Prevailed Upon to Marry: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Mary Smythe ★★★★★
Mrs Bennet views the match as essential to keeping a roof over her family, after the death of Mr Bennet.
Both Elizabeth and Mr Bennet think Mr Collins is a slimy, sanctimonious fool.
Unfortunately, the following day Mr Bennet changes his mind, having discovered his heart is rapidly failing.
Elizabeth is horrified at the prospect of marrying a man she could not respect and grief stricken at the imminent loss of her beloved Papa.
She hopes someone will rescue her, but eventually resigns herself to her fate.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is in love with Elizabeth but has a duty to his family. Only a well connected and/or rich wife will do.
However, on hearing of Elizabeth’s betrothal, he decides he would rather be happy than dutiful.
Arriving minutes before Elizabeth enters the church, Darcy makes a passionate proposal, to a rather stunned Elizabeth.
While Elizabeth has never liked Mr Darcy, he is handsome, intelligent and seemingly enamoured. She quickly accepts.
Everyone is delighted, except of course Mr Collins.
Obstacles start being presented, so Jane Bennet encourages Elizabeth and the very proper Mr Darcy to elope!
The journey to Gretna Green is long and slow, but it does give our dear couple time to really get to know each other, in more ways than one.
Mr Collins is in pursuit with Darcy’s aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
Collins only wants Elizabeth so that he can mistreat her and break her spirit. All for the crime of rejecting his first proposal.
You will be pleased to know that his comeuppance is very appropriate.
The characters of Darcy and Elizabeth are well drawn. You do have to overcome the speed of Elizabeth’s volte-face and the impropriety of the couple anticipating their vows!
However, it is done in a tasteful manner.
I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. I heartily recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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