Assumed Engagement in Austen Variations

May 07, 2014 Sheila Majczan rated it really liked it

I have a number of Kara Louise's books and have to say that some titles, which seem off-putting, actually have better story lines. However, there are many things about this book that I like. And I did read this book at least three times since owning it.

First, it did keep my interest but I was looking for much more interaction between Darcy and Elizabeth. She is with him at Pemberley while he is unconscious but leaves shortly after he awakens and then they are together several days before the wed I have a number of Kara Louise's books and have to say that some titles, which seem off-putting, actually have better story lines. However, there are many things about this book that I like. And I did read this book at least three times since owning it.

First, it did keep my interest but I was looking for much more interaction between Darcy and Elizabeth. She is with him at Pemberley while he is unconscious but leaves shortly after he awakens and then they are together several days before the wedding, the day of Jane's wedding and the day after. And by being in each other's presence, I would perhaps have been treated to some sexual tension between ODC. I am not looking for sex scenes but for the chemical reactions to expressions, looks, accidental touches, etc.

Then, Elizabeth seems to learn more about his changed behaviors from others rather than by being in his presence and observing most of such on her own. In the original P&P Darcy, after cooling down in response to Elizabeth's rejection of his first proposal, realizes that she is correct and begins to make needed changes on his own. In this story we have a much more alert and insightful Georgiana, who relates to her brother that Elizabeth is correct and points out such in various situations. Col. Fitzwilliam also serves that role.

I don't know that I would have expected Darcy to host his servant's son's wedding breakfast in his home - that seemed just "over-the-top". Having him do such in response to Aunt Catherine's reprimand about visiting his tenants and entering their homes, serves as a "reason" that he did it but this is a stretch. There could have been a different approach to showing a change but I am not the author.

As a Christian I didn't object to the sermon concerning giving of one's self, after he recovers and attends church with Georgiana but the inclusion of the Jane Austen prayer towards the end of the story was just too much...too long. I skipped over it.

I agree with the comment that gardenias would have been better raised in a hothouse than planted in the front of the manor. And by carrying that handkerchief around with him I would have expected many more people to have noticed and to then have commented about the flowery smell. I love the gardenia aroma but not on a man. That he didn't notice that smell on his own person when Georgiana planted it in his clothing for the wedding is probably unrealistic. He was not in Elizabeth's presence so from where did he think that smell was coming?

Mr. Bennet surprised me, in that he didn't object to Mr. Darcy's wanting to speak with him or make any comment to Elizabeth about this request. After all neither she nor Jane have really brought the subject of Mr. Darcy, his fondness for Elizabeth nor the changes in his behaviors up in conversations with Mr. B. or the rest of the family, for that matter.

And, furthermore, I agree with others who present that the inclusion of 21st Century social issues, while of importance seem out-of-place, even awkward, in this story. We are becoming more aware of handicapped issues and the inclusion of such in our educational systems but can't seem to wrap my mind around why they are presented in JAFF.

I do like this story, as I do other of Kara Louise's books and will recommend that others read it but will also point out these qualifications. ...more

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Jan 16, 2018 Elin Eriksen rated it really liked it

Mr Darcy has written to Georgiana about his proposal to Elizabeth but not her answer. On the way back from Rosings a carriage accident leaves him unconscious and Georgiana invites Elizabeth and Jane to Pemberley thinking they are engaged. Several lovely and heartwretching moments at Pemberley. Worthwhile!

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