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Assumed #1
Assumed Engagement
What would have happened if Mr. Darcy had written his sister, Georgiana, to inform her that he was going to ask for Elizabeth Bennet's hand in marriage? She would have likely, but erroneously, assumed that Elizabeth would accept. This story picks up after Chapter 36 in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." On his return trip to Pemberley from Rosings after being refused by Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy's carriage overturns and he is rendered unconscious. Georgiana, thinking they are engaged, writes to Elizabeth, begging her to come to Pemberley, thinking she may be able to help draw him out. This is a variation of Jane Austen's captivating novel. Visit "KaraLou's" website at Jane Austen's Land of Ahhhs (www.ahhhs.net) to read some preview chapters of this book and additional stories.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2007
46 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Kara Louise
20 books232 followersKara Louise has been writing "Pride and Prejudice" novels since 2001. She has published 8 novels, 2 that were published by Sourcebooks Publications. She was born in the San Fernando Valley, just north of Los Angeles, but moved to Kansas in 1991. She lives just outside Wichita with her husband, sharing their 10 acres with an ever changing menagerie of animals. They have one married son who lives in St. Louis..
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 2, 2013
From the author's preface about this book: "It started out on paper to be only about seven chapters, but as I began to write, it grew and grew."
I really wished she had stayed at seven chapters, then I wouldn't have wasted so much of my damn time reading it.
I know what you guys are going to say, "You're reading a Pride & Prejudice fanfiction, you moron. Did you expect it to be good?" I KNOW THAT. I loved the original book (let's be honest, a good 90% of ladies who have read this book loved it and Mr. Darcy has become our dream ideal), and in reading fan-written alternate endings and sequels, I certainly do not expect anything extraordinary; the best I can hope for is "good." I want my fan-written P&P books to be entertaining, even sexy if it is well-written enough; above all else, I want them to be fairly true to the character, fairly true to the book, and just please, please try not to butcher the original.
What I got were uninteresting characters, implausible actions, and a whole lot of preachiness and unnecessary insertion of religion. Yes, I know Jane Austen's father was a vicar. I have nothing against religion myself, but if I wanted to read Christian fiction, I'd read Christian fiction. It says something that the original written in the 19th century when religion was considerably more important in society doesn't push religion and spirituality needlessly upon the reader yet this alternative retelling does. The characters constantly pray to the Lord; Darcy himself finds inspiration during a sermon in church about a story with a leper and in some convoluted way, relates it to his own situation with Elizabeth. Try as I might, I found no way to associate the situation as a metaphor to what the actual fuck was going on in the book at that time.
The gratuitously religious overtone in this book didn't ruin the book for me, but it really put me off the story and in no way improved my reading experience.
The characters acted in a fashion that I didn't feel was authentic to how they were portrayed in the original book. Elizabeth went to Darcy's estate in response to Georgiana's letter, and allowed Georgiana to keep assuming that she was Darcy's fiancée in order to bring Jane and Bingley together. I found this situation absurd because:
1. I don't think the original Elizabeth would have been so dishonest.
Elizabeth's eyes widened and she tried to disguise her startled look. She thinks we are engaged?
Miss Darcy blushed and looked down. "I know the announcements have not been made. My brother… about two weeks ago… wrote me from Rosings to tell me that he was going to propose. But do not worry; he told me that I must not tell anyone and I have not."
Elizabeth glanced at Jane with a look in her eyes that told her to go along with what she was going to say.
She would have told Georgiana that they were not engaged, not revealing the actual truth of what has transpired after the failed proposal, but she would not have continued on with the deception with someone she knew was emotionally fragile.
2. In the book, Elizabeth decides to go to Pemberley after she receives Georgiana's letter informing them at Darcy is ill and Bingley will soon be there.
Elizabeth suddenly stopped, realizing what her mother just said. Jane will be able to see Mr. Bingley again! A light began to flicker in her dark eyes. "I suppose it is a good idea, Mama."
Elizabeth would not have used the grave situation to manipulate Jane and Bingley's relationship. I do not believe her nature is so calculating and devious. That sounds more like Caroline than Elizabeth.
The characters in the book act strangely, Darcy himself is completely at odds with his character in the book. He gets angry one moment, and is the epitome of civility literally in the next. He is sarcastic, accusatory, aloof, much unlike the Darcy we knew and loved in the original. In Pride & Prejudice, angry and upset as Fitzwilliam Darcy is, even when unjustly accused after his first disastrous proposal, Darcy is never angry and rude towards Elizabeth. I just found his behavior here an unfathomable facsimile to the character I love in the original book.
Other characters were also...out of character. Georgiana wavered from a shy, quiet, reclusive individual to one who defiantly locked herself in her room and will not allow anyone in to see her. Really? She has been raised to behave better than that, that seems more like the actions of Lydia or Kitty, definitely not the obedient character we were given in P&P. And criticizing her beloved brother/father figure when she believes he hangs the moon and stars? When in the original Pride and Prejudice, she is astonished at Elizabeth's familiarity with Darcy after their marriage? The very proper, very shy, extremely idolizing Georgiana would never do such a thing as to criticize Darcy regarding his actions:
"[Darcy] began to feel uncomfortable with his sister’s insight and did not want to admit to himself that he was, indeed, proud and arrogant.
'The truth hurts, does it not?' Georgiana asked gently."
Nuh uh. No way.
P.S. "Lizbeth" and "Will?"
P.P.S. That gardenia-laced handkerchief would have stunk to high heavens midway through the book.
I really wished she had stayed at seven chapters, then I wouldn't have wasted so much of my damn time reading it.
I know what you guys are going to say, "You're reading a Pride & Prejudice fanfiction, you moron. Did you expect it to be good?" I KNOW THAT. I loved the original book (let's be honest, a good 90% of ladies who have read this book loved it and Mr. Darcy has become our dream ideal), and in reading fan-written alternate endings and sequels, I certainly do not expect anything extraordinary; the best I can hope for is "good." I want my fan-written P&P books to be entertaining, even sexy if it is well-written enough; above all else, I want them to be fairly true to the character, fairly true to the book, and just please, please try not to butcher the original.
What I got were uninteresting characters, implausible actions, and a whole lot of preachiness and unnecessary insertion of religion. Yes, I know Jane Austen's father was a vicar. I have nothing against religion myself, but if I wanted to read Christian fiction, I'd read Christian fiction. It says something that the original written in the 19th century when religion was considerably more important in society doesn't push religion and spirituality needlessly upon the reader yet this alternative retelling does. The characters constantly pray to the Lord; Darcy himself finds inspiration during a sermon in church about a story with a leper and in some convoluted way, relates it to his own situation with Elizabeth. Try as I might, I found no way to associate the situation as a metaphor to what the actual fuck was going on in the book at that time.
The gratuitously religious overtone in this book didn't ruin the book for me, but it really put me off the story and in no way improved my reading experience.
The characters acted in a fashion that I didn't feel was authentic to how they were portrayed in the original book. Elizabeth went to Darcy's estate in response to Georgiana's letter, and allowed Georgiana to keep assuming that she was Darcy's fiancée in order to bring Jane and Bingley together. I found this situation absurd because:
1. I don't think the original Elizabeth would have been so dishonest.
Elizabeth's eyes widened and she tried to disguise her startled look. She thinks we are engaged?
Miss Darcy blushed and looked down. "I know the announcements have not been made. My brother… about two weeks ago… wrote me from Rosings to tell me that he was going to propose. But do not worry; he told me that I must not tell anyone and I have not."
Elizabeth glanced at Jane with a look in her eyes that told her to go along with what she was going to say.
She would have told Georgiana that they were not engaged, not revealing the actual truth of what has transpired after the failed proposal, but she would not have continued on with the deception with someone she knew was emotionally fragile.
2. In the book, Elizabeth decides to go to Pemberley after she receives Georgiana's letter informing them at Darcy is ill and Bingley will soon be there.
Elizabeth suddenly stopped, realizing what her mother just said. Jane will be able to see Mr. Bingley again! A light began to flicker in her dark eyes. "I suppose it is a good idea, Mama."
Elizabeth would not have used the grave situation to manipulate Jane and Bingley's relationship. I do not believe her nature is so calculating and devious. That sounds more like Caroline than Elizabeth.
The characters in the book act strangely, Darcy himself is completely at odds with his character in the book. He gets angry one moment, and is the epitome of civility literally in the next. He is sarcastic, accusatory, aloof, much unlike the Darcy we knew and loved in the original. In Pride & Prejudice, angry and upset as Fitzwilliam Darcy is, even when unjustly accused after his first disastrous proposal, Darcy is never angry and rude towards Elizabeth. I just found his behavior here an unfathomable facsimile to the character I love in the original book.
Other characters were also...out of character. Georgiana wavered from a shy, quiet, reclusive individual to one who defiantly locked herself in her room and will not allow anyone in to see her. Really? She has been raised to behave better than that, that seems more like the actions of Lydia or Kitty, definitely not the obedient character we were given in P&P. And criticizing her beloved brother/father figure when she believes he hangs the moon and stars? When in the original Pride and Prejudice, she is astonished at Elizabeth's familiarity with Darcy after their marriage? The very proper, very shy, extremely idolizing Georgiana would never do such a thing as to criticize Darcy regarding his actions:
"[Darcy] began to feel uncomfortable with his sister’s insight and did not want to admit to himself that he was, indeed, proud and arrogant.
'The truth hurts, does it not?' Georgiana asked gently."
Nuh uh. No way.
P.S. "Lizbeth" and "Will?"
P.P.S. That gardenia-laced handkerchief would have stunk to high heavens midway through the book.
December 19, 2017
I have a number of Kara Louise's books and have to say that some titles, which seem off-putting, actually have better story lines. However, there are many things about this book that I like. And I did read this book at least three times since owning it.
First, it did keep my interest but I was looking for much more interaction between Darcy and Elizabeth. She is with him at Pemberley while he is unconscious but leaves shortly after he awakens and then they are together several days before the wedding, the day of Jane's wedding and the day after. And by being in each other's presence, I would perhaps have been treated to some sexual tension between ODC. I am not looking for sex scenes but for the chemical reactions to expressions, looks, accidental touches, etc.
Then, Elizabeth seems to learn more about his changed behaviors from others rather than by being in his presence and observing most of such on her own. In the original P&P Darcy, after cooling down in response to Elizabeth's rejection of his first proposal, realizes that she is correct and begins to make needed changes on his own. In this story we have a much more alert and insightful Georgiana, who relates to her brother that Elizabeth is correct and points out such in various situations. Col. Fitzwilliam also serves that role.
I don't know that I would have expected Darcy to host his servant's son's wedding breakfast in his home - that seemed just "over-the-top". Having him do such in response to Aunt Catherine's reprimand about visiting his tenants and entering their homes, serves as a "reason" that he did it but this is a stretch. There could have been a different approach to showing a change but I am not the author.
As a Christian I didn't object to the sermon concerning giving of one's self, after he recovers and attends church with Georgiana but the inclusion of the Jane Austen prayer towards the end of the story was just too much...too long. I skipped over it.
I agree with the comment that gardenias would have been better raised in a hothouse than planted in the front of the manor. And by carrying that handkerchief around with him I would have expected many more people to have noticed and to then have commented about the flowery smell. I love the gardenia aroma but not on a man. That he didn't notice that smell on his own person when Georgiana planted it in his clothing for the wedding is probably unrealistic. He was not in Elizabeth's presence so from where did he think that smell was coming?
Mr. Bennet surprised me, in that he didn't object to Mr. Darcy's wanting to speak with him or make any comment to Elizabeth about this request. After all neither she nor Jane have really brought the subject of Mr. Darcy, his fondness for Elizabeth nor the changes in his behaviors up in conversations with Mr. B. or the rest of the family, for that matter.
And, furthermore, I agree with others who present that the inclusion of 21st Century social issues, while of importance seem out-of-place, even awkward, in this story. We are becoming more aware of handicapped issues and the inclusion of such in our educational systems but can't seem to wrap my mind around why they are presented in JAFF.
I do like this story, as I do other of Kara Louise's books and will recommend that others read it but will also point out these qualifications.
First, it did keep my interest but I was looking for much more interaction between Darcy and Elizabeth. She is with him at Pemberley while he is unconscious but leaves shortly after he awakens and then they are together several days before the wedding, the day of Jane's wedding and the day after. And by being in each other's presence, I would perhaps have been treated to some sexual tension between ODC. I am not looking for sex scenes but for the chemical reactions to expressions, looks, accidental touches, etc.
Then, Elizabeth seems to learn more about his changed behaviors from others rather than by being in his presence and observing most of such on her own. In the original P&P Darcy, after cooling down in response to Elizabeth's rejection of his first proposal, realizes that she is correct and begins to make needed changes on his own. In this story we have a much more alert and insightful Georgiana, who relates to her brother that Elizabeth is correct and points out such in various situations. Col. Fitzwilliam also serves that role.
I don't know that I would have expected Darcy to host his servant's son's wedding breakfast in his home - that seemed just "over-the-top". Having him do such in response to Aunt Catherine's reprimand about visiting his tenants and entering their homes, serves as a "reason" that he did it but this is a stretch. There could have been a different approach to showing a change but I am not the author.
As a Christian I didn't object to the sermon concerning giving of one's self, after he recovers and attends church with Georgiana but the inclusion of the Jane Austen prayer towards the end of the story was just too much...too long. I skipped over it.
I agree with the comment that gardenias would have been better raised in a hothouse than planted in the front of the manor. And by carrying that handkerchief around with him I would have expected many more people to have noticed and to then have commented about the flowery smell. I love the gardenia aroma but not on a man. That he didn't notice that smell on his own person when Georgiana planted it in his clothing for the wedding is probably unrealistic. He was not in Elizabeth's presence so from where did he think that smell was coming?
Mr. Bennet surprised me, in that he didn't object to Mr. Darcy's wanting to speak with him or make any comment to Elizabeth about this request. After all neither she nor Jane have really brought the subject of Mr. Darcy, his fondness for Elizabeth nor the changes in his behaviors up in conversations with Mr. B. or the rest of the family, for that matter.
And, furthermore, I agree with others who present that the inclusion of 21st Century social issues, while of importance seem out-of-place, even awkward, in this story. We are becoming more aware of handicapped issues and the inclusion of such in our educational systems but can't seem to wrap my mind around why they are presented in JAFF.
I do like this story, as I do other of Kara Louise's books and will recommend that others read it but will also point out these qualifications.
May 23, 2018
P&P meets body snatchers…who were these people?
I felt like this was a body snatchers story and our beloved characters had been replaced with look-a-likes. And then the story line was switched with something similar, but parallel to, our dear P&P. Oh and, editing, editing, editing!!! This was worthy of 2.5 stars.
This started out as a cute story idea but quickly went downhill at an alarming rate. First I want to commend several excellent reviewers; you guys did an excellent job [nailed it] and everyone should read your reviews before reading this book. Second, there are parts of this story that are very good and entertaining. Third, the rest is filled with people I did not recognize doing things I don’t think they would normally do, [ex: sending unmarried girls, unchaperoned, unescorted to a gentleman’s house].
For the purist: To avoid a stroke or apoplexy…do not enter: This was a major problem and discussed in those great reviews I mentioned before. Propriety, comportment, observance of the classes, rules of etiquette and Regency Era thinking were simply tossed out the window. It’s like that note in the orchestra that’s off. You know something is not right but you can’t put your finger on it. Example: Darcy and Elizabeth danced three dances at the ball. You didn’t do that during that era, ever, and especially when the couple didn’t have an understanding.
Elizabeth and Darcy: Where was the romance? This was drab, not romantic, no emotional connection and hard to relate to. Feelings and emotions were alluded to but did not develop into that abiding love we look for. It was emotional angst, but it was manipulated and lacked that spark we always enjoy. These people were not ODC, they looked like them, sounded like them, but it’s like when actors are incorrectly cast for a part; when they are wrong, they are wrong. I wanted to like them, tried to like them, kept thinking the situation would improve, but it didn’t. I thought it would never end.
Major or rather Colonel Problem: Colonel Fitzwilliam: In most JAFF, when our dear Colonel walks into a scene, there is a collective sigh throughout the reading world. He is that powerful of a character. This cousin/brother to Darcy has always been the quintessential hero of any JAFF story and everyone loves him. Somehow in this version of our dear Colonel, there was a character line that was crossed… and not for the good. Who was this guy? He was arrogant, jealous, teased with a barb, taunted, and made fun of Darcy to the point of bullying. It got so bad, that when he entered a scene, I cringed. I simply could not like him. Visions of Wickham danced in my head. Yeah that bad.
Poor Georgiana, one minute she was weeping and running to her room, scared spit less she had disappoint her brother [again], then the next minute she was leading Darcy around by the nose and/or matchmaking him with Elizabeth. The ping pong effect gave me whiplash.
The other characters were similar enough that it is not worth mentioning here. They are mentioned in the other reviews. So, readers you have a task, don’t think about the rules of the era, read for the sake of reading with no expectations of the P&P story [you won’t find it], and simply read a story about strange people doing strange things. That should cover it.
I felt like this was a body snatchers story and our beloved characters had been replaced with look-a-likes. And then the story line was switched with something similar, but parallel to, our dear P&P. Oh and, editing, editing, editing!!! This was worthy of 2.5 stars.
This started out as a cute story idea but quickly went downhill at an alarming rate. First I want to commend several excellent reviewers; you guys did an excellent job [nailed it] and everyone should read your reviews before reading this book. Second, there are parts of this story that are very good and entertaining. Third, the rest is filled with people I did not recognize doing things I don’t think they would normally do, [ex: sending unmarried girls, unchaperoned, unescorted to a gentleman’s house].
For the purist: To avoid a stroke or apoplexy…do not enter: This was a major problem and discussed in those great reviews I mentioned before. Propriety, comportment, observance of the classes, rules of etiquette and Regency Era thinking were simply tossed out the window. It’s like that note in the orchestra that’s off. You know something is not right but you can’t put your finger on it. Example: Darcy and Elizabeth danced three dances at the ball. You didn’t do that during that era, ever, and especially when the couple didn’t have an understanding.
Elizabeth and Darcy: Where was the romance? This was drab, not romantic, no emotional connection and hard to relate to. Feelings and emotions were alluded to but did not develop into that abiding love we look for. It was emotional angst, but it was manipulated and lacked that spark we always enjoy. These people were not ODC, they looked like them, sounded like them, but it’s like when actors are incorrectly cast for a part; when they are wrong, they are wrong. I wanted to like them, tried to like them, kept thinking the situation would improve, but it didn’t. I thought it would never end.
Major or rather Colonel Problem: Colonel Fitzwilliam: In most JAFF, when our dear Colonel walks into a scene, there is a collective sigh throughout the reading world. He is that powerful of a character. This cousin/brother to Darcy has always been the quintessential hero of any JAFF story and everyone loves him. Somehow in this version of our dear Colonel, there was a character line that was crossed… and not for the good. Who was this guy? He was arrogant, jealous, teased with a barb, taunted, and made fun of Darcy to the point of bullying. It got so bad, that when he entered a scene, I cringed. I simply could not like him. Visions of Wickham danced in my head. Yeah that bad.
Poor Georgiana, one minute she was weeping and running to her room, scared spit less she had disappoint her brother [again], then the next minute she was leading Darcy around by the nose and/or matchmaking him with Elizabeth. The ping pong effect gave me whiplash.
The other characters were similar enough that it is not worth mentioning here. They are mentioned in the other reviews. So, readers you have a task, don’t think about the rules of the era, read for the sake of reading with no expectations of the P&P story [you won’t find it], and simply read a story about strange people doing strange things. That should cover it.
October 27, 2017
This Pride and Prejudice what-if explores the results of Darcy suffering an accident after leaving Rosing following his proposal to Elizabeth. In this version he has uncharacteristically written to Georgiana to share his planned engagement and when; while unconscious, he calls out for Elizabeth his sister sends for his intended.
Mrs. Bennet is more than happy to pack her oldest daughters off to Pemberly and the game is afoot.
Upon his recovery Mr. Darcy is quick to disabuse his sister's error and further chastise Elizabeth for her deception. He is unwilling to reunite Lizzy with her missing handkerchief, which becomes his touchstone through out the remaining pages . Luckily Mr. Bingley and Jane are reunited and the ladies can return to Longbourn with some good news.
As he recovers Georgiana takes it upon herself to force her brother to become a more sociable and thoughtful human.
This is a decent, clean what-if. My one complaint is that Lizzy becomes seeming self-centered at several points; this is not the only book where this occurs but that makes it no less annoying. There are a few geographical errors like the idea that the trip from Hertfordshire to Pemberly could be completed in one day. And the inappropriateness of Lizzy & Darcy sharing a carraige without chaperon and Georgiana playing the music at the Bingley's wedding.
Mrs. Bennet is more than happy to pack her oldest daughters off to Pemberly and the game is afoot.
Upon his recovery Mr. Darcy is quick to disabuse his sister's error and further chastise Elizabeth for her deception. He is unwilling to reunite Lizzy with her missing handkerchief, which becomes his touchstone through out the remaining pages . Luckily Mr. Bingley and Jane are reunited and the ladies can return to Longbourn with some good news.
As he recovers Georgiana takes it upon herself to force her brother to become a more sociable and thoughtful human.
This is a decent, clean what-if. My one complaint is that Lizzy becomes seeming self-centered at several points; this is not the only book where this occurs but that makes it no less annoying. There are a few geographical errors like the idea that the trip from Hertfordshire to Pemberly could be completed in one day. And the inappropriateness of Lizzy & Darcy sharing a carraige without chaperon and Georgiana playing the music at the Bingley's wedding.
July 17, 2025
I have read this before and still love it. I skipped some religious quotes on the reread because I felt they were unnecessary and too lengthy.
Re-re-reading October 2023, I still thought the idea of Elizabeth going to help Darcy was cute. And the scented handkerchief was sweet.
But why was it Elizabeth's job to dab at his manly chest? I am sure there were male servants aplenty at Pemberley who could have helped cool him down. And I found Georgiana was maybe a little bit too preachy and instructional towards her much older brother. How was it that she knew the names of the undergardeners and where they lived, and he didn't? Despite him being the one who paid their wages and he may have owned their houses too.
Rereading the highlights in 2025: Still plenty to like but I skimmed some of the religious bits.
Re-re-reading October 2023, I still thought the idea of Elizabeth going to help Darcy was cute. And the scented handkerchief was sweet.
But why was it Elizabeth's job to dab at his manly chest? I am sure there were male servants aplenty at Pemberley who could have helped cool him down. And I found Georgiana was maybe a little bit too preachy and instructional towards her much older brother. How was it that she knew the names of the undergardeners and where they lived, and he didn't? Despite him being the one who paid their wages and he may have owned their houses too.
Rereading the highlights in 2025: Still plenty to like but I skimmed some of the religious bits.
August 20, 2018
I have become a fan of this author, somehow I am so much in sync with the rythm, sweetness and delicacy of these romances, it was so good!
I developed a weakness for hand-holding scenes, the value of mementos and the importance of taking pride in having someone special in your life.
As you can see in this book´s cover, a handkerchief plays a main role in this story.
It was lovely, very romantic, true to canon for the most part, and very satisfying.
I developed a weakness for hand-holding scenes, the value of mementos and the importance of taking pride in having someone special in your life.
As you can see in this book´s cover, a handkerchief plays a main role in this story.
It was lovely, very romantic, true to canon for the most part, and very satisfying.
April 20, 2015
What if a tragic carriage accident befell a rejected and dejected Mr. Darcy on his way to Pemberley and rendered him unconscious? What if Georgiana mistakenly assumed Elizabeth and Darcy were engaged and wrote to Elizabeth beseeching her and Jane to come to Pemberley? What if Mrs. Bennet read the missive from Georgiana and eagerly sent her daughters off to Pemberley with all possible haste?
What a predicament for Elizabeth to be in! Rather than be obstinate and refuse to go and see the man she just refused to marry, Elizabeth thinks of what this opportunity might mean to her sister Jane, and agrees to see what aid she can give to Mr. Darcy and Georgiana. So onto Pemberley these to Bennet sisters go, not sure whether Mr. Darcy’s condition has improved or turned very grave. Upon arrival they learn of Georgiana’s misapprehension about Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship (she knew Darcy was about to propose, but what she doesn’t know is that he was refused!) Not sure an emotionally wraught Georgiana could bear to hear that she has erred and that her brother and Elizabeth are not engaged, the Bennet sisters decide to keep it a secret. But that could be a dangerous game…
Doesn’t this sound like a fascinating premise?!? I love all the misapprehension and confusion! I enjoyed seeing Elizabeth and Georgiana form a fast friendship right away and how Elizabeth’s harsh feelings towards Darcy started to budge a little when she saw his weakened and helpless state. I thought this might lead to a change of heart and new understanding for our dear couple, but as soon as Darcy awakens, wrong conclusions are jumped to and Elizabeth departs for home. I would have loved to explore more of Elizabeth being at Pemberley, their mistakenly assumed engagement, and Darcy recovering from his head injury. However, with Elizabeth returning to Longbourn and Darcy remaining at Pemberley, our beloved couple spends a good chunk of the novel apart.
While I loved the first part of this premise, I found the latter half – while sweet and inspirational – to be a little less engaging. In this part of the book we see Georgiana take her brother to task and help him improve his character so he can win Elizabeth’s heart. It was great to see Georgiana featured in a more prominent role in this variation and I loved the close-sibling relationship between her and Darcy. I thought the “caring-calls” Georgiana took Darcy on were sweet and I think she did a very good job of teaching Darcy to feel comfortable and sociable around those that are “inferior” to him. But I missed the conflict and excitement that was found in the first half of the book.
This variation is the first one Kara Louise ever wrote, and while her later variations – Darcy’s Voyage, Only Mr. Darcy Will Do, Pirates and Prejudice – are more polished and highly-praised, this tale was endearing and had the special touches that I have come to associate with all Kara Louise novels. The scenes with the handkerchief and under the moonlight the night of the wedding are so beautiful and achingly romantic! What a heartfelt and charming tale!
What a predicament for Elizabeth to be in! Rather than be obstinate and refuse to go and see the man she just refused to marry, Elizabeth thinks of what this opportunity might mean to her sister Jane, and agrees to see what aid she can give to Mr. Darcy and Georgiana. So onto Pemberley these to Bennet sisters go, not sure whether Mr. Darcy’s condition has improved or turned very grave. Upon arrival they learn of Georgiana’s misapprehension about Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship (she knew Darcy was about to propose, but what she doesn’t know is that he was refused!) Not sure an emotionally wraught Georgiana could bear to hear that she has erred and that her brother and Elizabeth are not engaged, the Bennet sisters decide to keep it a secret. But that could be a dangerous game…
Doesn’t this sound like a fascinating premise?!? I love all the misapprehension and confusion! I enjoyed seeing Elizabeth and Georgiana form a fast friendship right away and how Elizabeth’s harsh feelings towards Darcy started to budge a little when she saw his weakened and helpless state. I thought this might lead to a change of heart and new understanding for our dear couple, but as soon as Darcy awakens, wrong conclusions are jumped to and Elizabeth departs for home. I would have loved to explore more of Elizabeth being at Pemberley, their mistakenly assumed engagement, and Darcy recovering from his head injury. However, with Elizabeth returning to Longbourn and Darcy remaining at Pemberley, our beloved couple spends a good chunk of the novel apart.
While I loved the first part of this premise, I found the latter half – while sweet and inspirational – to be a little less engaging. In this part of the book we see Georgiana take her brother to task and help him improve his character so he can win Elizabeth’s heart. It was great to see Georgiana featured in a more prominent role in this variation and I loved the close-sibling relationship between her and Darcy. I thought the “caring-calls” Georgiana took Darcy on were sweet and I think she did a very good job of teaching Darcy to feel comfortable and sociable around those that are “inferior” to him. But I missed the conflict and excitement that was found in the first half of the book.
This variation is the first one Kara Louise ever wrote, and while her later variations – Darcy’s Voyage, Only Mr. Darcy Will Do, Pirates and Prejudice – are more polished and highly-praised, this tale was endearing and had the special touches that I have come to associate with all Kara Louise novels. The scenes with the handkerchief and under the moonlight the night of the wedding are so beautiful and achingly romantic! What a heartfelt and charming tale!
June 4, 2017
I reread this book today and maybe I wasn't feeling well but I did not enjoy it as much as I had in the past. I am pretty sure that I absolutely loved it but I wasn't having any of it today. Love this author so it must have been me. :)
Read
September 15, 2017I definitely enjoyed this book. I loved Georgiana's prodding towards her brother's reformation. Darcy just jumped in with two feet and reaped so many benefits. I thought the plot was fun yet still had my favorite amount of sappiness and Happily Ever After. Great book!
March 28, 2023
I got 22 pages in…
… before I had to quit reading it. Too many inconsistencies…
It strained credulity in virtually every paragraph.
A less demanding reader might enjoy this author, but I just can’t do it.
… before I had to quit reading it. Too many inconsistencies…
It strained credulity in virtually every paragraph.
A less demanding reader might enjoy this author, but I just can’t do it.
January 5, 2019
Darcy's change very well explained
I especially liked the way he realize what he's doing wrong and how he strives to change for the better.
Thoroughly enjoyable!
I especially liked the way he realize what he's doing wrong and how he strives to change for the better.
Thoroughly enjoyable!
April 10, 2013
Probably for the first two thirds of this book it was a 2 star book for me but there were some lovely moments near the end that bumped up the rating.
My issue was that several of the characters in the novel were acting out of character and their characteristics weren’t always consistent.
In Pride & Prejudice Mrs Reynolds praises Darcy to Elizabeth saying that he is a lot like his father and is "just as affable to the poor." It is Mrs Reynold's glowing recommendation of Mr. Darcy as a master that significantly impacts on Elizabeth's opinion of him. Yet in Assumed Engagement Mr Darcy is painted as a man who wouldn't dare set foot in his tennant's homes nor would he converse with them on any social level. This is an ugly form of pride. In P&P while Darcy is proud, his pride is more a disdain for the sycophants of his own rank rather than a disdain for people of a lower rank just because they were poor. I had a hard time reviving my Darcy-crush after reading of his initial attitude to the poor in Assumed Engagement. I know he changes through the story but it still didn’t feel right to me.
Georgiana also was out of character in some parts of the book. She waivered between being shy and retreating and very confident e.g. confronting Darcy about his attitude about the poor and forcing him to pay social calls and interact with them. She was able to confront Darcy about some things but on others she had no gumption at all.
I did like the storyline with the handkerchief but for some reason the suggestion that Darcy first noticed Elizabeth because she wore the same scent (gardenia) as his mother didn’t sit well. In P&P Darcy first noticed Elizabeth for her impertinence, her wit and her lack of deference to wealth & rank, not because she reminded him of his mother.
My issue was that several of the characters in the novel were acting out of character and their characteristics weren’t always consistent.
In Pride & Prejudice Mrs Reynolds praises Darcy to Elizabeth saying that he is a lot like his father and is "just as affable to the poor." It is Mrs Reynold's glowing recommendation of Mr. Darcy as a master that significantly impacts on Elizabeth's opinion of him. Yet in Assumed Engagement Mr Darcy is painted as a man who wouldn't dare set foot in his tennant's homes nor would he converse with them on any social level. This is an ugly form of pride. In P&P while Darcy is proud, his pride is more a disdain for the sycophants of his own rank rather than a disdain for people of a lower rank just because they were poor. I had a hard time reviving my Darcy-crush after reading of his initial attitude to the poor in Assumed Engagement. I know he changes through the story but it still didn’t feel right to me.
Georgiana also was out of character in some parts of the book. She waivered between being shy and retreating and very confident e.g. confronting Darcy about his attitude about the poor and forcing him to pay social calls and interact with them. She was able to confront Darcy about some things but on others she had no gumption at all.
I did like the storyline with the handkerchief but for some reason the suggestion that Darcy first noticed Elizabeth because she wore the same scent (gardenia) as his mother didn’t sit well. In P&P Darcy first noticed Elizabeth for her impertinence, her wit and her lack of deference to wealth & rank, not because she reminded him of his mother.
November 4, 2014
Probably not the worst I have read, because I could finish it, but I did not like it, the truth to be told.
Spoiler!
First of all: Lisbeth?! Really?! I literally shuddered every time I read it,thankfully it was at the and of the book. And what's wrong with William? I know lot of the FF writers use Will, but... I don't know William just fit better for Darcy with me.
2. The wholly handkerchief thing was forced for me. As the story went along I came to terms with it, and accepted, but it was weird anyway.
3. I usually go by feelings rather than concrete thoughts about what I read, and this book left me hanging. Something about Darcy"s change was disturbing. Maybe I was too proud for Darcy, but to let Georgiana guide her this way did not sit right with me. On the other hand I liked that they were close and open with each other, but I always thought that Darcy was caring and visiting his tenants when in Pemberly. And that was just plain bs that he was behaving so differently in P because he was among his social standing, maybe this was not said literally at the book, but it left me with that impression.
4. At the second half of the book Lizzy was just plain annoying. The whole placecard thing was just cruel, later on she was remorseful, but that was just... aghhhh. :P Don't get me wrong I can appreciate when someone deliberately write Lizzy that way, but this was different ... for me at least.
That's all folks! I started to read it with trepidation because of the reviews, and they were right.
Spoiler!
First of all: Lisbeth?! Really?! I literally shuddered every time I read it,thankfully it was at the and of the book. And what's wrong with William? I know lot of the FF writers use Will, but... I don't know William just fit better for Darcy with me.
2. The wholly handkerchief thing was forced for me. As the story went along I came to terms with it, and accepted, but it was weird anyway.
3. I usually go by feelings rather than concrete thoughts about what I read, and this book left me hanging. Something about Darcy"s change was disturbing. Maybe I was too proud for Darcy, but to let Georgiana guide her this way did not sit right with me. On the other hand I liked that they were close and open with each other, but I always thought that Darcy was caring and visiting his tenants when in Pemberly. And that was just plain bs that he was behaving so differently in P because he was among his social standing, maybe this was not said literally at the book, but it left me with that impression.
4. At the second half of the book Lizzy was just plain annoying. The whole placecard thing was just cruel, later on she was remorseful, but that was just... aghhhh. :P Don't get me wrong I can appreciate when someone deliberately write Lizzy that way, but this was different ... for me at least.
That's all folks! I started to read it with trepidation because of the reviews, and they were right.
May 18, 2018
Very early P&P variation
This review is a counterpoint to the many negative reviews of the book
I think this book is reviewed in relationship to the majority of accepted views about what the characters are agreed to be like in the majority of P&P variations. This book was first written in 2001 when not many fan variations existed.
In P&P Elizabeth is written as an ultra kind, not ultra romantically passionate character. She is written as smart, witty, very proper young lady. There is no talk of love for Darcy until the accidental meeting at Pemberley. This book really gets rolling about a week after the proposal when she still doesn’t think well of him at all yet.
Much has been made of the impropriety of Jane and Elizabeth traveling to Pemberley. This is not much different than Lydia going to Brighton. Both have Mrs Bennet’s approval and Mr. Bennet only wanting peace in the house. Lets us remember that Jane is over 21 so is a full fledged adult.
Our dear Colonel is well in bounds of acting given the very little time he is portrayed in original P&P.
I think the characters align closely to the originals.
The time compression of traveling can be overlooked, I think, if it was done to cut down the amount of verbiage about boring travel.
In summation this book, to me, is very interesting because the variation and characters are written about, before all the agreed upon history that P&P fandom now uses existed. This an unused branch of how P&P variation history could have been.
This review is a counterpoint to the many negative reviews of the book
I think this book is reviewed in relationship to the majority of accepted views about what the characters are agreed to be like in the majority of P&P variations. This book was first written in 2001 when not many fan variations existed.
In P&P Elizabeth is written as an ultra kind, not ultra romantically passionate character. She is written as smart, witty, very proper young lady. There is no talk of love for Darcy until the accidental meeting at Pemberley. This book really gets rolling about a week after the proposal when she still doesn’t think well of him at all yet.
Much has been made of the impropriety of Jane and Elizabeth traveling to Pemberley. This is not much different than Lydia going to Brighton. Both have Mrs Bennet’s approval and Mr. Bennet only wanting peace in the house. Lets us remember that Jane is over 21 so is a full fledged adult.
Our dear Colonel is well in bounds of acting given the very little time he is portrayed in original P&P.
I think the characters align closely to the originals.
The time compression of traveling can be overlooked, I think, if it was done to cut down the amount of verbiage about boring travel.
In summation this book, to me, is very interesting because the variation and characters are written about, before all the agreed upon history that P&P fandom now uses existed. This an unused branch of how P&P variation history could have been.
March 14, 2016
This was a cute story and an easy read. I would have liked it better if Elizabeth and Darcy had had more actual interaction with one another, but seeing Darcy make strides to improve himself was nice. This is one of the few stories I've read where Darcy's interactions with his "lessers" were influenced by a true thoughts of superiority rather than just shyness. I liked Elizabeth's friendship with Georgiana, but I did think that their familiarity and Elizabeth's change of feelings about Darcy came a bit too quickly. The conflict level was pretty low, with both Lady Catherine and Wickham being barely used at all, which was somewhat disappointing. But even with the story's faults, I did enjoy my reading.
August 18, 2021
Ladies doing needlework during carriage rides. Is that even possible?!
February 24, 2023
A slow burn culminating into a blazing flame
This P&P variation is a novella which gives readers a slow burn on romance with an ending that will surely ignite satisfying pleasures. The pleasures to be had include the swoon-worthy exchanges between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet towards the end. Special mention to that scene with that piece of cake icing on Elizabeth resulting to a deliciously alluring Darcy! It takes a while for them to get to the point, so to speak, but once they get there, the story doesn’t disappoint.
There are pages devoted to Georgiana, and many of the Darcy’s tenants and servants, which is quite thoughtful of the author. It is heartwarming to feel that relationship between Elizabeth and Georgiana develop early on which justifies the latter rooting for her brother to finally win Elizabeth’s affection and heart, and make EB a true sister.
It is also remarkable the way the author makes several references to the Christian faith and Bible passages, not to mention the presence of Jane Austen reciting her prayer in the Church in Meryton.
This reader has reservations, however, with the title, which, although is most appropriate at the beginning, could have been better to reflect the bulk of the story, which focuses on the changes Mr. Darcy was willing to take to change EB’s regard and opinion of him towards good. Something like “The Transformation of Fitzwilliam Darcy” perhaps?
Highly recommended read!
This P&P variation is a novella which gives readers a slow burn on romance with an ending that will surely ignite satisfying pleasures. The pleasures to be had include the swoon-worthy exchanges between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet towards the end. Special mention to that scene with that piece of cake icing on Elizabeth resulting to a deliciously alluring Darcy! It takes a while for them to get to the point, so to speak, but once they get there, the story doesn’t disappoint.
There are pages devoted to Georgiana, and many of the Darcy’s tenants and servants, which is quite thoughtful of the author. It is heartwarming to feel that relationship between Elizabeth and Georgiana develop early on which justifies the latter rooting for her brother to finally win Elizabeth’s affection and heart, and make EB a true sister.
It is also remarkable the way the author makes several references to the Christian faith and Bible passages, not to mention the presence of Jane Austen reciting her prayer in the Church in Meryton.
This reader has reservations, however, with the title, which, although is most appropriate at the beginning, could have been better to reflect the bulk of the story, which focuses on the changes Mr. Darcy was willing to take to change EB’s regard and opinion of him towards good. Something like “The Transformation of Fitzwilliam Darcy” perhaps?
Highly recommended read!
February 19, 2017
I loved Kara Louise's creativity in Mr. Darcy's Voyage, so after reading the excerpt for Assumed Engagement I was expecting a lot.
Not one to write reviews, I just wanted to add to the differences of the characters: so Mr. Darcy is unconscious, doctor is not hopeful, and Elizabeth turns to Jane (or vice versa) and all they can this is "yay! Mr. Bingley arrives tomorrow! I'm so excited!"
Not one to write reviews, I just wanted to add to the differences of the characters: so Mr. Darcy is unconscious, doctor is not hopeful, and Elizabeth turns to Jane (or vice versa) and all they can this is "yay! Mr. Bingley arrives tomorrow! I'm so excited!"
December 6, 2017
It started off slow, and I didn't enjoy as much in the beginning.. but then it picked up for me and I started to enjoy it more..
Spoiler:
There was this really sweet scene I enjoyed where Jane Austen made a brief appearance in the story. I just thought it was a sweet tribute to her that she was put in a variation of one of her most loved books with some of her best loved characters.
Spoiler:
There was this really sweet scene I enjoyed where Jane Austen made a brief appearance in the story. I just thought it was a sweet tribute to her that she was put in a variation of one of her most loved books with some of her best loved characters.
December 17, 2018
I just couldn't get into this one. Her writing was tedious, I couldn't escape into the story. Characters weren't true at all to Austen's. Too much out of the time period. Plus, I think gardenias smell horrible, so that was ruined for me ;-) I appreciated that it was very clean though! I much preferred Pamela Aiden's Darcy trilogy or "Unequal Affections" by Lara Ormiston.
May 30, 2022
This book made me feel quite uneasy, -- it's basically lies heaped atop more lies disguised as Lizzy's noble effort to salvage what was left of Jane's love life. Waiting for the other shoe to drop, i.e. for Darcy to finally awaken and (quite deservedly) give the bunch of deceivers a sound verbal lashing was nerve-racking.
There were a lot of modernisms that made me cringe, too.
There were a lot of modernisms that made me cringe, too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2020
Sweet
A sweet variation with Georgiana playing a large role in the story. I loved the premise of her assuming an engagement between her brother and Elizabeth. I found some of the reviews overly critical. Do read it.
A sweet variation with Georgiana playing a large role in the story. I loved the premise of her assuming an engagement between her brother and Elizabeth. I found some of the reviews overly critical. Do read it.
Read
March 14, 2024DNF.
The first part of this book was truly brilliant.
However the action slowed down and down until it was just too wordy and unnecessary long.
There were some mentions of prayers and Christian stuff but this could easily be overlooked.
The first part of this book was truly brilliant.
However the action slowed down and down until it was just too wordy and unnecessary long.
There were some mentions of prayers and Christian stuff but this could easily be overlooked.
June 25, 2018
Wanted to like this one more, but couldn't get into it. And Darcy calling her "Lisbeth" at the end was jarring and bothered me for some reason.
August 15, 2020
I absolutely hated Elizabeth in this story. Upon hearing of Darcy's accident, she could only think about advancing her sister's hopes with Bingley with nary a twinge of concern for Darcy, it was mercenary and unfeeling and deceptive and not at all like Elizabeth. I could barely finish reading it.
June 27, 2023
Kara Louise once again didn't disappoint me. She doesn't pretend to be a Jane Austen, but she manages to write a possible scenario. To me she's the best of the Jane Austen Fan writers.
August 21, 2023
3.5/5
June 18, 2024
Jane And Elizabeth are mercenary, scheming, and uncaring of others. Also very immature acting.
July 26, 2024
Good idea
Very, very low angst. Could have been a novella or short story and would have been more effective. As it was, it dragged and felt repetitive.
Very, very low angst. Could have been a novella or short story and would have been more effective. As it was, it dragged and felt repetitive.
December 28, 2025
I love P&P retellings, and Kara Louise always makes them feel unique. A fun read!
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