Lizzy's Novel: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Sophie Lynbrook

Author:Sophie Lynbrook [Lynbrook, Sophie]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Alternate Universe
Goodreads: 30049111
Published: 2016-04-27T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 19

Dear Miss Bennet

Your book is almost perfect. I have only one more idea, and it is a small one. I think it would be interesting if Mr. Lacey were to discover himself in love with Miss Hatton and propose to her. In such an instance he would be the author of his own rejection by means of his previous behaviour. If you could write such a passage and send it to me, I will require nothing more of you, beyond agreeing to a contract.

Yours, J Sedgewick

Mr. Lacey propose to Elinor? How absurd and uncharacteristic of him. Elizabeth thought that event as unlikely as Mr. Darcy proposing to her. It could never happen. She considered writing to the publisher to insist upon her opposition to his idea, but she did not want to be difficult. He might change his mind altogether or form a resolution not to take another book from her.

His suggestion would not be difficult to accommodate. Elinor had attractive qualities. Mr. Lacey might well have noticed them. And Elizabeth would enjoy writing a scene in which she could imagine Mr. Darcy being soundly rejected.

“Nothing would ever induce me to accept your proposal,” flashed into her mind. “You are the last man in England whom I would marry.”

Never mind just England. What about “the last man in the whole world.” Let Mr. Darcy (no, Mr. Lacey) be thoroughly set down.

“Nothing would ever tempt me to marry the man who so wickedly tried to ruin my beloved sister’s happiness,” Elinor said in Elizabeth’s head as she sat down to work.

As Mr. Sedgewick had pointed out, she need only write a proposal. She could model it after Mr. Collins’s style and make it more of a demand than a request. She began to sketch out some ideas. Mr. Lacey rushed into the room and informed Elinor that she had been chosen for the honour of becoming his wife. Would he rush? Mr. Darcy did not rush. Except in an emergency. He had carried her to Netherfield very quickly. Perhaps Mr. Lacey might propose out of doors? She could see Mr. Darcy proposing in an outdoor setting.

Mr. Lacey went out for a walk in an effort to gain some relief for his tormented feelings. It was the day after Amelia and Mr. Gently had become engaged. He had envied his friend and after examining his feelings, he understood the real source of that envy. But he was determined that he would not declare himself to Elinor. She was beneath him.

He was to marry an heiress who had been destined for him from birth. She was worthy of a Lacey. Miss Hatton was not. Miss Hatton was directly in front of him. He had been so preoccupied that he had not seen her approaching. He stared at her. She thought that he was very rude and was tempted to walk past him without saying anything, but she would not be rude. She wished him a good morning. He was undone.

“I have struggled in vain,” he cried out.

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