title: The The Perfect Bride for Mr. Darcy
author: Mary Simonsen
description: After a series of mishaps, Mr. Darcy is in a foul mood when he arrives at the estate his friend, Charles Bingley, rented in Hertfordshire. His mood persists at the assembly he is forced to attend, accounting for his diatribe about country life and even the lovely Elizabeth Bennet, who hears his disparaging remarks. When the two meet again at Rosings, Darcy is totally smitten by Elizabeth, while she still holds a grudge, causing another clash when he proposes. Darcy holds no hope until his cousin, Anne de Bourgh, steps in to play matchmaker to the reluctant pair with the help of Darcys all-too observant sister, Georgiana. Using her creative license, Simonsen offers her insights into Austens beloved characters in this retelling of Pride and Prejudice, giving prominence to minor characters influence over the mismatched couple so that true love will prevail. For instance, Anne de Bourgh is not her overbearing mothers puppet but rather a much beloved cousin who chooses her battles, giving the story a unique spin. --Patty Engelmann
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  CAPTAIN FAWLEY’S INNOCENT BRIDE
  
  Annie Burrows
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter One
  
  ‘Oh, no,’ Susannah grumbled to her friend, Miss Deborah Gillies, snapping open
  her fan and
  
  raising it to conceal the lower part of her face. ‘Here comes Captain Fawley,
  hobbling over to
  
  ask me to dance again. And I cannot. I simply cannot.’
  
  Deborah compressed her lips to hide her own revulsion—oh, not at Captain
  Fawley. The poor
  
  man could not help the way he looked. He had lost the lower part of one leg,
  and his left hand in
  
  the same explosion which had so badly disfigured his face. His left eyelid
  would for ever droop
  
  into the scarring that covered his whole cheek, twisting his mouth into a
  permanently cynical
  
  expression. No, she could feel nothing but compassion for him.
  
  It was Susannah’s behaviour that upset her.
  
  Captain Fawley bowed over her friend’s hand, his dark eyes raised to hers with
  dogged
  
  determination.
  
  ‘Good evening, Miss Hullworthy, Miss Gillies.’ Though he included Deborah in