A Suitable Arrangement: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Savannah Mason

Elizabeth Bennet has always longed for adventure and excitement, so when an invitation from her cousin arrives from France, Elizabeth is tempted to try to find adventure on her own terms. 

 

While she is in Paris, her cousins encourage her to answer an advertisement for a governess and meets the mysterious Mr. Darcy, who hires her to care for his precocious daughter, Charlotte.

 

Despite Mr. Darcy's gruff demeanor, Elizabeth quickly forms a bond with Charlotte and begins to enjoy her job more than she had expected. However, she soon realizes that there is something strange about Mr. Darcy and his home. 

 

Will Elizabeth be able to discover the truth behind her employer's aloof arrogance, and the sadness that seems to accompany his every step, without jeopardizing her position? What secrets is Mr. Darcy keeping, and what will happen when Elizabeth breaks the rules to discover them?

A Suitable Arrangement is a sweet, clean, Pride and Prejudice variation about the power of redemption, truth, and family, and is suitable for all lovers of Jane Austen's romantic classic. 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blue Flowers Press
• Release date: Jun 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223604259

Book preview

ONE

elizabeth bennet

I stood at the edge of Longbourn's gardens, my hands gripping the fence that separated our estate from the fields that spread out toward Meryton. A gentle breeze whispered through the leaves, carrying the scent of fragrant roses and the freshness of the mint that had been planted in the kitchen garden.

Lizzy! Come inside at once! My mother's shrill voice echoed in the still air. I sighed, my moment of peace shattered by her intrusion. But it was not unexpected, in a household like ours it was difficult, and rare, to find any solace.

Coming, Mama, I murmured, releasing my hold on the fence and turning to face her. She was a vision of propriety in her lavender gown, but her cheeks were flushed pink from the heat of the day and her expression was stern bordering on irritation. She hated chasing after her daughters, especially Jane and I.

Your father has been asking for you, she said as she frowned at the sunshine and fluttered her fan a little faster. He wishes to speak with you about some matter or other.

Very well, I acquiesced, falling into step beside her as we made our way back toward the house. As we walked, my thoughts strayed to places far beyond our modest estate—to the bustling streets of London, where young ladies in their finest attire attended lavish balls and danced the night away with handsome gentlemen.

How I longed to experience such excitement firsthand! Yet here I remained, tethered to the familiar and the mundane. Another assembly. Another sparsely attended dinner party. Another regimental ball. Every year at the same time. Always the same.

Lizzy? my mother snapped, pulling me back to reality. Did you hear what I said?

Forgive me, Mama, my mind was elsewhere, I admitted, forcing a smile upon my lips. What did you say?

Never mind, she huffed, shaking her head. Just go see your father. He is in his study.

We entered the house and my mother returned to the parlor where my sisters waited. I walked in the opposite direction toward the closed door of my father's study. His sanctuary. I knocked on the door, a secret knock that only I used, and one that granted me immediate access to his study.

My mother often complained that I was our father's favorite member of the family, and I did not argue with that assessment.

The door creaked open to reveal him seated behind a massive wooden desk, his brow furrowed as he poured over some document. He glanced up at my entrance, his eyes twinkling with warmth.

Ah, Lizzy, there you are, he greeted me, setting aside his papers. Your mother did find you, she was gone so long that I feared she had forgotten altogether.

I smiled and took a seat on the edge of a nearby chair. My parents existed in a maelstrom of affection that swung between antagonistic and caring with alarming speed. My father seemed to delight in tormenting her, but I know that they loved each other. At least, I hoped that was what lay beneath the surface of it.

Mama said you wanted to speak with me?

Indeed, he replied, leaning back in his seat. I understand that life here can be...tedious for a young woman of your... spirit.

Papa, I am grateful for all that we have, I began, but he raised a hand to silence me.

Elizabeth, you need not protest, he assured me, his voice gentle yet firm. I know your heart longs for adventure and excitement beyond these walls. But we must also consider our duty to our family and to society.

Must I resign myself to a life of mediocrity? I implored, unable to keep the frustration from my voice. Is it so wrong to desire more than what is expected of me?

Of course not, he replied, his gaze steady upon mine.

Then what am I to do, Papa? I asked.

Be patient, he said. Your uncle has written to say that you and Jane are welcome to visit Gracechurch Street anytime you like...

And what if I wished to stay in London? I blurted out. What if I wished to find some employment—as a governess?

My father's thick eyebrows rose slightly. Indeed— would you wish for such a thing?I felt a flare of hope. Perhaps this would be the opening I needed to pursue an independent life. Yes, Papa. I am willing to work hard and earn my own living, if it means I can live the life I want for myself.

He regarded me with a thoughtful expression, nodding slowly. It is a bold choice, and not without its challenges. Your Mama will not like it one bit. He smiled suddenly. Are you certain that you wish to abandon your search for a husband so soon? What of all the options that Hertfordshire has to offer?

I must have made a face because my father laughed and slapped his hand against his desktop. Well, my dear Lizzy, if it is truly what you desire, then I shall not refuse you when you wish to leave.

Relief flooded through me at his words. I had been so afraid he would dismiss my unexpected request. Thank you, Papa, I said simply, feeling the weight of uncertainty lift from my shoulders. I know it won't be easy, but I am determined to prove myself capable.

I have no doubt that you will succeed, he replied with a tender smile. You have always been resourceful, Elizabeth. It is one of your many strengths.

Encouraged by his words, I left my father's study filled with a newfound sense of purpose. The world suddenly seemed full of possibility—I could hardly wait to begin my journey to independence.

Convincing my mother of this fact would be my first challenge.

On a day just like any other, I sat in the parlor with my sisters with the gown I would wear to the upcoming assembly in my lap. The constant hemming and re-hemming of our dresses was like a ritual. Sleeves were removed, lace and ribbons added, necklines altered, until they were only good for scraps and mending and we would have to beg Papa for new gowns.

The dress I held in my lap was almost ready for the scraps basket, but I was certain that I could manage one more social event in it.

I tried my best not to listen to my mother as she regaled us with the gossip she had brought back from her most recent tea with Lady Lucas and her friends.

Everyone agreed that Mrs. Baxter's second eldest son is perfect for Jane, she exclaimed. And Mrs. Ross' nephew... he is a difficult young man, but he