Book Review: Only Mr. Darcy Will Do by Kara Louise
Only Mr. Darcy Will Do by Kara Louise. © 2011 Sourcebooks Landmark. ISBN 9781402241031. Trade Paperback. Historical Fiction. 368 pages. Source: arc copy furnished by the publishers.
Review: A year has passed since Darcy and Elizabeth have crossed paths, and for once he is looking forward to his annual sojourn to Rosings Park to visit his aunt. What he doesn’t know is that Elizabeth’s life has been turned topsy-turvy. Mrs. Bennet’s fears from the original story have come to pass: Mr. Bennet has indeed passed away and therefore Mr. Collins has taken control of her beloved Longbourne putting the Bennet women out. Lizzie now works in London as a governess.
In London, Lizzie ponders the proposal she received from Darcy with sadness, softening towards him as she re-reads the letter he wrote her after her rejection, but still believes she made the right choice in refusing him. Soon Lizzie is thrown back into the world of Darcy when the Willstones (the family she works for) throw a party and among the guests are Mr. Bingley and Georgiana Darcy. Upon discovering Lizzie’s acquaintance with the Darcy family, Rosalyn (Mrs. Willstone’s sister) spills her secrets to Lizzie about how she has been terribly in love with Fitzwilliam ever since she met him. Fearing her job, Lizzie remains quiet about her previous dealings with Darcy and her jealousy at Rosalyn’s divulgence.
As one can assume, Lizzie soon finds herself thrust into Darcy’s social circle and eventually with an invitation to Pemberley. The more Lizzie is around Darcy, the harder it is to deny to herself that she has feelings for him, but will Mrs. Willstone place Rosalyn between them and remind Elizabeth of her place?
Originally self-published in 2008 as Something Like Regret, Only Mr. Darcy Will Do is one of six Pride and Prejudice continuations written by Kara Louise. Kara’s writing is captivating, her characterizations remain true to Austen’s original and I found the plot to be a creative concept which left me decidedly entertained. I’m really looking forward to checking out Darcy’s Voyage now that I’ve gotten my hands on a copy as well. 4/5.
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