LADY CATHERINE'S SWOON-WORTHY VILLAIN ORIGIN STORY In this mesmerizing historical novel, inspired by Jane Austen's
Pride and Prejudice
, the author of
Against Every Expectation
combines the wit and romance of Jane Austen to imagine the young life of one of literature's most beloved villains-Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
RIGID TO A FAULT, Lady Catherine Fitzwilliam has her future all planned and is eager to begin her new life as a married woman. One short week changes everything, including the betrayal of one close to her. Being sensible, expertly behaved, and managing her exacting expectations has gotten her nowhere. She is ready to determine her own future-perhaps even acting against the caution that has guided her throughout life. A MATCH BORNE FROM IGNORANCE threatens to bring scandal upon Catherine, and one reckless act binds her to a prospect she could never have predicted. Will Catherine save her reputation and still find herself a husband? HALF VILLAIN-ORIGIN STORY, HALF COMING OF AGE, this tale transports readers to a consequential precipice in Catherine's life. One where she discovers her voice and begins to understand the needs of her own heart-and how fragile that heart may be-transforming her into the antagonist readers know and loathe in Jane Austen's cherished
.