Dare to Refuse Such a Man

Seriously heartfelt longing and angst

“He is the kind of man, indeed, to whom I should never dare refuse anything which he condescended to ask.”– Mr Bennet, Pride and Prejudice Volume III, Chapter 17
It had never occurred to Fitzwilliam Darcy that once he had chosen a bride, her father might dare to refuse his consent. When his dearest, loveliest Elizabeth is taken from him with only a curt note of explanation, he determines that, far from accepting her father's rejection of his suit, he must instead find her again and make his case. After all, a woman worthy of being pleased is also worth fighting for.
Several months shy of her majority, it is not so simple a thing to defy Mr Bennet's will, but Elizabeth, for the sake of her future happiness, must try. With various allies in her corner, as well as foes standing against her, Elizabeth's courage must rise against all attempts at intimidation. Even from her own, much beloved father.

This is a good read with significant angst. The characters are well drawn. Darcy is lovely - steadfast and devoted. Mr Bennet's behaviour is petty and spiteful. So much so, that Elizabeth cannot believe she is supposed to be her father's favourite daughter. Unsurprisingly, Mr Collins is dreadful.
Mrs Bennet is a revelation! She gets to show how smart (and devious) she can be. It is good to see such a lovely relationship between Elizabeth and Mrs Bennet.

The ending is very satisfying and I thoroughly recommend this book to all readers of Jane Austen variations.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.