Eavesdropping: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

Jane Austen Reimaginings #10

by Rose Fairbanks

Ever since Elizabeth Bennet overheard Mr. Darcy criticizing her at a ball, she has disliked the man. She immediately discerned his arrogance and has no patience for him. However, she is not the only person who eavesdrops on others.

Unable to fight his growing attraction to Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy has developed a bad habit of listening to her conversations with others. By chance, he hears personal information regarding Elizabeth's sister. When Elizabeth asks for a private meeting with him, her sister is the last thing on his mind.

As Darcy and Elizabeth attempt to discuss the nature of their friends' attachment, their own hearts become involved. One overheard conversation has set them at odds, can another unite them?

Misunderstandings and assumptions abound in this short, sweet, and humorous novelette that all Pride and Prejudice fans will enjoy. If you love fast-paced inspirational stories with witty heroines and loveable heroes, then grab your copy of Eavesdropping today!

Genres: Regency

60 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 26, 2020

About the author

Rose Fairbanks believes in grace, redemption, and the enduring power of love rooted in faith. Drawn to the elegance and charm of the Regency era, she writes stories where ballroom whispers and country walks are just the beginning. After a deep renewal of her walk with God, she felt called to infuse her historical romances with the truth of the Gospel. Each novel shares the timeless message of God’s love, set against the backdrop of a world filled with duty, honor, and second chances. Through every page, she invites readers to discover the greatest love story ever told.

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Reviews

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short story ending at 83% on my Kindle when we are then given a sample of Mr. Darcy's Secret Baby.

The title tells us basically on what this variation is based. Darcy overhears Elizabeth discussing with Jane Jane's feelings about Bingley. Fearing Darcy will share what he heard with Bingley she writes a note asking to meet privately to discuss a matter of the heart. Darcy misinterprets this to mean she has feelings for him and finds his reactions to waver. While he has avoided entrapment by other ladies and a private meeting could be a setup for that by Elizabeth he also is not sure he wants to avoid hearing she cares for him.

There are several other times when each person overhears some conversation and, of course, we have misunderstandings. It is all straightened out in the end. No surprises here...just a short sweet look at ODC's romance beginning just a bit differently.

[James S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and average.

Too much cotton candy and not enough meat and potatoes...and the story has nothing to with food. Good enough to read while eating lunch at a park.

[abmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Darcy eavesdrop on Elizabeth's conversation with Charlotte at Lucas Lodge, he happens to hear about Jane's interest in Bingley. When Elizabeth realises this, she tries to meet him privately to protect her sister's privacy. But this attempt is misunderstood by Darcy as something romantic and this leads to an early resolution between ODC. Sweet novella.

[Marlee Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Done

The author expresses her respect for the characters as originally written and brings forward some of the meaning I believe Jane Austen wanted her readers to catch. The tender moments are very sweet.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun and quick read. I enjoyed seeing how Darcy and Elizabeth kept misjudging things and how eavesdropping came up for both of them by the end of the story. I look forward to reading more of Rose Fairbanks' stories in the future.

[Kimbelle Pease · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute variation of everything working out exactly as you wish it might, should there have been an opportunity to overhear the truth versus continuing with a presumption. It was done in a small tale of amusement with no angst, and I am glad it started my snowy day off most pleasantly.

[Maria Escarda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Haste makes waste

This was a missed opportunity for the author to make a truly decent variation. The need for the author to hurry it all up (as if to meet a publishing deadline) made the story somewhat muddled, the characters off-canon, the romance rushed and exchanges leave so much to be desired. It’s like a Pride and Prejudice version of Before Sunrise, only less deep and consequential. More could have been done to make this a worthwhile read but this reader can hardly give it a recommendation. Such a shame as it has a huge potential!

[Maria Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This P&P variation is low angst and not a lot happens. Both D&E as well as B&J get together pretty easily. Caroline Bingley is probably the most interesting in terms of things holding them back from forming a relationship but even that is short lived.

I think this is a good story if you just want a little taste of the P&P world. You know, get your Darcy fix in a short period of time. I don't regret reading it but probably wouldn't read it again.

No sex, language or violence

[Lesley Barklay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very short and sweet low-angst variation that skips all the drama of the Kent encounter. This story takes place from the gathering at Sir William Lucas' house and the Netherfield Ball.

My only objection is that this is too short. I would have liked a little more development, and some more building of the romance between Darcy and Lizzy.

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Quick Read
At first I thought Darcy’s eavesdropping at the beginning was to be a bad thing, but the reverse held true.

[Sara (onourshelves) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

This was fine. It was short and sweet.

[Michelle David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but sweet

A rather short but sweet variation inspired by author Jane System's classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Rose Fairbanks. Enjoyable read.

[Maddie Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, could have been more romantic

[ShaniBelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

I thought the story could have been longer. I did enjoy Mr Darcy's character and the lack of Wickham.
A few editing errors but nothing distracting.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the general idea of more understanding through eavesdropped conversations but some of these interactions felt a little awkward and this story didn't ring true to me.

Rereading at least in parts and enjoyed it better so I upped the rating.

Reread again because it was marked unread on Goodreads (and then I logged in...)
I didn't remember the story