Mr. Darcy and Mrs. Fitzwilliam: a Pride and Prejudice variation by Valerie Lennox ★★★★☆


The morning after the dreadful Hunsford proposal, Darcy seeks out Elizabeth, with a letter defending himself and explaining the truth about George Wickham.

As he approaches, Elizabeth meets Colonel Fitzwilliam, on his way home from a very successful night gambling. So successful, that he has won an estate and funds to support a family. He proposes on the spot and is accepted. Darcy retreats unseen.

So begins a twenty-year marriage, to a man who becomes steadily less amiable, the more he drinks. He has fits of jealousy, convinced Elizabeth and Darcy care for each other. Although he was an excellent soldier, he is a poor estate manager. So, Elizabeth must raise her children, run her household and take over running the estate.

When Fitzwilliam dies, Darcy and Elizabeth are drawn together, but Elizabeth is determined never to marry again, unwilling to lose her independence. What will the outcome be?

I really enjoyed this. It shows the gritty reality of life and marriage. It was good to see Darcy and Elizabeth as a mature couple.

Well worth reading.

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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