cover image These Three Remain

These Three Remain

Pamela Aidan, . . Touchstone, $14 (437pp) ISBN 978-0-7432-9137-8

The storied romance of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet (they of Pride and Prejudice ) reaches its conclusion in the strongest entry in an already impressive trilogy. While visiting his aunt's estate, Fitzwilliam continues alternately courting his beloved Elizabeth and trying to crimp his longing for her. ("Although the sunlight did marvelous things with her hair, chestnut curls and velvety brown eyes were not in fashion," he notes.) He finally musters his courage and, in an arrogant, bumbling way, proposes marriage. He returns to London in defeat, but realizes, after some time and distance, that her rejection has provided him with "the opportunity to become a better man." Months later, a fortuitous meeting with Elizabeth offers them the chance to renew their friendship and for Fitzwilliam to prove he has changed for the better. But just as Fitzwilliam is making headway, George Wickham, his smarmy nemesis, appears and threatens to undo everything. As ever, Aidan keeps her narrative taut and her characters conflicted. Fans of the series won't be disappointed; the uninitiated will be hooked. (Jan.)