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Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One

Sharon Lathan presents Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy, A fascinating portrait of a timeless, consuming love - and the sweetest, most romantic Jane Austen sequel.

It's Darcy and Elizabeth's wedding day, and the journey is just beginning as Jane Austen's beloved Pride and Prejudice characters embark on the greatest adventure of all: marriage and a life together filled with surprising passion, tender self-discovery, and the simple joys of every day.

As their love story unfolds in this most romantic of Jane Austen sequels, Darcy and Elizabeth reveal to each other how their relationship blossomed. From misunderstanding to perfect understanding and harmony, theirs is a marriage filled with romance, sensuality, and the beauty of a deep, abiding love.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:

"This journey is truly amazing."

"So beautifully written... making me feel as though I was in the room with Lizzy and Darcy... and sharing in all of the touching moments between."

"What a wonderful beginning to this truly beautiful marriage."
"I love your style of writing, the vocabulary you use, and the way you describe things but still leave things to the imagination."

"Could not stop reading."

"One can visualize, quite accurately, every detail."

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Foreword
Cast of Characters

1. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy
2. An Intimate Conversation
3. The Wedding Night
4. A New Day Dawns
5. Homecoming
6. Settling in at Pemberley
7. A Stroll in the Garden
8. An Anniversary
9. Shopping!
10. Meeting the Matlocks
11. A Surprise for Poor Samuel
12. Christmas Guests
13. Christmas at Pemberley
14. The Days In-between
15. Twelfth Night
16. The Long Winter
17. Conflict and Calamity
18. Recovery, Recollection, and Revenge
19. Romantic Interludes

Acknowledgments
About the Author

Excerpt

Excerpt

Chapter One
Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy

Thank goodness it is finally over, Fitzwilliam Darcy thought with a
heavy sigh.

He realized that he probably should not entertain such a thought, but it could not be helped. The past eight weeks of his engagement had held many wonderful moments and all in all had been delightful, but also exceedingly trying. Daily he wanted nothing more than to spend time with his beloved Elizabeth. However, the constant pressures of wedding plans, visits from a seemingly inexhaustible quantity of friends and family, constraints of propriety, and business interests that had taken him from Hertfordshire on several occasions all had conspired to separate him from her far too often. Add to that his own uneasiness with all the social engagements, not to mention his continued distaste for Mrs. Bennet, and the weeks had seemed interminable.

Nonetheless, he thought while gazing lovingly upon his sleeping wife… my wife!… There certainly were some marvelous times to be remembered. In truth, he and Elizabeth had managed to pass numerous satisfying hours together alone, or at least almost alone, yet it never was sufficient as far as Darcy was concerned. She had teased him on occasion for acting like a petulant child whose favorite toy had been taken away. Initially, he had been a bit offended, but then he realized she was correct and had to laugh at himself. Yet he could not deny how bereft he felt without her by his side and how he had treasured every moment that they were together, even if it was brief.

They discovered, much to their mutual joy, that the trials of the previous months, during which each had suffered tremendously, had brought them to a place of complete understanding and honesty. The conversations they now shared were open, deeply profound, intimate, and blessedly free of all artifice and misunderstanding. He had revealed himself to her as he never had to any living soul, not even to his sister or dear Cousin Richard. She had done the same.

They had strived to learn as much as possible about each other. The resulting adoration and respect had only grown deeper with each passing day. And all this before they were married! Now they were truly husband and wife, and Darcy could only imagine their love and communion growing stronger.

He rested his head back against the rocking carriage wall, tightened his arm around Elizabeth, and closed his eyes as his thoughts continued to drift. The ceremony itself had been lovely. The women had triumphed in every aspect of the arrangements. Frankly, Darcy could not have cared less about the decorations as long as his precious Elizabeth became his wife. However, he understood the importance of these things to the ladies and had to admit that the Meryton church and the reception hall at Netherfield were stupendously adorned with flowers in profusion, ribbons and bows, candles and more.

Darcy merely gave it all a cursory glance, eyes riveted to the door. Once Elizabeth entered on the arm of her proud father, Darcy saw or heard very little else. She simply stole away his breath and all conscious thought! How he managed to recite his vows was a mystery. Elizabeth was wearing a simple but lovely white gown of silk with lace along the edges and a golden sash. She had styled her hair in an elaborate design of curls and braids with thin gold ribbon and buds of baby's breath and lavender intertwined. She wore the strand of sapphires he had given her as an engagement gift around her slender neck. Her fine eyes sparkled, her cheeks were rosy, and that special smile only for him highlighted her luscious lips. It was a picture imprinted on his mind's eye and would remain there flawlessly rendered for all of his life.

The lovely and ancient church in Meryton, where the Bennet family had worshipped for years, was perfectly suited for the ceremony. In truth, Darcy had always imagined marrying in the chapel at Pemberley and was mildly saddened initially at the natural choice to marry where both Bennet daughters had grown up. However, he quickly recognized the logic to the decision and realized that he honestly did not care as long as they were married with the sanction of the Church, religion being a vital part of his life.

The elderly vicar performed the traditional ceremony impeccably, his strong voice reciting the vows and quoting Holy Scripture with firm conviction. When Darcy slipped the slim, etched-in-jewels gold band onto Elizabeth's finger, nestling it alongside the sapphire and diamond engagement ring that had been his mother's, it was far and away the most profoundly moving moment in his life.

Elizabeth stirred slightly and he pressed her closer to his side, kissing her gently on the top of her head. He pulled the blanket further over her body and tucked it in. Once he was sure she still slept, he rested his cheek on her head and went back to his daydreams.

The reception at Netherfield was joyous, filled with all of their respective friends and relatives. The food was superb, the musicians exceptional, and the wine of the best vintage. Darcy had an extremely difficult time tearing his eyes away from his bride, but he did manage to congratulate Charles and Jane on their nuptials as well, realizing with a start that Jane looked quite beautiful herself. He was embarrassed to admit that he had not even noticed her presence at the church's altar alongside Elizabeth!

He and Lizzy had previously agreed that they would make their escape as soon as good manners would allow. Darcy had secured lodging at the White Stag Inn near Bedford. He had discovered this superb establishment years earlier while still at Cambridge. Located only a few miles off the main thoroughfare to London—on the turnpike to Cambridge, in fact—it was secluded enough to fulfill his preference for quiet while traveling, but also popular enough as a halting place for those journeying to Newmarket for the races, or on to Suffolk for the sea, so that it was well maintained.

It was also the perfect resting point for the two-day ride between London and Pemberley, a trek he had completed more times that he could remember. He had stayed at the White Stag so frequently over the years that the owners, a pleasant couple named Hamilton, knew him well. They had been ecstatic at the idea of hosting him and his new bride for the initial days of their married life.

All arrangements had been made in advance and, to ensure their privacy, he had rented out the entire second story. Luckily, the late time of year meant the road would be lightly traveled, with hired coaches rarely passing and passengers minimal. Even the pub would see few customers, although it would not matter greatly, as their suite was to the rear of the sturdy red-brick building and well away from the public rooms.

Their luggage had been sent ahead earlier in the day, so all would be ready upon their arrival. Darcy was breathless in anticipation of this night! Not just for the obvious reasons of their promised intimacy and consummation of their marriage, but for the peace and relief from the hustle and bustle of the past two months. Just to be alone with his beloved! Never in his life had any evening been so tremendously and lovingly contemplated.

The carriage pulled off the main road, and Darcy knew they were close to their destination. "Elizabeth," he whispered softly, "wake up, my love; we are almost there."

Reviews

Reviews

Romance Reader at Heart Kay James
Thinker: Kay James
AuthorName: Sharon Lathan
BookTitle1: Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy
ISBN: 9781402215230
PubDate: March 2009
SubGenre: Fiction
Publisher: Sourcebooks
TopPick: Top Pick Addition

NovelThoughtComments: Jane Austen fans the world over wonder what happened to her delightful characters after her stories ended. It’s a natural thing to want to know more about characters who are as well-loved as hers are. For example… have you ever wondered just what happened between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth after PRIDE AND PREJUDICE closed? I know I have. MR. & MRS. FITZWILLIAM DARCY shows just what may have happened. Sharon Lathan’s continuation of the famous novel is an interesting peek into the life of the couple. Highly entertaining, this story gives readers a bit more time with the Darcys.

The story opens just after the wedding, with Mr. Darcy being grateful their engagement has ended and their marriage is finally behind them. He looks over at his sleeping wife and the reader feels, right from the first page, the depth of his emotional attachment. This is, undoubtedly, a love story. The reader sees firsthand what marriage in the early 1800s entails; what obligations and duties fall to the partners and what sort of social constraints put each in his or her own place. This is a story of passion, but also of friendship. While the Darcys are definitely madly in love, they also share an openness that is enchanting. I still smile when I recall Lizzy’s appraisal of her husband in their bedchamber. She is, of course, appreciative of all his attributes but comments on his “nice” feet. So sweet and innocent, and makes the point that Lizzy was an inexperienced young woman learning how to love her new husband.

I raced through this book. I felt fully immersed in the time period, thanks to the author’s attention to detail. It is a real credit to Ms. Lathan that her storytelling style is in keeping with the author of work that inspired this novel. Well done!

Library Journal
Sharon Lathan’s Mr. & Mrs. Darcy: Two Shall Become One (March, Sourcebooks Landmark, ISBN 978-1-4022-1523-0), a continuation of Pride and Prejudice that portrays Darcy and Elizabeth’s wedding day and beyond.

Armchair Interviews Kathy Perschmann
Sharon Lathan has created a warm and romantic world for the newly married Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Their love soars to dizzying heights of joy as they truly get to know each other. Elizabeth faces some daunting tasks– getting to know the aristocratic neighbors; dealing with the nasty Lady Catherine, Darcy’s aunt; and the return home of Darcy’s sister Georgiana.

Nothing seems to dampen their ardent love for one another, until a Twelfth Night Ball and Masque given by the Coles. Will the neighborhood accept her as Mistress of Pemberley? How many of the young women present had nursed a hope that they might one day become his bride? Will she be able to win them over? Unfortunately Elizabeth is seated next to the Marquis of Orman, a man who has long resented Darcy. Orman’s relentless pursuit of Elizabeth, discovering her while on a walk on Pemberley grounds, endangers both their lives and their future together.

Flashbacks fill in the details of their memories of the proposal, engagement, and wedding.

This lovely novel of what comes after the end of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice creates a possible world at Pemberley for Darcy and Elizabeth. If you like Austen you will enjoy this sensual and heartfelt exploration of the Darcy’s newly married life together.

Armchair Interviews agrees.

Author’s Web site: http://www.DarcySaga.net

Savvy Verse & Wit Serena Cox-Augusto
I would like to thank Danielle at Sourcebooks for sending me Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One by Sharon Lathan, which is now available in select Target stores and will be released everywhere else in March.

Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy is a scintillating novel that will have readers blushing right alongside Elizabeth Darcy as she and her husband embark upon the rest of their lives as a married couple. Mrs. Darcy gets acclimated to life as Mistress of Pemberley, while her husband relishes his wife’s attentions and delights in helping her fit into his world without losing the passionate and independent woman he loves.

"Darcy attacked the superb provisions with relish and Elizabeth was not too far behind. They had fun with the process: feeding each other morsels, licking and sucking each other’s fingers, kissing honey-smeared lips. Eventually even Darcy’s appetite was quenched, and with a satisfied sigh, he reclined on an enormous pillow. Elizabeth leaned against his bent knee and gazed dreamily into the fire. Neither spoke." (Page 37)

This novel provides an look at the intimacy this classic couple shares behind closed doors and away from society’s prying eyes. Readers will begin to feel like voyeurs as they become drawn into Pemberley’s world and the coupling of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy. In the background hovers the ominous presence of Lady Catherine and the rumors she spread about Elizabeth Darcy and her future, detrimental affect on Pemberley and the Darcy name. The word play between these two characters continues and is a delight. It’s fantastic to see Col. Fitzwilliam return as well and inject his wit as well.

"Darcy greeted his cousin heartily. ’Darcy, old man, you are positively beaming! Married life surely agrees with you,’ Col. Fitzwilliam decreed.

’More than I could possibly verbalize, cousin. Someday you must give up your reckless bachelor ways and discover the joys of matrimony.’

Richard shuddered. ’Not too hasty, Darcy, not too hasty. Mrs. Darcy, if I may be so bold, you are radiant. Shocked I am, to tell the truth,’ he said, with a sly glance at Darcy. ’Personally, I thought you would be weary of this old codger by now!’" (Page 147)

Readers will find this romance novel stays true to the original Austen characters and develops their relationship more fully within the bounds of matrimony and society’s conventions. It is good to see Mr. Darcy soften with the help of his wife, learning to laugh and interact with others with less rigidity, and it is equally as fascinating to see Mrs. Darcy garner maturity in his presence, while continuing to blossom as a woman and wife. One drawback for me in this novel was the absence of conflict until the very end of the novel and some readers may find the sexual tensions and actions of these beloved characters too intimate at times. Overall, this is a good romance and a great way to spend an afternoon or two in wedded bliss with Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy.

About the Author:

Sharon is a married, RN, specializing in neonatal intensive care. She is a native Californian who married her very own Mr. Darcy. Two Shall Become One evolved after Lathan watched Pride & Prejudice on the big screen, starring Kiera Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen.

Diary of an Eccentric Anna Horner
Sharon Lathan’s Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One picks up where Jane Austen left off in Pride and Prejudice. The book begins at the start of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy’s marriage. Lathan’s writing is beautiful, slowly unfolding the Darcy’s love story. From the nervousness of the wedding night to the making of a routine that would mark their days at Pemberley, Lathan captures it all in a voice that transports the reader to Regency England.

Lathan does a great job with the characters of Elizabeth and Darcy, staying true to the mannerisms and thoughts of Austen’s beloved couple. Elizabeth’s captivating personality and wit shines through, and it’s nice to see the transformed Darcy and his romantic, sentimental side. However, as the book went on, the endearments expressed by the newlyweds were a bit overwhelming. Here and there, a "darling" or "my love" is perfectly fine, but there were paragraphs in a single scene of the two expressing their love for one another. I think it slowed the narrative.

The only other problem I had with the book was the excessive number of sex scenes. They were beautifully written as far as such scenes go, and what transpires in each scene fits the portrayal of Elizabeth and Darcy. But it seemed as though 90 percent of the book took place in the bedroom, detailing almost every time the pair made love during the early days of their marriage. Given that they are newlyweds, I think the reader can figure it out for themselves that much of their free time will be spent in the bedroom. I loved when Darcy escorted Elizabeth to the Masque Ball, with all the talk about Darcy’s new bride and what happens when a certain guest is aggressive toward Elizabeth, and I wish the book had more scenes like that one.

Even though the only bit of tension in the book occurs toward the end, Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One kept my attention throughout. Lathan’s addition to the numerous Pride and Prejudice sequels should stand out due to top-notch writing and an Austen-esque voice. If you love Elizabeth and Darcy, you won’t want to miss this one.

Grace’s Book Blog Grace Loiacono
Thanks to Danielle Jackson of Sourcebooks for providing me with this book.

I love Jane Austen sequels. I live for them. I devour sequel after sequel. It is a small wonder I do not get confused. I was absolutely delighted when I saw that Danielle was offering two sequels for review. I had read about this sequel while perusing Amazon on a Jane Austen sequel buying spree. I initially passed it over because it was based on the 2005 movie not the 1995 series. I couldn’t seem to get away from that. The 2005 movie almost seemed to be a more dramatized, high school version of Pride and Prejudice. This was definitely something I had to force myself to look beyond while reading Lathan’s book. I also had to essentially forget everything that happened in the 1995 series and force myself to sit and watch the 2005 version again to refresh my memory. I found that I felt better about the book if I imagined Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth instead of Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. Once I began reading, I was pleasantly surprised. I really liked this book.

I love how Lathan injects drama into the continuing story of Darcy and Elizabeth. Their life is not quiet in Lathan’s world as you would assume it to be in Austen’s world. I loved that she injected the bad influence of a town scoundrel into the novel. I also love that it resulted in a duel which is something I always wanted to see in a Austen sequel. It gives Darcy a bit of an edge. The relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy is portrayed excellently. Their relationship is clearly passionate in the early days of their marriage. The love between them is tangible and Lathan portrays it well. I also love how Elizabeth calls Darcy “William”. I found that so sweet.

There were, however, some aspects of Lathan’s novel that didn’t quite work for me. The language was simply too flowery especially in the love scenes. They are constantly jabbering on about how wonderful the other is. That is great the first few times but if it is repeated a million times, it gets annoying. I did find that the prose was wonderful outside of love scenes. Also there is no remnant of Jane Austen to be found in this novel. Her language, her voice is absent. This could be a creative choice of the author but I found that I missed the essence of Austen that I can usually find in Austen sequels.

The flaws in Lathan’s sequel did not detract from my enjoyment of the novel. I really liked it. I even bought the two sequels which I am going to read when I am through with the mountain of reading I still have to do. If you love Jane Austen sequels, please pick this one up. It is quite the wonderful read.

Rating- 4 stars

CK2’s Kwips & Kritiques Marilyn Rondeau
For those who watched either the movie versions or read Jane Austen’s PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, get ready for here is the next adventure in the lives of the Lizzy and Mr. Darcy from the moment following their “I do’s”. It took these two people a long time to reach a common ground and admit their love for one another, and Latham’s story follows the journey in their relationship from the honeymoon and chronicles the first year of their new life together. It’s a journey for both, not only for adapting to one another but especially for Lizzy as she adapts to a whole different lifestyle for her new station in life.

*** Because I am a devoted fan of all things Jane Austen I jumped at the chance to pick up the next chapter following the lives of Lizzy and Mr. Darcy after the wedding and I applaud author Sharon Latham in keeping the image of these two people pretty close to where I imagined their lives would lead them. Actually, anyone not having read PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (hard as it is to imagine) would find this story of a newly wed couple to be a sweet and sensual delight regardless of not having known them before.

Historically speaking, the marriage between Darcy and Lizzy would have been looked at with obvious bewilderment – namely because of the fact that Darcy had married beneath himself having a loftier station in life versus Lizzy, and two, the fact that these two were in love. The loftier gentry generally married for social position and hardly ever concerned themselves with feelings – true love matches being a rarity. However, it is the excellent interpretation and creativeness of just this portion of the story that gives the reader so much pleasure and drives the wonderfully sweet ‘love’ story as Darcy helped to give Lizzie the confidence and self reliance needed to assume her new position while still remaining as sweet and caring as the day they’d met even though they hated to admit their attraction. Watching them both fall more and more in love, and lust, was a true thrill. The author gives the reader a lovely gift in watching these two grow in their love and maturity as they learn to communicate and relish thoroughly the physical aspect of marriage.

Bottom Line: Jane Austen fan or not – you’re going to love this author’s interpretation of life after the wedding as Darcy and Lizzy begin a honeymoon that looks to last forever. Very highly recommended reading.

AustenProse Laurel Ann Natress
Anyone who has seen the 2005 movie adaptation Pride & Prejudice and been moved by the last scene when Mr. Darcy proclaims to his new bride Elizabeth that she has “bewitched him body and soul” will immediately connect with this book. In Mr.& Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One, author Sharon Lathan has reverently followed the tone of Deborah Moggach’s screenplay and Joe Wright’s direction to continue the impassioned story of the Darcy’s life after the nuptials. Is this Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice after the marriage? NO! Is this one person’s interpretation of the ultimate Darcy and Elizabeth fangirl fantasy? YES!

In the author’s foreword Ms. Lathan attempts to disarm reproof right out of the gate. She had not read the original novel prior to her first movie viewing and was not influenced by it when she began writing her fan fiction which ostensibly became this novel. Her inspiration was solely based on the romanticized movie adaptation and her personal reaction to it. Therefore it is not unreasonable to review this book based on what it actual is: a sequel, inspired by a movie adaptation, loosely based on a novel.

The wedding is finally over and Mr. Darcy is relieved to be past all the constant pressure of wedding plans and family arrangements to be with his beloved Elizabeth. To get to this point, they both had to overcome some serious obstacles of vanity and misunderstandings impeding their romance before they realized that they were in love and destined to be together. Elizabeth is also pleased and thankful that her husband has planned a quick retreat from the Netherfield wedding reception to a coaching Inn where they will stay the first two days and nights of their married life together. Here we witness their first innocent and unsure moments alone as newlyweds. Next they are off to Pemberley where Elizabeth’s first experiences as Mistress are intimidating, but Darcy and Mrs. Reynolds are there to support her. Her first family event in her new capacity will be a Christmas gathering, which will included Darcy’s younger sister Georgiana, his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam and his aunt and uncle Lord and Lady Matlock among others. She is also introduced to the local gentry at a Twelfth Night Masquerade Ball where she meets the Marquis of Orman who admires her beauty and spirit far too intently. Not wanting to reveal everything, I can allude to the expectation of a young olive-branch, and a sword duel before the novel concludes.

In addition to experiencing Lizzy and Darcy’s first months as newlyweds at Pemberley, Lathan gives us a beautifully descriptive glimpse of Regency life managing a grand estate including a palatial manor house with acres of rooms, an army of servants, stables, extensive grounds, and a county of farmland. However, this is merely window dressing to the real heart and soul of this novel which consumes about two-thirds of the narrative; Darcy and Lizzy’s passion, devotion and abiding love. Yep! This is definitely a romance novel of the first order. Lathan is quite generous with her intimate descriptions devoting entire chapters to one night. After about the 20th go round, I turned the shag counter off and just hunted for the plot, which pretty much did not arrive until about 125 pages in. Even after other characters arrive on the scene, we are never in any doubt of the Darcy’s rapturous affection for one another. As a writer, I could see Lathan’s style improve and develop as the novel progressed. She smoothly supplies us with all the elements of the ultimate female fantasy - marry Mr. Darcy the definitive literary romantic icon who proceeds to billet you out in high style, shower you with expensive gifts and sentimental trinkets, clothe you in opulent fashions, supply you with more pin money than your grasping ma’ma could ever hope for, and worship you beyond all reason whilst making love all over the place. Swoon! That’s great if you want to be the next Julie Garwood or Jude Deveraux, but this is Darcy and Lizzy, sacred ground, and even if author Linda Berdoll has straddled that precipice all the way to the bank, do we really need a successor?

If you read Pride and Prejudice before you saw the 2005 movie and cringed over the American ending, then this novel might not be for you. If you enjoy enthusiastic romance passionately written featuring the redoubtable Mr. Darcy and his wife, then “I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours“!

Moonlight to Twilight Blog Ms. Moonlight
Kudos to Sharon Lathan for her delightful telling of the months following Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s wedding in "Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One" novel! Anyone who is a fan of the movie version of ’Pride & Prejudice’ starring Kiera Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen will enjoy this continuance of their love story. The novel starts with a foreword from the author telling of her first seeing the movie in 2005 and how it gave her "warm fuzzy feeling’s running amok"...which I am sure many of us can empathize with!

The continuing story of Elizabeth and William (as Lizzy & his family call Mr. Darcy) begins with their marriage and includes a few flashbacks to the days leading up to the wedding. These flashbacks occur a few times in the book and are often flashes of scenes from the movie its self. I just loved this! It gave me a great visual and fed my hunger for all the ’what happened next’ feelings the end of the movie left me with.

The book is full...I mean FULL of William and Elizabeth pledging their undying love for one another and sex! Lots of sex! Not graphic, but tasteful. What was a bit unexpected to me was Mr. Darcy revealing to Elizabeth that he is a virgin like her, but that he’s well read on the subject of sex and pleasing a wife. He admits this when Elizabeth comes to him before the marriage with her concerns about sex after a rather discouraging talk with her mother Mrs. Bennet who told her "I have headache" works wonders at keeping a husband away and getting out of wifely duties once an heir is produced. The openness, honesty and awkwardness of these two totally in love virgins trying to put each other at ease about this part of their marriage was nicely done and totally unexpected by myself when reading it.

Their love story continues beautifully in Ms. Lathan’s version of what happens after the wedding. If at all possible, they fall more deeply in love with each other each passing day. Elizabeth has much to learn about being a Darcy and running such a large household, but William is patient and doesn’t pressure her at all. They quite rapidly fall into marriage and knowing each others moods and needs as if (like we didn’t already know) they were destined to be together. Soul mates in every way. Marriage is bliss and one long honeymoon for the Darcy’s.

Enter evil villain: the Marquis of Orman. Orman and William despise each other and have for years for no particular reason, but the feelings are mutual between them. Orman (clearly a fool) is driven to harass Elizabeth and as you can imagine Mr. Darcy doesn’t take well to this at all. I won’t give away all that, but it was great fun to read and of course Mr. Darcy, fine specimen of man that he is, turns out the hero to save the day of his beloved Elizabeth!

Well done Sharon Lathan! I truly enjoyed revisiting Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy and was thrilled that you took your cue from my favorite movie version of the book. 5 out of 5 stars.
**This book came from Danielle L. Jackson at Sourcebooks, Inc. for me to read & review**
Thank you Danielle!

Marta’s Meanderings Marta Hoelscher
My Review: I don’t even know where to start with this wonderful book. I had heard from a few people that they thought it was too explicit compared to Jane Austen. Keeping that in mind, I plunged in and I loved it! There are no more of the Victorian chaste kisses, this is a full blown romance. The story has the characters acting as any newly married couple would act. I didn’t think it was very explicit at all., in fact I thought it was wonderfully written and kept me enthralled until the end. I found myself sighing once again over this couple. Darcy emerges as wonderfully romantic husband. We get to see the struggles they go through in the early days and see their love triumph. There is enough of the ’feel’ of Jane_Austen to delight all fans of her novels. For me this was a great book and I’m excited that this is just the first in the series that follows this couple. I’m going to be first in line for the rest of the series!

BookLoons.com Kim Atchue-Cusella
Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One starts out on Elizabeth and Darcy’s wedding day. We as readers are brought back to their courtship, but for the most part the story is about their wedding and life together.

The first days as husband and wife are spent at a Coaching Inn where Elizabeth brings up her anxieties about her duties on her wedding night. Darcy is gentle with her. He puts those fears to rest and they spend their time with passion, romance and in getting to know one another.

Elizabeth is brought to Pemberley, where some of the women are not happy that she took a prized bachelor off the market. Darcy is very taken by Elizabeth and is also very protective. His housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, is there to help Elizabeth learn how to become the mistress of Pemberley.

While most people fall in love with Elizabeth, there is one man, the Marquis of Orman, who studies her too intently and makes her uncomfortable. He is not a good friend of Darcy’s and creates a problem that is dangerous for Elizabeth.

Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy is one author’s interpretation of a continuation of Pride and Prejudice. It was written with wit and loads of romance. I loved how Elizabeth and Darcy sometimes had misunderstandings but made up with passion. It was fun to watch the first months of their married life together.

Awaiting Diana
Pride and Prejudice sequels and fill ins are a passion of mine. I have read almost all of them in existence - not all, but almost all. It is very true that I have said in the past that most Pride and Prejudice sequels are absolute rubbish and yet, I read every single one I can get my hands on. I can’t seem to stop - and truthfully, it is a totally harmless guilty pleasure - fat free, carb free, alcohol and cholesterol free.....so why not?

What is the draw for me? Purely and plainly, it is the character of Darcy. I love him. He is a thinking girl’s "Knight in Riding Boots" and Sharon’s rendering of my favorite literary man is nothing short of nirvana for the Darcy lover. Now, I know there are those out there who will disagree - and you can disagree all you want. I want a Darcy who doesn’t have a dark past, who doesn’t have any illegitimate half siblings, who doesn’t time travel..... you get my message here. We each have our own image of Darcy. Sharon delivers that to her reader - and then some. That is one of my favorite parts about that character. Miss Austen gave us just enough to go on - and we get to fill in the blanks.

When Sharon discovered the character of Darcy and filled in her own blanks, she made him into a very masculine, romantic and passionate Darcy. That is the driving force behind this book. Darcy is so wonderful and manly, you cannot help but to fall for him. He and Elizabeth set out in their newly married life to explore and discover one another - and while they are both very dedicated to their ’studies’, the romantic and passionate love between the two keeps the reader mesmerized. It is a lovely rendering of a loving and passionate marriage.

This is not Pride and Prejudice rehashed and regurgitated with a few details changed. This book is truly the continuing story of the lives of Fitzwilliam Darcy and his new bride Elizabeth. There are quite a number of sensual scenes in this book - which is very true to life for the stage of marriage that Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth are in. They have just discovered the pleasures of the flesh as it were. If you want a story that will bring you intimately into the lives of the Darcys after they begin their married life together, this is the book for you.

The continuing story of the lives of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam is lovingly told by Ms. Lathan with great care and attention to detail. The research and historical context is both romantic and enlightening for the reader. You come away with a real sense of life in the late 19th century and a real sense of the lives of these two people who are deeply in love with one another.

In the end, you are uplifted by a story about love that is not riddled with odd plot points and dark themes. This is, quite simply, a story about love an excellent example of marriage and happily ever after. A wonderful read that is taylor made for the romantic at heart.

Good Books, Bad Books Bridget Locke

The Book Zombie Joanne Mosher
The first thing I would like to mention is about how Mr & Mrs Darcy came to be written. In 2005 Sharon Lathan went to the theatre to see the movie Pride & Prejudice featuring Keira Knightly and Matthew MacFadyen. This film touched her so deeply that she couldn’t get it out of her mind. After months of reading and researching everything she could get her hands on about Jane Austen, Sharon Lathan began writing stories in the fashion of what is known as ‘fan-fiction’ and from there it continued to this, the first of a series of Pride & Prejudice inspired stories. It’s a cool little story, I’ve left out quite a bit but if you click here you can visit the author’s website and read the whole story in her own words.

Since, Two Shall Become One, was inspired by the 2005 film version of the novel rather than the Austen novel, the characters are more comparable to the parts played by Knightly and MacFadyen. The story begins as Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy return as newlyweds to Pemberley, after a brief honeymoon stay along the way. What follows is an new introduction to one another for the couple, as they essentially learn how to behave and interact in their new roles of husband and wife. This is also a time for Elizabeth to discover what it means to become the lady of an estate, while Mr. Darcy must become more comfortable with sharing his home and his life with his new partner. And of course we get to be witness to the very first social events hosted by the pair. Family, friends and familiar characters appear from time to time but it’s Mr and Mrs Darcy who steal the spotlight as the perfect pair of newlyweds.

The characters in this story are slightly different from the original Austen creations, but by keeping in mind that this is more of a continuation of the film version, it is very accurate. Lathan states on her website that she has done much research into not only the Austen novel, but also the time period and location of Pride and Prejudice. This is very clear to the reader as her descriptive writing is outstanding in it’s detail. Overall the writing is terrific, and the author shows a great talent at both dialogue, narrative and description.

My only complaint about the novel would be the repetitive dialogue between Elizabeth and Darcy, in terms of vowing their love to one another. A plus to some readers may be the inclusion of many quite heated love scenes, however the drawn out talk between the two lovers can put a bit of a damper on the mood of the moment. The main plotline of the story was basically to do with how the couple come together as a married couple, and there wasn’t very much else going on action-wise outside the bedroom. It’s only toward the end of the book that conflict in introduced.

However, even though I was not into the overly romantic tone of this book, I am very much interested in reading Sharon Lathan’s upcoming Pride and Prejudice books. The next volume Loving Mr Darcy: Journeys Beyond Pemberley, looks to be interesting. According to the author’s website, this book will focus on the societal introduction of Elizabeth as Mrs Darcy, with balls, opera, travel and shopping trips. With the author’s obvious attention to historical detail, this should be quite a fascinating read.

The Book Nest Corinne Edwards
Lizzie and her Mr. Darcy have gotten married at the end of the 2005 movie version of Pride and Prejudice. This book begins where that left off and occasionally even flashes back to exact scenes from the movie. The book takes us throughout the first several months of their marriage as they fall even more in love and as Lizzy settles into her role as Mrs. Darcy and the mistress of the Pemberly estate.

One thing I think the author does particularly well is surround us by the Regency period. The language, the tones of conversations and the atmosphere felt authentic to original Austen (although, like I said, the plot is truer to the movie version than to the original book). Even the characters, for the most part, felt genuine and their behavior consistent. What did not feel so authentic to me was the amount and level of detail in the "bedroom" scenes. To be completely truthful, I would classify the book as a romance novel, chiefly for the fact that I was sometimes skimming through two, three pages of detailed romantic interludes.

I liked the interactions between husband and wife when they were not being "intimate," but these scenes felt cut short, always, by their desires for each other - often making me feel that the plot was lacking. It got a bit frustrating because I did like the world that Lathan had created and wanted to spend more time with Lizzy and Darcy out in it! Scenes where Lizzy was meeting Derbyshire society and when she was acting as hostess at Pemberly stand out as ones I particularly liked reading.

In the end, I think your pleasure in this novel will be what you are interesting in finding there. If you want a story of true love - a couple perfectly matched and infatuated with each other and living in a splendid historical time period, than this is the book for you.

Allison’s Attic of Books Allison King
Sharon Lathan has created an amazing book about consuming love between 2 people that anyone would love to have with that speical someone. The majority of the story actually happens in their bedchambers. The banter between Darcy and Elizabeth behind closed doors is intimate and erotic, which amazed me knowing how ’stiff’ they are when out in public (due of course to the ’proper’ rules they must follow.) I enjoyed these parts, but talking about how wonderful each of them were was overdone and I found myself skimming through some passages to find more of the story. ’Two Shall Become One" kept my attention with the writings descriptive details of the surroundings that Elizabeth and Darcy would be in. I felt as though I was there with them, peeking in through a window. The ending seemed a bit rushed with a number of things happening, but overall the book was enjoyable.
I can’t compare this to the Jane Austen book, unfortunetly, because I have not read it (hopefully, one of these days I will.) I have watched the movie version of "Pride and Prejudice" (which I loved) and I will say the book was a good version of a sequel to it. I wouldn’t recommend this for everyone (because of the amount of intimacy might be too much for some), but I enjoyed it enough to say that it will bring smiles and laughs to your day as you read through the life of Darcy and Elizabeth.

3.5/5 stars

The Romance Studio Linda L.
There is no question how much Fitzwilliam Darcy loves Elizabeth, whom he refers to as Lizzy. The past eight weeks of the engagement had held wonderful memories that had been most delightful. Now Lizzy was his wife, and no man could be happier than William. Elizabeth simply loves how William’s eyes glow when he speaks of his family. As their love connects them closer with every passing day, William is driven wild with desire for his beloved. She is bewitching, and their honeymoon proves just how deep their love extends now. He has no idea how he survived all those years without his sweet Lizzy. She is spirited and vibrant and William wants to learn so much more with her. With his magic hands, Lizzy is captivated with his touch and his mere presence. Their love is something to be cherished for the rest of their lives. With the couple being inexperienced as young lovers, can they find the right equation to make their desires even more fulfilling?

Mr. and Mrs. Darcy is a romance that transcends through time. Elizabeth and William’s passion, as they explore their honeymoon, is wonderfully written. The reader gets an idea of how deep their love excels. Sharon Lathan permits the true feelings of Elizabeth and William to illustrate their most tender emotions and hidden desires toward the other. I liked the way their romance buds for the other. Their emotions swim through each page, allowing this reader to visualize their sensations. It was almost as if they could read each others thoughts and act upon them. With simmering ardor for the other, the characters are solid, passionate, and convincing; permitting this reader to believe their honeymoon is not only just the beginning but a lifetime of love that will never turn cold.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Linda L.
March 31, 2009

Eye on Romance Heather
Reviewer Comments: This story continues the story of Elizabeth Bennet, now Mrs Darcy, and Fitzwilliam Darcy from the much loved Pride and Prejudice. In this story, Darcy and Lizzy begin their married life. Ms Lathan has written what she believes happened between Darcy and Elizabeth in their first year of marriage including their first public outing and Christmas.

The story opens with the end of the wedding and Mr and Mrs Darcy on their way to their new life together. We are taken through the first night and also the first days of their life together and the patterns they will set for the future. The couple are honest with each other and there are lots of kisses, lots of “I love you” and lots of intimate moments and cuddling. Darcy assists Elizabeth in her new role and sometimes proves a distraction. Elizabeth also has to deal with the gossip about her marriage to Darcy but she deals with it with aplomb.

The characterization of Elizabeth and Darcy has been well done in this story and has been mostly in keeping with Jane Austen’s version. There were times, as a reader, I felt that Darcy was out of character but that would be my vision of Darcy. I know he loves Elizabeth dearly but at times it seemed his love and affection had been taken too far towards mushy even though we know Darcy has his public image and his private image.

Ms Lathan has shown the difficulties Elizabeth has settling into the role of Mrs Darcy and the Mistress of Pemberley. Such difficulties include the gifts Darcy wants to buy for her, her wardrobe, and having a personal maid to assist her. Of course Elizabeth does shine and tackles the tasks with her known sense of humor. As we travel the story with Darcy and Elizabeth, she is feted wherever she goes and all those immediately succumb to her wit and personality. I liked it when Darcy and Elizabeth have their first marital fight as it showed they were more real. And before Darcy and Elizabeth can make up, Lizzy has an accident and Darcy is in despair.

We do not see many of the other familiar characters except as points of reference to add flavour to the story so we do not learn what happen to them in that first year.

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Trade Paper Specfications

• Length: 9.00 in
• Width: 6.00 in
• Height: 0.00 in
• Weight: 17.00 oz
• Page Count: 320 pages