A Mutual Accord

A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By: Caroline Cartier

Narrated by: Elizabeth Grace, Harry Frost

In this Austenesque Adventure, the courtships of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, as well as Mr. Bingley and Jane Bennet, begin the day after the Netherfield Ball. A new sense of understanding between the couples paves the way for early declarations of affection, setting them on the path to happiness sooner than expected. However, as romance blossoms, unexpected family matters take center stage.

Lady Catherine de Bourgh, known for her imperious nature, is suddenly redeemed in the eyes of her family when it is revealed that she is gravely ill. Her vulnerability and quiet regret soften her character, drawing her estranged relatives closer. Elizabeth, Lydia, and Georgiana join Lady Catherine in Eastbourne as she consults a specialist about a dangerous but necessary medical procedure. However, what begins as a journey to provide comfort and companionship quickly turns into a mysterious web of intrigue and danger.

The enigmatic Count of St Germain appears unexpectedly, offering aid. His presence raises unsettling questions about time, immortality, and hidden secrets.

Meanwhile, Colonel Fitzwilliam, working undercover for the War Office, is investigating reports of espionage and treason in Eastbourne. To complicate matters, an old enemy appears to be involved with the very spies and traitors Fitzwilliam seeks to expose.

When Darcy disappears, Elizabeth and Colonel Fitzwilliam find themselves in grave danger when they stumble upon illicit dealings during their search for him. then help arrives from an unusual quarter. In this tale of love, intrigue, and adventure, the characters find their heart's desire, and also confront a plot that threatens the security of the kingdom.

This Austenesque Adventure is 120,000 words.

©2025 Melissa Barbato (P)2025 Melissa Barbato

What a story!

I loved this story. I was a little gobsmacked after listening to this the first time and didn’t review it not knowing what to say. It’s wonderfully original and well written. Hard to put down.

This book was quite the adventure story. The use of a mythical historical figure in the story was really creative and a fascinating character.

The Darcy and Elizabeth relationship came together early in the book but their courtship took many turns to get them to the church. Likewise Jane and Bingley. This had so many great stories within the story. Elizabeth took charge of her sisters and even her mother without any angry set downs but an out pouring of sisterly love. Well, Lydia needed a little firmer guidance in one area.
Mr Collins experienced great change and I truly loved his character by the middle of the book. Lady Catherine plays a very important role.

The book was a long epic adventure with spies, and secret missions and invasion battles, kidnapping, Supporting characters becoming heroes and heroines. When described this way I know it sounds wild, and it was. But it all flows so well I was able to suspend disbelief and enter the world of this story and didn’t want to leave. Wonderful narrations.

Highly recommended.

The cleverest of stories!

I absolutely found this to be the best variation in my library! I enjoyed the weaving of other Jane Austen books into the story. Characters were altered into the most enjoyable ways. I will be listening to it again!

Delightful Love Story with Mystery and Intrigue!

Delightful Love Story with Mystery and Intrigue! Some new Characters and ideas. All worked well together. I highly recommend!

Lots to Like

There are so many things to like in this audiobook! I should have made notes while listening. My warmest thoughts lean toward the monumental change in this Mr. Collins and the open, honest friendship Elizabeth develops with him.

The narration by these two top voice actors enhanced the experience; I urge JAFF readers who have not tried audiobooks to take a test drive with this book. It’s an excellent example of good writing and superior narration.

Hang onto your hats!

Make sure to read the forward before you start chapter one. This will give many details that help set up some important things. I found this story to be in two parts: the first dealing with life around Longbourn and the second part is their sojourn by the sea. I did like at the beginning that Darcy realizes his negative behavior and how he is misjudging people. I also enjoyed how Elizabeth and her sisters were able to make Mary shine for Mr Collins. Loved Lydia getting a wake-up call! When the seaside trip starts then everything is sped up, so this is where you hold onto your hats.

I got the audiobook to go with the ebook, and I'm so glad I did. Having the two amazing narrators, Elizabeth Grace and Harry Frost, made this story truly come to life. Their joint narration was fantastic, and because of them, I will easily listen to this story repeatedly.