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The Courtship of Edward Gardiner: A Pride & Prejudice Prequel
Every great love has a beginning.
In Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, we meet with perhaps the most sensible, caring relatives a lovelorn young woman could hope for: Mr and Mrs Gardiner. What is their story?
Edward Gardiner has just been refused by the lovely young woman he had intended to make his wife. Heartbroken and eager for a diversion, he accepts an invitation from his brother-in-law, Thomas Bennet, to accompany him along with his two eldest daughters to the north on family business. Gardiner’s pleasure tour is interrupted, however, when his eldest niece falls ill and is unable to travel farther.
Stopping over in the scarcely remarkable village of Lambton, the men decide that Bennet must continue on, while Gardiner and the children remain. The only trouble is that Gardiner has not the least idea how he should care for one ailing niece and another who is ready to drive him to distraction… until he meets with Madeline Fairbanks.
In Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, we meet with perhaps the most sensible, caring relatives a lovelorn young woman could hope for: Mr and Mrs Gardiner. What is their story?
Edward Gardiner has just been refused by the lovely young woman he had intended to make his wife. Heartbroken and eager for a diversion, he accepts an invitation from his brother-in-law, Thomas Bennet, to accompany him along with his two eldest daughters to the north on family business. Gardiner’s pleasure tour is interrupted, however, when his eldest niece falls ill and is unable to travel farther.
Stopping over in the scarcely remarkable village of Lambton, the men decide that Bennet must continue on, while Gardiner and the children remain. The only trouble is that Gardiner has not the least idea how he should care for one ailing niece and another who is ready to drive him to distraction… until he meets with Madeline Fairbanks.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2016
54 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Clarkston
29 books212 followersNicole Clarkston is a book lover and a happily married mom of three. Originally from Idaho, she now lives in Oregon with her own romantic hero, three kids who are taller than she is, and one very fat dog.
Nicole can be reached through Facebook at http://fb.me/NicoleClarkstonAuthor, Twitter @N_Clarkston, her blog at Goodreads.com, or her personal blog and website, NicoleClarkson.com.
Nicole can be reached through Facebook at http://fb.me/NicoleClarkstonAuthor, Twitter @N_Clarkston, her blog at Goodreads.com, or her personal blog and website, NicoleClarkson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 20, 2018
Dear reader,
What a fantastic job Stevie Zimmerman does! She has a very distinctive voice and a keen talent when it comes to portraying the depth of emotions felt by the various characters in a range of different situations.
From the sad and despondent Edward,to the sardonic and wry humour of Mr Bennet, to the whimsical fancies of seven year old Lizzy
and the ladylike persona of Madeline,we are privy to their wishes and wants and happily present to see the fulfilment of their hearts' desires!!
I loved this book when I read it in 2016 and having experienced it on audio,I unreservedly recommend it to all lovers of JAFF!
*****************************************
Dear Reader,
We are all privy to the love story that is Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy,the oft times troubled path they tread to finally come to a proper understanding and ultimately find love and acceptance in the arms of the other.
We are also keenly aware of the great part that the Gardiners played in reconciling this couple and the appreciation shown to them,as is their due.
But what of the Gardiners' relationship itself? How did this homely,content,happy couple meet and what part,if any,did the Bennets play in uniting them??
This delightful,humorous and beautifully worded story aims to shed light on this most admirable couple's courtship.
Our story begins with Miss Mae Rutherford's refusal of Mr Edward Gardiner's hand in marriage. Her father has recently entered into a partnership with the father of an admirer of hers,a Mr Ryan,and therefore thinks it prudent that she bind herself to him in marriage.
Edward is left heartbroken and questions if he will ever meet a lady,an equal partner in his journey through the various trials and tribulations that life has a habit of immersing him in.
Invited to accompany Lizzy,Jane and Mr B to visit Mr Thaddeus Bennet,Mr B's ailing brother,he and his Bennet relations are soon Sheffield bound.
However,forced to deviate from their plans, due to Jane's listlessness and high fever,Mr B journeys on alone,leaving Edward in charge of his nieces.
Staying in Lambton,he seeks the assistance of a lady to care for said children.....
Enter stage left,one Madeline Fairbanks,an independent,amiable lady,currently assisting her father with his bookkeeping tasks,who willingly agrees to render assistance in a time of need!!
And herein lies the delicious courtship dance,one as old as time,as we are privy to the delicious indecisiveness and uncertainty
of both partners,as they eye up the other in
terms of suitability of temperance, compatibility as a life partner,and amiability in general outlook on life,and personal disposition!
To see what a bumbling but utterly endearing man Edward was in the presence of Madeline was so touching to read,not to mind the blushes and soft accidental touches shared by these two utterly compatible and humble people almost brought a tear to my eye.
To realise too that their union was made possible by Mr B added a touch of irony, especially when one remembers that they were responsible for the Darcys' marriage,in turn!!
Running parallel with the courtship of Madeline and Edward,we are also introduced to some other familiar characters that bear an uncanny resemblance in terms of pride and honour to their adult personas.
While Jane lies abed,Lizzy,the seven year old,intelligent, quick witted,utterly adorable and very active child,that will invariably grow into the country minx that Darcy will so willingly lose his heart to,befriends not only Madeline,but two bedraggled strangers sheltering from a particularly heavy and potentially dangerous storm.
Taking an instant dislike to the impertinent manners and overall lack of respect shown to him by Lizzy,this fourteen year old boy nevertheless grudgingly,if gratefully, appreciates and accepts the efforts she goes to,to comfort his darling three year old sister,yes,you've guessed it,Georgiana!!
Needless to say,his estimation of her innate intelligence and quickness of mind only serve to increase,the more time he spends conversing with her.....
We also become acquainted with both Bingley and Wickham, and alas see the children that became the men we are familiar with.
This,dear reader,was a very clever story and I simply loved being witness to how all the characters met,befriended and inevitably partnered with each other.
It was so interesting to see the seeds being sown,how each character's personality traits were developed,especially as we are privy to their adult selves and know their resultant behaviours.
This was a beautifully worded, tender, emotional and very compelling story. I was hooked on the very first page and immediately felt enveloped in a warm comfy blanket of assurance that promised love, laughter but most important of all a fantastic story couched in carefully chosen words that gave credence to the fact that this was a labour of love.
I highly recommend this P&P prequel and trust you will love and savour it as I did.
What a fantastic job Stevie Zimmerman does! She has a very distinctive voice and a keen talent when it comes to portraying the depth of emotions felt by the various characters in a range of different situations.
From the sad and despondent Edward,to the sardonic and wry humour of Mr Bennet, to the whimsical fancies of seven year old Lizzy
and the ladylike persona of Madeline,we are privy to their wishes and wants and happily present to see the fulfilment of their hearts' desires!!
I loved this book when I read it in 2016 and having experienced it on audio,I unreservedly recommend it to all lovers of JAFF!
*****************************************
Dear Reader,
We are all privy to the love story that is Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy,the oft times troubled path they tread to finally come to a proper understanding and ultimately find love and acceptance in the arms of the other.
We are also keenly aware of the great part that the Gardiners played in reconciling this couple and the appreciation shown to them,as is their due.
But what of the Gardiners' relationship itself? How did this homely,content,happy couple meet and what part,if any,did the Bennets play in uniting them??
This delightful,humorous and beautifully worded story aims to shed light on this most admirable couple's courtship.
Our story begins with Miss Mae Rutherford's refusal of Mr Edward Gardiner's hand in marriage. Her father has recently entered into a partnership with the father of an admirer of hers,a Mr Ryan,and therefore thinks it prudent that she bind herself to him in marriage.
Edward is left heartbroken and questions if he will ever meet a lady,an equal partner in his journey through the various trials and tribulations that life has a habit of immersing him in.
Invited to accompany Lizzy,Jane and Mr B to visit Mr Thaddeus Bennet,Mr B's ailing brother,he and his Bennet relations are soon Sheffield bound.
However,forced to deviate from their plans, due to Jane's listlessness and high fever,Mr B journeys on alone,leaving Edward in charge of his nieces.
Staying in Lambton,he seeks the assistance of a lady to care for said children.....
Enter stage left,one Madeline Fairbanks,an independent,amiable lady,currently assisting her father with his bookkeeping tasks,who willingly agrees to render assistance in a time of need!!
And herein lies the delicious courtship dance,one as old as time,as we are privy to the delicious indecisiveness and uncertainty
of both partners,as they eye up the other in
terms of suitability of temperance, compatibility as a life partner,and amiability in general outlook on life,and personal disposition!
To see what a bumbling but utterly endearing man Edward was in the presence of Madeline was so touching to read,not to mind the blushes and soft accidental touches shared by these two utterly compatible and humble people almost brought a tear to my eye.
To realise too that their union was made possible by Mr B added a touch of irony, especially when one remembers that they were responsible for the Darcys' marriage,in turn!!
Running parallel with the courtship of Madeline and Edward,we are also introduced to some other familiar characters that bear an uncanny resemblance in terms of pride and honour to their adult personas.
While Jane lies abed,Lizzy,the seven year old,intelligent, quick witted,utterly adorable and very active child,that will invariably grow into the country minx that Darcy will so willingly lose his heart to,befriends not only Madeline,but two bedraggled strangers sheltering from a particularly heavy and potentially dangerous storm.
Taking an instant dislike to the impertinent manners and overall lack of respect shown to him by Lizzy,this fourteen year old boy nevertheless grudgingly,if gratefully, appreciates and accepts the efforts she goes to,to comfort his darling three year old sister,yes,you've guessed it,Georgiana!!
Needless to say,his estimation of her innate intelligence and quickness of mind only serve to increase,the more time he spends conversing with her.....
We also become acquainted with both Bingley and Wickham, and alas see the children that became the men we are familiar with.
This,dear reader,was a very clever story and I simply loved being witness to how all the characters met,befriended and inevitably partnered with each other.
It was so interesting to see the seeds being sown,how each character's personality traits were developed,especially as we are privy to their adult selves and know their resultant behaviours.
This was a beautifully worded, tender, emotional and very compelling story. I was hooked on the very first page and immediately felt enveloped in a warm comfy blanket of assurance that promised love, laughter but most important of all a fantastic story couched in carefully chosen words that gave credence to the fact that this was a labour of love.
I highly recommend this P&P prequel and trust you will love and savour it as I did.
June 26, 2019
A simple trip to the north and Uncle Gardiner meets his future
This book was just so delightful and that cover was an excellent choice. I could not believe someone was able to create a story around the courtship of Uncle and Aunt Gardiner. We have loved this couple for years as they first appeared in P&P and in all the JAFF stories, sequels, prequels, variations and the numerous movie adaptations. Their wisdom and insight guided our dear girls through their formative years and helped them to grow up and become the delightful ladies we know and love.
When we read of the Gardiners, there are many questions like the following: How did they meet? How did they become this power couple? What circumstances brought their paths together? Who is Madeline Fairbanks? And most importantly, what made her the perfect companion and help-meet for Edward Gardiner?
Nicole Clarkston, like an artist at her loom, has woven a beautiful cloth depicting the early foundation for the P&P story. Even if no one had ever read Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ [gasp], they can still enjoy this delightful story. For those few that have only read P&P once or twice, they may yet be able to pick up on the subtle nuances that thread their way through the design. However, for those of us immersed in JAFF, Clarkston’s work will explode in brilliant colors, designs, and textures, thus revealing the timeless picture.
To those readers accustomed to high tension, nerve wracking drama, numbing angst, sensual scenes and gratuitous sex, this will disappoint. As stated before, this is a simple story and we are looking at the everyday life of a woman in Lambton Village and the people that are most important to her. We come to understand the influences that formed her character and made her perfect for Mr. Gardiner. It was the reason they returned years later on their travels with an older Elizabeth in tow.
This work is rife with hidden treasures as we read this gentle story. On the surface it is simply a love story of a man, recovering from a great disappointment, finding his true and abiding love. But below the surface, our author has woven together threads that brought together many of our beloved P&P characters many years before that Meryton Assembly in Hertfordshire. Their stories run parallel to the Gardiner story.
It was such fun seeing our favorite characters as children:
14-year-old Fitzwilliam going head to head with a 7-year-old Lizzy over a chess board.
Lizzy comforting a 3-year-old Georgiana terrified by a monstrous storm.
8-year-old Jane’s reaction when she first cast her eyes on a very young Charles Bingley.
Charles Bingley’s reaction when he first cast his eyes on an 8-year-old Jane.
Lizzy’s first encounter with an angry Lady Catherine. That was a hoot.
Wickham being a pest and schemer, already ingratiating himself with Georgiana. It made my skin crawl.
We are privy to a young Fitzwilliam, still learning the dynamics of Pemberley, as he interacts with his father. The first meeting of the elder Mr. Bingley, along with a young Bingley, forged that friendship that brought them both to Meryton years later. It was amazing to see how that meeting between the fathers laid the groundwork for a friendship between their sons. It also explained why they were at school together. It’s like Clarkston made a list of all the “why” questions in P&P and wove them into this delightful story so she could provide a reasonable answer. Brilliant.
It bothered me when Mr. Darcy discussed Wickham with Fitzwilliam. But, there was wisdom in his words. It softened the grievance I’ve had with the elder Mr. Darcy as he seemed to coddle Wickham. Not by much… mind you, but some. Let’s just say I have a better understanding of the man and his reasoning.
There are so many instances of foreshadowing that you have to read carefully to not miss them. I kept finding myself going…oooh, I know what that action will do in a few years… OMG!!! They were dispersed throughout the story and are used to lay the groundwork of character, and understanding. It also explained why things were the way they were and we were able to see characters in a new light.
Edward Gardiner observed his brother-in-law Bennet and made a wise and prophetic assumption regarding ‘his careless disregard for the keeping of his daughters’… He felt it would lead to trouble in the future if it was not checked. Unfortunately, Mr. Gardiner would regret seeing that prophecy come true.
This story was a journey and a journey takes time and I appreciated the fact that our author did not rush the budding relationship between our couple. So many authors do that to the detriment of the story and it leaves the reader with a rushed feeling.
As Clarkston continued to weave the threads of her thoughts into the design she wanted, she skillfully introduced new characters that seemed innocent at first but played an important part later in the story. It made me laugh when these characters kept popping up with comedic relief. It was those OMG moments where you just shake your head at the creativity.
It was funny to see how everything was woven into the P&P story as we know it. I had to laugh as our author brought everything back around to a complete finish with an epilogue that was most excellent.
One scene that touched me to the core was a picnic where our group found old initials ‘GD’ and ‘AF’ carved in the tree. They discussed and commented on the long ago lovers and hoped the couple had a happy life. It nearly made me cry; I couldn’t help it. There were many moments like that, tender, touching and griping. We, who know the future, could see the subtle threads as they created the story way before the Meryton Assembly. Knowing what we know, knowing what was going to happen in the future… it was a strange and powerful feeling to be in that place and time. P&P questions I’ve entertained over the years seemed answered in some way. It was a settling feeling as things fell into place. It was delightful and made an excellent book for a cozy, snuggle down read on a relaxing evening.
For those who do not know GD and AF, or have forgotten, see below:
*****SPOILER**** GD and AF were George Darcy and Anne Fitzwilliam **** End Spoiler ****
Note: Although I received an ARC [advanced reader copy] from the author, I have since purchased a copy on two different reading devices. I loved this book and this author’s work. This is an honest review and the opinions expressed are my own.
1st read 10-8-16 ~ 10-9-16
2nd read 6-7-19 ~ 6-26-19
This book was just so delightful and that cover was an excellent choice. I could not believe someone was able to create a story around the courtship of Uncle and Aunt Gardiner. We have loved this couple for years as they first appeared in P&P and in all the JAFF stories, sequels, prequels, variations and the numerous movie adaptations. Their wisdom and insight guided our dear girls through their formative years and helped them to grow up and become the delightful ladies we know and love.
When we read of the Gardiners, there are many questions like the following: How did they meet? How did they become this power couple? What circumstances brought their paths together? Who is Madeline Fairbanks? And most importantly, what made her the perfect companion and help-meet for Edward Gardiner?
Nicole Clarkston, like an artist at her loom, has woven a beautiful cloth depicting the early foundation for the P&P story. Even if no one had ever read Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ [gasp], they can still enjoy this delightful story. For those few that have only read P&P once or twice, they may yet be able to pick up on the subtle nuances that thread their way through the design. However, for those of us immersed in JAFF, Clarkston’s work will explode in brilliant colors, designs, and textures, thus revealing the timeless picture.
To those readers accustomed to high tension, nerve wracking drama, numbing angst, sensual scenes and gratuitous sex, this will disappoint. As stated before, this is a simple story and we are looking at the everyday life of a woman in Lambton Village and the people that are most important to her. We come to understand the influences that formed her character and made her perfect for Mr. Gardiner. It was the reason they returned years later on their travels with an older Elizabeth in tow.
This work is rife with hidden treasures as we read this gentle story. On the surface it is simply a love story of a man, recovering from a great disappointment, finding his true and abiding love. But below the surface, our author has woven together threads that brought together many of our beloved P&P characters many years before that Meryton Assembly in Hertfordshire. Their stories run parallel to the Gardiner story.
It was such fun seeing our favorite characters as children:
14-year-old Fitzwilliam going head to head with a 7-year-old Lizzy over a chess board.
Lizzy comforting a 3-year-old Georgiana terrified by a monstrous storm.
8-year-old Jane’s reaction when she first cast her eyes on a very young Charles Bingley.
Charles Bingley’s reaction when he first cast his eyes on an 8-year-old Jane.
Lizzy’s first encounter with an angry Lady Catherine. That was a hoot.
Wickham being a pest and schemer, already ingratiating himself with Georgiana. It made my skin crawl.
We are privy to a young Fitzwilliam, still learning the dynamics of Pemberley, as he interacts with his father. The first meeting of the elder Mr. Bingley, along with a young Bingley, forged that friendship that brought them both to Meryton years later. It was amazing to see how that meeting between the fathers laid the groundwork for a friendship between their sons. It also explained why they were at school together. It’s like Clarkston made a list of all the “why” questions in P&P and wove them into this delightful story so she could provide a reasonable answer. Brilliant.
It bothered me when Mr. Darcy discussed Wickham with Fitzwilliam. But, there was wisdom in his words. It softened the grievance I’ve had with the elder Mr. Darcy as he seemed to coddle Wickham. Not by much… mind you, but some. Let’s just say I have a better understanding of the man and his reasoning.
There are so many instances of foreshadowing that you have to read carefully to not miss them. I kept finding myself going…oooh, I know what that action will do in a few years… OMG!!! They were dispersed throughout the story and are used to lay the groundwork of character, and understanding. It also explained why things were the way they were and we were able to see characters in a new light.
Edward Gardiner observed his brother-in-law Bennet and made a wise and prophetic assumption regarding ‘his careless disregard for the keeping of his daughters’… He felt it would lead to trouble in the future if it was not checked. Unfortunately, Mr. Gardiner would regret seeing that prophecy come true.
This story was a journey and a journey takes time and I appreciated the fact that our author did not rush the budding relationship between our couple. So many authors do that to the detriment of the story and it leaves the reader with a rushed feeling.
As Clarkston continued to weave the threads of her thoughts into the design she wanted, she skillfully introduced new characters that seemed innocent at first but played an important part later in the story. It made me laugh when these characters kept popping up with comedic relief. It was those OMG moments where you just shake your head at the creativity.
It was funny to see how everything was woven into the P&P story as we know it. I had to laugh as our author brought everything back around to a complete finish with an epilogue that was most excellent.
One scene that touched me to the core was a picnic where our group found old initials ‘GD’ and ‘AF’ carved in the tree. They discussed and commented on the long ago lovers and hoped the couple had a happy life. It nearly made me cry; I couldn’t help it. There were many moments like that, tender, touching and griping. We, who know the future, could see the subtle threads as they created the story way before the Meryton Assembly. Knowing what we know, knowing what was going to happen in the future… it was a strange and powerful feeling to be in that place and time. P&P questions I’ve entertained over the years seemed answered in some way. It was a settling feeling as things fell into place. It was delightful and made an excellent book for a cozy, snuggle down read on a relaxing evening.
For those who do not know GD and AF, or have forgotten, see below:
*****SPOILER**** GD and AF were George Darcy and Anne Fitzwilliam **** End Spoiler ****
Note: Although I received an ARC [advanced reader copy] from the author, I have since purchased a copy on two different reading devices. I loved this book and this author’s work. This is an honest review and the opinions expressed are my own.
1st read 10-8-16 ~ 10-9-16
2nd read 6-7-19 ~ 6-26-19
August 3, 2021
This variation is a charming tale in which the author brings into the picture many of the persons we have met in canon. However it is with imagination and a skill to stay true to the behaviors we meet in Pride and Prejudice. We have at first a man disappointed in love dragged along on a needed journey to attend to Bennet’s sick brother that we read of Edward Gardiner's introduction to the lovely Madeline. This is a young lady who helps her father in his trade and thus is no wilting flower.
Bennet has brought along 7-year-old Lizzy and her older sister, Jane. The latter becomes ill and can travel no further than Lambton. Edward offers to stay with the girls as Bennet must attend his brother. Left with two young girls who need separate attentions, Edward is referred to Miss Fairbank by the innkeeper’s wife as he seeks assistance. Eyebrows are raised at Lizzy’s impertinent and sometimes, unending questions. While some think Mrs. Bennet must be an attentive mother to have spawned Jane with her angelic looks and demure manners.
While the center romance is almost a love-at-first-sight tale; both persons are shy and hesitant to be forward as it seems this stay in Lambton is to be only of a few days length. During this interlude we spend some time at Pemberley and witness Darcy’s relationships with his 3-year-old sister, with sly Wickham and with his father, whose attentions to Georgiana are sparse. Darcy attempts to find time to give Georgiana the love and care she is missing and when a hail storm catches them away from home the nearest refuge is…the inn in Lambton. Being a fly on the wall and seeing Darcy gets some come-uppance from a girl too smart for her petticoats is sure to have the readers smiling from ear-to-ear. But we also learn that even at a young age attitudes can be mellowed.
Lady Catherine makes a short appearance and I just loved how she was handled by her brother-in-law and how a little girl advertised the “worth” of this “Lady” to the town. Edward Gardiner is also caught out in the storm and he, on the other hand, shows how a man with true character should act, even with those of a different class.
The author answered one question I had while reading when she gives us a short Epilogue and a visit to the Rose and Crown Inn is again made by newlyweds and relatives. While ODC’s time together at the Inn when ages 14 and 7 was contentious, do you think the couple might remember it and attach different meanings even as they can now both claim relations such as Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner?
Nicole Clarkston was indeed clever as she brought together in new but not unrealistic ways the people we all know and most of whom we love from Pride and Prejudice. Well done.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Bennet has brought along 7-year-old Lizzy and her older sister, Jane. The latter becomes ill and can travel no further than Lambton. Edward offers to stay with the girls as Bennet must attend his brother. Left with two young girls who need separate attentions, Edward is referred to Miss Fairbank by the innkeeper’s wife as he seeks assistance. Eyebrows are raised at Lizzy’s impertinent and sometimes, unending questions. While some think Mrs. Bennet must be an attentive mother to have spawned Jane with her angelic looks and demure manners.
While the center romance is almost a love-at-first-sight tale; both persons are shy and hesitant to be forward as it seems this stay in Lambton is to be only of a few days length. During this interlude we spend some time at Pemberley and witness Darcy’s relationships with his 3-year-old sister, with sly Wickham and with his father, whose attentions to Georgiana are sparse. Darcy attempts to find time to give Georgiana the love and care she is missing and when a hail storm catches them away from home the nearest refuge is…the inn in Lambton. Being a fly on the wall and seeing Darcy gets some come-uppance from a girl too smart for her petticoats is sure to have the readers smiling from ear-to-ear. But we also learn that even at a young age attitudes can be mellowed.
Lady Catherine makes a short appearance and I just loved how she was handled by her brother-in-law and how a little girl advertised the “worth” of this “Lady” to the town. Edward Gardiner is also caught out in the storm and he, on the other hand, shows how a man with true character should act, even with those of a different class.
The author answered one question I had while reading when she gives us a short Epilogue and a visit to the Rose and Crown Inn is again made by newlyweds and relatives. While ODC’s time together at the Inn when ages 14 and 7 was contentious, do you think the couple might remember it and attach different meanings even as they can now both claim relations such as Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner?
Nicole Clarkston was indeed clever as she brought together in new but not unrealistic ways the people we all know and most of whom we love from Pride and Prejudice. Well done.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2024
though love be a day and life be nothing, it shall not stop kissing. ~e.e. cummings
I love the Gardiners -- and now I know why!
Edward Gardiner takes a trip with his brother-In-law and nieces following his heartbreak over an unsuccessful courtship. His delay in Lambton is fortunate and he seizes his destiny.
The story also foreshadows two future romances -- can you guess whose?
Oddly enough, Elizabeth meets Wickham and immediately dislikes him -- hmmm, she was such a clever child!
A very sweet story which I recommend to all JAFF addicts.
I love the Gardiners -- and now I know why!
Edward Gardiner takes a trip with his brother-In-law and nieces following his heartbreak over an unsuccessful courtship. His delay in Lambton is fortunate and he seizes his destiny.
The story also foreshadows two future romances -- can you guess whose?
Oddly enough, Elizabeth meets Wickham and immediately dislikes him -- hmmm, she was such a clever child!
A very sweet story which I recommend to all JAFF addicts.
February 2, 2017
Nicole Clarkston stops by Just Jane 1813 with audiobook giveaways and a wonderful post related to our beloved characters. Thank you, Nicole. Your post had me laughing all the way!!
http://justjane1813.com/2017/01/23/we...
Ms. Clarkston’s introspective story reimagines the early lives of our favorite supporting characters from Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. (4.5 stars)
Source: I received an eARC of this story from the author for a fair and honest review.
“With the Gardiners, they were always on the most intimate terms. Darcy, as well as Elizabeth, really loved them; and they were both ever sensible of the warmest gratitude towards the persons who, by bringing her into Derbyshire, had been the means of uniting them.” Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Oftentimes, writers incorporate Austen’s infamous opening line of “Pride and Prejudice” into their stories, which correlates with the intentions and tone of their own writing. In Nicole Clarkston’s latest novel, “The Courtship of Edward Gardiner,” her new JAFF story centers around the last, and often, overlooked sentences in “Pride and Prejudice,” which describes Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s feelings and subsequent relationship with the Gardiners.
Austen scholar, Patricia Meyer Spacks, in her interview with Five Books, noted the importance of Austen’s parting sentence, where she asserts,
“But the last sentence of Pride and Prejudice is about the various people who come to visit at Pemberley, and how they are welcomed. It implies a view of marriage as the centre of a community, of marriage being a community and making a larger community.
It’s a much larger and more romantic but also, in my view, a more moral view of marriage. It’s a view of marriage as a centre expanding outwards that is totally absent at the beginning of the book. It doesn’t recur in any of the other novels.”
With Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner’s courtship as the focus of her story, Mrs. Clarkston develops what this “community” of people may have looked like several years earlier in their lives in this prequel to “Pride and Prejudice,” while also demonstrating how the Gardiners’ courtship may have played a role in developing Jane’s and Elizabeth’s earliest ideas about love, kindness, and companionship.
This story begins in the year 1800, where, a few months after Mr. Gardiner is rejected by the woman he wishes to marry, he sets off on a journey with Mr. Bennet, Jane Bennet, and Elizabeth Bennet, to help Mr. Bennet attend to the needs of his deceased brother’s affairs. Along the journey, Mrs. Clarkston pulls a page from Austen’s book, and young Jane falls ill and requires an extended stay to help her recover. After some arrangements are made, Mr. Bennet and Edward decide to have him stay with the girls at the Lions Head Inn in Lambton, and Mr. Bennet resumes his travels to Sheffield.
Since it’s not completely proper for Edward to nurse his niece on his own, they decide to seek out a local woman to help the family with Jane. Enter here, a young Miss Fairbanks; a well-known lady in the town of Lambton, who, after receiving her father’s permission, takes her place at the Lions Head Inn and works to help restore Jane Bennet to her former good health.
Eventually, Miss Fairbanks notices that her younger sister, Elizabeth, an energetic and inquisitive girl, benefits from the guidance of a well-mannered lady to serve as her informal mentor. Being an astute girl, Elizabeth seeks to emulate some of Miss Fairbank’s manners, which adds not only some humor to the story, but also a bit of foreshadowing. Soon, it’s not only Elizabeth who takes notice of Miss Fairbanks, but also her uncle who comes to feel an attraction and regard for this new acquaintance.
When an unforeseen hail storm strikes the local community, the residents at Pemberley become affected by this shift in the weather, which throws Elizabeth into the path of a rather wealthy and haughty young man. The events of the story unfold in a way that ties together several of our “favorite” characters from “Pride and Prejudice” and allows us to view them as their younger selves. The courtship of Edward Gardiner and Madeline Fairbanks plays a central role in this story, yet the supporting storylines are just as engaging for lovers of “Pride and Prejudice.”
Mrs. Clarkston tells her story in a little over thirty chapters, with an epilogue at the end that serves to bring her own story within the folds of Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” As in her other books that I have reviewed, “Northern Rain,” and “Rumours and Recklessness,” her writing style is tight, and her characters are well-developed. She takes the time to include pieces from our characters’ lives and personalities that allow us to explore various possibilities for them in “Pride and Prejudice,” while at the same time writing her own charming alternate character story. I must give her credit for writing this singular story about Aunt and Uncle Gardiner’s courtship, especially since it’s clear from Austen’s story that they both played a rather significant role in Jane and Elizabeth’s lives.
http://justjane1813.com/2017/01/23/we...
Ms. Clarkston’s introspective story reimagines the early lives of our favorite supporting characters from Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. (4.5 stars)
Source: I received an eARC of this story from the author for a fair and honest review.
“With the Gardiners, they were always on the most intimate terms. Darcy, as well as Elizabeth, really loved them; and they were both ever sensible of the warmest gratitude towards the persons who, by bringing her into Derbyshire, had been the means of uniting them.” Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Oftentimes, writers incorporate Austen’s infamous opening line of “Pride and Prejudice” into their stories, which correlates with the intentions and tone of their own writing. In Nicole Clarkston’s latest novel, “The Courtship of Edward Gardiner,” her new JAFF story centers around the last, and often, overlooked sentences in “Pride and Prejudice,” which describes Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s feelings and subsequent relationship with the Gardiners.
Austen scholar, Patricia Meyer Spacks, in her interview with Five Books, noted the importance of Austen’s parting sentence, where she asserts,
“But the last sentence of Pride and Prejudice is about the various people who come to visit at Pemberley, and how they are welcomed. It implies a view of marriage as the centre of a community, of marriage being a community and making a larger community.
It’s a much larger and more romantic but also, in my view, a more moral view of marriage. It’s a view of marriage as a centre expanding outwards that is totally absent at the beginning of the book. It doesn’t recur in any of the other novels.”
With Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner’s courtship as the focus of her story, Mrs. Clarkston develops what this “community” of people may have looked like several years earlier in their lives in this prequel to “Pride and Prejudice,” while also demonstrating how the Gardiners’ courtship may have played a role in developing Jane’s and Elizabeth’s earliest ideas about love, kindness, and companionship.
This story begins in the year 1800, where, a few months after Mr. Gardiner is rejected by the woman he wishes to marry, he sets off on a journey with Mr. Bennet, Jane Bennet, and Elizabeth Bennet, to help Mr. Bennet attend to the needs of his deceased brother’s affairs. Along the journey, Mrs. Clarkston pulls a page from Austen’s book, and young Jane falls ill and requires an extended stay to help her recover. After some arrangements are made, Mr. Bennet and Edward decide to have him stay with the girls at the Lions Head Inn in Lambton, and Mr. Bennet resumes his travels to Sheffield.
Since it’s not completely proper for Edward to nurse his niece on his own, they decide to seek out a local woman to help the family with Jane. Enter here, a young Miss Fairbanks; a well-known lady in the town of Lambton, who, after receiving her father’s permission, takes her place at the Lions Head Inn and works to help restore Jane Bennet to her former good health.
Eventually, Miss Fairbanks notices that her younger sister, Elizabeth, an energetic and inquisitive girl, benefits from the guidance of a well-mannered lady to serve as her informal mentor. Being an astute girl, Elizabeth seeks to emulate some of Miss Fairbank’s manners, which adds not only some humor to the story, but also a bit of foreshadowing. Soon, it’s not only Elizabeth who takes notice of Miss Fairbanks, but also her uncle who comes to feel an attraction and regard for this new acquaintance.
When an unforeseen hail storm strikes the local community, the residents at Pemberley become affected by this shift in the weather, which throws Elizabeth into the path of a rather wealthy and haughty young man. The events of the story unfold in a way that ties together several of our “favorite” characters from “Pride and Prejudice” and allows us to view them as their younger selves. The courtship of Edward Gardiner and Madeline Fairbanks plays a central role in this story, yet the supporting storylines are just as engaging for lovers of “Pride and Prejudice.”
Mrs. Clarkston tells her story in a little over thirty chapters, with an epilogue at the end that serves to bring her own story within the folds of Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” As in her other books that I have reviewed, “Northern Rain,” and “Rumours and Recklessness,” her writing style is tight, and her characters are well-developed. She takes the time to include pieces from our characters’ lives and personalities that allow us to explore various possibilities for them in “Pride and Prejudice,” while at the same time writing her own charming alternate character story. I must give her credit for writing this singular story about Aunt and Uncle Gardiner’s courtship, especially since it’s clear from Austen’s story that they both played a rather significant role in Jane and Elizabeth’s lives.
October 10, 2016
I simply devoured this book. Loved the premise, loved the characters, loved the plot, loved the high quality of the writing, and loved the way Ms. Clarkston makes everything perfectly fit together. Any devotee of Pride and Prejudice will appreciate all the incidental winks and nods to the masterpiece that inspired this story.
The consistency of the characters with Jane Austen's is particularly impressive. Thomas Bennet, 12 years before the events of Pride and Prejudice take place, already demonstrates indolence when it comes to childraising. Lizzy is a challenging 7-year-old, to be sure, full of unbridled energy and curiosity, but the early pages of the book make it evident that her father's primary concern is already his own comfort. He arranges for his brother-in-law to join him and his two oldest daughters, supposedly as a distraction for Edward, whose heart is broken after his recent marriage proposal was refused. In actuality, Thomas wants someone to keep his little girls occupied so he can read undisturbed during the journey north to visit his ailing younger brother (the grandfather of P&P's Mr. Collins). Edward gets disgusted with Thomas' lack of concern when Jane begins to show signs of illness, and so does the reader. Eventually, even the lackadaisical Thomas can see that Jane cannot continue, and he and Edward agree that the girls will stay at the Lions Head Inn in Lambton with their uncle while Thomas continues on to Sheffield.
This is where Madeline Fairbanks comes in. The girls cannot stay alone with their uncle without a female nurse or companion, and Mrs. Porter, the kindly wife of the inn's proprietor, solicits Madeline's assistance for the family. Edward and Madeline quickly become smitten with each other. Interestingly, Lizzy recognizes that Madeline's deportment is worth emulating and starts to copy her behavior.
Although the romance between Madeline and Edward is at the heart of it, the story makes subtle shifts to include other well-known characters. When Edward takes a ride to explore the countryside, there's a lovely moment when he sees two sets of initials carved into a tree; its meaning is apparent to the reader, though not to Edward. We learn a few things about the Darcy family and Fitzwilliam's relationship with his father and younger sister as well as his already contentious relationship with young George Wickham. When the Darcy siblings are caught in a storm and end up at the inn, they encounter the precocious Lizzy, who quickly bonds with young Georgiana and verbally spars with her rude older brother. The Lions Head becomes lodging for the senior Mr. Bingley and his son, in town to do business with the senior Mr. Darcy, so we get to witness the first meeting between Charles and Fitzwilliam (and the first time Charles sees Jane)! Even Lady Catherine gets some play here and performs in characteristically unreasonable and high-handed fashion.
The writing just flows and sweeps the reader along with it. You can't help but melt a bit at the sweet interactions between the awkward Edward and amused Madeline. This lovely story provides echoes of the one that will follow but also features a charming romance of its own. Highly recommended!
I received an ARC from the author as a gift.
The consistency of the characters with Jane Austen's is particularly impressive. Thomas Bennet, 12 years before the events of Pride and Prejudice take place, already demonstrates indolence when it comes to childraising. Lizzy is a challenging 7-year-old, to be sure, full of unbridled energy and curiosity, but the early pages of the book make it evident that her father's primary concern is already his own comfort. He arranges for his brother-in-law to join him and his two oldest daughters, supposedly as a distraction for Edward, whose heart is broken after his recent marriage proposal was refused. In actuality, Thomas wants someone to keep his little girls occupied so he can read undisturbed during the journey north to visit his ailing younger brother (the grandfather of P&P's Mr. Collins). Edward gets disgusted with Thomas' lack of concern when Jane begins to show signs of illness, and so does the reader. Eventually, even the lackadaisical Thomas can see that Jane cannot continue, and he and Edward agree that the girls will stay at the Lions Head Inn in Lambton with their uncle while Thomas continues on to Sheffield.
This is where Madeline Fairbanks comes in. The girls cannot stay alone with their uncle without a female nurse or companion, and Mrs. Porter, the kindly wife of the inn's proprietor, solicits Madeline's assistance for the family. Edward and Madeline quickly become smitten with each other. Interestingly, Lizzy recognizes that Madeline's deportment is worth emulating and starts to copy her behavior.
Although the romance between Madeline and Edward is at the heart of it, the story makes subtle shifts to include other well-known characters. When Edward takes a ride to explore the countryside, there's a lovely moment when he sees two sets of initials carved into a tree; its meaning is apparent to the reader, though not to Edward. We learn a few things about the Darcy family and Fitzwilliam's relationship with his father and younger sister as well as his already contentious relationship with young George Wickham. When the Darcy siblings are caught in a storm and end up at the inn, they encounter the precocious Lizzy, who quickly bonds with young Georgiana and verbally spars with her rude older brother. The Lions Head becomes lodging for the senior Mr. Bingley and his son, in town to do business with the senior Mr. Darcy, so we get to witness the first meeting between Charles and Fitzwilliam (and the first time Charles sees Jane)! Even Lady Catherine gets some play here and performs in characteristically unreasonable and high-handed fashion.
The writing just flows and sweeps the reader along with it. You can't help but melt a bit at the sweet interactions between the awkward Edward and amused Madeline. This lovely story provides echoes of the one that will follow but also features a charming romance of its own. Highly recommended!
I received an ARC from the author as a gift.
October 3, 2016
NOTE: I was given an ARC in exchange for a fair review.
Wow…this is one of those books about which I say, “I wish I had written that!” She pushes the Gardiner story backwards which adds a wonderful dimension of understanding to the development of Jane and Lizzy in Pride & Prejudice.
Clarkston offers a compelling portrait of Edward and successfully shapes his character as a young businessman. I particularly enjoyed the sentimentality she built into him (when he finds a way to aid Mr. Ryan in spite of Mae’s defection, for instance). Yes, I know, she sought to toughen Edward with the “saving me from a great mistake” line, but he has shown such a concern for people throughout the book (Jane, the Shepherds and Mr. Fairbanks) that one cannot help but believe that he did not wish to see Miss Rutherford punished for not accepting him when he proposed. If Ms Clarkston had done so, she would have cast him as a smaller man…much like Collins…rather than the Edward Gardiner we love in the Canon.
Ms Clarkston sketches young Madeline Fairbank’s mental acuity leavened by tenderness very well. Her tumbling into love with Edward is a cross-class echo of the Lizzy/Darcy love story. That is a favorite theme of mine. Human beings are just that. Irrespective of class, they live and love. All too often Regency works cast gentility as the only class capable of warmth and love (the aristocracy is far to full of itself to be anything but conceited and lower class types are often sullen and resentful pawns of their “betters.”). Ms Clarston gave a man and a woman from trade every positive trait in fully three-dimensional characters. We as readers are better for it.
She has no wasted characters. Even Mr. Lawrence. He has a reason to be there. Thank you! One of my pet peeves.
I loved how she offered the logic behind why the storm would have been so damaging to the Lambton economy! That warms this historian’s heart! Excellent!
Overall, I feel Ms Clarkston has created a great story. It moves the whole Canon ahead, I think. While a “what if,” it would only have been such if she had gone over the edge with the characters. She did not. she offered a truly logical (admittedly with an event train that was needed to move it ahead) suggestion as to how Edward and Madeline met and married that could comfortably have fit in Jane Austen’s mind.
Put this one on your Wish List!
Wow…this is one of those books about which I say, “I wish I had written that!” She pushes the Gardiner story backwards which adds a wonderful dimension of understanding to the development of Jane and Lizzy in Pride & Prejudice.
Clarkston offers a compelling portrait of Edward and successfully shapes his character as a young businessman. I particularly enjoyed the sentimentality she built into him (when he finds a way to aid Mr. Ryan in spite of Mae’s defection, for instance). Yes, I know, she sought to toughen Edward with the “saving me from a great mistake” line, but he has shown such a concern for people throughout the book (Jane, the Shepherds and Mr. Fairbanks) that one cannot help but believe that he did not wish to see Miss Rutherford punished for not accepting him when he proposed. If Ms Clarkston had done so, she would have cast him as a smaller man…much like Collins…rather than the Edward Gardiner we love in the Canon.
Ms Clarkston sketches young Madeline Fairbank’s mental acuity leavened by tenderness very well. Her tumbling into love with Edward is a cross-class echo of the Lizzy/Darcy love story. That is a favorite theme of mine. Human beings are just that. Irrespective of class, they live and love. All too often Regency works cast gentility as the only class capable of warmth and love (the aristocracy is far to full of itself to be anything but conceited and lower class types are often sullen and resentful pawns of their “betters.”). Ms Clarston gave a man and a woman from trade every positive trait in fully three-dimensional characters. We as readers are better for it.
She has no wasted characters. Even Mr. Lawrence. He has a reason to be there. Thank you! One of my pet peeves.
I loved how she offered the logic behind why the storm would have been so damaging to the Lambton economy! That warms this historian’s heart! Excellent!
Overall, I feel Ms Clarkston has created a great story. It moves the whole Canon ahead, I think. While a “what if,” it would only have been such if she had gone over the edge with the characters. She did not. she offered a truly logical (admittedly with an event train that was needed to move it ahead) suggestion as to how Edward and Madeline met and married that could comfortably have fit in Jane Austen’s mind.
Put this one on your Wish List!
April 18, 2017
Review initially published on:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
The Courtship of Edward Gardiner by Nicole Clarkston was one of my 2016 favorite books, so you may imagine that I’ve been eager to review it and today I’m finally doing it!
In this Pride and Prejudice prequel, Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet with little Jane and Lizzy are traveling north to visit Mr. Bennet’s brother when Jane becomes sick. Because of that, they are forced to stop at a small town to allow Jane some time to recover, and while her father continues his trip to visit his dying brother, her uncle Gardiner stays behind to look after his nieces. This small town is none other than Lambton, and it is here that Mr. Gardiner will meet Miss Madeline Fairbanks, who will help him take care of Jane during her illness.
Mr. Gardiner’s relationship with Miss Fairbanks is an endearing and adorable one. He finds in her a mixture of the best attributes in Jane and Elizabeth, and discovers she is everything he could ever desire in a woman; she is caring, dedicated to her loved ones, gentil, but also smart, humble, and used to aid her father in his business, which shows him, she is the perfect partner in life for a tradesman.
Madeline Fairbanks’ impression of this young man from London is not the best at first, but soon she discovers he is everything a man ought to be, and it doesn’t take long for her to fall in love with him.
I loved seeing a younger version of Edward Gardiner. I am used to see him as a knowledgeable uncle and not as an insecure young man still trying to make is place in the world. I also liked seeing a younger version of aunt Gardiner who still blushes at some remarks made from a certain young man and finds herself accepting marriage advices from Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Bennet!
But the Gardiners are not the only P&P characters in this book, by the contrary, and that was one of the aspects that surprised me the most. We will find small versions of Lizzy, Jane and Georgiana, teenagers Darcy, Bingley and Wickham along with their fathers, and even Lady Catherine and Anne make an appearance! Seeing younger versions of all these characters was absolutely amazing, it was a very different approach that could not have given me more joy while reading the book.
I also adored how Nicole Clarkston linked Pride & Prejudice’s story with this prequel, it is as if all details are in place and everything was thought through to make us feel we are reading the same book. I could easily imagine this book as a prologue of Pride and Prejudice itself,
Not only all characters are pretty much the same in temper and personality, but we get to see how and why they became the adults Austen developed. It is interesting to see, for example, how Madeline Gardiner’s influence had a great impact in Lizzy’s behaviour, how Darcy’s father’s contributed to his sense of duty and honor and how Darcy and Bingley’s friendship started.
But the character’s personality and background is not the only connection between Pride and Prejudice and The Courtship of Edward Gardiner, if in P&P the Gardiners are essential to bring Elizabeth and Darcy together, in The Courtship of Edward Gardiner it is Lizzy who contributes to the happiness of the older couple.The reversal of their roles was just an example of Nicole Clarkston’s ability to play with words and situations, and bring to life a story that is perfectly harmonised with Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
The Courtship of Edward Gardiner is a light, endearing and funny book that is the perfect company for an afternoon in the couch. You will laugh to see Jane compared to her mother, to see Mrs. Bennet called a sensible woman and Lady Catherine accused of being afraid of 8 year old highwayman.
Additionaly, Nicole Clarkston’s writing is fluid, agreeable and enticing. She makes us feel among the characters, and we can clearly picture every scene and every dialogue in our head. I was not expecting to love this story because it is not a Darcy/Elizabeth romance, but the story is so good and so well written that it captured my heart and ended up being one of my favourite books from 2016.
The book ends with an epilogue that I loved as we see Mr. and Mrs. Darcy remembering everything that happened in Lambton during the courtship of Edward Gardiner.
Last year I read the book but this year I had the pleasure of hearing it’s audiobook version and was impressed with Stevie Zimmerman’s narration once again. I already had a very good opinion of her, but I was amazed with the wide variety of voices she can make in this book. She is able to replicate not only the voices of male and female characters without sounding fake, but also small children and teenagers. If there is any doubt she is a great narrator, The Courtship of Edward Gardiner is the best example to convince anyone otherwise. I highly recommend not only the ebook and print versions, but also the audiobook, which is the perfect company for your commutes.
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
The Courtship of Edward Gardiner by Nicole Clarkston was one of my 2016 favorite books, so you may imagine that I’ve been eager to review it and today I’m finally doing it!
In this Pride and Prejudice prequel, Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet with little Jane and Lizzy are traveling north to visit Mr. Bennet’s brother when Jane becomes sick. Because of that, they are forced to stop at a small town to allow Jane some time to recover, and while her father continues his trip to visit his dying brother, her uncle Gardiner stays behind to look after his nieces. This small town is none other than Lambton, and it is here that Mr. Gardiner will meet Miss Madeline Fairbanks, who will help him take care of Jane during her illness.
Mr. Gardiner’s relationship with Miss Fairbanks is an endearing and adorable one. He finds in her a mixture of the best attributes in Jane and Elizabeth, and discovers she is everything he could ever desire in a woman; she is caring, dedicated to her loved ones, gentil, but also smart, humble, and used to aid her father in his business, which shows him, she is the perfect partner in life for a tradesman.
Madeline Fairbanks’ impression of this young man from London is not the best at first, but soon she discovers he is everything a man ought to be, and it doesn’t take long for her to fall in love with him.
I loved seeing a younger version of Edward Gardiner. I am used to see him as a knowledgeable uncle and not as an insecure young man still trying to make is place in the world. I also liked seeing a younger version of aunt Gardiner who still blushes at some remarks made from a certain young man and finds herself accepting marriage advices from Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Bennet!
But the Gardiners are not the only P&P characters in this book, by the contrary, and that was one of the aspects that surprised me the most. We will find small versions of Lizzy, Jane and Georgiana, teenagers Darcy, Bingley and Wickham along with their fathers, and even Lady Catherine and Anne make an appearance! Seeing younger versions of all these characters was absolutely amazing, it was a very different approach that could not have given me more joy while reading the book.
I also adored how Nicole Clarkston linked Pride & Prejudice’s story with this prequel, it is as if all details are in place and everything was thought through to make us feel we are reading the same book. I could easily imagine this book as a prologue of Pride and Prejudice itself,
Not only all characters are pretty much the same in temper and personality, but we get to see how and why they became the adults Austen developed. It is interesting to see, for example, how Madeline Gardiner’s influence had a great impact in Lizzy’s behaviour, how Darcy’s father’s contributed to his sense of duty and honor and how Darcy and Bingley’s friendship started.
But the character’s personality and background is not the only connection between Pride and Prejudice and The Courtship of Edward Gardiner, if in P&P the Gardiners are essential to bring Elizabeth and Darcy together, in The Courtship of Edward Gardiner it is Lizzy who contributes to the happiness of the older couple.The reversal of their roles was just an example of Nicole Clarkston’s ability to play with words and situations, and bring to life a story that is perfectly harmonised with Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
The Courtship of Edward Gardiner is a light, endearing and funny book that is the perfect company for an afternoon in the couch. You will laugh to see Jane compared to her mother, to see Mrs. Bennet called a sensible woman and Lady Catherine accused of being afraid of 8 year old highwayman.
Additionaly, Nicole Clarkston’s writing is fluid, agreeable and enticing. She makes us feel among the characters, and we can clearly picture every scene and every dialogue in our head. I was not expecting to love this story because it is not a Darcy/Elizabeth romance, but the story is so good and so well written that it captured my heart and ended up being one of my favourite books from 2016.
The book ends with an epilogue that I loved as we see Mr. and Mrs. Darcy remembering everything that happened in Lambton during the courtship of Edward Gardiner.
Last year I read the book but this year I had the pleasure of hearing it’s audiobook version and was impressed with Stevie Zimmerman’s narration once again. I already had a very good opinion of her, but I was amazed with the wide variety of voices she can make in this book. She is able to replicate not only the voices of male and female characters without sounding fake, but also small children and teenagers. If there is any doubt she is a great narrator, The Courtship of Edward Gardiner is the best example to convince anyone otherwise. I highly recommend not only the ebook and print versions, but also the audiobook, which is the perfect company for your commutes.
January 19, 2017
This was utterly delightful and I couldn't put it down! The writing just flowed and like a river it carried you along to a most satisfying end. For me, Ms. Clarkston has captured not only Edward Gardiner but the future Mrs. Gardiner, Madeline Fairbanks, exactly as I imagined them to be.
This prequel to Pride & Prejudice has Mr. Bennet, young Jane and Elizabeth traveling with their Uncle Gardiner north to visit Mr. Bennet's brother and heir who is ailing. The sparkle and energy of a young Elizabeth and the calming sweetness of Jane helps to heal and divert Mr. Gardiner's thoughts from his failed proposal of marriage. With both examples of his adorable nieces, he comes to realize what he really wants in a wife. Little does he know it is sooner than he thinks!
Taking these beloved and some not so beloved characters, from Pride & Prejudice and giving them a past history just added a further layer of richness to my favourite novel. We get to see that Mr. Bennet is as he always was...an indifferent father. We get to experience the inquisitiveness and rambunctiousness of a young Elizabeth who adores her older sister. But best of all, we get to be part of this traveling group when they wind up in Lambton not far from Pemberley.
This prequel to Pride & Prejudice has Mr. Bennet, young Jane and Elizabeth traveling with their Uncle Gardiner north to visit Mr. Bennet's brother and heir who is ailing. The sparkle and energy of a young Elizabeth and the calming sweetness of Jane helps to heal and divert Mr. Gardiner's thoughts from his failed proposal of marriage. With both examples of his adorable nieces, he comes to realize what he really wants in a wife. Little does he know it is sooner than he thinks!
Taking these beloved and some not so beloved characters, from Pride & Prejudice and giving them a past history just added a further layer of richness to my favourite novel. We get to see that Mr. Bennet is as he always was...an indifferent father. We get to experience the inquisitiveness and rambunctiousness of a young Elizabeth who adores her older sister. But best of all, we get to be part of this traveling group when they wind up in Lambton not far from Pemberley.
March 12, 2017
A delightful tale that leads the reader not only through the courtship and eventual marriage of Elizabeth’s dearest uncle and aunt, but also through the childhood and teenage years of our favourite characters. As we would imagine, Elizabeth is a spirited little imp who sometimes tries her loving family’s patience, but also nettles a certain young lad from Derbyshire. The glimpses into the youngsters Elizabeth and Darcy used to be are heart-warming in every way, and it’s equally heart-warming to see young Master Darcy trying to cope with his mother’s loss, be a good brother to Georgiana, put up with the mischief George Wickham causes, as well as with Lady Catherine’s temper tantrums, and (the most heart-warming part of all, to me) see him interact with his stern father and earn his respect. We also get glimpses of young Jane and young Master Bingley, as well as hints to how his friendship with Fitzwilliam Darcy started – and all this on the backdrop of a lovely village lost in the Derbyshire hills, where a host of well-drawn and entertaining new characters show up to aid or hinder Mr Gardiner in his pursuit of happiness. A lovely story that put many smiles on my face and a delightful read in every way.
Read
November 3, 2017Nicole Clarkston’s newest novel, The Courtship of Edward Gardiner, is a prequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice that centers on Mrs. Bennet’s brother, Edward Gardiner. Mr. Gardiner has worked hard to build up his business in trade in London and finally has the means to support a family. After being rejected by a Miss Rutherford, a brokenhearted Mr. Gardiner finds himself on the way to Sheffield with his brother-in-law, Thomas Bennet, and his oldest daughters, eight-year-old Jane and seven-year-old Elizabeth. When Jane falls ill, the uncle and his nieces are forced to stay in the village of Lambton while Mr. Bennet journeys toward his ill brother. It is in Lambton that Mr. Gardiner meets Madeline Fairbanks, the daughter of a bookkeeper who has been hired to care for the Bennet sisters during their stay in the village.
Mr. Gardiner is almost immediately captivated by Miss Fairbanks. After all, she is sweet, kind, and clever, and while other young ladies are worried about gowns and ribbons, Madeline helps her ailing father with his business. In short, she is the woman Edward has been waiting for but didn’t believe truly existed. But how are they to build any sort of relationship when he will be heading back to London in a matter of days?
The Courtship of Edward Gardiner is a charming novel that puts Elizabeth’s favorite aunt and uncle in the spotlight and imagines how they might have met. I adored Edward and Madeline, as well as the Madeline’s dear friend, Mrs. Porter, the innkeeper. It was also fascinating to get a glimpse of Elizabeth as a rambunctious, outspoken little girl, and especially to see a 14-year-old Fitzwilliam Darcy as he helps his little sister through their grief after their mother’s passing, struggles to keep his pride in check, and begins to understand all of the responsibilities he will one day have as Master of Pemberley. A young Lizzy and Darcy butting heads during a hailstorm, and Mr. Bennet having his fun at Lady Catherine’s expense were some of my favorite scenes.
I generally enjoy when authors put Austen’s secondary characters at the forefront, and Clarkston’s novel is the first I’ve seen that focuses on the Gardiners. The Courtship of Edward Gardiner is a delightful tale, with plenty of humor and excitement mixed in with the romance. This is the first book I’ve read by Clarkston, but it definitely won’t be the last!
Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric
I received a free copy of this book for review.
Mr. Gardiner is almost immediately captivated by Miss Fairbanks. After all, she is sweet, kind, and clever, and while other young ladies are worried about gowns and ribbons, Madeline helps her ailing father with his business. In short, she is the woman Edward has been waiting for but didn’t believe truly existed. But how are they to build any sort of relationship when he will be heading back to London in a matter of days?
The Courtship of Edward Gardiner is a charming novel that puts Elizabeth’s favorite aunt and uncle in the spotlight and imagines how they might have met. I adored Edward and Madeline, as well as the Madeline’s dear friend, Mrs. Porter, the innkeeper. It was also fascinating to get a glimpse of Elizabeth as a rambunctious, outspoken little girl, and especially to see a 14-year-old Fitzwilliam Darcy as he helps his little sister through their grief after their mother’s passing, struggles to keep his pride in check, and begins to understand all of the responsibilities he will one day have as Master of Pemberley. A young Lizzy and Darcy butting heads during a hailstorm, and Mr. Bennet having his fun at Lady Catherine’s expense were some of my favorite scenes.
I generally enjoy when authors put Austen’s secondary characters at the forefront, and Clarkston’s novel is the first I’ve seen that focuses on the Gardiners. The Courtship of Edward Gardiner is a delightful tale, with plenty of humor and excitement mixed in with the romance. This is the first book I’ve read by Clarkston, but it definitely won’t be the last!
Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric
I received a free copy of this book for review.
October 29, 2019
One of Jane Austen’s Most Happily Married Couples!
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Prequel
TIME FRAME: Begins around thirteen years before Pride and Prejudice
SYNOPSIS: What circumstances brought Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner together? Was it love-at-first sight, a marriage that grew into love, or did they experience their own rocky road to a happy understanding? Perhaps it begins with Mr. Gardiner joining his brother by marriage as he travels north on family business… Accompanying the two men on this expedition are the two eldest Bennet daughters – Jane (age eight), and Elizabeth (age seven). But due to one of the sisters falling ill, the journey north is unexpectedly paused in the city of Lambton…
WHAT I LOVED:
- The Romance of A Favorite Couple: Many readers consider the Gardiners as one of Jane Austen’s best examples of a happily married couple in her novels. The few scenes we see between them in Pride and Prejudice show their mutual regard and respect, as well as their easy companionship. With so many married couples that are mismatched (the Bennets, the Palmers) and indifferent (the Bertrams, the Hursts), seeing one so happy in their union is rare. I absolutely loved seeing the whole courtship between Madeline and Edward – everything from their first encounter to the wedding day, the sweet stolen moments alone and the tender blossoming of regard.
- Adorable Younger Versions: It was such a pleasant surprise to encounter Jane, Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy, and others as children in this story! I loved how Ms. Clarkston portrayed their younger personalities, she did so with much thought and attention to the adults they would become.
- So Much More Than Courtship: As mentioned above this story features a lot of other characters we know from P&P, and I particularly enjoyed how some relationships were explored and fleshed out in this story. Such as between Fitzwilliam and his father, or Fitzwilliam and a new friend. I also enjoyed seeing some scenes feature other characters such as Mr. Bennet and Lady Catherine…especially the one scene where they are present together!
- The Gardiners: Not only was it lovely to see the love story between these two characters, but it also was lovely to spend more time with them. They both are such admirable and likable characters. I loved seeing the endearing ways they both interacted with children, (especially Edward’s gentleness with both Jane and Lizzy). In addition, I love how both dreamed of a marriage that would be like an equal partnership – one that perhaps is a little unconventional for their time period. (I loved that Madeline had such an interest for numbers and business, it makes her such a perfect fit for Edward!)
- The Charms of Lambton: I loved spending more time in the village of Lambton! Ms. Clarkston does a wonderful job of introducing some townsfolk to her story (such as Mr. Fairbanks – Madeline’s dad and Mrs. Porter – the innkeeper’s wife) and illustrating the ways of life there. I enjoyed feeling a sense of community in Lambton, especially during and after the hailstorm.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
I might say I missed having some sort of antagonist, but truly, I don’t think I did!
CONCLUSION:
In The Courtship of Edward Gardiner, Nicole Clarkston delivers a thoughtful, endearing, and thorough prequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice that is a pure delight to read! Even if the Gardiners aren’t of much interest to you, I still recommend you give this enchanting book a try!
Austenesque Reviews
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Prequel
TIME FRAME: Begins around thirteen years before Pride and Prejudice
SYNOPSIS: What circumstances brought Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner together? Was it love-at-first sight, a marriage that grew into love, or did they experience their own rocky road to a happy understanding? Perhaps it begins with Mr. Gardiner joining his brother by marriage as he travels north on family business… Accompanying the two men on this expedition are the two eldest Bennet daughters – Jane (age eight), and Elizabeth (age seven). But due to one of the sisters falling ill, the journey north is unexpectedly paused in the city of Lambton…
WHAT I LOVED:
- The Romance of A Favorite Couple: Many readers consider the Gardiners as one of Jane Austen’s best examples of a happily married couple in her novels. The few scenes we see between them in Pride and Prejudice show their mutual regard and respect, as well as their easy companionship. With so many married couples that are mismatched (the Bennets, the Palmers) and indifferent (the Bertrams, the Hursts), seeing one so happy in their union is rare. I absolutely loved seeing the whole courtship between Madeline and Edward – everything from their first encounter to the wedding day, the sweet stolen moments alone and the tender blossoming of regard.
- Adorable Younger Versions: It was such a pleasant surprise to encounter Jane, Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy, and others as children in this story! I loved how Ms. Clarkston portrayed their younger personalities, she did so with much thought and attention to the adults they would become.
- So Much More Than Courtship: As mentioned above this story features a lot of other characters we know from P&P, and I particularly enjoyed how some relationships were explored and fleshed out in this story. Such as between Fitzwilliam and his father, or Fitzwilliam and a new friend. I also enjoyed seeing some scenes feature other characters such as Mr. Bennet and Lady Catherine…especially the one scene where they are present together!
- The Gardiners: Not only was it lovely to see the love story between these two characters, but it also was lovely to spend more time with them. They both are such admirable and likable characters. I loved seeing the endearing ways they both interacted with children, (especially Edward’s gentleness with both Jane and Lizzy). In addition, I love how both dreamed of a marriage that would be like an equal partnership – one that perhaps is a little unconventional for their time period. (I loved that Madeline had such an interest for numbers and business, it makes her such a perfect fit for Edward!)
- The Charms of Lambton: I loved spending more time in the village of Lambton! Ms. Clarkston does a wonderful job of introducing some townsfolk to her story (such as Mr. Fairbanks – Madeline’s dad and Mrs. Porter – the innkeeper’s wife) and illustrating the ways of life there. I enjoyed feeling a sense of community in Lambton, especially during and after the hailstorm.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
I might say I missed having some sort of antagonist, but truly, I don’t think I did!
CONCLUSION:
In The Courtship of Edward Gardiner, Nicole Clarkston delivers a thoughtful, endearing, and thorough prequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice that is a pure delight to read! Even if the Gardiners aren’t of much interest to you, I still recommend you give this enchanting book a try!
Austenesque Reviews
February 4, 2019
I was hesitant to read this book (now I don't know why). I suppose I figured without D and E, what could be interesting. I could not have been more wrong. Nicole one of my favorite authors (not only P&P but N&S). She has an ability to paint such amazing pictures that I am immediately transported and immediately invested in the characters and plot. BRAVO! I truly loved the scenes with young Fitzwilliam and young Elizabeth. The courtship of Edward and Madeline was also beautiful. I cannot say more about this lovely book. If you are not sure, please just pick it up. You won't be disappointed.
November 25, 2016
Quote: "He gasped a little, delirious with relief that his beautiful Madeline was as brave and held such faith as he dared to hope. Were he not a grown man, he might have shed a tear or two, such was the depth of his heart's contentment- and if he blinked a little more than was his wont for a few moments, he could easily be excused."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2017
Such a delightful story of the Gardiner's courtship! These two are the mother, father, sister, brother or friend you dream to have! And little Lizzy is exactly as we can imagine and gives us lots of laughs... and Fitzwilliam Darcy... the same aloof boy unable to resist to the mischievous Lizzy...
Don't wait to read it, I'm sure you will enjoy it, fans of Jane Austen
Don't wait to read it, I'm sure you will enjoy it, fans of Jane Austen
March 15, 2020
An impressive prequel to Pride and Prejudice secondary characters.
I recently read/listened to THE COURTSHIP OF EDWARD GARDINER, by Nicole Clarkston. The Gardiner's are one of Austen's loving married couples in P&P, so it was really interesting to discover the story behind their romance and marriage. I was really impressed by Clarkston's deft hand and reverent vision for Austen's characters. The audiobook narrator Stevie Zimmerman was great too.
In support of the author, I purchased the digital and audiobook editions of this novel.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose.com
I recently read/listened to THE COURTSHIP OF EDWARD GARDINER, by Nicole Clarkston. The Gardiner's are one of Austen's loving married couples in P&P, so it was really interesting to discover the story behind their romance and marriage. I was really impressed by Clarkston's deft hand and reverent vision for Austen's characters. The audiobook narrator Stevie Zimmerman was great too.
In support of the author, I purchased the digital and audiobook editions of this novel.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose.com
October 24, 2016
A very enjoyable sweet book. The love story between Edward and Madeline was so gentle. They are two of my favourite characters from P&P and the author kept them that way while giving us an insight into their earlier lives. Their relationship in P&P is a real love affair and it was lovely to see how that happened.
Meeting Lizzy, Jane, Georgiana and Darcy as younger children was a nice touch. However, I felt at times that they acted way older than the ages they were supposed to be. Young Darcy was an obnoxious snot so it was nice to see him changing over the book and his caring for his little sister was lovely. I also liked the relationship between Darcy and his father.
I didn't take to Mr. Bennet at all!! His smirking and slyness got on my nerves. Normally he is a character I love and enjoy but here he just annoyed me.
Overall this was a great read and I look forward to more of this author's books.
Meeting Lizzy, Jane, Georgiana and Darcy as younger children was a nice touch. However, I felt at times that they acted way older than the ages they were supposed to be. Young Darcy was an obnoxious snot so it was nice to see him changing over the book and his caring for his little sister was lovely. I also liked the relationship between Darcy and his father.
I didn't take to Mr. Bennet at all!! His smirking and slyness got on my nerves. Normally he is a character I love and enjoy but here he just annoyed me.
Overall this was a great read and I look forward to more of this author's books.
October 25, 2016
I really enjoyed this glimpse into how the Gardiner's met. It also has a fun introduction to all the principle characters in Pride and Prejudice. The story was light and flowed very nicely. I must confess that Lizzy is my favorite character.
July 13, 2021
Utterly Charming!
This is definitely one of those books where you wish you could rate it more generously than five stars. Having only discovered there was a JAFF party going on at the end of 2018, it’s no big wonder I am still catching up on the reading of older publications. Nicole Clarkston being a favourite, I should have known not to skip over this one. What a delicious treat this book was for me, and what can I possibly say about it that hasn’t already been brilliantly expressed in so many reviews.
Edward Gardiner has been rejected in love for another, so he joins his brother-in-law Thomas Bennet, along with his eldest two daughters, Jane and Elizabeth, to visit his ailing brother in Sheffield. On the journey, Jane becomes ill and they are forced to stop in Lambton. Mr. Bennet goes on without them and Gardiner stays at the inn with the girls. The innkeeper’s wife obtains the aid of Madeline Fairbanks in caring for the girls. So begins what will become a courtship.
The Gardiners have always been well loved by me, being the guiding light in what must have been the stormy upbringing of the Bennet girls by an indolent father and an uncouth and nervous mother. Early signs of what could have become an unruly Elizabeth were evident in the story, so in retrospect one can see how this wise and loving couple would better influence Jane and Elizabeth to become acceptable ladies in society.
While the couple’s relationship begins to grow and they learn of one another’s fine character, we are also told a parallel story of what was taking place nearby at Pemberley and the relationship between Mr. Darcy and his son, Fitzwilliam as a boy. I loved the straightforward manner in which they conversed, and the respect they clearly had for one another. We also get to see the loving and protective way Fitzwilliam cared for his three year-old sister, Georgiana— and there’s young Wickham, already showing his devilish and ingratiating ways. Not to be forgotten is a business visit by Mr. Bingley senior and his young son, Charles, who meets Fitzwilliam for the first time.
One day, a storm forces Fitzwilliam and Georgiana to take shelter at the inn in Lambton, where they will meet Elizabeth. Even at seven and fourteen years old, they have a fiery beginning. The scene where Jane and Charles first set their eyes on each other is so sweet.
This is an absolutely delightful read, from the perfect cover to a very satisfying epilogue that brings the story full circle into the future with the now married Elizabeth and Darcy revisiting Lambton with the also happily married Gardiners. Nicole Clarkston wrote an exceptional prequel that simultaneously managed to show us a glimpse into the future. Brilliant!
I followed the book while listening to the Audible version, which is also excellent. The always outstanding Stevie Zimmerman’s performance shines. If, like me, this is one of those books you haven’t yet read, push it to the top of your TBR stack. You won’t be sorry. I highly recommend both the book and audiobook.
This is definitely one of those books where you wish you could rate it more generously than five stars. Having only discovered there was a JAFF party going on at the end of 2018, it’s no big wonder I am still catching up on the reading of older publications. Nicole Clarkston being a favourite, I should have known not to skip over this one. What a delicious treat this book was for me, and what can I possibly say about it that hasn’t already been brilliantly expressed in so many reviews.
Edward Gardiner has been rejected in love for another, so he joins his brother-in-law Thomas Bennet, along with his eldest two daughters, Jane and Elizabeth, to visit his ailing brother in Sheffield. On the journey, Jane becomes ill and they are forced to stop in Lambton. Mr. Bennet goes on without them and Gardiner stays at the inn with the girls. The innkeeper’s wife obtains the aid of Madeline Fairbanks in caring for the girls. So begins what will become a courtship.
The Gardiners have always been well loved by me, being the guiding light in what must have been the stormy upbringing of the Bennet girls by an indolent father and an uncouth and nervous mother. Early signs of what could have become an unruly Elizabeth were evident in the story, so in retrospect one can see how this wise and loving couple would better influence Jane and Elizabeth to become acceptable ladies in society.
While the couple’s relationship begins to grow and they learn of one another’s fine character, we are also told a parallel story of what was taking place nearby at Pemberley and the relationship between Mr. Darcy and his son, Fitzwilliam as a boy. I loved the straightforward manner in which they conversed, and the respect they clearly had for one another. We also get to see the loving and protective way Fitzwilliam cared for his three year-old sister, Georgiana— and there’s young Wickham, already showing his devilish and ingratiating ways. Not to be forgotten is a business visit by Mr. Bingley senior and his young son, Charles, who meets Fitzwilliam for the first time.
One day, a storm forces Fitzwilliam and Georgiana to take shelter at the inn in Lambton, where they will meet Elizabeth. Even at seven and fourteen years old, they have a fiery beginning. The scene where Jane and Charles first set their eyes on each other is so sweet.
This is an absolutely delightful read, from the perfect cover to a very satisfying epilogue that brings the story full circle into the future with the now married Elizabeth and Darcy revisiting Lambton with the also happily married Gardiners. Nicole Clarkston wrote an exceptional prequel that simultaneously managed to show us a glimpse into the future. Brilliant!
I followed the book while listening to the Audible version, which is also excellent. The always outstanding Stevie Zimmerman’s performance shines. If, like me, this is one of those books you haven’t yet read, push it to the top of your TBR stack. You won’t be sorry. I highly recommend both the book and audiobook.
November 1, 2024
Status: Read October 6-12, 2016
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review:
The Courtship of Edward Gardiner is a lovely prequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, in where we get to see how Elizabeth’s only example of a happy marriage meet and fall in love.
Prequels to canon are not abundant in the JAFF world. However, I have always adored the characters of Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and looked forward to experiencing their beginning written by an author I enjoy. Nicole Clarkston did a wonderful job and even surprised me. I assumed that I would not see or hear about my other favourite original characters, but they were there… as children! How fun.
If you have not read this author, please do. She also writes variations of my other great love, Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South. Bonus points for also having the BEST first name in the world :)
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My Library Notes:
The Courtship of Edward Gardiner: A Pride & Prejudice Prequel
by Nicole Clarkston
Paperback, First Edition, 182 pages
Published October 21, 2016 by Nicole Clarkston
ISBN13: 978-1537706283 / ISBN: 1537706284
*signed by author*
Every great love has a beginning.
In Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, we meet with perhaps the most sensible, caring relatives a lovelorn young woman could hope for: Mr and Mrs Gardiner. What is their story?
Edward Gardiner has just been refused by the lovely young woman he had intended to make his wife. Heartbroken and eager for a diversion, he accepts an invitation from his brother-in-law, Thomas Bennet, to accompany him along with his two eldest daughters to the north on family business. Gardiner’s pleasure tour is interrupted, however, when his eldest niece falls ill and is unable to travel farther.
Stopping over in the scarcely remarkable village of Lambton, the men decide that Bennet must continue on, while Gardiner and the children remain. The only trouble is that Gardiner has not the least idea how he should care for one ailing niece and another who is ready to drive him to distraction… until he meets with Madeline Fairbanks.
The Courtship of Edward Gardiner: A Pride & Prejudice Prequel
by Nicole Clarkston
ebook, Advance Review Copy, 176 pages
Published September 2016 by Nicole Clarkston
[ kindle doc ] [ edition not in GR database ]
Every great love has a beginning.
In Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, we meet with perhaps the most sensible, caring relatives a lovelorn young woman could hope for: Mr and Mrs Gardiner. What is their story?
Edward Gardiner has just been refused by the lovely young woman he had intended to make his wife. Heartbroken and eager for a diversion, he accepts an invitation from his brother-in-law, Thomas Bennet, to accompany him along with his two eldest daughters to the north on family business. Gardiner’s pleasure tour is interrupted, however, when his eldest niece falls ill and is unable to travel farther.
Stopping over in the scarcely remarkable village of Lambton, the men decide that Bennet must continue on, while Gardiner and the children remain. The only trouble is that Gardiner has not the least idea how he should care for one ailing niece and another who is ready to drive him to distraction… until he meets with Madeline Fairbanks.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review:
The Courtship of Edward Gardiner is a lovely prequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, in where we get to see how Elizabeth’s only example of a happy marriage meet and fall in love.
Prequels to canon are not abundant in the JAFF world. However, I have always adored the characters of Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and looked forward to experiencing their beginning written by an author I enjoy. Nicole Clarkston did a wonderful job and even surprised me. I assumed that I would not see or hear about my other favourite original characters, but they were there… as children! How fun.
If you have not read this author, please do. She also writes variations of my other great love, Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South. Bonus points for also having the BEST first name in the world :)
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My Library Notes:
The Courtship of Edward Gardiner: A Pride & Prejudice Prequel
by Nicole Clarkston
Paperback, First Edition, 182 pages
Published October 21, 2016 by Nicole Clarkston
ISBN13: 978-1537706283 / ISBN: 1537706284
*signed by author*
Every great love has a beginning.
In Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, we meet with perhaps the most sensible, caring relatives a lovelorn young woman could hope for: Mr and Mrs Gardiner. What is their story?
Edward Gardiner has just been refused by the lovely young woman he had intended to make his wife. Heartbroken and eager for a diversion, he accepts an invitation from his brother-in-law, Thomas Bennet, to accompany him along with his two eldest daughters to the north on family business. Gardiner’s pleasure tour is interrupted, however, when his eldest niece falls ill and is unable to travel farther.
Stopping over in the scarcely remarkable village of Lambton, the men decide that Bennet must continue on, while Gardiner and the children remain. The only trouble is that Gardiner has not the least idea how he should care for one ailing niece and another who is ready to drive him to distraction… until he meets with Madeline Fairbanks.
The Courtship of Edward Gardiner: A Pride & Prejudice Prequel
by Nicole Clarkston
ebook, Advance Review Copy, 176 pages
Published September 2016 by Nicole Clarkston
[ kindle doc ] [ edition not in GR database ]
Every great love has a beginning.
In Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, we meet with perhaps the most sensible, caring relatives a lovelorn young woman could hope for: Mr and Mrs Gardiner. What is their story?
Edward Gardiner has just been refused by the lovely young woman he had intended to make his wife. Heartbroken and eager for a diversion, he accepts an invitation from his brother-in-law, Thomas Bennet, to accompany him along with his two eldest daughters to the north on family business. Gardiner’s pleasure tour is interrupted, however, when his eldest niece falls ill and is unable to travel farther.
Stopping over in the scarcely remarkable village of Lambton, the men decide that Bennet must continue on, while Gardiner and the children remain. The only trouble is that Gardiner has not the least idea how he should care for one ailing niece and another who is ready to drive him to distraction… until he meets with Madeline Fairbanks.
January 29, 2017
I’m giving this one four stars for charm. Like the Austenesque novels of KaraLynne Mackrory, The Courtship of Edward Gardiner has characters you just want to squeeze and chuck under the chin. That’s of course both a strength and a weakness—the reader enjoys keeping company with them, but there’s nary an antagonist in the bunch .
The story focuses shrewdly—because who didn’t want to know?—on how Elizabeth Bennet’s aunt and uncle Gardiner came to be a couple. After Edward Gardiner’s first romantic suit (great opening scene) doesn’t prosper, Mr. Bennet has dragged his brother-in-law off on an expedition to northern England, intended as a visit to Bennet’s ailing younger brother. Benighted in Lambton by the timely illness of a nine-year-old Jane Bennet, Mr. Gardiner and eight-year-old Elizabeth are thrown into intimacy with a local young woman, the daughter of a bookkeeper. As with most contemporary romance stories, attraction is immediate, and with two such nice (in the modern sense) protagonists, little occurs to disturb the progress of romance.
Sadly, I must continue to rail, as I do ad nauseam on this site, against the prevalence of modern language and modern sensibilities in period romance. In this case I have to deplore the use of unnecessary intensifiers in place of the serviceable “he said,” “she asked,” and the few other invisible signposts that readers can absorb without registering them consciously. “She intoned,” “he quieted her,” “he husked” (is that even a thing?), and their ilk are phrasings that simply distract the reader, and they are markers of the amateur writer. In a book as delightful as this one, it was a pity to find so many. Trust that your dialogue and action speak for themselves! I also had difficulty envisioning Mr. Bennet as a mischievous matchmaker, though in other regards his character was fairly entertaining. And Clarkston occasionally falls into the trap of over-intensifying the traits of original characters—Mrs. Bennet is one who is taken to extremes here.
The fact that most of the action takes place at Lambton should serve to alert the reader that many of the characters in Pride and Prejudice make an appearance in these pages. Sometimes the symmetries and coincidences got to be a bit much, but I was along for a pleasurable ride and so I went with it. Some of the crossing of social lines seemed a bit anachronistic, but in general Clarkston’s grasp of village society and working people’s lives seemed believable. And the basis she offers for the friendship of Darcy and Bingley is the most plausible I have seen.
I liked that the focus of the romance was on finding a good life partner, not on heaving bosoms and tightenings of the groin. And the children were all charming, leavening the tale and offering insights into their adult selves without overwhelming the story. This was a delightful read.
The story focuses shrewdly—because who didn’t want to know?—on how Elizabeth Bennet’s aunt and uncle Gardiner came to be a couple. After Edward Gardiner’s first romantic suit (great opening scene) doesn’t prosper, Mr. Bennet has dragged his brother-in-law off on an expedition to northern England, intended as a visit to Bennet’s ailing younger brother. Benighted in Lambton by the timely illness of a nine-year-old Jane Bennet, Mr. Gardiner and eight-year-old Elizabeth are thrown into intimacy with a local young woman, the daughter of a bookkeeper. As with most contemporary romance stories, attraction is immediate, and with two such nice (in the modern sense) protagonists, little occurs to disturb the progress of romance.
Sadly, I must continue to rail, as I do ad nauseam on this site, against the prevalence of modern language and modern sensibilities in period romance. In this case I have to deplore the use of unnecessary intensifiers in place of the serviceable “he said,” “she asked,” and the few other invisible signposts that readers can absorb without registering them consciously. “She intoned,” “he quieted her,” “he husked” (is that even a thing?), and their ilk are phrasings that simply distract the reader, and they are markers of the amateur writer. In a book as delightful as this one, it was a pity to find so many. Trust that your dialogue and action speak for themselves! I also had difficulty envisioning Mr. Bennet as a mischievous matchmaker, though in other regards his character was fairly entertaining. And Clarkston occasionally falls into the trap of over-intensifying the traits of original characters—Mrs. Bennet is one who is taken to extremes here.
The fact that most of the action takes place at Lambton should serve to alert the reader that many of the characters in Pride and Prejudice make an appearance in these pages. Sometimes the symmetries and coincidences got to be a bit much, but I was along for a pleasurable ride and so I went with it. Some of the crossing of social lines seemed a bit anachronistic, but in general Clarkston’s grasp of village society and working people’s lives seemed believable. And the basis she offers for the friendship of Darcy and Bingley is the most plausible I have seen.
I liked that the focus of the romance was on finding a good life partner, not on heaving bosoms and tightenings of the groin. And the children were all charming, leavening the tale and offering insights into their adult selves without overwhelming the story. This was a delightful read.
December 10, 2017
Read entire review at at https://perioddramamadness.wordpress....
Nicole’s carefully preserves and builds upon the canonical personality traits of our beloved characters. Even as a child, Elizabeth displays an easy and playful nature, and her interaction with a teenage Fritzwilliam Darcy is familiar of their dynamic in Pride and Prejudice. The young Darcy has many POV chapters, and is represented sympathetically, as a sensitive young man, a doting brother, and dutiful son. In many ways, this book is as much about young Darcy, as it is about the courtship of Edward Gardener.
Nicole excels at recreating the linguistic style and phrasing of our beloved Jane Austen and her characters. I would think, writing dialogue for the ever sarcastic Mr. Bennet is one of the hardest aspects of writing a Pride and Prejudice fan fic, but Nicole’s Mr. Bennet is as good as the original. (That is high compliment, I assure you!) I'm especially fond of the exchange between Mr. Bennet and Lady Catherine.
Another passage from the book that stands out, is the first meeting between little Lizzy and Darcy. Nicole manages to encapsulate the Lizzy-Darcy dynamic within the span of one game of chess. I am tempted to share that passage, but you’ll just have to read the book for that treat. ;)
The plotting in the book is so good, I was tempted to give it a 5, but I had to deduct 1 star for lack of angst. There isn’t much hand-wringing and misunderstanding and pining. Edward Gardener is less Darcy and Rochester; more awkward-yet-lovable boy-next-door. But it was refreshing to find a male protagonist in a romance book who isn’t a rogue for once. If anything, Edward Gardener will remind you more of your real-life husband than a romance-cover leading man. There’s some merit in that.
I listened to the audiobook, and I have to end with a word about Stevie Zimmerman'd narrative style. She effortlessly switches her voice from child to teenage boy to commanding dowager. She did an excellent job in bringing the characters to life.
Nicole’s carefully preserves and builds upon the canonical personality traits of our beloved characters. Even as a child, Elizabeth displays an easy and playful nature, and her interaction with a teenage Fritzwilliam Darcy is familiar of their dynamic in Pride and Prejudice. The young Darcy has many POV chapters, and is represented sympathetically, as a sensitive young man, a doting brother, and dutiful son. In many ways, this book is as much about young Darcy, as it is about the courtship of Edward Gardener.
Nicole excels at recreating the linguistic style and phrasing of our beloved Jane Austen and her characters. I would think, writing dialogue for the ever sarcastic Mr. Bennet is one of the hardest aspects of writing a Pride and Prejudice fan fic, but Nicole’s Mr. Bennet is as good as the original. (That is high compliment, I assure you!) I'm especially fond of the exchange between Mr. Bennet and Lady Catherine.
Another passage from the book that stands out, is the first meeting between little Lizzy and Darcy. Nicole manages to encapsulate the Lizzy-Darcy dynamic within the span of one game of chess. I am tempted to share that passage, but you’ll just have to read the book for that treat. ;)
The plotting in the book is so good, I was tempted to give it a 5, but I had to deduct 1 star for lack of angst. There isn’t much hand-wringing and misunderstanding and pining. Edward Gardener is less Darcy and Rochester; more awkward-yet-lovable boy-next-door. But it was refreshing to find a male protagonist in a romance book who isn’t a rogue for once. If anything, Edward Gardener will remind you more of your real-life husband than a romance-cover leading man. There’s some merit in that.
I listened to the audiobook, and I have to end with a word about Stevie Zimmerman'd narrative style. She effortlessly switches her voice from child to teenage boy to commanding dowager. She did an excellent job in bringing the characters to life.
January 11, 2024
4,5 Stars
Such a superb story! We get a bit from everything.
A 7 year old Lizzy meeting a 14 years old Fitzwilliam Darcy (already a bit proud), Lizzy meeting and befriending The 3 year old Georgiana.
So cute!
As a big ODC fan I would‘ve wished for few more scenes but we get an epilogue set in 1815, we find out ODC is married and The Gardiners still so happy. It was the perfect ending to this.
The Gardiners courtship you may wonder, was a bit inconventional or non existed. They had many sweet moments, and you felt with the characters. But they only saw eachother 3 when counting together until Mr. Gardiner was sure she wants to marry her and did so.
And afterwards gone off to London until the wedding (5 weeks) for some preperations and Business etc.
Why not staying few more days with your new fiancee? A carriage could have been arranged somehow.
Nevertheless it was a excellent! Something to recommend.
I listened to the Audiobook and the narrator Stevie Zimmerman did a wonderful job as always.
- Clean
- 6 Std 53 Min
- Low Angst
Such a superb story! We get a bit from everything.
A 7 year old Lizzy meeting a 14 years old Fitzwilliam Darcy (already a bit proud), Lizzy meeting and befriending The 3 year old Georgiana.
So cute!
As a big ODC fan I would‘ve wished for few more scenes but we get an epilogue set in 1815, we find out ODC is married and The Gardiners still so happy. It was the perfect ending to this.
The Gardiners courtship you may wonder, was a bit inconventional or non existed. They had many sweet moments, and you felt with the characters. But they only saw eachother 3 when counting together until Mr. Gardiner was sure she wants to marry her and did so.
And afterwards gone off to London until the wedding (5 weeks) for some preperations and Business etc.
Why not staying few more days with your new fiancee? A carriage could have been arranged somehow.
Nevertheless it was a excellent! Something to recommend.
I listened to the Audiobook and the narrator Stevie Zimmerman did a wonderful job as always.
- Clean
- 6 Std 53 Min
- Low Angst
October 22, 2016
What a Wonderful Story!
I always loved the Gardiners and was happy to read a story of their courtship since so very little of this side of Pride and Prejudice is explored. It was a bonus for me to see ODC meeting as children and Elizabeth's early influence on young Darcy. The author did an excellent job of recreating the mischievous hoyden I always pictured Elizabeth to be, as well as, giving us snippets of the personalities we would later see in canon. Truly a lovely story.
I always loved the Gardiners and was happy to read a story of their courtship since so very little of this side of Pride and Prejudice is explored. It was a bonus for me to see ODC meeting as children and Elizabeth's early influence on young Darcy. The author did an excellent job of recreating the mischievous hoyden I always pictured Elizabeth to be, as well as, giving us snippets of the personalities we would later see in canon. Truly a lovely story.
December 24, 2016
Definitely one of my favorite JAFF book of the year. So happy that the Gardiners are given some page time. Loved the way the author introduces some of our favorite P&P characters.
Would love to read the years in between their marriage and the start of P&P.
Would love to read the years in between their marriage and the start of P&P.
March 30, 2022
Se amate Orgoglio e pregiudizio non potete assolutamente perdervi questo libro “prequel” che ricrea le atmosfere del classico intramontabile che amiamo.
Protagonisti della storia sono gli zii delle sorelle Bennet ossia Mr e Mrs Gardiner, zio Edward e zia Madeline. Qui li ritroviamo giovani, al loro primo incontro, e assistiamo alla nascita della loro storia d’amore fino alla loro unione.
Madeline è una donna sensibile, umile e sincera, che cerca l’amore vero e che assiste spesso suo padre nella gestione degli affari di famiglia. Edward è un uomo onorevole, goffo e premuroso, affascinante per i suoi modi gentili. La loro storia d’amore è dolce, delicata e ricca di momenti di romanticismo. Emergono le emozioni e le sensazioni dei personaggi del primo sentimento d’amore, il loro affetto sincero e genuino che li rende perfetti l’una per l’altro.
Attorno ai due protagonisti ci saranno tutti i protagonisti che conosciamo e che abbiamo imparato ad amare nel classico austeniano che si alternano alla storia d’amore dei Gardiner. C’è la piccola Jane dolce e docile, sua sorella Lizzie, spensierata, determinata e curiosa, entrambe pronte a crescere e diventare due delle figure femminili più belle della Austen. C’è un giovane Darcy adolescente sul quale sono state risposte già grandi aspettative che lo hanno reso serio e riservato, a tratti scostante, e tanti altri personaggi.
Non deve essere stato facile per l’autrice riuscire a ricreare i personaggi, riuscendo a rispettare la loro personalità, e le atmosfere austeniane senza scostarsi troppo dall’originale.
Se siete appassionati di Jane Austen, se amate i regency e le storie d’amore d’altri tempi, vi consiglio di non perdervi questo gioiello!
Protagonisti della storia sono gli zii delle sorelle Bennet ossia Mr e Mrs Gardiner, zio Edward e zia Madeline. Qui li ritroviamo giovani, al loro primo incontro, e assistiamo alla nascita della loro storia d’amore fino alla loro unione.
Madeline è una donna sensibile, umile e sincera, che cerca l’amore vero e che assiste spesso suo padre nella gestione degli affari di famiglia. Edward è un uomo onorevole, goffo e premuroso, affascinante per i suoi modi gentili. La loro storia d’amore è dolce, delicata e ricca di momenti di romanticismo. Emergono le emozioni e le sensazioni dei personaggi del primo sentimento d’amore, il loro affetto sincero e genuino che li rende perfetti l’una per l’altro.
Attorno ai due protagonisti ci saranno tutti i protagonisti che conosciamo e che abbiamo imparato ad amare nel classico austeniano che si alternano alla storia d’amore dei Gardiner. C’è la piccola Jane dolce e docile, sua sorella Lizzie, spensierata, determinata e curiosa, entrambe pronte a crescere e diventare due delle figure femminili più belle della Austen. C’è un giovane Darcy adolescente sul quale sono state risposte già grandi aspettative che lo hanno reso serio e riservato, a tratti scostante, e tanti altri personaggi.
Non deve essere stato facile per l’autrice riuscire a ricreare i personaggi, riuscendo a rispettare la loro personalità, e le atmosfere austeniane senza scostarsi troppo dall’originale.
Se siete appassionati di Jane Austen, se amate i regency e le storie d’amore d’altri tempi, vi consiglio di non perdervi questo gioiello!
April 11, 2017
Edward Gardiner having just had his offer of marriage refused accompanies Mr. Bennet and his two oldest daughters on a journey northwards to visit the younger brother of Bennet. Finally reaching the small town of Lambton. Can Gardiner's heart be healed.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story, lovely writing style and enjoyed meeting the young Darcys and Bingleys.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story, lovely writing style and enjoyed meeting the young Darcys and Bingleys.
March 16, 2017
Great job!
A very believable and sweet story about my favorite secondary characters in P&P.
Ms. Clarkston did an amazing job of describing personalities as well as the surrounding area.
Highly recommended!
A very believable and sweet story about my favorite secondary characters in P&P.
Ms. Clarkston did an amazing job of describing personalities as well as the surrounding area.
Highly recommended!
October 22, 2016
This book should have been titled "Austen Babies" where nanny is played by the future Madeline Gardiner [see: Muppet babies https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muppet_... ]
This book starts out maturely enough with a unmarried Edward Gardiner begging a young lady to accept his suit. Alas she is already engaged to another merchant of more prosperous means and so she cruelly rejects him.
He is moping when his brother-in-law Bennet arrives in town with his two eldest daughters in tow. Bennet's brother is ailing and he must visit him in the north and he decided the best company he could have is Mr. Gardiner. Mr. Bennet is pretty much an asinine caricature of Austen's Bennet. He drops jokes and one liners like a manic Robin Williams; he further proves himself to be a neglectful and lax parent. He has come with his two eldest daughters Jane, 8 and Lizzy, 7. Lizzy needs Ritalin and Jane is all that is sweet, good, charming and beautiful.
In other words, welcome to trope land... In the course of their trip Jane falls ill and they are forced to remain for several day in Lambton, where Miss. Fairbanks is convinced to lend a hand and help out with the sick girls - because it would be inappropriate for their Uncle to care for them. (really? WOW)
And this would be fine, contrived but fine, had Mr. Gardiner & Miss Fairbanks fallen on love over Jane's sick bed. But no the author had to bring almost every P&P character into the story (younger) and beat the reader about the head and neck with it. First we meet Fitzwilliam Darcy who is studying when interrupted by his 3 year old sister Georgiana. Then he is reprimanded by his father for his cross words with George Wickham [who is showing signs of being a serial killer]. Meanwhile back in Lambton Lizzy is causing chaos and speaking in full adult sentences and beating her uncle at chess. While Jane is being beautifully ill. Then of course Lizzy & Darcy have to meet and she is precocious and annoying and he is quiet and prideful. They also encounter George Wickham who is just totally creepy. And 7 year old Lizzy reads adult novels.
A day or so later who should arrive at the Inn in Lambton, why Charles Bingley of course just in time for Jane to have recovered and see him in the dining room. [True story: as soon as I realized that was where the author was going I gasped aloud "FFS"] Soon he will be off to Pemberley to have shockingly prescient conversations. But peace shall not fall upon the land of Pemberley but who should appear in the drive but Lady Catherine de Bourgh... who will have her share of this foreshadowing...
I really found this whole story tedious. The parts with Mr & the future Mrs. Gardiner were pleasant enough as were the scenes with him sheltering with the shepherds but every scene with stereotype kids who speak like adults made me twitchy.
I was also annoyed by the way both Mr. Gardiner & Mr. Bennet reacted when Miss Fairbanks made a comment to the effect that the girls mother must be charming and ladylike. While Lizzy's behavior isn't the best Jane is all that is good, sweet and wonderful. She obviously didn't learn it from her indifferent father.
This book starts out maturely enough with a unmarried Edward Gardiner begging a young lady to accept his suit. Alas she is already engaged to another merchant of more prosperous means and so she cruelly rejects him.
He is moping when his brother-in-law Bennet arrives in town with his two eldest daughters in tow. Bennet's brother is ailing and he must visit him in the north and he decided the best company he could have is Mr. Gardiner. Mr. Bennet is pretty much an asinine caricature of Austen's Bennet. He drops jokes and one liners like a manic Robin Williams; he further proves himself to be a neglectful and lax parent. He has come with his two eldest daughters Jane, 8 and Lizzy, 7. Lizzy needs Ritalin and Jane is all that is sweet, good, charming and beautiful.
In other words, welcome to trope land... In the course of their trip Jane falls ill and they are forced to remain for several day in Lambton, where Miss. Fairbanks is convinced to lend a hand and help out with the sick girls - because it would be inappropriate for their Uncle to care for them. (really? WOW)
And this would be fine, contrived but fine, had Mr. Gardiner & Miss Fairbanks fallen on love over Jane's sick bed. But no the author had to bring almost every P&P character into the story (younger) and beat the reader about the head and neck with it. First we meet Fitzwilliam Darcy who is studying when interrupted by his 3 year old sister Georgiana. Then he is reprimanded by his father for his cross words with George Wickham [who is showing signs of being a serial killer]. Meanwhile back in Lambton Lizzy is causing chaos and speaking in full adult sentences and beating her uncle at chess. While Jane is being beautifully ill. Then of course Lizzy & Darcy have to meet and she is precocious and annoying and he is quiet and prideful. They also encounter George Wickham who is just totally creepy. And 7 year old Lizzy reads adult novels.
A day or so later who should arrive at the Inn in Lambton, why Charles Bingley of course just in time for Jane to have recovered and see him in the dining room. [True story: as soon as I realized that was where the author was going I gasped aloud "FFS"] Soon he will be off to Pemberley to have shockingly prescient conversations. But peace shall not fall upon the land of Pemberley but who should appear in the drive but Lady Catherine de Bourgh... who will have her share of this foreshadowing...
I really found this whole story tedious. The parts with Mr & the future Mrs. Gardiner were pleasant enough as were the scenes with him sheltering with the shepherds but every scene with stereotype kids who speak like adults made me twitchy.
I was also annoyed by the way both Mr. Gardiner & Mr. Bennet reacted when Miss Fairbanks made a comment to the effect that the girls mother must be charming and ladylike. While Lizzy's behavior isn't the best Jane is all that is good, sweet and wonderful. She obviously didn't learn it from her indifferent father.
November 15, 2016
I was very interested on reading the courtship of Mr. Gardiner, the lovely uncle of the Bennet sisters and the one who, together with his wife, brought Darcy and Elizabeth together.
As usual I am going to avoid any spoilers for two reasons: 1) I do not want people spoiling books or films to me and 2) it will leave you with the need to read such an awesome book!
You may have gather already that I have immensely enjoyed this book and not only because it is related to Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I believe Mr. Gardiner and Mrs. Gardiner are two of the forgotten characters when it comes to JAFF but I can understand that other characters give more chance to write about.
Let’s start: Mr. Bennet has to go north to see his brother as he is quite ill and some things need to be done. He takes his two oldest daughters, Jane and Lizzy, two lovely little girls but with already the behaviour and personality that later on is told in Pride and Prejucide. Mr. Bennet’s brother-in-law, Mr. Gardiner travels with them in an attempt to forget his broken heart after being refused when he proposed to the lady that he thought was in love with.
The trip is thwarted because Jane gets ill and after the insistence of Mr. Gardiner, the girls and their uncle are going to remain in the nearest town to take care of the eldest Bennet sister. This town is a small but apparently lovely town of Lambton. However, even being their uncle, Mr. Gardiner, once Mr. Bennet continues the trip, needs a woman to take care of the little girls. Thanks to the owner of the inn where they are staying, they found a Miss Madeline Fairbanks, a young woman whose father is not a gentleman but who has taught his daughter to behave as a lady. She lives in the town and she accepts to help nursing Jane and taking care of Lizzy.
Here is where we have our two main characters for the first time. They will share a lot of nice moments, they will know each other better. He is a man in trade but close to a gentleman due to his education and savoir-faire. She, an only daughter whose brother is in London working, helps her father with the accounts and takes care of him who is suffering as he cannot read properly anymore. I will not tell you much more about them as it is very endearing and I think I cannot make it justice.
By the way, what do you think it may happen when one of the worst storms breaks in Derbyshire? What about having mainly one know-it-all little girl is actually helping two adults inderectly? What happens when a sensible woman meets Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Phillips?
Apart from the adorable love story, I have really enjoyed reading about Lizzy and Jane when they were little. Moreover, as we are in Lambton, only five miles from Pemberley, Nicole Clarkston also shows us how Master Fitzwilliam, Miss Darcy and George Wickham were when little. It was very interesting to read how Fitzwilliam had to deal with George and how he learnt his principles , the same ones that would cost him quite dear on his first proposal years after to Elizabeth Bennet.
As usual I am going to avoid any spoilers for two reasons: 1) I do not want people spoiling books or films to me and 2) it will leave you with the need to read such an awesome book!
You may have gather already that I have immensely enjoyed this book and not only because it is related to Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I believe Mr. Gardiner and Mrs. Gardiner are two of the forgotten characters when it comes to JAFF but I can understand that other characters give more chance to write about.
Let’s start: Mr. Bennet has to go north to see his brother as he is quite ill and some things need to be done. He takes his two oldest daughters, Jane and Lizzy, two lovely little girls but with already the behaviour and personality that later on is told in Pride and Prejucide. Mr. Bennet’s brother-in-law, Mr. Gardiner travels with them in an attempt to forget his broken heart after being refused when he proposed to the lady that he thought was in love with.
The trip is thwarted because Jane gets ill and after the insistence of Mr. Gardiner, the girls and their uncle are going to remain in the nearest town to take care of the eldest Bennet sister. This town is a small but apparently lovely town of Lambton. However, even being their uncle, Mr. Gardiner, once Mr. Bennet continues the trip, needs a woman to take care of the little girls. Thanks to the owner of the inn where they are staying, they found a Miss Madeline Fairbanks, a young woman whose father is not a gentleman but who has taught his daughter to behave as a lady. She lives in the town and she accepts to help nursing Jane and taking care of Lizzy.
Here is where we have our two main characters for the first time. They will share a lot of nice moments, they will know each other better. He is a man in trade but close to a gentleman due to his education and savoir-faire. She, an only daughter whose brother is in London working, helps her father with the accounts and takes care of him who is suffering as he cannot read properly anymore. I will not tell you much more about them as it is very endearing and I think I cannot make it justice.
By the way, what do you think it may happen when one of the worst storms breaks in Derbyshire? What about having mainly one know-it-all little girl is actually helping two adults inderectly? What happens when a sensible woman meets Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Phillips?
Apart from the adorable love story, I have really enjoyed reading about Lizzy and Jane when they were little. Moreover, as we are in Lambton, only five miles from Pemberley, Nicole Clarkston also shows us how Master Fitzwilliam, Miss Darcy and George Wickham were when little. It was very interesting to read how Fitzwilliam had to deal with George and how he learnt his principles , the same ones that would cost him quite dear on his first proposal years after to Elizabeth Bennet.
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