The Art of Apology

A Pride and Prejudice Variation (Happiness in Marriage Series)

De: Lucy Marin

Narrado por: Stevie Zimmerman

You have made me view the world about me and the people in it with greater clarity, and I shall forever be grateful, especially because it means I have had the chance to know you.

WHEN ELIZABETH BENNET IS INSULTED by Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy at the Meryton assembly, she is determined to despise him forever. How could she do otherwise, given what an arrogant, rude man he is? She intends to forget about what happened, but she finds it is not so easy when faced with incessant scorn from her neighbours in the weeks following.

DARCY IS SHOCKED when Mr Bennet confronts and reprimands him about his actions, but afterwards admits it was rather ungentleman-like behaviour. He condescends to apologise but, startlingly, Elizabeth rebuffs him, claiming he must learn to apologise properly if he truly wants her forgiveness. Darcy is ready to dismiss her, but when Mr Charles Bingley also questions his recent actions, he realises he must reform himself, beginning with making amends to Elizabeth.

ELIZABETH WATCHES WITH AMAZEMENT as she sees not only Mr Darcy, but also her own father attempt to ameliorate their connexions to the friends and family about them. Still, she keeps her distance from Mr Darcy, stubbornly clinging to her first impression of him, until an unexpected meeting ends with her wondering if there might be more to him than she had supposed. But just how far can an apology go?

The Art of Apology is a clean, enemies to friends to lovers historical regency romance.

©2024 Lucy Sportza (P)2025 Quills & Quartos Publishing

Mr. Bennet makes a stand

I really enjoyed this story. After hearing of Mr. Darcy’s insult at the assembly and his neighbors comments Mr. Bennet confronts Darcy. He also begins to really notice what’s happening with the rest of the family and makes the effort to correct and help them. Neither Elizabeth or Bennet easily forgive Darcy. Nor does Darcy want to admit his arrogance. There are many lighthearted moments in this story too.

Wonderful rendition of a Clever Story

I very much enjoyed this story of the Wrong-footed Darcy - and pretty much clueless - learning better behavior. Great dialogue throughout, especially between Darcy and Elizabeth,and a much better resolution of the Bennet family “issues” given the alteration in Mr Bennet’s attitude. Great narrator, as always.

10/10

Best JAFF P&P I have read in a while, can’t wait to read it again! Instant favorite! And Stevie Zimmerman narrates it!!!!!!! Enough said! Read it!

Mr Bennet is affronted.

Stevie Zimmerman once again performs her craft in a most pleasing and outstanding way. Never a disappointment and is an auto-buy for me. There’s no story or character she cannot perform well.

Book review:
Moving from first impressions to heartfelt transformations, The Art of Apology uses that notorious moment when Mr Darcy insults Elizabeth at the Meryton assembly and an inartful apology to lead two stubborn people on a journey of self-reflection… and maybe even love.

Unlike in the original Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth doesn’t let the insult slide, and neither does her father. Mr Bennet, often known for his indolent attitude, is truly rattled by the public slight against his daughter and wonders:

“If Mr Darcy could insult Elizabeth, what did that mean for her sisters? Might other gentlemen have a low opinion of them?” —quote from book

This prompts him to look inward and step up as a father and begin to parent, which I loved seeing—he’s firmer with his younger daughters and doesn’t hesitate to keep his wife in check. Elizabeth, too, gets a nudge from him to reconsider her tendency to judge on first impressions and never let them go.

Darcy is surprised when Mr Bennet directly confronts him about his behaviour. He’s used to getting away with his arrogance, so it’s a shock to have his manners questioned—not just by Elizabeth but by her father and even his friend Bingley. I enjoyed Bingley’s stronger portrayal, as he adds to Mr Bennet’s criticism of his behaviour by letting Darcy know he doesn’t always have to be so disagreeable, and he doesn’t let his sisters influence his decisions.

As Darcy begins to reflect on his behaviour, he tries to make amends, but Elizabeth isn’t easily won over—she doesn’t feel his apology is sincere.

“An apology given under duress is not an apology, Mr Darcy. A true apology must be felt here.” She tapped her chest above her heart. “You do not regret what you said. The lack of sincerity in your tone told me as much. I do not believe you even regret that I heard you. The only reason you have spoken to me today is because my father dared to tell you that you behaved inappropriately. Am I mistaken?” —quote from book

Darcy and Elizabeth reassess their opinions of each other—slowly, cautiously, and with plenty of hesitation along the way. There’s a lovely scene involving Darcy’s lazy dog, Budge, that softens Elizabeth’s view of him just a bit, hinting at the man he might truly be, and Darcy seeing her gentle and loving manner with Budge softens his heart towards her even more.

While the story is full of moments where three characters in particular must look inward, face up to their flaws, and find the courage to change—even when it’s hard—the romance is definitely not lost. Marin’s writing kept me hooked as I watched Mr. Bennet, Darcy, and Elizabeth change their attitudes. This all leads Darcy to a heartfelt apology, as well as both a surprising proposal, and a swoon-worthy one.

Of course, it’s not all serious soul-searching. Mr Bennet, with his usual dry wit, can’t resist a few well-placed barbs, and Darcy eventually shows an “increasingly obvious sense of humour.” These lighter moments bring a delightful touch of levity to the story, showing that even the most stubborn characters have their playful sides.

Kisses only, clean and sweet.

Highly recommend.

Darcy gets schooled

4 1/2 stars
Love how Mr Bennet along with a few others school Darcy in his boorish and ungentlemanly behavior. It takes a while before it sinks into his thick skull but he finally realizes that he’s been a jerk. I also like how this incident wakes Mr Bennet up to his own failures and starts to correct those errors.

I also got the audiobook and Stevie Zimmerman as always makes the story even better!