The Adventures and Exploits of Miss Alethea Darcy by Elizabeth Aston

The second of Austen enthusiast Aston’s series, this book follows the youngest Darcy daughter, Alethea, as she escapes an awful husband by dressing in drag and running off to Venice with her loyal maid. She crosses paths with brooding bachelor Titus Manningtree, who is in hot pursuit of his father’s long-lost Titian painting. The novel is another delightful romp through fancy opera houses, elegant sitting rooms, and beautiful Mediterranean scenery as well as the romantic struggles of the protagonists.