PostScript from Pemberley

I can't quite believe it, but I think I have a new favorite! Postscript from Pemberley, Book 7 in the Pemberley Chronicles series, takes a departure from its predecessors -- delving less frequently and less deeply into the socio-political and economic realities of late 19th century England. Instead, Postscript moves at a very fast pace, from attraction to affection to love and then marriage, with a bit of tension and a hint of mystery, just for good measure. The story focuses mainly on two young couples. Julian Darcy is the tragic youngest son of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy. Having grown up in the shadow of his elder brother's memory, Julian's first marriage ended with the death of his unhappy wife Josie. His guilt and his grief over her demise led him to renounce his claim to Pemberley in favor of his very young son Anthony. But Julian does come to Pemberley to heal his aching soul. And there he meets his younger cousin Jessica Courtney, daughter of Rev. James Courtney and Emily Gardiner Courtney (and granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gardiner of Gracechurch Street and later Lambton). The two develop a close friendship which gradually turns to love, and eventually leads to a very happy marriage. Supported by all of their family and loved ones, the perfectly suited Julian and Jessica set-off together for Africa - he in pursuit of his professional dreams and she with the desire to support her husband and experience new adventures of her own. Meanwhile, Darcy Gardiner, son of Cassandra Darcy Gardiner and Dr. Richard Gardiner, and grandson of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, is looking for a love interest of his own. Darcy Gardiner has left London and politics behind to help manage Pemberley while young Anthony grows to adulthood. Loved by all in the neighborhood, Darcy is still recovering from his disappointment at failing to secure the hand of Jessica Courtney, when he meets a newcomer - Kathryn O'Hare, a charming and accomplished young lady from the neighborhood who becomes a close friend of Jessica's. But, it turns out that Kathryn has a bit of a "past." While serving in the household of a powerful titled family, Kathryn is swept up in the illicit affairs of the Lady of the house. Kathryn's own reputation is on the verge of ruin, because she's decided that she will not be a party to the aberrant activities taking place in the household. She leaves and returns to her family, but trouble follows her -- even to Derbyshire. Her knight in shining armor takes the form of Darcy Gardiner, who uses his fierce loyalty, clever mind, and rolodex of powerful allies to ensure Kathryn's well-being. Who would not be swept away by this dashing hero? The book brings back many favorites including the Bingleys and Darcys and their wonderful children, and Mr. Michael Carr, the charming Irish-American husband of Darcy Gardiner's sister Lizzie. It also brings back a few not-so-favorites like Robert and Rose Gardiner who continue to suffer from a chronic c