Mr Collins' Bride: A Pride & Prejudice Variation (Pride & Prejudice Variations) by Bethany R Tolson

Author:Bethany R Tolson [Tolson, Bethany R]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Independent
Published: 2025-01-13T00:00:00+00:00

Encounters at Lucas Lodge

Wednesday, 26 February 1812

Longbourn - Elizabeth

Elizabeth stood before the mirror, struggling with the ties of her dress. Her usually quick mind felt sluggish, and she blinked, realising she’d been staring at her reflection for several minutes. The face that looked back at her seemed changed somehow - her eyes, once lively, now held a weariness she couldn’t quite disguise.

Jane moved behind her, deftly taking over the stubborn laces. “It will be nice to see Charlotte again,” she said softly. “And to hear about her captain.”

Elizabeth’s fingers found her engagement ring, twisting it absently. The thought of Charlotte’s happiness made her own situation feel all the more stark. She caught herself and stilled her hands, but not before Jane noticed.

“Lizzy?” Jane’s gentle voice carried a note of concern.

“I was just wondering if Miss Darcy might attend tonight,” Elizabeth said quickly, reaching for her hairbrush. “After such a long journey…” She trailed off, Mr Darcy’s words from his letter echoing in her mind.

“Lizzy, your hair!” Jane exclaimed, gently taking the brush from her sister’s hand. Looking down, Elizabeth realised she’d been mindlessly brushing the same section.

As Jane styled her hair, Elizabeth closed her eyes, willing herself to focus on the evening ahead. She pictured Charlotte’s smile, imagined lively conversations. Yet beneath it all, like a persistent undercurrent, were thoughts of Mr Darcy - his letter, his absence, and the unresolved feelings she fought to suppress.

“There,” Jane said at last, placing the final pin. “You look lovely.”

Elizabeth studied her reflection. She looked the same as always, yet felt fundamentally changed. Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders. “Thank you, Jane. Shall we go down? I believe I hear Mama calling.”

The cheerful atmosphere at Lucas Lodge jarred against Elizabeth’s inner turmoil. Charlotte greeted them warmly, her face glowing as she drew them aside to meet a tall, distinguished-looking gentleman in a naval uniform.

“Captain Northam, may I present my dearest friends - Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

The captain’s manner was direct but pleasant, his weather-beaten face creasing into a genuine smile as he bowed. Elizabeth couldn’t help noticing how naturally Charlotte and the captain seemed together, how her friend’s usual pragmatism had given way to something warmer, more alive. The sight made Elizabeth’s own engagement ring feel heavier on her finger.

“I understand from Miss Lucas that Hertfordshire has some excellent walking paths,” the captain said, addressing them both, though his eyes kept returning to Charlotte. “After months at sea, I find myself missing the simple pleasure of a country ramble.”

“My sister knows every trail within ten miles,” Jane offered warmly, drawing Elizabeth into the conversation.

Elizabeth forced herself to focus on the discussion of local paths, though she couldn’t quite ignore the contrast between Charlotte’s obvious happiness and her own carefully maintained composure.

“Miss Elizabeth, what a pleasure to find you here.” The words were honeyed, but Elizabeth heard the underlying calculation in them.

Elizabeth turned slowly, steeling herself before facing Mr Wickham. His smile, once so charming to her, now seemed like a carefully crafted mask.

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