His Perfect Gift in Austen Variations

Oct 24, 2021 Sheila Majczan rated it really liked it

The thing that stands out about this story for me is how different Bingley was painted. If you love that character, you will not want to read this story.

The Colonel takes his cousin, Darcy, to visit the warehouse of a tradesman that his father deals with and recommends, who is able to procure various vines and other alcoholic beverages of a top quality. It turns out to be Mr. Gardiner's warehouse. Elizabeth happens to be there and thus ODC are again in each other's company. The men are invited t The thing that stands out about this story for me is how different Bingley was painted. If you love that character, you will not want to read this story.

The Colonel takes his cousin, Darcy, to visit the warehouse of a tradesman that his father deals with and recommends, who is able to procure various vines and other alcoholic beverages of a top quality. It turns out to be Mr. Gardiner's warehouse. Elizabeth happens to be there and thus ODC are again in each other's company. The men are invited to dinner and soon visits are being exchanged regularly. Georgiana is happy to meet Elizabeth and they are soon also friends.

Bingley is in town. He soon learns that his sisters did not inform him about Jane also being there. However this Jane is soon convinced that, with Caroline's behavior especially, a relationship with Mr. Bingley would not be a pleasant one as his sister would reside with them.

Then the matter of Caroline's "delusions" as to her relationship with and expectations of Darcy come into play. Much page space deals with her gossiping and manipulations attempting to bring about that goal. Bingley not only does nothing to stop her but is soon aiding and abetting her.

Meanwhile Darcy is now making every attempt to show Elizabeth that he is a better man than the impression he made upon her at the Meryton Assembly. Elizabeth finds he is a different man all together. Their relationship soon blossoms and they have the support of not only the Colonel but also his mother, Lady Fitzwilliam. She soon is making plans to promote Elizabeth and to undermine Caroline's words and actions.

Charles Bingley not only loses Darcy's friendship but we find he has a lot to answer for in other areas. The Hursts have more page time herein as we find Mr. Hurst taking action to counter those of his brother-in-law and sister-in-law. Spinster hysteria? What is that? Read to find out.

There is more than one intimate sexual scene between Darcy and Elizabeth so be warned...not all will want to read this story if that offends them.

I enjoyed this story. ...more

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Oct 24, 2021 Michelle David rated it it was amazing

A Perfect Gift Indeed

Another absolutely lovely and romantic variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by the ever so talented L. L. Diamond. Thoroughly enjoyed this delightful story and devoured it in one sitting. I just couldn’t put it down until the end.

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Nov 17, 2021 Katie rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-romance

Sometimes all that is required to convince a person to pursue their heart’s desire is to present evidence that it is not, in fact, an impossible achievement. In His Perfect Gift—the latest Pride and Prejudice variation from prolific Austenesque author L.L. Diamond—our hero considers the possibility of becoming the kind of man who is capable of pleasing a woman worthy of being pleased and earning her esteem.

Fitzwilliam Darcy has escaped Hertfordshire with great haste, along with his friend Bingle Sometimes all that is required to convince a person to pursue their heart’s desire is to present evidence that it is not, in fact, an impossible achievement. In His Perfect Gift—the latest Pride and Prejudice variation from prolific Austenesque author L.L. Diamond—our hero considers the possibility of becoming the kind of man who is capable of pleasing a woman worthy of being pleased and earning her esteem.

Fitzwilliam Darcy has escaped Hertfordshire with great haste, along with his friend Bingley, following the ball at Netherfield, keenly feeling the danger he’d been in and hoping to soon forget the cause: the enchanting Miss Elizabeth Bennet. “Was there nothing that would spare him the torment of her memory?” (Loc 84) In an attempt to lighten Darcy’s dismal disposition, his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam persuades him to journey to Cheapside for an introduction to the proprietor of a business the colonel has invested in. Darcy reluctantly relents, only to discover his trials are just beginning. “Here she was, standing before him.” (Loc 209)

Elizabeth has traveled with her sister Jane to Cheapside to spend Christmastide with their aunt and uncle Gardiner, hoping the lighthearted festivities may heal Jane’s heartache over Bingley’s sudden departure. An unexpected encounter with Bingley’s prideful friend leaves her dismayed. “Was she to spend her entire stay in London in the society of Mr. Darcy? Whatever grievous sin had she committed to deserve such a fate?” (Loc 319)

With the comfortable company and encouragement of their more observant and gracious relations, Darcy becomes determined to demonstrate his more amiable character to Elizabeth, who begins to admire the man she once disliked. But something wicked this way comes—in surprising forms and with unforeseen consequences—as “desperate people commit stupid acts.” (Loc 2206) Will Darcy and Elizabeth’s newfound comfort and joy save them from those who have gone astray?

I love a good Yuletide tale almost as much as I love Pride and Prejudice variations, so the combination of the two was of instant interest to me. Although this story was entertaining, it was very light on the Christmas spirit, much to my disappointment. It was also a bit disconcerting to see a normally affable character going rogue. Even so, I enjoyed the role played by a particularly witty and supportive Colonel Fitzwilliam, and I delighted in the devoted relationship of our dear couple and the caring connections they made with each other’s families.

Fans of Jane Austen variations will appreciate the unique turn of events and sigh-worthy happily-ever-after in His Perfect Gift.

4 out of 5 Stars

https://austenprose.com/2021/11/24/hi... ...more

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Nov 17, 2021 Craftyhj rated it it was amazing

Shelves: yes, mature, zz2021jaff

An excellent read

A well constructed story with a tight storyline. The reduced cast keeps the story flowing forward with all the action taking place over a few weeks.

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