The Pemberley Pearl: A Quest for Love, #1

By Tia Gale

Prepare for excitement and adventure with ODC as they embark on A Quest for Love!

 

In this thrilling Pride and Prejudice variation, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy embark on an exhilarating hunt for a precious treasure. As they travel across multiple countries and uncover hidden clues, the duo encounter twists and turns they never expected. Joined by Elizabeth's beleaguered chaperone, Mrs. Featherly, they delve into a whirlwind journey that not only tests their wit and courage but also brings them closer together in unexpected ways!

 

Start your journey with Tia Gale's new wholesome Austen-inspired adventure series today!

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daisy Chain Publishing
• Release date: Sep 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223316701

Book preview

The Pemberley Pearl

The Pemberley Pearl

A PRIDE AND PREJUDICE VARIATION

A QUEST FOR LOVE

BOOK ONE

TIA GALE

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

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

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One

It was the night of yet another assembly in Meryton and the room was bright with the excitement of young people dancing. Their laughter and chatter filled the air, but my heart yearned for something more. I wished for an adventure that would take me far away from the confines of this small town and its predictable ways. Which I had just finished telling my friend Charlotte Lucas after she extolled the virtues of marriage to me, yet again.

But marriage is such a serious business, Eliza, Charlotte Lucas said as she shuffled nervously near the edge of the dance floor. Finding a suitable match is the most important thing a woman can do.

Is it? It is really, Charlotte? I asked, casting a sidelong glance at her as she dabbed at her warm brow with a delicate handkerchief. Surely there must be something more to life than securing a husband.

Perhaps. But what else is there for a young lady of our station? It is not as if we can become scholars or adventurers.

Ah, but would that not be grand? I sighed, allowing myself to indulge in the fantasy. To travel the world, uncover ancient relics, and delve into the mysteries of long-lost civilizations...

Elizabeth Bennet, Charlotte chided gently, amused by my fanciful notions. You are quite the dreamer.

What is so terrible about that? I asked, studying the expressions of the people around us – some filled with merriment, others with envy or disappointment. I had always prided myself on my ability to discern the subtle nuances of human behavior, a skill that often allowed me to see beyond the masks society demanded we wear. It provided me with ample entertainment at parties but made me less than beloved among my more secretive sisters.

Of course not, Charlotte reassured me. Your keen mind and observant nature are among your greatest assets. They simply make you a less than ideal match as a wife.

I furrowed my brow at her double-edge sword of a compliment.

Well, thank you so much, Charlotte.

You are welcome, she said, unaware she had offended me. Come! Let us dance, Eliza, and forget our cares for a while.

And so, hand in hand, we stepped onto the dance floor, our spirits lifted by the lively tunes and the laughter of friends. But deep within my heart, the desire for something greater than this life of conventionality continued to burn, a flame that no amount of merriment could ever truly extinguish.

As Charlotte and I twirled about the dance floor, I could not help but notice a tall, dark-haired gentleman standing near the edge of the room. There was an air of confidence and authority about him, as if he were accustomed to command and being obeyed. He appeared both out of place and yet somehow perfectly at home in our provincial assembly.

Charlotte, I whispered as we paused for a moment, who is that gentleman over there?

Ah, you mean Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. He is quite the talk of the town. They say he has just come from London to speak with old Professor Longbottom.

Really? I asked, intrigued. What else do you know about him?

Only that he is a very wealthy man – indeed, one of the wealthiest in England, Charlotte continued, her eyes taking on a speculative gleam. But what I find most fascinating are the rumors surrounding his past.

Rumors? I echoed, my curiosity deepening.

"Indeed. Some say he has been involved in several daring adventures across Europe and even as far away as Africa and