Nameless by Julie Cooper ★★★★★
After losing her home and loved ones twice in seven years, Elizabeth Bennet has found work as a companion to the disagreeable, Dowager Countess of Matlock.
So much has been lost and changed, she barely remembers the events that followed “Netherfield Park being let at last” in 1811. Fitzwilliam Darcy is a faint memory.
A family member visiting the countess, turns out to be Mr Darcy. Still wealthy, handsome and recently widowed, Mr Darcy shocks Elizabeth with a proposal.
Experience has taught her not to squander opportunities, so she accepts. Although Darcy is grim and solemn at first, Elizabeth is delighted to enjoy a passionate and idyllic wedding tour, as they slowly wend their way to Pemberley.
At Pemberley, his first wife’s presence is everywhere, as is her vicious mother, Mrs de Bourgh.
And so progresses a tale of secrets, lies, debauchery, scandal, gossip and maybe even murder.
This is an excellent homage to both Pride and prejudice and Rebecca.
Darcy is so grim and stoic, but gradually unburdens himself with Elizabeth's loving patience. Darcy truly is the best of men, but boy does he try to hide it!
I love the familiar Austen canon character names, but placed in different situations. Tilney as a lovely brother in law. Mr Ferrers, Nurse Rook, Mr Martin. It was fun identifying which book they are from.
And of course, our villains.
The ever repellent, Wickham and the obsessed, malevolent Mrs De Bourgh are unutterably vile.
I loved this. It is well written, engaging, with a satisfying denouement.
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