To Refuse Such a Man: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by P.O. Dixon, Pearl Hewitt (narrator)

"The last thing Mr. Darcy expected was to meet the woman whose nearness caused him to entertain ideas of what it would be like to know her as his wife."

Author's Note
The first chapters of this titillating Pride and Prejudice 'what-if' story recapture some of those essentials from canon during Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s stay at Netherfield Park, largely from Mr. Darcy’s perspective.

The life-changing repercussions of what happened during that time begin to unfold at the conclusion of the Netherfield ball.

Intrigued? If yes, read more.

Miss Elizabeth Bennet must decide whether to accept or refuse a proposal from the last man in the world whom she could be prevailed on to marry.

At least two unhappy alternatives are also before her: certain scandal and her mother's disapprobation. Is there a path to happily ever after in wake of an alliance born out of such circumstances?

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Regency, Fiction

Audible Audio

First published July 27, 2015

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

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two proposals and a wedding. What’s a girl to do?

Rating: MA: mature-reader: not excessively graphic but still descriptive: Angst Level: low: Source: borrowed KU 4-11-21: This review may contain *** spoilers ***

Two proposals, and a wedding. All thanks to Miss Caroline Bingley

A quick read with the story and drama moving quickly. It all boiled down to that thirty minutes alone time our dear couple spent in the library at Netherfield. Miss Bingley heard the whispers and quickly dismissed the offending servant. Little did she know that was like throwing gasoline on smoldering embers. Poor Miss Bingley thought she was protecting ‘her’ Mr. Darcy from that grasping family. Best laid plans and all… instead, the threatening scandal sent this honorable man the three miles to Longbourn to speak to Mr. Bennet. Meanwhile, in another part of the house, Mr. Collins was having his say with Elizabeth. He had a wild card up his sleeve that just might entice Elizabeth to accept his proposal. Oh, dear.

This was cute and was followed by an excerpt from another work ‘Miss Elizabeth Bennet: Where the Heart Lives’ and additional author pages. This story had also been featured in Dixon’s collection: ‘A love That Lingers On.’

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The means of uniting them....guess who?

None other than Caroline!

This is a very short but sweet tale which does not wander too far from canon. Whilst at Netherfield nursing her dear sister, Jane, Elizabeth spends approximately half an hour in the library reading while in the same room, also reading on his own, is Mr. Darcy. She leaves and it is only when Caroline Bingley informs Mr. Darcy that she took steps to stop the gossip about that time alone, does he realize that now, with firing the servant, Caroline has stirred up the hornets' nest. A dismissed servant will, indeed, report to all asunder just why she was let go and then people will make what they want of two unmarried people unchaperoned in a library. So Darcy determines that he will talk to Mr. Bennet.

Meanwhile, Mr. Collins is afoot and as in canon has determined his course of action in making amends for being the means of casting his cousins into the hedgerows upon Mr. Bennet's death. So Elizabeth has to make a decision: if she denies Mr. Collins will he then turn to proposing to Jane (as he hints)? Or if she accepts Mr. Darcy, a man whose proposal in no way reflects the one in canon, and who could be the means of securing her family's future, will she be happy?

There are few surprises in this story. It was a lovely variation. Two lovely quips: In proposing Mr. Darcy states, "I know what I am about to say to you might seem rather untoward, but decades from now when you look back at this moment, my greatest wish is that you will remember it fondly.

And then Elizabeth's thoughts on their wedding night as they have separated and "gone to bed...alone", "I shall not allow a misunderstanding to intrude on the happiness of what is meant to be one of the most unforgettable days of my life."

There are few surprises in this story. It was a lovely variation.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline Bingley hears gossip about Darcy and Lizzy spending time in the library together and makes it worse.

An enjoyable little tale that I got for Kindle as a part of the A Love that Lingers On collection.

2nd reading: I started reading this again as I happened to have it as a single file too, and it took me a while to realize I have already read it and not very long ago. So it can't have made much of an impression the first time around.

3rd reading: GR has somehow changed my read dates. I did read this twice before but there were some months in between and now it looks like two consecutive days. I don't know what happened.
I came back to this and upped the rating because of some sweet dialogue.

Steam level: Vague. There is some yearning and relevant figments of imagination but the wedding night is described in terms of doing what lovers do and being whatever it was meant to be. If you need more information you need to refer to other sources.

[Sam H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4. This was sweet, tiny bit saucy, very quick variation of P&P, in which Elizabeth never gets to meet Wickham, so her issues with Darcy are resolved very fast, in a round about way.
Collins has his say, but he isn't terrible, Caroline is the main reason Darcy proposes, much to her chagrin.
ODC gets their HEA, with a slight hiccup on the wedding night.

Reread - excellent Audiobook!

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story

This novella is such a sweet story that answers the question: "What if Elizabeth was considered compromised after the alone time with Mr Darcy in the library at Netherfield?"

Ms Dixon is such a gifted writer that she is able to transport us readers into her world, making you feel and see what is happening to our beloved D&E.

The story starts out as canon up until the scene where D&E are alone together Netherfield's library. She tells us what each are thinking throughout the half hour and then hints at the fact that they were observed being alone together. Though she hints, nothing is brought up until the Netherfield Ball. Another twist is that Elizabeth does not meet Mr Wickham and therefore is not further poisoned against Mr Darcy.

Poor Elizabeth has a hard choice before her: Mr Collins (who to me is more arrogant in he importance than in canon) and Mr Darcy (who seems more humble, especially because of the hinted compromise that was brought to his attention). Who would you choose? Hmmmmm...... I have to say I enjoyed Mr Bennet in this story, he is his canon self, but the conversations he partaken in are a treat.

Events that occur in P&P are sped up in timeline, but to me Ms Dixon knows how to make them work within her tales. Yes even Lady CdB makes a visit and is as cantankerous as ever!!!

I would whole heartedly endorse this book and PO Dixon!!! I am a loyal fan of PO Dixon!!!

[Kasia Burlakoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this little story very much. Though it's one of the Netherfield library 'compromise' tale, it had a few unusual and amusing twists. It was well written and low on angst. Wickham didn't have time to poison Lizzy's mind, so ODC got to understand each other much sooner.. I enjoyed their interactions very much.

My only quibble is about some gaps in the timeline, which I wished were filled. It is still a good story for an afternoon of relaxation.

4.5 stars for me.

[Madenna U · Rating 4 out of 5]

The situation presents itself and a difficult choice is before you Elizabeth . . .That phrase alone puts many readers to part of the choice. The other is put in play by the last person you would expect as it has an unfortunate result for herself.

The story was cute with very little angst and of course a happily ever after.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

What if there was a hint of compromising behavior as a result of Darcy and Elizabeth spending time in the Netherfield library alone? What if Caroline Bingley was the impetus for Darcy offering marriage to her rival, Elizabeth Bennet? What if Elizabeth never encountered the extreme prejudice caused by Wickham's lies or Darcy's interference between Jane and Bingley? What if the odious Collins makes his proposal in just such a way that Elizabeth might truly have to consider it?

And those 'what ifs' lay the foundation for a gentle, simmering tale that takes things in a new direction in this sweet variation.

Fitzwilliam Darcy is saddened that the one woman he could see himself happy with for his future bride and the mistress of his estate is not an acceptable option because of her embarrassing relations, lower status, and lack of fortune. He is resigned that he must leave Hertfordshire and put some distance between them so he can get over Elizabeth Bennet. But he will enjoy his final time in her company at the ball. Then he discovers that there are whispers about them that will ruin her reputation. Darcy doesn't even hesitate and make the decision to offer marriage and save her. This decision gives him peace.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth is confused by her reactions to the austere, forbidding Darcy and assaulted by the disgusting unwelcome attentions of Mr. Collins. Her mother pushes her to take Collins to save the family's future while growing impatient that Mr. Bingley needs to offer for Elizabeth's sister, Jane. Collins is the last man that Elizabeth wants to marry and she is on the verge until Darcy startles her with his proposal. Darcy tenderly handles her and shows great forbearance with her family as courts her solicitously during their engagement period. Elizabeth is amazed at the fires of passion that she witnesses in this man that she read all wrong. Her life is now full of promise if they can get past interfering relations and their own defensive barriers.

Alright, this was a story with mild conflict and a low amount of angst which can be a nice change-up between all the dramatic reads. It is tender and swoon-worthy. I enjoyed it and was moderately engaged. I liked the hints of passion and seeing how the story would change if certain elements are different. I had to chuckle over Caro Bingley and Lady Catherine's roles and shudder at the calculating Collins. Mr. Bennet's conversation with Mr. Collins was engaging and earned a cheer from me. This Darcy and Elizabeth are milder versions of themselves which is nice if one is in the mood for something cozy rather than bracing.

The story engages the reader directly and then sometimes pulls back to passive voice or summarization. It's not a long book so the summaries in the beginning and toward the end are meant to get the reader up to speed without having to cover the ground directly. At the end, I would have wished to get some of the scenes mentioned in passing, but I was glad that a few scenes were told in active voice such as Lady Catherine's confrontation with a spirited Elizabeth, the Darcys sorting things out and starting their married life on the right foot, and of course Darcy's proposal scene earlier in the book was my favorite.

The narrator, Pearl Hewitt, was a first for me. She has a good, clear voice that handled English accents well. Her shrewish Lady Catherine made me chuckle because it matched what I imagined of that great lady in a snit. Elizabeth's voice was engaging to listen to and was a primary perspective. Her male voices were the weaker ones as they sounded pinched a bit.

All in all, this was a delightful listen that I can recommend to Austenesque lovers who want something cozy, sweet, easier conflict, and is of shorter length. There is an assumption that the reader is familiar with the original P&P. The story begins when Jane and Elizabeth are staying at Netherfield and no introduction to all the players and not much in the way of how things arrived at the current situation. Avid Austenesque readers will have no trouble of course, but a newbie not very familiar might want to give it a pass.

My thanks to the author for the opportunity to listen to this story in exchange for an honest review.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this Pride and Prejudice Variation. You get deeper into the heads of our lovers and the tiresome Wickham and Lydia back story is avoided altogether. Refreshingly long enough to get my fix and short enough not to complicate the book. Fast becoming a fan of Dixon's.

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: 3.5

[Lilmissmolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Refuse Such a Man: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by P.O. Dixon is a delightful short story that begins with Darcy helping his friend Bingley learn how to manage the estate of Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire. He is annoyed how a certain few young women keep showing up — presumably uninvited — wherever he goes. Then, Jane visits the Bingley sisters one afternoon in the rain, and is soon forced to stay due to catching a cold. Elizabeth shows up, once again uninvited, to care for her ailing sister.

After spending considerable amount of time together in Netherfield’s library and taking long walks together without chaperones, staff and others start to gossip about what is going on behind closed doors between Darcy and Elizabeth. Upon discovering this scandalous talk after the Netherfield Ball - where Darcy singled her out to dance with her — he does the honorable thing and ask Mr. Bennett if he can ask her to marry him. Unbeknownst to Darcy or Mr. Bennett, Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth earlier in the day and she tells Mr. Collins that she’ll think about it. As Elizabeth is returning to the house, she is approached by Mr. Darcy with his proposal. Unlike in Jane Austen’s version of the first proposal, this one is sweet with Darcy professing how much he’s come to admire her. Now Lizzy is faced with two marriage proposals in one day! A few unexpected scenes follow, which were both surprising and amusing.

Pearl Hewitt did a fantastic job narrating, as she’s done with several other P.O. Dixon books. Pearl’s narration is natural, easy to listen to, and really brings the characters to life each with their own distinct voice. I particularly enjoyed her Darcy voice in this book, which was swoon-worthy. I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest unbiased review.

[Anji · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silence in the library has unexpected consequences!


Once more, Pearl Hewitt narrates a P.O. Dixon P&P variation to great effect.

The story starts to diverge from canon during Elizabeth and Jane Bennet's enforced stay at Netherfield Park, due to Jane falling ill. Remember the scene where Darcy and Elizabeth spend half an hour in the library there, without exchanging a single word? In this version, that unchaperoned period has consequences when a servant tattles on them to Caroline Bingley. She fires the servant who then starts to talk about it in Meryton. The rumours reach back to Netherfield and have the complete opposite effect to what Caroline had hoped, as Darcy then does the honourable things and proposes to Elizabeth! However, that day is an eventful one for Elizabeth in that Darcy isn't the first one to propose to her.

Another departure from canon is that Elizabeth doesn't meet Wickham early on, so he doesn't get the chance to poison her mind against Darcy.

This is a relatively short novella but nonetheless very enjoyable. We get to be party to the thoughts of both hero and heroine and departures from the original are all perfectly plausible.

There's nothing very explicit in this book though there are a couple of reasonably intense love scenes, so I think I could recommend it to most audiences, except maybe for young children.

I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts off with Lizzy taking care of her sister at Netherfield. However, Mr Darcy and Elizabeth end up taking walks together and happen to be left alone in the library with no chaperone. Nothing happens but the damage was already done apparently. Upon arriving home Mr Collins is there and starts showing Lizzy attention that she doesn't desire. The day after the Netherfield ball Mr Collins proposes, he starts to get rejected but then he happens to mention asking Jane to marry him and Lizzy asks for time to consider his proposal. The same day Darcy shows up because of rumors that because they spent time in the library together without a chaperone that Lizzy is surely ruined. She ends up accepting him and this ends up starting a chain of events that lead to an almost immediate wedding.

I would have loved for this novella to be longer and tell us about their life a little bit after the wedding. As a whole though is was a good little novella and is definitely worth a read. I'm eagerly awaiting more books from this author.

Rating: 4½ stars out of 5

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful novella by Pam Dixon. Lizzie is considered compromised after spending time alone with Mr. Darcy in Netherfield's library during the ball. Mr. Collins is present and she must choose between the two. All moves forward from here with no refused marriage proposal in Kent. Pam knows how to weave a wonderful story. I highly recommend this story.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Elizabeth is faced with 2 proposals on one day and a possible scandal, she makes the right choice which leads to her happiness. I enjoyed this story Version and only wish it was longer.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Pride & Prejudice novella explores what would have happened if Darcy and Elizabeth had been considered compromised by their silent half hour spent alone in Netherfield library. The story opens during Elizabeth's stay at Netherfield taking care of a sick Jane. Darcy has been struggling to resist her charms and decides it would be wise to ignore her for the rest of her stay. Darcy and Elizabeth find themselves alone in the library. Although they each try to think of a topic to interest the other, they remain silent. Elizabeth returns home, and Darcy is both relieved and saddened to have her stimulating presence gone.

Unfortunately, a servant noticed their time in the library together and reports it to a jealous Miss Bingley. She immediately dismisses the servant in an effort to save Darcy's reputation. Her plan backfires as the dismissal makes it appear as if Darcy and Elizabeth have something to hide. Rumors start to circulate about the couple in Meryton.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth returns home and meets her odious cousin Mr. Collins. A few days later, Elizabeth attends the Netherfield ball and is shocked when the silent Mr. Darcy asks her to dance.

The next morning, Mr. Collins makes his disastrous proposal, with one appalling addition. He threatens that if Elizabeth doesn't accept his proposal, he'll propose to Jane next, and Elizabeth knows that Jane would feel obligated to accept. Elizabeth asks for time to make her decision. While wandering in the garden trying to think of a way out, Elizabeth is approached by a very different gentleman and offered a very different sort of proposal.

I really enjoyed this novella, the romance was steamy in spots and sweet the rest of the time. The character's personalities are a little bit different than in canon. Mr. Collins is conniving and almost evil instead of bumbling and foolish. Darcy is quite rude to Miss Bingley, and Elizabeth insults Lady Catherine almost immediately after meeting her. I also think that Darcy would avoid even the appearance of impropriety, and wouldn't invite a single woman to his room alone to change her clothes. But I really enjoyed reading a variation without Wickham, and Mr. Bennett was hilarious as always.

Pearl Hewitt has a wonderful speaking voice, and it fits this type of novel naturally. She's the perfect narrator for the time period. I've listened to this book twice since I purchased it, and enjoyed it more each time!

[Anne Rightler · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I ever even read Pride and Prejudice (gasp), it was many years ago. As familiar as the P&P characters are to many readers, they are not to me. But I enjoyed this novella that apparently gives a variation of the original story. The author, P.O. Dixon, does a nice job portraying the main characters, Darcy and Elizabeth, their emotions, their reactions, and their actions. Elizabeth gets two proposals in one day and has a choice to make (a pretty easy one in my opinion) and she makes the happily ever after one! Pearl Hewitt does a great job narrating the book, which made for an enjoyable listening experience. Readers who enjoy sweet romance stories and can't get enough of Pride and Prejudice stories will not want to miss this novella. I was given a complimentary copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

[Rhonda D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed at: http://austendiaries.blogspot.com/202...

Title and Author: To Refuse Such a Man by P. O. Dixon
Type: P&P Alternate Path
Perspective: Darcy and Elizabeth
Romance Level: Kissing plus some descriptions of Darcy's fantasies and a mostly fade to black wedding night scene
Recommended: yes, 3 stars
Access: free for Amazon Kindle Unlimited

Disclaimer: I received the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Summary: What if the time spent in the Netherfield library was noticed by a gossiping servant? What if Elizabeth Bennett did not meet Wickham until after she was engaged? In this alternate path, Darcy proposes to Elizabeth to preserve her reputation because of potential gossip. She accepts because she sees he is a better choice than Mr. Collins. Will a marriage beginning with duty lead to love?

Things I Liked:
* This is a nice Darcy. He doesn't offend her during his proposal.
* I liked Wickham being out of the picture.
* It is nice to see an earlier resolution to their relationship (no Rosings Park).
* I enjoyed listening to the audio.

Things I Didn't Like:
* There really was no scandal and no reason to get married. This part did not work for me.
* Because the book was no short, there was really no conflict except a brief part with Lady Catherine. It made it sweet but slightly boring.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

(RL,FR) If you love Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer then you will love love love this novel. The story was unique and the characters were true to the original in that their main characteristics were unchanged but we also got to see a new part of their personality and manners. This is an author you will look forward to reading more from.

I really enjoyed the narrator. She had a British accent but one that was slightly different. I am not sure how to describe it other than to say it had a feeling of being from a different time, it did not sound like the accent we hear on TV now. This made it more enjoyable because it helped to transport you into the time of the story.

*I purchased the Kindle version of the book but I received a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.*

[fred jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable re-imagining. Light fun read with Elizabeth and Darcy having a smoother relationship than most of these stories and takes the characters in a slightly different direction, and then shows what happens to the characters like Collins and Wickham because of these events. Short and with just a little light eroticism it is different enough to make it interesting Well written and well performed by an accomplished narrator. I received a complimentary copy from Storyorigin and am leaving a voluntary and honest review

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Pride and Prejudice variation read...a short and sweet, well written variance on this classic. While I admit that I am not a super fan of Pride and Prejudice I do love the classic love story of these unlikely of matches. Narration was beautifully done. Well written with smooth flowing storyline. Short and sweet, a perfect afternoon escape into the world of Miss Elizabeth and Mr Darcy!

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provide this voluntary review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story with little angst

What is the time Darcy and Elizabeth spent on the Netherfield library lead to gossip and possible scandal. This story lets us find out with little angst and a quick resolution with a HEA.

[Michele Packard-milam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Lackluster Variation

I normally enjoy this author’s works, but this is not one of her best. It hardly varies from the basic story, mostly putting the same dialogues in different locations without much tension or interest.

[Michelle Snow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the idea of the storyline, but it felt like it was plodding along.

[Michelle David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely

A rather interesting variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice by P. O. Dixon. Short but sweet

[Marrybell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is good. It quotes the original a bit more than I like but at least not long quotes.
The narrator does a good job as well.

[MaryAnn · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was nothing impressive just okay

[Deborah Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet romance

Loved it. Short and sweet but full of wit and with a dash of romance. Sometimes we all need a little less drama.

[sharon temple · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. A very enjoyable read.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and while this was probably a little lightweight, it was an enjoyable listen.