Only Exceedingly Shy

By: Jann Rowland

Narrated by: Harry Frost

Disheartened and convinced by Elizabeth's assertion of Miss Bingley's character, Jane Bennet insists Elizabeth return to London with the Gardiners after Christmas to provide her with a reprieve from their mother, who has not accepted Elizabeth's rejection of Mr. Collins's suit.

What Elizabeth could never have imagined was her chance meeting with Mr. Darcy in London, and even more shocking is his request to introduce her to his sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy. When Elizabeth agrees, she makes the young heiress's acquaintance, immediately understanding Miss Darcy's crippling shyness and her low spirits.

Amid her interactions with Miss Darcy, Elizabeth learns another astonishing fact, that Mr. Darcy looks at her with the eyes of a suitor. Though Elizabeth's world is turned upside down, she learns there is more to Mr. Darcy than she ever thought. She also learns to be wary of the claims of a man who took advantage of her initial dislike for the gentleman.

With her usual fortitude, Elizabeth navigates these shoals, determined to provide friendship to a young girl, learn more about the increasingly intriguing Mr. Darcy, and discover the truth about Mr. Bingley's abandonment of her sister.

©2023 Jann Rowland (P)2024 Tantor

very sweet!

it was very much a slow burn with the end feeling a bit... less romantic. but I adored the Georgiana love!

Low angst and a soft read

A most lovely soft and easy read. With the fabulous Harry narrating and low angst, this tale is great on a quiet day and a cup of your favorite tea. This one goes in my favorites for multiple re-read (listening).

Such a wonderful variation with Harry Frost narration!!!

I enjoyed this variation focusing on the budding realtionship between Elizabeth and Georgiana, leaving the romance of Lizzy and Darcy as slow burn in the background.

Harry's voices of the characters were excellent as always. Especially the way he captures Miss Bingley's shrill hautiness and distain,

I love seeing my favorite authors teaming up with my favorite narrators.

Great reread -listening this time

This is a great story. Elizabeth goes to town instead of Jane to avoid her mother’s scolding about turning down mr Collins’ proposal. She happens to meet mr Darcy in the park. Great Jaff.

Clean and Low Angst

Delightful story. Harry Frost is wonderful, as always. Particularly enjoyed the consequences leveled on the villains.

Flawless Performance by Harry Frost

The story was enjoyable—a sweet, zero angst listen. I liked Aunt Gardiner’s subtle but firm cautionary advice for Elizabeth not judging Darcy too harshly while he was in Meryton, not knowing the possible reasons behind his behaviour. Elizabeth befriends Georgiana at the behest of Darcy, who accidentally meets Elizabeth in London following the departure of the Netherfield party in Hertfordshire. The writing was good, but the story was a bit anti-climactic with a very abrupt ending which left the story feeling incomplete.

I am still very happy to recommend Harry Frost’s flawless narration and performance which made up for the story’s lack of perfection. Harry Frost is an auto-buy narrator in this genre for me.

Only Exceedingly Shy

I liked this audiobook so much that I’ve already listened to it twice. Elizabeth is more rational in this story, even to the point of nearly disregarding Wickham’s lies. I really appreciate that. Darcy is also not overly proud and even jokes about making an arrogant proposal. Georgianna helps Darcy realize his feelings and prods him to get on with it. Harry Frost does a great job bringing emotions and humor to the audio. He could read the phone book aloud and get rave reviews! (Readers under 30 may have to Google “phone book”.)

A character study plus a “What if…” equals fun for us!

Giving Harry Frost a combo such as the above guarantees that enjoyment can be had without the treachery or heavy handed manipulation of the typical “fan fiction” storyline. Most fans understand that Georgiana Darcy doesn’t occupy much of a role in Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice (even though her pre-novel “experience” is central to many of the story’s misunderstandings). In “Only…” Mr. Rowland creates an angst free look at what could result from giving ODC a chance meeting and a mutually agreed upon challenge. It was an enjoyable opportunity to see Elizabeth work her magic and I always love a Miss Bingley set down!

Enjoyable!

I prefer a low angst variation. I will definitely listen to this again! The story didn’t drag on but was more to the point. (I gave the story 5 stars but it shows only 2!)

Elizabeth to town instead of Jane

I liked that Elizabeth goes to town instead of Jane and is able to get wise counsel from her aunt about everything that has happened. Because of this she is already thinking differently about Darcy and Wickham before she comes across Darcy in the park. Darcy invites Elizabeth to be a friend to his sister and to see if she can help pull her from the shell she has encased herself in. The friendship and eventual trust was nice to witness. Things progress faster than Canon due to the change in who goes to town. I had both the ebook and audiobook and the narration by Harry Frost was wonderful. Will I read or listen again? Yes!