Elizabeth's Misplaced Memories: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Casey Blackmore

Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are engaged to be wed. However, fate has other plans for the couple when Elizabeth is involved in a terrible accident while traveling to Pemberley with Jane. Elizabeth is gravely injured and when she finally awakes, she finds herself in the care of a country doctor. Her injuries are not severe, but her memory has been erased, leaving her with no recollection of her betrothed or their impending nuptials.

As Elizabeth recuperates in Bath with family friends, Jane tries tirelessly to jog her sister's memory and reveal the truth about her fiancé. But Elizabeth stubbornly refuses to believe that she is in love with someone she cannot remember. 

 

With deceitful intentions, a gentleman arrives on Elizabeth's doorstep claiming to be Fitzwilliam Darcy. Despite feeling drawn to him, Elizabeth senses that something is amiss. She cannot shake the feeling that this gentleman is not who he claims to be and that there is more to her past than she can remember.

 

Meanwhile, Fitzwilliam Darcy is in London on business when he discovers the announcement of his own wedding in the newspaper. Shocked and confused, he travels to Bath to confront his imposter. As he fights to win back her heart and help her remember their love, Elizabeth must reconcile her past self with the man who has come to her rescue.

 

Will Elizabeth be able to overcome her amnesia and recall her love for Darcy? Or will the imposter succeed in his cruel plot to steal her away forever? 

 

Elizabeth's Misplaced Memory 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 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223951728

Book preview

ONE

elizabeth bennet

Jane, do you think the roses will be in bloom for our weddings? I asked my dearest sister as we strolled through the gardens surrounding our family estate of Longbourn. My engagement was still so new that my heart still lurched with joy every time I thought about how it had come to pass.

My sister and I had spoken so much of our hopes for our futures—and I had always maintained that I would be a supportive sister to Jane's inevitable engagement and marriage, and that I would come to live with her and play governess to the tumble of children that would follow...

I did not expect that I, too, would be planning a wedding.

And yet... I was.

I had found the very thing that I had been so convinced would elude me forever.

The very deepest love, in the most unexpected place.

Most certainly, Lizzy, Jane replied with a soft smile. They will no doubt add to the beauty and elegance of our special day.

I felt a flutter of excitement rise within me at the mention of my impending nuptials to Fitzwilliam Darcy. The prospect of marrying such a kind-hearted and devoted gentleman filled me with a warmth that threatened to spill over into giddy laughter. I reined in my emotions, knowing that my introspective sister would surely notice my state.

Elizabeth, do you think we should invite Mr. and Mrs. Collins to our wedding? Jane asked, her brow furrowed in thought as she perused the lengthy list of potential guests.

Undoubtedly, I replied, suppressing a sigh. Even though I wish never to see his face again, we cannot forget Mr. Collins... Besides, it would not be proper for us to be married and not to have dear Charlotte in attendance. We were present for her wedding, it would be very rude of us not to invite her.

Indeed, agreed Jane with a wry smile. Mother would never let us hear the end of it if we were to exclude them. I'm certain that she will be in her glory to show Mr. Collins that we do not need him any longer.

She has been afraid of that entailment for so many years that I cannot begrudge her some measure of victory, I said. "I only hope that she has the good sense to have some grace about it."

Jane laughed and leaned against my shoulder. We both know that will not be the case. She will behave as though she arranged these marriages herself.

Though she would deny it to the ends of the earth, our mother was predictable in many ways, and this would be no different.

Our mother, in her usual bustling manner, had taken it upon herself to oversee every last detail of our weddings. From the precise shade of lace adorning our younger sisters' gowns to the arrangement of flowers upon the banquet tables... nothing had escaped her exacting scrutiny.

It was both a blessing and a curse, for while her expertise was invaluable, her opinions often proved overpowering.

Speaking of flowers, I mused, turning my attention to the sketchbook I carried that was filled with drawings of potential arrangements, what are your thoughts on using bluebells and primroses?

Dear sister, you have always possessed a keen eye for beauty, Jane praised, leaning in to examine the delicate illustrations. I know we did not wish to wait for spring, but Mama was very insistent on which flowers we should have, and I know she did not wish to have the cost of a hot house added to the burden that Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy will shoulder for this event...  But I believe those flowers would perfectly complement the theme of our celebrations, and Mama would approve as well.

Then it is decided, I declared, making a note in the margin of the page. Bluebells and primroses it shall be.

I looked out over the gardens that we would soon have to leave behind. Jane, do you ever feel...overwhelmed by it all? I asked.

Of course, she replied gently, her calm demeanor a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. But we must remember that this is a time of happiness and new beginnings.

I know you are right, I sighed, attempting to regain control over my emotions. It's just that there is so much to plan, and I cannot help but worry that something will go awry.

Elizabeth, you have always been one to fret, Jane chided me softly, reaching for my hand. Remember, Mr. Darcy loves you deeply, and he will support you through any challenge that may arise.

Thank you, Jane. I managed a small smile as I squeezed her hand in gratitude.

Lizzy? Jane? Kitty's nervous voice floated over the garden.

We are here, Kitty, Jane called out.

Our sister came through the garden, her cheeks pink and her