Irresistibly Alone by Julie Cooper. ★★★★★★★★★★
Always her father’s favourite, she felt secure in his love and respect.
Many happy hours were spent together in his book room, reading, debating and sharing the quiet peace.
On the day of the Netherfield ball, Mr Bennet summons her.
One brief conversation destroys all of her plans for the future, her faith in her father and her equanimity.
He has arranged a marriage for her, to Mr Goulding, a man older than her father, a man she thinks of as an uncle.
Goulding needs an heir, after the recent death of his son and Bennet owes him a debt.
Unfortunately, Elizabeth is to pay that debt.
The only concession is a small delay to allow Elizabeth to come to terms with the match.
Elizabeth is grief stricken at her loss of choice, of hope, of all she had planned.
Although forced to attend the ball, Elizabeth rapidly seeks sanctuary in the dark, frosty garden.
When Fitzwilliam Darcy entered Hertfordshire Society, he presented himself as proud and haughty, declaring Elizabeth not handsome enough to tempt him when they first met.
Unfortunately, Elizabeth heard the insult and was determined to despise him.
Time has shown him that Elizabeth is indeed tempting and he believes himself to be infatuated with her.
Darcy follows Elizabeth into the garden, concerned that she seems distressed. Elizabeth reveals the news of her forced betrothal and breaks down in tears.
Darcy is remarkably kind and comforting.
So begins an unlikely friendship.
They meet while out walking on a snowy day and Darcy leads Elizabeth to a folly for shelter.
He has arranged for fires to be lit and food provided. Then he presents her with the key.
Elizabeth tries to come to terms with her fate, but has no appetite and isn’t sleeping.
She visits the folly regularly, finding sanctuary from her sorrows. Each time Darcy has added another refinement, a comfortable chair, cushions, delicacies to tempt her appetite.
Eventually, Elizabeth realises that she has fallen in love with Darcy and determines that she should no longer go to the folly.
She leaves a note for Darcy.
“I spent this leisurely morning of reading wrapped in the loveliest, softest shawl in the world, and pretended—just this once, I promise—that it was your embrace keeping me warm and secure.”
Darcy has realised that infatuation was a massive understatement!
“Watching over you while you slept, realising it was the first and last time I would ever have that privilege… the thought was abhorrent.”
Every time I read a new Julie Cooper book, I think that she can’t possibly do even better.
This is her finest yet.
Her portrayal of Elizabeth’s feelings of grief and betrayal are devastating.
This Darcy is such an excellent man. Kind, thoughtful, compassionate and generous.
I would give this ten stars if I could!
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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