Darcy and Deception

Book excerpt: A Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice VariationReturning home from Kent, Elizabeth Bennet is still distressed over Mr. Darcy's insulting marriage proposal. However, her attention is diverted by the local militia commander who asks her to observe Wickham, now suspected of being a French spy. Pretending to be besotted with Wickham, Elizabeth accompanies the regiment when they relocate to Brighton. Darcy arrives at Longbourn with the intention of making amends to Elizabeth, only to discover that she is now at Brighton with Wickham. Desperate to save her from the scoundrel, Darcy follows her to the seaside, where he hopes to woo her away from the other man. Deception piles on top of deception as Elizabeth attempts to carry out her mission without betraying confidences-or breaking Darcy's heart. However, the French plot runs deeper than she knows; soon she and Darcy are plunged into the confusing and dangerous world of international espionage. Can Darcy and Elizabeth escape with their lives and their love intact?