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The Trials
In the shadow of Mr. Bennet's death, Elizabeth finds herself in the role of governess to Lady Catherine's disregarded ward. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Mr. Darcy in the grand corridors of Rosings. As she uncovers the true gentleman beneath his proud exterior, a cruel twist of fate Mr. Darcy is betrothed to his cousin, Anne.
Summoned to Rosings in the wake of Georgiana's near scandal with Wickham, Darcy is presented with a dreadful ultimatum by Lady Marry Anne, or face the ruin of Georgiana's reputation.
Despite his impending nuptials, Darcy's heart remains steadfastly with Elizabeth. Torn between the duty to his family and the yearnings of his heart, he dares to hope for a future with Elizabeth. But just as a glimmer of hope emerges, a devastating event threatens to shatter their chances of happiness forever...
Summoned to Rosings in the wake of Georgiana's near scandal with Wickham, Darcy is presented with a dreadful ultimatum by Lady Marry Anne, or face the ruin of Georgiana's reputation.
Despite his impending nuptials, Darcy's heart remains steadfastly with Elizabeth. Torn between the duty to his family and the yearnings of his heart, he dares to hope for a future with Elizabeth. But just as a glimmer of hope emerges, a devastating event threatens to shatter their chances of happiness forever...
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2017
114 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 29, 2017
WOW! Dayam! Holy Cow! This is a wild ride of a P&P what if. In this book we are asked to imagine a world where when Lizzy & the Gardiners visited Pemberley Mr. Darcy didn't ride ahead of his friends and thus never knew that she has changed her opinion of him. So when they learn of Lydia's folly in Brighton there is no Darcy to save the day. Then things go from bad to worse when Mr. Bennet falls ill in London and dies. Then at the suggestion of Lady Catherine Mr. Collins evicts the Bennets from Longbourn and declares them persona non grata. Then things go from worse to catastrophic when Lydia returns unwed and with child and Mr. Gardiner goes bankrupt. The Bennets seemingly can fall no further.
Lizzy finds a job as a governess to a young ward. The ward of Lady Catherine deBourgh. As that the ward is a natural child Lady C believes Lizzy with her fallen sister is an appropriate choice. This lady Catherine is off the hook Cray cray! She is violent deranged and unbalanced. She still has unrealistic expectations regarding her daughter, Darcy and really the rest of the world.
To add to this we have an unrepentant Wickham who slips in and out of Rosings, messing with servants and feeding lady Catherine's delusions. He very much reminds me of Loki from Thor- he is an evil agent of chaos. He and Lady C are simply diabolical together. Using his information Lady C realizes she has the means, motive and opportunity to finally achieve her greatest desire the wedding of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Anne deBourgh. And lady Catherine doesn't care who she has to hurt to get her wish.
When Darcy arrives at Rosings his fate is laid before him; acquiesce or Lady C will ruin Georgiana. It is obvious that she is deranged and if the old Earl was alive might have been able to rein her in but he is deceased and Lady C won't listen to nephews. He agrees, because protecting Georgie is his only goal and soon encounters Miss Bennet and her charge.
Anne is dreadfully unhappy that she must marry Darcy; for she loves another and has been merely waiting and praying for her mother to die so she could live happily ever after. While Lady Catherine's gets more and more deranged and power mad the rest of her family plots to fake a wedding, rescue her abused ward and escape without ruining Georgiana. All while Lady Catherine has a new toad eater who will stop at nothing to appease his patroness.
All of this will come to a head in an unexpected way. Georgiana and her fiance will show themselves to be made of sterner stuff, Wickham will be just as mercenary as you would imagine.
Lizzy finds a job as a governess to a young ward. The ward of Lady Catherine deBourgh. As that the ward is a natural child Lady C believes Lizzy with her fallen sister is an appropriate choice. This lady Catherine is off the hook Cray cray! She is violent deranged and unbalanced. She still has unrealistic expectations regarding her daughter, Darcy and really the rest of the world.
To add to this we have an unrepentant Wickham who slips in and out of Rosings, messing with servants and feeding lady Catherine's delusions. He very much reminds me of Loki from Thor- he is an evil agent of chaos. He and Lady C are simply diabolical together. Using his information Lady C realizes she has the means, motive and opportunity to finally achieve her greatest desire the wedding of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Anne deBourgh. And lady Catherine doesn't care who she has to hurt to get her wish.
When Darcy arrives at Rosings his fate is laid before him; acquiesce or Lady C will ruin Georgiana. It is obvious that she is deranged and if the old Earl was alive might have been able to rein her in but he is deceased and Lady C won't listen to nephews. He agrees, because protecting Georgie is his only goal and soon encounters Miss Bennet and her charge.
Anne is dreadfully unhappy that she must marry Darcy; for she loves another and has been merely waiting and praying for her mother to die so she could live happily ever after. While Lady Catherine's gets more and more deranged and power mad the rest of her family plots to fake a wedding, rescue her abused ward and escape without ruining Georgiana. All while Lady Catherine has a new toad eater who will stop at nothing to appease his patroness.
All of this will come to a head in an unexpected way. Georgiana and her fiance will show themselves to be made of sterner stuff, Wickham will be just as mercenary as you would imagine.
June 5, 2017
Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops.
-- Cary Grant
Lady Catherine is insane.
The question is: how much insanity gallops through the Fitzwilliam family and the inhabitants of Rosings?
Anne has Moments of Insanity.
Colonel Fitzwilliam has Moments of Insanity.
The Butler has Moments of Insanity.
The Maid has Moments of Insanity.
And especially the Cook has Moments of Insanity.
But … does the Governess have Moments of Insanity?
Overall impression: this is a well-told story that held my interest to the end. But I won’t read it again.
Psychopaths know the technical difference between right and wrong - which is one of the reasons their insanity pleas in criminal cases so rarely succeed; they just fail to act on that knowledge. -- Jeffrey Kluger
-- Cary Grant
Lady Catherine is insane.
The question is: how much insanity gallops through the Fitzwilliam family and the inhabitants of Rosings?
Anne has Moments of Insanity.
Colonel Fitzwilliam has Moments of Insanity.
The Butler has Moments of Insanity.
The Maid has Moments of Insanity.
And especially the Cook has Moments of Insanity.
But … does the Governess have Moments of Insanity?
Overall impression: this is a well-told story that held my interest to the end. But I won’t read it again.
Psychopaths know the technical difference between right and wrong - which is one of the reasons their insanity pleas in criminal cases so rarely succeed; they just fail to act on that knowledge. -- Jeffrey Kluger
September 12, 2017
Gripping!
Once you start reading this book,it will be almost impossible to put it down. It keeps you trying to read faster to find out what will happen next.
Highly recommended!
Once you start reading this book,it will be almost impossible to put it down. It keeps you trying to read faster to find out what will happen next.
Highly recommended!
October 29, 2017
Even knowing that a HEA is guaranteed in JAFF stories for Elizabeth and Darcy, this story had me just a little on edge as Elizabeth seems to have motive and opportunity to off Lady Catherine, who, frankly, was really "asking for it". She deals out emotional and physical abuse and even a small child is not safe from her hand...or her cane.
Elizabeth working as a governess has been written before but it has been for Georgiana in other stories. This time she is in charge of Emma an illegitimate Fitzwilliam relation whose mother has died and of whom Lady C. has guardianship.
The story description paints a bleak portrait for the Bennets and the Gardiners: Mr. Bennet is dead, Mr. Collins kicks everyone out, Mr. Gardiner suffers bankruptcy after taking the family in, Jane is married to a parson while Mary and Elizabeth work as governesses.
Wickham and Lady C. team up so she now has the ammunition to force Darcy to marry Anne. Neither Anne nor Darcy want this but Anne is a coward and although she hates her mother she never stands up for herself. So many people have reason to want Lady C. permanently removed from their lives: even the cook at Rosings is sharpening her butchering knives.
This did keep me turning pages and I can say that if you like murder mysteries and romance tied up in a bundle then this is for you.
Elizabeth working as a governess has been written before but it has been for Georgiana in other stories. This time she is in charge of Emma an illegitimate Fitzwilliam relation whose mother has died and of whom Lady C. has guardianship.
The story description paints a bleak portrait for the Bennets and the Gardiners: Mr. Bennet is dead, Mr. Collins kicks everyone out, Mr. Gardiner suffers bankruptcy after taking the family in, Jane is married to a parson while Mary and Elizabeth work as governesses.
Wickham and Lady C. team up so she now has the ammunition to force Darcy to marry Anne. Neither Anne nor Darcy want this but Anne is a coward and although she hates her mother she never stands up for herself. So many people have reason to want Lady C. permanently removed from their lives: even the cook at Rosings is sharpening her butchering knives.
This did keep me turning pages and I can say that if you like murder mysteries and romance tied up in a bundle then this is for you.
October 11, 2017
This book is pretty darn awesome. I believe it's Mr. Underwood's best to date. It's also addictive, so make sure you have time on your hands to just sit and read once you start it.
Lady Catherine is at her most unreasonable; in fact, it's clear that she is mentally unhinged to a great degree. She has acquired an unwanted ward, the illegitimate child of a woman who was distantly related to Lewis deBourgh, and Lady C. is the little girl's only living relative once her mother dies. Emma Williams is adorable but high spirited. Unfortunately, Lady C. strongly believes that to spare the rod is to spoil the child, and she takes sadistic glee in punishing her. Emma's governess, who tries to protect her from this deranged guardian? Miss Elizabeth Bennet!
In this imagining, things have gone from bad to worse for the Bennet family. Mr. Darcy never preceded the rest of his party to Pemberley and therefore never encountered Elizabeth when she was touring the grounds. He never learned that Lydia had left Brighton with Wickham until long after the fact. When Mr. Bennet went in pursuit of his missing daughter, he became ill and died. Mr. Collins wasted no time in throwing the remaining Bennets out of Longbourn. Lydia eventually returned to her family, unmarried and pregnant, and later left again, abandoning her child. Mr. Gardiner invested in a business speculation that did well for a while but then turned sour to such a degree that he went bankrupt. Lady C. is happy to employ Elizabeth, a ruined young lady, thinking she's an appropriate governess for a bastard brat. This is all the backstory.
Darcy is returning to Rosings for the first time in four years. His aunt plans to force him to marry Anne. Lady C. is colluding with Mr. Wickham and has evidence about his relationship with Georgiana, who is betrothed to Lord Chancey and set to marry in only a few months. If Darcy doesn't marry Anne, Lady C. will spread the gossip throughout the London ton. Making things even more interesting, Anne is furious with Darcy for caving into her mother's demands because she loves someone else.
You can just imagine the charged atmosphere in the moment that Darcy and Elizabeth unexpectedly lay eyes on each other at Rosings. They're placed in an impossible situation. Elizabeth will not leave her employment because she fears what Lady C. would do to Emma without her protection. Darcy (obviously) doesn't want to marry Anne but fears for his sister's happiness, since Georgiana dearly loves Lord Chancey. Colonel Fitzwilliam shows up, but he's changed over the years and is not the same dependable gentleman Elizabeth previously knew. Anne isn't exactly stable either. Then there's Wickham and Lady C. The number of antagonists in this story just pile up on top of each other, though Lady C. is by far the worst of them.
About midway through the book, a shocking event occurs. It's akin to the Hunsford proposal in that it changes the entire trajectory of the story. From that point, it becomes a mystery, and you can add Mr. Hawdry to the list of villains, since he's cut from the same mold as Mr. Collins. The last part of the book is a real nail-biter.
I don't usually enjoy when a story heaps misery upon misery over the heads of the hero and heroine, but it is really well done here because it's all centered on the same basic plot: Lady C's unwanted influence over everyone's life. There's a bit of melodrama in the evil/conflicted characters of the villains, but I admit they're necessary here to build up the tension. The yearning between Darcy and Elizabeth is palpable as they clear the air about all that's happened over the years. Emma is a delightful child with a believable personality- obviously smart, but not ridiculously so. The final revelation that resolves everything is not that hard to predict, though there is a lingering mystery in the air between two characters of precisely whodunnit. I know who we're TOLD is responsible, but there's room left to doubt that it's the truth.
Great on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of read!
Lady Catherine is at her most unreasonable; in fact, it's clear that she is mentally unhinged to a great degree. She has acquired an unwanted ward, the illegitimate child of a woman who was distantly related to Lewis deBourgh, and Lady C. is the little girl's only living relative once her mother dies. Emma Williams is adorable but high spirited. Unfortunately, Lady C. strongly believes that to spare the rod is to spoil the child, and she takes sadistic glee in punishing her. Emma's governess, who tries to protect her from this deranged guardian? Miss Elizabeth Bennet!
In this imagining, things have gone from bad to worse for the Bennet family. Mr. Darcy never preceded the rest of his party to Pemberley and therefore never encountered Elizabeth when she was touring the grounds. He never learned that Lydia had left Brighton with Wickham until long after the fact. When Mr. Bennet went in pursuit of his missing daughter, he became ill and died. Mr. Collins wasted no time in throwing the remaining Bennets out of Longbourn. Lydia eventually returned to her family, unmarried and pregnant, and later left again, abandoning her child. Mr. Gardiner invested in a business speculation that did well for a while but then turned sour to such a degree that he went bankrupt. Lady C. is happy to employ Elizabeth, a ruined young lady, thinking she's an appropriate governess for a bastard brat. This is all the backstory.
Darcy is returning to Rosings for the first time in four years. His aunt plans to force him to marry Anne. Lady C. is colluding with Mr. Wickham and has evidence about his relationship with Georgiana, who is betrothed to Lord Chancey and set to marry in only a few months. If Darcy doesn't marry Anne, Lady C. will spread the gossip throughout the London ton. Making things even more interesting, Anne is furious with Darcy for caving into her mother's demands because she loves someone else.
You can just imagine the charged atmosphere in the moment that Darcy and Elizabeth unexpectedly lay eyes on each other at Rosings. They're placed in an impossible situation. Elizabeth will not leave her employment because she fears what Lady C. would do to Emma without her protection. Darcy (obviously) doesn't want to marry Anne but fears for his sister's happiness, since Georgiana dearly loves Lord Chancey. Colonel Fitzwilliam shows up, but he's changed over the years and is not the same dependable gentleman Elizabeth previously knew. Anne isn't exactly stable either. Then there's Wickham and Lady C. The number of antagonists in this story just pile up on top of each other, though Lady C. is by far the worst of them.
About midway through the book, a shocking event occurs. It's akin to the Hunsford proposal in that it changes the entire trajectory of the story. From that point, it becomes a mystery, and you can add Mr. Hawdry to the list of villains, since he's cut from the same mold as Mr. Collins. The last part of the book is a real nail-biter.
I don't usually enjoy when a story heaps misery upon misery over the heads of the hero and heroine, but it is really well done here because it's all centered on the same basic plot: Lady C's unwanted influence over everyone's life. There's a bit of melodrama in the evil/conflicted characters of the villains, but I admit they're necessary here to build up the tension. The yearning between Darcy and Elizabeth is palpable as they clear the air about all that's happened over the years. Emma is a delightful child with a believable personality- obviously smart, but not ridiculously so. The final revelation that resolves everything is not that hard to predict, though there is a lingering mystery in the air between two characters of precisely whodunnit. I know who we're TOLD is responsible, but there's room left to doubt that it's the truth.
Great on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of read!
April 26, 2021
This was not a bad JAFF, better than average in some aspects. The biggest issue I have with it is that I read it three years ago and didn't remember it at all. In fact, I shelved it as boring at that time.
I won't summarize the plot, rather, I'll stick to the technical issues.
Firstly, there should be a violence warning with this book. It has graphic descriptions of a murder in it, so much that it's a redundancy problem for the novel. We got it the first time.
One big trouble, I think, was that the book had plot issues that the reader kept waiting to be concluded, and they never were. I'm not a fan of the epilogue, but something needed to happen to tie up loose ends in this book. Even so, there were multiple areas of cleverness about the plot, twists that were added that weren't exactly necessary, but that bumped up the interest quite a bit, and some added a smile.
I won't get into some of the historical issues that I noted because I'm researching similar things for a story now--no one cares and no one knows about these details, so therefore, it's not worth fussing about the inaccuracies. However, most authors would have done a little more homework.
The author is good with visuals. Each chapter started with a lovely descriptor of the scene that made the reader feel like they were right there. Even during scenes, this was his gift to the reader. Lots of good scene setting. This is something I tend to gloss over and I must learn from Timothy Underwood.
Readers will have little to complain about in terms of language problems in comparison to other JAFF novels. Five non-Regency or non-British words or words not used in the Regency application were found: headed, normally, eyeballed, gotten, and rambunctious. I suggest that most Regency readers know these are not right, though, and thus the author would lose a reader for just a moment. A few contractions were used, but no more than in P&P itself, and most were in the mouths of servants. I was jarred by a tense issue: searched for sought, and a similar one I didn't note. The author used the American "nice" for people. British people only use this word for objects. He probably should have called a vestibule the "hall."
One other glitch was that a hairpin turned into a brooch briefly but then it turned back, and all was well.
The depth of characterization for Darcy and Elizabeth also went to the excellent balance of dialogue and introspection. We really "felt" the protagonists in this story. The romance was developed at a believable pace and continued to develop through the trials (more than one meaning to the word in the novel).
Wickham was portrayed per canon as an opportunist. He was an overt charmer as well. As a villain, he was never a horrible person, yet so many JAFF authors choose that route. Good on Underwood for keeping with Austen's Wickham. New characters were well established and developed only as well as needed for their role in the story.
(Spoiler alert) Colonel Fitzwilliam's character is so cool under the absolute utter cray-cray rantings of Lady Catherine, at first I really didn't like him. But then I suspected this related to his ability to be cool under cray-cray pressure of the war, and stuck with that mindset. However, there's a point where he speaks to Elizabeth and tells her to get on with it that makes me think he's too much in favour of Lady Catherine. That scene makes me wonder if something else is up with him, and thus, I suspect him right off as the murderer. I think this was an amazing bit of writing by the author to have him be so very cool and effectively feeling under all that cool all along. (end spoiler)
I found it a little hard to swallow Anne's character change at the end of the story, though. To go from her rantings in favour of Lady Catherine to her help at the trial is not a match and this change doesn't quite ring true.
But nothing was better than the characterization of Lady Catherine. She was well done as an insane woman. The portrayal was not overdone to the caricature area, instead, it was believable.
The cover is an original artwork that gives the book a certain amount of unique drama, yet I must say that it's unfortunate that it appears somewhat unpolished next the ubiquitous blow-dried men on the other covers. I worry that many readers would pass the book by as an amateurish effort because of this cover, thinking "home made." The red does POP! But there's a simplicity to the drawing as well, and my untrained eye says that the fonts are not properly balanced on the page. Sometimes unique isn't always dramatic enough to make it against those glossy competitors.
If this book had tied up its loose ends and filled its plot holes, I'd have given it five stars. This author is clearly skilled in many areas of writing, but he especially shines in scene-setting and characterization, two areas that are so incredibly important in making this novel so particularly enjoyable to read. A little more work, and it would be unforgettable.
Disclaimer: I'm a JAFF author. Because of that, some might say that this review is a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. I write them for the benefit of both the reader and the author.
I won't summarize the plot, rather, I'll stick to the technical issues.
Firstly, there should be a violence warning with this book. It has graphic descriptions of a murder in it, so much that it's a redundancy problem for the novel. We got it the first time.
One big trouble, I think, was that the book had plot issues that the reader kept waiting to be concluded, and they never were. I'm not a fan of the epilogue, but something needed to happen to tie up loose ends in this book. Even so, there were multiple areas of cleverness about the plot, twists that were added that weren't exactly necessary, but that bumped up the interest quite a bit, and some added a smile.
I won't get into some of the historical issues that I noted because I'm researching similar things for a story now--no one cares and no one knows about these details, so therefore, it's not worth fussing about the inaccuracies. However, most authors would have done a little more homework.
The author is good with visuals. Each chapter started with a lovely descriptor of the scene that made the reader feel like they were right there. Even during scenes, this was his gift to the reader. Lots of good scene setting. This is something I tend to gloss over and I must learn from Timothy Underwood.
Readers will have little to complain about in terms of language problems in comparison to other JAFF novels. Five non-Regency or non-British words or words not used in the Regency application were found: headed, normally, eyeballed, gotten, and rambunctious. I suggest that most Regency readers know these are not right, though, and thus the author would lose a reader for just a moment. A few contractions were used, but no more than in P&P itself, and most were in the mouths of servants. I was jarred by a tense issue: searched for sought, and a similar one I didn't note. The author used the American "nice" for people. British people only use this word for objects. He probably should have called a vestibule the "hall."
One other glitch was that a hairpin turned into a brooch briefly but then it turned back, and all was well.
The depth of characterization for Darcy and Elizabeth also went to the excellent balance of dialogue and introspection. We really "felt" the protagonists in this story. The romance was developed at a believable pace and continued to develop through the trials (more than one meaning to the word in the novel).
Wickham was portrayed per canon as an opportunist. He was an overt charmer as well. As a villain, he was never a horrible person, yet so many JAFF authors choose that route. Good on Underwood for keeping with Austen's Wickham. New characters were well established and developed only as well as needed for their role in the story.
(Spoiler alert) Colonel Fitzwilliam's character is so cool under the absolute utter cray-cray rantings of Lady Catherine, at first I really didn't like him. But then I suspected this related to his ability to be cool under cray-cray pressure of the war, and stuck with that mindset. However, there's a point where he speaks to Elizabeth and tells her to get on with it that makes me think he's too much in favour of Lady Catherine. That scene makes me wonder if something else is up with him, and thus, I suspect him right off as the murderer. I think this was an amazing bit of writing by the author to have him be so very cool and effectively feeling under all that cool all along. (end spoiler)
I found it a little hard to swallow Anne's character change at the end of the story, though. To go from her rantings in favour of Lady Catherine to her help at the trial is not a match and this change doesn't quite ring true.
But nothing was better than the characterization of Lady Catherine. She was well done as an insane woman. The portrayal was not overdone to the caricature area, instead, it was believable.
The cover is an original artwork that gives the book a certain amount of unique drama, yet I must say that it's unfortunate that it appears somewhat unpolished next the ubiquitous blow-dried men on the other covers. I worry that many readers would pass the book by as an amateurish effort because of this cover, thinking "home made." The red does POP! But there's a simplicity to the drawing as well, and my untrained eye says that the fonts are not properly balanced on the page. Sometimes unique isn't always dramatic enough to make it against those glossy competitors.
If this book had tied up its loose ends and filled its plot holes, I'd have given it five stars. This author is clearly skilled in many areas of writing, but he especially shines in scene-setting and characterization, two areas that are so incredibly important in making this novel so particularly enjoyable to read. A little more work, and it would be unforgettable.
Disclaimer: I'm a JAFF author. Because of that, some might say that this review is a conflict of interest. However, I was a reader first, and my reviews are honest and impartial. I write them for the benefit of both the reader and the author.
October 9, 2017
I could live with the melodrama if it weren't for the misogyny. What I mean, in example form: Wickham is presented here as a devoted sexual predator, liar, and devil-may-care confidence man. Georgiana's nice-guy fiance thinks Wickham is wonderful, delightful even, inasmuch as he is *honest* in his predatory tendencies. So much so that Georgiana's fiance literally invites Wickham to their wedding (and Georgiana doesn't object!). Frat boy culture meets JAFF. What a world.
Particularly with respect to the characterization of Lady Catherine (downright evil) and Elizabeth (madonna, complete with someone else's child to devotedly and uncomplainingly raise for some reason that never becomes totally clear), this book has gender politics I don't share (to say the least) and which made it, for me, frankly unpleasant to read.
Particularly with respect to the characterization of Lady Catherine (downright evil) and Elizabeth (madonna, complete with someone else's child to devotedly and uncomplainingly raise for some reason that never becomes totally clear), this book has gender politics I don't share (to say the least) and which made it, for me, frankly unpleasant to read.
April 4, 2018
Thrilling!
Bingley begged Darcy not to travel ahead as the party was travelling to Pemberley.
Darcy relented and 4 years passed before ODC would meet again.
Elizabeth circumstances had fallen from gentlewoman to servant, working as a governess for lady Catherine's ward.
Lady Catherine was a piece of work in this story, not only vile but utterly insane. Her daughter and the colonel was rather creepy as well...
Lady Catherine had just blackmailed Darcy into marry her daughter when he discovered Elizabeth's whereabouts.
The budding relationship between ODC was lovely written, even when Elizabeth was on trial for murder.
Recommend.
Bingley begged Darcy not to travel ahead as the party was travelling to Pemberley.
Darcy relented and 4 years passed before ODC would meet again.
Elizabeth circumstances had fallen from gentlewoman to servant, working as a governess for lady Catherine's ward.
Lady Catherine was a piece of work in this story, not only vile but utterly insane. Her daughter and the colonel was rather creepy as well...
Lady Catherine had just blackmailed Darcy into marry her daughter when he discovered Elizabeth's whereabouts.
The budding relationship between ODC was lovely written, even when Elizabeth was on trial for murder.
Recommend.
October 6, 2017
I'm not quite sure what to say about this book. I liked it, but there were parts that bothered me enough that my liking it kind of confuses me.
Lady Catherine, Anne, and Colonel Fitzwilliam were WAY over the top most of the time, to the point that they were annoying--and being annoyed at the portrayal of Colonel Fitzwilliam is always a black mark in my books. The story was also rather disjointed, in that it felt like there were three distinct sections:
Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship itself was sweet, but too easy, emotionally speaking. Naturally, the events happening around them made everything else difficult, but there was no challenge where their feelings were concerned. I would have liked at least a little bit of that...but at the same time, I did enjoy getting to see them happy together, even when their lives were unsettled. I think this is the main reason I did enjoy the story. I didn't love the plot or the portrayal of the secondary characters, but Darcy and Elizabeth did feel consistent, and I liked being in their heads.
Lady Catherine, Anne, and Colonel Fitzwilliam were WAY over the top most of the time, to the point that they were annoying--and being annoyed at the portrayal of Colonel Fitzwilliam is always a black mark in my books. The story was also rather disjointed, in that it felt like there were three distinct sections:
Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship itself was sweet, but too easy, emotionally speaking. Naturally, the events happening around them made everything else difficult, but there was no challenge where their feelings were concerned. I would have liked at least a little bit of that...but at the same time, I did enjoy getting to see them happy together, even when their lives were unsettled. I think this is the main reason I did enjoy the story. I didn't love the plot or the portrayal of the secondary characters, but Darcy and Elizabeth did feel consistent, and I liked being in their heads.
July 12, 2017
This Pride and Prejudice variation is full of all kinds of crazy. Elizabeth is working for Lady Catherine as she never saw Darcy at Pemberly and her family is in total disgrace. Their situation was triggered by Lydia running away from Brighton and it got much worse from there for her family.
Lady Catherine blackmails Darcy into announcing his engagement to Anne, which causes feelings to be hurt in more than one quarter. During his forced stay at Rosings, he discovers Elizabeth is there too with her small charge, Emma. While trying to come to grips with the situation he finds himself again in love. Strange circumstances force him to decide that he must choose his own path and despite his Aunt's insanity.
It is an odd path to their happily ever after. Of course, Darcy takes to much on himself. The man has an overdeveloped sense of responsibility!
Lady Catherine blackmails Darcy into announcing his engagement to Anne, which causes feelings to be hurt in more than one quarter. During his forced stay at Rosings, he discovers Elizabeth is there too with her small charge, Emma. While trying to come to grips with the situation he finds himself again in love. Strange circumstances force him to decide that he must choose his own path and despite his Aunt's insanity.
It is an odd path to their happily ever after. Of course, Darcy takes to much on himself. The man has an overdeveloped sense of responsibility!
February 13, 2018
I enjoy 'outside the box' variations and stories that have Darcy and Elizabeth separated for a number of years. I also enjoy a good murder/mystery novel as well. This story has both, along with a measure of abuse, both verbal and physical. Throw in an unhinged Lady Catherine and Wickham, whose spots have gotten bolder and brighter, and things go from bad to worse.
Needless to say, I am having trouble rating this book and writing this review. There were elements that kept me reading and elements that had me skimming along. There were, for me, too many incongruities that were just jarring, especially when it came to Wickham. Maybe, the story went in too many directions or maybe, I was not in the right frame of mind.
June 8, 2017
4.5 stars
I wanted to give this book 5 stars but I'm not sure I want to really read it again and that is my matrix for granting a full 5. I enjoyed this crazy tale. Lots of people were either insane, downright evil or a mixture of both. There were many times I had to put reality aside to follow the logic of the story or the characters. My friend Wordswew has a beautiful and accurate review so I will not relay the plot here. Let's just say that I did kinda predict the "who did it part" of the mystery that comes up. I just had a hard time believing that Darcy after wanting to prevent scandal would then suddenly take the actions he did for Elizabeth. Maybe the title of this book should have been who is NOT insane. Even Elizabeth shows signs in some of her decisions. I did however, enjoy the love story between D and E. I also enjoyed E's bond with Emma. I highly recommend this book as an enjoyable off cannon read. However, there is violence against children in this book (not terribly graphic) but if you cannot stomach that then don't read this variation.
I wanted to give this book 5 stars but I'm not sure I want to really read it again and that is my matrix for granting a full 5. I enjoyed this crazy tale. Lots of people were either insane, downright evil or a mixture of both. There were many times I had to put reality aside to follow the logic of the story or the characters. My friend Wordswew has a beautiful and accurate review so I will not relay the plot here. Let's just say that I did kinda predict the "who did it part" of the mystery that comes up. I just had a hard time believing that Darcy after wanting to prevent scandal would then suddenly take the actions he did for Elizabeth. Maybe the title of this book should have been who is NOT insane. Even Elizabeth shows signs in some of her decisions. I did however, enjoy the love story between D and E. I also enjoyed E's bond with Emma. I highly recommend this book as an enjoyable off cannon read. However, there is violence against children in this book (not terribly graphic) but if you cannot stomach that then don't read this variation.
November 26, 2017
This book was all over the place for me and had too many elements that bothered me. Most of the characters were over the top ridiculous but there wasn’t an explanation to why they acted the way they did.
I did enjoy seeing Darcy and Elizabeth together especially how he is around children.
I did enjoy seeing Darcy and Elizabeth together especially how he is around children.
June 16, 2017
Really, really good!
I have had the happy accident of reading several very original Regency P&P variations lately and this is one of the best.
Lady Catherine is absolutely peak performance insane, and it is horrifying and satisfying at the same time. If you have always hated her, this will absolutely engross you. She is fascinatingly frightening.
Darcy is just wonderful. Everything about him is completely in character but in circumstances you haven't quite seen yet. Here is the man Elizabeth's Hunsford admonition created, for the better. Living, breathing, existing despite hopelessness of ever seeing her again.
Elizabeth is beautifully Elizabeth despite many tragedies in the last 5 years of her life. She is still strong, kind, witty, intelligent and true. She had grown up enough to be less judgmental and angry, but is still everything Darcy originally lived in essentials.
Other characters have changed over the years. Some of those changes were a little bewildering for me, but in ways that make sense ultimately as well as helping the story along.
There are many emotions the reader will experience here, happiness, hope, horror, desperation, confusion, joy, anger.. it is a wonderful ride. Worthy of your time!
I have had the happy accident of reading several very original Regency P&P variations lately and this is one of the best.
Lady Catherine is absolutely peak performance insane, and it is horrifying and satisfying at the same time. If you have always hated her, this will absolutely engross you. She is fascinatingly frightening.
Darcy is just wonderful. Everything about him is completely in character but in circumstances you haven't quite seen yet. Here is the man Elizabeth's Hunsford admonition created, for the better. Living, breathing, existing despite hopelessness of ever seeing her again.
Elizabeth is beautifully Elizabeth despite many tragedies in the last 5 years of her life. She is still strong, kind, witty, intelligent and true. She had grown up enough to be less judgmental and angry, but is still everything Darcy originally lived in essentials.
Other characters have changed over the years. Some of those changes were a little bewildering for me, but in ways that make sense ultimately as well as helping the story along.
There are many emotions the reader will experience here, happiness, hope, horror, desperation, confusion, joy, anger.. it is a wonderful ride. Worthy of your time!
November 10, 2017
This novel showed many characters in a different light than what they normally are portrayed. Colonel Fitzwilliam drank and showed a dark side to himself. Anne de Bourgh showed a mean tendency filled with hatred for Elizabeth Bennet. Lady Catherine showed herself to not only being domineering but also psychotic.
Elizabeth was a governess for Lady Catherine's charge, Emma. At first, Elizabeth was her usual jovial and self confident self but later on in the novel she became scared and rightfully so as to how she was treated.
There were many trials, trial of murder, trial of trust, trial of whether you had self confidence, trial of whether you were loosing your mind and these trials included several people.
I thought it was a great twist to Pride and Prejudice story and it was well written.
I did enjoy the plot and thought that Mr. Underwood did a good job exhibiting it throughout the novel.
I have enjoyed many of his novels and thank him for a job well done.
Elizabeth was a governess for Lady Catherine's charge, Emma. At first, Elizabeth was her usual jovial and self confident self but later on in the novel she became scared and rightfully so as to how she was treated.
There were many trials, trial of murder, trial of trust, trial of whether you had self confidence, trial of whether you were loosing your mind and these trials included several people.
I thought it was a great twist to Pride and Prejudice story and it was well written.
I did enjoy the plot and thought that Mr. Underwood did a good job exhibiting it throughout the novel.
I have enjoyed many of his novels and thank him for a job well done.
January 12, 2018
A rollercoaster ride with Elizabeth and Darcy meeting after the downfall of Elizabeth's family due to Darcy not meeting Elizabeth at Pemberley. She is now the governess to an illegitimate ward of Lady Catherine who has become deranged and completely unhinged. The book is also a murder mystery but felt a little unhappy with the unveiling of the actual culprit so the Elizabeth and Darcy can have their happy ever after, however it was a good read.
October 10, 2017
The Trials by Timothy Underwood.
Very interesting story. Timothy Underwood books are always intriguing and interesting. This story starts years after Darcy's disastrous proposal and Mr. Bennet has passed away trying to look for Lydia, same scenario, Lydia had run off with Wickham, and ruined the family name. Mr. Gardiner had taken in most of the family after Collins had thrown them immediately out of Longbourn. Gardiner made a huge business error and they were living in a run down home. Strangely, now, Lizzie ended up as Governess to a little girl, ward of Lady Catherine! Probably hired her to enjoy Lizzie 's loss of status! Things turn in a different direction when Lady Catherine again tries to force Darcy into marrying Anne DeBourgh, but as soon as Lizzie and Darcy set eyes on each other, we know how that will go! But things go into an entirely different direction and it is worth it to read the story to find out! Never fear there wil be a happy ending! Funniest part was Wickham was like a nineteenth century Charlie Sheen! Great read!
Very interesting story. Timothy Underwood books are always intriguing and interesting. This story starts years after Darcy's disastrous proposal and Mr. Bennet has passed away trying to look for Lydia, same scenario, Lydia had run off with Wickham, and ruined the family name. Mr. Gardiner had taken in most of the family after Collins had thrown them immediately out of Longbourn. Gardiner made a huge business error and they were living in a run down home. Strangely, now, Lizzie ended up as Governess to a little girl, ward of Lady Catherine! Probably hired her to enjoy Lizzie 's loss of status! Things turn in a different direction when Lady Catherine again tries to force Darcy into marrying Anne DeBourgh, but as soon as Lizzie and Darcy set eyes on each other, we know how that will go! But things go into an entirely different direction and it is worth it to read the story to find out! Never fear there wil be a happy ending! Funniest part was Wickham was like a nineteenth century Charlie Sheen! Great read!
September 7, 2020
Like "Darcy's Vow" by the same author, if I could give this a zero I would. Not a bad premise, but the writing is simply atrocious.
There was so much about the characters that was so unbelievable, because there was no decent background created, it ended up reading like a farce.
Not sure I can give this author another chance.
There was so much about the characters that was so unbelievable, because there was no decent background created, it ended up reading like a farce.
Not sure I can give this author another chance.
August 1, 2017
Like it mostly!
The only reason I did not give this story a 4 star rating is simple. I love the storyline, the development of Darcy and Lizzie and most of the other characters. What I did not like was the development of Colonel Fitzwilliams and Anne De Bourgh. First off, the Colonel came across as a angry drunk, and I know he was angry about Darcy's agreement to marry Anne ( with whom the Colonel was secretly in love), it wasn't Darcy's fault that Lady Catherine was using blackmail to get him to do her bidding. He was belligerent and not at all helpful in looking for a solution. However, when Lizzie was in trouble he became the honorable man once again. I did not like or understand Anne's character either. She didn't want to marry Darcy anymore than he wanted to marry her, but when he came to the defense of Lady Catherine ward and Elizabeth, she flew into a rage and acts the jealous lover. Doesn't make sense. Also, when Anne commits an heinous crime and blames Lizzy, and is determined to see her hang!!! The Colonel in his one act of honor takes the blame instead and flees the country so that Elizabeth will not hang. Anne then joins him after Elizabeth is released. The Colonel would never stay married to a criminal like Anne!!!
Otherwise, great story!!! 🤣🤣
The only reason I did not give this story a 4 star rating is simple. I love the storyline, the development of Darcy and Lizzie and most of the other characters. What I did not like was the development of Colonel Fitzwilliams and Anne De Bourgh. First off, the Colonel came across as a angry drunk, and I know he was angry about Darcy's agreement to marry Anne ( with whom the Colonel was secretly in love), it wasn't Darcy's fault that Lady Catherine was using blackmail to get him to do her bidding. He was belligerent and not at all helpful in looking for a solution. However, when Lizzie was in trouble he became the honorable man once again. I did not like or understand Anne's character either. She didn't want to marry Darcy anymore than he wanted to marry her, but when he came to the defense of Lady Catherine ward and Elizabeth, she flew into a rage and acts the jealous lover. Doesn't make sense. Also, when Anne commits an heinous crime and blames Lizzy, and is determined to see her hang!!! The Colonel in his one act of honor takes the blame instead and flees the country so that Elizabeth will not hang. Anne then joins him after Elizabeth is released. The Colonel would never stay married to a criminal like Anne!!!
Otherwise, great story!!! 🤣🤣
November 17, 2017
I usually like Pride and Prejudice variations, but not this one. The idea of someone killing Aunt Catherine is not so far out, but to accuse Elizabeth on such flimsy evidence is beyond belief. The magistrate's attitude is just too much to take. I also did not like the way Anne and Richard are portrayed. Why didn't Anne say no to Darcy since she wanted to marry Richard? She was of age and Richard would have married her and taken her away from her mother in a heartbeat; and to have her raving on and on about Elizabeth hanging, come on. Then there is the drunken, sullen Richard - did he suddenly suffer from PTSD? I find it hard to believe Anne could have killed her mother with such strength and violence; just as I can't believe Richard would kill her in her sleep. He would have stabbed her while she was awake and aware of what was happening if he had done it. I also question Darcy being so worried about what society thinks. Yes, he would be concerned about Georgianna, but to let so many years go by without checking on Elizabeth is hard to understand. At least Jane and Mrs. Bennett were true to character.
February 5, 2018
Terrible. I couldn't get past 68%
There is nothing here to resemble any character in PandP besides their names. While I can accept some departure from characters for the sake of plot, I cannot accept every character being insane. Another reviewer mentioned the insanity and I should have stayed away. Anne, the Fitzwilliam, Lady Catherine, Elizabeth all show signs of having moments of mental break to complete insanity. Darcy is just stupid. And none of the circumstances are believable.
Darcy would enter into an engagement without ever consulting a solicitor? No marriage documents? Under the power of his aunt? In a time where men had the power and wealth and Darcy was his own man?
And who could love the unstable Anne? Unless it was for her money.
And Elizabeth would become so irrational as to forsake everything for an orphan including jeopardizing said child's welfare?
And Darcy would behave so openly physically affectionate during a time that propriety dictated to do so would harm reputation? Absolutely nothing about this story makes any sense. The more I read the more frustrating it became. Even if it had not been labeled P&P it would be unpalatable.
There is nothing here to resemble any character in PandP besides their names. While I can accept some departure from characters for the sake of plot, I cannot accept every character being insane. Another reviewer mentioned the insanity and I should have stayed away. Anne, the Fitzwilliam, Lady Catherine, Elizabeth all show signs of having moments of mental break to complete insanity. Darcy is just stupid. And none of the circumstances are believable.
Darcy would enter into an engagement without ever consulting a solicitor? No marriage documents? Under the power of his aunt? In a time where men had the power and wealth and Darcy was his own man?
And who could love the unstable Anne? Unless it was for her money.
And Elizabeth would become so irrational as to forsake everything for an orphan including jeopardizing said child's welfare?
And Darcy would behave so openly physically affectionate during a time that propriety dictated to do so would harm reputation? Absolutely nothing about this story makes any sense. The more I read the more frustrating it became. Even if it had not been labeled P&P it would be unpalatable.
February 10, 2019
An unusual tale
I chose this rating as 3/5th of the book I enjoyed but there were parts I did not enjoy so much. I realised that while I like the P&P variations I prefer the characters to closely resemble the original. I found Lady Catherine to be rather like a pantomime villain, Richard I did not really recognise and Lydia veered closely to pantomime also. Much of the story takes place at Rosings and Wickham makes an unlikely allegiance with Lady Catherine. The premise that Elizabeth becomes a governess but comes under lock and key and threatened with hanging for committing a murder had possibilities but I did not enjoy that part of the story .
I chose this rating as 3/5th of the book I enjoyed but there were parts I did not enjoy so much. I realised that while I like the P&P variations I prefer the characters to closely resemble the original. I found Lady Catherine to be rather like a pantomime villain, Richard I did not really recognise and Lydia veered closely to pantomime also. Much of the story takes place at Rosings and Wickham makes an unlikely allegiance with Lady Catherine. The premise that Elizabeth becomes a governess but comes under lock and key and threatened with hanging for committing a murder had possibilities but I did not enjoy that part of the story .
June 16, 2017
Angst-ridden P&P alternative. I loved Darcy and Elizabeth, and I loved their relationship with little Emma. Georgianna isn't in the story much, but she shows a maturity and strength of character that are usually missing in other books. Catherine - MAJOR nut bar!! Wow, that woman was crazy. More Wickham than I would have liked, and he never got any comeuppance. I always feel that he should be held responsible for his actions. Anne and Richard - didn't get their relationship at all, and I was sorry to see Richard so unlikable.
March 1, 2018
Four years have passed since that Hunsford proposal. Bennet is dead, Lydia is a unmarried mother, Gardiner is bankrupt and Elizabeth is working as a governess to Lady Catherines ward. To make it worse the mad Lady Catherine blackmails Darcy into marrying Anne de Bourgh. Darcy who believes it is better for four people to be ruined then one. Quite a few characters seem to be on the wild side of normal, and a bad portrayal of Colonel Fitzwilliam is always a downer for me.
June 30, 2017
Perfection!
Five stars are nowhere near enough for this most excellent and exciting story. I just couldn't put it down. Read it and you will be enthralled also. I would like to read a second book to follow this, explaining what did happen to............. No I won't spoil the story by naming anyone. I loved it so much I will forgive the few Americanisms that have crept in.
Five stars are nowhere near enough for this most excellent and exciting story. I just couldn't put it down. Read it and you will be enthralled also. I would like to read a second book to follow this, explaining what did happen to............. No I won't spoil the story by naming anyone. I loved it so much I will forgive the few Americanisms that have crept in.
July 11, 2018
I'm re-reading all of Tim Underwood's books!
Why am I re-reading all his Pride and Prejudice stories? (Some for the third time!)
1) They are all awesome. You should read them all. Seriously.
2) I can't help but admire someone who goes out of his way to advocate for each of us to care for those in need.
Thanks, Tim Underwood! Your work is much appreciated.
Why am I re-reading all his Pride and Prejudice stories? (Some for the third time!)
1) They are all awesome. You should read them all. Seriously.
2) I can't help but admire someone who goes out of his way to advocate for each of us to care for those in need.
Thanks, Tim Underwood! Your work is much appreciated.
September 12, 2017
Crazy lady Cat
The author creates really ooc and unique situations. Unfortunately this book unlike others didn't work as well. Reminds a little of murder on Orient express where everyone wants to kill Lady Cat.
The author creates really ooc and unique situations. Unfortunately this book unlike others didn't work as well. Reminds a little of murder on Orient express where everyone wants to kill Lady Cat.
June 19, 2017
Unreadable
The most frequently used word in the first chapter: 'filth.' That about sums up the quality of this variation. I don't mean obscenity--just truly terrible writing.
The most frequently used word in the first chapter: 'filth.' That about sums up the quality of this variation. I don't mean obscenity--just truly terrible writing.
November 7, 2017
Loved it...couldn't put it down
Abs fab couldn't not put it down...one of those books when you get to the end you get the urge to scream out loud, no i want more dammit !!!
Abs fab couldn't not put it down...one of those books when you get to the end you get the urge to scream out loud, no i want more dammit !!!
July 25, 2020
High drama, not for the faint of heart. Everyone except ODC are insane.
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