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Being Mrs Darcy
One distressing night in Ramsgate, Elizabeth Bennet impulsively offers Georgiana Darcy aid. Scandalous rumors soon surround the ladies and Fitzwilliam Darcy, forcing Elizabeth and Darcy, strangers to each other, to marry. Darcy despises everything about his marriage to the daughter of an insignificant country gentleman with vulgar relations. Georgiana, humiliated after a near-elopement with George Wickham and full of Darcy pride, hates her new sister. Their family look upon Elizabeth with suspicion and do little to hide their sentiments. Separated from those who love her, Elizabeth is desperate to prove herself to her new family despite their disdain. Just as she loses all hope, Darcy learns to want her good opinion. He will have to face his prejudices and uncover the depths Georgiana’s misdeeds to earn it, and Elizabeth will have to learn to trust him if she is to ever to find happiness being Mrs Darcy.
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First published March 16, 2020
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About the author
Lucy Marin
25 books92 followersLucy Marin developed a love for reading at a young age and whiled away many hours imagining how stories might continue or what would happen if there was a change in the circumstances faced by the protagonists. After reading her first Austen novel, a life-long ardent admiration was borne. Lucy was introduced to the world of Austen variations after stumbling across one at a used bookstore while on holiday in London. This led to the discovery of the online world of Jane Austen Fan Fiction and, soon after, she picked up her pen and began to transfer the stories in her head to paper.
Lucy lives in Toronto, Canada surrounded by hundreds of books and a loving family. She teaches environmental studies, loves animals and trees and exploring the world around her.
Lucy lives in Toronto, Canada surrounded by hundreds of books and a loving family. She teaches environmental studies, loves animals and trees and exploring the world around her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
January 20, 2024
Georgiana being Ms.Bingley 2.0 was not what I signed up for. Finding a decent fanfiction is so tricky, damn.
January 5, 2025
No good deed goes unpunished. ~ Oscar Wilde
Elizabeth Bennet’s good deed? Overhearing a man and a girl in a heated argument and interfering to save the young lady.
Elizabeth Bennet’s punishment? She must marry the girl’s brother to forestall scandal involving both families.
In the long run wives are to be paid in a peculiar coin — consideration for their feelings. As it usually turns out this is an enormous, unthinkable inflation few men will remit, or if they will, only with a sense of being overcharged. ~ Elizabeth Hardwick
Elizabeth’s husband, one Fitzwilliam Darcy, is so convinced that Elizabeth is the only one to gain from their marriage that he shows no consideration for her feelings at all. Oh, he arranges for his Aunt to take her shopping for a wardrobe that won’t disgrace the family. He allows her to redecorate the mistress’ quarters which haven’t been used since Lady Anne Darcy’s death. He arranges a suitable horse for her and instructs his grooms to give her riding lessons. It never once occurs to him to attend to her riding lessons himself, much less to ride with her. After all, a wardrobe is all a wife wants, isn’t it?
Quote from the book: She should be pleased with her situation, and she is. He brushed aside such minor irritations as Miss Simms’s insult; Elizabeth had too much wit to mind what such a ridiculous lady said. She gained a great deal by our marriage, and she is the envy of many, to be my wife and mistress of Pemberley. I am glad she can appreciate it.
Even worse attitude comes from her new sister-in-law who is not a sweet, shy little soul. Imagine, Elizabeth removed one day from an active home with parents and four sisters with varying degrees of sense, nurture, and boisterousness and placed in a house (not at all a home) with a cold, detached husband and an openly hostile new sister. Her extended family ranges from Lady Catherine and Anne de Bourgh who feel cheated by her scheming ways to the Fitzwilliams who worry only for their own social position. In a switch from the usual JAFF variation, Colonel Fitzwilliam is less sympathetic to Elizabeth than his older brother Sterling, the Viscount.
Quote from the book: If she dared, she would tell them that she had no wish to be part of their family, and ask that they get on with deciding how they would trick society into believing she and Darcy had married for love, and that his relations were delighted with the match.
If you are afraid of loneliness, don't marry. ~ Anton Chekhov
After a brief stay in London, the Darcys journey to Pemberley where Elizabeth tries her best to learn her duties as Mistress of such a large estate. The first person to notice the new Mrs. Darcy has redeeming qualities is Mrs. Reynolds. Other characters took much longer, in part because of certain inexactitudes – lies – Georgiana conveyed to them.
Darcy is convinced the issues between his wife and his sister are being created by his wife.
Quote from the book: I shall observe them over the next week. If they are not then being more companionable, I shall remind Elizabeth she must make more of an effort. After all, Georgiana is young and naturally reserved, and it has been a difficult time for her. Elizabeth will have to be understanding and be the one to extend a friendly hand.
At last … we arrive at the Hunsford Moment which in this case was at Pemberley.
Separation follows. What will it take for Darcy to finally see a viewpoint other than his own?
Quote from the book: “I do not care,” Sterling said slowly, “who her father is, or how the rest of her family acts. There is nothing wrong with Elizabeth’s manner, and, lest anyone has forgotten, let me remind you that she is Mrs. Darcy because of something Georgiana did. Elizabeth prevented Georgiana from ruining her reputation, if not her life, and dragging us all into scandal.”
Yeah, you tell ‘em, Sterling!
Take a moment to admire the cover art chosen for this book: a couple sitting together but separated; a man petting his dog and ignoring his wife. What a complete picture of the story inside! My dog approves the concept but most of us non-canines will believe the spouse requires some attention as well.
This is another story that has been hidden at a Fan Fiction site for years. It is well-edited and proofread. I applaud the author and Quills and Quartos for making this available to many more readers and recommend it to anyone who enjoys JAFF.
I received an early copy of this book with no promise of a review, good or bad.
The marriage of convenience has this to recommend it: we are better judges of convenience than we are of love. ~ Mignon McLaughlin
Elizabeth Bennet’s good deed? Overhearing a man and a girl in a heated argument and interfering to save the young lady.
Elizabeth Bennet’s punishment? She must marry the girl’s brother to forestall scandal involving both families.
In the long run wives are to be paid in a peculiar coin — consideration for their feelings. As it usually turns out this is an enormous, unthinkable inflation few men will remit, or if they will, only with a sense of being overcharged. ~ Elizabeth Hardwick
Elizabeth’s husband, one Fitzwilliam Darcy, is so convinced that Elizabeth is the only one to gain from their marriage that he shows no consideration for her feelings at all. Oh, he arranges for his Aunt to take her shopping for a wardrobe that won’t disgrace the family. He allows her to redecorate the mistress’ quarters which haven’t been used since Lady Anne Darcy’s death. He arranges a suitable horse for her and instructs his grooms to give her riding lessons. It never once occurs to him to attend to her riding lessons himself, much less to ride with her. After all, a wardrobe is all a wife wants, isn’t it?
Quote from the book: She should be pleased with her situation, and she is. He brushed aside such minor irritations as Miss Simms’s insult; Elizabeth had too much wit to mind what such a ridiculous lady said. She gained a great deal by our marriage, and she is the envy of many, to be my wife and mistress of Pemberley. I am glad she can appreciate it.
Even worse attitude comes from her new sister-in-law who is not a sweet, shy little soul. Imagine, Elizabeth removed one day from an active home with parents and four sisters with varying degrees of sense, nurture, and boisterousness and placed in a house (not at all a home) with a cold, detached husband and an openly hostile new sister. Her extended family ranges from Lady Catherine and Anne de Bourgh who feel cheated by her scheming ways to the Fitzwilliams who worry only for their own social position. In a switch from the usual JAFF variation, Colonel Fitzwilliam is less sympathetic to Elizabeth than his older brother Sterling, the Viscount.
Quote from the book: If she dared, she would tell them that she had no wish to be part of their family, and ask that they get on with deciding how they would trick society into believing she and Darcy had married for love, and that his relations were delighted with the match.
If you are afraid of loneliness, don't marry. ~ Anton Chekhov
After a brief stay in London, the Darcys journey to Pemberley where Elizabeth tries her best to learn her duties as Mistress of such a large estate. The first person to notice the new Mrs. Darcy has redeeming qualities is Mrs. Reynolds. Other characters took much longer, in part because of certain inexactitudes – lies – Georgiana conveyed to them.
Darcy is convinced the issues between his wife and his sister are being created by his wife.
Quote from the book: I shall observe them over the next week. If they are not then being more companionable, I shall remind Elizabeth she must make more of an effort. After all, Georgiana is young and naturally reserved, and it has been a difficult time for her. Elizabeth will have to be understanding and be the one to extend a friendly hand.
At last … we arrive at the Hunsford Moment which in this case was at Pemberley.
Separation follows. What will it take for Darcy to finally see a viewpoint other than his own?
Quote from the book: “I do not care,” Sterling said slowly, “who her father is, or how the rest of her family acts. There is nothing wrong with Elizabeth’s manner, and, lest anyone has forgotten, let me remind you that she is Mrs. Darcy because of something Georgiana did. Elizabeth prevented Georgiana from ruining her reputation, if not her life, and dragging us all into scandal.”
Yeah, you tell ‘em, Sterling!
Take a moment to admire the cover art chosen for this book: a couple sitting together but separated; a man petting his dog and ignoring his wife. What a complete picture of the story inside! My dog approves the concept but most of us non-canines will believe the spouse requires some attention as well.
This is another story that has been hidden at a Fan Fiction site for years. It is well-edited and proofread. I applaud the author and Quills and Quartos for making this available to many more readers and recommend it to anyone who enjoys JAFF.
I received an early copy of this book with no promise of a review, good or bad.
The marriage of convenience has this to recommend it: we are better judges of convenience than we are of love. ~ Mignon McLaughlin
March 25, 2020
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
I received an ARC of this story with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise.
This is a moving story written by an extremely talented author. Very angsty. It has all the usual Pride and Prejudice characters, but the way it throws them together is completely different from canon.
Things begin in Ramsgate, where Mr. Bennet has brought Elizabeth and Jane in hopes that the fresh sea air will help the latter recover from an illness. When Elizabeth observes a man in a heated argument with a gently bred girl and forcing her toward a carriage outside her window, she feels compelled to help. Her intervention slows Wickham down just enough for Mr. Darcy to arrive. This allows Georgiana Darcy to escape Wickham's clutches, but the odd interaction is observed by enough people to elicit scandalous gossip.
Darcy feels honor-bound to marry the woman who saved his sister but is appalled to discover she's so below his social circle. Mr. Bennet is furious about this and shows no empathy for Elizabeth - he has no use for society's elite and is angry with her for meddling in something that was none of her business. Moreover, rather than feeling grateful, Georgiana is more of a snob than her brother and goes out of her way to snub his new wife. The entire Fitzwilliam family is the same. They put Elizabeth through the wringer, looking down their noses at her, making it clear that they consider her an interloper in their family and expect her to embarrass them among the ton.
Elizabeth's Aunt Gardiner, having some knowledge of the Darcy family from growing up in nearly Lambton, advises her to be patient and try to do whatever she can to create a positive relationship with her husband. The new Mrs. Darcy does so, but all her efforts are either criticized or unnoticed. Georgiana is a spoiled brat who becomes more and more adept at manipulating her brother and Colonel Fitzwilliam, making it appear that Elizabeth is rude to HER. The various snubs and lack of consideration for Elizabeth's perspective through much of the first part of the book is heartbreaking. By the time Darcy recognizes what a gem his wife is, she's given up on him and he has lots of penance to do.
Of course, Darcy and Elizabeth end up madly in love with each other - that's a given in all of JAFF. How they get there is quite the poignant journey as they deal with many obstacles, not the least of which is... themselves.
It's a wonderful story, and I'm very impressed with the author's writing chops. She really pulls every drip of emotion out of the situation. Most of the characters are three-dimensional, though I find Elizabeth too perfect and too stoic. With all she's put through, surrounded by not a single soul who cares about her for months and months, she only cries twice?? She never attempts to defend herself against Georgiana's lies and says exactly the right thing in every situation. When she finally does blow up, she regrets that even though it was long overdue. This girl is a shoe-in for sainthood. After a while, she didn't feel believable to me.
My bigger critique is about the editing. I know quite a lot was chopped from the original online version. However, this is still quite a long book and more should have been pruned. Some scenes are repeated so we get the point of view first of Elizabeth, then of Darcy (or visa-versa), and then later it's recounted again when they talk about it. Three times for the reader to get the same information? Just no. To show both points of view, it could have been revised to be a true omniscient narration rather than two limited narrations. While the dialogue throughout is excellent, there's still an awful lot of telling rather than showing as well as detailed (and sometimes repetitious) analysis of Darcy's and Elizabeth's thoughts. All the above slows the story down unnecessarily.
I honestly considered giving this only 3 stars, but Ms. Marin's work deserves better than that. Her editors do not.
I received an ARC of this story with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise.
This is a moving story written by an extremely talented author. Very angsty. It has all the usual Pride and Prejudice characters, but the way it throws them together is completely different from canon.
Things begin in Ramsgate, where Mr. Bennet has brought Elizabeth and Jane in hopes that the fresh sea air will help the latter recover from an illness. When Elizabeth observes a man in a heated argument with a gently bred girl and forcing her toward a carriage outside her window, she feels compelled to help. Her intervention slows Wickham down just enough for Mr. Darcy to arrive. This allows Georgiana Darcy to escape Wickham's clutches, but the odd interaction is observed by enough people to elicit scandalous gossip.
Darcy feels honor-bound to marry the woman who saved his sister but is appalled to discover she's so below his social circle. Mr. Bennet is furious about this and shows no empathy for Elizabeth - he has no use for society's elite and is angry with her for meddling in something that was none of her business. Moreover, rather than feeling grateful, Georgiana is more of a snob than her brother and goes out of her way to snub his new wife. The entire Fitzwilliam family is the same. They put Elizabeth through the wringer, looking down their noses at her, making it clear that they consider her an interloper in their family and expect her to embarrass them among the ton.
Elizabeth's Aunt Gardiner, having some knowledge of the Darcy family from growing up in nearly Lambton, advises her to be patient and try to do whatever she can to create a positive relationship with her husband. The new Mrs. Darcy does so, but all her efforts are either criticized or unnoticed. Georgiana is a spoiled brat who becomes more and more adept at manipulating her brother and Colonel Fitzwilliam, making it appear that Elizabeth is rude to HER. The various snubs and lack of consideration for Elizabeth's perspective through much of the first part of the book is heartbreaking. By the time Darcy recognizes what a gem his wife is, she's given up on him and he has lots of penance to do.
Of course, Darcy and Elizabeth end up madly in love with each other - that's a given in all of JAFF. How they get there is quite the poignant journey as they deal with many obstacles, not the least of which is... themselves.
It's a wonderful story, and I'm very impressed with the author's writing chops. She really pulls every drip of emotion out of the situation. Most of the characters are three-dimensional, though I find Elizabeth too perfect and too stoic. With all she's put through, surrounded by not a single soul who cares about her for months and months, she only cries twice?? She never attempts to defend herself against Georgiana's lies and says exactly the right thing in every situation. When she finally does blow up, she regrets that even though it was long overdue. This girl is a shoe-in for sainthood. After a while, she didn't feel believable to me.
My bigger critique is about the editing. I know quite a lot was chopped from the original online version. However, this is still quite a long book and more should have been pruned. Some scenes are repeated so we get the point of view first of Elizabeth, then of Darcy (or visa-versa), and then later it's recounted again when they talk about it. Three times for the reader to get the same information? Just no. To show both points of view, it could have been revised to be a true omniscient narration rather than two limited narrations. While the dialogue throughout is excellent, there's still an awful lot of telling rather than showing as well as detailed (and sometimes repetitious) analysis of Darcy's and Elizabeth's thoughts. All the above slows the story down unnecessarily.
I honestly considered giving this only 3 stars, but Ms. Marin's work deserves better than that. Her editors do not.
January 15, 2025
Unputdownable!
Masterly executed forced marriage scenario!
A slow burner that held my attention in an iron grip from start to finish. I would give it 10* if I could.
Featured a somewhat badass Darcy who was forced into marriage with someone far beneath him by the folly of his own sister.
Elizabeth held her head high and faced adversity with strength and poise.
The change had to come from within as neither were without fault. The development of their relationship and their personal growth showed a brilliant insight into human nature.
I absolutely loved it!
Heartily recommend this book!
Rated: Chaste (Although there were allusions to marital relations it was done in a convoluted way.)
Masterly executed forced marriage scenario!
A slow burner that held my attention in an iron grip from start to finish. I would give it 10* if I could.
Featured a somewhat badass Darcy who was forced into marriage with someone far beneath him by the folly of his own sister.
Elizabeth held her head high and faced adversity with strength and poise.
The change had to come from within as neither were without fault. The development of their relationship and their personal growth showed a brilliant insight into human nature.
I absolutely loved it!
Heartily recommend this book!
Rated: Chaste (Although there were allusions to marital relations it was done in a convoluted way.)
March 18, 2020
Rating: 49 chapters: PG13 – suggestive: Angst meter: high to extreme
Ramsgate! Anyone who knows anything about Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice will immediately cringe at the very mention of that seaside town. We all know what happened at Ramsgate. Our author, Lucy Marin, tweaked the story a bit by having Mr. Bennet, Jane and Elizabeth residing at Ramsgate for Jane’s health. One dreadful night Elizabeth Bennet interceded between a young girl being imposed upon by an older man. When the girl’s brother arrived all you-know-what hit the fan. The consequences for Elizabeth’s rashness caused a scandal that involved the Bennet and Darcy families and resulted in a forced marriage between Elizabeth and the girl’s brother, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley. At this point, they hardly knew each other and neither was thrilled at being forced into anything let alone marriage to a stranger.
Mr. Bennet was furious with Lizzy; she should have minded her own business. Mr. Darcy was furious with George Wickham; how dare he even speak to Georgiana, let alone attempting what he did. Darcy, although grateful to Elizabeth for helping his sister, was furious at being forced into a marriage with someone so decidedly beneath him. Again, JAFF fans will recognize echoes of his opinion of the Bennet family from his canon pre-DHP [Disastrous Hunsford Proposal] attitude and before Elizabeth enlightened him as to his arrogance and his selfish… etc., etc.
Throughout a great portion of this long story, we have Elizabeth walking on egg-shells around Pemberley, Darcy, Georgiana, their Darcy relations, the Fitzwilliam relations, the Derbyshire neighbors, his dogs, and his horses. Well, maybe not those last two. Poor Elizabeth, in her attempt at forging a life of her own, felt isolated and constantly under scrutiny among Darcy’s friends and family. She could not receive ANY of her relations. Her father, in his anger at her rashness, refused to send Jane to her for six months and yet, through it all, Elizabeth attempted to make the best of her situation. Darcy, on the other hand… I wanted to tweak his pointy-little-head. Grrr!
This was a multi-thread story with Darcy, Elizabeth, and Georgiana all trying to make the best of a horrible situation [Ok, a train wreck], in their own way. The problem with that? None of them were on the same track or even headed in the same direction.
“Teenagers. Everything is so apocalyptic.” –Kami Garcia, Beautiful Creatures
Georgiana: little harridan… mini Lady Catherine [if you can imagine] in her attitude and condescension. Petulant 15-year-old wallowing in the worst throes of teenage hormones and angst. She was a child in a woman’s body. She wanted what she wanted but when things didn’t go as she thought it should, she reverted to the teen-angst of someone much younger. Spoiled, self-centered, self-absorbed and wholly immersed in ‘the world revolves around me’ attitude. Stubborn to the point she refused to accept her part in anything and take responsibility for her own actions. She had her two male guardians wrapped around her little finger until she got cocky and slipped up in her half-truths… ah, heck… she lied a blue streak. Everything was the fault of someone else… namely Elizabeth Bennet. She refused to call her a Darcy, she felt she didn’t deserve the title. Georgiana considered herself the heroine of her own novel, which was all she read. Her being punished was ‘so not fair.’ La!! Does this sound like Lydia? The confrontation between her and her brother was the best, EVER. He was horrified when he learned of her actions and treachery toward and against Elizabeth.
“A monster. You and your friends, all of you. Pretty monsters. It’s a stage all girls go through. If you’re lucky you get through it without doing any permanent damage to yourself or anyone else.” –Kelly Link
Angst meter: set at high to extreme. We spent a lot of time in the heads of our characters. A lot! Darcy was angry and his attitude and feelings demonstrated that fact. Elizabeth spent the majority of her time simply existing in a situation nearly unendurable. As far as Georgiana was concerned, she was a little snot that needed to be shipped off somewhere until she grew up. The little termagant was horrid to Elizabeth. She was jealous if any of her relations were kind to Elizabeth and didn’t shower her with their undivided attention, which she was convinced SHE deserved. This was a long story and that page-time loitering in the heads of Darcy and Elizabeth grew a bit tedious as they worked their way toward their understanding, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Grrr! We would read about their experience, then Elizabeth would think about how to understand it. Then we would be in Darcy’s head as he ruminated over the same situation. It could have been trimmed quite a bit. I wanted more romance time and less angst over their misunderstanding. There wasn’t an epilogue so I have no idea what happened with any of the characters. We were pointed in certain directions for their futures but, who knows if it came about?
3-1-20: I received an ARC from Quills & Quartos Publishing with no expectations of a review positive or otherwise. The views expressed are my own thoughts. I had originally read this on one of the fanfiction forums and had given it 5-stars at that time. My thoughts have not changed. Finished 3-3-20
Ramsgate! Anyone who knows anything about Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice will immediately cringe at the very mention of that seaside town. We all know what happened at Ramsgate. Our author, Lucy Marin, tweaked the story a bit by having Mr. Bennet, Jane and Elizabeth residing at Ramsgate for Jane’s health. One dreadful night Elizabeth Bennet interceded between a young girl being imposed upon by an older man. When the girl’s brother arrived all you-know-what hit the fan. The consequences for Elizabeth’s rashness caused a scandal that involved the Bennet and Darcy families and resulted in a forced marriage between Elizabeth and the girl’s brother, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley. At this point, they hardly knew each other and neither was thrilled at being forced into anything let alone marriage to a stranger.
Mr. Bennet was furious with Lizzy; she should have minded her own business. Mr. Darcy was furious with George Wickham; how dare he even speak to Georgiana, let alone attempting what he did. Darcy, although grateful to Elizabeth for helping his sister, was furious at being forced into a marriage with someone so decidedly beneath him. Again, JAFF fans will recognize echoes of his opinion of the Bennet family from his canon pre-DHP [Disastrous Hunsford Proposal] attitude and before Elizabeth enlightened him as to his arrogance and his selfish… etc., etc.
Throughout a great portion of this long story, we have Elizabeth walking on egg-shells around Pemberley, Darcy, Georgiana, their Darcy relations, the Fitzwilliam relations, the Derbyshire neighbors, his dogs, and his horses. Well, maybe not those last two. Poor Elizabeth, in her attempt at forging a life of her own, felt isolated and constantly under scrutiny among Darcy’s friends and family. She could not receive ANY of her relations. Her father, in his anger at her rashness, refused to send Jane to her for six months and yet, through it all, Elizabeth attempted to make the best of her situation. Darcy, on the other hand… I wanted to tweak his pointy-little-head. Grrr!
This was a multi-thread story with Darcy, Elizabeth, and Georgiana all trying to make the best of a horrible situation [Ok, a train wreck], in their own way. The problem with that? None of them were on the same track or even headed in the same direction.
“Teenagers. Everything is so apocalyptic.” –Kami Garcia, Beautiful Creatures
Georgiana: little harridan… mini Lady Catherine [if you can imagine] in her attitude and condescension. Petulant 15-year-old wallowing in the worst throes of teenage hormones and angst. She was a child in a woman’s body. She wanted what she wanted but when things didn’t go as she thought it should, she reverted to the teen-angst of someone much younger. Spoiled, self-centered, self-absorbed and wholly immersed in ‘the world revolves around me’ attitude. Stubborn to the point she refused to accept her part in anything and take responsibility for her own actions. She had her two male guardians wrapped around her little finger until she got cocky and slipped up in her half-truths… ah, heck… she lied a blue streak. Everything was the fault of someone else… namely Elizabeth Bennet. She refused to call her a Darcy, she felt she didn’t deserve the title. Georgiana considered herself the heroine of her own novel, which was all she read. Her being punished was ‘so not fair.’ La!! Does this sound like Lydia? The confrontation between her and her brother was the best, EVER. He was horrified when he learned of her actions and treachery toward and against Elizabeth.
“A monster. You and your friends, all of you. Pretty monsters. It’s a stage all girls go through. If you’re lucky you get through it without doing any permanent damage to yourself or anyone else.” –Kelly Link
Angst meter: set at high to extreme. We spent a lot of time in the heads of our characters. A lot! Darcy was angry and his attitude and feelings demonstrated that fact. Elizabeth spent the majority of her time simply existing in a situation nearly unendurable. As far as Georgiana was concerned, she was a little snot that needed to be shipped off somewhere until she grew up. The little termagant was horrid to Elizabeth. She was jealous if any of her relations were kind to Elizabeth and didn’t shower her with their undivided attention, which she was convinced SHE deserved. This was a long story and that page-time loitering in the heads of Darcy and Elizabeth grew a bit tedious as they worked their way toward their understanding, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Grrr! We would read about their experience, then Elizabeth would think about how to understand it. Then we would be in Darcy’s head as he ruminated over the same situation. It could have been trimmed quite a bit. I wanted more romance time and less angst over their misunderstanding. There wasn’t an epilogue so I have no idea what happened with any of the characters. We were pointed in certain directions for their futures but, who knows if it came about?
3-1-20: I received an ARC from Quills & Quartos Publishing with no expectations of a review positive or otherwise. The views expressed are my own thoughts. I had originally read this on one of the fanfiction forums and had given it 5-stars at that time. My thoughts have not changed. Finished 3-3-20
July 8, 2020
Not Cinderella
The first 85% of the story is a more realistic story on how Lizzy and Darcy might have married. Lizzy helps prevent Georgiana forced elopement with Wickham. Some Ramsgate gossip causes Darcy to marry Lizzy, who he knows not at all, to save Lizzy and Georgiana from ruined reputations.
Never did a marriage start out so poorly. Darcy hates being married to someone from so low a society level and hates the Bennet family for being so vulgar and uneducated most of them are.
Darcy and nearly all his relations are understanding on how such a bad marriage came to be but are totally dismissive of Lizzy. Many of them are actively mean and rude to her and this includes Darcy. They are all ate up with their aristocratic importance and sneer at the new Mrs. Darcy.
A great deal of the book is about how Lizzy is treated and how seemingly hopeless her marriage is. Interestingly the usual villains are not important to the story. Lady Catherine, Wickham, and the Bingley sisters have zero power over Darcy and Georgiana. No one is polite to them when they act up and are shuffled off the stage as quickly as they would have been in real life.
The same is true of the Bennets and Gardiners. They are of lower class to Darcy’s family so are just ignored. Lizzy is painfully alone in her new world. She is often sad and learns to distrust everyone around her.
The story is as about Lizzy chipping her way through society’s veneer and making a place in her new marriage. Toward the end we veer into HEA mode when Darcy changes into a vastly superior man from where he starts from. Some of his relations also accept Lizzy so the last 15% of the book is the happy ending.
Lizzy comes to appreciate her mother a little, for she has a horrible husband too and Lizzy’s view of her father is finally clear and she thinks well of him not at all.
The story was grand. Hard to put down except for a little slow going in the middle. I recommend the book highly..
The first 85% of the story is a more realistic story on how Lizzy and Darcy might have married. Lizzy helps prevent Georgiana forced elopement with Wickham. Some Ramsgate gossip causes Darcy to marry Lizzy, who he knows not at all, to save Lizzy and Georgiana from ruined reputations.
Never did a marriage start out so poorly. Darcy hates being married to someone from so low a society level and hates the Bennet family for being so vulgar and uneducated most of them are.
Darcy and nearly all his relations are understanding on how such a bad marriage came to be but are totally dismissive of Lizzy. Many of them are actively mean and rude to her and this includes Darcy. They are all ate up with their aristocratic importance and sneer at the new Mrs. Darcy.
A great deal of the book is about how Lizzy is treated and how seemingly hopeless her marriage is. Interestingly the usual villains are not important to the story. Lady Catherine, Wickham, and the Bingley sisters have zero power over Darcy and Georgiana. No one is polite to them when they act up and are shuffled off the stage as quickly as they would have been in real life.
The same is true of the Bennets and Gardiners. They are of lower class to Darcy’s family so are just ignored. Lizzy is painfully alone in her new world. She is often sad and learns to distrust everyone around her.
The story is as about Lizzy chipping her way through society’s veneer and making a place in her new marriage. Toward the end we veer into HEA mode when Darcy changes into a vastly superior man from where he starts from. Some of his relations also accept Lizzy so the last 15% of the book is the happy ending.
Lizzy comes to appreciate her mother a little, for she has a horrible husband too and Lizzy’s view of her father is finally clear and she thinks well of him not at all.
The story was grand. Hard to put down except for a little slow going in the middle. I recommend the book highly..
February 23, 2021
A Solid JAFF
Synopsis:
After Lizzy rushes to Georgiana's aid in Brighton foiling Wickham's scheme, she and Darcy must wed to quell the stench of scandal that threatens to ruin both their families.
This yarn is largely focused on Lizzy’s trials and tribulations joining the Darcy- Fitzwilliams in a very unwelcoming & isolated environment as his whole family is upset at the degradation of the union and fear the ton's reaction to it.
In light of all the animosity hurled at her, being married to a stranger who doesn't put in any effort to know or give her a chance and having a crazy brat entitled sister, Lizzy steers her focus to more important things, like redecorating
Nothing in way of a plot really happens as it's a bit more of a slice of life; we witness Lizzy grow confident in her position, host a bunch of parties, take care of Pemberley's tenants, Darcy start to notice her and her merits as well as very slow start to like her romantically.
Lizzy does eventually hit a very satisfying boiling point and tells Darcy what she really thinks and he is in utter denial over any wrong doing
Darcy has ‘Hunsford Moment’ and realizes Lizzy reproofs were natural & just
♕ Georgiana is a baddie and goes out of her way to make Lizzy's life a misery.
She gets just railed for preferring novels to everything else and I gotta say I felt a bit called out,
That Which Pleased:
❀Lizzy is incredibly strong in an impossible situation
I thought Lizzy very rational in all her decisions, which I appreciated as nothing is a greater punishment to a reader than an intolerably dumb protagonist, and many FMS have Lizzy reverting to adolescent and acting out provokingly.
Unfortunately as a result, in an effort not to poke the bear, Lizzy had to keep so much about herself under wraps; her teasing manner, her caring heart, bestowing deserved set downs and her impertinence.
❀The writing is without reproach and there are some very pretty lines
❀It flowed very well and I was well tied up in the narrative that I became lost to the world while reading.
That Which Offended:
✗It drags a bit, especially as we approach the final descent i.e. the last 10%
✗ Darcy was too patient and slow to act when he understood the problems and instead of inciting a dialogue he let them simmer and resolve themselves, this was Negative Motivation
I have recently learned of 'Negative Motivation'- thanks to another Goodreads reviewer who champions the term- which is when a character decides not to do anything actively to solve a conflict that is entirely in their power to solve, so this is a hinderance since;
a. The conflict devolves into an artificial construct since the reader knows the character could just fix it if they wanted to, but doesn't to drag it out
b. Inaction is a burden to the plot, makes it stale
✗ There was a lot of dredging up Georgiana's behavior, discussing all her sins, which is fine, just a bit tedious and drawn out for my taste
✗ The climax, or should I say lack thereof. Since it was more slice of life the resolutions creep in gradually which robs the story of having much in way of risk or stakes, there is no time crunch element and thus when ODC finally resolve their issues I found it underwhelming and boring.
Verdict:
I think it a solid piece of JAFF, although all the hesitation and slow communication detracted from my enjoyment of it.
To me P&P is laced with comedy and without the usual sources; Mrs B, Lydia, Collins, Lady C or Lizzy cracking zingers it can be a bit monotone. It is by no means depressing despite the subject matter of a loveless marriage, I was hooked and all, but I felt the story could have moved along without so much introspection and perhaps what could have achieved this is Lizzy's teasing wit coming out from hiding sooner.
I measure the quality of a JAFF by three factors, as follows;
1. Did I feel the characters acted true to Austen's character framework (allowing for changed circumstance and scenario to offer some leeway)?Yes
2. Was I engaged during the reading and not bored?Yes, though the last 10% not as much..
3. Was the writing compelling/ intelligent and was there sufficient interaction/dialogue between the main characters? Yes
Some Cast:
✰ Earl Philip Fitzwilliam
✰ Lady Romsley Fitzwilliam
✰ Viscount Sterling Bramwell
✰ Colonel Tom Fitzwilliam
✰ Mrs Horatia Darcy: aka Aunt Horry (I know- a most unfortunate appellation)
P.S. ♫Tolerate it: Taylor Swift fits the scenario spot on.
Synopsis:
After Lizzy rushes to Georgiana's aid in Brighton foiling Wickham's scheme, she and Darcy must wed to quell the stench of scandal that threatens to ruin both their families.
This yarn is largely focused on Lizzy’s trials and tribulations joining the Darcy- Fitzwilliams in a very unwelcoming & isolated environment as his whole family is upset at the degradation of the union and fear the ton's reaction to it.
In light of all the animosity hurled at her, being married to a stranger who doesn't put in any effort to know or give her a chance and having a crazy brat entitled sister, Lizzy steers her focus to more important things, like redecorating
'Perhaps once I have demonstrated that I shall not disgrace the office to which I was so unceremoniously appointed, I shall be granted more liberty.'
Nothing in way of a plot really happens as it's a bit more of a slice of life; we witness Lizzy grow confident in her position, host a bunch of parties, take care of Pemberley's tenants, Darcy start to notice her and her merits as well as very slow start to like her romantically.
Lizzy does eventually hit a very satisfying boiling point and tells Darcy what she really thinks and he is in utter denial over any wrong doing
"You have nothing of which to complain.”
“Of course,” she mocked. “What have I to complain about? What is respect or-or affection when there is social position and gowns to be had?” Before Darcy could reply, she continued, “I do not expect you to understand. You who value money and status above everything else."
Darcy has ‘Hunsford Moment’ and realizes Lizzy reproofs were natural & just
'He could feel himself on the cusp of some great, vitally important awareness.'
♕ Georgiana is a baddie and goes out of her way to make Lizzy's life a misery.
She gets just railed for preferring novels to everything else and I gotta say I felt a bit called out,
That Which Pleased:
❀Lizzy is incredibly strong in an impossible situation
I thought Lizzy very rational in all her decisions, which I appreciated as nothing is a greater punishment to a reader than an intolerably dumb protagonist, and many FMS have Lizzy reverting to adolescent and acting out provokingly.
Unfortunately as a result, in an effort not to poke the bear, Lizzy had to keep so much about herself under wraps; her teasing manner, her caring heart, bestowing deserved set downs and her impertinence.
❀The writing is without reproach and there are some very pretty lines
❀It flowed very well and I was well tied up in the narrative that I became lost to the world while reading.
That Which Offended:
✗It drags a bit, especially as we approach the final descent i.e. the last 10%
✗ Darcy was too patient and slow to act when he understood the problems and instead of inciting a dialogue he let them simmer and resolve themselves, this was Negative Motivation
I have recently learned of 'Negative Motivation'- thanks to another Goodreads reviewer who champions the term- which is when a character decides not to do anything actively to solve a conflict that is entirely in their power to solve, so this is a hinderance since;
a. The conflict devolves into an artificial construct since the reader knows the character could just fix it if they wanted to, but doesn't to drag it out
b. Inaction is a burden to the plot, makes it stale
✗ There was a lot of dredging up Georgiana's behavior, discussing all her sins, which is fine, just a bit tedious and drawn out for my taste
✗ The climax, or should I say lack thereof. Since it was more slice of life the resolutions creep in gradually which robs the story of having much in way of risk or stakes, there is no time crunch element and thus when ODC finally resolve their issues I found it underwhelming and boring.
Verdict:
I think it a solid piece of JAFF, although all the hesitation and slow communication detracted from my enjoyment of it.
To me P&P is laced with comedy and without the usual sources; Mrs B, Lydia, Collins, Lady C or Lizzy cracking zingers it can be a bit monotone. It is by no means depressing despite the subject matter of a loveless marriage, I was hooked and all, but I felt the story could have moved along without so much introspection and perhaps what could have achieved this is Lizzy's teasing wit coming out from hiding sooner.
I measure the quality of a JAFF by three factors, as follows;
1. Did I feel the characters acted true to Austen's character framework (allowing for changed circumstance and scenario to offer some leeway)?Yes
2. Was I engaged during the reading and not bored?Yes, though the last 10% not as much..
3. Was the writing compelling/ intelligent and was there sufficient interaction/dialogue between the main characters? Yes
Some Cast:
✰ Earl Philip Fitzwilliam
✰ Lady Romsley Fitzwilliam
✰ Viscount Sterling Bramwell
✰ Colonel Tom Fitzwilliam
✰ Mrs Horatia Darcy: aka Aunt Horry (I know- a most unfortunate appellation)
P.S. ♫Tolerate it: Taylor Swift fits the scenario spot on.
May 31, 2023
A forced marriage scenario, bitter recriminations, and a deeply emotional slow burn romance made for a momentous first encounter with the author’s respectful nod to Jane Austen’s most famous classic. Lucy Marin is a nearly new to me author whom I’ve been wanting to read one of her full-length stories for a while and, when I spotted Harry Frost was voicing the story, I had not a doubt in the world that I was not going to be disappointed.
Being Mrs. Darcy asks a few fundamental ‘what if’ questions in this P&P variation that takes an off scene dramatic encounter that occurred chronologically before the events of Austen’s original story that effects the whole rest of the story. First, what if Georgiana Darcy’s interrupted Ramsgate elopement had been interrupted not by Darcy, but Elizabeth? Second, what if the situation that ensued threatened to damage their reputations rather than Georgiana’s so they are forced to marry? Third, and of the greatest significance is now that their marriage takes place before his Pride has been properly humbled and he doesn’t realize the jewel of a woman he married until it is too late.
Being Mrs. Darcy separates Elizabeth, a comfortable small estate owner’s daughter, from her relatively humble origins and pitches her into the world of wealth, high society, and entitled people- literally titled, actually. Her husband is disgusted and her new sister in law hates her. Her father inexplicably sent her into exile breaking her connection with her family. And, now she is undergoing a grueling and humiliating experience with Darcy’s paternal and maternal relations while she learns what it means to be Mrs. Darcy. Isolated and lonely, she takes the good advice of her aunt and does her best, but her best will never be enough for these people.
However, slowly, Darcy is on a personal journey of the heart and Elizabeth has no idea she’s the teacher. He has all the voices from family and his own bitterness telling him he’s being punished with such a wife. Only, slowly, he realizes that she’s bright, intelligent, lovely, and his household, tenants, friends, and neighbors including his resentful sister and judgmental relations are all in Elizabeth’s good, capable hands. It takes a betrayal from one close to him and Elizabeth’s good will finally being all used up before the stunning truths all coalesce for him. Is it too late?
Being Mrs. Darcy was emotionally exhausting, but captivating to listen to. Darcy dug a deep hole and Elizabeth, well, she was pretty much a candidate for sainthood early on. The author didn’t make a forced marriage between two strangers from different social classes easy and she didn’t make it easy once everything was out in the open. Elizabeth was in agony for the first half – trust me, it got ugly with characters like a mean, uppity Georgiana with a bitter, resentful Darcy- and Darcy had to work hard for much of the second half- felt like good balance to what he put her through early on. Totally worth it to see them through it all in this strong character-driven plot which lagged at times, but steadily made it to a fabulous finish.
Harry Frost vocalized this large cast of characters masterfully and he got the emotional depth of the story so well that I went through the feels right along with the characters. His work accentuated an already fab story making it even better.
All in all, whether familiar with Austen’s work or new to it, this is an excellent choice for sweet historical romance fans who like a hard-fought forced marriage situation.
I rec'd an Audible copy from narrator to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy May 8th.
Being Mrs. Darcy asks a few fundamental ‘what if’ questions in this P&P variation that takes an off scene dramatic encounter that occurred chronologically before the events of Austen’s original story that effects the whole rest of the story. First, what if Georgiana Darcy’s interrupted Ramsgate elopement had been interrupted not by Darcy, but Elizabeth? Second, what if the situation that ensued threatened to damage their reputations rather than Georgiana’s so they are forced to marry? Third, and of the greatest significance is now that their marriage takes place before his Pride has been properly humbled and he doesn’t realize the jewel of a woman he married until it is too late.
Being Mrs. Darcy separates Elizabeth, a comfortable small estate owner’s daughter, from her relatively humble origins and pitches her into the world of wealth, high society, and entitled people- literally titled, actually. Her husband is disgusted and her new sister in law hates her. Her father inexplicably sent her into exile breaking her connection with her family. And, now she is undergoing a grueling and humiliating experience with Darcy’s paternal and maternal relations while she learns what it means to be Mrs. Darcy. Isolated and lonely, she takes the good advice of her aunt and does her best, but her best will never be enough for these people.
However, slowly, Darcy is on a personal journey of the heart and Elizabeth has no idea she’s the teacher. He has all the voices from family and his own bitterness telling him he’s being punished with such a wife. Only, slowly, he realizes that she’s bright, intelligent, lovely, and his household, tenants, friends, and neighbors including his resentful sister and judgmental relations are all in Elizabeth’s good, capable hands. It takes a betrayal from one close to him and Elizabeth’s good will finally being all used up before the stunning truths all coalesce for him. Is it too late?
Being Mrs. Darcy was emotionally exhausting, but captivating to listen to. Darcy dug a deep hole and Elizabeth, well, she was pretty much a candidate for sainthood early on. The author didn’t make a forced marriage between two strangers from different social classes easy and she didn’t make it easy once everything was out in the open. Elizabeth was in agony for the first half – trust me, it got ugly with characters like a mean, uppity Georgiana with a bitter, resentful Darcy- and Darcy had to work hard for much of the second half- felt like good balance to what he put her through early on. Totally worth it to see them through it all in this strong character-driven plot which lagged at times, but steadily made it to a fabulous finish.
Harry Frost vocalized this large cast of characters masterfully and he got the emotional depth of the story so well that I went through the feels right along with the characters. His work accentuated an already fab story making it even better.
All in all, whether familiar with Austen’s work or new to it, this is an excellent choice for sweet historical romance fans who like a hard-fought forced marriage situation.
I rec'd an Audible copy from narrator to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy May 8th.
April 14, 2025
Excellent!
I loved this book! It is very well written. It begins with Elizabeth rescuing Georgiana from Wickham at Ramsgate. This book is all about relationships—not only between Darcy and Elizabeth, but all those surrounding them, especially Georgiana and Darcy’s extended family. It was a completely refreshing change with no Netherfield being let, Hunsford, kidnappings and the usual deceitful plots by Wickham or other villains. There is some lying and deception on Georgiana’s part, however. This book will go on my list of most memorable, favorite JAFF variations. I highly recommend it. I got this book through Kindle Unlimited, but I purchased it directly so I could add it to my library.
September 21, 2020—I just finished listening to the audiobook, narrated by Harry Frost, who gives a magnificent performance of all the characters, both male and female.
May 23, 2021 - Audiobook
Finished another read listening along with the audiobook. I absolutely love this book. This read got me thinking that even though Georgiana is not very nice in this variation, I think it’s one of the best written portrayals of her, perhaps with the exception of a book written with her as the main character. I know I’ll read and listen to it again.
February 17, 2022 - Audiobook
Another observation with another listen to this book. I can’t recall another P&P variation where Colonel Fitzwilliam actually plays a strong role as co-guardian to Georgiana. While it takes a bad Georgiana to do this, it was nice seeing both guardians working together and implement the well-deserved discipline.
May 4, 2023 - Always a pleasure to re-read or re-listen to this favourite.
I loved this book! It is very well written. It begins with Elizabeth rescuing Georgiana from Wickham at Ramsgate. This book is all about relationships—not only between Darcy and Elizabeth, but all those surrounding them, especially Georgiana and Darcy’s extended family. It was a completely refreshing change with no Netherfield being let, Hunsford, kidnappings and the usual deceitful plots by Wickham or other villains. There is some lying and deception on Georgiana’s part, however. This book will go on my list of most memorable, favorite JAFF variations. I highly recommend it. I got this book through Kindle Unlimited, but I purchased it directly so I could add it to my library.
September 21, 2020—I just finished listening to the audiobook, narrated by Harry Frost, who gives a magnificent performance of all the characters, both male and female.
May 23, 2021 - Audiobook
Finished another read listening along with the audiobook. I absolutely love this book. This read got me thinking that even though Georgiana is not very nice in this variation, I think it’s one of the best written portrayals of her, perhaps with the exception of a book written with her as the main character. I know I’ll read and listen to it again.
February 17, 2022 - Audiobook
Another observation with another listen to this book. I can’t recall another P&P variation where Colonel Fitzwilliam actually plays a strong role as co-guardian to Georgiana. While it takes a bad Georgiana to do this, it was nice seeing both guardians working together and implement the well-deserved discipline.
May 4, 2023 - Always a pleasure to re-read or re-listen to this favourite.
March 19, 2022
I first read this novel online @ A Happy Assembly http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show... and read it completely once and then about half all over again. I have now received a copy with no strings attached.
This story is another FMS caused by a compromise BUT it is actually neither Darcy nor Elizabeth who are the guilty parties. However, as Darcy and others realize what his honor requires and when Mr. Bennet is forced into a corner against his will to accept Darcy’s offer you will, with dismay all too like that of Elizabeth, realize that she has no choice but to accept the marriage…for her and her family’s honor as well as to save Georgiana’s reputation.
Your heart will go out to Elizabeth as you see her facing all those predicted trials in her marriage: his and his family’s perception about the lack of connections, the lack of family, and the lack of experience at that level of society. But how does she react? Does she complain? Does she rebel? Is she full of snide comments? And when sadly, all her efforts receive no recognition, when her position is called into question, you will ache with outrage at the main perpetrator, at the betrayal set upon her.
One of my favorite parts is the reaction of Darcy when out-of-the-blue (to his mind but not to the reader’s) Elizabeth throws in his face just what her true feelings are and how she views the treatment she has received. Where he travels to and how he thinks through that conversation and to what the conversation relates step-by-step is so rewarding because as a reader I so wanted him to open his eyes, to see the other side of the coin and to put himself in her shoes for once. And that is just the first step in this dear couple coming to any kind of understanding. The word “love” is still a long way out of reach for this pair.
Darcy and Richard have some “detective” work to do within the family and in their roles as guardians to Georgiana and in considering Elizabeth’s role, past, present and future in the family also. And we additionally read of Mr. Bennet’s harsh thoughts and stance about what has happened and whose fault it all is. At times, you may want to strangle more than one person and you will surely want to shake someone severely.
Yes, this was a long and angst filled story. But personally, I loved it. There are mentions of bedroom scenes and one in particular is very necessary to the story. When life is on the line and then, suddenly that stress disappears, how do people in love react?…with passion. For me the story would not be complete without that scene. These scenes are not described graphically in the published version.
I highly recommend this story.
I did find a change in one relationship in this published version. The two sisters by marriage come to a better understanding than in the unpublished variation.
This story is another FMS caused by a compromise BUT it is actually neither Darcy nor Elizabeth who are the guilty parties. However, as Darcy and others realize what his honor requires and when Mr. Bennet is forced into a corner against his will to accept Darcy’s offer you will, with dismay all too like that of Elizabeth, realize that she has no choice but to accept the marriage…for her and her family’s honor as well as to save Georgiana’s reputation.
Your heart will go out to Elizabeth as you see her facing all those predicted trials in her marriage: his and his family’s perception about the lack of connections, the lack of family, and the lack of experience at that level of society. But how does she react? Does she complain? Does she rebel? Is she full of snide comments? And when sadly, all her efforts receive no recognition, when her position is called into question, you will ache with outrage at the main perpetrator, at the betrayal set upon her.
One of my favorite parts is the reaction of Darcy when out-of-the-blue (to his mind but not to the reader’s) Elizabeth throws in his face just what her true feelings are and how she views the treatment she has received. Where he travels to and how he thinks through that conversation and to what the conversation relates step-by-step is so rewarding because as a reader I so wanted him to open his eyes, to see the other side of the coin and to put himself in her shoes for once. And that is just the first step in this dear couple coming to any kind of understanding. The word “love” is still a long way out of reach for this pair.
Darcy and Richard have some “detective” work to do within the family and in their roles as guardians to Georgiana and in considering Elizabeth’s role, past, present and future in the family also. And we additionally read of Mr. Bennet’s harsh thoughts and stance about what has happened and whose fault it all is. At times, you may want to strangle more than one person and you will surely want to shake someone severely.
Yes, this was a long and angst filled story. But personally, I loved it. There are mentions of bedroom scenes and one in particular is very necessary to the story. When life is on the line and then, suddenly that stress disappears, how do people in love react?…with passion. For me the story would not be complete without that scene. These scenes are not described graphically in the published version.
I highly recommend this story.
I did find a change in one relationship in this published version. The two sisters by marriage come to a better understanding than in the unpublished variation.
January 10, 2021
Being Mrs. Darcy intrigued me when I heard about its premise and it made many people’s lists of favorite Austenesque novels of 2020. So I was well disposed toward it going in, despite a certain reluctance I feel about reading Austenesque novels in which the hero and heroine are married.
It begins at Ramsgate, in the summer before the canonical tale, Pride and Prejudice. Mr. Bennet and his two elder daughters have made their way to the resort for Jane Bennet’s health. One night Elizabeth sees from her window a distressing sight—a very young lady in the grip of a man some years her senior, she fearful and reluctant, he coercive. On impulse Elizabeth rushes downstairs and comes to the young lady’s aid.
The scene draws the notice of various neighbors, who become even more intrigued when another man appears, causing the first man to run away. Readers of Pride and Prejudice immediately understand what is happening: the wicked Mr. Wickham is trying to elope with the heiress Miss Darcy, and the arrival of her brother scares him off. Unfortunately, in this variation too many people are witnesses to the event and gossip begins to spread.
Fearful that his sister’s name will be besmirched and concerned that Elizabeth’s kindly gesture will lead to her name being bandied about as well, Mr. Darcy feels compelled by honor to propose to Elizabeth. Her father concurs that this is the best course to preserve her and, by extension, all her sisters from disgrace, so before she knows it, Elizabeth finds herself Mrs. Darcy.
All this is but the foundational premise; the author’s intent is not to draw out the melodrama but to paint a rich portrait of what happens when decent people are forced by circumstance into an impossible and mutually humiliating situation. Nobody is happy about the marriage, least of all the principals; it is a situation calculated to test the character of everyone involved.
In a writer of less taste this story could have gone spectacularly wrong, but Lucy Marin avoids the pitfalls. Although much of the story is told from Elizabeth’s point of view, we see enough of Mr. Darcy and other characters to understand everyone’s grief and confusion, anger and doubt and hope. The result is a very absorbing and credible tale of the challenges and promise of the first year of marriage.
Elizabeth survives the test as a particularly estimable person, mature and farsighted beyond her years and determined to seek the good. Mr. Darcy has further to go but his conscience and rigorous self-examination eventually put his feet on the right path. Several other characters prove not as monstrous as they might seem at first glance. But there are two exceptions that will distress some lovers of the original novel: both Mr. Bennet and Georgiana Darcy are radically transformed, Georgiana especially (though as a person who has never been able to censure Mr. Bennet as I ought, I minded the changes to his personality more). These two altered characters make Elizabeth’s situation far more difficult and painful than it needed to be but ratcheted up the stakes in a way that made for a very affecting story.
In the first few chapters I was bothered by certain infelicities in the language, anachronisms like “I’m fine” grating on my mind’s ear. But soon enough I was swept up in the emotion and carried off. The arc of this story is a particularly satisfying one: it does not rely on dramatic twists or Great (Artificial) Misunderstandings or sexual tension, all those tricks of a lesser trade taking the back seat to a careful and thorough exploration of the characters’ journeys of the heart. It was just the kind of love story I find most rewarding.
Given that the protagonists are married from almost the start, it was inevitable that bedrooms should be involved, but those scenes are written with restraint and an eye to the emotions of the principals, not their animal lusts. I hate sex scenes in period novels because they seem written to titillate, but that was not the case here.
The praise this novel has received is richly justified.
It begins at Ramsgate, in the summer before the canonical tale, Pride and Prejudice. Mr. Bennet and his two elder daughters have made their way to the resort for Jane Bennet’s health. One night Elizabeth sees from her window a distressing sight—a very young lady in the grip of a man some years her senior, she fearful and reluctant, he coercive. On impulse Elizabeth rushes downstairs and comes to the young lady’s aid.
The scene draws the notice of various neighbors, who become even more intrigued when another man appears, causing the first man to run away. Readers of Pride and Prejudice immediately understand what is happening: the wicked Mr. Wickham is trying to elope with the heiress Miss Darcy, and the arrival of her brother scares him off. Unfortunately, in this variation too many people are witnesses to the event and gossip begins to spread.
Fearful that his sister’s name will be besmirched and concerned that Elizabeth’s kindly gesture will lead to her name being bandied about as well, Mr. Darcy feels compelled by honor to propose to Elizabeth. Her father concurs that this is the best course to preserve her and, by extension, all her sisters from disgrace, so before she knows it, Elizabeth finds herself Mrs. Darcy.
All this is but the foundational premise; the author’s intent is not to draw out the melodrama but to paint a rich portrait of what happens when decent people are forced by circumstance into an impossible and mutually humiliating situation. Nobody is happy about the marriage, least of all the principals; it is a situation calculated to test the character of everyone involved.
In a writer of less taste this story could have gone spectacularly wrong, but Lucy Marin avoids the pitfalls. Although much of the story is told from Elizabeth’s point of view, we see enough of Mr. Darcy and other characters to understand everyone’s grief and confusion, anger and doubt and hope. The result is a very absorbing and credible tale of the challenges and promise of the first year of marriage.
Elizabeth survives the test as a particularly estimable person, mature and farsighted beyond her years and determined to seek the good. Mr. Darcy has further to go but his conscience and rigorous self-examination eventually put his feet on the right path. Several other characters prove not as monstrous as they might seem at first glance. But there are two exceptions that will distress some lovers of the original novel: both Mr. Bennet and Georgiana Darcy are radically transformed, Georgiana especially (though as a person who has never been able to censure Mr. Bennet as I ought, I minded the changes to his personality more). These two altered characters make Elizabeth’s situation far more difficult and painful than it needed to be but ratcheted up the stakes in a way that made for a very affecting story.
In the first few chapters I was bothered by certain infelicities in the language, anachronisms like “I’m fine” grating on my mind’s ear. But soon enough I was swept up in the emotion and carried off. The arc of this story is a particularly satisfying one: it does not rely on dramatic twists or Great (Artificial) Misunderstandings or sexual tension, all those tricks of a lesser trade taking the back seat to a careful and thorough exploration of the characters’ journeys of the heart. It was just the kind of love story I find most rewarding.
Given that the protagonists are married from almost the start, it was inevitable that bedrooms should be involved, but those scenes are written with restraint and an eye to the emotions of the principals, not their animal lusts. I hate sex scenes in period novels because they seem written to titillate, but that was not the case here.
The praise this novel has received is richly justified.
October 23, 2020
What If A Brave and Impetuous Rescue Caused An Unwanted Marriage?
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
TIME FRAME: Begins when Darcy arrives in Ramsgate (outside of canon)
SYNOPSIS: Jane, Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet are in Ramsgate, and Elizabeth happens to witness an altercation between a young woman and her suitor. Stepping out into the street to protect and defend the young woman against the blackguard results in a highly observed spectacle and spreading gossip. There is only one honorable action Mr. Darcy can take – he must marry the woman who courageously tried to save his sister…even though she is completely unknown to him and from a family it is a degradation for him to marry into.
Mr. Darcy is unfeelingly detached and suspicious, Georgiana is full of bitterness and loathing, and Elizabeth is disregarded and lonely. Can these three find any semblance of harmony or happiness when placed under such trying and contentious circumstances?
WHAT I LOVED:
- A Favorite Premise: Forced-marriage situations so interesting – especially with Darcy and Elizabeth! And I loved that in this premise it happens so early – in Ramsgate! where there is no prior connection or feelings of suppressed love and prejudiced dislike. They are virtual strangers! And as if that doesn’t make this marriage enough of an uphill battle for Darcy and Elizabeth, Lucy Marin then adds an extremely resentful and bitter Georgiana Darcy to the equation. I was immediately transfixed!
- Elizabeth: Could I admire this character any more? She is everything that is inspiring. Her courage in facing all the challenges of her new life, her constant consideration of others, and her strong drive to be the most dutiful and competent wife and mistress possible had me in completely in awe. I loved seeing how Elizabeth took care of herself in these difficult situations. She doesn’t waste time on regret and melancholy, she focuses her energies elsewhere. And yet, we still see that even with her selflessness and resilience, Elizabeth still struggles. She is admirable but real.
- Relationship Building: I absolutely LOVED how Lucy Marin developed the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth in this story! It was executed marvelously – with sensitive insight, leisurely pacing, and authenticity. Their relationship traverses a challenging course with sharp twists, both high points and low, dark moments of uncertainty, and passages where caution must be heeded. I was so emotionally invested in this tale, often consumed with the same emotions the characters were experiencing.
- Darcy: Our arrogant and haughty Mr. Darcy goes through a most profound evolution, and it was in every way wonderful to witness! *sigh* and *swoon* I especially enjoyed being privy to Darcy’s private thoughts as he experiences all the different stages of fully understanding and reforming his character. His secret devotion and patient yearning had me irrevocably in love with him, despite his earlier brutish behavior.
- New Relations and Friends: The Fitzwilliam clan and Darcy clan are extensive and prominent in this variation. There were many new characters, new personalities, and new dynamics to explore. I especially enjoyed Viscount Bramwell, Lord and Lady Romsley, and Rebecca Darcy. And I enjoyed seeing both Elizabeth and Darcy interact with these characters and the satisfying relationships that developed along the way.
- Difficult Emotions and Relationships: In this variation Georgiana’s immaturity, obstinacy, and spoiled manners are heightened. This of course created a significant amount of tension and conflict. But what I appreciated about this development is that Lucy Marin created reasonable cause for this altered portrayal of Georgiana, and that it eventually made sense. The reader may at first be aghast at Georgiana’s perfidy and heinous behaviors, but then later understood the difficult emotions and developments she went through.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Pfft! Nothing!
CONCLUSION:
What else could I possible say about this magnificent and exquisitely-composed Pride and Prejudice variation?! Being Mrs. Darcy is not only an expressive and captivating tale about finding love in unexpected circumstance; it is about choosing to be happy and bravely forging through the challenges life places before you. My enthusiastic praise and appreciation to Lucy Marin for her heart-wrenching prose and skillfully-crafted story!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
TIME FRAME: Begins when Darcy arrives in Ramsgate (outside of canon)
SYNOPSIS: Jane, Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet are in Ramsgate, and Elizabeth happens to witness an altercation between a young woman and her suitor. Stepping out into the street to protect and defend the young woman against the blackguard results in a highly observed spectacle and spreading gossip. There is only one honorable action Mr. Darcy can take – he must marry the woman who courageously tried to save his sister…even though she is completely unknown to him and from a family it is a degradation for him to marry into.
Mr. Darcy is unfeelingly detached and suspicious, Georgiana is full of bitterness and loathing, and Elizabeth is disregarded and lonely. Can these three find any semblance of harmony or happiness when placed under such trying and contentious circumstances?
WHAT I LOVED:
- A Favorite Premise: Forced-marriage situations so interesting – especially with Darcy and Elizabeth! And I loved that in this premise it happens so early – in Ramsgate! where there is no prior connection or feelings of suppressed love and prejudiced dislike. They are virtual strangers! And as if that doesn’t make this marriage enough of an uphill battle for Darcy and Elizabeth, Lucy Marin then adds an extremely resentful and bitter Georgiana Darcy to the equation. I was immediately transfixed!
- Elizabeth: Could I admire this character any more? She is everything that is inspiring. Her courage in facing all the challenges of her new life, her constant consideration of others, and her strong drive to be the most dutiful and competent wife and mistress possible had me in completely in awe. I loved seeing how Elizabeth took care of herself in these difficult situations. She doesn’t waste time on regret and melancholy, she focuses her energies elsewhere. And yet, we still see that even with her selflessness and resilience, Elizabeth still struggles. She is admirable but real.
- Relationship Building: I absolutely LOVED how Lucy Marin developed the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth in this story! It was executed marvelously – with sensitive insight, leisurely pacing, and authenticity. Their relationship traverses a challenging course with sharp twists, both high points and low, dark moments of uncertainty, and passages where caution must be heeded. I was so emotionally invested in this tale, often consumed with the same emotions the characters were experiencing.
- Darcy: Our arrogant and haughty Mr. Darcy goes through a most profound evolution, and it was in every way wonderful to witness! *sigh* and *swoon* I especially enjoyed being privy to Darcy’s private thoughts as he experiences all the different stages of fully understanding and reforming his character. His secret devotion and patient yearning had me irrevocably in love with him, despite his earlier brutish behavior.
- New Relations and Friends: The Fitzwilliam clan and Darcy clan are extensive and prominent in this variation. There were many new characters, new personalities, and new dynamics to explore. I especially enjoyed Viscount Bramwell, Lord and Lady Romsley, and Rebecca Darcy. And I enjoyed seeing both Elizabeth and Darcy interact with these characters and the satisfying relationships that developed along the way.
- Difficult Emotions and Relationships: In this variation Georgiana’s immaturity, obstinacy, and spoiled manners are heightened. This of course created a significant amount of tension and conflict. But what I appreciated about this development is that Lucy Marin created reasonable cause for this altered portrayal of Georgiana, and that it eventually made sense. The reader may at first be aghast at Georgiana’s perfidy and heinous behaviors, but then later understood the difficult emotions and developments she went through.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Pfft! Nothing!
CONCLUSION:
What else could I possible say about this magnificent and exquisitely-composed Pride and Prejudice variation?! Being Mrs. Darcy is not only an expressive and captivating tale about finding love in unexpected circumstance; it is about choosing to be happy and bravely forging through the challenges life places before you. My enthusiastic praise and appreciation to Lucy Marin for her heart-wrenching prose and skillfully-crafted story!
Austenesque Reviews
April 23, 2020
I loved this book so much! I could not put it down.... and it's long... really long... but brilliant.
This is a forced marriage scenario when Eljzabeth gets herself involved as Wickham is trying force Georgiana to elope. Darcy arrives shortly after. Now, I want entirely convinced about this scenario and whether a marriage was actually the only option but I cast my doubts aside and I'm so glad I did. Poor Elizabeth has such a hard time in this book. She doesn't want to marry this stranger and Darcy doesn't want to marry her as she is so far beneath him. They marry quickly and Elizabeth is isolated from everyone who cares about her into a family where she is viewed as not good enough at best, a total embarrassment at worst.
Darcy thinks she has done very well lut of this arrangement, far better than he has... he really believes her so far beneath him that he needs to wat h her like a hawk to prevent her doing anything embarrassing, always really to criticise. So are all the members of his family - we have alot of new Darcy and Fitzwilliam characters in this book - mostly snobs that continue to make Elizabeth's life difficult. She copes with this as best she can, trying to establish herself as Mrs Darcy away from her husband and his family!
This is a long hook and the reader gets the insight into Elizabeth's thoughts and feelings and those of Darcy. This is so valuable in helping the reader see why it is going to be difficult for these two to work things out... it's not a matter of two sensible people talking - it's about some really fundamental differences in moral,s, beliefs and attitudes that are going to take some real work to change. Of course, eventually Darcy starts seeing Elizabeth as the gem she is- but has the damage already been done???
This is a real journey for Darcy and Elizabeth. Georgiana is a total brat but is quite convincing with it. The snobbery is brutal. Elizabeth manages remarkably well but we know her confidence has been crushed... she does come across as always doing the right things but she actually says very little, in the early part of the book, so doesn't come across a real perfect Elizabeth that always gets on my nerves.
This is a true forced marriage situation - they don't want to be married. The working out of this situation is long, but convincing. I loved it. This is definately going on my favourites list!
This is a forced marriage scenario when Eljzabeth gets herself involved as Wickham is trying force Georgiana to elope. Darcy arrives shortly after. Now, I want entirely convinced about this scenario and whether a marriage was actually the only option but I cast my doubts aside and I'm so glad I did. Poor Elizabeth has such a hard time in this book. She doesn't want to marry this stranger and Darcy doesn't want to marry her as she is so far beneath him. They marry quickly and Elizabeth is isolated from everyone who cares about her into a family where she is viewed as not good enough at best, a total embarrassment at worst.
Darcy thinks she has done very well lut of this arrangement, far better than he has... he really believes her so far beneath him that he needs to wat h her like a hawk to prevent her doing anything embarrassing, always really to criticise. So are all the members of his family - we have alot of new Darcy and Fitzwilliam characters in this book - mostly snobs that continue to make Elizabeth's life difficult. She copes with this as best she can, trying to establish herself as Mrs Darcy away from her husband and his family!
This is a long hook and the reader gets the insight into Elizabeth's thoughts and feelings and those of Darcy. This is so valuable in helping the reader see why it is going to be difficult for these two to work things out... it's not a matter of two sensible people talking - it's about some really fundamental differences in moral,s, beliefs and attitudes that are going to take some real work to change. Of course, eventually Darcy starts seeing Elizabeth as the gem she is- but has the damage already been done???
This is a real journey for Darcy and Elizabeth. Georgiana is a total brat but is quite convincing with it. The snobbery is brutal. Elizabeth manages remarkably well but we know her confidence has been crushed... she does come across as always doing the right things but she actually says very little, in the early part of the book, so doesn't come across a real perfect Elizabeth that always gets on my nerves.
This is a true forced marriage situation - they don't want to be married. The working out of this situation is long, but convincing. I loved it. This is definately going on my favourites list!
May 30, 2022
2022- This author writes very compelling stories. Her Darcys are complex and NOT likeable! It takes time till he gets his schooling and processes how awful he is.
2021 - Reread, or rather a listen to Harry Frost's rendition on audiobook.
He did a wonderful job bringing LM's story to life.
Listening to Elizabeth go through the early months of her marriage, was even more excruciating than reading it. After the big fight, when Darcy took his time blaming Elizabeth for everything, before turning things around, I scoffed SO many times.
Loved it!
2020- Oh wow, such a well written book, don't even think there were any editing/grammar issues (refreshing!)
I had a hard time with the first third of the book. Lizzy was very un-Lizzyish. Which I guess makes sense under the circumstances and it is kind of a set up for the rest of the book. But even towards the end she isn't as Lizzyish as one might expect. It doesn't not, however, take away from the story.
It is possible the difficulty I had with the first third was - it was difficult! Our heroin is very uncomfortable emotionally and as a reader you get swept up with that.
Regarding the physical aspect of the relationship (quite well done, not too OTT at all!) I would have liked to have had even more of Elizabeth's emotional/mental/physical process through it all. She was a maiden, did not love the man, and wasn't even highly thought of by him. There could have been much more delving in to that aspect of the book, even keeping it tastefully done- Good job LM!
2021 - Reread, or rather a listen to Harry Frost's rendition on audiobook.
He did a wonderful job bringing LM's story to life.
Listening to Elizabeth go through the early months of her marriage, was even more excruciating than reading it. After the big fight, when Darcy took his time blaming Elizabeth for everything, before turning things around, I scoffed SO many times.
Loved it!
2020- Oh wow, such a well written book, don't even think there were any editing/grammar issues (refreshing!)
I had a hard time with the first third of the book. Lizzy was very un-Lizzyish. Which I guess makes sense under the circumstances and it is kind of a set up for the rest of the book. But even towards the end she isn't as Lizzyish as one might expect. It doesn't not, however, take away from the story.
It is possible the difficulty I had with the first third was - it was difficult! Our heroin is very uncomfortable emotionally and as a reader you get swept up with that.
Regarding the physical aspect of the relationship (quite well done, not too OTT at all!) I would have liked to have had even more of Elizabeth's emotional/mental/physical process through it all. She was a maiden, did not love the man, and wasn't even highly thought of by him. There could have been much more delving in to that aspect of the book, even keeping it tastefully done- Good job LM!
July 6, 2022
3.5
I really loved the first half of the book. The second repeated many ideas: Darcy's constant thoughts about how wrong he was about Elizabeth, how undeserving he was of her hand. Georgiana was a hateful brat until the end. If I was Elizabeth, I would have shipped Darcy's sister to another continent. Mr. Bennet seemed unconcerned by his family (more so than in canon).
I really loved the first half of the book. The second repeated many ideas: Darcy's constant thoughts about how wrong he was about Elizabeth, how undeserving he was of her hand. Georgiana was a hateful brat until the end. If I was Elizabeth, I would have shipped Darcy's sister to another continent. Mr. Bennet seemed unconcerned by his family (more so than in canon).
January 3, 2021
This was a rather long winded story, and could’ve benefited from chopping a lot out of the last third. Mr Darcy and Georgiana were quite awful, and I felt the marriage to avoid scandal was weakly contrived.
March 6, 2020
This book is brilliant. It took the original Pride and Prejudice characters and threw a wrench in the story. Instead of Darcy and Elizabeth dancing around each other for most of the story, they are forced to marry from the beginning and must learn to respect and accept each other.
I was curious to see how this Pride and Prejudice retelling was going to work. In my opinion a Pride and Prejudice retelling needs to truly capture Austen's characters. This is hard to do. Even some of the more famous re-tellings fave failed here (*cough* Eligible *cough* Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe *cough*). I thought Marin did an amazing job capturing the essence of both Elizabeth and Darcy. Elizabeth worked hard and tried to make the best of a hard situation. She kept her spunk and her wit despite being oppressed. Darcy started out headstrong and overly proud, but learned the error of his ways and worked hard to become the person he should be. The only character that Marin majorly changed was Georgiana. I was a bit torn because in Being Mrs Darcy, Georgiana was a complete bitch, and in Pride and Prejudice she is so sweet and shy. I don't like to see her character sullied, but it was necessary for the story and I don't begrudge Marin her artistic license here.
Even though the storyline was completely different, Being Mrs Darcy still had a genuine Pride and Prejudice feel to it. Its hard to explain. The characters were well written, there was still a big confrontation, and there was still a reconciliation, (though there was no letter) . It worked really well, and I enjoyed the story immensely. It didn't try to pigeonhole itself into a certain plot, and that made it so much better. It allowed itself to capture Austen without just trying to copy her. Does that make any sense? This is the right way to do a re-telling!
I loved this re-telling and I hope everyone else does too! Lucy Marin did a phenomenal job capturing Pride and Prejudice while still providing a unique and entertaining story!
I was curious to see how this Pride and Prejudice retelling was going to work. In my opinion a Pride and Prejudice retelling needs to truly capture Austen's characters. This is hard to do. Even some of the more famous re-tellings fave failed here (*cough* Eligible *cough* Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe *cough*). I thought Marin did an amazing job capturing the essence of both Elizabeth and Darcy. Elizabeth worked hard and tried to make the best of a hard situation. She kept her spunk and her wit despite being oppressed. Darcy started out headstrong and overly proud, but learned the error of his ways and worked hard to become the person he should be. The only character that Marin majorly changed was Georgiana. I was a bit torn because in Being Mrs Darcy, Georgiana was a complete bitch, and in Pride and Prejudice she is so sweet and shy. I don't like to see her character sullied, but it was necessary for the story and I don't begrudge Marin her artistic license here.
Even though the storyline was completely different, Being Mrs Darcy still had a genuine Pride and Prejudice feel to it. Its hard to explain. The characters were well written, there was still a big confrontation, and there was still a reconciliation, (though there was no letter) . It worked really well, and I enjoyed the story immensely. It didn't try to pigeonhole itself into a certain plot, and that made it so much better. It allowed itself to capture Austen without just trying to copy her. Does that make any sense? This is the right way to do a re-telling!
I loved this re-telling and I hope everyone else does too! Lucy Marin did a phenomenal job capturing Pride and Prejudice while still providing a unique and entertaining story!
February 7, 2024
Another JAFF. This one is a twist on the 'Elizabeth was at Ramsgate and protected Georgiana from Wickham' trope, in that Georgiana is most decidedly not pleased about it all. Somehow (I'm not entirely certain how the events lead to this precisely) Elizabeth and Darcy must marry to prevent ruin and gossip. You know, the usual. Darcy's family are all oh, she's the daughter of a minor country gentleman? She must have the manners of a feral wolf! Whatever shall we do?
Cue chapters and chapters of Elizabeth trying to make the best of things with grace, and Darcy (and his family) watching her like a hawk, all while Georgiana acts like a spoiled, snobby teenage girl put out by not getting her way and not having 100% of her brother's attention anymore.
Things come to a head around the 40% mark with a 'Hunsford rejection' moment and the delicious Darcy soul-searching/amends-making commences. There are a couple of chapters of just Darcy reflecting on things and going from "How dare she say such rude things to me" to "Oh my god I've behaved like an oaf she will never forgive me" That's the stuff I love.
Cue chapters and chapters of Elizabeth trying to make the best of things with grace, and Darcy (and his family) watching her like a hawk, all while Georgiana acts like a spoiled, snobby teenage girl put out by not getting her way and not having 100% of her brother's attention anymore.
Things come to a head around the 40% mark with a 'Hunsford rejection' moment and the delicious Darcy soul-searching/amends-making commences. There are a couple of chapters of just Darcy reflecting on things and going from "How dare she say such rude things to me" to "Oh my god I've behaved like an oaf she will never forgive me" That's the stuff I love.
March 26, 2020
Interesting book
It was long but never boring. I enjoyed this story because it was complicated and yet very real. I could see all the events happening just as described. Lovely story.
It was long but never boring. I enjoyed this story because it was complicated and yet very real. I could see all the events happening just as described. Lovely story.
March 21, 2021
"no good deed goes unpunished" - my ex husband
Sometimes you want a light fluffy story like a bowl of whipped cream and some times you want an angst burger
Well this is an Angst burger with extra angst cheese and bacon and a side of angst dipping sauce.
I felt I had read a similar story on JAFF somewhere and the author confirmed this in her end notes.
This is a book that goes wildly off canon from the start and stays there.
it is also a story told from multiple perspectives and I am not sure how I felt about that.
We open in Ramsgate where Mr. Bennet has taken Lizzy and Jane so Jane can recover from a lingering illness. When Lizzy witnesses a man attempting to force a young woman into his company from her bedroom window she rushes outside to interfere and this is witnessed by numerous neighbors. Once the young lady's guardian arrives there is even a larger fuss. And of course this guardian is Fitzwilliam Darcy and of course there will be a marriage so trigger warning FMS
Now no one, and I mean NO ONE, is happy with this turn of events. Darcy thinks Lizzy little better than a wild woman; and this is not helped once he meets her family. Mr. Bennet thinks Lizzy was foolhardy and reckless to interfere with strangers and has washed his hands of her. [You will loath this Mr. Bennet - he is such a tool]. Georgiana hates Lizzy for the obvious reason but no one seems to figure this out until 99% through the book. Darcy's family on both sides, the Fitzwilliams and the Darcys, loath her and treat her like a grasping schemer. And poor Lizzy can't figure out how "no good deed goes unpunished"
Once they are married Lizzy is berated by her in-laws, tormented by her new sister and ignored by her husband. This turns our brave girl, My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me into a weeping mess of nerves. Which got very tedious.
It also had the trope which bugs me that despite Lizzy and Darcy living together they can't seem to speak to one another without giving offense which leads to endless introspection which we the dear reader get to share in. We get Lizzy's thoughts, Darcy's thoughts, Georgiana's thoughts we may even get Tom. Oh year Tom is Colonel Fitzwilliam.
But eventually Lizzy are Darcy seem to come to an understanding which all blows up when Georgiana tells Lizzy that everyone hates her (Lizzy). then we have weeks and months of rebuilding while these to people decide make the best of their situation and try peace, love and understanding.
Most of the characters are very unlikable for most of the story. Which gets you to the point where you just don't care. And once Lizzy and Darcy turn the corner so to speak then she starts forgiving other people who don't deserve it. I was also often annoyed by Darcy & Tom's inability to control Georgiana and helplessness. Don't they have a cottage in Scotland they you ship her off to until she's 25? Also Darcy's lack of backbone when it came to Georgie was troubling. he would bend over backwards to make her a victim of Wickham and Mrs Younge when it was obvious she was an un-indicted co-conspirator. At least that's my take away.
3.5 rounded up to 4 but only because it was error free.
Sometimes you want a light fluffy story like a bowl of whipped cream and some times you want an angst burger
Well this is an Angst burger with extra angst cheese and bacon and a side of angst dipping sauce.
I felt I had read a similar story on JAFF somewhere and the author confirmed this in her end notes.
This is a book that goes wildly off canon from the start and stays there.
it is also a story told from multiple perspectives and I am not sure how I felt about that.
We open in Ramsgate where Mr. Bennet has taken Lizzy and Jane so Jane can recover from a lingering illness. When Lizzy witnesses a man attempting to force a young woman into his company from her bedroom window she rushes outside to interfere and this is witnessed by numerous neighbors. Once the young lady's guardian arrives there is even a larger fuss. And of course this guardian is Fitzwilliam Darcy and of course there will be a marriage so trigger warning FMS
Now no one, and I mean NO ONE, is happy with this turn of events. Darcy thinks Lizzy little better than a wild woman; and this is not helped once he meets her family. Mr. Bennet thinks Lizzy was foolhardy and reckless to interfere with strangers and has washed his hands of her. [You will loath this Mr. Bennet - he is such a tool]. Georgiana hates Lizzy for the obvious reason but no one seems to figure this out until 99% through the book. Darcy's family on both sides, the Fitzwilliams and the Darcys, loath her and treat her like a grasping schemer. And poor Lizzy can't figure out how "no good deed goes unpunished"
Once they are married Lizzy is berated by her in-laws, tormented by her new sister and ignored by her husband. This turns our brave girl, My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me into a weeping mess of nerves. Which got very tedious.
It also had the trope which bugs me that despite Lizzy and Darcy living together they can't seem to speak to one another without giving offense which leads to endless introspection which we the dear reader get to share in. We get Lizzy's thoughts, Darcy's thoughts, Georgiana's thoughts we may even get Tom. Oh year Tom is Colonel Fitzwilliam.
But eventually Lizzy are Darcy seem to come to an understanding which all blows up when Georgiana tells Lizzy that everyone hates her (Lizzy). then we have weeks and months of rebuilding while these to people decide make the best of their situation and try peace, love and understanding.
Most of the characters are very unlikable for most of the story. Which gets you to the point where you just don't care. And once Lizzy and Darcy turn the corner so to speak then she starts forgiving other people who don't deserve it. I was also often annoyed by Darcy & Tom's inability to control Georgiana and helplessness. Don't they have a cottage in Scotland they you ship her off to until she's 25? Also Darcy's lack of backbone when it came to Georgie was troubling. he would bend over backwards to make her a victim of Wickham and Mrs Younge when it was obvious she was an un-indicted co-conspirator. At least that's my take away.
3.5 rounded up to 4 but only because it was error free.
April 23, 2020
Amazing!!
Has to be one of the best variations I've ever read and I've read a few!!!! Highly recommend to any other Austen lovers!
Has to be one of the best variations I've ever read and I've read a few!!!! Highly recommend to any other Austen lovers!
April 10, 2020
This novel was amazing. Long, intense and fully character-focused. I loved this version of Elizabeth - positive and kind, even in the most difficult of circumstances and dignified in the face of horrible, self-satisfied members of the Darcy/Fitzwilliam family. And once he is made aware of Elizabeth's feelings, I loved Darcy too and his efforts to be worthy of her.
Would definitely recommend and would read again.
Would definitely recommend and would read again.
July 19, 2020
An engaging and emotional read, but rather a draining one for me.
Following some gossip, Elizabeth and Darcy are forced to marry.
Darcy is resentful and bitter, Georgiana is resentful and spiteful, Mr Bennet turns into a monster, and even Colonel Fitzwilliam is appalled by the situation and is a proud and disagreeable man in this version of P&P.
It started to get very wearying; I felt I was being bludgeoned with the whole 'Elizabeth feels alone and nobody sees her true worth' thing, until I wanted to scream "I know! I get it! Please move on before I give up on this relentless depiction of misery!"
There were just so many awful friends and relations that despised Elizabeth for no good reason, so many slights and insults and unbelievable acts of neglect from supposedly intelligent people, that I was actively hating every character at one point.
Fortunately, rather than giving up after 126 pages of this, I instead skim-read the next 45 pages of unrelenting misery until I found the point where Elizabeth finally, finally loses her temper and tells Darcy that he's a jerkface.
The relief was intense!
And when Darcy finally became more like the Austen character I could recognise, the one who sees his failings and tries to correct his behaviour, the one who loves and values Elizabeth Bennet, I started to savour the writing and the story.
Elizabeth, however, spent so many months basically being a doormat for his hessian boots to walk all over, that it is many, many more chapters before we see anything like Austen's Lizzy who is able to tease and laugh, and she only really makes an appearance for the last 50 pages.
Another JAFF where Bingley gets short changed, sadly, but at least Darcy and Elizabeth are suitably smitten with each other by the end, and that is the main thing!
I did like the story, but it is hard to 'enjoy' something that makes you so frustrated and depressed and irritated with every character for so many hours!
Ms Marin definitely elicited strong feelings from me, so her writing is unquestionably skillful, but I really think Lizzy's moment of snapping should have been about 90 pages earlier, because the level of irritation grew to the point of making me almost chuck the book down and walk away, and that would have been a shame as the latter part of the story is lovely.
Following some gossip, Elizabeth and Darcy are forced to marry.
Darcy is resentful and bitter, Georgiana is resentful and spiteful, Mr Bennet turns into a monster, and even Colonel Fitzwilliam is appalled by the situation and is a proud and disagreeable man in this version of P&P.
It started to get very wearying; I felt I was being bludgeoned with the whole 'Elizabeth feels alone and nobody sees her true worth' thing, until I wanted to scream "I know! I get it! Please move on before I give up on this relentless depiction of misery!"
There were just so many awful friends and relations that despised Elizabeth for no good reason, so many slights and insults and unbelievable acts of neglect from supposedly intelligent people, that I was actively hating every character at one point.
Fortunately, rather than giving up after 126 pages of this, I instead skim-read the next 45 pages of unrelenting misery until I found the point where Elizabeth finally, finally loses her temper and tells Darcy that he's a jerkface.
The relief was intense!
And when Darcy finally became more like the Austen character I could recognise, the one who sees his failings and tries to correct his behaviour, the one who loves and values Elizabeth Bennet, I started to savour the writing and the story.
Elizabeth, however, spent so many months basically being a doormat for his hessian boots to walk all over, that it is many, many more chapters before we see anything like Austen's Lizzy who is able to tease and laugh, and she only really makes an appearance for the last 50 pages.
Another JAFF where Bingley gets short changed, sadly, but at least Darcy and Elizabeth are suitably smitten with each other by the end, and that is the main thing!
I did like the story, but it is hard to 'enjoy' something that makes you so frustrated and depressed and irritated with every character for so many hours!
Ms Marin definitely elicited strong feelings from me, so her writing is unquestionably skillful, but I really think Lizzy's moment of snapping should have been about 90 pages earlier, because the level of irritation grew to the point of making me almost chuck the book down and walk away, and that would have been a shame as the latter part of the story is lovely.
April 2, 2020
Excellent back
This was an excellent book with so much emotions
I completely recommend it to anyone and I have no doubt that they will enjoy it to the fullest
This was an excellent book with so much emotions
I completely recommend it to anyone and I have no doubt that they will enjoy it to the fullest
April 19, 2023
This was an emotional rollercoaster ride. Darcy and Elizabeth were forced to marry after some misunderstandings give rise to gossips during Elizabeth's rescue of Georgiana at Ramsgate. Darcys and Fitzwilliams are not welcoming to Elizabeth in spite of the service she did to their family as yhey only see her as an interloper gaining beyond her means. The first half of the book is mostly from Elizabeth's POV and extremely heartwrenching. I really wanted to kiss her for the setdown she gives Darcy near the middle of the book. Just like canon, Elizabeth's outburst makes Darcy realise his faults and try to fix them. But by this time Elizabeth had lost all hopes for happiness or respect in her marriage. And Georgiana was awful nearly throughout the story. But the way back to each other felt too long and there were too many rehashes of their mistakes in the past and were often repetitive. I felt in the end the warmth of reconciliation didn't have leave as much Impression as the heat of conflict. The resentment Darcy showed felt more genuine than his love. This is just my Impression.
March 18, 2020
Stock up on tissues. This is a Five Star.
Others will cover the basics of the plot. I am an emotional reader; I want the angst, I want the conflict and the uncertainty. "Being Mrs. Darcy" is the quintessential JAFF story of goodness met with misunderstanding. Herein is an equal opportunity display of remorse. Best yet is that the villains of the story are unusual choices, acting in unusual ways. It's long, which imho, is a good thing but it has been edited to a manageable, yet fulfilling length. Some of the editing is uneven but only noticeable to readers of the original. Ms. Marin's voice is still evident, more so in the later chapters BUT this is comforting in some ways.
And even though it's a Five Star story, the intimacy, well done in its implication, is, PG. Can't have everything ....
Others will cover the basics of the plot. I am an emotional reader; I want the angst, I want the conflict and the uncertainty. "Being Mrs. Darcy" is the quintessential JAFF story of goodness met with misunderstanding. Herein is an equal opportunity display of remorse. Best yet is that the villains of the story are unusual choices, acting in unusual ways. It's long, which imho, is a good thing but it has been edited to a manageable, yet fulfilling length. Some of the editing is uneven but only noticeable to readers of the original. Ms. Marin's voice is still evident, more so in the later chapters BUT this is comforting in some ways.
And even though it's a Five Star story, the intimacy, well done in its implication, is, PG. Can't have everything ....
June 5, 2020
I have read a lot a fanfic and 'what if' books or continuation. And most of them keep the esence of the characters. This book didn't. These are not Jane austen's characters. Darcy and especially Georgiana are rude and even cruel to Elizabeth. And Elizabeth is not the woman who usually voice her opinions and feelings. I didn't like this book at all. I finished it because I thought it would improve a little bit at the end but no so much.
May 17, 2020
At the spur of the moment, Elizabeth runs outside the house her family is renting in Ramsgate and saves Georgiana from Wickham - having never met her before. This one action starts a chain of events which finds her married to Mr Darcy, who she has also never even been introduced.
Our dear girl works to be cheerful and with purpose surrounded by people who feel she is below them and can't see past their own despair and lack of choices. Can they learn their true worth and understand that what is right in front of them is what they needed all along?
This is a very unique compromise story as neither party likes each other to start!
Our dear girl works to be cheerful and with purpose surrounded by people who feel she is below them and can't see past their own despair and lack of choices. Can they learn their true worth and understand that what is right in front of them is what they needed all along?
This is a very unique compromise story as neither party likes each other to start!
July 21, 2021
stayed up all night reading her!! at first i thought it was unnecessary that this story used P&P characters because it could be its OWN standalone story especially because its such a deviation but as i continued reading it.....i guess saw the merits. Like, you dont need to be introduced to particular characters and their attributes and less time world building- it doesnt get boring either because of the new characters introduced. reads like hurt/a long wait to comfort fanfiction
March 8, 2020
On of the best forced marriage secenarios around! Elizabeth, along with her sister and father, are visiting Ramsgate when she interferes in Georgiana’s intended elopement. Rumors abound forcing the marriage. This scenario is unique because Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy don’t know each other-- and neither wants the marriage. The story focuses on Elizabeth's attempts to be the best Mrs. Darcy she can be. Georgina, however, remains a petulant and even, at times, malicious teenager.
This story was beautifully written . The flowing prose leads the reader through the emotional highs and lows of our couples journey to happiness. I enjoyed this book immensely.
I received an ARC with no promise of review.
This story was beautifully written . The flowing prose leads the reader through the emotional highs and lows of our couples journey to happiness. I enjoyed this book immensely.
I received an ARC with no promise of review.
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