Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy: The Last Man in the World

This book is different in that the author delves into the emotional ramifications of a young lady forced to marry against her inclination but determined to make the best of it, and the arrogance of a young man who gets what he wants only to find that in his selfishness he has imposed himself unwillingly. The desperate unhappiness, the small steps to try to remedy the situation, the misunderstandings and miscommunications felt real and raw, which is not something we commonly read in JAFF. But the growing love and understanding that draws ODC together: first tentatively and then more assuredly, resonated with me. Because the book starts with the proposal at Hunsford and (spoiler alert) the resulting quick marriage, the book does not have the sparkling dialogue between ODC, and we see a troubled EB struggle to suppress her thoughts and feelings beneath a veneer of calm acceptance following the advice of her aunt Gardiner. I thought this story was very thoughtfully written. The book does have some graphic love scenes for mature audiences only that some might want to fast-forward through.

Just when Elizabeth is about to reject that very objectionable marriage proposal at Hunsford, Darcy kissed her and there were several witnesses. One, Colonel Fitzwilliam, was quite angry at his behavior but Darcy explained that Elizabeth had just agreed to marry him. What could she do to avoid ruination but concur? Now, married to a man she completely misunderstands and still believing the lies Mr Wickham had spewed, she tries her best to agree with everything just to keep the peace. Darcy wonders what has happened to his vibrant, vivacious Elizabeth? Where has she gone? And why has this insipid imposter been left in her place? He saw a glimpse of her old personality when the colonel visited and the ensuing argument nearly ends their marriage! Darcy is hurt, but during his recovery, with laudenum, there are MORE problems. Now Elizabeth wants to die but she might be pregnant, such a conundrum! Well written and edited if you like to see what happens in a passionate marriage.

But even if I did, I still truly enjoyed it this time! I also cried, which NEVER happens, so there is that. There are many variations with this basic premise, Elizabeth marrying Darcy against her desires, but this is a definite favorite. There is a painful truth present here, about how they would have reached mutual affection and appreciation without the canon events at Hunsford, without delving into absolutely gut wrenching unhappiness and eventual ruin of any possibility of a happy marriage. (I read one like that once, and it literally made me ill. This is definitely NOT that depressing!) Furthermore Abigail Reynolds is one of my favorite writers of ODC, because their powerful passion is always a joy to read. I especially appreciated that descriptions were almost completely ignored until there were true emotions behind their physical intimacies. This is a brilliant plot device and window into their minds! Wonderful!

Our story begins at Rosings Park. Darcy is delivering his insulting proposal, and before Elizabeth can make any response, he kisses her — in front of witnesses. So Elizabeth is forced to marry the last man in the world she wishes to marry. Life at Pemberley is a daily struggle for Elizabeth, knowing she is to spend a lifetime in a loveless marriage. It seems she can do nothing to please her husband. Her despair is crushing her once-lively spirit. She is cut off from her family and friends as Darcy insists that she discontinue her contact with them. Keep a few tissues handy, but don\’t stop reading. 4

First I\’d like to review the genre. I have read many P&P variations and alternatives lately and they fall into different categories. It\’s probably helpful to know what they are like going in so that you don\’t read something you are bound to hate in principle. The Abigail Reynolds P&P books are romance novels that borrow the Darcy and Elizabeth characters and the scenes we know and love, but turn them into fluffy bathtub reading. They are R-rated (explicit sex), as are other similar novels that are not about P&P. I don\’t think they are meant to be canonical but are fun little fantasy escapes into What-If Land. Don\’t read them if you are squeamish about love scenes or are 12 years old or have a need for Jane Austen\’s exact sensibilities to be expressed in the pages. Do read them if you want a fast read where you already know something about the characters, don\’t want to have to think too hard, and want an entertaining escape. I think I\’ve read all the Abigail Reynolds P&P variations now. This one was somewhat different than the others in that it was darker and more tragic. The characters weave a web of misunderstanding that only gets untangled at the end. If the other books are filled with almost silly, exuberant physical affection, this one is filled with crying and worrying and staring at the wall. As other reviewers have mentioned, the book\’s diversion is that Elizabeth feels forced into accepting Darcy\’s proposal at Rosings and then has to enter into married life without all the information contained in his post-rejection letter, and without his improved manners. If you suspend your disbelief to accept that premise then the rest of it works okay, although the characters get mired down in almost willful misunderstanding. The story was pretty good although I kind of wished I\’d known going in that it would be such a downer.

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