A Splendidly (Un)suitable Match

Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam is heartbroken after his offer of marriage is rejected. His cousins Fitzwilliam and Georgiana Darcy arrange a trip to a friend's country house as a distraction.
Before they reach Netherfield Park they encounter a roadblock, in the form of Clarice, the irascible mule in a clash with Duchess, a very naughty Maltese puppy.
While stepping in to fix the problem, Darcy is left in a hilarious and very undignified state.
At such a disadvantage, of course, he first meets the lovely Miss Elizabeth Bennet!
This sets the tone for the story. This is a light and fun Pride and prejudice variation, with occasional mild angst.
The animals were cute with great characterisation – Clarice the mule and Jemima the duck were my favourites.
I enjoyed the interaction between the Colonel and Darcy.
At the Meryton Assembly, Richard manages to manipulate Darcy into behaving as an amiable gentleman (instead of his usual aloof and haughty). He dances every dance and is surprised to find himself enjoying himself!
Elizabeth and Darcy are lovely together as friends and even better as lovers.

I'm happy to recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.