What If Mr. Bennet Unexpectedly Inherited a Dukedom?

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: Instead of Elizabeth traveling to Derbyshire with the Gardiners and Lydia absconding from Brighton with Wickhams, ALL of the Bennets make an extended journey to Staffordshire after Mr. Bennet learns he is to be the next Duke of Everard. Now that the Bennet sisters are elevated to the the highest echelons of society, what happens when they cross paths with some old friends and unsuccessful suitors…

WHAT I LOVED:

• A New Adventure: This is such an extraordinary change for the Bennet family.  To see them depart from their original courses in P&P and ascend to such heights! Mrs. Bennet a duchess?! Who would’ve thought!

• A Besotted Mr. Darcy: Our dear ardent boy is so eager for the chance to win Elizabeth’s heart. I loved seeing his perseverance and patience. He is everything that is gentle and honorable. But unlike the reserved and private Mr. Darcy we typically see, this Mr. Darcy is determined to be overt with his intentions and refuses to let Elizabeth be in doubt of his feelings. I loved his flirty and pointed comments to Elizabeth. And my heart melted to see their tender moments and extensive courtship.

• Duchess Agatha: I thoroughly enjoyed this new character and the relationships she had with others in the story. She is the type of duchess that is benevolent and accepting, and not a bit imperious or haughty. I loved her guidance and support for all the Bennet women, and I especially enjoyed the affinity and closeness she shared with Elizabeth and the Darcys.

• An Eventful House Party: This was so fun – sleigh rides, horseback riding, dancing, and fencing! There are so many great scenes and moments to enjoy! It was amusing to see another suitor step into the fray and give Mr. Darcy some challenge! I loved witnessing Elizabeth’s reactions and thoughts about Mr. Darcy during this party. And Mr. Darcy was exceptionally swoon-worthy throughout these encounters, especially with his gallant knight-like play-acting and when he claims a reward.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Not So Altered: With such a dramatic change of circumstance, you’d expect it to bring about some other ripples of changes and twists. But for the principal characters (Elizabeth, Darcy, Jane and Bingley), it didn’t really produce any big changes. Everyone was already predisposed towards each other and there was hardly any awkwardness, misunderstandings, or conflicts. Since the changes to their lives were so unique, it would have been fascinating to explore some unique challenges or obstacles these changes might produce.

• Small Quibbles: While I enjoyed seeing some new villains come onto the scene, their arcs were maybe a little too weak and brief to produce much tension or excitement. Also, this might be my own personal preference, but I felt that Darcy and Elizabeth sharing their whole past dealings with several relations seemed a little too open and modern for the reserve and guarded privacy we normally see with Jane Austen’s characters.

CONCLUSION:

All That This Entails is a romantic and gentle love story that is sure to delight readers who love seeing Mr. Darcy court Elizabeth without a lot of angst or misunderstandings. Their blossoming tender regard for each other and the improved manners and relationships amongst the other Bennet family members makes for a most gratifying and uplifting reading experience! I recommend!

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