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Secret Arrangement: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
With an infant ward, Fitzwilliam Darcy needs a wife.
How hard can it be to find a wife?
Fitzwilliam Darcy needs a mother for his infant ward and a wife. Because of a death bed promise, he will only marry a lady who will unconditionally love the infant and whom he can love. However, in his past searches, Darcy found most society ladies saw only his wealth, connections, and property. How is he to find a lady who sees past what he has and loves who he is?
Elizabeth Bennet wants to marry only for love, and of one thing she is absolutely sure, she loves Mr. Darcy’s infant ward. The question is, can she love the man as well. If she does choose to marry, she does not want her mother planning a lavish, overly embellished wedding, so how can she thwart her mother’s plans — through a secret arrangement.
Besides the issue of love, what other problems could occur? A mother who will take control of the engagement and wedding arrangements, another lady's jealousy, and a grandmother who wants her infant granddaughter to disappear.
Will Elizabeth and Darcy find love and happiness?
How hard can it be to find a wife?
Fitzwilliam Darcy needs a mother for his infant ward and a wife. Because of a death bed promise, he will only marry a lady who will unconditionally love the infant and whom he can love. However, in his past searches, Darcy found most society ladies saw only his wealth, connections, and property. How is he to find a lady who sees past what he has and loves who he is?
Elizabeth Bennet wants to marry only for love, and of one thing she is absolutely sure, she loves Mr. Darcy’s infant ward. The question is, can she love the man as well. If she does choose to marry, she does not want her mother planning a lavish, overly embellished wedding, so how can she thwart her mother’s plans — through a secret arrangement.
Besides the issue of love, what other problems could occur? A mother who will take control of the engagement and wedding arrangements, another lady's jealousy, and a grandmother who wants her infant granddaughter to disappear.
Will Elizabeth and Darcy find love and happiness?
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2020
94 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 1, 2021
With an overall rating of 4.02 stars I expected more from this story. It is pleasant enough but there is that lack of angst. Oh there are a few bumps but those are met with the overly cautious planning and safeguards Darcy has put in place.
Darcy becomes the co-guardian of his cousin's, Anne's child, Hope, shortly after her birth when Anne dies. Anne had attempted to elope with another man and was impregnated by him before Darcy catches up with her and her lover. However, the lover is sent off and a marriage to a man living in Kent, Lord Martindale, is arranged. Anne not only has had a will written out taking care of all the arrangements both for her inheritance of the Rosings estate but also for the care of Hope. She furthers admonishes Darcy to both find a wife to become mother to Hope and to find a wife to love.
Hope is an enchanting infant with whom all the Bennet ladies fall in love. Yes, Darcy has traveled with her to Netherfield to help Bingley learn estate management. The story relates time spent by Jane, Elizabeth, and even Mrs. Bennet visiting back and forth with much time spent in the nursery.
Darcy has had to put a plan of protection in place as Hope's grandmother, Lady Anne de Bourgh, is adamant about demanding that she be given her granddaughter and vocal about wanting the child to "disappear". With the child gone Rosings would be under her control again...she assumes and hypothesizes. As this long story later relates those protections were indeed necessary.
Darcy gets to know Elizabeth well as he observes her interactions with his ward. And even though love has not been mentioned by either party they both agree that they see many benefits to marrying. The primary one for Darcy is that Elizabeth would be a perfect mother to his ward and for Elizabeth that she cannot imagine seeing another woman take on that role as she truly has fallen in love with the child.
Their engagement is to be secret for a short time and during that time we read of a villain close at hand trying to get rid of 1.) competition for Darcy's hand 2.) a troublesome child who takes up too much time and attention and 3.) the woman her brother insists he plans to marry and whom she sees as damaging her attempts to become a high society hostess.
This story needs a proofreader and/or an editor!!! The story drags at times and, as I said, there was not much to excite me. There is an epilogue goes 17 years into the future.
Darcy becomes the co-guardian of his cousin's, Anne's child, Hope, shortly after her birth when Anne dies. Anne had attempted to elope with another man and was impregnated by him before Darcy catches up with her and her lover. However, the lover is sent off and a marriage to a man living in Kent, Lord Martindale, is arranged. Anne not only has had a will written out taking care of all the arrangements both for her inheritance of the Rosings estate but also for the care of Hope. She furthers admonishes Darcy to both find a wife to become mother to Hope and to find a wife to love.
Hope is an enchanting infant with whom all the Bennet ladies fall in love. Yes, Darcy has traveled with her to Netherfield to help Bingley learn estate management. The story relates time spent by Jane, Elizabeth, and even Mrs. Bennet visiting back and forth with much time spent in the nursery.
Darcy has had to put a plan of protection in place as Hope's grandmother, Lady Anne de Bourgh, is adamant about demanding that she be given her granddaughter and vocal about wanting the child to "disappear". With the child gone Rosings would be under her control again...she assumes and hypothesizes. As this long story later relates those protections were indeed necessary.
Darcy gets to know Elizabeth well as he observes her interactions with his ward. And even though love has not been mentioned by either party they both agree that they see many benefits to marrying. The primary one for Darcy is that Elizabeth would be a perfect mother to his ward and for Elizabeth that she cannot imagine seeing another woman take on that role as she truly has fallen in love with the child.
Their engagement is to be secret for a short time and during that time we read of a villain close at hand trying to get rid of 1.) competition for Darcy's hand 2.) a troublesome child who takes up too much time and attention and 3.) the woman her brother insists he plans to marry and whom she sees as damaging her attempts to become a high society hostess.
This story needs a proofreader and/or an editor!!! The story drags at times and, as I said, there was not much to excite me. There is an epilogue goes 17 years into the future.
December 9, 2020
Just Mediocre
Darcy becomes ward to the infant daughter (Hope) of his cousin Anne, who dies shortly after childbirth. Lady Cat wants the child to disappear so she can keep Rosings. Darcy wants a wife and mother for the child and he meets Elizabeth. He wants to marry for love. The story encompasses Darcy’s ensuring the protection of Hope, and courtship. Caroline wants Darcy at any cost. Bingley and Jane are soft.
I thought this book started out well with what I thought was going to be a good story, but it was just ok. I think this writer has potential, but the book is much too wordy, and has too many elements that seem irrelevant to the immediate story. What was said in over 500 pages could have been done in half that many with good editing. There are also too many proofreading errors.
There were parts I enjoyed in the beginning, the courtship period was just ok and lacked spark. Caroline’s evil ways brought some interest. I did enjoy how Darcy and Elizabeth interacted and dealt with her. Some situations weren’t believable.
Darcy becomes ward to the infant daughter (Hope) of his cousin Anne, who dies shortly after childbirth. Lady Cat wants the child to disappear so she can keep Rosings. Darcy wants a wife and mother for the child and he meets Elizabeth. He wants to marry for love. The story encompasses Darcy’s ensuring the protection of Hope, and courtship. Caroline wants Darcy at any cost. Bingley and Jane are soft.
I thought this book started out well with what I thought was going to be a good story, but it was just ok. I think this writer has potential, but the book is much too wordy, and has too many elements that seem irrelevant to the immediate story. What was said in over 500 pages could have been done in half that many with good editing. There are also too many proofreading errors.
There were parts I enjoyed in the beginning, the courtship period was just ok and lacked spark. Caroline’s evil ways brought some interest. I did enjoy how Darcy and Elizabeth interacted and dealt with her. Some situations weren’t believable.
December 12, 2020
Darcy is the guardian to a baby
This is a long story, as many of the author’s stories have been. I’ve always enjoyed the wordy stories. There is room for the characters to evolve and it is much more real when Darcy and Lizzy develop a deep love.
For me this is a 5 star book because of the journeys the characters take as they mature, change, and become real people. Thumbs up.
This is a long story, as many of the author’s stories have been. I’ve always enjoyed the wordy stories. There is room for the characters to evolve and it is much more real when Darcy and Lizzy develop a deep love.
For me this is a 5 star book because of the journeys the characters take as they mature, change, and become real people. Thumbs up.
December 21, 2020
Secret Arrangement. A lovely story!
Very clever story, the plot was wonderfully executed! Many different stories included in this tale, but they flowed together perfectly! I completely enjoyed that
, one story just moved into another, not too long and dragging, and not too short and confused! Definitely recommend it shouldn't be missed!
Very clever story, the plot was wonderfully executed! Many different stories included in this tale, but they flowed together perfectly! I completely enjoyed that
, one story just moved into another, not too long and dragging, and not too short and confused! Definitely recommend it shouldn't be missed!
February 23, 2021
This story didn't have to be so long. It is a slow moving tale, that drags at times, with much repetition.
However, there some fine aspects and character development.
3.5*
However, there some fine aspects and character development.
3.5*
March 21, 2021
Taking place in the world of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, other than the names of the primary characters, you won't find much similarity to the original. The author created a sweet clean regency romance where three woman, for very different reasons, cause trouble for our dear couple. They manage to outwit them at every turn and live happily ever after.
December 12, 2020
So lovely
Another wonderfully lovely variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Deborah Ann Kauer. I enjoyed it.
Another wonderfully lovely variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Deborah Ann Kauer. I enjoyed it.
December 31, 2020
Well written story of the results of a woman meeting Wickham.
Anne falls in love with Wickham and knowing her mother doesn't approve elopes to Scotland only they are stopped by Darcy and Lady Catherine before they are married. Darcy's refusal to marry causes the need to find her a husband before she gives birth! Fortunately a friend of her father agrees and protected Anne from her furious mother! Anne leaves everything to her daughter with Darcy and her husband as trustees. This results in Catherine trying to get rid of her granddaughter and Darcy protecting the child. Almost every page is Darcy's attempt to protect his cousin's child and marry a woman who will love that child too. Of course its Elizabeth Bennet. I found it changed enough to be interesting and even the madness of Caroline didn't ruin it for me. This Darcy is not the pompous prideful quiet man looking down on the Bennet family. In fact he manages Mrs Bennet quite successfully!
Anne falls in love with Wickham and knowing her mother doesn't approve elopes to Scotland only they are stopped by Darcy and Lady Catherine before they are married. Darcy's refusal to marry causes the need to find her a husband before she gives birth! Fortunately a friend of her father agrees and protected Anne from her furious mother! Anne leaves everything to her daughter with Darcy and her husband as trustees. This results in Catherine trying to get rid of her granddaughter and Darcy protecting the child. Almost every page is Darcy's attempt to protect his cousin's child and marry a woman who will love that child too. Of course its Elizabeth Bennet. I found it changed enough to be interesting and even the madness of Caroline didn't ruin it for me. This Darcy is not the pompous prideful quiet man looking down on the Bennet family. In fact he manages Mrs Bennet quite successfully!
March 14, 2021
Darcy cares more for character than connections
The beginning premise changes the entire story, in large ways and small. The plot remains interesting throughout. Given the high quality of the writing, I was surprised by the typos and errors. They weren't overwhelming, just noticeable.
I'm happy to recommend this book. I wish I were a more eloquent reviewer. The book is very good.
The beginning premise changes the entire story, in large ways and small. The plot remains interesting throughout. Given the high quality of the writing, I was surprised by the typos and errors. They weren't overwhelming, just noticeable.
I'm happy to recommend this book. I wish I were a more eloquent reviewer. The book is very good.
February 19, 2021
Emotional incredible interesting different
Truly a magnificent storyline and plot. I loved how Anne DeBourg took her life into her own hands to achieve the feelings of "wanted and love". Wickham's character in here will surprise you (just saying). Loved how Darcy and Elizabeth did the courtship and marriage. Would of loved more of Georgianna, but the story is incredibly written. Highly recommended to all to read.
Truly a magnificent storyline and plot. I loved how Anne DeBourg took her life into her own hands to achieve the feelings of "wanted and love". Wickham's character in here will surprise you (just saying). Loved how Darcy and Elizabeth did the courtship and marriage. Would of loved more of Georgianna, but the story is incredibly written. Highly recommended to all to read.
March 7, 2021
Wonderful Darcy Elizabeth variation
This book is well written. The plot is really interesting. Elizabeth meets Darcy at an assembly in her neighborhood. The ultimate outcome is the same, they fall in love and marry, but their path to the alter is quite different from the original story. Elizabeth and Darcy feel great fondness for each other but is it love? After many twists and turns, it turns out to be love indeed!
This book is well written. The plot is really interesting. Elizabeth meets Darcy at an assembly in her neighborhood. The ultimate outcome is the same, they fall in love and marry, but their path to the alter is quite different from the original story. Elizabeth and Darcy feel great fondness for each other but is it love? After many twists and turns, it turns out to be love indeed!
January 8, 2021
Very sweet story
Not angst driven but discovery of love given and received. It’s always nice when a character is transformed and the circumstances support such a transformation. The lack of angst has me give it four stars. I’ll probably moan when I read another variation that has angst that makes me very tense!
Not angst driven but discovery of love given and received. It’s always nice when a character is transformed and the circumstances support such a transformation. The lack of angst has me give it four stars. I’ll probably moan when I read another variation that has angst that makes me very tense!
February 6, 2021
Wonderful with some repetition
It's a wonderful, fun story. There were several times that something was repeated from one character to another, usually Darcy to Elizabeth, information was shared that was shared again like the first time didn't happen. However I loved the interactions between characters.
It's a wonderful, fun story. There were several times that something was repeated from one character to another, usually Darcy to Elizabeth, information was shared that was shared again like the first time didn't happen. However I loved the interactions between characters.
May 12, 2021
Intriguing plot
An alternate universe finds Elizabeth and Darcy getting off to a better start and far less angst in their relationship. However, there are plenty of twists and turns for all the other major characters. Lots of romance, drama, witty dialogue, and good writing and editing.
An alternate universe finds Elizabeth and Darcy getting off to a better start and far less angst in their relationship. However, there are plenty of twists and turns for all the other major characters. Lots of romance, drama, witty dialogue, and good writing and editing.
March 14, 2021
Love conquers all!
I totally enjoyed every thing about this variation. The author is an excellent story teller. I was captivated from the beginning! I especially liked the ending with Wickham! Looking forward to.reading more from this author.
I totally enjoyed every thing about this variation. The author is an excellent story teller. I was captivated from the beginning! I especially liked the ending with Wickham! Looking forward to.reading more from this author.
December 17, 2020
This is a sweet low angst variation but enjoyable none the less nice long story which is always my preference. Not too much padding either.
March 13, 2021
Interesting take on a P&P variation, with some engaging plot twists and character development.
January 16, 2022
Nice!!
I do not like P & P variations in which Wickham is portrayed in a positive light. However, I really, really liked this one! Nice!
I do not like P & P variations in which Wickham is portrayed in a positive light. However, I really, really liked this one! Nice!
May 3, 2021
The book's based on an interesting premise but it's soooooo wordy - there's too much repetition, many blinding glimpses of the obvious and "conversations" in which the characters tell each other things they - and we - already know. There were too many irritating typos, mis-spellings and punctuation errors; I wonder why the Matlocks became the Ashbournes, and why the author should think that "Okay" is appropriate in a Regency setting.
I also found one of the significant character's transformation from Mr Hyde to Dr Jekyll rather
implausible - but I always enjoy seeing Caroline Bingley get what's coming to her.
I did enjoy this book, but only because I skipped a great deal, rather than wade through all the repetitions.
I also found one of the significant character's transformation from Mr Hyde to Dr Jekyll rather
implausible - but I always enjoy seeing Caroline Bingley get what's coming to her.
I did enjoy this book, but only because I skipped a great deal, rather than wade through all the repetitions.
February 24, 2021
Not a bad story, but...
Pet Peeve, if you are going to write a what if/spin-off of any author keep the characters original names. Example being: Darcy's Uncle and Aunt are the Matlock's!
Next issue: spend the money on an editor. There are too many grammar, and punctuation errors. Starting sentences with lower case letters, finance was used instead of fiance.
The use of an editor: the story wouldn't have rambled on half as long as it did. I found, several times, I could skip half a chapter, and not miss anything important, or pertinent.
The nod to The Secret Garden was interesting, but awkwardly done.
This could have been a great book... sigh
Pet Peeve, if you are going to write a what if/spin-off of any author keep the characters original names. Example being: Darcy's Uncle and Aunt are the Matlock's!
Next issue: spend the money on an editor. There are too many grammar, and punctuation errors. Starting sentences with lower case letters, finance was used instead of fiance.
The use of an editor: the story wouldn't have rambled on half as long as it did. I found, several times, I could skip half a chapter, and not miss anything important, or pertinent.
The nod to The Secret Garden was interesting, but awkwardly done.
This could have been a great book... sigh
June 26, 2021
Poorly written
Didn’t like the typing errors that persisted throughout the whole text.
Didn’t like the standard of writing either where the reader was constantly told how the character was feeling rather than the writing allowing you an insight into their thoughts and feelings via description so the reader could discern what the character was feeling. Did not enjoy the storyline either or that the writer chose to give some of the secondary characters different christain names. When has Colonel Fitzwilliam ever been Thomas?
Didn’t like the typing errors that persisted throughout the whole text.
Didn’t like the standard of writing either where the reader was constantly told how the character was feeling rather than the writing allowing you an insight into their thoughts and feelings via description so the reader could discern what the character was feeling. Did not enjoy the storyline either or that the writer chose to give some of the secondary characters different christain names. When has Colonel Fitzwilliam ever been Thomas?
June 19, 2021
A Good Story
I have given this four stars because to me it was a bit drawn out and could have been cut down on length. It is a story about Anne De'Bough baby which she has by Wickham she married another person a Lord ..., to protect her from her mum who tries to kill hope and Mr Darcy has her has his Ward
I have given this four stars because to me it was a bit drawn out and could have been cut down on length. It is a story about Anne De'Bough baby which she has by Wickham she married another person a Lord ..., to protect her from her mum who tries to kill hope and Mr Darcy has her has his Ward
July 26, 2024
A kernel of a good idea developed into a bloated, poorly written, over loquacious ramble. Why use ten pages to describe a situation when you can spread it oner twenty-five? I was unable to pass the half-way point, getting hopeeessly entangled in the pale, pale colours of the fabrics in Mr. Gardiner 's warehouse.
February 7, 2021
Not for me
A okay book, but wordy and found myself losing interest. Darcy 's questionable decision making and actions (or not) towards the end of the book caused me to drop it a star.
A okay book, but wordy and found myself losing interest. Darcy 's questionable decision making and actions (or not) towards the end of the book caused me to drop it a star.
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March 8, 2021Good
This was a long book that moved somewhat slowly at parts, but that was okay. It was different than many books as there wasn't ever a big conflict or misunderstanding between the two, which I appreciated, as real life has enough drama as it is!
This was a long book that moved somewhat slowly at parts, but that was okay. It was different than many books as there wasn't ever a big conflict or misunderstanding between the two, which I appreciated, as real life has enough drama as it is!
August 6, 2022
Needs editing and plot points being recalled
Not a terrible story but editing is poor
Plot points such as grandma bennet are mentioned, then forgotten
Also, speech pattern is inappropriate and incorrectly used for the time.
Too much of one and not enough of the other
Not a terrible story but editing is poor
Plot points such as grandma bennet are mentioned, then forgotten
Also, speech pattern is inappropriate and incorrectly used for the time.
Too much of one and not enough of the other
February 8, 2021
Almost good
Would have given it more stars had it been edited. Not only typos but plot issues. Was enjoying the story but the writing seemed to get worse as it went on.
Would have given it more stars had it been edited. Not only typos but plot issues. Was enjoying the story but the writing seemed to get worse as it went on.
March 6, 2021
Sorry to say I did not enjoy it... too wordy and too long, I got bored very soon
July 21, 2022
Exceptional, exciting.
I love the way the story kept moving and didn't lag, like in some stories. Keep me glued to the page
I love the way the story kept moving and didn't lag, like in some stories. Keep me glued to the page
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews