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Elizabeth Bennet's Deception: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary
What if Fitzwilliam Darcy refused to approach Elizabeth Bennet when he observes her upon the grounds of Pemberley? What if Elizabeth permits Mr. Darcy to think her the one ruined by Mr. Wickham? What if love is not enough to bring two souls together? FITZWILLIAM DARCY's pride makes the natural leap to ELIZABETH BENNET's ruination when the lady appears, without notice, upon Pemberley's threshold to plead for Darcy's assistance in locating his long-time enemy, George Wickham. Initially, Darcy cannot look beyond the pain of lost hopes, but when Charles Bingley demands that Darcy act with honor, Darcy assumes the task. Even so, the idea of delivering Miss Elizabeth into the hand of Mr. Wickham leaves Darcy raw with anguish. Yet, Darcy loves Elizabeth Bennet too much to see her brought low. He sets his heartbreak aside to save the woman he loves, but it is not long before Darcy realizes Elizabeth practices a deception, one Darcy permits so he might remain at her side long enough to convince the lady only in each other can they find happiness. Their adventure takes more twists and turns than does the original "Pride and Prejudice," but the reader will enjoy the devotion displayed by Darcy and Elizabeth as they bring Wickham to the line in Lydia Bennnet's defense, as well as their working their way through multiple misconstructions and vulnerabilities. Darcy's final wooing of Elizabeth brings two very private individuals to a very public declaration of their love.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2015
62 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Regina Jeffers
132 books704 followersRegina Jeffers, an award-winning author of historical cozy mysteries, Austenesque sequels and retellings, as well as Regency era romances, has worn many hats over her lifetime: daughter, student, military brat, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, tax preparer, journalist, choreographer, Broadway dancer, theatre director, history buff, grant writer, media literacy consultant, and author. Living outside of Charlotte, NC, Jeffers writes novels that take the ordinary and adds a bit of mayhem, while mastering tension in her own life with a bit of gardening and the exuberance of her “grand joys.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 28, 2019
A very nice story except...
A very nice story except during most of the time Lizzy works very hard, so tirelessly, so assiduously to destroy Darcy’s love for her.
She cares for him, even loves him and she will not ever think before she spews poisonous hate filled accusations at him. She will not hold still for 5 seconds to let him apologize. If she hears an apology she will misconstrue it anyway she can.
So how is there ever to be an HEA? Well Darcy early come to believe there is no one else in the world and he forgives her every word, her every action.
Is this a believable viewpoint for Darcy, for anyone. Is this how love is for lots of people? Both of Lizzy’s parent treat each other much better than Lizzy treats Darcy, and yet they don’t love each other much or at all anymore.
This books make me think I must just be a shallow person. I couldn’t possibly love anyone who treats me like Lizzy treats Darcy. And I often feel the same way in books where Darcy treats Lizzy that poorly.
Am I emotionally broken that I feel if I was Darcy in this book I couldn’t ever trust Lizzy after the way she has acted to him. After nursing Georgiana’s emotional wounds after Wickham scheme, could I trust Lizzy to not fly off the handle and cripple Georgiana and cause her to withdraw from the world again?
I know I would be so afraid for Georgiana and myself, I couldn’t trust her. There are other blue stockings in the world who must be nice and more emotionally stable.
So, good book, well written, but I fear I can’t believe in the ending HEA.
A very nice story except during most of the time Lizzy works very hard, so tirelessly, so assiduously to destroy Darcy’s love for her.
She cares for him, even loves him and she will not ever think before she spews poisonous hate filled accusations at him. She will not hold still for 5 seconds to let him apologize. If she hears an apology she will misconstrue it anyway she can.
So how is there ever to be an HEA? Well Darcy early come to believe there is no one else in the world and he forgives her every word, her every action.
Is this a believable viewpoint for Darcy, for anyone. Is this how love is for lots of people? Both of Lizzy’s parent treat each other much better than Lizzy treats Darcy, and yet they don’t love each other much or at all anymore.
This books make me think I must just be a shallow person. I couldn’t possibly love anyone who treats me like Lizzy treats Darcy. And I often feel the same way in books where Darcy treats Lizzy that poorly.
Am I emotionally broken that I feel if I was Darcy in this book I couldn’t ever trust Lizzy after the way she has acted to him. After nursing Georgiana’s emotional wounds after Wickham scheme, could I trust Lizzy to not fly off the handle and cripple Georgiana and cause her to withdraw from the world again?
I know I would be so afraid for Georgiana and myself, I couldn’t trust her. There are other blue stockings in the world who must be nice and more emotionally stable.
So, good book, well written, but I fear I can’t believe in the ending HEA.
August 30, 2020
I definitely liked this one better on the second reading. My only complaint is that there was an outbreak and no one died. :( I like where the outbreak came in the story though. I liked it very much this time.
Reread: Still loved it a lot.
Reread: I still wondered why no one died in the outbreak!
Reread: Still loved it a lot.
Reread: I still wondered why no one died in the outbreak!
November 2, 2015
'Some things you see with your eyes. Some things you know with your heart'.....sigh!!!!!
I loved this book,yes,simply loved it.
Words defy me..... buy it,read it and you'll understand!
I loved this book,yes,simply loved it.
Words defy me..... buy it,read it and you'll understand!
October 22, 2016
“A lie that is half-truth is the darkest of all lies.” Alfred Tennyson: 3.5 stars
This is a variation on our P&P story. We run parallel to and at times intersect with canon, experiment with Austen language and intersperse it with the thoughts and desires of our dear couple. Our characters are OOC [out of character] most of the time. Purists can throw propriety, comportment and etiquette out the window as Elizabeth is constantly going where she shouldn’t and doing things that she shouldn’t and is lucky she even has a reputation. Most of the time Darcy was angry and brooding, Elizabeth was angry and sulking when she wasn’t storming off in a snit. I wanted to shake her. Toward the end Darcy finally awoke from whatever stupor he was in and formulated a plan. It was at that time I smiled and said, ‘AT LAST’ to myself. I was to the point I didn’t care any longer. He then proceeded to woo Elizabeth.
I must say, this Elizabeth was too much work. I wanted to tell Darcy to run, run far and run fast. She just wasn’t worth the trouble. But, when you are dealing with passionate people, their actions are passionate. If… for one second… they would allow the other to finish a sentence, allow them to explain and to reason out the truth, it would have saved them a whole lot of angst. I suppose that is what makes good literature. We were down to the wire on this one.
We didn’t have to deal with the Hunsford group, Lady Catherine, or even Anne. There was the Wickham incident and that was where the misunderstanding and the lie started. Mr. Darcy misunderstood the reason Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner were looking for Wickham. And, Elizabeth let him stew in his misunderstanding. I didn’t think they would ever come to an understanding. Elizabeth’s stubborn, self-doubt and recriminations got on my nerves after a while. But it was a good read.
This is a variation on our P&P story. We run parallel to and at times intersect with canon, experiment with Austen language and intersperse it with the thoughts and desires of our dear couple. Our characters are OOC [out of character] most of the time. Purists can throw propriety, comportment and etiquette out the window as Elizabeth is constantly going where she shouldn’t and doing things that she shouldn’t and is lucky she even has a reputation. Most of the time Darcy was angry and brooding, Elizabeth was angry and sulking when she wasn’t storming off in a snit. I wanted to shake her. Toward the end Darcy finally awoke from whatever stupor he was in and formulated a plan. It was at that time I smiled and said, ‘AT LAST’ to myself. I was to the point I didn’t care any longer. He then proceeded to woo Elizabeth.
I must say, this Elizabeth was too much work. I wanted to tell Darcy to run, run far and run fast. She just wasn’t worth the trouble. But, when you are dealing with passionate people, their actions are passionate. If… for one second… they would allow the other to finish a sentence, allow them to explain and to reason out the truth, it would have saved them a whole lot of angst. I suppose that is what makes good literature. We were down to the wire on this one.
We didn’t have to deal with the Hunsford group, Lady Catherine, or even Anne. There was the Wickham incident and that was where the misunderstanding and the lie started. Mr. Darcy misunderstood the reason Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner were looking for Wickham. And, Elizabeth let him stew in his misunderstanding. I didn’t think they would ever come to an understanding. Elizabeth’s stubborn, self-doubt and recriminations got on my nerves after a while. But it was a good read.
April 25, 2015
This P&P twisty what if from Regina Jeffers is clean. It starts with Lizzy having arrived a Pemberley with the Gardiners, but she and Mr. Darcy don't connect. He is unaware of her visit to Lambton until Bingley spots her the next day. When Lydia's folly is revealed; Lizzy and her Aunt petition Darcy directly but mislead him as to the reason it is so urgent to locate Wickham.
This Lizzy is practically bi-polar, loving Mr. Darcy one minute and loathing him the next. She is rarely calm; often agitated and still absolutely determined to willfully misunderstand Darcy at every opportunity. Honestly had I been reading this in print the book would have flown about the room on at least 3 occasions; such was my fury at 'crazy' Lizzy Bennet. She endlessly assumes that Darcy is repelled or annoyed at her; despite his proposing at minimum of 3 separate times. She has endless misgivings, concerns, bothers, troubles and woes about their relationship. Will he return to her? Will he propose again? Will she accept. What is love? (baby, don't hurt me, don't hurt me, no more)
I swear there were points were I thought, 'I hope Mr. Darcy tells you to sod off and marries that poor Anne deBourgh, she's just sickly not headed for Bedlam'.
I like Jane Austen's Lizzy Bennet. She is funny, decided and brave. Too many P&P variation authors want to incorporate Lizzy's rush to judgement at the Meryton assembly into her character and the result is a looney, weepy, neurotic Lizzy. When while Lizzy was quick to judge Darcy & Wickham by her return from Rosings she has learned not to leap to conclusions.
This Lizzy is practically bi-polar, loving Mr. Darcy one minute and loathing him the next. She is rarely calm; often agitated and still absolutely determined to willfully misunderstand Darcy at every opportunity. Honestly had I been reading this in print the book would have flown about the room on at least 3 occasions; such was my fury at 'crazy' Lizzy Bennet. She endlessly assumes that Darcy is repelled or annoyed at her; despite his proposing at minimum of 3 separate times. She has endless misgivings, concerns, bothers, troubles and woes about their relationship. Will he return to her? Will he propose again? Will she accept. What is love? (baby, don't hurt me, don't hurt me, no more)
I swear there were points were I thought, 'I hope Mr. Darcy tells you to sod off and marries that poor Anne deBourgh, she's just sickly not headed for Bedlam'.
I like Jane Austen's Lizzy Bennet. She is funny, decided and brave. Too many P&P variation authors want to incorporate Lizzy's rush to judgement at the Meryton assembly into her character and the result is a looney, weepy, neurotic Lizzy. When while Lizzy was quick to judge Darcy & Wickham by her return from Rosings she has learned not to leap to conclusions.
May 20, 2018
So, how many times does a man has to propose to be accepted by a Witty, Charming and strong-headed country miss?
A) Obviously one, as the girl would be honored to even be considered as tolerable by someone as rich and important as Oh-So-Amazing-Me.
B) One. Maybe two, if the girl didn't feel my first attempt called for her sensitivities. Still, anything more should be considered a degradation.
C) Two, if after considering her chastisements and seing them as fair and deserved, I was willing to make amends for my prideful and unpardonable behavior.
D) Three or more. As disguise of every sort is my abhorrence, some misunderstandings and angry words might need to be addressed. And, as the young lady usually jumps to conclusion - and my tongue fails me when most needed - I might take some time, effort and renewing of my affections to get where I want.
E) None of the above. As such an unequal marriage is NOT TO BE BOURNE!
Misunderstandings and angry words seams to be the main obstacle ODC needs to overcome. Between his rushing to conclusions and her stubbornness, we have here an very good example of what happens when people do not communicate. Join in the mix Wickham and Lidya Bennet's elopement, an outbreak of measles and a ball at Netherfield.
It was really a much entertaining story!
A) Obviously one, as the girl would be honored to even be considered as tolerable by someone as rich and important as Oh-So-Amazing-Me.
B) One. Maybe two, if the girl didn't feel my first attempt called for her sensitivities. Still, anything more should be considered a degradation.
C) Two, if after considering her chastisements and seing them as fair and deserved, I was willing to make amends for my prideful and unpardonable behavior.
D) Three or more. As disguise of every sort is my abhorrence, some misunderstandings and angry words might need to be addressed. And, as the young lady usually jumps to conclusion - and my tongue fails me when most needed - I might take some time, effort and renewing of my affections to get where I want.
E) None of the above. As such an unequal marriage is NOT TO BE BOURNE!
Misunderstandings and angry words seams to be the main obstacle ODC needs to overcome. Between his rushing to conclusions and her stubbornness, we have here an very good example of what happens when people do not communicate. Join in the mix Wickham and Lidya Bennet's elopement, an outbreak of measles and a ball at Netherfield.
It was really a much entertaining story!
April 24, 2015
Regina Jeffers does not disappoint. I have read other of her books (although not all - bucket list: read all her books) and have enjoyed every one of them. She has quite an impressive list. I do have to mention that this is a short story which only took up 90% of my kindle's volume as a preview to another book takes up most of the rest of that same volume, along with credits, lists of other books, etc. The latter of which we expect.
(Do read the book description before thinking of purchasing this book. I am not going to repeat all that is said there.)
To me this book was the height of misunderstandings between our dear couple ever in any book in the JAFF genre. But if you enjoy angst, mix-ups, stubbornness, etc. you will find this tale delightful. The story begins with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner's and Elizabeth's visit to Pemberley. The events change at this point. They do not meet Darcy here although he learns later that it was, indeed, Elizabeth he viewed from her back going out with the head gardener to stroll the property.
I have read reviews in which other readers want to shake this person or that person in their misconstrued thoughts or actions. In this tale I wanted, for the first time, to severely shake Elizabeth...as Jane (our quiet, unassuming, passive Jane) tries to convince Elizabeth of the error in judgment she has made and continues to make about a certain man. And on the eve of a wedding, when thoughts should be only on that event - yes, Elizabeth you are distracting your dear sister.
I was reminded of a scene, which I loathe, in which Anne Elliot races about Bath in search of Captain Wentworth in the latest screen version of Persuasion. Elizabeth travels or, at time, rushes posthaste between Pemberley, Lambton, Gracechurch Street, Darcy House, Pemberley, Gracechurch Street, Longbourn and Netherfield. Yes, she is a busy young lady. And an epidemic of measles helps to influence reactions to her showing up in one place or another.
Elizabeth is very sly and conniving in this tale and, boy, can she tell whoppers! With outright lying to more than one person, all of whom are attempting to save her reputation and/or her physical well-being. Darcy is the romantic...he won't give up. And I loved his one letter. Finally - "Good for you, Darcy, old chap - finally put your foot down with a deadline!" Other familiar faces take part in this twisting tale: Colonel Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, Wickham, Lydia, Caroline, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, the Gardiners, and all the sisters as well as Bingley and the Hursts.
I did enjoy reading the different thoughts and convoluted conclusions and reactions to events for both Elizabeth and Darcy. Although I think Elizabeth takes the cake for misconstruing intentions, actions, etc. There is once when she does stop and take what she knows of Darcy step-by-step in her thoughts to consider a situation and what is meant or what is reality.
I read this book in about half-a-day so I was not kept up late at night trying to reach the end. I am sure all lovers of JAFF will enjoy the creativity and imagination which went into the writing of another variation here. Enjoy.
(Do read the book description before thinking of purchasing this book. I am not going to repeat all that is said there.)
To me this book was the height of misunderstandings between our dear couple ever in any book in the JAFF genre. But if you enjoy angst, mix-ups, stubbornness, etc. you will find this tale delightful. The story begins with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner's and Elizabeth's visit to Pemberley. The events change at this point. They do not meet Darcy here although he learns later that it was, indeed, Elizabeth he viewed from her back going out with the head gardener to stroll the property.
I have read reviews in which other readers want to shake this person or that person in their misconstrued thoughts or actions. In this tale I wanted, for the first time, to severely shake Elizabeth...as Jane (our quiet, unassuming, passive Jane) tries to convince Elizabeth of the error in judgment she has made and continues to make about a certain man. And on the eve of a wedding, when thoughts should be only on that event - yes, Elizabeth you are distracting your dear sister.
I was reminded of a scene, which I loathe, in which Anne Elliot races about Bath in search of Captain Wentworth in the latest screen version of Persuasion. Elizabeth travels or, at time, rushes posthaste between Pemberley, Lambton, Gracechurch Street, Darcy House, Pemberley, Gracechurch Street, Longbourn and Netherfield. Yes, she is a busy young lady. And an epidemic of measles helps to influence reactions to her showing up in one place or another.
Elizabeth is very sly and conniving in this tale and, boy, can she tell whoppers! With outright lying to more than one person, all of whom are attempting to save her reputation and/or her physical well-being. Darcy is the romantic...he won't give up. And I loved his one letter. Finally - "Good for you, Darcy, old chap - finally put your foot down with a deadline!" Other familiar faces take part in this twisting tale: Colonel Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, Wickham, Lydia, Caroline, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, the Gardiners, and all the sisters as well as Bingley and the Hursts.
I did enjoy reading the different thoughts and convoluted conclusions and reactions to events for both Elizabeth and Darcy. Although I think Elizabeth takes the cake for misconstruing intentions, actions, etc. There is once when she does stop and take what she knows of Darcy step-by-step in her thoughts to consider a situation and what is meant or what is reality.
I read this book in about half-a-day so I was not kept up late at night trying to reach the end. I am sure all lovers of JAFF will enjoy the creativity and imagination which went into the writing of another variation here. Enjoy.
December 29, 2015
My first Regina Jeffers book...
I am glad I trusted my Goodreads friends and read this book as my first Jeffers title... It was clever and interesting... Filled with love and passion... Nice moments between the Darcys and enough angst to keep me reading into the night... Well done Ms. Jeffers!!! You have found a new fan in me.
I am glad I trusted my Goodreads friends and read this book as my first Jeffers title... It was clever and interesting... Filled with love and passion... Nice moments between the Darcys and enough angst to keep me reading into the night... Well done Ms. Jeffers!!! You have found a new fan in me.
September 7, 2021
A frustrating Elizabeth
Reviewed in Canada on May 27, 2020
My oh my, this Elizabeth was a pill. Not my favorite portrayal of her to say the least. Thank goodness for HEA’s.
Reviewed in Canada on May 27, 2020
My oh my, this Elizabeth was a pill. Not my favorite portrayal of her to say the least. Thank goodness for HEA’s.
October 8, 2018
This Pride and Prejudice variation assumes that the dreaded Hunsford proposal has occurred, and Elizabeth needs Darcy's help finding Wickham to save her family from shame. A more informed Bingley insists that Darcy help in order to make up for his interference with Jane. Darcy also believes that Elizabeth is the one who is in trouble - hence the deception in the title.
Our dear couple must be honest and work together to resolve the Bennet's issue to find their happily ever after.
Our dear couple must be honest and work together to resolve the Bennet's issue to find their happily ever after.
November 3, 2015
Charming
I really enjoyed this variation. I was moved to tears a few times reading of Elizabeth and Darcy's longing for one another. A handful of truly frustrating moments but a good read.
I really enjoyed this variation. I was moved to tears a few times reading of Elizabeth and Darcy's longing for one another. A handful of truly frustrating moments but a good read.
April 22, 2015
This book started out with some very innovative plot complications for a P&P variation and took a lot of unexpected turns. I thoroughly enjoyed it. So well-written and satisfying!
April 19, 2015
Elizabeth Bennet's Deception: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary
Unique story of Elizabeth and Darcy's finally admitting their love for one another. As much as Darcy hates deception, he sure got over that when Elizabeth approached him to help find Wickham. Of course, Bingley's reaction to his attitude moved Darcy's thoughts to help Elizabeth. Rolling out of Pemberley, Darcy cannot believe that Elizabeth was compromised by George Wickham, but as his thoughts bounce around brain, he realizes it is her youngest sister, Lydia. Another reason for him to admire her: her willing to admit to disgrace to save her family's honor. While Elizabeth's feelings for Darcy have changed since Hunsford, Darcy still is in love with her. Lydia and Wickham's wedding is postponed, because when Darcy and Uncle Gardiner were discussing terms of their marriage, Wickham brought measles to the Gardiner's home. Lizzy, Mary, and Lydia were immune to the disease because they had measles when they were younger so their uncle asks for the Bennet's to send the girls to help them. As the situation eases at Gracechurch Street, Lizzy goes to Darcy House to see if Darcy carried the disease there. When she arrives, Darcy's servants are concerned because a unmarried woman should not be showing up at a bachelor's home. Even Colonel Fitzwilliam is taken aback, but realizes that many at Darcy House have fallen with disease. When Elizabeth sees where the stricken patients are housed, Elizabeth orders Darcy's servants to move the people downstairs in rooms with windows. Meanwhile back at Pemberley, Darcy, Georgiana, and many of his servants are stricken. Darcy instructs Mrs. Reynolds to send a letter to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner to warn them thinking of their children and most importantly, Elizabeth. Throwing all caution to the wind, Elizabeth convinces Colonel Fitzwilliam to take her to Pemberley, by fabricating that she and Darcy are betrothed. With her maid, the three set out for Derbyshire. Arriving, she immediately is taken to Darcy's bed chamber by Fitzwilliam, to help Mrs. Reynolds with Darcy while Fitzwilliam sees to Georgiana. Darcy is sleeping, but dreaming. In his dream, Elizabeth is his wife and she is taking care of him. Taking his hand between her two, his dream takes on real feeling. Opening his eyes, he screams to get her out of his room. As this couple is notorious for misunderstandings, at this point another one occurs. Darcy is concerned that she will get the measles not knowing her immunity, and she hears it as he doesn't want her. Running out of the house in tears, she runs into the woods. Trying to come to grips with his change of feelings when he left for Pemberley, Lizzy jumps to the wrong conclusion again and refuses to talk to Darcy. Tenacious as a bulldog, Darcy cannot give her up and is determined to have her as his wife. He decides that since many people know of their betrothal, fake though it might be, Darcy decides to write a letter to explain everything about their tumultuous relationship. With letters going back and forth between the two, their relationship begins to grow deeper than before while he is wooing her through his letters. Unsure about meeting him for Jane and Bingley's wedding throws the confident Elizabeth into a panic. Bingley throws a ball before his wedding, and because Darcy wasn't scheduled to be there, Lizzy feels safe to attend the ball. Standing in the ballroom, Lizzy closes her eyes and envisions what a ball in Pemberley's main ballroom would be like. Smiling as her vision sends her to the floor to open the ball with Darcy, Elizabeth's face takes on a dreamy look. Darcy whispers in her ear, "Dreaming of anyone I know?" Elizabeth is happy to see him, but still cannot come to grips with his devotion to her. He proposes again and tells her that he wants an answer by the end of the night. Between talking with Jane and her father, she finally comes to see him as he is and not what was at the beginning of their acquaintance. She accepts, and he pulls her out to the terrace for a kiss. They marry several weeks after the Bingleys, finally becoming one.
Unique story of Elizabeth and Darcy's finally admitting their love for one another. As much as Darcy hates deception, he sure got over that when Elizabeth approached him to help find Wickham. Of course, Bingley's reaction to his attitude moved Darcy's thoughts to help Elizabeth. Rolling out of Pemberley, Darcy cannot believe that Elizabeth was compromised by George Wickham, but as his thoughts bounce around brain, he realizes it is her youngest sister, Lydia. Another reason for him to admire her: her willing to admit to disgrace to save her family's honor. While Elizabeth's feelings for Darcy have changed since Hunsford, Darcy still is in love with her. Lydia and Wickham's wedding is postponed, because when Darcy and Uncle Gardiner were discussing terms of their marriage, Wickham brought measles to the Gardiner's home. Lizzy, Mary, and Lydia were immune to the disease because they had measles when they were younger so their uncle asks for the Bennet's to send the girls to help them. As the situation eases at Gracechurch Street, Lizzy goes to Darcy House to see if Darcy carried the disease there. When she arrives, Darcy's servants are concerned because a unmarried woman should not be showing up at a bachelor's home. Even Colonel Fitzwilliam is taken aback, but realizes that many at Darcy House have fallen with disease. When Elizabeth sees where the stricken patients are housed, Elizabeth orders Darcy's servants to move the people downstairs in rooms with windows. Meanwhile back at Pemberley, Darcy, Georgiana, and many of his servants are stricken. Darcy instructs Mrs. Reynolds to send a letter to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner to warn them thinking of their children and most importantly, Elizabeth. Throwing all caution to the wind, Elizabeth convinces Colonel Fitzwilliam to take her to Pemberley, by fabricating that she and Darcy are betrothed. With her maid, the three set out for Derbyshire. Arriving, she immediately is taken to Darcy's bed chamber by Fitzwilliam, to help Mrs. Reynolds with Darcy while Fitzwilliam sees to Georgiana. Darcy is sleeping, but dreaming. In his dream, Elizabeth is his wife and she is taking care of him. Taking his hand between her two, his dream takes on real feeling. Opening his eyes, he screams to get her out of his room. As this couple is notorious for misunderstandings, at this point another one occurs. Darcy is concerned that she will get the measles not knowing her immunity, and she hears it as he doesn't want her. Running out of the house in tears, she runs into the woods. Trying to come to grips with his change of feelings when he left for Pemberley, Lizzy jumps to the wrong conclusion again and refuses to talk to Darcy. Tenacious as a bulldog, Darcy cannot give her up and is determined to have her as his wife. He decides that since many people know of their betrothal, fake though it might be, Darcy decides to write a letter to explain everything about their tumultuous relationship. With letters going back and forth between the two, their relationship begins to grow deeper than before while he is wooing her through his letters. Unsure about meeting him for Jane and Bingley's wedding throws the confident Elizabeth into a panic. Bingley throws a ball before his wedding, and because Darcy wasn't scheduled to be there, Lizzy feels safe to attend the ball. Standing in the ballroom, Lizzy closes her eyes and envisions what a ball in Pemberley's main ballroom would be like. Smiling as her vision sends her to the floor to open the ball with Darcy, Elizabeth's face takes on a dreamy look. Darcy whispers in her ear, "Dreaming of anyone I know?" Elizabeth is happy to see him, but still cannot come to grips with his devotion to her. He proposes again and tells her that he wants an answer by the end of the night. Between talking with Jane and her father, she finally comes to see him as he is and not what was at the beginning of their acquaintance. She accepts, and he pulls her out to the terrace for a kiss. They marry several weeks after the Bingleys, finally becoming one.
February 9, 2018
In this P&P Vagary, Elizabeth and Darcy meet again, this time at Pemberley when she travels with her aunt and uncle. She receives a note from Jane informing her that Lydia and Wickham have run off north together. Elizabeth immediately thinks of Mr. Darcy...he would be one to know where and how Wickham could be found. From that, she forms a plan and coaxes her uncle to take her to Pemberley, and insinuates to Darcy Wickham has run off after leaving her pregnant with his child. Can Darcy help her and her uncle find him? Darcy agrees but quickly realizes Elizabeth would never be fooled by someone like Wickahm, so she must be acting for a sister before the deed is discovered and ruin comes to the family. This follows until you believe all will be well. However...Wickham spreads sickness he has picked up, infecting all who have never had the measles. Elizabeth, with the Colonel, travels to Pemberley when she learns Darcy and his sister are sick, to help care for them and anyone else who is infected. A huge misunderstanding occurs. Darcy wants Elizabeth as his wife, but she refuses because.... But it had to happen in order for the rest of the story to unfold so beautifully. They write to one another, and the letters are beautifully written. Darcy has already decided Elizabeth must be his wife. No other could compare to her or give him the peace and happiness he wants. Little by little Elizabeth comes to realize Darcy is so perfectly suited to be her husband. Yet she still hesitates, thinking of the marriage between her mother and father. How can she be sure that wouldn't happen to her if she and Darcy wed? You need to read the rest of the
September 7, 2022
Oh my. Where to begin? For starters, I read this story in the form of an E book. E books makes it easier for people to get their books published and much less expensive. However, one thing that's fallen by the way-side is the propper proof-reading of a book with attention to spelling and grammar. I'm not someone who wants to go back to the physical book days, I like E books because they're so much easier. Having said that, I've had to get used to incorrect grammar being used and horrendous spelling errors. I let most of that go because it's just not worth getting into. Plus, I've no doubt that despite proof-reading my reviews, I make my share of errors as well. However! This book was littered with mistakes! Here is an example of something that happened throughout the book; the author meant to write that Mr Collins appeared distressed. Instead they wrote "Mrs. Collins appeared genuinely distressed that he had not yet found..." At this point in the story there was no Mrs. Collins as he had not married yet. This happened multiple times, the incorrect title being used, thus confusing the reader. At one point he's referred to as Mr Collings. This next example also wouldn't have been too distracting if it wasn't for it happening again and again throughout the book: "Instead of reply from my uncle, I instead received a reply from Miss Elizabeth Bennet...". The missing word and the use of the word "instead" twice in one sentence, I ask you, how bad does the proof reading have to be to have this happen over and over in the book? Here's another, "However, her most pressing worry, was the fact that convincing another woman of her identity would another problem entirely..."
But beyond the atrocious grammatical issues was the story itself. There are many times when a story, on its own merit, wouldn't be believable. It's a testament to the story writer (whether in a book or a script or movie) as to whether they can suspend the reader's/viewer's disbelief. A woman posing as a man and no one being the wiser is not believable, in and of itself. But if the writer is talented, suspension of disbelief is possible. This was not the case here. Very, very little was addressed with regard to the believable-ability of a woman successfully acting as a man. Elizabeth's idea of posing as a long lost cousin in order to take ownership of the estate so that it doesn't go to Mr Collins (or Mr Collings or Mrs Collins) is brought to light when she visits her aunt in London, after her father has died. The aunt immediately is on board with the idea when, in reality, she would have been scandalized and it should have taken some convincing to help Elizabeth with the scheme. She starts making plans and gets some men's clothes made for Elizabeth (surprisingly fast). They address the issue of having to bind her breasts so they're not visible and they cut her hair short. But they don't address her soft face with no facial hair, other than aunt Gardiner mentioning "I don't know what we're going to do about that", and then it's never brought up again. Nor do they address her voice or how she was expected to act like a man with little frame of reference. Elizabeth simply slips into the role of a man with little effort.
When finally back at Longbourn, once the long lost cousin has been introduced to everyone, is the mention of the ball at Netherfield. Surprisingly, they're all expected to go, despite the fact that they're all still in deep mourning! This would never have happened. But other than mentioning how Mrs. Bennet was still wearing black and the new cousin wearing a black arm band, no one blinks an eye at the entire family going to a ball less than 2 months after the patriarch of the family has passed. At this point the entire Bennet family, the Gardiners and the Longbourn staff are in on the deception. NO ONE is scandalized or even bothered by it.
Then comes the part where Elizabeth has to dance at the ball but this time, from the man's perspective. It's only mentioned that she and Jane have talked about it and have gone over some of the moves. In reality, these complicated dance moves would have made it very difficult for Elizabeth to simply slip into the role of the man without having to have practiced it extensively. It wouldn't have taken much for the author to stick in a scene where the sisters practice with Elizabeth over and over until she has the man's dance moves down. But she didn't, therefore, the reader's disbelief is not suspended
While as a man Elizabeth goes shooting with Darcy and Bingley. She has no idea what she's doing but ends up shooting a bird as a fluke. But her shoulder is badly bruised in the process (normally she would have fallen backwards if she was shooting a rifle for the first time without even a clue as to how to do it, I've had experience with this, but at least the author got the bruising right). Later, at the ball, Darcy insults him/her, insinuating that if his friend, Bingley, proposes to Jane, he will expect Jane to sever ties with her family, as they are all ill mannered and uncouth. Elizabeth gets angry, tells him what an ass he is to insult his/her family so severely and starts to walk out. Darcy reaches out to stop him by putting his hand on Elizabeth's shoulder and she cries out in pain. Elizabeth fears that she's been found out. The author never tells the reader why Elizabeth thinks that; is it the fact that Darcy notices there's a bruise at all, when a man should know how to shoot a rifle? Is it that she cried out as a women? We never know because it's not addressed.
A few days later the "cousin" is back in Canada having left the running of the estate to the Bennet women and Elizabeth is back as a women having, somehow, styled her hair in a way that no one can tell it's short. Um...yeah, right. Again, it's not really addressed other than to say she was able to hide it under her bonnet and under other head wear. Darcy notices the bruise on her shoulder, Elizabeth says she knows Darcy values honesty and will answer any questions he has. Presumably the author is trying to say that Darcy has pretty much figured the deception out and Elizabeth is willing to tell him the truth if he wants to ask. Darcy tells her he won't ask and that he's certain she will tell him the truth when the time comes. And...The End. That's right, that's how the book ends. So bizarre and disappointing.
But beyond the atrocious grammatical issues was the story itself. There are many times when a story, on its own merit, wouldn't be believable. It's a testament to the story writer (whether in a book or a script or movie) as to whether they can suspend the reader's/viewer's disbelief. A woman posing as a man and no one being the wiser is not believable, in and of itself. But if the writer is talented, suspension of disbelief is possible. This was not the case here. Very, very little was addressed with regard to the believable-ability of a woman successfully acting as a man. Elizabeth's idea of posing as a long lost cousin in order to take ownership of the estate so that it doesn't go to Mr Collins (or Mr Collings or Mrs Collins) is brought to light when she visits her aunt in London, after her father has died. The aunt immediately is on board with the idea when, in reality, she would have been scandalized and it should have taken some convincing to help Elizabeth with the scheme. She starts making plans and gets some men's clothes made for Elizabeth (surprisingly fast). They address the issue of having to bind her breasts so they're not visible and they cut her hair short. But they don't address her soft face with no facial hair, other than aunt Gardiner mentioning "I don't know what we're going to do about that", and then it's never brought up again. Nor do they address her voice or how she was expected to act like a man with little frame of reference. Elizabeth simply slips into the role of a man with little effort.
When finally back at Longbourn, once the long lost cousin has been introduced to everyone, is the mention of the ball at Netherfield. Surprisingly, they're all expected to go, despite the fact that they're all still in deep mourning! This would never have happened. But other than mentioning how Mrs. Bennet was still wearing black and the new cousin wearing a black arm band, no one blinks an eye at the entire family going to a ball less than 2 months after the patriarch of the family has passed. At this point the entire Bennet family, the Gardiners and the Longbourn staff are in on the deception. NO ONE is scandalized or even bothered by it.
Then comes the part where Elizabeth has to dance at the ball but this time, from the man's perspective. It's only mentioned that she and Jane have talked about it and have gone over some of the moves. In reality, these complicated dance moves would have made it very difficult for Elizabeth to simply slip into the role of the man without having to have practiced it extensively. It wouldn't have taken much for the author to stick in a scene where the sisters practice with Elizabeth over and over until she has the man's dance moves down. But she didn't, therefore, the reader's disbelief is not suspended
While as a man Elizabeth goes shooting with Darcy and Bingley. She has no idea what she's doing but ends up shooting a bird as a fluke. But her shoulder is badly bruised in the process (normally she would have fallen backwards if she was shooting a rifle for the first time without even a clue as to how to do it, I've had experience with this, but at least the author got the bruising right). Later, at the ball, Darcy insults him/her, insinuating that if his friend, Bingley, proposes to Jane, he will expect Jane to sever ties with her family, as they are all ill mannered and uncouth. Elizabeth gets angry, tells him what an ass he is to insult his/her family so severely and starts to walk out. Darcy reaches out to stop him by putting his hand on Elizabeth's shoulder and she cries out in pain. Elizabeth fears that she's been found out. The author never tells the reader why Elizabeth thinks that; is it the fact that Darcy notices there's a bruise at all, when a man should know how to shoot a rifle? Is it that she cried out as a women? We never know because it's not addressed.
A few days later the "cousin" is back in Canada having left the running of the estate to the Bennet women and Elizabeth is back as a women having, somehow, styled her hair in a way that no one can tell it's short. Um...yeah, right. Again, it's not really addressed other than to say she was able to hide it under her bonnet and under other head wear. Darcy notices the bruise on her shoulder, Elizabeth says she knows Darcy values honesty and will answer any questions he has. Presumably the author is trying to say that Darcy has pretty much figured the deception out and Elizabeth is willing to tell him the truth if he wants to ask. Darcy tells her he won't ask and that he's certain she will tell him the truth when the time comes. And...The End. That's right, that's how the book ends. So bizarre and disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2016
Jeffers has written some interesting Austen sequels and spinoffs. This, however, was one of the ones I could consign to the rubbish bin. Lizzy Bennet, after Lydia's disappearance to London with Wickham, decides to draw Darcy into the search by acting as though SHE was the one who fell prey to Wickham's charms and is with child by him. Darcy figures out her ruse, knowing it was Lydia and not Lizzy who was seduced, but he allows Elizabeth to carry on. It was one of the ridiculous takes on P&P that some authors find interesting. There is a drawn-out correspondence at the end of the novel, in which Lizzy realizes she loves Darcy but is not sure they can survive each other's witty repartee. Again, ridiculous. I appreciate Jeffers's admiration of Austen, but she is dumbing down the sequel genre.
May 7, 2015
Elizabeth and Darcy do not bump into each other at Pemberley but Bingley sees Elizabeth while he carriage rides through Lampton. Bingley is quickly informed of Jane being London and Caroline's insinuation over his relationship with Georgiana. When Elizabeths receives letters of Lydias ruin with an intended elopement with Wickham, Elizabeth goes to Pemberley to obtain Darcy's assistance.Darcy wrongly assumes that Elizabeth is the one injured by Wickham (Elizabeths deception) and initially refuses to assist but Bingley convinces him he must. The rest of the novel is Darcy trying to assist Elizabeths family in this endeavours and prove that he will faithfully support her. Happy ending for Lizzy of course.
August 11, 2017
Who Wouldn't Love Someone Who Really Knows You,But Loves You Anyway
This was a very short deception. Yes, Darcy jumped to the conclusion that the ruination was Lizzy's but that only lasted long enough to spur him to action. The most time is spent trying to change Lizzy's mind when she jumps to conclusions. He yells at her to leave his bed chamber so she won't become sick and instead of using her brain to understand him, she assumes the worst and refuses to even allow him a moment to explain!
OTOH this is an interesting variation, allowing Darcy to court Lizzy and we get to see how he gets her to stop guarding her heart and let herself love him back.
This was a very short deception. Yes, Darcy jumped to the conclusion that the ruination was Lizzy's but that only lasted long enough to spur him to action. The most time is spent trying to change Lizzy's mind when she jumps to conclusions. He yells at her to leave his bed chamber so she won't become sick and instead of using her brain to understand him, she assumes the worst and refuses to even allow him a moment to explain!
OTOH this is an interesting variation, allowing Darcy to court Lizzy and we get to see how he gets her to stop guarding her heart and let herself love him back.
August 12, 2015
Talk about willfully misunderstanding! This variation has Elizabeth waffling back and forth between wanting Darcy's affections and believing it would never work between them. Disagreements and misunderstandings abound right up until the end when Darcy demands his answer. (Steadfast and true, Darcy never waffles.) There are some clever plot twists in this one though I think it could have used another read through by a copy editor or proofreader.
May 5, 2015
I read the Kindle version. It was one of the poorest edited books I have ever read. There were several moments that confused me, the only rational explanation I can concoct is perhaps the author wrote in dream sequences that were in no way announced or explained.
The book did find a nice flow once 50+% in, but far too late to save a 4 star rating.
The book did find a nice flow once 50+% in, but far too late to save a 4 star rating.
August 18, 2016
out of character, illogical
May 30, 2018
Elizabeth's anger at the misunderstanding was too over the top; otherwise really liked this book.
April 4, 2021
This was a book that I liked and didn't like and liked and didn't like and liked... There were some funny bits and some nice romancing, and Darcy is a rock, as always. But it kept swinging in the dislike section because I'm not a fan of Elizabeth here. She makes some questionable decisions that reek of dishonesty and risk her reputation, and has several unprovoked attacks of utter shrewishness that poor Darcy has to try to overcome. He's been quite clear about what his wishes are but Elizabeth keeps doubting him. The last part when they come together finally is very sweet so thankfully the pendulum ended up in the like section. But there were times that I thought Darcy deserves better.
In the sloppy editing department, there was a paragraph or two that switches from the third person narrative to first person without warning, some letters that could have been more clearly delineated typographically (I don't know, have them in italics or something), and a large section of Austen original text at about 40 % on my Kindle that was quite obviously copy-pasted from Pemberley.com. And how do I know that, you might ask. Because they left the links in place. All the character names in that section and some of the other words are hyperlinks to Pemberley.com explanatory pages.
In the sloppy editing department, there was a paragraph or two that switches from the third person narrative to first person without warning, some letters that could have been more clearly delineated typographically (I don't know, have them in italics or something), and a large section of Austen original text at about 40 % on my Kindle that was quite obviously copy-pasted from Pemberley.com. And how do I know that, you might ask. Because they left the links in place. All the character names in that section and some of the other words are hyperlinks to Pemberley.com explanatory pages.
August 16, 2020
I liked the premise of this book quite a lot and have been looking forward to reading to this since I put it on my bookshelf. I loved it quite a bit with one exception. In my copy at least, there were quite a lot of typo's/grammar mistakes.
Plot: It begins on Elizabeth's summer trip with the Gardner's to Derbyshire and Pemberley specifically. Darcy sees her and decides not to interact and she knows he is home but decides not to see him, until Jane's letter arrives. Then, quite suddenly Darcy is deceived that Elizabeth is having Wickham's child and needs to find and marry him. With a little encouragement Darcy helps. But the deception doesn't even last until they get to London. Darcy and Elizabeth find Wickham together and it is close to a resolution when Wickham, Darcy, 2 Gardiner children, many servants and part of London succumb to a disease. Some risky decisions are made and misunderstandings ensue that were not part of the original novel.
I really liked this book, and read it in less than two days. But the editing mistakes in this book jarred me out of the loveliness of the book so many times.
Plot: It begins on Elizabeth's summer trip with the Gardner's to Derbyshire and Pemberley specifically. Darcy sees her and decides not to interact and she knows he is home but decides not to see him, until Jane's letter arrives. Then, quite suddenly Darcy is deceived that Elizabeth is having Wickham's child and needs to find and marry him. With a little encouragement Darcy helps. But the deception doesn't even last until they get to London. Darcy and Elizabeth find Wickham together and it is close to a resolution when Wickham, Darcy, 2 Gardiner children, many servants and part of London succumb to a disease. Some risky decisions are made and misunderstandings ensue that were not part of the original novel.
I really liked this book, and read it in less than two days. But the editing mistakes in this book jarred me out of the loveliness of the book so many times.
May 13, 2024
A wonderful variation full of angst and drama
This reader is most impressed with this author’s ability to focus on characterization of the main players, dwelling on the conflicts within and between them. Most of the angst comes from within Darcy and Elizabeth, which is all for the best in every Pride and Prejudice variation, which demands emphasis on the beloved couple.
This features more passionate and tempestuous versions Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. The classic love story that deals with reaching the ultimate conclusion: that one cannot love the rest of one’s life without the other by one’s side. Both characters realize this points in several parts of the story; back and forth, from rejection to trust, from desperation, despair to hope, from hate to love; readers are thrown into a whirlwind of emotions that the lovers feel.
A most affecting story, and worthwhile the attention and admiration it deserves. Highly recommended!
This reader is most impressed with this author’s ability to focus on characterization of the main players, dwelling on the conflicts within and between them. Most of the angst comes from within Darcy and Elizabeth, which is all for the best in every Pride and Prejudice variation, which demands emphasis on the beloved couple.
This features more passionate and tempestuous versions Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. The classic love story that deals with reaching the ultimate conclusion: that one cannot love the rest of one’s life without the other by one’s side. Both characters realize this points in several parts of the story; back and forth, from rejection to trust, from desperation, despair to hope, from hate to love; readers are thrown into a whirlwind of emotions that the lovers feel.
A most affecting story, and worthwhile the attention and admiration it deserves. Highly recommended!
April 15, 2020
In this P&P variation, the Gardiners and Elizabeth Bennet have toured Pemberley but do not meet Darcy. At Pemberley, Darcy decides to confess to Bingley his involvement with hiding the truth of Jane Bennet. At Lambton, when Jane's letter arrives Elizabeth enlists the help of Darcy, by insinuating that it is her that Wickham has compromised. It doesn't take Darcy long to realise the falsehood of this. But they are off to London.
There is an obstinate Elizabeth, then there is stupidly obstinate. It just got too tiring and annoying to read.
(Had enough when it was proposed that Mary would do for Philip's apprentice.)
There is an obstinate Elizabeth, then there is stupidly obstinate. It just got too tiring and annoying to read.
(Had enough when it was proposed that Mary would do for Philip's apprentice.)
July 15, 2023
should be Elizabeth Bennett’s DeceptionS
Not really a fan of this one. Lizzy tells way too many lies to get her way, Darcy rubbed me the wrong way, and most of the plot is not believable. Add to that a measles outbreak that seems to be confused with smallpox and language that tries so hard to be “olde fashionede” but just sounds silly (eg, “he affected her” instead of “he felt affection for her”) and I had to skim to get through. Please, Ms Jeffers, I understand you have moved along from your previous amazing collaboration with Ms Hanford, but you still need a good editor at the very least!
Not really a fan of this one. Lizzy tells way too many lies to get her way, Darcy rubbed me the wrong way, and most of the plot is not believable. Add to that a measles outbreak that seems to be confused with smallpox and language that tries so hard to be “olde fashionede” but just sounds silly (eg, “he affected her” instead of “he felt affection for her”) and I had to skim to get through. Please, Ms Jeffers, I understand you have moved along from your previous amazing collaboration with Ms Hanford, but you still need a good editor at the very least!
September 9, 2018
Deception after deception!
Elizabeth is quite the "deceiver" in this story, as she manipulates her way into (and out of) Darcy's life. I enjoyed the twists and turns, but towards the end I began to wonder just why she would not commit to a man she obviously loved.
Elizabeth is quite the "deceiver" in this story, as she manipulates her way into (and out of) Darcy's life. I enjoyed the twists and turns, but towards the end I began to wonder just why she would not commit to a man she obviously loved.
October 6, 2018
Regina Jeffers is as favorite of mine and this book was as good as the others I have read by her. I loved it! I love Darcy's persistence in perusing Elizabeth. And if he botched the first proposal, he certainly makes up for it in romance later.
November 12, 2023
I loved it!
This story, although following canon to some extent, offers many twists, turns, and unconventionalities that I found intriguing! I loved this Mr Darcy and relentless efforts to win Elizabeth’s affections.
This story, although following canon to some extent, offers many twists, turns, and unconventionalities that I found intriguing! I loved this Mr Darcy and relentless efforts to win Elizabeth’s affections.
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