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.
