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The Victorian Vagaries #1
Pride & Precipitance: A Victorian Pride and Prejudice Vagary
The Victorian Vagaries are a bit of a fairy tale… Have you ever read Pride and Prejudice, a variation, a sequel, or any other Austen-inspired story and wished it could go on for years? The Victorian Vagaries follows the Bennet women through twelve years of life and love—where the men and heroes we adore are ever present, but the heart of the story belongs to the women themselves.
Set in an early Victorian period that retains all the elegance, manners, and romantic atmosphere of the Regency world readers love, this series continues in a ever-so-slightly changed time where society is shifting, but still recognisably familiar. Women are beginning to find new opportunities as the Industrial Revolution quietly reshapes England, yet drawing rooms, reputations, and marriage remain at the centre of life.
Lady Elizabeth Astley, a society widow and the eldest of her siblings, must navigate this changing world while protecting herself and her considerable fortune—earned through prudent investment with her uncle—from fortune hunters and heiress snatchers. At the same time, she carries the responsibility of supporting the other Bennet women as each begins to break free from the fates once expected of them and move toward their own destinies.
Some characters deviate from canon, others remain charmingly as we know them, and familiar friends from other Jane Austen worlds appear—but never quite as expected. Through it all, everyone we love finds their happiness, and when Elizabeth and Darcy finally reach theirs, their bond is as strong and enduring as ever it was meant to be. A sweeping Pride and Prejudice variation series of love, change, and second chances—where time moves forward, but the heart of the story remains timeless.
In Volume One of The Victorian Vagaries, Lady Elizabeth Astley—three years widowed—has returned to Meryton with her young daughter, seeking the quiet of the countryside after years of change and loss. As the eldest of Mr. Bennet’s daughters, she finds herself something of an outsider among her sisters and stepmother, though she remains determined to help them find their footing in a shifting world. When Jane’s situation becomes complicated by the conduct of Caroline Bingley and Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth is drawn into the role of steadying force within her family.
At Netherfield, the arrival of the eligible Mr. Darcy brings both uncertainty. Will he recognise the worth of the woman Elizabeth has become—or will pride and misjudgment once again stand in their way? As the story unfolds, Elizabeth narrowly escapes the relentless pursuit of a dangerous and unworthy suitor, supports Rosings Park and her cousin Charlotte Collins when disaster strikes at Hunsford, and finds herself repeatedly crossing paths with a proud man who is beginning, against his will, to see her in a very worthy light.
This is a slow-burn, sweet, and clean Victorian-era Pride and Prejudice variation of approximately 123,000 words, where misunderstandings linger—but so do second chances.
Set in an early Victorian period that retains all the elegance, manners, and romantic atmosphere of the Regency world readers love, this series continues in a ever-so-slightly changed time where society is shifting, but still recognisably familiar. Women are beginning to find new opportunities as the Industrial Revolution quietly reshapes England, yet drawing rooms, reputations, and marriage remain at the centre of life.
Lady Elizabeth Astley, a society widow and the eldest of her siblings, must navigate this changing world while protecting herself and her considerable fortune—earned through prudent investment with her uncle—from fortune hunters and heiress snatchers. At the same time, she carries the responsibility of supporting the other Bennet women as each begins to break free from the fates once expected of them and move toward their own destinies.
Some characters deviate from canon, others remain charmingly as we know them, and familiar friends from other Jane Austen worlds appear—but never quite as expected. Through it all, everyone we love finds their happiness, and when Elizabeth and Darcy finally reach theirs, their bond is as strong and enduring as ever it was meant to be. A sweeping Pride and Prejudice variation series of love, change, and second chances—where time moves forward, but the heart of the story remains timeless.
In Volume One of The Victorian Vagaries, Lady Elizabeth Astley—three years widowed—has returned to Meryton with her young daughter, seeking the quiet of the countryside after years of change and loss. As the eldest of Mr. Bennet’s daughters, she finds herself something of an outsider among her sisters and stepmother, though she remains determined to help them find their footing in a shifting world. When Jane’s situation becomes complicated by the conduct of Caroline Bingley and Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth is drawn into the role of steadying force within her family.
At Netherfield, the arrival of the eligible Mr. Darcy brings both uncertainty. Will he recognise the worth of the woman Elizabeth has become—or will pride and misjudgment once again stand in their way? As the story unfolds, Elizabeth narrowly escapes the relentless pursuit of a dangerous and unworthy suitor, supports Rosings Park and her cousin Charlotte Collins when disaster strikes at Hunsford, and finds herself repeatedly crossing paths with a proud man who is beginning, against his will, to see her in a very worthy light.
This is a slow-burn, sweet, and clean Victorian-era Pride and Prejudice variation of approximately 123,000 words, where misunderstandings linger—but so do second chances.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 24, 2024
A veritable family saga
The narrative is this novel’s strongest point. The characters, in the main, are more one dimensional. There is a four year olds who never utters a single word. The romance takes a back seat to Bennet family Dramas.
I did not enjoy Elizabeth’s character. She is such a paragon, a veritable Victorian Renaissance woman. And she manages everyone—for their own good, of course. She is more goddess than human.
The narrative is this novel’s strongest point. The characters, in the main, are more one dimensional. There is a four year olds who never utters a single word. The romance takes a back seat to Bennet family Dramas.
I did not enjoy Elizabeth’s character. She is such a paragon, a veritable Victorian Renaissance woman. And she manages everyone—for their own good, of course. She is more goddess than human.
August 3, 2024
worth it!
This has a super Lizzy with noble connections, and a bad Jane. Darcy still puts his foot in his mouth. I think Elizabeth was too nice to her family at times, but this is a good variation with a bad Mr Bennet, bad Mrs. Bennet, and an awful Wickham. Minimal angst. Definitely worth reading.
This has a super Lizzy with noble connections, and a bad Jane. Darcy still puts his foot in his mouth. I think Elizabeth was too nice to her family at times, but this is a good variation with a bad Mr Bennet, bad Mrs. Bennet, and an awful Wickham. Minimal angst. Definitely worth reading.
August 4, 2024
Loved it!
I am so glad that I will not have to wait very long for the next book of the series. I enjoyed this so much that if I had book 2 already, I probably would have just continued to read without leaving a review.
I am so glad that I will not have to wait very long for the next book of the series. I enjoyed this so much that if I had book 2 already, I probably would have just continued to read without leaving a review.
August 8, 2024
A different and brilliant take
This is a great story , its different enough from other takes on p&p out there that its not boring at all yet still similar enough you can keep pace and enjoy the overall story looking forward to reading the rest of the series
This is a great story , its different enough from other takes on p&p out there that its not boring at all yet still similar enough you can keep pace and enjoy the overall story looking forward to reading the rest of the series
September 2, 2024
Talk about different
Talk about different...in your sister
Here Elizabeth, born first and her mom died. She is the unwanted step daughter. Life was good to her though, and she is very well to do financially.
You habe evil, angst ...oh my, what a Jane!
Talk about different...in your sister
Here Elizabeth, born first and her mom died. She is the unwanted step daughter. Life was good to her though, and she is very well to do financially.
You habe evil, angst ...oh my, what a Jane!
August 23, 2024
Enjoyed this
A rather interesting and inventive variation inspired by the works of Jane Austen by Caroline Cartier. I really enjoyed this.
A rather interesting and inventive variation inspired by the works of Jane Austen by Caroline Cartier. I really enjoyed this.
September 21, 2024
Interesting
This is a superwoman Elizabeth version. Mr Bennett's first wife is descended from Italian aristocracy, and she is Elizabeth's mother. She dies when Elizabeth is just four years old, and Mr Bennett remarries quickly to vapid and empty headed Fannie Gardiner. The second Mrs Bennett resents Elizabeth, so she's sent to the Gardiners to be raised. She is married to a renowned physician who is elevated by a knighthood, she has a daughter, and her husband dies, leaving her a wealthy widow.
However, that's just one facet of her wealth. Elizabeth learns about investing, inventing, purchasing businesses and properties, etc, etc. Eventually she has more money than she can even count. She learns self defense, including fencing. She breeds rare horses. There's no end to what she takes on, while all the while trying to establish a relationship with her Bennett sisters and mother. She doesn't trust her father because of an event where he tried to trick her out of her fortune.
Elizabeth meets Darcy at the Meryton assembly, where he delivers the infamous insult. But because she's a widow, Darcy comes around quickly, and finds many reasons to admire her. The course of love isn't smooth, of course, particularly since Elizabeth has no need to marry, and is used to ruling her roost. The story is action packed and interesting. I wish the author hadn't laid it on quite that thick when it came to all of Elizabeth's fortunes, famous connections, accomplishments, and possessions. It became almost ridiculous.
I felt this book could have been significantly shortened by ruthless editing, without sacrificing integrity. There was a great deal of repetition, and listing of tedious details. I found many instances of something said, and then repeated directly after with minor changes of wording. It was mentioned ad nauseam that Elizabeth had very heavy security around her.
The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it for an original take on the P&P universe.
This is a superwoman Elizabeth version. Mr Bennett's first wife is descended from Italian aristocracy, and she is Elizabeth's mother. She dies when Elizabeth is just four years old, and Mr Bennett remarries quickly to vapid and empty headed Fannie Gardiner. The second Mrs Bennett resents Elizabeth, so she's sent to the Gardiners to be raised. She is married to a renowned physician who is elevated by a knighthood, she has a daughter, and her husband dies, leaving her a wealthy widow.
However, that's just one facet of her wealth. Elizabeth learns about investing, inventing, purchasing businesses and properties, etc, etc. Eventually she has more money than she can even count. She learns self defense, including fencing. She breeds rare horses. There's no end to what she takes on, while all the while trying to establish a relationship with her Bennett sisters and mother. She doesn't trust her father because of an event where he tried to trick her out of her fortune.
Elizabeth meets Darcy at the Meryton assembly, where he delivers the infamous insult. But because she's a widow, Darcy comes around quickly, and finds many reasons to admire her. The course of love isn't smooth, of course, particularly since Elizabeth has no need to marry, and is used to ruling her roost. The story is action packed and interesting. I wish the author hadn't laid it on quite that thick when it came to all of Elizabeth's fortunes, famous connections, accomplishments, and possessions. It became almost ridiculous.
I felt this book could have been significantly shortened by ruthless editing, without sacrificing integrity. There was a great deal of repetition, and listing of tedious details. I found many instances of something said, and then repeated directly after with minor changes of wording. It was mentioned ad nauseam that Elizabeth had very heavy security around her.
The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it for an original take on the P&P universe.
September 19, 2026
Pride & Precipitance: A Victorian Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Caroline Cartier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It is 1847 in this Pride and Prejudice variation where Lady Elizabeth Astley, 25, is a widow of three years, mother to daughter four, with four younger half-sisters, sharing a father in Bennet who she is estranged from. Unfortunately it would seem that Lady Elizabeth Astley is so just perfect, she even has the midas touch as far as money matters go and becomes super rich, which she partly uses to protect her family. Elizabeth is not always likeable but I was interested enough in the possible pairing of Mary to continue reading and start Book Two.
So overall and interesting and entertaining Victorian variation.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It is 1847 in this Pride and Prejudice variation where Lady Elizabeth Astley, 25, is a widow of three years, mother to daughter four, with four younger half-sisters, sharing a father in Bennet who she is estranged from. Unfortunately it would seem that Lady Elizabeth Astley is so just perfect, she even has the midas touch as far as money matters go and becomes super rich, which she partly uses to protect her family. Elizabeth is not always likeable but I was interested enough in the possible pairing of Mary to continue reading and start Book Two.
So overall and interesting and entertaining Victorian variation.
July 22, 2026
5+ Stars!!!
I love discovering new series!
This is my fav trope.
This is the 1st book of the author, she mentioned it at the beginning of the book, and as a 1st book goes this went well!!!
I very much liked it. There are characters that are bad and there are some who improves with time but not all...
Being the beggining of the Victorian era some used behavior is get less constricted but not majorly.
I like this Lizzy soooo much!!! She is our days modern woman no damsel behavior!
Highly recommended!
I enjoyed it 😁!
I love discovering new series!
This is my fav trope.
This is the 1st book of the author, she mentioned it at the beginning of the book, and as a 1st book goes this went well!!!
I very much liked it. There are characters that are bad and there are some who improves with time but not all...
Being the beggining of the Victorian era some used behavior is get less constricted but not majorly.
I like this Lizzy soooo much!!! She is our days modern woman no damsel behavior!
Highly recommended!
I enjoyed it 😁!
August 25, 2024
Wonderful Price and Prejudice variation
It is always wonderful when our Elizabeth is wealthy in the beginning and an unusually successful business woman for the mid-19th century. She is widowed early in the book and as the story progresses she delightfully helps her sisters with their lives. It is disappointing that she is not close to Jane, though. I definitely recommend this book!!
It is always wonderful when our Elizabeth is wealthy in the beginning and an unusually successful business woman for the mid-19th century. She is widowed early in the book and as the story progresses she delightfully helps her sisters with their lives. It is disappointing that she is not close to Jane, though. I definitely recommend this book!!
September 19, 2025
3.25⭐️
I liked this book. It needed a little more editing to condense it as there was a lot of exposition on things that did not forward the plot and I think mentioning how good having modern plumbing is twice or near about is enough instead of almost every chapter. There was a lot of repetition. I kind of liked that the setting was pushed forward by around 3 decades and we are in the middle of the 19th century instead of the turn of it. It made sense with the direction that the author wanted to take. While we did not get to see much of Darcy and Elizabeth together in this book apart from the start and the end, I am OK with it as there is a sequel where I hope to see more of them. And this version of Elizabeth seems to be a wonder woman of her time with great intelligence, connections and money. I am intrigued to see where this story takes us as I am spoiled by the Memories trilogy and now am unfairly holding up any other multi series P&P variation up to that series.
I liked this book. It needed a little more editing to condense it as there was a lot of exposition on things that did not forward the plot and I think mentioning how good having modern plumbing is twice or near about is enough instead of almost every chapter. There was a lot of repetition. I kind of liked that the setting was pushed forward by around 3 decades and we are in the middle of the 19th century instead of the turn of it. It made sense with the direction that the author wanted to take. While we did not get to see much of Darcy and Elizabeth together in this book apart from the start and the end, I am OK with it as there is a sequel where I hope to see more of them. And this version of Elizabeth seems to be a wonder woman of her time with great intelligence, connections and money. I am intrigued to see where this story takes us as I am spoiled by the Memories trilogy and now am unfairly holding up any other multi series P&P variation up to that series.
September 8, 2024
I could not put it down!
Elizabeth was tops. I have never liked her more. Wait till you see. And Mr Bennett makes a great villain. And I suspect Lady Catherine caused the horrible disaster.
Elizabeth was tops. I have never liked her more. Wait till you see. And Mr Bennett makes a great villain. And I suspect Lady Catherine caused the horrible disaster.
July 22, 2026
Another super Lizzy
This super Lizzy is hard to swallow. The author has her studying for and making investments as a preteen or early teen girl. She had become obscenely rich, is on friendly terms with royalty. After a catastrophic issue at Rosings, she commands everyone like a 5 star general without a single misstep. She confronts her dire nemesis single handedly and walks away virtually unscathed. But, she and Darcy have their HEA. Three and one half stars would be my rating but that option was not available.
This super Lizzy is hard to swallow. The author has her studying for and making investments as a preteen or early teen girl. She had become obscenely rich, is on friendly terms with royalty. After a catastrophic issue at Rosings, she commands everyone like a 5 star general without a single misstep. She confronts her dire nemesis single handedly and walks away virtually unscathed. But, she and Darcy have their HEA. Three and one half stars would be my rating but that option was not available.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews