Worthy of Her Trust by Melissa Anne ★★★★★

Beth Bennet from Meryton married well to Frederick Tomlinson. Their daughter Elizabeth Rose, soon becomes an orphan, but is raised by loving grandparents at the family estate Briarwood. 

As a little girl, she regularly spends time with family friends, the Darcys and Fitzwilliams.

On the death of her grandparents, the now wealthy heiress goes to live with Bennet relations. A substantial stipend follows her, ensuring funds for care appropriate to her station.

Elizabeth's uncle Edward is master of Longbourn and a confirmed batchelor.

He is kind and makes sure that she is well cared for. Unfortunately, his death only months later, turns her world upside down.

Youngest son, Thomas Bennet is master and arrives with his wife and four daughters.

Almost immediately Fanny Bennet redirects resources and care to her daughters. 

Over time, Elizabeth is told she is Lizzy Bennet, poor relation and is laughed at if she mentions memories of her other family. 

The Bennet's even allow the neighbourhood to believe that Lizzy is Edward Bennet's natural child.

When we meet adult Lizzy, she has no idea of her status and inheritance. Worse Mr Bennet has no plans to tell her.

Fitzwilliam Darcy attends the Meryton assembly and encounters the kind, diffident Elizabeth Bennet. He feels a glimmer of recognition, but can't place her. 

They start to meet each other on Oakham Mount and a courtship develops, but things are complicated when Darcy remembers who she really is!

I absolutely loved this. It was really hard to put down.

Featuring a horrible Mr and Mrs Bennet. 

Offset by a really sweet Darcy 

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.

Amazon review

Goodreads review