𝑀𝑦 𝐽𝐴𝐹𝐹 𝑂𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛

I never expected an origin story for Lady Catherine de Bourgh to be a tearjerker, but this really is. There are four children born to Earl Barringer. The heir, Viscount Ashby, stolid and dull; Lady Eloise the vibrant, beautiful, perfect lady; the youngest, Lady Anne is headstrong with little care for the rules of propriety.  In the middle is Lady Catherine. Her mother's least favourite child.  She was raised to meet the exacting standards of her mother, Countess Barringer and suppressed her own feelings and opinions to achieve it.  Lady Eloise had a cradle betrothal with the wealthy, handsome George Darcy. When Eloise dies, the Countess expects Lady Catherine to step into her sister's place.  No matter that nobody asked George what he wants. Catherine is dreadfully aware that she is inferior to Eloise in every way, but still she is blamed when George finds someone more to his liking. The author portrays so well, Lady Catherine's confusion and frustration when doing e...

This pride and prejudice variation is a novella which would serve as a second epilogue to How to Marry an Accomplished Lady but is enjoyable as a stand alone short story. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mary Bennet became friends in Hertfordshire, whilst helping Darcy and Elizabeth deflect the machinations of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Now in London for the Season, could that friendship become something more? A diverting vignette, perfect for an afternoon of coffee, cake and a comfortable sofa! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Goodreads review

Elizabeth Bennet is visiting Mr & Mrs Collins at the Hunsford Parsonage. The odious Mr Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam are also in Hunsford, at Rosings, home of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Elizabeth has a very poor opinion of Darcy and while he admires her, he struggles with the inferiority of her status and family. Overhearing a conversation between Darcy and the Colonel, resolves a great many misunderstandings. Can a little Divine intervention help them overcome their pride and prejudice? Does true felicity await them? A good novella and the Christian element is not overdone. 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

The prologue, set in 1807 is delightful, romantic and whimsical. Fitzwilliam Darcy is travelling in Yorkshire when he meets The Girl (Elizabeth Bennet). Both are staying in a country village and meet by a stream, while exploring the countryside.  They don't share names but meet for three delightful early morning walks.  The memories are precious to both of them and Darcy has tried to find her for five years.  When we meet Fitzwilliam Darcy in 1811, he carries a dark shadow with him. We see both his reticence and the concern of his friend Walsh and cousin Fitzwilliam.  Darcy is adamant that he will not marry due to the potential impact on a wife and children. I wondered if this was going to be Gothic. Fitzwilliam Darcy - Werewolf! In reality the "shadow" is slightly less mysterious but equally dangerous. A diagnosis that many physicians likened to lunacy.  Darcy fears that if his secret is shared, he may find himself committed to an asylum.  When Darcy meet...