Without Undue Pride by Heather Moll ★★★★★

Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, the second son of Earl Fitzwilliam, knows that he should marry a woman of the Ton. His family expect breeding and connections. He needs wealth, as he will inherit nothing.

As Richard is about to return to fight in Spain, he chooses love and a woman to comfort and care for him.

He meets Elizabeth Bennet at a dance. She is beautiful, intelligent and lively. A whirlwind courtship occurs. Elizabeth is from minor gentry, with no dowry so the Matlock's are appalled. 

Only his cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy stands by him.

After only a week of marriage they set off for Spain. The adjustment from newly wed to army wife is hard, but Elizabeth hopes to settle in to it, especially as she is already with child.

Then it is over. After only six weeks of marriage, she is a destitute widow. 

She eventually manages to get home, but the trauma and privations that she faced have changed her forever heart, mind and soul.

She has a profound distrust of men having power over her. She was rejected by her in-laws, ignored by her father and even her beloved husband neglected to provide for her.

Darcy sees it as a duty and honour to care for his cousins widow, particularly when Richard's brother threatens to take the child.

Pemberley provides sanctuary whilst in mourning and awaiting the birth.

While Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam become close friends, she is desperate for independence. Even when she realises that she loves him, her fear of trusting men makes her push him away.

This Darcy is kind, honourable and loving. 

Elizabeth is very obviously traumatised by her experiences. When reading the book, I found her many repeated avowals, that she cannot marry again to get a little irritating. 

However, as the story progresses, you can see that she was not entirely rational during her pregnancy and was almost phobic about trusting anyone. 

As she discovers, betrayal can come from the most unexpected people.

Watching Elizabeth Fitzwilliam putting her life back together is heartbreaking, compelling and oh so gratifying!

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