A Better Impression: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

A delightful story. There were bumps and vexations during the early part of Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship, but much of this was from Darcy's reactions to his feelings for Elizabeth. Jane being sick at Netherfield was a bit more calamitous than a cold since Jane had contacted scarlet fever. Caroline and the Hursts left Netherfield immediately after the diagnosis. Needless to say, they were not missed. When she wasn't getting better and Darcy could see how tired and worried Elizabeth was getting, he summoned his doctor from town. Georgiana was also summoned so that she and Mrs. Annesley were chaperones. Eventually after Dr. Walters took over, Jane got better. Bingley for once stood up and became his own man. He knew he was going to marry Jane Bennet and no one was going to get in his way. I liked that when Mr. Collins came to Longbourn he was smitten with Mary and there were no advances towards Elizabeth. We meet Wickham, but he is shut down by Elizabeth's supportive relationship with him. Bingley gives his ball, and the Darcys return to London the day after. Georgiana is angry at her brother and rides out to see Elizabeth. Not knowing where she has gone, when Darcy finally finds her, he is curt with Elizabeth. Angry at his reaction, Elizabeth decides to forget about him. This is going to be difficult, because she thinks about him all the time. In London, Darcy is having his own problems with his less than happy sister. Realizing that he needs Elizabeth Bennet to be his, they return a week before Bingley's wedding to Jane. Try as he might, Darcy cannot seem to get a chance to speak with her. When he finally does, she forgives him for his hasty words before Christmas. He needs to confront Wickham after wicked Wickham accosted Georgiana in Meryton. When Elizabeth enters the confrontation, Wickham threatens her. Georgiana having had enough of his lying ways, knees him just like Colonel Fitzwilliam taught her. The ladies return to Netherfield leaving the scoundrel writhing in the alley. Elizabeth visits Pemberley as Georgiana's guest. She meets the Fitzwilliams when they come for Georgiana's sixteenth birthday. His uncle and cousin tell him to get on with it before arriving in Kent. They tell him he's a bit transparent. During her month stay, Darcy aims to show her he has changed and wants to propose. He finally gets her out on a ride, proposes, is accepted, but on the way back to Pemberley she is thrown from her horse and injured. Recovered, they travel to Longbourn then on to Kent. Meeting Lady Catherine was a real treat, but when Anne speaks her mind for a change, Lady Catherine falls silent for the most part. Darcy makes a deal with Mr. Bennet, a month's engagement for the family visiting Pemberley during the summer. The Bennets, Gardiners, Bingleys, and the Collins families all visit the very happy couple. I liked that this author did not let Caroline and Wickham dominate this story. I also loved the cover since it looks like Colin Firth's Darcy and Jennifer Ehle's Elizabeth walking to Oakham Mount through the lavender. The cover grabbed me into buying the book. Glad I did since I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

- Carol

Absolutely charming!

This tale starts with Jane’s letter to Lizzy after she falls ill at Netherfield. From there, the diversions are slight but end up significant. Mr. And Mrs. Bennet realize they must both change in order to see to the welfare of their daughters. Mr. Collins focuses on Mary as his companion for his future life, and Wickham seriously blunders his way into his comeuppance. It also focuses on Lizzy and Darcy’s stubbornness. While it doesn’t take as long for ODC to come to an understanding as JA’s original novel, it has its gentle fraught and hiccups. A good read for a rainy day and a nice cup of tea.

- Judi Dionne

Denial and Change

"People don't die from trifling colds". So says Mrs. Bennet of Longbourn after she sends her daughter Miss Jane Bennet off on horseback for a visit at Netherfield Hall the house that is being leased by Mr. Charles Bingley. He is accompanied by his sisters, his brother in law, and a Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Of course those of us who know about this part of the Pride and Prejudice story, do know that Jane do get sick, but in this story she is stricken with something more serious than a cold. And her sister Elizabeth Bennet come to Netherfield, of course to nurse her. In this story however the Bingley sisters leave Netherfield to prevent becoming sick as well. So sets the stage for Georgiana Darcy, Mr. Darcy's sister and her companion to come to Netherfield as chaperones. Georgiana and Elizabeth becomes fast friends and Mr. Darcy falls in love with Elizabeth screaming and kicking all the way. Of course Mr. Bingley falls in love with Jane and all is right in their world. So this story centers on the dynamics between Elizabeth and Darcy as they sort through their complex relationship on their way to happily ever after.

- Kindle Customer

Wonderful

I really loved this story. It’s the kind of book that makes you smile while reading it. There is a low level of angst. The characters are perfectly written. The author has written the best of these characters without making them unbelievable. Georgiana is everything we always wished she would be. I love that it doesn’t focus to much on the bingley sisters (that plot is over done). I highly recommend.

- Christina Ketabchi

He's proud and opinionated, then he's not. She is beyond his notice, then She's not.

This story has some of the same misunderstandings as the original Austen story and a few new ones. I enjoyed how Georgiana Darcy blooms and gained confidence due to her association with Miss Elizabeth. You'll get a kick out of how she handled an encounter with Wickham. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

- D M