To Marry for Love: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by MJ Stratton

Author:MJ Stratton [Stratton, MJ]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Forced Marriage, Mercenary Lizzy, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Truly ghastly Mrs Bennet, Foolish Lizzy Bennet, Shy/Misunderstood Darcy, POV Alternating
ISBN: 9798300822590
Goodreads: 221798116
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-12-20T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Five

April 14, 1812

Longbourn

Elizabeth

The carriage rocked and swayed as it trundled toward Meryton. Elizabeth and Charlotte had spent much of the ride engaged in their own concerns, Elizabeth with a book and Charlotte with her embroidery.

As they passed the sign marking five miles to Meryton, Charlotte tucked her work into her bag and Elizabeth followed suit with her book.

“Will your parents welcome you?” Knowing what she did about her friend’s disappointed hopes, Elizabeth wondered if the Lucases would be pleased at their eldest child’s premature return to the community.

Charlotte sighed. “It will be as it ever is when I am home. Mama will have tasks for me to complete and I will resume managing the household accounts. There will be disappointment that I have not secured a proposal, but I have felt their sentiments on the matter before.”

Elizabeth smiled sympathetically. “I wondered, Charlotte, if you would stand up with me.” She shifted. “I did not share Jane’s note with you, but it is not likely she will be in attendance. Please say that you will.”

Charlotte smiled a pleased smile. “Of course, Eliza. I would be happy to.”

A scant hour later, Charlotte and her trunks had been delivered to Lucas Lodge and the carriage continued to Longbourn. There was no one to greet them when they arrived, but that did not surprise Elizabeth. Her uncle had not bothered to send an express notifying her family of her arrival.

“Your mother and father will forgive me in light of your news.” Uncle Gardiner had patted her hand and bid her farewell before going to his warehouses.

The carriage door opened, and Mr. Darcy’s footman handed her down. Mr. Darcy stood beside the carriage and offered her his arm after her feet were firmly on the ground.

“See that Miss Bennet’s things are removed,” he commanded his servant. “The housekeeper or butler will direct you.”

Mr. Darcy escorted her to the door and inside Longbourn. Chatter could be heard coming from Mrs. Bennet’s parlor. Not ready to face her mother and sisters, especially with Mr. Darcy standing by and watching, she instead led the way to her father’s book room. Pushing the door open, she entered, Mr. Darcy following behind.

Her sight immediately fell on her father. He sat in his chair before his desk. As he stood up to greet them, Elizabeth stifled a gasp. His coat and clothing hung on his frame. His cheeks were sunken and his hands skeletal. He must have lost two stone! Almost instantly, her resolve to have her father interfere with her sham of a betrothal faltered. Jane’s accounts of their father’s ill health could not be discounted. How could she refuse Mr. Darcy, knowing that Mr. Collins would refuse to let her stay at Longbourn? And her mother… what if Mrs. Bennet held firm as she had since November last year and cast her out? For the first time, she had some inkling of Mrs. Bennet’s fears of the hedgerows.

Such mercenary, self-serving thoughts, Elizabeth thought miserably. How have I come to this point?

“Elizabeth! You are home early.

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