Fitzwilliam Darcy: An Honourable Man 
Written by: Brenda Webb
Narrated and Performed by: Stevie Zimmerman
(New updated) Goodreads Review Date: December 27, 2024

Heartbreak, Hope, and Heroism

Fitzwilliam Darcy: An Honourable Man begins two years post-Hunsford. He's been away in Scotland and Ireland handling estate matters—but it's really a ruse—he is trying to heal from the heartbreak of his failed proposal to Elizabeth Bennet. He returns to Pemberley, determined to begin anew and perhaps finally find another to marry.

“Fitzwilliam Darcy was going home. It had taken a long time, but he was certain now of one thing—he could meet her as an indifferent and common acquaintance. He had conquered the steady ache in his heart, and he no longer thought of her every waking moment. He could go for days without waking in the middle of the night, wet with sweat and heart pounding, as dreams of their last argument tormented him anew. He was almost free of her at last!” —quote from book

Forced by Mrs. Bennet into a cruel marriage with a manipulative and evil Count Stefano, Elizabeth has suffered deeply and isn't the lively, confident woman we remember. And when Darcy discovers what happened to her, he can't walk away. He steps in to protect her, even knowing it could cost him. Elizabeth's ordeal is truly heartbreaking, but her journey towards recovery, Darcy's loving responses to each setback, and their love for one another keeps you turning each new page.

This book has everything—villains, danger, and a lot of emotional moments. There is a cemetery scene that is definitely a two-tissue segment of the book. My poor heart. Darcy is written as the ultimate romantic hero, including a swashbuckling rescue! He's strong, protective, and completely devoted to Elizabeth. Even with so many obstacles in his way, including multiple ladies vying for his attention, he never wavers in his determination to help Elizabeth and make her his priority, and that makes him truly loveable.

As to his dealings with others in the story, Darcy's close bond to Colonel Fitzwilliam is particularly endearing—it's clear how much they care for each other, and the colonel's way of drawing out his cousin with his teasing is truly diverting. I love how their relationship is portrayed. Lady Matlock's motherly affection towards her nephew is noteworthy, as is the background role of Charles and Jane Bingley. While never on page in the story, Anne de Bourgh and Lady Catherine still have a part in the plot. Caroline Bingley also manages to stick her nose in where it doesn't belong.

Not to be overlooked is Georgiana and her husband, Evan Ingram, who both are lovingly supportive to Darcy. Another new character is Mr. Williamson, the vicar who christened Elizabeth and who comforts Darcy, and later becomes a father figure to them both. At the same time, the villains are written so well that you'll love to hate them even though they are causing you anxiety all the while! From the evil Count Stefano to scheming women trying to trap Darcy, the drama keeps coming, but the happy ending is a memorable one.

Stevie Zimmerman does an incredible job narrating the audiobook. At just over twenty hours, she gives a consistent performance to each character throughout, never wavering on each distinct voice and capturing the emotional intensity of the story, especially in the moments between Darcy and Elizabeth. Her narration made the book even more enjoyable and easy to get lost in than the ebook.

If you're someone who isn't offended by off-canon variations, I'd recommend it to those who love a protective, honourable Darcy at the centre of a gripping story.

I first read this book back in 2019—loved it then, and love it even more now with the 2024 release of the audiobook version. My original review was rather limp in the writing, so it's a good time to give that sad attempt a rewrite.

Mature content.