My Share in the Conversation...Darcy's Dilemma

A Fair Prospect:  Darcy’s Dilemma by Cassandra Grafton

Volume II, another engaging novel by Cassandra Grafton, is the continuation of A Fair Prospect: Disappointed Hopes. It begins immediately where Volume I ended. Charles Bingley, at Darcy’s townhouse in London, has decided to return to Netherfield. He wants to take up residence again and be near Miss Jane Bennet, in the hopes of renewing their relationship.

Nicholas Harington, also an acquaintance of Bingley, is called home by his father. Harington, who had planned several events for the Gardiners and Bennet sisters, pleaded with Bingley to play host in his place. Bingley would only agree if Darcy would go along. This threw Darcy and Elizabeth together on more than one occasion. I thoroughly enjoyed these times of their shared company! Ms. Grafton continued to show their feelings and thoughts to the readers with the same expertise as she did in the first volume.

Colonel Fitzwilliam returns safely home from his mission to Brighton with news of Wickham. Wickham’s typical behavior once again troubles the two cousins. Although this new development brings a bit of seriousness to the Colonel, he is still the agreeable character that I have loved since the original Pride and Prejudice. Cassandra Grafton maintains her superb characterization of his role in this trilogy.

Georgiana, getting a bit feisty after realizing the feelings that Darcy has for Elizabeth, resolves to help the cause. At times, aided by the Colonel, she succeeds quite admirably. Georgiana and Darcy have a relationship built on love and trust, true reliance on each other as siblings. I enjoyed reading the scenes with the two of them.

Serena’s imminent arrival, the return of Nicholas to London and the hint of Wickham’s latest scandal set off an emotional upheaval for several of the characters involved. A letter unknowingly left, a potential disaster averted, silent reprimands over a careless action and Jane’s enlightenment, are just a few of the delights that await the reader in this volume. The witty dialog and Regency language, still present and smooth, make Volume II a sheer delight to read. I was not disappointed and I highly recommend this brilliantly written novel. 

PG rating for no explicit sex

5 out of 5 stars

This is my 10th selection for the P & P Bicentenary Challenge of 2013

Cassandra Grafton is offering an eBook or a paperback of Volume I or Volume II, winners choice, and the giveaway is open internationally. Please leave a comment to this post to be entered in the giveaway. Don't forget to include your email address so that you may be contacted if you are the lucky winner!  Thank you for stopping by and thank you to Cassandra Grafton for the giveaway. Giveaway ends at midnight, June 7. Winner will be selected by Random Comment software.