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Darcy's Highland Fling: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Darcy’s fortunes have plummeted. He has quarrelled with Bingley, his only close friend. Lydia’s lapse has left the Bennets disgraced and ruined. Most painful of all, Elizabeth is married, to a Highland laird she met on her trip to the Lakes. Darcy’s only solace is Georgiana, who has blossomed under his guardianship and is enjoying her first London season. Fashionable debutantes vie for his attention, but he can think only of past mistakes.
A chance meeting brings shocking news. Elizabeth’s husband has been found dead, leaving her penniless as lawyers wrangle over the inheritance. Darcy hastens to Scotland to offer help. But his efforts are overshadowed by a conflict over her husband’s estate. Darcy’s presence is seen in some quarters as a threat. Unknown enemies may be planning to remove him from the picture, by any means necessary ...
A chance meeting brings shocking news. Elizabeth’s husband has been found dead, leaving her penniless as lawyers wrangle over the inheritance. Darcy hastens to Scotland to offer help. But his efforts are overshadowed by a conflict over her husband’s estate. Darcy’s presence is seen in some quarters as a threat. Unknown enemies may be planning to remove him from the picture, by any means necessary ...
- GenresFiction
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2018
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May 4, 2022
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars
Darcy is so distraught at Elizabeth's refusal of his marriage proposal that he even stays away from Pemberley, as he has spent too much time imagining her there as his wife. He and Bingley are estranged over Darcy’s interference between his friend and Jane Bennet.
When Elizabeth tours the Peaks District with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, instead of encountering Darcy, she meets a Mr. Thomas Bailey, who is a Scottish estate owner. They hit it off and later, when he becomes aware of the scandal surrounding Lydia and the death of Mr. Bennet, he offers marriage to Elizabeth and support for her family. Although neither is in love, they are fond of each other and Elizabeth is happy to agree, resulting in a contented marriage for both.
Thomas brings her to Scotland, but not all of his family embraces his new wife because of their longstanding resentment against anything and anyone English. This is particularly true of Isobel Mackey, who refers to Elizabeth disdainfully as “Sassenach.” Tragedy strikes when Thomas's dead body is found at the foot of a cliff. Although there are no definite signs of foul play, it's hard to believe that he committed suicide or that it was an accident.
Elizabeth learns the true state of Thomas's finances, which isn't good, and comes under subtle pressure to sell the estate and property to neighboring landowners. One of the interested parties is Major Hector Mackay, a family member. She’s not convinced that selling is the best choice for all the local residents of Laramore, the neighboring village, but she may not have a choice.
Through a mutual friend, Darcy learns that Elizabeth is now a widow and that there are difficulties with her inheritance. It doesn't take long for him to travel to Scotland and offer his assistance to Mrs. Bailey. Naturally, Darcy proves his worth as a friend many times over. Elizabeth finds herself relying on him and confiding in him more and more, and she worries that her growing attraction to him is based on her need for his help rather than being in love.
Meanwhile, Georgiana has her own storyline. She develops a close friendship with Margaret Inglis and becomes smitten with Mr. James Inglis, a talented violinist, but he’s only a second son. It’s not Darcy or Colonel Fitzwilliam who try to redirect Georgiana’s attention but James’ father (Lord Dunbar) and older brother Alistair, who want her dowry for the heir in order to augment the depleted estate coffers.
I would expect the Bailey family members, Elizabeth and Darcy to be more wary and proactive about their protection when it seems very likely a murderer is in the area. There are a couple of other little glitches like that in the story, but nothing that spoils my enjoyment of it.
I'm usually not a fan of novels that get heavily into historical detail. This one integrates relevant Scottish history, culture and customs into the plot, yet it kept me interested throughout. (Mr. Darcy in a kilt! YUM!) There are lovely descriptions of the unspoiled Scottish countryside that Elizabeth explores, as we all know she loves walking. I rather enjoy the dialogue written phonetically and with various Scottish words and phrases to allow the reader to “hear” how it sounds, although I imagine it could become distracting for some readers. The various storylines intersect and complement one another well, and I love the resolution of the problem for the villagers, which ends up directly involving Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Overall, it’s an easy-to-swallow history lesson mixed into a grand tale that has plenty of romance and intrigue. Clean read.
Darcy is so distraught at Elizabeth's refusal of his marriage proposal that he even stays away from Pemberley, as he has spent too much time imagining her there as his wife. He and Bingley are estranged over Darcy’s interference between his friend and Jane Bennet.
When Elizabeth tours the Peaks District with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, instead of encountering Darcy, she meets a Mr. Thomas Bailey, who is a Scottish estate owner. They hit it off and later, when he becomes aware of the scandal surrounding Lydia and the death of Mr. Bennet, he offers marriage to Elizabeth and support for her family. Although neither is in love, they are fond of each other and Elizabeth is happy to agree, resulting in a contented marriage for both.
Thomas brings her to Scotland, but not all of his family embraces his new wife because of their longstanding resentment against anything and anyone English. This is particularly true of Isobel Mackey, who refers to Elizabeth disdainfully as “Sassenach.” Tragedy strikes when Thomas's dead body is found at the foot of a cliff. Although there are no definite signs of foul play, it's hard to believe that he committed suicide or that it was an accident.
Elizabeth learns the true state of Thomas's finances, which isn't good, and comes under subtle pressure to sell the estate and property to neighboring landowners. One of the interested parties is Major Hector Mackay, a family member. She’s not convinced that selling is the best choice for all the local residents of Laramore, the neighboring village, but she may not have a choice.
Through a mutual friend, Darcy learns that Elizabeth is now a widow and that there are difficulties with her inheritance. It doesn't take long for him to travel to Scotland and offer his assistance to Mrs. Bailey. Naturally, Darcy proves his worth as a friend many times over. Elizabeth finds herself relying on him and confiding in him more and more, and she worries that her growing attraction to him is based on her need for his help rather than being in love.
Meanwhile, Georgiana has her own storyline. She develops a close friendship with Margaret Inglis and becomes smitten with Mr. James Inglis, a talented violinist, but he’s only a second son. It’s not Darcy or Colonel Fitzwilliam who try to redirect Georgiana’s attention but James’ father (Lord Dunbar) and older brother Alistair, who want her dowry for the heir in order to augment the depleted estate coffers.
I would expect the Bailey family members, Elizabeth and Darcy to be more wary and proactive about their protection when it seems very likely a murderer is in the area. There are a couple of other little glitches like that in the story, but nothing that spoils my enjoyment of it.
I'm usually not a fan of novels that get heavily into historical detail. This one integrates relevant Scottish history, culture and customs into the plot, yet it kept me interested throughout. (Mr. Darcy in a kilt! YUM!) There are lovely descriptions of the unspoiled Scottish countryside that Elizabeth explores, as we all know she loves walking. I rather enjoy the dialogue written phonetically and with various Scottish words and phrases to allow the reader to “hear” how it sounds, although I imagine it could become distracting for some readers. The various storylines intersect and complement one another well, and I love the resolution of the problem for the villagers, which ends up directly involving Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Overall, it’s an easy-to-swallow history lesson mixed into a grand tale that has plenty of romance and intrigue. Clean read.
August 15, 2018
If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday. ~ Pearl Buck
Whenever I watch a movie, I’m always immediately interested if this line comes on the screen: based on a true happening. As much as I appreciate authors who can create characters and stories out of their imagination, I also like to know these are things that actually could happen – actually did happen.
I didn’t read any reviews of this book until I had finished and rated it; so I was surprised to find many low ratings. It seems most of the review criticisms were on the order of “history-schmistory” – reviewers objected to the influence from actual historical events.
To Each His Own
Have It Your Way
Different Strokes for Different Folks
History is herstory, too. ~ Author Unknown
Elizabeth’s story begins with her trip to the Lakes where she forms a friendship with a young Scot, Thomas Bailey, who is fond of debate. Then “the letter” from Jane arrives. Lydia and Wickham are not found; although Lydia finds her way to the Gardiners when Wickham abandons her. Mr. Bennet dies and William Collins descends on Longbourn to evict the remaining Bennets. Into this chaos, comes Thomas Bailey with an offer to Elizabeth. He is not a rich man, but he is able to assist the Bennets. The couple marries and returns to his home in Scotland.
In a few short months, Elizabeth has met the extended Bailey family and settled into her new life. Her marriage is affectionate and she is contented.
Then tragedy: Thomas does not return when expected. His body is discovered at the base of a cliff. Did he fall from his horse? Was he walking and fell? Was he murdered?
Sin writes histories, goodness is silent. ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Now Elizabeth must contend with her inheritance of her husband’s land. Two offers to purchase are received. Both offers would change the lives of the people now residing on Laramore. Yet, Elizabeth wants to help support her Mother and sisters and needs to either sell or increase her income.
Darcy hears of Elizabeth’s situation and in typical Darcy-fashion, he assumes some responsibility. He travels to Scotland to aid the widow in any way possible.
Together, they look for a solution to the situation of the Laramore villagers.
This is a clean, well-edited story. It is a love story but not highly romantic. HEAs all around.
If you are a “history-schmistory” reader, you might not enjoy this.
I recommend it to everyone else.
As soon as histories are properly told there is no more need of romances. ~ Walt Whitman
Whenever I watch a movie, I’m always immediately interested if this line comes on the screen: based on a true happening. As much as I appreciate authors who can create characters and stories out of their imagination, I also like to know these are things that actually could happen – actually did happen.
I didn’t read any reviews of this book until I had finished and rated it; so I was surprised to find many low ratings. It seems most of the review criticisms were on the order of “history-schmistory” – reviewers objected to the influence from actual historical events.
To Each His Own
Have It Your Way
Different Strokes for Different Folks
History is herstory, too. ~ Author Unknown
Elizabeth’s story begins with her trip to the Lakes where she forms a friendship with a young Scot, Thomas Bailey, who is fond of debate. Then “the letter” from Jane arrives. Lydia and Wickham are not found; although Lydia finds her way to the Gardiners when Wickham abandons her. Mr. Bennet dies and William Collins descends on Longbourn to evict the remaining Bennets. Into this chaos, comes Thomas Bailey with an offer to Elizabeth. He is not a rich man, but he is able to assist the Bennets. The couple marries and returns to his home in Scotland.
In a few short months, Elizabeth has met the extended Bailey family and settled into her new life. Her marriage is affectionate and she is contented.
Then tragedy: Thomas does not return when expected. His body is discovered at the base of a cliff. Did he fall from his horse? Was he walking and fell? Was he murdered?
Sin writes histories, goodness is silent. ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Now Elizabeth must contend with her inheritance of her husband’s land. Two offers to purchase are received. Both offers would change the lives of the people now residing on Laramore. Yet, Elizabeth wants to help support her Mother and sisters and needs to either sell or increase her income.
Darcy hears of Elizabeth’s situation and in typical Darcy-fashion, he assumes some responsibility. He travels to Scotland to aid the widow in any way possible.
Together, they look for a solution to the situation of the Laramore villagers.
This is a clean, well-edited story. It is a love story but not highly romantic. HEAs all around.
If you are a “history-schmistory” reader, you might not enjoy this.
I recommend it to everyone else.
As soon as histories are properly told there is no more need of romances. ~ Walt Whitman
August 15, 2018
How many changes can occur before a P&P what if becomes something else? This story really alters P&P, moves the location and adds lots of new characters. In this book following the DP@H* Darcy and Bingley fled England for Ireland, Lizzy and Gardiners toured the lakes and Lydia wasn't immediately recovered. Also Mr. Bennet goes to the great book room in the sky and those Collinses take Longbourn.
In order to save her family Lizzy enters a marriage of 'inconvenience' to a Scottish laird and relocates to the highlands. Her husband, Thomas Bailey, is an intellectual, indolent man [remind us of anyone], don't worry team Darcy he's not long for this world. Soon Lizzy is a widow struggling to handle her estate and learning that her husband was not all he seemed.
Back in England Darcy is supervising Georgiana's come out and mourning the loss of Bingley; no he's not dead but upon learning of Darcy's & Caro's scheming about Jane Bennet's visit to London has fled the continent for the West Indies. Eventually Darcy learns of Lizzy's widowhood and Bingley learns of Darcy's change of heart regarding the Bennets.
Back in Scotland Lizzy is learning about the repercussions of her husband's decisions and the effect of the clearances** [the author has excellent after notes]. And Darcy is heading for Edinburgh to renew his acquaintance with the widow Bailey.
While I liked the story I can't give it 5 stars for the following hidden reasons
*Disastrous Proposal at Hunsford
** Highland clearances https://www.britannica.com/topic/High...
In order to save her family Lizzy enters a marriage of 'inconvenience' to a Scottish laird and relocates to the highlands. Her husband, Thomas Bailey, is an intellectual, indolent man [remind us of anyone], don't worry team Darcy he's not long for this world. Soon Lizzy is a widow struggling to handle her estate and learning that her husband was not all he seemed.
Back in England Darcy is supervising Georgiana's come out and mourning the loss of Bingley; no he's not dead but upon learning of Darcy's & Caro's scheming about Jane Bennet's visit to London has fled the continent for the West Indies. Eventually Darcy learns of Lizzy's widowhood and Bingley learns of Darcy's change of heart regarding the Bennets.
Back in Scotland Lizzy is learning about the repercussions of her husband's decisions and the effect of the clearances** [the author has excellent after notes]. And Darcy is heading for Edinburgh to renew his acquaintance with the widow Bailey.
While I liked the story I can't give it 5 stars for the following hidden reasons
*Disastrous Proposal at Hunsford
** Highland clearances https://www.britannica.com/topic/High...
August 25, 2018
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
Being a lover of Outlander I was familiar with how the English sought to destroy the clans' culture by outlawing their language, the wearing of kilts, etc. So that part of the author's writing was of interest from that standpoint. The explanation of her research and the links to further research at the end made me appreciate the work she put into the story. However, I have to add that I found the romance between Darcy and Elizabeth to be rather lacking.
Elizabeth has married a man who connects with her mind more than with the acts in the bedroom. Oh, they do have that part of marriage but it is not a passionate side to their relationship. When he dies mysteriously Elizabeth inherits an estate which is in trouble and she realizes that Thomas was not the best of managers and that he kept it a secret. On top of that is the fact that two parties are pressuring her to sell the estate to them. But knowing how caring Elizabeth is of others the reader can empathize with the fact that she seeks to find ways to protect the tenants of her lands. She is a first hand witness to the devastation forcing those off lands can cause. Although there are claims that they can find shelter in crofts near the sea she also learns of one who dies as her cottage is burned to force her out.
Darcy's life is empty and even with the care of Georgiana, especially as she comes out and finds a man who interests her, Darcy faces a bleak future. No other woman can fill the void left when Elizabeth rejected his proposal at Hunsford. When he reads of Thomas Bailey's death he travels to Scotland and makes the acquaintance of Elizabeth again and offers her help. The help extends to advice about that estate. An attack upon the couple and another death lead the couple and others to believe that perhaps Thomas' death was not the accident they at first believed it was.
So much attention is given to what is going on with land management in Scotland. The expansion of sheep farming is taking over and pushing people off the lands. A shepherd and a few dogs can manage those flocks of sheep just fine...thank you.
Elizabeth accepts Darcy's help but she is not ready to think of him in any other terms. She is in mourning for her husband. But she surprises herself when her first reaction is to run into his arms after a separation. She holds back but it does make her rethink her position.
This was interesting but, again, I would have enjoyed just a bit more spice.
Being a lover of Outlander I was familiar with how the English sought to destroy the clans' culture by outlawing their language, the wearing of kilts, etc. So that part of the author's writing was of interest from that standpoint. The explanation of her research and the links to further research at the end made me appreciate the work she put into the story. However, I have to add that I found the romance between Darcy and Elizabeth to be rather lacking.
Elizabeth has married a man who connects with her mind more than with the acts in the bedroom. Oh, they do have that part of marriage but it is not a passionate side to their relationship. When he dies mysteriously Elizabeth inherits an estate which is in trouble and she realizes that Thomas was not the best of managers and that he kept it a secret. On top of that is the fact that two parties are pressuring her to sell the estate to them. But knowing how caring Elizabeth is of others the reader can empathize with the fact that she seeks to find ways to protect the tenants of her lands. She is a first hand witness to the devastation forcing those off lands can cause. Although there are claims that they can find shelter in crofts near the sea she also learns of one who dies as her cottage is burned to force her out.
Darcy's life is empty and even with the care of Georgiana, especially as she comes out and finds a man who interests her, Darcy faces a bleak future. No other woman can fill the void left when Elizabeth rejected his proposal at Hunsford. When he reads of Thomas Bailey's death he travels to Scotland and makes the acquaintance of Elizabeth again and offers her help. The help extends to advice about that estate. An attack upon the couple and another death lead the couple and others to believe that perhaps Thomas' death was not the accident they at first believed it was.
So much attention is given to what is going on with land management in Scotland. The expansion of sheep farming is taking over and pushing people off the lands. A shepherd and a few dogs can manage those flocks of sheep just fine...thank you.
Elizabeth accepts Darcy's help but she is not ready to think of him in any other terms. She is in mourning for her husband. But she surprises herself when her first reaction is to run into his arms after a separation. She holds back but it does make her rethink her position.
This was interesting but, again, I would have enjoyed just a bit more spice.
August 21, 2018
This Pride and Prejudice variation has Elizabeth accepting the offer of a Scottish gentleman after the death of her father. He likes her mind and is willing to help support her mom & sisters while Jane moves to London to help the Gardiners. Darcy realizes that he has lost his chance until Elizabeth's husband mysteriously dies and she needs help. He inserts himself in her life to help.
I love the Scottish part of the story with the dialect and the concept of clans - the what they could/could not do as they became part of the United Kingdom. I love the Georgiana storyline and how strong the women are in this story.
I am not as familiar with what a widow can do compared to a maiden, but some of our dear couples interactions seems like it would be frowned upon by the establishment - not in a "ratings" way just lots of time, traveling, etc.
Overall, I enjoyed the story.
I love the Scottish part of the story with the dialect and the concept of clans - the what they could/could not do as they became part of the United Kingdom. I love the Georgiana storyline and how strong the women are in this story.
I am not as familiar with what a widow can do compared to a maiden, but some of our dear couples interactions seems like it would be frowned upon by the establishment - not in a "ratings" way just lots of time, traveling, etc.
Overall, I enjoyed the story.
March 22, 2022
Very interesting! I liked reading about the Scotland life. Darcy to the rescue, which gives ODC a chance to learn to know one another. Then there is all the intrigue that greed can bring with it...
May 4, 2022
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this story. Completely non-canonical but I’ve been liking these versions more and more. There’s a big cast of completely new characters and it’s set in the Highlands of Scotland…duh.
There’s a lovely tone to this story and a lot happens in less than 250 pages, yet there’s great story development and we really get to know the large cast of characters. Really well done. I’m looking forward to reading more from M.A. Sandiford.
To summarize:
Lizzy marries Thomas, a Scot, and they move to the family estate in the Highlands. Elizabeth naturally has to adjust living in a new country with her new husband’s family as well as being so far away from her beloved Jane and other sisters and mother. Unfortunately, Thomas dies in a riding accident and Elizabeth is left a widow and inherits a portion of his estate. Thomas’ family wants to buy Lizzy out in order to expand their land and use it for sheep farming. Elizabeth is unsure what is the best course of action. Not just for herself, but for her sisters and mother who rely on the small amount of money that she sends them as well as what will happen to the villagers if she does decide to sell her portion of the estate.
Enter Darcy…
(back story: Darcy and Bingley have a major fallout. Bingley leaves England and joins his cousin in the West Indies working on their sugar plantation.)
Darcy learns that Elizabeth is recently widowed and travels all the way to Scotland to help her and hopefully atone for what’s happened to her family.
(more back story: Jane lives in London with the Gardiners and helps to take of her young cousins. Mary, Kitty and Lydia live with their mother in a tiny little cottage in Meryton. Mr Bennet had died. They have lost Longbourn to the Collinses and are basically shunned by the neighborhood at large.)
Back to Scotland:
Elizabeth receives a marriage proposal from Hector, a relation of Thomas. Not only does Hector want her share of the estate but he wants Elizabeth, too. He finds a rival in Darcy and he’s not happy about it.
Darcy arrives and advises Elizabeth. She realizes that he still loves her after all this time, but Lizzy does not want to marry again simply for money and convenience. In time she changes her mind, but it’s a ways down the road.
Lots of happy endings in this one:
Colonel Fitzwilliam marries Isobel, the headstrong and beautiful Highland lass.
Georgiana suffers some trials and grows up quite a bit but ultimately marries the man she loves.
Jane and Bingley are reunited and marry.
And lastly, Darcy and Elizabeth marry.
As other reviewers have mentioned, there is little romance in this story and I wish there was more as well. But it’s still a great story and one I wouldn’t mind rereading again. I realized I finished reading it in a day; it was hard to put down.
I really enjoyed this story. Completely non-canonical but I’ve been liking these versions more and more. There’s a big cast of completely new characters and it’s set in the Highlands of Scotland…duh.
There’s a lovely tone to this story and a lot happens in less than 250 pages, yet there’s great story development and we really get to know the large cast of characters. Really well done. I’m looking forward to reading more from M.A. Sandiford.
To summarize:
Lizzy marries Thomas, a Scot, and they move to the family estate in the Highlands. Elizabeth naturally has to adjust living in a new country with her new husband’s family as well as being so far away from her beloved Jane and other sisters and mother. Unfortunately, Thomas dies in a riding accident and Elizabeth is left a widow and inherits a portion of his estate. Thomas’ family wants to buy Lizzy out in order to expand their land and use it for sheep farming. Elizabeth is unsure what is the best course of action. Not just for herself, but for her sisters and mother who rely on the small amount of money that she sends them as well as what will happen to the villagers if she does decide to sell her portion of the estate.
Enter Darcy…
(back story: Darcy and Bingley have a major fallout. Bingley leaves England and joins his cousin in the West Indies working on their sugar plantation.)
Darcy learns that Elizabeth is recently widowed and travels all the way to Scotland to help her and hopefully atone for what’s happened to her family.
(more back story: Jane lives in London with the Gardiners and helps to take of her young cousins. Mary, Kitty and Lydia live with their mother in a tiny little cottage in Meryton. Mr Bennet had died. They have lost Longbourn to the Collinses and are basically shunned by the neighborhood at large.)
Back to Scotland:
Elizabeth receives a marriage proposal from Hector, a relation of Thomas. Not only does Hector want her share of the estate but he wants Elizabeth, too. He finds a rival in Darcy and he’s not happy about it.
Darcy arrives and advises Elizabeth. She realizes that he still loves her after all this time, but Lizzy does not want to marry again simply for money and convenience. In time she changes her mind, but it’s a ways down the road.
Lots of happy endings in this one:
Colonel Fitzwilliam marries Isobel, the headstrong and beautiful Highland lass.
Georgiana suffers some trials and grows up quite a bit but ultimately marries the man she loves.
Jane and Bingley are reunited and marry.
And lastly, Darcy and Elizabeth marry.
As other reviewers have mentioned, there is little romance in this story and I wish there was more as well. But it’s still a great story and one I wouldn’t mind rereading again. I realized I finished reading it in a day; it was hard to put down.
August 2, 2018
In this “Pride & Prejudice” variation, the latest by M. A. Sandiford (who also wrote “Darcy’s Trial” and “Darcy’s Journey”), Elizabeth is a young Scottish widow! Darcy, who could never forget Elizabeth, having heard of her financial troubles following the death of her husband – Highland laird Thomas – travels to Scotland hoping to help her and, perhaps, for a reconciliation. It was great to read about Elizabeth and Darcy walking the streets of Edinburgh, and see them react to the ideas of the Scottish Enlightenment, exemplified by thinkers like Adam Smith and David Hume. There are also beautiful descriptions of the Highlands, where some of the story takes place. I learned about the history of the Highland Clearances, the eviction of tenants in the Highlands to make space for sheep-rearing, which sadly led to the disintegration of many Scottish communities. A really interesting, well-researched story! I found it quite moving in places. There is a pleasing romantic tension between Elizabeth and Darcy, and also a sweet side story involving Darcy’s sister Georgiana.
November 5, 2019
My Rating: 3.5* rounded up to 4*
"...he found it impossible to return to normal life. All had lost its savour." (quote from the book)
The story starts in August of 1812 in Dublin, Ireland. Charles Bingley is still trying to find an estate after absconding from Netherfield, and Mr. Darcy is still licking his wounds after the Hunsford proposal. Little do either men know that a letter from Caroline will change everything.
I was looking forward to reading this story as most of it takes place in Scotland...the Highlands in particular. However, I did find the approach, especially the start, a bit disjointed and frustrating. Maybe, that was intentional...to make the reader feel Darcy's frustration. It wasn't until the middle of the book that I came to truly enjoy the story, and the history that is woven in. My emotions were then truly engaged.
"She wept, no longer with bitterness, or fear, but from gratitude for having known him, and from love. Of a certain kind." (quote from the book)
There is a murder/mystery, another favourite genre of mine, that is also incorporated into this story. It certainly added a level of angst to the story as to who would be next. I had my suspicions as to who the main mastermind was, but one of the accomplices took me by surprise. I certainly enjoyed imagining Mr. Darcy in a kilt, and I loved how the title reflects more than one meaning.
This is my second book by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed 'Darcy's Journey' and look forward to reading 'Darcy's Trial' and 'Darcy's Redemption'.
April 26, 2020
Well-written, compelling, Mr D in a kilt, Scotland, etc. Terrific!
Reread: Yes, as before!
Reread: Yes, as before!
June 22, 2020
Lizzy doesn’t meet darcy at Pemberley
She and the Gardiners visit the lake region instead. But no problem, she finds a well to do Scottish man to marry. No problem for her.
There is an HEA but I didn’t really believe it. Well written but not an enjoyable romance. Realistic? Probably. I won’t read it again.
She and the Gardiners visit the lake region instead. But no problem, she finds a well to do Scottish man to marry. No problem for her.
There is an HEA but I didn’t really believe it. Well written but not an enjoyable romance. Realistic? Probably. I won’t read it again.
August 11, 2021
Good writing
Reviewed in Canada on November 13, 2019
I like this author’s writing very much, but this particular story isn’t my favorite. I just didn’t feel the story of the highlands fit it well with ODC’s story. Any names could have been placed into it as well. Good work though.
Reviewed in Canada on November 13, 2019
I like this author’s writing very much, but this particular story isn’t my favorite. I just didn’t feel the story of the highlands fit it well with ODC’s story. Any names could have been placed into it as well. Good work though.
April 21, 2020
I'm not sure what I was expecting but Mr Darcy calling Colonel Fitzwilliam "cuz" wasn't on the list. I was curious enough about what would happen to keep reading but some little details didn't seem to fit (for my liking).
June 25, 2024
Its a very interesting book. It has angst, mystery, thrill and romance
Elizabeth has rejected Darcy, She tours lakes instead of Pemberley, so when Lydia elopes, there is no help and mr. Bennet succumbs to illness. Bennets fall hard on but with assistance from Elizabeth's husband, whom she had met in Lakes tour. A Scottish laird. Darcy confesses everything to bingley and loses his friend. Bingley moves to Caribbean fully embracing the trade. This is the premise and then we met the Scottish lairds and ladies, the Mackey's.
Darcy is much changed after his rejection by E and loss of Bingley's friendship. He just lives for G looking after her and nurturing her to be confident young woman.
E's husband dies in mysterious circumstances and she is fighting for his inheritance. enter Darcy who learns of her difficulty during G's almack's introduction. Elizabeth is suspicious, still prejudices against him but accepts his help. gradually they have good friendship between them. G falls for a second son of Scottish laird and travels to Edinburgh with Colonel F to join Darcy
what follows is Darcy's persistence, E's headstrongness as well as kindness and strength of character. E still judges things as she wants to almost pays the price of not heeding warnings by Darcy by returning to highlands and almost losing Darcy same way as her husband. That moment makes her realise what she has been ignoring that she actually loves Darcy
I would have liked E's realization to come more slowly with enough exploration because her mistrust and unfair treatment of him continues much the first half of the book so i would have liked she eating the humble pie a bit more thoroughly
Lots of highland characters and all of the Mackey's play a major role in the story including Isobel. I loved to read more of highland customs and rituals.
Overall a very nice book which you wont be able to put down once you start it
Elizabeth has rejected Darcy, She tours lakes instead of Pemberley, so when Lydia elopes, there is no help and mr. Bennet succumbs to illness. Bennets fall hard on but with assistance from Elizabeth's husband, whom she had met in Lakes tour. A Scottish laird. Darcy confesses everything to bingley and loses his friend. Bingley moves to Caribbean fully embracing the trade. This is the premise and then we met the Scottish lairds and ladies, the Mackey's.
Darcy is much changed after his rejection by E and loss of Bingley's friendship. He just lives for G looking after her and nurturing her to be confident young woman.
E's husband dies in mysterious circumstances and she is fighting for his inheritance. enter Darcy who learns of her difficulty during G's almack's introduction. Elizabeth is suspicious, still prejudices against him but accepts his help. gradually they have good friendship between them. G falls for a second son of Scottish laird and travels to Edinburgh with Colonel F to join Darcy
what follows is Darcy's persistence, E's headstrongness as well as kindness and strength of character. E still judges things as she wants to almost pays the price of not heeding warnings by Darcy by returning to highlands and almost losing Darcy same way as her husband. That moment makes her realise what she has been ignoring that she actually loves Darcy
I would have liked E's realization to come more slowly with enough exploration because her mistrust and unfair treatment of him continues much the first half of the book so i would have liked she eating the humble pie a bit more thoroughly
Lots of highland characters and all of the Mackey's play a major role in the story including Isobel. I loved to read more of highland customs and rituals.
Overall a very nice book which you wont be able to put down once you start it
July 26, 2019
Avid Reader
I don't remember ever reading anything by this author, but I have to give it two thumbs up for the way that it begins, a break between Darcy and Bingley after he reveals his and Bingley 's sisters interference which caused his separation from Jane. A letter from Caroline to Bingley forced Darcy to tell the truth. Mr. Bennet is dead, and Elizabeth married a Scotland laird who was murdered. He married her in spite of Lydia 's disgrace and provided a home in Meryton while he and Elizabeth lived in Scotland. All of the main characters experience significant changes and evolve as mature, respectful, and strong. There are five HEA couples, two murders, and an attempted murder.
I don't remember ever reading anything by this author, but I have to give it two thumbs up for the way that it begins, a break between Darcy and Bingley after he reveals his and Bingley 's sisters interference which caused his separation from Jane. A letter from Caroline to Bingley forced Darcy to tell the truth. Mr. Bennet is dead, and Elizabeth married a Scotland laird who was murdered. He married her in spite of Lydia 's disgrace and provided a home in Meryton while he and Elizabeth lived in Scotland. All of the main characters experience significant changes and evolve as mature, respectful, and strong. There are five HEA couples, two murders, and an attempted murder.
September 2, 2018
LOved the story, though so many characters I can't remember who they are (though i know they were introduced as the story progresses. I was distracted by the Scottish language. i had to reread so I can understand what is being said. My vocabulary may be poor but this shows me it is even poorer, some English words are not familiar to me. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this story to the end. I appreciate the author's hardwork , merging history with fiction and detailing them at the end.
August 21, 2018
Interesting read - 3.5 stars from me.
This is a quite different follow-up to Pride and Prejudice. Lizzy has married a Scottish laird, who is subsequently killed. Mr Darcy finds out and goes to Scotland to help her. What follows is an interesting mix of romance and history of after the Clearances. This book kept my attention, but is not one I'd rush to read again.
This is a quite different follow-up to Pride and Prejudice. Lizzy has married a Scottish laird, who is subsequently killed. Mr Darcy finds out and goes to Scotland to help her. What follows is an interesting mix of romance and history of after the Clearances. This book kept my attention, but is not one I'd rush to read again.
October 19, 2018
Wow, this is a huge departure from any other variation I've ever read of P&P. It is obviously well researched and utterly fascinating; well written as well. It veers pretty far away from canon, so if you're not into that, you may not like it. But if you're open to a broad interpretation, this is a good read.
October 19, 2018
Well written and very enjoyable
Love historical fiction, especially when backed by some true facts. Really enjoyed this story; good pace and believable characters. Of course made more enjoyable with the P&P angle. Well done!
Love historical fiction, especially when backed by some true facts. Really enjoyed this story; good pace and believable characters. Of course made more enjoyable with the P&P angle. Well done!
August 29, 2021
A very well constructed story with a lot of history woven in to a very different Darcy and Elizabeth story. Full of intrigue and adventure I recommended this to all fans who are looking for a different twist.
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