Any Fair Interference by Nan Harrison ★★★★★
Caroline Bingley hates Hertfordshire and is keen to drag her brother to London. She and friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy persuade Bingley that the woman he loves, does not return his affections. They even suggest, Jane Bennet might marry him to gain security for her family.
Darcy is desperate to leave as he is infatuated with Elizabeth Bennet, who he feels is unsuitable to be Mrs Darcy.
In London, Darcy continues to battle with his desire versus his duty to family. Eventually, he flees home to Pemberley.
Meanwhile, Bingley is miserable and heartbroken.
At Longbourn, Jane is heartbroken and tormented by her mother, who won’t stop wailing about Mr Bingley’s defection.
On Boxing Day, Mr Bennet becomes ill and takes to his bed, never to leave it.
As snow and freezing weather grips the country, Elizabeth takes on managing the estate. When the snow keeps the estate workers away, she takes on the labour needed to tend the animals. In addition to this, Elizabeth tends her ailing father and tries to placate her vindictive mother.
Fortunately, her sisters rally around. Lydia is a revelation, showing a fine aptitude with a pitchfork.
Darcy is snowed in at Pemberley for weeks. In between sterling efforts to ensure all on his estate are safe and warm during the winter, he broods. He realises that his infatuation has become love, but still feels he cannot have her.
In London, Caroline meets an old schoolmate, who invites her into her home and provides her with access to the highest circles of Society. She is delighted and eschews all contact with her family.
Unsurprisingly, she is not missed. Mr Hurst is delighted to have her away from his wife, Louisa. Married for the convenience of Louisa Bingley’s dowry, their relationship has been a business arrangement. Taking advantage of Caroline’s absence, he decides to court his wife. While initially surprised Louisa is delighted when they develop a relationship of true love and affection.
When the winter is over, the Bennet’s must leave Longbourn.
Elizabeth goes to stay with her relatives in London. The struggle of the winter, combined with grief over her loss and her mother’s spite, tip Elizabeth into the deepest depression.
But there is one man determined to help pull her back.
What a wonderful book!
As Lizzy and Darcy both face trials, they each come to esteem each other.
Darcy very gently draws Elizabeth from her depression.
They come together in the deepest love.
All the characters are developed on from canon.
Hurst shows hidden depth. Lydia and Kitty find new maturity.
Caroline gaining access to the highest circles and being unbelievably crass and embarrassing was like watching a car crash in slow motion.
Georgiana finds the strength to overcome her shyness.
Anne de Bourgh is funny, forthright and delighted to help Darcy in his quest for Elizabeth.
It is lovely to see Bingley being resolute and arriving at exactly the time he is needed.
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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