These Three Remain: A Novel of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman

The exciting conclusion to the Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman trilogy recounts the climactic events of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice from its enigmatic hero's point of view.

One of the most beloved romantic heroes in all of literature, Fitzwilliam Darcy remains an enigma even to Jane Austen's most devoted fans. No longer. With this concluding volume in the Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman trilogy, novelist and Austen aficionada Pamela Aidan at last gives readers the man in full.

These Three Remain follows a humbled Darcy on the journey of self-discovery, after Elizabeth Bennet's rejection of his marriage proposal, in which he endeavors to grow into the kind of gentleman he desires to become. Happily, a chance meeting with Elizabeth during a tour of his estate in Derbyshire offers Darcy a new opportunity to press his suit, but his newfound strengths are put to the test by an old nemesis, George Wickham.

Vividly capturing the colorful historical and political milieu of the Regency era, Aidan writes in a style evocative of her literary progenitor, but with a wit and humor very much her own. While staying faithful to the people and events in Austen's original, she adds her own fascinating cast of characters, weaving a rich tapestry out of Darcy's past and present that will beguile his admirers anew.

Customer Reviews:

A peek inside Darcy's journey of self-discovery

By M&M - November 26, 2005

I have been awaiting the release of this book -- the third in the trilogy -- and it did not disappoint! These Three Remain covers the period from Darcy's reacquaintance with Elizabeth at Hunsford/Rosings through their eventual engagement and marriage. As one of the wealthiest and most eligible bachelors in England, it never occurs to Darcy that his attentions to Elizabeth will not be welcome. He usually has to fend off women who are interested in him for all the wrong reasons. Her refusal of his proposal stuns and shakes him to the core sending him on a journey of self-discovery that changes the way he looks at himself and his world. It causes him to reexamine his relationships with those closest to him, especially his sister, Georgiana, and his friend, Bingley. With no expectation of ever seeing Elizabeth again, let alone winning her heart, he determines to become a different man, one who would be worthy of Elizabeth's good opinion. As we all know, he has the opportunity to see... read more

Very satisfying conclusion

By Stephen Schumacher - November 27, 2005

"These Three Remain" is perhaps the most artful and engrossing entry in this 5-star series that insightfully recreates and expands on the events and romance of "Pride and Prejudice" from Darcy's point of view. The author Pamela Aidan ties everything up properly and scarcely misses a pitch when it comes to fleshing out Fitzwilliam Alexander George Darcy's life and psyche.

Among many highlights is the character reveal of Lord Dyson Broughton, whose interchanges with his dear friend Darcy are a real pleasure. It's also a continual treat to read dead-on and vivid versions of the many scenes involving Darcy that are only sketched at second-hand remove in "Pride and Prejudice", such as Darcy's climactic interactions with Wickham, Lady Catherine, Mr. Gardiner, and finally Mr. Bennet when asking his consent for Lizzy's marriage.

Considering how ever-present she is in Darcy's thoughts, it was surprising to me how little Elizabeth is actually on stage engaging in any... read more

A worthwhile read but with a few reservations

By Helen Hancox "Auntie Helen" - January 9, 2006

This is the third instalment in Pamela Aidan's reworking of Pride & Prejudice from Darcy's point of view and overall I'd say it was a great success. It's impressive that she is able to extract so much information from Austen's story and retell it in a fresh way. Also interesting that a woman is writing a man's point of view - as a woman myself I can't tell how realistic it is, but it seemed to ring true to me.

The additional characters that Aidan introduced in the previous two books appear again, particularly Lord Dyfed Brougham who is a well-rounded and interesting character. Perhaps his secret life is a bit unrealistic, as is the sub-plot about treason and the weird Sylvanie that rather spoiled Book 2: Duty And Desire for me, but if you gloss over those aspects and stick with the main story it's an enjoyable read.

Despite being a much thicker book than the previous two volumes it doesn't feel laboured and drawn out. In fact, I would level the small criticism... read more