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Secrets Kept
After Lydia disgraces the family, Elizabeth becomes a governess, vowing never to marry anyone other than her beloved Fitzwilliam, whom she has not seen since or heard from since their meeting at the Inn at Lambton.
- GenresHistorical
165 pages, ebook
Published December 23, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 22, 2020
https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/old_200...
“Once exposed, a secret loses all its power.” Ann Aguirre, Grimspace
Rating: MA: mature audience: adult themes: trigger warning: assault with intent, failed rape attempt, discussions of assault and the physical and emotional ramifications of the event. Section I: Ch 1-4a, Section II: Ch 4b-6, Section III: Ch 7-9, Section IV: Ch 10-12, Section V: Ch 13. Since this was a WIP, there are those errors that are to be expected… words left off or missing letters made me pause wondering what the author was trying to say.
Immediately, we are confronted with the assault attempt on our dear Elizabeth Bennet. She had taken a position as governess [although Bennet was still alive] to the children of a respectable gentleman and his terminally ill wife. She adored the children and they adored her. As the wife and children left ahead of the father for their Christmas with grandma… the unthinkable happened. Elizabeth found out that the gentleman was no gentleman. Now she understood why there had been so many governesses in quick succession. In fending off her aggressor, Elizabeth was injured and fled the house. This scene was mercifully over quickly and was vaguely discussed later. However, we did not have to deal with the trauma… just its aftermath. Elizabeth’s injuries were significant, split lip, broken ribs, cuts, and she was bruised and battered.
I loved this story. I liked the pacing. I enjoyed the page time D&E had together. I loved this amazing Darcy. He was a man of action and had a plan to avenge the assault on his Elizabeth. The author skirted propriety… for sure… but always seemed to explain it away. That’s usually what a criminal does when confronted with his crime. Oh well, the means to an end.
Charles Bingley was amazing in this story. Way to go Bingley! I loved this guy. Once he decided on his course of action… he worked hard for his HEA. He put his foot down and sister Caroline would feel the brunt of it. Her situation would never be the same, the outrageous cow. OMG! She was horrid.
Georgiana had a minor role and proved to be the best sister ever. I just love her. She was so good with Elizabeth.
Our dear Colonel really drew the short straw in this story. However, he came through for his cousin/brother. And, like a good soldier, drew ‘friendly fire’ away from his cousin so Darcy could do what was necessary in order to secure the safety, health, and well-being of Elizabeth. I loved this guy. I especially enjoyed the scene with his parents. OMG! That was hilarious. After that row, Lord and Lady Matlock will never be the same. What a hoot. Darcy, you owe your cousin big time.
Jane was magnificent under fire and duress. She was a loving sister and staunch defender of her dearest sister Elizabeth. She sensed that something was wrong and kept at it until she knew it all. In her search for Elizabeth, she ran into Charles Bingley. She simply did not know what to do or how to act regarding her emotions and feelings for the man that broke her heart. How could she be with a man with such a sister? However, the author did something I’ve never seen before. During a conversation with her Uncle Gardiner, he gave Jane a new [and amazing] perspective that helped her see the Charles/Caroline dynamic from a new perspective. Wow! I’ve never seen it explained that way before. Well done, Gaby A.
I loved the dynamics between the servants at Darcy House. That was so cute. It was amusing as they went about doing their duties ‘amongst the quality’ and discretely coming to their own conclusions about the master and the lady hidden in the sewing room. The scene between the dueling cooks was hilarious. Although, what happened to one of their cakes was not. OMG! That did not happen.
What I didn’t like: The final confrontation. I think it went a bit beyond the capacity of a Darcy or a Bingley. Their actions would probably best fall under the purview of our dear Colonel. I could see him having no qualms drawing and quartering someone for the sake of duty or family honor. However, it seemed a bit off for Darcy to use the method that he did. As creative as it was… it came across as childish and failed as the comedic relief I think the author intended in reducing the tensions in the scene. After plowing through the entire length of the story… it was a bit anticlimactic. I hope the author looks at it more closely and comes up with something a bit different and more appropriate for an enraged Darcy. I mean, seriously?? It was like a puzzle piece that just didn’t work or belong. It could have easily been removed and you’d never miss it. That alone was the indicator that it was unnecessary. Darcy already had our villain in a financial vice. There was no way out or anywhere for him to turn.
I would have liked an epilogue. I wondered about certain people [Caroline especially] and what became of them. I suppose we had enough clues to indicate how things would evolve.
1st read: 11-9-17
2nd read: 1-25-18
3rd read: 4-6-19 ~ 4-8-19
4th read: 3-21-20 ~ 3-22-20
“Once exposed, a secret loses all its power.” Ann Aguirre, Grimspace
Rating: MA: mature audience: adult themes: trigger warning: assault with intent, failed rape attempt, discussions of assault and the physical and emotional ramifications of the event. Section I: Ch 1-4a, Section II: Ch 4b-6, Section III: Ch 7-9, Section IV: Ch 10-12, Section V: Ch 13. Since this was a WIP, there are those errors that are to be expected… words left off or missing letters made me pause wondering what the author was trying to say.
Immediately, we are confronted with the assault attempt on our dear Elizabeth Bennet. She had taken a position as governess [although Bennet was still alive] to the children of a respectable gentleman and his terminally ill wife. She adored the children and they adored her. As the wife and children left ahead of the father for their Christmas with grandma… the unthinkable happened. Elizabeth found out that the gentleman was no gentleman. Now she understood why there had been so many governesses in quick succession. In fending off her aggressor, Elizabeth was injured and fled the house. This scene was mercifully over quickly and was vaguely discussed later. However, we did not have to deal with the trauma… just its aftermath. Elizabeth’s injuries were significant, split lip, broken ribs, cuts, and she was bruised and battered.
I loved this story. I liked the pacing. I enjoyed the page time D&E had together. I loved this amazing Darcy. He was a man of action and had a plan to avenge the assault on his Elizabeth. The author skirted propriety… for sure… but always seemed to explain it away. That’s usually what a criminal does when confronted with his crime. Oh well, the means to an end.
Charles Bingley was amazing in this story. Way to go Bingley! I loved this guy. Once he decided on his course of action… he worked hard for his HEA. He put his foot down and sister Caroline would feel the brunt of it. Her situation would never be the same, the outrageous cow. OMG! She was horrid.
Georgiana had a minor role and proved to be the best sister ever. I just love her. She was so good with Elizabeth.
Our dear Colonel really drew the short straw in this story. However, he came through for his cousin/brother. And, like a good soldier, drew ‘friendly fire’ away from his cousin so Darcy could do what was necessary in order to secure the safety, health, and well-being of Elizabeth. I loved this guy. I especially enjoyed the scene with his parents. OMG! That was hilarious. After that row, Lord and Lady Matlock will never be the same. What a hoot. Darcy, you owe your cousin big time.
Jane was magnificent under fire and duress. She was a loving sister and staunch defender of her dearest sister Elizabeth. She sensed that something was wrong and kept at it until she knew it all. In her search for Elizabeth, she ran into Charles Bingley. She simply did not know what to do or how to act regarding her emotions and feelings for the man that broke her heart. How could she be with a man with such a sister? However, the author did something I’ve never seen before. During a conversation with her Uncle Gardiner, he gave Jane a new [and amazing] perspective that helped her see the Charles/Caroline dynamic from a new perspective. Wow! I’ve never seen it explained that way before. Well done, Gaby A.
I loved the dynamics between the servants at Darcy House. That was so cute. It was amusing as they went about doing their duties ‘amongst the quality’ and discretely coming to their own conclusions about the master and the lady hidden in the sewing room. The scene between the dueling cooks was hilarious. Although, what happened to one of their cakes was not. OMG! That did not happen.
What I didn’t like: The final confrontation. I think it went a bit beyond the capacity of a Darcy or a Bingley. Their actions would probably best fall under the purview of our dear Colonel. I could see him having no qualms drawing and quartering someone for the sake of duty or family honor. However, it seemed a bit off for Darcy to use the method that he did. As creative as it was… it came across as childish and failed as the comedic relief I think the author intended in reducing the tensions in the scene. After plowing through the entire length of the story… it was a bit anticlimactic. I hope the author looks at it more closely and comes up with something a bit different and more appropriate for an enraged Darcy. I mean, seriously?? It was like a puzzle piece that just didn’t work or belong. It could have easily been removed and you’d never miss it. That alone was the indicator that it was unnecessary. Darcy already had our villain in a financial vice. There was no way out or anywhere for him to turn.
I would have liked an epilogue. I wondered about certain people [Caroline especially] and what became of them. I suppose we had enough clues to indicate how things would evolve.
1st read: 11-9-17
2nd read: 1-25-18
3rd read: 4-6-19 ~ 4-8-19
4th read: 3-21-20 ~ 3-22-20
October 20, 2016
I had read this several years ago when I went on a unpublished fan fic binge but this is one of those unique P&P Alternate timelines that makes you grateful that there is a bunch of wonderful authors who write for the joy and not just for the money.
Also this book should come with a warning that there is a scene of violence against women that can alarm or upset some readers.
This story is set in a world where Darcy doesn't locate Lydia Bennet for six months at which time she is still unmarried and with child. The Bennets have already suffered the disdain of their neighbors and loss of society. To lessen the burden on her family Lizzy takes a job as a governess with a London family. They are well to do but in trade so they rarely leave the city. When she goes to collect her quarter pay before Christmas her employer tries to take liberties and she ends up badly injured. She runs out onto the streets of London, wearing only a dress and with no money. When she is soaked by a passing carriage she is near collapse. Luckily the coach belonged to Bingley who leaps out to apologize and quickly takes Lizzy to Darcy House where she can be cared for.
Their time together give Darcy and Lizzy a chance to renew their acquaintance and admit their love. Darcy wants to revenge Lizzy but she begs for the sake of her charges to spare them the insult of learning their father is terrible. She makes an unique if not; in my humble opinion, valid argument. Darcy marshals his forces and plans a revenge that leave the children protected. During this time Bingley is reunited with Jane and Lizzy is returned to the Gardiners. Darcy revenges Lizzy, Caroline acts like a psycho and gets her comeuppance and they all live happily ever after...
Also this book should come with a warning that there is a scene of violence against women that can alarm or upset some readers.
This story is set in a world where Darcy doesn't locate Lydia Bennet for six months at which time she is still unmarried and with child. The Bennets have already suffered the disdain of their neighbors and loss of society. To lessen the burden on her family Lizzy takes a job as a governess with a London family. They are well to do but in trade so they rarely leave the city. When she goes to collect her quarter pay before Christmas her employer tries to take liberties and she ends up badly injured. She runs out onto the streets of London, wearing only a dress and with no money. When she is soaked by a passing carriage she is near collapse. Luckily the coach belonged to Bingley who leaps out to apologize and quickly takes Lizzy to Darcy House where she can be cared for.
Their time together give Darcy and Lizzy a chance to renew their acquaintance and admit their love. Darcy wants to revenge Lizzy but she begs for the sake of her charges to spare them the insult of learning their father is terrible. She makes an unique if not; in my humble opinion, valid argument. Darcy marshals his forces and plans a revenge that leave the children protected. During this time Bingley is reunited with Jane and Lizzy is returned to the Gardiners. Darcy revenges Lizzy, Caroline acts like a psycho and gets her comeuppance and they all live happily ever after...
October 17, 2016
This is a little over 100 pages long. It begins in a dire manner with an assault upon Elizabeth. By coincidence Bingley finds her in sad shape on the London streets and as her relatives have left town takes to her Darcy's townhouse where Georgiana is in residence. He dare not take her to his own house knowing his sister, Caroline, would create an uproar and endanger E's life and reputation even further. Part of the story's premise is the care Elizabeth insists be taken to protect the children of the man responsible for her injuries. Darcy is elated to find Elizabeth under his roof where he can care for her and be in her presence and gain her trust…and love. He goes even further in respecting her opinions as to addressing the crime committed against her. Bingley has a second chance to gain Jane’s love BUT must attend to the matter of Caroline’s actions towards Jane to prove such. The story ends very well and revenge is gained with the greatest of forethought and planning.
October 20, 2016
I enjoyed this storyline a lot, though I also have some reservations that prevent me from rating it higher. I'm applying the same standards I usually do when I review a book I've purchased or borrowed. However, please keep in mind as you read this that it IS an unpublished work, and a very, very good one at that.
The plot is unique and nicely developed. Lydia was not discovered until after Wickham abandoned her and she was pregnant, leaving her family in disgrace. Elizabeth Bennet has gotten work as a governess and loves her young charges dearly. Unfortunately, her employer attempts to seduce her and, when she resists, becomes violent. Elizabeth runs from the house, injured, into the cold without her coat or any of her belongings. Fortunately, Mr. Bingley happens upon her and, knowing he cannot bring her to his own townhouse with Caroline there, he takes her to Mr. Darcy's home. Naturally, this involves a lot of secrecy and subterfuge so as not to compromise Elizabeth's reputation. Then there's Darcy's fury over Elizabeth's injuries and need to confront her assaulter despite her desire to let the matter go in order to protect his children.
The other storyline becomes a bit of a love triangle, as Colonel Fitzwilliam becomes interested in Jane Bennet, and Caroline humiliates Jane in company in an attempt to discourage Charles from attaching himself to her. So, who's going to get the girl in the end?
There are two highly unlikely coincidences, both involving Bingley being in the right place at the right time to encounter a Bennet sister. That's certainly not unusual in fiction, though, and the plot is excellent overall. Characters are distinctly drawn. The writing is quite good in general, but it shares a common flaw that many unpublished stories I've read share (as well as many published stories, unfortunately). I wonder if it's the nature of posting installments over time that leads to so much redundancy, perhaps to remind readers what happened previously. There's also over-explanation of events and characters' thoughts. The author just doesn't trust the reader to retain critical information or to draw obvious conclusions based on characters' behavior. It certainly goes to prove the value of having a good editor!
The plot is unique and nicely developed. Lydia was not discovered until after Wickham abandoned her and she was pregnant, leaving her family in disgrace. Elizabeth Bennet has gotten work as a governess and loves her young charges dearly. Unfortunately, her employer attempts to seduce her and, when she resists, becomes violent. Elizabeth runs from the house, injured, into the cold without her coat or any of her belongings. Fortunately, Mr. Bingley happens upon her and, knowing he cannot bring her to his own townhouse with Caroline there, he takes her to Mr. Darcy's home. Naturally, this involves a lot of secrecy and subterfuge so as not to compromise Elizabeth's reputation. Then there's Darcy's fury over Elizabeth's injuries and need to confront her assaulter despite her desire to let the matter go in order to protect his children.
The other storyline becomes a bit of a love triangle, as Colonel Fitzwilliam becomes interested in Jane Bennet, and Caroline humiliates Jane in company in an attempt to discourage Charles from attaching himself to her. So, who's going to get the girl in the end?
There are two highly unlikely coincidences, both involving Bingley being in the right place at the right time to encounter a Bennet sister. That's certainly not unusual in fiction, though, and the plot is excellent overall. Characters are distinctly drawn. The writing is quite good in general, but it shares a common flaw that many unpublished stories I've read share (as well as many published stories, unfortunately). I wonder if it's the nature of posting installments over time that leads to so much redundancy, perhaps to remind readers what happened previously. There's also over-explanation of events and characters' thoughts. The author just doesn't trust the reader to retain critical information or to draw obvious conclusions based on characters' behavior. It certainly goes to prove the value of having a good editor!
October 19, 2016
It is hard to imagine what Elizabeth goes through at the beginning of this story, but in the end it brings back to Darcy. While there is none of the usual conflict or tension, it is the secrets to be kept that keep the story going.
October 19, 2016
I loved this sweet story of second chances!!! This is an unpublished piece of fiction hat I had originally read back when it was first written. This story has the P&P characters behaving fairly similarly as in canon.
This story starts with Elizabeth as a governess to 2 young girls to a family in London. She became a governess after refusing the proposal by a gentleman and her mother harangued her until she left Longbourn. This all came after the Lydia had runaway with Wickham but was not found until 6 mos later, unwed and pregnant, leaving the rest of the Bennet daughters to scandal.
Mr Bingley finds Elizabeth in a bad way on the frigid streets of London and takes her to safety at Mr Darcy's house. The tale moves on through her recovery and the informal courtship with Mr Darcy. We truly get to see the caring and gentle man that Mr Darcy is, and how he adores Elizabeth to distraction!!!! I loved how Elizabeth blossomed wrapped in his blanket of love!!! She did not fight him because of the Lydia scandal or wanting to protect him from learning the truth of her ordeal, in other stories Elizabeth tends to become to self righteous and decides for My Darcy if she is worthy (that annoys the heck out of me), but not in this story.
I loved this Mr Bingley, except for during the dinner at his house!! Mr Bingley is much stronger in this story, except for when he initially needs to stand up to Caroline!!! Mr Bingley is a man determined and nothing will stop in his way!!!
I think that some of best written supporting characters were written in this story!!! The Strickland children: Laura (13 y/o), Julia (4 y/o), they have a younger brother who was not as pivotal a role. Margaret, the maid who tended Elizabeth as she convalesced. And I can not and will not forget Mrs Ravensworth (Mr Bingley's cook) and Mrs Hodges's (Mr Darcy's London cook)!! These two ladies are delightful in the rivalry for their mutual love and devotion of Mr Darcy!!!
I will recommend this tale to any JAFFer who loves a sweet and easy read. There is low angst in it, and only some implied adult issues mentioned.
This story starts with Elizabeth as a governess to 2 young girls to a family in London. She became a governess after refusing the proposal by a gentleman and her mother harangued her until she left Longbourn. This all came after the Lydia had runaway with Wickham but was not found until 6 mos later, unwed and pregnant, leaving the rest of the Bennet daughters to scandal.
Mr Bingley finds Elizabeth in a bad way on the frigid streets of London and takes her to safety at Mr Darcy's house. The tale moves on through her recovery and the informal courtship with Mr Darcy. We truly get to see the caring and gentle man that Mr Darcy is, and how he adores Elizabeth to distraction!!!! I loved how Elizabeth blossomed wrapped in his blanket of love!!! She did not fight him because of the Lydia scandal or wanting to protect him from learning the truth of her ordeal, in other stories Elizabeth tends to become to self righteous and decides for My Darcy if she is worthy (that annoys the heck out of me), but not in this story.
I loved this Mr Bingley, except for during the dinner at his house!! Mr Bingley is much stronger in this story, except for when he initially needs to stand up to Caroline!!! Mr Bingley is a man determined and nothing will stop in his way!!!
I think that some of best written supporting characters were written in this story!!! The Strickland children: Laura (13 y/o), Julia (4 y/o), they have a younger brother who was not as pivotal a role. Margaret, the maid who tended Elizabeth as she convalesced. And I can not and will not forget Mrs Ravensworth (Mr Bingley's cook) and Mrs Hodges's (Mr Darcy's London cook)!! These two ladies are delightful in the rivalry for their mutual love and devotion of Mr Darcy!!!
I will recommend this tale to any JAFFer who loves a sweet and easy read. There is low angst in it, and only some implied adult issues mentioned.
July 13, 2023
Interesting story. Parts could have been developed better, but I enjoyed the interaction between D and E.
March 17, 2022
https://www.dwiggie.com/derby/old_200...
Excellent. Very high angst. Fast paced. Elizabeth is attacked and Fitzwilliam comes to her rescue. Highly recommended if the high angst and the attack don't bother you.
Excellent. Very high angst. Fast paced. Elizabeth is attacked and Fitzwilliam comes to her rescue. Highly recommended if the high angst and the attack don't bother you.
October 28, 2016
In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Lydia and Wickham are not found until after Lydia has been abandoned, bringing shame on the Bennet family.
Elizabeth becomes a governess but unfortunately she is attacked by her employer, but thankfully as she escapes she rushes straight into Bingley, where he takes her to Darcy's home.
Can there be a happy ending now for Darcy and Elizabeth
Elizabeth becomes a governess but unfortunately she is attacked by her employer, but thankfully as she escapes she rushes straight into Bingley, where he takes her to Darcy's home.
Can there be a happy ending now for Darcy and Elizabeth
October 18, 2016
excellent story line and very well written.
November 28, 2016
Enjoyed this unpublished novel.
February 17, 2021
I love that there's no prolonged angst between D&E, which a lot of authors do just to make the story longer. I love Bingley and Jane here too! They have more depth. I didn't make it 5 stars though because I find the ending too abrupt. I would have liked more time with D&E or D&E and B&J.
I also would have liked a fleshing out of what happened to the Stricklands too.
I could have done without the Colonel's romantic inclinations. It didn't add anything to the story, rather detracted to it. I like Richard and loved his role except for the end bit.
I also would have liked a fleshing out of what happened to the Stricklands too.
I could have done without the Colonel's romantic inclinations. It didn't add anything to the story, rather detracted to it. I like Richard and loved his role except for the end bit.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews