A Race to Love: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Katy Murray

Disguised as a man, Elizabeth Bennet is able to ride and race her horse in nearby Dovetown without her family's knowledge. With the assistance of the head groom from the Meryton Inn, Elizabeth is able to truly be herself... if only for a little while.

 

After an exhilarating race that showcases her remarkable equestrian skills, Elizabeth's deception is in danger of being discovered—how will Meryton society react to her daring secret?

 

But it is the arrival of a certain gentleman to Hertfordshire that could threaten everything Elizabeth has been building in secret. 

Will her acquaintance with Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy spell disaster for her reputation, or will she be able to continue to follow her heart?

 

Secrets, however, have a way of unraveling, and as the truth threatens to come to light, Elizabeth must confront her own fears that she will not be accepted for who she truly is. 

 

A Race to Love is a sweet, clean, Pride and Prejudice variation that is suitable for all lovers of Jane Austen's romantic classic. 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blue Flowers Press
• Release date: Jul 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223416739

Book preview

ONE

elizabeth bennet

It was early; too early for my sisters to be awake, and far too early for my mother to miss my presence in the house. My father would be in his study, as he always was, but he would not enquire after my absence. This time of the morning was mine alone.

Jane was a heavy sleeper, but I dressed quietly as the pale dawn light crept around the edge of the curtains that covered the window of our bedchamber.

Sleep well, sister, I whispered as I slipped out of the room and walked on light feet down the corridor toward the stairs. Avoiding the creaky stair as I descended, I smiled as I walked down the corridor toward the kitchens.

Miss Lizzy, Mrs. Hill cried out as I entered. What are you doing awake so early this morning?

Nothing at all, I replied with a smile. I cannot sleep so I thought I would walk.

Mrs. Hill shook her head and turned back to the bread she was kneading. As you like, I suppose, she chuckled.

I grabbed an apple from a basket upon the counter and rushed through the door and out into the freshness of the morning.

The path that led toward Longbourn's stables was not well maintained, but that did not stop me. My father's inattention to the stables was regrettable, but the estate's finances were focused on the maintenance of Longbourn itself and the care of five daughters and a wife...

It was no small feat and I knew that my father was under constant pressure to present our family well.

It did not help that my mother was insistent upon certain things like new gowns and accessories that would show us to our greatest advantage—I did wish that more attention had been paid to other things.

We had been left to our own devices for too long, but while Jane was adept at needlepoint and painting, I had taken the opportunity to turn my focus to my passion for horses.

Good morning, Miss Elizabeth! called out a young stable boy as I approached Longbourn's stables.

Good morning, David, I replied cheerfully, my spirits lifting with each step. Is Juniper saddled and ready?

Indeed she is, miss, he said as he turned and ran back toward the stables. My black mare whickered as I approached, and I could not keep the smile from my face as she pushed her nose into my hand. I rewarded her curiosity with the apple I had taken from the kitchens.

I patted her neck affectionately as she crunched on the apple before I stepped up onto the mounting block and set my foot into the stirrup. Juniper's ears flicked back toward me and I spoke to her soothingly before I swung into the saddle and settled myself.

The stableboy smiled up at me as he held Juniper's halter.

Shall I expect you back soon? he asked.

I shook my head. Not today, David. I'm bound for Meryton for my lessons today.

The boy nodded and released his hold on the bridle as I took up the reins. I turned Juniper away from the stables and I set my heels against her flanks.

As I led Juniper through the gate that led into the fields, we soon broke into a gallop, the wind whipping through my hair as we raced across the open fields toward Meryton.

My heart pounded in my chest, echoing Juniper's thundering hooves. In that moment, I felt alive and free, unburdened by the weight of societal expectations and familial obligations.

The road that led into Meryton was ahead of us, and I pulled Juniper back to a canter, and then back to a trot.

This was where I was truly meant to be... my soul longed for more than quiet afternoons spent embroidering or attending genteel gatherings. It yearned for excitement, for risks, and for chances to prove myself capable of far more than anyone could imagine.

Mr. Grady will be impressed by your spirit today, I said with a smile as I patted Juniper's neck and urged her toward the road. Nothing could dampen my spirits on days like this.

The sun had barely risen as I led Juniper through the quiet streets of Meryton. The first rays of dawn painted the sky with hues of pink and orange, and the scent of baking bread hung in the air as I approached the Meryton Inn. The town was still waking up, its inhabitants stirring behind closed shutters and doors, preparing for another day in this small corner of the English countryside.

Easy now, girl, I whispered to Juniper, patting her neck gently. We made our way towards the Meryton Inn, an imposing yet welcoming structure which stood at the heart of the town. Its whitewashed walls and hand-painted sign beckoned travelers from near and far, while the stables at the rear provided shelter and care for their trusty steeds.

I nudged Juniper toward the stables and blew a sharp whistle as we rounded the corner.

Miss Bennet! Good morning! Mr. Grady, the head groom at the inn, stepped out from the tack room as I brought Juniper into the stable yard. His weathered face creased into a warm smile beneath his cap, his muscular arms crossed over his chest.

Good morning, Mr. Grady, I replied, returning his smile. I hope you're ready for another training session.

Always, Miss Bennet, he said with a nod. You and Juniper make quite the team.

Over the years, Mr. Grady had taught me everything I knew about horses and horsemanship, transforming me from a timid novice into a confident and skilled rider. In the field behind the inn and under his watchful eye, I guided Juniper through a series of intricate maneuvers and jumps, each more challenging than the last. I could feel the power and grace of the mare beneath me, and together we danced across the field, our hearts beating as one.

Excellent work, Miss Bennet! You've truly become a master of the reins, Mr. Grady praised as he clapped his hands in approval.

Thank you, Mr. Grady, I replied, my cheeks flushed with pride and exertion. "I owe it all