Mr. Darcy's Bet

By: Regina Jeffers

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

“Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.” – Act 1, Sc. 4, William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure

FITZWILLIAM DARCY has done everything within his power to prove his devotion to ELIZABETH BENNET. He believes they are so close to knowing happiness; howbeit, when his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, accosts Elizabeth with predictions of Elizabeth never being able to fit in with his social connections, everything changes. Although the lady sent his aunt packing with words to the contrary, a bit of doubt has slipped under Elizabeth’s shield of confidence, and she again refuses his hand in marriage: This time to protect him from the gossiping 'beau monde.' Therefore, Darcy must take a leap of faith; he proposes to her before the congregation gathered for the marriage of Jane Bennet and his friend Charles Bingley—a public proposal from which Darcy cannot legally or morally withdraw, one only Elizabeth Bennet can refuse. He bets, this time, he can win not only her heart, but also her consent. With the assistance of his family and hers, a plan is put into motion to prove to all comers that Elizabeth Bennet is not only worthy of his attentions, but also the only one Darcy should consider marrying.

Probably Shouldn’t Have Bet On This One!

Fortunately I didn’t lose any money on it. This story becomes a contest between D and E to see who can be the silliest while making the supposed “love of your life” miserable. It’s as though his cousin Fitzwilliam’s brashness was transported into Darcy’s personality and Elizabeth’s contrariness was on steroids. AI narration didn’t help. It is still annoying to have to listen to the syntax and pronunciation errors. I’m trying to find something nice to say, really. Oh, yes. It comes with the monthly subscription and with much less run time than the 5 hours 55 minutes when played at 1.4 or more.

The bet

I enjoyed this story very much. It had everything a good Jaff should have. HEA for ODC. Great Jaff.

Very flirty Darcy meets unreasonable Lizzy

Lots of angst, but a clean book that picks up right after Elizabeth figures out Darcy’s involvement in restoring Lydia’s reputation by setting up an occupation for Wickham. I feel like some loose ends were left, but it was a fun listen.