This novella drops Lizzie and Jane Bennett, Mr. Darcy and Charles Bingley, Caroline Bingley, and George Wickham in 21st century London. Lizzie is buidling her practice as a dog psychologist, and Jane is organizing a dog show at a posh location that has never hosted such an event before. Caroline Bingley is a society reporter for the BBC, and Mr. Darcy...
What, exactly, Mr. Darcy is doing is a little less clear. But he and Caroline are apparently involved, at least in Caroline's mind, and the fact tact that Mr. Darcy's 18-month-old bassets, Squire and Derby, really dislike her is a problem. He wants them trained to accept her, and also to hunt fox in two days' time. Though he does want them to stay back, with him.
It's a puzzle. Meanwhile, Lizzie and Jane are temporarily responsible for their two youngest sisters, Kitty and Lydia, who have become too much for the aging Mr. and Mrs. Bennett. George Wickham turns up, and informs Lizzie that he's an Interpol agent and Mr. Darcy is an international criminal, details not specified.
There's lots of action, on the streets of London and on the hunting field, as well as humor. It doesn't quite scratch the Jane Austen itch, but it's an enjoyable diversion.
I do have a strong suspicion that Ms. Silkstone is not familiar with American fox hunting, which does limit the discussion among the characters about the possibilities of preserving tradition vs. ending the inhumane hunting and killing of foxes, but I suspect that reflects the reality of what the average British fox hunting supporters and opponents are aware of. And Ms. Silkstone is not, after all, writing about American fox hunting.
All in all, a fun little story.
I received a free copy of the audio edition from the author.
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