Elizabeth, Enchanted: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Abigail Morris

Elizabeth Bennet is a woman in mourning. After the sudden and tragic death of her father, she finds herself thrust into an unbearable situation: an arranged marriage that would save her family estate. Elizabeth can't bear the thought of marrying someone she doesn't love, so she spends more and more time alone.

 

One day, Elizabeth falls asleep and finds herself in a dream world. There, a handsome gentleman asks her to stay with him and be the love of his life. Elizabeth is charmed by this man, but she knows it's not real. Until she meets Mr. Darcy in real life.

 

Unlike the gentleman in her dreams, Mr. Darcy is cold and aloof. But Elizabeth can't shake the feeling that he's somehow connected to her dream world. 

 

Can Elizabeth alter her own destiny and follow her heart? Or will duty to her family make the happiness she seeks seem like an impossible dream? 

Elizabeth, Enchanted is a sweet, clean Pride and Prejudice variation that may be enjoyed by all lovers of Jane Austen's romantic classic.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blue Flowers Press
• Release date: May 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223107590

Book preview

one

As the twilight hour descended, Elizabeth Bennet gazed out of her father's study window, staring into the fading light as it bathed the lush grass of Longbourn's gardens in an ethereal glow. The sorrow she felt was etched on her porcelain features, and her once vibrant chestnut locks hung in disheveled tendrils around her shoulders. She absentmindedly fingered the damp handkerchief that had been crumpled in her hands for hours, its fabric stained from her many tears.

Elizabeth, called Jane softly from the doorway, her own voice strained with the weight of their shared loss. The solicitor has arrived. He is waiting in the drawing room.

Thank you, Jane, Elizabeth replied, her voice barely audible. She blinked away fresh tears and straightened her posture, her chin lifting ever so slightly. Drawing a deep breath, she followed her sister down the hallway, her mind racing with thoughts of their family's uncertain future.

In the drawing room, the solicitor, Mr. Thompson, greeted them with a solemn nod. As he began discussing the contents of Mr. Bennet's will and the subsequent entailment of the estate, Elizabeth listened intently as her mother sobbed and wailed while leaning against Mrs. Gardiner. Elizabeth's aunt and uncle had come from London to see to Mr. Bennet's affairs, and it was clear that there was much to be done to secure the welfare of their family. Elizabeth had resolved to play an active role in finding a solution to their unexpected predicament, but there were limits as to how much she could do.

Miss Elizabeth, Mr. Thompson said at one point, looking impressed, I must commend your understanding of these intricate matters. Your father would be proud of your determination to uphold the family's interests.

Thank you, sir, Elizabeth replied, a small, sad smile gracing her lips. It is the least I can do in his memory.

Indeed, Jane said softly, her gaze full of warmth and admiration as she looked at her sister. If anyone can find a way to save us, it is you, dear Lizzy.

Elizabeth smiled and squeezed her sister's hand with a reassuring firmness. She knew that their path would be fraught with challenges and heartache, but she was resolute in her determination to face them head-on, guided by the love and support of those closest to her.

Mr. Thompson's role was to inform them of what would happen next. But Elizabeth knew well enough that it would be Mr. Collins who would make the next decisions regarding the welfare of the women who remained within Longbourn's walls.

In the dimly lit drawing room, a fire crackled in the hearth as Elizabeth gazed out the window, the soft raindrops painting patterns on the glass. The melancholy weather mirrored her emotions, the weight of her father's passing still heavy on her heart. She clenched her hands into fists at her sides, determined to maintain her composure for the sake of her family.

Dearest Lizzy, Jane murmured softly, entering the room and extending a comforting hand to her younger sister. Do not let your sorrow consume you. We must remain strong for each other. Her gentle voice brought a small comfort to Elizabeth.

Thank you, Jane, Elizabeth replied, taking her sister's hand and squeezing it gently.

The sisters sat down on a plush settee, a haven amidst their turmoil. Outside, the rain continued to fall, only adding to the somber atmosphere that had settled over Longbourn since their father's passing.

Tell me, Lizzy, Jane began cautiously, what concerns weigh most heavily upon your mind? Her soft blue eyes searched Elizabeth's face, seeking to understand the depths of her sister's worry.

Elizabeth hesitated before answering, her brow furrowing as she considered her fears for their family. I worry for our future, Jane. With Papa gone, our financial situation is precarious, and I dread the thought of losing Longbourn. I do not trust that Mr. Collins will be faithful to his promises to take care of us. Lady Catherine de Bourgh will certainly exert her will upon his actions before too long.

Jane nodded sympathetically, her own worries reflected in her eyes. I share your concerns, Lizzy. Do you think Mama will force us into a marriage we do not want just to sustain the family?

It is possible— And it will fall to us to do that duty for our younger sisters and Mama.

Jane frowned briefly. But do you still hold out hope that you will find love?

A wistful smile graced Elizabeth's lips as she responded, I do, Jane. Despite everything, I cannot help but dream of finding someone who will cherish me as I am, who will stand by my side through all our trials.

Your heart is strong, Lizzy, Jane said, her eyes shining with affection. I have no doubt that you will find such a gentleman.

Elizabeth smiled and patted Jane's hand. And what of you, dear sister? Do you still believe love might come your way?

Perhaps, Jane admitted, blushing slightly at the admission. Though I must focus on our family's well-being, I cannot help but hope for a love as true and steadfast as I have always wished for.

Then let us not lose hope, Elizabeth declared, her voice filled with determination. We will face these challenges together, hand in hand, and we will find the happiness we both seek.

Elizabeth wished that she could believe her own words, but doubt clouded her hopes... What would become of them now that their dear father was gone? What lengths would their mother go to secure her own comfort?

The autumn sun seemed thin as Elizabeth stepped outside for her daily walk. She breathed in deeply, letting the crisp, fresh air fill her lungs and invigorate her senses. The light breeze rustled through the leaves of the grand oak trees that dotted the landscape and whispered secrets to the delicate wildflowers that swayed gently at their feet.

Closing her eyes for a moment, she listened to the distant melodies of the songbirds, feeling a sense of solace wash over her like a calming balm. With each step she took, the weight of grief and worry seemed to lessen, allowing her thoughts to wander freely along the winding paths of her heart's desires.

Ah, what I would give for a life free from the burdens that have befallen us, Elizabeth mused, her eyes drawn to the vibrant colors of the blooming roses lining her path.

In her daydreams, her mother's nerves were soothed, and her sisters' futures were secure. But most importantly, her father's memory was honored as they held onto the happiness he had always wished for them. And their family home was secure... But all of those things seemed like impossible dreams now.

Would it be possible to find a love as radiant and enduring as the sun itself? A love that would chase away the shadows