Tess Quinn’s Pride
Revisited is a treat for anyone who wonders how a bystander might observe
the unfolding relationship between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. In this
series of short stories, Quinn guides us through different events in our
favorite love story through the eyes of those whose voices are often little
heard.
The first story, “A Dose of Sardines Is Just the Thing,”
begins at Netherfield during Jane Bennet’s illness, when Caroline Bingley,
hoping to arrange a little alone time for herself and Mr. Darcy, suggests a
rainy-day game of Sardines. Unfortunately for that lady, she is outwitted (not
for the first time, I am sure) by Elizabeth, who finds herself grudgingly in
exactly the place Miss Bingley had imagined for herself. The story ends with a
confused Elizabeth and a rather disappointed Darcy, but picks up in the next
story, “Water Pump.” This story has two variations. The first allows us into the
mind of Mr. Darcy, and the second makes us privy to the surprising thoughts of
someone in a position of service, watching the goings-on of Netherfield with an
observant eye and seeing what the people so closely involved cannot see for
themselves.
We know that Charles Bingley is an affable man and easily
influenced by others. But, what does he think about when left to think for
himself? Most often, my personal answer would likely be, “nothing.” Apparently,
Bingley is not so susceptible to the power of suggestion when it comes to his
friend’s sister. Georgiana and Bingley play integral parts in that missing span
of time, when Darcy is nowhere to be seen and Elizabeth goes on about her
business. We know what happened in the Bennet household during those months,
but what of the Darcys?
Pride Revisited lets
us in to the Darcy family, allowing us to watch Georgiana’s relationship with
her brother grow from parent/child, to brother/sister, to friends as she
emerges from her disappointment with Wickham, strong and mature enough to
encourage her brother in his own heart woes.
After a quick trip through their courtship, we see Darcy and
Elizabeth settled into their married life, celebrating and loving one another
at Pemberley.
As an added treat, Quinn has even provided a modern
adaptation of the Wickham, Elizabeth, Darcy debacle that transpires before the
proposal at Hunsford. If I am being honest, I usually do not like modern
adaptations, as I fancy myself a member of pre-twentieth century society, but
Ms. Quinn so eloquently and accurately captured my own thoughts and emotions in
the first two paragraphs of, “Worst Impressions,” that she reeled me in. I was
not disappointed.
If I had one criticism, it is that I could have done without
the anecdotal introductions to each story. But, with such a minor censure as
that, I would have to recommend Pride
Revisited to anyone who loves the Darcy family, or who has ever wondered
what those on the periphery were thinking.
Connect with Tess Quinn
Read It Now!
About Heather Head:
I am a married mom of two who lives in Birmingham, AL. I am a former high school English teacher/reading specialist who is determined to make the art of reading enjoyable for the next generation. I love books in general, and find it almost impossible not to indulge in a good historical fiction.
