Lizzie Bennet's Choice by Carrie Mollenkopf

Author:Carrie Mollenkopf [Mollenkopf, Carrie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Sequels, Not in Amazon Library, To Transfer
ISBN: 9781721980574
Google: xPhMuQEACAAJ
Amazon: B07F2N4B3Q
Goodreads: 40659673
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Published: 2018-06-26T04:00:00+00:00

~Sixteen~

In the weeks that passed, the Bennet household prepared for a quiet celebration of the marriage between Mr. Bennet and Charlotte Lucas. Lizzie had been sincere in her approval of the match between her best friend and father, but was not sure that Charlotte believed her.

“Oh Lizzie! I longed to tell you, but how does one casually state that they have been in love with the other’s father for years? It was the reason that I never showed interest in anyone else.”

To this declaration, Lizzie could not find the words to respond, and took her friend in a congratulatory embrace.

“I do hope you do not insist upon being called ‘mama’?

At first, Charlotte gasped with shock, but caught the mischievous gleam in Lizzie’s eye and soon the two burst into laughter. It was indeed going to be a most unusual arrangement, but one that they would grow to relish.

Of Lydia, her tantrum was ignored to the extent that when three days had passed and no one had seen her, the Bennets became truly worried. An inspection of her chamber gave evidence that she had fled further than the confines of Longbourn. Carefully disguised, her bedroom bore all the signs of recent habitation. Only the absence of Lydia’s favorite gowns, as well as a traveling case told of her flight.

“Where could she have gone? She has no money, no connections. No one has sent word that she has sought shelter?” Charlotte fretted as one would expect a mother over her children.

The span of years between Charlotte and Lydia was considerable. Of the five Bennet sisters, it was Lydia that most needed the guidance of a mother.

“I am sure she has taken up with gypsies,” Mary insisted casually, much to the dismay of her family.

“No…not gypsies…” Kitty said quietly as all eyes turned in her direction.

“Do you know something? You must tell us immediately,” Lizzie demanded.

“I cannot say with complete surety… but she may have gone away with Mr. Wickham.”

“Mr. Wickham? The soldier from the regiment? But, they moved on well before Papa and Charlotte’s announcement. How would she have gone with him if he is with his unit?” Lizzie inquired.

“I only remember her saying that he had promised her a surprise. Thinking it a trinket of some sort, I did not pay her much mind and then all the officers were already gone.”

“This does bear some investigation. I can write to Colonel Fitzwilliam. Surely he could be of assistance,” Lizzie offered, but her father shook his head.

“Not yet, I do not want our troubles known to the entire country. Perhaps she will turn up yet, but I prefer to have this handled by family first. It is my fault for allowing her to become so familiar with those officers. Lydia should still be in the schoolroom and not out flirting with every young man she meets. Your uncle Gardiner will decide what is best to do.”

Lizzie’s father and uncle did their best to discover the whereabouts of Lydia, but it was to no avail.

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