“I must not speak for my sister, even to you who have been all goodness and kindness throughout this awkward situation. Only know,” and here she broke off, suddenly shy, “that even though I must deny myself the privilege of being your wife for love of my sister, I should very dearly like to have you for a brother!”Elizabeth Bennet does not set out to manipulate people; it is merely that the … merely that the correct choice of words, accompanied by an engaging smile or a beseeching look, yields the most satisfactory results. The morning after the Netherfield ball, Lizzy dispenses with one unwelcome suitor to her hand so amicably and successfully that she sees no reason why she should not make use of her talent for tactful speeches and deal with other unwelcome suitors in the same deft manner.
Unfortunately, not all young men are quite so obligingly obtuse as her poor foolish cousin, and Elizabeth finds that one particular gentleman from Derbyshire proves annoyingly impervious to her cunning.
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“There is no hint too broad for a woman of little tact.” –Linda Berdoll, The Darcys: New Pleasures
Rating: clean: this review may contain spoilers. Source: borrowed from KU 2-13-21
“Tact: the ability to describe others as they see themselves.” –Abraham Lincoln
I wondered at the choice of title but quickly saw that our Elizabeth Bennet had learned at an early age the use of ‘tact’ and quite effectively, I must say. She was able to manage her friends, neighbors, her mother, sisters, and occasionally even her father. He knew what she was doing and thought it was delightfully entertaining.
“Real love amounts to withholding the truth, even when you’re offered the perfect opportunity to hurt someone’s feelings.” –David Sedaris, Dress Your Family in corduroy and Denim
When Mr. Collins came to call on the daughters of Longbourn, our Elizabeth used her skills to manipulate… um… tactfully redirect his ardor to the satisfaction of more than herself. This, of course, left her mother flustered, confused, and not quite sure what had happened. I had to admit, along with Mr. Bennet, that I also found it delightfully entertaining. The Netherfield debacle happened as in canon with Elizabeth determined to always think the worst of Mr. Darcy… wordplay… indeed.
“Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” –Benjamin Franklin
In speeding our story forward, we find our characters in Kent where they endured the DHP [Disastrous Hunsford Proposal]. That was where our intrepid Elizabeth calmly attempted to, once again manipulate… um… tactfully refusal Mr. Darcy’s horrid proposal. However, Mr. Darcy was more intelligent than Mr. Collins and was not put off so easily. Elizabeth quickly realized her tact didn’t seem to work on Mr. Darcy. Now, what was Elizabeth to do? She tried several different maneuvers to keep from telling him what she really thought of him and somehow managed to temporarily put him off. Then her world turned upside down when Lady Catherine came to the parsonage to champion her nephew and his address toward Elizabeth. What??? How on earth did that happen? What was going on?
Poor Lady Catherine, my heart went out to her. Such feelings and strength to carry on when all her hopes and dreams were not to be realized. I even teared up at one point. I know… that never happens with Lady Catherine.
What I didn’t like: It—took—too—long to get to the HEA. This Elizabeth was off her game to the point I wanted to strangle her. She was so stubborn… she would argue with a fence post. That got old very quickly. Poor Darcy was put through the wringer. I wanted to ask him if she was worth it. EVERYONE tried to talk to her and she stubbornly held tightly to her opinions and caution against Darcy. What more could the poor guy do to please her? GRRR! Other than that, the page-time between ODC was really good. I even liked Lady Catherine. Yeah, I know… that is unusual.
“Tact is the ability to step on a man’s toes without messing up the shine on his shoes.” –Harry S. Truman
My Rating: 4.5* rounded up to 5*
The first word that came to mind while reading this book was ‘elegant’. There is something in the way this author writes that appeals to me greatly…a certain turn of phrase, a descriptive verse even the twists and turns she puts on certain characters – sage advice from Mrs. Bennet!
“Elizabeth had the greatest command over language. She had discovered at a young age that the correct selection of words could raise a smile or bring a tear with relative ease.” (quote from the book)
I was completely charmed by this Elizabeth Bennet as was Mr. Darcy…he knew what she was about…or thought he did. The Hunsford proposal is even a touch worse than canon. What a bungle Mr. Darcy’s pride has made of it. What surprising events happened afterwards!
“Tact in its most delicate form would be necessary for every word she spoke if she was to conclude this unpleasant interview on civil terms with him.” (quote from the book)
I must say though, that this is one ‘ardent’ Darcy! Between eavesdropping, slight manipulation of sisters, a brother that defends his sister and an aunt who defends her nephew, this delightful story just warmed my heart.
“Clever Eliza!…I wonder how soon people will start to realise that you are the fabled piper – piping the tune that we all dance merrily to.” (quote from the book)
I highly recommend this novel and look forward to reading the sequel, “Turned Out Well”.