Darcy Revealed: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Penelope Swan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Darcy and Elizabeth meet up in London not too long after the Netherfield party has left Meryton after the Bingleys' ball. Georgiana Darcy orders a dress, as does Jane Bennet; from the same modiste. There is a mixup and the packages are sent to the wrong addresses. Darcy takes it upon himself to take the package Miss Darcy received to make the switch back at the Gardners' residence. Thus, our major players in the story are reunited much sooner.

The Bennets become friends with Miss Darcy and her friend Miss Amy St. John, and, of course, see the Bingleys as well as the Darcys at multiple events. Elizabeth begins to see Darcy in a new light when he is chivalrous to Miss St. John. In addition, the Bennets run into Miss Mary King, as her uncle has taken her to London to get her away from Mr. Wickham. But, Mr. Wickham is in London and enlists Elizabeth's aid in contacting Mary.

Although the story is sweet, it does have some follies and inconsistencies. Elizabeth does not seem true to herself, taking some actions that are inappropriate, and others that are almost illegal. Darcy runs hot and cold and improper at times. The butler acts in a very inhospitable manner.

I liked the story, but did not find it particularly noteworthy. The lessons learned in Pride and Prejudice do not seem particularly important in this story, and the resolution is a bit strange. The denouement is very short and not very realistic. All in all, not a story I would discourage anyone from reading, but not one I would especially recommend.

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