There You Were by Michelle Ray ★★★★☆
“I was not looking for love, but there you were.”
Elizabeth Bennet and her only sister, Jane grow up at Longbourn with only a neglectful father, having been abandoned by their mother. The scandal of this abandonment leaves the family on the very margins of society, despite being born gentry.
Neglected Lizzy, given little education and no social polish, makes an impetuous decision, resulting in forced marriage to James Fitzwilliam, younger son of the Earl of Broxbourne.
The family despise Lizzy and do the barest minimum to assist the pair. James
has a commission as Lieutenant Colonel, which yields a small income. He is
given access to a small plot of land to build a house on. Fortunately, his
cousin Darcy builds a small house for them.
With little income and no staff, Lizzy lives the hard life of a soldier's wife.
(This is what would have been Lydia's lot in life, in Pride & Prejudice).
As the years go by and the children come, her burden increases. James
Fitzwilliam, while a good man is increasingly scarred both physically and
mentally by the years of war.
Darcy is a most excellent friend to them both, from the beginning.
This is a tough read at times, but the HEA comes eventually and is definitely
worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a
review. All views expressed are my own.
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