Darcy's Lullaby

A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By: Jessica L. Jackson

Narrated by: Benjamin Fife

Too many children in Meryton and Longbourn Village are plagued with terrifying nightmares, yet no one wonders why. Mr. Darcy arrives to visit his friend Mr. Bingley and senses the unhappiness of some of the children. His special lullaby seems to help these children, but something is causing the nightmares to return. What is doing this? Or, who is doing this? Darcy has never felt so many affected souls in one neighborhood and wonders at the persistence of these unusual and exceptionally terrifying nightmares.

Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters have had too many sleepless nights keeping Lydia safe while she has chilling nightmares that she cannot remember when she wakes. When Elizabeth meets Mr. Darcy, she is intrigued. When she learns of his lullaby she is fascinated, and she and her sisters are desperate enough to try anything, even a seemingly ‘magical’ lullaby. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy join forces to find the answers. Will they also find romance?

This is a sweet romance with no explicit sex or suggestive scenes.

©2025 Jessica L. Jackson (P)2025 Jessica L. Jackson

Interesting story, various anachronisms

Although the premise of this story is interesting and there are various character choices I enjoyed, the author seems to have a very unequal focus to their research. While there is much emphasis on teacup handles and their introduction to English tea services (as far as I can tell, all accurate), there are also plants and animals named not native to regency England such as kestrels and sumac, as well as foods not eaten such as maple syrup and pound cake. Is this a big deal? No. But every time it occurred it brought me out of the story. If this isn’t a big deal for you, I’m so jealous because being this pedantic is not fun.

Darcy - the pied piper to help with nightmares

Elizabeth quickly sees a different side to Darcy; one that shows his compassion and ability with children. There's something afoot with the children and having nightmares. Darcy is able to teach children a lullaby to soothe their thoughts and dreams, but something or someone keeps undoing his good work. Another mystery is discovered. Are these mysteries related? We have several new characters to question their behavior and motivation. Several romances are also explored.

Overall it was a cute story but the audiobook made it even better!