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The Wrong Arrangement
A Pride and Prejudice fanfiction variation. What if Mr Bennet was friends with Darcy's father? And what if an arrangement was made for Darcy to marry the first Miss Bennet, Jane? What would happen if, years later, Darcy meets Elizabeth, thinking that she is Jane?
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2013
29 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Schertz
47 books59 followersI am a retired crime lab/crime scene technician, having worked for a local police department for 15 years. Since then, I have become disabled. Forgot to get the extended warranty on the body. In my spare time, I make jewelry, am a photographer, and a full time mom and grandma.
My daughter by birth is Catie, and she is the dearest part of my life. Through her, I have 2 daughters by heart, Heather and Kristina. Through Heather and her awesome man, Stan, I have 4 amazing grandchildren, Purgi, Penne, Myles, and Persephene.
Besides my human family, I have a canine son, who is my service dog, Darcy. I also have 4 feline daughters (Salem, Lizzy, Dagonet, and Freya ). I now have 5 grandpuppies, 2 grandkitties.
Two days after I received my first ever royalty check, I adopted Darcy and Lizzy. Fitting names, I thought. And they resemble the characters. Lizzy is mischievous, yet loving, climbing up high as if she were in a tree. Darcy is extremely protective and loving. He has his shy side, which is clear when around some people, until he comes to know he can trust them.
My daughter by birth is Catie, and she is the dearest part of my life. Through her, I have 2 daughters by heart, Heather and Kristina. Through Heather and her awesome man, Stan, I have 4 amazing grandchildren, Purgi, Penne, Myles, and Persephene.
Besides my human family, I have a canine son, who is my service dog, Darcy. I also have 4 feline daughters (Salem, Lizzy, Dagonet, and Freya ). I now have 5 grandpuppies, 2 grandkitties.
Two days after I received my first ever royalty check, I adopted Darcy and Lizzy. Fitting names, I thought. And they resemble the characters. Lizzy is mischievous, yet loving, climbing up high as if she were in a tree. Darcy is extremely protective and loving. He has his shy side, which is clear when around some people, until he comes to know he can trust them.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 15, 2016
This story read just a little bit better than the one I finished reading earlier in the day. I will even admit to having blurry eyes in several spots. Arranged marriages are not a new premise in romances and I usually like reading of how the couple falls in love despite a beginning against their desires.
However, in this story the arrangement is made as Mr. Bennet lies dying by the side of an old friend, Mr. Gerald Darcy. Now for the details of his death you will have to read the story but in pleading for Gerald to take care of his young daughter and his pregnant wife, Gerald can only promise to concur. And thus he promises his son, Fitzwilliam, will marry Jane while she and any sister possibly born postmortem to the Bennets will have a generous dowry to ensure her a prosperous future.
But what a tangled web we have as early in this book we read that Elizabeth meets Mr. Darcy as she walks and when he introduces himself as newly arrived to Netherfield she assumes he is Mr. Bingley while he thinks she is the “Miss Bennet” to whom he is contracted. AND, of course, Jane has met Mr. Bingley in Meryton while having tea and they too have reason to believe each is someone other than who they are.
Not only is there a contract in place to keep true love at bay BUT Lady Catherine is not going to take any arrangement other than Darcy marrying Anne without a fight. There is more evil afoot here and Elizabeth suffers emotional as well as physical danger and injury due to separate events.
Much of this tale is predictable but the latter part of “cause and effect” has a much more drastic ending than in most stories. Melanie does like to write murder and mayhem in many of her stories…if not all, but I have not read all…yet.
Additionally, towards the end we find Caroline just not able to accept defeat and putting into motion some plans which send her into exile…finally. You may find the part of the story amusing and satisfying. This was not a long read and more interestingly laid out than some of the author’s other novels. You may find it an acceptable variation in JAFF for a long afternoon.
However, in this story the arrangement is made as Mr. Bennet lies dying by the side of an old friend, Mr. Gerald Darcy. Now for the details of his death you will have to read the story but in pleading for Gerald to take care of his young daughter and his pregnant wife, Gerald can only promise to concur. And thus he promises his son, Fitzwilliam, will marry Jane while she and any sister possibly born postmortem to the Bennets will have a generous dowry to ensure her a prosperous future.
But what a tangled web we have as early in this book we read that Elizabeth meets Mr. Darcy as she walks and when he introduces himself as newly arrived to Netherfield she assumes he is Mr. Bingley while he thinks she is the “Miss Bennet” to whom he is contracted. AND, of course, Jane has met Mr. Bingley in Meryton while having tea and they too have reason to believe each is someone other than who they are.
Not only is there a contract in place to keep true love at bay BUT Lady Catherine is not going to take any arrangement other than Darcy marrying Anne without a fight. There is more evil afoot here and Elizabeth suffers emotional as well as physical danger and injury due to separate events.
Much of this tale is predictable but the latter part of “cause and effect” has a much more drastic ending than in most stories. Melanie does like to write murder and mayhem in many of her stories…if not all, but I have not read all…yet.
Additionally, towards the end we find Caroline just not able to accept defeat and putting into motion some plans which send her into exile…finally. You may find the part of the story amusing and satisfying. This was not a long read and more interestingly laid out than some of the author’s other novels. You may find it an acceptable variation in JAFF for a long afternoon.
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July 12, 2016BEWARE This is not a good book, this is the worst of badly written fan fiction. I had promised myself not to buy any more book by this author because they are so horrid but when this one was free I was lured in.
Disclaimer: I am going to fully share the plot of this book but I don't consider it a spoiler, I consider it a favor to other readers. You have been warned.
The reason I have read other works by this author is that generally the first 10% [kindle free sample section] are passable and it isn't until further into the book they crumble. This book warns you by falling apart almost immediately.
Allow me to enumerate my dislikes:
There is something wrong with the dialogue, it is stilted, unnatural and hard to read. Your brain and ear both are aware it is wrong.
The characters may share their names with the ones from Pride and Prejudice but that seems to be where the comparison ends. They are like bizzaro world versions of the originals.
The plot is simply ridiculous.
The Wrong Arrangement is a new low in bad P & P fiction.
We begin in London, where a younger Thomas Bennet encounters his friend Gerard Darcy [can all the P&P writers please agree on names for these people] at a bookseller. While the gentleman are talking about Mrs. Darcy's miscarriages, [something never be discussed outside the family or in public], a robber enters the store and demands their money. Mr. Darcy stumbles, Mr. Bennet saves him and is stabbed. He dies on the floor of the store. During his death scene Mr. Darcy promises to help the Bennet family by betrothing his son Fitzwilliam to Mr. Bennet's daughter Jane. [couldn't he just cut them a check? or have them live at Pemberley?]
After Mr. Bennet's death Mr. Edwin Gardiner and Mr. Darcy travel to Longbourn to tell a pregnant Fanny Bennet. She takes to her bed, delivers twins - a boy and girl and dies two days later of a broken heart. Mr. Gardiner takes the children, despite his being unmarried and Mr. Darcy sets up money for Lizzy to have a dowry, the brother Paul Thomas to go to school and the betrothal of Jane & Darcy.
This seems like a decent premise - so I can only assume that whomever wrote this then disappeared and someone else finished it.
We join them 3 years later when Mr. Gardiner and the Bennet children travel to Lambton to visit the Darcy's- they stay at the inn [because Pemberley is full?? - plot device] Lizzy is sick and Madeline Blaine (future Aunt Gardiner cares for her) Lizzy is diagnosed with a heart murmur and must rest. She is sick for a fortnight and then sick for a month [I say this because the book lists it like that Lizzy was sick for a fortnight and couldn't go to Pemberley. Lizzy was sick for a month -"Ditto". BAD BOOK] Her 3 year old brother tells her "he had never seen such a well designed estate, he states that the house appeared to have sprung from the grounds like it was a rock formation." [You'd think that Mr. Darcy Sr. would have recognized how utterly brilliant this 3 year old child is and have hired the best tutors for him]
So Lizzy never gets to Pemberley or meets Fitzwilliam but she plays matchmaker for Uncle Gardiner and Madeline, so they are to marry. When they return to Lambton for the wedding the Darcy's are away in Kent, and the Gardiner/ Bennets return to Longbourn.....
17 years later Lizzy is talking to Charlotte in Merryton and this Lizzy seriously needs therapy. She suffers from a serious case of self-loathing. She believes she is so unfit to be married because she isn't pretty and isn't sweet. [Important! There is no Mrs. Bennet to unfavorably compare her to her sister, there is no one to blame her & her brother about Fanny's death. She has a £20000 dowry. Their ownership of Longbourn is ensured through her brother, and her sister is betrothed to one of the richest men in England - if she looked like a flounder and weighed as much as a cow she would still have suitors banging down her door. But we learn that when she was 12 one boy insulted her and she has been depressed ever since. I wonder what is in that tonic the apothecary gives her?]
After a badly written conversation with Charlotte Lizzy returns home and has many unnaturally written conversations [this isn't Regency style it is just badly written] with her family members to discuss the imminent arrival of Jane's betrothed and his friend to Netherfield.
The next morning she is out walking and meets a man riding a horse and he asks for direction to Netherfield and asks if she is Miss Bennet. [JUMP TO CONCLUSION TIME: Lizzy assumes that since the person is looking for Netherfield he must be BINGLEY and he assumes that since she is Miss Bennet he assumes she must be Jane]
Mr. Gardiner pays a call, meets the correct Bingley and Darcy and invites them and the Hursts and Miss Bingley to dinner.
Darcy tells Bingley of meeting Miss Bennet and describes her and says, "when she was younger she was quite fair." [Yeah that happens a lot- WTH Melanie??] Later at Netherfield Miss Bingley tells Darcy that his father couldn't possibly have meant for him to marry a poor country girl. Darcy is insulted, Bingley is furious and he banishes Caroline back to London [so what was the point of adding Caroline to the story??]
The next morning after Caro & the Hursts are bundled off Bingley heads to Merryton to shop. There he sees an angel some one calls Miss Bennet and since she is tall, blond and fair he knows she isn't Darcy's betrothed. So he follows her to an inn and speaks to her [which is unacceptable for a gentleman or a gentlewoman].
When Darcy & Bingley arrive at Longbourn for dinner they immediately join the Bennet ladies, pairing to their preference because again there are no introductions [how many endless introductions do we endure in P & P for a good reason]. When Mr. Gardiner finally explains which lady is which Lizzy flees the room is tears ['cause she's a loon] and Jane flees a few minutes later ['cause she's a loon too]
[Now this is when the book crosses the line into utterly implausible] Lizzy and Darcy are in love [because there is nothing like giving / receiving directions to bind a couple forever] Darcy tells Mr. Gardiner he wants to marry Lizzy not Jane, and plans to consult a solicitor to resolve this. Mr. Gardiner suggests that Darcy court Jane for a month to make sure that's what he wants to do. [This is the only logical statement in the whole book]
The next morning Darcy encounters Lizzy on Oakham mount and professes his admiration for her. She freaks out and runs down the hill subsequently tripping and spraining her ankle [this is another annoy P&P variation trope. Why are Lizzy's ankles so delicate, she's a Regency athlete] So Darcy carries her back to Longbourn and again tells Gardiner that he will only marry Lizzy. Gardiner and he go to town to break / change the betrothal documents.
Meanwhile Lizzy is going full hysteric. She insists she must leave Longbourn because she can't bear to see her most beloved sister married to Darcy. When Aunt Madeline finally gets her to understand that Mr. Darcy wants to marry her Lizzy becomes more unglued because now she is ruining Jane's lifelong dream to be the mistress of Pemberley. [Well that's good because Lizzy should be sent to Bedlam with all of her neuroses and phobias] She and Jane talk and Lizzy is now calm and serene.
Darcy & Gardiner are getting the documents changed and it is taking a long time because of plot devices. There are lots of badly written letters exchanged - these are laugh out loud bad [they will remind you of what a second or third grade student would write to a pen pal].
When the Bennet scion and his friend arrive at Longbourn more chaos and recriminations occur. The friend has been promised Lizzy by her brother and when it is exposed that Darcy has been writing to Lizzy the brother freaks out and insults her in front of his guest. [these people apparently know nothing of proper public behavior]. During the freak out the friend says that his family is friends with Lady Catherine and that he knows that Darcy is promised to Ann de Bourgh. [What are the odds right?] So he leaves since there is no reason to be there if he can't marry one of Bennet's sisters [common decency and decorum are missing in this version]
When Bingley pays a call upon Longbourn the brother freaks out again [hey maybe having Uncle Gardiner raise these kids was a mistake since there isn't a logical or well behaved one in the bunch] Bingley proceeds to tell the Bennet/ Gardiner family about Anne deBourgh having the French disease and it has affected her mind because she is wanton [slut]. He warns that Lady Catherine will be coming to Longbourn and Mrs. Gardiner arranges for him to stay to help protect Lizzy & Jane.
And Darcy and Uncle Gardiner won't be there because Georgiana has a head injury [this is another annoy P&P variation trope]and they must see to her.
And I am less than 50% through the book. I don't know if I can finish it; unless it is to serve as a warning to other people.
Disclaimer: I am going to fully share the plot of this book but I don't consider it a spoiler, I consider it a favor to other readers. You have been warned.
The reason I have read other works by this author is that generally the first 10% [kindle free sample section] are passable and it isn't until further into the book they crumble. This book warns you by falling apart almost immediately.
Allow me to enumerate my dislikes:
There is something wrong with the dialogue, it is stilted, unnatural and hard to read. Your brain and ear both are aware it is wrong.
The characters may share their names with the ones from Pride and Prejudice but that seems to be where the comparison ends. They are like bizzaro world versions of the originals.
The plot is simply ridiculous.
The Wrong Arrangement is a new low in bad P & P fiction.
We begin in London, where a younger Thomas Bennet encounters his friend Gerard Darcy [can all the P&P writers please agree on names for these people] at a bookseller. While the gentleman are talking about Mrs. Darcy's miscarriages, [something never be discussed outside the family or in public], a robber enters the store and demands their money. Mr. Darcy stumbles, Mr. Bennet saves him and is stabbed. He dies on the floor of the store. During his death scene Mr. Darcy promises to help the Bennet family by betrothing his son Fitzwilliam to Mr. Bennet's daughter Jane. [couldn't he just cut them a check? or have them live at Pemberley?]
After Mr. Bennet's death Mr. Edwin Gardiner and Mr. Darcy travel to Longbourn to tell a pregnant Fanny Bennet. She takes to her bed, delivers twins - a boy and girl and dies two days later of a broken heart. Mr. Gardiner takes the children, despite his being unmarried and Mr. Darcy sets up money for Lizzy to have a dowry, the brother Paul Thomas to go to school and the betrothal of Jane & Darcy.
This seems like a decent premise - so I can only assume that whomever wrote this then disappeared and someone else finished it.
We join them 3 years later when Mr. Gardiner and the Bennet children travel to Lambton to visit the Darcy's- they stay at the inn [because Pemberley is full?? - plot device] Lizzy is sick and Madeline Blaine (future Aunt Gardiner cares for her) Lizzy is diagnosed with a heart murmur and must rest. She is sick for a fortnight and then sick for a month [I say this because the book lists it like that Lizzy was sick for a fortnight and couldn't go to Pemberley. Lizzy was sick for a month -"Ditto". BAD BOOK] Her 3 year old brother tells her "he had never seen such a well designed estate, he states that the house appeared to have sprung from the grounds like it was a rock formation." [You'd think that Mr. Darcy Sr. would have recognized how utterly brilliant this 3 year old child is and have hired the best tutors for him]
So Lizzy never gets to Pemberley or meets Fitzwilliam but she plays matchmaker for Uncle Gardiner and Madeline, so they are to marry. When they return to Lambton for the wedding the Darcy's are away in Kent, and the Gardiner/ Bennets return to Longbourn.....
17 years later Lizzy is talking to Charlotte in Merryton and this Lizzy seriously needs therapy. She suffers from a serious case of self-loathing. She believes she is so unfit to be married because she isn't pretty and isn't sweet. [Important! There is no Mrs. Bennet to unfavorably compare her to her sister, there is no one to blame her & her brother about Fanny's death. She has a £20000 dowry. Their ownership of Longbourn is ensured through her brother, and her sister is betrothed to one of the richest men in England - if she looked like a flounder and weighed as much as a cow she would still have suitors banging down her door. But we learn that when she was 12 one boy insulted her and she has been depressed ever since. I wonder what is in that tonic the apothecary gives her?]
After a badly written conversation with Charlotte Lizzy returns home and has many unnaturally written conversations [this isn't Regency style it is just badly written] with her family members to discuss the imminent arrival of Jane's betrothed and his friend to Netherfield.
The next morning she is out walking and meets a man riding a horse and he asks for direction to Netherfield and asks if she is Miss Bennet. [JUMP TO CONCLUSION TIME: Lizzy assumes that since the person is looking for Netherfield he must be BINGLEY and he assumes that since she is Miss Bennet he assumes she must be Jane]
Mr. Gardiner pays a call, meets the correct Bingley and Darcy and invites them and the Hursts and Miss Bingley to dinner.
Darcy tells Bingley of meeting Miss Bennet and describes her and says, "when she was younger she was quite fair." [Yeah that happens a lot- WTH Melanie??] Later at Netherfield Miss Bingley tells Darcy that his father couldn't possibly have meant for him to marry a poor country girl. Darcy is insulted, Bingley is furious and he banishes Caroline back to London [so what was the point of adding Caroline to the story??]
The next morning after Caro & the Hursts are bundled off Bingley heads to Merryton to shop. There he sees an angel some one calls Miss Bennet and since she is tall, blond and fair he knows she isn't Darcy's betrothed. So he follows her to an inn and speaks to her [which is unacceptable for a gentleman or a gentlewoman].
When Darcy & Bingley arrive at Longbourn for dinner they immediately join the Bennet ladies, pairing to their preference because again there are no introductions [how many endless introductions do we endure in P & P for a good reason]. When Mr. Gardiner finally explains which lady is which Lizzy flees the room is tears ['cause she's a loon] and Jane flees a few minutes later ['cause she's a loon too]
[Now this is when the book crosses the line into utterly implausible] Lizzy and Darcy are in love [because there is nothing like giving / receiving directions to bind a couple forever] Darcy tells Mr. Gardiner he wants to marry Lizzy not Jane, and plans to consult a solicitor to resolve this. Mr. Gardiner suggests that Darcy court Jane for a month to make sure that's what he wants to do. [This is the only logical statement in the whole book]
The next morning Darcy encounters Lizzy on Oakham mount and professes his admiration for her. She freaks out and runs down the hill subsequently tripping and spraining her ankle [this is another annoy P&P variation trope. Why are Lizzy's ankles so delicate, she's a Regency athlete] So Darcy carries her back to Longbourn and again tells Gardiner that he will only marry Lizzy. Gardiner and he go to town to break / change the betrothal documents.
Meanwhile Lizzy is going full hysteric. She insists she must leave Longbourn because she can't bear to see her most beloved sister married to Darcy. When Aunt Madeline finally gets her to understand that Mr. Darcy wants to marry her Lizzy becomes more unglued because now she is ruining Jane's lifelong dream to be the mistress of Pemberley. [Well that's good because Lizzy should be sent to Bedlam with all of her neuroses and phobias] She and Jane talk and Lizzy is now calm and serene.
Darcy & Gardiner are getting the documents changed and it is taking a long time because of plot devices. There are lots of badly written letters exchanged - these are laugh out loud bad [they will remind you of what a second or third grade student would write to a pen pal].
When the Bennet scion and his friend arrive at Longbourn more chaos and recriminations occur. The friend has been promised Lizzy by her brother and when it is exposed that Darcy has been writing to Lizzy the brother freaks out and insults her in front of his guest. [these people apparently know nothing of proper public behavior]. During the freak out the friend says that his family is friends with Lady Catherine and that he knows that Darcy is promised to Ann de Bourgh. [What are the odds right?] So he leaves since there is no reason to be there if he can't marry one of Bennet's sisters [common decency and decorum are missing in this version]
When Bingley pays a call upon Longbourn the brother freaks out again [hey maybe having Uncle Gardiner raise these kids was a mistake since there isn't a logical or well behaved one in the bunch] Bingley proceeds to tell the Bennet/ Gardiner family about Anne deBourgh having the French disease and it has affected her mind because she is wanton [slut]. He warns that Lady Catherine will be coming to Longbourn and Mrs. Gardiner arranges for him to stay to help protect Lizzy & Jane.
And Darcy and Uncle Gardiner won't be there because Georgiana has a head injury [this is another annoy P&P variation trope]and they must see to her.
And I am less than 50% through the book. I don't know if I can finish it; unless it is to serve as a warning to other people.
October 2, 2022
Good book
Loved it like a book where Lizzy has a brother and has no bad incidents with Darcy. Great storyline . Will read it again.
Loved it like a book where Lizzy has a brother and has no bad incidents with Darcy. Great storyline . Will read it again.
September 20, 2020
Darcy is to marry Jane
But when Darcy meets Lizzy and Jane meets Bingley, Zing goes their hearts. Original as alway, the plot becomes outrageous in different parts. As in lots of the author’s stories there are acts of violence which probably not be recovered from, in regency England.
I like the author because you never know what to expect.
But when Darcy meets Lizzy and Jane meets Bingley, Zing goes their hearts. Original as alway, the plot becomes outrageous in different parts. As in lots of the author’s stories there are acts of violence which probably not be recovered from, in regency England.
I like the author because you never know what to expect.
April 5, 2021
“Vows are powerful things,” he said. “They set things in motion.” –John C. Wright, Orphans of Chaos
Rating: MA: mature-audience [PG-17] due to violence, adult themes, and discussions: Trigger warning due to physical attack and sexual assault [not-successful]: Angst level: medium due to varying levels of shock and awe: Source: borrowed from KU 4-4-21: This review may contain *** Spoilers *** [3.5-stars rounds to 4-stars]
Schertz books are certainly creative and are loaded with shock and awe features that you don’t normally see in JAFF stories. She is well known for her wild and far-out characters and her writing formula usually includes the following: insanity or madness, murder, a high body count, treachery, assault [both physical and sexual], kidnappings, murder, mayhem, and destruction. Not all at the same time but then occasionally all at the same time. Schertz continues to have problems with editing.
“There comes a time in your life when you have to choose to turn the page, write another book or simply close it.” –Shannon L. Alder
The Darcy and Bennet fathers knew each other early in the story. A tragic situation caused Mr. Darcy to make a vow to Mr. Bennet where he pledged his son Fitzwilliam in marriage to Mr. Bennet’s eldest daughter. Oh, dear. Fast forward many years when Jane accidentally meets Bingley and Elizabeth meets Darcy. Yeah, the moths were drawn to the flames. Only one problem, Darcy was betrothed to Jane. Yeah, this was a mess that needed to be cleared up.
“A villain must be a thing of power, handled with delicacy and grace. He must be wicked enough to excite our aversion, strong enough to arouse our fear, human enough to awaken some transient gleam of sympathy. We must triumph in his downfall, yet not barbarously nor with contempt, and the close of his career must be in harmony with all its previous development.” –Agnes Repplier
Villains: OMG! These were the worst. Schertz didn’t pull any punches with these guys and gals. Horrid, evil, machinations that will shock and amaze. Who thinks of these vile situations? Yep, they were amazing. Sometimes, I just want something different and Schertz always delivers.
Rating: MA: mature-audience [PG-17] due to violence, adult themes, and discussions: Trigger warning due to physical attack and sexual assault [not-successful]: Angst level: medium due to varying levels of shock and awe: Source: borrowed from KU 4-4-21: This review may contain *** Spoilers *** [3.5-stars rounds to 4-stars]
Schertz books are certainly creative and are loaded with shock and awe features that you don’t normally see in JAFF stories. She is well known for her wild and far-out characters and her writing formula usually includes the following: insanity or madness, murder, a high body count, treachery, assault [both physical and sexual], kidnappings, murder, mayhem, and destruction. Not all at the same time but then occasionally all at the same time. Schertz continues to have problems with editing.
“There comes a time in your life when you have to choose to turn the page, write another book or simply close it.” –Shannon L. Alder
The Darcy and Bennet fathers knew each other early in the story. A tragic situation caused Mr. Darcy to make a vow to Mr. Bennet where he pledged his son Fitzwilliam in marriage to Mr. Bennet’s eldest daughter. Oh, dear. Fast forward many years when Jane accidentally meets Bingley and Elizabeth meets Darcy. Yeah, the moths were drawn to the flames. Only one problem, Darcy was betrothed to Jane. Yeah, this was a mess that needed to be cleared up.
“A villain must be a thing of power, handled with delicacy and grace. He must be wicked enough to excite our aversion, strong enough to arouse our fear, human enough to awaken some transient gleam of sympathy. We must triumph in his downfall, yet not barbarously nor with contempt, and the close of his career must be in harmony with all its previous development.” –Agnes Repplier
Villains: OMG! These were the worst. Schertz didn’t pull any punches with these guys and gals. Horrid, evil, machinations that will shock and amaze. Who thinks of these vile situations? Yep, they were amazing. Sometimes, I just want something different and Schertz always delivers.
January 10, 2016
The Wrong Arrangement
A delightful story about Darcy and Elizabeth. Thomas Bennet and Gerald Darcy were friends that have visited one another through the years. In London, they meet at the bookstore by accident. While talking, they did see the young man that came into the store that came to rob the customers. Wielding a knife at the two, Thomas Bennet is stabbed and dies. Being friends with the Gardiners also, Mr. Darcy visits them and tells them what he has done to help the family. A prearranged marriage between Bennet's oldest daughter, Jane, and his son, Fitzwilliam. Mrs. Bennet is carrying their second child, collapses and goes into premature labor. She never recovers from Thomas's death, and she dies several days later before she knew she delivered twins, Elizabeth and Paul. Mr. Darcy sets upon Elizabeth a dowry of 20.000£ and funds that will grow to send Paul to school. When Uncle Gardiner visits Pemberley when Jane is six, Elizabeth remains at the Lambton Inn because she is ill so she's never met Fitzwilliam. Taking care of her is Gardiner's future wife. Jane has grown up knowing about the prearranged marriage so her only accomplishment is learning to take care of a household. Elizabeth, however, is her bright, enthusiastic, learned self and plays the pianoforte and sings. When Bingley rents Netherfield, Darcy writes that he will join his friend. A comedy of errors begins to unfold. Darcy meets Elizabeth thinking she's Jane and Elizabeth thinks he's Bingley, Jane meets Bingley thinking he's Darcy and he thinks Jane is Elizabeth. Love at first sight especially for Elizabeth and Darcy, but Jane and Bingley are also drawn to one another because of their like personalities. Joining them for dinner the next evening shows just how wrong all of them are. Darcy goes to sit with Elizabeth and Bingley with Jane. When the mistake is revealed, both Jane and Elizabeth are upset and leave the room. All realize they are not meant to be with the other and do not want to follow the original arrangement. When Paul returns home, he is angry with what has happened with Jane and her betrothal. His friend from college, Mr. Frederick Whitaker, was hoping to make a match with Elizabeth and is angry for being played a fool. He leaves immediately for Rosings to inform Lady Catherine of this development. Big conspiracy afoot. The de Bourghs, Whitakers, father and son, George Wickham, and Mrs. Younge are evil. When their evils are discovered, they combined families of Darcy, Matlocks, and Gardiners confront these nasty people, and the evil disappears quickly when Elizabeth is able to furnish the details of her kidnapping. Before she is completely healed, she and Darcy marry so that he can stay with her and protect her. Ends well with very happy ending for all the major characters in this well written story.
A delightful story about Darcy and Elizabeth. Thomas Bennet and Gerald Darcy were friends that have visited one another through the years. In London, they meet at the bookstore by accident. While talking, they did see the young man that came into the store that came to rob the customers. Wielding a knife at the two, Thomas Bennet is stabbed and dies. Being friends with the Gardiners also, Mr. Darcy visits them and tells them what he has done to help the family. A prearranged marriage between Bennet's oldest daughter, Jane, and his son, Fitzwilliam. Mrs. Bennet is carrying their second child, collapses and goes into premature labor. She never recovers from Thomas's death, and she dies several days later before she knew she delivered twins, Elizabeth and Paul. Mr. Darcy sets upon Elizabeth a dowry of 20.000£ and funds that will grow to send Paul to school. When Uncle Gardiner visits Pemberley when Jane is six, Elizabeth remains at the Lambton Inn because she is ill so she's never met Fitzwilliam. Taking care of her is Gardiner's future wife. Jane has grown up knowing about the prearranged marriage so her only accomplishment is learning to take care of a household. Elizabeth, however, is her bright, enthusiastic, learned self and plays the pianoforte and sings. When Bingley rents Netherfield, Darcy writes that he will join his friend. A comedy of errors begins to unfold. Darcy meets Elizabeth thinking she's Jane and Elizabeth thinks he's Bingley, Jane meets Bingley thinking he's Darcy and he thinks Jane is Elizabeth. Love at first sight especially for Elizabeth and Darcy, but Jane and Bingley are also drawn to one another because of their like personalities. Joining them for dinner the next evening shows just how wrong all of them are. Darcy goes to sit with Elizabeth and Bingley with Jane. When the mistake is revealed, both Jane and Elizabeth are upset and leave the room. All realize they are not meant to be with the other and do not want to follow the original arrangement. When Paul returns home, he is angry with what has happened with Jane and her betrothal. His friend from college, Mr. Frederick Whitaker, was hoping to make a match with Elizabeth and is angry for being played a fool. He leaves immediately for Rosings to inform Lady Catherine of this development. Big conspiracy afoot. The de Bourghs, Whitakers, father and son, George Wickham, and Mrs. Younge are evil. When their evils are discovered, they combined families of Darcy, Matlocks, and Gardiners confront these nasty people, and the evil disappears quickly when Elizabeth is able to furnish the details of her kidnapping. Before she is completely healed, she and Darcy marry so that he can stay with her and protect her. Ends well with very happy ending for all the major characters in this well written story.
May 19, 2013
I give is 1.5 stars possibly 2 as the context of the book as revealed by the back summary is old but having read over 30 Pride and Prejudice variances I can confidentially say its the worst. I liked the idea of Darcy and Jane being promised to each other due to Mr Bennet saving Mr Darcy seniors life but the way it was written was poor. And it's not that I base this on Lady Catherine and Anne being ridiculous stupid characters alone but that it was poorly written. It was as if a year was summed in a paragraph and not even the epilogue but the entire novel felt that way. I was tell a disappointment and reading a few paragraphs will tell you that from the start. So much potential but a true failure and I say so honestly for I don't think I've ever given any book review less than 3 stars before.
June 6, 2016
This is the last Schertz book that I had not read yet. I loved this one too. She can really tell a story. I like that I am always surprised with what goes on in these books.
April 14, 2024
The right brides to the right grooms please
3 1/2 rounded to a good 4 star
You find out right away that both Mr. and Mrs. Bennet die but right before that happens Darcy Sr makes Mr Bennet a promise to betrothed Darcy to Miss Bennet. In the story, you have no Mary, Kitty or Lydia. And a wonderful Uncle and Aunt Gardiner raised the children at Longbourn. Jane grew up knowing that her future was set. Elizabeth on the other hand didn’t know what would lay ahead. Confusion happens when Darcy and Bingley show up and each meet the lady of their dreams while thinking it’s a different person. Darcy saw and fell in love with Elizabeth as she thought he was Bingley and he thought she was Jane. Bingley fell in love with Jane thinking she was Elizabeth as Jane thought he was Darcy. Yep, you can see the problem especially when there was betrothal contract already signed. Now you’ve got to enter in a very upset Lady Catherine, Wickham, and another. How will it all turn out? Thankfully, it is ok. I love what happens near the end with Caroline 🤣😂 oh I laughed so hard! Will I read it again, yep.
3 1/2 rounded to a good 4 star
You find out right away that both Mr. and Mrs. Bennet die but right before that happens Darcy Sr makes Mr Bennet a promise to betrothed Darcy to Miss Bennet. In the story, you have no Mary, Kitty or Lydia. And a wonderful Uncle and Aunt Gardiner raised the children at Longbourn. Jane grew up knowing that her future was set. Elizabeth on the other hand didn’t know what would lay ahead. Confusion happens when Darcy and Bingley show up and each meet the lady of their dreams while thinking it’s a different person. Darcy saw and fell in love with Elizabeth as she thought he was Bingley and he thought she was Jane. Bingley fell in love with Jane thinking she was Elizabeth as Jane thought he was Darcy. Yep, you can see the problem especially when there was betrothal contract already signed. Now you’ve got to enter in a very upset Lady Catherine, Wickham, and another. How will it all turn out? Thankfully, it is ok. I love what happens near the end with Caroline 🤣😂 oh I laughed so hard! Will I read it again, yep.
February 26, 2024
Not bad
The story line had some promise but I feel that the main idea for the story was corrected in the first few chapters. From there it was mostly an evil Lady Catherine story. The last third of the book was Elizabeth establishing herself as mistress of Pemberley. It almost felt disconnected from the beginning. This book however had one of my pet peeves which is when Elizabeth and Darcy act like teenagers when they're in their 20s. Elizabeth's reaction to finding out Darcy was Jane's betrothed was worthy of a Disney princess. Once you could get past that the story moved along well. I did like the Georgiana in this story as well as the Earl of Matlock. It just felt like a melodrama.
The story line had some promise but I feel that the main idea for the story was corrected in the first few chapters. From there it was mostly an evil Lady Catherine story. The last third of the book was Elizabeth establishing herself as mistress of Pemberley. It almost felt disconnected from the beginning. This book however had one of my pet peeves which is when Elizabeth and Darcy act like teenagers when they're in their 20s. Elizabeth's reaction to finding out Darcy was Jane's betrothed was worthy of a Disney princess. Once you could get past that the story moved along well. I did like the Georgiana in this story as well as the Earl of Matlock. It just felt like a melodrama.
October 2, 2018
This book was difficult for me to finish. Not because the tale was of an arranged marriage to the wrong Bennet; but because the writing was so choppy and for me....boring. This is the second book that I have read from this author. And I am not likely to read more, unless the writing style improves. People grow and develop, so hopefully. Ms. Schertz will, too.
December 14, 2019
Whole new perspective
In this Darcy was arranged to marry Jane. Darcy and Bingley meet Elizabeth and Jane separately a day apart. Mistake of who each other was they fell in love at first sight. Lady Catherine and Caroline are worst, but in interesting was. Awesome story line
In this Darcy was arranged to marry Jane. Darcy and Bingley meet Elizabeth and Jane separately a day apart. Mistake of who each other was they fell in love at first sight. Lady Catherine and Caroline are worst, but in interesting was. Awesome story line
July 29, 2022
Amazing.
An enjoyable story - one which was hard for me to stop reading when it came time to eat, sleep, and work! Very low angst, enough drama for today’s audience. You will not regret reading this.
An enjoyable story - one which was hard for me to stop reading when it came time to eat, sleep, and work! Very low angst, enough drama for today’s audience. You will not regret reading this.
October 21, 2019
Lovely
Thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. Rather different storyline than usual but enjoyable
Thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. Rather different storyline than usual but enjoyable
November 13, 2014
As usual Ms Schertz has a very good plot but fails to deliver. First of all she is in desperate need of a good editor, a high school student could have written this better. She should embarrassed for all grammatical errors in this and all her books. Maybe English isn't here first language. Now for the storyline which from the very beginning seemed rushed. She would change scenes with no transitions & you have to reread the previous paragraph or two figure out what just happened. I keep telling myself I would not read anything else from this author but since it was free I did any way & that is how I recommend her books only if they are free! Please do not waste money on her work!
May 28, 2015
Interesting plot
It is a shame that the writing is so horrendous. Poor grammar, tense changes in mid-sentence and very low grade level writing make treading this book almost tortuous. It is rare that I put down a book once begun, however halfway through I could no longer stand the trite dialogues and lame descriptions.
It is a shame that the writing is so horrendous. Poor grammar, tense changes in mid-sentence and very low grade level writing make treading this book almost tortuous. It is rare that I put down a book once begun, however halfway through I could no longer stand the trite dialogues and lame descriptions.
November 7, 2015
In this Pride and Prejudice variation it is legally arranged between Mr.Bennet and Darcy's father that Jane and Darcy would wed.
Years later when they met again, it is Jane and Mr. Bingley, and Elizabeth and Darcy who fall in love.
Can the legal document be overturned, what of Lady Catherine?
Years later when they met again, it is Jane and Mr. Bingley, and Elizabeth and Darcy who fall in love.
Can the legal document be overturned, what of Lady Catherine?
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