Classic styling is upgraded with contemporary storytelling, resulting in a lovely novel that appeals to a wide audience.
While spending a month visiting a family friend in a lovely seaside town, Miss Elizabeth Bennet takes full advantage of the refreshing change in scenery. Between walks on the beach, time spent with Aunt Gardiner, and introductions to neighbors, the month in Ramsgate is flying by. Most everyone near Stapleton House is intelligent and kind, a real treat for philomathic Elizabeth, but meeting Fitzwilliam Darcy isn’t by any account enjoyable. Their first interaction is more heated than cordial and Elizabeth can’t help but take his displeasure with her as a personal affront. “His mien conveyed disdain, the way one might regard an annoying insect.” As per her untamed nature, Elizabeth retaliates with a sharp rejoinder but is subsequently humiliated when Fitzwilliam and his sister are invited to the house as guests. Egos and tempers are quickly set aside though, and their unease blossoms into a respectful relationship. Despite an unequal pedigree, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam complement each other in every meaningful way and soon surprise family and friends with news of their engagement. Not everyone in Mr. Darcy’s social circle is enthusiastic about his wedding and gossip about the new couple swirls. Unmarried ladies seem to hate or envy her, but Elizabeth handles it all in stride right up until the day Mr. Darcy vanishes. This new wife will have to contend with niggling insecurities, entitled relatives, hurtful rumors, and eroding hope that Mr. Darcy will return to her.
The Mysterious Disappearance of Mr. Darcy is a delightful variation of the personal affairs of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam. In Kelly Miller’s newest Regency tale, the love story between this dynamic couple gives way to an intriguing mystery. Instead of the push and pull of a developing courtship, Miller reveals an anguished Elizabeth who is plunged into despair. While the couple is physically separated, the author builds out these complex characters in interesting new ways, though their unique moment of professed love steals the scene and closely rivals the original in emotional impact. While a few new characters are added in this book, the inclusion of many familiar characters feels like a warm embrace that beckons readers to slip back into Austen’s world. Classic styling is upgraded with contemporary storytelling, resulting in a lovely novel that appeals to a wide audience. Grab a fresh cup of tea and prepare to be immersed in all the pomp and grandeur early 19th-century England has to offer in The Mysterious Disappearance of Mr. Darcy.
