The Exploits & Adventures of Miss Alethea Darcy by Elizabeth Aston

How much of a role do these atypical experiences have in Titus's decision to keep Alethea's secret when he first discovers her masquerading as Mr. Alethea had premarital sex with her first love, then married Mr. Titus slept with and supposedly loved a married woman for years.

Early on, we learn that they have similarly unconventional experiences with and thoughts on marriage. Alethea and Titus seem to be well matched in many ways. If you've read Jane Austen's novels- Pride and Prejudice in particular-do you think Elizabeth Aston has captured Austen's style and spirit?ĥ. How does the journey affect her coming-of-age?Ĥ. Alethea's journey to Italy forces her to become tougher and more intrepid, but she also finds the trip to be an opportunity to blossom and grow into womanhood while seeing sights that many of her generation could only read about.

Why are they so adamant that Alethea must be lying or otherwise blowing things out of proportion? How does insisting Alethea return to Mr. Yet both Letty and Georgina refuse to believe Alethea's stories of her husband's cruelty. Both before and after leaving her husband, Alethea seeks the support of her sisters. Why doesn't she flee to Pemberley, her family's estate, when her marriage takes a frightening turn? Why doesn't she confide in Fanny, with whom she has a good relationship? Why does she choose to travel all the way to Italy, masquerading as a man instead? How much of a role does her desire to travel and be free play in her dangerous decision?Ģ. The Exploits & Adventures of Miss Alethea Darcyġ. With wit, aplomb, and delectable style, Elizabeth Aston once again re-creates the world of Jane Austen, populating her novel with captivating characters firmly rooted in Austen's traditions but distinctly her own, resulting in another delightful comedy of manners, morals, and marriage. Before she can meet up with Camilla, chance and her love of music lead her into the world of Italian opera, while her encounter with the aloof and difficult Titus Manningtree, in Italy to pursue a lost Titian painting, is to change her life - although fate has several more tricks to play before she can find happiness. But events - always dramatic and sometimes dangerous - conspire to thwart her plans. Flinging caution to the winds, she flees her marital home, masquerading as a gentleman, and accompanied only by her redoubtable maid, Figgins, she sets off for Venice to take refuge with her sister Camilla. Their musical daughter Alethea makes a disastrous marriage to a man whose charming manners conceal an unpleasant nature. The Exploits & Adventures of Miss Alethea Darcy takes readers back into the imagined family of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr.

The Exploits & Adventures of Miss Alethea Darcy by Elizabeth Aston