I’ve always liked Jane Bennet. She bore her misery with fortitude and grace, she spoke no ill of anyone, even those who most certainly did her wrong. She’s always been seen as the quiet, boring one, and in my opinion sadly neglected by English teachers and victimised at the pen of fanfic writers. But she was no fool, and I’d like to think that Charles Bingley discovered he’d married a woman with … with hidden depths.
This story explores how Mrs Jane Bingley’s marriage might have begun. It contains material of an adult nature and is not suitable for readers under 18 years of age.
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What an adorable short variation of Pride and Prejudice with Jane and Charles in the leading roles! I loved that though Jane is somewhat timid in the beginning, we soon learn that she has a backbone and passion! Charles is so romantic and not the usually portrayed bumbling young man. The plot is quite good and the story is so good with all its steamy, sexy bits! Loved it!
This is the first book I have read by Catherine Bilson and I really enjoyed how she wrote Jane in this story. All the characters seemed well written and the story was interesting. I also really enjoyed watching Jane stand up to Caroline and assert her authority as Mistress of Netherfield. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
“They will stop calling brides beautiful after today—you have simply set the standard too high,’ he said.” Anna Godbersen, Rumors
What a beautiful cover… that bride’s picture represents a perfect Jane. Excellent choice.
Rating: MA->17: Mature Audience, graphic [tastefully done] explicit wedding night. Oh Charles, yahoo!!!
What a quick read. OMG!!! You can read this in one setting and once you start, you won’t want to put- it- down… Yahoo! I don’t know how to explain this without giving something away. We have a short window of time describing the wedding of the Bennet sisters to their men of choice… of heart… and for love. What a beautiful story.
OK… you have the pre-wedding nerves, Mrs. Bennet giving ‘the talk’ to her virgin daughters [ugh], and the sisters trying to wipe their minds clean from what Mrs. Bennet said and only remember what Mrs. Gardiner said. Then, we have the wedding and that is when the real story begins.
“That there’s no more important decision in life than who you marry.” Brad Paisley
This quote applies to both Jane and Charles… Darcy and Elizabeth. Although our D&E are featured, the main spotlight shines on Jane and Charles and… I simply love this Charles… I’ve never seen him described in this manner. He is a man’s man, and apparently quite the lover. Nothing was said about prior experience, but from the descriptions of that wedding night and the next day… that man knew what he was doing. Yahoo!!! Yeah, Jane… that’s how it’s done.
Charles put on his big boy pants and addressed Caroline before his marriage. He laid it on the line in great detail and used words that would get her attention… her allowance. He gave her explicit directions on his expectations of her behavior and comportment. There would be no second chance. He thought she understood; he would later discover that he was mistaken.
Caroline:
“Everything you’ve worked for can go to waste with only one wrong decision.” Auliq Ice
Our dear Caro should have taken her brother’s advice.
“Keep your temper. A decision made in anger is never sound.” Ford Frick.
Indeed, even for Caro… she went too far. Charles had warned her… Louisa had warned her… even her own senses had warned her, but Caro listened to her heart, and it was the wrong decision. What happened next was beyond the pale. OMG!! Caro, what were you thinking? Obviously, she wasn’t thinking. Wow! A series of events were placed into motion that was beyond what I’ve read in a while. Lady Matlock was horrified, and Georgiana swooned and fainted out right… poor girl.
Jane:
“To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone.” Reba McEntire
What a woman… Charles you have chosen well. Together C&J will do alright. Alone, they might not be able to stand against the trials of life… but together, they can even stand against sister Caro. Yeah, Jane… you go girl! What a woman… I know, I’ve already said that. I am just bowled over by her actions and strength of character and sheer stamina is standing up against her new sister. I suppose having lived with Lydia was a big help. I loved this Jane.
Although this was an adorable story, I felt a few places were a bit modern, scenes were shockingly incredible, and language I don’t think they would have used. Other than that, I really liked the story and will probably read it again just to see Jane take on Caroline. Yeah, that was good.