“A good reputation is more valuable than money.” Publilius Syrus: 3.5-stars
After reading Darcy’s letter for the umpteenth time, Elizabeth tripped and dropped the letter. When she gathered it up, she did not realize that one page was missing. It was found by a Rosings servant and turned in to Lady Catherine. To say she was upset is an understatement. She stormed Hunsford parsonage and blistered Elizabeth and all her relations with language similar to Darcy’s proposal. This did not set well with Elizabeth and she, and the dear patroness of her cousin, fought a verbal duel as worthy opponents.
Elizabeth soon found herself in a fast carriage back to the London residence of her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner in Cheapside. Within days Darcy came calling after his visit from an angry Lady Catherine. Darcy, realizing the implications of the situation, was now attempting damage control. However, he did not find Elizabeth a willing participant. She did not see the necessity of a hasty marriage of convenience, simply to quell rumors that may or may not have reached Hertfordshire.
“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” John Wooden
So, we have a stubborn, selfish, obstinate creature, determined to not be forced into doing anything that she did not want to. I am a little taken aback at her hostile attitude. Yes, they are in a serious situation that I don’t think the modern mind can comprehend. The reputation of herself, her sisters and her entire family is at stake and she blatantly went against all counsel to do the right thing. Nearly every grievance she had against Darcy had been proven to be incorrect… well there was his insult… oh, and his haughty, snobbish, disdain… OK, he was still being a jerk.
It didn’t take long for the rumors to hit Meryton and the entire town was watching Elizabeth to see when she would announce her engagement. From there things just went from bad to worse. The evolution of the relationship between ODC [our dear couple] took time. Darcy was an endless fount of patience where she was concerned. His patience for her family, and their antics, was another story. They soon had to iron out their difference to come to an understanding.
And then we had the fallout or spill over into the relationship with Bingley and Jane. Caroline was awful and I was not sure Charles was going to pull it off. Jane put on her big girl panties and set him straight on a few things like thinking he could just waltz in and out of her life with no explanation. Bingley had to put on his big boy pants and do the right thing or lose Jane forever. What a choice to make. This was awesome.
“One false step may involve her in endless ruin.” Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Lydia… what can I say? This piece of work was simply herself. How could Mrs. Bennet allow her to become this little tart? Everyone acknowledged that her only desire was to marry before her sisters. Such a childish wish. She cared for nothing, their reputations, the damage she was causing, the problems that could have halted the marriage of both her sisters, and the respectability of her family, was nothing to her. She wanted Wickham and she was willing to wait ever how long it took to get him.
Lady Catherine had her revenge and it was creative. However, she celebrated too soon. That was hilarious. This was a clean read, mild to medium angst with the separation of lovers and the angst that the missing Lydia caused. Nothing too dramatic. It ended at 94% with excerpts from other works by the author.