A gentleman`s mistake: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Marley Fulton

Every man knows finding a wife is a crucial and delicate subject, but any man with wealth and station must surely find himself a suitable woman to wed if he intends on having a life of prosperity and abundance – or, at the very least, if he intends on being a dutiful citizen and fine example of a gentleman. Such an exhausting position was the very place that Fitzwilliam Darcy had found himself in. And yet, though many an eligible young woman was available, he could not imagine entering the bonds of matrimony with anyone who lacked wit, decorum or intelligence – creating the perfect storm of inopportunity and frightening him into fleeing at the mere mention of the word marriage. That is, until one damsel in distress, Elizabeth Bennet’s need for rescuing disrupts his day, and places the two of them in a compromising position unchaperoned. Elizabeth Bennet is facing her own dilemma with her mother’s incessant worrying over her daughters’ fates and finding them ideal husbands who can care for them. In fact, Elizabeth is mortified at her mother’s lack of discretion and the way her family has been viewed by others in their city due to her mother’s blatancy. She becomes consumed with worry and humiliation over how to not to upset her parents, and yet still be true to her own heart. She is distraught when she learns that Mr. Darcy comes from a family that holds a great deal of influence and importance on social propriety. Frustrated upon realizing that Mr. Darcy has a prejudice against her and her family due to the behavior of her family members, Elizabeth is stunned when Darcy states as much. Disturbed by his lack of consideration, Elizabeth questions if Mr. Darcy is as kind and helpful as he first presented himself to be when rescuing her. Elizabeth soon begins courting her sister’s fiancé’s cousin, Archibald – who is hopeful about finding a wife of his own and seems intent on having Elizabeth’s hand – placing a rift between Elizabeth and Darcy as Archibald begins making plans on how to propose and if he should. Terrified that Elizabeth might accept Archibald’s proposal, Darcy feels torn between his true feelings and what others will think should he overstep his boundaries. Will Darcy finally admit to his feelings or risk losing the only woman he can actually see himself spending the rest of his life alongside?

83 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 3, 2019

Reviews

[James S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Misundestandings

Average to slightly less than average. Of Lizzy and Darcy coming together. Simple writing style which I could not enjoy. A Plot not very interesting.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is not much new added to this variation. We do have the younger Bingley, Charles Bingley's cousin, Archibald Bingley, who courts Elizabeth while Charles is courting Jane.

Darcy rescues Elizabeth from having to walk home in wet and muddy clothing after slipping into a pond while out walking on a cold day. He is very solicitous about her condition and won't take "no" for an answer when he not only puts his coat around her but insists that she ride with him upon his horse in order to get home as quickly as possible. Darcy follows up on her condition for several days and also manages to meet her "unexpectedly" during her morning walks.

Darcy knows that Archibald is courting her. (The author states, "Elizabeth is courting Archibald." several times in this story which I found strange.) He knows she has turned down Collins and is worried that she will accept the younger Bingley, a much better prospect then Collins, as Darcy continues to observe the pleasant conversations between the couple.

I won't give away any more but you know, you must know, that in JAFF we are guaranteed that Elizabeth and Darcy come together sooner or later. This author does make Darcy fret and worry about Elizabeth's feelings and even has her putting Darcy down a time or two. We are treated to an epilogue, which I always like served up with my JAFF.

I cannot really recommend this story. It had no surprises and at times the language did not fall smoothly upon one's ears.

[Barb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Frustrating writing style

I found the story to be massively disjointed. It seemed to jump right into storylines without any type of formal introduction. For example, we are told Archibald Bingley is courting Miss Bennet in a way that doesn’t make clear he is Charles Bingley’s younger cousin and is courting Elizabeth. Characters also behave in strange ways, for example becoming highly affected and lashing out without clarifying what the speaker meant. For example, Elizabeth becomes totally offended and irate when Darcy asks something like Doesn’t anyone at Longbourn consider station? Kind of a weird question, but one I think needs clarification before reacting so strongly. And, both Elizabeth and Darcy are running around with such heated emotions all the time, you feel like slapping them. I found this difficult to follow and frustrating to read.

[Les]

Disclaimer: I only read the free Kindle sample and that was more than enough to assure me that this is dreadful.

Was is the repeated misspelling of a horse's reins as Reigns?

Was it a character named Archibald Bingley? Is it Mr. Bingley? Mr. Charles Bingley's brother or cousin? I don't know and I don't care.

Was it the second chapter's beginning seemingly copied and pasted from the end of the first?
Or was it the Amazon review of 5 stars
"Love this manual
July 17, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Such an excellent book.one of the best book i ever read.learned so many things. I was actually impressed by how much useful suggestions squeezed in such a short book. An worth purchase. "
WTF seriously

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This P&P variation was for me a confusing story but which as you would expect has a happy ending for Darcy and Elizabeth.
There were too many unanswered questions - How did Bingley have a Ball at Netherfield without a hostess, What is the vow that Darcy gave to Mr Bennet - Why do Archibald Bingley and Elizabeth hold hands when they were not even courting, no wonder he is confused - Why does a servant call Darcy milord; Miss Lucas, Charlotte; who is Lady Bennet, and why mention Wickham just once my name with no reference

[Toni Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

a bit disappointing

I wanted to enjoy this story but was too distracted by the poor grammar and syntax. Needs a good editor and a bit of plot improvement.

[Tina McCall · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nonsensical jalopy

I do not even know where to begin. What is the deal with all the reviews calling this a manual and praising the suggestions and advice contained within?? Are we even talking about the same book?
I could not follow this book. The setting and pace was so difficult to follow. Characters were suddenly part of a scene, the storyline (if you can call it that) was...well I find I lack the words to describe it.
I am sorry but this was a complete waste of time!

[Ingrid Holmes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Confusing

I never new where I was, the characters seemed to pop in and out of the story as if by magic. What was the need for the extra Bingley? Where was Pemberley? Did they all live in the same neighborhood? I needed background information.

[mrs aminat olubaji · Rating 1 out of 5]

Confusing

Didn't flow well, seemed like bits were missing, carried on reading only to see if it would get better, but it didn't.