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Pathway to Pemberley #1
The Collins Conundrum: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
The course of true love never did run smooth…All seems well, as far as Elizabeth Bennet can tell. Jane is in love with Bingley, and he with her. Surely marriage is only a short time away. But for Mrs Bennet, securing the eligible bachelor under her roof is a better protection against future poverty than hoping for the prospect of another. And so it is that Elizabeth returns home one day to find her sister engaged, not to Mr Bingley, but to the rather more dreadful prospect of their cousin, Mr Collins.Begging her father to intervene, the marriage is delayed unless and until Mr Collins can convince Jane to marry him for his own merits, rather than upon her mother’s interference. This sets the redoubtable Mr Collins a task, and he recruits eager Mary Bennet to help him “win fair Jane.” Elizabeth refuses to leave matters to chance, and instead is determined to thrust her sister and Mr Bingley back into one another’s circles again, although this means being at close quarters with Mr Darcy, a man who she so dislikes. Her actions have another unintended consequence, however, when Mr Bingley’s wavering attachment to Jane begins to consider fixing to another fair maiden - Elizabeth herself.Can everyone find their way to their rightful partners, or is this muddle to end in each married to the wrong person?A Pride and Prejudice variation, and book 1 in the Pathway to Pemberley series.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2017
42 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Meg Osborne
111 books40 followersMeg Osborne is an avid reader, tea drinker and unrepentant history nerd. She writes sweet historical romance stories and Jane Austen fanfiction, and can usually be found knitting, dreaming up new stories, or on twitter @megoswrites
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 27, 2018
“A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes”.
This is book 1 of 3 and it is a good start.
We jump in to P&P on the first day of Mr. Collins' visit. When he approaches Mrs. Bennet regarding the availability of Jane. Mrs. Bennet thinks that Bingley isn't exactly getting to the point and tells Mr. Collins that Jane is available. And he immediately proposes to which Jane - declines.... and Lizzy becomes her Collins deflector to prevent him from opportuning her. But Mary becomes Collins wingman and vows to assist him in his pursuit of poor Jane.
When Miss Bingley hears this delicious rumor she can't wait to share it with her brother and Mr. Darcy both of whom immediately believe it. Lizzy tries desperately to orchestrate meetings and conversation between Bingley and Jane but instead appears to be putting herself in the path of Bingley which only makes Mr. Darcy think that the Bennets are even worse fortune hunters.
And Bingley seems to be transferring his affections to Lizzy; which proves Darcy was right about him being inconsistent. At the Netherfield ball Lizzy overhears Miss Bingley talking about Jane's engagement to Mr. Collins and realizes that she really needs to straighten this out. Which of course doesn't involve simply telling Miss Bingley and Mr. Darcy that they are wrong. And of course Lizzy can't say to Mr. Bingley - "Jane ain't engaged to Collins you double dumb ass" So this confusion carries on much longer than it should.
At the same time Lizzy finds herself thrown into company with Darcy and he is finding himself attracted to her, but in typical Darcy style he isn't communicating this well. Before the book ends Lady Catherine, Anne and Georgiana will appear to add more chaos to Meryton.
And we are on to book 2.
This is book 1 of 3 and it is a good start.
We jump in to P&P on the first day of Mr. Collins' visit. When he approaches Mrs. Bennet regarding the availability of Jane. Mrs. Bennet thinks that Bingley isn't exactly getting to the point and tells Mr. Collins that Jane is available. And he immediately proposes to which Jane - declines.... and Lizzy becomes her Collins deflector to prevent him from opportuning her. But Mary becomes Collins wingman and vows to assist him in his pursuit of poor Jane.
When Miss Bingley hears this delicious rumor she can't wait to share it with her brother and Mr. Darcy both of whom immediately believe it. Lizzy tries desperately to orchestrate meetings and conversation between Bingley and Jane but instead appears to be putting herself in the path of Bingley which only makes Mr. Darcy think that the Bennets are even worse fortune hunters.
And Bingley seems to be transferring his affections to Lizzy; which proves Darcy was right about him being inconsistent. At the Netherfield ball Lizzy overhears Miss Bingley talking about Jane's engagement to Mr. Collins and realizes that she really needs to straighten this out. Which of course doesn't involve simply telling Miss Bingley and Mr. Darcy that they are wrong. And of course Lizzy can't say to Mr. Bingley - "Jane ain't engaged to Collins you double dumb ass" So this confusion carries on much longer than it should.
At the same time Lizzy finds herself thrown into company with Darcy and he is finding himself attracted to her, but in typical Darcy style he isn't communicating this well. Before the book ends Lady Catherine, Anne and Georgiana will appear to add more chaos to Meryton.
And we are on to book 2.
July 17, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
The author's story description is excellent. And the two reviews I also read follow up with just a few more details. This is the first in a series of three and does not wrap things up therefore.
Mrs. Bennet, fearful that Bingley is not going to propose as she wished, tells Collins that Jane is available when he asks. He proposes, Jane doesn't answer, but he goes on as if she has accepted. Papa Bennet does speak to Collins saying that there is no engagement unless Collins can persuade Jane to accept on her own.
Now we come to the main premise of this story. Darcy, Bingley, and Caroline are led to believe Jane is now engaged to Collins. With Elizabeth seeking opportunities to explain the misunderstanding, Bingley turns his attention towards Elizabeth and Darcy is not exactly happy with that.
Lady Catherine shows up and meets the three oldest Bennet sisters and adds her opinion to the confusion. Anne is with her mother and she is not the retiring daughter we know from canon. In this story Lady C. is "hoping" that Darcy will marry Anne but does NOT speak of a cradle engagement.
Mary has greater talents on the piano and this accomplishment allows her some times to shine. Collins also finds himself listening to her advice on how to pursue Jane. Elizabeth also takes note of Mary's interest in events and becomes closer to this sister.
Wickham is in town but doesn't have much page time. Georgiana has been brought to Netherfield by her Aunt Catherine. She and Elizabeth becomes good friends even as Darcy realizes his feeling and makes another bad proposal. (The author uses her own words but says basically the same things.)
There were really no surprises for me in this story. I basically read this so that I could read the second book in the series and not be in the dark as to what came before. So...on to the next.
The author's story description is excellent. And the two reviews I also read follow up with just a few more details. This is the first in a series of three and does not wrap things up therefore.
Mrs. Bennet, fearful that Bingley is not going to propose as she wished, tells Collins that Jane is available when he asks. He proposes, Jane doesn't answer, but he goes on as if she has accepted. Papa Bennet does speak to Collins saying that there is no engagement unless Collins can persuade Jane to accept on her own.
Now we come to the main premise of this story. Darcy, Bingley, and Caroline are led to believe Jane is now engaged to Collins. With Elizabeth seeking opportunities to explain the misunderstanding, Bingley turns his attention towards Elizabeth and Darcy is not exactly happy with that.
Lady Catherine shows up and meets the three oldest Bennet sisters and adds her opinion to the confusion. Anne is with her mother and she is not the retiring daughter we know from canon. In this story Lady C. is "hoping" that Darcy will marry Anne but does NOT speak of a cradle engagement.
Mary has greater talents on the piano and this accomplishment allows her some times to shine. Collins also finds himself listening to her advice on how to pursue Jane. Elizabeth also takes note of Mary's interest in events and becomes closer to this sister.
Wickham is in town but doesn't have much page time. Georgiana has been brought to Netherfield by her Aunt Catherine. She and Elizabeth becomes good friends even as Darcy realizes his feeling and makes another bad proposal. (The author uses her own words but says basically the same things.)
There were really no surprises for me in this story. I basically read this so that I could read the second book in the series and not be in the dark as to what came before. So...on to the next.
March 18, 2017
Some folks pay a compliment like they went down in their pocket for it. ~Kin Hubbard
Collins the Flatterer sticks to his initial matrimonial object and flatters her without end.
Mrs. Bennet the Flutterer is a follower of that adage about birds in hand. Bingley the Ditherer is a possibility but Collins the Ready-to-Marry – now there’s a sure thing!
Her scheming knows no end – and who can out-scheme Mama Bennet?
Collins the Obtuse proposes to Jane the Polite who is unable to interrupt his raptures with her refusal – so he announces their betrothal to Mama the Delighted.
Collins the Dullard is aided in his pursuit of Jane the Beautiful by an unlikely source: Sister Mary the Lovelorn.
Elizabeth the Helpful is aided in her pursuit of Bingley the Undecided for Jane the Beloved by another unlikely source: Darcy the Secret Admirer.
Miss Bingley the Jealous assists Collins the Dim Bulb and happily relays gossip to her brother Bingley the Believer.
Will Elizabeth the Planner be able to convince Mary the Hopeful that Collins the Oaf has intentions which are somewhat flexible?
Will she be able to convince Bingley the Griever that Jane the Lovely has affections which are more inflexible?
Or – horrors – will Bingley the Flexible find his intentions shifted to the 2nd Bennet daughter when he believes the 1st is no longer available?
Confusion continues until Collins the Easily-Led is aided by the Love of His Life.
This is a well-done story; the first installment of a 3-part P&P re-telling, ending happily with three proposals.
Ah … but how many engagements?
The greatest compliment that was ever paid me was when one asked what I thought, and attended to my answer. ~Henry David Thoreau>
Collins the Flatterer sticks to his initial matrimonial object and flatters her without end.
Mrs. Bennet the Flutterer is a follower of that adage about birds in hand. Bingley the Ditherer is a possibility but Collins the Ready-to-Marry – now there’s a sure thing!
Her scheming knows no end – and who can out-scheme Mama Bennet?
Collins the Obtuse proposes to Jane the Polite who is unable to interrupt his raptures with her refusal – so he announces their betrothal to Mama the Delighted.
Collins the Dullard is aided in his pursuit of Jane the Beautiful by an unlikely source: Sister Mary the Lovelorn.
Elizabeth the Helpful is aided in her pursuit of Bingley the Undecided for Jane the Beloved by another unlikely source: Darcy the Secret Admirer.
Miss Bingley the Jealous assists Collins the Dim Bulb and happily relays gossip to her brother Bingley the Believer.
Will Elizabeth the Planner be able to convince Mary the Hopeful that Collins the Oaf has intentions which are somewhat flexible?
Will she be able to convince Bingley the Griever that Jane the Lovely has affections which are more inflexible?
Or – horrors – will Bingley the Flexible find his intentions shifted to the 2nd Bennet daughter when he believes the 1st is no longer available?
Confusion continues until Collins the Easily-Led is aided by the Love of His Life.
This is a well-done story; the first installment of a 3-part P&P re-telling, ending happily with three proposals.
Ah … but how many engagements?
The greatest compliment that was ever paid me was when one asked what I thought, and attended to my answer. ~Henry David Thoreau>
March 28, 2017
The Collins Conundrum: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (Pathway to Pemberley Book 1)
Enjoyable variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Mr. Collins is still a dimwitted clergyman, but at least with the help from his illustrious benefactor, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, came to realise Jane and Elizabeth Bennet were out of his touch; whereas, Mary Bennet was just what his parsonage needed. [According to Lady Catherine and we know she's never wrong] Loved this Darcy. Yes he was proud, but admitted his mistakes about Jane and corrected and helped Elizabeth guide Bingley back to Jane since Caroline's remarks led him to believe that she was to marry Collins. Darcy feelings towards Elizabeth changed over time and friendship established especially after Georgiana arrives. I think her reaction to Darcy's proposal was way off base and personally wanted to smack her across her head with a 2 X 4. Her reaction to his warning about Wickham was unfortunate, because she wondered why he disappeared when Georgiana called her name. Her behaviour was inexcusable. I hope in Book 2 she redeems herself, because with this books end, I don't like her attitude at all. Her refusal struck me as more hateful and harsh than in Jane Austen's original. Maybe with them working together, I was expecting her prejudice to not be so entrenched.
Enjoyable variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Mr. Collins is still a dimwitted clergyman, but at least with the help from his illustrious benefactor, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, came to realise Jane and Elizabeth Bennet were out of his touch; whereas, Mary Bennet was just what his parsonage needed. [According to Lady Catherine and we know she's never wrong] Loved this Darcy. Yes he was proud, but admitted his mistakes about Jane and corrected and helped Elizabeth guide Bingley back to Jane since Caroline's remarks led him to believe that she was to marry Collins. Darcy feelings towards Elizabeth changed over time and friendship established especially after Georgiana arrives. I think her reaction to Darcy's proposal was way off base and personally wanted to smack her across her head with a 2 X 4. Her reaction to his warning about Wickham was unfortunate, because she wondered why he disappeared when Georgiana called her name. Her behaviour was inexcusable. I hope in Book 2 she redeems herself, because with this books end, I don't like her attitude at all. Her refusal struck me as more hateful and harsh than in Jane Austen's original. Maybe with them working together, I was expecting her prejudice to not be so entrenched.
November 8, 2023
very amusing
I like angst, and even some of the most darker version, but I also dearly love to laugh, between the angsty parts. There is little darkness of any, and the highest compliment to an author I think, is when you reach the last page and are immediately disappointed and annoyed. Off to the second book I go!
I like angst, and even some of the most darker version, but I also dearly love to laugh, between the angsty parts. There is little darkness of any, and the highest compliment to an author I think, is when you reach the last page and are immediately disappointed and annoyed. Off to the second book I go!
January 8, 2018
Beginning after Jane and Elizabeth's stay at Netherfield, Collins has arrived and begins his attentions towards Jane. Can Jane be saved, and what of Darcy's feelings towards Elizabeth. The story continues in Book 2.
An enjoyable variation though I totally disliked the ending.
An enjoyable variation though I totally disliked the ending.
July 31, 2022
The Collins Conundrum
This book was a look back into a time when marriage was arranged. Hopefully the Bennett sisters will find their happily ever after. It most have been difficult to have to marry someone you hardly knew in a time when your family relied on you to make a match that would raise your status and help them.
This book was a look back into a time when marriage was arranged. Hopefully the Bennett sisters will find their happily ever after. It most have been difficult to have to marry someone you hardly knew in a time when your family relied on you to make a match that would raise your status and help them.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews