The Heiress

En savoir plus sur le livre

In this beautifully crafted historical novel inspired by Pride and Prejudice, the author of The Clergyman’s Wife merges Jane Austen's keen observations with the eroticism and Gothic elements reminiscent of Sarah Waters, reimagining the life of the enigmatic Anne de Bourgh. Prescribed laudanum as a fussy baby, Anne has relied on this opium-laden tincture throughout her sheltered upbringing, which has left her pale and frail, with few companions aside from her cousin Fitzwilliam Darcy. It was long assumed that Darcy and Anne would marry to unite their estates, but Darcy does not love her. After her father's unexpected death bequeaths her a vast fortune, Anne experiences a revelation: what if her life of illness is not her only option? Determined to break free from the medicine that dulls her mind and weakens her body, she discards the laudanum and seeks refuge with her cousin, Colonel John Fitzwilliam, who aids her recovery. As she regains her strength, Anne faces new challenges, needing to navigate society and the complexities of love as a wealthy heiress. The once passive Anne transforms into a courageous woman, leading to a confrontation with her controlling mother over her fortune and future. This extraordinary tale of liberation reveals both the darkness and light within Austen's world, infused with wit, sensuality, and a profound understanding of the human heart.