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Properly Humbled: A Pride & Prejudice Novel
Elizabeth Bennet goes to Kent for Easter and receives Mr. Darcy's first proposal. The lady is astonished by the gentleman's words but cannot be prevailed upon to accept him.
Mr. Darcy reveals his defeat to his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, in the library at Rosings and is overheard by one Miss Anne de Bourgh. When the young mistress of Rosings instructs the groom to ready her gig and drives with abandon to the parsonage to intervene on Mr. Darcy's behalf, an accident brings the opportunity for several beloved characters to become properly humbled.
In this sweet, completely romantic tale, three couples find their happily ever after in spite of Lady Catherine's interference.
Mr. Darcy reveals his defeat to his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, in the library at Rosings and is overheard by one Miss Anne de Bourgh. When the young mistress of Rosings instructs the groom to ready her gig and drives with abandon to the parsonage to intervene on Mr. Darcy's behalf, an accident brings the opportunity for several beloved characters to become properly humbled.
In this sweet, completely romantic tale, three couples find their happily ever after in spite of Lady Catherine's interference.
- GenresRegency
298 pages, Paperback
Published October 16, 2017
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52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 12, 2017
I was frankly disappointed in this book, considering some of the high ratings it's gotten from others.
The premise has good potential. Elizabeth takes Bingley's abandonment of Jane much harder than her sister. In Kent, she develops a strong friendship with Anne de Bourgh. Later, Anne overhears Darcy confessing to Colonel Fitzwilliam that Elizabeth spurned his marriage proposal. Since Anne loves Darcy like a brother, she decides she must intervene on his behalf. It's late in the day, but she arranges for her phaeton to be prepared and heads for the Hunsford parsonage. Once there, she convinces Elizabeth (who already recognizes her mistake about Darcy's character and wishes to apologize) to return with her to Rosings and speak with Darcy immediately before he can leave in the morning. However, the two young ladies are seriously injured in an accident.
There's non-Regency behavior. Darcy is in a bedchamber alone with the injured Anne or Elizabeth on numerous occasions- very specifically present to "keep watch" while a maid is otherwise occupied. No one in the book considers this improper. Lady Catherine and Lady Matlock are both aware of it; Lady C objects only on the basis that Miss Bennet is undeserving of such consideration.
There's illogical behavior. Doctor Green insists that Elizabeth can't be moved to the Parsonage for at least two weeks because of her head injury. Yet, during that time, he encourages her and Anne to take walks, dance with the gentlemen when Georgiana is playing the pianoforte, and to play bowls on the lawn. He may have an ulterior motive, but his lies are ridiculously blatant. Both ladies are recovering remarkably fast, considering how serious their initial injuries were supposed to have been. Within a very short space of time, Anne, who has always been sickly, has gone from recovering from a serious carriage accident to being in the best health she's ever been.
There's also the unlikelihood of two couples being head over heels in love within two weeks of meeting. Yes, this is a romance novel, but the love at first sight trope is overdone here.
The writing is uneven. It's not awful, but it just doesn't flow in some places.
Overall, this was an unsatisfactory read, especially considering the price.
The premise has good potential. Elizabeth takes Bingley's abandonment of Jane much harder than her sister. In Kent, she develops a strong friendship with Anne de Bourgh. Later, Anne overhears Darcy confessing to Colonel Fitzwilliam that Elizabeth spurned his marriage proposal. Since Anne loves Darcy like a brother, she decides she must intervene on his behalf. It's late in the day, but she arranges for her phaeton to be prepared and heads for the Hunsford parsonage. Once there, she convinces Elizabeth (who already recognizes her mistake about Darcy's character and wishes to apologize) to return with her to Rosings and speak with Darcy immediately before he can leave in the morning. However, the two young ladies are seriously injured in an accident.
There's non-Regency behavior. Darcy is in a bedchamber alone with the injured Anne or Elizabeth on numerous occasions- very specifically present to "keep watch" while a maid is otherwise occupied. No one in the book considers this improper. Lady Catherine and Lady Matlock are both aware of it; Lady C objects only on the basis that Miss Bennet is undeserving of such consideration.
There's illogical behavior. Doctor Green insists that Elizabeth can't be moved to the Parsonage for at least two weeks because of her head injury. Yet, during that time, he encourages her and Anne to take walks, dance with the gentlemen when Georgiana is playing the pianoforte, and to play bowls on the lawn. He may have an ulterior motive, but his lies are ridiculously blatant. Both ladies are recovering remarkably fast, considering how serious their initial injuries were supposed to have been. Within a very short space of time, Anne, who has always been sickly, has gone from recovering from a serious carriage accident to being in the best health she's ever been.
There's also the unlikelihood of two couples being head over heels in love within two weeks of meeting. Yes, this is a romance novel, but the love at first sight trope is overdone here.
The writing is uneven. It's not awful, but it just doesn't flow in some places.
Overall, this was an unsatisfactory read, especially considering the price.
April 17, 2020
This Pride and Prejudice variation quickly moves to the proposal at Hunsford. After the refusal, Anne overhears Darcy confessing to the Colonel his disastrous speech. She rushes to leave the house to convince Elizabeth to change her mind. On their way back to Rosings, they are thrown from their gig.
Injured with lost memories sets the scene for couples to pair up as mother try to stop it.
There are things that don't make sense and there are parts that don't fit the period, but everyone is properly humbled as they realize the importance of love over status.
Injured with lost memories sets the scene for couples to pair up as mother try to stop it.
There are things that don't make sense and there are parts that don't fit the period, but everyone is properly humbled as they realize the importance of love over status.
September 16, 2019
Old guard vs the next generation
The story is about Lady Catherine and Lady Matlock trying to control the sons, daughters, nieces and nephews and the young generation having none of that.
Entertaining story. Certain sequences seem rushed and choppy so it could have been better and a little bit more enjoyable but it was fine.
I recommend the story.
The story is about Lady Catherine and Lady Matlock trying to control the sons, daughters, nieces and nephews and the young generation having none of that.
Entertaining story. Certain sequences seem rushed and choppy so it could have been better and a little bit more enjoyable but it was fine.
I recommend the story.
July 15, 2017
Properly Humbled: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novel
Totally enjoyed this variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. I was impressed with Jane in this story. While upset about Bingley, she moved on rather quickly realizing that if his superior sisters held that much influence over his decisions, he was not the man she thought him to be, therefore he was not the man for her. Unfortunately, there was still the Hunsford proposal, but Charlotte made Elizabeth see that her reasons of her refusal were foolish. Anne de Bourgh hears Darcy and Richard's discussion as to why Elizabeth refused him and she sets out to see Elizabeth in the evening. On the way back to Rosings, there is an accident in which the two young ladies are hurt. Darcy brings in his own doctor, Harry Green, from London. Needless to say, Lady Catherine goes into orbit with having Elizabeth Bennet at Rosings. The more that she loses control of Anne, Darcy, and Richard the worse she becomes. Neither young lady remembers why they were out the night of the accident. Of course, Lady Catherine in her infamous wisdom must know why they were together. When Anne eventually remembers, her mother is the last person she'd tell. Jane Bennet was sent for to care for Elizabeth and arrived with Lady Matlock, her older son James, and Georgiana Darcy. Richard Fitzwilliam is struck dumb at Jane's first appearance. Both James and Lady Matlock see this. The more Lady Matlock and Lady Catherine push to make their preferences known, the more the son, daughter, and nephew move against their wishes. Lady Matlock admits defeat, but Lady Catherine's disapproval comes barreling down like a runaway carriage. In the end, her daughter, her two nephews, and even her once conspiring sister-in-law refused to do her will. Three delighted couples were married from Pemberley without some members of their immediate family being welcomed to observe the nuptials. Loved how quickly when faced with Elizabeth's injuries, Darcy was humbled. Loved that Elizabeth too was humbled by Charlotte enough to apologize for her temper and prejudice against Darcy. No Wickham and very little of Caroline Bingley really made this enjoyable.
Totally enjoyed this variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. I was impressed with Jane in this story. While upset about Bingley, she moved on rather quickly realizing that if his superior sisters held that much influence over his decisions, he was not the man she thought him to be, therefore he was not the man for her. Unfortunately, there was still the Hunsford proposal, but Charlotte made Elizabeth see that her reasons of her refusal were foolish. Anne de Bourgh hears Darcy and Richard's discussion as to why Elizabeth refused him and she sets out to see Elizabeth in the evening. On the way back to Rosings, there is an accident in which the two young ladies are hurt. Darcy brings in his own doctor, Harry Green, from London. Needless to say, Lady Catherine goes into orbit with having Elizabeth Bennet at Rosings. The more that she loses control of Anne, Darcy, and Richard the worse she becomes. Neither young lady remembers why they were out the night of the accident. Of course, Lady Catherine in her infamous wisdom must know why they were together. When Anne eventually remembers, her mother is the last person she'd tell. Jane Bennet was sent for to care for Elizabeth and arrived with Lady Matlock, her older son James, and Georgiana Darcy. Richard Fitzwilliam is struck dumb at Jane's first appearance. Both James and Lady Matlock see this. The more Lady Matlock and Lady Catherine push to make their preferences known, the more the son, daughter, and nephew move against their wishes. Lady Matlock admits defeat, but Lady Catherine's disapproval comes barreling down like a runaway carriage. In the end, her daughter, her two nephews, and even her once conspiring sister-in-law refused to do her will. Three delighted couples were married from Pemberley without some members of their immediate family being welcomed to observe the nuptials. Loved how quickly when faced with Elizabeth's injuries, Darcy was humbled. Loved that Elizabeth too was humbled by Charlotte enough to apologize for her temper and prejudice against Darcy. No Wickham and very little of Caroline Bingley really made this enjoyable.
October 24, 2025
I loved it!
Warning: Meant for mature audiences. Contains scenes that would scandalize the ton. Readers of a delicate constitution are advised to keep their fans and vinaigrettes close at hand.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. In this sweet, completely romantic tale, three couples find their happily ever after in spite of Lady Catherine's interference.
Elizabeth Bennet goes to Kent for Easter and receives Mr. Darcy's first proposal. The lady is astonished by the gentleman's words but cannot be prevailed upon to accept him.
Mr. Darcy reveals his defeat to his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, in the library at Rosings and is overheard by one Miss Anne de Bourgh. When the young mistress of Rosings instructs the groom to ready her gig and drives with abandon to the parsonage to intervene on Mr. Darcy's behalf, an accident brings the opportunity for several beloved characters to become properly humbled. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
Warning: Meant for mature audiences. Contains scenes that would scandalize the ton. Readers of a delicate constitution are advised to keep their fans and vinaigrettes close at hand.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. In this sweet, completely romantic tale, three couples find their happily ever after in spite of Lady Catherine's interference.
Elizabeth Bennet goes to Kent for Easter and receives Mr. Darcy's first proposal. The lady is astonished by the gentleman's words but cannot be prevailed upon to accept him.
Mr. Darcy reveals his defeat to his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, in the library at Rosings and is overheard by one Miss Anne de Bourgh. When the young mistress of Rosings instructs the groom to ready her gig and drives with abandon to the parsonage to intervene on Mr. Darcy's behalf, an accident brings the opportunity for several beloved characters to become properly humbled. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
July 9, 2017
What a Delight!
Yes, there definitely was a need for a do-over concerning the Hunsford proposal. That Elizabeth would have been persuaded to confess all that had happened was interesting but necessary as someone, Charlotte, was needed to hold the memories forgotten because of the accident. The fact that Jane gets someone willing to give up his inheritance, family, and even his livelihood for her is so much more satisfying than pining away for Bingley for almost a year! She deserved so much better, this book provided it! Worth the investment of time and money. Love this variation with a cup of tea!
Yes, there definitely was a need for a do-over concerning the Hunsford proposal. That Elizabeth would have been persuaded to confess all that had happened was interesting but necessary as someone, Charlotte, was needed to hold the memories forgotten because of the accident. The fact that Jane gets someone willing to give up his inheritance, family, and even his livelihood for her is so much more satisfying than pining away for Bingley for almost a year! She deserved so much better, this book provided it! Worth the investment of time and money. Love this variation with a cup of tea!
September 27, 2022
It is amazing how some people need to be taught more than once the same lesson, and in this case it was both of our characters falling into patterns they had before they fell in love after they did. But it proved all others had more fortitude than either character and so many tears cried over mistaken presumptions and rash actions around the amnesia for Elizabeth and more that I had a hard time...LIKING our heroine in this story. I did, however, enjoy Anne and Jane, even Lady Matlock and Charlotte a great deal! The premise and the plot were enjoyable, and a house with Lady Matlock and Lady Catherine at odds and expressing it when pushed too far was quite amusing!
January 1, 2020
I read this on Fanfiction. Darcy proposes, it goes badly, he confesses to the colonel, Anne overhears. Anne and Charlotte convince Elizabeth that she was wrong to refuse and Anne thinks she should go to Rosings and apologize even if it's late at night. There is an accident and Elizabeth loses her memory. Darcy woos her while she's being sickly. Jane comes to care for her. Everyone falls in love with various characters within the week. Lady Matlock and Lady Catherine disapprove.
it was okay but not great.
it was okay but not great.
July 11, 2017
So over it now
'My bad' for binge-reading a dozen P&P variations. The quality was uneven at best. This version exemplifies all the worst characteristics: anachronism, dreadful editing, mis-used and over-used vocabulary (in this case virtually every stick of furniture was "ornate"). Add to those: entirely forgettable characters and ho-hum surprises (no plot spoilers in my reviews), and you have the last P&P variation I'll ever read.
'My bad' for binge-reading a dozen P&P variations. The quality was uneven at best. This version exemplifies all the worst characteristics: anachronism, dreadful editing, mis-used and over-used vocabulary (in this case virtually every stick of furniture was "ornate"). Add to those: entirely forgettable characters and ho-hum surprises (no plot spoilers in my reviews), and you have the last P&P variation I'll ever read.
August 23, 2017
Fantastic Pride and Prejudice Variation (some spoilers)
Loved it! I was just tickled by the camaraderie between the people at Risings. Except for Lady Catherine of course. The dynamic of seeing Jane with someone else was a favorite part. And of course Darcy and Elizabeth had their unique chemistry but with a very interesting plot. Loved it!
Loved it! I was just tickled by the camaraderie between the people at Risings. Except for Lady Catherine of course. The dynamic of seeing Jane with someone else was a favorite part. And of course Darcy and Elizabeth had their unique chemistry but with a very interesting plot. Loved it!
March 1, 2018
The plot of this story was good, but the execution felt rushed. The affections of several characters seemed to change with the wind, and it left me not believing in any of the relationships. All in all, a decent enough distraction for a few hours, but not a story that will stick in my mind.
Also, "shoppe"? In the Regency? They were not at a Renaissance fair.
Also, "shoppe"? In the Regency? They were not at a Renaissance fair.
January 29, 2022
I liked the couples in this variation
I have read lots of variations that have a carriage accident as the turning point of the story. I really liked this one. I also enjoyed the strong Anne in this, I always like it when Georgianna,Anne, Elizabeth and Jane are friends. Poor Lady Catherine doesn't stand a chance when Anne and Darcy stand up to her.
I have read lots of variations that have a carriage accident as the turning point of the story. I really liked this one. I also enjoyed the strong Anne in this, I always like it when Georgianna,Anne, Elizabeth and Jane are friends. Poor Lady Catherine doesn't stand a chance when Anne and Darcy stand up to her.
November 8, 2018
It’s Okay
This novel is not exactly poorly written, but the pace is slow, the dialogue is lackluster and the story just isn’t very interesting. The author needs to study the use of commas and an editor needs to make a solid pass through to clean up some typos and awkwardness.
This novel is not exactly poorly written, but the pace is slow, the dialogue is lackluster and the story just isn’t very interesting. The author needs to study the use of commas and an editor needs to make a solid pass through to clean up some typos and awkwardness.
August 28, 2017
Very entertaining
Found this tale to be delightful. I had had enough of Lady Catherine by the end. But nice story. Especially enjoyed Anne finally finding happiness.
Found this tale to be delightful. I had had enough of Lady Catherine by the end. But nice story. Especially enjoyed Anne finally finding happiness.
February 5, 2019
Lovely
A rather interesting variation of author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. Rather a different storyline but enjoyable variation nonetheless
A rather interesting variation of author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. Rather a different storyline but enjoyable variation nonetheless
March 22, 2025
I enjoyed this story a lot - it was very romantic. There were some inconsistencies and things that weren't quite right, but overall, very nice. Elizabeth tells Charlotte of the proposal and why she rejected him, but she is feeling bad for the manner she rejected him. Then Charlotte tells her that Wickham is bad, that her father told her of his debts in Meryton that Darcy paid - though I don't see how Darcy could have done that, since he left shortly after Wickham arrived. In addition, Charlotte knew Lizzy favored Wickham, so why didn't she tell Lizzy right away what her father had said? That made no sense, though it furthered the plot. A few things like that went on in the story that just didn't fit.
[spoilers] Elizabeth is more angry about Bingley leaving than Jane is; she has realized that Bingley has no spine (my opinion too) and therefore not such great husband material. Lizzy and Anne are in an accident the same evening, after the proposal, when Anne goes to try to convince Lizzy to change her mind about Darcy, as she overheard Darcy's painful confession to the Colonel and was sad for his heartbreak. Jane comes to Rosings with Lady Matlock, Georgiana, and James, the elder son. Colonel Fitzwilliam falls instantly in love with Jane. Meanwhile, Darcy's physician from town is summoned and he falls in love with Anne. He's the second son of a gentleman with a reasonable income.
But overall, it was very romantic. Especially swoonworthy is when Dr. Green is speaking with Darcy to confess his love for Anne, and he says something about bad timing of declaring his love to Anne, Darcy comments: "As for the timing, love is not bound by the ticking of a clock or the turning of seasons. When you first behold the face of your beloved the question is not whether you have loved her long enough, for your heart knows you have loved her always. The question is whether you shall have enough years to make her know the depths of that love.” Awwwww.
The story isn't perfect. I was a little annoyed that as soon as D&E reconcile and Jane and Richard are engaged, the story ends and then goes to the Epilogue at the end of the triple wedding at Pemberly. I was put off that Darcy planned to consummate the marriage IN THE CARRIAGE on the way to their wedding trip! How terribly unromantic and disappointing. He should have had a little cottage prepared, either on Pemberly's grounds or fairly close-by, where they could spend their first night ALONE in a romantic setting.
Lots of loose ends are overlooked, which is also disappointing. Darcy never properly explained why he separated Charles from Jane (I suppose the usual ones, but still, should have been included). What happened with Lady Catherine and Anne; how did it come about that Anne got away to marry the doctor? What happened with the Colonel and his parents? Did his father take away the estate Richard was supposed to have and the money he was supposed to get upon his marriage?
I do recommend this book, in spite of all my complaints. :-)
[spoilers] Elizabeth is more angry about Bingley leaving than Jane is; she has realized that Bingley has no spine (my opinion too) and therefore not such great husband material. Lizzy and Anne are in an accident the same evening, after the proposal, when Anne goes to try to convince Lizzy to change her mind about Darcy, as she overheard Darcy's painful confession to the Colonel and was sad for his heartbreak. Jane comes to Rosings with Lady Matlock, Georgiana, and James, the elder son. Colonel Fitzwilliam falls instantly in love with Jane. Meanwhile, Darcy's physician from town is summoned and he falls in love with Anne. He's the second son of a gentleman with a reasonable income.
But overall, it was very romantic. Especially swoonworthy is when Dr. Green is speaking with Darcy to confess his love for Anne, and he says something about bad timing of declaring his love to Anne, Darcy comments: "As for the timing, love is not bound by the ticking of a clock or the turning of seasons. When you first behold the face of your beloved the question is not whether you have loved her long enough, for your heart knows you have loved her always. The question is whether you shall have enough years to make her know the depths of that love.” Awwwww.
The story isn't perfect. I was a little annoyed that as soon as D&E reconcile and Jane and Richard are engaged, the story ends and then goes to the Epilogue at the end of the triple wedding at Pemberly. I was put off that Darcy planned to consummate the marriage IN THE CARRIAGE on the way to their wedding trip! How terribly unromantic and disappointing. He should have had a little cottage prepared, either on Pemberly's grounds or fairly close-by, where they could spend their first night ALONE in a romantic setting.
Lots of loose ends are overlooked, which is also disappointing. Darcy never properly explained why he separated Charles from Jane (I suppose the usual ones, but still, should have been included). What happened with Lady Catherine and Anne; how did it come about that Anne got away to marry the doctor? What happened with the Colonel and his parents? Did his father take away the estate Richard was supposed to have and the money he was supposed to get upon his marriage?
I do recommend this book, in spite of all my complaints. :-)
May 27, 2020
Funny and dramatic
I think this was an excellent variation in which takes place in Hunsford. I loved Anne in this variation. Anne was delightful and very helpful. Truly loved how Jane ended up and married to. Highly recommended this book for any who wants to read a funny, dramatic, and clean variation. Great writimg
I think this was an excellent variation in which takes place in Hunsford. I loved Anne in this variation. Anne was delightful and very helpful. Truly loved how Jane ended up and married to. Highly recommended this book for any who wants to read a funny, dramatic, and clean variation. Great writimg
June 23, 2024
I love this story - full of gentle romance and angst with subtle tweets to some of our beloved characters to bring about a highly enjoyable read.
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