Thomas Bennet Takes Charge by Shana Granderson

Please note: This is a full length novel of 110,000 plus words.

In this the 10th book in the ‘Take Charge’ series, it is the oft maligned Bennet Patriarch who is the one to take charge. Rightly or wrongly he is usually considered an indolent man who cares not for his family, other than to amuse himself.

Thomas and James Bennet are the only children born to Henry and Elizabeth Bennet. While they are growing up, with less than 3 years between them in age, they are best of friends. Even though they are not similar in character, the older brother is more studious and introverted while the younger is more outgoing and fun loving, they become best of friends as well as brothers.

The first serious conflict the brothers have is over the love of a woman. Both Bennet brothers fancy themselves in love with the beautiful and vivacious Fanny Gardiner. When the latter chooses Thomas, James Bitterly accuses her of being a fortune hunter. He is so consumed with rage he secretly plans to leave England for ever. He takes his legacy left to him by the grandfather he was named for and leaves the country. He leaves behind a vitriol laced letter which is delivered the morning of his brother’s wedding, the same day his ship sails for New York City from Liverpool.

His brother’s flight is the first factor which changes Thomas Bennet into the indolent, mocking man we know from canon. At some point in the future, Bennet is shocked enough that he decides to take charge.
The story tells us what it is which precipitates the changes, and what Bennet does to take his life, estate, and family in hand. Does he reach out to his brother, who thanks to Gardiner’s contacts in America he knows has 2 sons and a daughter while he has 5 daughters? If he does, does James Bennet react favourably?

How do Darcy, the Bingleys, Wickham and the cast of characters we are used to seeing in most P&P variations figure into this story? Does Lady Catherine try to insert herself into things which are not connected to her?

All of these and many more questions will be answered when you read this tale.