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Jane Austen Reimaginings #13
The Set Down: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
His world has already irrevocably changed, what difference can one dance make?
Recently embroiled in a scandal in London, Fitzwilliam Darcy seeks respite from the salacious whispers of the ton by visiting his friend in Meryton. He also expects the assembly there to be as tedious as all the other balls he has attended. Unfortunately, he is wrong on both accounts.
A brief conversation at the assembly makes him view his new neighbours, especially Miss Elizabeth Bennet, in a new light. For how can he refuse to acknowledge that everyone has a deeper story when he has one himself?
Having had his eyes opened by the ton’s willingness to believe the worst about him, he recognizes Elizabeth’s worth. Regrettably, he also knows he has little hope that such a magnificent and sensible woman would willingly attach herself to a family as tarnished as his.
Will Darcy leave the area in silence, or will he use his change in standing to seize love? Can his pride withstand rejection if Elizabeth is not willing to have her reputation questioned by being tied to him?
The Set Down is a heartwarming tale told entirely from Mr. Darcy’s point of view. If you enjoy honorable heroes and love stories with tender moments between the couple as they overcome obstacles together, grab your copy today.
*The Set Down is a novella of approximately 22,000 words and 110 pages in print.
Recently embroiled in a scandal in London, Fitzwilliam Darcy seeks respite from the salacious whispers of the ton by visiting his friend in Meryton. He also expects the assembly there to be as tedious as all the other balls he has attended. Unfortunately, he is wrong on both accounts.
A brief conversation at the assembly makes him view his new neighbours, especially Miss Elizabeth Bennet, in a new light. For how can he refuse to acknowledge that everyone has a deeper story when he has one himself?
Having had his eyes opened by the ton’s willingness to believe the worst about him, he recognizes Elizabeth’s worth. Regrettably, he also knows he has little hope that such a magnificent and sensible woman would willingly attach herself to a family as tarnished as his.
Will Darcy leave the area in silence, or will he use his change in standing to seize love? Can his pride withstand rejection if Elizabeth is not willing to have her reputation questioned by being tied to him?
The Set Down is a heartwarming tale told entirely from Mr. Darcy’s point of view. If you enjoy honorable heroes and love stories with tender moments between the couple as they overcome obstacles together, grab your copy today.
*The Set Down is a novella of approximately 22,000 words and 110 pages in print.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2021
53 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Rose Fairbanks
61 books113 followersRose 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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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 21, 2021
The Influence of Mr. Bennet
Good novella giving a twist to the usual Meryton Assembly. Darcy’s insult is overheard by Mr. Bennet who proceeds to give Mr. Darcy an earful of his opinion on the matter, albeit in a kind and compassionate manner. Darcy takes his advice and so begins a less confrontational, and quite magnetic relationship with Elizabeth.
Unfortunately, Darcy’s reputation has been viciously maligned in London and, to date, fearing negative consequences for his sister, he hasn’t any great design to change the situation— that is, until he falls in love with Elizabeth and that bad reputation threatens to prevent him from his goal of marrying her. When she hears of it, how could she accept him?
Again, with a little influence from Mr. Bennet, a happy ending there will be. Oh, and speaking of set downs? There is a second one in the story involving Miss Bingley that is quite notable.
I enjoyed it and recommend for a quick read. Nicely done.
Good novella giving a twist to the usual Meryton Assembly. Darcy’s insult is overheard by Mr. Bennet who proceeds to give Mr. Darcy an earful of his opinion on the matter, albeit in a kind and compassionate manner. Darcy takes his advice and so begins a less confrontational, and quite magnetic relationship with Elizabeth.
Unfortunately, Darcy’s reputation has been viciously maligned in London and, to date, fearing negative consequences for his sister, he hasn’t any great design to change the situation— that is, until he falls in love with Elizabeth and that bad reputation threatens to prevent him from his goal of marrying her. When she hears of it, how could she accept him?
Again, with a little influence from Mr. Bennet, a happy ending there will be. Oh, and speaking of set downs? There is a second one in the story involving Miss Bingley that is quite notable.
I enjoyed it and recommend for a quick read. Nicely done.
July 21, 2021
Darcy’s ruined reputation
The first 2/3 of the story was about Lizzy and Darcy becoming a couple and very interesting but the last third of the story dealing with his reputation and about how it was ruined and who caused the ruination was implausible and unlikely.
I shan’t go into details so as not to give too much away but I ended with the thought that just a little bit more time and tuning would have made the finished story much more satisfying.
The first 2/3 of the story was about Lizzy and Darcy becoming a couple and very interesting but the last third of the story dealing with his reputation and about how it was ruined and who caused the ruination was implausible and unlikely.
I shan’t go into details so as not to give too much away but I ended with the thought that just a little bit more time and tuning would have made the finished story much more satisfying.
July 25, 2021
Merited rebuke from an inferior has a double sting. ~ James Lendall Basford
Fitzwilliam Darcy merits a rebuke from someone he considers inferior — a minor landed gentleman from a small village in Hertfordshire. Mr. Bennet takes exception to Darcy’s “tolerable” remark and delivers one of his set-downs, just as Mrs. Bennet wished he could have in canon P&P.
As the story develops, we learn more about Darcy’s recent life: his reputation is severely damaged among London society concerning the untimely death of his cousin. Surprisingly, Mr. Collins is the one to unravel the secret.
A second set-down is my favorite. I always like a well-done Caroline Bingley comeuppance.
Take each man's censure, but reserve thy judgment... ~ William Shakespeare
Fitzwilliam Darcy merits a rebuke from someone he considers inferior — a minor landed gentleman from a small village in Hertfordshire. Mr. Bennet takes exception to Darcy’s “tolerable” remark and delivers one of his set-downs, just as Mrs. Bennet wished he could have in canon P&P.
As the story develops, we learn more about Darcy’s recent life: his reputation is severely damaged among London society concerning the untimely death of his cousin. Surprisingly, Mr. Collins is the one to unravel the secret.
A second set-down is my favorite. I always like a well-done Caroline Bingley comeuppance.
Take each man's censure, but reserve thy judgment... ~ William Shakespeare
June 12, 2022
I felt the story abruptly ended and then went right to the epilogue. I didn't fall in love with anyone in the book and felt quite sorry for Caroline. Perhaps when I reread it in the future, I will like it more but as of today, it wasn't for me. Love this author though.
Reread: I thought it was a bit better on second reading so bumped it up one star.
Reread: I thought it was a bit better on second reading so bumped it up one star.
December 6, 2022
Good love story
I loved this Darcy and Lizzy, they made a good partnership. Both were true and strong and not afraid to face the gossipers and the mean folks who did not know the real truth!!! Nice epilogue!
I loved this Darcy and Lizzy, they made a good partnership. Both were true and strong and not afraid to face the gossipers and the mean folks who did not know the real truth!!! Nice epilogue!
July 20, 2021
Lovely
Another lovely variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by he talented Rose Fairbanks. A quick, enjoyable read.
Another lovely variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by he talented Rose Fairbanks. A quick, enjoyable read.
August 18, 2021
Entertaining
Mr Bennett attends the Meryton assembly with his family, overhears Darcy's insult about Elizabeth, and decides to discuss it with him, leading Darcy to change his attitude about the people of Meryton. This talk with Mr Bennett is the "set down " of the title, but is only the first of several in the story.
Darcy's mood at the assembly is poor, not only because of the Ramsgate debacle, but also because he's the subject of malicious gossip in London regarding the death of Anne DeBourgh. He's rumored to have murdered her as a way to get out of an unwanted engagement, and she was pregnant to boot. Because his worth in the marriage mart is so low, he's more willing to give the people of Meryton the benefit of the doubt, and that includes Elizabeth, to whom he is strongly attracted.
I like these variations in which Darcy is allowed to be a little more friendly, to let his guard down. I also like Elizabeth in this version, as she's the super witty and compassionate Elizabeth that we love. However, the story seemed kind of disjointed to me, and the dialogue didn't always make sense. I think the author knew what she wanted to convey, but just failed to make it clear to the reader. The way Mr Collins became central to the plot was too convenient and contrived.
The book is well written and well edited. I've read other works by this author, and she's a talented storyteller, but this one left me a little flat. I recommend it as an interesting story, but not highly.
Mr Bennett attends the Meryton assembly with his family, overhears Darcy's insult about Elizabeth, and decides to discuss it with him, leading Darcy to change his attitude about the people of Meryton. This talk with Mr Bennett is the "set down " of the title, but is only the first of several in the story.
Darcy's mood at the assembly is poor, not only because of the Ramsgate debacle, but also because he's the subject of malicious gossip in London regarding the death of Anne DeBourgh. He's rumored to have murdered her as a way to get out of an unwanted engagement, and she was pregnant to boot. Because his worth in the marriage mart is so low, he's more willing to give the people of Meryton the benefit of the doubt, and that includes Elizabeth, to whom he is strongly attracted.
I like these variations in which Darcy is allowed to be a little more friendly, to let his guard down. I also like Elizabeth in this version, as she's the super witty and compassionate Elizabeth that we love. However, the story seemed kind of disjointed to me, and the dialogue didn't always make sense. I think the author knew what she wanted to convey, but just failed to make it clear to the reader. The way Mr Collins became central to the plot was too convenient and contrived.
The book is well written and well edited. I've read other works by this author, and she's a talented storyteller, but this one left me a little flat. I recommend it as an interesting story, but not highly.
May 15, 2023
Mr Bennet and a Lucas son tell Darcy some home truths at the assembly, and he ends up dancing with Elizabeth after all. They become friendly but there are some scandalous rumours about Darcy ruining his reputation. I loved some sweet scenes here but the Collins subplot seemed a tad contrived.
March 26, 2023
Sweet short variation, though a bit wanting in depth
This variation, this reader feels, is not the strongest of this author albeit it being very well-written with clever and endearing exchanges between the beloved couple FD and EB. The focus on them is unmistakable and this element is the most significant of this short offering.
The disappointment comes with the lack of depth into the feelings of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. It may seem rushed and forced that Darcy felt that sort of attraction to Elizabeth, which is only encouraged due to his lost good standing in London and in the ton due to unfounded rumors about his wrongdoing towards his deceased cousin. It’s as if to insinuate that if it were not for his marred reputation in good London society, he would not have look at Elizabeth Bennet and the society in Meryton a second glance.
The same goes for Elizabeth Bennet’s feelings for the gentleman. It went from polite civility, amusement, a loyal friendship and suddenly romantic love with only a few lines to prove the drastic change in Elizabeth’s feelings for Mr. Darcy. Don’t get me wrong. The love between them is so heartwarmingly affecting towards the end, but as previously stated, it seemed rather rushed and forced, which I find uncharacteristic of this author to do so. This is the least favorite for this reader of this author. Yet, for the playful banter and endearing exchanges between FD and EB towards the end of the story are worthwhile the read, as this doesn’t really take too much time to divest.
This variation, this reader feels, is not the strongest of this author albeit it being very well-written with clever and endearing exchanges between the beloved couple FD and EB. The focus on them is unmistakable and this element is the most significant of this short offering.
The disappointment comes with the lack of depth into the feelings of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. It may seem rushed and forced that Darcy felt that sort of attraction to Elizabeth, which is only encouraged due to his lost good standing in London and in the ton due to unfounded rumors about his wrongdoing towards his deceased cousin. It’s as if to insinuate that if it were not for his marred reputation in good London society, he would not have look at Elizabeth Bennet and the society in Meryton a second glance.
The same goes for Elizabeth Bennet’s feelings for the gentleman. It went from polite civility, amusement, a loyal friendship and suddenly romantic love with only a few lines to prove the drastic change in Elizabeth’s feelings for Mr. Darcy. Don’t get me wrong. The love between them is so heartwarmingly affecting towards the end, but as previously stated, it seemed rather rushed and forced, which I find uncharacteristic of this author to do so. This is the least favorite for this reader of this author. Yet, for the playful banter and endearing exchanges between FD and EB towards the end of the story are worthwhile the read, as this doesn’t really take too much time to divest.
September 9, 2021
A Push into the Future
When I first saw the title, I wondered, who would be bold enough, besides Lady Catherine , to give a set down to Fitzwilliam Darcy? To find that Mr. Bennet was the was astoundingly wonderful. I have long wanted Mr. Bennet to take a deeper, fatherly parenting role ; he championed Elizabeth and gave Darcy the push he needed to start walking forward into his life. I loved how the story unfolded, it kept me very interested in what the next page would reveal. This wonderful story is appropriate for teens to adults, it is well written, full of what it was like to have a "boyfriend" in the early 1800's.
When I first saw the title, I wondered, who would be bold enough, besides Lady Catherine , to give a set down to Fitzwilliam Darcy? To find that Mr. Bennet was the was astoundingly wonderful. I have long wanted Mr. Bennet to take a deeper, fatherly parenting role ; he championed Elizabeth and gave Darcy the push he needed to start walking forward into his life. I loved how the story unfolded, it kept me very interested in what the next page would reveal. This wonderful story is appropriate for teens to adults, it is well written, full of what it was like to have a "boyfriend" in the early 1800's.
September 8, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
The author's story description wraps up the main points of this story very nicely. Having become the victim of scorn by the ton due to false gossip about himself, Darcy is in the most bitter of moods at the Meryton Assembly. When he speaks that insult he is overheard by more than just Elizabeth Bennet. Mr. Bennet takes Darcy aside and gives him a "set down" which does make Darcy take another look at himself and at how he has treated some with disdain. When he finally gets a dance with Elizabeth (whose card is usually full) she adds to the advice her father gave him.
The roles of Lady Catherine and her daughter are different in this story. Plus Collins has stepped over the lines of Christian behavior. Caroline makes her usual appearance and Bingley doesn't run away to London.
Actually there is more than just Darcy who receives a set down in this story. This is a short story, which I read twice in order to remember the details in not immediately writing a review after the first read through.
There is really no angst for the reader. Darcy is dealing with gossip and how it will affect him and his family but is mostly silent due to the "event" with Georgiana.
The author's story description wraps up the main points of this story very nicely. Having become the victim of scorn by the ton due to false gossip about himself, Darcy is in the most bitter of moods at the Meryton Assembly. When he speaks that insult he is overheard by more than just Elizabeth Bennet. Mr. Bennet takes Darcy aside and gives him a "set down" which does make Darcy take another look at himself and at how he has treated some with disdain. When he finally gets a dance with Elizabeth (whose card is usually full) she adds to the advice her father gave him.
The roles of Lady Catherine and her daughter are different in this story. Plus Collins has stepped over the lines of Christian behavior. Caroline makes her usual appearance and Bingley doesn't run away to London.
Actually there is more than just Darcy who receives a set down in this story. This is a short story, which I read twice in order to remember the details in not immediately writing a review after the first read through.
There is really no angst for the reader. Darcy is dealing with gossip and how it will affect him and his family but is mostly silent due to the "event" with Georgiana.
July 22, 2021
3.25 stars
The tale lacks oomph, and the fact that Darcy’s Big Secret wasn’t divulged until 50% through is largely to blame. In addition, the blabbermouth’s motivation is questionable at best.
The tale lacks oomph, and the fact that Darcy’s Big Secret wasn’t divulged until 50% through is largely to blame. In addition, the blabbermouth’s motivation is questionable at best.
August 28, 2022
I think I’m just not a short story/novella fan. There never seems to be enough development of characters or plot.
This was really more suited to be a full length novel. Too much happens in too short a time.
This was really more suited to be a full length novel. Too much happens in too short a time.
August 7, 2021
Another Fairbanks Hit
Rose Fairbanks writes good, interesting stories and this is another to add to the list. I enjoyed it and look forward to her next kne!
Rose Fairbanks writes good, interesting stories and this is another to add to the list. I enjoyed it and look forward to her next kne!
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January 8, 2023Interesting plot with a well laid out complication, however the resolution was very simplistic, short and did not do justice to the rest of the book.
July 28, 2021
In this P&P variation, at the Meryton Assembly Mr Bennet takes Darcy to task resulting in Darcy and Elizabeth talking. But Darcy has been shunned by society. Can this prevent a happy ending with Elizabeth.
An enjoyable story.
An enjoyable story.
September 7, 2025
I enjoyed this very much. Clever dialogue and a cute story. I believe this is my third reading, and realized I didn't make a review; not that this is much of a review, just encouragement for others to read this story.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews