"Duty and Desire" by Pamela Aidan

This second novel of the "Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman" series takes up immediately after the events of the first book, with Darcy having departed for London after the Netherfield ball. We get to continue making the acquaintance of his London friends, as well as see Darcy's annoyance at Caroline Bingley's continued attempts to draw him into pursuing her.

It is a special treat to readers to see Darcy travel to Pemberley for the Christmas holiday and be reunited with his sister Georgiana. It had been many months since the brother had left his sister in the care of Mrs. Annesley, and at the time of their parting Georgiana was still much grieved after her near-elopement with Wickham. Darcy is amazed to see Georgiana so recovered and making great strides towards becoming a poised and gracious young lady. It is a very happy Christmas for the Darcy siblings!

Yet there is another woman whom Darcy can't help but wish were with him at his family home. No matter how hard he tries, Darcy cannot forget Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He envisions her everywhere, even while trying to forget her. No amount of reviewing his objections to the match will convince his heart to leave her behind. Finally he is convinced that there's only one thing to do: begin actively seeking out and pursuing other women who would make a more suitable choice for a wife.

This decision leads Darcy to accept an invitation to a week-long house party at the estate of a school chum. The time he spends at Lord Sayre's estate takes up the majority of the book. There are several eligible females for Darcy to consider, and plenty of time to reacquaint himself with friends he hasn't seen in years. But there is trouble afoot, and quite a mystery unravels itself through the second half of the story. Who is orchestrating the haunting events which are disturbing the party? What is the purpose behind the ghastly displays? Will Darcy be successful in finding a more socially acceptable woman to give his heart to?

I quite enjoyed this second installment and look forward reading Book 3 soon. I must say that my favorite of the new characters that Aidan has introduced is Darcy's valet Fletcher. He is interesting and amusing, and it's fun to see him expressing his opinion in subtle and not-so-subtle ways that Elizabeth is indeed worthy of his master's affections. Even though I know how Jane Austen's classic story unfolds, seeing it from Darcy's perspective makes it all fresh again.