Engagement of Convenience

A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By: Florence Gold

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

The autumn of 1811 arrives in Hertfordshire with an unexpected breath of joy. Netherfield is finally let, and after several rounds of eager speculation, all of which promise the arrival of a large party to occupy the fine estate, only five figures appear. Yet, through their elegant presence, they bring colour to the otherwise dull and sleepy town. Soon, the arrival of a militia regiment for the winter makes the hearts of all the young ladies beat faster.

Alas, around the same time, Mr Bennet’s health rapidly declines, casting dark clouds over Longbourn, which, in the event of his death, will pass into the hands of a distant cousin, Mr Collins. Arriving at Longbourn amidst the torment triggered by Mr Bennet’s illness, Mr Collins becomes the salvation Mrs Bennet seeks when he seems ready to marry one of her daughters.
In a passionate speech full of supplication, Mrs Bennet wants to force Elizabeth to marry her cousin and thus save their family.

Torn between duty to her family and yearning for the beautiful life she has always dreamed of, supported by a father who has granted her trust and freedom, Elizabeth decides not to accept. Desperate, she rushes from her home and finds herself on the road to Meryton, seeking a solution that unexpectedly presents itself in the form of Mr Darcy. Overwhelmed by despair, she asks for his help, begging him to announce himself before her family as her betrothed only until she has the chance to depart for London.

This is only the beginning of a chain of unforeseen events that change Elizabeth’s fate, pulling her between Longbourn and London in a whirlwind as she strives to reinvent her future and escape a marriage that will only bring her misery.
Initially hesitant, Mr Darcy ultimately assists her—at times discreetly, at others more boldly—as she embarks on her courageous journey.

Yet no matter how far from canon they may stray, one thing remains steadfast—the love between them, triumphant once again, despite every adversity, transforming a false engagement into a real marriage that will last a lifetime.

Low angst and true to book personalities

Lovely retelling with the story focused on Lizzy and Darcy with no evil villains or family members thwarting the romance and new characters added to enhance the story line.

Boring

The first half of the book is boring, rehashing the common story used in all P&P books . The second half became interesting because they added a new twist to the storyline that I enjoyed

Great read

In this book Elizabeth asks Me Darcy to save her from mr Collins. He does and they are engaged. Pretend engagement. He still thinks badly of her family. Great Jaff