The first installment in Pamela Aidan’s irresistible trilogy, An Assembly Such As This takes us into the world of Jane Austen’s Fitzwilliam Darcy.
“She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me.”
So begins the timeless romance of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen’s classic novel is beloved by millions, but little is revealed in the book about the mysterious and handsome hero, Mr. Darcy. And so the question has long remained: Who is Fitzwilliam Darcy?
In An Assembly Such as This, Pamela Aidan finally answers that long-standing question. In this first book of her Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman trilogy, she reintroduces us to Darcy during his visit to Hertfordshire with his friend Charles Bingley and reveals Darcy’s hidden perspective on the events of Pride and Prejudice. As Darcy spends more time at Netherfield supervising Bingley and fending off Miss Bingley’s persistent advances, his unwilling attraction to Elizabeth grows—as does his concern about her relationship with his nemesis, George Wickham.
Setting the story vividly against the colorful historical and political background of the Regency era, Aidan writes in a style comfortably at home with Austen but with a wit and humor very much her own. Aidan adds her own cast of fascinating characters to those in Austen’s original, weaving a rich tapestry from Darcy’s past and present. Austen fans and newcomers alike will love this new chapter of the most famous romance of all time.
Industry Reviews
A slow amble across the familiar terrain of Pride and Prejudice, this time recounting events through the eyes of Mr. Darcy. Wealthy and highborn Mr. Darcy comes to Netherfield with his friend Bingley, who is thinking of purchasing the place, meets the Bennet sisters, and is immediately smitten with Elizabeth. While Bingley's sister Caroline pursues him, he tries to suppress his feelings for Elizabeth since she is socially beneath him. All the familiar plot points are rehashed: Jane Bennet's convalescence, the various parties and social meetings complete with the sparring flirtation between Darcy and Elizabeth. Wickham appears, to Darcy's disgust. As if to let the reader know she's done her research on the period, Aidan goes into meticulous detail about Darcy's equestrian habits, his reading preferences and his relationship with his valet. The highpoint occurs at the London ball where the spectacular knot in Darcy's cravat wins over Beau Brummel. This first volume of what debut novelist Aidan plans as the "Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman" trilogy ends with Darcy in London, unsure of his plan to turn Bingley away from Jane. One can only hope a little more drama turns up in the next volume. (Kirkus Reviews)
