Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman: Book Review

Rating: ★★★★★/★★★★★

After enduring a not very likeable Austenesque fiction in Karen V. Wasylowski's Darcy and Fitzwilliam which was reviewed several months ago, I was a little wary of reading any Austen-themed novels which caught my fancy because of its beautifully designed covers. After my colleague recommend me to try Maria Hamilton's debut novel, I made up my mind to read it next. It proved to be a wise choice for I spend many hours perusing this delightful Pride and Prejudice what-if story.

Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman begins after Fitzwilliam Darcy's disastrous marriage proposal to Elizabeth Bennet in Hunsford Parsonage, Kent. After thinking over her reasons for refusing him, Darcy decides to take her reproves to heart and tries to correct the mistakes that he committed in his past although unintentional done. Foremost on his mind is to try and salvage his friend, Charles Bingley's relationship with Jane Bennet and act in a manner worthy of Elizabeth's love. Those who have read Jane Austen oeuvre will recall that Darcy and Bingley's sisters disapprove of Charles's decision to marry Jane due to her low family connections. They managed to convince him that Jane is indifferent to him and so he remains in London after the Netherfield ball and does not come back to his rented estate.

This is where the novel differs from the original text. Once Darcy realises from Elizabeth that Jane does love Bingley dearly and suffered silently because of their meddling, he tries to persuade his friend to return to Hertfordshire and then to call on the Bennets. However Bingley is adamant to remain in his London townhouse and so Darcy ventures into Elizabeth's neighbourhood alone. His avowed mission is to discover whether Miss Bennet still cares for Bingley and if so inform him about it and let nature takes its course. He knew that Elizabeth might mistakenly think that he is still pursuing her and make her feel uncomfortable but it could not be help. His errand is more important to him than Elizabeth's feelings.

Back in Longbourn, Elizabeth confides in Jane about Darcy's proposal and the contents of Darcy's letter regarding his family history with Wickham but leave out his interference into Bingley's love affair. When Mr Darcy appears in their home for a courtesy call, we witness their uneasiness in company. This is nothing compared to his civility towards Mrs Bennet where he attends to every word she says and develops an easy repartee with her. It indeed shows that Darcy is attending to Elizabeth's censure and change for the best. What astonished Elizabeth the most is when he singled out Jane for a walk to Meryton and she feels a pang of jealousy. The reason Mr Darcy decides to take this course of action is to have a private conversation with Jane to apologise for his interference and to find out if she still loves Bingley. Soon rumours began to circulate around the neighbourhood about Darcy wishing to marry Jane, thanks to Mrs Bennet's unabashed effort.

Ms Hamilton seamlessly weaves the plot of Lady Catherine de Bourgh's surprise visit to Longbourn but in her version, Lady Catherine's outbursts is directed towards Jane but since Jane is away on an errand, Mrs Bennet stands up to her bullying. This earn a chuckle or two from me because I did not expect Mrs Bennet to defend her eldest daughter's reputation but simply kowtow to the lady's wishes. However all these events confused and troubled Elizabeth as she does not know what to think of Darcy's actions. A new character is also introduced in the book with John Lucas, a childhood friend of Elizabeth, who is intent on pursuing her under Darcy's watchful eyes which evokes his jealousy and insecurities because deep in his heart he still loves and cherish her even though he knows their future together is hopeless. You can be sure that misunderstandings are soon resolved but not before our favourite couple learn the true meaning of unselfish love which is the secret for a happy, loving and lasting marriage.

Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman is truly an engaging read with several momentous scenes that moves the story along. Besides the aforementioned incidents, it is worth mentioning John Lucas's dissection in military terms when comparing his similar personalities with Darcy in a public assembly. You should read that part to understand what I mean. Ms Hamilton has a talent to incorporate numerous lengthy conversations between Elizabeth and Darcy which helps readers learn what is in their mind and deepen their friendship although it somewhat slows down the plot. This is not a complaint but an advice to take your time to read through them like I did. It does help to better understand their perceptions of each other and learn that they are actually quite similar in nature and disposition. Both are honest with one another and simply dispense with polite talk to go straight to the point. There is no beating around the bush manner which shows they do not really conform to convention in Regency society. Sometimes their honesty is at odds with their principles but this is settled with compromise and recognise that it would change them for the better.

There are a few sensual scenes towards the end of the novel which are sweet and endearing. If you like your couple to be prim and proper, I suggest that you skip this part at your own risk. It definitely intensify their connection with one another and bring their journey to a satisfying conclusion in my opinion.

After reading many Austenite novel, I can confidently say that Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman is one of the best Pride and Prejudice para-literature out there. It gives me great pleasure if you will pick this gem and treasure their saccharine and sweet love story. My gratitude goes to my colleague, Vivian, for suggesting it in the first place. I really look forward to reading Maria Hamilton's next Austen-themed novels in future.