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Pride Under Good Regulation : A Pride and Prejudice Variation
The Bennet family of Longbourn, Hertfordshire, had long been known to its neighbours as exceptionally learned though eccentric, but was tolerated because the first Bennets settled there more than four hundred years before, just after the great plague. Both the grandfather and father of the master, Mr. Thomas Bennet, married blue-stocking wives from the Continent. These circumstances had a profound effect on Mrs. Bennet and her five daughters. Because of this broader worldview, the Bennet family was more aware of, and affected by some historical events of the period far outside the twenty-four families around Meryton than what one would expect of minor gentry in the backwater.
Elizabeth Bennet had a superior mind and the self-assurance of a modern young woman; Mr. Darcy, the too proud master of Pemberley, Derbyshire was properly humbled by Mrs. Bennet during their first meeting. How would the courtship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy go under these different scenarios? How would Mr. Darcy behave when his pride was under good regulation?
If you stripped away the changed circumstances, the characters would behave fairly similarly as in canon. If you are looking for extra angst or extra thrills, you will be disappointed. Pride and Prejudice has been classified as a comedy of manners. It is of course a huge challenge for even a seasoned writer to have anywhere close to the genius of Jane Austen to dissect and depict Regency manners with such a sharp insight. The ‘manners’ part of the Regency era was particularly difficult for a twenty-first century first-time fiction writer to emulate. In fact, the reader may detect some modern sensibilities in the Elizabeth in this story: self-assurance, resourcefulness, independence, etc. Hopefully, this story offers some amusing bits to make it a fun read.
All verifiable historical characters, buildings and events appearing in this story are borrowed purely as vehicles in a work of fiction, but as much respect as possible is paid to the historical accuracy (as obtained through brief internet searches and well-researched references) in the description of these entities. Chapter notes are provided where appropriate for those who are interested.
As of May/June 2021, the whole story has been revised - errors largely corrected, the length slightly shortened to improve the flow of the story, and a few extra chapter notes added.
Elizabeth Bennet had a superior mind and the self-assurance of a modern young woman; Mr. Darcy, the too proud master of Pemberley, Derbyshire was properly humbled by Mrs. Bennet during their first meeting. How would the courtship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy go under these different scenarios? How would Mr. Darcy behave when his pride was under good regulation?
If you stripped away the changed circumstances, the characters would behave fairly similarly as in canon. If you are looking for extra angst or extra thrills, you will be disappointed. Pride and Prejudice has been classified as a comedy of manners. It is of course a huge challenge for even a seasoned writer to have anywhere close to the genius of Jane Austen to dissect and depict Regency manners with such a sharp insight. The ‘manners’ part of the Regency era was particularly difficult for a twenty-first century first-time fiction writer to emulate. In fact, the reader may detect some modern sensibilities in the Elizabeth in this story: self-assurance, resourcefulness, independence, etc. Hopefully, this story offers some amusing bits to make it a fun read.
All verifiable historical characters, buildings and events appearing in this story are borrowed purely as vehicles in a work of fiction, but as much respect as possible is paid to the historical accuracy (as obtained through brief internet searches and well-researched references) in the description of these entities. Chapter notes are provided where appropriate for those who are interested.
As of May/June 2021, the whole story has been revised - errors largely corrected, the length slightly shortened to improve the flow of the story, and a few extra chapter notes added.
- GenresHistoricalFiction
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2020
70 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 20, 2022
While it's a wonderful idea to integrate real people from Regency times as well as new inventions and cultural changes during that era into a variation of Pride and Prejudice, this particular story is weighed down too heavily by it all.
On the plus side, those who enjoy no-angst stories will like this more than I did. Darcy and Elizabeth get a lot of page time together, which is always popular--at Oakham Mount, Netherfield, Longbourn, London, and Pemberley. I did find many of the historical details and notes accompanying each chapter interesting.
The first section give us a full background of the Bennet and Gardiner families--pretty dry stuff that doesn't pull the reader in. The story that finally emerges swipes virtually every obstacle from the original plot and adds no new ones of real significance.
Mr. Bennet, Mr. Gardiner, and Mr. Philips took steps to legally break Longbourn's entail years ago, though Mr. Collins has trouble grasping that fact. The family is known by the locals to be quite wealthy (and are even richer than their neighbors suspect). Mr. Bennet is more responsible about the management of Longbourn and an active parent. Thanks to her in-laws, Mrs. Bennet is educated and actually sensible. She is in agreement with her husband that none of their daughters should wed until age twenty-one, and Lydia and Kitty are not out in society yet.
Elizabeth is the epitome of a "Mary Sue": She's a prodigy in several areas. She speaks multiple languages. She's an inventor. She's a sharp shooter. She sings like an angel and plays the pianoforte with such feeling her listeners are moved to tears. She is full of charm, wit, and beauty. In short, she's too perfect.
In addition to everything else, she's insightful. When she hears Mr. Darcy insult her at the Meryton assembly, she wisely does not react or spread the tale. When Caroline Bingley tries to intimidate her, Elizabeth recognizes the lady's root problem and gently prods her to rethink her priorities, inspiring an immediate turn-around.
Elizabeth also doesn't for a second believe Mr. Wickham's usual bid for sympathy. He does present the only potential problem in this novel. However, even as the reader learns his devious plan, we know how many different road blocks are in place to prevent him from succeeding, making it a very watered-down threat.
Darcy overcomes his reservations much earlier than in canon, as he and Elizabeth have a comfortable, amiable relationship almost from the start. There IS that insult before they actually meet, but he realizes how mistaken he was about the lady and her family even before leaving the assembly. Later, he worries how his uncle, the earl, will take the news that he plans to marry a woman outside their London social circle, but again, considering the altered circumstances in Elizabeth's family, the reader never perceives this as a serious concern (and it isn't). Even Lady Catherine gets de-fanged quickly.
Unfortunately, the writing itself has issues too. Repetition. (Two examples: I think Mr. Gardiner's importance to Great Britain's war efforts is explained in detail at least four times. So is the fact that the earl has made painstaking preparations for Darcy to choose a bride in London.) Lots of telling rather than showing. Many glaring grammatical and editing errors.
With neither engaging writing nor a plot that provides obstacles for Elizabeth and Darcy to overcome, this book never develops any momentum. Although I applaud the author's desire to add more history into a JAFF story, I wish the result was more entertaining.
Content is clean.
On the plus side, those who enjoy no-angst stories will like this more than I did. Darcy and Elizabeth get a lot of page time together, which is always popular--at Oakham Mount, Netherfield, Longbourn, London, and Pemberley. I did find many of the historical details and notes accompanying each chapter interesting.
The first section give us a full background of the Bennet and Gardiner families--pretty dry stuff that doesn't pull the reader in. The story that finally emerges swipes virtually every obstacle from the original plot and adds no new ones of real significance.
Mr. Bennet, Mr. Gardiner, and Mr. Philips took steps to legally break Longbourn's entail years ago, though Mr. Collins has trouble grasping that fact. The family is known by the locals to be quite wealthy (and are even richer than their neighbors suspect). Mr. Bennet is more responsible about the management of Longbourn and an active parent. Thanks to her in-laws, Mrs. Bennet is educated and actually sensible. She is in agreement with her husband that none of their daughters should wed until age twenty-one, and Lydia and Kitty are not out in society yet.
Elizabeth is the epitome of a "Mary Sue": She's a prodigy in several areas. She speaks multiple languages. She's an inventor. She's a sharp shooter. She sings like an angel and plays the pianoforte with such feeling her listeners are moved to tears. She is full of charm, wit, and beauty. In short, she's too perfect.
In addition to everything else, she's insightful. When she hears Mr. Darcy insult her at the Meryton assembly, she wisely does not react or spread the tale. When Caroline Bingley tries to intimidate her, Elizabeth recognizes the lady's root problem and gently prods her to rethink her priorities, inspiring an immediate turn-around.
Elizabeth also doesn't for a second believe Mr. Wickham's usual bid for sympathy. He does present the only potential problem in this novel. However, even as the reader learns his devious plan, we know how many different road blocks are in place to prevent him from succeeding, making it a very watered-down threat.
Darcy overcomes his reservations much earlier than in canon, as he and Elizabeth have a comfortable, amiable relationship almost from the start. There IS that insult before they actually meet, but he realizes how mistaken he was about the lady and her family even before leaving the assembly. Later, he worries how his uncle, the earl, will take the news that he plans to marry a woman outside their London social circle, but again, considering the altered circumstances in Elizabeth's family, the reader never perceives this as a serious concern (and it isn't). Even Lady Catherine gets de-fanged quickly.
Unfortunately, the writing itself has issues too. Repetition. (Two examples: I think Mr. Gardiner's importance to Great Britain's war efforts is explained in detail at least four times. So is the fact that the earl has made painstaking preparations for Darcy to choose a bride in London.) Lots of telling rather than showing. Many glaring grammatical and editing errors.
With neither engaging writing nor a plot that provides obstacles for Elizabeth and Darcy to overcome, this book never develops any momentum. Although I applaud the author's desire to add more history into a JAFF story, I wish the result was more entertaining.
Content is clean.
July 3, 2021
A good story that began very slowly. The first 15 to 20% recounts the history of the Bennet family which might have been necessary to tell but I wished it had been told in smaller parts, maybe as introspection from one of the older Bennets.
A very different family: Bennets and Gardiners. Low angst.
A very different family: Bennets and Gardiners. Low angst.
December 4, 2020
Enjoyable
Very enjoyable JAFF, I would definitely reread it and would recommend if you are in the mood for a low angst story.
Very enjoyable JAFF, I would definitely reread it and would recommend if you are in the mood for a low angst story.
October 5, 2021
This Pride and Prejudice variation started out slow, but picked up speed for me. The premise of the story is that the Bennet family status is equal to the Darcy family and there are no embarrassing family members. Elizabeth Bennet is very intelligent and so is her family. Fitzwilliam Darcy has to discover the wonder that she and her family are and appreciate that his pride was something he should put away.
I would say the story was low angst and cute. The author added notes at the end of each chapter, which first I skipped or was annoyed by and at the end, I loved all the little tidbits!
I would say the story was low angst and cute. The author added notes at the end of each chapter, which first I skipped or was annoyed by and at the end, I loved all the little tidbits!
September 30, 2021
Lovely
Absolutely interesting and unusual premise in this variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice. I really enjoyed it
Absolutely interesting and unusual premise in this variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice. I really enjoyed it
December 28, 2020
far from cannon but I love the educated Bennets.
December 21, 2020
Great 1st book. Much joyful research
I look forward to many more writings from this author. I enjoyed the altered circumstances of the Bennet and Gardiner families
The next book might consider a poorer-than-canon Bennet family.
I look forward to many more writings from this author. I enjoyed the altered circumstances of the Bennet and Gardiner families
The next book might consider a poorer-than-canon Bennet family.
July 2, 2025
Very detailed and different Bennets
Loved the switch up of Bennet family and history. The author gave us a lot of in depth details of their education and commercial activity.
The comes the Pride and Prejudice story of Bingleys and Darcys. So romance abounds. This time Miss Bingley changes, which was also different.
All in all an entertaining read, though I do admit to skimming, as it was wordy at times.
Loved the switch up of Bennet family and history. The author gave us a lot of in depth details of their education and commercial activity.
The comes the Pride and Prejudice story of Bingleys and Darcys. So romance abounds. This time Miss Bingley changes, which was also different.
All in all an entertaining read, though I do admit to skimming, as it was wordy at times.
January 29, 2021
Lovely story
I have to say the details into the back story and history was a phenomenal addition to P&P fan fiction. Kudos. However, there were several grammatical errors with verb tenses and pluralism and incorrect usage of pronouns that I had to stop and shake mynhead and gather my thoughts as the flow of the work was immediately halted. There were multiple uses of the word neigh in place of where the word nigh should have been. The first time I suspected a spelling error, but when subsequent uses of the same phrase kept appearing I knew it could not be spelling and actual misinterpretation of the phrase. I applaud you and all other authors who have made a business of writing e-novels, but I would heartily suggest you hire an editor, one who will actually read it not the kind that just searches for incorrect spellings. A word may be spelled correctly but used incorrectly in the sentence, and can only be found by someone who understands word usage and flow. Again, thank you for a wonderful read.
I have to say the details into the back story and history was a phenomenal addition to P&P fan fiction. Kudos. However, there were several grammatical errors with verb tenses and pluralism and incorrect usage of pronouns that I had to stop and shake mynhead and gather my thoughts as the flow of the work was immediately halted. There were multiple uses of the word neigh in place of where the word nigh should have been. The first time I suspected a spelling error, but when subsequent uses of the same phrase kept appearing I knew it could not be spelling and actual misinterpretation of the phrase. I applaud you and all other authors who have made a business of writing e-novels, but I would heartily suggest you hire an editor, one who will actually read it not the kind that just searches for incorrect spellings. A word may be spelled correctly but used incorrectly in the sentence, and can only be found by someone who understands word usage and flow. Again, thank you for a wonderful read.
September 3, 2023
The entail on Longbourn was broken, so the Bennets are less desperate than canon. Mr Gardiner is very successful, and the Bennets are wealthier than canon. Mr. Bennet had female relatives who were able to educate his daughters so they're also more accomplished and more sensible. The Bingleys and Darcy come into this blind so there is some undeserved disdain from Miss Bingley but Darcy soon realizes Miss Elizabeth is pretty great. She's a polyglot and a great shot and has fine eyes to boot. Wickham finds her desirable in a fortune hunting manner but she is able to dispatch him pretty effectively, and she is even able to reform Miss Bingley. I was entertained by this although the perfect Bennets trope is not my favourite one.
June 7, 2023
Avid Reader
Due to RL, it took several days for me to finish this book, but I enjoyed it. There really wasn't much angst with the exception of Miss Bingley being jealous and Wickham being sent away. Lady Catherine tried to make her displeasure known, but Lord Matlock and Darcy let her know that she wasn't relevant. Darcy and Anne married where they pleased. Thanks to Bennet's grandmother and mother, Mrs. Bennet had intelligence and decorum. Elizabeth was a bit too perfect, but it was fun reading about it!
Due to RL, it took several days for me to finish this book, but I enjoyed it. There really wasn't much angst with the exception of Miss Bingley being jealous and Wickham being sent away. Lady Catherine tried to make her displeasure known, but Lord Matlock and Darcy let her know that she wasn't relevant. Darcy and Anne married where they pleased. Thanks to Bennet's grandmother and mother, Mrs. Bennet had intelligence and decorum. Elizabeth was a bit too perfect, but it was fun reading about it!
September 9, 2023
Under Good Regulation is Pride
This novel has awesome premises of great-grandparents and grandparents educating and loving their family. Add it to Pride and Prejudice, and the story is greatly entertaining.
I loved how Elizabeth and her mother change Darcy for the better starting at the Assembly. This causes all kinds of changes from canon. Elizabeth and Darcy are changed from the near beginning of their story and grow together. Their story affects others.
I encourage others to read this novel. It was divine.
This novel has awesome premises of great-grandparents and grandparents educating and loving their family. Add it to Pride and Prejudice, and the story is greatly entertaining.
I loved how Elizabeth and her mother change Darcy for the better starting at the Assembly. This causes all kinds of changes from canon. Elizabeth and Darcy are changed from the near beginning of their story and grow together. Their story affects others.
I encourage others to read this novel. It was divine.
August 12, 2021
Fantastic read !!!!
Extremely different than any other pride and prejudice variation I have read, with great concentration on maintaining the characters personalities yet giving them more erudite upbringing. I really enjoyed the notes sections throughout the book which explain where the author came up with some ideas and historical evidence of particular characters and nouns. How do you recommend this book to any pride and prejudice fans.
Extremely different than any other pride and prejudice variation I have read, with great concentration on maintaining the characters personalities yet giving them more erudite upbringing. I really enjoyed the notes sections throughout the book which explain where the author came up with some ideas and historical evidence of particular characters and nouns. How do you recommend this book to any pride and prejudice fans.
July 7, 2023
A very entertaining novel. I love the Bennet family in this story, and also the Earl Fitzwilliam. The character of the Earl Fitzwilliam is based on that of the liberal, forward thinking actual Earl Fitzwilliam that Jane Austen used as the basis of her Earl in Pride and Prejudice. I found the historical references and footnotes particularly enriching.
I was sorry to see this end. The story was wrapped up well, but I wasn't ready to put it down.
I was sorry to see this end. The story was wrapped up well, but I wasn't ready to put it down.
January 17, 2021
Perfect partners
For story content it would have justified a 5 but it was clearly not edited. There were so many errors in the content eg: using the wording ' his' when it was blatantly obvious it should have been 'her''. I feel that the author needs to expand her knowledge of England in the 1800s.
For story content it would have justified a 5 but it was clearly not edited. There were so many errors in the content eg: using the wording ' his' when it was blatantly obvious it should have been 'her''. I feel that the author needs to expand her knowledge of England in the 1800s.
July 4, 2021
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Elizabeth is perfect, intelligent, and an heiress. She can even change Caroline Bingley's character with a few brilliant wise words. Is there no end to her accomplishments? With being educated will the Bennet daughters find husbands better than in canon.
An enjoyable variation
An enjoyable variation
June 24, 2023
Superlative In Every Way!!
If you love low angst, well created, great story telling, this P&P Variant is for you. Don't like a 100% perfect Lizzy? No problem, she has the flaw of not being domestic. (high crime for a woman in those days)
I love that love, good sense, and education is a staple for every member of the Bennet family.
If you love low angst, well created, great story telling, this P&P Variant is for you. Don't like a 100% perfect Lizzy? No problem, she has the flaw of not being domestic. (high crime for a woman in those days)
I love that love, good sense, and education is a staple for every member of the Bennet family.
September 1, 2023
Somewhat of a disappointment
I have enjoyed Teays’ novels before but I’m ambivalent about this one. It’s an interesting plot line, that eliminates angst by eliminating the conflicts in the canon. My ambivalence was caused by poor proofreading—lots of prepositions missing, misused words, some poor grammar.
I have enjoyed Teays’ novels before but I’m ambivalent about this one. It’s an interesting plot line, that eliminates angst by eliminating the conflicts in the canon. My ambivalence was caused by poor proofreading—lots of prepositions missing, misused words, some poor grammar.
February 22, 2023
Fun light hearted joy
This light hearted adaptation is focused more on the modernization and industrial development of England than on the same old Class divide dramatics. It makes for a fresh and fun new twist on a beloved classic.
This light hearted adaptation is focused more on the modernization and industrial development of England than on the same old Class divide dramatics. It makes for a fresh and fun new twist on a beloved classic.
December 24, 2020
Drawn out
This felt like the longest.book.ever. Had to force myself to finish and I did a lot of skimming. Totally skipped the end of chapter notes.
This felt like the longest.book.ever. Had to force myself to finish and I did a lot of skimming. Totally skipped the end of chapter notes.
July 8, 2021
A SOLID 3.5* READ
This is an interesting enough read but not without some issues. As other reviewers have commented the notes at the end of each chapter are excessive and mostly unnecessary. It is also rather dry in all honesty.
This is an interesting enough read but not without some issues. As other reviewers have commented the notes at the end of each chapter are excessive and mostly unnecessary. It is also rather dry in all honesty.
September 5, 2023
I just re-read this book. I had forgotten how tedious it was.
I wondered why I had given it 3 stars. But the storyline could have been interesting, had EB not been such a paragon (even if she did not “act” as such). And I could see the author tried to insert some humour,especially in her notes. However, the notes could have been fewer.
I am now at 89%, and I don’t believe I will go to the end this time. It is just fluff, nothing adding to the story.
I wondered why I had given it 3 stars. But the storyline could have been interesting, had EB not been such a paragon (even if she did not “act” as such). And I could see the author tried to insert some humour,especially in her notes. However, the notes could have been fewer.
I am now at 89%, and I don’t believe I will go to the end this time. It is just fluff, nothing adding to the story.
July 1, 2025
<>Reads like a textbook trying to be a novel
It's a good plot. I like the actual story. Problem is the beginning was very staccato. It was detached and read very juvenile. A few chapters in it finally started sounding normal and well written. My biggest problem with it is that it talked about so much fact/actual history that it started to read like a bad textbook. Also, the notes at the end of EVERY Chapter just got annoying. It's not a history lesson. It's fiction.
It's a good plot. I like the actual story. Problem is the beginning was very staccato. It was detached and read very juvenile. A few chapters in it finally started sounding normal and well written. My biggest problem with it is that it talked about so much fact/actual history that it started to read like a bad textbook. Also, the notes at the end of EVERY Chapter just got annoying. It's not a history lesson. It's fiction.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews