The marriage of convenience has this to recommend it: we are better judges of convenience than we are of love. ~ Mignon McLaughlin
“The Barrister’s Bride” is a story of convenience in marriage — to wit, an arranged marriage.
As the story opens, Mr. Bennet is in the great bookroom beyond our sphere. Jane and Elizabeth spend most of their time in London with the Gardiners. Their mother and other sisters still reside in Meryton. A chance encounter at a London ball is repeated when the sisters visit Hertfordshire and Fitzwilliam Darcy visits his friend Bingley at Netherfield Park.
Quote from the book: Fitz’s thoughts were consumed with whether he would have the opportunity to meet her again — and tonight was his chance. Now, how was he to go about approaching her? A reserved sort, he had never been as socially oriented as his older brother, George. Some might have even called him shy. His diffident nature never mattered to him in the past.
Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth meet and a friendship begins. Elizabeth enjoys the beginning but she notices that the gentleman is sometimes charming; sometimes contrary; and sometimes avoids her. Confusion reigns.
Fitzwilliam Darcy knows something that Elizabeth Bennet does not: that his Uncle Darcy, who had taken Fitzwilliam under his wing as a young boy and supported his career, had arranged a marriage for him with the daughter of an old friend from his school days. Fitzwilliam is not free to form an attachment and fights against his attraction. He does not know his intended’s name. He knows only that the girl is not aware of the betrothal but will be told when she reaches her majority. Meanwhile, Fitzwilliam must bide his time as best he can.
By chance, the older Darcy brother, George, and George Wickham arrive in Meryton also. When the Bennet sisters meet them, the two Georges are drunk and rude to the ladies. Fortunately, their stay in Hertfordshire is very brief.
The prudence of the best heads is often defeated by the tenderness of the best hearts. ~ Henry Fielding
The story continues in London where Jane and Elizabeth meet again with Bingley and George Darcy, who appears to be courting Elizabeth. He is charming and Elizabeth enjoys his company.
Fitzwilliam is also in London at the time, but his work as a barrister keeps him very busy. His contact with the Bennets is limited.
Do not trust all men, but trust men of worth; the former course is silly, the latter a mark of prudence. ~ Democritus
Canon Elizabeth Bennet is a clever girl who makes certain character misjudgments. In this story, her misjudgments border on stupidity. She forgets her initial opinion of George Darcy and George Wickham and puts trust in both men.
The story was fast-paced at the beginning and end. The middle section seemed a bit bogged down with unnecessary details, but I will overlook that in light of the originality of the story. Unique plot; lovable Darcy; independent Elizabeth, and a happy ending. What more could I want?
True love stories never have endings. ~Richard Bach
EPILOGUES — some folks love them; some folks hate them! Whichever side of the debate you favor, do not miss this one!
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- CraftyhjReviewed in the United Kingdom on July 18, 2022
An enjoyable read
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