Dare to Love: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Diane Saunders

In the rolling hills of Meryton, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy meet at a fabulous ball. However, their introduction is anything but romantic, as Darcy's ill-conceived insults leave Elizabeth feeling less than impressed. Despite this inauspicious start, fate conspires to bring them together again when Darcy arrives at Longbourn to offer an apology. The two soon become friends and their relationship blossoms into courtship.

 

As their love story unfolds, Elizabeth is called away to Paris with her father to rescue her sister Lydia from a scandalous situation. However, while in France, Elizabeth discovers something about Darcy that could change their relationship forever...

 

Dare to Love is an exciting Pride and Prejudice variation full of romance, shocking secrets, and second chances. Join ODC as they dare to fight for their happy ending!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daisy Chain Publishing
• Release date: Jan 21, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224490622

Book preview

Dare to Love

Dare to Love

A PRIDE AND PREJUDICE VARIATION

DIANE SAUNDERS

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

Also from Daisy Chain

One

The ballroom at Netherfield Park was a spectacle of radiance and sophistication. Gilded chandeliers cast a warm, inviting light upon the assembly below, illuminating countenances alight with mirth and merry anticipation. Swaths of silk and velvet in colors of cream and gold adorned the walls, whilst the polished floor gleamed underfoot like a still lake at dawn. The air hummed with the soft strains of a string quartet perched above the throng, their harmonies weaving through the gentle clatter of conversation.

Miss Elizabeth Bennet! The eager voice of Mrs. Long reached me over the din. You must admit, this exceeds even the most grandiose of expectations.

Indeed, it is a testament to Mr. Bingley's generosity, I replied, finding in her observation an acute accuracy. My eyes danced across the room, taking in the splendor of our surroundings. One might venture to say that the elegance of this ball rivals the finest soirees of London.

Ah, you are too modest, Miss Bennet. Your presence alone outshines the gilded decorations. Mr. Lucas joined our small circle, bowing slightly with a smile that seemed as much a jest as a compliment.

Flattery will secure you many dances, sir, but not my unwavering endorsement, I teased. Though I confess, it has made a favorable impression.

Miss Bennet, your repute for clever conversation precedes you, Mrs. Long chimed in. But tell me, are you not eagerly awaiting the arrival of certain gentlemen from Derbyshire?

Anticipation, Mrs. Long, is often the precursor to disappointment, I responded, allowing myself a small chuckle. I prefer the pleasure of present company to the uncertainty of future acquaintances.

Jane is quite the belle of the ball tonight, Mrs. Long continued, craning her neck to glance where my dear sister engaged in polite discourse with several other guests. You both are indeed the ornaments of Hertfordshire.

Jane possesses a beauty that no embellishment can enhance, I said fondly, my heart swelling with pride at the sight of her graceful figure moving through the crowd. She finds joy in the simplest of pleasures and shares it freely.

Such sisterly affection is rare, Mr. Lucas remarked, his gaze following my own. Though, if I may be so bold, your own charms are not to be understated, Miss Bennet.

You only say that because you have known me since childhood, Mr. Lucas, but I do appreciate your kindness.

It is hardly a kindness, he said, shaking his head fervently. Your intellect and humor have been much appreciated by my daughter throughout your friendship.

Yet, intellect and humor in a woman are oft a hindrance in society's eyes, I mused, my thoughts momentarily clouded with the remembrance of past slights. For a woman's wit can either enthrall or intimidate.

Those who are intimidated merely lack the fortitude to appreciate such attributes, Mr. Lucas countered sagely.

Then I shall endeavor to keep company with only the sturdiest of souls, I declared, laughter bubbling within me as our group shared a moment of genuine mirth amidst the opulence of Netherfield's grand ballroom.

The conversation with Mr. Lucas had barely concluded when a hush fell upon the ballroom—a whisper of silk and soft soles against the polished floorboards presaged an arrival of note. I turned from my small circle, my eyes drawn to the source of the sudden stillness that befell the chamber. He entered with the quiet authority of a ship's captain taking to the bridge: Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley. His figure cut a striking silhouette against the golden light of the chandeliers, his tailcoat impeccable, his cravat a study in elegance.

Miss Elizabeth, whispered Mrs. Long, who stood but a few paces away, her fan fluttering with increased fervor. That is Mr. Darcy, newly arrived from Derbyshire. They say his income is ten thousand a year!

Is that so? I replied, my voice touched with a mild amusement at the reverence in her tone. Yet, as I observed him navigate the throng, there was no denying the distinguished air he carried about him. The room seemed to orbit Mr. Darcy; the very air appeared to shift in deference to his presence.

His looks are quite dashing, Mrs. Long continued, her eyes following Darcy as if drawn by some invisible string.

I watched him from my vantage point, my curiosity piqued, yet found my attention arrested not by his reputed wealth or stature, but rather by the reserved demeanor he wore as comfortably as his fine evening attire. Darcy moved through the crowd with a polite detachment, acknowledging greetings with a nod more slight than cordial. A smile did not grace his features; it was as though he stood apart from the revelry that surrounded him, an island