Confounding Caroline: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

Marrying Elizabeth #1

by Leenie Brown

He thought his future was bleak, but a well-orchestrated misstep might just bring him the happiness he seeks.

Fitzwilliam Darcy has experienced the sadness that currently resides in the eyes of his friend, Charles Bingley. Determined to see Bingley happy, Darcy confesses his part in creating the despondence his friend now feels and prepares to suffer the separation that will ensue.

However, what he expects and what he gets are very different things. Instead of facing a lonely life filled with heartache, he finds himself standing at the beginning of a path leading to not only his friend’s happiness but his own as well.

It will not, however, be an easy path. There will be obstacles to overcome, but with a little help and scheming, no impediment will be too insurmountable – not even Caroline Bingley.

Confounding Caroline is the first book in Leenie Brown’s Marrying Elizabeth series of Pride and Prejudice inspired stories. If you like well-written, sweet stories with determined heroes and surprising heroines who are willing to push the bounds of comfort and propriety to claim true love, then you will enjoy this story about out-scheming a schemer in the quest for the chance at a happily ever after.

So, put the kettle on, grab your copy of Confounding Caroline, and slip into a world of unexpected mischief and join Darcy on the first leg of his journey to happily ever after.

***

[This book ends with a happy for now, and Darcy and Elizabeth's story continues in the next book. Confounding Caroline can also be found in Marrying Elizabeth, Books 1-3 Compilation.]

Genres: Romance, Retellings, Regency

233 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 24, 2018

About the author

Leenie Brown has always been a girl with an active imagination, which, while growing up, was both an asset, providing many hours of fun as she played out stories, and a liability, when her older sister and aunt would tell her frightening tales.  At one time, they had her convinced Dracula lived in the trunk at the end of the bed she slept in when visiting her grandparents!

Although it has been years since she cowered in her bed in her grandparents’ basement, she still has an imagination which occasionally runs away with her, and she feeds it now as she did then ─ by reading!

Her heroes, when growing up, were authors, and the worlds they painted with words were (and still are) her favourite playgrounds!   Now, as an adult, she spends much of her time in the Regency world, playing with the characters from her favourite Jane Austen novels and those of her own creation.

When she is not traipsing down a trail in an attempt to keep up with her imagination, Leenie resides in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia with her two sons and her very own Mr. Brown (a wonderful mix of all the best of Darcy, Bingley, and Edmund with a healthy dose of the teasing Mr. Tilney and just a dash of the scolding Mr. Knightley).

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars

What a fun story! The author makes lots of interesting character tweaks that don't directly contradict Jane Austen's creations. This starts with Mr. Bingley. He's surprisingly observant and insightful regarding Mr. Darcy's feelings about Elizabeth Bennet. Jane Bennet also has much more spunk than her serene countenance suggests.

Jane is in London, having just made her very unsatisfying call to Caroline and Louisa. Darcy recognizes Bingley's depression and understands the cause, so he reveals all to Bingley the following day. His friend is eager to see his angel, but he also challenges Darcy to pursue Elizabeth because he correctly identifies the interest there. Darcy has the usual reservations, which Bingley successfully argues against. Then there's Darcy's concern that Elizabeth doesn't even like him. The two begin strategizing, and Colonel Fitzwilliam joins them.

When they call on the Gardiner home in Cheapside, Mrs. Gardiner is polite but makes pointed inquiries of the two gentlemen. (More pointed than is completely credible, but I went with it.) One of the many things they all agree upon is that Caroline is a problem that must be dealt with directly. Intriguingly, it's Jane who throws down the gauntlet to her suiter with a possible solution.

For the rest of the story, we are privy to discussions planning their campaign to win Elizabeth over for Darcy and especially to proactively manage Caroline. As the plot develops, Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam both make their contributions, as do new characters Mr. Johnson (whose wife hosts frequent social gatherings) and Sir Matthew Broadhurst.

Even though all the pieces fall together far too easily to be believed, the author finds a perfect balance between what we learn in advance and what we learn as the plan is executed. As I said earlier, the characterizations are sometimes surprising but not impossibly different from the originals. Caroline does her own plotting to stage a compromise and force her brother to marry a lady of her choice, so you can't help but enjoy as the anticipation builds for her to get her just desserts.

The tone is appropriately light. It's a short, clean, delightful read.

I received an ARC from the author with no promise of a review, positive or otherwise. Opinions are my own.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oddly, I had already read Book 2 in this series in January 2019, but had not read this one.

This first story is not a standalone.

Having returned to London along with the Bingleys after being at Netherfield, Darcy learns from Caroline and Louisa that Jane Bennet is in town, that she visited them and that that they did all they could to discourage her as to Charles. Darcy soon finds himself confessing to Bingley his mistaken advice as to Jane and they go to visit Jane at the Gardiners. Mrs. Gardiner is much more forthright with her questions and opinions in this story. (Some letters are sent and soon we read of Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet in London also.)

Agreeing that Caroline is a big problem going forth, we find Jane Bennet taking the lead in solving that problem. The agreed upon solution is to first find someone willing to marry Caroline and secondly to force her to accept him. They are honest with the man and he believes he can control her but now how to force her hand.

I found it hard to believe that this man will be able to control Caroline and we don't get to read about their marriage or how their relationship develops. Darcy and Elizabeth, of course, have their misunderstandings about each other and some apologies are made. Mr. Bennet is much more involved in observing Darcy and making observations to Elizabeth about him.

I didn't find as many errors as with most of this author's stories. One other review mentions a number of spaces in the "mid dle" of words but I didn't find that so some corrections must have been made since her review.

The Caroline problem and solution were of most interest and I believe others would find that an interesting premise in this story.

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved everything about this sweet but surprising story. I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading it! What if Mr. Darcy's own heartache over leaving Netherfield and one impertinent young lady has him feeling guilty over the same sadness his friend, Mr. Bingley, is experiencing? What if he confesses his part in separating Bingley and Jane Bennet? Would he lose his friend's friendship? This is where the first of many surprises comes in.

Mr. Bingley knows Mr. Darcy well. Bingley is not completely obtuse. What if he in turn asks Darcy some key questions...

"What would happen if you did not fulfill your family's expectations? Would you be cut off? Disinherited? Shunned by society? What would the consequences be?" (quote from the book)

What happens after that you ask? Well let's just say that between Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, and Jane Bennet, yes, Miss Bennet is another wonderful surprise in this story, come up with plan that is worthy of a military strategist! But what of Miss Caroline Bingley's own plan to become 'Mistress of Pemberley'? Well, I think Mr. Hurst says it best...

"Aye, we both know that, but she's as daft as a duck trying to swim in a frozen pond." (love this quote from the book)

I highly recommend this first book in the 'Marrying Elizabeth Series'. There are so many delightful surprises and twists and turns within its pages that you should experience it for yourself.

I was fortunate enough to receive an Advanced Readers Copy from the author with no expectation of a review.

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Lord, confound this surly sister, blight her brow with blotch and blister, cramp her larynx, lung and liver, in her guts a galling give her.” –John Millington Synge

Well, if the above quote doesn’t adequately describe Caroline Bingley… then I don’t know what will. This story was novella size and a quick clean read. It was everyone trying to get rid of… em… marry off… Caroline so that Bingley would be free to court Jane without interference and so Darcy could breathe rarified air without Caroline sucking the air out of the room. Lawd, that woman was as dense as peanut butter. Darcy told her, Bingley told her, Hurst told her and probably Louisa told her… but she refused to listen, refused to even consider that Darcy didn’t want her as his wife and mistress of Pemberley. I’m sure she dreamed of how she would decorate all the Darcy holdings and the number of social events they could cram into a week. She could just see herself on Darcy’s arm. Oh, the jewels, the pin money, the number of carriages… the social circle she would inhabit. Yes, she just knew she was perfect for and was made for being Mrs. Darcy. OMG! She needed a serious dose of reality and frankly was about to get one… only she didn’t know it.

Although this was your usual P&P love story, I think a reader would need a working knowledge of the events of Austen’s work. It isn’t a stand-alone as basic knowledge is needed on the timeline and the course of events and a knowledge of character traits and personalities. Our story deviates and takes a slight left turn after the Netherfield ball. When this story opened, the Netherfield party had already left Hertfordshire and Caroline had sent Jane her poison pen letter. After Christmas, Jane had traveled to London and was staying with her relations on Gracechurch Street. Jane had paid a call to Caroline and Louise and they were ignoring her with full intentions of dropping the connection.

On this new timeline, we are still prior to Darcy going to Kent for Easter. When Darcy paid a call to Charles [who happened to be out], he learned of Jane’s visit from the superior sisters. Caroline told him of their treatment of the country fortune-hunter and insisted he help them keep Bingley from Jane’s influence. When Darcy and Richard met with Bingley later… he could no longer keep Miss Bennet’s presence in town a secret. He confessed all.

During their meeting, they strategized and made plans as to what needed to be taken care of. In one part, they needed the expert help from our dear Colonel Fitzwilliam. Yeah, Richard was the man for the job… taking out the trash [yeah, you-know-who]. Our dear Colonel needed to send several letters… first… to Colonel Forster of the militia in Meryton. [Note: this was spelled several different ways in this story]. Letters to Mr. Bennet, the merchants and Sir William Lucas… all needed to be warned so they could protect their daughters and the merchants had to be warned regarding debts.

Most of the consequences of those letters happened off the page. In fact, most of the story happened off the page. We knew things were happening or were at least put into motion… but we didn’t see it. We only heard about it. Our only concern were several threads… one where Darcy was getting his act together with Elizabeth. The second was Bingley securing Jane and lastly, all of the conspiring to settle Caroline in a marriage so no one would have to deal/live with her.

Enter Sir Matthew Broadhurst… a man needing… em… looking for a bride. How convenient. So, the plan was devised and all the actors were in place. This was so cute and Caroline never saw it coming. And then the story ended. Cliffhanger… not exactly… call it a pause. The next story should pick up where this left off. Otherwise there would be a lot of unanswered questions… like what happened next?

What I liked: page-time with ODC and how quickly D&E resolved their differences. Also, how they revealed Wickham’s character to Elizabeth. We didn’t have Hunsford or Darcy’s letter to alert her to Wickham’s history with the Darcy family. Although he was off the page… we knew something was about to happen. However, knowing him, he won’t take this lightly. What about Lydia? I figure she is bound to do something stupid? Will Mr. Bennet rein in her activities in time to prevent disaster? What about Lady Catherine? Lots of questions.

What I didn’t like: errors… or maybe it was editing. Something happened in chapter 10, whether it was my e-reader or a publishing problem… but there were dozens of words that had a space in the mid dle of the word. A quick read through should have caught them. Also, Colonel Forster was misspelled several different ways: Forester, Forrester.

I volunteered to read an ARC [Advanced Reader Copy] from the author. The views expressed are my own. The Rating: clean, quick read. 4-stars

[Elin Eriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 in the Marrying Elizabeth serie, book 2 Delighting Mrs Bennet will be released January 10th 2019.

I loved the banter between Darcy, Bingley and the Colonel, hilarious!

The Netherfield party had left but in London, neither Bingley nor Darcy were particularly happy.
Cheering each other on, they decided to do something about it. There were one formidable obstacle to their happiness though... Caroline Bingley. The scheming that was needed to passify that enemy was rather impressive. It was a all hands on deck manoeuvre and the mastermind behind it, came as big surprise...

Heartily recommend this book!

[Talia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have given this 5 stars had there been more Caroline. I really liked this one especially the author's take on Jane. Mrs Gardiner speech was way to impertinent but I just let that part slide. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clever P&P what if that has Darcy finding his conscience when Miss Bingley confides in him her clever cutting of Miss Bennet in London. First he tells Bingley and is psychoanalyzed into revealing his attraction for Miss Elizabeth.

Next thing you know the boys are in the Gardiners drawing room and Jane Bennet is revealing a side of her that isn't obvious in Meryton, she's slightly impertinent and Mrs. Gardiner is a Lizzy Bennet with a mob cap.

Soon they are all planning on how to reunite Mr. Darcy and Lizzy. But before either Bingley or Darcy can find their HEA they need to move an insurmountable obstacle- Caroline Bingley.

Letters are sent to Meryton, more planning happens and a potential suitor for Caro is located. Then the plan is put into motion...

This is book one of two and leaves some things unfinished.

[James S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intractable

Intractable. This is what Caroline Bingley is in most variations. She will NOT give up on trying to marry Darcy.

So what can Bingley, his family and his friends do with her that might give them a chance. It’s not unlike what parents have to deal with when a child figures out there is nothing parents can do to force a change in behavior. Parents can take the long road and hope the bad behavior can be channeled into a better behavior over years of trying.

In real life though Bingley doesn’t have much he can do to his sister. He can take away her money, but then she will just be a CONSTANT shrew to her family and to his friends and even destroy his rep with the ton. He can’t beat her. Under no circumstances would that be ok.

He can’t starve her. He can send her to relations in the north, but not forever. So it seems like there are two acceptable things he can do. Set her up in a remote cottage somewhere and destroy her life and feel bad about what he has done.

Or he can find a good husband and force her to marry. No matter what is done, it will be forcing her in someway. In this story Bingley and his friends go with the husband option.

Lizzy and Darcy’s HEA seems like an afterthought in the story, but is achieved.

Interesting story that I can recommend. There will be sequels.

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book may be about getting Caroline engaged, but our dear couples have some fun and sweet moments getting to know one another better while compromising her.
Who would have thought where the insipiration for it came from? A very entertaining story!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written and charming P&P variation. Some of the characters behave a little differently but that’s part of a variation so I’m ok with it, mostly. For example, Jane is more bold than usual (in a good way) and Darcy admits his feelings for Elizabeth to everyone (which is a little odd, but endearing). Caroline is a hoot as usual and is completely in character even if some of the others are not. Mr. Bennet, the Gardiners and Col. Fitzwilliam are also on hand and are all delightful in their own ways. At novella length, it’s a quick, fun read. I’m looking forward to the next book and hope it picks up right where this one ends.

I received an advanced reader copy from the author. A review was not required and all opinions are my own.

[lori huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of fun

Darcy can't forget Elizabeth after he leaves Hertfordshire, and he decides to confess all to Bingley about his role in keeping Bingley away from Jane Bennett. Darcy ends up also confessing his feelings for Elizabeth to Bingley, and together they work out a game plan for winning their Bennett sister. They decide Caroline Bingley is an obstacle to both of them, and that her meddling must be eliminated, preferably by marrying her off to someone.

This is a strange kind of love story, in that Elizabeth, although she's the one Darcy wants, has very little to do with the plot of this tale. Plans are laid, other family members are consulted, and actions are taken, yet Elizabeth is only present on the periphery. It seems as if she's more or less compelled to accept the idea that Darcy would make her a very fine husband, even though she starts out with her usual reservations about him.

This all works out just fine, though, due to the scene stealing Aunt Gardiner, and due to a Jane Bennett with a bit of a mischievous streak. It's so much fun to have sweet and serene Jane decide to get some revenge on nasty Caroline, and to do it with the willing and gleeful help of Darcy, Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Some very nice low key humor a and a satisfying outcome.

The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story where you kinda have to forget much of what you know about Austen's characters and just have fun with them. I always love a variation where Bingley and/or Jane stand up against Caroline so on that alone, this book is a win for me. I also like stories where Mr. Bennet can see his own folly and desires to do something about it. We don't get to see any changes in this story as it is so short but I have high hopes he will become a better father and husband.
This series is called Marrying Elizabeth but we seem to spend a lot more time with Bingley and Darcy as they work together and with others to arrange their own futures. And this title, Confounding Caroline gives a clue as to how they make those arrangements. It seems that almost all the characters helped with the confounding by doing things that are largely out of character for them but I enjoyed it. I think the author had some fun writing this one. The story is not fully resolved by the end of this one. Since the series and not the book is called Marrying Elizabeth I expect that it may take a bit to actually get them to the altar. I'm just guessing.

The story is clean and fun.
No sex, language or violence

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instead of helping Caroline hide Jane Bennett's presence in town, Darcy chooses to tell Bingley about her visit to his townhouse. This leads to a series of events in which Jane, Bingley, and Colonel Fitzwilliam aid Darcy in gaining Elizabeth's favor while also trying to rid themselves of Caroline.

A cute book. I really liked Jane Bennett in particular in this book. Darcy was well done and Bingley was definitely improved so the character base was extremely solid. You get some Elizabeth but it is primarily the other characters you deal with more. I'm looking forward to seeing how the next book builds on what has been started. I can't say the book ended as a cliffhanger but it didn't see anyone married.

[Maria Escarda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little romance and more adventure for the boys

The main characters here are the gentlemen: Darcy, Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Rather ironic how this variation is entitled Confounding Caroline when, although much is said about Caroline Bingley, less is done by her. Even Elizabeth Bennet is considered merely as a secondary character here, although the thrust of the gentlemen’s action and for her and Darcy’s benefit. There are smidges of Mrs. Gardiner’s and Georgiana Darcy’s cunning. But it is Jane Bennet who is the female heroine of this story.

For that and for the little romance that this story offers, it’s a 3 and 1/2 stars for this reader.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this P&P variation, the Bingley party have left Netherfield to reside in town. But circumstances make Darcy feel guilty about not telling Charles that Jane Bennet is in town. When he does they are both off to Gracechurch Street, but what to do about Caroline Bingley.
With a few little adjustments to everyones character they just might be a happy ending for Jane.
An enjoyable and well-written variation. I look forward to reading the next in the series

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed book 2 enough that I decided to start from the beginning. Caroline Bingley is dead-set on securing Darcy for a husband and also wants to break up the budding romance between her brother and Jane Bennet. The group of friend - Darcy, Bingley, Mr. Hurst, Jane, Mrs. Gardiner, and the Colonel - decide it is important to find Caroline a husband to get her off their necks. Entertaining little story makes up some background for Pride & Prejudice.

[Kim Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gem in its genre

Brown excels at Austenesque short novellas, and this is no exception. The plot diverges from canon when Jane is in London with the Gardiners, except that Lizzy has apparently not gone to Rosings. The confounding of Caroline is an entertaining if unscrupulous plot wherein Caroline gets her comeuppance. My one caveat is that, although we come to a HEA of sorts, it paves the way for a sequel, in which I believe further complications will arise.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot I liked about this book - I like Darcy coming clean early to Bingley about Jane being in London and Darcy realizing his feelings and acting on them. What I didn't like was the way that everyone decided Caroline was a problem and then strategized around her to arrange her life. They tricked her into an engagement with someone because "it's what's good for her" and took away her agency. This seems to continue into book 2, so I'm not sure how I'll feel about this series

[Fi Brit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and a entertaining read

It’s always nice to find an author with decent understanding of regency language and etiquette. Even better when they also have to ability to spin a fresh and creative story with consistent characterisations.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personalities Displayed
Delightful book. I especially enjoyed Bingley in this variation. He stood up as a strong individual and I liked that. Different storyline. Well written.

Second Read August 7, 2020 as part of the Marrying Elizabeth trilogy. I love the way Leenie Brown tells a story. Always different and interesting, with a touch of humour in just the right places.

[Lis Mott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading this story I could not put it down. I love Pride & Prejudice and enjoy reading alternative versions of Darcy & Elizabeth and Bingley & Jane’s love stories. The author spun a very entertaining and engaging story, which she expertly ended leaving you wanting more. I am now off to read the sequel with high expectations of a great read.

[Janice Butterworth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure about this one

I usually enjoy a Leenie Brown book. They’re usually good for a pleasant read. But this book is just “out” in every way. From a very clumsy plot to characters that bear little resemblance to Austen’s. Frankly, I would never have guessed it was by Leenie Brown. Still, it was harmless and a quick read if you need a quiet couple of hours.

[Alena (Ally) Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very entertaining

Quite entertaining, but lacked a proper ending. No conclusions occurred. Darcy and Elizabeth were left at the beginning of friendship/courtship; Jane and Bingley were left hanging; and of course Caroline's situation was never finished. The end was abrupt, leaving this reader disappointed when the storyline was well developed.

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very low angst variation. Darcy realizes he is in love much sooner. It was an enjoyable story but the characters definitely did not behave in a way compatible with the times. They were very direct and openly discussed a lot of things that I highly doubt would have been talked about so easily, including with folks that they had just met. In any case, an enjoyable story.

[Michelle Hassett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darcy confesses to Bingley and they both attempt to win their ladies. They, with the help of Mrs. Gardner and Jane trick Caroline into a marriage. They both work on courting the ladies in London, showing them a different side. Colonel Fitzwilliam helps spread the news about Wickham to Bennet.

Series continues - only a courtship has begun.

[Jeanah · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wonderful beginning

I enjoyed this book very much. I am not too annoyed that it requires another volume to continue OTC story. I greatly look forward to seeing how all the characters are adjusted to this new tangent of circumstances. I also love the depth of steel-like changes in Jane persona. On to the next…

[Betsy Milan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining, light JAFF novelette

This short little novel had an interesting, though ultimately unbelievable solution to the Caroline problem. It is very well written and is a strong foundation for a short what-if series.

[Charlene S. Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent work!

I just loved this book! Great departure from Canon - and yet, still believable.
Caroline doesn't deserve Sir Matthew - she is such a Cow! But perhaps he WILL be her redemption! Great job Leonie Brown!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline gets what she deserves. But it is too good for her. Highly recommended.

[LChristineW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much Darcy and Elizabeth but worth it to see Caroline finally put in her place.