Finding Mr. Darcy: a Pride and Prejudice variation

What if Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth met when they were young? What if Mr. Darcy had an ambitious, cunning uncle?

Years ago, Mr. William Oliver was a different man. He was raised to inherit Pemberley, as Fitzwilliam Darcy. The summer of his thirteenth year, he spent his time sneaking off to play games with a girl named Elizabeth, who was visiting her aunt and uncle in Lambton, just miles from his home.

But all that changed one tragic day when the boy's father fell to his death, directly after they'd had a terrible quarrel. His uncle, Simon Darcy, ushered him off, telling him that everyone would believe the boy had killed his own father, and that he must run away and never come back.

And so, for ten years, Mr. Oliver has lived another life with another name, as a foundling in London, dependent on the employment of his friend, Charles Bingley. He accepts an invitation to the country with the Bingleys and accompanies them to a public ball.

Then he sets eyes on Elizabeth, all grown up. He recognizes her immediately, and he is stunned by her beauty.

Also, he is determined that she never reveal who he truly is.

This was a very enjoyable read. Young Fitzwilliam/Oliver was well written and Beth is lovely.

The adult William Oliver is torn between fear, helplessness and finally righteous anger at the obstacles to regaining his birth right.
In addition we have a slimy, manipulative uncle and a thoroughly unpleasant Wickham.

Very readable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.