A Maid of No Consequence: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Lucy C Milton. ★★★★☆

Following his disastrous proposal to Elizabeth Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy bends the rules of propriety by writing a letter to defend himself from her accusations.

Elizabeth finds her opinion of him much improved. She replies to his letter, encouraging him to seek her out in Hertfordshire. 

The letter never reaches him.

News of a family tragedy forces her immediate return home. The Bennet sisters find themselves cast to the four winds, with no support or resources.

Five years later, Elizabeth is working in service to the aristocratic Pollard family. Sadly, their treatment of their staff is distinctly less noble.

Elizabeth is already exhibiting a bruise on her face, when she ventures onto the street to assist a child. 

She comes face to face with a wealthy gentleman who also seeks to aid the child. 

It is none other than Fitzwilliam Darcy.

Embarrassed at her lowly status, she retreats down the steps, only to trip on a bucket of muddy water and land on her face.

Darcy has never forgotten Elizabeth and loves her still. He is shocked to see Elizabeth in her changed status and wants to understand what happened.

In this variation Darcy is totally swoon worthy. 

He offers help but doesn't try to take over.

When Elizabeth's situation becomes desperate he comes to the rescue. Elizabeth's pride soon gives way to relief at having someone look after her, for the first time in years.

A pleasing debut from the author.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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