Some Natural Importance

A Pride & Prejudice Variation

By: Jan Ashton

Narrated by: David Pickering

"It is the way of the world, Elizabeth. Men hold power over women, but I am not a man who wants to wield such power. I would prefer a woman who has some power over me".

Fitzwilliam Darcy already has one arranged marriage in his past. The last thing he envisions for himself is another, yet he has somehow become entrapped in a promise to a dying man. Not only must Darcy overcome his resentment in order to live up to his sense of honour, but when he realises how deeply his heart may be engaged, he must convince Elizabeth Bennet of his true feelings.

Elizabeth never expected the imperious Mr Darcy to become a good friend of an idle gentleman like her father. And she certainly never anticipated they would form a secret pact compelling her marriage to a man she dislikes. She must set aside grief and resentment, as well as her suspicions: Is Darcy using her to avoid another bride pushed onto him by his family, or to gain riches Elizabeth never knew she had?

Or is it possible he loves her?

©2021 Jan Ashton (P)2021 Quills & Quartos Publishing

Good Mix of Old and New

There are some unexpected twists to the story, some things that are familiar, some familiar dialogue but said by someone different.

Narrator did a good job as well.

Story MIGHT have been a little longer than needed.

Good narration

The idea of Darcy befriending Mr. Bennett is a new one for me. I liked that premise which allows the rest of the story to be set up as believable. Kinda. Elizabeth can't believe it at first. and none of Darcy's relations believe it either. But that is a major part of the storyline as well.
I was disappointed in the colonel. Second book I've read recently where he spends his time arguing and pushing Darcy to marry against his will. I like a supportive colonel that works with Darcy and not against him. Lady Matlock was a piece of work. Georgiana had no business hanging out at their home. Bad influence.
I liked Darcy but he still needs to work on his communication skills. Problems could have been prevented with a few simple sentences.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narration was well done.

Sex: innuendo, implied marital relations
Language: I don't think so
Violence: No

Entertained from start to finish

Great storytelling by a talented narrated. Terrific Austen-adjacent romance that had me entertained from start to finish.

This is an entirely new story from the other 300+

I have a a LOT of P7P variation stories in my library. This one is refreshingly unlike any other. Mr B & Mr D for a strong friendship that EB is very jealous and resentful of. She is skeptical of FWD because of her jealousy, comments he has made and tales Wickham has told her while still recognizing that her father greatly respects him. As events occur, EB comes to respect him, while he greatly helps her family. Mr Pickering did a great job narrating - his talent is amazing, but for me, his voicing is a bit heavy.

Great book

This was a great book to listen to. The narrator did a great job too. Well written and witty. Great Jaff.