When Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet meet in Hyde Park, Darcy immediately finds his opinions of the world challenged by the lady. Their attraction grows at the next meeting as Elizabeth finds she has at last met a man who accepts her wit and intelligence. The budding romance may be killed, however, upon their arrival in Hertfordshire. Darcy must meet Elizabeth’s family while Elizabeth … grapples with the jealous Caroline Bingley, all the while a man in uniform watches and plots. Fate brought them together, but only love can overcome their obstacles. Short and sweet, The Gentleman’s Impertinent Daughter is an uncomplicated romance for all who love Jane Austen Fan Fiction.
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Remove the obstacles and you have a very different story outcome
I loved this story. Our P&P characters were the same just the juxtaposition of their circumstances was different and therefore, so to the end results.
First Bingley had already taken Netherfield Park and without Darcy’s influence was able to establish his relationship with Jane without interference. Caroline objected greatly; however, he never paid any attention to Caroline’s opinion on the matter.
Darcy and Georgiana met Elizabeth, Mrs. Gardiner, and her children while strolling in a park in London. He was able to assess their behavior at a distance and in his own quiet way without the chaos of a large assembly grating on his last nerve. He observed their actions, their comportment, and decided that they were people of understanding and intellect.
Elizabeth was able to assess Mr. Darcy without the influence of any other person or circumstance. They met on equal ground and noted with pleasure the connections of Mrs. Gardiner having lived near his family in Derbyshire. Darcy also discovered that he knew of her father from school. He had followed him in debate and broke TB’s long-held record. This alone earned her respect.
Georgiana immediately liked Elizabeth Bennet and wanted to further the friendship. Darcy was intrigued as he saw his shy sister virtually blossom in the presence of Elizabeth. He liked the connection very much. They invited Elizabeth along with the Gardiners to dinner and enjoyed meeting people of sense and quality. Darcy and Georgiana suggested that Elizabeth travel with them as they were leaving for Netherfield on the morrow.
While on the road Georgiana asked about her family. Elizabeth felt she needed to prepare her new acquaintances with what they might encounter when meeting her family. Fortunately, no one was home when they arrived to embarrass her. They planned to meet the next night at the Meryton Assembly. Darcy requested a dance with her. She was pleased to accept.
Circumstances at the assembly differ here when Mr. Wickham arrived. He caused monumental trouble for Elizabeth and her family and, of all things, was assisted by Caroline herself. This was his perfect revenge on Darcy. It was insidious and cruel on both parts. I cannot believe how it played out. I am still stunned it happened. Rules of propriety can be so strict and can turn an innocent meeting into a compromise.
Darcy and Elizabeth each took their guilt trip regarding the scandal along separate paths. Darcy blamed himself as he knew Wickham only targeted Elizabeth’s family because he saw Darcy’s interest in her. Elizabeth reasoned how a man of society could align himself to such a family. It was heartbreaking to read their anguish and despair. I couldn’t put it down as I just knew something had to bring them back together. And then Georgiana and Anne de Bourgh came to the rescue in an exchange of letters that pushed Lady Catherine into action. What a hoot.
Wickham was not pleased with his meeting with Darcy. He did not receive what he felt he deserved… although in our eyes, he did. WOW! I did not see that coming. What a plan and very creative of Darcy to use Colonel Fitzwilliam’s position in the war office to place Wickham just where he wanted him.
[SPOILER] I was hoping Lydia would learn from this… of her realizing what her actions had caused her family and Mr. Darcy. Also, Mr. Bennet should have reined in Kitty due to the scandal. She always followed Lydia in her actions or lack thereof. In some ways, Lydia’s culpability was reduced as it seemed Wickham had planned an ambush and it wasn’t her fault, other than her walking out on the terrace. Oh, well, just my opinion. [End of SPOILER]
Note: I won this book from the author and this is an honest review. I loved it and am glad I read it. It was a new and creative take on ODC. I like an occasional mix-up in P&P and appreciated the creative way Fairbanks presented her story. It was cute and I loved the interaction between Darcy and Elizabeth. There were minimal errors; you can’t catch them all.