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A Matter of Timing: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
They say that timing is everything . . . Their chance meeting at Pemberley helped Elizabeth Bennet to realize her true feelings for Mr. Darcy. That same meeting gave him the opportunity to show Elizabeth that he had taken her criticism to heart and made improvements to his behavior. Would this new start finally lead to their happily ever after? How might the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy have been different if they had become betrothed before Elizabeth learned of Lydia’s elopement? Would they have traveled to London together? Would Elizabeth have assisted in her sister’s recovery? Would Lydia and Wickham still have married or would there be another way to save Elizabeth’s youngest sister? A Matter of Timing answers all those questions and more.
- GenresFiction
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 9, 2017
We seldom repent talking little, but very often talking too much.-- Jean de la Bruyere
This is a slightly interesting P&P what if that is just destroyed by execution. And to be very honest it starts out well. We begin at Pemberley when Lizzy & the Gardiners are taking their tour. Darcy shows up; he and Lizzy make up, he's super nice and polite and kind and considerate. The next day the Bingley's and Georgiana arrive and Caro is like Caro X 10. Super pushy, super grasping, super oblivious to the fact that Darcy isn't going to marry her no matter what. The kind of Caro we love to hate. and Mrs. Gardiner is snidely charming repeatedly putting Caro in her place.
Darcy arrives at the Inn BEFORE Lizzy reads her letters so they are already engaged before Lydia's elopement is revealed. And Darcy is freaking awesome, taking charge and getting shit done. Mr. Bennet is too ill to travel to London so Darcy & Mr. Gardiner get Lydia returned while revealing that Wickham didn't care for her at all and wouldn't marry her without £15000. Lydia says that she wouldn't allow George her favors and is apparently truthful. Now does anyone believe that George Wickham would let a maid stay a maid in his chambers? No, no one does. And that is one of my complaints about the book, the lack of genuine angst makes it feel like P&P for young adults. I cannot think of a single real issue that lasts more than a few pages before it is resolved to the better.
Up to this point I was fairly pleased with the book, story and outcomes. But then the author seems to have gone off the rails. We go from a fairly active story to a fairly talkative story. Where a discussion between Darcy and Lizzy might have each one espousing 3 kindle pages of dialogue before the other one can answer. And often these discussions are spun out of whole cloth, like what shall we do if your father denies my request for your hand? Turns into a pages long discussion as opposed to "We'll cross that bridge if we come to it" Which we don't really. There are pages of dialogues that are repeats or near repeats of something someone else already said or the same person said to someone else. If Lizzy spends three pages explaining a plan to Darcy regarding Mrs. Annesley you could write, "Mrs. Annesley agreed with Mr Darcy & Miss Bennet that removing the younger girls to Netherfield for the day was a wise decision and she was happy to assist." Or as this author did you could have Lizzy take Mrs. Annesley aside and repeat the entire plan to her. A plan that really didn't drive the plot in any way."
in another dialogue related mess the author has both Miss Darcy's dress maker and Mrs. Hill, Longbourn's long suffering housekeeper, speak with an accent where they drop their hs. It got on my last nerve in about 15 seconds and stayed there.
Then let me end with an angst + dialogue fail. After Wickham is removed from Lydia and returned to the Military Col. Fitzwilliam arrives at Darcy house to inform Darcy and others of the outcome. So the author has Col. explain it to Darcy and then later explain it to Darcy, Lizzy, Georgiana & Lydia. Now we know the Col. arrived to talk to Darcy, but it almost would have been fun to keep the reader in suspense. Something like; "Col. Fitzwilliam revealed Wickham's fate to Darcy. "We'll tell the ladies after supper" Darcy declared.
Once you tell your reader something there is no point in revealing it anew.
And I bought this book too.
This is a slightly interesting P&P what if that is just destroyed by execution. And to be very honest it starts out well. We begin at Pemberley when Lizzy & the Gardiners are taking their tour. Darcy shows up; he and Lizzy make up, he's super nice and polite and kind and considerate. The next day the Bingley's and Georgiana arrive and Caro is like Caro X 10. Super pushy, super grasping, super oblivious to the fact that Darcy isn't going to marry her no matter what. The kind of Caro we love to hate. and Mrs. Gardiner is snidely charming repeatedly putting Caro in her place.
Darcy arrives at the Inn BEFORE Lizzy reads her letters so they are already engaged before Lydia's elopement is revealed. And Darcy is freaking awesome, taking charge and getting shit done. Mr. Bennet is too ill to travel to London so Darcy & Mr. Gardiner get Lydia returned while revealing that Wickham didn't care for her at all and wouldn't marry her without £15000. Lydia says that she wouldn't allow George her favors and is apparently truthful. Now does anyone believe that George Wickham would let a maid stay a maid in his chambers? No, no one does. And that is one of my complaints about the book, the lack of genuine angst makes it feel like P&P for young adults. I cannot think of a single real issue that lasts more than a few pages before it is resolved to the better.
Up to this point I was fairly pleased with the book, story and outcomes. But then the author seems to have gone off the rails. We go from a fairly active story to a fairly talkative story. Where a discussion between Darcy and Lizzy might have each one espousing 3 kindle pages of dialogue before the other one can answer. And often these discussions are spun out of whole cloth, like what shall we do if your father denies my request for your hand? Turns into a pages long discussion as opposed to "We'll cross that bridge if we come to it" Which we don't really. There are pages of dialogues that are repeats or near repeats of something someone else already said or the same person said to someone else. If Lizzy spends three pages explaining a plan to Darcy regarding Mrs. Annesley you could write, "Mrs. Annesley agreed with Mr Darcy & Miss Bennet that removing the younger girls to Netherfield for the day was a wise decision and she was happy to assist." Or as this author did you could have Lizzy take Mrs. Annesley aside and repeat the entire plan to her. A plan that really didn't drive the plot in any way."
in another dialogue related mess the author has both Miss Darcy's dress maker and Mrs. Hill, Longbourn's long suffering housekeeper, speak with an accent where they drop their hs. It got on my last nerve in about 15 seconds and stayed there.
Then let me end with an angst + dialogue fail. After Wickham is removed from Lydia and returned to the Military Col. Fitzwilliam arrives at Darcy house to inform Darcy and others of the outcome. So the author has Col. explain it to Darcy and then later explain it to Darcy, Lizzy, Georgiana & Lydia. Now we know the Col. arrived to talk to Darcy, but it almost would have been fun to keep the reader in suspense. Something like; "Col. Fitzwilliam revealed Wickham's fate to Darcy. "We'll tell the ladies after supper" Darcy declared.
Once you tell your reader something there is no point in revealing it anew.
And I bought this book too.
July 3, 2017
There is potential in some of the plot in this book, but the writing is very stilted (especially the dialogue). Additionally, it turns into a chronology, or just a series of events that don't really intersect.
As it begins, the familiar Pride and Prejudice story is at the point where Elizabeth and Darcy encounter each other at Pemberley. The events in Hertfordshire and Kent have occurred as in canon. The alterations begin when Darcy finds Elizabeth alone at the inn in Lambton and she has just received- but not yet read- the two letters from Jane. She sets them aside to greet Darcy, who proposes, and she joyfully accepts. They sit to wait for her Aunt and Uncle to return from their walk, and he encourages her to go ahead and read her mail, which leads to similar yet different results. This time, Elizabeth is actively involved in recovering her sister Lydia. Very interesting treatment of this plot, though the writing (as it is through the entire book) is a bit wooden. This storyline resolves.
Another is introduced. Mr. Bennet has been ill after having been thrown from his horse and, while he seems to have recovered, his behavior is altered. It turns out that there is more going on here than was first suspected. After a few chapters with this story, IT resolves. I liked this, too, especially the improved relationships between Mr. Bennet and his younger daughters.
Planning for the weddings takes over the story, and things move back to London. Caroline Bingley now comes to the fore. She just isn't getting the hint to back off, and things get a little ugly. Okay. Nasty social climber dealt with. Nothing especially new here. Moving on...
Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine now get their own section of the book. As you probably guess, their intention to disrupt things doesn't quite go as they hoped. There's some alteration in their behavior from the original P&P which is entertaining, but this storyline ultimately has no bearing on anything that precedes or follows it.
And so it goes.
As it begins, the familiar Pride and Prejudice story is at the point where Elizabeth and Darcy encounter each other at Pemberley. The events in Hertfordshire and Kent have occurred as in canon. The alterations begin when Darcy finds Elizabeth alone at the inn in Lambton and she has just received- but not yet read- the two letters from Jane. She sets them aside to greet Darcy, who proposes, and she joyfully accepts. They sit to wait for her Aunt and Uncle to return from their walk, and he encourages her to go ahead and read her mail, which leads to similar yet different results. This time, Elizabeth is actively involved in recovering her sister Lydia. Very interesting treatment of this plot, though the writing (as it is through the entire book) is a bit wooden. This storyline resolves.
Another is introduced. Mr. Bennet has been ill after having been thrown from his horse and, while he seems to have recovered, his behavior is altered. It turns out that there is more going on here than was first suspected. After a few chapters with this story, IT resolves. I liked this, too, especially the improved relationships between Mr. Bennet and his younger daughters.
Planning for the weddings takes over the story, and things move back to London. Caroline Bingley now comes to the fore. She just isn't getting the hint to back off, and things get a little ugly. Okay. Nasty social climber dealt with. Nothing especially new here. Moving on...
Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine now get their own section of the book. As you probably guess, their intention to disrupt things doesn't quite go as they hoped. There's some alteration in their behavior from the original P&P which is entertaining, but this storyline ultimately has no bearing on anything that precedes or follows it.
And so it goes.
July 2, 2017
A wonderful, happy book
This is a wonderful well-edited book that focuses on the love between Darcy and Elizabeth and an earlier betrothal with an unofficial beginning when Lizzy toured Pemberly with her aunt and uncle. Darcy and Elizabeth went together to search for Lydia. Lydia was not so thoughtless and stupid as in the original, and another solution was found that did not involve succumbing to Wickham's blackmail or protecting him from desertion in wartime. Mr. Collins was as stupid as ever. Lady Catherine was her tyrannical self, but merely entertainment to Mr. Bennet. This was an enjoyable read that helped me through a trying time in my life. I highly recommend this book.
This is a wonderful well-edited book that focuses on the love between Darcy and Elizabeth and an earlier betrothal with an unofficial beginning when Lizzy toured Pemberly with her aunt and uncle. Darcy and Elizabeth went together to search for Lydia. Lydia was not so thoughtless and stupid as in the original, and another solution was found that did not involve succumbing to Wickham's blackmail or protecting him from desertion in wartime. Mr. Collins was as stupid as ever. Lady Catherine was her tyrannical self, but merely entertainment to Mr. Bennet. This was an enjoyable read that helped me through a trying time in my life. I highly recommend this book.
April 8, 2018
Have to admit that I read this last week, and can barely remember it. I do remember being disappointed in this one. I read about it on a blog and decided to give it a go. Perhaps, when I read it again in the future, I will have a better reaction to it.
February 21, 2025
loved the premise of the story. Darcy and Elizabeth came to an understanding during her visit to Pemberley, and it eliminated some of the future misunderstandings. I enjoy variations with more D&E interactions in Derbyshire, and with a faster solution. And this one is one of my favorite.
The main part of the story was well paced up until the Wickham and Lydia problem has been resolved. After that it slowed, and there was not much angst or conflict. But it was still enjoyable.
4.5 stars
The main part of the story was well paced up until the Wickham and Lydia problem has been resolved. After that it slowed, and there was not much angst or conflict. But it was still enjoyable.
4.5 stars
June 20, 2023
This was quite nice. Not particularly memorable, perhaps. Darcy and Elizabeth get engaged at Lambton and he assists in the recovery of Lydia. In the meantime, Mr. Bennet is sluggish and may be severely ill. Caroline and Lady Catherine get their setdowns and it was all pretty predictable but I liked it.
August 17, 2017
Some interesting ideas for altering the story, but the writing is somewhat stilted and formulaic. The relationships feel too forced, and the personality of the original characters doesn't really come through, or were too over-the-top (e.g. Lady Catherine--she became a caraciture). I did like that Jane's character was spunkier than in the original, and more in charge of her own destiny.
February 4, 2018
A matter of timing by Linda C Thompson
5 stars
Pride and prejudice what if……
What if Darcy and Elizabeth had become engaged before Elizabeth read the letter from Jane about Lydia’s elopement. This is a great what if book I would recommend to any JAFF fans. It’s ligh, it’s easy it has just enough angst and believable angst not crazy over the top angst that can happen in some Jaff Stories.
I love that it has so much Georgiana in it and just wish we had seen more of Jane. Lydia’s character also has a nice and believable arc in the story.
Highly recommended.
5 stars
Pride and prejudice what if……
What if Darcy and Elizabeth had become engaged before Elizabeth read the letter from Jane about Lydia’s elopement. This is a great what if book I would recommend to any JAFF fans. It’s ligh, it’s easy it has just enough angst and believable angst not crazy over the top angst that can happen in some Jaff Stories.
I love that it has so much Georgiana in it and just wish we had seen more of Jane. Lydia’s character also has a nice and believable arc in the story.
Highly recommended.
October 15, 2017
I gave this novel five stars because of the lightness of the plot and the happiness it brought to me without many problems that weren't resolved without too much time involved. Timing is everything and that is what took place in this novel. Timing to meet again, timing to resolved problems between each couple, time to apologize and come to an agreement and that what life is about.
I thought the author did well with the younger Bennet daughters in her writing by including Georgiana's companion in teaching them behavior.
I loved that she wrote showing the love of family that Elizabeth had for her sisters and how to help them behave!
Naturally, no novel would be complete without Lady Catherine's troublemaking along with Mr. Collins and Caroline Bingley. No story is complete without some excitement from them.
I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Thank you for a delightful read!
I thought the author did well with the younger Bennet daughters in her writing by including Georgiana's companion in teaching them behavior.
I loved that she wrote showing the love of family that Elizabeth had for her sisters and how to help them behave!
Naturally, no novel would be complete without Lady Catherine's troublemaking along with Mr. Collins and Caroline Bingley. No story is complete without some excitement from them.
I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Thank you for a delightful read!
July 7, 2017
A Matter of Timing: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
This story starts with the Gardiners and Elizabeth's trip to Derbyshire. Upon arrival Mrs. Gardiner convinces Elizabeth to visit Pemberley after Hannah tells them that the Darcys are not at home. Arriving at Pemberley, Elizabeth is struck with the beauty of the estate. She also knows that her feelings for him have changed, but a bit too late. As she is sitting outside a walled garden on a bench, Mr. Darcy himself comes walking from the stable. His timing was perfect. Elizabeth was so surprise at his changed demeanor that she's almost struck silent. Requesting an introduction to her aunt and uncle, his acceptance shocks her even more. Wishing to show them the estate, he refreshes himself and they travel around Pemberley stopping for a snack under the trees. He asks if he can introduce his sister to her. His guests arrive the next day and he makes his escape with Georgiana and Bingley. The next day, the Gardiners and Elizabeth spend the day at Pemberley. Witchy, bitchy Caroline tries her best to make Elizabeth look bad, but Darcy's reactions force her to shut her mouth. He's already had to shut her up about making comments about how the perfect mistress for Pemberley would do this, change that etc. The next morning before Elizabeth has a chance to read Jane's letters, Darcy offers his second proposal. This time he's accepted and their brief happiness is shattered by Jane's letter. Mr. Bennet had taken ill and Lydia has run away with Wickham. Darcy refuses to release her from the betrothal. Plans are made for traveling to London. Darcy travels with the Gardiners and Elizabeth, and in three days Georgiana, Mrs. Annseley, and Bingley make for London. This is one of the best Lydia recoveries because she is truly saved. Lydia's unfortunate ordeal has taught her a lot, but Wickham did fair well at all. They all return to Longbourn, but Mr. Bennet, while up in his library room, is not well. While vehemently refusing Darcy's application for Elizabeth's hand, he collapses. Darcy sends to town for his doctor and surgeon. Bennet recovers, deals with his his idiot heir, Collins, and Lady Catherine chuckling at their stupidity. Mr. Bennet's recovery brings back his form wit and humour. Darcy receives permission and blessings to marry Elizabeth. Caroline's last stunt in London earns her loss of visitation rights to any Darcy property. Lady Catherine last intrusion earns her rights to the Dowager cottage at Rosings thanks to the Earl of Matlock. ODC married three days after Elizabeth celebrated her twenty-first birthday. The change in the younger three Bennet daughters was a welcoming surprise due to Mrs. Annseley.
This story starts with the Gardiners and Elizabeth's trip to Derbyshire. Upon arrival Mrs. Gardiner convinces Elizabeth to visit Pemberley after Hannah tells them that the Darcys are not at home. Arriving at Pemberley, Elizabeth is struck with the beauty of the estate. She also knows that her feelings for him have changed, but a bit too late. As she is sitting outside a walled garden on a bench, Mr. Darcy himself comes walking from the stable. His timing was perfect. Elizabeth was so surprise at his changed demeanor that she's almost struck silent. Requesting an introduction to her aunt and uncle, his acceptance shocks her even more. Wishing to show them the estate, he refreshes himself and they travel around Pemberley stopping for a snack under the trees. He asks if he can introduce his sister to her. His guests arrive the next day and he makes his escape with Georgiana and Bingley. The next day, the Gardiners and Elizabeth spend the day at Pemberley. Witchy, bitchy Caroline tries her best to make Elizabeth look bad, but Darcy's reactions force her to shut her mouth. He's already had to shut her up about making comments about how the perfect mistress for Pemberley would do this, change that etc. The next morning before Elizabeth has a chance to read Jane's letters, Darcy offers his second proposal. This time he's accepted and their brief happiness is shattered by Jane's letter. Mr. Bennet had taken ill and Lydia has run away with Wickham. Darcy refuses to release her from the betrothal. Plans are made for traveling to London. Darcy travels with the Gardiners and Elizabeth, and in three days Georgiana, Mrs. Annseley, and Bingley make for London. This is one of the best Lydia recoveries because she is truly saved. Lydia's unfortunate ordeal has taught her a lot, but Wickham did fair well at all. They all return to Longbourn, but Mr. Bennet, while up in his library room, is not well. While vehemently refusing Darcy's application for Elizabeth's hand, he collapses. Darcy sends to town for his doctor and surgeon. Bennet recovers, deals with his his idiot heir, Collins, and Lady Catherine chuckling at their stupidity. Mr. Bennet's recovery brings back his form wit and humour. Darcy receives permission and blessings to marry Elizabeth. Caroline's last stunt in London earns her loss of visitation rights to any Darcy property. Lady Catherine last intrusion earns her rights to the Dowager cottage at Rosings thanks to the Earl of Matlock. ODC married three days after Elizabeth celebrated her twenty-first birthday. The change in the younger three Bennet daughters was a welcoming surprise due to Mrs. Annseley.
July 2, 2017
Great Timing!
If one knows the original storyline, you know it was only a change of a few minutes to have this concept. Instead of Lizzy reading Jane's letter then seeing Mr Darcy, this has her defer reading the letters after receiving his addresses. All the original personalities are the same. All the previous history is also. But there is a very satisfying progression of events, dealing with Wickham, Lady Catherine, and even Miss Bingley. The younger Bennet girls get the training they so desperately need and you feel happy for all. I really enjoyed this variation!
If one knows the original storyline, you know it was only a change of a few minutes to have this concept. Instead of Lizzy reading Jane's letter then seeing Mr Darcy, this has her defer reading the letters after receiving his addresses. All the original personalities are the same. All the previous history is also. But there is a very satisfying progression of events, dealing with Wickham, Lady Catherine, and even Miss Bingley. The younger Bennet girls get the training they so desperately need and you feel happy for all. I really enjoyed this variation!
March 17, 2018
Darcy and Elizabeth meet again at Pemberley when she is touring the North with the Gardiners. But they come to an understanding before Elizabeth reads those letters from Jane. As Darcy is in the room during the reading he is able to start forming plans with the Gardiners and Elizabeth. Can there be a different ending for Lydia now, and how will the Bennet family benefit.
A straightforward romance story.
A straightforward romance story.
May 6, 2018
Less drama, more common sense
Things don’t move off canon much. The what-if was what if ODC became engaged at Pemberley. Really, that didn’t make much difference. The real what-if is what if Darcy wasn’t so arrogant and had common sense. And Elizabeth doesn’t jump to quick, angry conclusions.
Not nearly as much angst but more friendly romance. I’m glad all variations aren’t this placid but it WAS fun to read both lead characters acting as if they were intelligent 🤓
Things don’t move off canon much. The what-if was what if ODC became engaged at Pemberley. Really, that didn’t make much difference. The real what-if is what if Darcy wasn’t so arrogant and had common sense. And Elizabeth doesn’t jump to quick, angry conclusions.
Not nearly as much angst but more friendly romance. I’m glad all variations aren’t this placid but it WAS fun to read both lead characters acting as if they were intelligent 🤓
September 20, 2017
It's the kind of story where you take out all the conflict and make everything all happy and good. I think there was a sequel In the fanfiction site, very boring, I couldn't finish. This first one is a definite chick lit, beach, rainy day read.
August 8, 2017
Not so good, I'm afraid. Anachronisms and poor pacing - both sadly common in the more mediocre Austenations - overpower a promising premise.
October 11, 2017
Finally. A rational Lydia
This book reads the way a rational person would wish. An engrossing read. I will be adding this book to my Linda Thompson collection.
This book reads the way a rational person would wish. An engrossing read. I will be adding this book to my Linda Thompson collection.
January 4, 2018
Loved it
I thoroughly enjoyed this variation and it's version of what might have been. I've reread it several times now with great enjoyment
I thoroughly enjoyed this variation and it's version of what might have been. I've reread it several times now with great enjoyment
November 10, 2022
Pleasant story
Unfortunately, the writing style is so stilted and bland this pleasant little story seemed to drag on forever. Won't be buying any more books by this author.
Unfortunately, the writing style is so stilted and bland this pleasant little story seemed to drag on forever. Won't be buying any more books by this author.
April 8, 2022
Emotional pull, interesting clean
Oh my goodness! Very clean and well written for anyone to read. Incredibly interesting and has an emotional pull throughout the story. I was incredibly happy with how Bingley turned out. The nemesis all got what they deserved. Highly recommended
Oh my goodness! Very clean and well written for anyone to read. Incredibly interesting and has an emotional pull throughout the story. I was incredibly happy with how Bingley turned out. The nemesis all got what they deserved. Highly recommended
January 26, 2018
Sweet and romantic novel.
Darcy proposes for the second time before Elizabeth reads the letters from Jane. This alters the following events like Lydias elopement with Wickham. It describes their engagement period, a few altercations with Caroline and a very funny meeting between Mr Bennet and Lady C.
More depth and a more heart felt epilogue would have been nice and a must for me to give it the last star. I felt the beginning and the end was a listing of events (including the wedding ). This style of writing doesn't captivate me and ruins some of the experience.
Lovely read. Will read more from this author but she will not be a favourite.
Darcy proposes for the second time before Elizabeth reads the letters from Jane. This alters the following events like Lydias elopement with Wickham. It describes their engagement period, a few altercations with Caroline and a very funny meeting between Mr Bennet and Lady C.
More depth and a more heart felt epilogue would have been nice and a must for me to give it the last star. I felt the beginning and the end was a listing of events (including the wedding ). This style of writing doesn't captivate me and ruins some of the experience.
Lovely read. Will read more from this author but she will not be a favourite.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews