Schemes of Felicity: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Suzan Lauder, Janet Taylor (Illustrator), Ellen Pickels (Editor)

A month to find a mate!
Mr. Darcy desires marriage to Elizabeth Bennet, but he ruins any such prospect during his proposal at Hunsford. The resulting general sense of malaise interferes with his usually amicable yet stately demeanour, and his Fitzwilliam relatives resolve that Darcy is lonely-he must be in want of a wife. His cousins convince him to leap into the London Season for one month and partner every lady they select for his felicity.
At Longbourn, chaos erupts as Mr. Bennet undergoes a transformation, and Jane and Elizabeth receive the gift of a month in town to enjoy the Season. Meanwhile, Elizabeth pores over Mr. Darcy's Hunsford letter and wonders about him, warmed by his words.
It's only a matter of time before the two meet again in this Pride and Prejudice novella. But will their encounter be a repeat of the earlier disaster, or will they overcome their tenuous history? And can Elizabeth's credentials pass the stringent criteria of the scheming Fitzwilliam cousins who direct Darcy towards the single daughters of every peer of the realm?

Genres: Historical

120 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2020

About the author

Somehow the bio is boring. I don't want to talk about me, I want to talk about books. So if you need to see the bio, the same one as on my Meryton Press blog and my Facebook page, scroll down. But to really know a bit about me, check out my "Loved It" list. It says a lot. Of course, I have about three times that many books rated at five stars, and they are all very special to me, each in their own way. Some are books others would just rank as "meh" but worked for me, and others are classics that everyone would agree are fantastic. That's what I love about Goodreads: we all get our opinion on something very personal as reading choice. If I write that a book "Should have been 5*," it means it needed editing!

These days, I read very little other than Jane Austen Fan Fiction, Regency Romance, and nonfiction reference for writing. Part of the reason for that is that my health doesn't allow me to read for more than about an hour a day, and I have many books in that genre to catch up on, not to mention the online serial stories that can be even better than some of the published books.

My reviews are honest and impartial and won't include any for Meryton Press (my publisher) published books for obvious reasons. Well, unless I'm weak and have to give kudos where kudos are due.

You won't get newsletters from me, since I hate getting that sort of stuff clogging up my email. You will get chances at freebies and swag every so often through other channels because I love giving stuff away. In fact, I have a free gift for anyone who reads this bio. Email me at suzanlauder at gmail dot com to claim it, and say where you saw the offer.

I'd love feedback of all sorts on my writing, but especially stuff that tells me what I can do to please you, as a reader. Thanks!

Biography:

Saucy opinions like "The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has no pleasure in a good novel must be intolerably stupid." won Suzan Lauder, who thought, "I have to read more by this woman who writes with such snarky humour!" And another Jane Austen fanatic was captured in the clever dead author's net. Austen figures prominently in Lauder's writing, as Pride and Prejudice has inspired all her published fiction. Her publisher is Meryton Press.

Lauder is currently editing a Regency romance series called "Cecilia's Mismatches." She released the mature novel "The Barrister's Bride" for publication in May 2022. It has elements of that longtime JAFF favourite style, the FMS. Prior to that, she released the introductory book in the novella series "Scandal and Skirmish" called "Schemes of Felicity." "The Mist of Her Memory," was rated a top book of 2019 and is a Regency romantic suspense and mystery novel. Suzan's Regency romantic comedy "A Most Handsome Gentleman," nicknamed #HOTCollins was among three reviewers' top-rated Jane Austen Fan Fiction books for 2017. Cover Wars Book of the Week and Amazon #1 bestseller "Letter from Ramsgate" was released in October 2016. It's a Regency romance with nail-biting drama. Both these books are teen-rated, aimed at anyone old enough to have enjoyed Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." They followed Suzan's unique adult-rated Austen-inspired Regency romance with a mystery twist, "Alias Thomas Bennet," which was published in 2013. A chapter from "Alias Thomas Bennet was a finalist in the Sexy Scribbles contest under Historical Fiction in 2019. Her short modern romance "Delivery Boy" was featured in Meryton Press's 2015 Holiday anthology, "Then Comes Winter." The anthology was included on "Best of 2015" lists by three influential book review bloggers, and is suitable for readers of all ages.

Lauder's is fascinated with Regency fashion and editing and blogs about it. She lives with Mr. Suze half time on Vancouver Island and in Mexico and their cat joins them in both places.

Reviews

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

“People have nothing to do and therefore they interfere with the life of others. I don’t want to interfere with the life of others.” –Vaslav Nijinsky

A quick, clean read at 10 chapters: This is the first novella in the ‘Skirmishes & Scandal’ Series by Suzan Lauder. We are post-DHP [Disastrous Hunsford Proposal] with Elizabeth reading two letters. Darcy’s letter she has now memorized and the other letter was from her father. Things happened back home that finally put her father on high alert as to his indolence toward his daughters. Lydia’s careless actions had shamed the family and he had finally clipped her wings. She and sister Kitty were no longer out. He intended to concentrate his efforts by giving his eldest most deserving daughters a Season in town with the hopes of their securing a good match with the assistance of their Uncle and Aunt Gardiner.

“Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.” –George Burns

While in London… Darcy’s family, concerned over his behavior since returning from Kent, had determined that he was in need of a wife and fully intended to assist him with the remainder of the Season. This was hilarious and a bit hectic. They planned out strategic maneuvers worthy of our dear Colonel’s best generals on the continent. Every endeavor was under consideration with introductions to all the ton’s best, most beautiful, well dowered, and socially acceptable ladies. Simpering, fawning, senseless, dull… the list went on in Darcy’s head as he traversed London’s ballrooms and soirées forced by his well-meaning family to dance. We felt his pain as he trudged through the tedious, banal, mind-numbing, and energy-draining matchmaking schemes, and schemers. Then a breath of fresh air blew his way when he saw Elizabeth Bennet across the theater… and she smiled at him. Suddenly, the rest of the season didn’t seem so bad after all.

This was cute and adorable as we watched our dear couple come together after that horrid experience in Kent. Although this moved quickly, it still managed to touch base with many of our favorite and less favorite characters. By doing so, we didn’t have to wonder what happened to them. The ending was so swoon-worthy. However, I did have a few questions… but then this is a series so maybe they will be answered in another book. I hope one of them concerns our dear Colonel. I wonder about Anne’s situation, and if there will there be a story about it… well, I guess we’ll see.

I received a copy via Meryton Press with no expectations of a review. The views and opinions expressed are my own. I highly recommend this story.

2nd read 2-22-21

[wosedwew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The house of the childless is empty; and so is the heart of him that hath no wife. ~ Hitopadesa

Beginning with the Disastrous Hunsford Proposal, Fitzwilliam Darcy’s life slips beyond his control. His Fitzwilliam relatives are convinced Darcy needs to marry and marry quickly.

Elizabeth Bennet is surprised by a letter from her Father. Lydia’s behavior has been disgraceful enough that her Father has finally noticed and set restrictions. A cut in expenses for Lydia and Kitty means more possibilities for Jane and Elizabeth. Mr. Bennet summons Elizabeth from Hunsford to spend a season in London with the Gardiners who have more connections with the upper crust than in some variations.

If minutes were kept of a family gathering, they would show that "Members not Present" and "Subjects Discussed" were one and the same. ~ Robert Brault

The Fitzwilliam family meeting unites them in a cause: Darcy MUST attend ton events and MUST dance at least half the dances. His Aunt and cousins will see to introductions.

Quote from the book: Richard nodded. “I understand how you see this as overly officious, Cousin, but our scheme will turn out so well that you will forget you ever felt the need to avoid dances and parties. They are really quite good fun.”
“If I were a wagering man, I would ask for bets on that statement,” Darcy said drily.

In due course, the two families interact and romance is inevitable.

“Schemes of Felicity” is a light Regency romance that leads the Skirmish and Scandal series of novellas published by Meryton Press. It is well-written and proofread. Although it is lower angst than I usually enjoy, I did like it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys JAFF.

I received a copy of this book from Meryton Press and the author, with no promise of a review.

There are couples a matchmaker would match every time — and couples who, for no rhyme or reason, rhyme. ~ Robert Brault

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love the way Ms. Lauder writes! She always provides her readers with believable characterizations, wonderful dialogue, and narration that's engaging while keeping the story moving at a purposeful pace, and this charming novella is no exception. There's plenty of steam in the interactions between Elizabeth and Darcy - those tantalizing touches filled with yearning - with no explicit sexual content.

The premise is a simple one: After Elizabeth refused Darcy's marriage proposal and he gave her his letter, he returns to London in a foul mood. The entire Fitzwilliam family corners him in a Regency style intervention, insisting that he get serious about finding a wife during the ongoing London Season.

Elizabeth, meanwhile, has joined her sister Jane at the Gardiners, expecting to travel back to Longbourn in a week. Instead, a letter from Mr. Bennet arrives with the unexpected message that he is financing both sisters for a London Season, starting immediately. Mr. Gardiner has gained enough respect from some members of the ton for his investment acumen that he and Mrs. Gardiner are welcome at many society events, and so Jane and Elizabeth are duly launched.

With this as the set-up, it isn't a surprise to the reader when Mr. Darcy happens to be in attendance at the Bennet sisters' first foray into Society. It's also not a surprise when he and Elizabeth develop a friendlier rapport than in their past.

And that's the book's weakness. As well-written and enjoyable as ODC's interactions are, the path to their HEA is rather predictable. Mr. Bennet has declared Lydia and Kitty no longer out and is exerting himself more to control them, and Mr. Wickham's villainy is exposed much earlier than in canon, eliminating the potential for complications from either of those sources. Lady Catherine doesn't pitch a fit. Darcy's Fitzwilliam relatives are so delighted that he's chosen someone and he's finally happy that they don't push back much over her being the niece of a tradesman.

I'm not sure how believable it is for the Gardiners to be mixing with the top eschelons of Society without encountering any significant prejudice, but this is consistent with the generally angst-free storyline.

Overall, this is a sweet, relatively fluffy romance that's beautifully penned, but the lack of obstacles makes for a less gripping story.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Schemes of Felicity launches a delicious new series of standalone novellas from a variety of popular Austenesque writers perfect for readers who want to delve into the Austen world and need an engaging, quicker-read for a current lifestyle that doesn’t lend much time for reading. Suzan Lauder, an author whose books I have appreciated in the past gives us a Pride and Prejudice variation that begins after the stormy failed marriage proposal made by Fitzwilliam Darcy to Miss Elizabeth Bennet in the Hunsford rectory. What if this proposal is followed by not one, but two letters to Elizabeth and the second altering the original events completely?

Dejected and brooding, Fitzwilliam Darcy simply wants to be left in quiet to lick his wounds on the way back to London from Kent, but his friendly cousin is curious about their sudden departure and the vivacious guest at Hunsford. By the time the journey concludes, both cousins are ready to be done with one another and Colonel Fitzwilliam shares with his mother that Darcy was abominable on the journey and wouldn’t explain what had him in such a state. The countess does her own investigation and concludes that it is high time her nephew was married and calls a family council for an intervention that Darcy only agrees to if they will stop pestering him. Yes, he will agree to one month of attending balls and events of the London Season and put himself out there socially to promising young ladies.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Bennet is chagrined after reading his explanatory letter and has a change of heart about the man at whom she threw such undeserved vitriol when he proposed with words that were too honest about her situation and family even when stunning her with his professed love. She had him wrong and thinks better of him though he still separated her sister Jane from Mr. Bingley. A letter from her father that sends her to join Jane in London and be chaperoned by their aunt and uncle for a season among eligible men while he takes his wife and her younger sisters to task over their impropriety lands her right in Fitzwilliam Darcy’s world. There she encounters a Darcy who defies her past prejudices and gives them a second chance.

Schemes of Felicity is a low-angst, sometimes amusing, and heartwarming piece that was what I might call a light, comfort or feel-good read. The Fitzwilliam family of schemers were somewhat over the top, but they are meant to be and hilarious as a result. Darcy grows in understanding himself and makes integral changes before the reader’s eyes into a man worthy of a good woman and Lizzy, in her own way follows a similar path as she has to learn to set aside her wounded pride and the lies she chose to believe. The story moves along swiftly to a romantic culmination and left me swooning. The shorter length and swift romantic development will not suit all readers at least not all moods, but it is delightful for those who are open to such a reading experience.

[James S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gem

We are not introduced to new book from the author very often so I was very happy to unexpectedly find her latest.

The thrust of the story is a very large Fitzwilliam family feels Darcy’s depressed moods and more frequent use of strong alcohol means he is lonely and needs a wife.

The story of an entire family leading a horse to water and forcing him to drink was very entertaining.

His romance with Lizzy is short but sweet because each loves the other. If they can just find each other while the Fitzwilliam hordes are keeping Darcy very busy.

I enjoyed the story immensely. Thumbs up.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet story that again picks up just after the disastrous Hunsford proposal. Elizabeth now receives two letters: that one from Darcy but also one from her father relating a public act by Lydia which throws tarnish on her whole family's reputation. It is a wake-up call for Mr. Bennet and he now gifts Jane and Elizabeth a season in town along with whatever is needed: gowns, shoes, etc. They will stay with the Gardiners who do have some connections.

Darcy, meanwhile, is in a funk and the Fitzwilliams perceive it. They twist his arm to go along with a plan of not only attending society events on a regular basis but also agreeing to dance and converse with all ladies to whom he is introduced. We read of his opinions as not one lady holds a candle to Elizabeth. And you know, you must know, he is also dreaming of that fair lady.

Now of course, it doesn't take a lot of imagination to know that he will meet up with Elizabeth and Jane at one of these events. Correction is also made to his interference with "the Bingley affair".

This was a lovely tale with no angst. After reading a story with much errata this was a pleasure as it was so well edited. I received a copy of this story with no strings attached.

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What If Mr. Bennet Granted Jane and Elizabeth a Season in London?

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella

THE PREMISE: After witnessing Mr. Darcy return from Kent in the most despairing of moods the Fitzwilliam clan makes finding Mr. Darcy a wife their primary directive for this London Season. Little do they know that Mr. Darcy’s ideal bride (who he just received a brutal rejection from) was unexpectedly just granted a London Season with her sister, and that their paths would soon cross…

MY THOUGHTS: This delightful variation includes so many components I love – Darcy’s family coming to his aide, misguided matchmaking schemes, and Elizabeth and Darcy encountering each other unexpectedly in a different setting. I loved the idea of this premise – it is always either very touching or excessively diverting to see Mr. Darcy’s family meddle in his affairs. And in this story it was both. With knowing his burdens and the tragic loses of both his parents, it warms my heart to see others concern themselves with and look out for Mr. Darcy. Yet at the same time, I take a perverse pleasure in seeing Mr. Darcy suffer through all of their meddlesome schemes – how they badger him to attend many social events, reprimand his reserved habits, and force him to interact with the carefully culled selection of women whom they think are eminently suitable matches for him.

After reading and thoroughly enjoying many works by the lovely Suzan Lauder before, I was very happy to see some of the key characteristics of her writing present in this more condensed format. I refer to Ms. Lauder’s engaging prose full of charm and playfulness – I so love the banter she creates between Darcy and Elizabeth, and her illustrative scene descriptions – whether it be clothing, scenery, or the characters’ positions, emotions, or facial expressions. Ms. Lauder possess a wonderful talent for visually representing the action of her story so that readers feel they are witnessing it all firsthand.

My only quibble for this novella is I was left wanting some more. Knowing that Jane is probably still grieving Mr. Bingley and that Elizabeth is most likely still consumed with her recent rejection of Mr. Darcy, I would have liked to have spent some more time in their heads and witnessing their emotional journeys – especially when they re-encounter Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley. In addition, I would have enjoyed seeing more of the Fitzwilliams, particularly the Colonel.

Whether it is a playful farce, a suspenseful intrigue, or a diverting and light-hearted novella – Suzan Lauder’s stories are always certain to captivate and enchant! Schemes of Felicity is an excellent choice for readers who are busy, stressed, and in need of a cheerful escape!

Austenesque Reviews

[Ree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite engaging enough
I usually enjoy this author very much, and while this novella isn’t badly written, I’m sorry to say I simply found the story a bit boring. I just didn’t find the dialogue that engaging (what there was of it). I did understand the “schemes” theme in the title with respect to the Fitzwilliam family’s effort at matching Darcy with a wife, but I didn’t quite see any of the series’ theme of “Skirmish and Scandal”. Maybe I missed something. I finally got some enjoyment for the story at about 80% through it.

May 10, 2023 - Audiobook
I enjoyed the audio version much better.

[Sam H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A joyful story, despite it's slow start. There seem to be 3 POV to this telling. We have Darcy and Elizabeth, of course, but there is also the Fitzwilliam family with all their matchmaking plans. These are in fact the best parts of the book, with the funniest dialogs.
Once ODC finally meet up together in town during the season, things move fairly smoothly to the delightful HEA!

[Talia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much scheming here. A bit dull but people who like a clean, no angst story will love it.

[Lisa E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vey nice

Well-written and edited, thank you, author! The angst of both parties was very palpable and believable and not over-done. Guess I was a little hopeful the Fitzwilliams would say something like "just as we planned" when hearing the announcement.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story. Darcy and Elizabeth are both experiencing the season in London. Darcy’s family are determined to find him a wife, so he is attending more balls and events. Elizabeth’s father has finally seen the light. He is keeping Lydia and Kitty in the school room and has enlisted the Gardiners to give Jane and Elizabeth a month of the season. This takes place after Huntsford. The two find each other in town and Darcy sees this as a second chance, as none of the women he meets match up to Elizabeth. Elizabeth determines to be a friend to Darcy, to counter their last meeting. No real angst, just nice and sweet. Love this Darcy.

[Suzan Lauder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lead novel in the Skirmish and Scandal series by Meryton Press. Watch for the audiobook coming soon.

[Rachel Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

D’s family wants him to find a wife, good thing E is going to be spending the same season in London! Lydia has embarrassed the family in Hertfordshire, so Mr. B sends E and J to spend the season in London. D agrees to go to more balls to get his family to leave him alone about still being single. When D sees E across the theater, he knows he has another chance to win her, and he dives into the season with a new found purpose.

[Helena Korin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful variation on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice! Mr. Bennet has offered Elizabeth and her sister, Jane, a month in London to take part in the social Season while staying with their aunt and uncle, the Gardiners. Fortuitously, Darcy’s Fitzwilliam cousins have decided that he is in need of a wife and are forcing him to participate in London’s social whirl also. Lauder captures Darcy’s anti-social behaviour perfectly and presents the finer nuances of aristocratic social life in a realistic and highly entertaining manner. The interactions between Darcy and Elizabeth are delightful as they slowly allow themselves to believe that the other truly cares. Many physical details help immerse us in the ambience of Regency life - for example the exquisite fabrics and lace trims on the ladies’ gowns and the preoccupation with needlework. Elizabeth tries to steady her nerves by embroidering as she waits for Darcy to call on her. This story is another of Suzan Lauder’s literary gems!

[Sheryl Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Most Favorite Setting

I love stories that take place in London away from the trying personalities of Longbourn and Meryton.
This novella has the lightest touch, but it does, in fact, touch all the basics. Aunt Gardiner is worldly and wise, Miss Bingley is clawing and all the Fitzwilliams are righteously haughty but loving. Darcy and Elizabeth are given the opportunities to meet and demonstrate much sooner than normal their changes of personality and perceptions. A very pleasant reading experience of a novella.

[lori huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light and pleasing

Although the premise of this story is a little shaky, it's a fun, pleasant way to pass a few hours. After the disastrous proposal at Hunsford parsonage, and after Darcy has given Elizabeth his letter of explanation, Elizabeth receives word from her father that she and Jane are to stay in London and have a season. Meanwhile, Darcy's Fitzwilliam relations are conspiring to find him a wife to cheer him up, not knowing about his feelings for Elizabeth. Therefore, both Darcy and Elizabeth are going to be attending social events in London at which they'll inevitably meet.

The story is delightfully free of angst and drama. All of the usual villains of the original P&P are absent. The only persons who are even remotely an obstacle are the Fitzwilliam relations, in their good intentioned push to get Darcy married.

The thought of Mr Bennett mandating a season for Jane and Elizabeth is a bit of a stretch, especially combined with his intentions towards the younger girls. But this plays nicely into the plot requirements here. I believe the author wished for this book to be easy and cheerful, light and relaxing, and very romantic. Darcy's hesitation and nervousness is adorable and heartwarming and swoonworthy. The road to HEA is lovely.

Suzan Lauder can be counted upon for wonderful writing. Even in this short story, and this tight time frame, she knows how to develop her plot and characters. The book is well edited. I recommend it highly.

[Julia M · Rating 5 out of 5]

👏👏👏

Short but very sweet! It is interesting that author chose to move the story location to London at the height of the season because of Lydia's vulgar and indiscreet behavior. But it is a shame that nothing else was mentioned about Lydia and Kitty's re-education efforts after the letter from Mr Bennet stating that they no longer out to society until they were better behaved.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avid Reader

This book had a sense of humor. There were times that I found myself laughing aloud, especially as Darcy and Elizabeth came to realize that they loves each other. Elizabeth introduced Anne to a Russian count, so it worked out well for everyone. Wickham eloped with Mary King.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just sort of boring. Not much happens and Elizabeth and Darcy seem off.

[Reya Reychelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the audiobook, it was short & exactly what I needed for my drive.

[Ani · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 - liked it

I enjoyed this premise a lot but I wish it had better pacing. The novel’s handling of Fitzwilliam matchmaking and the season is quite charming, but at a certain point it just becomes wham, bam, all plots resolved, here’s an epilogue to summarize everything. I felt like 4-5 chapters were missing.

[RTD · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, light read

A pretty decent book when you're in a relaxing, angst free mood. Nothing serious, just Darcy and Elizabeth finding their way to each other shortly after the Hunsford proposal.

[LowBrowReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars
Short and a bit bland. I think it was meant to be humorous and rompy but that didn't really come through. Not bad, not particularly good either.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5

Feels rushed towards the end. There is quite a bit of lead up, with hints that Col F has some scheme afoot within a scheme (turns out he doesn’t). Then Lizzy is introduced and everything around her is cleared up quickly and with no angst or even much detail. This was all a bit too easy, especially the Gardiners’ acceptance into the ton. There are a few meetings and then the betrothal scene, though sweet, just kind of happens out of the blue - like it needed to be over and done with.

Lady H turns into Mrs H midway, but otherwise well edited.

Part of the “Skirmish and Scandal” series, though I don’t see much evidence of either theme in the book. Is the skirmish Darcy getting annoyed with his cousins?!

[Maria Escarda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light and low-angst

This variation is very low-angst, almost no conflict even. It occurs after Mr. Darcy’s failed proposal at Hunsford. While recovering from his rejection in London, his relatives conspire to present him with marriageable prospects from the ton to which he hesitantly obliges. While attending the London balls, he meets the object of his affection, Elizabeth Bennet, who with sister Jane, is given a Season in London, one of the most novel ideas in P&P variations.

After reading Mr. Darcy’s explanatory letter, Elizabeth Bennet quickly changes her opinion of the man she rejected and went as far as wishing to see him again not only to apologize but also in hope for a renewal of his addresses and regard. It is in one of the London balls that she became aware of her growing feelings towards Mr. Darcy which quickly turned to love. This reader emphasized “quickly” because as soon as she sees glimpses of Mr. Darcy, she acts like a giddy school girl who pants and pines for the man she once detested. It’s uncharacteristic of Elizabeth Bennet to be that easy to fall in love. She didn’t even need any convincing. The only push she needed was the feeling of jealousy when the Fitzwilliam relatives of Mr. Darcy insists that he be paired off with the best ladies London society can offer in terms of wealth, title and connections. Elizabeth Bennet will have none of it; she wants to claim Mr. Darcy for herself and she has no hesitation in showing it even it means flirting with him. The thing is, the Elizabeth Bennet of Canon never really flirted, not was she easily taken by the proud and honorable enigma that is Fitzwilliam Darcy. This was sort of the turn off for this reader, but this variation is pleasing for the focus on the beloved couple.

[Bethanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written story about the plans to find Darcy a wife

I'm still amazed by the overwhelming need for matchmaking in this period. Every female seems to want to meet the perfect man, find that perfect man for her friends, or her daughter, and every man tries to avoid it. Darcy proposed to Elizabeth but was turned down and decided to drink his weight in brandy. The Fitzwilliam family decided to find him a wife as a cute for anything. Of course the women are young, rich, empty headed, and bore him to tears. Then comes Elizabeth Bennet who is having a season at her father's demand. It's fun listening to Darcy compare women to his cat..he's able to recognize that he's the substitute mouse! Low angst or excitement due to low levels of Caroline, only letters from Mrs Bennet, and NO Lady Catherine with her demands.

[Jeannepw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed several of Lauder’s books and was glad to discover one I hadn’t read. The fun part of this was Darcy’s Fitzwilliam relations playing matchmakers and attempting to set him up with various and assorted debutants. This is a charming novella that makes me want to go back and reread her other P&P variations.

[Craftyhj · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written novella

This short novella covers a few weeks immediately following Hunsford. It obeys all of the good novellas rules; a tight plot, a tight cast list and no extraneous information.

This book is written using British spellings and seeks to be Austen compliant.

I heartily recommend this book.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touch of emotional, funny clean, sweet

Cute, short, quick and easy read. A little emotional, lots of humour, and very clean. I loved how the Fitzwilliam family pulled together to "help" Darcy. I was impressed with how Mr Bennett became proactive in his girls life. highly recommended for anyone to rean