Confessions and Convictions

By Nora Kipling

What if their love story began a little differently?

 

Elizabeth Bennet has always prided herself on her wit and charm, but when illness keeps her from attending the Meryton assembly, she never crosses paths with Mr. Darcy—at least not until much later. With no opportunity for Darcy to slight her pride, fate takes a different turn.

 

At a dinner aimed at fostering Jane's romance with Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth finds herself unexpectedly caught in the gaze of Mr. Darcy, whose attentions leave her intrigued, but unsatisfied as he takes himself from Netherfield shortly after.

 

During a visit to Hunsford reunites Elizabeth with the aloof gentleman, further kindling her growing feelings. But when she overhears a conversation between Mr. Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth's budding hopes are dashed. Convinced that Darcy's heart belongs to another, she faces heartbreak—and the possibility that the love she desires might be forever out of reach.

 

In this sweet and clean Pride and Prejudice variation, can Elizabeth and Darcy overcome misunderstandings to find their way to each other, or will love slip through their fingers?

This 25,000 word novella is for all ages of fans of Our Dear Couple and everything Pride and Prejudice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Heart Candies Publishing
• Release date: Oct 31, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227607157

Book preview

Chapter 1

O h Lizzy, I am so very sorry you were not able to attend the assembly, for if you had, you would have the most amazing sight to set your eyes upon, Lydia cooed from her spot by the fireplace, with Kitty close at hand, the two of them sorting through a pile of ribbon that a kitten had tangled earlier in the day.

Lizzy, still flushed from the fever that had taken her quite by surprise a few days prior, lay in pride-of-place on the chaise longue in deference to her indisposed condition.

Don't tease our Lizzy, Jane admonished with some gentleness from the other settee, and where is Mary? She glanced around the room, before getting up to pour another cup of tea for Lizzy. She laid a cool hand against her sister's forehead. You still look quite pink. Are you sure you shouldn't be up in bed?"

I rather desired a change of scene, Lizzy croaked, hating the soreness of her throat and wishing it would take itself hence from her body as quickly as possible. But with your tender care, I feel much better, I assure you.

She's upstairs, sulking, Lydia said, making a face at Kitty, who laughed in return. Jane turned on the two youngest sisters with raised eyes, and in absence of Lizzy's usual fire, she delivered a bit of her own.

If I hear of you two having teased her--

To think she didn't even dance a single set, not one! Lydia crowed, sending Kitty into another fit of giggles. Lizzy kept a low moan to herself. Perhaps she should have stayed up stairs and in bed... but she had been so desirous of news from the assembly, that once the household had finally awoken and begun their day, she had crept down to the parlor.

Jane gave her a patient, worried glance, and Lizzy mustered a smile in response. Truly, she was not so ill as to not spend time amongst her sisters, and it did her spirits well to see them all so happy.

And Jane... Jane had not shared their sisterly bed upon her return from the assembly, giving Lizzy space to sleep as comfortably as she could, so there had been no gossip of the evening.

But Jane? Jane looked so thrilled with some secret thing, that Lizzy wanted to pry, and that required being down in the drawing room and subject to Lydia and Kitty's incessant giggling.

So, Jane, tell me, Lizzy said, what did the assembly have in store for the evening? I am sure, if Lydia is to be believed, that I missed some great excitement, no?

Oh it was not to be born! They came in, all five in company with one another. Kitty, come, let us show her, Lydia said, getting to her feet, and dragging Kitty to hers. You shall play Miss Bingley, she said, knighting Kitty over the head with a braided ribbon crown. And I shall be Mrs Hurst. Jane sighed and sat down on the settee, shooting Lizzy a tired, but amused, smile at their younger sisters' antics.

Lydia and Kitty took position, and with a few quick steps, Lydia led them in a mock curtsey, and Kitty held a fan aloft.

Ladies, it is so good to see you, Lydia simpered in an affected tone, and Kitty waved her fan. Is there much, if any, society to be found here in Hertfordshire?

She said this dank corner of Hertfordshire, Kitty supplied, and Jane let out an explosive sigh.

That was not said, and enough of your silliness. Your sister needs peace and quiet. Shoo, go make your apologies to Mary, and give her the nicest of the ribbons in that pile, Jane said, and when both girls would have argued, she gave them a stern look. With a grumble, Kitty left the room, Lydia dragging her heels as she followed.

It cannot have been so awful as that, Lizzy commented, sipping on tea to soothe her throat.

They were horrid. They said such things about Meryton, and the neighborhood, and how we live in the wilds and how they are the best society for miles and miles, Jane sighed. But I was not supposed to overhear that. Charlotte was with me, and I rather think we melted into the shadows for a time. Although... Her eyes sparkled slightly. Charlotte danced a few sets, not with anyone of note, but for her, she seemed quite pleased.

Oh, Charlotte, Lizzy sighed. I'm sorry I wasn't able to come down to the assembly. You know, I truly think it's my worst fate to be ill while these events are happening.

Jane wrinkled her nose.

I left you ensconced with your books, and you seemed quite pleased enough, Jane teased. Lizzy smiled. She did have a fondness for books, at least in the quiet moments. But she had a greater fondness for dancing, and the excitement of an assembly, something that did not come around often enough for her liking.

Tell me of the rest of their party. You said Mrs. Hurst, and Miss Bingley--

Sisters, both of them, to Mr. Bingley-- Jane's cheeks went pink as she said his name and Lizzy felt her interest pique.

And was he everything that he is said to be?

More so, Jane breathed, and her eyes went wide as saucers. He is quite handsome, and the handsomest man I've ever seen. He has the most delightful smile, and he dances like a dream, and--

Dances like a dream? Lizzy nearly croaked the words out. With you?

I cannot say I have ever danced with such an agreeable gentleman, Jane said, her smile lighting her eyes and making her cheeks glow. Lizzy was delighted at the sight of her elder sister, who was usually so very reserved and quiet, now lit up with happiness and pleasure.

Oh, you must tell me all about it. Was it the first dance? Or were you introduced earlier? I have been so sick, and you've been so good, I cannot imagine why you have not already told me every detail.

Jane gave a slight laugh and shook her head.

We were introduced, of course Papa had to be cajoled into it, although I cannot fathom as to why, he is perfectly acceptable in any man's eyes for a... you know... a possible... Jane trailed off, a misty, wondering look in her eyes.

A husband, Jane? A possible husband? Lizzy could not contain her delight, and her heart swelled to see her sister looking so happy. Jane, her beautiful Jane, with her lovely features, and kind eyes, and gentle spirit, had never seemed a woman more meant for marriage than she did right then.

I shouldn't have said anything, Jane protested, her hands going up to cover her flaming cheeks. There was one set, and I would have delighted if he asked me for a second, but he did not. I... believe his sisters did not quite take to me, although that could be said of everything and everyone. We couldn't go near them but to hear complaints of everything from the musicianship of the players, to the number of gentlemen on offer.

I suppose Miss Bingley was disappointed at the lack of gentlemen she might consider elevated enough to offer for her, Lizzy said, with no bit of amusement spared.

I am not so sure, Jane said slowly, for Mr. Bingley's friend, Mr. Darcy, did seem to have some interest in her. At least, he humored her conversation, for he did not a dance a single set, not a-one.

Mr. Darcy?