Only Mr. Darcy Will Do in Austen Variations

May 07, 2014 Sheila Majczan rated it it was amazing

Feb. 2017: I have read this book under the later released publication with a change of title to "Only Mr. Darcy Will Do" at least 3, but maybe 4, times and now have read it again with this initial title. It builds the romance between our beloved couple in a way I find very believable and sweet. I will not repeat the plot as so many reviewers have done so already. And even though I can take or leave sex scenes the omission of such in this book fits with the writing very well. There is plenty of a Feb. 2017: I have read this book under the later released publication with a change of title to "Only Mr. Darcy Will Do" at least 3, but maybe 4, times and now have read it again with this initial title. It builds the romance between our beloved couple in a way I find very believable and sweet. I will not repeat the plot as so many reviewers have done so already. And even though I can take or leave sex scenes the omission of such in this book fits with the writing very well. There is plenty of angst but little sexual tension. Darcy is always the gentleman and is very careful to protect Elizabeth's reputation which is in even more jeopardy due to her lowered position in society.

One of my favorite scenes is the chess match between Darcy and Elizabeth. It starts with the fact that when it appears he is losing to Hamilton, who then states the winner will play Elizabeth, Darcy suddenly takes the game seriously and wins. Then he describes the game (Lizzy's "rival" for Darcy's affections is listening in to learn the game) with references to the roles of each piece in such a manner that we and Lizzy know he is talking about their relationship, the failed proposal, etc. Lizzy participates in this dialogue, but others are in the dark as to the double meanings in the conversation. "I once made a move based on what I thought would prompt a particular response, having foolishly considered no other option. I was...gravely mistaken”....Elizabeth - Is there some hidden message to me in those words? ETC.

The next day: Rosalyn goes to Lizzy's employers, Rosalyn's sister and brother-in-law, and makes sure Lizzy is not allowed to spend time after dinner "in company" when she hears Darcy request another chess game with Lizzy.

Another happening that causes angst but also makes one want to cheer are the events leading to Darcy relating to Elizabeth that "I want you to be assured that you have come through this shining like a star, for according to the letter, you were disgusted by my offer." The first page of his letter to Elizabeth after his failed proposal at Hunsford, has been accidentally left in her room at Pemberley, the premises of which she quits to return to London due to Lydia's elopement, Subsequently found by her student and then grabbed by Rosalyn who reads the first line out loud. The letter is grabbed from Rosalyn by Hamilton (another cousin to Darcy) before any other line is read so the full letter is not revealed. Rosalyn starts out to be a good friend to Elizabeth but when Darcy is the "prize" the "cat" comes out - reminding one of Caroline.

Others have made comparisons to Jane Eyre but I find the similarity very slight, basically both having the position of governess and witnessing a woman of higher status trying to gain the hero's attention. But little else is copied. Darcy is NOT attempting to make her jealous and he is NOT her employer and her whole background and history are NOT at all alike. Plus Lizzy has family who support her in opposition to Jane Eyre's having no family who care at all about her circumstances nor have any relationship with her.

Darcy's character vs. the Willstones' and Roslyn's lack of such in their view of the tenants and servants comes out very clearly during a flood in the area. Others have mentioned the cat....which leads to another favorite scene with a hint of sexual tension. Lizzy chases the cat which has escaped the area of confinement and it runs into Darcy's bedroom. When Darcy looks upon Elizabeth standing in the doorway of his bedroom - well, you can imagine where his mind goes.

This is a story that I would recommend to all. Even in re-reading it I found it to be a page turner and hard to put down. ...more

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Mar 23, 2011 Anna added it

Shelves: austenesque

Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric

Only Mr. Darcy Will Do is a retelling of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by Kara Louise, which originally was self-published as Something Like Regret. Louise opens her novel a year after Elizabeth Bennet rejected Mr. Darcy’s marriage proposal at Rosings, and while she cannot forgive the role he played in separating her sister, Jane, from Mr. Bingley, she believes she may have been wrong about other aspects of Mr. Darcy’s character.

However, even if sh Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric

Only Mr. Darcy Will Do is a retelling of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by Kara Louise, which originally was self-published as Something Like Regret. Louise opens her novel a year after Elizabeth Bennet rejected Mr. Darcy’s marriage proposal at Rosings, and while she cannot forgive the role he played in separating her sister, Jane, from Mr. Bingley, she believes she may have been wrong about other aspects of Mr. Darcy’s character.

However, even if she had a complete change of heart about Mr. Darcy, it would do her little good, as her family has fallen further beneath his since the death of her father. When Mr. Collins takes possession of Longbourn, Mrs. Bennet takes her youngest daughters to live with her sister in Meryton, Jane moves to London and becomes the governess for her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, and Elizabeth becomes the governess for six-year-old Emily Willstone. Elizabeth and Emily have forged a strong bond, but she continues to grieve for her father and cherishes the Sundays she can spend with Jane and the Gardiners.

Elizabeth is forced to deal with her feelings about Mr. Darcy when Mrs. Willstone’s sister, Rosalyn, comes to stay with the family and confides in Elizabeth that she has long had a crush on Mr. Darcy and will do everything possible to ensure that he views her as marriage material. With no one knowing what transpired between her and Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth must spend time at his Pemberley estate when the Willstones are invited for a fortnight. At Pemberley, Elizabeth gets a glimpse of the man Darcy has become since his failed proposal.

Louise’s novel turns the lives of Austen’s characters upside down but still manages to follow the major plot points of Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth handles her changed circumstances with dignity, helped along by the fact that the Willstones treat her better than a governess in recognition of her past social status, and despite the duties she must bear in her new role, Louise allows her wit to shine through. She also brings in some new characters, like Rosalyn, whose quest to impress Mr. Darcy provides much amusement, and Mr. Hamilton, Darcy’s cousin, whose loose tongue and clumsiness add some lightness to the story.

Only Mr. Darcy Will Do is a must read for fans of Austen variations. I found that I couldn’t put the book down and read nearly all of it in one day. Louise obviously adores Austen’s characters and stays true to their personalities. Even though you know how the book will end, you’re not exactly sure how you’ll get there, but you’ll enjoy the ride. ...more

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Apr 03, 2013 Sophie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: jane-austen-related, favourites

I have now read quite a few Pride and Prejudice variations, and once again I was not disappointed with Only Mr Darcy Will Do. I had already read and loved Darcy's Voyage. I look forward to reading Pirates and Prejudice and Assumed Engagement, also by Kara Louise.

I liked the basis for this story; I had always wondered what might happen to the Bennet girls had the Collins’ moved into Longbourn. Jane and Lizzy having to become governesses is very believable and very likely what would have had to h I have now read quite a few Pride and Prejudice variations, and once again I was not disappointed with Only Mr Darcy Will Do. I had already read and loved Darcy's Voyage. I look forward to reading Pirates and Prejudice and Assumed Engagement, also by Kara Louise.

I liked the basis for this story; I had always wondered what might happen to the Bennet girls had the Collins’ moved into Longbourn. Jane and Lizzy having to become governesses is very believable and very likely what would have had to happen had Mr Bennet died. It was sweet that the Gardiners took Jane for a governess to their children, meaning the family was not too split up and that Lizzy’s position allowed her to visit Jane and her aunt and uncle on her days off. I enjoyed seeing Lizzy as a governess and how she would fair in such a position, not having had a governess herself (much to the surprise and disapproval of Lady Catherine!) Mrs Bennet, Lydia, Kitty and Mary were hardly in this story which was a nice change.

The characters were once again portrayed faithfully and there were some wonderful new additions. I particularly enjoyed Darcy’s other cousin, Mr Hamilton. In many variations Colonel Fitzwilliam is a favourite character to develop further and bring into the story more, however in this variation, this part was given to an equally as amusing and fun character, Mr Hamilton. Colonel Fitzwilliam does make an appearance in the story, but mostly this Mr Hamilton takes the (what I will call) ‘Colonel Fitzwilliam limelight’. He was a very loveable character, just like Fitzwilliam, and is a great addition to the story and anytime he was around, I was laughing!

Having just said how Colonel Fitzwilliam is not in the story as often as in some variations, he does make an appearance and the small part he plays is an important and rather sweet role. I won’t say anymore!

Another wonderful character was Emily, the little girl to whom Lizzy is governess. She is a wonderful little character! Her relationship with Lizzy is adorable and you could see they have a very strong bond. Emily was almost like a young Lizzy; her character discernment and ability to asses people’s feelings from their facial expressions was very reflective of Lizzy’s own abilities. I could see Emily growing up to become a very witty and lively girl, just like Lizzy is.

Georgiana was another whose character was developed further and that was great to see. We see how she fairs being the hostess of a party of people invited to stay for a few weeks. Her friendship with Lizzy and how that develops with Lizzy now being a governess was interesting and there were times when you could see how much Georgiana depended on and was grateful to Lizzy. There was one scene I particularly enjoyed; Lizzy was teaching Emily on the piano when Georgiana comes along to listen, and before long Georgiana takes over the lesson and starts teaching Emily, and very successfully, I might add!

I think my favourite addition to the story, character wise, was Rosalyn. She seemed like a lovely character, until it became clear that she had her sights set on Darcy! Having Lizzy have the competition for Darcy instead of Darcy having the competition was another interesting twist with this story. As well as this, Rosalyn provides the possibility of feeling a little sympathy for Caroline Bingley! I never thought I would be able to feel sympathy for her, of all people! When it is discovered that Rosalyn is aiming for the highest prize in the marriage market, Darcy, she very quickly dissolves into a scheming, false and annoying woman, and the friendship between her and Lizzy had built up quickly disappears! Does this mean that Caroline was once a friendly and reasonable woman and that is was her want to marry Darcy that turned her to what we see in the story? Maybe… but then again maybe not! But it does make you think that maybe the wonderful marital prize that is Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley turns all the woman, who set their sights on him, into scheming and manipulating and generally horrible woman! Of course, Lizzy never planned on marrying Darcy and so she never undergoes this character change, unlike Rosalyn and (maybe) Caroline!

As in Darcy’s Voyage, there are some iconic scenes that we know from the original which are included but, of course, have twists thrown in; one of my favourites in this story was the classic argument between Lizzy and Lady Catherine! All I will say is a few more people get involved in the argument…

One of my favourite parts of the original story is when they run into Darcy at Pemberley and we see Darcy, the levelheaded, kind and sensible master of Pemberley. As this is one of my favourite parts it was great to see more of this relaxed Darcy. There were many times when Darcy’s care and concern for his tenants was clear; especially when there is a flood and Darcy allows all those whose houses are in danger from the water to stay at Pemberley (as well as climbing a tree to save one of the little girls cats from being drowned!) As well as seeing his care for his tenants, you also get to see Darcy's more relaxed and fun side. This is shown through a multitude of different acts and conversations; among my favourites was a treasure hunt designed by Darcy for his guests!

Finally onto Lizzy and Darcy; I don’t want to give too much away but the story is full of romance as well as trials and tribulations for the two. Darcy is not bitter and his pleasure at seeing Lizzy again is clear and he does everything in his power to treat her with civility and show her how her words had affected him. Lizzy begins to realise how strongly she may have misjudged Darcy and how much of a mistake she may have made in refusing him over a year ago! Through important and revealing games of chess, morning walks round Pemberley and accidental meetings in rather personal places Lizzy comes to understand who the real Fitzwilliam Darcy is and why so many woman do fall for him!

http://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.co... ...more

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Nov 06, 2012 Ceri rated it really liked it

Shelves: austen-inspired, historical, austen-variation

This is a sweet 'what if' style variation on Pride and Prejudice. This variation sees Mr Bennet dying before Lizzy is due to go to Derbyshire in the summer, thus never meeting Darcy at Pemberley. Darcy learns Elizabeth's change in circumstances the following Easter whilst paying his annual visit to Lady Catherine.

Lizzy has become a governess to a delightful young girl, Emily. The family she works for is kind to her and when the Emily's young aunt, Rosalyn comes to stay she quickly makes a frien This is a sweet 'what if' style variation on Pride and Prejudice. This variation sees Mr Bennet dying before Lizzy is due to go to Derbyshire in the summer, thus never meeting Darcy at Pemberley. Darcy learns Elizabeth's change in circumstances the following Easter whilst paying his annual visit to Lady Catherine.

Lizzy has become a governess to a delightful young girl, Emily. The family she works for is kind to her and when the Emily's young aunt, Rosalyn comes to stay she quickly makes a friend of Lizzy, and Lizzy begins to socialise with the family rather than just be their employee. One one occasion the family have visitors, one of whom is Mr Bingley, and he and Lizzy's prior acquaintance comes to light. Realising that Lizzy also knows Darcy, Rosalyn confides to Lizzy that she has set her heart on marrying Mr Darcy and asks her for advice on obtaining a proposal from him. At this point Lizzy's only regret in turning Darcy down is that if she'd accepted him she could perhaps have paved the way for Jane to marry Bingley.

Lizzy then sees Darcy at other social occasions and the family, including Lizzy and Emily, are invited to Pemberley. Lizzy is dreading the visit, when she is now so much further below D socially, and having to watch a possible courtship between him and Rosalyn. Getting to know and understand Darcy better, Lizzy finally begins to see that she was mistaken in her estimation of him and she starts to regret turning down his proposal for more reasons...

I was surprised to see that this book is mostly in British English, although there is the odd word or phrase which struck me as not being very British, e.g. sandbox, drapes, oftentimes, inquiry rather than enquiry, go play, come sit, etc.

I thought that this was an entertaining and sweet romance. There is no high drama, like in some variations, it's quite a comfortable, cozy read. I wondered at first whether we would feel very bad for Rosalyn, but as the story draws out you lose gradually lose sympathy for her, which I felt was really well done. It took probably about 3 hours to read and I read it in one sitting, which is a compliment to how much I was absorbed in reading this story!

Also worth mentioning, for those who prefer to avoid them, is that this book has no sex scenes. ...more

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