4.5 stars
As others have posted this story begins as in canon where the Colonel is walking with Miss Bennet and knowing of his cousin’s amorous inclinations towards Elizabeth is attempting to persuade her as to Darcy’s loyalty and caring for his friends. He tells her of how Darcy saved a friend from a decidedly ill-intended entanglement with a woman whose mother was eager for the marriage of her daughter to a wealthy suitor. Elizabeth’s reception of this tale is as in P&P and then she also relates back how his infamous remark at the Meryton Assembly was heard by not only her but also by others. Then the Colonel questions her about a remark from Lady C. concerning her rejection of Mr. Collins’ proposal. So much more has shared between these two.
In this tale Elizabeth does not claim illness that evening. Rather she goes to dinner and acts very cool towards Darcy…whose attempts to get her to go for a walk, to sit a little apart for a private conversation, etc. (as he intends to propose that night) all are thwarted when she tells him she is not so inclined PLUS he reads her anger in her eyes. (Darcy was so sure of her acceptance he had sent for his mother’s ring.)
As Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam depart for London the next day questions arise about Darcy’s intention to propose and as they talk the Colonel reveals his attempt to support Darcy by telling of his good act for his friend! Oops! There is now much discussion as to what Darcy should do. And we are reading of his thoughts as he considers whether to give up, to enter the Season and seek a bride again there or just what. His decision to reenter into the whirl of the social scene is now noted by all the young ladies and their mothers. Soon rumors about Darcy’s intent to marry reach Georgiana’s ears and, worried about the consequences for her if he does so, Georgiana has a discussion with and gains a promise from him that she will meet any lady to whom he plans to propose BEFORE he does so.
Darcy is alarmed at the rumors and although Bingley has been informed of Darcy’s officious interference in Bingley’s love affair but has taken no steps to return to Netherfield and take up his courtship of Jane, Darcy resolves to twist his arm and persuade him to do just that…so that Darcy, in turn, has a second chance to do so with Miss Elizabeth. Little do they both know that there are other irons in the fire so to speak because….
Meanwhile, back at Longbourn: Elizabeth makes a decision to befriend Miss Mary King who has returned to the area to reside with her Aunt and Uncle, a Mr. and Mrs. Scripps. Learning from Mary how George Wickham’s pursuit of her was found to be only for her money, Elizabeth realizes that Darcy’s attitude and behavior towards that man might indeed be well justified. Then, lo and behold, Mary invites Elizabeth and Jane to visit her as her cousin, Mr. Robert Scripps has recently returned from his grand tour, and in the company of his friend, Lord Falmouth of Cornwall. The latter has inherited Barkway on his father's death, a very nice estate, not as large as Netherfield but with an income of nearly four thousand pounds a year. These two gentlemen are now placed in the role of suitors for the Bennet sisters’ hands.
The story is not as simple as one might think. And for me, a reader who just recently read A Willful Misunderstanding by the same author, the small doses of angst added here are sweet treats compared to those in that book! Some malicious gossip fuels an uproar. Friends become enemies. Lady Catherine takes up quite an unexpected cause. And we will get our happy endings for more than just ODC.
Amy has never disappointed me in the readings of her unpublished books. Please add this to your TBR pile if you enjoy a gentler retelling of P&P.