An Extraordinary Request

by Don H. Miller

This is a variation on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice that begins when Darcy first enters the assembly hall in Meryton, Hertfordshire on his first visit to Netherfield Park. It contains the usual cast of characters from Pride and Prejudice, plus several others, some of whom were introduced in an earlier P&P variation. In this version Darcy does not make his “She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me” statement, and a few days later, Darcy and Elizabeth actually have a rather stimulating conversation. The next day he is suddenly called away to London, only to return to make an extraordinary request to Elizabeth related to his sister Georgiana. The book relates why Darcy and his family chose to make the request to Elizabeth, her response to the request, and the ebb and flow of Darcy and Elizabeth’s developing relationship as she undertakes the activities related to the request. It also gives an account of the DeBourgh family beyond Lady Catherine and Anne and portrays a disappearance by Lydia Bennet and Wickham while the militia is still in Meryton, in which no note is left by Lydia and Wickham returns to his regiment days later claiming to know nothing of her disappearance. Solving the mystery of her disappearance becomes a crucial task for Darcy.
An avid fan of Jane Austen, Don Miller recently discovered Jane Austen Fan Fiction and in particular, Pride and Prejudice variations. Being intrigued by this genre, he decided to write his own variations of Pride and Prejudice. This is his second of this genre.

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2013

About the author

Don H. Miller was born and grew up in Iowa, went to the University of North Carolina where he received a degree in Mathematics, spent three years as a U.S. Navy officer, got a Ph.D. in Mathematical Statistics from the University of Chicago, spent three years as a college professor, and then spent the rest of his working career as a research scientist working in various fields including naval operations research, environmental impact analysis, and command, control and communications technology. He is now retired, enjoys golfing, pickleball, and writing, and is the art director of the monthly newsletter of the community in which he now lives. He has written twenty-five novels in the genre of Jane Austen fan fiction.

Reviews

[James S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving Georgiana

Georgiana is despondent, almost suicidal. Her family is the problem so they can’t help her. It is Lizzie to the rescue. Among all this the HEA is achieved.

My favorite scene is Lizzie figuring out what’s wrong with Georgiana and letting G’s family know they are the problem. You can imagine how well proud, arrogant Darcy takes that. 😜

Good story except for the final plot twist of a crime family out to stop the wedding. That was just silly.

I recommend this book.

[lori huff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice

Through time spent in London with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner as a younger lady, Elizabeth is exposed to some members of the first circle of society including Lord and Lady Matlock, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Lord and Lady Denby, and Lord and Lady Montarrd. When Darcy comes to Hertfordshire, he's immediately attracted to Elizabeth, but is shocked to learn she already knows some members of his family. When Georgiana Darcy goes into a deep depression after her near scandal in Ramsgate, the Fitzwilliams and Darcy decide that Elizabeth is just the kind of companion that Georgiana needs in order to come out of her affliction. Elizabeth has very decided opinions about the correct course of action that will help Georgiana heal.

I like this author. His Elizabeth character is always bordering on a superwoman: talented musically; knowledgeable about medical care; knows several languages; highly intelligent and well read; beautiful, kind, compassionate, and forthright. The list goes on. This variation is imaginative and original, with some surprises as far as villains go. I deducted a couple of stars for a couple of reasons. One is editing errors. There's enough of them to be distracting. Incorrect punctuation, wrong word usage and missing words, etc. The other reason is the fact that you must be familiar with Mr Miller's prior works in order to fully understand this book. There's a backstory about the Gardiner's situation in London, and how Elizabeth became both highly accomplished and involved in their businesses, leading to her exposure to, and acceptance by certain members of high society. Without knowing this backstory, you're at a disadvantage.

I recommend this book for an interesting, engaging, and romantic tale.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

another enjoyable Jane Austen fan-fiction by Don Miller. An easy read and good character development of Elizabeth and Darcy.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. I enjoyed the plot line. There were many grammatical errors and missing words, etc. Also, the dialog was much to frank between Darcy and Elizabeth. But I enjoyed it enough to overlook those problems. I was also disappointed that Darcy never heard elizabeth sing after so much was made of her voice. The ending was a bit rushed and i was disappointed by that as well. The wickham plot had a very interesting ending. Very curious.

[Lisa E · Rating 1 out of 5]

If only the book were edited

These stories by Mr Miller, while past the point of believable, involving super-heroine Elizabeth as they do, would be more enjoyable with a bit of editing. Guess I am ok with his having created his own universe in which he tells Darcy and Lizzie's story in many different ways. I could even respect that, with proper editing (and I do not mean just punctuation, spelling, and grammar) . Starts off poorly with all the story told in conversations that, while perhaps not gossipy, are hearsay. I don't see why Mr Bingley would have wasted his first few precious moments getting to know Jane by telling her everything there is to know about Darcy. It ends being unclear if Wickham had gone to the US, which I assume is the country with a great future, or Canada, which sounds more likely since I am guessing he is involved in French fur trading. But I will admit my history is weak. Still there was the part about Wickham being surprised that Darcy bought up all his debts after he confessed to knowing about it. And why would Mr. Price, who knows enough about all the parties involved to instigate some grand scheme, not know of Darcy's history with Wickham? Granted Wickham only says Mr. Price did not say how he knew, but how did Mr. Price know anything? The statement is odd.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bymaryannon July 2, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
I sincerely liked the plot in relationship to Elizabeth being accepted by the ton and even some of Darcy's relations. Elizabeth wows the ton with her singing abilities and then develops a sisterhood through Darcy's asking to help Georgiana come out of her depression from the debacle of Wickham's behavior.
This story did prove that spheres in the Regency times were crossed and survived and that was unusual for that time period. Everyone was in love with Elizabeth including Darcy and the Colonel.
However, love endures and both the Colonel and Darcy find love in the end. Naturally Wickham and Lady Catherine were there to cause trouble but that is to be expected otherwise it would be boring.
I do think that the story line was sort of long novel but I did enjoy the twists and turns that happened.
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[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional intriguing loveable

As you read this emotional story, you come to realize what a terrific writer this author is. Incredible variation in which Darcy and Elizabeth find their path to happiness. Elizabeth is welcome in the "ton" by top peers prior to her meeting Darcy. Darcy path to happiness was just as hard as in the original (loved it). Loved how Colonel (won't say is title for ending) marriage was a woman worthy of him (read to find out). Anne DeBourg surprised me and Wickham is forever that. Highly recommended to all to read

[cheryl raps · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast paced and unexpected twists

I liked this book, I wanted to love it but there were many grammatical errors which disrupted the story. In a few places a great deal of information was thrust into the story awkwardly which didn't add to the experience. However I feel that the author is talented and a good editor would solve these issues handily. If the book were edited properly I would give it 4 starsm

[Michelle David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely

A rather interesting variation of author Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice. Veers from our usual storyline but I enjoyed it

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked how this story was developed and how well it was paced. I was an enjoyably easy read. The only thing I would say was the ending seemed a little hurried with respect the the Wickham/Lydia issue. The story seemed well thought out and developed other than the shortened ending, in my opinion.

[Madenna U · Rating 2 out of 5]

This author uses the same background/backstory every time. It is as though you are reading a series about the same characters. They are just jumbled in a different order. That being said I liked this one better than the others for the most part.