An Unexpected Inheritance

A Pride and Prejudice Vagary (Darcy and Elizabeth Happily Ever Afters)

By: Melanie Rachel

Narrated by: Harry Frost

Not much in Fitzwilliam Darcy’s life has been unexpected. Until now.

As an officer in His Majesty’s service, Darcy’s life is completely mapped out before a letter from home sets him on a new path. He has inherited his family’s fortune, but as the former master’s great-nephew, he is not certain why. With his cousin Richard Fitzwilliam in tow, Darcy visits his former commanding officer to learn what it takes to run an estate. He is quickly captivated by one of Bennet’s many daughters, but he fights the attraction. His new duties require his full attention.

Elizabeth Bennet has grown up as a general’s daughter, not a pampered country miss. Though her family has lived as gentry for several years, a part of her still longs for the freedoms her former life afforded. Despite his insulting speech and gruff manners, Elizabeth suspects that the clever, handsome Mr. Darcy is as anxious to find his place in the world as she. Yet she must be reasonable. With his wealth and family connections to the peerage, Mr. Darcy would never consider her.

When trouble comes to Longbourn, can Darcy and Elizabeth conquer their reservations and fight this battle--together?

©2022 Melanie Rachel (P)2026 Melanie Rachel

Definitely a Favourite!

I got my wish and now have the audiobook of this outstanding story to listen to. And Harry Frost’s performance of it brings every satisfaction for his portrayals of all the characters. His Darcy and Elizabeth voices are favourites, as is his Mr. Bennet.

This story’s unique premise provides the reader with quite a different look at the Darcy we’ve always known as a Cambridge-educated gentleman of the ton, already ensconced as Master of Pemberley. Here we have a Darcy who never even learned to dance—made all the more difficult with his towering height! Referring to Charlotte after she partook in a bit of deliberate mischief, we read this highly diverting exchange:

… “She stepped on my feet repeatedly. I thought perhaps I was setting my feet wrong, but I was not. I believe she did it on purpose!” …
“Come, Darcy,” Fitzwilliam said with a grin, “I do not believe for one moment that she injured you.” “Do be serious,” Darcy shot back. “I could barely feel her. But twice, the dance required that I move the foot she was standing on. I did not wish to launch the young lady across the room!”—quote from book

While this Darcy is still awkward in social settings and still stares at Elizabeth, he isn’t overly full of pride and, this Elizabeth, while still impertinent, isn’t annoyingly so. Darcy is very intelligent with an interest in engineering. Elizabeth is happy to know a man willing to discuss such things with her. I truly enjoyed their portrayals and how their relationship began and grew—Elizabeth first teaching her father’s friend to dance and over the months finding love as they come to truly know one another. This Darcy also has a good sense of humour, as does Richard and Elizabeth who all display it with teasing banter.

To make things even more interesting, within this backdrop the author also provides an intriguing subplot—is someone trying to kill Bennet?

I loved and was thoroughly delighted with this well-written original story. Pleasing and refreshing portrayals, good dialogue along with a measure of good humour, and that touch of mystery and intrigue made this a very satisfying page turner for me. Highly recommend.

(My full book review is on Goodreads—Ree Hudson)

Finally!

After nearly 4 years of waiting, my favorite (and first) Melanie Rachel book is now an audiobook performed by the incomparable Harry Frost. I devoured it in one day and was not disappointed. I'm still smiling. Thank you!

Thrilled about the audiobook!

I remember reading this book when it first came out several years back and completely enjoyed it then. Today the audiobook came out, and I quickly bought it and was not disappointed as it was fantastically narrated by Harry Frost!

This variation includes several of the tropes that I completely enjoy: a diligent Mr. Bennet, no major misunderstanding between Darcy and Elizabeth, Darcy has an occupation (military), and thankfully Charlotte does not marry Mr. Collins. Sorry if that was any spoilers, but the story has been out long enough. For those that have the e-book make sure to follow the directions at the end for a bonus short story to enjoy more of these characters in what happens especially to Mr. Bennet. with the audiobook, I can easily see this one putting on my re-listen list.

Worth the Wait!

I have been hoping for this book to be narrarated by Harry Frost since my first reading after it was published. It did not disappoint!!
I love listening to audio books while doing less exciting but necessary tasks like errands and cleaning the house. I frequently listen to other books written by Melanie Rachel and narrarated by Harry Frost, especially Drawing Mr. Darcy and A Gentleman's Honor. And now this one too!! I will definitely be listening to it again.