Review: All's well on the homefront
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 5, 2014
As other reviewers have commented this is a novella, a sequel to Pride & Prejudice.  There is little angst in this story as it is more a story of how the ton did or did not accept Elizabeth into their circles and how Elizabeth managed through this process. Decisions are made as to when to return to town and how long to stay in town.The side story is how Jane and Charles find their marriage lack luster when they observe the interaction of ODC...especially when Jane has a private talk with Lizzy and hears that they (gasp!) sleep in each other's arms nightly.  Have no fear, reader: there are no graphic details about bedroom scenes.  I was reminded, in reading about the Bingleys, of what Mr. Bennet stated after their engagement (in canon) was announced, "...Your tempers are by no means unlike.  You are each of you so complying, that nothing will ever be resolved on; so easy that every servant will cheat you; and so generous, that you will always exceed your income."  Jane and Charles do learn to open up and speak out but the process is not without its bumps.The First Anniversary dinner for both couples and the later private nighttime celebration is heart warming...Darcy does not disappoint!  Lovely scene painted for us.Caroline Bingley and the Hursts maintain their snobbery and this, too, is FINALLY, addressed by the correct party.  Their further company in both sisters' houses comes to depend....well, you'll have to read the novella to learn that.  I can't give everything away.Mr. Bennet offers some sound advice as to family alliances while Mrs. Bennet, in being invited to the Darcy's for their ball...let's see if she shocks society in London as she did in Meryton.This story is much like an epilogue to Pride and Prejudice, even though Jane Austen did give out some details along that line herself.  Short and sweet.