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The Return
What if Mr. Bingley defied convention, ignored Darcy's counsel, and married Jane Bennet straight away? This unexpected twist sets the stage for a delightful Pride and Prejudice variation filled with humor, wit, and romance. Elizabeth Bennet, ever perceptive, believes she knows the real reason behind Mr. Darcy's attempt to dissuade Darcy is selfish, unfeeling, and cruel. Or so she thinks. At Jane and Bingley's wedding, Darcy hints at a change of heart, suggesting he might follow Bingley's example and marry for love. But Elizabeth, protective of her sister and unafraid to speak her mind, confronts him. However, when their paths cross again at Rosings Park, Elizabeth is forced to reassess her initial impressions. Could she have been wrong about Darcy's character? And what does this mean for her own heart? Expect low-angst conflict, character growth, and a satisfying resolution in this touching and humorous reimagining of Austen's beloved classic.
The Return is 70,000 words long
The Return is 70,000 words long
206 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2015
80 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 17, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed this book!!
This book started after the Netherfield Ball when the Netherfield party was in London. The premise is that Mr Bingley, despite the reasons from Miss Bingley and Mr Darcy, choose to return to Meryton and find out for himself if Jane loved him. All I will say is Miss Bingley is a nasty person, and Mr Hurst has some gumption!!!! I wouldn't say that this Mr Bingley is an extremely stronger Mr Bingley, but he has a bit more resolve.
This book is well written and very original. The story has a lot of the same events as the original P&P, though some in a different order, and others slightly altered.
Elizabeth and Mr Darcy still have their disagreement, and boy is it a fantastic disagreement!!!! Again I will not reveal too much but it is so heated and is done in public view as to draw attention to them. I enjoyed the aftermath, the reactions and emotions that both E&D go through. Georgiana is a delight to get to know. Here is another book where I get to be disappointed with Mr Bennet.
I would highly recommend The Return to any and all JAFFers, I'd say it is PG13 so it's appropriate for most people. No mature themes. I look forward to reading more by Mr Underwood!!!
This book started after the Netherfield Ball when the Netherfield party was in London. The premise is that Mr Bingley, despite the reasons from Miss Bingley and Mr Darcy, choose to return to Meryton and find out for himself if Jane loved him. All I will say is Miss Bingley is a nasty person, and Mr Hurst has some gumption!!!! I wouldn't say that this Mr Bingley is an extremely stronger Mr Bingley, but he has a bit more resolve.
This book is well written and very original. The story has a lot of the same events as the original P&P, though some in a different order, and others slightly altered.
Elizabeth and Mr Darcy still have their disagreement, and boy is it a fantastic disagreement!!!! Again I will not reveal too much but it is so heated and is done in public view as to draw attention to them. I enjoyed the aftermath, the reactions and emotions that both E&D go through. Georgiana is a delight to get to know. Here is another book where I get to be disappointed with Mr Bennet.
I would highly recommend The Return to any and all JAFFers, I'd say it is PG13 so it's appropriate for most people. No mature themes. I look forward to reading more by Mr Underwood!!!
May 4, 2020
The Return: A Pride and Prejudice Story is a very fun read. Although it has its share of angst, the premise of the story eliminates some of the angst appearing in the original Austen story.
In this version, Bingley just does not believe Darcy and his sisters when they tell him Jane doesn't love him. He returns to Longbourn to question Jane directly and find out the truth of the matter. Jane assures him of her love, so the couple are engaged only a few days after the ball at Netherfield.
Now to Darcy and Elizabeth. Both stand up with Jane and Bingley at the wedding. They are then seated at a table together. They proceed to have their "Hunsford" moment during the wedding breakfast entertaining all attending to an obvious argument.
Prior to the wedding, Caroline Bingley told some pretty obvious lies to Elizabeth about Darcy's treatment of Wickham. Darcy is simply hurt and amazed that Elizabeth would believe the concocted story. Thus he leaves Hertfordshire with less regret than in the original story, but Elizabeth is much more chagrined at her behavior and belief in Darcy's guilt.
Now when they meet again in Kent they are both in very different mindsets than in the original. Darcy is once again struck by Elizabeth's charms, but he is not under any illusion about her feelings for him. He knows he has to woo her. Elizabeth is painfully aware of how unfair she was in her estimation of Darcy and is determined to apologize, thus making her more receptive to his advances.
This is a very charming variation. I so enjoyed the banter between the couple, as well as between Darcy and Bingley. It is always interesting to read a male author's take on the story. Austen admitted she was uncomfortable writing about male interactions when women were not present. Timothy Underwood shows us this perspective and does a great job.
Recommended.
In this version, Bingley just does not believe Darcy and his sisters when they tell him Jane doesn't love him. He returns to Longbourn to question Jane directly and find out the truth of the matter. Jane assures him of her love, so the couple are engaged only a few days after the ball at Netherfield.
Now to Darcy and Elizabeth. Both stand up with Jane and Bingley at the wedding. They are then seated at a table together. They proceed to have their "Hunsford" moment during the wedding breakfast entertaining all attending to an obvious argument.
Prior to the wedding, Caroline Bingley told some pretty obvious lies to Elizabeth about Darcy's treatment of Wickham. Darcy is simply hurt and amazed that Elizabeth would believe the concocted story. Thus he leaves Hertfordshire with less regret than in the original story, but Elizabeth is much more chagrined at her behavior and belief in Darcy's guilt.
Now when they meet again in Kent they are both in very different mindsets than in the original. Darcy is once again struck by Elizabeth's charms, but he is not under any illusion about her feelings for him. He knows he has to woo her. Elizabeth is painfully aware of how unfair she was in her estimation of Darcy and is determined to apologize, thus making her more receptive to his advances.
This is a very charming variation. I so enjoyed the banter between the couple, as well as between Darcy and Bingley. It is always interesting to read a male author's take on the story. Austen admitted she was uncomfortable writing about male interactions when women were not present. Timothy Underwood shows us this perspective and does a great job.
Recommended.
December 11, 2015
The Return: A Pride and Prejudice Story
Very different from most variations, but a very good story. When the Bingleys and Darcy left Netherfield, the letter from Caroline to Jane stated that they would not be returning to Netherfield. But Bingley stood up to Darcy and his sisters and returned to Meryton. After he sees how happy they are, he is envious and jealous of their happiness. At the wedding breakfast, Darcy has made up his mind to marry Elizabeth. Lizzy however, has missed every clue that Darcy admired her since meeting her. While sitting together both their tempers explode and Darcy walks out cursing the day she was born. He is angry with her and decides he was wrong and that she was a silly, stupid girl. She begins to realize she was wrong, a little too late. When he finally admits that his discussion was ill indeed, he thinks back to all their conversations and realizes he's very much at fault. When they meet at Rosings, her feelings for him have changed as well as his for her. Georgiana has met Jane in London, and decides she wants to meet Elizabeth that she's heard so much about from Darcy's letters. He returns to Netherfield with Georgiana and she and Elizabeth become great friends. Not only are Caroline and Wickham are disgraceful, but Mrs. Hurst is as bad. When problems of the past are forgotten and apologies made, our two finally come to get her and fall madly in love. Still had to deal with silly, stupid Lydia and Wickham, but Darcy's love was so deep Elizabeth should never have worried about him deserting her. Every time he was trying to propose, Jane interrupted them. Although Elizabeth loved her sister, she was getting discussed with her interruptions. Love prevails and all is right at Pemberley.
Very different from most variations, but a very good story. When the Bingleys and Darcy left Netherfield, the letter from Caroline to Jane stated that they would not be returning to Netherfield. But Bingley stood up to Darcy and his sisters and returned to Meryton. After he sees how happy they are, he is envious and jealous of their happiness. At the wedding breakfast, Darcy has made up his mind to marry Elizabeth. Lizzy however, has missed every clue that Darcy admired her since meeting her. While sitting together both their tempers explode and Darcy walks out cursing the day she was born. He is angry with her and decides he was wrong and that she was a silly, stupid girl. She begins to realize she was wrong, a little too late. When he finally admits that his discussion was ill indeed, he thinks back to all their conversations and realizes he's very much at fault. When they meet at Rosings, her feelings for him have changed as well as his for her. Georgiana has met Jane in London, and decides she wants to meet Elizabeth that she's heard so much about from Darcy's letters. He returns to Netherfield with Georgiana and she and Elizabeth become great friends. Not only are Caroline and Wickham are disgraceful, but Mrs. Hurst is as bad. When problems of the past are forgotten and apologies made, our two finally come to get her and fall madly in love. Still had to deal with silly, stupid Lydia and Wickham, but Darcy's love was so deep Elizabeth should never have worried about him deserting her. Every time he was trying to propose, Jane interrupted them. Although Elizabeth loved her sister, she was getting discussed with her interruptions. Love prevails and all is right at Pemberley.
August 9, 2020
Intense book. Darcy is arrogant, proud and mean. Lizzy is naive has a terrible temper. Mr, Bennet is lazy, proud and mean. Mrs. Bennet I’d not intelligent and mean. Jane never learns how bad evil people are. Wickham is Wickham and Darcy is incapable of making his family safe from him. Mr. Bennet doesn’t even try.
Really the only people one could stand to be around are Georgiana and Mary.
So as you can imagine the story is just full of angst. It hard to embrace the near turn around by Darcy and Lizzy.
So the what-if is what would P&P be like if everyone was mean or stupid but Bingley believed in Jane’s love.
Really Darcy is so awful I couldn’t buy the HEA...yet the story was like P&P without the sugar and spice and everything nice. So-so.
Really the only people one could stand to be around are Georgiana and Mary.
So as you can imagine the story is just full of angst. It hard to embrace the near turn around by Darcy and Lizzy.
So the what-if is what would P&P be like if everyone was mean or stupid but Bingley believed in Jane’s love.
Really Darcy is so awful I couldn’t buy the HEA...yet the story was like P&P without the sugar and spice and everything nice. So-so.
November 13, 2015
Just finishes and barely got through it. I enjoyed Darcy's thoughts about Elizabeth at the beginning but eventually the book became a real snooze fest to me. I also really disliked the ending. I gave it three stars but maybe I should change it to two.
Edit: I changed it to two.
Edit: I changed it to two.
December 17, 2017
I never thought I'd be able to enjoy a romance book written by a man. This is my second book, my first being Colonel Darcy. Underwood is not gentle with our characters and I would caution anyone looking for a light read. He is not overly violent with them but he likes to keep the angst going. I am not an angst lover but he does make it a bit easier for me to tolerate, in Colonel Darcy D&E were young friends. When separated letters continued. Darcy fell in love through her letters growing into a woman. The middle became difficult with the lack of communicating how they felt and pretended not to care if Lizzy had a relationship with Wickham. When its all resolved it was great.
This book begins with Lizzy overhearing Darcy's rude insult to her person and the comment escalates between them. Around 40-50% they begin to get a better understanding for the other. One thing I will say is Mr. Underwood always seems to create a friendship between the two and in this one Darcy is very sure that Elizabeth understand his feelings for her and that she trust him. None of the silly misunderstandings but the Austen timeline from the original is playing in the midst of this story. Darcy attempts to deliver his proposal only to be interrupted and in his second try it was a little predictable for me. I also felt too much time was spent on keeping them apart. I would have liked to see more of the later years verses Darcy, Bingley and Fitzwilliam getting drunk and reminiscing about old arguments. He still sets a romantic vibe but I was looking to spend more time with the couple.
Mr. Bennet was a bit of a villain in this one trying to make Darcy run off. This being its own story in different ways the story still ended up with the same outcome. This is a clean read, Enjoy!
This book begins with Lizzy overhearing Darcy's rude insult to her person and the comment escalates between them. Around 40-50% they begin to get a better understanding for the other. One thing I will say is Mr. Underwood always seems to create a friendship between the two and in this one Darcy is very sure that Elizabeth understand his feelings for her and that she trust him. None of the silly misunderstandings but the Austen timeline from the original is playing in the midst of this story. Darcy attempts to deliver his proposal only to be interrupted and in his second try it was a little predictable for me. I also felt too much time was spent on keeping them apart. I would have liked to see more of the later years verses Darcy, Bingley and Fitzwilliam getting drunk and reminiscing about old arguments. He still sets a romantic vibe but I was looking to spend more time with the couple.
Mr. Bennet was a bit of a villain in this one trying to make Darcy run off. This being its own story in different ways the story still ended up with the same outcome. This is a clean read, Enjoy!
October 11, 2020
I have, on occasion, succumbed to the escapist pleasure of Jane Austen fan-fiction. I don't think I've ever read one that as stayed true to the form of Austen's language and structure as did this one. It was perfect, elegant, clean romantic fun.
The characters were further developed beyond their original parameters, but at least in my perception, Underwood never let them stray from Austen's intentions for each character. It was a very plausible reimagining of how one small decision could have altered events from the original story.
It's too bad the extent of modern copyright protections are so ludicrously long. Else we might get all sorts of hypothetical explorations of wonderful works! Although, wait...I guess that is fan fiction.
The characters were further developed beyond their original parameters, but at least in my perception, Underwood never let them stray from Austen's intentions for each character. It was a very plausible reimagining of how one small decision could have altered events from the original story.
It's too bad the extent of modern copyright protections are so ludicrously long. Else we might get all sorts of hypothetical explorations of wonderful works! Although, wait...I guess that is fan fiction.
November 22, 2022
How things change!
Just because Bingley resolves not to mind Darcy's advice a whole new story devolves. Very interesting situations and scenes.
Please mind the author and donate to Doctors Without Borders!
Just because Bingley resolves not to mind Darcy's advice a whole new story devolves. Very interesting situations and scenes.
Please mind the author and donate to Doctors Without Borders!
August 31, 2021
In this P&P variation Darcy has his usual hypocrite attitude, and as he is the world expert on females, he gives his opinion on Jane Bennet, and her family's behaviour. Mr Bennet is as usual a terrible father. Can Bingley get a backbone, can Darcy and Elizabeth improve themselves to get their happy ending.
Overall an enjoyable story
Overall an enjoyable story
June 1, 2018
3.9 stars
There are a lot of things I like about this story. It deviates enough from the original plot that reading it is not a waste of time. There are some incidents that made it less boring than most of the fanfictions that only wish to depict a love scene. Elizabeth fears and feelings are depicted beautifully. Darcy's parts are also engaging. Mr. Bingly and Mr. Hurst have some backbone for a change.
There are some parts of it that I didn't like at all. Mr. Bennet, for example, is an annoying character in this fanfic. I really hated him in this story. Lydia and Mrs. Bennet are stupid and on the reader's nerves, but not more than usual. Lizzy is a bit more foolish than I like too. Not that it is a bad thing in general, but I like Elizabeth's character and was a bit sad because of this change.
Despite these things I didn't like, most of the book was enjoyable and different enough for me to recommend it to fanfiction readers.
There are a lot of things I like about this story. It deviates enough from the original plot that reading it is not a waste of time. There are some incidents that made it less boring than most of the fanfictions that only wish to depict a love scene. Elizabeth fears and feelings are depicted beautifully. Darcy's parts are also engaging. Mr. Bingly and Mr. Hurst have some backbone for a change.
There are some parts of it that I didn't like at all. Mr. Bennet, for example, is an annoying character in this fanfic. I really hated him in this story. Lydia and Mrs. Bennet are stupid and on the reader's nerves, but not more than usual. Lizzy is a bit more foolish than I like too. Not that it is a bad thing in general, but I like Elizabeth's character and was a bit sad because of this change.
Despite these things I didn't like, most of the book was enjoyable and different enough for me to recommend it to fanfiction readers.
October 14, 2023
In many ways this book is an exceptional variation. It asks the very first and most taunting "What If" for most Pride and Prejudice readers. What If Bingley trusted his own judgement and returned to Netherfield? He rewrites the Parsonage proposal in a different situation in a very entertaining way. He uses some very clever comedic devices throughout the book and closes it with some references to the original. I felt he was true to the characters throughout and kept it entertaining without adding any false or sensational situations to slow down the happy ending. I love this book.
August 23, 2021
As it should be
It was good to see Jane and Charles be the ones to take the lead and control situations. Get the happiness they deserve. Story still stays true to the characters. It was also enjoyable to see Georgiana has a much more integral part in the story as well
It was good to see Jane and Charles be the ones to take the lead and control situations. Get the happiness they deserve. Story still stays true to the characters. It was also enjoyable to see Georgiana has a much more integral part in the story as well
June 20, 2025
Originally published 2016 this book is a wonderful example of the genius of timothy underwood. I love his books and often return to them in the absence of something good to read.
I recommend his works to you all.
I recommend his works to you all.
August 30, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
I listened to the audio version on the author’s YouTube channel.
Darcy was not very likable at first. There is not much difference from the original except Jane and Bingley marry sooner
I listened to the audio version on the author’s YouTube channel.
Darcy was not very likable at first. There is not much difference from the original except Jane and Bingley marry sooner
May 20, 2018
Very interesting novel
Compared to his other novels the characters in this one are only slightly OOC. But like others this is an easy read. Highly recommend.
Compared to his other novels the characters in this one are only slightly OOC. But like others this is an easy read. Highly recommend.
February 5, 2020
2.5 stars
This is an enjoyable read, yet not up to three stars. It kept my attention enough to finish it, although not one of the top books in the genre.
This is an enjoyable read, yet not up to three stars. It kept my attention enough to finish it, although not one of the top books in the genre.
March 17, 2025
I really enjoyed the read, it's a sweet retelling and unmistakably came from a place of love for the original story.
June 5, 2025
An enjoyable Variation. I love this Bingley even more than the original.
November 29, 2015
A new spin on P&P what if. What if Bingley refused to listen to Darcy and his sisters and returned to Jane in a week, then proposed. One would hope that Lizzy would have less resentment toward Mr. Darcy but Miss Bingley schemes to make sure Lizzy is fuming and when they are seated together at the wedding breakfast she and Darcy have a heated conversation that results in him fleeing to London.
Taking her criticisms to heart Darcy set out on a self-improvement scheme/ When they meet again at Rosings Mr. Darcy is bearing letters from Jane and the Gardiners; yet Lizzy is unsure of his feelings.
Then plans are made for the Gardiners, Mr & Mrs. Bingley and Lizzy to stay at Pemberley. Of course the Lydia / Wickham chaos ensues and Darcy is thwarted at his proposal.
There are some truly stand out parts of the book, one is the development of Georgiana as a character, another is the scene with Bingley bollocking up Darcy's negotiation with Mrs. Younge.
I was rather disappointed that Caroline disappeared from the book so early.
Taking her criticisms to heart Darcy set out on a self-improvement scheme/ When they meet again at Rosings Mr. Darcy is bearing letters from Jane and the Gardiners; yet Lizzy is unsure of his feelings.
Then plans are made for the Gardiners, Mr & Mrs. Bingley and Lizzy to stay at Pemberley. Of course the Lydia / Wickham chaos ensues and Darcy is thwarted at his proposal.
There are some truly stand out parts of the book, one is the development of Georgiana as a character, another is the scene with Bingley bollocking up Darcy's negotiation with Mrs. Younge.
I was rather disappointed that Caroline disappeared from the book so early.
December 15, 2019
I like this JAFF, although there were some grammatical errors (use of "who" where "whom" should have been used and some split infinitives) that caused me to rate as a 3. I would probably have gone to a 3.5 because it was enjoyable. The insights into Mr. Bennett (and his portrayal) were good. I also found it somewhat satisfying that Darcy really is pretty bad in his arrogance and insulting, not just reserved and improper in how he expresses himself. As a result, their conflagration is much more pronounced, to the point that one wonders whether it can be resolved, no mean feat in JAFF where we all know the ending before we begin. They are both so angry and so insulting! It was like a train wreck, but I couldn't look away.
+1 for use of "fatwit" as an insult.
+1 for use of "fatwit" as an insult.
May 21, 2024
I was entertained and a bit bored in turns. Bingley decided to return to Jane so that was good. Darcy and Elizabeth argued. Then there was a lot of emotional back and forth as she goes from thinking he can't love her anymore to perhaps he might to surely he will propose to never mind it will end in disaster. He wants to ask her to marry him but somehow he can never manage as people keep interrupting every time he tried. This got a little old - if you want to propose, you make your opportunity. How is it that the master of Pemberley can't ever tell people to wait a minute we were in the middle of something?
Mr Bennet is annoying in this one.
Got this book as part of a boxed set.
Mr Bennet is annoying in this one.
Got this book as part of a boxed set.
January 26, 2016
In this P&P variation Bingley returns to Hertfordshire despite Darcy's opinion on Janes feelings. Quickly an engagement moves to a wedding breakfast where Elizabeth gives Darcy quite the reprimand. Scheming Caroline feels she is victorious until Darcy realizes the source of Elizabeth's misinformation. But as soon as Elizabeth loses Darcy's good opinion she regrets it. I enjoyed reading about her love/hate Arguments in her mind and heart. I enjoyed the relationship Georgiana and Jane had in this novel. Was a light hearted alternative to the path of love for Darcy and Elizabeth.
October 11, 2015
Interesting and pleasant story.
This is a good take on the P&P story. Elizabeth is feisty as ever. Darcy is proud. They learn and so on. Caroline is delicious in her attempt at evil, but I would have liked to see the effects of Elizabeth and Darcy being happy had on her.
I think that's what keeps this from being a five star (for me)... The ending was a little unsatisfying.
Still, this was a great book and definitely worth my time.
This is a good take on the P&P story. Elizabeth is feisty as ever. Darcy is proud. They learn and so on. Caroline is delicious in her attempt at evil, but I would have liked to see the effects of Elizabeth and Darcy being happy had on her.
I think that's what keeps this from being a five star (for me)... The ending was a little unsatisfying.
Still, this was a great book and definitely worth my time.
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December 12, 2015Many times I almost deleted this book from my Kindle. The tone, & voice is not like the characters, Elizabeth behaviour particularly. Frequently the author has Lizzie spout how stupid, & foolish she is. I never like when people grovel as Miss Lizzie does. I'm just a weak, silly female indeed.
April 28, 2016
A charming love story
By reading this book I have learned to ignore other reviews, as I really enjoyed it. Anyone saying this is just a love story should remember that Pride and Prejudice is also a love story and quite probably the best book ever written.
By reading this book I have learned to ignore other reviews, as I really enjoyed it. Anyone saying this is just a love story should remember that Pride and Prejudice is also a love story and quite probably the best book ever written.
January 4, 2016
This was a decent spin on Pride and Prejudice. I thought it may have amplified a few of the characters flaws a little more than necessary.
April 29, 2017
Really enjoyed this variation, though I would have liked another chapter or two post-wedding.
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