The Marriage Bargain by Lucy Marin ★★★★☆
He either sells Pemberley to pay off debt incurred by several generations of Darcys or enters a marriage of convenience to a wealthy woman.
The state of both estate and family reputation means the once “brilliant match” to a Society lady no longer seems possible. He thinks himself in love with Caroline Bingley, but her modest dowry is not enough.
His mentor suggests a particular lady, who is connected to trade but extremely wealthy.
Elizabeth Bennet also wishes for a marriage of convenience, having been plagued by fortune hunting rakes.
A bargain is made and they marry.
Darcy’s attitude from the beginning is unpleasant regarding both Elizabeth’s money and status.
He is angry that his father and grandfather have left Pemberley with vast debt and much neglected. The Darcy name has lost respect and he has no money.
He chooses to marry Elizabeth for her money, then has the audacity to resent her for it.
She is the orphaned daughter of a landed gentleman, raised by her uncle, who is a very successful tradesman.
Both Darcy and Society ignore her gentle birth and disparage her connexions to trade.
Elizabeth makes a great effort to restore the shabby Pemberley, so that is at least comfortable for them. She puts in place plans to repair and redecorate so that Pemberley is returned to its former glory.
Darcy, Georgiana and Elizabeth begin to settle into a happy life together over the winter.
However, the Season beckons.
Elizabeth strives to establish herself in Society. She is hampered by Darcy’s unwillingness to introduce her and to show he values her.
Darcy is embarrassed by gossip about marrying for money and doesn’t want to be present when Elizabeth is slighted. Thus, Society treats her with even more contempt.
Elizabeth holds in her emotions due to her early life experience. Darcy interprets this as resilience; thus she gets no support.
Add to this Caroline Bingley dropping poison in the ears of Darcy and Society about Elizabeth, and the Fitzwilliam family are vile, to all the Darcy family.
I enjoyed reading the book but this Darcy vexed me!
There is a similarity to Being Mrs Darcy but it felt a bit flat in comparison.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Amazon review
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