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The Elizabeth Bennet Series #3
Easter At Netherfield: A Pride & Prejudice Variation: Darcy's Dice With Fate
Darcy’s past threatens to spoil everything in this deeply emotional P&P sequel.
If the worst is revealed in this psychological thriller, how will Elizabeth react?
___________________
A jolly Easter family gathering at Netherfield is marred for Elizabeth Darcy by her husband’s unsettled mood after he returns from London. It might be something simple if Darcy would explain himself but he does not, leaving Elizabeth to look for signs and formulate her own theories.
Darcy is away a great deal on matters of business. He and Bingley seem to be plotting together. Elizabeth feels that she is being deceived and her imagination starts to run riot.
Is Caroline Bingley attempting to cause trouble when she reports to Elizabeth a sighting of Darcy and Bingley in a rough area of London near a gambling den?
The mystery deepens for Elizabeth who must winkle out the truth for herself. Meanwhile, Darcy anonymously employs a sleuth-hound of sorts, a Dr Johnsonesque figure, a writer with problems, always short of money, who knows everyone and whom Darcy hopes can deliver an answer to his pressing question.
Tales of licentious behaviour rock the composure of Netherfield’s residents…And a mad dash on horseback to the South-West of England awakens memories of capital crimes as yet unpunished.
As the festivities at Netherfield continue, romance proceeds apace between some and a new love is on the horizon for one.
EXCERPT
CHAPTER 17 ‒ Tuesday 17th April 1799
…Accordingly, she took refuge in her usual recourse at times of anxiety. She donned warm clothing and, leaving the house by a side door, made off along the same path at the back of the house along which she had walked four days ago and which led to a stream through a meadow and thence to woodland.
…Was it her imagination that Darcy had been looking at her askance? Could it be possible that he thought she had become mentally unstable? On Sunday before church he had certainly tried to persuade her to stay in bed. Why would a husband do that? To keep her out of the way?
…The notion hit her with such force that she felt faint, her legs failing to support her. She slid down the tree trunk, sinking to the frosty, hard ground.
…She fancied that he was seeking to get away from her or get her away from him. This was pure speculation on her part she had to admit, but from it arose another terrible thought. She had earlier in the year passed some time reading Mary Wollstonecraft’s unfinished ‘ or, The Wrongs of Woman’ published the previous year. It had not made happy reading.
…In the book, the heroine, Maria, had been condemned by her husband, a man called Venables, a libertine, to live in a lunatic asylum. It was enough to now form the niggling suspicion in her mind that Darcy could, if he wished, take similar action against her.
…She wished that she could unburden herself, share her fears with someone. A small sob escaped her in her isolation.
___________________
…Can be read alone.
…Written in a classic, easy-to-read, literary style, ‘Easter At Netherfield’ is another well-researched account of life in the late eighteenth century for the landed gentry and others.
…A life twists and turns mystery, with a twist at the end!
___________________
Readers
…a delight to read.
…The further I got into this book the more I couldn’t wait to see how it was going to play out.
…it was wonderful to read how Darcy met the particular figures mentioned in historical records.
…I love P&P and have read a number of spinoffs, but I think this is one of the best.
___________________
Join Darcy and Elizabeth on their emotional rollercoaster. How will Darcy and Elizabeth get through their ordeal? Read ‘Easter At Netherfield’ to find out.
If the worst is revealed in this psychological thriller, how will Elizabeth react?
___________________
A jolly Easter family gathering at Netherfield is marred for Elizabeth Darcy by her husband’s unsettled mood after he returns from London. It might be something simple if Darcy would explain himself but he does not, leaving Elizabeth to look for signs and formulate her own theories.
Darcy is away a great deal on matters of business. He and Bingley seem to be plotting together. Elizabeth feels that she is being deceived and her imagination starts to run riot.
Is Caroline Bingley attempting to cause trouble when she reports to Elizabeth a sighting of Darcy and Bingley in a rough area of London near a gambling den?
The mystery deepens for Elizabeth who must winkle out the truth for herself. Meanwhile, Darcy anonymously employs a sleuth-hound of sorts, a Dr Johnsonesque figure, a writer with problems, always short of money, who knows everyone and whom Darcy hopes can deliver an answer to his pressing question.
Tales of licentious behaviour rock the composure of Netherfield’s residents…And a mad dash on horseback to the South-West of England awakens memories of capital crimes as yet unpunished.
As the festivities at Netherfield continue, romance proceeds apace between some and a new love is on the horizon for one.
EXCERPT
CHAPTER 17 ‒ Tuesday 17th April 1799
…Accordingly, she took refuge in her usual recourse at times of anxiety. She donned warm clothing and, leaving the house by a side door, made off along the same path at the back of the house along which she had walked four days ago and which led to a stream through a meadow and thence to woodland.
…Was it her imagination that Darcy had been looking at her askance? Could it be possible that he thought she had become mentally unstable? On Sunday before church he had certainly tried to persuade her to stay in bed. Why would a husband do that? To keep her out of the way?
…The notion hit her with such force that she felt faint, her legs failing to support her. She slid down the tree trunk, sinking to the frosty, hard ground.
…She fancied that he was seeking to get away from her or get her away from him. This was pure speculation on her part she had to admit, but from it arose another terrible thought. She had earlier in the year passed some time reading Mary Wollstonecraft’s unfinished ‘ or, The Wrongs of Woman’ published the previous year. It had not made happy reading.
…In the book, the heroine, Maria, had been condemned by her husband, a man called Venables, a libertine, to live in a lunatic asylum. It was enough to now form the niggling suspicion in her mind that Darcy could, if he wished, take similar action against her.
…She wished that she could unburden herself, share her fears with someone. A small sob escaped her in her isolation.
___________________
…Can be read alone.
…Written in a classic, easy-to-read, literary style, ‘Easter At Netherfield’ is another well-researched account of life in the late eighteenth century for the landed gentry and others.
…A life twists and turns mystery, with a twist at the end!
___________________
Readers
…a delight to read.
…The further I got into this book the more I couldn’t wait to see how it was going to play out.
…it was wonderful to read how Darcy met the particular figures mentioned in historical records.
…I love P&P and have read a number of spinoffs, but I think this is one of the best.
___________________
Join Darcy and Elizabeth on their emotional rollercoaster. How will Darcy and Elizabeth get through their ordeal? Read ‘Easter At Netherfield’ to find out.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 8, 2024
I have found Gill Mather's Pride and Prejudice variations series a delight to read, and fans of the Jane Austen classic will surely find much to relish in the way the author has taken the characters on in this third book. Still very early in her marriage to Darcy, Elizabeth is just a few weeks pregnant and we can see that she is evidently quite affected by her hormones. When her husband returns from a trip to London and seems distracted and less open with her, Elizabeth's imagination begins to run wild. Small clues set her off on a mission to resolve the 'mystery' with some quite dramatic results. Meanwhile, Darcy decides (with Elizabeth's approval) that he wants to make a difference to the lives of those employed on his estates and in the locality, and embarks on a fact-finding mission to ascertain the viability of starting a paper manufacturing business. There is clear evidence of the author's deep research on this topic, and I was fascinated that Darcy visited a paper mill that existed not far from where I live. Having been prompted to learn more about the place via the internet, it was wonderful to read how Darcy met the particular figures mentioned in historical records. For me, those chapters were particularly well done.
The plot also includes some side-story material for the younger Bennet sisters which adds an interesting and fresh dimension to the whole tale, and brings in elements from the prequel and earlier sequel quite seamlessly. I feel that Gill Mather has managed to give the reader an intriguing mystery and at the same time fleshed out the characters' hopes, fears and aspirations in a way that gives their ongoing story a sense of purpose. I enjoyed this new episode in the series and recommend it to fans of Regency fiction and in particular, Jane Austen.
The plot also includes some side-story material for the younger Bennet sisters which adds an interesting and fresh dimension to the whole tale, and brings in elements from the prequel and earlier sequel quite seamlessly. I feel that Gill Mather has managed to give the reader an intriguing mystery and at the same time fleshed out the characters' hopes, fears and aspirations in a way that gives their ongoing story a sense of purpose. I enjoyed this new episode in the series and recommend it to fans of Regency fiction and in particular, Jane Austen.
August 14, 2026
Easter is far from a happy occasion for some in this Pride and Prejudice follow on although there is also relief in the form of the usual balls and another prospective wedding.
The story centres on a developing secret which Darcy attempts to resolve without involving his, now pregnant, wife, Elizabeth but which results in a marital rift before he is able to do so. Elizabeth, knowing Darcy is hiding something, sets out to discover what this is.
Meanwhile, the behaviour of the Bennett sisters, Lydia and Mary, provides further scandal threatening to plunge the family into social disrepute.
Gill Mather has written another wonderful tale of the Bennetts. Her language is authentic and notes within the book outline rigorous research for aspects of 18th century life.
I thoroughly enjoyed my canter through Easter at Netherfield and look forward to the next, which Gill sets up superbly well here. If you love Jane Austin's work, getting your teeth into historical fiction, or simply want a great read, I highly recommend this.
The story centres on a developing secret which Darcy attempts to resolve without involving his, now pregnant, wife, Elizabeth but which results in a marital rift before he is able to do so. Elizabeth, knowing Darcy is hiding something, sets out to discover what this is.
Meanwhile, the behaviour of the Bennett sisters, Lydia and Mary, provides further scandal threatening to plunge the family into social disrepute.
Gill Mather has written another wonderful tale of the Bennetts. Her language is authentic and notes within the book outline rigorous research for aspects of 18th century life.
I thoroughly enjoyed my canter through Easter at Netherfield and look forward to the next, which Gill sets up superbly well here. If you love Jane Austin's work, getting your teeth into historical fiction, or simply want a great read, I highly recommend this.
May 25, 2024
Oh my
Yes, oh my. Could it possibly be? And sweet Mary... What dreams. Angst and distance. This is the 3rd in a series that are very unique to P&P variations.
Yes, oh my. Could it possibly be? And sweet Mary... What dreams. Angst and distance. This is the 3rd in a series that are very unique to P&P variations.
January 31, 2024
Oh, Mr Darcy!
Will a mysterious figure from Darcy’s past come between him and his new bride, Elizabeth? Can fresh turmoil in the Bennet household be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction? And can sworn enemies ever hope to be reconciled? Find out in Easter at Netherfield, a delightful Pride and Prejudice sequel.
The author’s meticulous research of the Regency era shines through as does her respect for Austen’s much-loved characters who are faithfully depicted in this sparkling romance. We also meet intriguing new characters and are left with a hint of more delicious drama to come in the next instalment.
Fans of Death Comes to Pemberley and The Other Bennet Sister won’t be disappointed by this heart-warming variation of Austen’s classic. Easter at Netherfield is the third book in Gill Mather’s The Elizabeth Bennet series, but holds its own as a well-rounded stand-alone novel.
Will a mysterious figure from Darcy’s past come between him and his new bride, Elizabeth? Can fresh turmoil in the Bennet household be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction? And can sworn enemies ever hope to be reconciled? Find out in Easter at Netherfield, a delightful Pride and Prejudice sequel.
The author’s meticulous research of the Regency era shines through as does her respect for Austen’s much-loved characters who are faithfully depicted in this sparkling romance. We also meet intriguing new characters and are left with a hint of more delicious drama to come in the next instalment.
Fans of Death Comes to Pemberley and The Other Bennet Sister won’t be disappointed by this heart-warming variation of Austen’s classic. Easter at Netherfield is the third book in Gill Mather’s The Elizabeth Bennet series, but holds its own as a well-rounded stand-alone novel.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews