A Debt to be Paid: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by MJ Stratton. ★★★★☆

When Netherfield Park changes hands, the new owner Damian Fiennes, charms local Society. 

Mother's view him as eligible and the gentlemen enjoy his company.

The 15 year old Elizabeth Bennet, newly launched on Society is uneasy in Fiennes company and tries to avoid him. 

In truth, Fiennes is a nasty character who manipulates Mr Bennet and Elizabeth, leaving no alternative but a forced marriage.

This is hard to read, because you can see what is going to happen but have to watch it slowly unfold.

Elizabeth struggles to find her feet as a 15 year old wife to a narcissistic abuser. 

She is saved by an encounter in the park. The young widowed Countess of Westland had a very similar marriage. 

The friendship and support make life bearable, just.

When the marriage is ended by the sudden death of Fiennes, Elizabeth has to find her way in life as a widow.

The friendship with Fitzwilliam Darcy is sweet and gentle, but before it can become anything else, Elizabeth disappears from London. 

When they meet again many years later, the friendship is rekindled and they grow closer. However, her experience has given Elizabeth, a great fear of ever being in anyone's power. 

She cannot imagine another marriage but Darcy is determined to find a way for Elizabeth to be free of Fiennes ghost.

Great story but a hard read at first.

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