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Ribbons, Lace and Verse: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Join Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley as they try to comprehend St. Valentine’s Day. Thank goodness Georgiana is there to help them as they muddle along with ribbon and lace in an effort to win the hearts of two special ladies.
- GenresHoliday
71 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2017
13 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 14, 2024
Many are the starrs I see, but in my eye no starr like thee. ~English saying used on poesy rings
Bingley — the Great Romantic Fool — spies handmade Valentine cards in a shop window and immediately vows to craft his own to pave the way for a reconciliation with Jane Bennet.
Darcy — the Secret Lover — surreptitiously crafts a token for his Lady Love.
These two 19th-century gentlemen must make trips to the Milliners (for shades of pink); a sweet shop (for sugary confections) and finish with a visit to a friend skilled in the language of flowers (for hidden messages).
They also create a fad among their friends for gifting Valentines — and create envy among the ladies.
Sister Georgiana instructs with the Snipping and Stitching.
This is a sweet, angst-free love story that I enjoyed very much.
Without Valentine's Day, February would be... well, January. ~Jim Gaffigan
Bingley — the Great Romantic Fool — spies handmade Valentine cards in a shop window and immediately vows to craft his own to pave the way for a reconciliation with Jane Bennet.
Darcy — the Secret Lover — surreptitiously crafts a token for his Lady Love.
These two 19th-century gentlemen must make trips to the Milliners (for shades of pink); a sweet shop (for sugary confections) and finish with a visit to a friend skilled in the language of flowers (for hidden messages).
They also create a fad among their friends for gifting Valentines — and create envy among the ladies.
Sister Georgiana instructs with the Snipping and Stitching.
This is a sweet, angst-free love story that I enjoyed very much.
Without Valentine's Day, February would be... well, January. ~Jim Gaffigan
February 15, 2017
“The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing.” Blaise Pascal
This was a delightful, clean, quick read for Valentine’s Day. Bingley wanted to send a Valentine to Miss Bennet. Darcy had confessed to him that Miss Bennet was in London and that Miss Bingley had snubbed her and was attempting to separate him from the Bennet connection. Bingley forgave Darcy and they agreed to the project of Bingley making his own Valentine… with the help of Georgiana of course. During the excitement of watching Bingley, Darcy decided to make his own plans for Valentine’s Day.
Fitzwilliam Darcy knows only one thing… he loves Elizabeth Bennet. No amount of reason can squelch the knowledge that he loves her. He can do nothing else. He loves her and wants to send her a message of his declaration. First the Valentine [handmade], then a poem he had written himself, next a box of assorted confectionery treats to delight his lady love, and finally a bouquet of posies… using the language of flowers to convey a message to her.
This was so cute, perhaps a bit sappy; however, I am looking at my own Valentines [although my hubby didn’t hand make it], he did pick it out himself. I also have a bouquet of flowers that smile cheerfully at me. So, I suppose I am in a ‘love scented atmosphere’ and am touched by the attentions that Bingley and Darcy went through to show their love to their ladies of choice. Bingley’s poem was cute, but Darcy’s poem just about did me in. Elizabeth was touched and her intelligence helped her reason out and realize that she needed to rethink her affections and feelings regarding Mr. Darcy. For, who else could have given her such gifts if not him?
Mr. Darcy went to Kent for Easter and his meeting with Elizabeth went very different this time around. It was spectacular. The last chapter acted as an epilogue and gave us a glimpse of years later. How cute. I just loved this little short. If you have a heart to be touched… it will be.
This was a delightful, clean, quick read for Valentine’s Day. Bingley wanted to send a Valentine to Miss Bennet. Darcy had confessed to him that Miss Bennet was in London and that Miss Bingley had snubbed her and was attempting to separate him from the Bennet connection. Bingley forgave Darcy and they agreed to the project of Bingley making his own Valentine… with the help of Georgiana of course. During the excitement of watching Bingley, Darcy decided to make his own plans for Valentine’s Day.
Fitzwilliam Darcy knows only one thing… he loves Elizabeth Bennet. No amount of reason can squelch the knowledge that he loves her. He can do nothing else. He loves her and wants to send her a message of his declaration. First the Valentine [handmade], then a poem he had written himself, next a box of assorted confectionery treats to delight his lady love, and finally a bouquet of posies… using the language of flowers to convey a message to her.
This was so cute, perhaps a bit sappy; however, I am looking at my own Valentines [although my hubby didn’t hand make it], he did pick it out himself. I also have a bouquet of flowers that smile cheerfully at me. So, I suppose I am in a ‘love scented atmosphere’ and am touched by the attentions that Bingley and Darcy went through to show their love to their ladies of choice. Bingley’s poem was cute, but Darcy’s poem just about did me in. Elizabeth was touched and her intelligence helped her reason out and realize that she needed to rethink her affections and feelings regarding Mr. Darcy. For, who else could have given her such gifts if not him?
Mr. Darcy went to Kent for Easter and his meeting with Elizabeth went very different this time around. It was spectacular. The last chapter acted as an epilogue and gave us a glimpse of years later. How cute. I just loved this little short. If you have a heart to be touched… it will be.
May 11, 2017
I read this in just over an hour.
Charles and Darcy go to his usual print shop and are rather taken aback when the window display is of pink cards and/or pink papers, ribbons and lace accessories. When questioning the proprietor and his son they learn that this is the latest trend and that you can buy a "ready-made" Valentine card or make up one on your own.
Charles is "all over this" and has to go to several stores in order to buy the needed supplies. Darcy, at home where Charles is now also living after the Netherfield Ball, watches with some amusement as Georgiana teaches Charles how to apply ribbons and lace and make ribbon roses or flowers. Then Charles uses up many a piece of paper trying to come up with his own prose or poetry. To credit Charles he follows up with buying sweets and visiting a lady who can help with the "language of flowers" and in putting together a posey...all for Jane and in the hopes she will forgive him for deserting her after the ball.
While watching his friend put so much effort into pursuing his angel, Darcy not only has many a thought about Elizabeth but also how he might just be able to begin all over again with her...if he sends 1.) a Valentine's Day card, 2.) a posey and 3.) some sweets to her at Longbourn. At first he works in secret but as they go in search of that posey, he confesses all to Charles and Georgiana.
This was lovely and we do get to read of both sisters' reactions and responses as they receive the offerings. Jane's is immediate as Charles visits the next day but Elizabeth does not see Darcy again until Hunsford. We have a much different tale from canon there.
This was a perfect little story even if I was reading it long after that holiday was over.
Charles and Darcy go to his usual print shop and are rather taken aback when the window display is of pink cards and/or pink papers, ribbons and lace accessories. When questioning the proprietor and his son they learn that this is the latest trend and that you can buy a "ready-made" Valentine card or make up one on your own.
Charles is "all over this" and has to go to several stores in order to buy the needed supplies. Darcy, at home where Charles is now also living after the Netherfield Ball, watches with some amusement as Georgiana teaches Charles how to apply ribbons and lace and make ribbon roses or flowers. Then Charles uses up many a piece of paper trying to come up with his own prose or poetry. To credit Charles he follows up with buying sweets and visiting a lady who can help with the "language of flowers" and in putting together a posey...all for Jane and in the hopes she will forgive him for deserting her after the ball.
While watching his friend put so much effort into pursuing his angel, Darcy not only has many a thought about Elizabeth but also how he might just be able to begin all over again with her...if he sends 1.) a Valentine's Day card, 2.) a posey and 3.) some sweets to her at Longbourn. At first he works in secret but as they go in search of that posey, he confesses all to Charles and Georgiana.
This was lovely and we do get to read of both sisters' reactions and responses as they receive the offerings. Jane's is immediate as Charles visits the next day but Elizabeth does not see Darcy again until Hunsford. We have a much different tale from canon there.
This was a perfect little story even if I was reading it long after that holiday was over.
February 16, 2017
Oh this is just the sweetest, cutest, nicest Valentine's Day P&P what if ever. A trip to the stationary store turns Bingley into a Valentine maker and inspires Darcy to admit his feelings for Miss Elizabeth.
It is delightful, clean, romantic and angst free
It is delightful, clean, romantic and angst free
February 27, 2017
Oh how romantic! With all his feelings on this sleeve, Bingley decides to make a homemade Valentine card to tell Jane of his love (post leaving Netherfield). Using cards and gifts to celebrate the holiday are the latest rage in London. After watching his friend go through so much trouble, Darcy decides to create his own for Elizabeth in secret. After adding treats and sending messages with flowers, the gifts are delivered. Bingley's offering is graciously received by Jane at the Gardniers' home. Darcy's is delivered to Longbourn unsigned, but Elizabeth figures out the sender through his clues. The flower messages and card make their time together in Hunsford special rather than tragic on the way to their happily ever after. The epilogue is a fun icing on this enjoyable Valentine's Day treat.
March 1, 2017
This is a very sweet, relatively angst-less tale. It's easy to imagine the boyish Mr. Bingley cutting and pasting paper, lace and beads to make his own Valentine's Day card for Jane when he still cares for her after having left Netherfield months before. Although it seems less likely behavior in Mr. Darcy, the author manages to sell it convincingly enough. But what is a Valentine's Day card without flowers and candy to accompany it? That's especially true when you've essentially abandoned the woman you love (Bingley) or when you suspect that she probably dislikes you (Darcy).
March 8, 2017
Adorable. Bingley steals the show in this one.
May 14, 2017
Sweet as honey!
February 16, 2017
Ribbons, Lace and Verse.
Lovely, romantically sweet tale, with Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley deciding to make Valentine Day Cards for their lady loves. Madeline Kenneth comes up with some interesting ideas to write about and this was no different. I enjoy how she gives a brief synopsis of what lead to the point in time in the Pride and Prejudice History, but doesn't drag it out. Just tells us what happened, where they are at now, then tells her tale. A Good, Sweet Read.
Lovely, romantically sweet tale, with Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley deciding to make Valentine Day Cards for their lady loves. Madeline Kenneth comes up with some interesting ideas to write about and this was no different. I enjoy how she gives a brief synopsis of what lead to the point in time in the Pride and Prejudice History, but doesn't drag it out. Just tells us what happened, where they are at now, then tells her tale. A Good, Sweet Read.
February 16, 2017
Mr Darcy Makes a Valentine
This variation takes a simple premise and weaves a very sweet tale. Mr Darcy realizes that to attain the heart of his lady love he must first undo the damage his unguarded words at the Meryton assembly caused. What better way than to write a love sonnet, add a message-laden bouquet, and some sweets to be delivered to the lovely Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Good thing he had Mr Bingley to show him the way!
This variation takes a simple premise and weaves a very sweet tale. Mr Darcy realizes that to attain the heart of his lady love he must first undo the damage his unguarded words at the Meryton assembly caused. What better way than to write a love sonnet, add a message-laden bouquet, and some sweets to be delivered to the lovely Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Good thing he had Mr Bingley to show him the way!
February 16, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book very much. It's cute and funny, a perfect Valentine Day story. Bingley learning needlework to decorate a Valentine card-priceless. I liked the verses Bingley and Darcy had written, they reflected their personalities very well. And using posies to send a message was cleverly done.
Highly recommended if you're looking for a light, sweet and entertaining short story. It didn't even fill too short, as most novellettes are for me.
Highly recommended if you're looking for a light, sweet and entertaining short story. It didn't even fill too short, as most novellettes are for me.
February 16, 2017
Very sweet
A little off from cannon. Darcy suspects Elizabeth won't accept him right away. I felt that Bingley was very well represented.
A little off from cannon. Darcy suspects Elizabeth won't accept him right away. I felt that Bingley was very well represented.
February 7, 2023
This was a really cute and fun holiday read. Mr. Bingley's enthusiasm for Valentine's Day was really fun to read and seeing how his desire to participate fully slowly wore Mr. Darcy down into participating was amusing as well. I loved them making the cards and getting their respective gifts together.
August 9, 2020
So sweet
An absolutely sweet and touching little variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride And Prejudice. What if Darcy and Bingley sent our girls homemade Valentines with handwritten poems and special poseys with hidden messages?
An absolutely sweet and touching little variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride And Prejudice. What if Darcy and Bingley sent our girls homemade Valentines with handwritten poems and special poseys with hidden messages?
July 17, 2017
Pure Valentine's day fluff. Sweet and basically plotless. In the first half of the story, which is from Darcy's POV, the readers get to accompany Bingley, Darcy and Georgiana in their quest to make their first ever Valentine's card, sonnet, and posy. The second half is all about the D/E, which is from Elizabeth's POV.
Georgiana and Bingley's childish joy in making the perfect valentine was just so, so cute! And Darcy's behaviour! Especially when he secretly goes out to buy paper and ribbons and what not for his own card, all the while claiming he's buying it for a friend. Yeah, of course, "for a friend", not himself, of course not. :D
Jane and Bingley's part is resolved very easily of course (a visit from Bingley after the Valentine's Day delivery, et voilà, they are engaged), but D/E takes a bit longer - until Kent, in fact.
I have some trouble with the fact that in this story, for no reason I can see, Darcy actually recognises that Elizabeth is not flirting with him, may even dislike him - he even recognises why -, and would thus refuse him were he to propose. (As opposed to canon, where he was sure his consequence would have her accepting him.) But that really of little consequence and does not change the fact that this book is worthy of many re-reads.
Georgiana and Bingley's childish joy in making the perfect valentine was just so, so cute! And Darcy's behaviour! Especially when he secretly goes out to buy paper and ribbons and what not for his own card, all the while claiming he's buying it for a friend. Yeah, of course, "for a friend", not himself, of course not. :D
Jane and Bingley's part is resolved very easily of course (a visit from Bingley after the Valentine's Day delivery, et voilà, they are engaged), but D/E takes a bit longer - until Kent, in fact.
I have some trouble with the fact that in this story, for no reason I can see, Darcy actually recognises that Elizabeth is not flirting with him, may even dislike him - he even recognises why -, and would thus refuse him were he to propose. (As opposed to canon, where he was sure his consequence would have her accepting him.) But that really of little consequence and does not change the fact that this book is worthy of many re-reads.
October 20, 2023
This is a quick read that starts out with a cute segment in which Bingley and Darcy write poetry and construct Valentine's day cards for their would-be special ladies. The poetry and the flowery message get Elizabeth to regard Darcy differently. When they come together in Kent it's a quicker resolution although a bit bland perhaps. This is one of those stories in which they get engaged in the shorthand style. He asked a question, she came up with the appropriate answer and then they were happy. Never super exciting, I want the fluffy details lol.
April 27, 2020
Cute and sweet
This was a short, sweet, and exceptionally cute story. Faster to the love of Darcy and Elizabeth. The love starts in unusual way, but was a cute and sweet way. Recommended to read
This was a short, sweet, and exceptionally cute story. Faster to the love of Darcy and Elizabeth. The love starts in unusual way, but was a cute and sweet way. Recommended to read
January 4, 2024
Sweet
Short and sweet, if a bit simplistic - and completely drama free. Read it if you're looking for a pleasant way to pass the time. I gave it an additional star for being clearly written and well punctuated.
Short and sweet, if a bit simplistic - and completely drama free. Read it if you're looking for a pleasant way to pass the time. I gave it an additional star for being clearly written and well punctuated.
March 14, 2017
quick, light and fun read
I want the author to know that I seldom, if ever, give out 5 stars. It has to be perfect to wrest 5 stars from me. That said, this was darn close and if I could do 4 1/2 stars, I would. This was a really great little story. It's original and I loved the bit about the flowers.
It had some really great laugh out loud moments and the story moved well. I found that I quite liked this Darcy and Bingley, especially Bingley (who I find to be a bit of a spineless jellyfish in most stories). In this one he is still genial but has more strength and conviction.
Not a lot of angst or drama, and no "villains"... just everyone's own preconceived notions, pride and prejudices to over come, but it was still enjoyable. The connections to the other parts of the story make sense, and the conversations between characters are natural... both I terms of what they are saying as well as keeping to their characters. This story has been well written, well thought out, and with a great flow.
I would recommend this if you have an hour and a half (give or take) and are looking for a fun read.
I want the author to know that I seldom, if ever, give out 5 stars. It has to be perfect to wrest 5 stars from me. That said, this was darn close and if I could do 4 1/2 stars, I would. This was a really great little story. It's original and I loved the bit about the flowers.
It had some really great laugh out loud moments and the story moved well. I found that I quite liked this Darcy and Bingley, especially Bingley (who I find to be a bit of a spineless jellyfish in most stories). In this one he is still genial but has more strength and conviction.
Not a lot of angst or drama, and no "villains"... just everyone's own preconceived notions, pride and prejudices to over come, but it was still enjoyable. The connections to the other parts of the story make sense, and the conversations between characters are natural... both I terms of what they are saying as well as keeping to their characters. This story has been well written, well thought out, and with a great flow.
I would recommend this if you have an hour and a half (give or take) and are looking for a fun read.
February 21, 2017
Cute
Sweet story. I wish it had been longer, but I liked the way Darcy was portrayed. His poem for Elizabeth was lovely, and I liked how he aS able to quash his pride in order to try to win Elizabeth over. Didn't miss the lack of irritating characters, especially Wickham and Lydia.
Sweet story. I wish it had been longer, but I liked the way Darcy was portrayed. His poem for Elizabeth was lovely, and I liked how he aS able to quash his pride in order to try to win Elizabeth over. Didn't miss the lack of irritating characters, especially Wickham and Lydia.
January 21, 2022
WONDERFUL!
This is a lovely, sweet story showing the reader a softer Darcy and Lizzy. I am certain to reread this title many, many times. I highly recommend it to you.
This is a lovely, sweet story showing the reader a softer Darcy and Lizzy. I am certain to reread this title many, many times. I highly recommend it to you.
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