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And This Our Life: Chronicles of the Darcy Family, Book 1
Jane Austen's classic novel, Pride and Prejudice , ends with the marriage of the Bennet sisters to their hard-won fiancés, but the story of Elizabeth's and Darcy's life together is only beginning. And This Our Life is a historically accurate sequel that chronicles the lives of Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy during their first year of marriage. In addition to learning to be the mistress of Pemberley House, the Darcy estate, and overcoming the preconceptions of her new relatives, Elizabeth must help her new sister-in-law, Georgiana, find her way to womanhood through the maze of ritual, tradition and marital politics that is Regency-era England. Often snubbed by others in her social circle, Elizabeth maintains her composure and graciousness. She is determined to help Georgiana gain the confidence she needs to find the true love and happiness she has found with Mr. Darcy, no matter what obstacles are placed in their way.
248 pages, Hardcover
First published June 13, 2008
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898 people want to read
About the author
C. Allyn Pierson
4 books28 followersC. Allyn Pierson is a pseudonym of Carey A. Bligard. Aside from being an author Mrs. Pierson is a physician practicing in Iowa. There she resides with her husband and two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 9, 2018
This is a strange little book. I can't put my finger on what was wrong and if I say "Everything" I would be lying. I will say it is exceptionally clean.
We begin after Lizzy's engagement but before the wedding. Jane and Lizzy accompany Darcy & Bingley to London to shop for their wedding clothes... I want to say there is a Regency manners error because they are unchaperoned.... but I really don't care.
After the wedding we proceed to London for Lizzy and Darcy's 'honeymoon'. There is some mild angst very mild and quickly resolved. Then they are off to Pemberley and this turns into a Who's Who in Derbyshire with visitors and visiting and I am wondering "who cares?" and "What is the point?" Also Lizzy and her father plot to keep Mrs. Bennet away from Pemberley in a plot that is both convoluted and cruel. I can understand keeping her from London but Pemberley? Mrs. B essentially vanishes from the book after the wedding. Lizzy is busy helping prepare Georgiana for her debut in the spring which seems too soon and what would Lizzy know about a London season (Answer - NOTHING)
Then there is a crazy plot twist involving the Prince Regent, stolen letters and a trip for Darcy to war torn France; there's a dissolute stalker neighbor at Pemberley who is after Georgiana's dowry and Lizzy preparing for her courtesy to the Queen; lucky for Jane she will borrow Lizzy's dress [What WHAT WHAT Jane wouldn't be going to St. James based on Lizzy being her sister. Nor her father being a minor gentleman and Bingley NOT even owning property. Maybe her daughters could but There would be no way Jane Bingley is going to Court ]
Georgiana really isn't a formed character she is just like a enlarged version of JA's version. There is needless exposition as dialogue that could have been straight prose. There is needless detail about what they wore and what they ate and who said what ad nauseam.
And then there is this.... It is a truth universally acknowledged that Fitzwilliam Darcy was named for his mother's maiden name. Lady Anne Fitzwilliam, sister of Lady Catherine Fitzwilliam DeBourgh and Lord Fitzwilliam the Earl of ______. The author decides to reorganize the family making Lady Anne and Lady Catherine and the Countess of ______ the sisters and their family name was Winslow. Ergo Darcy should be Winslow Darcy otherwise he was named for his mother's sister's husband's family - which makes no sense.... Wookies don't live on Endor.
And there is the most wonderful magical conservatory at Pemberley. How wonderful? There are oranges and lemons on the branches of the trees IN DECEMBER IN 1812.
We begin after Lizzy's engagement but before the wedding. Jane and Lizzy accompany Darcy & Bingley to London to shop for their wedding clothes... I want to say there is a Regency manners error because they are unchaperoned.... but I really don't care.
After the wedding we proceed to London for Lizzy and Darcy's 'honeymoon'. There is some mild angst very mild and quickly resolved. Then they are off to Pemberley and this turns into a Who's Who in Derbyshire with visitors and visiting and I am wondering "who cares?" and "What is the point?" Also Lizzy and her father plot to keep Mrs. Bennet away from Pemberley in a plot that is both convoluted and cruel. I can understand keeping her from London but Pemberley? Mrs. B essentially vanishes from the book after the wedding. Lizzy is busy helping prepare Georgiana for her debut in the spring which seems too soon and what would Lizzy know about a London season (Answer - NOTHING)
Then there is a crazy plot twist involving the Prince Regent, stolen letters and a trip for Darcy to war torn France; there's a dissolute stalker neighbor at Pemberley who is after Georgiana's dowry and Lizzy preparing for her courtesy to the Queen; lucky for Jane she will borrow Lizzy's dress [What WHAT WHAT Jane wouldn't be going to St. James based on Lizzy being her sister. Nor her father being a minor gentleman and Bingley NOT even owning property. Maybe her daughters could but There would be no way Jane Bingley is going to Court ]
Georgiana really isn't a formed character she is just like a enlarged version of JA's version. There is needless exposition as dialogue that could have been straight prose. There is needless detail about what they wore and what they ate and who said what ad nauseam.
And then there is this.... It is a truth universally acknowledged that Fitzwilliam Darcy was named for his mother's maiden name. Lady Anne Fitzwilliam, sister of Lady Catherine Fitzwilliam DeBourgh and Lord Fitzwilliam the Earl of ______. The author decides to reorganize the family making Lady Anne and Lady Catherine and the Countess of ______ the sisters and their family name was Winslow. Ergo Darcy should be Winslow Darcy otherwise he was named for his mother's sister's husband's family - which makes no sense.... Wookies don't live on Endor.
And there is the most wonderful magical conservatory at Pemberley. How wonderful? There are oranges and lemons on the branches of the trees IN DECEMBER IN 1812.
May 28, 2022
As much as I love Jane Austen spin-offs, I could have lived my whole life happy without ever reading this book. It’s just...whatever... There wasn’t a truly discernible plot. I honestly wasn’t sure of the point of the book, but I did enjoy the historical attributes (George IV, Byron). Who knew “She Walks in Beauty” was inspired by Elizabeth?! 🤣🤣
Some of my favorites:
“It never occurred to me that a well-trained servant has the perfect credentials for espionage” (119).
“How can men be so unaware of what is going on around them?” (151).
“We will just let the future take care of itself, shall we?” (190).
How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is
To have a thankless child.
William Shakespeare, “King Lear”
Recommended reading is The Scarlet Pimpernel. It is in my NEXT TO READ stack of books! I can’t wait!
2022 Update:
Why I did not remove this book from my shelves after reading it in 2020 is beyond me. After reading it again, I still give it 3 stars.
Each chapter begins with a famous quote. They are quite varied. I laugh now that I realize the only quote I marked to mention upon review is the exact quote by Shakespeare I included in my 2020 review. 😃
I live in the south, and my daughter was the Azalea-Dogwood Queen. It is unique to our city, and the girls wear hoop skirts under their dresses. This made me smile upon reading: “If we sit down in these gowns, there will be no place for anyone else to be seated. Whoever created this style must have had investments in the furniture industry and planned to make a vast fortune enlarging all of the furniture in the country so that more than one lady could sit on the sofa” (168).
The Historical Notes on pages 237-239 are interesting reading.
Since 2020, I have read The Scarlet Pimpernel. It is absolutely fabulous. So, in lieu of reading this book, read The Scarlet Pimpernel!
Some of my favorites:
“It never occurred to me that a well-trained servant has the perfect credentials for espionage” (119).
“How can men be so unaware of what is going on around them?” (151).
“We will just let the future take care of itself, shall we?” (190).
How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is
To have a thankless child.
William Shakespeare, “King Lear”
Recommended reading is The Scarlet Pimpernel. It is in my NEXT TO READ stack of books! I can’t wait!
2022 Update:
Why I did not remove this book from my shelves after reading it in 2020 is beyond me. After reading it again, I still give it 3 stars.
Each chapter begins with a famous quote. They are quite varied. I laugh now that I realize the only quote I marked to mention upon review is the exact quote by Shakespeare I included in my 2020 review. 😃
I live in the south, and my daughter was the Azalea-Dogwood Queen. It is unique to our city, and the girls wear hoop skirts under their dresses. This made me smile upon reading: “If we sit down in these gowns, there will be no place for anyone else to be seated. Whoever created this style must have had investments in the furniture industry and planned to make a vast fortune enlarging all of the furniture in the country so that more than one lady could sit on the sofa” (168).
The Historical Notes on pages 237-239 are interesting reading.
Since 2020, I have read The Scarlet Pimpernel. It is absolutely fabulous. So, in lieu of reading this book, read The Scarlet Pimpernel!
August 6, 2021
This is one of those stories I read before I retired and began reviewing every book I read. I do want to reread all those stories which I did not review but as time has slipped by and I haven't done so, I just want to mark all those stories as "read" so I have a record of the true number of books in the JAFF sub-genre I have read. I am using the average rating at this time as I do not remember how I rated this story back when I read it. If I ever get around to rereading it I will look at my rating to make sure it is true to my opinion. It was published in 2008 so that is most likely when I read it.
August 15, 2023
Just read it again, if you love Pride and Prejudice, you will love this one! This is just one of two books this lady wrote, and she has done her homework, it takes into the life of Elizabeth and Darcy after the marraige, just where want to know what happens after Jane Austen's book. Worth the read!
January 15, 2024
If you like Pride and Prejudice, you will enjoy Ms. Pierson’s And This Our Life which continues the lives of the Darcy and Bennet families.
It starts with Ms. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy’s marriage and has Ms. Bennet helping Miss Georgiana Darcy find her way in society.
Ms. Pierson’s historical research is superb and she catches the essence of time and place.
It starts with Ms. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy’s marriage and has Ms. Bennet helping Miss Georgiana Darcy find her way in society.
Ms. Pierson’s historical research is superb and she catches the essence of time and place.
April 8, 2021
I'm always sceptical of fan fiction books. And I saw it on my bookshelf and thought I'd give it ago. But I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's not an exciting plot but it's a nice, peaceful escapism not having to think to much.
August 15, 2024
Very dry. Hard to read.
Not sure why certain characters were given new names/titles.
Not sure why certain characters were given new names/titles.
January 5, 2010
A sweet story that will delight most Austen purist
Everyone has their own thoughts on how the happily ever after continued at the conclusion of Pride and Prejudice. As of late, we have seen many creative sequels with Lizzy and Darcy taking another turn about the shrubberies. What they do in those shrubberies can be quite surprising. Rest assured, you will see none of that in And This Our Life, by C. Allyn Pierson.
This sequel takes the straight and narrow path from page one with few detours in Austen’s tone, reverently recreating her characters and bathing them an idealistic light. The story immediately picks up as the Bennet sisters, Jane and Elizabeth prepare for their marriages to Charles Bingley and Fitzwilliam Darcy. Lady Catherine de Bourgh is still miffed over her nephew Darcy’s choice of a ‘no name bride’ and Bingley’s sister Caroline is as acrimonious as ever. However, the ceremony proceeds and the couples depart for their London townhouses and wedded bliss. The narrative is primarily from Elizabeth’s perspective and we experience her anxieties at being accepted by London society and the Darcy family quickly resolved, and her concerns over being Mistress of Pemberley not really materialize. One delight in Elizabeth’s new life is Mr. Darcy’s shy young sister Georgiana who she eagerly assists in her preparation for her society debut. Darcy gets his bit of storyline too as he aids the Prince Regent in the recovery of stolen letters in a James Bondish escapade in Paris. In addition to other familiar characters such as Mr. Bennet and daughter Kitty, we are introduced to Colonel Fitzwilliam’s parents Lord and Lady Whitwell, a new amiable neighbor Sir Robert Blake, and a few villains thrown in for good measure: ner’ do well Jonathan Walker, dissolute George Lewis Winslow Fitzwilliam, Viscount St. George, and the gold digging Comte de Tourney.
Overall this debut novel is a sweet story that will delight most Austen purist. The plot would have benefitted from more tension and drama as life with the Darcy’s was a bit too perfect. One of the things that I appreciate about Austen’s characterizations is that even her hero and heroine have their faults, and the process to overcome them is one of the most enjoyable aspects of her storyline. We do see Georgiana develop from a shy retreating girl into a confident young woman, but that was not quite enough for me. Furthermore, the pacing was slow until about 100 pages in, and then improved greatly. Ms. Pierson’s understanding of literature, Regency history and social customs was the highlight of this novel. We are in no doubt of Lizzy and Darcy’s happy ever after. I just wish that it could have been harder wrought.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
Everyone has their own thoughts on how the happily ever after continued at the conclusion of Pride and Prejudice. As of late, we have seen many creative sequels with Lizzy and Darcy taking another turn about the shrubberies. What they do in those shrubberies can be quite surprising. Rest assured, you will see none of that in And This Our Life, by C. Allyn Pierson.
This sequel takes the straight and narrow path from page one with few detours in Austen’s tone, reverently recreating her characters and bathing them an idealistic light. The story immediately picks up as the Bennet sisters, Jane and Elizabeth prepare for their marriages to Charles Bingley and Fitzwilliam Darcy. Lady Catherine de Bourgh is still miffed over her nephew Darcy’s choice of a ‘no name bride’ and Bingley’s sister Caroline is as acrimonious as ever. However, the ceremony proceeds and the couples depart for their London townhouses and wedded bliss. The narrative is primarily from Elizabeth’s perspective and we experience her anxieties at being accepted by London society and the Darcy family quickly resolved, and her concerns over being Mistress of Pemberley not really materialize. One delight in Elizabeth’s new life is Mr. Darcy’s shy young sister Georgiana who she eagerly assists in her preparation for her society debut. Darcy gets his bit of storyline too as he aids the Prince Regent in the recovery of stolen letters in a James Bondish escapade in Paris. In addition to other familiar characters such as Mr. Bennet and daughter Kitty, we are introduced to Colonel Fitzwilliam’s parents Lord and Lady Whitwell, a new amiable neighbor Sir Robert Blake, and a few villains thrown in for good measure: ner’ do well Jonathan Walker, dissolute George Lewis Winslow Fitzwilliam, Viscount St. George, and the gold digging Comte de Tourney.
Overall this debut novel is a sweet story that will delight most Austen purist. The plot would have benefitted from more tension and drama as life with the Darcy’s was a bit too perfect. One of the things that I appreciate about Austen’s characterizations is that even her hero and heroine have their faults, and the process to overcome them is one of the most enjoyable aspects of her storyline. We do see Georgiana develop from a shy retreating girl into a confident young woman, but that was not quite enough for me. Furthermore, the pacing was slow until about 100 pages in, and then improved greatly. Ms. Pierson’s understanding of literature, Regency history and social customs was the highlight of this novel. We are in no doubt of Lizzy and Darcy’s happy ever after. I just wish that it could have been harder wrought.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose
December 19, 2011
Exact same story as C. Allyn Pierson's other novel - Mr. Darcy's Little Sister so if you're read one you know the story of the other. 2 slight differences - no kidnapping in this book and less letters quoted.
This novel is a great continuation of Pride & Prejudice and Austen would be proud. All the "private" moments of a married couple as in love as Darcy and Elizabeth are kept private so the novel is very proper and fits the time period of writing. Elizabeth isn't accepted and liked by everyone including Lady Catherine. Georgiana is still shy even of her new sister but with time Elizabeth helps her to open up and they become very close sisters. In this novel you learn more of Jane, Bingley, Caroline, Lydia, and Coronel Fitzwilliam's life including interesting characters like Lord Byron and the Prince Regent. Realistic continuation of P&P. If I had to find something wrong with it I would only say that Mr Darcy is too perfect. He never says or does anything wrong but those of you who love Darcy will not mind!
This novel is a great continuation of Pride & Prejudice and Austen would be proud. All the "private" moments of a married couple as in love as Darcy and Elizabeth are kept private so the novel is very proper and fits the time period of writing. Elizabeth isn't accepted and liked by everyone including Lady Catherine. Georgiana is still shy even of her new sister but with time Elizabeth helps her to open up and they become very close sisters. In this novel you learn more of Jane, Bingley, Caroline, Lydia, and Coronel Fitzwilliam's life including interesting characters like Lord Byron and the Prince Regent. Realistic continuation of P&P. If I had to find something wrong with it I would only say that Mr Darcy is too perfect. He never says or does anything wrong but those of you who love Darcy will not mind!
August 10, 2010
I really, really, really liked this book! I loved reading about what happened after the "happily ever after" in a way that left some things to the imagination, like the sex life between Darcy and Elizabeth. Too many of the continuations I've seen are little more than bodice rippers in disguise. This book is NOT that way!
It gives us details on the first year of the Darcys' marriage, Miss Darcy's debut and first season, and fills in the details of some of the other characters.
I sincerely hope Ms. Pierson continues this series very soon.
It gives us details on the first year of the Darcys' marriage, Miss Darcy's debut and first season, and fills in the details of some of the other characters.
I sincerely hope Ms. Pierson continues this series very soon.
December 7, 2009
I generally really only go for the romance based (read: bodice rippers) JAFF, with the other exception being the Carrie Bebris mysteries. This is the first G rated P&P sequel I've really been able to get into. I don't know if I can really explain what makes it different, but I found the plot absorbing enough to make me feel like I could read about the rest of the character's lives. Fortunately Pierson is working on book 2!
Highly recommended to all JA fans.
Highly recommended to all JA fans.
May 5, 2010
This is the best sequel of Pride and Prejudice that I have read so far. I am very impressed with its historical connections and storyline. The romance was touched upon in a Jane Austen flare with interesting surprises and witty moments. I could not put it down. This is apparently "Book 1" so.... I cannot wait until book 2 is finished. Definitely a wonderful read for any lovers of Elizabeth and Darcy.
April 21, 2014
I've read a lot of Pride and Prejudice adaptations and I have to say this was one of the more boring books. It was so slow going and took me forever to finish. I didn't like how there was no romance. I don't need bodice ripping or explicit scenes, however, it was lacking in the mutual love that Darcy and Elizabeth have for each other that I have read by other authors. And the ending ugh, come on, at least finish it.
April 8, 2011
Of the Pride and Prejudice sequels that I've read, this is probably the best. It lacks some of the wit of Jane Austen, was a little predictable, and was a little dry at times; but by the end I was engrossed and enjoying spending time with some of my favorite literary characters again. I will be giving the next book in the series a chance.
September 20, 2009
I wasn't sure how this book would be, but gave it a try and I am happy I did. This is a wonderful book. It takes up after Darcy & Elizabeth are married. It goes more into detail about society and Georgiana. I did not want to put the book down.
May 30, 2009
One of the most readable of the current Austen sequels. Unlike many, this continuation doesn't go overboard on adventure or rush through its plotted incidents. Although the amount of detail concerning dress could get old, the book is generally well researched and entertaining.
February 17, 2011
What can I say? Reading Pride & Prejudice sequels is a guilty pleasure. I would give this one a B. The plot was pretty predictable (why does almost everyone pick the same gentleman for Georgiana to marry), but I enjoyed it. My favorite P&P sequels are by Elizabeth Aston.
December 14, 2009
A fabulous sequel. Ms. Pierson strays well beyond the bounds of Austen's two inches of ivory but it works.
January 13, 2011
Okay, I didn't finish it. But it was BORRRRRING. Too much talking and not enough action. I've read much better continuations of P&P. Sorry, it was not my cup of tea.
not-finished
November 19, 2012I cannot finish this book . . . . I've tried on several different occasions. It's just so boring. Because I have so many other exciting books to read, I'm throwing this one on the back-burner.
January 12, 2011
Another of my own books.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews