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Such Happy Manners: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
How would the story of Pride and Prejudice be altered if Mr. Wickham had been a good man?
Instead of becoming a scoundrel who regularly attempts to elope with teenage girls, Mr. Wickham studies the law as he originally told Mr. Darcy when he gave up the value of the living. After finishing his studies, Mr. Wickham finds work in Meryton with Mr. Phillips, a local solicitor and the Bennets' uncle.
By the time that the Netherfield party arrives, the Bennets are well-acquainted with Mr. Wickham. He is even engaged to one of the Bennets! How will this altered Wickham influence the rest of the characters and their road to happily ever after? Will Darcy still look down on the Bennets and their connexions, even if one of those connexions is his childhood best friend?
Instead of becoming a scoundrel who regularly attempts to elope with teenage girls, Mr. Wickham studies the law as he originally told Mr. Darcy when he gave up the value of the living. After finishing his studies, Mr. Wickham finds work in Meryton with Mr. Phillips, a local solicitor and the Bennets' uncle.
By the time that the Netherfield party arrives, the Bennets are well-acquainted with Mr. Wickham. He is even engaged to one of the Bennets! How will this altered Wickham influence the rest of the characters and their road to happily ever after? Will Darcy still look down on the Bennets and their connexions, even if one of those connexions is his childhood best friend?
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2023
99 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 8, 2023
Enjoyable variation
A very family oriented version of a lovely tale. Very credible reinventing of some of the characters and interesting disposition of some others. An entertaining read all around.
A very family oriented version of a lovely tale. Very credible reinventing of some of the characters and interesting disposition of some others. An entertaining read all around.
February 3, 2023
An enjoyable experience to be had
A small initial change - Wickhams changed his ways and has become a solicitor in Meryton, and we get an entirely new experience. Due to the strict rules regarding the behaviors of unwed women in this time, Mary Bennet is compromised by George Wickham. Its innocent - a sudden rain storm leads her to seek shelter at her aunt home but she's away and only Mr Phillips employee is there. But even a terrible storm doesn't change the rules and they are forced to marry. Wickhams behavior had changed as a result of the birth of a natural child and he stopped drinking and studied the law to improve himself and the life of his daughter.
From this small change we get a nicer Darcy, more reasonable Bennet family members and much less Caroline Bingley. We do still have the ever conniving Lady Catherine to create havoc and upset everyone with her evil plans.
I found it easier to accept a decent Wickham because he's surrounded by the Bennet and especially Mary who he manages to make much less judgmental than expected.
A small initial change - Wickhams changed his ways and has become a solicitor in Meryton, and we get an entirely new experience. Due to the strict rules regarding the behaviors of unwed women in this time, Mary Bennet is compromised by George Wickham. Its innocent - a sudden rain storm leads her to seek shelter at her aunt home but she's away and only Mr Phillips employee is there. But even a terrible storm doesn't change the rules and they are forced to marry. Wickhams behavior had changed as a result of the birth of a natural child and he stopped drinking and studied the law to improve himself and the life of his daughter.
From this small change we get a nicer Darcy, more reasonable Bennet family members and much less Caroline Bingley. We do still have the ever conniving Lady Catherine to create havoc and upset everyone with her evil plans.
I found it easier to accept a decent Wickham because he's surrounded by the Bennet and especially Mary who he manages to make much less judgmental than expected.
Read
February 11, 2023DNF - slipped out the back door at 15%
January 29, 2023
recommend to everyone
I don't know how to write long reviews that inspire people to read stories, but all I can is that I 1000% enjoyed this.
I don't know how to write long reviews that inspire people to read stories, but all I can is that I 1000% enjoyed this.
April 1, 2023
Entertaining
A light and pleasant story wherein Wickham actually follows through with his statement to Darcy that, instead of taking orders and accepting the Kympton living upon Mr Darcy Sr's death, he would use the value of the living to study law. He becomes a solicitor and finds a position with Mr Phillips in Meryton, thus coming to know everyone in that area. He and Mary Bennett are accidentally compromised and must get married. Wickham is a reformed rake, drinker, and gambler. But he's turned over a new leaf and becomes a wonderful husband. When the Bingleys and Darcy arrive in the neighborhood, it's a friendly reunion with Wickham, and his familiarity with the Bennetts helps smooth things over as they all become acquainted.
This is a low angst story. The usual villains appear, but they're dealt with handily and easily. There's no great opposition to any of the relationships. In fact, although the story spans maybe one year, all five of the Bennett daughters get married within that time. It seemed that the author felt that everyone should be disposed of in marriage so that they could start popping out scores of babies.
I deducted a couple of stars for a couple of reasons. First, I was disappointed that Darcy had to be convinced by his cousin that he should pursue Elizabeth. There was no great love for the ages that overcame all of his hesitations over social standing, fortune, and connections. One minute he's resolved against Elizabeth, but as soon as Colonel Fitzwilliam says he should pursue her, he changes his mind.
My other issue is the amount of text lifted verbatim from P&P. A small reference here and there is acceptable and almost unavoidable. However, there's quite a lot in this book, and I consider that as laziness. I much prefer to read an author's own creations. I already know what the wonderful Jane Austen wrote. I want to see what Ms Thomas can create.
The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it with the exception of the above reservations.
A light and pleasant story wherein Wickham actually follows through with his statement to Darcy that, instead of taking orders and accepting the Kympton living upon Mr Darcy Sr's death, he would use the value of the living to study law. He becomes a solicitor and finds a position with Mr Phillips in Meryton, thus coming to know everyone in that area. He and Mary Bennett are accidentally compromised and must get married. Wickham is a reformed rake, drinker, and gambler. But he's turned over a new leaf and becomes a wonderful husband. When the Bingleys and Darcy arrive in the neighborhood, it's a friendly reunion with Wickham, and his familiarity with the Bennetts helps smooth things over as they all become acquainted.
This is a low angst story. The usual villains appear, but they're dealt with handily and easily. There's no great opposition to any of the relationships. In fact, although the story spans maybe one year, all five of the Bennett daughters get married within that time. It seemed that the author felt that everyone should be disposed of in marriage so that they could start popping out scores of babies.
I deducted a couple of stars for a couple of reasons. First, I was disappointed that Darcy had to be convinced by his cousin that he should pursue Elizabeth. There was no great love for the ages that overcame all of his hesitations over social standing, fortune, and connections. One minute he's resolved against Elizabeth, but as soon as Colonel Fitzwilliam says he should pursue her, he changes his mind.
My other issue is the amount of text lifted verbatim from P&P. A small reference here and there is acceptable and almost unavoidable. However, there's quite a lot in this book, and I consider that as laziness. I much prefer to read an author's own creations. I already know what the wonderful Jane Austen wrote. I want to see what Ms Thomas can create.
The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it with the exception of the above reservations.
February 1, 2023
Such Happy Manners is an excellent PP variation with an interesting plot and some very unusual pairings. I would typically have given it four stars because of a few inconsistencies and the changes in Kitty's character and personality. I don't particularly appreciate it when she is made into second Elizabeth. In this case, she literally assumed some of canon Elizabeth's reactions and dialogue. I prefer it when she is her own self but shown in a better light. Still, in the end, being the emotional reader that I am, I decided to give it that fifth star simply because the book made me feel very good.
If you are looking for an action-packed, passion-filled, angsty story, try something else. But if you want to relax with a clean, sweet, angst-free variation, don't hesitate. Villains are rare and easily dealt with, and negative emotions are almost nonexistent. Still, somehow the plot was interesting enough to make me anticipate the next book from this author very much indeed.
If you are looking for an action-packed, passion-filled, angsty story, try something else. But if you want to relax with a clean, sweet, angst-free variation, don't hesitate. Villains are rare and easily dealt with, and negative emotions are almost nonexistent. Still, somehow the plot was interesting enough to make me anticipate the next book from this author very much indeed.
Read
March 9, 2023DNF. I have a problem with the plot. I’m at 11% and there’s still nothing special happening. No huge problem to solve. No pride and no prejudice. Maybe it will come later on but I don’t have the patience to read further.
Otherwise I really like the idea of a good Wickham for a change.
Otherwise I really like the idea of a good Wickham for a change.
March 9, 2025
It misses feeling
The story has much detail in boring aspects. It made me to jump pages or just paragraphs with the hope of finding something I wanted to read. I found a few pages where I enjoyed the book but most of it was boring.
The story has much detail in boring aspects. It made me to jump pages or just paragraphs with the hope of finding something I wanted to read. I found a few pages where I enjoyed the book but most of it was boring.
July 1, 2025
Everything a retelling ought to be! It captured the heart of Pride and Prejudice while adding enough originality to keep it fresh. Wickham was a good guy in this version (!!!) and you saw the ripple effect that had. All the sisters were married by the end (plus Charlotte and Anne!), and Lady Catherine finally got what she deserved.
There’s no real diversity in the characters but I appreciated the author’s effort to contextualise the era, especially the discussion of sugar and cotton trade with the USA and its moral implications.
Faithful, clever, satisfying. 👌
📚2024/2025 P&P themed book ranking so far...
- Manga Classics: Pride and Prejudice (Manga)
- The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch ( Different perspective, Lydia, magic)
- Puck and Prejudice (Time Travel)
***** - Such Happy Manners (Retelling, Wickham good)
- Miss Bennett's Dragon (Fantasy)
- The Heiress: The Revelations of Anne de Bourgh (Different perspective - Anne)
- The Other Bennett Sister (Different Perspective - Mary)
- Mum's the Word (Modern retelling)
- Debating Darcy (Modern retelling)
- Allworld Online: Pride & Prejudice (Fantasy, VR)
- Longbourn (Different perspective - servants)
- The Mistress of Longbourn (Retelling - changed plot)
-The Stage Kiss (modern spicy retelling, theatre setting)
The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet (Spicy Queer, Charlotte’s perspective)
3/5
- London Holiday: A Pride & Prejudice Romantic Comedy (Retelling - prequel plot change)
- Most Ardently (Modern retelling, LGBTQ)
- The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet (Modern retelling)
- Lola at Last (Modern retelling, different perspective - Lydia)
- 1932 (Retelling, changed plot, set in Great Depression)
- Jane Austen Cannot Marry (Time travel)
- Trouble at Pemberly (Extension, Kitty, ghosts)
- Meet the Benedettos (Modern, Hollywood retelling)
- Pride and Preston Lin (Modern, Asian American retelling)
- Return to Pemberley (Expanded P&P)
- The Bad Miss Bennet (Different perspective - Lydia)
- The Particular Charm of Miss Jane Austen(Time Travel)
- Darcy and the Governance (Retelling, changed plot)
- Proper Darcy Christmas (Murder mystery, continuation of story)
- Death comes to Pemberley (Murder mystery, continuation of story)
- An Unpleasant Sort of Man (Retelling, changed plot)
- Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh (Time travel, LGBTQ)
- The Wrong Mr Darcy (Modern retelling, basketball journalist )
- Pride, Prejudice and Poison ( Murder mystery)
- Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict (Time travel)
- Mr Darcy's Bad Day: A Pride and Prejudice variation (Retelling, changed plot, Different perspective - Darcy)
- Dating Mr Darcy ( Modern retelling)
- Dangerous Magic: A Pride and Prejudice variation ( Fantasy)
- Coming Up Roses (Modern retelling)
- Austenland (Modern retelling)
- Scandal at Pemberly (Continuation of story, Georgina finds a husband)
-Danger at Pemberly (Continuation of story, spies)
- Kitty Bennett’s Ruin (Continuation of story, Kitty and Lydia’s story)
- For Pemberly (Retelling, plot changed)
- Eligible: A modern. retelling of Pride & Prejudice ( Modern retelling)
There’s no real diversity in the characters but I appreciated the author’s effort to contextualise the era, especially the discussion of sugar and cotton trade with the USA and its moral implications.
Faithful, clever, satisfying. 👌
📚2024/2025 P&P themed book ranking so far...
- Manga Classics: Pride and Prejudice (Manga)
- The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch ( Different perspective, Lydia, magic)
- Puck and Prejudice (Time Travel)
***** - Such Happy Manners (Retelling, Wickham good)
- Miss Bennett's Dragon (Fantasy)
- The Heiress: The Revelations of Anne de Bourgh (Different perspective - Anne)
- The Other Bennett Sister (Different Perspective - Mary)
- Mum's the Word (Modern retelling)
- Debating Darcy (Modern retelling)
- Allworld Online: Pride & Prejudice (Fantasy, VR)
- Longbourn (Different perspective - servants)
- The Mistress of Longbourn (Retelling - changed plot)
-The Stage Kiss (modern spicy retelling, theatre setting)
The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet (Spicy Queer, Charlotte’s perspective)
3/5
- London Holiday: A Pride & Prejudice Romantic Comedy (Retelling - prequel plot change)
- Most Ardently (Modern retelling, LGBTQ)
- The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet (Modern retelling)
- Lola at Last (Modern retelling, different perspective - Lydia)
- 1932 (Retelling, changed plot, set in Great Depression)
- Jane Austen Cannot Marry (Time travel)
- Trouble at Pemberly (Extension, Kitty, ghosts)
- Meet the Benedettos (Modern, Hollywood retelling)
- Pride and Preston Lin (Modern, Asian American retelling)
- Return to Pemberley (Expanded P&P)
- The Bad Miss Bennet (Different perspective - Lydia)
- The Particular Charm of Miss Jane Austen(Time Travel)
- Darcy and the Governance (Retelling, changed plot)
- Proper Darcy Christmas (Murder mystery, continuation of story)
- Death comes to Pemberley (Murder mystery, continuation of story)
- An Unpleasant Sort of Man (Retelling, changed plot)
- Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh (Time travel, LGBTQ)
- The Wrong Mr Darcy (Modern retelling, basketball journalist )
- Pride, Prejudice and Poison ( Murder mystery)
- Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict (Time travel)
- Mr Darcy's Bad Day: A Pride and Prejudice variation (Retelling, changed plot, Different perspective - Darcy)
- Dating Mr Darcy ( Modern retelling)
- Dangerous Magic: A Pride and Prejudice variation ( Fantasy)
- Coming Up Roses (Modern retelling)
- Austenland (Modern retelling)
- Scandal at Pemberly (Continuation of story, Georgina finds a husband)
-Danger at Pemberly (Continuation of story, spies)
- Kitty Bennett’s Ruin (Continuation of story, Kitty and Lydia’s story)
- For Pemberly (Retelling, plot changed)
- Eligible: A modern. retelling of Pride & Prejudice ( Modern retelling)
May 30, 2024
I loved it! It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. How would the story be altered if Mr. Wickham had been a good man? Instead of becoming a scoundrel who regularly attempts to elope with teenage girls, Mr. Wickham studies the law as he originally told Mr. Darcy when he gave up the value of the living. After finishing his studies, Mr. Wickham finds work in Meryton with Mr. Phillips, a local solicitor and the Bennets' uncle. By the time that the Netherfield party arrives, the Bennets are well-acquainted with Mr. Wickham and he is even engaged to one of the Bennets. How will this altered Wickham influence the rest of the characters and their road to happily ever after? Will Darcy still look down on the Bennets and their connexions, even if one of those connexions is his childhood best friend? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
February 5, 2023
Enjoyable experience
Involved storyline encompassing all the players in an enjoyable read. George Wickham turns out not to be the villain, but had the 'what if' life had he turned left instead of right. That being said, there were still villains and stupid silly Lydia, although she was portrayed to somehow turn out smarter in the end which seemed a bit too unrealistic in the end. Georgiana's future was left as ending paragraph with her making an uninspired match which was unfortunate since it was hinted she would be 'more' than she achieved. The author kinda left her behind and started delving in future pairings with the resulting children. Jane and Charles Bingley were also doomed to a dismal outcome simply stating they had no children after giving everyone numerous offspring, so another oh well lets get it over moment. I did find it enjoyable though.
Involved storyline encompassing all the players in an enjoyable read. George Wickham turns out not to be the villain, but had the 'what if' life had he turned left instead of right. That being said, there were still villains and stupid silly Lydia, although she was portrayed to somehow turn out smarter in the end which seemed a bit too unrealistic in the end. Georgiana's future was left as ending paragraph with her making an uninspired match which was unfortunate since it was hinted she would be 'more' than she achieved. The author kinda left her behind and started delving in future pairings with the resulting children. Jane and Charles Bingley were also doomed to a dismal outcome simply stating they had no children after giving everyone numerous offspring, so another oh well lets get it over moment. I did find it enjoyable though.
February 25, 2023
A Wickham is good story
The story opens with Wickham, now a solicitor working for Mr. Phillips, becoming engaged to one of the Bennett girls. He is reformed and used his inheritance from Darcy as he stated (to study law). Thus at the Meryton assembly, Wickham is overjoyed to be reunited with his best friend and introduce him to his soon to be family. This sets the tone for the story as Darcy is now predisposed to like them since they hold Wickham's good opinion. Wickham and his bride are lovely characters that greatly enhance the story. Lydia and Lady Catherine still get up to mischief. Kitty Bennett becomes a prominent and interesting character. Overall a fun, enjoyable read.
The story opens with Wickham, now a solicitor working for Mr. Phillips, becoming engaged to one of the Bennett girls. He is reformed and used his inheritance from Darcy as he stated (to study law). Thus at the Meryton assembly, Wickham is overjoyed to be reunited with his best friend and introduce him to his soon to be family. This sets the tone for the story as Darcy is now predisposed to like them since they hold Wickham's good opinion. Wickham and his bride are lovely characters that greatly enhance the story. Lydia and Lady Catherine still get up to mischief. Kitty Bennett becomes a prominent and interesting character. Overall a fun, enjoyable read.
June 7, 2023
What a twist!
This variation had so many characters and storylines. Collins and Wickham were not villains-what???
I liked that Elizabeth and Darcy were the same as their P&P characters. We did not have to suffer Caroline. Lady CdeB was awful- worse than usual.
Lots of direct quotes from the book but use by different characters. I found that funny. There were many enjoyable moment with no explicit sex - Loved that it was off script.
The reason for the 4 stars is some parts were confusing - I had to reread portions to understand. However it did not stop me from reading the book.
This variation had so many characters and storylines. Collins and Wickham were not villains-what???
I liked that Elizabeth and Darcy were the same as their P&P characters. We did not have to suffer Caroline. Lady CdeB was awful- worse than usual.
Lots of direct quotes from the book but use by different characters. I found that funny. There were many enjoyable moment with no explicit sex - Loved that it was off script.
The reason for the 4 stars is some parts were confusing - I had to reread portions to understand. However it did not stop me from reading the book.
May 28, 2023
Sensible Kitty
I really liked the portrayal of Kitty and Mary in the version as well as Wickham. Although I’m never a fan of Jane marrying Bingley, this variation had enough new character changes and twists that their union seemed like the right choice. Perhaps the fact that she didn’t come across as a living mannequin helped. Hooray to the author for ridding us of Caroline early in the story. Too bad she couldn’t have taken Mrs Bennet with her.
I really liked the portrayal of Kitty and Mary in the version as well as Wickham. Although I’m never a fan of Jane marrying Bingley, this variation had enough new character changes and twists that their union seemed like the right choice. Perhaps the fact that she didn’t come across as a living mannequin helped. Hooray to the author for ridding us of Caroline early in the story. Too bad she couldn’t have taken Mrs Bennet with her.
February 9, 2023
Absolutely Delightful!!
5 easy stars for a fantastic story that is almost zero angst. I love that so many characters who we normally see as one dimensional are truly nuanced here. We get to see Mr Wickham and Mary Bennet in ways never really seen before. Even Lydia isn't without redemption fairly easily found.
5 easy stars for a fantastic story that is almost zero angst. I love that so many characters who we normally see as one dimensional are truly nuanced here. We get to see Mr Wickham and Mary Bennet in ways never really seen before. Even Lydia isn't without redemption fairly easily found.
March 29, 2023
Very vanilla
The synopsis suggested that Wickham's personality was changed in this story but almost everyone's situation or "essentials" were altered. Besides, I'm getting frustrated/bored when the story had everybody marrying each other's relative and they are interrelated. A Bennet marries a titled man, Mrs Bennets behaves, Lydia reforms etc.
The synopsis suggested that Wickham's personality was changed in this story but almost everyone's situation or "essentials" were altered. Besides, I'm getting frustrated/bored when the story had everybody marrying each other's relative and they are interrelated. A Bennet marries a titled man, Mrs Bennets behaves, Lydia reforms etc.
September 5, 2023
very enjoyable
This is a low angst variation that sees all the Bennet sisters to their HEA. Characters are well drawn, faithful to canon yet deploying as per the new plot lines. The writing is good, but the proof-reading has missed a few missing words. The dialogue is witty and often humorous and I enjoyed the book very much
This is a low angst variation that sees all the Bennet sisters to their HEA. Characters are well drawn, faithful to canon yet deploying as per the new plot lines. The writing is good, but the proof-reading has missed a few missing words. The dialogue is witty and often humorous and I enjoyed the book very much
February 8, 2024
Wow. A nice, good Wickham!
Wow. A nice, good Wickham! An he is good!
Now there is some low angst, and with Bingley's sisters it is resolved quickly.
So who wrought's evil? Everything is nicely settled. There are a lot of hea's.
Wow. A nice, good Wickham! An he is good!
Now there is some low angst, and with Bingley's sisters it is resolved quickly.
So who wrought's evil? Everything is nicely settled. There are a lot of hea's.
February 9, 2023
Reform
Definitely a different view of Wickham, but everything works out well in the end. The added characters and plot twist with Anne proved entertaining.
Definitely a different view of Wickham, but everything works out well in the end. The added characters and plot twist with Anne proved entertaining.
March 8, 2023
good book
Overall, I like this book it was a little long. It also was a little redundant and tedious. Otherwise, character development was great and the story was cute.
Overall, I like this book it was a little long. It also was a little redundant and tedious. Otherwise, character development was great and the story was cute.
April 24, 2023
So original and wonderful
It was such an original concept, and I loved all the romances. I only wish I could erase the book from my mind and read it for the first time again!!!
It was such an original concept, and I loved all the romances. I only wish I could erase the book from my mind and read it for the first time again!!!
April 25, 2023
Very different
This book actually had a *gasp* redeemed Wickham and it made an absolutely huge difference in how our story played out. I enjoyed it.
This book actually had a *gasp* redeemed Wickham and it made an absolutely huge difference in how our story played out. I enjoyed it.
July 13, 2023
A Happy Read
I enjoyed reading this book. I seeing a good Wickham and a happy Mary. Lydia, of course gets herself into trouble with plenty of heroes to save her.
I enjoyed reading this book. I seeing a good Wickham and a happy Mary. Lydia, of course gets herself into trouble with plenty of heroes to save her.
October 1, 2023
Interesting twists
It is good that Elizabeth requires time to understand her feelings. I do not like rushed romances. Lots of twists in this variation.
It is good that Elizabeth requires time to understand her feelings. I do not like rushed romances. Lots of twists in this variation.
dnf
October 16, 2023In this Pride and Prejudice variation Mary Bennet is accidentally compromised by her uncle's clerk (who happens to be a good Wickham). That's when I gave up.
October 18, 2023
This very good book has an original and interesting permutation on Pride and Prejudice.
November 12, 2024
Wickham is honrable
I like this tale. A what if Wickham turned his life around and was connected to the Bennets. A Unique variation worth exploring.
I like this tale. A what if Wickham turned his life around and was connected to the Bennets. A Unique variation worth exploring.
August 29, 2024
Enjoyable read
Love that Mr Wickham was a good guy for a change it was really nice to read that he had followed his God fathers wishes and taken up the study of law and made a good lawyer. I am fed of reading of how he is always the idiot.
Love that Mr Wickham was a good guy for a change it was really nice to read that he had followed his God fathers wishes and taken up the study of law and made a good lawyer. I am fed of reading of how he is always the idiot.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews