I absolutely loved this gentle, amusing romp amongst the grown children and their parents, of so many of Austen's characters: the Darcys, the Bingleys, the Knightleys, the Brandons, the Collins, and on and on. What struck me was the author's great affection for the characters, both her new ones and the Austen-created ones; she even made the odious Mr. Collins a more sympathetic character! And in the end, it is also an ode to the patience, wisdom and sheer sense of Charlotte Lucas Collins. Sweet, light, and utterly delightful!
It was light reading with an interesting plot...the Darcys had been married 25 years and this was about their children and their children's friends. Mr. Darcy has his hands full keeping the next generation away from scandal...with his son falling in love, his daughter almost lured into an elopement, and his niece the new target of Miss Caroline Bingley's meddling. Sons and daughters share the physical and personality traits of their parents, but also have minds of their own...and as Mrs. Darcy says to her sister, Jane Bingley: "The romantic attachments of one's children are a constant distraction."
Amidst all this distraction and excitement, Jane and Elizabeth plan a lavish ball at Pemberley, where all the young people come together for a surprising and altogether satisfying ending.
Amidst all this distraction and excitement, Jane and Elizabeth plan a lavish ball at Pemberley, where all the young people come together for a surprising and altogether satisfying ending.
