Almost Persuaded: Miss Mary King

by P.O. Dixon

Mary King admired George Wickham from the moment she first set eyes on him. Handsome and charismatic, he satisfied her every notion of what a consummate gentleman ought to be. She longed to garner his affection. He, on the other hand, never once looked her way. What happens when Mary becomes the heiress of ten thousand pounds? As the adage goes, be careful what you wish for. Will Mary learn the meaning of this sentiment the hard way?


✤ This Pride and Prejudice SHORT STORY follows Miss Mary King's search for love. What she finds may or may not be what she wants, but will it be precisely what she needs?


✣ Table of Contents ✣
Part 1 - In Want of a Husband
Part 2 - Such Happy Manners
Part 3 - Almost Persuaded
Part 4 - Akin to Regret
Part 5 - Till this Moment

Genres: Historical Romance, Fiction, Historical, Romance, Historical Fiction, Novella, Ebooks

75 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2013

About the author

P. O. Dixon has authored several Jane Austen "Pride and Prejudice" adaptations, all written with one overriding purpose in mind—falling in love with Darcy and Elizabeth. Sometimes provocative, but always entertaining, her stories have been read, commented on, and thoroughly enjoyed by thousands of readers worldwide.

Reviews

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable short novella on a minor character from Pride and Prejudice, heiress Miss Mary King, and her romance with George Wickham. I admire P.O. Dixon's writing over the years, though I question if the sexual assault was handled prudently. In this instance, I believe less is more. Otherwise, a very engaging peek into one of Jane Austen's minor characters.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Austen’s works have given us countless characters to fall in love with: Elizabeth Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Catherine Morland, Henry Tilney, Anne Elliot, Captain Frederick Wentworth, and Elinor & Marianne Dashwood. Along with these major players, Austen sprinkles in minor personalities who play a very small role in the plot, leaving the full back story to our imagination. P. O Dixon has taken one these lesser-known characters, “the nasty freckle-faced” Mary King, and given her story a chance to be told in her latest short story Almost Persuaded.

Mary King is accustomed to being in the background. She purposely shies away from the social spotlight, but is always keenly aware of the goings on around her. She can’t seem to keep her eyes off of George Wickham from the time they first met. Unfortunately for her, he doesn’t seem to have reciprocated any of these feelings, and in fact, does not notice her whatsoever. All that changes, however, when Mary becomes the recipient of a ten thousand pound inheritance. Suddenly she has gone from being a wallflower to the center of the social universe. Now she goes from pining for Wickham’s attention to having more attention on her than she could ever have wanted. Will this inheritance prove to be the key to finally winning Wickham’s heart, or a curse that haunts her to be alone forever?

One of the best things that Dixon’s work accomplishes is the fleshing-out of Mary’s character. She takes all the jealousy, emotions, and unpredictability of a teenager and filters them expertly into Mary’s development throughout the story. We see Mary’s jealousy towards the Bennets (specifically Jane and Elizabeth), and we understand it. Her naiveté in choosing to not follow the advice of her companion Anne is spot on for the self-centered point of view so common in teens. The pride and exultation she feels when being complimented and flirted with by the opposite sex for the first time is also so characteristic of someone enthralled by a first crush. Speaking of that first crush, Dixon shows us quite well how wicked Wickham truly is.

Sadly we don’t know whether Mary King ever gets her happy ending. The conclusion of the short story feels a bit abrupt, especially after you’ve spent the entire work getting to know her. You want to see how much farther she’ll grow and mature, and I think she was on a great path towards transforming into a new woman who no longer was focused on just herself. Despite this, Dixon’s stellar characterizations and intriguing storytelling kept me hooked for this short tale.

A super-quick read, Almost Persuaded is a perfect for anyone short on time and in need of a quick Pride and Prejudice fix.

Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
Originally Posted: http://austenprose.com/2014/03/03/alm...

[Ceri · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Pride and Prejudice, while Wickham is in Meryton, Miss Mary King inherits £10,000 due to the death of her grandfather and Wickham tries to court her. Mrs Gardiner opines that it is indelicate in him to be attempting to court her so soon after the event, and that Miss King is either deficient in sense or feeling to be encouraging him.

This short story explores how their relationship could have happened. Mary lives with her father and her companion. She is on the lookout for a husband, as most young ladies would be, but she has to vie with the more attractive Bennet sisters for the gentlemen's attention so we see her thoughts on this, her initial attraction to Wickham and how she feels when he turns his eyes towards her after she inherits her fortune. We also see Wickham's manipulative skills at work. We see what Mary might have thought about being removed from the neighbourhood and what she might have felt hearing about Wickham's marriage to Lydia and the discovery of his true character.

I enjoyed this book. I liked the echoes of events from Pride and Prejudice in it, such as Wickham's visit to Mary, which contrasts sharply with Darcy's visit to Elizabeth at Hunsford, and highlights just how different they were as men; Wickham is NO gentleman! Mary's father and companion look out for her interests and protect her far more than the Bennets protect Lydia. As for Mary herself, she's not the sharpest tool in the box and added to this she is naive and has had her vanity flattered, which explains a lot of her behaviour, and I felt quite sorry for her.

The events of this novella happen within the timescale of P&P so we don't get to find out what happens to Mary in the longer term which on the one hand was a shame, but on the other hand is quite fitting, as she was such a minor character in P&P that I'm not sure if we even meet her, she's only ever talked about by others as I recall. I'd also have liked to have found out more about Mary's companion, Anne, who I thought had a story to tell. Interesting quick read.

* I received an ARC of this short story from the author in return for this honest review.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

this novella is written from Mary Kings perspective. It was wonderful seeing how Wickham tries to woo Mary after she inherits her fortune. Mary is not stupid but you see her make wrong choices and how her family saves her from an imprudent marriage. Was a wonderful accounting of what happened and I thing Jane Austen herself would approve

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and I love it that the author took a rather minor character in the story and made her come to life as the heroine of her own story. This particular short piece is a parallel story. It follows chronologically to what could have happened in the background of the original story. The story is faithful to P&P, but everything happens through the eyes of Mary King. There are scenes that look familiar like the fateful Meryton Assembly, the card party at Mrs. Phillip's house, the Bennets meeting Mr. Wickham, etc, but there are also new scenes that told what went on just in Mary's story line and all from her point of view. I enjoyed it thoroughly even if I was disappointed at the brevity of the piece.

Mary King is a forgettable young lady compared to other young girls of her acquaintance or so it would seem to her. Her companion, Anne, is always telling her that she is just as worthy of the regard of nice gentlemen as others. It's hard to be persuaded to this line of thinking when before her eyes she sees the newest marital prospect in the neighborhood, Mr. Bingley, focus on the oldest Miss Bennet.

But then Mary sets sight on a handsome militia officer, Lt. Wickham, who is new to the regiment and the neighborhood. It frustrates her to see that yet again the Bennet sisters capture his eye first and she goes unnoticed. However, that all changes when by a stroke of good fortune she inherits a significant amount of money making her an heiress. Now she has Mr. Wickham's attention and his words and expressions are everything they should be when she dreamed of a romance with him. Too bad Anne is not in favor of Mr. Wickham and suspects his motives. Even when her father weighs in against Wickham, she still thinks they are both wrong. Then events take a bad turn and she is left miserable and bereft of her dream. How could it all fall apart so fast?

Reading this one was such a pleasure. I love the alternate plot path, the development of Mary's character, seeing a different view of the P&P story and even relishing the opportunity to see the slimy Wickham in action once again. My only niggle is that I felt the story just abruptly ended. There is a small amount of closure and hints as to future path, but I wanted something more solid to feel that her story was wrapped up.

Because of the nature of this story, I think it would be best appreciated by those who are familiar with the P&P story either through the book or one of the movie/tv adaptions out there. I felt like the book is more of a companion story that needs the other to give it depth. So instead of recommending this to Regency Romance/Regency fiction lovers in general though I suppose it would not be impossible for those folk to appreciate the story, I'd recommend it to those who are familiar to the P&P world.

My thanks to the author for sending me a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Pride and Prejudice, there is a lady, named Mary King, who, for a short period of time, gains the attention of Mr. Wickham. We really only know a few things about her, but it’s fascinating to think about whom she is. What kind of person is she? And what could have been going through her mind in regards to Mr. Wickham? Dixon delves into Mary’s story and takes us on a little side trip into Mary’s life. We learn how Mary was “almost persuaded”.

Poor Mary, she thinks she has no chance of gaining a husband when she has to compete against the five Bennet girls. Jane is known for her beauty, and Elizabeth is known as “the brightest jewel of the country”. Mary feels as if she doesn’t stand a chance. She is taken with Mr. Wickham, but he is always occupied with either Elizabeth or Lydia! When Mary’s grandfather dies leaving her a considerable sum of money, Mary finds herself suddenly capturing the attention of Mr. Wickham.

I found Mary rather naive. She is so focused in trying to secure Wickham she doesn’t listen to the wise advice of her companion, Miss Heston. Of course, what girl does at that age? She is so taken with Mr. Wickham that she believes his lies, causing her to make some bad choices, and soon finds herself in a compromising position. Will Miss King regret or rejoice in escaping such a man?

I really enjoyed Almost Persuaded! This is a short story, and perfect if you need a quick read, perhaps while soaking in a hot tub!

**Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book for my honest review.

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was kind of meh at times. Or maybe it was just me not caring about Mary King.

That freckled thing from Pride and prejudice you know. That girl who becomes an heiress. That girl Wickham suddenly wants to marry. Oh Mary you really was a fool, suddenly he is all over you when you have 10 000. Aye, you really are a stupid one.

But she gets away, as we all know. And may find her HEA one day.

[Anji · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALMOST PERSUADED - MISS MARY KING (audio version)

This is an audio version of a short story so it's not a long listen at all and can be finished in one session very easily. In it, P.O. Dixon brings one of P&P's very minor characters into the limelight and tells of her short-lived relationship with a certain George Wickham. The usual major characters (apart from Wickham) from the original novel become the minor characters themselves here. The basic background to the plot is the events described in canon but we find out more about Mary's inheritance, how Wickham wormed his way into her affections and why she was suddenly removed to Liverpool.

I really liked this tale. Mary is very sweet and naive and Wickham is as dastardly and exploitative as we all expect him to be. The situation probably doesn't rate anything longer than a short story and it was well done. The narration, as with all of Pam Dixon's works, was excellently done as usual by the lovely Pearl Hewitt.

There is one scene that I'd probably say would almost rate a 'mature audiences' only warning, but there's nothing really explicit in it.

DISCLAIMER - I won a copy of this audiobook in a blog giveaway last year.

[Anna]

This short story inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice focuses on Mary King, the heiress who catches Mr. Wickham’s eye but who luckily manages not to be trapped into a marriage with the scoundrel. Tired of competing with the Bennet sisters, Mary finds herself easily charmed by Wickham. It was nice to get a glimpse of a secondary character that isn’t paid much attention, but I was surprised to see a bit too much of her in a steamy seduction scene. My only complaint is that it ended too soon, and because I’d grown to care for Mary a bit, I wanted to see if she ever got her happy ending.

Review posted on Diary of an Eccentric

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a well written novella about a relationship that had only a brief mention in Pride and Prejudice. Wickham's decampment from Elizabeth Bennet to Mary King, upon her receiving her inheritance. Ms. Dixon fills in what ensues up until Miss King is sent to her uncle's. We see how Wickham tries to convince her and how she is so nearly taken in by his charms and good looks.

[KRISTEN LAWRENCE · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had potential

I was not a fan of this one. I did finish it, but the story really fell flat with me. Did not care about the heroine. And found the almost sex scene gratuitous and ridiculous.

[Jess Swann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Une vignette bien trouvée et agréable sur Mary King et la brève cour de Wickham mentionnée par Jane Austen dans Orgueil et Préjugés. Cette fois nous avons le point de vue de Mary à la fois sur les soeurs Bennet mais aussi sur le beau Georges dont on comprend rapidement qu'il essaie de l’embobiner (et ça marche !). Le personnage de Anne est judicieux et j'aime beaucoup la manière dont elle tente de garder Mary à l'abri. La grande scène de séduction de Wickham est bien écrite sans se perdre dans un foisonnement de détails et j'ai réellement apprécié les réactions ainsi que les rêves de Mary dans cette vignette


Ce que j'aime : la manière dont l'auteure exploite un événement et un personnage mentionnés de le roman


Ce que j'aime moins : j'aurais aimé savoir si Mary allait épouser son cousin


En bref : Une vignette intéressante qui permet d'approfondir le personnage de Mary King


Ma note


7,5/10

[Dung · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ short novella. Mary Kings experience with Wickham in P&P.

[Carmen8094 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mary King è un personaggio molto marginale di Orgoglio e Pregiudizio, di cui sentiamo parlare ma che non incontriamo mai direttamente. Ricevuta un'ingente eredità dal nonno, la fanciulla entra immediatamente nelle mire di Wickham, ma si "salva" andando a vivere a Liverpool da alcuni zii.
P.O. Dixon ci mostra il "dietro le quinte" di questa storia in una breve novella, raccontandoci di una ragazza che si sente frustrata dal confronto con le sorelle Bennet, soprattutto le maggiori, essendo lei di aspetto piuttosto comune e per nulla notevole.
L'improvvisa ricchezza la rende però appetibile agli occhi di Wickham, che riesce ad apparire odioso e manipolativo come al solito, e che comincia a corteggiarla e tenta di comprometterla in una scena in libreria non proprio austeniana.
Consigliera di Mary è Miss Heston, che cerca di dissuadere la sua protetta dal credere all'affascinante ufficiale, e di cui intravediamo un passato che avrebbe potuto essere interessante, ma che viene solo accennato. Mary è naturalmente molto felice delle attenzioni suscitate in un uomo la cui compagnia sembra molto ambita dalle donne, e che pareva preferire proprio due delle sorelle Bennet, Lydia ed Elizabeth. La sua vanità lusingata e una nuova fiducia in se stessa la rendono cieca nei confronti di Wickham, della cui natura si rende conto solo quando apprende, tramite una lettera, della fuga con Lydia. Una scoperta che le permetterà finalmente di voltare pagina e cominciare di nuovo a vivere.
Mi è piaciuto molto il finale, che sembra il prologo ad una storia inedita che, però, pare che l'autrice non abbia intenzione di scrivere. Peccato.

http://iltesorodicarta.blogspot.it/20...

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well done very short story about "that nasty little freckled thing", Mary King, (from Pride and Prejudice) and just how she might have lassoed the handsome red-coated Wickham after he learns that she has now become an heiress of £10,000.

Many of the other reviews give you the gist of the story-if you are not familiar with it from canon. Everyone is in love with the handsome and charming Wickham when he arrives in Meryton but he does seem to favor one (or two) of the Bennet daughters. When Mary King inherits we soon hear how his attentions have turned. But, as Elizabeth says…something about how handsome young men must also have something to live on...we can easily come to realize just why his attentions have strayed.

What I most liked about this story was the background given concerning the experience of, not only Mary's father with his wife/her mother but also, the reason Mary's companion seems to have more sense about what Wickham is really made up of. Obviously those two have learned caution in terms of romance so are not as starry eyed as Mary in the new attentions paid to her. Mary is above all things: naïve!

If you know how the story progresses you know that Wickham is now safe from her or is it that she is safe from him when she is taken to Liverpool by an uncle? But the story does not end there. Read on as Mary learns a powerful life lesson when her companion's sister in Hertfordshire writes of the gossip from that town.

I received a free copy of this e-story. A review was requested but not required.

[Carol Perrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Persuaded: Miss Mary King

Detailed focus on one character barely mentioned in Jane Austen's original Pride and Prejudice. George Wickham caught Mary's eye when he first arrived in Meryton. However, she did not catch his, because he was busy integrating himself with the Bennets. When news of her new found inheritance turns his eye, Mary gets the attention she desires. The more time they are together the more in love, she becomes, and the more determined to ruin her, he becomes. The man is slicker than snot on a door knob! Horrible, horrible man. He planned to ruin her on a night both her father and companion, Anne, were out. Anne gets suspicious, gathers her father at the Pub in town, and they hurry home. Mary has allowed Wickham a few more liberties than she should, but her heart speaks to her louder than than her mind. Father breaks down the door to the library just in time. Mary is sent to live in Liverpool with her aunt and uncle along with Anne. Anne's sister informs her of the Wickham - Lydia patched up wedding, and Mary is reflective that there by the grace of God..... go I, had her father not protected her from her own stupidity. She was happy Lydia was
the unhappy wife of a gamester, a schemer, a mercenary, and a scoundrel. Mary was happy to be looking to her future with her cousin, John. Quick read and delightful insight to a minor character in Pride and Prejudice.

[Erlynn (BooksHugBack) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Persuaded was a sweet novella told from the perspective of the periphery character in Pride and Prejudice, Mary King. As a "nasty little freckled thing", poor Mary was doomed to be a wallflower until an inheritance made her a desirable catch. She soon becomes courted by none other than Elizabeth Bennet's favorite, George Wickham. Quickly taken in my his charm and perfect words, Mary is besotted and can hardly think straight. Luckily she has family members who care dearly about her reputation even if her own heart has blinded her completely.

I loved how this story was told from a less popular character and that it perfectly matched my own imaginings of the personality of Mary King. I could relate to her feeling of self consciousness and defeatist jealousy, while at the same time remember the oh so blinding effects of infatuation and love. This was done to perfection. Dixon mastered this untold side of the story and in my opinion Almost Persuaded is one of her strongest stories. I would love to see her do more perspectives from some of the other characters as well. It would make a great collection.

[Carole Rae · Rating 2 out of 5]

**It was meh for me. I liked it a lot at first, but Mary ruined it for me. I get being naive BUT C'MON!!! Ugh! I hope there is another Mary story out there that gives her more of a backbone. Out of five stars, I stamp this one 2 stars.

B and I did a joint review for this one. Click the link below to check it out:

http://www.caroleraesramblings.com/20...

[Cayla · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I appreciated the attempt to explore a unique and little known character from a Jane Austen novel, I was really disappointed in the book. It lacked in quality and the characters were not well fleshed out. I understand that this was meant to be a short story, but if we're going to step into the Jane Austen universe, we need a longer story line with more vivacious characters to support it!

[Les · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is the style of the scenes Jane Austen didn't write. While Jane is in London and Lizzy in Kent Wickham is pursuing the newly minted heiress Miss Mary King.

This is a fun read with a bit of adult content when Wickham attempts to seduce Mary and is caught.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this.

I loved this.

Some things never change. This story lets young people know that parents usually know best. I enjoyed this read very much. I suggest everyone that reads this can connect in some way with these characters.

[Sally Hannoush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Mary King sees good in people and won't see it in any other way (even when jealous.) This is a good short story is illustrating a naive village girl and an evil money-hungry solider. I think this story of "what if" was delivered wonderfully.

[Warmisunqu Austen · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5 Austen

[MaryBeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hurricane Wickham strikes again. One of Ms Dixon's better stories.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute version of Miss Mary King. She suddenly became beautiful enough for Wickham as she inherited 10,000 pounds.

[Lara McCormick · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cheap and unoriginal

This book is such a disservice to Austen. If authors want to write sleazy romances they should make up their own stories and not ruin a classic story.

[Cristina's Chronicles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh...I didn't like Pride And Prejudice and I didn't really like this either!