Like The Gentleman He Was: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By S. Neha

Enjoyment Rating: 5 out of 5

Synopsis: We start the morning of Mr. Collins' departure from Longbourne after having successfully proposed to Charlotte Lucas. Elizabeth goes out for a walk and, while trying to cross a stream to a boulder, she slips and falls into the stream. Darcy finds her and since she cannot walk due to an injured ankle, he puts her on his horse and takes her home. Although careful to avoid being seen on the way there, he errs and carries Elizabeth into the house by the front door. Where Mrs. Bennet and some of her most gossipy friends are gathered. Because he's a gentleman and this shocking spectacle triggers hella gossip, he honorably offers marriage to save both their reputations

You might be thinking "that's a lot of information and events" and you'd be right cause that's just the first two chapters and there's a whole lot more book after that.

I was relieved by the lack of Mr. Collins' presence because there was enough discomfort without him. The usual suspects Wickham and Lady Catherine make appearances and cause a ruckus. The ruckus was ruckusing as I told a friend while describing the book.

I feel this author did a creditable job in bringing all the characters to life, including new ones created for this version of the story. The Matlocks feature heavily, especially Lady Susan, Darcy's aunt, who promised Darcy's mother upon her death that she (Susan) would look after Darcy and Georgiana as if they were her own children. The author used some fun vocabulary such as fulminations and aegis. Also, I love the word "chuffed" and was chuffed to see it used in this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book through the drama, humor, witticisms, and clarifications of deep anxieties and misunderstandings. I would be open to rereading this one.

Favorite quote: But I respect dragons, Father, very much.

It makes sense and is quite funny in context!