When Duty Calls

A Pride & Prejudice Variation

By: Belén Paccagnella

Narrated by: Stevie Zimmerman

The Netherfield ball brings about many changes for the population of Meryton, and more so for the female residents of Longbourn.

Mr. Bingley’s departure leaves the eldest Jane Bennet heartbroken, whilst Mr. Collins’s proposal induces Miss Elizabeth to make a hasty escape. During her flight, she happens upon Mr. Darcy, a gentleman she despises. A moment of solitude in the woods leads to rather improper behavior, and the couple departs with the promise they will tell no one about their minor indiscretion.

When their secret is finally uncovered, marriage becomes the only solution to saving Elizabeth from social disgrace. Her other grudges against Mr. Darcy are amplified by resentment and the prospect of spending her life with a man she can never respect.

Nonetheless, the marriage takes place, forcing the young couple to deal with their pride and prejudices as husband and wife. But will they succeed in overcoming lies, misunderstandings, and their own errors to finally find love?

Note: Originally posted online, almost 20 years ago, this regency tale of redemption narrates the struggles of two people, their differences, and their rocky start.

©2020 Belén Paccagnella (P)2020 Belén Paccagnella

Forced Marriage

Darcy is delighted and Elizabeth is anything but when they are forced into a marriage. Elizabeth starts to soften towards Darcy after their engagement but Wickham inserts his lies and jealousy and Elizabeth believes him. Elizabeth also finds out how Darcy separated Jane from Bingley. This creates so much resentment for Elizabeth towards Darcy. Slowly they both have to let go of there pride and prejudices.

This book was good and well written. You can't go wrong with purchasing this book when Stevie Zimmerman reads the book! She is amazing!

Good story

I like forced marriage scenarios and it was a good one. It is well written and a plot is interesting. I felt sorry for both Darcy and Elizabeth that their marriage came about at the worst possible moment, with Elizabeth still disliking Mr. Darcy. I prefer Elizabeth being more mature and willing to use her intelligence in drawing conclusions about both Wickham and Darcy which prolonged their misunderstandings. But Darcy’s behavior didn’t help either. There’s a HEA at the end.
Stevie Zimmerman’s narration gave voice to all strong emotions which ODC felt. I always like her Mr. Darcy’s voice and supporting characters such as Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins.
Highly recommended

struggled to finish

I REALLY struggled to finish this book and debated several times whether to simply return it as it was incredibly frustrating and I wanted to throttle both Darcy and Elizabeth's lack of communication. It wasn't until the last 45 minutes of the book that they FINALLY started to talk about all the misconceptions. I guess I should congratulate the author on causing such a stir of emotions but I prefer less angst in my JAFFs. Hours of listening in torture could have been spared (and MONTHS of unwedded bliss for ODC) had they SIMPLY SPOKEN TO EACH OTHER!!!!!! The most satisfying moment was Darcy punching Wickham in the face (sorry for the minor spoiler) but perhaps it has more to do with how irritated I was at that point that ODC couldn't find the courage to address one another. Where was all the witty banter?? I definitely will NOT be listening to this one again.

Probably the only reason I actually was able to finish is due to the lovely as ever narration by Stevie Zimmerman. Other than that, if I could go back in time, I wouldn't have bothered.

An insecure Elizabeth and a lot of angst

An Elizabeth without her wit and courage. Darcy is sweet. Zimmerman is amazing. As always.
A lot of angst of their own making. Not a favorite.

👍

Performance by Ms Stevie Zimmerman was as always quite engaging. Not jnowing the author, I actually bought this book because Ms Stevie Zimmerman is one of my favorite narrators. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I enjoyed the book with one caveat. The tension between ODC was left going a little too long with neither wanting to speak out. I am glad both grew in character gradually and in their feelings for each other.
⭐⭐⭐ & 1/2