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Four Days at Netherfield

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Elizabeth Bennet’s visit to Netherfield Park to tend to her ailing sister takes a surprising turn when she meets with Mr. Darcy on the grounds, and his manner so altered as to shock her. The gentleman provokes her gratitude when he helps her escape all Miss Bingley’s contempt, conveying her to her sister’s room and taking the duty of informing the mistress of her presence on himself.

As her stay at the estate lengthens, Elizabeth comes to appreciate him, for this Mr. Darcy is a man worth knowing, his opinions intelligent, his manner deferential. Their newfound amity is not agreeable to all those present, however, for Miss Bingley has long schemed to draw a proposal from the unwilling Mr. Darcy and will not surrender her prize without a struggle.

Before Elizabeth and Jane depart from the estate, Elizabeth has proof of the gentleman’s interest in his own words, and she cannot help but wonder how the future will unfold with this who appears so determined to have her good opinion. The arrival of a fool and a libertine in turn throws obstacles in the lovers’ path, but the course of true love, though it may not always be smooth, cannot be prevented forever. Those four days at Netherfield Park have changed Elizabeth’s perspective, which will change her future.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2024

194 people are currently reading
51 people want to read

About the author

Jann Rowland

82 books191 followers
Jann Rowland is a Canadian, born and bred. Other than a two-year span in which he lived in Japan, he has been a resident of the Great White North his entire life, though he professes to still hate the winters.

Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interests as a child were almost exclusively centered on the exotic fantasy worlds of Tolkien and Eddings, among a host of others. As an adult, his interests have grown to include historical fiction and romance, with a particular focus on the works of Jane Austen.

When Jann is not writing, he enjoys rooting for his favorite sports teams. He is also a master musician (in his own mind) who enjoys playing piano and singing as well as moonlighting as the choir director in his church’s congregation.

Jann lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years, two grown sons, and one young daughter. He is convinced that whatever hair he has left will be entirely gone by the time his little girl hits her teenage years. Sadly, though he has told his daughter repeatedly that she is not allowed to grow up, she continues to ignore him.

Website: http://onegoodsonnet.com/
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5 stars
251 (41%)
4 stars
212 (35%)
3 stars
115 (19%)
2 stars
19 (3%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,666 reviews199 followers
August 8, 2024
344 pages on my Kindle for PC. The story covers more than just those "four days at Netherfield", although it does set the stage for Darcy and Elizabeth to become better acquainted.

The general outline is not different from canon. Darcy recognizes his feelings for Elizabeth very early on AND makes them known to Elizabeth soon afterwards. So much of the story has him unofficially courting her.

Caroline Bingley is her usual self, denigrating Elizabeth and the Bennets every chance she gets. One change here, is that her brother, upon learning the contents of that letter she wrote to Jane after the Ball confronts her.

Collins is much more of a pain and we have Papa Bennet stepping forward to "protect" Elizabeth. Lady Catherine shows up at Longbourn, as in canon; however, Darcy is there to set her straight...again.

Wickham is handled as Darcy sends for the Colonel which differs from canon.

So overall, this story is a retelling of P&P with no real angst. Basically, Darcy steps up his game while Elizabeth stays at Netherfield to nurse Jane.

I have read most of this author's stories and will automatically "borrow" any new JAFF he publishes.
3,324 reviews42 followers
August 2, 2024
This is a low angst variation written in the author's usual competent style. Elizabeth and Darcy spend time in a more friendly manner at Netherfield, their relationship develops faster and Elizabeth meets Georgiana and the Colonel earlier, in Hertfordshire. There are minor, mostly bloodless, confrontations with the usual antagonists: Wickham, Miss Bingley, Mr. Collins, and Lady Catherine, none of whom can do any major damage. This author often does the ODC romance in an understated way, not very fluffy. Here he decides to court her and it is said that her feelings are not equal to his, and there is no clear turning point, she just sort of drifts into a decision to be in love with him.

Steam level: Nope.
Profile Image for Sam H..
1,215 reviews59 followers
July 25, 2024
A sweet story

I liked the novelty of Darcy schooling himself so early on, which allowed for a relationship to bloom for our dear couple while still in Meryton.

This author is a favorite, but he has fallen into a pattern of writing which slows the pace of the storytelling.
I have a feeling this book could have been shorter, tighter and faster. The extra words and repetitive turns of phrases bog down the story, reducing reader enjoyment.

3.5*
Profile Image for Gratia.
221 reviews6 followers
July 25, 2024
One of my favourites from this author

4.5* rounded up
Mr Rowland is an author whose books I automatically purchase. Other than the book synopses that indicate a prior marriage for either Darcy or Elizabeth, I have bought and read all of his stories. He consistently has novel ideas, and his execution of these plots is well-written. I enjoy the tone of his writing.
 
“I am certain, Mr. Wickham/ that any woman unfortunate enough to marry you can only find a lifetime of misery. Should I wish to flagellate myself with such an arrangement, I may find it in many places with many more suitable men; I shall not repine the loss of your lying tongue in my life.” This is a quote from the book that persuaded me to give the story 4* immediately. Jane, Bingley, and Georgiana—characters who are traditionally weaker—are more assertive.

Some of the concerns that other reviewers have expressed about his other books are addressed here: there is an ending that is plenary in explaining the characters' outcomes, and there is a more definitive romance between Darcy and Elizabeth. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it as a low-angst story where the "villains" get their very practical retributions.
Profile Image for J.C. Plummer.
Author 3 books30 followers
July 19, 2024
Very pleasant, low angst variation where Darcy recognizes his feelings for Elizabeth just before she arrives to take care of Jane. He also recognizes that he’s made a lot of mistakes in his behavior, and he immediately sets out to repair Elizabeth’s opinion of him.

The usual villains cause problems (Wickham, Caroline, and Collins), but Darcy handles things differently than in canon.

I enjoyed the story a lot. There are still too many proofreading errors, but the editing was an improvement over many of his previous books. 4.5-stars rounded up.
Profile Image for James S.
1,424 reviews
August 4, 2024
Darcy works to remain a gentleman at Netherfield

The overall story was boring. The first 6 chapters were concentrating on Caroline Bingley insulting Lizzy and the Bennets constantly. Darcy begin to change Lizzy’s view of himself. The rest of the book had a little bit of Wickham, lots of Collins and a little bit of Lady Catherine. There was no angst and little emotion between Darcy and Lizzy.

Frankly this book felt like a bad AI writing version of JAFF. All the characters were calm, even when they were angry or happy.
Profile Image for Madenna U.
2,136 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2024
Darcy admits his attraction to himself and to Bingley during the Bennet sisters stay at Netherfield. Darcy is more open about a lot of things which allows Elizabeth and others to really know him. As such a happily ever after is much easier.

I really enjoyed Mr Bennet in his story and the happenings at the Netherfield Ball!
Profile Image for Sam.
147 reviews18 followers
August 6, 2024
This book was pleasant enough and I always enjoy a Darcy who doesn’t act like a jerk the whole time and an Elizabeth who doesn’t take forever to get over her wounded vanity. I recall when I first finished it I liked it enough to check out other books by the author but deciding they weren’t really interesting sounding at this time. And two JAFF books later, I must say that I don’t remember much else about this book. So only 3 stars from me.
Profile Image for Teresita.
1,191 reviews12 followers
September 22, 2024
Very interesting

An enjoyable variation with an enlighted Darcy while at Netherfield. The interactions with Miss Bingley and Mr. Collins are kind of fun and the dealing with the problem of Wickham and Lady Catherine most appropriate. Recommended.
Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,736 reviews132 followers
October 14, 2024
“You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might find, you get what you need.” –Mick Jagger

SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain ***SPOILERS ***

>>Rating: mature teen: due to violence, discussions of adult themes, and the actions of our SBRB were described.
>>Angst Level: stressful as I kept waiting for the ax to fall and then it did
>>Source: I borrowed this from KU [10-8-24] and volunteered to leave a review. 24 chapters with the last chapter acting as an epilogue.

“Why talk about what we want? That is childish. Absurd. Of course, you are interested in what you want. You are eternally interested in it. But no one else is. The rest of us are just like you: we are interested in what we want.” –Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends & Influence People

Perhaps the theme of this story should be determination. There were a lot of characters who wanted things to be as they wished. Not everyone would get what they desired.

Mrs. Bennet determined Jane would spend the night at Netherfield and sent her on horseback in the rain.
The Bingley sisters were determined no Bennet would compromise their brother with their behavior.
Fitzwilliam Darcy was determined to secure Miss Elizabeth’s forgiveness and heart.
Bingley was determined to have Jane Bennet.
Caroline Bingley was determined to have Pemberley… um… marry Darcy.
Mrs. Bennet was determined her daughters would marry well. Her choices missed the mark.
Mr. Bennet was determined to have his peace and his library.
Lydia Bennet was determined… period. Bless her heart. The child didn’t know what she wanted.
Lady Catherine was determined Darcy would marry her daughter, Anne de Bourgh.
Anne de Bourgh was determined NOT to marry her cousin, Darcy.
Georgiana Darcy was determined to overcome her shyness and fear of her past.
Wickham was determined to gain financial security by any means necessary.
Colonel Fitzwilliam was determined to get his man at all costs.
A retinue of soldiers traveling to Hertfordshire were determined to ensure their Colonel’s success.

“When someone loves you, the way they talk about you is different. You feel safe and comfortable.” –Jess C. Scott, The Intern

This was so much fun. I enjoyed the banter between Darcy and Elizabeth. They were so cute as they circumvented the machinations of Caroline Bingley. Elizabeth slowly reconsidered her initial thoughts and feelings about the man from Derbyshire.
Profile Image for Lexy.
21 reviews
April 5, 2025
Darcy liked Elizabeth from the start—no angst, no drama. Even Mr. Bennet gets some character development, which was a nice touch. It was a fun, fast read, especially for someone like me who isn't into drama or drawn-out tension
120 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2024
This variation is too long and repetitive. I skipped a lot towards the end. The author should have trimmed it by at least a third to make it enjoyable. Too much Collins and Miss Bingley. I waited for a good set down of the latter but it never came! Overall a boring variation. I do not recommend.
Profile Image for Allison Ripley-Duggan.
1,789 reviews12 followers
September 10, 2024
I loved it!

It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. Elizabeth Bennet’s visit to Netherfield Park to tend to her ailing sister takes a surprising turn when she meets with Mr. Darcy on the grounds, and his manner so altered as to shock her. The gentleman provokes her gratitude when he helps her escape all Miss Bingley’s contempt, conveying her to her sister’s room and taking the duty of informing the mistress of her presence on himself. As her stay at the estate lengthens, Elizabeth comes to appreciate him, for this Mr. Darcy is a man worth knowing, his opinions intelligent, his manner deferential. Their newfound amity is not agreeable to all those present, however, for Miss Bingley has long schemed to draw a proposal from the unwilling Mr. Darcy and will not surrender her prize without a struggle. Before Elizabeth and Jane depart from the estate, Elizabeth has proof of the gentleman’s interest in his own words, and she cannot help but wonder how the future will unfold with this who appears so determined to have her good opinion. The arrival of a fool and a libertine in turn throws obstacles in the lovers’ path, but the course of true love, though it may not always be smooth, cannot be prevented forever. Those four days at Netherfield Park have changed Elizabeth’s perspective, which will change her future. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
464 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2024
The warm and subtle relationship development between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth is delightful and realistic. Their characters are beautifully nuanced in their interactions with each other and those around them.
All the people in this version of P&P are true to the original, each brought to life with marvelous perspicacity. Thus, we see in action qualities of each character that were implied in Austen's P&P.
I especially loved how we see as much of Darcy from his POV as we do of Elizabeth, including his interactions with his family and friends.
It was wonderful to see unexpected pieces of Georgiana’s character, as well as of Mr. Bennet's character. Wickham is a more obvious villain, while Mr. Collins, Aunt Catherine, and Miss Bingley are more obviously self-centered and self-serving than in the original. Colonel Fitzwilliam is a strong, interesting character who effectively supports Darcy in getting Wickham arrested and by giving Elizabeth his view of Darcy's character and interest in her. Jane, Bingley, and Mrs. Bennet are the same as in the original but are not given as much attention.
This is one of many favorite versions of P&P.
183 reviews
abandoned
September 13, 2025
DNF at 20%

I find the conversations really dry, awkward. And, sometimes very cringey / inappropriate. There is also lots of repetition, from one chapter to next, as if they forgot they said it already. Also, in their first conversation when Elizabeth comes to Netherfield, Elizabeth says - "If you suppose such a trifling walk fatigues me to excess, you do not know me well" . But he didn't know her at all though? They barely even talked before. Then, when Darcy asks if Jane is the closest she goes - "Given my general character, I cannot imagine you would suspect me of running about with my younger sisters". Insulting her family to someone she already dislikes?. Then when darcy mentions another estate he has, she goes - "Then your portfolio is larger than rumored in Meryton?".

There are more and more conversations like this, some in which Elizabeth insults Caroline directly to her face, which i feel is too ooc for the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Blodeuedd Finland.
3,651 reviews309 followers
October 9, 2025
Seriosuly, JA variations gives me all the feels! I know the story, I have read SO many variations. But they are all different and fun in their ones ways. I must be addicted.

Here the difference is that Elizabeth goes to Netherfield to care for Jane. But Darcy has a softer approach after that first blunder you know. And she gets to know him more and she starts understanding him.

Another difference is that Caroline is, oh my, that venom coming out of that mouth!

Wickham is dealt with in a better way here, he gets what is coming to him that snake.

Variations are the best. I always enjoy them and they always make me happy.

I have listened to the narrator before and he just gets these books too.
14 reviews
August 30, 2024
A great read

I have to mention a disconcerting number of comments criticizing that some authors of P and P variations change the name of Austen characters. Yet, this is false. For instance, Jane Austen never tells us what Colonel Fitzwilliam's first name is, nor does she do so for Mr. Bennet nor Mrs. Gardiner. Some readers are simply accustomed to what is most frequently used in Jane Austen Fan Fiction, rather than in canon. In this variation, the author refers to Colonel Fitzwilliam as Anthony, and simply because JAFF readers are used to "Richard" does not make "Anthony" any less faithful to Austen.
Profile Image for Elissa Bell Bell.
Author 7 books2 followers
September 4, 2024
It is very logical, changes start at Netherfield with Mr. Darcy acknowledging his attraction to Elizabeth. As he acts different Elizabeth’s attitude to him softens. Then after Elizabeth and Jane return to Longbourn Darcy calls. Then his social skills improve and Georgiana visits the Bennet family so others believe his warning about Wickham and this prevents the Lydia disaster. Mr. Collins is the same if not more so. But Darcy is willing to claim Elizabeth which shields her from Collins. The main reason I didn’t rate the book higher is the first half is all Carolyn Bingley out of control, non-stop. I am a fan of Jann Rowland but prefer his other books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
280 reviews
September 22, 2024
Can Elizabeth Bennet come to understand the real Mr. Darcy and find the love she's alway wanted?

Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy wants to make amends for insulting Miss Elizabeth Bennet as well as get to know this intriguing woman better. The opportunity presents itself when Elizabeth travels to Netherfield Park to care for her beloved elder sister Jane, who's taken ill . Through a shared passion for the written word and some stolen time for private conversation, things are looking up. Enjoy!
178 reviews
September 27, 2024
Wow! I loved it. Thank you Mr Rowland for doing justice to the English language of the era.
I enjoyed the storyline which focussed on goodness of character and romance and love. We see people we love becoming their best selves and we see the people we love to hate get exactly what they deserve.
The changes to the original story work really well.
The changes to some character names surprised me.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I have already purchased another book by you.
Happy reading everyone.
332 reviews
July 22, 2024
Big changes in those four days

This was an interesting variation of Darcy in that he recognized his errors on his own. Elizabeth’s understandable confusion took a while to resolve. Georgiana was also a welcome surprise. The writing and editing were very good, as expected in a variation by Jann Rowland. Recommended to all JAFF readers. It goes on my (virtual) shelf of books to read at least once more.
88 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2024
Well edited and a good story

I enjoyed this book. My only complaint is that the author renamed some of Jane Austin's well known characters. Why?
It is confusing to the reader. I also find it disrespectful of Ms. Austen's work. Her books are the only reason the author has the ability to earn money writing variations. Maybe make up some new characters if you want to name them but stop throwing the reader into confusion and out of enjoying the story.
336 reviews
August 3, 2024
Enjoyed this variation

I enjoyed the settle changes in this variation to make long term major effects for the main characters. Darcy and Elizabeth make changes sooner. Georgianna, Mary, and Mr Bennet are surprises in this variation. Wickham is the same villain but there is a twist in his storyline.
I will be reading this one again and having it in my keeper collection. So you can probably understand, I highly recommend this story for all ages to enjoy.
47 reviews
July 25, 2024
Enjoyable

I won't go over the plot, except to mention that the entire novel takes place in Hertfordshire.
Found myself skipping over several partial pages. The ending was satisfying but got confusing when the timeline suddenly changed. A new chapter would have helped or better wording. Editing was fairly decent, with some misspelling.
Profile Image for Kim Power.
Author 4 books12 followers
July 28, 2024
Another little gem from Jann Rowland

A sweet low angst narrative although we have our usual villains. Wickham is particularly threatening but is dealt with quickly by a more proactive Darcy. Georgiana is delightful variation whilst Elizabeth and Jane experience no obstacles to their romances. Very enjoyable.
Profile Image for Mariska.
654 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2024
Absolutely Loved This!!

I always enjoy it when Darcy doesn't need to receive a verbal smack down to wake up and let himself be the person he was meant to be. I also love it when Whickham's de fanged swiftly and Georgiana faces her fears.

The love story is wonderful and the courtship sweet, humourous, and believable.

In short... 5 Stars!
Profile Image for Lesley Barklay.
Author 9 books17 followers
Read
August 11, 2024
A rather slow-paced, low-angst Jane Austen variation which has Darcy waking up to himself as soon as he sees Lizzy approaching Netherfield to check on Jane. They spend four pleasant days getting to know each other in Netherfield while Jane recovers, under Miss Bingley's watchful (and jealous) gaze.
32 reviews
September 23, 2025
What if Darcy acted on his admiration for Elizabeth sooner rather than later? This is basically what this story is about. Sometimes it felt a little slow paced even more so because in the end it felt rushed. I would have liked a little bit more romance between Darcy and Elizabeth, maybe exploring the courtship a little more.
Profile Image for Alena (Ally) Scott .
487 reviews4 followers
July 26, 2024
Entertaining

Another great story from this author following the general flow of the original, only tweaked to make it special. The cover didn't sell me on the book as it did nothing for me, but the author jumped out as a favorite. Nice job.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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