Thwarted: A Darcy and Elizabeth Pride and Prejudice Variation by MJ Stratton

Author:MJ Stratton [Stratton, MJ]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-08-05T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

November 12, 1811

Hertfordshire

Elizabeth

On a blustery morning in mid-November, Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst invited Jane to dine at Netherfield. Mrs. Bennet, always spirited and mindful of Mr. Bingley being a possible match for one of her girls, demanded that Jane go on horseback rather than ordering the carriage. Papa did nothing to stop her, and so Elizabeth intervened on her sister’s behalf.

The dark gathering clouds warned of rain before the day was out. Determined to thwart her mother’s machinations, Elizabeth hastily penned a note to Mr. Darcy, and fervently hoped he could assist in the matter.

Dear Sir,

I am taking advantage of our newfound freedom to correspond with each other. Whilst I would rather fill this missive with sentiment, I write for a different purpose. My sister, Jane, received an invitation to dine at Netherfield Park this afternoon. My mother has refused her the carriage, insisting that she ride instead, and my father has done nothing to intervene.

We have spoken of Mrs. Bennet’s eccentricities, and I fear in her efforts to see my sister well settled, Jane will arrive at Netherfield Park drenched. Not only will arriving in such a state mortify my dear sister, but I also worry she could become ill after being caught in an autumn rain.

I understand the gentlemen are to dine with the officers this afternoon, which may render you unable to assist. Nonetheless, I am compelled to inquire. Please, if you have the means to spare my sister from my mother’s foolishness, I plead with you for your aid.

Yours, etc.,

EB

She sent Sally to deliver the note to Mr. Darcy, praying the girl could make the journey before the rain began. Elizabeth was confident Sally would discreetly deliver her missive into Darcy’s hands. Now she sat, eagerly awaiting his reply.

Sometime later, just before Jane set out for Netherfield, Sally arrived in Mr. Darcy’s carriage. She handed his return missive to Elizabeth, and she impatiently tore it open.

Dear Madam,

It is my pleasure to extend the use of my carriage to your beloved sister. I cannot imagine what disaster would befall her if she were to venture out into inclement weather. I will have my equipage made available to convey her to and from her dinner engagement since I am content to travel to Meryton in Mr. Bingley’s conveyance.

I fear the coming rain will keep us from meeting tomorrow. Should the weather improve, you may rest assured that I will keep our usual appointment.

Yours,

FD

When Elizabeth thwarted Mrs. Bennet’s plan to keep Jane at Netherfield Park overnight, she was quite put out, but the thought of her daughter being seen traveling through Meryton in so fine a carriage pacified her. Thankfully, the Bennet matron did not question how Mr. Darcy had come to offer the use of his carriage. Mr. Bennet simply eyed his second daughter knowingly, causing her to blush.

Sally accompanied Jane in the carriage, carrying a heartfelt note of thanks from Elizabeth to Mr. Darcy for saving her sister from arriving at dinner in an unpresentable state.

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