Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
Kindle Price: $4.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Audiobook Price: $18.80

Save: $11.31 (60%)

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Jennifer Altman
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Faults of Understanding: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Kindle Edition

by Jennifer Altman (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 980 ratings
See all formats and editions
"I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding." --Mr. Darcy, Pride and Prejudice

When Fitzwilliam Darcy makes an impetuous offer of marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, he is convinced they have as good a chance as any for a harmonious life together. That is, until an overheard conversation changes everything, and Darcy realizes he is now joined in perpetuity to a woman who loathes the very sight of him.

Elizabeth Bennet’s expectations for matrimonial accord were never very high, having accepted Mr. Darcy’s proposal in a fit of pique, not love. Still, she is determined to make the best of her situation, despite having tied herself to such an arrogant, disagreeable man.

But life at Pemberley is not at all what she imagined, and Elizabeth soon finds herself with more questions than answers about the enigmatic gentleman she agreed to wed.

Trapped in a marriage founded on misunderstandings, Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy struggle with deepening attraction while confronting self-doubt and old betrayals. But is love enough to heal the wounds of the past? What will it take for two people bound by duty to find their way home to one another?

Note: This novel contains mature content dealing with intimacy and loss. While the scenes are not graphic in nature, the subject matter is most suitable for an adult reader.
Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Print length
    514 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    May 27, 2021
  5. File size
    3300 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
Next page
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card

Editorial Reviews

Review

5 Stars - "Sensitive, poignant, and exquisitely developed - Faults of Understanding is everything I want in a Pride and Prejudice variation. For readers who enjoy forced-marriages/marriage of convenience scenarios, who appreciate introspective and gradual development in Mr. Darcy's and Elizabeth's relationship, and who treasure hard-won and ardent romances, this is a MUST READ." -- Austenesque Reviews

5 Stars; 2021 Editor's Pick - "What began as a solid four-star story...soon evolved into a full five-star, completely unputdownable tale. [ . . . ] Readers will revel in the emotional and enigmatic route to enlightenment in Faults of Understanding." -- Austenprose

From the Author

Excerpt Faults of Understanding. © Jennifer Altman. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Prologue

9th December 1811

In the end, Elizabeth blamed Lady Catherine.

Oh, certainly there were any number of others with whom Elizabeth could find fault: Mr. Collins for his lack of discretion; Mr. Bingley for not offering for Jane sooner; her mother for her ceaseless matchmaking. Even her beloved papa for having the temerity to insinuate that accepting Mr. Darcy might be Elizabeth's last chance at matrimony.

Still, it was Lady Catherine who had pushed Elizbeth over the edge.

Sinking into the fine leather squabs of Mr. Darcy's carriage, Elizabeth turned to stare out the window at the hilly terrain--so different from the familiar countryside back home--and the breath left her body in a heavy sigh.

No, it was unfair to condemn Mr. Darcy's aunt. Despite that woman's insolent behavior, Elizabeth had entered into this marriage of her own free will, and the decision had been hers and hers alone. And now, for better or for worse, Mr. Darcy was her husband.

Pulling her gaze away from the passing scenery, Elizabeth shifted her attention to the opposite seat, where the man in question was buried behind his newssheet, much as he had been since the beginning of their journey.

Setting aside the novel she had been attempting to read with little success, Elizabeth cleared her throat.

"Really, Mr. Darcy, I believe we must have some conversation. Even a very little will suffice."

At the sound of her voice, Elizabeth's husband visibly started, slowly lowering his paper to regard her with a rigid expression.

"Forgive me. I had assumed you wished to read your book."

"Not particularly. While I appreciate your consideration, even a great reader such as myself values at least some social interaction during the course of several days spent together within a small compartment."

Elizabeth could see the muscles in Darcy's jaws clench, but he set aside his broadsheet with obvious reluctance.

"Very well. Of what would you wish to speak?"

The lack of emotion in his voice fueled Elizabeth's irritation, and she had to take several calming breaths before trusting herself to reply.

"Perhaps you might tell me a little more about Pemberley. We cannot be more than an hour away, and you have said relatively little about the estate. It might be nice to have some idea of what I can expect when we arrive."

Darcy frowned, turning to observe their surroundings through the frosted glass.

"We are actually quite close. In fact, we should be on Pemberley's lands shortly," he informed her brusquely before directing his attention back to the spot where she sat. "Is there anything in particular you would wish to know?"

Elizabeth was silent, contemplating her response. What she most wanted to know was why her new husband had scarcely said ten words together in the three days they had been in this carriage, and why it seemed to pain him to so much as look in her direction, but she doubted either of those questions would be met with anything beyond Mr. Darcy's usual stony stare.

Clearing her voice, she said instead, "I imagine the house is quite large. How many bedchambers are there?"

"In total, seventeen, however, only twelve of them are currently in use--seven in the family wing, and five guest chambers. There are an additional five chambers on the third floor, as well as the nursery, but those rooms have been closed for many years."

Despite her best efforts to appear indifferent, Elizabeth gaped back at him. Seventeen bedchambers! Good heavens. That was more than the two inns in Meryton combined!

"Of course," Darcy continued, "that does not include the servants' quarters."

Swallowing hard, Elizabeth forced a smile.

"Well, that certainly is... large. With a house of that size, I imagine there must also be a good deal of land?" she inquired tentatively, and Darcy nodded.

"There are over four thousand acres. The park itself is ten miles around, so you should have ample space to roam when the weather improves. You are fond of walking, I believe," he added mordantly.

"Yes," Elizabeth murmured.

Darcy's lips tightened, and he briefly looked away. "Good. It is comforting to know there will be one thing you approve of, at least."

Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak, but was saved the trouble of formulating a reply when her husband once again turned his attention to the view beyond the windowpane.

"Well, you shall not have to wait any longer to have your curiosity satisfied. We have finally arrived."

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B093YRJ8FG
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 27, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3300 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 514 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 980 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Jennifer Altman

Jennifer Altman

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Jennifer Altman is a novelist, an anglophile, and a lover of all things Regency. After a long career in the television industry, Jennifer shifted to book publishing in 2016. She currently works in the corporate division of a large publishing company. Jennifer makes her home just outside New York City where she lives in a compact apartment with a considerable collection of books. When she’s not writing, Jennifer can be found reading, watching British period dramas, and not cleaning her house. Her debut novel, To Conquer Pride, released in 2018.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
980 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

S. L. Majczan
5.0 out of 5 stars Another story in which ODC marries without "love" in the reasons.
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2022
Verified Purchase
I highly recommend this story. I read this in the space of 24 hours although the dates list 2 days. I have always loved stories in which ODC come together not because of love on both parts but because of a compromise, a manipulation, etc.

In this tale Darcy learns that Elizabeth expects a proposal from Collins the day after the ball and so he is "forced" (in his way of thinking) to either propose to her or forever give her up. So early on the morning after the Netherfield Ball he visits Mr. Bennet and asks for permission to offer for Elizabeth. So it is that Elizabeth has two offers to consider. Then just when she has determined that, although she knows that turning down two "good" offers will condemn her in the eyes of any future suitors, she will reject both and stay a spinster. Lady Catherine arriving with that confrontation, i.e., in canon, has Elizabeth reacting without thinking as she won't allow Lady Catherine the satisfaction of thinking she has won the day.

So, Darcy's offer is accepted. The marriage is quickly arranged so there is no "courting" period. However, shortly after the wedding occurs, at the breakfast, Darcy overhears Jane's comments about Elizabeth's opinions, her feelings about Darcy...and he is stunned...a marriage without affection, Elizabeth's detests him? He keeps this knowledge to himself.

He decides to have as little interaction with Elizabeth as possible...to save his urges and maybe his heart. A silent journey to Pemberley, days spent on business matters and trips away from Pemberley give him some relief from his desires. Elizabeth has mixed feelings when he makes it clear that he does not intend to consummate the marriage.

Elizabeth thinks she knows Darcy...born into wealth, supported by his family, etc. What cares does he carry on his shoulders? What she doesn't know about Darcy's past turns out to be more than any person should suffer. (I won't spoil the story for you by even hinting at some facts in his past here.)

Elizabeth learns much about Darcy as she eventually meets, not only Georgiana, but also Darcy's one aunt who is also his godmother. Yes, her opinions change, but you knew that.

The relationship finally comes to a head when Darcy relates his plans to move to an estate he plans to purchase in Scotland, leaving her at Pemberley, with the excuse that the new estate needs too much work, too much upgrading and repairs to expect her to live there with him. She will serve as Mistress to Pemberley very well (thank you) while he is gone.

Although there is mention of some intimacies there are no graphic details. However, as others have said, this story is best read by mature audiences.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
JM Says
4.0 out of 5 stars rough beginning for the pay out of a sweet ending
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2021
Verified Purchase
I got to 25% of the way through and wanted to quit, but the high ratings have me also wanting to push through. I figured I’d write this review in stages in the hopes that it helps explains the high reviews for readers in the first half of the book. I think this is one of the hardest type of variations to do—they are already married before Darcy finds out Elizabeth hates him. There are a lot of pitfalls for an author, but overall, the writing is good and if you push to get through to about 60%, it becomes enjoyable. Below are my notes at 25%, 50%, and 75%. I tried to avoid important spoilers.

@ 25% through: This is one of the worst Elizabeth’s I’ve read. I’ve seen some other reviews that say she is “immature”, but it goes beyond that. She is selfish, self-centered, and mean-spirited. And, she overreacts to the dumbest things, for example, Darcy stomps to get his dog’s attention (which, yes, is a bit weird until you realize the dog is deaf), but her inner dialogue has her about to erupt on Darcy with a prediction that the next thing he is going to do is whistle at her. It’s just such an over the top leap. She gets mad at him for everything. When he is quiet and reflective when discussing his mother having died and the effect it may have had on Georgiana. Elizabeth assumes he is insulting her mother. And, her inner dialogue is constantly complaining about Darcy not being affectionate towards her which she also says doesn’t want and says she would be uncomfortable if he did. Look, a marriage unequal in affection has enough fodder for conflict without this type of stupidity and self-centered hot mess. I have a hard time reading variations when Elizabeth is such an unattractive character. But, I’m going to power through.

@ 50% - The inner monologue of Elizabeth from about 25-35% is “how hard can Darcy’s life be, yes, he lost his parents when he was young, but really, he’s rich and a man so who cares”. Then, when she tells him this to his face, he disagrees with her and leaves and then she is mad he left the room. This Elizabeth is just absolutely awful. She makes up things to be angry at him about, then gets mad when he is upset with her doing that—so mad that she “paces infuriated” that he could “provoke her” by defending himself and then leaving the room (when she started the conversation and made the accusations, including ones about how a man has a right to his wife’s body!!!!). Then, while she is infuriated, she goes to demand he consummate their marriage (even though her inner monologue is that she doesn’t want to and she just berated him about men demanding that of their unwilling wives) and then is angry that he won’t do it. Look, I can deal with an Elizabeth confused about her feelings, but this is so much more than that. She is angry at him about literally everything that he does and does not do simultaneously and it is exhausting. I thought we were turning a corner mid- to late 40 percents, but sadly, no…

@ 75% we’ll, I’m glad I persevered. We have turned a corner. It’s like Elizabeth turned into a completely different character. She used to get angry at Darcy for breathing, now she thinks he is the best men. Darcy’s behavior toward her hasn’t changed, actually he’s been largely absent. But, whatever, at least now I don’t want to throw my kindle across the room every time Elizabeth thinks or speaks.

@ 100% the end of this book is worth the full reading, but ugh, that first 50-60% was painful and could easily be cut in half length-wise and Elizabeth has a completely different personality in the second half that is jarring in the change. All the feels in the last 20% though are worth it.
11 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Camila
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful reading
Reviewed in Brazil on August 29, 2021
Verified Purchase
Beautifully written and edited. Low angst, my favorite plot, a lot of E and D interaction which I love. I recommend.
Report
Andrea P.
5.0 out of 5 stars Absoluter Hochgenuss für Pride and Prejudice Fans
Reviewed in Germany on March 12, 2022
Verified Purchase
Die beiden Werke von Jennifer Altman gehören für mich zu den besten Variationen von Pride and Prejudice überhaupt, absolute Übereinstimmung mit den Charakteren und der Sprache des Originals, gelungene spannende Handlung, sinnvoll eingefügte Nebenpersonen erhalten viel Raum, also alles, was man sich so wünschen kann. Vielen Dank, Ms. Altman, für diese herrlichen Lesestunden, bitte weiter so.
Report
Dorotea Maria Fulde Benke
4.0 out of 5 stars Not just another variation
Reviewed in Spain on December 14, 2021
Verified Purchase
When I started reading I thought the story would be just another variation of the basic situation. But the characters are designed so well, the plot explaining Darcy's sadness is so interesting and Elizabeth is her lovely self and Lydia is a surprise... I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it highly!
Report
Kindlereader
5.0 out of 5 stars Eavesdropping, misunderstandings, seashells intolerance and a dog!! A must read!
Reviewed in France on May 27, 2021
Verified Purchase
An early marriage (early canon timeline wise, but not forced or haste) between D and E? Yay!
Only not really... The wedding day, Darcy overhears Jane and Elizabeth talking and becomes aware of his new wife's opinion of him.
He resolves to offer her everything she might have wanted from this marriage (station, wealth, money, Pemberley) and to deny himself everything he hoped from it...

I read it in a sitting - while it is a satisfyingly long book (although to almost quote Jane: when it is well written, it is always too short 😘) and went to sleep at 5h in the morning. And as per my habit, I had to start almost immediately the second reading ....
What I find remarquable is that while (IMO) the book is a lot from Elizabeth's point of vue - D's eavesdropping is obviously from his own - all his torment and despair, his struggles, the heartwrenching decision to finally settle for a life far from Pemberley and Elizabeth and indeed everything he loves, are also shared thru E's feelings and thoughts.
Of course this means some despair and struggles on E's side as well... But well, I can't say I'm sorry if the shoe is on the other foot for a while :-)
As are some of other details - a bit in the mirror - for example, The Letter! I find it masterful that it is Elizabeth who should write it.

Without spoiling (too much) I have to say I love this Darcy, a bit more serious and quiet than we know him even, with a touch of sadness. Of course he is the same in essentials as he ever was, but we get a lot of explanation as to how things happening in his past that brought him to accept fatality and actually to believe he deserves being unsatisfied and unhappy. Also explains why he is attracted to a lively, witty, outspoken, compassionate and intelligent type of person...
Of course Elizabeth will change all this, but the road to achieve this is not without some heartwrenching for her as well (although I can't - a bit perversely - not to remark upon the fact that her wretchedness is far shorter than his). But maybe the fact that she has a nasty intolerance and consequently an allergy to seashells balances it a bit? 😘🤏

The story is obviously focused on this road to mutual felicity, but I would be remiss in not mentioning how often there is an interaction between ODC.
There are other characters, obviously, what story doesn't have them? But they all pale in the fundal, it seems. Lady Catherine lives to be of use - and she is!! - , Wickham is there (and dealt with to satisfaction without saddling some unfortunate girl with him, even if they almost did!), there is Georgiana and the colonel, his parents and a lovely and astute godmother. As most of the story happens at Pemberley, there is very little of Bennets... And there is Harpocrates!!!
But for her role you have to read the book!

As we can see on the cover - which is a beauty! - , it is obvious who the main (both female) characters are in this book 🤪
2 people found this helpful
 Report
G L Marfleet
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 28, 2021
Verified Purchase
A thoroughly enjoyable book - I found it hard to put down and was sorry when I came to the end.
The author knows how to draw the reader in from the start and painted a very believable picture of E & D - flawed and at times irritating but in the end very likeable and far more true to the period in behaviour and values than many books of this genre.
I enjoyed Ms Altman’s previous book “To Conquer Pride” and was very pleased to be sent an early copy of this one.
One person found this helpful
 Report
Report an issue

Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report