Spring's Sweet Memory: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Margot McNeil

By mystical riverbeds and in enchanted meadows, Elizabeth Bennet is about to discover that magic does exist.

When Elizabeth Bennet is sent to Lambton to care for her ailing Great Aunt Augusta, she believes that any chance she has at finding a husband is over. But much to her surprise, the forest around her Aunt's home is filled with secrets…

And one of those secrets is about to change Elizabeth's life forever.

Prepare to be swept away in this captivating, sweet retelling of Pride and Prejudice, filled with magic, mystery, and romance!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daisy Chain Publishing
• Release date: Mar 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224098460

Book preview

Spring’s Sweet Memory

Spring’s Sweet Memory

A PRIDE AND PREJUDICE VARIATION

MARGOT MCNEAL

Daisy Chain Publishing

Copyright © 2024 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

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Epilogue

Also from Daisy Chain

Prologue

In realms where shadows dance and moonbeams play,

A mischievous fairy whiles her hours away.

With silver wings and eyes of emerald green,

She weaves her spells in the twilight's serene.

In verdant meadows and enchanted glades,

She flutters 'round the lovers and their escapades.

With a knowing smile and a whispered charm,

She guides their hearts, protecting them from harm.

Through whispers in the wind and rustling leaves,

She stirs the hearts of those her magic weaves.

With a gentle nudge and a subtle tease,

She fosters love beneath the moon's soft breeze.

With a twinkle in her eye and a flick of her hand,

She orchestrates the dance of love, so grand.

Through trials and tribulations, she leads the way,

Ensuring love's path in the light of day.

For love, dear friends, is her sweetest art,

A masterpiece woven from the soul and heart.

So heed her whispers in the twilight's glow,

For where true love blossoms, her magic shall grow.

One

It was an unexpectedly quiet day and I was just considering a quiet walk around Longbourn alone when my mother's voice, shrill as a peacock's cry, pierced the tranquility of that April morning.

Elizabeth Bennet! Come here at once!

The urgency in her summons compelled me to abandon my idea and hasten to her side.

Good heavens, Mama, what is it? I asked, upon entering the drawing-room where she sat, an opened letter in her hands.

Your Great Aunt Augusta, she has taken ill, she declared, her brows creased with concern. The letter from Lambton arrived but moments ago, telling of her dire state. She entreats you to come to her in Lambton, for she has ever held a particular fondness for you.

A sigh escaped me. Despite the affection I held for my great aunt, the prospect of leaving Longbourn, even temporarily, filled me with dismay. Yet before I could give too much thought to my disappointment, another more pressing matter demanded my attention.

Mama, I began, seeking to find a delicate balance between duty and personal longing, you know our family's situation as well as I do. With our finances so precariously stretched, how are we to afford the journey? And what of my prospects? With each absence, they diminish further.

Lizzy, she chided, her eyes narrowing, we can not let such selfish considerations weigh against the health of our dear aunt. We shall manage the expense somehow. And as for your prospects... She paused, casting a glance outside at my youngest sisters, arguing in the yard. Surely any gentleman of worth would commend you for your compassion and sacrifice.

Even as she spoke the words, she did not sound certain. I certainly harbored no illusions about the romantic notions of potential suitors. Reality was often far less generous than the fancies of young ladies or their doting mothers. The grim truth was that our financial position afforded little room for the luxury of choice.

Moreover, I mused aloud, addressing my sister Jane who had entered the room, it seems I am always to be the sister summoned for such duties. It is an unfortunate consequence of having neither fortune nor extraordinary beauty to secure an advantageous match.

Dearest Lizzy, Jane replied, do not despair so. You are lovely in your way. And Your wit and vivacity are qualities any man would treasure above mere wealth or comeliness.

Ah, but those very traits seem to intimidate rather than endear, dear sister. And so, I am left to contemplate the irony of being prized for virtues that, in society's eyes, have little value in the matrimonial market.

Elizabeth! my mother interjected with impatience. Enough of this talk. You must make preparations to depart. There is not a moment to waste.

Very well, I acquiesced, recognizing the futility of further argument. I shall prepare for the journey to Lambton.

As I ascended the stairs to gather my belongings, there