The Matters at Mansfield continues the Mr. and Mrs. Darcy Mysteries, this time with the addition of characters from Mansfield Park.
Lady Catherine is determined to marry off her daughter Anne, and needless to say, Anne has no say in the matter. When Lady Catherine sets her sights on the heir of a Viscount who also happens to be a rather cruel young man, Anne takes matters into her own hands, and elopes with Henry Crawford, who she had met previously in Bath.
Needless to say, Lady Catherine is not pleased, and Lizzie and Darcy are most concerned. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam therefore pursue the happy couple to Scotland. They’re unable to stop the wedding, but manage to find the couple in time to escort them back to Lady Catherine’s presence. However, an unfortunate accident strands them in Mansfield, where Henry meets a number of people from his past that he’d rather not see again.
There are duels involved, and several murders. The author clearly did extensive research on early 19th century dueling etiquette, and that detail is actually rather fascinating to read. These mysteries will likely make an Austen purist scream, but I enjoy them thoroughly.