Mr. Bennet discovers his days are numbered, so he immediately begins to set his affairs — and his five unmarried daughters — in order. Knowing they will fare best should at least one of them find a suitable husband, he cannot refuse any respectable suitors.The high-spirited Elizabeth suspects something isn’t right in the halls of Longbourn, but nothing prepares her for a certain haughty gentleman … haughty gentleman from Derbyshire. While Mr. Darcy is exceedingly wealthy and handsome, in Elizabeth’s eyes, he is also proud, high-handed, and insulting. And unfortunately, desperately in love with her.
Suddenly, Elizabeth is forced to rethink her previous opinions. And accept a choice she never had the chance to make.
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First, I wish this book was longer! Second, I wish this book was longer!
This book captured my imagination and wouldn’t let go. The premise alone was interesting but to see it play out throughout the pages was magical.
What would the Bennet family be like if Mr. Bennet took the time to not only be kind to his wife, but respectful of her as well. To take his daughters in hand and set age appropriate guidelines of the time. To insist that Elizabeth accept Mr. Darcy as a husband when she really was unwilling. To teach Jane that all people are not good and kind and to put herself first. Then to tame the beast of a child that was Lydia.
But at the core of this story, is the depth of love that Darcy has for Elizabeth. The letters they wrote to each and his attempt to win her love after they married was a joy to read. Yes, he is still proud and high-handed, but he is willing to change. Oh I just didn’t want the story to end where it did but the epilogue was beautiful, if bittersweet.
April 5, 2016
I have read a couple of these versions where Elizabeth feels compelled to marry Darcy. I enjoyed this one because they spent time together even in a relatively short engagement and discussed their concerns.
I really enjoyed this one. It was different, an original story line. Darcy sought Mr. Bennett’s blessing before talking to Elizabeth. Loved the change in Mr. Bennett. He becomes the father I always wished he was. It was satisfying to see the differences in the behavior of Mrs. Bennett and the youngest girls. I liked that there was not excessive angst, and clearly shows how ODC overcomes their misunderstandings. I love a very romantic Darcy as he expresses his love and affection. Also, loved that Jane learned to be more discriminating. A worthwhile read.
Delightful, charming, low angst, life changing events, excellent epilogue, OMG surprises
Oh my goodness, I simply loved this book. It is a… sit by the fire on a rainy day with your favorite drink and a comforter across your legs… type of book. The writing was well done, the characterizations were spot on, and I will definitely read this again. I am so glad I bought it. It is most excellent.
This is a story about a man who is facing his own mortality. Mr. Bennet has been given a death sentence by his doctor and good friend. Now what is he to do? He swears his friend to secrecy and determines to not tell his family of his weakened heart and declining health.
In looking back over his life, Mr. Bennet is not happy with what he sees. Longbourn is entailed away from the female line and he worries what will become of his wife and daughters. There is an old saying about putting your house in order and that is exactly what Mr. Bennet decides to do. He has neglected his duty to his family for far too long.
A general could not have implemented a more strategic plan. Everything at Longbourn must change and he sequesters himself in his study as he works out a plan of action. First, he needs to start with his wife; she has to be on board in order for his plan to work. He calls her into his study for a conference and with a promise of a summer at the seaside, tells her of his plans. She is hesitant; however, a summer at the seaside is worthy of a few changes.
Next, the girls are called and his plans are laid out before them. There will be changes within the Bennet household starting immediately. Various masters will be called on to work with each of the girls in French, drawing, singing, and music.
Mr. Bennet will discuss literature, history and various reading materials [non-religious, directed at Mary] with each of the girls. Those who are not working with a master will spend time in practice on the pianoforte.
Mrs. Bennet will work with the girls on how to run an estate, manage the household budget and ledgers, and time will be spent in the kitchen learning how to cook and run an efficient kitchen.
Social functions are out. And speaking of out… it was announced that Kitty and Lydia were no longer out. Lydia did not take well to this pronouncement that she couldn’t walk to Meryton, visit the officers, have them visit her, dance at assemblies, or see Mr. Wickham [note: yeah, he’s still there; however, with Lydia out of commission, he no longer has access to the family].
I will not spoil what happened when Lydia goes head to head with her father. You must read this to believe it. We are given a detailed explanation as to why Lydia is who and what she is… it is an excellent psychological profile.
Note: remember when Elizabeth visited Rosings and Lady Catherine asked all those personal questions regarding her sisters and their accomplishments? Well, Elizabeth’s answers are completely different, point for the Bennet family.
Now that Mr. Bennet has his house under control and good regulation, he next needs to get advantageous marriages for the older girls. The workings of this are poignant and sad at the same time as Mr. Bennet hates losing his two favorite daughters. However, he needs to know they will be provided for and will be able to help his other daughters and wife after he is gone.
Darcy and Elizabeth: There are tears when Mr. Bennet brings about the marriage of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. This is the best part of the book as they adjust to married life. They are coming to the marriage from two different worlds and those worlds often clash. Misunderstandings galore keep our couple on their toes as they try to adjust to life together. There is laughter, tears, minimal angst and all the adjustments of married life. The evolution is slow and methodical as we see the strategies ODC uses on each other as they each attempt to get their own way. It is so cute to watch them learn about each other. There are no graphic sex scenes; however, there is a sensuality regarding ODC that is tastefully done and a bit steamy.
Jane, Bingley and another suitor: This was so interesting as Jane viewed Bingley’s actions from a different perspective, thanks to her discussions with her father. There is also another suitor that puts a wrinkle in Bingley’s fight for happiness.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet: seaside view, ocean walks, and sunsets over the water… changes come also to the Bennet seniors. Aaaaah, it is so cute. Hey, older couples can smolder too.
Epilogue: OMG!!! I did not see THEM [yeah, more than one] coming even though there were clues; however, our dear author was sneaky with how she disguised her clues. Got me good, she did, hit me right between the eyes. I gasped out loud when I read them. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to stand up and shout or weep with joy. EXCELLENT!
There were minimal errors; I suppose you can’t catch them all.