Elizabeth's Last Ride: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Melanie Marlowe

In the rolling hills of Meryton, Elizabeth Bennet longs for the freedom that horseback riding once brought her before her mother's untimely death. Her father has banished all horses from their estate and forbidden his daughters from riding ever again. But one day, while taking a walk through the meadows, Elizabeth comes upon a gentleman out for an afternoon ride...

 

And suddenly, her life is changed forever.

 

Elizabeth's Last Ride is a sweet and wholesome Pride and Prejudice variation sure to stir your heart with excitement and romance!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daisy Chain Publishing
• Release date: Jun 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223632238

Book preview

Elizabeth’s Last Ride

Elizabeth’s Last Ride

A PRIDE AND PREJUDICE VARIATION

MELANIE MARLOWE

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

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Coming Soon…

Available in August…

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One

Istood beside my dear sister Jane, the warmth of the sun embracing us as we toiled in Longbourn's vegetable garden. The earth yielded its bounty beneath our hands, the vibrant colors of carrots, cabbages, and onions standing out against the rich soil.

Look at these fine specimens, I remarked, holding up a particularly plump carrot for Jane's inspection. I do believe this year's crop is our most bountiful yet.

Jane smiled gently, her eyes sparkling with pride. Indeed, Elizabeth, it seems our hard work has paid off.

As we continued picking our harvest, I could not help but notice the somber air that hung about us. Today marked the five-year anniversary of our dear mother's passing, an event that had altered our family in more ways than one.

Jane, I began hesitantly, do you ever wonder how different life would be if Mama were still here?

She paused, her delicate fingers stilling upon a head of cabbage. Of course I do, Lizzy. I miss her every day, as I know we all do.

Papa has changed so much since her death, I said softly, my heart aching as I thought of the once-vibrant man who had become increasingly withdrawn. He is still a good father and a kind man, but nothing is the same.

I know, Jane agreed solemnly. I have noticed it as well. It pains me to see him struggle so.

Sometimes I wonder if there was anything we could have done to ease his suffering, I mused, my hands now stained with the earth that had nurtured our vegetables.

Papa's grief is his own, Jane replied, placing a comforting hand upon my shoulder. We can only offer our love and support, and hope that time will eventually heal his wounds.

Yet it has been five years, and there seems to be no end in sight, I lamented. I fear what may become of our family if this continues.

Have faith, Lizzy, Jane said with a reassuring smile. All will be well, I am sure of it.

Our hands laden with the fruits of our labor, we made our way back towards the house. As we walked, my eyes were drawn to the empty stables that stood forlornly on the grounds. A pang of sadness filled me as I thought of the horses that had once occupied those stalls.

Jane, I began hesitantly, do you ever miss them?

Miss who, Elizabeth? she asked, her attention on the path before us.

Our horses – the ones he banished after... after Mama's death. My voice wavered as I spoke, betraying the ache in my heart.

Of course, I do, Jane admitted softly. I miss tending to them and riding through the countryside. But life was different then.

Indeed, I sighed. It seems like an eternity ago, although it has been but five years. The stables feel like a constant reminder of what we have lost. I paused, my gaze lingering on the abandoned structure. Sometimes, I find myself daydreaming about sneaking away to ride again, feeling the wind whip through my hair as the world races past.

Papa is simply in mourning, Lizzy, Jane said gently, her blue eyes reflecting the understanding she always seemed to possess. "He associates the horses with his loss, and their presence only served to remind him of his