Publisher's Synopsis
Of Family and Friendship (Book 2 of the Pride and Prejudice Continues series) is the sequel and conclusion to By Charm or By Choice? and both books together offer a satisfying journey beyond the ending of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and into the world of 'happily ever after'. In By Charm or By Choice? Mrs. Darcy eagerly embraces her new life as a wife, sister-in-law, mistress, and mother. She helps her shy new sister-in-law prepare for her coming out with ease. But, Mrs. Darcy and her dear sister, Mrs. Bingley, are never free of the knowledge of their still precariously situated family. Longbourn is as entailed away as ever. Ultimately they are decided that they must offer assistance by means of their own improved circumstances. The chief of this assistance is offered to their sisters through the gift of dowries, encouragement of accomplishments, the offering of sound advice, and some fortunate matchmaking. But in stark contrast to the improving situations of the Darcys' sisters, the still conniving Miss Bingley is as unmarried and lacking in prospects as ever! After continuing to cause trouble at Mr. Bingley's new estate, Miss Bingley is banished to Pemberley where Mrs. Darcy faces a more formidable challenge to redirect Miss Bingley's approach to husband hunting. And just when some progress with Miss Bingley may be on the point of being realized, the Darcys receive the dreadful news that their beloved cousin, formerly a colonel, but now Brigadier Fitzwilliam, was grievously injured in the Battle of Waterloo. He is soon brought to Pemberley where it is hoped that his health may be restored and his spirits lifted. In their desperation to be of use, the Darcys resort to an abhorrent disguise in order to establish their cousin in his long absent independence. With the continued improvements to Miss Bingley's manner and temper, the Darcys are off to London to assist her in finding an establishment of her own or making an advantageous match. In Of Family and Friendship, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy of Pemberley intend to host their remaining two unmarried, though accomplished, sisters as well as the now retired and recovered Brigadier Fitzwilliam in London for the social season. With any luck, Mrs. Darcy's proficiency as a matchmaker may again be put to good use in helping all three form advantageous matches while still enabling them to marry for affection. Just as the season commences, the Darcys are surprised by a demand from Lady Catherine de Bourgh that she and her daughter, Miss Anne de Bourgh, be included in the Darcys' plans. How will the sickly Anne de Bourgh perform during a London season? Can Mr. Darcy bear to watch his sister, Miss Darcy, receive a suitor? Is the last Miss Bennet quitting the sphere in which she was brought up by husband hunting within the Ton? The family party has many grand adventures as they enjoy the season with the rest of London society. Several family secrets are exposed including the Darcys' own deception for assisting Brigadier Fitzwilliam financially following his grievous injuries in battle. Though an indisputable man of valour on the battlefield, can Brigadier Fitzwilliam press his own suit as a lover? Intriguing matches are made, a new baby is delivered, and the family suffers a loss to illness. Of Family and Friendship is a sweet and clean Regency romance. It is a full length novel of 125,000 words.
