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Mr. Darcy's Household: A Pride and Prejudice Novella Variation
It is the summer of 1811 and dark clouds overshadow the beauty and peace of Pemberley.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is fighting to protect his sister’s honour and reputation, after her attempt to elope with the scoundrel George Wickham. He has brought her home to Derbyshire, where he hopes she can heal the wounds of her soul and regain her spirit.
But some things are beyond his control, as he discovers when a disease is brought to Lambton by two men, recently returned from the war. Miss Darcy, as well as many of the small town’s families and Pemberley’s tenants, is affected.
Darcy’s household, although perfectly trained and highly efficient, is in great need of help. But, despite Mr. Darcy’s willingness to pay a large amount of money for someone to aid Mrs. Reynolds, his housekeeper, for a few months, he can find nobody who meets his high expectations and exacting requirements. Matters take a turn for the worse when the housekeeper also falls ill and is kept to her bed. Mrs. Reynolds writes to the daughter of her old friend, now Mrs. Madeleine Gardiner, about the situation, with no other hope than to unburden her heart.
However, Mrs. Gardiner is hosting her lovely and spirited niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. The Bennet family is in precarious financial circumstances due to Mr. Bennet’s poor estate management and his disinterest in anything other than books.
Willing to help her family by earning an amount of money that could cover Longbourn’s expenses for a few years, Elizabeth accepts the temporary position and she is taken to Pemberley in Mr. Darcy’s carriage. Once there, she holds the same position as Mrs. Reynolds. She is in charge of the management of the household, responsible for everything in the house. She is treated respectfully by everyone, and she even forms a sweet friendship, based on a slowly-developing trust, with Miss Darcy.
Only the master treats her with cold politeness and distant reverence; he barely speaks to her, he gives her power but only wishes to see good results. A few weeks later, he is urgently summoned to London, while Elizabeth remains at Pemberley overseeing the household.
In mid-September, Elizabeth returns to Longbourn with a considerable amount of money. Once there, she finds out that Netherfield has finally been let and a Mr. Bingley is expected to arrive, together with a large party of friends.
Then, the Meryton Assembly takes place and Elizabeth is surprised to meet Mr. Darcy again.
But how will he react? Will he treat her with mere politeness or with contempt, since he is her former employer? Will he even acknowledge her? Will he even recognize her?
“Darcy’s Household” is a Regency “Pride and Prejudice” variation, the length of a novella (just a little under 40k words), less than 160 paperback pages), sweet, very romantic, amusing, with some reference to mature subjects but clean enough to be appropriate for all audiences.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is fighting to protect his sister’s honour and reputation, after her attempt to elope with the scoundrel George Wickham. He has brought her home to Derbyshire, where he hopes she can heal the wounds of her soul and regain her spirit.
But some things are beyond his control, as he discovers when a disease is brought to Lambton by two men, recently returned from the war. Miss Darcy, as well as many of the small town’s families and Pemberley’s tenants, is affected.
Darcy’s household, although perfectly trained and highly efficient, is in great need of help. But, despite Mr. Darcy’s willingness to pay a large amount of money for someone to aid Mrs. Reynolds, his housekeeper, for a few months, he can find nobody who meets his high expectations and exacting requirements. Matters take a turn for the worse when the housekeeper also falls ill and is kept to her bed. Mrs. Reynolds writes to the daughter of her old friend, now Mrs. Madeleine Gardiner, about the situation, with no other hope than to unburden her heart.
However, Mrs. Gardiner is hosting her lovely and spirited niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. The Bennet family is in precarious financial circumstances due to Mr. Bennet’s poor estate management and his disinterest in anything other than books.
Willing to help her family by earning an amount of money that could cover Longbourn’s expenses for a few years, Elizabeth accepts the temporary position and she is taken to Pemberley in Mr. Darcy’s carriage. Once there, she holds the same position as Mrs. Reynolds. She is in charge of the management of the household, responsible for everything in the house. She is treated respectfully by everyone, and she even forms a sweet friendship, based on a slowly-developing trust, with Miss Darcy.
Only the master treats her with cold politeness and distant reverence; he barely speaks to her, he gives her power but only wishes to see good results. A few weeks later, he is urgently summoned to London, while Elizabeth remains at Pemberley overseeing the household.
In mid-September, Elizabeth returns to Longbourn with a considerable amount of money. Once there, she finds out that Netherfield has finally been let and a Mr. Bingley is expected to arrive, together with a large party of friends.
Then, the Meryton Assembly takes place and Elizabeth is surprised to meet Mr. Darcy again.
But how will he react? Will he treat her with mere politeness or with contempt, since he is her former employer? Will he even acknowledge her? Will he even recognize her?
“Darcy’s Household” is a Regency “Pride and Prejudice” variation, the length of a novella (just a little under 40k words), less than 160 paperback pages), sweet, very romantic, amusing, with some reference to mature subjects but clean enough to be appropriate for all audiences.
101 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 7, 2021
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
This was certainly a unique premise. One would see where the separation of classes is even more pronounced in this story.
Elizabeth is visiting the Gardiners, helping them out, when she learns of a need at an estate in Derbyshire, near Lambton, and the possibility to earn enough money to help out her father who has had some recent financial setbacks. So it is that she travels to Pemberley to temporarily act as the housekeeper due to Mrs. Reynolds' illness.
While there (of course) she finds herself attracted to Mr. Darcy but know nothing can come of it. Darcy also finds her attractive but knowing his "duty" and how his family would look down on her, does nothing.
Ironically (you know the story), Darcy finds himself at Netherfield with Bingley and attends the Assembly. He makes his insult, but it is more a generalized insult of all the women as he has not yet seen that Elizabeth is there.
When he realizes what he has done and that Elizabeth lives in this community he has a immediate apology to make. In this story he begins to visit Longbourn and becomes friends with Mr. Bennet. (He does not stand in the way of Bingley's interest in Jane.) It takes a while but he and Elizabeth gain equal footing as they become friends.
Of course they have their happy ending and then we have an epilogue. There is a sweet bit about a gift from the Pemberley staff to the woman they came to admire as their equal and now as their mistress.
Wickham does show up and is dealt with quickly. I liked how he was handled.
This was certainly a unique premise. One would see where the separation of classes is even more pronounced in this story.
Elizabeth is visiting the Gardiners, helping them out, when she learns of a need at an estate in Derbyshire, near Lambton, and the possibility to earn enough money to help out her father who has had some recent financial setbacks. So it is that she travels to Pemberley to temporarily act as the housekeeper due to Mrs. Reynolds' illness.
While there (of course) she finds herself attracted to Mr. Darcy but know nothing can come of it. Darcy also finds her attractive but knowing his "duty" and how his family would look down on her, does nothing.
Ironically (you know the story), Darcy finds himself at Netherfield with Bingley and attends the Assembly. He makes his insult, but it is more a generalized insult of all the women as he has not yet seen that Elizabeth is there.
When he realizes what he has done and that Elizabeth lives in this community he has a immediate apology to make. In this story he begins to visit Longbourn and becomes friends with Mr. Bennet. (He does not stand in the way of Bingley's interest in Jane.) It takes a while but he and Elizabeth gain equal footing as they become friends.
Of course they have their happy ending and then we have an epilogue. There is a sweet bit about a gift from the Pemberley staff to the woman they came to admire as their equal and now as their mistress.
Wickham does show up and is dealt with quickly. I liked how he was handled.
August 31, 2021
Good, different premise.
Very enjoyable novella. Sweet, no angst, story, and while the premise is quite unlikely, it’s a unique one I haven’t read before.
Very enjoyable novella. Sweet, no angst, story, and while the premise is quite unlikely, it’s a unique one I haven’t read before.
September 2, 2021
“But it’s different with a woman. Her work in the house is to keep not to get.” –George Sand, The Devil’s Pool and Other Stories
Rating: PG-17: sexual tensions out the wazoo. Angst Level: low-to-medium due to lover’s frustrations: Fan Points: oh, the declarations. I may have broken my fan. Source: KU 8-31-21
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** spoilers ***
“Housework is a treadmill from futility to oblivion with stop-offs at tedium and counter-productivity.” –Erma Bombeck
I absolutely adored this Elizabeth and Darcy. Oh, heavy sigh. I wondered at a gentlewoman working even in secret and her father allowing it in the first place. If you can put that aside it is an excellent story. Bennet made a bad investment and was in financial straits. Elizabeth was in London helping her uncle when a letter arrived for Aunt Gardiner from her relations in Lambton. They were telling her of the problems in the wake of a recent illness outbreak that had hit the region. It had caused all manner of problems in the workforce. Her friend Mrs. Reynolds was ill and needed help from someone who was trustworthy and could manage the housekeeper position. After getting approval from Longbourn and with the promise of strict secrecy, Elizabeth soon arrived at Pemberley.
“I think homes that are too tidy, neat, and sparse look like nothing interesting is going on.” –Shelley Malec Vitale
Oh, the visual pictures our author created. I wanted to be there with Elizabeth as she took on the daunting job of housekeeper for the Pemberley Estate. I would have loved seeing the Darcy Library with her for the first time. She, being Elizabeth, quickly added her own touch to the position and soon the servants were impressed with her ease and grace as she completed her tasks and often worked with them when it was needed. The village of Lambton accepted her due to her being a relation to the Gardiners and they were impressed with her kindness and ease of manner.
Let’s not forget the master of Pemberley. He too was impressed with the young woman who was helping his beloved Mrs. Reynolds. All too quickly, he was headed to Ramsgate to retrieve his sister. Oh, dear, we know what happened there. Elizabeth soon won over the young miss and Darcy was impressed with her ability to draw out his distraught sister.
All too soon summer was over and it was time for Elizabeth to return home. She was heartbroken to leave the now-beloved Pemberley and the Darcys. Darcy and Georgiana were heartbroken for her to leave. And yet, not all was lost… we, who know the P&P story, know what happens at Michaelmas in Hertfordshire. Soon the moth was drawn to the flame. Only they couldn’t let on that they already knew each other. Then we had to deal with the misunderstanding that just has to happen with ODC. However, the declarations that followed simply melted my heart. I think I broke a fan. I highly recommend this for a fun quick read.
“Excuse the mess, but we live here.” –Roseanne Barr
Rating: PG-17: sexual tensions out the wazoo. Angst Level: low-to-medium due to lover’s frustrations: Fan Points: oh, the declarations. I may have broken my fan. Source: KU 8-31-21
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** spoilers ***
“Housework is a treadmill from futility to oblivion with stop-offs at tedium and counter-productivity.” –Erma Bombeck
I absolutely adored this Elizabeth and Darcy. Oh, heavy sigh. I wondered at a gentlewoman working even in secret and her father allowing it in the first place. If you can put that aside it is an excellent story. Bennet made a bad investment and was in financial straits. Elizabeth was in London helping her uncle when a letter arrived for Aunt Gardiner from her relations in Lambton. They were telling her of the problems in the wake of a recent illness outbreak that had hit the region. It had caused all manner of problems in the workforce. Her friend Mrs. Reynolds was ill and needed help from someone who was trustworthy and could manage the housekeeper position. After getting approval from Longbourn and with the promise of strict secrecy, Elizabeth soon arrived at Pemberley.
“I think homes that are too tidy, neat, and sparse look like nothing interesting is going on.” –Shelley Malec Vitale
Oh, the visual pictures our author created. I wanted to be there with Elizabeth as she took on the daunting job of housekeeper for the Pemberley Estate. I would have loved seeing the Darcy Library with her for the first time. She, being Elizabeth, quickly added her own touch to the position and soon the servants were impressed with her ease and grace as she completed her tasks and often worked with them when it was needed. The village of Lambton accepted her due to her being a relation to the Gardiners and they were impressed with her kindness and ease of manner.
Let’s not forget the master of Pemberley. He too was impressed with the young woman who was helping his beloved Mrs. Reynolds. All too quickly, he was headed to Ramsgate to retrieve his sister. Oh, dear, we know what happened there. Elizabeth soon won over the young miss and Darcy was impressed with her ability to draw out his distraught sister.
All too soon summer was over and it was time for Elizabeth to return home. She was heartbroken to leave the now-beloved Pemberley and the Darcys. Darcy and Georgiana were heartbroken for her to leave. And yet, not all was lost… we, who know the P&P story, know what happens at Michaelmas in Hertfordshire. Soon the moth was drawn to the flame. Only they couldn’t let on that they already knew each other. Then we had to deal with the misunderstanding that just has to happen with ODC. However, the declarations that followed simply melted my heart. I think I broke a fan. I highly recommend this for a fun quick read.
“Excuse the mess, but we live here.” –Roseanne Barr
September 3, 2021
This is a low angst read that honestly feels more like an outline/summary for a longer version.
The story contradicts itself A LOT. We're being told time & time again how arrogant/aloof/pretentious Darcy is but by the actions he and words he uses that is the case otherwise. We are also told "Despite his apparent politeness towards their family, Mr. Darcy was still not the sort of man Mrs. Bennet would want in her drawing-room, as she knew he would always be displeased for some reason and ready to criticise something." Which I don't understand, other than his little outburst at the assembly - which Darcy apologized for the next morning to the Bennet family there is NO reason for Mrs. B to dislike him. After all he is a single man in possession of a large fortune.
And finally, we're at the Netherfield Ball and "To the other guests it appeared that, despite sharing the first set, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet were still not the best of friends." Really? Hasn't Darcy visited Longbourn on a NUMBER of occasions where he has been in the sole company of Mr. B & Elizabeth.
Why is their HEA a huge surprise to all? I would think that this would only be a surprise to the tenants and staff at Pemberley because he's marrying a servant.
The story contradicts itself A LOT. We're being told time & time again how arrogant/aloof/pretentious Darcy is but by the actions he and words he uses that is the case otherwise. We are also told "Despite his apparent politeness towards their family, Mr. Darcy was still not the sort of man Mrs. Bennet would want in her drawing-room, as she knew he would always be displeased for some reason and ready to criticise something." Which I don't understand, other than his little outburst at the assembly - which Darcy apologized for the next morning to the Bennet family there is NO reason for Mrs. B to dislike him. After all he is a single man in possession of a large fortune.
And finally, we're at the Netherfield Ball and "To the other guests it appeared that, despite sharing the first set, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet were still not the best of friends." Really? Hasn't Darcy visited Longbourn on a NUMBER of occasions where he has been in the sole company of Mr. B & Elizabeth.
Why is their HEA a huge surprise to all? I would think that this would only be a surprise to the tenants and staff at Pemberley because he's marrying a servant.
June 21, 2025
3 stars
A nicely written P&P variation novella. Very quick read with sweet (too sweet?) characters. The set up is original and while demanding some suspension of disbelief, works okay overall. A good palate cleanser.
The 'pride' and 'prejudice' parts were there but quickly and tamely averted so that there was no big clash between Elizabeth and Darcy. If there is no clash to content the reader's heart, does it still count as a proper P&P variation? YMMV.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2021
Avid Reader
Sweet story where Darcy hires Elizabeth after Mrs. Reynolds has a stroke. Th find themselves falling in love both thinking it is a hopeless cause. They are wrong. Darcy eventually realizes that he can't live without Elizabeth.
Sweet story where Darcy hires Elizabeth after Mrs. Reynolds has a stroke. Th find themselves falling in love both thinking it is a hopeless cause. They are wrong. Darcy eventually realizes that he can't live without Elizabeth.
September 1, 2021
I waffled between 3.5 and 4* on this.
It is a sweet, shortish read with a HEA in the end.
It is a sweet, shortish read with a HEA in the end.
June 4, 2022
I went into this book weary as I felt the premise was unrealistic but I thought if executed well this could be a fun read with little angst. Unfortunately, the more I read the more unrealistic it became and looking back at the summary I don’t understand how I thought it could be realistic. Who would hire Elizabeth to execute a housekeepers job. They would just hire another housekeeper or someone similar from the working class; not a gentleman’s daughter with little experience and so feeble a recommendation (her recommendation brought to mind the saying ‘a friend of a friend’).
This book is very, very short and so often the author chose to summarise events rather then show them. The whole time I was reading this book I felt as though I’d gone on Wikipedia and just read the plot summary. I couldn’t connect at all with the characters and, even despite how short the book was, found myself skimming parts just so I could finish it.
This book is very, very short and so often the author chose to summarise events rather then show them. The whole time I was reading this book I felt as though I’d gone on Wikipedia and just read the plot summary. I couldn’t connect at all with the characters and, even despite how short the book was, found myself skimming parts just so I could finish it.
September 7, 2021
Odd premise
Lizzy is hired to take Mrs. Reynolds place for three months while she recuperates from an illness. I couldn’t buy into the premise but the story was so entertaining I just let it flow over me. Good read.
Lizzy is hired to take Mrs. Reynolds place for three months while she recuperates from an illness. I couldn’t buy into the premise but the story was so entertaining I just let it flow over me. Good read.
December 28, 2021
This is a short, novella length story. So, don't expect to have a grand story arc with a lot of character development. That said, we get mostly 'Darcy and Elizabeth time' on the page and that was fine with me. It's low angst aside from what we expect from Darcy's overcoming the class struggle thing, and Elizabeth's tug-of-war with herself, regarding the possibility of their ever being able to mean more to each other than her being a friend to Georgiana.
I loved the unique way ODC meets, first time at Pemberley with Elizabeth a temporary employee there to help Mrs. Reynolds while she recovers from an illness. Having first been vetted through a unique who's who of Gardiner/Lambton/Reynolds/cousins/friends/and relations gauntlet of supporters of Lizzy's character, intelligence, and attitude toward work. I enjoyed that for some reason. I did have to suspend my disbelief some at how quickly Lizzy won over the household, but then they all knew she had local connections and had gone through this 'vetting.' And it was a novella, I reminded myself.
I love the way Darcy was still Darcy when coming to Bingley's aid, and his response to Bingley begging Darcy to go to the Meryton assembly with him.....until he saw Elizabeth just as he was bugging out early from said assembly (in a stew) and realizing she'd heard him utter the pack of rudeness he had just unloaded outside the assembly hall. Oops. I really really liked watching him eating humble pie the very next day!
I loved Darcy getting to know and and befriend Mr. Bennet. And Mr. Bennet figuring out what was going on between ODC, before they admitted it to each other. I really liked the way our author here had Elizabeth figure Wickham out before she swallowed the garbage he immediately started throwing around about Darcy, knowing he had visited the area. And how the whole Wickham situation was handled. So, like I said, the angst was personal conflict not over misunderstandings which sometimes just drive me over the edge.
I debated with myself about the star-rating but it was going to be at least a 4 anyway. But I based my rating on how much I liked the book, so 5 stars it is. I hope Ms. Newton brings us more JAFF stories. It appears this is a debut book by Lyr Newton. When I see that I want to provide constructive criticism so the author will improve, I'm not an editor but obviously I caught some things. There were some anachronisms, misused or missing words. And a conversation between Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam in the beginning referring to Influenza which threw me off. The term Influenza has been in use since the 14th century, and surely by the early 19th century would be in common usage and understood. It may be the way I interpreted the few sentences between them.
With those few criticisms I highly recommend this story to JAFF lovers.
I loved the unique way ODC meets, first time at Pemberley with Elizabeth a temporary employee there to help Mrs. Reynolds while she recovers from an illness. Having first been vetted through a unique who's who of Gardiner/Lambton/Reynolds/cousins/friends/and relations gauntlet of supporters of Lizzy's character, intelligence, and attitude toward work. I enjoyed that for some reason. I did have to suspend my disbelief some at how quickly Lizzy won over the household, but then they all knew she had local connections and had gone through this 'vetting.' And it was a novella, I reminded myself.
I love the way Darcy was still Darcy when coming to Bingley's aid, and his response to Bingley begging Darcy to go to the Meryton assembly with him.....until he saw Elizabeth just as he was bugging out early from said assembly (in a stew) and realizing she'd heard him utter the pack of rudeness he had just unloaded outside the assembly hall. Oops. I really really liked watching him eating humble pie the very next day!
I loved Darcy getting to know and and befriend Mr. Bennet. And Mr. Bennet figuring out what was going on between ODC, before they admitted it to each other. I really liked the way our author here had Elizabeth figure Wickham out before she swallowed the garbage he immediately started throwing around about Darcy, knowing he had visited the area. And how the whole Wickham situation was handled. So, like I said, the angst was personal conflict not over misunderstandings which sometimes just drive me over the edge.
I debated with myself about the star-rating but it was going to be at least a 4 anyway. But I based my rating on how much I liked the book, so 5 stars it is. I hope Ms. Newton brings us more JAFF stories. It appears this is a debut book by Lyr Newton. When I see that I want to provide constructive criticism so the author will improve, I'm not an editor but obviously I caught some things. There were some anachronisms, misused or missing words. And a conversation between Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam in the beginning referring to Influenza which threw me off. The term Influenza has been in use since the 14th century, and surely by the early 19th century would be in common usage and understood. It may be the way I interpreted the few sentences between them.
With those few criticisms I highly recommend this story to JAFF lovers.
March 27, 2023
In this novella-length variation on Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet wants to help her father, who lost quite a bit of money on a bad investment. She's been in London, to help her uncle with his new publishing endeavor, when her aunt relates to her some news from a relative with connections in Lambton, who has news of a unique position at Pemberley. The housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, recently suffered a stroke. The village itself had a recent influenza epidemic, which claimed several lives and drove some people away, frightened, so there is a shortage of people willing to take on positions as servants. To allow Mrs. Reynolds to recover, Mr. Darcy wants to hire a temporary assistant housekeeper, and is willing to pay an unheard of amount for the right person. The more she thinks about it, the more Elizabeth wonders if it would allow her to help her father significantly, and she begs her aunt to help her look into it. If she takes the position, it will be a secret known only to the Gardiners, her father, and Jane.
She gets the job, and travels to Pemberley. Elizabeth's time at Pemberley takes up just under half this novella, and then the story takes up where the original began, with Elizabeth back at home, and Netherfield being let to Mr. Bingley.
It's a unique, fresh take on P&P and extremely romantic. I loved it.
She gets the job, and travels to Pemberley. Elizabeth's time at Pemberley takes up just under half this novella, and then the story takes up where the original began, with Elizabeth back at home, and Netherfield being let to Mr. Bingley.
It's a unique, fresh take on P&P and extremely romantic. I loved it.
November 7, 2025
I really tried to suspend disbelief and buy into this story, but I just couldn’t. It was absurd.
Considering that the role of housekeeper is one of the most senior servants in a household, why on earth would they hire a 20 year-old girl with no experience in managing a household? And at 500 pounds a month?!? Good grief. I think the author had no idea just how much money that would have been at the time.
1.5-stars rounded up because at least it was short.
Considering that the role of housekeeper is one of the most senior servants in a household, why on earth would they hire a 20 year-old girl with no experience in managing a household? And at 500 pounds a month?!? Good grief. I think the author had no idea just how much money that would have been at the time.
1.5-stars rounded up because at least it was short.
June 10, 2022
Elizabeth’s actions save more than Longbourn
Elizabeth’s willingness to take on the role of housekeeper to help Pemberley after a wave of illness strike the citizens near Pemberley for a short time, not only help Mrs. Reynolds it helps Longbourn as Mr. Bennet is almost in financial ruin due to a horrible error on his part.
Elizabeth’s willingness and kindness make her time at Pemberley not only bearable but she leaves a lasting mark on the household and its master.
This was a quick read and very enjoyable even with the subject matter being financial ruin for the Bennets. I do wish mr. Bennet had taken more steps after Elizabeths return home from employment with his family, but I guess that is not important.
Elizabeth’s willingness to take on the role of housekeeper to help Pemberley after a wave of illness strike the citizens near Pemberley for a short time, not only help Mrs. Reynolds it helps Longbourn as Mr. Bennet is almost in financial ruin due to a horrible error on his part.
Elizabeth’s willingness and kindness make her time at Pemberley not only bearable but she leaves a lasting mark on the household and its master.
This was a quick read and very enjoyable even with the subject matter being financial ruin for the Bennets. I do wish mr. Bennet had taken more steps after Elizabeths return home from employment with his family, but I guess that is not important.
September 9, 2021
Suspend your disbelief
A little contrived. The English is sometimes slightly off. The colonel says to his cousin, "...regardless of who is paying a visit to my father, Lord Matlock." I think the Colonel's cousin knows his cousin's brother's father is his uncle, Lord Matlock.
A little contrived. The English is sometimes slightly off. The colonel says to his cousin, "...regardless of who is paying a visit to my father, Lord Matlock." I think the Colonel's cousin knows his cousin's brother's father is his uncle, Lord Matlock.
August 30, 2021
In my opinion, this is a very romantic Regency “Pride and Prejudice” variation that has a lot of good things to offer to its readers. Of course, Jane Austen’s fans will be delighted to discover how the love story will develop if the rules of the game are changed so that Miss Elizabeth meets Mr. Darcy on his own house, at Pemberley – the witty beauty and the kind beast, similar with the fairy-tale but in a different context.
The good news is that these two people are meant to be together. How? I don’t intend to reveal here any details in order not to spoil your readings and findings.
Very good story, well balanced novella, quite proper for romantic sensible souls, I really loved it.
The good news is that these two people are meant to be together. How? I don’t intend to reveal here any details in order not to spoil your readings and findings.
Very good story, well balanced novella, quite proper for romantic sensible souls, I really loved it.
December 23, 2021
Definitely a good one!
This is a great short story! Easily read in one day. Not a lot of drama if any. Pretty fluffy too. I loved that Darcy overcame his pride without much interference from anyone else. And Elizabeth was also aware of the difference in their station so it felt like she understood some of that pride. And because of her time working at Pemberley beforehand she was aware of his true character based on what the staff said. Loved it
This is a great short story! Easily read in one day. Not a lot of drama if any. Pretty fluffy too. I loved that Darcy overcame his pride without much interference from anyone else. And Elizabeth was also aware of the difference in their station so it felt like she understood some of that pride. And because of her time working at Pemberley beforehand she was aware of his true character based on what the staff said. Loved it
August 8, 2022
Okay book that needed editing. Hard to believe premise.
October 15, 2024
Brief and sweet. Low angst. Novella length.
January 6, 2022
Hard to get through
While the second half of the Novella shows improvement and is tolerably better, the entire work suffers from its premise and blocky, stilted dialogue. The author tried to justify the premise, but it was not believable that a gentle lady with no experience would be hired into service, to help run such a large estate, then be asked to re-cross the class divide to befriend Georgiana. Particularly true as renumeration was offered. Too much mixed messaging.
While the second half of the Novella shows improvement and is tolerably better, the entire work suffers from its premise and blocky, stilted dialogue. The author tried to justify the premise, but it was not believable that a gentle lady with no experience would be hired into service, to help run such a large estate, then be asked to re-cross the class divide to befriend Georgiana. Particularly true as renumeration was offered. Too much mixed messaging.
January 28, 2022
The premise is unbelievable at best, but this book's main problems are clunky writing and continuous info-dumping.
August 1, 2022
Good story, I think this author is new. I’m pleasantly surprised.
Mr Bennet has made bad business and has lost almost 1 year of income from Longbourn. He was very ill after that due to the shock and his wife was very worried they would lose him and end up in the hedgerows.
Mr Gardiner has been helping him to recover his money but he still needs to improve their savings. Elizabeth has been helping the Gardiners with their children so they don’t have to pay for extra help, in that way she can compensate them a bit for their efforts in helping her family. Of course his mother and younger sisters know nothing of it.
In the meantime, there has been an epidemic of influenza around and at Pemberley, Mr Darcy has lost some of his employees because they have gone to protect their families, and his housekeeper is gravely ill. He needs someone to come and temporarily help in the house until Mrs Reynolds recovers completely, but this person must meet very strict standards since they’ll have access to all the money and the valuables in the house.
Mrs Templeton, Mrs Gardiner’s aunt, has been Mrs Reynolds’ friend since they were young, so when Mrs Reynolds wrote to her, lamenting the state of the household, Mrs Templeton commented about it to Mrs Gardiner, asking of she knew anyone, as she wanted to help.
When Elizabeth heard of the opportunity and of the salary, she started to consider it. It would help her family greatly. So, after many letters coming and going, she managed to convince her father to let her work for this gentleman Mr Darcy for 3 months, under contract.
And that’s the way this story starts.
I liked it a lot because it is very different, even if it does put extra obstacles in D and E’s happiness.
Mr Darcy soon realised that there was no other woman he wanted, and even if their interactions are limited at Pemberley due to their positions, there is underlying attraction.
They see each other again at the Meryton Assembly, or at least Lizzy sees Mr Darcy, she wonders how having been her employee will strain their relationship in society and if he will acknowledge her or not.
Anyway, good story, good epilogue! Very little of Lady C, Miss Bingley and Wickham.
4 stars. Recommended! I will def read more from this author.
Mr Bennet has made bad business and has lost almost 1 year of income from Longbourn. He was very ill after that due to the shock and his wife was very worried they would lose him and end up in the hedgerows.
Mr Gardiner has been helping him to recover his money but he still needs to improve their savings. Elizabeth has been helping the Gardiners with their children so they don’t have to pay for extra help, in that way she can compensate them a bit for their efforts in helping her family. Of course his mother and younger sisters know nothing of it.
In the meantime, there has been an epidemic of influenza around and at Pemberley, Mr Darcy has lost some of his employees because they have gone to protect their families, and his housekeeper is gravely ill. He needs someone to come and temporarily help in the house until Mrs Reynolds recovers completely, but this person must meet very strict standards since they’ll have access to all the money and the valuables in the house.
Mrs Templeton, Mrs Gardiner’s aunt, has been Mrs Reynolds’ friend since they were young, so when Mrs Reynolds wrote to her, lamenting the state of the household, Mrs Templeton commented about it to Mrs Gardiner, asking of she knew anyone, as she wanted to help.
When Elizabeth heard of the opportunity and of the salary, she started to consider it. It would help her family greatly. So, after many letters coming and going, she managed to convince her father to let her work for this gentleman Mr Darcy for 3 months, under contract.
And that’s the way this story starts.
I liked it a lot because it is very different, even if it does put extra obstacles in D and E’s happiness.
Mr Darcy soon realised that there was no other woman he wanted, and even if their interactions are limited at Pemberley due to their positions, there is underlying attraction.
They see each other again at the Meryton Assembly, or at least Lizzy sees Mr Darcy, she wonders how having been her employee will strain their relationship in society and if he will acknowledge her or not.
Anyway, good story, good epilogue! Very little of Lady C, Miss Bingley and Wickham.
4 stars. Recommended! I will def read more from this author.
October 11, 2021
Lovely
Mr Bennett makes some poor investments resulting in extremely distressed financial circumstances for the family. Elizabeth hears of an opportunity through her aunt Gardiner, to be a temporary assistant to the housekeeper at Pemberly, who is recovering from illness. She applies and is accepted for the position, so she meets Mr Darcy and Georgiana, and all of the staff that she would now be supervising. She earns the respect and regard of the household, as well as its master and his sister. She is employed there for three months, and then reluctantly returns to Longbourn.
It's after all this that the story from canon unfolds, with Bingley leasing Netherfield, Darcy coming to visit, and the Meryton assembly, complete with the infamous insult. However, much is changed because Darcy and Elizabeth already know and care for each other. I like these variations wherein Darcy is predisposed to like Elizabeth, and vice versa, so we can dispense with so much of the usual acrimony. This is a swoon worthy Darcy, and an admirable Elizabeth, so the romance is superb.
There are the usual villains and annoyances, but they aren't allowed much foothold in the story. I deducted a star for the simple fact that the premise is far fetched and you must suspend belief in order to enjoy the story. How Elizabeth, at her young age, and with absolutely no experience, would be hired as housekeeper to a huge estate, how her father and uncle would allow it, and then how she wouldn't be completely overwhelmed with her duties, I just don't know. It seems just too fantastical.
However, the book is well written and well edited. This is a talented author who knows how to develop a plot, and put forth a wonderfully romantic story. I recommend it highly.
Mr Bennett makes some poor investments resulting in extremely distressed financial circumstances for the family. Elizabeth hears of an opportunity through her aunt Gardiner, to be a temporary assistant to the housekeeper at Pemberly, who is recovering from illness. She applies and is accepted for the position, so she meets Mr Darcy and Georgiana, and all of the staff that she would now be supervising. She earns the respect and regard of the household, as well as its master and his sister. She is employed there for three months, and then reluctantly returns to Longbourn.
It's after all this that the story from canon unfolds, with Bingley leasing Netherfield, Darcy coming to visit, and the Meryton assembly, complete with the infamous insult. However, much is changed because Darcy and Elizabeth already know and care for each other. I like these variations wherein Darcy is predisposed to like Elizabeth, and vice versa, so we can dispense with so much of the usual acrimony. This is a swoon worthy Darcy, and an admirable Elizabeth, so the romance is superb.
There are the usual villains and annoyances, but they aren't allowed much foothold in the story. I deducted a star for the simple fact that the premise is far fetched and you must suspend belief in order to enjoy the story. How Elizabeth, at her young age, and with absolutely no experience, would be hired as housekeeper to a huge estate, how her father and uncle would allow it, and then how she wouldn't be completely overwhelmed with her duties, I just don't know. It seems just too fantastical.
However, the book is well written and well edited. This is a talented author who knows how to develop a plot, and put forth a wonderfully romantic story. I recommend it highly.
November 12, 2021
How would Pride and Prejudice have turned out if Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy had met in different circumstances before the beginning of the original book. If Elizabeth had gotten to know Darcy among his staff and sister, who love and admire him?
The answer is: without pride, prejudice, character arcs or any tension. I now get what the other reviews meant with "low anxiety". I wouldn't call my reading experience boring exactly. The writing style and characters seemed faithful to the original and it was interesting to see how the premise would play out. Even the one obstacle they have is resolved mostly through circumstance. Even without any major obstacles or character flaws, I would at least have loved to see more of a chemistry between the two main characters.
I guess I just like my romances to have some sort of difficulty before the HEA. I still want to appreciate the premise and the overall writing, even if the plot lacked in excitement.
(Btw, the plot summary is not a good repesentation of the actual story and has inaccuracies).
The answer is: without pride, prejudice, character arcs or any tension. I now get what the other reviews meant with "low anxiety". I wouldn't call my reading experience boring exactly. The writing style and characters seemed faithful to the original and it was interesting to see how the premise would play out. Even the one obstacle they have is resolved mostly through circumstance. Even without any major obstacles or character flaws, I would at least have loved to see more of a chemistry between the two main characters.
I guess I just like my romances to have some sort of difficulty before the HEA. I still want to appreciate the premise and the overall writing, even if the plot lacked in excitement.
(Btw, the plot summary is not a good repesentation of the actual story and has inaccuracies).
November 5, 2023
This was a sweet low-emotion story in which Elizabeth learns to know Darcy when she's employed at Pemberley. The Darcys hire a complete stranger to substitute for the housekeeper and pay her an outrageous sum. The master of Pemberley and the newest employee both pine for each other from afar. Later he comes to Hertfordshire and manages to offend people of Meryton because that's what he does. Initially Darcy worried about class differences and whether Elizabeth could cut it as the mistress of Pemberley but this question falls to the wayside and we don't hear much about how people reacted to the marriage.
It was a cute premise but the story left me a bit cold because there is sometimes more introspection than dialogue. We are told, more than shown, about how Darcy and Elizabeth fall in love. They do not interact very much at Pemberley and there are gaps that gloss over some periods of her time at Pemberley. The angst level is low, mostly just ODC thinking that their love cannot be. Wickham makes an appearance but doesn't have time to cause any real harm.
There is an epilogue in which the reader is told about the fates of some people who didn't appear in the main story.
It was a cute premise but the story left me a bit cold because there is sometimes more introspection than dialogue. We are told, more than shown, about how Darcy and Elizabeth fall in love. They do not interact very much at Pemberley and there are gaps that gloss over some periods of her time at Pemberley. The angst level is low, mostly just ODC thinking that their love cannot be. Wickham makes an appearance but doesn't have time to cause any real harm.
There is an epilogue in which the reader is told about the fates of some people who didn't appear in the main story.
September 19, 2021
Don't let the beginning dissuade you.
I almost didn't read this charming book because of the first chapter of so. Spoiler- it begins with something so reminiscent of our own current world troubles I nearly could not continue ( I read P & P variations to escape the current tragedies playing out, not relive them!). Also the initial impression of Darcy is BORING.
Dear reader, do trudge on, this book is a sparkling little gem who simply needs plucked out if that first impression mud. It's quite lovely and sparkly underneath; the rest of the book felt nothing like those first dull chapters. Do read on! Darcy is charming, the chemistry is good and the characters well done. Low angst, clean and a good HEA.
I almost didn't read this charming book because of the first chapter of so. Spoiler- it begins with something so reminiscent of our own current world troubles I nearly could not continue ( I read P & P variations to escape the current tragedies playing out, not relive them!). Also the initial impression of Darcy is BORING.
Dear reader, do trudge on, this book is a sparkling little gem who simply needs plucked out if that first impression mud. It's quite lovely and sparkly underneath; the rest of the book felt nothing like those first dull chapters. Do read on! Darcy is charming, the chemistry is good and the characters well done. Low angst, clean and a good HEA.
March 3, 2023
This short novella was a quick, fun read and an interesting twist on the classic Pride & Prejudice plot. Elizabeth goes to work at Pemberley for 3 months at the recommendation of her aunt in Lambton to temporarily replace the housekeeper who is ill. She wants to bring home the generous salary to help her father who has chronically, mishandled his estate. She forms an immediate attachment to Darcy and he to her, but of course it remains unspoken. She returns home after the 3 month assignment is over, and her father is pleased to have the extra cash. From here on, many of the familiar characters and scenes from P&P are included, but the action is on fast forward without a lot of detail. Though I enjoyed the reimagined storyline, I definitely missed Austen’s witty dialog, and the sparks that flew between Elizabeth and Darcy as a result of the series of misunderstandings.
December 21, 2021
Miss Elizabeth Bennett meets Mr. Darcy when Pemberly is in need of help.
Miss Elizabeth Bennett is truly remarkable. She readily comes to the aide of her family. Though only her Father and her Sister Jane are aware of the details, she has taken on employment in Derbyshire at Pemberly. I was delighted how this telling of so familiar a tale zeroed in on the feelings of both Elizabeth and Darcy as well as the relationships of family and friends. I also appreciated the way certain loose ends were satisfactorily tied up. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I'm sure you will too.
Miss Elizabeth Bennett is truly remarkable. She readily comes to the aide of her family. Though only her Father and her Sister Jane are aware of the details, she has taken on employment in Derbyshire at Pemberly. I was delighted how this telling of so familiar a tale zeroed in on the feelings of both Elizabeth and Darcy as well as the relationships of family and friends. I also appreciated the way certain loose ends were satisfactorily tied up. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I'm sure you will too.
September 10, 2023
I usually don't write a review for the pride and prejudice variations I read. But I will write one for this novella.
It is incredibly well written, credible and quick. I loved how it showed the real Mr Darcy from the start and how talking to the staff changed everything.
I mean, we all know how it is going to end, but the journey is what makes this kind of books fun.
And this book was a short but intensely beautiful journey towards love with minimal angst and much less miscommunication than the original.
It is incredibly well written, credible and quick. I loved how it showed the real Mr Darcy from the start and how talking to the staff changed everything.
I mean, we all know how it is going to end, but the journey is what makes this kind of books fun.
And this book was a short but intensely beautiful journey towards love with minimal angst and much less miscommunication than the original.
March 19, 2024
I typically don’t care for novellas….
I usually have a hard time sinking fully into the characters and storyline in a novella. Not, however, with this one. I suppose having read over 1200 P&P adaptations, I already have enough back story and investment in the characters. But I won’t lie, I liked this particular variation so much that I wish there had been more time to explore what it was like for E at P working with Mrs. R. Regardless, I was delighted with the story. There were no typos and there was even the correct use of “the Misses Bennet” so extra points were given. :)
I usually have a hard time sinking fully into the characters and storyline in a novella. Not, however, with this one. I suppose having read over 1200 P&P adaptations, I already have enough back story and investment in the characters. But I won’t lie, I liked this particular variation so much that I wish there had been more time to explore what it was like for E at P working with Mrs. R. Regardless, I was delighted with the story. There were no typos and there was even the correct use of “the Misses Bennet” so extra points were given. :)
August 30, 2021
A good entertaining book, I was rather sorry that it was a story when I came to the end. It took me a few hours to read it.
The author knows how to draw the compilations ’ attention and quietly moves the characters like on a chess table so the story goes on pleasantly and avoiding nonessential angst.
A romantic “Pride and Prejudice” variation that I enjoyed reading. It is an extremely well written, has an interesting plot and a successful way to develop it.
The author knows how to draw the compilations ’ attention and quietly moves the characters like on a chess table so the story goes on pleasantly and avoiding nonessential angst.
A romantic “Pride and Prejudice” variation that I enjoyed reading. It is an extremely well written, has an interesting plot and a successful way to develop it.
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