A Stranger's Promise: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Chelsea Starling

After an unexpected turn of events, William Collins has moved into Longbourn, and his first act as master was to put all the Bennet women out of the house, leaving them homeless. The Lucas family offers them a small cottage on their property, but it is cramped and uncomfortable with all five sisters living together in one room. They bicker and argue constantly from the continued togetherness.

 

Mrs. Bennet is desperate for Jane to get married, hoping it will restore their reputation and secure their future. However, the sisters are not sure it will be so easy to find Jane a husband, especially one as fine as Mrs. Bennet seems to expect.

 

Then, one night at an assembly, Elizabeth Bennet makes the acquaintance of a fine gentleman…

 

And everything changes.

 

A Stranger's Promise is a sweet Pride and Prejudice variation sure to surprise and delight you. Bring this romance home today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daisy Chain Publishing
• Release date: Feb 3, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224159963

Book preview

A Stranger’s Promise

A Stranger’s Promise

A PRIDE AND PREJUDICE VARIATION

CHELSEA STARLING

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

Also from Daisy Chain

One

The parlor at Longbourn, my family's ancestral home, had never been host to such a gathering of forlorn spirits as it was that autumn morning. The very air seemed to be thick with sorrow, and the countenances of my sisters were as cloudy as the sky outside our window. Jane's eyes, usually so bright and cheerful, held the sheen of unshed tears; Kitty and Lydia sat close together, their whispered commiserations too low to discern but laden with concern; Mary's fingers hovered hesitantly over the ivory keys of the pianoforte, silent and still. I found myself tracing the intricate patterns on the armrest of Papa's favorite chair, acutely feeling his absence.

We were five sisters, united in grief, each of us grappling with the stark reality of our newly precarious position. Our dear father, whose gentle humor and affectionate manner had been the anchor of our family, had been taken from us far too soon. And now we faced an uncertain future, one where the security of Longbourn was no longer assured.

The sudden rap at the door jolted us from our collective reverie. Mrs. Hill, our housekeeper, entered with a solemn nod and announced the arrival of Mr. William Collins. A ripple of apprehension passed through the room as we exchanged anxious glances. Mama sat in silence in the corner of the room, staring our the window. I knew it would be left to me to deal with our cousin's arrival.

Show him in, I said, my voice steadier than I felt.

Mr. Collins strode into the parlor with an air of self-importance that was almost palpable. He was a tall man, his hair meticulously combed and his cravat tied with an exacting precision that spoke of careful study rather than natural elegance. His countenance bore an expression of smug satisfaction that was most unbecoming, especially under such somber circumstances.

Miss Elizabeth, he began, addressing me directly with a slight bow, I extend my condolences on the passing of your esteemed father. Alas, it is a most unfortunate business that brings me to your doorstep.

Indeed, sir, I replied, my hands clasped tightly in my lap to quell their trembling. We are all deeply grieved by his loss.

Regardless, Mr. Collins continued, puffing out his chest slightly, as the closest male relation, it falls upon me to assume the management of Longbourn estate. It is my duty to inform you that, effective immediately, you must make preparations to vacate these premises.

A stunned silence followed his pronouncement. The audacity of his claim, the brusqueness with which he delivered it, sent a surge of indignation through me. Yet even in this moment of shock, I could not allow my emotions to get the better of me. My sisters looked towards me, their eyes wide with alarm, seeking guidance in how to respond to this cruel twist of fate.

Mr. Collins, I said, my voice tinged with a cold civility, surely you cannot mean to displace us so abruptly. Have you no consideration for our recent bereavement?

Miss Elizabeth, he replied, his tone unyielding, I assure you, my actions are guided by both law and propriety. While I sympathize with your plight, I must think of the future. Longbourn requires a firm hand, and I am prepared to provide it.

His declaration hung heavy in the room, a death knell to the life we had known. The home that had once been filled with laughter and love was to be stripped from us, our sanctuary turned foreign under the governance of this interloper. I could feel the quiet despair threatening to overwhelm me, yet I dared not give voice to it. For if I faltered, what would become of my sisters, who looked to me now more than ever?

In a quiet burst of desperation, my mother's voice pierced the somber stillness of the parlor.

Mr. Collins, I entreat you to reconsider, she implored, her hands clasped as if in prayer, her eyes brimming with tears that threatened to spill over. The death of my father had left her countenance more