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Mr. Bennet's Gambit: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
For those familiar with Pride and Prejudice, this variation begins just after Bingley and Darcy unexpectedly depart Netherfield Park following the ball hosted there by Bingley. It assumes Jane Bennet has received the note from Caroline Bingley telling her that Bingley is unlikely to return and implying he may court Georgiana Darcy. Mr. Bennet decides something must be done to secure his family’s future and informs Elizabeth that she must marry Mr. Collins, which he can do because she is not yet of age. Elizabeth thwarts Mr. Bennet's plans by disappearing from Hertfordshire, perhaps forever. The story follows Elizabeth’s escape from what she considers a fate worse than death and her adventures after her escape. It also tells of Darcy's attempts to find her, once he discovers she is gone and is willing to admit to himself that he loves her. However, her father’s betrayal of the trust she had in his love for her makes Elizabeth question whether she will ever be willing to trust a man's love again. If the father she worshiped, whom she thought doted on her, was willing to submit her to a marital life of misery just to satisfy his own desires, how could she ever trust another man’s love. The book also tells how Mr. Bennet's decision, which causes Elizabeth to leave, directly or indirectly impacts the lives of all his daughters.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2018
107 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Don H. Miller
25 books21 followersDon H. Miller was born and grew up in Iowa, went to the University of North Carolina where he received a degree in Mathematics, spent three years as a U.S. Navy officer, got a Ph.D. in Mathematical Statistics from the University of Chicago, spent three years as a college professor, and then spent the rest of his working career as a research scientist working in various fields including naval operations research, environmental impact analysis, and command, control and communications technology. He is now retired, enjoys golfing, pickleball, and writing, and is the art director of the monthly newsletter of the community in which he now lives. He has written twenty-five novels in the genre of Jane Austen fan fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 30, 2024
One of the author’s better books
This story take place in the author own small genre. Lots of the characters he has created in past books are back in this one. Lots of new characters also, mostly in Scotland.
From the very beginning because of the book title we know papa Bennet is up to something. The story doesn’t ‘admit’ until the end of the book. The plot is very original and the ‘law of unintended consequences ‘ takes effect almost immediately. This is by far the most original plot of all the books the author has written and a very fun read.
Being one of the first reviewers I won’t give away any spoilers. If you have enjoyed any of his other stories, read this one without reading spoilers. You will be glad you did.
As always you can’t feel the emotions very vividly and everyone talk with the same rational voice. I feel we must forgive him this fault. He is who he is as we are who we are, no one perfect.
I recommend this book.
This story take place in the author own small genre. Lots of the characters he has created in past books are back in this one. Lots of new characters also, mostly in Scotland.
From the very beginning because of the book title we know papa Bennet is up to something. The story doesn’t ‘admit’ until the end of the book. The plot is very original and the ‘law of unintended consequences ‘ takes effect almost immediately. This is by far the most original plot of all the books the author has written and a very fun read.
Being one of the first reviewers I won’t give away any spoilers. If you have enjoyed any of his other stories, read this one without reading spoilers. You will be glad you did.
As always you can’t feel the emotions very vividly and everyone talk with the same rational voice. I feel we must forgive him this fault. He is who he is as we are who we are, no one perfect.
I recommend this book.
November 26, 2018
This Pride and Prejudice variation, starts with Mr Bennet pushing his daughter's "buttons" by threatening the either Jane or Elizabeth must marry Mr. Collins after the Netherfield ball. Little did he understand that they would take matters into their own hands rather than presenting the argument he was expecting. Jane is of age to leave home with the support of extended family, but Elizabeth plans her escape in secret.
In different and supporting company, Elizabeth blossoms into her own while Darcy finally comes to terms that he must find her. Love is in the air for the sisters who find their way to visit her and there are many happily ever afters. Elizabeth must learn to trust men again before she can find hers.
I enjoyed most of this story. There were characters from the author's other books that I had read so I was familiar with them. They were not explained very well in this story, but that didn't hurt the plot line. The story started with a lot of angst but then there was almost none. There was some excitement, but no issues other than Elizabeth's trust problems.
In different and supporting company, Elizabeth blossoms into her own while Darcy finally comes to terms that he must find her. Love is in the air for the sisters who find their way to visit her and there are many happily ever afters. Elizabeth must learn to trust men again before she can find hers.
I enjoyed most of this story. There were characters from the author's other books that I had read so I was familiar with them. They were not explained very well in this story, but that didn't hurt the plot line. The story started with a lot of angst but then there was almost none. There was some excitement, but no issues other than Elizabeth's trust problems.
November 11, 2018
Better than Angel of Grove Street
So there was not as much ridiculous, unrealistic, plot revealing conversation as in the book mentioned above, but the writing is still not the best. Still historically inaccurate. Still confusing switches in how people are referred to. Way too much modern day casualness.
So there was not as much ridiculous, unrealistic, plot revealing conversation as in the book mentioned above, but the writing is still not the best. Still historically inaccurate. Still confusing switches in how people are referred to. Way too much modern day casualness.
November 9, 2018
Good
The book started off great. To many ideas in one book. Would have like to see less of the other love stories and just focus on Darcy and Elizabeth.
The book started off great. To many ideas in one book. Would have like to see less of the other love stories and just focus on Darcy and Elizabeth.
July 29, 2025
Super Lizzy
When Mr Bennett unexpectedly declares that either Jane or Elizabeth must marry Mr Collins, Jane moves in with the Phillipses because she's of age and can't be forced, and Elizabeth disappears with her bodyguard Ramon. She goes to Lady Inez and Sir Ronald Carlson for help, and ends up in Edinburgh in Scotland with Lady Elise MacPherson, an aunt of Lady Inez. Elizabeth is traumatized by her father's betrayal, but finds acceptance with a new loving family in Scotland. Meanwhile, Darcy is realizing that he can't do without Elizabeth, but when he finally decides to pursue her, he finds out about her disappearance. After approaching anyone he can think of for clues, he discovers where she is, and what her state of mind is.
This is a standalone story, but there are enough references to events from other books by this author that I was wishing I could have known exactly which one to read again. I like this author, and he tends to portray Elizabeth as a superwoman, who knows a lot about many things, speaks numerous languages, is proficient at household and estate management, and is well loved by almost all, the exception being her mother. The trauma and betrayal in the story almost cast a pall on the whole thing, but thankfully there are plenty of lovable new characters to make it interesting. The romance isn't great, since Elizabeth spends almost the entire story unable to again trust any man with her heart. ODC do reach their HEA, but it's a long, stressful road.
Although there is dialogue, much of the book is narrative, which means we're being told the story, but not experiencing it through interactions. It made the story more bland than it had to be. There were enough editing errors that disrupted the flow of the story. I recommend the book with reservations.
When Mr Bennett unexpectedly declares that either Jane or Elizabeth must marry Mr Collins, Jane moves in with the Phillipses because she's of age and can't be forced, and Elizabeth disappears with her bodyguard Ramon. She goes to Lady Inez and Sir Ronald Carlson for help, and ends up in Edinburgh in Scotland with Lady Elise MacPherson, an aunt of Lady Inez. Elizabeth is traumatized by her father's betrayal, but finds acceptance with a new loving family in Scotland. Meanwhile, Darcy is realizing that he can't do without Elizabeth, but when he finally decides to pursue her, he finds out about her disappearance. After approaching anyone he can think of for clues, he discovers where she is, and what her state of mind is.
This is a standalone story, but there are enough references to events from other books by this author that I was wishing I could have known exactly which one to read again. I like this author, and he tends to portray Elizabeth as a superwoman, who knows a lot about many things, speaks numerous languages, is proficient at household and estate management, and is well loved by almost all, the exception being her mother. The trauma and betrayal in the story almost cast a pall on the whole thing, but thankfully there are plenty of lovable new characters to make it interesting. The romance isn't great, since Elizabeth spends almost the entire story unable to again trust any man with her heart. ODC do reach their HEA, but it's a long, stressful road.
Although there is dialogue, much of the book is narrative, which means we're being told the story, but not experiencing it through interactions. It made the story more bland than it had to be. There were enough editing errors that disrupted the flow of the story. I recommend the book with reservations.
November 9, 2018
Mr Bennet chooses wrong
A well written book. I enjoyed reading this tale of Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s journey to happiness. I was sure by Mr. Bennet’s decisions and the reasons behind them. It just shows how one mans decisions can affect so many. Elizabeth’s pain was real and holding her back from living her life. I would have liked to know more about mr. Bennet’s life immediately after Elizabeth leaves home. We don’t see much of him until the end.
A well written book. I enjoyed reading this tale of Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s journey to happiness. I was sure by Mr. Bennet’s decisions and the reasons behind them. It just shows how one mans decisions can affect so many. Elizabeth’s pain was real and holding her back from living her life. I would have liked to know more about mr. Bennet’s life immediately after Elizabeth leaves home. We don’t see much of him until the end.
June 24, 2023
Enjoyable experience
Entertaining variation. Darcy and Elizabeth eventually achieve their HEA, but Elizabeth is a very resistant and rather unlikable character no matter how much the author tries to tell you otherwise. Unfortunately, Elizabeth was too caught up in her self and consequently her character development made the storyline lag because she kept sending mixed messages to Darcy and then turn around and tell him no she didn't love him. Too many words were spent on Catherine Bennet, a very shallow character; and the repeated theme that the Bennet girls were all so independent, intelligent, etc., but yet they all had very low self esteem, not being good enough to aspire to the men interested in them and repeatedly said as much. One poor man, just kept getting rejected over and over an was left dangling. I realize he was a secondary character, but it would have been nice to see him settled with someone. The overall forward, more modern speech results in little or no sexual tension for the couples and especially the time period.
Entertaining variation. Darcy and Elizabeth eventually achieve their HEA, but Elizabeth is a very resistant and rather unlikable character no matter how much the author tries to tell you otherwise. Unfortunately, Elizabeth was too caught up in her self and consequently her character development made the storyline lag because she kept sending mixed messages to Darcy and then turn around and tell him no she didn't love him. Too many words were spent on Catherine Bennet, a very shallow character; and the repeated theme that the Bennet girls were all so independent, intelligent, etc., but yet they all had very low self esteem, not being good enough to aspire to the men interested in them and repeatedly said as much. One poor man, just kept getting rejected over and over an was left dangling. I realize he was a secondary character, but it would have been nice to see him settled with someone. The overall forward, more modern speech results in little or no sexual tension for the couples and especially the time period.
May 1, 2021
Good story.
The story went a different way, and it was hard to see Me Bennett as an unpleasant character. However, the story line was good. Would have liked more of the obnoxious Caroline, nothing of Lady C. I felt it was a bit rushed around Lydia and Wickham.
I only gave 4 stars because the text needs proofing - lots of mistakes and some of the wording is out of context.
Otherwise, not a bad read. I started with a sample read and wanted to read the rest, so that can't be bad!
The story went a different way, and it was hard to see Me Bennett as an unpleasant character. However, the story line was good. Would have liked more of the obnoxious Caroline, nothing of Lady C. I felt it was a bit rushed around Lydia and Wickham.
I only gave 4 stars because the text needs proofing - lots of mistakes and some of the wording is out of context.
Otherwise, not a bad read. I started with a sample read and wanted to read the rest, so that can't be bad!
July 27, 2022
Decent read
A sweet and fun read. I enjoyed reading about Kitty and McClaren. Lady Elise and her Scottish family were also interesting. What I didn't like was waiting until I was 40% into the book for Darcy and Elizabeth to finally have screen time together.
I'm still not sure how I feel about this Elizabeth. I thought bringing her support group to Longbourn to discuss her wedding plans in front of her parents was a bit cruel considering she wasn't planning on inviting them in the first place. It felt like she was on a power trip and she wanted to humiliate them, imho.
A sweet and fun read. I enjoyed reading about Kitty and McClaren. Lady Elise and her Scottish family were also interesting. What I didn't like was waiting until I was 40% into the book for Darcy and Elizabeth to finally have screen time together.
I'm still not sure how I feel about this Elizabeth. I thought bringing her support group to Longbourn to discuss her wedding plans in front of her parents was a bit cruel considering she wasn't planning on inviting them in the first place. It felt like she was on a power trip and she wanted to humiliate them, imho.
August 9, 2019
Needs proofreading
I generally like Don Miller's books but this one not so much. The story line was very good, the problem I had was all the grammatical errors. All of which were errors only reading would catch. There were no spelling errors just a lot of miss use of the wrong word. A lot of he's & she's misplaced. Call a character the wrong name. Said a character was alive in one sentence and in the next said she was dead. This book really needs a good proofreader.
I generally like Don Miller's books but this one not so much. The story line was very good, the problem I had was all the grammatical errors. All of which were errors only reading would catch. There were no spelling errors just a lot of miss use of the wrong word. A lot of he's & she's misplaced. Call a character the wrong name. Said a character was alive in one sentence and in the next said she was dead. This book really needs a good proofreader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2020
Applause worthy
I loved how Elizabeth grew so strong, yet Elizabeth was feeling unworthy. I loved how Mr Darcy was adequate with himself enough to fight for his love. Mr Bennet I don't think he understood what he did. This was a truly awesome written book. Emotion filled from beginning to end of book. Highly recommended to read
I loved how Elizabeth grew so strong, yet Elizabeth was feeling unworthy. I loved how Mr Darcy was adequate with himself enough to fight for his love. Mr Bennet I don't think he understood what he did. This was a truly awesome written book. Emotion filled from beginning to end of book. Highly recommended to read
April 29, 2025
(lack of notebook notes)
Seriously read solely to meet the OC, Ramon. This would've gotten a higher rating, but I couldn't. Mr. Bennet sucked. and should've gotten a harsher end-fate, because fuck him! Emotional trauma can be as bad as physical trauma, if not worse. Seriously, fuck him!
Seriously read solely to meet the OC, Ramon. This would've gotten a higher rating, but I couldn't. Mr. Bennet sucked. and should've gotten a harsher end-fate, because fuck him! Emotional trauma can be as bad as physical trauma, if not worse. Seriously, fuck him!
November 15, 2018
Like a sledgehammer.
March 30, 2019
Lovely
An interesting variation of author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. Veers very drastically from canon and there is suffering but I enjoyed it
An interesting variation of author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. Veers very drastically from canon and there is suffering but I enjoyed it
April 10, 2019
Over quickly
... because I was done by chapter two. Writing is wooden and stilted, and I just couldn’t take the concept of diminutive Ramon... and that was it for me. I’m out.
... because I was done by chapter two. Writing is wooden and stilted, and I just couldn’t take the concept of diminutive Ramon... and that was it for me. I’m out.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews