Progression Vol. 3: A Continuation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

by Jodi L. Covey, Julia Stephens (Editor)

This is volume three of a four-volume series. After a long and arduous Season in London, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy wish more than anything to return to Pemberley and await the birth of their first child. Life, however, has other plans for the couple. As Elizabeth's pregnancy advances, they are ultimately obliged to part long enough to face ordeals without the benefit of each other's company, comfort and support. Will the separation serve to strengthen or torment them? Just returned from battle, Richard Fitzwilliam finds himself grudgingly adapting to a life forever altered by a sudden and tragic change of circumstance. His duties vastly more significant, he discovers a threat to his family that cannot be ignored as a nefarious nobleman appears bent on claiming the infatuated Anne de Bourgh's hand and fortune. Will Fitzwilliam's honorable endeavors to protect his cousin only make things worse? Charlotte Collins, meanwhile, is granted no more peace as she frets over her vulnerable friend and her own burgeoning attraction to the local physician. Will her prayers to find serenity in her comfortably secure situation be answered? Is the scorned Caroline Bingley truly mad, or just horribly bitter? And who will be hurt by her poor judgment as a result? Is Georgiana Darcy finally ready to make her own decisions, or is it best to continue trusting in her wise, well-intentioned and ever-devoted brother with regards to her future? For better or worse, Jane Austen's beloved characters continue to make choices and suffer consequences in this third installment.

363 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2017

About the author

Jodi L. Covey is an Alabama native with a B.S. in Journalism, but a passion for great storytelling. Her love of Pride and Prejudice began in 2003, after which a growing obsession with continuing Austen's wonderful story followed. She currently lives in Florence, Alabama with her awesome husband and daughter.

Reviews

[Les · Rating 4 out of 5]

The description of this book says this is part 3 of a 3 volume series. I dispute that claim because this book really didn't wrap all of the loose ends.

As I stated in my review of Progression vol 2. This is a "As the Regency Turns" P&P what if sequel.

This takes place after the weddings of Mrs. Bennet's most deserving daughters. This book start with a chapter in the 60s that means if you haven't read vols 1 & 2 you really shouldn't be reading this do not pass go do not collect £200 of shillings or guineas or what ever pre-decimal currency they used.

This book just dives into the action Lord Ashbourn, the eldest son of the Earl of Matlock, is dying. He has pneumonia and is too lazy to fight it off. While Darcy wants to take his increasing wife off to Pemberley he instead must head to Brighton to return the injured Colonel Fitzwilliam to his family. And tell Richard that he is about to be the heir to the Earldom.
Caroline has retreated to Netherfield with the Bingleys; Jane & Charles, to lick her wounds and plan her revenge against the man that done her wrong. Who is , coincidentally, the man who done Lord Ashbourn wrong.

Darcy & Georgiana are off to Pemberley; while Lizzy is off to Meryton for her sister, Catherine's, wedding to one of the Lucases. Between the Wickhams and Caro there is chaos and disorder.

Anne has asserted her independence and is living at Lady Catherine's townhouse in London and cultivating the 'wrong kind of friends' as well as holding a tendre for Miss Bingley's & Col. Fitzwilliam's arch enemy.

Caro is banished to Scarborough, where she will meet a man just as angry and bitter as she. Mrs. Collins is forced to endure her husband's bad manners, worse affections and Lady Catherine's abuses. Anne makes a decision that estranges her from her entire family, Mrs. Darcy goes into her confinement and the story ends with lots of loose ends.

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.” –Allen Saunders

Book 1: Progression Vol 1 [chapters 1-36]
Book 2: Progression Vol 2 [chapters 37-61]
Book 3: Progression Vol 3 [chapters 62-95]
Book 4: Progression Vol 4 [pub date June 17, 2018]

Rating: several scenes went mature… can be skipped over quickly enough. Nothing extremely graphic.

Vol 3 is the continuation in the story of the lives and trials of Darcy and Elizabeth and their family and friends. Wow! I feel like I have aged an eternity since I started this story. This third volume continues several story threads…

Darcy and Elizabeth: “I’m lucky in having found the perfect partner to spend my life with.” –Sara Paretsky

Our dear couple is approaching their first anniversary and the birth of their child. They have weathered the ton and the gossips. They scandalized the Almack’s Assembly by dancing the waltz [which the Patronesses vehemently deny ever happened].

Charles and Jane… just there putting out little fires here and there within the family. Trying to be the sense and stability during rough times.

Kitty has her hands full falling in love and planning a wedding. She is also skirting her own scandal which Caroline Bingley instigated and delightfully called a ‘kerfuffle in the drawing room’ and Kitty will suffer a disappointment because of it.

Charlotte Collins née Lucas: “A flower bloomed already wilting. Beginning its life with an early ending.” –R.J. Gonzales, Mundahlia

Charlotte is working to stay sane in a marriage that is only tolerable. She suffers her own disappointment and comes to realize the kind of man she has married. She is in correspondence with Anne de Bourgh and Anne tells her all her secrets. Oh dear. Scarlet fever hits Kent and the tenants around Rosings. Charlotte offers her services to Dr Thompson in nursing the sick.

Richard Fitzwilliam: “I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” –Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul

The man of the hour whether he wants it or not. He is the strength, the wisdom and the cornerstone for the entire Fitzwilliam family. There is so much on his shoulders and he has been put through the wringer so to speak. Duty, honor and responsibility surround him like a greatcoat against the winds of winter. Bless his heart. His younger brother Matthew ‘Matty’ is his staunchest supporter.

Caroline Bingley: “Sometimes it’s hard to see the rainbow when there’s been endless days of rain.” –Christina Greer

Caroline has let her bitterness and anger twist and corrupt an already weak mind. She is insane with vengeance and revenge toward the marquess. Because she became so unmanageable, she was finally sent to Scarborough [north Yorkshire] to her Aunt Anabelle, Lady Mackenzie.

George Wickham: “Reality continues to ruin my life.” –Bill Watterson, The Complete Calvin and Hobbes

For once in his slimy, worthless life… Wickham found himself up against a force to be reckoned with. For years, he had finagled and conned his way through life and situations… until he came up against one Elizabeth Darcy née Bennet. Wickham never knew what hit him. He thought he had it all planned out… covered ever contingency and just knew Elizabeth was the mark he could easily manage. Oh, how quickly he would learn just how wrong he was.

Anne de Bourgh: “A first love is something that lasts forever in your heart. It’s something that marks you.” –Elodie Yung

With a new doctor, Anne was finally feeling better but not completely well. She flexed her independence and left Rosings for a Season in London. She soon fell into the trap of a scoundrel and rake of the first water. She was marked at the onset of the acquaintance and never stood a chance. She was determined and no one… no one would distract or talk her out of her plans. Oh, Anne, what have you done. Her mother took to her bed.

Lord ‘Malcolm’ Thornhaugh:
“Who are you to judge the life I live?
I know I’m not perfect
– and I don’t live to be –
but before you start pointing fingers…
make sure you[r] hands are clean!”
–Bob Marley

The scoundrel/rake that makes Wickham look like a kindergartener. Yep, he absolutely has no conscience, morals or heart. His father the Duke has no control over him and anyone that is anyone, from the lowest to the highest circles, knows Thornhaugh very well. They either hate him, admire him, or fear him. John, Lord Russell, his younger brother, is a good man and, unfortunately, is judged because of his brother’s behavior.

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating: 5+++

It is difficult to sum up in one word the 'progression' of these three books other than...EPIC! Ms. Covey has blown me away with how she has woven this story all together. The best part is, there will be another book! I honestly was wondering if she could address all the lives involved with this final book, and thankfully she isn't rushing to clean up all these details. There is breadth and depth to this multi-level story that has now become one of my top favourite JAFF sequels! Thank you Ms. Covey for a worthy multi-dimensional offering.

In my first two reviews of Progression Volume 1 and Volume 2, I had stated they would have been better as one. I now stand corrected in this assessment as each book served a purpose in developing each of the characters and their story lines. Now with Volume 3, Ms. Covey has given us an emotionally moving journey not only for Darcy and Elizabeth but also for Colonel Fitzwilliam (now Captain) and Anne deBourgh, Mr. and Mrs. Collins, Georgiana and Kitty Bennet, as well as the embittered Caroline Bingley. But let's not forget our main protagonist, Lord Thornhaugh, who has left the country but still plays a huge role in the lives of all involved.

There is so much that I loved:

Georgiana's sweet and caring ways for those she loves and trusts. Her interest in Lord 'John' Russell, younger brother to Lord Thornhaugh.

Charlotte Collins growth, as she tries to help her dear friend Anne de Bourgh with the help of Dr. Thompson. Her feelings towards her obsequious but more manipulative husband.

"But it caused Charlotte's skin to crawl to hear him implicitly root for the death of Lord Ashbourne so that he may earn credit with his benefactress should a match be made as a result."

Caroline's anger, at everyone but herself, but especially Lord Thornhaugh, has made her the queen of women scorned and vows revenge no matter how long it takes or what she will do to achieve it! The havoc she wreaks on the Bingley's and Bennet's is abominable...especially on Kitty. However, Jane Bingley was brilliant in letting Caroline know her behavior cannot and will not continue in their home.

Elizabeth, as Darcy states "was a force of compassion and caring" and when Georgiana and Anne ask about 'love' to her and Lady Matlock, I had to laugh at a comment from Lady Matlock.

"I beg your pardon, Elizabeth, but a country maiden's matrimonial pond is decidedly shallow, and gentlemen of viable means scare."

Then there is Anne de Bourgh. Her blossoming into a woman who knows what she wants, now that she has the freedom to pursue it, was enlightening. Her decisions baffle her family, for they cannot accept the choices she makes. She is product of her upbringing and will allow no one to stand in her way after years of being told what to think and what to do. I cannot wait to see more of her journey! As Anne said to Richard:

"I cannot expect to be so loved, plain as I am, she had said. My hope, rather, is to love someone with all my heart..."

Last, but certainly not least, is Darcy's emotional roller coaster of events. Being parted from Elizabeth, for the first time since their marriage, he is lost without her. Dealing with disputing tenants, his favourite horse giving birth and not being there to protect Elizabeth now that she is with child, has Darcy losing sleep and floundering. Once reunited his fears go into hyper drive as Elizabeth nears her due date. To say that Darcy puts himself through the wringer is an understatement. Thank goodness for Mrs. Bennet!!! Yes, you will be thanking her too!

I guess you can tell I loved this book as this is a very long review. I still don't think I have done the book justice! With that said, I highly recommend this complete series and do start with Volume 1.

On another note: My Kindle version went wonky during the middle of the book with a different font and not wrapping words properly (best way I can think of for explaining broken words/sentences etc). Not sure how that gets fixed...

[Elin Eriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable!
It's not a high level of angst but the tension and suspense that keep the pages turning. I could not put it down.
The third book in the Progression series held me captivated and I eagerly await the forth that will be released in 2018.

Heartily recommend this book.

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good continuation
Reviewed in Canada on March 22, 2019
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this volume 3 of of 4. I’ve read dozens of variations now, but I feel like series of volumes feels like a true sequel. My heart really feels for Darcy in this one. There’s also a sub-plot that runs throughout the first three volumes that keeps it all quite interesting from another perspective. I’m anxious to start the last volume, but also hate to see it all end. I am really enjoying this author.

I own the three-volume set, but reviewed each book separately.

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging

I'm really enjoying this series, they are well written, and follow up on all the threads.

I really can't wait for the next volume of the series!

[Camille Fiore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuff Happens but no End

This continuation seemed to take a long time to become interesting but then it holds your interest. Unfortunately when you look for more, it ends. Spoiler alert! Why it ends in India I wish I knew! If Marquess Thornhaugh's fiancée had arrived it would capture more attention. But he's diddled with Caroline Bingley and driven her mad, made Anne de Bourgh fall 'madly' in love with him also, and gotten Fitzwilliam to desire killing him.

Meanwhile, Wickham tries to get out of going to the front, his wife gives birth to the first Bennet grandchild, and Darcy just about loses it with worry about the birth of his and Lizzy's first child. Let's not forget the heir Mr Collins. He's as Elizabeth described him, the stupidest man in England, and his wife is beginning to have regrets and feelings for another. Uh oh!

All in all you won't be sad if you read this but you may be left unsatisfied as I was. Now that I've vested all this time, I'd like to not feel like nothing is settled. At least give a satisfactory conclusion to one storyline! Ok, I really wanted more than one thread finished.

Besides all the minor editing errors, the lame man was at the Pool of Bethsaida, Not Bethesda. I live in Maryland not far from the latter, not in Israel where Jesus healed by the former.

[Carrie M Alston · Rating 5 out of 5]

The change to the main story line has become a major factor in suspense . What could possibly happen next . I don't really care for the Russell's having so much a part in the story . Perhaps

I was glad to see how easily Mr. Collins was helped out and Mrs. Collins moved into a safe enough state of mind . Darcy and Elizabeth still over think a situation to the point of nerve wracking capacity. A failing of most easily worried couples who loving. The basis of Jane Austen's original story.
Jm

[Lisa E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mental illness

Darcy needs a psychologist if not a psychiatrist. And they would all have us believe Thornhaugh is a psychopath. Richard is so changed. Will his happy self eventually return?

[Nikii · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good series. Great story, engaging new characters. One star taken off for repeated errors in the text.