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A Certain Practical Understanding
Charlotte Lucas is considered plain and quite on the shelf, but she is clever and practical. Understanding her own situation better than most, she is ready to face an unmarried life. However, things change when at the Meryton assembly in April of 1811, she meets the newest members of their society, who includes Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.
How will the pair find happiness when, despite their mutual attraction, her dowry is known to be small, and he, as a second son, is without a great income?
This is a clean, sweet romantic variation of Pride and Prejudice.
How will the pair find happiness when, despite their mutual attraction, her dowry is known to be small, and he, as a second son, is without a great income?
This is a clean, sweet romantic variation of Pride and Prejudice.
- GenresRomance
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2020
52 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 9, 2022
A really interesting plot
What an enjoyable story having Charlotte and Colonel Fitzwilliam as the main characters but also relating Elizabeth and Darcy's pairing along with Jane and Bingley's. An out of canon but engaging tale.
What an enjoyable story having Charlotte and Colonel Fitzwilliam as the main characters but also relating Elizabeth and Darcy's pairing along with Jane and Bingley's. An out of canon but engaging tale.
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October 27, 2021DNF
October 15, 2023
I enjoyed my second reading. A wonderful story of Charlotte and Colonel Fitzwilliam. He sees the beauty of her person and her character. All of the usual people have minor parts in the book, and many see minor improvements in their character. I would enjoy reading a sequel which advanced the lives of some of the minor characters.
5 stars on Amazon, 4 on Goodreads
(1st read 7/18/21)
5 stars on Amazon, 4 on Goodreads
(1st read 7/18/21)
April 23, 2023
A pleasant surprise
Its not often a writer does a story with either Colonel Fitzwilliam or Miss Charlotte Lucas as the main characters. This is an excellent blending of the two. The Colonel attended the Assembly with Darcy and Bingley and managed to get Elizabeth away from a irritated Darcy before his " tolerable " remark which altered the entire relationship. Overhearing Mrs Bennet discussion on Charlotte being plain, practical, and wearing a pretty gown the Colonel is intrigued.
Major changes are that Charlotte has a very large dowry as the result of her grandfather leaving her a large sum that has been gathering interest for 2 decades. Her family is unaware! She's decided to make a life for herself away from her family and her agent finds a house for her to purchase. BUT suddenly she's gotten 2 proposals - Mr Collins ( the day after his attempt with Elizabeth) and then Colonel Fitzwilliam who has decided love is more important than finding a rich wife to live off. They marry and it seems riches come to them... He inherits money from his family, and then a distant relative who made a fortune in the Canadian gold mines dies leaving him a huge fortune.
The other characters are written into the story quite successfully... We get sprinkles of the Bennet family members, Miss Mary King and the Bingley members but not enough to take the spotlight off Charlotte.
I have one complaint and its with a kidnapping chapter... Haven't these characters been kidnapped enough over the years? It may be the first time Charlotte was involved but her friend has been kidnapped too many times to count! Writers need a different path instead of the old " Wickhams plot to get money by kidnapping ".
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and recommend it without reservations.
Its not often a writer does a story with either Colonel Fitzwilliam or Miss Charlotte Lucas as the main characters. This is an excellent blending of the two. The Colonel attended the Assembly with Darcy and Bingley and managed to get Elizabeth away from a irritated Darcy before his " tolerable " remark which altered the entire relationship. Overhearing Mrs Bennet discussion on Charlotte being plain, practical, and wearing a pretty gown the Colonel is intrigued.
Major changes are that Charlotte has a very large dowry as the result of her grandfather leaving her a large sum that has been gathering interest for 2 decades. Her family is unaware! She's decided to make a life for herself away from her family and her agent finds a house for her to purchase. BUT suddenly she's gotten 2 proposals - Mr Collins ( the day after his attempt with Elizabeth) and then Colonel Fitzwilliam who has decided love is more important than finding a rich wife to live off. They marry and it seems riches come to them... He inherits money from his family, and then a distant relative who made a fortune in the Canadian gold mines dies leaving him a huge fortune.
The other characters are written into the story quite successfully... We get sprinkles of the Bennet family members, Miss Mary King and the Bingley members but not enough to take the spotlight off Charlotte.
I have one complaint and its with a kidnapping chapter... Haven't these characters been kidnapped enough over the years? It may be the first time Charlotte was involved but her friend has been kidnapped too many times to count! Writers need a different path instead of the old " Wickhams plot to get money by kidnapping ".
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and recommend it without reservations.
April 16, 2025
A very nice book! Colonel Fitzwilliam comes to Netherfield and distracts Elizabeth so she doesn't hear Darcy's insult. Darcy decides to dance with Elizabeth, and the colonel dances with Charlotte. He likes her practical nature and her sensible conversation.
The book is primarily about Charlotte and Colonel Fitzwilliam, but Darcy and Elizabeth are here also. Charlotte's grandfather had put money in trust for her that had grown, and at her majority, she gained control over the money, which the same solicitor had handled for her. No one knew she had the money, not her parents or even Elizabeth. She doesn't want anyone to want to marry her for her money.
Colonel Fitzwilliam was falling in love with Charlotte but decides he can't marry her because she has no dowry, so he figures he will never marry. Then he inherits a small estate and goes back to Charlotte to propose. Meanwhile, she has decided that she will remain a spinster and has her solicitor purchase a house for her. So things turn out well. His parents also give them some money as a wedding present and some beautiful jewels for Charlotte.
The Rat Wickham puts together a plot to kidnap Elizabeth for ransom and has some thugs do it. They end up with both women, but manage to escape. The Rat had planned on taking Elizabeth away from Darcy, probably for an exorbitant ransom. But they escape and then the Rat is captured.
It's a bit like a fairy tale, that Charlotte and the Colonel initially think they would need to be very frugal, but ended up inheriting a surprising amount of money from various relatives.
The book is primarily about Charlotte and Colonel Fitzwilliam, but Darcy and Elizabeth are here also. Charlotte's grandfather had put money in trust for her that had grown, and at her majority, she gained control over the money, which the same solicitor had handled for her. No one knew she had the money, not her parents or even Elizabeth. She doesn't want anyone to want to marry her for her money.
Colonel Fitzwilliam was falling in love with Charlotte but decides he can't marry her because she has no dowry, so he figures he will never marry. Then he inherits a small estate and goes back to Charlotte to propose. Meanwhile, she has decided that she will remain a spinster and has her solicitor purchase a house for her. So things turn out well. His parents also give them some money as a wedding present and some beautiful jewels for Charlotte.
The Rat Wickham puts together a plot to kidnap Elizabeth for ransom and has some thugs do it. They end up with both women, but manage to escape. The Rat had planned on taking Elizabeth away from Darcy, probably for an exorbitant ransom. But they escape and then the Rat is captured.
It's a bit like a fairy tale, that Charlotte and the Colonel initially think they would need to be very frugal, but ended up inheriting a surprising amount of money from various relatives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2025
This variation centers around Charlotte Lucas and Richard Fitzwilliam. Elizabeth and Darcy are more peripheral characters, although Charlotte does manage to get herself entangled in a plot that targets Elizabeth.
In this story Richard accompanies his cousin Darcy to Netherfield. Richard attends the assembly in Meryton where he meets, and becomes interested in, the very practical Charlotte Lucas. He is also there to swoop in and invite Elizabeth for a dance before she can hear the insult Darcy was prepared to deliver. Richard also makes it known to everyone that Darcy is not so very proud; mostly he’s just shy.
With Richard’s encouragement Darcy ends up dancing with Elizabeth and a more friendly dynamic is established.
Richard pays much attention to Charlotte and she is very attracted but trying not to be disappointed. She also overhears Darcy reminding Richard that he needs a woman of means to marry. Darcy has already made his intentions known since he is not in the same position.
Richard must decide how to act…follow his feelings or marry for money. Darcy is ready to follow his heart but someone is plotting to destroy his happiness. Will these two cousins ever be able to achieve their dreams and happiness? Some action, low angst and fun to read tale.
In this story Richard accompanies his cousin Darcy to Netherfield. Richard attends the assembly in Meryton where he meets, and becomes interested in, the very practical Charlotte Lucas. He is also there to swoop in and invite Elizabeth for a dance before she can hear the insult Darcy was prepared to deliver. Richard also makes it known to everyone that Darcy is not so very proud; mostly he’s just shy.
With Richard’s encouragement Darcy ends up dancing with Elizabeth and a more friendly dynamic is established.
Richard pays much attention to Charlotte and she is very attracted but trying not to be disappointed. She also overhears Darcy reminding Richard that he needs a woman of means to marry. Darcy has already made his intentions known since he is not in the same position.
Richard must decide how to act…follow his feelings or marry for money. Darcy is ready to follow his heart but someone is plotting to destroy his happiness. Will these two cousins ever be able to achieve their dreams and happiness? Some action, low angst and fun to read tale.
May 21, 2023
A delightful story centered around Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and Miss Charlotte Lucas.
Not without a few misunderstandings and a bit of danger do the Colonel and Miss Lucas as well as Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet come together. This story portrays a wonderful picture of the true nature of the Fitzwilliam's , as a loyal and loving family. Fitzwilliam Darcy is a loved and respected nephew not willing nor expected to yield to the whims of his Aunt Catherine or anyone else. Mr. Bennet is a capable, loving father very much involved in his family's lives. Though of a short length compared to many stories I have read and critiqued, this is a complete and enjoyable tale indeed.
Not without a few misunderstandings and a bit of danger do the Colonel and Miss Lucas as well as Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet come together. This story portrays a wonderful picture of the true nature of the Fitzwilliam's , as a loyal and loving family. Fitzwilliam Darcy is a loved and respected nephew not willing nor expected to yield to the whims of his Aunt Catherine or anyone else. Mr. Bennet is a capable, loving father very much involved in his family's lives. Though of a short length compared to many stories I have read and critiqued, this is a complete and enjoyable tale indeed.
April 29, 2023
A story for Charlotte
The story focuses on Charlotte and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Colonel Fitzwilliam joins Darcy and Bingley at Netherfield, handily avoiding Elizabeth being insulted at the assembly. This opens the door for a much more congenial relationship developing between Darcy and Elizabeth. However the story is told from the POVs of Charlotte and Colonel Fitzwilliam as their relationship grows and develops. Charlotte is altered slightly from canon but not much. I enjoyed this sweet story and even the dramatic events Wickham stirs up are not over the top. It's a relaxing read that I found highly enjoyable.
The story focuses on Charlotte and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Colonel Fitzwilliam joins Darcy and Bingley at Netherfield, handily avoiding Elizabeth being insulted at the assembly. This opens the door for a much more congenial relationship developing between Darcy and Elizabeth. However the story is told from the POVs of Charlotte and Colonel Fitzwilliam as their relationship grows and develops. Charlotte is altered slightly from canon but not much. I enjoyed this sweet story and even the dramatic events Wickham stirs up are not over the top. It's a relaxing read that I found highly enjoyable.
April 30, 2023
This is very much a story about Charlotte and the Colonel, with Lizzy and Darcy as side characters. There isn’t much drama and in a lot of ways Charlotte (and sometimes the Colonel) is given some stronger traits, which is generally fine except that Lizzy and Darcy end up very meek in this story.
I mostly enjoyed the first part of the book, but there are some big changes to character’s finances, and odd kidnapping plot and an ending that sort of fizzles out that took away from my enjoyment of the story. Overall, an ok story with a much happier ending for our side characters than in the original.
I mostly enjoyed the first part of the book, but there are some big changes to character’s finances, and odd kidnapping plot and an ending that sort of fizzles out that took away from my enjoyment of the story. Overall, an ok story with a much happier ending for our side characters than in the original.
May 17, 2023
Dizzy Lizzy
I'm happy for Charlotte and glad the author does not split focus between Charlotte and Lizzy, but, still, Lizzy comes across as weak and Charlotte is as nervy as Mrs. Bennet. And why was Mr Collins so prevalent after his 2nd proposal was refused? Why was he involved in the scheme unless Lady C was behind it?
I'm happy for Charlotte and glad the author does not split focus between Charlotte and Lizzy, but, still, Lizzy comes across as weak and Charlotte is as nervy as Mrs. Bennet. And why was Mr Collins so prevalent after his 2nd proposal was refused? Why was he involved in the scheme unless Lady C was behind it?
October 24, 2023
Interesting funny emotional
This is a great Colonel Fitzwilliam book with D & E as secondary characters. I loved Charlotte in this story. Still some bad people in story but love how author took secondary characters from P&P and made them more in this story. Great read, clean, interet, and highly recommended to all.
This is a great Colonel Fitzwilliam book with D & E as secondary characters. I loved Charlotte in this story. Still some bad people in story but love how author took secondary characters from P&P and made them more in this story. Great read, clean, interet, and highly recommended to all.
July 15, 2022
For any of us who want the good Colonel to find all he needs in our dear Charlotte, this one is for you! It was rather fairy-tale like in building their fortune, to be sure, but it was a sweet story with a warm and happy ending for those we wish one to occur.
October 21, 2022
A lovely Charlotte story
A little angst, a little villainy, some pleasant coincidences, lots of sweet romance, a difficult Lady Catherine, and a typically idiotic Mr. Collins. Very cute.
A little angst, a little villainy, some pleasant coincidences, lots of sweet romance, a difficult Lady Catherine, and a typically idiotic Mr. Collins. Very cute.
April 11, 2023
Team Richard
Darcy & Elizabeth are secondary in this variation. There is very little of Caroline, aunt Catherine, Collins. This is a sweet love story especially for those who love cousin Richard.
Darcy & Elizabeth are secondary in this variation. There is very little of Caroline, aunt Catherine, Collins. This is a sweet love story especially for those who love cousin Richard.
December 25, 2022
Charlotte's story!
This was a treat to read. I love to see peripheral characters experience plot variations almost as much as I do the main characters.
This was a treat to read. I love to see peripheral characters experience plot variations almost as much as I do the main characters.
March 20, 2023
Loved it!
This was a wonderful story. Richard and Charlotte have always been favorites in any JAFF books, but they shine in this book. Well written, enjoy.
This was a wonderful story. Richard and Charlotte have always been favorites in any JAFF books, but they shine in this book. Well written, enjoy.
Read
May 5, 2023DNF
May 9, 2023
Good retelling
A good story but one that focused on Charlotte and the colonel more then Elizabeth and Darcy. Would still recommend.
A good story but one that focused on Charlotte and the colonel more then Elizabeth and Darcy. Would still recommend.
August 4, 2023
Interesting
Charlotte is such an interesting character and I always enjoy seeing her get a happier ending to her story than her fate in Pride and Prejudice. I enjoyed this story.
Charlotte is such an interesting character and I always enjoy seeing her get a happier ending to her story than her fate in Pride and Prejudice. I enjoyed this story.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews