A Lady Mistaken: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Emily Bradley-Banes

Stranded in London, Elizabeth Bennet boards a coach headed towards home and finds herself mistaken for Lady Marlena Tottingham by the coach's only other passenger, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.

 

As they journey towards Meryton, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy engage in unexpected conversation that reveals their true personalities, though not Miss Bennet's true identity. Despite her discomfort with the mistaken identity, Elizabeth is drawn to this unusual gentleman. And when they arrive at their destination... she finds it even more difficult to confess.

 

How can Elizabeth tell her new friend the truth without losing him forever?

 

A Lady Mistaken is a sweet Pride and Prejudice variation filled with mistaken identities, humorous exchanges, and a guaranteed happy ending!

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daisy Chain Publishing
• Release date: Jun 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223954415

Book preview

A Lady Mistaken

A Lady Mistaken

A PRIDE AND PREJUDICE VARIATION

EMILY BRADLEY-BANES

Daisy Chain Publishing

Copyright © 2023 by Daisy Chain Publishing

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Epilogue

Coming Soon…

Available in August…

Coming Soon…

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Also from Daisy Chain

One

Istood alone on the bustling London streets, watching as my cousin Zelda's carriage disappeared into the distance. Her departure for Scotland left me with a heavy heart and an unfortunate predicament. I had carefully saved my money to hire a coach back to Meryton, yet when I reached into my reticule to ensure its safety, I found nothing but lint and a sense of dread.

Whatever shall I do now? I muttered under my breath, feeling both foolish and desperate.

Did you say you need to get to Meryton? A kind-looking gentleman inquired, having overheard my lament.

Indeed, sir, I replied, attempting to mask my distress with a polite smile. But it seems my purse has been misplaced, and I find myself without the means to hire a coach.

Ah, that is most unfortunate, Miss...?

Bennet, Elizabeth Bennet.

Mr. Thompson, at your service. He bowed slightly, then continued, Well, Miss Bennet, it just so happens that I am aware of a coach bound for Meryton not too far from here. Perhaps they will be able to assist you in your predicament.

Truly, Mr. Thompson? That would be most fortuitous! My spirits lifted at the possibility of solving my current dilemma. Please, do lead the way.

Of course, right this way. He gestured for me to follow him down the street.

As we walked, I could not help but wonder if fate had intervened in my favor. Yet there was still the matter of securing my passage without funds. Surely, the coachman would not allow me to board without payment. The thought weighed heavily upon me as we approached our destination.

Here we are, Mr. Thompson announced, pointing to a fine coach adorned with gold trimmings. It should be departing within the hour. I wish you luck in your journey, Miss Bennet.

Thank you, Mr. Thompson, I said gratefully. Your kindness has not gone unnoticed.

He tipped his hat and took leave of me, disappearing into the throngs of people once more. I stood before the coach, my heart pounding in anticipation. The solution to my troubles was so tantalizingly close, but how could I convince them to let me board without payment?

Taking a deep breath, I approached the coach and knocked on the door. It creaked open to reveal a very handsome, distinguished gentleman inside. He looked up at me, his piercing eyes meeting mine, and my heart skipped a beat.

Excuse me, sir, I began, trying to sound as confident as possible. Might this coach be bound for Meryton?

Indeed, it is, he replied, his smooth voice laced with curiosity. And may I know who is inquiring?

Ah, well, I am— I hesitated, unsure of how to proceed. My eyes darted to the side, searching for an answer. I am merely a traveler in need of passage.

Your name? he pressed, raising an eyebrow. I paused a moment longer until he was forced to continue. Are you the Lady Marlena Tottingham?"

I... I am... the Lady Marlena Tottingham? I stammered, befuddled by his question for no reason

Because, he said, leaning back against the plush cushions of the carriage, "I am meant to share this coach to Meryton with a noblewoman

Reviews for A Lady Mistaken

[Molly Mulligan · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

None of the reactions of any of the characters, at any point, made any sense whatsoever. There were so many little details missing that should've raised a whole bunch of red flags - why does Elizabeth have no luggage (esp. if she's traveling in a coach not her own, she would have to have luggage)? Why, if she's "Lady Marlene" does said Lady not have even a maid with her?? If you're doing something historical, that's a pretty big thing to overlook for a highborn lady traveling on her own, but there's absolutely no raised eyebrows about it, and while traveling alone with a single man? Not done with strangers. There's SO MUCH that needs to be ignored, overlooked, or the old "suspend belief" that the story was not made enjoyable at all. Too many questions, too much easy-going over-look-the-improbability-of-it-all, and the reactions when Elizabeth is finally "exposed"?? Just no. Totally won't accept that.
At least it was short - and short meaning only half the "book" was the story. The other half was all advertising for other works. Bah. Not worth reading, added nothing to the P&P fandom.