What if Jane Bennet Subverted Mr. Wickham’s Intentions at Ramsgate?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
THE PREMISE: While on holiday in Ramsgate Mary King and her guest, Jane Bennet, make some new friends – first the sweet and guileless Georgiana Darcy, and then the charming and agreeable Mr. Wickham. Completely captivated by this handsome suitor, Jane does the unthinkable…she becomes engaged to a man she has only known ten days! But what happens when Netherfield Park is let at last…?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Ramsgate Twist: Talk about a new and fresh twist. Very rarely – if at all – do we see Jane paired with Wickham! And what a new grouping of characters to meet together at Ramsagte! I love the idea of Mary King and Jane befriending Georgiana Darcy. And I find it very plausible that Jane Bennet’s beauty and sweetness would distract Mr. Wickham from any plans he had with regards to Georgiana. Georgiana doesn’t know how lucky she is!
- Suspicious Minds: Elizabeth is in a bit of a predicament – her family and her dear sister are completely swept up and enamored with Jane’s betrothed – George Wickham. But something doesn’t feel quite right about him and Elizabeth is on her guard. I loved Elizabeth’s perceptions and curiosity in regards to Wickham. And I appreciated the portrayal of the difficult position she was in – she can’t ruin Jane’s happiness, but doesn’t want her sister’s generous and kind heart taken advantage of. How much of her suspicions and uneasy feelings can she reveal? What actions can she even take? She needs more answers…
- Knowledge and Trust: While visiting his betrothed at Longbourn Mr. Wickham informs the Bennets all about his tales of woe and the wealthy gentleman who did him wrong – Mr. Darcy. But what happens when that very man comes to town with their affable new neighbor? Elizabeth is of course on her guard when encountering a man painted so black, but at the same time she recognizes that he is the only person from whom she can learn more about Mr. Wickham. The only question is, can she believe what Mr. Darcy reveals?
- Bold Mr. Bingley: Ha! Loved Mr. Bingley in this variation. Jane Bennet’s engaged? Don’t care! The banns have not been read. Go Mr. Bingley! I like this determined and persistent side of you! But I also echo Elizabeth’s lamentations – why couldn’t Jane have met you first?!
- Offering Protection and Maybe More: While Georgiana is safe from Wickham, Mr. Darcy cannot rest easy knowing that another innocent young lady is possibly falling victim to Wickham’s nefarious schemes. I loved seeing Mr. Darcy’s sense of responsibility and consideration for others. And I’m not the only one who find his efforts admirable… With his honesty, patience, and selfless assistance, Mr. Darcy quickly seems to be gaining Elizabeth’s esteem and at the same time losing his heart.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
- Jane as a Friend: My only quibble is how Jane acted towards Georgiana. I understand how this behavior serves the plot, but at the same time I don’t know if it was completely believable. I’d like to think that no matter how enamored she was of a man, Jane wouldn’t let him change her natural goodness and instinctive kindness.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
🎩 A unique pairing, clever twists, and Mr. Darcy being an honorable hero – what more do you need?
🤔 Not sure which I enjoyed more – the Wickham/Jane/Bingley love triangle or seeing Elizabeth and Darcy learn to trust each other and work together!
😍 I was most assuredly more agreeably engaged by this more agreeable man! A truly delightful read!
Wonderful Review and I can’t wait to read this book as it has been on my list.
This is a really good and unique version. I loved Elizabeth’s suspicion about Wickham although it takes Jane’s infatuation with him to make her really scrutinize him. Definitely a fun read.
Phew! Jane betrothed to Wickham? What? I’m loving that Elizabeth doesn’t trust him! My kind of story. I’m also loving that she’s prepared to work with Darcy to save Jane. Plus Bingley going all out to win Jane from the despicable Wickham? YES!!!!
I borrowed this but have not yet read it. Will have to move it up to the top of the pile.
Like Sheila, I have this book in my library but have not read it yet, lol. But thanks to this review and all the above comments, looks like I will be reading this one soon!. Thanks Meredith!
What an original plot! Jane and Wickham! And Mr Bingley being so decisive! This premise is exciting 🙂
Thanks for such an insightful review. I also look forward to seeing Darcy and Elizabeth work together 🙂
Happy weekend Meredith!
At first, seeing the cover I thought in Darcy but maybe the cover plays with us because the man could be Wickham in the sense of Jane Bennet telling us: “Have you seen a more agreeable man than Wickham?” LOL
The man of the cover is handsome enough to be either Darcy or Wickham 🙂