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The Bennet and Darcy Arrangement
The Darcy family tree has many branches, one of which leads to Thomas Bennet's family. The Darcy and Bennet families have long been friends, including young Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth. To protect his son from an arranged marriage to Fitzwilliam's cousin, Anne De Bourgh, his father makes an arrangement for him to marry his dearest friend, Elizabeth Bennet. Then tragedy struck, with the death of Lady Anne Darcy. The boy decides loving someone can only lead to heartache, and he does not wish to suffer loss again. What will become of Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth?
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2015
49 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Schertz
46 books59 followersI am a retired crime lab/crime scene technician, having worked for a local police department for 15 years. Since then, I have become disabled. Forgot to get the extended warranty on the body. In my spare time, I make jewelry, am a photographer, and a full time mom and grandma.
My daughter by birth is Catie, and she is the dearest part of my life. Through her, I have 2 daughters by heart, Heather and Kristina. Through Heather and her awesome man, Stan, I have 4 amazing grandchildren, Purgi, Penne, Myles, and Persephene.
Besides my human family, I have a canine son, who is my service dog, Darcy. I also have 4 feline daughters (Salem, Lizzy, Dagonet, and Freya ). I now have 5 grandpuppies, 2 grandkitties.
Two days after I received my first ever royalty check, I adopted Darcy and Lizzy. Fitting names, I thought. And they resemble the characters. Lizzy is mischievous, yet loving, climbing up high as if she were in a tree. Darcy is extremely protective and loving. He has his shy side, which is clear when around some people, until he comes to know he can trust them.
My daughter by birth is Catie, and she is the dearest part of my life. Through her, I have 2 daughters by heart, Heather and Kristina. Through Heather and her awesome man, Stan, I have 4 amazing grandchildren, Purgi, Penne, Myles, and Persephene.
Besides my human family, I have a canine son, who is my service dog, Darcy. I also have 4 feline daughters (Salem, Lizzy, Dagonet, and Freya ). I now have 5 grandpuppies, 2 grandkitties.
Two days after I received my first ever royalty check, I adopted Darcy and Lizzy. Fitting names, I thought. And they resemble the characters. Lizzy is mischievous, yet loving, climbing up high as if she were in a tree. Darcy is extremely protective and loving. He has his shy side, which is clear when around some people, until he comes to know he can trust them.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 12, 2024
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: MATURE: It’s a Schertz story: death, insanity, mayhem, and destruction, smarmy comments, sensual/sexual scenes
>>Angst Level: Whew, I broke out in a nervous sweat and had the jitters at one point. Where did all these villains come from? They were crawling out of the woodwork. Someone needs to call the exterminator, just saying.
>>Source: Borrowed KU 4-5-24: I volunteered to leave a review of my thoughts and opinions.
>>Trope: [1] Death of major and minor characters. They were dropping like flies. Goodness, no one was safe. [2] Bennet had better connections. He was cousin to the Darcy line. [3] Bennet had a son to break the entail.
It’s a Schertz story. You know what to expect and yet it is a surprise every time. I was shocked, stunned, shuddered, cringed, and may have bitten my nails at one point. I kept expecting the ax to fall and then it did. Goodness. Where do these ideas come from? It was amazing. At least the action moved quickly so the reader had a chance to catch their breath. I was looking over my shoulder at one point. That’s the truth.
Bennet and Darcy were cousins and the children knew each other since they were small. William and Lizzy liked each other. She didn’t act like a girl and William appreciated that. Lizzy liked William because he liked that she enjoyed the same things he did. She loved horses and climbing trees. When young Darcy overheard his aunt, Lady Catherine, claiming him for her daughter, he went running to his father’s study. Bennet and Darcy listened to his pleading with them that the only cousin he would marry was Lizzy. When they talked to Lizzy, she declared that the only person she would marry would be her cousin William. He didn’t treat her like a girl. And thus, the Bennet-Darcy arrangement was created. When Elizabeth turned eighteen, they would marry. Both children were thrilled with the arrangements.
There is only one question: Can a children’s betrothal stand the test of time?
>>Rating: MATURE: It’s a Schertz story: death, insanity, mayhem, and destruction, smarmy comments, sensual/sexual scenes
>>Angst Level: Whew, I broke out in a nervous sweat and had the jitters at one point. Where did all these villains come from? They were crawling out of the woodwork. Someone needs to call the exterminator, just saying.
>>Source: Borrowed KU 4-5-24: I volunteered to leave a review of my thoughts and opinions.
>>Trope: [1] Death of major and minor characters. They were dropping like flies. Goodness, no one was safe. [2] Bennet had better connections. He was cousin to the Darcy line. [3] Bennet had a son to break the entail.
It’s a Schertz story. You know what to expect and yet it is a surprise every time. I was shocked, stunned, shuddered, cringed, and may have bitten my nails at one point. I kept expecting the ax to fall and then it did. Goodness. Where do these ideas come from? It was amazing. At least the action moved quickly so the reader had a chance to catch their breath. I was looking over my shoulder at one point. That’s the truth.
Bennet and Darcy were cousins and the children knew each other since they were small. William and Lizzy liked each other. She didn’t act like a girl and William appreciated that. Lizzy liked William because he liked that she enjoyed the same things he did. She loved horses and climbing trees. When young Darcy overheard his aunt, Lady Catherine, claiming him for her daughter, he went running to his father’s study. Bennet and Darcy listened to his pleading with them that the only cousin he would marry was Lizzy. When they talked to Lizzy, she declared that the only person she would marry would be her cousin William. He didn’t treat her like a girl. And thus, the Bennet-Darcy arrangement was created. When Elizabeth turned eighteen, they would marry. Both children were thrilled with the arrangements.
There is only one question: Can a children’s betrothal stand the test of time?
May 18, 2018
If there was a tragedy within a 30 miles range from Miss Elizabeth Bennet, it'd invariably be dragged to her.
I mean, literally.
I got to a point where I was like "oh, so let me guess? You to want to kill her? Better get in line, dude". Kkkkk
That being said, I simply LOVED the premise of this book. Little William and Lizzy were just too cute for me to take. And Mr Darcy Father.
It makes my "reading" when authors make he be alive and a good person.
His relationship with Elizabeth kept me smiling like an idiot.
William's love for Lizzy, the way he tries to open up and care for her... ❤
This is one of those that deserve a second read - just because kkk
I mean, literally.
I got to a point where I was like "oh, so let me guess? You to want to kill her? Better get in line, dude". Kkkkk
That being said, I simply LOVED the premise of this book. Little William and Lizzy were just too cute for me to take. And Mr Darcy Father.
It makes my "reading" when authors make he be alive and a good person.
His relationship with Elizabeth kept me smiling like an idiot.
William's love for Lizzy, the way he tries to open up and care for her... ❤
This is one of those that deserve a second read - just because kkk
June 26, 2016
This book had an interesting premise to start that Elizabeth and Darcy had an an arranged marriage and knew each other from childhood as distant relatives. The plot travels through extremes of feelings that must be recovered from and people that should be locked up in various types of establishments. It was a bit extreme for my taste.
May 23, 2022
Too Melodramatic for Me
SPOILER ALERT
.
This started with an interesting premise, where ODC got together fairly early, though not without some difficulties. Unfortunately, this aroused the ire of three separate homicidal maniacs, resulting in severe attacks on Elizabeth and murders of other people. While the different parts would have been OK on their own, the combination of all of it was over the top for me. YMMV
SPOILER ALERT
.
This started with an interesting premise, where ODC got together fairly early, though not without some difficulties. Unfortunately, this aroused the ire of three separate homicidal maniacs, resulting in severe attacks on Elizabeth and murders of other people. While the different parts would have been OK on their own, the combination of all of it was over the top for me. YMMV
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2016
I really like the more wild side of Ms Schertz. I did order her new book to read this weekend though. The B & D Arrangement started with one of my least favorite themes that the Bennets and Darcys were friends when E & F were children. Already, I am not into it. So, probably the story was ok but it was not memorable.
October 1, 2022
Great book
Loved it when the storyline is good and interesting. The villains got theirs, and Mrs Bennett was ok. The Bennetts did not have to deal with Mr Collins and lizzy and darcy were a great couple.
Loved it when the storyline is good and interesting. The villains got theirs, and Mrs Bennett was ok. The Bennetts did not have to deal with Mr Collins and lizzy and darcy were a great couple.
July 22, 2018
After years of being stubborn and not wanting to kindly associate with Elizabeth Bennett, Fitzwilliam is miraculously cured of all this in 2 seconds. Everyone around them then proceeds to go mad or die. You would swear there was something in the water with how many people are declared insane. Its such a pity though. The plot was promising and could have been much better if the plot was fleshed out in certain points and added variety in the happenings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2015
Good premise... Lackluster completion
This book had some cute moments but there were too many contrived moments, which felt unrealistic and stale. The idea for the book was good and the first few chapters were captivating... Then, live was found too quickly and it turned into a bizarre " Who can murder Elizabeth Bennett?" tale...
This book had some cute moments but there were too many contrived moments, which felt unrealistic and stale. The idea for the book was good and the first few chapters were captivating... Then, live was found too quickly and it turned into a bizarre " Who can murder Elizabeth Bennett?" tale...
March 29, 2023
4.5 Stars
How the author manages to create a sweet love story when so much wickedness is going on is quite a feat.
- I love Darcy and Elizabeth's storyline.
- Love the Darcy and Bennet connection.
- There's no shortage of mad people or victims.
- Would have liked to know more about Darcy and Elizabeth after the birth of their first child.
Another winner.
How the author manages to create a sweet love story when so much wickedness is going on is quite a feat.
- I love Darcy and Elizabeth's storyline.
- Love the Darcy and Bennet connection.
- There's no shortage of mad people or victims.
- Would have liked to know more about Darcy and Elizabeth after the birth of their first child.
Another winner.
January 25, 2024
heavy in drama
While this was an interesting variation there was too many evils occurring. It’s amazing how Elizabeth remained alive.
I admit to doing some skimming.
However it kept me coming back and finishing the variation.
I recommend this variation-careful to those who do not like violence. It was not graphic but there were moments.
While this was an interesting variation there was too many evils occurring. It’s amazing how Elizabeth remained alive.
I admit to doing some skimming.
However it kept me coming back and finishing the variation.
I recommend this variation-careful to those who do not like violence. It was not graphic but there were moments.
December 4, 2024
Super good!
The stars indicated that I have already read this variation. At 90 my memory is not trustworthy. But this I know: it is worth reading twice. Our beloved characters do unexpected things. Plenty of angst. Wait till you see what Darcy does. It is a laugh out loud moment. Great dialogue and plenty of tense scenes.
The stars indicated that I have already read this variation. At 90 my memory is not trustworthy. But this I know: it is worth reading twice. Our beloved characters do unexpected things. Plenty of angst. Wait till you see what Darcy does. It is a laugh out loud moment. Great dialogue and plenty of tense scenes.
September 10, 2025
The Bennet and Darcy Arrangement
Wow what a ride. Such angst and PTSD. Melanie sure know how to write a winner.
What devastating activities because a couple of women really believe they are to be the Mrs. And we come to know exactly why Anne is considered sickly. Very sad there. And we get our HEA!
Wow what a ride. Such angst and PTSD. Melanie sure know how to write a winner.
What devastating activities because a couple of women really believe they are to be the Mrs. And we come to know exactly why Anne is considered sickly. Very sad there. And we get our HEA!
December 16, 2019
Loving, interesting, sweet
In this variation, Darcy and Elizabeth are distant relatives who happen to be engaged. They work through many problems that include Caroline Bingley, Lady Catherine, and Lady Anne's death. Highly recommended to read
In this variation, Darcy and Elizabeth are distant relatives who happen to be engaged. They work through many problems that include Caroline Bingley, Lady Catherine, and Lady Anne's death. Highly recommended to read
June 19, 2021
Good Story, Needs Editing
I enjoyed this variation, though the writing was not as polished as I have come to expect from this author. The book could use some solid editing; it has a number of malaprops and misspellings, though they’re not terribly distracting.
I enjoyed this variation, though the writing was not as polished as I have come to expect from this author. The book could use some solid editing; it has a number of malaprops and misspellings, though they’re not terribly distracting.
June 15, 2019
Wonderful
Yet another wonderful variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice by Melanie Schertz. Thoroughly enjoyable as usual
Yet another wonderful variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice by Melanie Schertz. Thoroughly enjoyable as usual
November 28, 2022
What le fuck did I just read.
March 30, 2023
Too much crazy for me
Caroline Bingley - crazy! Lady Catherine deBourgh - crazy! Anne deBough - absolutely looney! The insanity subplots in this story were overdone.
Caroline Bingley - crazy! Lady Catherine deBourgh - crazy! Anne deBough - absolutely looney! The insanity subplots in this story were overdone.
January 25, 2016
Ms. Schertz has a vivid imagination, and her stories turn Pride and Prejudice upon its ear. In this one, Gerald Darcy explains the family history to his son William Darcy. Jane and Eliza are cousins to the Darcys. Gerald sends William to learn more of the Longbourn estate. During the visit, Gerald suggests to Mr. Bennet that a betrothal between William and Eliza should occur when they are of age. This agreement will protect William from Lady Catherine's manipulations.
As all good Pride and Prejudice variations, the road to happiness for Darcy and Eliza is not an easy one.
Spoiler: When you read Ms. Schertz's books, be prepared for several of the characters to meet their demise.
Some points of time period are broken. For example, Sir John is listed as baron. "Sir" was used for a baronet and for a knighthood, but not for a barony.
At another point in the story, copies of a miniature are made. This would be very difficult at the time.
Also, in the story, Eliza is 18 when she marries Darcy. That makes him 23. But he is still at university. Most young men of the time "graduated" at 18 or 19. Darcy, the colonel, and Wickham are a bit old to still be in class.
As all good Pride and Prejudice variations, the road to happiness for Darcy and Eliza is not an easy one.
Spoiler: When you read Ms. Schertz's books, be prepared for several of the characters to meet their demise.
Some points of time period are broken. For example, Sir John is listed as baron. "Sir" was used for a baronet and for a knighthood, but not for a barony.
At another point in the story, copies of a miniature are made. This would be very difficult at the time.
Also, in the story, Eliza is 18 when she marries Darcy. That makes him 23. But he is still at university. Most young men of the time "graduated" at 18 or 19. Darcy, the colonel, and Wickham are a bit old to still be in class.
May 12, 2015
Seriously how many crazy people do we need in one book? And how many attempts on Mrs Darcy's life? I was surprised how many people got killed off in this storyline! The one person we don't expect alive (Mr Darcy senior) is surprisingly alive to see his grandchildren! Nothing remotely similar to the original beloved Pride and Prejudice. Darcy and Elizabeth are distant cousins who are to marry each other on her 18th birthday although the death of Darcy's mother at a young age make him opposed to finding happiness with Elizabeth out of fear of pain should she be lost. How quickly that changes with one look at his bride but crazy people and crazy events will not leave these two alone. Not a fan of the plot, the writing style or the character portrayal.
May 19, 2015
Sorry, just didn't like it.
There was no character development , I really didn't care about any of them. The plot was poorly conceived and dull. Any kind of explanation of the characters or plots was repeated over and over and to a fault. All of the antagonists were crazy! And please , Fitzwilliam Darcy would not cry!
There was no character development , I really didn't care about any of them. The plot was poorly conceived and dull. Any kind of explanation of the characters or plots was repeated over and over and to a fault. All of the antagonists were crazy! And please , Fitzwilliam Darcy would not cry!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews