An Assembly Such As This by Pamela Aidan

An Assembly Such As This by Pamela Aidan

A Novel Of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman

An Assembly Such As This is the first book or three in the series: The Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman Novels.

It covers the time from the first assembly at Meryton in the assembly rooms where he makes his disastrous impression on Elizabeth Bennet and finishes after the ball at Neltherfield and Darcys return to London determined to get Elizabeth out of his head and Jane out of Charles Bingley’s heart.

The book is rich in detail and draws some charming characters, Darcy’s relationship with his valet Fletcher is very interesting and entertaining, very clever thread though out the whole story.

So much more depth is given to Fitzwilliam Darcy his treatment of his animals and staff, his place in society and his friendships are all focussed on giving us a much more rounded Dacrcy, and if possible an even more likable one.

Even though in this story he is far more influential in the splitting up of Bingley and Jane, using Caroline to help him and even dictating the awful letter to Jane telling her that Bingley was quitting Herefordshire.

Once Darcy has Charles back in London safely removed from Jane, Pamela Aidan is able to sketch in some of the famous society of the time, Lady Melbourne, Beau Brummell, Lady Caroline Lamb and some of the unrest in England at this time.

I was interested in the close of the story, Darcy goes to Hatchard’s book shop on Piccadilly a shop which is still there and flourishing and buys Georgina’s christmas present. Miss Porter’s The Scottish Chiefs which I actually had a leather bound set of, with a letter from Miss Porter, sadly it is now in storage back in England with all my other books.

Book 2 Duty and Desire has already been started – review to follow soon.