Reputation, An Easy Thing to Lose by E.M. Storm-Smith ★★★★☆
Fitzwilliam Darcy is ardently in love with Elizabeth Bennet. Unfortunately, due to pride and misunderstandings, Elizabeth rejects his proposal in a most vehement manner. She comes to realise that he is the best of men and she loves him. When they meet again at his estate, Pemberley, their future felicity seems in reach. Devastating news rips them apart. Youngest sister Lydia Bennet has eloped with George Wickham. Mr Bennet searches for them in the slums of London. When he finds them, Wickham refuses to marry Lydia without a large dowry. Money that Bennet does not have. Mr Bennet challenges Wickham to a duel. Wickham is killed, but he shot Mr Bennet who later dies of infection. The Bennet family are evicted from their entailed estate and face possible ruin. This becomes almost certain when Lydia is found to be with child. Elizabeth moves to London to live with her aunt and uncle. Darcy comes to her and proposes again. Elizabeth is heartbroken to have to refuse again. She won’t expose Da...