Austen, Jane - Pride and Prejudice - Informal Buddy Read; Start December 11, 2015 *** REVISIT starts August 1, 2018

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Tahmina wrote: "Hi Krystle... sorry I'm on vacation now. But I will definitely start posting again as soon as I am back home :) I hope you're having fun on yours."

Thanks, Tahmina, I'm having a blast! You have a great time too!! 😁

[Tahmina]

♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Spoilers for chapters 23 - 27

Elizabeth's Aunt: [spoilers removed]

Elizabeth: [spoilers removed]"

Elizabeth's Aunt: (view spoiler)[ I heard a theory from podcaster that they thought Elizabeth's Aunt and Uncle were probably some version of Darcy and Elizabeth in their youth too. Since they seem to be aware of the attraction between Darcy and Lizzie before Lizzie is aware of it. And compared to all the other adults in the book, she is so mature. But if you remember reading towards the end of her trip with the Bennets, she does start to like Wickham too. She just doesn't see them as a good couple because they are both poor and it would not work out between them. (hide spoiler)]

Elizabeth: (view spoiler)[You know I never realized that!! But you are so very right on this point. She does give him more leeway but cuts Charlotte off. And I think its more bullheadness or stubbornness then loyalty. She doesn't want to admit she's wrong. Because if it was loyalty she would have been on Charlotte's side, IMO. (hide spoiler)]

[Tahmina]

♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Spoilers for chapters 28-30

Lady Catherine de Bourgh:
Well I didn't think anyone could be worse than Collins but I hadn't met this woman yet. I can't believe I didn't remember how awful she is. ..."

Omg!! hahahaa. I'm so dead and its so true! She's annoying but I feel like all the annoying characters that are over confident are the most well done. Because you love to hate them. Have you read The importance of being Earnest? That play has one of the craziest aunts of all the time. But she was my favorite.

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Tahmina wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Spoilers for chapters 28-30

Lady Catherine de Bourgh:
Well I didn't think anyone could be worse than Collins but I hadn't met this woman yet. I can't believe I didn't..."
Cool theory about Elizabeth's aunt!

No, I haven't read the Importance of Being Earnest, but I think I will. I've enjoyed Oscar Wilde in the past, and would love to check out one of his comedies. Plus I must check out this crazy aunt and uncle. Lol

[Tahmina]

Chapter 23 to 30

Elizabeth: (view spoiler)[ I really like the part when she is talking to her aunt and she says "how can I promise to be wiser than so many of my fellow creatures if I am tempted, or how am I even to know that it would be wisdom to resist?" That's just so true. I feel like most of the time we make a decision and just hope for the best. And only time can tell us whether we were right or not.

I also get a sense from her that she is curious what life is like with Mr. Collins. I don't know whether she is necessarily jealous but maybe curious on whether she made the right choice. Or am I reading too much into this?

It made me laugh that at the end of chapter 27 she makes a mental note to make sure that the person she marries is like Wickham. She seems very calm about him transferring his feelings to another girl but there has to be some hurt. And I just realized looking over some notes that you are right Krystle!! Mrs. Gardener does figure his character out but is just unable to convince Lizzie.

And something I noticed this time around was their education. From my understanding of reading chapter 29, they were not really told to learn anything. They did what they wanted. It feels a little neglectful and lazy of the parents. (hide spoiler)]

Jane: I just love how she is reluctant to believe people are just messed up but in the end had to admit it.

Mr. Collins: Pointing things out specifically for Lizzie when she goes to visit. *big eye roll*

Lady Catherine: (view spoiler)[ I don't understand why Sir Lucas and Maria get so quiet before meeting her. I understand that she is a rich lady with consequence but I just understand their reaction to her.

And the way they praise her is that she condescends to their level. That does not sound like a good thing. She totally sees herself as a gift to human kind. It makes sense why her and Collins get a long so well. (hide spoiler)]

[Tahmina]

Chapter 30- 35

Charlotte (view spoiler)[ She seems to be the only one who can see Darcy’s in love (even though some of his behavior can’t be explained) and none of his friends or family seem to pick up on it.

At the end of Chapter 32 Charlotte is thinking about Lizzie marrying Darcy or the Colonel but can’t really commit to the colonel because he doesn’t have much say in the church, which would not benefit her. I am not sure what to think of this. (hide spoiler)]

Lady Catherine and Anne (view spoiler)[Do we ever hear Anne actually say something? Just curious. I can’t remember her actually saying anything.

Lady Catherine’s characterization of herself and daughter is laughable. They would be great if they knew how to do something and they are great in things that they do… like really lady!! . She’s obviously surrounded by “yes” people but it's crazy that she has so much confidence. And she clearly has a favorite nephew. (hide spoiler)]

Colonel Fitzwilliam (view spoiler)[Ok what the hell is up with the name Fitzwilliam? It shows up all over this family. Anyway, I’ve always loved him and genuinely think that had he had money he and Elizabeth might be an item. Austen probably made him poor on purpose so this would not be an option. But at the same time, the way he talks about Darcy and makes fun of him a little makes me feel like he knows Darcy is in love and would never hit on her. I feel like he’s more of wingman/hype-man (like when he talks about Darcy being a great friend and saving Bingley) Trying to make Darcy look better. That’s a personal theory. (hide spoiler)]

Darcy (view spoiler)[We see a different side of Darcy here. Not the super comfortable Darcy we will see when he is at home but not the completely uncomfortable Darcy in Herdfortshire either. He’s finally seeing that his side of the family isn’t all that great either. Lady Catherine and Mrs. Bennett are both ladies you need to keep at arm's length. But I wonder whether Darcy is more aware of this because the comments Lady Catherine makes are against Elizabeth or would he have noticed had it been just Charlotte? Also he gets to observe Elizabeth in his environment and she does so much better than he does when he’s in her environment.

At the end of Chapter 30 it says that he was confused by the Elizabeth asking about Jane being in London… Do you know why?? Because I don’t get it really. (hide spoiler)]

Elizabeth: (view spoiler)[ There’s a paragraph of her comparing the Colonel with Wickham and it makes me think whether she was more attached to him then we thought. I mean, she does come to the conclusion that he is more informed than Wickham but not quite as pleasing. She starts to think about Darcy leaving and hopefully not having to deal with him but realizes that Fitzwilliam would also be leaving and she is determined not be upset about him going but when the doorbell rings her first thought is hopefully it's the colonel and he’s asking about how I am feeling. So again we don’t necessary really know how much she liked either the Colonel or Wickham. Though Austen make it seem like they are just crushes I feel like it might be more than that and she just brushes it off because that’s her character. And even her aunt makes a comment that it would have been better had Elizabeth been the one in love with Bingley because she would have laughed herself into a good mood fairly soon. And just thinking about this …. How awkward is it that she liked both the Colonel and Darcy.

Right before Darcy comes in to propose to her she is reading all of Jane’s letters trying to see whether she can see whether she can find anything in them that would explain Jane’s mood. And this is such a girl move. Reading between the lines and trying to find any clues into what the person really meant or how she felt. I feel like that’s all girls from the beginning of time. (hide spoiler)]

[Tahmina]

Chapter 30-35

Piano Playing Scene: (view spoiler)[The exchange Darcy, Elizabeth and the Colonel have when they are sitting by the piano is one of my favorites. Elizabeth gets her point across to him that he was rude but she does not seem to understand Darcy because of her first impression (this sentence made me realize that Austen originally named this first impressions … Makes sense). And Darcy seems to understand her so much better than she understands him. He is ready to make amends to what he himself knows he messed up on. He does this when he goes over to see her the next day by ‘practicing’ social behavior but also by telling her that he has a hard time conversing with others that he does not know. And here’s another theory of mine in this situation, I feel like he realizes that she overheard him at the ball and this is why he tries so hard to change her mind (besides the fact that he’s in love with her). And last note on this. I love how sweet he’s being to her at the end of the exchange but she doesn’t even realize it. My favorite line is we do not perform for others … or something along those lines. :) (hide spoiler)]

First Parsonage scene with Darcy and Elizabeth (view spoiler)[ Ok so this scene!!. Typical misunderstandings that can happen between two people. She’s thinking of Jane and Bingley and he’s thinking of himself and Elizabeth. This is probably where he gets the notion that she will say yes to his proposal.

His sudden loss of self-control and moving his chair closer to her because he is so engrossed in hearing her answer that he forgets etiquette completely should have given Elizabeth a clue that this was not about Jane and Bingley.

“You cannot have always been in longbourne.” Did you notice this line??? Because I have never been sure what that means.

And he’s really just throwing caution out the window at least unintentionally or maybe intentionally? When they are walking and he assumes she will be staying there just makes you wonder what the hell was he thinking????

And sidenote, the conversation starts with Elizabeth talking shit about Collins. Not in a direct way but definitely nothing short of gossip. And of all people she is telling Mr. Darcy. (hide spoiler)]

2nd meeting at Parsonage (view spoiler)[ So infruitating!! He should have known better. I think just the confidence of “obviously she will say yes” would make me say no. But the rollercoaster ride of feelings she's going through as well must be the real reason she gives such a harsh answer. She goes from hating him to feeling sorry for him because she knows he will refused to hating him even more because of what he says. And then looking at him and he’s telling her how insecure he feels about her answer but the way he comes off is secure makes her angerier. I can’t say I blame her. Though we do learn he really is misunderstood I just can’t see what other way she should have responded. With everything she knows about him and taking his behavior into account that’s really the only conclusion you can come up with. I just don’t fault her here. She is so straight-forward on calling him on his bullshit and I just love that about her. (hide spoiler)]

Darcy’s Letter (view spoiler)[ So this letter is the best thing about this book, IMO. It's just so full of raw emotion. And you can see that is started out as angry and bitter (“those sentiments that were disgusting to you” and “humbling myself again” or “for the happiness for both cannot be forgotten to soon” … like wow he’s super pissed) than slowly changes and calms down. He hands the letter to her with ”haughty Composure” haha. I think it's so funny that he wrote the time on the letter …. Like really they did that back then?? My favorite line from this letter though is “I demand it of your justice” shows a real regard for her judgement and opinion despite the fact he’s upset.

“Here again I shall give you pain -- to what degree you only can tell. But whatever may be the sentiments which Mr. Wickham has created, a suspicion of their nature shall not prevent me from unfolding his real character. It adds even another motive.” -- OMG this broke my heart. What a thing to write to someone who broke your heart. :( I felt so bad for him here. Love how at the end he blames wickham for her misjudgement. Haha

“If your abhorrence of me should make my assertions valueless, you cannot be prevented by the same cause from confiding in my cousin” :( (hide spoiler)]

[Tahmina]

Chapter 36 - 40

Elizabeth (view spoiler)[ I love this first chapter after the letter because we see Elizabeth for the first time unsure of what to think on the two men. At first she is trying to keep the blame on Darcy but the more she reads, understands and analyzes, the more she realizes how wrong she is. She goes through so many ranges of human emotion that you can’t help feel bad for her. (I know personally when you make a bad decision or are rude to someone and find out later you are wrong in some way, makes you feel so bad that you can’t help but relive that moment over and over again trying to fix it in your head). Particularly when she says “Till this moment I’ve never knew myself.” But I do like that she does not regret her decision just the delivery. I think for me if she regretted the decision she would seem a bit like a gold digger to me.

She does realized that the only reason her sister at this moment is not married is because of the their own family. Not because of anyone else. And that pains her more than anything else because she also realizes that this will be a problem to both of them in the future as well.

When she tells her sister of the proposal and Jane’s reaction really just makes her the most innocent and loving person in this novel. And the interaction between them and how much their value each others advice is so cute. (hide spoiler)]

Mrs. Bennet: (view spoiler)[ it really irks me that she says when Jane dies of a broken heart he’ll be sorry. (hide spoiler)]

Lydia: (view spoiler)[ buying a bonnet for the sake of buying a bonnet … really???

And then treating someone to lunch but having them pay for it haha. I think we really start to see her character. Especially when she tells Jane she’s practically an old maid and would be ashamed if she was 23 and not married. (hide spoiler)]

Really nothing to add on the other characters except Uggghhhhh MR. COLLINS

[Sharon]

Tahmina wrote: "Chapter 36 - 40

Elizabeth I love this first chapter after the letter because we see Elizabeth for the first time unsure of what to think on the two men. At first she is trying to keep the blame o..."

Mr Collins is THE worst!

[Tahmina]

Still here Krystle and Sharon?

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Tahmina wrote: "Still here Krystle and Sharon?"

I'm still here and just got some reading done!

Chapters 34 - 36

Mr. Darcy: (view spoiler)[I still remember how I felt the first time I read the proposal scene. I think this is the first time we really get to see Darcy's personality. All of his reserve and stuffiness disappeared and this very passionate person popped up out of nowhere. And this scene is also why I grew to like him so much.

Yes, the brutally honest way he told Lizzy that he fought his feelings for her, was rude, but the fact that he was brutally honest proved how truthfully he loved her.

I am all for the sweet way that Bingley loves Jane, but give me a man who loves inspite of what society, family, and friends think over a man who is easily disuaded by the disapproval of others. (At least in a book. In real life I am much more practical. Lol)

(hide spoiler)]
Lizzy: (view spoiler)[I was very proud of how willing she was to change her mind about Darcy. It would have been very easy for her to stay angry and refuse to consider that she was wrong about him. Darcy is not the most likable person on the surface and he has made more than a few blunders when it comes to his court ship of Lizzy. The fact that she can see how genuine he his behind his prideful exterior, shows how well suited they are for each other. Any other woman would get fed up with him and refuse to see things from his point of view.

(hide spoiler)]

The letter: (view spoiler)[Wow! That letter was action packed! It was everything from romantic to snide. You could tell that Darcy was still very angry because of Lizzy's refusal and the accusations she made so he got in a few jabs. But he also never waivers in his open affection for her and was never disrespectful. It was as if he wanted to explain himself in hopes that she would learn to like him more not just so she would feel silly.

I also love the way Jane Austen devoted almost an entire chapter to the letter and then gave Lizzy a chapter to digest its contents. I laughed more than once at the descriptions of Lizzy reading and rereading it. It felt like she was going through the five stages of grief.

1. Denial that Jane could appear cold and standoffish, that her family was rude at the Netherfield ball, or that Wickham was anything but a gentleman.
2. Anger that Mr. Darcy would write such accusations.
3. Bargaining with herself that even if she admitted Darcy was right about Wickham there was no way she would admit he was right to make such assumptions about her family.
4. Depression at the realization that she was wrong about him in so many ways.

I can't include the 5th step because when I stopped reading she was still pretty darn depressed and had accepted nothing but the fact that she was going to be depressed for a while. Lol
(hide spoiler)]

[Tahmina]

Wooo hooo!! You go!

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Tahmina wrote: "Chapter 23 to 30

Elizabeth: I really like the part when she is talking to her aunt and she says "how can I promise to be wiser than so many of my fellow creatures if I am tempted, or how am I eve..."

Elizabeth (view spoiler)[
I don't think you are reading too much into it at all! I think her curiosity here shows how "human" she really is. No she didn't want Collins, but it's natural to wonder "what if?".
(hide spoiler)]

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Tahmina wrote: "Chapter 30- 35

Charlotte She seems to be the only one who can see Darcy’s in love (even though some of his behavior can’t be explained) and none of his friends or family seem to pick up on it.

..."

Yes, I am going to reply to all of your post individually because your awesome observations warrant it. Lol

Charlotte (view spoiler)[
"At the end of Chapter 32 Charlotte is thinking about Lizzie marrying Darcy or the Colonel but can’t really commit to the colonel because he doesn’t have much say in the church, which would not benefit her. I am not sure what to think of this."

Charlotte is a very calculating person who seems to always look for opportunities to better her life/social standing. I am sure she loves Lizzy, but that doesn't mean she is above using Lizzy to advance herself. I don't think she would purposely hurt Lizzy, but your observations have me convinced she is not the best kind of friend.
(hide spoiler)]

Colonel Fitzwilliam(view spoiler)["Ok what the hell is up with the name Fitzwilliam?"
Hahaha! You killed me with this one!^^

I actually played this casual game based on Pride and Prejudice where Elizabeth ended up with a different suitor depending on the choices you made, and both my mom and I picked Colonel Fitzwilliam the first time. That's how awesome he is.
(hide spoiler)]
Elizabeth (view spoiler)[Hmmm, you might be right about Elizabeth forming and attachment to both Wickham and the Colonel. Lizzy is a very romantic and passionate person so it shouldn't surpise us that she would develope feelings for two charming (Albeit very different) men.

This thought also convinces me her feelings for Darcy will be based on something deeper than a good first impression and charm because he doesn't have either.

And you are so right about how timelessly girly Lizzy's rereading of that letter is. I can see why this book has stood the test of time because it is so relatable on a human level. The styles, language, and politics may change, but a woman's ability to overanalyze things will always remain. Lol


(hide spoiler)]
I am writing this kind of late and on a cell phone so I'm going to hit the hay and read the rest of your spoilers tomorrow. They are gold! 😁

[Tahmina]

♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "Still here Krystle and Sharon?"

I'm still here and just got some reading done!

Chapters 34 - 36

Mr. Darcy: I still remember how I felt the first time I read the proposal scene. I..."

Mr. Darcy (view spoiler)[ I have to admit the first time I read this book I was super young so I started to like Mr. Darcy around this time too. But also I had no idea what the was in love with her. Reading it now there is so many hints but then I never comprehended any of them,

And yes. I would have to agree a man that can hold his own and is truthful is a lot better than one that can't (hide spoiler)]

Lizzy -- Very true. I am sure I wouldn't have!

The Letter (view spoiler)[OMG!! so true. I never thought of it that way. I'm going to make a note of that! (hide spoiler)]

You know what I realized while starting to read this book .... is that I don't actually have a physical copy of this book...

[Tahmina]

♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "Chapter 30- 35

Charlotte She seems to be the only one who can see Darcy’s in love (even though some of his behavior can’t be explained) and none of his friends or family seem to pi..."

Charlotte -- Right!! There is something off about her in that sentence... and an at the end of the book spoiler (view spoiler)[And now that I think of it when the Catherine de Bourgh comes to see Elizabeth to tell her not to marry Darcy its because of the rumors that were passed between the parsonage and the lucas lodge. I don't think anyone thinks that Elizabeth and Darcy like each other (not even Jane) but the only person that suspects anything is Charlotte so makes me wonder whether she said something to her parents. (hide spoiler)]

Colonel Fitzwilliam - hahaha that kind of cool though. And yeah he was super cool. Love this character.

And thanks for taking the time to reading it. I can be long winded!

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Tahmina wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "Chapter 30- 35

Charlotte She seems to be the only one who can see Darcy’s in love (even though some of his behavior can’t be explained) and none of his..."

I think your Charlotte spoiler is on point! Her sneakiness is subtle but clear.

No, we are not long winded we just really love the English laguage and like to use it as often as we can. Lol

I'm still going to check out your other spoilers later after I get a chance to read up to chapter 40.

[Tahmina]

♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "Chapter 30- 35

Charlotte She seems to be the only one who can see Darcy’s in love (even though some of his behavior can’t be explained)..."

oooo I like that!! I'm definitely using it!

And take your time. No rush

[Sharon]

I don't know if Charlotte is sneaky so much as she realizes her lot in life as a woman at that time and knows exactly what she needs to do and who to socialize with to make sure she's comfortable in life (if not in love).

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Sharon wrote: "I don't know if Charlotte is sneaky so much as she realizes her lot in life as a woman at that time and knows exactly what she needs to do and who to socialize with to make sure she's comfortable i..."

True, and I still don't think Charlotte is a mean person, but her willingness to put her social status above her friend is something I didn't notice the first time I read this.

[Tahmina]

I don’t think she’s a mean person either and it’s not like she’s actively trying to convince her friend or the suitors one way or other. So maybe sneaky wasn’t the right word but I feel calculating is the perfect word to describe her

[Tahmina]

Sharon wrote: "I don't know if Charlotte is sneaky so much as she realizes her lot in life as a woman at that time and knows exactly what she needs to do and who to socialize with to make sure she's comfortable i..."

And not to hate on Charlotte more ... but I can understand her thinking this way before she got married. But once she did get married she was secure. And better yet (at least for her), once Mr. Bennett dies they get his property. And owning property was seen as something that was very desirable and necessary to have good social standing. So her plotting (in her head) to get Elizabeth married to someone who has a good living would be temporary because eventually she will have to go to the Bennett's house.

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Tahmina wrote: "I don’t think she’s a mean person either and it’s not like she’s actively trying to convince her friend or the suitors one way or other. So maybe sneaky wasn’t the right word but I feel calculating..."

Yep, "calculating" is a much better word.

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Tahmina wrote: "Sharon wrote: "I don't know if Charlotte is sneaky so much as she realizes her lot in life as a woman at that time and knows exactly what she needs to do and who to socialize with to make sure she'..."

Exactly, I still don't think she's awful, but she would have made a great CEO in a different era. This woman was all about business. Lol

[Tahmina]

Yes!! Love the positive spin 😂😂😂

[Sharon]

Haha she was definitely all business!

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Hi everyone! Hope you had a great week/weekend!

The part of the book I just finished reading is the slowest in my opinion so I was really dragging my feet to get through it. Don't know why I was being so dramatic though, I ended up enjoying all of Lizzy's observations and growth.

Spoilers chapters 36-41

Lydia: (view spoiler)[Okay, Jane Austen was the queen of writing shallow characters. Mrs. Bennet and Kitty are as shallow as a drop of water, but that drop seems as deep as the ocean compared to Lydia.
The scene were she decides the waiter is too ugly to deserve the privilege of overhearing their conversation, pretty much sums up her character. And it made me so mad!

I did however like the way Lizzy aproached their father and attempted to stop the "Lydia show" before she could further damage the family's reputation. I didn't notice this foreshadowing of Lydia's downfall the first time I read this.
(hide spoiler)]

Like I said, this part of the book isn't my favorite so I don't have much else to say, but we are aproaching my favorite section so expect a much longer post next time. 😁

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Tahmina wrote: "Chapter 36 - 40

Elizabeth I love this first chapter after the letter because we see Elizabeth for the first time unsure of what to think on the two men. At first she is trying to keep the blame o..."

I finally get to enjoy these spoiler!!

Elizabeth: (view spoiler)[You are so rigbt about Jane and her inner beauty. And I really love how Lizzy interacts with her. She is careful not to lead her towards being jaded, but she also tries to keep her from being so innocent that she will get hurt. It's a very well written loving relationship between two very different women.

I wish more modern romances included healthy relationships like Lizzy's with Jane and her father. I know some do, but I'd still like to see more. I want my heroines to have a strong support system and be interesting before they fall in love. Wanting a romance is much lovlier than needing one.

(hide spoiler)]

Mrs. Bennet: Ugh! You were too kind towards her if you were only "irked" I was pissed when she said that. Lol

Lydia: (view spoiler)[I didn't catch that part where she had them pay for dinner. Just when I thought she couldn't possibly be more shallow.

(hide spoiler)]

[Sharon]

♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "Chapter 36 - 40

Elizabeth I love this first chapter after the letter because we see Elizabeth for the first time unsure of what to think on the two men. At first she is trying to k..."

I also really like that Lizzy has such a strong relationship with Jane. She has a friend in Charlotte, but it's such a better friendship with Jane. I never thought about how that's something that can be lacking in modern romances!

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Sharon wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "Chapter 36 - 40

Elizabeth I love this first chapter after the letter because we see Elizabeth for the first time unsure of what to think on the two men..."

It's just so lovely and warm. 😁

[Tahmina]

♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Hi everyone! Hope you had a great week/weekend!

The part of the book I just finished reading is the slowest in my opinion so I was really dragging my feet to get through it. Don't know why I was b..."

Yeah the foreshadowing on this part was really good. Because when you read it the first time your like ugghh who cares!! But then when you read the second time it just shows you Lydia's personality and her lack of discipline.

[Tahmina]

♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Sharon wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "Chapter 36 - 40

Elizabeth I love this first chapter after the letter because we see Elizabeth for the first time unsure of what to think..."

Yes! I think usually in modern romances (at least in what I have read) its more of a frenemy than a good friend

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Tahmina wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Sharon wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "Chapter 36 - 40

Elizabeth I love this first chapter after the letter because we see Elizabeth for the first..."

Yep, I'm not against antagonistic female relationships, but I want more positive ones to balance it out.

[Tahmina]

♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Sharon wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "Chapter 36 - 40

Elizabeth I love this first chapter after the letter because we see Elizabe..."

Yes I think we see both in this. So its possible to do so.

[Tahmina]

Chapter 41-45

Mr. Bennett: (view spoiler)[ Sending off Lydia to Brighton because he would have no peace if he didn’t just seems like the most absurd reason to do something. This is definitely when we see that his lack of parenting is a problem.

Funny how marriage put an end to his esteem when usually it has the opposite effect This is definitely the reason i think she refuses to marry Collins. Fear of being in the same relationship as her parents.. (hide spoiler)]

Lydia and her mother: (view spoiler)[Definitely see why Lydia is Mrs. Bennet's favorite. Because Lydia is Mrs. Bennet!!! When Mr Bennett lets her go to Brighton he says that it will show her how insignificant she is. Spoiler for the end of the book (view spoiler)[And its makes you wonder if that is exactly what happened and when Mr. Wickham came by and asked her to go she did because that might have been the only person that gave her real attention. (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Elizabeth and Wickham:(view spoiler)[It's interesting how someone you thought was super cute and charming can have such a horrible effect on you once you figure out their character. The person looks exactly the same and does everything the same but once you dislike them even the way they walk can get on your nerves …. Definitely not talking from experience (haha). While he is expecting that even though he abandoned her for another girl once he compliments her, his charm and good looks will win her back. (boy was he wrong and I think she might be offended even if she did not know all that Darcy told her) (hide spoiler)]

Mr and Mrs Gardiner (view spoiler)[ Love how they can tell Mr. Darcy is in love but not Elizabeth (who they have known all her life). (hide spoiler)]

Darcy (view spoiler)[The amount of money that this one man has spent on Wickham is astounding!! Every other chapter is about how he paid off something of Wickhams.

So something I noticed for the first time in chapter 45 is that Darcy did want Georgiana and Bingley to get married. Maybe not pushing for it but definitely hoping for it. And this might have clouded his judgement a little (hide spoiler)]

Elizabeth (view spoiler)[ She realizes that Darcy is in love with her and probably would still offer to marry her and you realize that she is not in love with him and she does not take that lightly. Despite seeing how much money he has, his estate and meeting his sister and how well he treats her she wants to figure out whether she would be happy with him and vice versa and I just love her for that. She’s not some shallow bimbo that at the sight of wealth she “realizes” that she is in love and was in love the whole time. She does realize that she likes him better than she did and that she has gratitude towards his feelings for her but she does not confuse that for her love. (hide spoiler)]

Ms Bingley (view spoiler)[Now Lizzie understands that all that hostility was towards her was because she was jealous …. Honestly might sound like an ass but that’s got to be a satisfying feeling when someone is this annoying.

And her digs at Elizabeth were so dumb. I have never understood when females act so desperate even when they know the person does not like them. And she definitely shows how petty she is. (hide spoiler)]

Pemberly: ahhhhh!!!!

(view spoiler)[ I like how she is looking around and thinking well this could all be mine!!!! But then realizing that her aunt and uncle would not visit makes her realize that it would not be so great and love how Austen says ‘saved her from something very much like regret.’ Though I don't know what whether I would be regretting it if I still thought he was grumpy and proud.

Funny how even through everything she learned about her him she still does not think of him as anything more than a grumpy prideful guy who has some good qualities. Seems Mr. Gardiner also has a prejudice about rich people and their behavior.

Ok so when she meets him at Pemberly is it just me or would you rather some black hole just showed up and you disappeared into it!! I mean i would have died of embarrassment. I won’t lie curiosity definitely would have made me want to go but I don't think I would have enough courage to actually go. I would DIE!!! I get second hand embarrassment when reading this part and when watching it I always cringe like noooooo make it go away!!

And though Elizabeth and Darcy are embarrassed, she is able to look around calmly and even want to explore. (And in my head I’m like girl you need leave just run.) And I understand she is trying to not be suspicious by acting as normal as she can but I would have faked a sickness or pain and wanted out.

It would be nice to see things from his perspective though. He can’t possibly have been anything but surprised but you can see that he also went through a process of thinking about what was said at Kent. I think Krystle said this before about the process of grief. Darcy probably did the same thing and went over everything he said and had done up until that point. I think that’s why we find him so much kinder to her. Though he might not have improved on his essentials because he was always a good person he puts more effort into being cordial. But it probably also has to do with the fact that he’s more comfortable in his environment and though things didn’t end so well between them the last time they met, he does know Elizabeth better. But I find it super cute that he doesn’t seem to care if they know he loves her. (Heart melted!!) (hide spoiler)]

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Just checking in to say I am still reading this. We're in the middle of moving so I've been doing a lot of cleaning and organizing. By the time I get a minute to read, I know it will just put me to sleep. I should get some reading in this week though. 😁

[Tahmina]

Sounds good! Good Luck with the move.

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Thank you!

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Spoilers chapters 42-44

Mr. Bennet: (view spoiler)[As annoying as Mrs. Bennet is, the way Mr. Bennet views her is kind of sad. She is a very shallow woman, but she's also the mother of his children and presumably spends her days taking care of him and the rest of their family. That warrants a little love.

However, I also know marrying for love was not common in those days so his affection for her may have been the best a woman like best could get. Lol

(hide spoiler)]

Elizabeth: (view spoiler)[Well, it's finally happened. Lizzy has begun to fall in love. And what a well written fall it is. Everything feels sincere. I giggle everytime she dissects Darcy's words and actions because it is so relatable.

I also love how confident she is. She doesnt arrogantly believe she can get him back, but she is aware that his love for her must still be there because he is so kind towards her. I'm the type of person who would reason away his politeness and care instead of accepting its true meaning. Good for her!

(hide spoiler)]

Mr. Darcy: (view spoiler)[So this is why women have continued to love and romanticize this character for so many years! He's kind, patient, friendly, and charming.

I'm not sure why his personality is so bad when he is around large groups and aways from his main house though. He is like a different person at home.

Anyone have a theory as to why he is so different?
(hide spoiler)]

[Tahmina]

♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Spoilers chapters 42-44

Mr. Bennet: As annoying as Mrs. Bennet is, the way Mr. Bennet views her is kind of sad. She is a very shallow woman, but she's also the mother of his children and presumabl..."

Mrs. Bennet -- I think despite the fact that she has favorites in her kids, she still seems to love them very much and wants whats best for them even though she makes everything worse.

And I think its true about the marriage thing. Its what Charlotte says in the beginning of the book, that happiness in a marriage is just luck. So you might as well just marry someone and hope for the best (not in those exact words though).

Totally agree on Elizabeth.

Darcy: I have a couple of theories on this one

1: (view spoiler)[ When he enters the Meryton ball all anyone can talk about is his wealth and how much money he has. So he has to be weary of Gold diggers. I mean if people from his social standing will be out looking for someone like him throwing their daughters at him imagine what these people are doing. But also this has probably gone on for all his life but especially since his dad passed away and he would have to be out more in social settings. (hide spoiler)]

2. (view spoiler)[ He's more comfortable in his own area. And seems like maybe he has some anxiety or shyness problems. (hide spoiler)]

3. (view spoiler)[And going back to the gold diggers. He also just made it in time to separate his sister and Wickham from one another. And this is probably playing into the mood of how he acts in Meryton. But I think maybe, despite being rejected, he falls more in love with Elizabeth because she rejected him. Then in a sense he knows that there is at least one person out there who would not look at him for money and when he does see her he's nicer. (hide spoiler)]

4. (view spoiler)[ a combo of the above :) (hide spoiler)]

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Tahmina wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Spoilers chapters 42-44

Mr. Bennet: As annoying as Mrs. Bennet is, the way Mr. Bennet views her is kind of sad. She is a very shallow woman, but she's also the mother ..."

Wow! I think you're right!
(view spoiler)[I don't know how, but I forget just how rich Darcy is. Of course he would be wary and awkward around a group of people so consumed with thoughts of wealth. And this is probably why he fell so hard for Lizzy.
Thanks for the insight! :)

(hide spoiler)]

Spoiler Chapter 45
(view spoiler)[ I loved this chapter so much. Miss Bingley was awful, but her behavior created an atmosphere for Darcy to finally shut her down.

And Lizzy was so cute in this chapter. She anxiously waited all that time for Darcy to show up, then she got nervous as soon as he walked into the room. So cute!

Darcy, on the other hand, is too adorable. This is my first time feeling this way, but he is obviously still trying to win Elizabeth over. Being kind is one thing, but telling your only family member nothing but lovely things about someone and wanting them to become good friends? This man is still very much in love.

(hide spoiler)]

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Tahmina wrote: "Chapter 41-45

Mr. Bennett: Sending off Lydia to Brighton because he would have no peace if he didn’t just seems like the most absurd reason to do something. This is definitely when we see that hi..."

Mr. Bennet: (view spoiler)[You're right, Mr. Bennet is a lovely man, but not a very involved father or loving husband. Never noticed that before. I guess all these new things I'm learning is why people reread books. Lol
(hide spoiler)]

Lydia and her mother: I think you might be right, Mr. Bennet took a huge gamble with that one.

Elizabeth and Wickham (view spoiler)[You are to speaking from experience. Who amongst us has never had a favorite singer, actor, or author who we thought was gorgeous and charming until they ruined it with their personality? Haha

(hide spoiler)]

Mr and Mrs Gardiner: Too true!

Darcy: (view spoiler)[Oh, I missed that. Did Darcy say that when he was talking to Miss Bingley?

(hide spoiler)]

Elizabeth: (view spoiler)[ And I would go even a step farther and say that she is falling in love with him already, but because she is not a shallow gold digger, she is carefully investigating her own feelings.

If he were not rich, but only comfortable, I think hearing how much his servant loves him, seeing how gentle he is with his sister and kind he is to her aunt and uncle, and experiencing how openly he still loves her inspite of her refusal of marriage, would have been enough to win her over.

But the money makes her check her own motivation, and I love her for that.
(hide spoiler)]

Pemberly: (view spoiler)[This!! Every word of these spoilers are me! I didn't understand why her aunt and uncle couldn't come visit though. Because they lived too far away or because they weren't rich enough? Seems to me if Darcy would marry her he would also welcome her family.

And yes, I get second hand embarrassment. The thing that stinks about reading is that you can't cover your eyes when that stuff happens.

Aw, and now you have me imagining Darcy working through everything that happened. I bet he looked like a toddler when they try to figure out how to get the square peg in the square hole. Such adorable concentration.

(hide spoiler)]

[Tahmina]

♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Spoilers chapters 42-44

Mr. Bennet: As annoying as Mrs. Bennet is, the way Mr. Bennet views her is kind of sad. She is a very shallow woman, but she's ..."

Yeah I think they were both super cute in this chapter. I feel like we finally see the good side of both. And I am glad you liked it this time around.

[Tahmina]

♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "Chapter 41-45

Mr. Bennett: Sending off Lydia to Brighton because he would have no peace if he didn’t just seems like the most absurd reason to do something. This is definitely when..."

So I wrote all these comments and then it got deleted!!

Mr. Bennet: Never noticed it either until it got pointed out. :( Then when I re-read it here I was like crappppp. I enjoy his character so much I gloss over his shortcomings.

Elizabeth and Wickham: I know (hahaha) but don't you hate it!! And it definitely makes me realize how much looks help or hurt someone when you meet them for the first time.

Darcy: No. The narrator explains that. So when they go to Pemberley to visit Georgiana, Ms. Bingley asks her about the militia trying to throw her off. And then the narrator explains the following (view spoiler)["Not a syllable had ever reached her of Miss Darcy's meditated elopement. To no creature had it been revealed, where secrecy was possible, except to Elizabeth; and from all Bingley's connexions her brother was particularly anxious to conceal it, from that very wish which Elizabeth had long ago attributed to him, of their becoming hereafter her own. He had certainly formed such a plan, and without meaning that it should affect his endeavour to separate him from Miss Bennet, it is probable that it might add something to his lively concern for the welfare of his friend." (hide spoiler)]

At least that's how I interpret it. Cause I don't see what else Elizabeth had attributed to him.

Elizabeth: You know what I totally agree. That actually makes more sense. I take my "not" back!!!

Pemberley : (view spoiler)[I think, again, she just misinterprets his character. Because of what he says to her at the first proposal about her family and her Connections in cheapside (Mr and Mrs Gardiner) she is under the impression that he would not want those family members to come and visit him at their house. (hide spoiler)]

Right!! I just put the book on my face and was like nooooooo!

Too bad Jane Austen isn't here anymore so we could pester her into giving us a book from Darcy's Perspective.

[Sharon]

Tahmina wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "Chapter 41-45

Mr. Bennett: Sending off Lydia to Brighton because he would have no peace if he didn’t just seems like the most absurd reason to do somet..."

I would LOVE a book from Darcy's perspective!

[Tahmina]

Sharon wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "Chapter 41-45

Mr. Bennett: Sending off Lydia to Brighton because he would have no peace if he didn’t just seems like the most absurd re..."

Yeah me too. I've read a couple that weren't bad but the more I though the books the worse I thought they were.

[Sharon]

I've read other books that were adaptations of Pride and Prejudice or continuations of the story, but never from Darcy's perspective. I liked Eligible a lot. I listened to the audio version of Death Comes to Pemberley and thought it was ok. It had been awhile since I read P&P though, so I had some trouble following the characters, etc.

There's a new one coming out, Unmarriageable: A Novel, that I have on my TBR. There's a Goodreads Giveaway for a copy if anyone is interested.

[Tahmina]

ooo I've read those two too! I actually didn't like Eligible. I thought it was just weird. But I thought Death comes to Pemberley was ok as well. I feel like none of the continuations and or adaptations really get Darcy right. I've read a bunch of other ones and Darcy just tends not to be Darcy :(

There's like five or six books from Darcy's perspective. Two of them are like three part series. And they are both okay, not great. (I was going through them last year). Its the second book, in both series, that's just super weird. The second book covers the time between Kent and Pemberley. So after being rejected and before seeing Elizabeth again. And in one there is like a espionage plot and Fitzwilliam is somehow involved and in the other one he pretty much meets up with a women that seems to have a reputation and then we meet his other family members and its just all bizarre. All the other versions just fell short.

And I just added the book you mentioned. Thanks!

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle)]

Sharon wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "Chapter 41-45

Mr. Bennett: Sending off Lydia to Brighton because he would have no peace if he didn’t just seems like the most absurd re..."

Oh no! I hate when my comments get deleted l, but that doesnt keep me from constantly writing them using my phone. I can't ve trained. Lol

Darcy: (view spoiler)[Thank you for posting the quote. That sheds so much light on Darcy's behavior. I cant blame him for wanting his best friend and sister to marry. His sister is so sweet and went through so much at a young age, Bingly is probably the only person he would trust her with. Too bad Jane is also amazing or else things might have worked. Lol

(hide spoiler)]

Pemberly: Lizzy has got to stop misinterpreting my main man Darcy, cant she see he would probably do whatever she asked. Heck, he would probably let her mother move in if Lizzy wanted it. And that is some serious love on his part. Haha

I added that book too, looks good. Thanks Sharon! If everyone gets it, that would be a fun buddy read early next year. :)

[Tahmina]

♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) wrote: "Tahmina wrote: "Chapter 41-45

Mr. Bennett: Sending off Lydia to Brighton because he would have no peace if he didn’t just seems like the..."

Yes!! And he is such a sweet and loving person who seems very patient. I think anyone would try to set him up with someone they know.

Your main man!! hahahaha

And yes we should totally do that. Hopefully we get a free copy. Would be even better ;)