Three Brides for Three Cousins: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Christine Combe

Fitzwilliam Darcy’s twin cousins are ready for their debut in society, and one might think that would keep their mother—the Countess of Disley—well occupied. But even preparing her daughters for presentation to the Queen and their debut ball has not stopped Lady Disley’s plans to marry off her two sons and her nephew at last.

Elizabeth Bennet and her elder sister Jane are in London with their aunt and uncle at Gracechurch Street to enjoy some of the delights of the Season. They do not expect that meeting Mrs. Gardiner’s cousin from Derbyshire and the young lady to whom she is companion will lead to a reunion with the young man who wrote Jane some verses of poetry when she was 15 … or that he will be revealed to be a viscount.

Although sure this means the end of their new acquaintance with the shy Miss Darcy, Elizabeth and Jane are surprised when her brother lets the friendship continue. More than that, Lord Rowarth is forced to confess that his feelings for Jane remain strong, and his determination to defy convention and pursue a match with her unintentionally draws Elizabeth and Darcy to each other. Amidst supporting his brother's attachment to one Bennet sister and encouraging his cousin Darcy’s growing feelings for the other, Colonel Theodore Fitzwilliam is enlisted by a duke’s daughter to help prevent her family’s ruination from scandal.

Family drama, misunderstandings, and the expectations of society are difficult waters to navigate. Can these three cousins get through it all to win the hearts of their chosen ladies and secure their own happiness?

Genres: Romance, Historical

353 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 11, 2022

Reviews

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

“'They will stop calling brides beautiful after today—you have simply set the standard too high,' he said.” –Anna Godbersen, Rumors

SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***

>>Rating: teen: mild language [cursing] violence and an injury may be a bit squeamish for some.
>>Angst Level: no real danger other than the violence mentioned. Just frustration due to actions of certain characters [the SBRB]
>>Source: Borrowed from KU [11-26-23]. I volunteered to leave a review. I followed this as a WIP [work in progress] on the forums and I congratulate the author on its publication.

The author [like many] chose to give Colonel Fitzwilliam and his parents different names. I have read several stories by this author and have become accustomed to this change; however, it is still jarring when I encounter it. Combe has constantly used the same name in each of her stories. I appreciate that. There were several references to Austen’s other stories sprinkled throughout this work. Names and dialogue spoken by other Austen characters were used within the P&P storyline. It was fun to encounter them. I enjoyed this as it was posted on the forums and was glad to see it published.

The two Fitzwilliam brothers and their cousin Darcy were still single. It was the height of the London Season and the Colonel’s and Viscount’s mother was determined to find an appropriate match for her elusive sons and nephew… whether they wanted her help, or not. And they didn’t.

Jane and Elizabeth were staying in London so the reader didn’t have to deal with the chaos and nonsense at Longbourn. I enjoy reading a different venue every once in a while. Lydia and Mrs. Bennet get on my last nerve so I appreciated them being in another county. Jane and Elizabeth were able to meet and fall in love without the interference of their mother and younger sisters or the teasing of their father.

There were a lot of new characters to meet and yet it did not seem crowded. With that many threads flowing at the same time, it could have been a traffic jam. However, it was not.

Epilogue: “…and the joy on the bride’s and groom’s faces at the unquestioned beauty of a minute-old marriage.” –Stephanie Oakes, The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly

[Sam H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute story, with 2 Bennet sisters finding love. Col. F. Gets a Match worthy of an earl's son too.
Read this while it was a WIP and I was happy to get it as a KU.

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always wondered what happened to that guy.
““I do not like to boast of my own child, but to be sure, Jane—one does not often see anybody better looking. It is what everybody says. I do not trust my own partiality. When she was only fifteen, there was a man at my brother Gardiner's in town so much in love with her that my sister-in-law was sure he would make her an offer before we came away. But, however, he did not. Perhaps he thought her too young. However, he wrote some verses on her, and very pretty they were."” —Mrs. Bennet, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen

Remember the man who wrote Jane some pretty verses in P&P? Readers now get to see exactly who that was in this enjoyable variation. Darcy’s cousin, Viscount Rowarth, Colonel Theodore Fitzwilliam’s older brother and heir to the Earl of Disley, is the man! I thought the plot and premise surrounding the three male cousins finding their brides really good. I liked everyone’s character, but Elizabeth’s a little less so. She was definitely impertinent in this story which is fine, as that is who Elizabeth Bennet is, but at times I found her a bit rude.

The story takes place mostly in London where the Gardiners and Georgiana have significant roles in the book. The Bingleys appear with minor roles, as they are only now introduced to the Darcys by Mr. Gardiner. Wickham also has a role, but not concerning the Bennets.

The writing is good, but includes American spellings, regular use of contractions and some modern vocabulary. A low angst read. Clean content that doesn’t extend beyond the kissing of hands, which consequently, for me, made the book not romantic enough.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes place mostly in London while Jane and Elizabeth are staying with the Gardiners. Darcy and Elizabeth have not met yet and Bingley is not in the picture either. The story begins with the reappearance of the man who had written verses on Jane some 8 years ago. He turns out to be none other than Colonel Fitzwilliam’s older brother Phillip, the Viscount. I thought this was a charming set up. I enjoyed the new characters, especially Phillip. I also liked Georgiana and her relationship with the Bennet sisters. The story is heavy on dialogue and some characters tend to repeat the same things over and over. This slowed the story for me, and some of it seemed unlikely to be spoken of in the first place. There were also some inconsistencies in how characters were addressed that I found distracting (first name vs Miss or formal title), and a few editing problems. Still, it was an agreeable story with a unique premise and interesting new characters. Lady Catherine stirred up trouble again and so did Wickham—though not for the Bennets. Even Anne made her way to London to have her share of fun. I liked the way the family handled Mrs. Bennet in the end. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, no-angst story in which Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam (his name is Theo) and his elder brother Philip find brides. In the beginning of this story, Netherfield has not been let and Darcy and Bingley are not even acquainted (yet). Mrs. Gardiner is related to Mrs. Annesley which is how the Bennet girls make Georgiana Darcy's acquaintance. Remember the young man who wrote Jane some bad poetry? Well, it turns out that it was Philip, Viscount Rowarth, who had gone slumming at Gardiner's warehouse. Jane was fond of him but he was not using his title at the time, and she was only fifteen, and he was expected to make a great match, so it came to nothing. Flash forward eight years. Jane and Philip come across each other and find out they have both been pining for each other ever since. They decide enough is enough, and get engaged tout suite, but his lady mother is an obstacle for announcing the engagement as she expected him to do better than a penniless gentleman's daughter. His sisters are having their first season and Philip doesn't want to cast a pall on that by causing a scandal. In the meantime, Darcy and Elizabeth like each other but this is a diffident Darcy who resorts to middle-schooler strategies and drafts Georgiana to find out whether Elizabeth likes him or not. Colonel Fitzwilliam falls in love with an original character, mostly off stage.

I enjoyed this overall but it didn't wow me because everything happened so fast and easy. Jane and Philip are a done deal from the first moment and neither Darcy nor Elizabeth have to fight for their love either. The usual antagonists make appearances but their efforts don't amount to much damage to anyone we love. I was expecting some grand confrontation with Philip's mother but when they are finally introduced she hardly says a word to the Bennet girls.

Steam level: No overt action. There is a reference that Darcy has had a mistress when he was younger so it is to be hoped that he will know what he is about.

Content: a minor character gets seriously injured but I dare say most readers are not likely to lose any sleep over their fate.

What stood out: Some peerages here can be inherited through the female line. I understand that was rare but possible if the title was created that way. But Philip's father, the earl, implies that if his sons do not get married and have children Darcy would be in line to inherit before the earl's grandsons by his daughters. This made no sense to me. As far as I understand, in pretty much any peerage, even if it is the sort that can be inherited through the female line, the current earl's children and grandchildren would inherit before his sister's son.

Save The Moms moment: Generally I don't have much love for Mrs. Bennet but I thought it was a pretty mean trick not to invite her to her daughters' weddings. She's their mother and the reason they're alive.

[Talia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crikey! Elizabeth will you give it a rest? Elizabeth killed this book. She was totally obsessed with wealth and station. Her behavior was incredibly rude. She better check herself. As if she is poor, yeah, right.

I did love the idea of finding out what happened to the man who wrote Jane some verses. Very nice.

[Reya Reychelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t a fan of where it ended, because ODC were barely together. I like to see them courting, I like to see them married. Ending was very abrupt.
Not to mention this book really almost focuses more on Jane & her beau. Also because it takes place in London we see nothing of any of the Meryton characters, not even the younger sisters. I did enjoy it though, it’s nice to read a variation without Elizabeth being embarrassed or forced onto Mr. Collins.

[Anita Belanger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good things come in threes

I greatly enjoyed the plot and twists of this story. The story is quite different given the identities of the three couples. A fine read for a chilly day.

[Michelle David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely

Another wonderfully beautiful and emotional variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Christine Combe. I enjoyed it.

[Lori Orcena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get your copy! Won’t be disappointed!

I started reading this book on the fan fiction site. I couldn’t wait until the next chapter would get posted. The full book just came out and jumped at the chance to get it for myself based on everything I’d read so far! Picked up where I left off online and finished in record time! Can’t say enough great things about this book! Love the interactions between ODC and all the others as well!! Get your own copy! You won’t be disappointed!!

[CEK · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant romp

Not too many surprises, but plenty of sweet moments and romantic interludes as Darcy and his two Fitzwilliam cousins find true love. Low angst and very cute.

[lori huff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining, but...

Jane and Elizabeth Bennett are staying with the Gardiners in London in January. Mrs Gardiner happens to be a cousin to Mrs Annesley, Georgiana Darcy's companion. When Darcy, Georgiana, and his two cousins, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Phillip, Viscount Rowarth, come to London for the Season, Elizabeth and Jane meet all of them at a park, where it's discovered that Jane and Viscount Rowarth have a prior acquaintance going back eight years. Jane, at only fifteen years of age, had developed a tendre for a man she knew only as Mr Fitzwilliam, and now she discovers that he has a noble title. She and the Viscount rekindle their acquaintance and their feelings for each other.

I really appreciated the author's clever usage of the small detail from the original P&P to form the foundation for Jane and Phillip's past and present relationship. He's the one who wrote Jane some "very pretty verses" when she was younger, and now it turns out that there was so much more to it for both of them. So Jane is paired off almost immediately. We know very well that Darcy and Elizabeth must be another pairing. But who gets Colonel Fitzwilliam? The title of the book mentions three cousins, so that leaves him, and his matchup is revealed soon enough.

This is a P&P re-imagining, rather than a variation, as it bears very little resemblance to the original. I must give credit for very good writing. However, the story was too vanilla for me, and I was missing the chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy. There wasn't much give and take, not much development to their relationship, and therefore not much romance. Besides that, I didn't really like Elizabeth's character in this book. The author took Elizabeth's famous impertinence, and ramped it up to be almost rudeness and a blatant determination to tell anyone who would listen just what an unsuitable family she and Jane came from. Elizabeth was trying to be forthright and honest with everyone, and instead seemed just bitter, unwise, and stupid.

It's nice that Georgiana had a more prominent role, and was allowed to have more backbone. This is a low angst story, with almost no villains. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it, although it's a little bland for my tastes.

[Allison Ripley-Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. Fitzwilliam Darcy’s twin cousins are ready for their debut in society, and one might think that would keep their mother, the Countess of Disley, well occupied, but even preparing her daughters for presentation to the Queen and their debut ball has not stopped Lady Disley’s plans to marry off her two sons and her nephew at last. Elizabeth Bennet and her elder sister Jane are in London with their aunt and uncle at Gracechurch Street to enjoy some of the delights of the Season. They do not expect that meeting Mrs. Gardiner’s cousin from Derbyshire and the young lady to whom she is companion will lead to a reunion with the young man who wrote Jane some verses of poetry when she was 15, or that he will be revealed to be a viscount. Although sure this means the end of their new acquaintance with the shy Miss Darcy, Elizabeth and Jane are surprised when her brother lets the friendship continue. More than that, Lord Rowarth is forced to confess that his feelings for Jane remain strong, and his determination to defy convention and pursue a match with her unintentionally draws Elizabeth and Darcy to each other. Amidst supporting his brother's attachment to one Bennet sister and encouraging his cousin Darcy’s growing feelings for the other, Colonel Theodore Fitzwilliam is enlisted by a duke’s daughter to help prevent her family’s ruination from scandal. Family drama, misunderstandings, and the expectations of society are difficult waters to navigate. Can these three cousins get through it all to win the hearts of their chosen ladies and secure their own happiness? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.

The only thing I wish, was that the ending of the epilogue be extended a little bit more, instead of just letting it end abruptly like it did.

[M · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really liked the idea of Jane’s former suitor coming back and especially allowing for a Darcy connection as a re-imagining. However I found that the story doesn’t really dwell much on Jane and when it does is often illogical - for example Mrs Gardiner says first that Jane had an attachment but the man probably thought her too young to marry, but later says she saw no evidence of attachment and was surprised there had been one. They are also worried about the scandal of secrecy and how VR lied, but later happily agree to secrecy and even correspondence. Elizabeth is completely obsessed with money and connections, one minute getting angry at other people for caring about them, the next moment defiantly bringing up why her family is totally unsuitable. Not only is she OOC but this frank discussion is so incredibly rude and socially unacceptable in the 1800s - I could deal with it between Jane and VR given their circumstances, but it is hard to believe Elizabeth would be complaining about Lydia’s ‘wildness’ to all and sundry, or confronting Miss Bingley about being a tradesman’s daughter in the theatre. She was the Mrs Bennet of this novel, though even in canon Mrs Bennet showed more circumspection at times! Darcy is also quite OOC but that is less bothersome as it is to avoid angst. Unfortunately no angst doesn’t make room for more romance, and I would have liked to see much more romance in this novel- it was too focused on practically for a love story.

There are a few cute scenes, especially teasing between cousins or the occasional romantic scene that are sweet or fun, which kept me reading. Eventually skipped a chunk of chapters to see ending, which I also found underwhelming.

A smaller matter, occasionally frustrating - the author doesn’t seem to understand a number of Regency social rules or legalities like male-line inheritance for titles, despite the rule being central to a plot point. If we were given a logical reason for the changes, I feel like this would feel less frustrating as a reader.

[Linda Clark]

A Truly Outstanding Story

Two of the three brides can immediately be guessed at...Jane and Elizabeth. It has been written in more than one P&P variation that at the age of 15 Jane met a young man who wrote her some pretty verses. In this story we get to meet and know that young man and he is ever so much more than Jane ever thought possible. Our favorite couple of course make up one of the couples as we know D&E must have their HEA. Although we get to know the third groom early on in the story, we do not know the bride until well into the latter half. This is one story where we do not have to put up with Mrs. Bennet and her nerves. Caroline Bingley's derogatory remarks or Mr Collin's obsequious behavior. We do have the opinionated and loudly vociferous Lady Catherine dB , a deceitful Wickham and a reluctant mother. I am writing this review after the second reading of the book....and in time I can easily see myself reading it yet again. With so many excellent authors writing their own variations of P&P it is rare to find one, two or three worth a return visit. This is absolutely one of them. Through fanfiction.net I have asked/encouraged Ms Combe to have the audible version of this story performed for us who like to listen as well as read such well written stories as this. I highly recommend this story for your enjoyment.

[Bethanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's so much fun

The Bennet girls are spending time in London with family when during a walk in town they come across 3 gentlemen. One of whom is the gentleman who wrote Jane Bennet poetry years before. Surprisingly he's a Viscount, brother of Colonel Fitzwilliam and cousin of Darcy. He had kept his family name and his title secret from Jane and her London family. From there we experience their love growing stronger along with Elizabeth charming Darcy.
The main change is Bingley has just met Darcy and his family through Mr Gardiner as he's still in trade as his father is still running the business.
My only complaint is that the names of both The Earl and then Colonel Fitzwilliam are changed. Here the writer changed both and its confusing. I understand that Miss Austen never named either but common use has. I'm sure I have read thousands of adaptations, variations, and sequels with Richard being the second son of the Earl Matlock. Regardless, its an awesome story without the craziness of Mrs Bennet, Collins, and even Lady Catherine and Caroline Bingley are muted!

[William Hovey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting and refreshing variation

The changed names of the Fitzwilliam family were very unexpected and almost caused me to not read the book. That would have been a terrible mistake. As the story unfolded, I became more and more intrigued to the point that I neglected everything else until I finished it. Although I have not read all the published variations, I have been voraciously reading JAFF for more than 6 or 7 years, and this is the first one that explores this thread. No further comments about the plot will be given so that other readers can be as pleasantly surprised as this reader was. The character development is well done with the most well known retaining recognizable traits from canon. The otherwise secondary personalities were developed in ways that were natural and consistent.

Aside from a few phrases and sentences that seem awkward to the modern reader, the editing is excellent. That is a comment, not a criticism. I laughed out loud when I read the last paragraph of the epilogue.

Highly recommended. This will go from a KU selection to a purchased copy so I can read it again.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing and light hearted

Not for fans of Jane Bingley as Bingley is only a slight background character in the book.

The book shows the building and rebuilding of relationships between the Darcys, Fitzwilliams, and eldest Bennett girls. Jane and Elizabeth befriend Georgiana only to find her cousin is Jane's first love. The story builds on that couple acknowledging their feelings and how that relationship affects those of him and his parents, his brother, his cousin, his sisters, and his aunt.

There is minimal angst and the relationships develop in a realistic way. I greatly enjoyed the portrayal of Georgiana and Jane in this book even though it is written from the POVs of Elizabeth and Darcy. I thought the characters were fairly true to canon but nothing in the story line was. That's why I said it was refreshing as it was a completely different story line than I have come across. I'd read it again or others by this author.

[Bethany May Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious!

This is a splendid book for any P&P fan to enjoy! It has little to no angst - focusing greatly on the familial love and teasing between the Darcy siblings and their Fitzwilliam cousins, the viscount and colonel, along with well-known love and unity between Jane and Elizabeth. The romance is sweet and there is a moderate dose of romantic angst that usually dances around Mr Darcy, but not too much! There is even a side-note of Wickham getting his comeuppance in splendid fashion!
Things also occur in this book either out of order of the original or completely differently! Mr Bingley’s situation is one example, but I won’t spoil it!
I was grinning as the book came to a close - the ending was so satisfying!
I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a cute, easy P&P story to read!

[RTD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice and Light

Let me start off by saying that I wish there were more stories of Jane reuniting with her lost poet.

This was a good read. I truly enjoyed the first 60% of the book, not that the rest was bad, I just wasn't all that interested in Theo's love life, or Wickham, but overall, it was worth the read.

What I liked:
-Although Darcy and Elizabeth shared the screen with Jane, Philip, Georgiana, and the Gardiners, D&E weren't neglected.
-Jane and Philip.
-The closeness of the cousins.
-Elizabeth's prejudice shows quite a bit, but she still came across as likable (some of her decision making was questionable.)
-Darcy isn't as prideful.
-Very little Lady Catherine, Bingley, Caroline, Bennets, and Wickham.
-Collins only mentioned.

[Laura Wardale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this take on P&P. I liked the additional Fitzwilliam brother and the past with Jane. This book did feel a lot about Jane and her romance rather than focused on Lizzy and Darcy which usually I don’t overly like but it wasn’t too much. There were a few niggles here and there in a storyline, Elizabeth gets very affronted when it turns out her family has been investigated by Jane’s soon to be in laws but later when they have investigated Ann’s fiancé, no one bats an eyelid…

Overall though, I enjoyed the extra characters and liked that Jane had a different love interest to pining after Bingley. The rest of the Bennets aren’t really that important in this story which actually makes quite a nice change for there to not be too much Mrs Bennet!

[Diane B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The love story between Jane and the Viscount was not a storyline that I have read before, even though it picks up on a “loose thread” from P&P. Jane and Philip’s story is lovely. The author did a wonderful job creating Philip’s character and he was my favorite. The way the author wrote Elizabeth’s character left much to be desired. It seems as if many authors confuse wit with sarcasm and even rudeness. Except for Elizabeth’s kindness to his sister, I could not see why Darcy would have been drawn to Elizabeth. Elizabeth in true character would not have spoken so much about money. An epilogue was sorely missing. I did mostly enjoy this book but it could have been better.

[Mustang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long lost love shows up

In this out of canon story, the young gentleman who wrote Jane some pretty verses years ago accidentally shows back up in her life when she and Elizabeth are visiting their London family. Surprise, Surprise, he is not who she thought he was. There's several P&P moments throughout the story, including between Darcy and Elizabeth. Overall, it is a low angst story about several people finding their love matches. For those readers who Col F "has" to be Richard or that Bingley and Jane should be together, then this is not the story for you. I, on the other hand, like this change!

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional interesting funny

I really wish I knew how to do half star. I found this book to be an excellent read. I laughed and cried a little throughout. I loved hoe certain scenes or dialogue was used, but by different people in different situations. I found the leading men (three) within the story were completely swoon worthy!! I loved how thoughtful and underhand and Elizabeth were. Besides the emotional side, this was interesting, clean, moving, and exceptionally in depth description makes it feel real. Highly recommend for anyone to read

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPOILERS POSSIBLE IN REVIEW


An interesting book where we meet the young man who ‘wrote Jane some some pretty verses’ to paraphrase Mrs Bennet. This is a surprise to Jane because the young man she knew as Mr Fitzwilliam is actually a Viscount (and Darcy’s cousin).

There are some big changes to canon including Mr Bingley not being a good friend of Darcy’s. Miss Bingley is her usual pushy self.

I my opinion the viscount was too tolerant of his mother’s interference. The Colonel’s story was not well developed.

[Kim Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant low angst story

This novel departs from canon very early. Lizzy meets Darcy in London, there is no nervous mother or obstreperous young sisters. Instead a set of three sweet romances, with only a hiccup caused by our usual villain. I enjoyed it immensely, but one niggle was the misuse of “disseminating” a few times. The dialogue was good, the characters very pleasant, and the action moves at a good pace.

[Adelle Stavis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Satisfying

Fairly well written and paced. Some odd conjugations that take time to figure out what the sentence means.

Jane and Elizabeth are in town with the Gardiners for the season. Coincidence re relatives bring the Bennet Women to connect with Georgiana. Events and emotional progressions happen a little too quickly.

[Lisa E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Suspend your disbelief a lot

I like that Bingley is peripheral to the story. Not sure about how quickly everything happened. 8y but a lot of maturing would have happened for Jane. Surely she is not the 15y old she was. Philip even says so then doesn't wait. And he never indirectly proposed.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story, though the attitude of Lizzy was a lot more harsh than I expected for the first half of the book. Not quite the character I remember. The language used felt a bit too modern and I lost count of now many times the characters “scoffed” or “snorted” as those were overused. Overall, I enjoyed the book and especially savored the fate of a certain scoundrel.

[Mariska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly Enjoyable in every way!

Christine Combe has given us ant 5 star delightful story. Zero angst, only mild antagonism, and pure compelling love stories. One love renewed, two loves grow before our eyes.