What if… Aunt Gardiner, who after all hailed from Lambton, was well acquainted with the Darcy family, and knew of Wickham’s misdemeanours? How would the story have been different? This tale begins with an exchange of letters between Elizabeth Bennet and her favourite aunt, discussing the happenings in Hertfordshire as the Bennet family become acquainted with their new neighbours, the Bingleys … Bingleys and their house guest Mr Darcy.
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A relation the Bennet sisters are not ashamed of…
2nd read 3-2-18
Mrs. Gardiner has always been my favorite relation of the Bennet family. Her influence has been noted by most JAFF authors as the main reason the two oldest Bennet sisters are who and what they are, two sensible and well-mannered girls worthy of society.
In this clean P&P variation, she is also, in a distant and convoluted way, related to the Darcy family of Pemberley. Our story begins with letters back and forth between Elizabeth and her Aunt Gardiner. Elizabeth writes about what is going on in the family and Mrs. Gardiner tells her about the antics of her children. As Elizabeth begins to write about the new residence that let Netherfield, she begins to plant the seeds of Jane’s affection for Mr. Bingley.
As time goes on, Elizabeth begins to mention a Mr. Darcy in her letters. She does not hold back in her description of his pride and his insulting her at the assembly. Aunt Gardiner tries to make sense of it in comparison to the Mr. Darcy that she knows. Aunt Gardiner writes a good report of him in Derbyshire, Lambton and Pemberley. Then Elizabeth writes regarding a Mr. Wickham who recently joined the local militia. Upon receiving Elizabeth’s letter, Aunt Gardiner responds immediately. An express arrives for Mr. Bennet declaring that none of the girls should be in society with Mr. Wickham and she will be arriving the next day to explain in person. This of course puts the house in turmoil.
When Aunt Gardiner arrives and has a private conference with Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth she lays out before them how Wickham has abused her sister and the Darcy family. Mr. Bennet goes into action and restricts the movements of his daughters from going into Meryton and tells them to have nothing to do with Mr. Wickham. Lydia, of course, goes off and declares it is all lies started by Mr. Darcy and refuses to believe that Wickham is a scoundrel and a rake. No one can persuade her otherwise and Mr. Bennet puts his foot down and grounds her and refuses to let her go to the Netherfield Ball. Mrs. Bennet supports his actions toward her silly child and determines to tell everyone she knows that Wickham is bad and not to be trusted.
Aunt Gardiner attends the Netherfield Ball with the family and is reunited with Mr. Darcy. He learns that Elizabeth heard his remark at the last assembly and apologizes to her. He has returned Bingley to Jane, Wickham’s lies have been exposed, and with their pride and prejudice out of the way, ODC is now able to go forward toward their own HEA. This was so cute. I like when they have more page time.
It is funny to see how everyone at the ball worked to circumvent Mr. Collins and his attempts to dance with Elizabeth. Darcy’s set-down, which included his monitory prospects and what would be required of his bride, was well done and in the hearing of the town gossips. I’ve not seen it played out that way before; it was hilarious.
This was such a delightful quick read. I really enjoyed it and will read it again. There were several surprises that I just loved.
Wickham’s punishment was very creative and well deserved. There were several scenes that I’ve never seen played before in any JAFF. I loved the way the author spun the story and gave new options for our characters. I don’t want to spoil anything… it was just so much fun.