Pemberley Shades
This story, first published in 1949, is the second sequel ever written to Pride and Prejudice. Darcy and Elizabeth have happily settled into married life at Pemberley and have a two-year-old son. Darcy’s sister Georgiana lives with them and they frequently entertain family and friends.
Pemberley is in need of a new vicar, and Darcy is determined to find someone who meets all his requirements. Unfortunately, this takes longer than he thinks and in the meantime, Mr. Collins, whose has fallen from Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s favor, has asked for the position. This is not to be borne, so when Darcy receives a letter from old friend whose younger brother is a recently widowed clergyman in need of a living, he agrees to take him on for a trial period. The candidate turns out to be a very strange fellow whose behavior leaves everyone at Pemberley perplexed. This situation, along with some other romantic entanglements, gets sorted out satisfactorily in the end.
Bonavia-Hunt strikes the right tone, although the story gets a bit bogged down in the middle. While it’s not the masterpiece that Pride and Prejudice is, it’s an enjoyable read for those who can’t get enough of Austen.
