Hello Dear Readers!
Today, I am here to review "Just Between Us" by Jayne Bamber. I was thrilled to have advance access to this book, and can't wait to see it available online for all of you! Let's take a look at the synopsis, shall we?
Synopsis:
When Charlotte Lucas’s twin brother returns to Meryton after four years in the navy, he rivals even Mrs. Bennet as a meddling matchmaker. Captain Oliver Lucas introduces his two dearest friends, Elizabeth Bennet and Captain Fitzwilliam Darcy, and their discreet courtship begins on the very same night that Elizabeth discovers her childhood friend harbors a secret which will later alter the course of their lives.
As Elizabeth’s romance blooms, Jane faces an ultimatum from her mother, and takes drastic measures to secure her engagement to Mr. Bingley. Jane’s collusion with Caroline Bingley estranges her from her sisters when she causes a calamitous chain reaction that jeopardizes the happiness of more than one of her sisters, and has even more disastrous results for the Darcy family.
In the two years that Elizabeth and Captain Darcy are separated, their lives are consumed by tragedy and despair, though neither can let go of their memories of the love they once shared. Meanwhile, the Bingley marriage flounders when both Jane and Charles Bingley are haunted by the mistakes of their past, led afoul by a cruel and conniving Caroline.
When Elizabeth & Captain Darcy are finally reunited, they must confront their painful history before they can begin anew together, and in doing so give hope to those they love. The long-suffering Bingleys attempt their own reconciliation with help from an older and wiser Lydia Bennet, as well as the charming and mischievous Colonel Fitzwilliam. A house party full of familiar faces and new characters alike sets the scene for romance, and amidst the revelry and reminiscing, more than one couple finds their happily ever after, proving that time does heal all wounds.
As always, if there is one woman who can make me like that which I think I do not like, it is Jayne Bamber. Usually I would skip a variation where Mr Darcy is a second son, but no matter what, I can always count on Ms Bamber to change my mind. In “Just Between Us,” Ms Bamber takes an intriguing and bold departure from Miss Austen’s original, casting Mr. Darcy as a naval captain and second son, who visits Meryton in the company of Charlotte’s brother, Oliver Lucas, who knows exactly how to pair up his bachelor friends with his neighbours back home.
In this variation, we find a new, darker side to Caroline Bingley’s scheming nature. Far more cunning and manipulative than in Pride and Prejudice, Caroline orchestrates a masterful plan to improve her social standing at any cost. After Jane Bennet is presented with an ultimatum by her mother, Caroline Bingley manipulates her in a moment of vulnerability, forcing her into dishonour, leading to a tragic break between Jane and Elizabeth. When Georgiana’s escapade with Wickham later produces devastating consequences for the Darcy family, Caroline shows an even darker element to her character, manipulating Charles Bingley into a horrifying moment that he will never be able to take back, nor forgive himself for, estranging himself from his wife and those who called him friend. The impact of Caroline's blackmail and influence over her step-brother and his wife further unravels the stability of the relationships in our beloved story. Friend is torn from friend, and worse Darcy and Elizabeth are parted.
Elizabeth’s marriage to Oliver Lucas, Charlotte’s brother, adds yet another unexpected twist. While many of us might mourn the parting of Elizabeth and Darcy, her eventual widowhood allows her to cross paths with Darcy once again, bringing back the emotional tension that the couple shared. Their reunion, facilitated by friends and family, is full of longing and emotional complexity, as both characters must wrestle with their pasts, the weight of their decisions, and whether they can reconcile after two years of lies, deceit, and misunderstanding. Ms Bamber’s themes of forgiveness, growth, and the enduring nature of love resonate strongly as Darcy and Elizabeth navigate their new relationship. As one can only expect from Ms Bamber, just when we thought our dear couple had found their happiness, shocking revelations regarding Elizabeth’s late husband are brought to light, creating fear and uncertainty for Darcy and Elizabeth.
As always, any variation from the imagination of Ms Bamber delivers a fresh and engaging spin on our favourite classic, filled with high drama, heartfelt moments, and a deeper exploration of the characters' emotional journeys. It is a story that captivates the reader from start to finish, offering a nuanced look at how love can evolve and endure through life's greatest trials. Like all of Miss Bamber’s novels, “Just Between Us” is a thought-provoking Pride and Prejudice variation with high stakes and emotional depth.
Check out this excerpt of Ollie the matchmaker!
Autumn, 1803
Longbourn, Meryton
“How well you look,” Elizabeth cried as Captain Oliver Lucas released her from a warm embrace. She had taken off running across the meadow as soon as she caught sight of him approaching Longbourn with his sister, and hurled herself indecorously into his arms.
Olly laughed. “I must be looking very well indeed, if you could not wait another moment to greet me properly. But then when has your impertinent friend ever done anything properly, Charlotte?” He winked at them both, and kept one arm firmly wrapped around Elizabeth’s shoulders.
“Our Lizzy has only grown in impudence since you went away,” Charlotte teased.
“And beauty,” Olly said.
Elizabeth laughed. “Aye, and everything but good sense.”
“I do not believe that for a moment,” Olly said, smiling down at her. “Charlotte’s letters have been full of your antics and accomplishments - and your own irreverent nonsense, which I was always delighted to find enclosed. The picture of my step-mother was so rude and so poorly drawn, but so amusingly accurate - my shipmates said I ought to frame it.”
“Oh, I recall I was very cross with her that day - she had worked Mamma into such a state!” Elizabeth blushed with equal measures of mortification and wicked glee at the notion that Olly had shown his fellow officers the nonsensical doodles she often bid Charlotte include in her correspondence.
“Then I hope you have your sketch pad at the ready, for she is sure to do her worst in the coming weeks,” Olly said with a grin. “I trust she told you the news about Netherfield?”
“I have fled the house to escape Mamma’s speculation about it, and yet here you are, no doubt eager to encourage her,” Elizabeth cried, giving her friend a playful nudge.
“Yes, here I am, ready to be thanked! Your mamma will think me quite a hero - not because of any of my valor at sea, but because I am personally responsible for the sudden influx of eligible gentlemen in Meryton. I can just hear her now….” Olly shifted his posture, striking a feminine pose and expression as he altered his voice in an impression of Mrs. Bennet. “Five single gentlemen, and my five dear girls all out at once! I shall have them all married and settled by Saturday next!”
Elizabeth chortled and shoved him a bit harder this time, noticing how solid and muscular he had grown; she smiled appreciatively at him and blushed again. “Yes, and that includes you, Captain, which is just what you deserve for inciting such a frenzy.”
Olly captured her hand and raised it to his lips. “I am no stranger to arousing speculation, fair lady,” he said with a dramatic flourish.
This was precisely why Elizabeth had set out to greet Olly before he reached the manor. He had ever been as a brother to her; though she had been out for above a year before he went to sea, there had never been a modicum of romance between them, despite her mother’s hopes for a match. Elizabeth knew it would be more on her mother’s mind than ever before, and while she had no wish to fuel these hopes and then disappoint them, in some corner of her mind Elizabeth had cherished a curious sort of optimism. She had wondered if perhaps there could be more between them now.
But no, she already felt certain that it could not be so. He looked at her just as he ever had, as if he would sooner throw mud pies at her than make love to her. The feeling was mutual, and she found she was relieved that their familiar camaraderie had not altered.
As they began ambling toward Longbourn together, Charlotte observed, “My incorrigible brother means to be in league with our mammas, Lizzy. I think it a ghastly trick, but perhaps you might dissuade him.”
“Not for all the world,” Lizzy said, failing to restrain her mirth as she attempted a serious expression. “I am advised by my mother that we shall all starve in the hedgerows if Papa does not call on our new neighbors and inform them that they are all quite welcome to any or all of his daughters they choose.”
“A matter on which I have the most decided opinions,” Olly quipped with the same feigned solemnity. “I am the authority on such matters until they come amongst us, and then you shall see for yourselves that I am entirely correct in all my presumptions.”
Ollie seems like a handful! No wonder he and Elizabeth are best friends! If that, Dear Reader, does not send you running to download the e-book, I don't know what will! I regret to inform you all that "Just Between Us" is not available to download until October 12th, 2024, but the pre-order is available today!
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This looks good ~ Glory