Saving Georgiana: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Blair Sutton

On a trip to London to visit Mrs. Gardiner, Elizabeth Bennet finds herself befriending the sweet and innocent Georgiana Darcy. Despite her initial trepidation, Elizabeth and Georgiana quickly become friends and Elizabeth learns that the Georgiana has become engaged to a charming gentleman who has just arrived in town. 

But Mr. George Dalmore is not all that he seems, and Elizabeth suspects that the mysterious young man with a penchant for cards and a murky family history may not be all that he seems. 

Determined to discover the truth, Elizabeth could risk her newfound friendship with Georgiana, but it is worth saving the young woman from an imprudent match with a fortune hunter. 

She knows that she cannot do it alone, however. And so, despite her misgivings, she turns to none other than Mr. Darcy for help, but if he does not believe her, or suspects that she may be meddling in Georgiana's life out of a bitterness toward him, all may be lost. 

As Elizabeth comes closer to the truth, she finds herself understanding Mr. Darcy in ways she never thought possible. She begins to see him in a new light, and realizes that perhaps there is more to him than she had previously believed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blue Flowers Press
• Release date: Dec 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223979609

Book preview

one

The clatter and clamor of London's streets enveloped me as Mrs. Gardiner and I made our way through the bustling thoroughfare. Carriages rumbled past, horses' hooves striking cobblestones with rhythmic urgency, while hawkers cried out the merits of their wares to the throngs of passersby. The air was thick with the scents of cooking food and coal smoke, a vivid tapestry of city life that set my senses alight.

London was nothing like Meryton and I would be lying if I said that it didn't thrill me every time I visited.

As much as I loved our home in the country, I often wondered if I belonged in the city.

Is it not exhilarating, Aunt? I asked, my voice nearly lost in the cacophony.

Indeed, Lizzy, she replied with a smile. When I was a young woman I did not believe I would like London—but now I could not imagine living anywhere else.

We approached the grand edifice where the evening's social gathering was to be held and excitement fueled my steps as we joined the throng of guests arriving at the venue. As we stepped inside, the noise of the street fell away, replaced by the dulcet strains of a string quartet wafting from within. The doors opened to a scene of resplendent elegance—the ballroom was aglow with the warm light of crystal chandeliers and hundreds of candles which cast a soft golden light upon the assembled company.

I paused momentarily on the threshold, taking in the grandeur before us. Such opulence, I murmured, more to myself than my aunt.

It is very rare that invitations to Mrs. Lancaster's events are given out with such generosity, she said. I did not expect it to be quite so grand. She shook her head and straightened her shoulders. Come, let us join them.

As we entered, my gaze swept over the sea of rich fabrics and sparkling jewels that adorned the figures swirling in dance. The ladies were visions of refinement, their gowns trailing behind them in a kaleidoscope of colors, while the gentlemen were dashing in their tailored coats and vests.

Mrs. Gardiner! Miss Bennet! called a familiar voice, and we turned to see Mrs. Danford, a friend of my aunt, approaching. her fan fluttered like the wings of a delicate bird and her cheeks were pink.

Constance, my aunt greeted the other woman. This is ever so elegant—I did not expect—

You know that Mrs. Lancaster will take any opportunity to show off how wealthy her husband has become with his new trade route investment, Mrs. Danford huffed. I am happy to attend, of course, but I cannot imagine the expense of such an event!

I smiled politely, understanding Mrs. Danford's sentiment but unable to share her reservations. After all, it was not often that we had the chance to revel in such grandeur and be a part of the high society of London.

Indeed, I replied, my voice carrying a note of amusement. But I must say, the extravagance does lend an air of enchantment to the evening.

It does, indeed, Mrs. Gardiner said. I know, of course, that my own invitation was merely because my own husband has been closely involved in Mr. Lancaster's business dealings.

A pity he could not have benefitted in the same way, Mrs. Danford sighed. Mr. Danford has often expressed his regret at not investing with Mrs. Lancaster when he had the opportunity.

It was easy to see how much jealousy was threaded through Mrs. Danford's observations and I wondered how many of the guests there that evening shared a similar sentiment. Mrs. Lancaster had, very obviously, chosen her guests very specifically and I could not help but admire her for it.

My aunt and I took our leave of Mrs. Danford and together, we traversed the room, receiving nods and exchanging pleasantries with acquaintances. Each interaction, no matter how brief, felt like a delicate dance of words and glances, a testament to the nuanced art of polite society.

Amidst the whirling dancers and spirited conversations, I found myself both observer and participant, keenly aware of the intricate web of social niceties. London society was very different from the one I had left behind in Hertfordshire. There, everyone knew everyone else's business and the circle of gossip was very small and not so scandalous... but the gossip I overheard in that ballroom was enough to make me blush.

Oh, Lizzy, you must excuse me—I must speak to Mrs. Davidson most urgently. I shall return in a moment. Will you be—

I will be fine, I assured her. I have a cup of punch and a great deal to occupy my attention.

My aunt smiled and patted my shoulder before she walked away through the crowd to find her friend.

A young woman stood nearby, she had delicate features composed in an expression of serene attentiveness as she observed the dancers with a shy, albeit appreciative smile. Her gown, a vision of pale blue silk, accentuated her graceful movements as she inclined her head to acknowledge a passing acquaintance.

I moved closer, eager to have someone to talk to while I awaited my aunt's return. Are you enjoying yourself? I asked.

The young woman's blue eyes widened as she looked up at me. I thank you, I am, she said quickly. Miss—

Bennet, I replied. Elizabeth Bennet.

Georgiana Darcy, she said with a smile. A pleasure.

Darcy.

I knew that name.

Miss Darcy, I repeated, But I have heard so much about you. It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.

Have you? she exclaimed. Why— You cannot be the Miss Elizabeth Bennet from Hertfordshire?

I am!

And I have heard a great deal about you as well!

Oh, dear, I said. I do hope that you have not formed a terrible opinion of me—

Georgiana laughed.