thing of blackmailing Mr. Bennet and, subsequently Elizabeth into marriage and no one calls him to the mat??! It taints Darcy’s character and makes him unlikable. The third and last thing that bothered me about this book was the end. When an epilogue tells the story of what happens to all the characters, a recap, and it takes you 1, maybe 2 years into the future, the reader is left with a lovely image. And anything beyond that is left to the reader’s imagination. Those epilogues I really like. In this book, however, the author did something that I detest; she took the reader and the characters all the way through the years to Darcy and Elizabeth’s deaths. That just ruined it for me. I don’t want to be left thinking of the deaths of all the characters, particularly the two main leads. That’s just depressing! This story and writing style should have been a 5 star review. But I just couldn’t do it; the blackmail, the epilogue and the parallel to the original, all of that reduced it to 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2024
I loved it!
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. Elizabeth Bennet has received two proposals of marriage in the last twelve hours, one from her ridiculous cousin Mr. Collins and the other from the arrogant and disdainful Mr. Darcy. She turns both of them down flat. Unfortunately for her, between her mother’s insistence that she marry and some mysterious hold Mr. Darcy has over her father, she is forced to choose one. Fitzwilliam Darcy is a man in need of a wife. He has searched high and low amongst the high society women of London but has yet to meet someone who combines all the attributes he requires. When he meets Miss Elizabeth Bennet in the small market town of Meryton, he finds her pointed dislike of him refreshing in its honesty. After observing her for a while, he decides he will marry her, and instructs his solicitor to investigate Mr. Bennet in the hopes of finding some sort of leverage to force her to accept him. Though she chooses Darcy, Elizabeth is not happy. It takes weeks of being in his presence and learning his character, and the drama of people totally unrelated to her, to make Elizabeth see that that the consequence of her decision could possibly be a deep, abiding love. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
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. Elizabeth Bennet has received two proposals of marriage in the last twelve hours, one from her ridiculous cousin Mr. Collins and the other from the arrogant and disdainful Mr. Darcy. She turns both of them down flat. Unfortunately for her, between her mother’s insistence that she marry and some mysterious hold Mr. Darcy has over her father, she is forced to choose one. Fitzwilliam Darcy is a man in need of a wife. He has searched high and low amongst the high society women of London but has yet to meet someone who combines all the attributes he requires. When he meets Miss Elizabeth Bennet in the small market town of Meryton, he finds her pointed dislike of him refreshing in its honesty. After observing her for a while, he decides he will marry her, and instructs his solicitor to investigate Mr. Bennet in the hopes of finding some sort of leverage to force her to accept him. Though she chooses Darcy, Elizabeth is not happy. It takes weeks of being in his presence and learning his character, and the drama of people totally unrelated to her, to make Elizabeth see that that the consequence of her decision could possibly be a deep, abiding love. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
May 13, 2025
Its an interesting premise, one i have never read before in P&P but writing didn't do justice. There were so many logical errors. Characters say and believe things that contradict everything, just because author wanted it to be. For eg,
In other instances, characters repeatedly have the same conversations as if having the conversation for the first time. The author forgot what she wrote few chapters ago.
In others, things are directly contradicted.
2 stars despite all this for the unique plot and some good scenes. Wish the author has taken some care and paid attention to the details
In other instances, characters repeatedly have the same conversations as if having the conversation for the first time. The author forgot what she wrote few chapters ago.
In others, things are directly contradicted.
2 stars despite all this for the unique plot and some good scenes. Wish the author has taken some care and paid attention to the details
April 12, 2024
pretty good
I found the wrong good, if not predictable. Follows the canon exactly at the beginning, which had me skipping a lot of pages. Nothing to really make it stand out. Very little angst. No mature scenes. Lovemaking was not described.
I found the wrong good, if not predictable. Follows the canon exactly at the beginning, which had me skipping a lot of pages. Nothing to really make it stand out. Very little angst. No mature scenes. Lovemaking was not described.
October 23, 2022
Loved it
What different spin Darcy with a list and fuzzy fits the mark...little does he know he will.fall head over heels for her he will even go to the extreme of b ppl back wild for his list well al! Ends wel! a page turning well done book
What different spin Darcy with a list and fuzzy fits the mark...little does he know he will.fall head over heels for her he will even go to the extreme of b ppl back wild for his list well al! Ends wel! a page turning well done book
July 27, 2023
Low angst easy read. Enjoyed.
October 31, 2023
3.5 Stars
- A sweet no-angst story.
- Darcy uses any means necessary to secure Elizabeth as his wife.
- Mary has her HEA with someone other than a clergy or a clerk.
- A sweet no-angst story.
- Darcy uses any means necessary to secure Elizabeth as his wife.
- Mary has her HEA with someone other than a clergy or a clerk.
December 8, 2024
I enjoyed this.
November 21, 2022
Delightful!
Another delightful story by Zoe Burton! Loved this Darcy and Elizabeth. I was pleased that Mary and Richard got their happy ending. I always like to see Mary get the attention she deserves.
Well written with minimal editing errors. I have read this story twice already; I believe this is one of Zoe's best!
I highly recommend.
Another delightful story by Zoe Burton! Loved this Darcy and Elizabeth. I was pleased that Mary and Richard got their happy ending. I always like to see Mary get the attention she deserves.
Well written with minimal editing errors. I have read this story twice already; I believe this is one of Zoe's best!
I highly recommend.
November 16, 2019
19th century vs 21st century
A pretty good story that takes place 200 years ago. Darcy certainly went after a wife in a way most of us now would see as a deplorable manner. Really though it’s probably more accurate than most variations.
To give Darcy his do, he never intended to treat Lizzie poorly and from the very beginning after the proposal treats her very well. So earning their HEA takes place after the marriage, not during the courtship. It was a nice, fairly original plot, from that aspect.
Lots of give and take between Lizzie and Darcy. It was fun to see.
I recommend the story.
A pretty good story that takes place 200 years ago. Darcy certainly went after a wife in a way most of us now would see as a deplorable manner. Really though it’s probably more accurate than most variations.
To give Darcy his do, he never intended to treat Lizzie poorly and from the very beginning after the proposal treats her very well. So earning their HEA takes place after the marriage, not during the courtship. It was a nice, fairly original plot, from that aspect.
Lots of give and take between Lizzie and Darcy. It was fun to see.
I recommend the story.
January 14, 2017
Stupid book
Not very well written, and does not inspire to read any more books from this author. I wonder where she Learned to write stories. I will not recommend this book. A waste of money.
Not very well written, and does not inspire to read any more books from this author. I wonder where she Learned to write stories. I will not recommend this book. A waste of money.
November 23, 2020
After meeting under same conditions, Darcy and Elizabeth end up engaged by Elizabeth’s choosing Darcy. Through this choice they come to love each other. The marriage of Darcy and Elizabeth bring about a different Bingley and better choices for others. . Good read, cute and sweet story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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