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  • Duty and Desire

  • A Novel of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman
  • By: Pamela Aidan
  • Narrated by: George Holmes
  • Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
  • 3.7 out of 5 stars (17 ratings)
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Duty and Desire

By: Pamela Aidan
Narrated by: George Holmes
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Summary

"The inferiority of her connections, yet never was he so bewitched!"

Though Darcy struggles privately with his desire for Elizabeth Bennet, he must still fulfill his roles as landlord, master, brother, and friend.

In Book Two, the "silent time" of Austen's novel, Fitzwilliam Darcy and his personal world emerge as he deals with his servants, including a valet with aspirations of sartorial triumph; his sister, who is only just emerging from a crippling depression; his cousins, the still-squabbling Fitzwilliam brothers; and his hound, Trafalgar, who he calls "Monster" with good reason.

A visit to an old classmate in Oxford designed to shake Elizabeth from his mind sets Darcy amidst husband-hunting society ladies and friends from his university days, all with designs on him...some for good and some for ill. Darcy, and his Shakespeare-quoting valet Fletcher, must match wits with them all, but especially with the mysterious and dangerous Lady Sylvanie.

Setting the story vividly against the colorful, historical, and political background of the Regency, Aidan writes in a style comfortably at home with Jane Austen, but with a wit and humor very much her own. Aidan adds her own cast of fascinating characters to those in Austen's original, weaving a rich tapestry from Darcy's past and present. Austen fans, and newcomers alike, will love this new chapter of the most famous romance of all time.

©2006 Pamela Aidan (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about Duty and Desire

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Not what I had expected.

I wholeheartedly agree with other reviews on this book. The first half was rather good and followed the story we wanted to hear, but the second half was completely pointless to the story.

I have not yet read the third book, and perhaps it will later be revealed if this had any value at all, but for now I admit that I was disappointed.

the second half and "mystery" part of the book could have been a great story on its own, but it does not fit in to the narrative of the famous love story between Elizabeth and Darcy.

George Holmes does a good job narrating, but I admit that it has taken some time for me to get used to his light tone of voice instead of the deeper one I personally imagine for Darcy.

All in all it was well written, but I did have trouble finishing as I just wanted to get to point of it all.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

P & Ps hiatus

This is set in the nebulous time after Darcy leaves Netherfield and before he and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, arrive at Rosings the following spring.

I really enjoyed the first half but have to admit that I wanted the second half to 'get on with it' until towards the end.

Having said that, I think that Fletcher, in particular, of the 'new' characters, is brilliant and he really comes into his own in this book. I hope that the hint of a start to a happy future for him continues into the third part. I've only just started that part and will submit a review in due course.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Darcy Goes Darkside

This book as you most likely know is set in the weeks when Darcy is absent from the original story.

Freed from the strictures of following the plotline laid down in 'Pride And Prejudice' the author- Pamela Aiden lets rip with her imagination. Spinning a tale which starts predictably but then flies off on a most unexpected and glorious tangent.

Like Darcy himself would do I'll say no more and urge you to do what's best for fear of reavealing too much before the time is right. When you actually read or in this case hear for yourself.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Mystery Solved❣️

Imaginative, humorous and well written not to mention gripping.
If you’ve ever wondered what Darcy did between leaving Netherfield and arriving in Kent then this variation fills the gap.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

More a "who done it" than an account of Darcy

I have just finished listening to all three the books in the Novel. Although I have enjoyed the other two I found this one to be both disappointing and unnecessary. The story that dominates this book Is based around an adventure with Mr Darcy and his Valet in a castle. The whole thing is very much along the lines of a 'who done it' in the style of Jeeves and Wooster. The Author does take the opportunity to introduce and embed a a couple of more interesting characters who feature in the last book. I would suggest that you could listen to books one and three without missing out on anything significant.

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