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The Sweet Regency Romance Series #7
Condescension and Condemnation
Lizzy and Jane visit the Gardiners in London and receive an extraordinary introduction to Mr. Charles Bingley while attending the theater. Bingley is taken with Jane and invites Elizabeth, Jane and the Gardiners to a ball at his residence. Mr. Darcy, handsome, but too serious for Elizabeth, insists on claiming the first. Jane's attention is wholly engaged by Mr. Bingley. All looks promising until Lady Catherine de Bough discovers she has just been introduced to a man in trade. Insulted, the Gardiners take Jane and Lizzy from the house.
Meanwhile, Mr. Bennet has received an extraordinary communication from Mrs. Polly Merriweather and Mr. Archibald Merriweather, recently of New York and currently residing in Berkeley Square. The Merriweathers claim relation to Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner is asked to investigate.
Lizzy and Jane return to Longbourn, dispirited from their adventure with Lady Catherine, only to find that the house will host the Merriweathers and Mr. Collins, the regiment has taken up residence in Meryton and somebody has taken Netherfield.
Meanwhile, Mr. Bennet has received an extraordinary communication from Mrs. Polly Merriweather and Mr. Archibald Merriweather, recently of New York and currently residing in Berkeley Square. The Merriweathers claim relation to Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner is asked to investigate.
Lizzy and Jane return to Longbourn, dispirited from their adventure with Lady Catherine, only to find that the house will host the Merriweathers and Mr. Collins, the regiment has taken up residence in Meryton and somebody has taken Netherfield.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2016
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42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 1, 2016
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
Just as this author introduced a wonderful character to the JAFF universe with Lady Carpathian and the Bennets, she now presents us with the delightfully eccentric Mr. and Mrs. Merriweather from America in this story. They are distant relations of the Bennets and adore everything British, calling themselves Anglophiles. Unfortunately, they've received a lot of misinformation about British customs from a certain Mr. Templeman (an English gentleman often mentioned but never seen). They fairly steal the show and contribute most of the humor to this lighthearted story, especially in scenes with their long-suffering English butler, Bensonhurst.
It's also great that Bingley shows his mettle right from the beginning and overrules the objections of Mr. Darcy and Caroline to his relationship with Jane Bennet. Rather than cave in the face of their opposition, he firmly pursues her... all the way from London (where this story begins) to Netherfield. This is a man who knows exactly what he wants and sets that example for Mr. Darcy instead of the other way around.
Early scenes in London allow Lady Catherine a sooner-than-usual appearance, where her rudeness prompts the Gardiners, Elizabeth and Jane to leave a ball in the middle of dinner. Elizabeth has already overheard Darcy insulting her, so she concludes that he and his aunt are cut from the same cloth.
There are echoes of Pride and Prejudice in this book, but the plot runs a very different course. Darcy's blunders with Elizabeth, as usual, require him to propose marriage to her more than once. The method he uses to eliminate one of Elizabeth's objections is truly unique (in keeping with the unique phrasing of her refusal) and has unintended consequences for the Bennet family. Wickham, as usual, is in the mix, spreading his lies about Darcy and charming all the ladies, including Elizabeth, and showing his true colors when he sees an opportunity to get his hands on some money. The payoff scene for the reader where Elizabeth finally accepts Darcy may not be the most romantic, yet it's certainly memorable and very much in keeping with the book's light tone.
All the plot elements work beautifully together from beginning to end. The writing fully engages the reader, with good flow throughout. Some readers may find it lacking in romance, but I found it delightful.
I do have some reservations that make me feel it's a little short of earning a full 5 stars. I have trouble believing Lady C. would ever step foot in Mr. Bingley's London home. Also, Darcy is too intelligent to ever think that just apologizing to Elizabeth and telling her he's changed would be sufficient for her to believe him when he hasn't made any real attempt to court her. Not a surprise that she still resists him! And considering how often Mr. Templeman is referenced, I wish he had made an appearance so the reader might determine whether the man is quite mad or a full-out con man. (Personally, I'm inclined to believe the latter!)
But these are just tricky-tacky complaints. The book is generally excellent and a lot of fun to read.
Just as this author introduced a wonderful character to the JAFF universe with Lady Carpathian and the Bennets, she now presents us with the delightfully eccentric Mr. and Mrs. Merriweather from America in this story. They are distant relations of the Bennets and adore everything British, calling themselves Anglophiles. Unfortunately, they've received a lot of misinformation about British customs from a certain Mr. Templeman (an English gentleman often mentioned but never seen). They fairly steal the show and contribute most of the humor to this lighthearted story, especially in scenes with their long-suffering English butler, Bensonhurst.
It's also great that Bingley shows his mettle right from the beginning and overrules the objections of Mr. Darcy and Caroline to his relationship with Jane Bennet. Rather than cave in the face of their opposition, he firmly pursues her... all the way from London (where this story begins) to Netherfield. This is a man who knows exactly what he wants and sets that example for Mr. Darcy instead of the other way around.
Early scenes in London allow Lady Catherine a sooner-than-usual appearance, where her rudeness prompts the Gardiners, Elizabeth and Jane to leave a ball in the middle of dinner. Elizabeth has already overheard Darcy insulting her, so she concludes that he and his aunt are cut from the same cloth.
There are echoes of Pride and Prejudice in this book, but the plot runs a very different course. Darcy's blunders with Elizabeth, as usual, require him to propose marriage to her more than once. The method he uses to eliminate one of Elizabeth's objections is truly unique (in keeping with the unique phrasing of her refusal) and has unintended consequences for the Bennet family. Wickham, as usual, is in the mix, spreading his lies about Darcy and charming all the ladies, including Elizabeth, and showing his true colors when he sees an opportunity to get his hands on some money. The payoff scene for the reader where Elizabeth finally accepts Darcy may not be the most romantic, yet it's certainly memorable and very much in keeping with the book's light tone.
All the plot elements work beautifully together from beginning to end. The writing fully engages the reader, with good flow throughout. Some readers may find it lacking in romance, but I found it delightful.
I do have some reservations that make me feel it's a little short of earning a full 5 stars. I have trouble believing Lady C. would ever step foot in Mr. Bingley's London home. Also, Darcy is too intelligent to ever think that just apologizing to Elizabeth and telling her he's changed would be sufficient for her to believe him when he hasn't made any real attempt to court her. Not a surprise that she still resists him! And considering how often Mr. Templeman is referenced, I wish he had made an appearance so the reader might determine whether the man is quite mad or a full-out con man. (Personally, I'm inclined to believe the latter!)
But these are just tricky-tacky complaints. The book is generally excellent and a lot of fun to read.
November 7, 2016
This is a fanciful, frantic P&P retelling. In this universe Jane & Lizzy meet Darcy and Bingley while they are staying at the Gardiners. They see them at the opera and Lizzy is predetermined to find Mr. Darcy dull. They way Bingley wrangles an introduction to Jane is really clever and humorous.
But there is another twist in the tale. I seems a distant relation from America has tracked down Mr. Bennet and is staying in London so he asks the Gardiner s and the girls to call upon them. The couple, the Merriweathers, proclaim themselves to be complete anglophiles and are set upon showing London their excellent British manners. However they have been completely misguided and are more like an American Mrs. Bennet, loud , vulgar and silly. But their behavior enable Jane to encounter Bingley and Lizzy to find another flaw in Darcy. [Note: I felt that the Merriweathers were a bit of cleverness that got over used until they were just annoying]
Soon the Gardiners are dining at the Bingleys, along with Darcy and the Merriweathers and Lizzy finds yet a dozen more reasons to hate Darcy. When Bingley hosts a London ball and Lady Catherine attends (really?) she proceeds to put the icing on the cake when she insults the Gardiners in public at supper.
Now both Bingley and Darcy have to prove their mettle and faithfulness. There are plenty of mix ups and wackiness to ensue.
I felt the first half (or so) of the book was mostly silliness and humor while the secong half was more serious. There were some absurd plot twists and Lizzy was more hard headed than usual.
But there is another twist in the tale. I seems a distant relation from America has tracked down Mr. Bennet and is staying in London so he asks the Gardiner s and the girls to call upon them. The couple, the Merriweathers, proclaim themselves to be complete anglophiles and are set upon showing London their excellent British manners. However they have been completely misguided and are more like an American Mrs. Bennet, loud , vulgar and silly. But their behavior enable Jane to encounter Bingley and Lizzy to find another flaw in Darcy. [Note: I felt that the Merriweathers were a bit of cleverness that got over used until they were just annoying]
Soon the Gardiners are dining at the Bingleys, along with Darcy and the Merriweathers and Lizzy finds yet a dozen more reasons to hate Darcy. When Bingley hosts a London ball and Lady Catherine attends (really?) she proceeds to put the icing on the cake when she insults the Gardiners in public at supper.
Now both Bingley and Darcy have to prove their mettle and faithfulness. There are plenty of mix ups and wackiness to ensue.
I felt the first half (or so) of the book was mostly silliness and humor while the secong half was more serious. There were some absurd plot twists and Lizzy was more hard headed than usual.
October 27, 2016
Worth the read for the laughs.
August 21, 2018
I have found the Pride and Prejudice variations by this author to be hilarious, so I read this with high hopes and it did not disappoint. The first half of the book was brilliant, Jane and Elizabeth are in London with the Gardiner's when Bingley first notices Jane at the theatre. He pretends to know Mr Gardiner thereby forcing an introduction which was brilliant. Also in London are a distant relation of Mr Bennet - The Merriweathers of New York. They are just brilliant! Poor Mr Darcy... he is such a snob and makes no attempt to hide it and is just baffled by Elizabeth's unreasonable response to his very reasonable objections! Mr Bingley was lovely!
However, as the story progressed I felt it was a little repetitive - the same jokes and Elizabeth was frustratingly annoying in her behaviour towards Darcy. I also wasn't sure about the issue around the dowries towards the end...
Overall though, good fun with lots of jokes at the expense of the British and Americans alike!! Not my favourite by this author, but definitely a good fun read.
However, as the story progressed I felt it was a little repetitive - the same jokes and Elizabeth was frustratingly annoying in her behaviour towards Darcy. I also wasn't sure about the issue around the dowries towards the end...
Overall though, good fun with lots of jokes at the expense of the British and Americans alike!! Not my favourite by this author, but definitely a good fun read.
March 11, 2017
The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't. -- Henry Ward Beecher
And I'm afraid that this time the STRONG WON'T is Elizabeth's and not Darcy's.
Just didn't like this Elizabeth -- she judged so quickly and on so little evidence.
She first observes Darcy from afar and is convinced he is proud and dull. She is unhappy to learn the woman she thought was his wife was actually his sister. In spite of this evidence that at least one of her opinions was in error, she persists through every interaction to goad him to say something to back up her original impression. Entirely close-minded. As Charlotte says "it takes courage to fall in love" and Darcy was certainly courageous to love Elizabeth given her behavior.
In spite of this, the story is well-told and amusing. Loved the Bennets' new relations from America!
I also liked Papa B telling Lydia the truth of what her life will be with Wickham.. If anybody needs a wake-up call, it's Lydia.
And I'm afraid that this time the STRONG WON'T is Elizabeth's and not Darcy's.
Just didn't like this Elizabeth -- she judged so quickly and on so little evidence.
She first observes Darcy from afar and is convinced he is proud and dull. She is unhappy to learn the woman she thought was his wife was actually his sister. In spite of this evidence that at least one of her opinions was in error, she persists through every interaction to goad him to say something to back up her original impression. Entirely close-minded. As Charlotte says "it takes courage to fall in love" and Darcy was certainly courageous to love Elizabeth given her behavior.
In spite of this, the story is well-told and amusing. Loved the Bennets' new relations from America!
I also liked Papa B telling Lydia the truth of what her life will be with Wickham.. If anybody needs a wake-up call, it's Lydia.
November 22, 2016
3.5 stars
The language herein does not fall on my ear as does the language of other authors writing novels set in this era although it is basically well written but does not sound Regency. I found the conversations lacking. Darcy's falling in love with Elizabeth happens early but the interaction between the two leaves me wanting something better. He is more condescending - thus the title and she has her back up from the first second she is aware of him - judging his looks and silence severely. She names him Mr. Dull in espying him across the opera audience. There is a lot of humor; Lucy and Ethel (I love Lucy TV show) type with over the top misconstrued behaviors by the Anglophile couple from America, the Merriweathers.
While I could fathom this couple falling prey to Mr. Templeman…and having him move in with them to “coach” them on all things British; when their older and experienced butler “hinted” and even begged them not to take a large cake with the Union Jack depicted on the top to all the places they were invited as well as serving huge slices at their “authentic British teas” I would think that they would pause and ponder that it has been many a year since their “mentor” actually lived in Britain so just maybe things have changed or (maybe they are wild imagining pawned on unsuspecting folk). I found that the event of Darcy going to this couple…well, maybe that piece of comedy you should read for yourself.
Then again, the reader is given no reason as to why Lady Catherine is in London. She certainly has “her say” early and often and makes big waves. And that is before there is any suspicion of an attraction between Darcy and Elizabeth. I did like the response on the part of the Gardiners and their nieces.
I, like another person in their review, found it difficult to swallow the bestowing of large dowries near the end of the tale. While the author separates some of Darcy’s attention to and rectifying of his faults into separate times of correction, this was something unnecessary in winning Elizabeth’s hand. If she is going to accept his hand I would, as in canon, see her do it despite the differences in the level of their wealth. Nice act but not in keeping with how I want to see the couple coming to an understanding.
Darcy is not the Darcy who runs off to London after his failed proposal at Hunsford and in writing that the author did paint a very persistent man who keeps looking for ways he must change his thinking and his manners. One, two, three…six, seven….now that was amusing. Hard to think of any man humbling himself more than once. But there you have it.
The language herein does not fall on my ear as does the language of other authors writing novels set in this era although it is basically well written but does not sound Regency. I found the conversations lacking. Darcy's falling in love with Elizabeth happens early but the interaction between the two leaves me wanting something better. He is more condescending - thus the title and she has her back up from the first second she is aware of him - judging his looks and silence severely. She names him Mr. Dull in espying him across the opera audience. There is a lot of humor; Lucy and Ethel (I love Lucy TV show) type with over the top misconstrued behaviors by the Anglophile couple from America, the Merriweathers.
While I could fathom this couple falling prey to Mr. Templeman…and having him move in with them to “coach” them on all things British; when their older and experienced butler “hinted” and even begged them not to take a large cake with the Union Jack depicted on the top to all the places they were invited as well as serving huge slices at their “authentic British teas” I would think that they would pause and ponder that it has been many a year since their “mentor” actually lived in Britain so just maybe things have changed or (maybe they are wild imagining pawned on unsuspecting folk). I found that the event of Darcy going to this couple…well, maybe that piece of comedy you should read for yourself.
Then again, the reader is given no reason as to why Lady Catherine is in London. She certainly has “her say” early and often and makes big waves. And that is before there is any suspicion of an attraction between Darcy and Elizabeth. I did like the response on the part of the Gardiners and their nieces.
I, like another person in their review, found it difficult to swallow the bestowing of large dowries near the end of the tale. While the author separates some of Darcy’s attention to and rectifying of his faults into separate times of correction, this was something unnecessary in winning Elizabeth’s hand. If she is going to accept his hand I would, as in canon, see her do it despite the differences in the level of their wealth. Nice act but not in keeping with how I want to see the couple coming to an understanding.
Darcy is not the Darcy who runs off to London after his failed proposal at Hunsford and in writing that the author did paint a very persistent man who keeps looking for ways he must change his thinking and his manners. One, two, three…six, seven….now that was amusing. Hard to think of any man humbling himself more than once. But there you have it.
January 2, 2017
This story was really well written, and the Merriweathers completely stole the show. They and their misguided beliefs about the British were hilarious and endearing. I also enjoyed the proactive and decisive turn that Bingley took even from the beginning of the story.
However, I did not believe Elizabeth and Darcy's love story.
2.5 stars for the Elizabeth/Darcy part of the story; 4.5 stars for the Merriweather and Bingley parts = 3.5 stars overall average, rounded up to 4. AKA the most complicated scoring I've ever used on a story, heh.
However, I did not believe Elizabeth and Darcy's love story.
2.5 stars for the Elizabeth/Darcy part of the story; 4.5 stars for the Merriweather and Bingley parts = 3.5 stars overall average, rounded up to 4. AKA the most complicated scoring I've ever used on a story, heh.
October 20, 2016
A charming romp through P and P!
I found the Merriweathers to be great fun and I liked that Mr Bingley was more resolute than usual. I got a kick out of the whole story.
I found the Merriweathers to be great fun and I liked that Mr Bingley was more resolute than usual. I got a kick out of the whole story.
November 9, 2020
3.5 rounded up. This book was very light hearted and humorous. It’s more of a farce and not meant to be taken seriously, but it is highly entertaining! The British loving American couple, the Merriweathers, were so delightful and funny and between the lovable couple and their guide to all things British, Mr. Templeman of Dover, I was in stitches. My family probably thought I was going mad because of my outbursts of giggles and laughter while reading this. Mr. Bingley was lots of fun in this version as well! I admit that this is not very deep or substantive material, but the entertainment value was fabulous! I highly recommend this to any Jane Austen fan who is in need of some laughter or in the mood for a fun romp! I just might have to make a big Union Jack cake the next time I am entertaining guests! 😂😂😂
April 19, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The American relations, the Merriweathers from New York, were a hoot! I liked how certain instances and situations in the original Pride and Prejudice were present, yet the scene was in a different location. Bingley was much more vocal and persistent, but the other characters were true to form. And it all started in an opera box. I just wish the reader could have actually met the American relations’ Anglophile expert, Mr. Templeman. As the Merriweathers would say, “Rule Britannia!”
August 4, 2024
A fun little story with farcical, over-the-top original characters. The Merriweathers are distant Bennet relations and rather eccentric American anglophiles who wish to act like true Britons but their notions of what it consists of are often quite a bit off the mark. Bingley gets a crush on Jane after a random encounter in London, but Elizabeth thinks Darcy is rude and supercilious (surprise!)
Steam level: Nah.
Steam level: Nah.
May 19, 2022
Enjoyable variation
I enjoyed reading this e-book. When I attempted to skim -I found I had to re-read my attempts. That rarely happens.
The missing star is due to the beginning-It had too many contrivances. But I did have quite a few lol moments.
I enjoyed reading this e-book. When I attempted to skim -I found I had to re-read my attempts. That rarely happens.
The missing star is due to the beginning-It had too many contrivances. But I did have quite a few lol moments.
August 29, 2023
A comical version
This variation was a facial romp with many ridiculous characters running around. There was little build up for the couples to even know the other, before it moved on, but was an entertaining variation.
This variation was a facial romp with many ridiculous characters running around. There was little build up for the couples to even know the other, before it moved on, but was an entertaining variation.
February 11, 2020
Funny. Love the Americans.
November 28, 2024
Condescension and Condemnation (C&C) was interesting, but for some reason, it didn’t capture my interest as much as I would have expected.
I enjoyed the Merriweathers, the author’s original characters. At the beginning of the book, I thought the author had included them to poke fun at Americans. However, as the story continued, I was gratified by the near-universal approbation they received from the rest of the characters. If the Merriweathers are meant to ridicule Americans, at least they’re well-liked.
I also like the more resolute Mr. Bingley in this story. He knows what he wants and goes after it without delay. I’m not, however, sure how I feel about this Mr. Darcy. He’s not overly likeable, in my opinion. He’s not horrible, either. But he doesn’t feel like he truly undergoes the personality changes he’s portrayed as having made.
His choices and words show that he’s still overbearing. And, by his own admission, he was willing to hound Elizabeth until she agreed to marry him.
Elizabeth, also, doesn’t read as someone who has fallen in love. Rather, she reads as someone who bears much gratitude for Mr. Darcy, and perhaps makes her decisions based on a stubborn desire to thwart Lady Catherine.
Overall, I didn’t dislike C&C, it just wasn’t for me.
I enjoyed the Merriweathers, the author’s original characters. At the beginning of the book, I thought the author had included them to poke fun at Americans. However, as the story continued, I was gratified by the near-universal approbation they received from the rest of the characters. If the Merriweathers are meant to ridicule Americans, at least they’re well-liked.
I also like the more resolute Mr. Bingley in this story. He knows what he wants and goes after it without delay. I’m not, however, sure how I feel about this Mr. Darcy. He’s not overly likeable, in my opinion. He’s not horrible, either. But he doesn’t feel like he truly undergoes the personality changes he’s portrayed as having made.
His choices and words show that he’s still overbearing. And, by his own admission, he was willing to hound Elizabeth until she agreed to marry him.
Elizabeth, also, doesn’t read as someone who has fallen in love. Rather, she reads as someone who bears much gratitude for Mr. Darcy, and perhaps makes her decisions based on a stubborn desire to thwart Lady Catherine.
Overall, I didn’t dislike C&C, it just wasn’t for me.
November 4, 2016
A Farce maybe?
I am assuming this was a poorly written farce, otherwise, it is a be cuddling plot.
Distant American relations of Mr Bennet, the Merriweathers, see new characters and carry the story. Another new character it's their butler, referred to as Bensonhurst at times and Brandonhurst in others. A thorough editing is needed. Darcy and Elizabeth are shallow images of canon which might have been intentional since this is so AU.
Although this is part of a series, mouthing about this makes me want to read others in the series.
I am assuming this was a poorly written farce, otherwise, it is a be cuddling plot.
Distant American relations of Mr Bennet, the Merriweathers, see new characters and carry the story. Another new character it's their butler, referred to as Bensonhurst at times and Brandonhurst in others. A thorough editing is needed. Darcy and Elizabeth are shallow images of canon which might have been intentional since this is so AU.
Although this is part of a series, mouthing about this makes me want to read others in the series.
November 20, 2016
A good read
While it was a good story, some bits at the end were highly unbelievable. Under no circumstances can i imagine Lizzy accepting Darcy just because she thinks better of him. There was no courting nor did he seems to be reluctant to share with the world that she declined his offer of marriage twice.
I feel that it would be more believable if the money did come from the Merryweather's bequest rather then from the source in the book.
While it was a good story, some bits at the end were highly unbelievable. Under no circumstances can i imagine Lizzy accepting Darcy just because she thinks better of him. There was no courting nor did he seems to be reluctant to share with the world that she declined his offer of marriage twice.
I feel that it would be more believable if the money did come from the Merryweather's bequest rather then from the source in the book.
December 9, 2016
Actually truly funny and fun
You will have to read this if for no other reason than to enjoy the American relatives that label themselves Anglophiles. They are charming and adorably ridiculous but loyal and lovely.
I highlighted many more passages in this book than any other I have read (and I read constantly) because they were either very perceptive or hilarious. Admittedly a few were just plain romantic and satisfying.
Wonderful story
You will have to read this if for no other reason than to enjoy the American relatives that label themselves Anglophiles. They are charming and adorably ridiculous but loyal and lovely.
I highlighted many more passages in this book than any other I have read (and I read constantly) because they were either very perceptive or hilarious. Admittedly a few were just plain romantic and satisfying.
Wonderful story
October 28, 2016
4.5 stars
This was a short, silly P&P variation and oh so enjoyable! I loved the Butler, the Merriweathers and the cake! I wish it had been longer.
This was a short, silly P&P variation and oh so enjoyable! I loved the Butler, the Merriweathers and the cake! I wish it had been longer.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews