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The church door flew open and footsteps resounded through the church, forcing its lethargic inmates into sudden animation. Mr Collins, whose sermon on fire and brimstone had taken on a decidedly monotonous rhythm, was awakened into new fervour. His eyes rounded and his voice rose, ringing with conviction now that he had found a target for his wrath. Even his conviction, however, did not regain him his audience, for the congregation turned en masse to survey the newcomers. Heads turned, necks stretched, and hats fluttered. Twittering echoed around the stone pillars.

Mr Collins tried his best to ignore these disturbing signs of inattention. He proved himself worthy of his position indeed, for he did not falter for an instant and, when the restlessness of his flock became too apparent, he turned his eyes on the one person who was worthy of the benefit of his words—indeed, had had a hand in suggesting those very words—his noble patroness Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She sat rigidly upright in her pew and kept her gaze calmly fixed upon him. Her daughter Anne, though generally too sickly to be curious, shifted in her seat so that she could sneak a glance at the new arrivals, until a sharp pinch forced her to recall the gravity of their elevated stature.

But, at last, even Lady Catherine de Bourgh herself could not ignore the disturbance, for the newcomers, instead of squeezing silently into whatever empty bench they could find, came straight in her direction and signalled for her to shift down towards the other side of the family pew. Lady Catherine, torn between the diminished dignity of moving from her accustomed seat or the prospect of causing a scene in the Lord’s presence, moved closer to her daughter. At this insult to his dear patroness, Mr Collins stuttered, not once, but twice, an event of such unprecedented magnitude that he succeeded in drawing all attention back to himself again.

“I am sorry we were tardy, Lady Catherine. I know we wrote that we would arrive before church today,” said a cheerful young voice in a loud whisper. Those closest to Lady Catherine’s pew strained to listen above Mr Collins’s voice, and a few turned to convey her words to the ears of their less fortunate neighbours. An elderly lady’s voice could be heard complaining forcefully that no one ever told her anything. “What is the young lady saying?” She received several disgruntled looks.

“One of our horses was lamed,” continued the young lady, “and we had to wait until a fresh one could be brought. It took forever.” Mr Collins fixed a quelling look at the young lady in question. She was apparently chastised, for she said nothing more. But no sooner had Mr Collins resumed the familiar flow of his sermon than the young gentleman leaned across his sister and added in a whisper, “I hope we have not missed too much of the service,” he remarked. “My watch must have been stolen by pickpockets when we stopped in Bromley, for I could not find it, and I have no idea of the time.” Lady Catherine did not deign to reply. Mr Collins paused in the middle of a sentence and cleared his throat.

Georgiana Darcy, who was sitting to the right of Anne, wished Mr Collins would simply ignore the newcomers, instead of drawing even more attention to them. Her party seemed to have become the focus of all eyes. If only their pew faced forward, instead of standing sideways where everyone in the congregation could see them! She squirmed in her seat, trying her best to look unruffled. If only she were sitting with her brother, Darcy, whose tall form was partly hidden by a pillar.

Such thoughts did not avail her, however, for there she was, with all eyes turned towards her group. She needed to project an air of calm dignity. She grasped her hands together in her lap and concentrated on practising serenity.

One pair of eyes—dark and insistent—stood out from the sea of eyes turned towards her. Her tremulous serenity collapsed. A glance across the empty space to the pew opposite theirs—one of the pillars of the community, clearly—revealed the source. A dark-haired, impeccably dressed young gentleman was watching her—not the others, but her in particular. His knowing gaze rested on her deliberately, and she had the uncomfortable sensation of being evaluated. She looked away quickly at the sea of eyes to her left. She preferred them to that one single evaluation. But looking away did not help, for she could still feel the touch of that steady gaze upon her. Unable to resist, she turned to him again. He nodded at her politely, with a hint of a smile that suggested sympathy with her predicament. She flushed this time, flustered more by his pity than by anything else that had transpired.

Fortunately, by now the new arrivals appeared sufficiently cowed by Mr Collins or Lady Catherine or both, for neither of them uttered a sound until it was time to sing the next hymn, upon which they sang with voices like angels.

Clarissa Darcy, cousin of the famous Mr. Darcy from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, has whirled into England from America and is about to upturn everyone’s life! It appears that although she’s been educated and claims to possess social graces, she loves being rash, unique and startling.



Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Anne de Bourgh and Georgiana Darcy are considered models of social propriety and graces, whether expressed stridently, feebly or shyly. The latter two ladies are so impressed by Clarissa that they decide to try out a few of her tendencies, to the delight of the reader and the consternation of Lady Catherine and even the surrounding gentlemen. One will upset everyone in Rosings Park and the surrounding area by her abrupt disappearance, and the other will experiment with some bolder methods of enticing the man she desires. But unknown to all, two of these ladies are vying for the same gentleman. Mr. Channing and Mr. Gatley are fascinated by this formidable American woman who has managed to transform the sedate young women they formerly almost ignored. When the truth is exposed about the real Clarissa, it will be a stunning revelation, humbling and infuriating her many shocked admirers and critics.



The Darcy Cousins is a humorous, stately romp through 19th-century England, celebrating and satirizing proper behavior of the aristocracy, proper etiquette for those coming out into society and their potential suitors, and the scorn of those who pride themselves on independence and work. An apt sequel to make Ms. Austen proud!


The Darcy Cousins is Monica Fairview’s follow-up novel to the previous The Other Mr. Darcy, reviewed here on The Calico Critic last fall. Once again we return to Regency England and the social circles that include the Darcy family of Pride and Prejudice. Robert and Caroline Darcy are again a part of the story, but theirs is not the main focus this time. In this installment, another American cousin, Clarissa Darcy joins Georgiana Darcy in their first Seasons as young ladies available for courtship. Multiple dashing (and not so dashing) suitors cross their paths, which makes things interesting throughout the novel. Anne de Bourgh also has her own story line, making some decisions that will affect the entire family in one way or another.

As in Fairview’s previous novel, the language of The Darcy Cousins holds the flavor of the original Pride and Prejudice, but is a bit more readable. The main characters are once again navigating the intricacies of Regency life, searching for love, security and general happiness for all. While a few moments of villainy emerge, most of the plot is driven by relational issues, misunderstandings and mystery. There are several moments that are reminiscent of other Austen works, such as Sense and Sensibility or Emma. It’s all very well within the style that Jane Austen exhibited in her storytelling.

While The Other Mr. Darcy remains my favorite of the two novels, I enjoyed The Darcy Cousins very much. The characters were enjoyable, the plot always kept a reasonable pace and I enjoyed seeing how the characters grew as people. In particular, by the story’s conclusion 18 year-old Georgiana is no longer the same 15 year-old girl we met in Pride and Prejudice. She indeed comes into her own as a woman.

Although The Darcy Cousins is a sequel to The Other Mr. Darcy, I didn’t feel that it was necessary to read Book 1 in order to appreciate Book 2. Knowing the first installment was helpful and aided me in understanding a few plot points, but readers beginning with this title will have no trouble immersing themselves in the tale. Cousins can for the most part stand on its own.

I’m so pleased that Monica’s previous novel was successful enough to bring about The Darcy Cousins. Due to some other literary obligations, I had to put Cousins down and return to it several times before completion. However, each time that I returned, I was always glad to dive back into the story, as it was consistently an enjoyable read. I certainly hope that Ms. Fairview goes on to bring us another chapter in the life of the Darcy family.


My Opinion:

What a lark!
As I have mentioned before I came to Jane Austen late in life and was very happy that I decided to read all of her books. I completely understand why they have stood the test of time; love is love after all. And the pursuit of love is a universal topic in novels. What makes a book great is the HOW in the boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy marries girl plotline. Austen was a master - her dialog was witty and sharp and it transcends time.

Many authors have decided use Austen as a base for a new novel. Some well, some not so well. Monica Fairview has extended the life of Pride and Prejudice VERY well. While the book is about Mr. Darcy’s cousin Clarissa we again fall into the lives of stuffy Lady Catherine de Bourgh, uptight Mr. Collins and of course Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy and to my delight Georgina.

I always liked Georgina and it’s nice to see her story continued in such a lovely way. Of course there are trials, tribulations and oh! scandal along the way but the writing is light, happy and while true to Austen’s style it does have a tone all its own.

I really enjoyed it and hope to find Ms. Fairview’s other book The Other Mr. Darcy.

If you are a fan of historical romance, then you are quite likely a fan of Pride and Prejudice. I know every time I finish Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice, I wish there was a sequel. Come back Colin Farrell!

Well, Jane Austen fans, I’m happy to tell you that our prayers have been answered. Okay, Colin Farrell isn’t coming back as Mr. Darcy but Monica Fairview has come up with a wonderful new novel called The Darcy Cousins that I promise will satisfy your Mr. Darcy fixation. The book begins where Pride and Prejudice left off, i.e., Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett are married.

The story begins with Georgiana Darcy (Darcy’s younger sister) looking forward to meeting her American cousin, Clarissa Darcy, who’s coming to visit her relatives in England for the first time. Clarissa is excited about meeting her British cousins but her first meeting with the English side of the family ends up as a horrible mess. You see, Clarissa is a bit outspoken and as a result, is considered rude and independent by the family’s matriarch, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Georgiana, on the other hand, is delighted to have a new friend since she feels a bit like a third wheel now that Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett have a new baby.

Although the story begins with the misadventures of Clarissa meeting her new family, soon both Georgina and Clarissa set the whole of London on its ears with their antics. It seems as if Mr. Gatley, a longtime friend of Darcy’s, has to save them from one disaster after another. Georgina and Clarissa find Gatley to be rather tiresome but his friend, Mr. Channing, is the most handsome man either one of them has ever seen. The trouble begins when both girls set their caps for him.

Historical fiction readers will LOVE this story with its witty repartee and descriptions of a time long past. Just like Jane Austen, Monica Fairview describes the dress and the manners of the era with great detail, allowing you to visualize how beautiful but stilted a formal afternoon tea or a London ball might have been. The author’s descriptive style transports you back to a time when rules of fashion were everything and your manners were more important than anything else. If you’re a Pride and Prejudice fan or love historical romance like I do, pick up The Darcy Cousins and get carried away in the adventures of two young women who put traditional Victorian conventions to the test!


The Darcy Cousins. Monica Fairview. 2010. Sourcebooks. 432 pages.

The church door flew open and footsteps resounded through the church, forcing its lethargic inmates into sudden animation. Mr. Collins, whose sermon on fire and brimstone had taken on a decidedly monotonous rhythm, was awakened into new fervour.

What’s disrupting services? The arrival of more Darcy cousins, of course! Miss Clarissa Darcy and her brother, Frederick, have come to visit their British relatives. This includes their brother Robert Darcy and his new wife, Caroline; Fitzwilliam Darcy and his wife, Elizabeth, and Miss Georgiana Darcy. But this visit happens to be taking place at Rosings! Which means readers get to see one cranky Lady Catherine and one ever-shy Anne.

Clarissa and Georgiana become great chums. Which is a good thing since both are heading to London to debut. Both hoping to have great seasons. Both hoping to find true love. But what if they were to fall for the same man?!

I really enjoyed Monica Fairview’s The Other Mr. Darcy. I loved that one. And while I don’t love this one quite as much as the first, I still enjoyed it a good deal. I loved Georgiana having her own story. I loved the attention to detail. I thought the characters were well done. And I love the fact that it’s clean. (I have a hard time appreciating Pride and Prejudice sequels that go a bit too far.)


A sequel if you will by Monica Fairview is The Darcy Cousins, the story of young Georgiana and Clarissa Darcy. Two young ladies who I delightfully fell in love with in this Regency Era classic tale. This story takes place a three years after Pride and Prejudice and the second book my Monica Fairview about the American Darcy’s, the first being The Other Mr. Darcy (Robert Darcy). The story takes place in Boston at Rosings Park owned by Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

Clarissa Darcy is Robert’s younger sister and Georgiana is the younger sister of Fitzwilliam Darcy (Pride and Prejudice), both ladies from totally different worlds come together to forge an everlasting friendship. Georgiana is shy and reserved, the epidemy of a classic proper English lady, but she is more than intrigued by the full of life and mischievous Cousin Clarissa Darcy. Both ladies become intrigued themselves with Anne de Bourgh, the sheltered daughter of Lady de Bourgh who they believe is being held almost hostage by her mother’s strong hand and put it upon themselves to befriend her and discover her secrets. That is until she disappears and Lady Catherine puts full blame on Clarissa and Georgia for their bad influence upon her daughter.

Clarissa is bright and outgoing, flirtatious to a fault and frankly Georgiana wants to be more like her. She is too shy and wants to break out of her shell and she knows that her dear cousin and friend Clarissa is just the one to help her. After all she holds the attentions of Percy Channing a handsome young rake that has stolen Georgiana’s attention and heart. Problem is that Clarissa and Percy have become very much fast friends and both girls hold their affection for Percy.

Much to the distaste of Henry Gately, who continues to inform Georgiana that basically she is acting a fool to get the affections of Percy Channing. She is more sophisticated and charming the way she is and doesn’t need to change for his attention. What is more concerning for Georgiana is will she become a disgrace at her first Season? She has the unsavory relationship with Mr.Wickham (Pride and Prejudice) as well as the her alleged involvement in the scandal that is Anne de Bourgh’s disappearance.

Just as Lizzy and Dr. Darcy bantered back and forth so does Georgiana and Gately which was a true battle of wit and wills that makes this such a classic read for me. I really felt that Georgiana found out who she really was inside and her own voice, instead of trying to be someone she is not. A wonderful spin on the lives of the American Darcy’s as well as sweet Georgiana, I had always wondered what happened to her and where did her story end and I am thrilled to have gotten my fix and all my answers in this new and simply charming continuation of the much loved Darcy’s.

Monica Fairview’s The Darcy Cousins is a book full of surprises, and the surprises start with the title. This follow-on to The Other Mr. Darcy continues the saga of the American Darcys, but this book is the coming-of-age tale of the very English Georgiana, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy’s sister.

Three years have passed since Pride and Prejudice. Shy, retiring Georgiana is still unsure of herself after the debacle with Wickham. She awaits the start of her first Season, when into her life swoops her American cousin, Clarissa. The younger Clarissa is everything Georgiana wants to be—confident, outgoing and attractive to men, especially the handsome, charming Mr. Channing, to whom both girls take a fancy.

Mr. Channing’s friend, Mr. Gatley, also handsome but not so charming, disapproves of Georgiana’s infatuation and her attempts to ape Clarissa, and he makes no bones about telling her so. Each takes the other in dislike, and they spar constantly, refusing to admit their growing attraction. As Georgiana learns to be herself, with her own strengths and weaknesses, she at last sets to rest the ghost of Wickham. Mr. Gatley, so confident he is always right, realizes he can make mistakes, too.

Ms. Fairview has written a tale true to the Regency era, yet at the same time brimming with strong women. Clarissa is strong in an outgoing way. Georgiana is quieter but equally determined. The delightful surprise is the fate of Anne de Bourgh, the down-trodden daughter of the domineering Lady Catherine.

For those who can’t get enough of Pride and Prejudice, The Darcy Cousins is sure to please.


In this tale of friendship, rebellion, and love, two young women entering Society forge a strong connection. A connection that is sorely tested when they both set out to win the heart of a most dashing—and dangerous— gentleman.

Regency readers have come to enjoy the genre due to its wit, charm, and traditional elegance with humorous maladroitness all bundled up into one happy novel. Monica Fairview seems to have a found a corner on this market, as she has succeeded her first Darcy novel with The Darcy Cousins with as much Regency flair as her first (The Other Mr Darcy), yet with even more improvement. This read was highly enjoyable and kept me intrigued throughout as the younger Darcy cousins, from America no less, wreaked havoc on England’s society and especially at Rosings Park with the imperious Lady Catherine.

In the first novel, Mr. Robert Darcy is introduced as Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy’s American cousin. With this novel, we are treated to Robert’s younger brother and sister, close to the age of Miss Georgiana Darcy, the original Darcy’s younger sister. We see much less of Robert and Caroline in this storytelling however. Clarissa, the new cousin, becomes quite close to Georgiana, and the two young ladies prepare to start their social season together. But, in all due haste all sorts of chaos occurs which effects many of the characters that are new and old to us. Lady Catherine is still true to form with her stubborn pride, and her weak daughter Anne is featured as well. Darcy and Lizzy (called Elizabeth throughout the novel) are also secondary characters throughout, as Elizabeth is supposed to chaperone Georgiana around town.

We are treated to Mr Collins and Charlotte as well, as the Easter holidays are required to be spent with the haughty Lady Catherine at Rosings. The infinite tea soirees were tediously horrible for the younger ones and they could not wait to start their coming out season in London. The multiple characters were well rounded and fun to watch as they interacted with eachother, from the shy Georgiana to the insolent Clarissa and more than one proposal in one day, yet only from those gentlemen who ruffled our sensitivities. Sunny days and boat trips turned into unladylike toes trying to be hidden and stockings being stuffed into reticules amongst hankies. Once we have maintained our hold on the characters, the story focuses on Georgiana for a time as she struggles with the object of her desire. We watch Georgiana take shape before our eyes, even though we tut-tutted some of her attitude, but we never lose faith in her.

Fairview impressively created new characters that blended seamlessly into the original story, though reading the first installment in the Cousin’s series certainly helps. The characters of the two main love interests for the young ladies were a delight and left me in stitches, moreso than her first novel had. I laughed out loud several times throughout this read and after reading this second continuation by Fairview she is now my favorite Austen-inspired author outside of Georgette Heyer, although the newfound wit of Fairview echoes the charm of a Heyer. The Darcy Cousins is absolutely a must read for any Pride and Prejudice fan. My favorite scenes would always include the younger Darcy folk, and I truly enjoyed this continuation which would have made Jane Austen proud. I really hope that she continues with the Darcy series.

The author will visit the blog for a quick interview and giveaway on April 19th, so be sure to check back then!!

Finally a Pride and Prejudice tie-in book that focus on other members of the Darcy family, while still maintaining that lovable Jane Austen quality. The Darcy Cousins for me was a breath of fresh air, I enjoyed that the author, Monica Fairview, introduced Americans into the Regency era of England, and used this as a way to show the difference in the two cultures. The free-spirited Clarissa was indeed a shock to Lady Catherine’s system, while the easy going Georgiana found herself. The Darcy Cousins truly was an amazing read that I could not put down, while her writing style was similar to Jane Austen’s I noticed that she also had a hint of Elizabeth Gaskell. If you are a fan of Pride & Prejudice you will fall in love with the characters and storyline of The Darcy Cousins. Jane Austen would proud to see the way Monica Fairview continued her novel.


Mr. Darcy’s lively cousin, is sent from America after creating a bit of scandal in hometown of Boston. Upon arriving at Rosings Park, Clarissa Darcy, manages to provoke Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. Collins, and the parishioners of Hunsford in one fell swoop! Given time there would be more surprises in store for that bastion of tradition that Lady Catherine rules over during the families gathering for their annual Easter visit.

Georgiana Darcy, generally a shy model of propriety, decides to emulate her unconventional cousin, to the delight of a neighboring gentleman. Anne de Bourgh, is encouraged by her cousins to escape her “keeper” Mrs. Jenkinson, and simply…vanishes. But the trouble and fun really starts when Clarissa and Georgiana both set out to win the heart of the same young man…

*** Anytime I have cause to revisit the people from Austen’s epic novel Pride and Prejudice it is time to rejoice. After having read several authors who have tried to accomplish and /or copy the style of Austen, it is a joy to report that Ms. Fairview’s elegant prose is pretty darn close to the real deal, and quite as entertaining.

In the original P&P, we never really got to see much of Georgiana from the original tome. Fast forward a few years and the frightened fifteen year old has come of age and ready to make her debut. Still a bit reticent from the rather traumatic event that involved Mr. Wickham, Georgiana is fascinated by her outspoken cousin Clarissa, her sense of style and how easily Clarissa stands out amongst her peers.

As Georgiana and Clarissa become boon companions, they decide to help their cousin Lady Anne escape some of the overprotective control exerted over her by her mother Lady Catherine. In the meantime both cousins are the recipients of several gentlemen’s attention, in which Georgiana becomes quite smitten with one whose true character she neglects to see through her rose colored glasses; a gentlemen (loose translation) whose attention lay in her cousin Clarissa’s direction. It was truly enlightening to have Ms. Fairview showing all of the young ladies, coming of age through their trials and tribulations of discovering themselves, and through the entertainments the era.

The pace of this book is lively with numerous twists and turns and the writing is exceptional; at times you might even think that you are reading Austen all over again. Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Mr. Collins are still a hoot, and the courting rituals exhibited by the rakish Mr. Percy Channing and the staid and sensible Mr. Gately (who made me think of Mr. Knightly from Emma) are a real treat. This is highly recommended reading for all Jane Austen fans who will come to admire and applaud Ms Fairview’s well written prose! Bravo!



The story of Pride and Prejudice continues with this delightful and charming novel. Although the characters are the same, besides some new additions, we find that there is much more to the their personalities then what is currently known.

When Clarissa Darcy arrives from America, Georgiana is at once taken by her confident personality and coy ways. Determined to be alluring for her first London season, Georgiana tries to emulate her cousin in every way...

Daring and borderline careless, Georgiana and Clarissa embark on a series of escapades that, although done with good intentions, lead to devastating consequences. Through all the trouble that befalls them, it would seem that nothing could cause a rift between these two; but when they are both intent on winning the affections of the dashing Mr Channing, they begin to loose sight of what matters most. In the midst of all the drama and uncertainty, can Georgiana discover what she has truly been seeking for, and if she does, will it be to late?...

There is always a bit of hesitation when starting a spin off of a classic piece of literature, but that usual hesitation was quickly diminished after reading just a bit of this charming novel. It was great to have a story with Georgiana being so in depth and full of spirit, and I found myself greatly enjoying her debates with Mr. Gately. The main characters were very vivid, and their contrast to each other was perfect. The plot was well laid out and easily followed, but it was also in this plot that my one issue laid. While I thought hidden personality behind Anne was brilliant and her disappearance quite intriguing, I felt as though after she disappeared, that part of the plot was quickly dropped and then suddenly picked back up at the end. Besides this little issue, I found the book to be highly enjoyable and will be adding the authors previous novels to my reading list.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (4 stars)
****
Georgiana Darcy, reserved, affable, and well-bred, is preparing for her big debut into society, which is a very momentous occasion in a young girl’s life. Georgiana hopes to have a successful season but with her naturally shy disposition and the remembrance of her past misjudgments, she views her coming out with a bit of trepidation. Fortunately for Georgiana, her American cousin, Clarissa Darcy, is journeying from Boston, Massachusetts to make her own debut into society as well. Clarissa is beautiful, exuberant, fearless, and a little impetuous. Will Georgiana be left in the shadow of her engaging and charming American cousin? Or will our shy and reserved Georgiana be influenced by her forward and flirtatious cousin?

Georgiana isn’t the only person to benefit from Clarissa’s presence; Anne de Bourgh at the age of twenty-nine has become a prisoner in her own house. Because she is regarded as weak and sickly, Anne is never without her companion, Mrs. Jenkinson, or her formidable mother, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, by her side. Clarissa, bewildered by Anne’s lack of freedom and reticence to participate in conversations, conceives it is her mission to draw the quiet and forgotten Anne de Bourgh out of her shell. Clarissa and Georgiana discover that Anne de Bourgh isn’t as weak and complacent as everyone believes her to be, and that she is capable of doing something very uncharacteristic and dramatic.

I am quite enchanted with these delightful sequels by Monica Fairview! (“The Darcy Cousins” is actually a sequel to her “Pride and Prejudice” sequel “The Other Mr. Darcy,” which was released October 2009). I love that Ms. Fairview has branched out the Darcy family tree to include some American cousins, they make a very suitable and lively addition to the “Pride and Prejudice community. In addition, I like how the focus of this sequel was Georgiana and her coming of age. I was endeared by Georgiana’s feelings of insecurity, awkwardness and inadequacy; and I was reminded that, whether it be the nineteenth century or twenty-first century, transitioning into adulthood has never been smooth and easy. Lastly, I greatly enjoyed Ms. Fairview’s new hero, Mr. Gately, who, with his honorable behavior, quick perception, and penchant for lecturing Georgiana, reminded me a lot of Mr. Knightley from “Emma.” Ms. Fairview is very proficient in creating romantic, attractive, and Austen-worthy heroes!

The only very small issues I had with this book were that Mr. Darcy sometimes seemed a little too harsh on everyone, and that the ending was left a little unsettled for Clarissa, but that might be because there is another book to follow this one?

Monica Fairview is a talented and skilled author with a keen understanding of Austen’s world and I dearly hope she continues to pen many more brilliant and charming Austenesque sequels! “The Darcy Cousins” by Monica Fairview is a tender coming of age story that is sure to delight “Pride and Prejudice” fans who want more of Georgiana Darcy. I highly recommend it!



The world is undoubtedly suffering from a deluge of Austen spin-offs and universally acknowledged truths. But I can point to one author who can get it right: Monica Fairview.

Ignore the title, the subtitle about mayhem at Pemberley, and the back cover blurb: This is Georgiana Darcy’s story, plain and simple, and we never set foot in Pemberley. The setting is Hunsford and London, two years after the events in Pride and Prejudice, and Georgiana Darcy is preparing for her come-out in the spring. Georgiana has been content living with Elizabeth and Darcy, but Wickham’s spectre haunts the back of her memories. When an American cousin arrives unexpectedly, she catalyses a series of changes that finally force Georgiana to grow up.

And that’s about it. But the story is so much more. Coming-of-age stories can be hit or miss with me (the angst – oh, the angst), but Ms. Fairview manages to evoke timeless teenage troubles while retaining Regency sensibilities. Georgiana is only eighteen, after all, but living a cloistered existence with a much older brother made her quieter and mature before her time, a process sped up by the Wickham affair. Clarissa, the American cousin, is outwardly buoyant, saucy, flirtatious and outspoken – everything Georgiana is not, and through the course of the summer Georgiana learns how to simply be herself. An old and hackneyed message, to be sure, but one told so gracefully and sympathetically that I won’t quibble.

Many beloved characters from P&P reappear, and it was a joy to read a sequel that breathes fresh yet true life into the denizens of Hunsford and Pemberley. No liberties are taken, and if Elizabeth’s role is decidedly one-note, well, she had her story and now it’s Georgiana’s turn. On the other hand, Darcy must come to terms with a little sister who is growing up and showing signs of spirit, and Ms. Fairview provides excellent character extension to Mr. Darcy. The other secondary characters, including Georgiana’s love interest, Anne de Bourgh, and Clarissa Darcy, are compelling additions to a well-rounded cast.

On a more critical note, the story lags three-quarters of the way through before picking up to the denouement, and the author’s otherwise admirable prose occasionally – just occasionally – lapses into modernisms. And while Georgiana’s emotional flutterings are understandable, sometimes they vacillate too much for my taste, teenage sensibilities notwithstanding.

However, these are minor complaints to a book that I will unhesitatingly recommend to anyone despairing of good P&P sequels. Ms. Fairview is a definite treasure, and I look forward to more from her in the future.

• Jean Wan


I think the sequels to Pride And Prejudice become better and better. It was fun reading about the different predicaments cousins find themselves in during this era. Since I was a "change of life" baby all my cousins were as old as the hills. I did not have the chance to trick cousins, cook up schemes, fall in love with the same guy. To me having cousins the same age as myself would have been magical.

Austen’s period of in English History is a time when women were treated like delicate silk and lace. It was a time when women dared not show a naked foot in front of a man. Young ladies had to have a chaperon go with them anywhere. It was a time when who dated whom was talked about over tea with parents, aunts and neighbors and the clergy too. The restrictions in a woman’s life were tight, tighter and definitely inflexible. The least word or action could cause a scandal to follow a lady’s name for the rest of your life.

This is why The Darcy Cousins is so exciting. Georgiana, Clarissa and Anne find themselves habitually in trouble because of the need to stretch their wings in order to save the day. I especially liked the part where Anne takes the advice of her cousins and decides to run away from her mother, Lady Catherine, and her companion, Jenkinson. In my mind Anne probably looked somewhat fragile. Also, she was a very obedient daughter. Then, Georgiana and Clarissa arrive at Rosing Park for a visit. They do not lose a minute telling Anne all the ways she is being emotionally abused by Lady Catherine, Anne’s mother, who must carry an etiquette book to bed with her at night. In Georgiana and Clarissa’s eyes Anne is being smothered by a overly protective mother. In their minds it is time for Anne to break free. After all, we are only young once in life.

Surprisingly Anne listens closely. She takes suitable measures to loosen the velvet ropes that binds her. In the process Anne shows strength and good character. Her adventures will lead The Darcy’s, the whole family, and friends to think all sorts of ideas about where Anne has gone? Since none of their assumptions are true, It is all very laughable.

Golly, it is hard to think about what I did not like in The Darcy Cousins. Well, I did want Lady Catherine to stick around and appear on every page. Opening the first few pages finding Lady Catherine at home dressed in a turban with a fluffy feather on top just was too much. It is especially too funny when she makes a big thing out of how Georgiana handles the tea cups. By the way, Lady Catherine boldly pulls out her key to lock the tea caddy. I loved it. Austen’s ladies really are doing what is correct in the manner book for that time. Reading about those past manners is delightful. I hope Monica Fairview does not mind. I laughed quite a bit. Well, I laughed in a dainty way with my hankie covering my lips. I loved this sequel and look forward to more to come.

A very humorous and delightful story about the goings on in and around Rosings Park, London and Hunsford, among other locations. With familiar characters as Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy, Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her daughter Anne. Added to this mix of colorful characters are the American Darcy cousins, Robert and his sister Clarissa. Clarissa scandalizes from her first day at Rosings Park.

Georgiana and Clarissa become fast friends and is a refreshing addition to the Darcy family... this story is almost a comedy of manners and how the lack of communication between characters male and female can result in various misconceptions and misunderstandings.
I liked the way the author wrote this sequel, it was fun to read and I had a hard time putting this book down. I have read a few other Jane Austen sequels and they were kind of stuffy and boring to read, whereas this one was a joy. I especially liked the character of Anne, who at first appeared to be weak and sickly, but later showed that she had spunk and went after what she wanted which was to be away from her mother and not get married just because society said she had to. I hope the author is planning on a sequel to this sequel as there is a lot more story to tell here I would think...one can hope anyway. I rate this book 5/5..


My love of all things connected to Pride and Prejudice is certainly continued in this book by Monica Fairview. She does a wonderful job keeping the integrity of the characters in this continuation of the Darcy Family Saga. It’s such a pleasure to follow Georgiana Darcy while she copes with her American cousin, Clarissa Darcy, and her unorthodox ideas on how young ladies should conduct themselves, resulting in all kinds of mayhem. All of which, is a feast of fun and entertainment to the reader. Don’t deny yourself the exquisite experience. Choose The Darcy Cousins for your Summer Reading.


The Darcy Cousins: Scandal, Mischief, and Mayhem arrive at Pemberley… by Monica Fairview, Sourcebooks, ISBN: 978-1-4022-3700-3, pages 432.

The rift between Darcy and his aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh has been somewhat mended since Elizabeth has given birth to an heir. Of course that doesn’t mean that Lady Catherine actually recognizes Elizabeth’s presence. But the entire family is gathering at Rosings once more for Easter. Joining the family are Robert Darcy (see The Other Mr. Darcy) and his wife and two relatives from America, Frederick Darcy and his sister Clarissa Darcy.

Georgiana is hoping that she and Clarissa will become close friends. Georgiana has been feeling that she’s in the way or not really wanted. Darcy marrying Elizabeth was definitely a good thing but where Georgiana always had her brother for company now he seems always involved with Elizabeth and their son — they don’t purposely exclude her they just don’t seem to notice.

Once Frederick and Clarissa arrive, they seem to get off on the wrong foot with Lady Catherine. While Frederick can be accepted, after all he is American, a business man, and rich. Clarissa must learn to become a lady — of course that’s the type of lady that Lady Catherine approves of, and that’s where all the trouble begins. Clarissa is neither tractable or docile.

Georgiana and Clarissa do become friends. Georgiana learns that one can be a lady and still have strong opinions and interests of her own. When Clarissa is appalled by the way everyone ignores Anne de Bourgh and has Georgiana join her in her campaign to become friends with Anne, Georgiana begins to realize that she’s always just accepted things and never looked at them from the outside. She’s also surprised by what they learn. Her eyes opened, she begins to look at other behaviors she’s always accepted.

As is usual, one things leads to another and before long Lady Catherine is convinced that Clarissa is practically the devil personified, and there to ruin the family. Once again the family finds itself rent by Lady Catherine’s insistence on her point of view. Everyone decamps for London and the season.

Georgiana struggles to find her own way in society with her new insights. She learns that Clarissa is in England for more than this visit and that there are depths to her American cousin. In fact, soon Clarissa and Georgiana find themselves interested in the same man. But is he the right man for either of them? Will their friendship last through the season?

To say any more would spoil the fun of learning all the secrets, intrigues, and adventures to be had in The Darcy Cousins. The book’s advanced press implies that the book is all about Clarissa and her problems but this is really Georgiana’s story. Clarissa is the spur that goads Georgiana to action and change. Georgiana is firmly front and center. She’s always been in the background and this time Monica Fairview gives the reader a chance to get to know her a bit better. Shy? Yes, but also she has the same strong Darcy stubbornness and loyalty. It’s a turbulent story as Georgiana becomes a person most of us would like to know better and have stand at our side in adversity.

Another excellent follow on to Pride and Prejudice that maintains the integrity of the original characters while moving the story of their lives forward.


Monica Fairview’s The Darcy Cousins is a book full of surprises, and the surprises start with the title. This follow-on to The Other Mr. Darcy continues the saga of the American Darcys, but this book is the coming-of-age tale of the very English Georgiana, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy’s sister.

Three years have passed since Pride and Prejudice. Shy, retiring Georgiana is still unsure of herself after the debacle with Wickham. She awaits the start of her first Season, when into her life swoops her American cousin, Clarissa. The younger Clarissa is everything Georgiana wants to be—confident, outgoing and attractive to men, especially the handsome, charming Mr. Channing, to whom both girls take a fancy.

Mr. Channing’s friend, Mr. Gatley, also handsome but not so charming, disapproves of Georgiana’s infatuation and her attempts to ape Clarissa, and he makes no bones about telling her so. Each takes the other in dislike, and they spar constantly, refusing to admit their growing attraction. As Georgiana learns to be herself, with her own strengths and weaknesses, she at last sets to rest the ghost of Wickham. Mr. Gatley, so confident he is always right, realizes he can make mistakes, too.

Ms. Fairview has written a tale true to the Regency era, yet at the same time brimming with strong women. Clarissa is strong in an outgoing way. Georgiana is quieter but equally determined. The delightful surprise is the fate of Anne de Bourgh, the down-trodden daughter of the domineering Lady Catherine.

For those who can’t get enough of Pride and Prejudice, The Darcy Cousins is sure to please.

One always thinks of Darcy’s sister, Georgiana as a sweet little thing, just coming into her own. Perhaps, they think she is fragile given the horrible ordeal with the wastrel Mr. Wickham. Ms. Fairview, gives Georgiana some confidence, in the way of her cousin, Clarissa. Clarissa is an outrageous, overly confident, fun-loving (and a bit naughty) girl, who comes to visit the family. Together they will come out to society.

But Clarissa’s flamboyant behavior does not fit in with the tight-lipped, obsessed with propriety ton, and Georgiana’s been tasked with keeping her in line. While she does try to curb her cousin’s behavior somewhat, Georgiana begins to feel that she herself is stiff, boring and dull, and since Clarissa seems to get a lot of positive male attention, Georgiana thinks, perhaps she ought to emulate her cousin. And for those staunch fans of Elizabeth—some of the things Miss Georgiana does in light of finding herself, may have you clenching your fists! But don’t lament! Just keep reading!

The twists and turns Ms. Fairview takes us on are a journey unto itself. She wrote a perfect Mr. Collins who irritated me to no end as he should! And Anne de Bourgh! What a fascinating angle! Lady Catherine, still had me gnashing my teeth... And it was very nice to see my all time favorite hero and heroine, Darcy and Elizabeth, still going strong!

I enjoyed this story for the moral it gives us in the end, and the lively new characters it brings out. In fact, I would recommend this story for younger readers as well.

We have a new hero, Mr. Gatley, who surely encompasses and emanates the “Darcy aura,” as I like to say. From the moment they meet, Georgiana and Gatley spar wits. It was very entertaining to see their story unfold.

Even though the title is The Darcy Cousins, this is really Georgiana’s story, and with a happy ending that left me smiling. A fun loving story, with characters who pop and come alive on the pages. A unique and engaging approach. If you love Pride and Prejudice continuations, I would recommend reading this book!

Since her disastrous near-elopement with Mr. Wickham when she was fifteen, Georgiana has been keep hidden away at home by her brother Fitzwilliam. Now she is nineteen, and ready for her first somewhat overdue Season. To make things more exciting, her young cousin Clarissa has come over from Boston for her Season as well. Clarissa is a lively young miss, but Rosings Park is not the best place for her mischief; and when Anne de Bourgh goes missing, the whole party finds itself in search of alternative accommodation...

Last September I reviewed The Other Mr. Darcy and pronounced it everything that a good Regency and sequel to a classic ought to be. Now here is Georgiana’s story in this lively coming of age tale, as she looks for love, looks up to her lively cousin, and worries about being overlooked. As with the other book this Pride and Prejudice (Amazon US || UK) sequel keeps the tone of the original and unlikely plot strands are not included. This is an excellent story of a girl growing up and learning some essential life lessons, while having fun with her family and friends, both in the country and during the thrills of the London Season. I applaud the way in which the times are brought to vibrant life, with a defeated Napoleon bowing to his enemies on a ship, people enjoying reading Scott’s Waverley (Amazon US || UK), and discussing their favorite composers. There is so much in here that it is rather like reading several other Regency novels. Very highly recommended for everybody who likes a good historical novel.


In The Other Mr. Darcy, last year’s debut Austenesque novel by Monica Fairview we were introduced to Fitzwilliam Darcy’s American cousin Robert Darcy. Now the story continues with The Darcy Cousins, a Pride and Prejudice sequel to a sequel, when his two younger siblings Clarissa and Frederick Darcy arrive from Boston and join their brother and the Darcy family at Rosings Park, the palatial estate of Mr. Darcy’s officious aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Being young, brash Americans, Clarissa and Frederick immediately ruffle Lady Catherine’s unyielding standards of social stricture. Dutiful and naïve Georgiana Darcy is shocked and intrigued by her cousin Clarissa’s adventuresome and unguarded behavior. Her shy and retreating nature has always acquiesced to proper decorum and her family’s wishes. So has her sickly cousin Anne de Bourgh, who at age 29 remains unmarried and firmly under the thumb of her tyrannical mother. Clarissa is convinced that Anne has been imprisoned by Lady Catherine at Rosings like a tragic heroine in a Gothic novel. Together, Clarissa and Georgiana clandestinely meet Anne hoping to learn her mysterious back story, offer their friendship and encourage her to improve her situation.

Clarissa’s lively spirits also makes her very popular with the young men of the neighborhood, especially to rakish charmer Percy Channing. Clarissa welcomes his attentions while wide-eyed Georgiana watches a seasoned coquette in action. She is also attracted to Channing and in turn annoyed by his sensible and matter-of-fact cousin Henry Gatley who sees right through Clarissa and Channing’s affected airs. “But the perversity of the human spirit is such that when a young lady longs for a specific partner, every other partner counts for nothing.” When Georgiana overhears Channing privately proclaim to his cousin that she is an insipid bore, she is determined not to be the dull as ditchwater little rich girl and entreats her cousin Clarissa’s help to school her in fashion and the art of feminine allurements. And then the unthinkable happens! Their cousin Anne simply vanishes without a trace. Has she been abducted or is this a run-away-marriage to Scotland? Speculation and emotions escalate until Lady Catherine unjustly places all the blame on Clarissa and Georgiana’s influence upon her daughter. As Mr. Darcy defends his sister and young cousin the battle lines are drawn and a family riff erupts. Will the Shades of Rosings be thus polluted? Can Georgiana have her London Season under the shadow of her cousin’s unexplained disappearance and the family scandal? How can she earn her families trust after her disastrous affair with George Wickham? Will her newly acquired feminine wiles lure Percy Channing away from her cousin Clarissa? And why is that pesky Mr. Gatley always at the ready to remind her that she’s a swan trying to be a peacock?

In this coming-of-age story Monica Fairview presents an engaging historical romance through the eyes of innocent Georgiana Darcy who idealistically thinks the grass is always greener in her cousin Clarissa’s court. Hard wrought lessons on human nature and love must be learned before she can find her own happiness. We are never in much doubt that she will succeed, or whom she will bestow her favor upon, but that matters not. Fairview has such an effortless way of unfolding the narrative that we are swept along with Jane Austen’s beloved characters and her own new additions seamlessly. The story is infused with the flavor of Austen’s world but entirely her own unique creation. It is hard not to compare her skill at irony to Austen’s when her Lady Catherine is annoyed at Napoleon, not for his impending threat to invade England, but for the inconvenience he has caused by too few men at her dinner table, or to the ribald humor of Georgette Heyer when Georgiana is stood up by Mr. Channing who invited her for a drive in his high phaeton through Hyde Park and is then quickly replaced by the waiting Mr. Gatley. When they encounter Mr. Channing driving another young lady, just as Mr. Gatley predicted, Georgiana is exasperated by Channing’s “sublime forgetfulness” and Mr. Gatley’s smug sagacity. Ha! Readers will recognize a bit of Mr. Knightley in Mr. Gatley and a combination of Austen’s slippery villain’s in Mr. Channing. Fairview understands Georgiana’s personality perfectly adding a few surprise twists to Austen’s shy, trusting young lady that give her added depth and interest. Infused with humor, wit and a bit of social commentary Fairview has proven again why she was my top choice of Austenesque debut authors of 2009. She is well on her way to becoming a nonpareil in Austen paraliterature and I recommend The Darcy Cousins to those who dearly love a satisfying love story and a hearty laugh.

5 out of 5 Regency Stars