I usually like to stick to P&P variations but this book did receive some good reviews from persons whose opinions I respect so when this book from my Wish List showed as available on kindle Unlimited I grabbed it. I was glad I did.
As some have mentioned this story is of a slow pace in the beginning. And some events can be misleading. WARNING: THERE ARE SOME SPOILERS WITHIN.
When Georgiana is visited by the son of a respected neighbor, one might think this is going to develop into something more for our shy girl. But Jonathan Walker becomes a stalker and we learn he has reasons to desire a relationship with someone such as Georgiana. However, his kidnapping of Georgiana and her companion lead to ODG blossoming with insight and outspoken opinions as she uses her wits to determine who the wolf in sheep's clothing is and his intentions. I did like this step in Georgiana's becoming a self-confident and insightful woman.
Darcy and his two cousins, Col. Fitzwilliam and his older brother, George Lewis Winslow Fitzwilliam, Viscount St. George, plus his aunt and uncle, Lord and Lady Whitwell, figure largely in this tale. The older cousin seems to be usurping Georgiana's time and attention, monopolizing her for first sets of dances and cornering her for conversation but, in another maturing step, Georgiana's remembers back to his teasing and taunting of her while a young girl...and she remembers who rescued her from such.
The one thing I did not like in the novel (and it a personal quirk) is the prospect of first cousins marrying. Oh, I know it was a long time custom among the British and even in California, according to another review, but the author gets to choose how the plot develops and this is one event I would have different. But putting that aside, Col. Fitzwilliam does earn the regard of his cousin portrayed herein.
I particularly liked that the Prince Regent selected Darcy for his "secret" mission to France due to his characteristics which have been so condemned by the ton: his aloofness and his distaining to participate in gossip and affairs or even to bow to demands as to who he may marry. (This segment was drawn from history books and was interesting to learn.)
And I was delighted concerning the rewards Darcy and the Colonel earned from the Prince for their services to the crown, particularly when Caroline Bingley realizes that not only has Elizabeth gained entry to society, with the Prince showing up at one particular affair and dancing with her, but also that Elizabeth has gained a title and outranks her. Oh, my.
Enjoyable read.