An Unwavering Trust by L.L. Diamond - Very far from canon, but still an enjoyable read

An Unwavering Trust by L.L. Diamond

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I reread An Unwavering Trust this week and once again found it an enjoyable read. I continue to rate it as 4 stars simply because it is so far removed from the original P&P, though a very good read on its own.

How different is An Unwavering Trust from canon? First, Fitzwilliam Darcy is not the master of Pemberley, as his father is still alive. His father agrees with Lady Catherine that Darcy must marry his cousin Anne and obtain Rosings. Mr. Darcy senior coldly plans for Anne not to survive long in the marriage which will leave Fitzwilliam to marry whom he chooses afterward. He gives Darcy two weeks to propose to Anne or he will simply publish an engagement announcement in the papers. Darcy, and Georgiana, are not happy as they know this is not what Anne wishes. Georgiana encourages Darcy to quickly find someone else.

Secondly, Elizabeth Bennet is now the ward of her uncles Gardiner and Philips, and is living with her aunt and uncle Philips in Meryton. This is due to a very horrible accident which has killed all of the members of the Bennet family, except for Elizabeth. Mr. Collins senior, the one who had the falling out with Mr. Bennet, has inherited Longbourn, and kicked Elizabeth out with only her personal belongings. She has very little, but she does have the 5000 pounds from her mother.

The last, and most serious, difference from canon is the Uncle Gardiner character. Rather than marrying the wonderful woman we knew in the original, his betrothed died, leaving him a broken and bitter man. He is in serious debt, and wishes to sell Elizabeth and her dowry to his investor to be used in an infamous manner. Elizabeth's Uncle Philips is desperate for a way to protect her.

Darcy, on his way to London to find a wife other than Anne, overhears a conversation detailing the above despicable plan for Elizabeth. In short order, he and Elizabeth agree to an arranged marriage to get both of them out of their predicaments.

So, as you see, we have strayed very far from canon. We see the proud and disagreeable Mr. Darcy for only a very short time, as a new character, Darcy's grandmother Rebecca, the dowager of the deceased Earl of Matlock, brings him to his senses. Grandmama takes Elizabeth in hand and the two become fast friends as the wedding approaches and Elizabeth becomes Mrs. Darcy both at home and in the ton. Elizabeth is much more of a vulnerable character, obviously with the loss of her family, the new family she is thrown into, and the danger from her Uncle Gardiner. She finds herself in a situation where she has little say and no control, although she is still the bright, charming and impertinent Elizabeth.

The story is very well written and the characters very engaging, and we see some of the same angst as in other P&P variations with Wickham attempting to elope with Georgiana. But, we also have the characters of Darcy's Grandmama and Mr. Darcy senior, to add some new perspectives. Anne also plays a larger role.

A very enjoyable read. Recommended.



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