Forcing Her Hand: A Pride and Prejudice Possibility by Carrie Mollenkopf

Author:Carrie Mollenkopf [Mollenkopf, Carrie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-07-06T22:00:00+00:00

~Eighteen~

Two months later….

When Elizabeth first laid eyes upon the place that was to be her new home, her heart nearly stopped. She had heard many things about Pemberley, but to see it herself, was beyond words. Even her father had to comment as to its magnificence.

“Well Lizzie, had you seen the place a year ago, would you have been so reluctant to accept Darcy’s proposal?”

Mr. Bennet had been jesting, but the day that she informed him that her decision to marry was not the stuff of her mother’s imagination, he had been cautious, to the point of deterrent.

“My dear child, I do hope you are not simply doing this to halt scandal? All things pass in time.”

“I am sure Papa,” she had insisted, even though her thoughts were still in turmoil.

“Then so be it, but remember, you may come home at any time. I will not tolerate any manner of abuse, however slight.”

Elizabeth had taken her father’s words to heart, but knew that no matter what she faced, she would do it bravely and without complaint. Even if she and Darcy had disagreements, she would never fear for her person. Looking back, she could not say the same of Wickham. Indeed, Darcy had saved her from disaster. Wickham was gone, safely far away in Brighton. And now was not the time to dwell on the past, for her future lay waiting.

It had been a whirlwind since that morning in her aunt’s parlor. Darcy had understated the amount of work that needed to be done. And it was work, for even now, as the very day of the wedding approached, she was exhausted. A full trousseau had been completed by a regiment of seamstresses. She had gowns for every occasion, with matching slippers, gloves, and hats. In this, Darcy had allowed her to have her way in terms of color and style, but he had given his opinion sharply when she favored less expensive fabrics

“Nonsense, you must have only the best. Besides, if you must be practical, finer materials will last longer,” he had insisted, and not once, permitted her to know the amounts that had been spent.

“A riding habit as well….no, make that four, one for each season.”

“But I do not ride,” she had protested.

“You must learn, riding in Rotten Row is quite the parade. For now, we will use a carriage, but once we are at Pemberley, lessons must begin,” he insisted firmly, but relented when he saw the apprehension in her eyes. Was his Elizabeth actually afraid of something?

“I have quite a few gentle mares. Surely, you would not wish to be left out when we entertain guests? Miss Bingley is a fine rider, and due to your sister’s marriage, and my friendship with Charles, we shall see her again. I cannot imagine you are willing to have her best you at anything.”

Elizabeth made a face, and swallowed her fears. If it meant silencing that woman, she would walk through the fires of hell. Since her engagement was made public, she had not seen much of the person that had spread so much malice.

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