Told from both a Darcy and Elizabeth POV, Bingley’s usual Netherfield party includes a new character, and close friend to Mr. Darcy, Mr. Simon Lockhart. He is also wealthy and single. Jane is in London with the Gardiners when everyone’s first acquaintance is made. When Elizabeth helps Lockhart after falling from his horse, he takes an interest in her—until Jane returns and his attentions turn towards her, as do Bingley’s. Good thing Elizabeth isn’t really interested. She has an early attraction to Mr. Darcy, and he returns it, but does not yet declare it to her. They are friendly towards each other early on.
There are many twists in this story, mainly related to who loves whom, causing misunderstandings. It seems some can’t make up their minds. I struggled with Jane’s portrayal, but I can understand it in order to advance the plot. There are compromises too. The usual Wickham and Lydia elopement takes place which threatens the Bennets’ ruin, and word of Elizabeth’s helping Simon makes its way to London and threatens her reputation as well.
Robbie, Elizabeth’s Cocker Spaniel is sweet, and I kept expecting him to do something special or heroic as part of the plot, but it doesn’t happen, so I was left a tad unsatisfied there. The dialogue, which Kelly Miller always writes well, flows nicely throughout this story. There is a bit of side story for Mary and Elizabeth which I enjoyed also.
January 15, 2024 – Audiobook
Deborah Balm is a very good narrator and I like her very much, but as a matter of personal taste, I didn’t enjoy this particular voice interpretation of Jane, which I felt was too sombre and deep in tone for her. I read the book as I listened along with the audiobook.
I do recommend the book and audiobook, both of which I have purchased for my Kindle and Audible libraries.
Kisses only.