A More Agreeable Man: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Jan Ashton

Enjoyment rating: 5 out of 5

Level 1 intimacy

Synopsis: This book begins before Pride & Prejudice. Jane is good friends with Mary King and is invited to Ramsgate by Mary and her uncle. Jane and Mary meet Georgiana Darcy and Georgiana writes to her brother of the new friends she has made. She eventually also tells him of Wickham's presence in Ramsgate.

Simultaneously, Jane is writing to Elizabeth of Wickham and calling him "the most agreeable man of her acquaintance". She then says that Wickham wants to marry her!

Chapter 4 jumps forward in time to the arrival of Darcy at Netherfield where Bingley and family have been in residence for a week. Jane is indeed engaged to Wickham but that hasn't stopped Bingley from noticing Jane. Darcy is subjected to much rudeness on the part of the Bennets when introduced because they have heard Wickham's tales of woe and mistreatment. While Darcy is conflicted and trying to decide if he should share his side of things, Elizabeth is carefully considering Darcy and how different he is from wickham's description.

I really enjoyed this variation. The specter of Wickham hangs over many interactions, keeping him ominously present even when not there. I found it to be just the right length of book with good characterization.

Fun word of the day: imbroglios

Spoilers Below

Of course we get a happy ending with Darcy and Elizabeth together, Jane and Bingley together and Wickham's plans thwarted. I didn't even miss the antics of Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine because of the pacing of revealing Wickham's character and plans. The scoundrel is already married by the time he is wooing Jane! I appreciated the surprise, I certainly didn't expect that. I also liked that Mr. Bennet eventually holds himself accountable for failing to be properly cautious and failing to investigate Wickham's claims of wealth. Lizzy and Darcy are both well-written as observant and intellectual, appearing well-matched by the end and their betrothal.