For Tonight, I Shall Be Merry: A Paranormal Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Penelope Talbot

Can a centuries-old feud between families be mended by the bonds of love?

For as long as anyone can remember, the Darcy family and the Bennet family have been at odds. Their feud is said to go back as far as the days of witches and sorcerers and dragons, if one were to believe in such things. But little does the remaining Darcy family know, the ladies of the Bennet family are still in possession of the powers of magic, and they believe it is time to get their revenge once and for all.

Elizabeth, the most powerful witch in her family, is meant to use her magic to convince the only living Darcy son, Fitzwilliam, to fall in love with her. But as the two become more acquainted, Elizabeth finds that perhaps, Darcy is not the only one falling under the spell of love…

Tonight, I Shall Be Merry is a paranormal Pride and Prejudice variation that will cast its own special blend of magic over you, sprinkled with a happy ending!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daisy Chain Publishing
• Release date: Aug 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393430551

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

1670 - MERYTON, HERTFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND

S ilence! Silence! I DEMAND SILENCE!

The voice of the Justice of the Peace rang out across the meeting room as at last, his patience tested to its limit. The small town hall was filled to capacity with the people of Meryton. Most of them were either from the Bennet family or the Darcy family, though many were simply in attendance to view the confusion. Meryton had seen their fair share of public arguments as of late, but tonight, the altercation could be heard two towns away.

Abigail Bennet, thus far silent, leapt to her feet.

Justice Bell, I do not understand why we are even here tonight. Seymour Darcy presenteth no case for our removal from this town!

Many were aghast that Abigail Bennet spoke out of turn, but it was not uncommon for the women of the Bennet family to abandon convention in favor of protecting their family. Justice Bell sighed in exhaustion.

Perhaps we could hear from a representative of the Darcy family, the Justice said. Seymour Darcy stood from the first pew in the town hall, his face lacking in all emotion.

My argument is a simple one, Justice Bell. It is well known throughout Meryton that the women of the Bennet family practice witchcraft and sorcery. We contribute a great amount of money and employment to this town and do not wish to live in a town with no concern for the godliness of their citizens.

The shouting in the room began anew until Justice Bell called out for silence once again.

What proof do thou hast that the Bennet women be witches, Seymour Darcy?

The eldest Darcy appeared aghast.

What more proof dost thou need? My own wife hath seen them conjuring in the woods. And did they not hex young Jonah Daniels for eating an apple from their yard?

Eliza Bennet, the great-granddaughter of Abigail and a mere six years old, stood up on the pew and shook her hand at Justice Bell.

That is a lie, sir! Jonah Daniels threw an apple at my kitten to try and hurt it! I was only trying to save it from that rotten boy! Eliza cried. Her mother, Constance, put her arm around the waist of the child and pulled her back down to the pew. The Justice appeared as if he was reaching the end of his rope.

Is there no compromise that may be reached between these families?

None, Seymour answered without a bit of hesitation. If the Bennet family and every person in their line is not banished from Meryton, then the house of Darcy will leave this town for good.

When the room began to fill with angry voices again, Justice Bell lifted a book in the air and let it fall to the desk in front of him with a deafening crack. Once all eyes were upon him once again, the Justice shook his head with disappointment.

I refuse to make a decision in a situation where both parties are behaving in a way that is causing harm to our town. Seymour Darcy, I do not accept thy attempt to use thy wealth as a weapon against the citizens of Meryton. If that is how you wish to behave, then you and thy family are welcome to leave as soon as you wish.

Seymour Darcy was aghast. So it shall be, then! We shall return to our ancestral home in Derbyshire at once!

Justice Bell nodded with indifference. Let it be done. Abigail Bennet, you and thy kin are known to practice witchcraft and we have turned a blind eye to thy behavior for long enough. Thou wilt take thy family and leave Meryton. I care not where you go. As long as it is beyond the boundaries of the town.

While the rest of the room appeared to be satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, Abigail Bennet was in a fury.

If the Darcy family is leaving, then their objection mattereth not! Why must we leave? We have done no harm to anyone in Meryton!

Justice Bell rubbed his eyes in vexation. "Because it is fair, Mrs. Bennet. And it will appease the rest of the town, which is my most important job."

It was clear to every soul in attendance that Abigail was not appeased. In that moment, she made a decision, considered with much care