Flowers speak the language of love. Not everyone understands it, though.
Elizabeth Bennet’s eyes have been opened to the difference between an honorable gentleman and a cad. She now regrets the way she treated the former and hopes to meet him again, hopes she fears will never be granted. When she finally sees him, she gives him a sprig of lilacs, hoping he comprehends what she is trying to say.
In the months since he left Hertfordshire, Fitzwilliam Darcy has realized just how poorly he behaved to the neighborhood in general, and to one lady in particular. When he sees her again in London and she not only seems to welcome his presence but also gives him a sprig of flowers that indicate the first stirrings of love, he is determined to right his wrongs and win her heart.
Though Darcy and Elizabeth come to realize how much they belong together, there is someone who disagrees with their decision and who vows to do everything possible to separate them. Will Darcy and Elizabeth’s newfound love conquer all, or will his bitter relative separate them forever?
Lilacs & Lavender is the third of Zoe Burton’s compelling Pride and Prejudice variations. If you enjoy sweet romance, clandestine courtships, and rude, uncompromising villains, Lilacs & Lavender is the book for you. Pick it up today and get lost in Darcy and Elizabeth’s world.
Wickham gets exposed as a scoundrel, Elizabeth re-evaluates her interactions with Darcy, and it's all smooth sailing from there. Lady Catherine attempts to cause trouble but the only one she distresses is herself. Recommended for readers who want no angst
Short and quick, like a karate chop to the throat: 3.5-stars
Short and quick simply means the author didn’t take the time to flesh out the story line. Scenes tend to be quick and fast; you’re in and then you are out. You have to look at the timeline and make sure continuity is not lost and that focus is maintained on ODC.
First we have to settle the problem with Wickham and his lies. While Elizabeth and her sisters were in Meryton they witnessed an outrageous scene that sealed the fate of Wickham. When his proclivities were exposed to the whole town, it was shocking as well as hilarious. His fate was turned over to Colonel Forster and it didn’t end well for him or several of the other officers within the militia. The good Colonel quickly requested permission for his troops to leave the area earlier than planned for their Brighton encampment as they were no longer welcome in the area. We hear no more from Wickham as he is shipped out to a new regiment.
This sets the stage for Elizabeth to do some self-examination regarding Darcy, his actions, her quickness to believe Wickham over Darcy, her regard for Darcy and that perhaps, Darcy had feelings for her. It was a terrible time as Jane was also feeling the sting of Bingley’s departure.
Like canon, Jane takes her broken heart to London where she stays with the Gardiners. Later Elizabeth, along with the Sir William Lucas and Maria, travel to London on their way to Rosings Park to visit Charlotte. We differ from canon here when the Gardiners take their party to the theater and they run into Bingley/Hurst party, which included Darcy. After they decided to combine the parties and sit in the Darcy box, Jane asked Bingley about his intended. When he realized that Caroline had written to Jane indicating he was intended for Miss Darcy, he was furious. When Caroline joined the group, she was upset that Jane was back in Charles’ path and that Elizabeth was back in Darcy's sights. She was not best pleased. She was still intending to be Darcy’s wife and Mistress of Pemberley.
In this story, Charles puts his foot down with his sister and even Mr. Hurst was impressed to remove his wife from her sister’s influence. This was a good scene. Charles manned up and did a good job. We hear no more from Caroline even though she seemed bent on revenge or at least action of some sort. The shortness of this novella did not allow that to happen. Her wings were clipped and that was that.
Before the night was over, Darcy asked Elizabeth for permission to court her; she accepted. He then informed her that he would be visiting his Aunt in Kent in a few weeks. They make arrangements to meet when he arrived. He went to Longbourn to ask Mr. Bennet’s permission to court Elizabeth and even to propose to her, if the occasion presented itself. He warned Mr. Bennet about his Aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh and what might happen when she found out he would not marry her daughter.
Again, quick scenes bring about conclusions more quickly than normal. We are no more in a scene, than it is over. The disadvantage to quick scenes is that all the angst and tension is diminished in this work. Why the rush? Why not flesh out the scene a bit more and let it happen naturally, not rush or strain the drama?
We have Lady Catherine acting badly and believe me, she acted badly. When Darcy told her he was going to marry Elizabeth, she jumped on Darcy with both feet and would not listen to reason. Elizabeth had as much trouble when Collins overheard her talking to Charlotte about her engagement. By then, Darcy was approaching the parsonage and nearly came to blows when Collins called Elizabeth all manner of horrid names. Darcy threatened to call him out if he continued to insult his intended.
Lady Catherine stormed Matlock House and demanded her brother, the Earl, do something with Darcy. It did not go well for her. The Earl set her down as no one has before and finally sent her to bed like the recalcitrant child she was. It was hilarious. He then sent her home the next day, demanding she leave Darcy alone, and to apologize to all she had insulted.
We are given a glimpse of a side of Lady Catherine that I’ve not seen before. We hear her thoughts regarding her relationship with Sir Lewis de Bourgh, the ramifications of his will and her fears regarding her future at Rosings. We see how disappointments and fears have made her into what she has become. An honest and forthright conversation with Anne helps to settle her fears and her demeanor. It was a very touching and revealing conversation.
Last but not least, Lady Catherine did apologize to all and they accepted it. The HEA was hard fought and ODC found theirs. Lady Matlock hosted a ball to introduce the newlywed couple into society. The conclusion was cute. There was no epilogue…drat.
Minimal errors, chapter 2 had the spelling theater while chapter 7 spelled it theatre.
Zoe Burton has another wonderful story on her hands. It is a well written, sweet romance. It tells the tale of ODC and how things might change with how they come together if Mr Wickham showed his true character much earlier!!!
I love how both Elizabeth and Mr Darcy are not so proud and prejudiced in this variation,. Yes, the story starts after the Netherfield Ball and the occupants of Netherfield Hall have returned to London, but neither is too proud to re-examine things when faced with certain events.
I adore Mr Bennet in this variation!!! He is more intuitive and less sardonic. He sees Elizabeth's change in emotions and has a true heart-to-heart with her, without teasing. I also love his fury when Elizabeth's honor is threatened by a bitter woman!!!
And talking about fury!!!! Mr Darcy is a man to behold!!!! To think that sniveling weasel of a parson is so ignorant to continuing to challenge Mr Darcy's word!!!! Or Lady Catherine's disgraceful behavior!! They say "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" well I would say "hell hath no fury like Mr Darcy" in this case!!!!
Oh and don't get me started on Mr Bingley's fury over his sisters' duplicity!!! LOL - and yes there were times I did snicker, out loud!!!
There really is low angst, just pure entertainment!!! The only problem I had with this book was that it was too short!!! The end seemed kinda rushed. I would highly recommend this book to all JAFFers!!!!
A nice, short, good read. It's missing something? I felt like it was a story at times and reading a dialogue at other times. I wanted the story to go more in depth instead of something happening and then moving on to the next something.
Lilacs & Lavender. A Pride and Prejudice Variation
What a happy story this novella is. After leaving Netherfield, Darcy is unhappy with himself for not admitting his feelings for Elizabeth Bennet. He is lonely and realizes she alone could make him happy. Jane has been in town with Gardiners since the holidays and now Lizzy was coming before going to Kent to visit with Charlotte. She would have t endure her obnoxious cousin, Collins, but missed her friend enough to make this sacrifice. That night, the Gardiners take everybody to the theater. In the lobby, Jane backs into none other than Charles Bingley. Both are very happy to see one another, and Darcy wonders how he could not see their love. When Jane says something about meeting his betrothed, Charles is bewildered. Relating Caroline's letter, Charles is mad beyond anyone's remembrance. Upon seeing Elizabeth, Darcy knows he wants her more than anything else in the world. Taking her arm, he leads the Gardiners, Bingleys, and the Hursts to his box seats. Caroline is upset, because she hates Elizabeth for her appeal to Darcy. While walking, Darcy indicates he would like to court her. She agrees, and Darcy speaks to her uncle. Permission is granted subject to Mr. Bennet's approval. Elizabeth is so happy, because after learning the true character of Wickham hailed in Meryton, Elizabeth sees Darcy in a whole new light. Caroline never had a chance, but refuses to see that. Her brother has a family meeting in which he unloads all of his frustrations and anger at his sisters, especially Caroline. Hurst finally puts his foot down with Louisa, and Caroline is left with her brother's anger and her sister's detachment. Charles tells her she attend ever ball and gathering to find herself a husband, because she'll never have a place in his home. And marriage to Darcy is not an option so if she doesn't find a husband, she have her own dowry to live off of and be in her own place. Darcy is happy to be in a courtship, he's ecstatic. Charles and Jane reconnect, too. The Gardiners are happy for both nieces. Darcy enjoys the Gardiners very much. Elizabeth is leaving for Kent tomorrow, and Darcy travels there in two weeks. Before he travels to Kent, he travels to Longbourn to speak with Mr. Bennet. Bennet is expecting him, because he saw that there was something between them that neither wanted to admit she he was at Netherfield. Darcy asks for courtship, but asks if the time is right, he will propose. Both are granted by Mr. Bennet and a letter stating his approval is sent to Elizabeth via Darcy. They both want to keep the courtship secret until they leave Kent. He proposes, she accepts. The morning of their trip aback to London, Darcy tells. His Aunt Catherine and Elizabeth tells Charlotte. Well we all know how Lady Catherine took the news, but when Darcy gets to the parsonage, Collins has heard part of her and Charlotte's conversation and is railing and disparaging Elizabeth when he enters. After convincing Collins that he continues to say anything, Darcy will meet on the field of honor. Collins finally closes his mouth, because he cannot shoot or fence. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth, Maria, and a maid travel to London. Upon reaching Gracechurch Street, Darcy and Fitzwilliam are invited to dinner. They stay and when they leave, Jane and Elizabeth share all. Both are extremely happy with the young man they've attached themselves to. The next morning, Darcy is out early searching for all the lilacs and lavender he can find for one huge bouquet. Arriving after Bingley, he is teased by Bingley that he had to get ahead of him with his betrothal and flowers. Darcy tells him to get with it and catch up. Meanwhile, Lady Catherine travels to Longbourn to bribe Mr. Bennet to call off the betrothal of Elizabeth and Darcy. After offering £15.000, and enough vitriol against Elizabeth, she has her thrown out of Longbourn. Penis an express message to Darcy, but she goes to her brother, Lord Matlock. He and his wife have just begun eating, so he tells her to sit down and eat, because he's not going to discuss the matter until he's finished eating. When she starts fuming, he has already heard from Richard chow happy Darcy is and how Elizabeth Bennet is beyond reproach regardless of her lack of money or name. Invited to dinner, the Matlocks are astonished by the change in Darcy. Both are in agreement that Elizabeth is a good match for him. All the time before the weddings, Lady Catherine's away of thinking changes when Anne tells her she would never marry Darcy, nor would she ever throw her in dower house with little money. Lady Catherine realizes she has many letters of apology to write to make things right for the family. To not do so would disgrace the families of Fitzwilliam, Matlocks, and de Bourgh's. She proceeds to do what her apologizing with Darcy, Elizabeth, and Mr. Bennet together and invites the couple to Rosings. After they wedding, the newly married couple is invited to travel to soon. Double wedding and countless hours of planning, have brought us to the ending. They have not left. Darcy House in a week and are expected at the Matlock's Ball that honors them. Almost everyone that meets Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy, accepts and likes her. Only the jealous mamas and the pompous daughters simpliy because they could catch him. Quick and easy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Short story that shows Elizabeths feelings for Darcy develop early on in their relationship. When Bingley and Darcy leave Netherfield, both Jane and Elizaneth suffer from unrequited love. Wickham is exposed in Meryton during their absence (his true spots appear) which makes Elizabeth question her ability to judge people correctly. A chance meeting in London before Kent bumps our 2 sets of lovers into each other at the theatre and courtships occur almost too quickly to make them believable. Writing style is basic but it's a clean cute story.
In this Pride and Prejudice variation Jane and Elizabeth are visiting the Gardiner's where they encounter Darcy and Bingley at a London theatre, and a courtship follows on.
Happy story. Yes, the Meryton Assembly remark was made, but with the open disgrace of Wickham in the streets of Meryton, his words against Darcy meant nothing to Elizabeth. At Gracechurch Street on her way to Kent to visit Charlotte Collins, the Bennet ladies meet Bingley and Darcy at the theater. They and the Gardiners are asked to join the group when Darcy asks Elizabeth’s permission for a courtship. Happy for this opportunity, Elizabeth gives Darcy a sprig of the lilac in her hair. Checking a book on the language of flowers, Darcy is pleasantly pleased. Wonderful and happy story. Wickham’s perfidious manner exposed, Caroline’s lies and deception discovered, and Lady Catherine’s plan to break the engagement foiled. The HEA of ODC was swiftly handled to everyone’s satisfaction.
A story with very little angst. The what-if is how would the future change if the Bennet sisters are walking into Meryton and see two young women fighting about who loves Wickham more and they are both pregnant.
All of their eyes are open to who the real Wickham is so Lizzy rethinks what she knows about Darcy and begins to realize perhaps what she thought about him was wrong also.
Low angst story. Enjoyable in many ways. The changes makes sense and are a pleasant short read.
It was great that the truth of Wickham’s debauchery and evil ways were found as quickly as they were. It made the storyline go so much better. It was great to see Lady de Bourgh depicted totally different at the end of this journey. Thank you!
Burton did a wonderful job of changing truth of when Wickham lies are revealed. Darcy was softer and Elizabeth was less stubborn. I highly recommend this variation to others (all ages).
Wickham is shown in his true form in beginning of this biok. Elizabeth had a chance to reconsider what she believes about people in her life. Darcy reconsider people and places as he mellows in London. Chance meeting in London at theater throughs two couples back together. Darcy and Elizabeth court under Lady Catherine 's nose, but Mr Collins tries to stop there engage ment. Good book truly enjoyed
This book is a cute variation in which starts same, but changes up after the first meeting. Darcy and Elizabeth meet soon after in London. Both had time to reflect on the other and things that happened. Their love grew and they end together. Give a try and you will fall in love with Darcy and Elizabeth again
This is a very enjoyable feel-good read that I heartily recommend to anyone looking for a romantic, angst-free story. It is the sort of book that leaves you feeling pleasantly satisfied. Do yourself a favour!