When a man’s honor is at stake, what is he willing to risk for the woman he loves?After a disastrous marriage proposal and the delivery of an illuminating letter, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet hope never to lay eyes on one another again. When a chance meeting in Hunsford immediately throws them in each other’s way, Darcy realizes his behavior needs correcting, and Elizabeth starts to … starts to appreciate his redeeming qualities. But is it enough to forgive the past and overcome their prejudices?
Jane and Bingley’s possible reconciliation and Lydia’s ill-conceived trip to Brighton pose their own challenges for two people struggling to find their way to love. When scandalous news threatens their chance at happiness, will Darcy and Elizabeth’s new bond be shattered, or will their growing affection hold steadfast?
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Next to the wound, what women make best is the bandage. ~ Jules Barbey d’Aurevilly
Fitzwilliam Darcy is walking wounded (just barely) after delivering his letter explaining past actions with Bingley and Wickham. Elizabeth returns to the parsonage while Darcy and the Colonel are still present and signals to Darcy that she has read and believed his explanations. The bandage has been applied and healing can begin.
Friendship develops into courtship after they have returned to London and continues in Hertfordshire where Mr. Bennet refuses his consent to their marriage. Elizabeth’s father is at his most unattractive in the rest of the story, allowing Lydia freedom that he denies to Elizabeth. The Lydia/Wickham episode is very different and features a Wickham who has quickly married another woman after abandoning Lydia.
A comment on the cover, not the story: The cover girl is wearing a very pretty gown that is actually trimmed with RIBBONS! In so many stories, the Bennet sisters (especially Lydia) search for new ribbons to re-style an older gown but images on the cover show gowns with embroidery or other types of trim. At last, a gown Lydia would love!
“His Choice of Wife” is another story that has been available at Fan Fiction sites for several years. I am so happy to see authors bravely moving into publishing their stories. So many real gems are waiting for readers to re-discover them, while other books published at Amazon seem to be written by third-graders. Bravo, Ms. Moll!
The story is well-written and proofread. I recommend it to all readers who enjoy JAFF.
[W]omen are meant to be loved, not to be understood. ~ Oscar Wilde, “The Sphinx without a Secret,” 1891
“Her vanity, wounded six months ago, prejudiced her against him to such as extent that she rewarded an unscrupulous man with her favor and misjudged a good one.” (quote from the book)
What a lovely debut novel. It takes Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy on a different path to understanding shortly after the disastrous Hunsford proposal. One that is bumpy as they each learn about the other. However, it is one that ignites a simmering heat between them…the waltz scene was intense!
“How was he ever to let her go now that he had held her close?(quote from the book)
There are some surprising twists and turns in this novel that made it unique. All looked to be headed in the right direction until outside forces start causing problems. Mr. Bennet is his most indolent self and Mr. Bingley was a surprise. Wickham in particular will leave you wanting to run him through with a sword! But through it all, Mr. Darcy was Elizabeth’s sanctuary. He is at his finest.
One of my favorite aspects of this story was how well it portrays the strong and stubborn personalities of our dear couple. They are each formidable forces in their own ways, and of course each suffers from both excessive pride and prejudice. It was delightful to see them admire each other while also battling their own misguided, and at times willful, misunderstandings. The tension wasn’t propelled by miscommunication for the sake of adding angst; the miscues were clearly a result of their strikingly similar personalities. Both are accustomed to keeping their own counsel and making assumptions, priding themselves on being excellent judges of character, and suddenly they have met their match and must learn to humble themselves in order to pursue this intriguing connection they feel to one another. An enjoyable and tastefully steamy tale.