A Conversation Behind the Tapestries: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Beth Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sometimes you just want to read a cute Pride and Prejudice variation with a sweet Darcy, a stubborn, but witty Elizabeth, and a lot of HEA. I found myself smiling throughout A Conversation Behind the Tapestries: a Pride and Prejudice Variation by Beth Wood.
The premise of this variation is that Darcy did not join the Bingleys when they first arrived in Meryton, and, therefore, did not insult Elizabeth at the assembly. Instead, Darcy is attempting to avoid Miss Bingley, while Elizabeth is attempting to avoid Mr. Collins (and her mother) at the Bingley ball at Netherfield. Both slip behind a tapestry to avoid being seen. Jane and Bingley come looking for them and the entire foursome is discovered by Mr. Bennet. Compromise is proclaimed and Bingley proposes to Jane. But, Elizabeth jumps in before Mr. Darcy can object, and objects herself to any arrangement between herself and the gentleman. Mr. Bennet is appeased, and there is no more discussion of the time behind the tapestry.
However, Darcy has started thinking that Elizabeth is a singular woman to not jump at a chance to trap him into marriage. He dances the dinner set and enjoys dinner with the lovely young woman, and his mind actually wanders towards matrimony. Due to an overheard conversation at Longbourn, however, our couple does in fact find themselves engaged after knowing each other for less than 24 hours. Elizabeth is determined it will be a long engagement, and Darcy is just happy if Elizabeth is happy.
The remainder of the story involves the manipulations of Mrs. Bennet, the wedding plans of three Bennet sisters, the reactions of the Fitzwilliam/de Bourgh side of Darcy's family, and various other factors familiar to JAFF readers. But, here, Beth Wood has created a great deal of silliness, warmth, humor and romance. There are side stories about frogs, pseudo brothers, feathers, etc. and all are sweet and tender. Even Lady Catherine and Miss Bingley show their soft sides. All the while, Darcy is slowly bringing Elizabeth around to his way of thinking. As mentioned earlier, I just found myself smiling through the whole thing, and laughing out loud on occasion.
I did enjoy this variation. It is not great writing, and I am sure it will not be to everyone's taste, but it suited me just find. Romantic, sweet and clean, A Conversation Behind the Tapestries is a nice little summer reader for JAFF lovers. Definitely recommended.
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