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A Willful Misunderstanding
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The story starts bring briefly in canon but deviates quite thoroughly when D&E fall in love and get married right away. The other big change is that Darcy did NOT allow Georgiana to go to Ramsgate in the summer of 1811 and thus she did not attempt to elope with Wickham at that time.
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The story starts bring briefly in canon but deviates quite thoroughly when D&E fall in love and get married right away. The other big change is that Darcy did NOT allow Georgiana to go to Ramsgate in the summer of 1811 and thus she did not attempt to elope with Wickham at that time.
* A Happy Assembly requires registration.
- GenresHistorical Romance
Published July 9, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 22, 2016
A Willful Misunderstanding is a beautifully-written unpublished gem filled with love, lies, angst, losing and finding, and second chances.
In this story, Elizabeth and Darcy are wed less than two months after the Meryton Assembly. The two have reached an understanding without experiencing the turmoil ODC experienced in Pride and Prejudice. That means this occurred before Wickham, Lady Catherine, and the female Bingley siblings could cause damage. Thus, Elizabeth and Darcy enter marriage with little knowledge of each other's pasts, thoughts, and problems.
Their path to a happily ever after is cut short after a vindictive 15-year old Georgiana exacts her revenge on her brother from separating her from her dear George Wickham. The events that follow are heart-wrenching, especially for Elizabeth.
Because of Georgiana's lies, Elizabeth, hurt and afraid, is sent away to a dingy estate in Scotland with no one but a mean-spirited companion. Loneliness, desperation, and a sense of self-preservation forces Elizabeth to run away from the estate, planning to be never seen again.
And it works. For two years, nobody finds Eizabeth; not Darcy, not Colonel Fitzwilliam, not the Bow Street Runners, not her family. If not for Georgiana's trip to Ramsgate, Elizabeth's location would have remained unknown for much longer.
The rest of the story shows Darcy groveling for Elizabeth's forgiveness and Elizabeth's refusal to let things go. The two stay together for the sake of their son, Bennet, but their relationship remains stilted and uncomfortable.
My heart hurt for Elizabeth. Clearly, I don't have her strength, perseverance, and kindness, because I don't know if I would have survived if such a thing happened to me. To be shunned by the love of her life seemingly without a care for her, and to run away from Scotland, alone, increasing, almost penniless, and scared witless. She stayed strong for her son, and she eventually forgave those who have wronged her.
Amelia and her companions in Yorkshire/Ramsgate were heaven-sent. They've given Elizabeth shelter, love, security, familial affection, and peace, all of which was stripped from her when she was sent to Scotland.
I agree with the others that Georgiana got off almost scratch-free. Elizabeth easily disregarded Georgiana's hand in ruining her marriage. Darcy and Lady Fitzwilliam were stern with her, but I didn't feel like it was enough. In the story, Darcy was the most repentant, as he should be, but I really wanted Georgiana to receive more than she did in the story. But maybe that's just my vindictive side speaking.
Caroline Bingley was more annoying and scheming in this story, and I was very much relieved when she was no longer in the picture. Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship is complicated enough as it is without Caroline spreading lies and planning seductions at the side.
This story's version of the Hunsford Park proposal and the second proposal were so lovely and apt and emotional. I swear I had tears in my eyes when I reached those parts. Now that I think about it, I had tears in my eyes in most parts!
Despite the tears and heartache, don't worry. Our dear characters achieve their happily ever after.
It would be quite lovely to see this book published.
In this story, Elizabeth and Darcy are wed less than two months after the Meryton Assembly. The two have reached an understanding without experiencing the turmoil ODC experienced in Pride and Prejudice. That means this occurred before Wickham, Lady Catherine, and the female Bingley siblings could cause damage. Thus, Elizabeth and Darcy enter marriage with little knowledge of each other's pasts, thoughts, and problems.
Their path to a happily ever after is cut short after a vindictive 15-year old Georgiana exacts her revenge on her brother from separating her from her dear George Wickham. The events that follow are heart-wrenching, especially for Elizabeth.
Because of Georgiana's lies, Elizabeth, hurt and afraid, is sent away to a dingy estate in Scotland with no one but a mean-spirited companion. Loneliness, desperation, and a sense of self-preservation forces Elizabeth to run away from the estate, planning to be never seen again.
And it works. For two years, nobody finds Eizabeth; not Darcy, not Colonel Fitzwilliam, not the Bow Street Runners, not her family. If not for Georgiana's trip to Ramsgate, Elizabeth's location would have remained unknown for much longer.
The rest of the story shows Darcy groveling for Elizabeth's forgiveness and Elizabeth's refusal to let things go. The two stay together for the sake of their son, Bennet, but their relationship remains stilted and uncomfortable.
My heart hurt for Elizabeth. Clearly, I don't have her strength, perseverance, and kindness, because I don't know if I would have survived if such a thing happened to me. To be shunned by the love of her life seemingly without a care for her, and to run away from Scotland, alone, increasing, almost penniless, and scared witless. She stayed strong for her son, and she eventually forgave those who have wronged her.
Amelia and her companions in Yorkshire/Ramsgate were heaven-sent. They've given Elizabeth shelter, love, security, familial affection, and peace, all of which was stripped from her when she was sent to Scotland.
I agree with the others that Georgiana got off almost scratch-free. Elizabeth easily disregarded Georgiana's hand in ruining her marriage. Darcy and Lady Fitzwilliam were stern with her, but I didn't feel like it was enough. In the story, Darcy was the most repentant, as he should be, but I really wanted Georgiana to receive more than she did in the story. But maybe that's just my vindictive side speaking.
Caroline Bingley was more annoying and scheming in this story, and I was very much relieved when she was no longer in the picture. Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship is complicated enough as it is without Caroline spreading lies and planning seductions at the side.
This story's version of the Hunsford Park proposal and the second proposal were so lovely and apt and emotional. I swear I had tears in my eyes when I reached those parts. Now that I think about it, I had tears in my eyes in most parts!
Despite the tears and heartache, don't worry. Our dear characters achieve their happily ever after.
It would be quite lovely to see this book published.
July 13, 2016
This long story will find you on both sides of the pendulum with emotional turmoil of every kind. We have passionate romance, then lies, betrayal with revenge, rejection and isolation and then remorse, repentance, atonement and finally forgiveness. The old cliché about there being a thin line between love and hate holds fairly true. Will there ever be a happy ending for our dear couple? Will Elizabeth allow herself to feel again? This is not only a nail-biter but one which will keep you glued to the pages as the author has you anxiously wondering just that.
As Erika’s and Shelley’s reviews tell the reader: Darcy and Elizabeth experience “love at first sight” at the Meryton Assembly. But (and here in retrospect we find a bit of wisdom) Mr. Bennet twice refuses to give his consent as he is adamant that the couple needs to court and get to know each other better. So sly Elizabeth brings in her mother…tell Mrs. B. about the interest of a rich man and she will harangue her husband until he gives in. Fait accompli!
Now married & back in London Elizabeth and Darcy are participating in the full swing of the season and she is very popular. She makes her morning calls, visits the modiste, etc. They are oh so much in love. BUT 15 year-old and spoiled-little-rich-girl Georgiana wants to make her brother suffer as he has done to her in refusing to allow her a courtship by George Wickham. How to make him unhappy? She does it so well!
The author now plays on that fault from canon: Darcy’s sense of social strata and pride in family. Who does he believe vs. who should he believe? (We readers want to strangle him…same old story but with much more severe consequences.) And when the truth comes out those results are a collapsing ton of bricks with very long lasting and deep effects. “G. lied” but “she is family”! Darcy is Jekyll and Hyde in that one moment he is all over Elizabeth and the next he shuts the door in her face and refuses to be seen in public with her AND won’t talk to her!
Obviously she can’t figure this out and assumes that the warning she got from Caroline about how he would tire of her and then reject her begin to eat away at Elizabeth. THEN he packs her up and sends her off, far away to the wilds of Scotland. She sends letter after letter. Her only company is a few servants, i.e. a mean and horrid housekeeper/cook and stable hand. What to do? There is not even a book in the library and no neighbors for miles around.
Elizabeth doesn’t wait for fate to happen – she takes things in hand, even though she is heartbroken. She disappears. Oddly, (IMO) she does NOT reach out to family and/or friends.
This separation is not for days, weeks or even a few months. We are talking years here. Let the angst simmer, boil over and stretch on and on. Runners are hired, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy scour clues and follow leads and hunt just anywhere and everywhere. Nothing! No one has seen her or heard from her.
Oh, they do meet eventually and don’t expect that they are going to fall into each other’s arms. Oh, no, there is atonement to be sought. (And the consideration of a new character influences the path taken here.) Would you recommend that she forgive and remember the past only as it gives her pleasure or in begrudgingly moving back to live with him is a marriage in name only now their future?
This is not an easy tale to read. You are almost forced to take sides. And there are all those family members who thought Elizabeth was dead. Do they blame her…or him? What about how they were suffering? Furthermore, life for their families has not stopped. People fall in love, get married, die, & have babies. How does one reconcile one’s place when one drops out of place in life, so to speak?
A box of Dove dark chocolate, a number of cups of coffee, a BOX of tissues and some soothing music might help you get through this book. It is haunting and will be the stuff of dreams for this reader. If you can stand the angst and the swing of emotions…you might brave it. I recommend this book written by a lady who really should do some publishing. Her talents demand to be shared.
As Erika’s and Shelley’s reviews tell the reader: Darcy and Elizabeth experience “love at first sight” at the Meryton Assembly. But (and here in retrospect we find a bit of wisdom) Mr. Bennet twice refuses to give his consent as he is adamant that the couple needs to court and get to know each other better. So sly Elizabeth brings in her mother…tell Mrs. B. about the interest of a rich man and she will harangue her husband until he gives in. Fait accompli!
Now married & back in London Elizabeth and Darcy are participating in the full swing of the season and she is very popular. She makes her morning calls, visits the modiste, etc. They are oh so much in love. BUT 15 year-old and spoiled-little-rich-girl Georgiana wants to make her brother suffer as he has done to her in refusing to allow her a courtship by George Wickham. How to make him unhappy? She does it so well!
The author now plays on that fault from canon: Darcy’s sense of social strata and pride in family. Who does he believe vs. who should he believe? (We readers want to strangle him…same old story but with much more severe consequences.) And when the truth comes out those results are a collapsing ton of bricks with very long lasting and deep effects. “G. lied” but “she is family”! Darcy is Jekyll and Hyde in that one moment he is all over Elizabeth and the next he shuts the door in her face and refuses to be seen in public with her AND won’t talk to her!
Obviously she can’t figure this out and assumes that the warning she got from Caroline about how he would tire of her and then reject her begin to eat away at Elizabeth. THEN he packs her up and sends her off, far away to the wilds of Scotland. She sends letter after letter. Her only company is a few servants, i.e. a mean and horrid housekeeper/cook and stable hand. What to do? There is not even a book in the library and no neighbors for miles around.
Elizabeth doesn’t wait for fate to happen – she takes things in hand, even though she is heartbroken. She disappears. Oddly, (IMO) she does NOT reach out to family and/or friends.
This separation is not for days, weeks or even a few months. We are talking years here. Let the angst simmer, boil over and stretch on and on. Runners are hired, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy scour clues and follow leads and hunt just anywhere and everywhere. Nothing! No one has seen her or heard from her.
Oh, they do meet eventually and don’t expect that they are going to fall into each other’s arms. Oh, no, there is atonement to be sought. (And the consideration of a new character influences the path taken here.) Would you recommend that she forgive and remember the past only as it gives her pleasure or in begrudgingly moving back to live with him is a marriage in name only now their future?
This is not an easy tale to read. You are almost forced to take sides. And there are all those family members who thought Elizabeth was dead. Do they blame her…or him? What about how they were suffering? Furthermore, life for their families has not stopped. People fall in love, get married, die, & have babies. How does one reconcile one’s place when one drops out of place in life, so to speak?
A box of Dove dark chocolate, a number of cups of coffee, a BOX of tissues and some soothing music might help you get through this book. It is haunting and will be the stuff of dreams for this reader. If you can stand the angst and the swing of emotions…you might brave it. I recommend this book written by a lady who really should do some publishing. Her talents demand to be shared.
May 17, 2016
This is another unpublished gem by Alex9903!! What would happen if Darcy and Elizabeth immediately fell in love and married within 2 mos of meeting at the Meryton Assembly? This is a story which shows that though you may feel like you know the person you've fallen in love with, how can you really know someone well enough in 2 mos. And what kinda of problems can arise from not fully knowing someone that you marry?
This is an emotional roller coaster of a story!! You can feel the all the wretchedness of the situation that Elizabeth feels after the callousness of a 15 y/o Georgiana trying to punish her brother. You feel the multitude of emotions that Darcy goes through: anger, remorse, despair, comfusion, relief, and so many others. I feel like I have been worn myself bone dry with feeling all the emotions ODC goes through.
Georgiana is a spoiled rich girl who is in want for nothing, therefore when her brother catches her with George Wickham and forbids further contact, then he goes and marries someone not of their circle she retaliates. And boy does her strategy work!!! Ladies you will be shocked at how well it works and just loathe Darcy for what he does.
Poor Elizabeth, all the trials and tribulations she has to go through. Where she is sent and what she has to deal with is in such stark contrast what she grew up as and what she got used to when she was elevated to upon her marriage to Darcy. How can you not blame her for her next actions of escaping her situation. She had no idea how long she was to be banished since Darcy never returned favor and answered her letters., thus making her decision to escape much easier to choose. Though where I did have an issue with her conduct was in complete disappearance without a word to anyone in her family. Through all her trials and tribulations she comes out a broken woman, though one who doesn't know her well enough would not be able to see it. When she is found she is adamant that she will never cave to Darcy and live in a civil marriage. She is so walled up that even her Aunt Gardiner can not get reason to sink in.
Darcy, what can I say, he is destined to always do wrong, and when he's not the only culprit he takes on the full responsibility and anger. So he finds and falls in love with Elizabeth, is told 'no' by her father twice, uses (with the recommendation of Elizabeth) Mrs Bennet to get the marriage pushed through in record time of 2 mos, takes her away and has a whirlwind romance for the next several mos, then starts believing everything his 15 y/o sister has to say about Elizabeth without seeking the truth from he victim, then does what any first circle gentleman would do - sends her away. But when Georgiana finally spills the beans after a rumor is spread, Darcy tried to charge in and be the hero, though there is no one to rescue. He desperately searches for 2yrs, with no traces to be found...until Georgiana vacations in Ramsgate.
No one said reconciliation would be easy, especially for 2 such stubborn and willful people as ODC!!! But I have to say, I thought that Georgiana got off pretty easy by Elizabeth compared to Darcy. Now after having finished this story and thought through everything, I can see Elizabeth's side, but I still believe that everyone (except Lady Matlock, and slightly Darcy) was too easy on Georgiana. I can see the points that Darcy held more blame in light of having swore the vows of marriage before God and society, but wow was Elizabeth the woman scorned!!! There was a 'Hunsford-esque' moment that was more spectacular than the actual 'Hunsford' moment, kudos to you Alex9903!!!!
Alex9903 has of course added a plethora of wonderful characters to aide ODC in their long and emotional journey, but my favorite is the young Bennet!!!!! Read and find out why!!!
And of course, I love everything about this story and wish it would be cleaned up and published. Alex9903 is just such an amazing and creative writer that takes us all on such crazy and winding trips to the HEA for ODC. I whole heartedly recommend this story and everything written by Alex9903 to all JAFF fanatics!!!!!
This is an emotional roller coaster of a story!! You can feel the all the wretchedness of the situation that Elizabeth feels after the callousness of a 15 y/o Georgiana trying to punish her brother. You feel the multitude of emotions that Darcy goes through: anger, remorse, despair, comfusion, relief, and so many others. I feel like I have been worn myself bone dry with feeling all the emotions ODC goes through.
Georgiana is a spoiled rich girl who is in want for nothing, therefore when her brother catches her with George Wickham and forbids further contact, then he goes and marries someone not of their circle she retaliates. And boy does her strategy work!!! Ladies you will be shocked at how well it works and just loathe Darcy for what he does.
Poor Elizabeth, all the trials and tribulations she has to go through. Where she is sent and what she has to deal with is in such stark contrast what she grew up as and what she got used to when she was elevated to upon her marriage to Darcy. How can you not blame her for her next actions of escaping her situation. She had no idea how long she was to be banished since Darcy never returned favor and answered her letters., thus making her decision to escape much easier to choose. Though where I did have an issue with her conduct was in complete disappearance without a word to anyone in her family. Through all her trials and tribulations she comes out a broken woman, though one who doesn't know her well enough would not be able to see it. When she is found she is adamant that she will never cave to Darcy and live in a civil marriage. She is so walled up that even her Aunt Gardiner can not get reason to sink in.
Darcy, what can I say, he is destined to always do wrong, and when he's not the only culprit he takes on the full responsibility and anger. So he finds and falls in love with Elizabeth, is told 'no' by her father twice, uses (with the recommendation of Elizabeth) Mrs Bennet to get the marriage pushed through in record time of 2 mos, takes her away and has a whirlwind romance for the next several mos, then starts believing everything his 15 y/o sister has to say about Elizabeth without seeking the truth from he victim, then does what any first circle gentleman would do - sends her away. But when Georgiana finally spills the beans after a rumor is spread, Darcy tried to charge in and be the hero, though there is no one to rescue. He desperately searches for 2yrs, with no traces to be found...until Georgiana vacations in Ramsgate.
No one said reconciliation would be easy, especially for 2 such stubborn and willful people as ODC!!! But I have to say, I thought that Georgiana got off pretty easy by Elizabeth compared to Darcy. Now after having finished this story and thought through everything, I can see Elizabeth's side, but I still believe that everyone (except Lady Matlock, and slightly Darcy) was too easy on Georgiana. I can see the points that Darcy held more blame in light of having swore the vows of marriage before God and society, but wow was Elizabeth the woman scorned!!! There was a 'Hunsford-esque' moment that was more spectacular than the actual 'Hunsford' moment, kudos to you Alex9903!!!!
Alex9903 has of course added a plethora of wonderful characters to aide ODC in their long and emotional journey, but my favorite is the young Bennet!!!!! Read and find out why!!!
And of course, I love everything about this story and wish it would be cleaned up and published. Alex9903 is just such an amazing and creative writer that takes us all on such crazy and winding trips to the HEA for ODC. I whole heartedly recommend this story and everything written by Alex9903 to all JAFF fanatics!!!!!
July 28, 2016
Well, Shelley, Erika and Sheila have thoroughly covered the basic plot and all the intense emotions this unpublished work evokes. There's ecstasy and agony, declaration of love followed by ultimate betrayal, and there's even mystery as Darcy desperately tries to discover where Elizabeth has gone when she has no money or resources and has not appealed to someone, anyone, from her family for help. The book is nicely written and organized, with several key turning points in the tale leading to a clear climax. I particularly like what could be called the moral of the story, as this is an extreme example of what can happen after "true love" and "happily ever after" when the individuals hold back any measure of trust and communication.
What prevents me from feeling that this deserves a full 5 stars is that it's really, Really, REALLY long and becomes redundant in places. I believe that in order for this to be effective as a published book, it needs a good deal of editing and pruning. The repetition may be more understandable for a WIP with only a chapter or two at a time available each week, but eventually I found myself thinking, "Didn't I read this passage earlier?" to go back and find the same ideas expressed using different words, occasionally multiple times. This happens especially when it comes to Darcy's guilt, self-loathing, and despair after realizing how grievously he has wronged Elizabeth, although that's not the only example. In that particular instance, the book just wallows there for a long time with little progression of the plot beyond his fruitless search for Elizabeth. After a while, I realized that my sense of empathy had been deadened because of the sheer repetition, even though the quality of the writing was still high.
Despite that, this is certainly worthy of reading if you have the time, are ready to go on a long emotional journey with these beloved characters, and you're okay with some repetition. It is praiseworthy in every important aspect of storytelling.
What prevents me from feeling that this deserves a full 5 stars is that it's really, Really, REALLY long and becomes redundant in places. I believe that in order for this to be effective as a published book, it needs a good deal of editing and pruning. The repetition may be more understandable for a WIP with only a chapter or two at a time available each week, but eventually I found myself thinking, "Didn't I read this passage earlier?" to go back and find the same ideas expressed using different words, occasionally multiple times. This happens especially when it comes to Darcy's guilt, self-loathing, and despair after realizing how grievously he has wronged Elizabeth, although that's not the only example. In that particular instance, the book just wallows there for a long time with little progression of the plot beyond his fruitless search for Elizabeth. After a while, I realized that my sense of empathy had been deadened because of the sheer repetition, even though the quality of the writing was still high.
Despite that, this is certainly worthy of reading if you have the time, are ready to go on a long emotional journey with these beloved characters, and you're okay with some repetition. It is praiseworthy in every important aspect of storytelling.
February 5, 2017
There are too many excellent reviews for me to attempt to say anything regarding this story. OMG!! What a tale. I will warn readers that this is a high-octane angst of the cruelest kind. What Darcy and Elizabeth do to each other is emotionally abusive and soul wrecking. It it long, very long and extremely long. I am wounded just having read it.
June 19, 2016
"Marry in haste, repent at leisure"
This is Pride & Prejudice turned on its head. Up is down, black is white, the sky is green.
I have now read about 9 works by this author in under a week and as I keep saying, every time I think she cannot top her last story she does! I will also say this book is a hard read for a 21st century American woman... the concept of being a man's possession is so bizarre.
This is an Angst (with a capital A) filled story. That is so creative, brilliant and shocking you will not believe what you are reading, yet you keep going.
It all begins at the Assembly in Meryton where Fitzwilliam Darcy sees Miss Elizabeth Bennet and .... falls head over heels in love at first sight. and Lizzy falls right back at him... it is a romance for the ages, they are both so besotted. Even Jane and Bingley's romance seems pale and small in comparison. Within a fortnight Darcy is begging Mr. Bennet for his favorite daughter's hand and Mr. Bennet says "No, too much too soon, take your time." Another fortnight passes and again he is rebuffed. They Lizzy realizes that her very silly mother will be their best ally and in no time flat Mr. Bennet is announcing their engagement and plans to marry in late November.
Upon their wedding they hie to Pemberley to prepare for Christmastide and to have a romantic and wonderful life together. But soon they are off to London for the season and Meryton for Jane & Bingley's wedding. Once the Darcys take the town by storm and Lizzy is adored by all they meet, her Darling Darcy starts to turn into Douche Bag Darcy. He is cold, short and disdainful, He begins snarking at her behind her back. First he refuses to attend balls, then he refuses to have any society. And he refuses to speak to her, dine with her... Lizzy is distraught but can't break through his disdain. Then one day he announces that she will be sent to his estate in Scotland... alone. Yes Disdainful Darcy has discarded her....
When Lizzy arrives in Scotland, she realizes her banishment is complete. There is no society, only an miserly housekeeper / cook. She daily petitions Darcy, via letter, to be returned but she receives no reply. She is determined to escape and one day she walks away from the estate.
It is then we learn that one of Darcy's closest relations has been spinning lies regarding Lizzy. These stories of her flirtations and dalliances have made him regret his marriage to a 'lowly country girl' and he believes every word, hint and clue unequivocally.
When he finally learns that his source was anything but truthful he hies off to Scotland only to find Lizzy gone. Now Dumb Ass Darcy has to go to her family and admit that he misplaced his wife. In some ways this was my favorite part of the book because his high society background does not spare him the disappointed hopes and distress of the county and trade folks he is compelled to confess to.
There is much, much, much more to this book but I would have to put it behind a spoiler tag and I don't want to. Read the book..read it!!
This is Pride & Prejudice turned on its head. Up is down, black is white, the sky is green.
I have now read about 9 works by this author in under a week and as I keep saying, every time I think she cannot top her last story she does! I will also say this book is a hard read for a 21st century American woman... the concept of being a man's possession is so bizarre.
This is an Angst (with a capital A) filled story. That is so creative, brilliant and shocking you will not believe what you are reading, yet you keep going.
It all begins at the Assembly in Meryton where Fitzwilliam Darcy sees Miss Elizabeth Bennet and .... falls head over heels in love at first sight. and Lizzy falls right back at him... it is a romance for the ages, they are both so besotted. Even Jane and Bingley's romance seems pale and small in comparison. Within a fortnight Darcy is begging Mr. Bennet for his favorite daughter's hand and Mr. Bennet says "No, too much too soon, take your time." Another fortnight passes and again he is rebuffed. They Lizzy realizes that her very silly mother will be their best ally and in no time flat Mr. Bennet is announcing their engagement and plans to marry in late November.
Upon their wedding they hie to Pemberley to prepare for Christmastide and to have a romantic and wonderful life together. But soon they are off to London for the season and Meryton for Jane & Bingley's wedding. Once the Darcys take the town by storm and Lizzy is adored by all they meet, her Darling Darcy starts to turn into Douche Bag Darcy. He is cold, short and disdainful, He begins snarking at her behind her back. First he refuses to attend balls, then he refuses to have any society. And he refuses to speak to her, dine with her... Lizzy is distraught but can't break through his disdain. Then one day he announces that she will be sent to his estate in Scotland... alone. Yes Disdainful Darcy has discarded her....
When Lizzy arrives in Scotland, she realizes her banishment is complete. There is no society, only an miserly housekeeper / cook. She daily petitions Darcy, via letter, to be returned but she receives no reply. She is determined to escape and one day she walks away from the estate.
It is then we learn that one of Darcy's closest relations has been spinning lies regarding Lizzy. These stories of her flirtations and dalliances have made him regret his marriage to a 'lowly country girl' and he believes every word, hint and clue unequivocally.
When he finally learns that his source was anything but truthful he hies off to Scotland only to find Lizzy gone. Now Dumb Ass Darcy has to go to her family and admit that he misplaced his wife. In some ways this was my favorite part of the book because his high society background does not spare him the disappointed hopes and distress of the county and trade folks he is compelled to confess to.
There is much, much, much more to this book but I would have to put it behind a spoiler tag and I don't want to. Read the book..read it!!
July 11, 2016
Dear reader,
People make mistakes.
It's part of human nature and something that we are all guilty of.
Mistakes come in all guises. Some are so small,so insignificant that they are barely seen,the repercussions of which barely leave a ripple on a millpond.
However,some mistakes are grievous errors in judgement,made under severe stress, under circumstances that are far from normal,acting on information that may or may not be true.......misunderstandings,if you will,that can have catastrophic effects.
Such errors,while benign in origin,sometimes assume a power,an authority over their 'victim' that not only hurt but do so in a malignant way and leave scars that can not be easily removed,memories that are not easily forgotten.
The innocent 'victim' of such an error,such a misunderstanding,may have very little choice available in the wake of its effects and may struggle to accept the whys,hows and inevitable what ifs that saw them plunged into this new set of unforeseen circumstances.
They will be faced with choices that they could never have predicted,be forced to make decisions for themselves and loved ones that seem unjust at the time.
The perpetrator of such an error may have no idea of the full implications of their actions.
They may struggle to understand the deep rooted,but sometimes well hidden, hatred, antagonism and fear felt by the 'victim',when forced to face the very person they trusted most in the world,the one person responsible for their current woes.
Can two such people,on opposite sides of this great divide,ever possibly reconcile, grow to trust,live with,and love with all their heart,soul,mind and body,like they once did?
Can they put the past,that is ever present, aside and learn a new understanding of the other,taking on the mitigating circumstances that were initially at play?
Can they forgive the true instigator of the act,the one who planted the seeds of mistrust and misunderstandings,the one who acted in spite,but was herself a puppet in the hands of a master puppeteer?
Yes,dear reader,such are the questions that you will ponder while reading this simply wonderful,angst filled,utterly compelling tale.
I have no idea who this author is.
However,if I was as gifted a storyteller as Alex,I would like to think that I would be discussing a book deal.
To leave this beautifully crafted story,that tugs at your heartstrings,as an unpublished piece of fiction,is,in my humble opinion,a crime!
I heartily recommend it and hope you love it as much as I did!
People make mistakes.
It's part of human nature and something that we are all guilty of.
Mistakes come in all guises. Some are so small,so insignificant that they are barely seen,the repercussions of which barely leave a ripple on a millpond.
However,some mistakes are grievous errors in judgement,made under severe stress, under circumstances that are far from normal,acting on information that may or may not be true.......misunderstandings,if you will,that can have catastrophic effects.
Such errors,while benign in origin,sometimes assume a power,an authority over their 'victim' that not only hurt but do so in a malignant way and leave scars that can not be easily removed,memories that are not easily forgotten.
The innocent 'victim' of such an error,such a misunderstanding,may have very little choice available in the wake of its effects and may struggle to accept the whys,hows and inevitable what ifs that saw them plunged into this new set of unforeseen circumstances.
They will be faced with choices that they could never have predicted,be forced to make decisions for themselves and loved ones that seem unjust at the time.
The perpetrator of such an error may have no idea of the full implications of their actions.
They may struggle to understand the deep rooted,but sometimes well hidden, hatred, antagonism and fear felt by the 'victim',when forced to face the very person they trusted most in the world,the one person responsible for their current woes.
Can two such people,on opposite sides of this great divide,ever possibly reconcile, grow to trust,live with,and love with all their heart,soul,mind and body,like they once did?
Can they put the past,that is ever present, aside and learn a new understanding of the other,taking on the mitigating circumstances that were initially at play?
Can they forgive the true instigator of the act,the one who planted the seeds of mistrust and misunderstandings,the one who acted in spite,but was herself a puppet in the hands of a master puppeteer?
Yes,dear reader,such are the questions that you will ponder while reading this simply wonderful,angst filled,utterly compelling tale.
I have no idea who this author is.
However,if I was as gifted a storyteller as Alex,I would like to think that I would be discussing a book deal.
To leave this beautifully crafted story,that tugs at your heartstrings,as an unpublished piece of fiction,is,in my humble opinion,a crime!
I heartily recommend it and hope you love it as much as I did!
August 14, 2025
This was a love hate story for me from a favorite author. I loved the plot and found it fascinating. But i thought it was way too long. I got bogged down in their misery for too long before we had a resolution. Then the happy times were so short. However, I loved the relationship. I think Elizabeth should have been more "punished" for her actions by her family. I really didn't understand how Darcy would just send her away. Also, how could Elizabeth just escape with nothing? Both seemed a little odd. Everyone seems to let her off even though she made decisions that hurt them. All in all, excellent read. I highly recommend you read Debbie's review as i agree 100%. a little pruning and this story would be perfect. I also recommend you read leslie, Rose and Sheila's excellent reviews as well.
May 17, 2017
This story was an incredible punch in the gut, in the best way. In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Darcy and Elizabeth meet at the Assembly for love at first site. His selfishness and insecurities based on the words of his pernicious sister cause Darcy to make the biggest mistake of his life. The story follows the evolution of the Darcy brother and sister as well as the personal revelations of Elizabeth. Love and forgiveness must save the day.
February 11, 2017
4.5⭐️ The other reviews explain it best... The author is truly talented and comes up with such a unique premise. You can never go wrong when reading any of her works. Can't wait for more published works.
May 12, 2018
"Sir, I loved your daughter the very first night I met her..."
Mister Bennet held up his hand. " I do not dispute your ardor, sir. However, I must say to you... infatuation is brief, and marriage is long. It is not an institution to be entered into a whim." (...) So a frustrated Darcy and a petulant Elizabeth did as he said.
This book was a refreshing unexpected turn on the events we know from canon.
Here, Lizzy and Mr Darcy's love for each other was was never the question. It was instant, it was blinding and it was alight with passion and possibilities. They were two young people that had a whole future filled with happiness and hope ahead of them.
Life seemed easy, as even the ton was not really a problem for the lovable and cheerful Mrs. Darcy. Love, as people say, always conquer all!
But a relationship is not just love.
Life needs trust, needs faith and needs understanding.
Elizabeth and Darcy had all the feelings, but they didn't have trust. They didn't really know each other. So, when rumors started to come to Darcy's ears from a most trustworthy source, he wavered. He became distant, suffering in silence while slighting the same woman he vowed to love till his last breath.
She looked away from him for a moment, then returned to his eyes. "And what if I never wish to discuss it? What if I and happy, just as things are - or at least as happy as it is possible for me to be?" He gave her a sad, half-smile.
"Then I will wait forever"
From page one to those very dear last words, this book was a rollercoaster of emotions. I had tears in my eyes for most part of it. Elizabeth's feelings were too raw, too close to the surface while she fought through Darcy's betrayal and tried to rebut her life as best as she could - alone, frightened, and pregnant.
I cursed Darcy's stupidity, at the same time that I suffered for him, going through his path to redemption and his desperate search for his wife.
It came to the point that sometimes I really didn't know how to feel. They had too much history, too much hurt between then when they finally came together again, to a point where I though it impossible for their love to win the battle.
There are some wounds that seem simply too deep, and Alex9903 explored the complexity, the fears and reactions of Elizabeth with such emotion, such truth and yet delicacy that I could do nothing but hope that all'd end well for them, that somehow Lizzy'd find her smile again somewhere along the way.
Most of all, A Willful Misunderstanding was the story of two people that made terrible mistakes and their path to grow, to become better and to start to really know themselves, while the others had to learn to forgive. Maybe not forget, but to let go of all the anger, the hurt, the spite, and breath new life on their family.
As Darcy so beautifully said to his son:
"(...) Always remember that love is not about pounding hearts and pleasing figures. Love is about trusting someone, and having faith in their character and hope in your future together, Ir is about caring for them so much that their pain is your own."
May 20, 2017
Upon a reread of one of my recent favorite P&P variations, "The Best Part of Love", I found that the author Amy D'Orazio had a few other works that had been highly rated and I knew I must read them so thus I began "A willful misunderstanding" and didn't stop. I was supposed to spend the day touch up painting my house so I could put it on the market but damn it all after reading only 3 chapters I threw aside all obligations and spent the whole day finishing this book instead. Quite like "The best part of love" it was an emotional roller coaster that I couldn't get off of. Quick recap... Darcy and Elizabeth fall in love at first sight at the ball of Netherfield. There is not much Pride or Prejudice in their courtship. Neither wishes to be away from one another and after enlisting Mrs. Bennet's mercenary side to get Mr. Bennet's approval they are quickly wed and living in blissful (and sizzling) holy matrimony. They spend the early days learning about each other and loving each other til the sun comes up and their happiness exudes off the pages. Enter a spoiled and resentful Georgiana Darcy who manages to convince Darcy that her and Wickham's secret affair is actually an affair between Elizabeth and Wickham and Elizabeth is sent packing to Scotland without even being given a reason. Honestly it was very frustrating that Darcy didn't even ask her about the claims laid against her nor did her tell her his reason for shutting her out but the author managed to make it completely plausible given Darcy's elevated upbringing (here enters the pride) and his love for his sister and hate for George Wickham. He had married a girl he barely knew after all and Wickham was seen leaving his house. Elizabeth writes Darcy (was it 37 times??? I can't remember) to beg for his love and eventually tell him of her suspicion she is pregnant with his child but it is all for not and Elizabeth eventually runs from the Scotland estate and sets out on her own. After Wickham meets Darcy in an attempt to blackmail him with his compromise of Georgiana, Darcy discovers Georgiana's deceit and sets out to Scotland to find his beloved Elizabeth gone!! That's right Darcy, GONE! HA! See how mad I still am!! But such was the emotion this book provoked from me! It was satisfying that Elizabeth set out on her own in spite of Darcy's assholery and I wanted to see him sweat! She found herself living ultimately in Ramsgate with a widow who was living out her final years and in need of companionship. I loved the motherly relationship Mrs. Satterwaite gave Elizabeth and her son and I was glad she didn't end up in trying circumstances. I don't think I could have coped with her being a chambermaid or some awful woman's doormat. Thus begins Darcy's long search for her (3 years!!!) and their long eventual road to a HEA. I confess I did wish that Darcy's search for Elizabeth was more of a game of cat and mouse although he did several times end up in places right after her. I also wanted Elizabeth to make it harder on him to come home once she was found but she made it hard enough once she was home as she had closed off to Darcy for a maddening length of time. This was probably the hardest part of the book for me as Elizabeth was so plastic in her personality at this point in protection of her heart... which was obviously understandable so my frustration was not with the author but with Darcy for being so stupid. Elizabeth definitely makes Darcy work for it and we get to enjoy his groveling (I loved her humor in his attempt at poetry) and it's seems at this point in the book all of our characters come into play in their own growth and in helping Elizabeth getting back to her normal self. I saw that some readers felt Georgiana got off too easy, but I felt she was given quite the set down from most members of the family and truly learned from the experience. After all that had come between them I was hoping for some crazy event that would lead to them ripping each other's clothes off in the heat of passion (I was already amped up from the beginning of the book) but we do finally get to see the passion between them and their eventual HEA. In summary, the premise of this book was exciting and well thought out, the angst was thick but enjoyably torturous and it is a book that had to be finished before my life could resume (sorry kids!). I definitely recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2016
Another awesome book by Alex!
Where to begin I'm at a loss for words, this was such a thought provoking and angst ridden story! It starts out from Elizabeth's point of view after they have been married. Though we don't know exactly how far past. She's been banished to Scotland! We feel her angst and like her we know idea why she was sent there. The story shifts from Elizabeth point of view and story line to Darcy's point of view and story line. It is done seamlessly and really helps fill in the back and forth story. It really is quite a tail and I couldn't put this story down and I know I gave it 4 stars and that is only because I was so angry and upset with this Darcy and so very frustrated with this Elizabeth that I want to scream! I know I should not be but there you have it.
Another definite must read JAFF. Highly recommend!
Where to begin I'm at a loss for words, this was such a thought provoking and angst ridden story! It starts out from Elizabeth's point of view after they have been married. Though we don't know exactly how far past. She's been banished to Scotland! We feel her angst and like her we know idea why she was sent there. The story shifts from Elizabeth point of view and story line to Darcy's point of view and story line. It is done seamlessly and really helps fill in the back and forth story. It really is quite a tail and I couldn't put this story down and I know I gave it 4 stars and that is only because I was so angry and upset with this Darcy and so very frustrated with this Elizabeth that I want to scream! I know I should not be but there you have it.
Another definite must read JAFF. Highly recommend!
December 23, 2020
Great love story, just shows how you can overcome other peoples meanness to have a happy ending!!
June 24, 2019
I don't usually like a lot of extra angst in my JAFF, but I am a fan of Amy D'Orazio's writing so I'm willing to put up with it to read her stories. This is another great example of a well written P&P variation from this author. I will always read anything she writes. So yes, this one is a rough one for ODC but I recommend anyway.
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October 18, 2022Angsty. E&D fall in love at first sight and get married. Caroline and Georgiana pull some shenanigans which lets Darcy believe Lizzy is in love with Wickham. Lizzy is over it and leaves. She starts her own life with their baby. Second half of the book is Darcy begging for forgiveness.
October 9, 2020
I love angst and this delivers! Darcy falls in love with Elizabeth at first sight, which is certainly out of character but they do seem to have at least a short courtship. And then Darcy allows his jealousy to override his sense and he makes a regrettable decision. Unfortunately he doesn’t quickly realize his mistake and Elizabeth finds it necessary to find the inner strength that carrying on will require. This will keep you up for sure! The writing is superb, the story flows well and I will most certainly read this again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2020
I absolutely loved this!
'Almost' felt bad for Darcy but loved how he repented for his mistake. This Elizabeth was true to Austen's heroine. She held her head high and did not turn into a despondent lady (like many other turn her into). It was angsty enough for every angst-lover out there. I recommend it to every JAFF fan.
'Almost' felt bad for Darcy but loved how he repented for his mistake. This Elizabeth was true to Austen's heroine. She held her head high and did not turn into a despondent lady (like many other turn her into). It was angsty enough for every angst-lover out there. I recommend it to every JAFF fan.
May 9, 2023
3.5 stars
February 21, 2024
Every time I read an Amy d’Orazio’s book I wonder why I let too much time pass from the previous one.
Angsty and full of feelings
Angsty and full of feelings
June 23, 2018
A good book but an unacceptable ending for me. If you read it as an independent book in your mind it is actually a good gothic novel with lot of angst and near right portrayal of some women's life during Regency.
I will not write more on story as many reviewers before me have already done so. Characters in book have good character development, some changes like those in Darcy are rightfully sudden, and some like Georgiana's are stubbornly slow and justified. Jane was a surprise and a very pleasant one.
The plot kept to its genre and their is no sudden genre change unliks some of other similar stories.
Events in book are not flights of fancy, they are well researched and true to the period.
However my only beef is with ending, after facing so much mistrust and neglect from a husband whom she loved in first place, no woman whether be BC, AD, Roman time, Regency or any other time, can develop an all encompassing love again, as shown in story. She can forgive but how will she forget, she may not hold vengeful grudge as its Regency she can't leave him, but she can only be civil first and in some time she can develop respect and care, but not enough trust, may be some trust but not enough and love can't come without trust.
Why my view to ending, because Lizzy even in fiction is a human, there is a mistake and then there is definite prolonged neglect and torture, first is totally reconcilable latter is not.
Hence my 4 starts, 1 missing for ending.
I will not write more on story as many reviewers before me have already done so. Characters in book have good character development, some changes like those in Darcy are rightfully sudden, and some like Georgiana's are stubbornly slow and justified. Jane was a surprise and a very pleasant one.
The plot kept to its genre and their is no sudden genre change unliks some of other similar stories.
Events in book are not flights of fancy, they are well researched and true to the period.
However my only beef is with ending, after facing so much mistrust and neglect from a husband whom she loved in first place, no woman whether be BC, AD, Roman time, Regency or any other time, can develop an all encompassing love again, as shown in story. She can forgive but how will she forget, she may not hold vengeful grudge as its Regency she can't leave him, but she can only be civil first and in some time she can develop respect and care, but not enough trust, may be some trust but not enough and love can't come without trust.
Why my view to ending, because Lizzy even in fiction is a human, there is a mistake and then there is definite prolonged neglect and torture, first is totally reconcilable latter is not.
Hence my 4 starts, 1 missing for ending.
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