AN ASSEMBLY SUCH AS THIS

A slow amble across the familiar terrain of Pride and Prejudice, this time recounting events through the eyes of Mr. Darcy.

Wealthy and highborn Mr. Darcy comes to Netherfield with his friend Bingley, who is thinking of purchasing the place, meets the Bennet sisters, and is immediately smitten with Elizabeth. While Bingley’s sister Caroline pursues him, he tries to suppress his feelings for Elizabeth since she is socially beneath him. All the familiar plot points are rehashed: Jane Bennet’s convalescence, the various parties and social meetings complete with the sparring flirtation between Darcy and Elizabeth. Wickham appears, to Darcy’s disgust. As if to let the reader know she’s done her research on the period, Aidan goes into meticulous detail about Darcy’s equestrian habits, his reading preferences and his relationship with his valet. The highpoint occurs at the London ball where the spectacular knot in Darcy’s cravat wins over Beau Brummel. This first volume of what debut novelist Aidan plans as the “Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman” trilogy ends with Darcy in London, unsure of his plan to turn Bingley away from Jane.

One can only hope a little more drama turns up in the next volume.