When Jane Got Angry: A Pride and Prejudice Novella

by Victoria Kincaid

A Pride and Prejudice variation When Mr. Bingley abruptly left Hertfordshire, Jane Bennet’s heart was broken. Since arriving in London to visit her aunt and uncle, Jane has been hoping to encounter Mr. Bingley; however, it becomes clear that his sister is keeping them apart. But what would happen if she took matters into her own hands? Defying social convention, she sets out to alert Mr. Bingley to her presence in London, hoping to rekindle the sparks of their relationship. Bingley is thrilled to encounter Jane and renew their acquaintance, but his sister has told him several lies about the Bennets—and his best friend, Mr. Darcy, still opposes any relationship. As Jane and Bingley sort through this web of deceit, they both find it difficult to retain their customary equanimity. However, they also discover that sometimes good things happen when Jane gets angry.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Historical Fiction

95 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2018

About the author

Victoria has a Ph.D. in English literature and has taught composition to unwilling college students. Today she teaches business writing to willing office professionals and tries to give voice to the demanding cast of characters in her head.

She lives in Virginia with an overly affectionate cat, two children who are learning how much fun Austen’s characters can be, and a husband who fortunately is not jealous of Mr. Darcy. A lifelong Austen fan, Victoria has read more Jane Austen variations and sequels than she can count – and confesses to an extreme partiality for the Colin Firth miniseries version of Pride and Prejudice.

Visit her at www. victoriakincaid. com

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook Review

I enjoy when minor characters from Jane Austen's novels get their time to shine as the stars and that was particularly so with sweet, soft Jane Bennet from Pride & Prejudice and jovial, generous Charles Bingley in this quick novella.

When Jane Got Angry is an apt title. Jane had a wake up moment when haughty social climber Caroline Bingley sat in her aunt's parlor looking disdainfully about and saying words designed to break Jane's heart. The story departed from canon here when Jane chose to be skeptical of Caroline's words and her motive for saying them. Jane does it one better and questions Caroline and forcing her to admit that she might have stretched things and shared more her wishes for her brother than the actual truth.

I enjoyed seeing this gentle creature turn her rational mind to what she heard and saw and form the proper conclusions. And, then get properly het up and willing to fight for her own happiness- and that included a confrontation with Mr. Bingley if he was part of this hurtful discovery that he might know she was in London and was snubbing her.

It is interesting to see how lives are touched by each person's actions. Because Jane took the bull by the horns, the dominoes fell in quite the different pattern alternating her story and her sister's with Darcy. I had a blast watching it all unfold even if the vixen of this story was quite the selfish piece of work.

Now, I did enjoy this one in audio format with the incomparable Stevie Zimmerman voicing Jane and the rest of the cast. I've enjoyed her work before and this time was no exception. Accents, gender, class, and changing scenes were all done fabulously.

All in all, this quick and engaging story was a delight from start to finish and I can heartily recommend it to Austen fans and others who enjoy a sweet and quick historical romance.

[wosedwew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world needs anger. The world often continues to allow evil because it isn't angry enough. ~ Bede Jarrett

Here we have our new friend, STTJ – Sees-The-Truth-Jane! What is the first truth Jane sees?

“Caroline Bingley is not my friend.” (Almost as good an Opening Line as “It is a truth …” or “Call me Ishmael” or “It was the best of times …”)

Of course, the opening line isn’t the entire story.

Jane is one of those ladies who knew from her earliest childhood teaching that becoming angry is not ladylike.
She is unable to express her anger.
She is unable to name her anger.
She is not even sure she is able to feel her anger.

Quote from the book: Still, Jane experienced a flicker of … something. A new and unfamiliar emotion directed at Miss Bingley. She prodded the feeling, trying to identify it. Perhaps it was a little taste of … irritation?

Quote from the book: If Caroline Bingley had appeared at that moment, Jane might have been tempted to strike her. Or … at least speak a sharp word.

Under certain circumstances, urgent circumstances, desperate circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer. ~ Mark Twain

Jane isn’t the only one who is unaccustomed to expressions of anger.

Quote from the book: Bingley himself had experienced something akin to anger.

Fortunately, these two outrage-deprived individuals have someone willing to fight in their corner – a maid working for Mrs. Gardiner and a valet working for Mr. Bingley.

Short, clean, and amusing – I recommend this to anyone who enjoys JAFF.

Angry people are not always wise. – Jane Austen

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title tells us how it is. First Jane muses: is Lizzy correct in all she says? Then Jane begins to allow her thoughts to wander into new (?) territory. If she can believe Lizzy, how should she act? Can she act/react as she expects her sister would? Accolades for Jane here. Not only does she make things happen with Bingley but she also does a fine job of putting Caroline in her place. And then we have to finally give Bingley some nods as on the dance floor he shows more gumption than before. In the face of what his sister has set in action he decides to take his own happiness in hand.

I enjoyed this short story. Both Jane and Charles finally did what most of us have wanted them to do for so long.

[Dung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute novella with a stronger Jane & Bingley. Love how they stood up for themselves.

A bit disappointed that Caroline didn’t get a set down she deserved... Darcy and Elizabeth make an appearance but the story focuses more on Jane and Bingley.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley take the spotlight here, with a strong assist from Maggie, a maid at the Gardiners' home, and Harvey, Bingley's valet. The story is an inventive "what-if" that makes Jane just a little bolder due to the information she learns from Maggie, who grew up near Harvey and sees him Sundays at church in their families' neighborhood.

First Jane realizes Caroline Bingley is no real friend, and she despairs that she'll never see her Mr. Bingley again. It's interesting to read as she consciously fights her unkind, angry feelings about Caroline. Once she realizes Caroline is lying to her brother, well...Jane's lovely white gloves come off.

I'm impressed that Jane stays very much in character as that sweet, gentle creature we all know. When she hits her breaking point, her anger doesn't rage passionately. However, it's just enough to change the trajectory of her relationship with Bingley and then, by extension, to change things at Rosings between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy as well.

While this is a sweet story that's told well, I think it's too short and uncomplicated for the $3.99 currently charged for the Kindle version on Amazon. I would expect a story like this to be 99¢ and certainly no more than $1.99.

Content is clean.

[Rita Deodato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diversity is clearly one of Victoria Kincaid’s characteristics that I cherish the most and why I respect and love her work so much. We never know what type of book to expect when she has a new release coming up and her latest was definitely a surprise for me. After When Mary Met the Colonel, which is my favourite secondary character novel, Ms Kincaid decided to venture once more in a secondary character story, but this time she choose sweet Jane as the main character. We don’t see a lot of variations solely based on Jane and Bingley’s love story, so if Jane is your favourite sister, you cannot miss this book.

On this story Jane travels to London after Mr. Bingley’s party leaves Netherfield, but instead of quietly waiting for something to happen she gets angry with Miss Bingley’s attitude, and when Jane gets angry good things happen 🙂

This is short but sweet novella that explores what would happen if Jane took a more active part in the pursuit of Mr. Bingley, and I really enjoyed seeing how her actions have repercussions in other people’s attitudes. Jane has more influence and power then some of us give her credit for and Victoria Kincaid did a wonderful job at exploring that. In this book we see an angry Jane who doesn’t quite know how to react to that new feeling, and consequently behaves in a surprising manner that changes the entire course of the story.

Mr. Bingley’s character was exactly as we know him to be, but he surprised me with how he handled Caroline’s meddling. He grew a backbone and stood up for his girl in the most exciting way! He was very smart and that made me love him a little bit more (I’m generally not a huge Bingley fan).

I loved the ending and the small appearance that both Mr Darcy and Elizabeth make in this story. They made it unique and funny and I couldn’t think of a better way to end this book.

I recommend When Jane Got Angry to all romance lovers who like sweet stories, but especially to JAFF readers who want to read a different and unique story. Darcy and Elizabeth make small appearances so if you only like to read books where they are the center of the story, this may not be for you. Even so, I usually prefer books where they are the main characters and I really enjoyed this one, so I would still recommend giving it a try. Jane and Bingley’s romance will captivate you.

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The truth will set you free, but first it will pi** you off.” –Joe Klaas, Twelve Steps to Happiness

>>Rating: Clean: PG17 with mild cursing once or twice. A short read at 9-chapters.
>>Angst Level: low that escalates due to frustrations as the reader fights the impulse to kill Caroline Bingley. GRRR! Seriously… someone needs to muzzle that wild cat, or at least declaw her.
>>Source: own

SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***

This was a sweet romance between several characters. There is an old saying that good help is hard to find; however, when Gardiner’s maid happened to be friends with Bingley’s valet, their assistance was undisputed.

“Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.” –Mark Twain

Charles and Jane were not made for confrontation and certainly not anger. Both avoided conflict at all costs and held their feelings close to their vest. Both would face deception, outright lies, and the betrayal of those they thought were their friends. It would be a hard lesson for them to grasp and handle. Eventually, they would have to confront those that had betrayed and hurt them.

“Anyone can become angry—that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way—that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy.” –Aristotle

Caroline Bingley: a horrid harpy. OMG! She was vile, vicious, and beyond the pale. There was nothing she wouldn’t do to get what she wanted. Nothing anyone said meant anything to her. She would have her way or someone [Jane] would suffer the consequences. OMG!

What I thought strange: *** SPOILER *** ’What was the deal with the mad rush to Rosings? That would have taken several hours. Then they left and… am I to suppose that they headed back to London? That scene seemed odd. Then the epilogue.’ *** End Spoiler ***

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What If Sweet Jane Began to Suspect Caroline’s Duplicity?

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Broken-hearted Jane Bennet still clings to some hope of encountering Mr. Bingley when she travels to London and stays with the Gardiners. Although after her first call and Miss Bingley’s belated return call, Jane discovers that she was “entirely deceived in Miss Bingley’s regard” for her. What if Jane analyzed Miss Bingley’s behavior a little more objectively during this time? What if she began to suspect some dishonesty on Miss Bingley’s part? And her suspicions lead her to question some of Miss Bingley’s claims. Is Mr. Bingley actively pursuing Miss Darcy? That would be odd since she isn’t out in society yet. Did he really know of Jane Bennet being in town these past few months and not have that decency to pay a call? Or was that another falsehood…

After discussing Miss Bingley’s actions with both Mrs. Gardiner and Maggie – Mrs. Gardiner’s maid – Jane daringly seizes an available opportunity to encounter Mr. Bingley and determine the true leanings of his heart…

Woot!! Go Jane!! Go Bingley!! You cannot read this story and not cheer on these two wronged characters! Jane and Bingley are often portrayed as overly gullible, cheerfully uncomplicated, and weak willed – it was absolutely wonderful to see them portrayed a little more discerning and impulsive in this variation. I especially loved how Victoria Kincaid made these slight personality alterations with Jane and Bingley, yet at the same time took great pains to not change their characters fundamentally. After expressing her true feelings and speaking her mind Jane is overwrought with guilt and shame, and even though Mr. Bingley saw Jane with his own eyes, he still has moments where feels swayed by his sister’s falsehoods. 🤦🏻‍♀️No, don’t believe her, Bingley!!

Another aspect I was greatly impressed with was how Ms. Kincaid illustrated and described Jane’s emotions and internal thoughts. Jane just doesn’t flip a switch and become angry à la The Incredible Hulk. We see a range of emotions course through Jane; we witness her attempts of control and composure, her clever “What Would Lizzy Do?” moments, and fully understand why and how she reaches a breaking point. We also get to see, first hand, Mr. Bingley’s thought process as he struggles between seizing his own happiness and being thwarted by Caroline’s pernicious machinations. His actions at the end are just brilliant!! #TeamBingley

Austenesque readers who are wary of seeing another couple in the prime spotlight, need not fear. Darcy and Elizabeth still do make an appearance in this tale and there are some interesting developments where they are concerned… 😉 I really enjoyed the direction Ms. Kincaid went with these characters, and I know many will be happy that they are included! I think the only thing missing from this engaging and gratifying tale is a proper punishment for Caroline Bingley, who truly was the sole antagonist of this piece.

With When Jane Got Angry Victoria Kincaid once again delivers a well-written, imaginative, and thoughtful variation that is very much needed in the Austenesque genre. Readers who wish for a Jane Bennet that less naive and a Mr. Bingley that is more decisive will be elated with this novella!

Austenesque Reviews

[Talia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I know I will love this one more once I read it again. I expected Jane to let loose at some point but I found that moment never came. Yes, she was angry but angry like Jane.

Reread: I still want Jane to go crazy!

Reread: Ok, so Jane still didn't get that angry but I found I like it more each time.

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stronger Jane and Bingley
It’s so refreshing to see these two characters given more of a backbone and I’m all for it. Great little novella, with a superb narration and performance by Stevie Zimmerman, who never disappoints.

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely adorable story that has dear sweet Jane Bennet channeling her inner Lizzy and putting herself first.

During Caroline Bingley's delayed, short and cruel visit jane realizes that Caro has played her false and challenges some of Caros assertions about Bingley and Miss Darcy, Aunt Gardiner then gets in on the fun. Later thanks to a well placed maid jane is able to bump into Bingley and renew their acquaintance.

Bingley is portrayed in this story as rather spineless; under the thumb of both Caroline and Darcy. He is one of those people who goes on to get along. However Jane's new boldness rubs off on him and he thwarts all the people trying to keep him in line.

Later Jane and Bingley will break up the DP@H and get Darcy and Lizzy squared away.

Cut short fun.

[Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Team Jane Bennet!!!! Thank you Vaarin and Wose for your reviews, which helped me to purchase it. Pricey for a novella but well worth it.

[Elin Eriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it!

First, I would like to give credit to the cover. The determined Jane on the front, fit the story perfectly. Second credit goes to the blurb, I just had to find out what "good" Jane's anger was creating...

For a D&E obsessed person like me... I thoroughly enjoyed this book with Jane in the senter of attention.
Entering when Jane was visiting the Gardiner's in London, she grew a backbone without feeling OOC which I thought was very clearly done.
Caroline did have several aces up her sleeve though. Luckily, Bingley seemed to grew some backbone as well and I adored how both Jane and Bingley was portrayed in this book.
We did get a little of ODC drama too...

Heartily recommend this fabulous fast read.

[Patricia Edmisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

How Angry Does Jane Get?

This is an interesting premise. I enjoyed this variance in the Pride and Prejudice storyline.

Jane is funneling how she believes Lizzy would act if they were to exchange places when Jane is faced with certain trials.

[James S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

98% about Jane and Bingley finding their way to there own HEA. But the other 2% makes it even better. I will give no spoilers so soon after it’s publication.

I recommend the book highly.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining.

Enjoyed reread.

[Caitlyn Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love JAFF stories where Jane Bennet finds her spine. When Jane comes to the realisation that Caroline Bingley is not on her side and aid comes from an unexpected quarter, Jane makes the decision to take her fate into her own hands. Arranging a ‘chance’ encounter with Mr Bingley, she soon determines his feelings for her are genuine and hers are unchanged.

It’s when Miss Bingley again attempts to intervene and separate the pair that Jane’s hackles are raised and she gets angry. There’s a confrontation scene which had me silently cheering Jane on, and her determination to pursue her own happiness inspires Mr Bingley to similar efforts.

At 95 pages, this is a quick read, but a thoroughly enjoyable one if you like your Jane Bennet with a bit of backbone!

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella explores the premise of what if Jane got angry enough to go after what she wants and what if what she wants is Mr. Bingley. I have to say I love that Jane grows a backbone and goes after Mr. Bingley. I read this story in one sitting and it didn't disappoint. We also get a glimpse into the relationship between Darcy and Lizzy as well. The only problem I had with this novella was that it was too short. In my opinion, Victoria Kincaid proves yet again that she is one of the reigning queens of JAFF. Also, can I say that the cover is gorgeous?

Rating: 4½ stars out of 5

*I received a copy of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story. Loved how Jane and Bingley had a little back bone. Was perfect how they still felt terrible about being angry and were still hesitant but did stand up for themselves.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Pride and Prejudice variation where a heartbroken Jane Bennet is visiting the Gardiners while Elizabeth is in Hunsford. After two months she still has not seen Bingley, so what can she do. I felt she could have got angry at other moments in the story.
An entertaining story.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Pride and Prejudice variations and when I saw this one recced somewhere, I snatched it up. 

This novella is about how Jane, when she realised Miss Bingley didn't want to be friends with her in London, got angry and went about confronting the person who hurt her, but in a very Jane way. It is a throughly enjoyable novella, mostly because Jane manages to stand up for herself but in a way that was very in character for her. As was the same with Bingley and Darcy. While Darcy is all suitably dramatic, Bingley is there not wanting to upset his sisters or his friend but angry at them for running his life. 

Jane and Bingley's ending changed how Darcy and Elizabeth got together but I liked how it followed similar lines to the novel. Most of all, I liked how Jane and Bingley were very in character for themselves. Jane didn't turn into Lizzy, no matter how she took heart from her sister, but she got angry in her own Jane way. 

I wish it had been a little longer and the ending had been slightly better paced, but altogether a satisfying variation story. 4 stars! 

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avid Reader

I truly enjoyed Jane being direct and letting Miss Bingley know that she was aware of her lies. Bingley confronted Darcy concerning his deceit and duplicity. However, their rushing to Kent to help Elizabeth and Darcy was priceless.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and quick read. Not only does Jane get angry, but Bingley does too

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun Pride and Prejudice based Novella and I loved how Victoria Kincaid portrayed Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley in this book. I also really liked the interactions between Jane and the Gardiner's maid Maggie and how Maggie was connected to Mr. Bingley's Valet. The epilogue at the end was also really cute. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. It was enjoyable to see Jane act instead of just being acted upon. This refreshing Jane gathered the courage to speak up for herself and take matters into her own hands. I really appreciated that we were shown what a difficult struggle it was for her to do so and her inner turmoil and fear as she makes takes the very bold and uncharacteristic action for her to express herself honestly and her sense of guilt and mortification after she does. This is real to me. So often in JAFF, our beloved characters are given inelegant mean spirited quick tempers and are quick to issue nasty set downs and throw insults without any thought or remorse. I always hate that because one of the appeals to me of this time period is the civility and the polite manners that our modern society so sorely lacks. My only complaint is near the end the story takes a very strange and completely unrealistic turn when some of our characters decide to not only take off to Rosings Park, (none of them are related or even known to Lady C) but to leave immediately from the ball they are attending, which means in the middle of the night. That kind of left a little bit of a sour taste in my mouth, but aside from that, this was a fun and enjoyable read.

[Katja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun short tale in which Jane gets angry at Miss Bingley, Charles gets angry at Darcy, and this influences all of their fates. Another catalyst is the Gardiners' maid who coincidentally happens to be courting Bingley's valet (this was an *extremely convenient* plot device but hey, whatever works, and it gives way to some amusing situations). Caroline plots more nastiness to prevent Bingley's proposal but Bingley delivers her comeuppance in quite a sweet and clever manner. I enjoy stories in which Jane and Bingley develop a spine and shed some of their naivete.
Steam level: Kissing at church.

[Tammy Buchli · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love what-if Austenations and this premise -- what-if Jane Bennett finally gets mad enough to find her agency -- excited me. The execution fell short, though. I was startled, in the first few pages, to find Jane using the expression 'good grief,' about 100 years before it was coined. So purists should beware of that. The worse transgression was that it was really all just kind of dull.... Mercifully short, though!

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny emotional different

I truly enjoyed this different version with a Jane who does not let go. I found Bingley to be a better man in this version. this story was truly funny, emotional, Clean, and well written.
Jane fights back against Caroline's lies, thanks to her aunts maid. Bingley actually stands up to Caroline and Darcy. Elizabeth is stopped from uttering the nasty reply to Mr Darcy and is told the truth. love the happy ending. highly recommended to all to read.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute variation of Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley’s romance. In this instance, Caroline Bingley is seen for the troublemaker that she is and is called out by Jane and later on by Bingley. Jane and Charles see that they are very much alike and that they will be together regardless of other people meddling in their affairs. When they realize they will be together, they race to save Elizabeth and Darcy from making the biggest mistake of their lives.

[D M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy-going Jane Bennet doesn't get angry, or at least she didn't until she's pushed too far.

Charles Bingley is fighting a battle against his own overly opinionated sister Caroline. Miss Bingley is as obnoxious as ever, but finally, Charles has had enough . You may think you know the story, but hang on tight because amazing things happen when Jane gets angry. Enjoy!