The Warmth of Her Affection

This Pride and Prejudice variation takes place in Meryton about three years later than the original.

All five Bennet daughters remain unwed, with the beautiful Jane, almost on the shelf at five and twenty. Understandably, Mrs Bennet is desperate to marry them off.

Eligible men are rare in Meryton, so the arrival of any newcomers is a cause for excitement.

When Purvis Lodge is let by Mrs Wilson, a very young widow and her twin sons, lack of eligible new men doesn't stop the town gossips from having a field day!

Mrs Wilson keeps to herself, but when Elizabeth Bennet meets one of the twins on a country stroll, a friendship develops. Jane Bennet and Charlotte Lucas also visit.

Some time later a Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy arrive to take up residence at Netherfield Park.

They are welcomed into local society as only rich, unmarried men can be.

At the Meryton assembly, Jane and Mr Bingley are attracted to each other.
Mr Darcy is keen to talk to both Elizabeth and Jane about the neighbours.

The romance between Darcy and Elizabeth proceeds fairly smoothly, with some bumps in the road, caused by his secret connection to Mrs Wilson.

This is an enjoyable tale. The unraveling of Mrs Wilson's story is fairly high angst, but the villain gets a fitting comeuppance.

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