Elizabeth's Choice: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Emma Berkeley

William Collins, heir presumptive to the Bennet's family estate of Longbourn House, has come to stay at the Bennet's household, without seeking permission, and directs his attention to Elizabeth. After all, he is in want of a wife.

When Darcy is first introduced to Elizabeth at the ball, he is rather curt. However, when she informs him that she now sees the virtue of a real man in Mr Collins, he is struck to the heart by the verbal blow. Despite everything, he has never been caught off-guard and bested by a woman such as Elizabeth before. Then, to add fuel to the fire, when Charles Bingley good-humouredly tells him that he considered Elizabeth an excellent suitor for him, but after his poor showing at the ball, it is clear that he is no match for her, Darcy becomes even more rankled.

As their verbal sparring continues, he becomes more enthralled with Elizabeth's wit and beauty. However, amidst the rumours swirling regarding the tryst she and Mr Collins indulged in after the ball, will Elizabeth be able to see the virtues in Darcy and give him a chance?

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This short read is a Regency variation and has sensual scenes for Our Dear Couple (ODC).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emma Berkeley
• Release date: Jan 29, 2020
• ISBN: 9781386346807

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This is a work of fiction. All characters, places, businesses, and incidents are from the author’s imagination, or they are used fictitiously and are definitely fictionalized. Any trademarks or pictures herein are not authorized by the trademark owners and do not in any way mean the work is sponsored by or associated with the trademark owners. Any trademarks or pictures used are specifically in a descriptive capacity.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form (electronic or print) without permission from the author. Please do not participate in piracy or violating the author’s rights.

© January, 2020. Emma Berkeley

BOOK DESCRIPTION

William Collins, heir presumptive to the Bennet’s family estate of Longbourn House, has come to stay at the Bennet’s household, without seeking permission, and directs his attention to Elizabeth. After all, he is in want of a wife.

When Darcy is first introduced to Elizabeth at the ball, he is rather curt. However, when she informs him that she now sees the virtue of a real man in Mr Collins, he is struck to the heart by the verbal blow.  Despite everything, he has never been caught off-guard and bested by a woman such as Elizabeth before. Then, to add fuel to the fire, when Charles Bingley good-humouredly tells him that he considered Elizabeth an excellent suitor for him, but after his poor showing at the ball, it is clear that he is no match for her, Darcy becomes even more rankled.

As their verbal sparring continues, he becomes more enthralled with Elizabeth’s wit and beauty.  However, amidst the rumours swirling regarding the tryst she and Mr Collins indulged in after the ball, will Elizabeth be able to see the virtues in Darcy and give him a chance?

Part One

Elizabeth

It was quite late. I was still readying for bed and brushing my hair. I was deep in thought about the upcoming Netherfield ball. Balls were always splendid affairs, but as of late they were foremost a venue for finding a suitor. I was pulled from my thoughts when there was a knock upon my door.

Lizzy? Are you still awake? It was my sister, Jane. I wondered what could draw her to my room at this hour. 

I am, I said, still brushing my hair. You may come in.

The door opened and my sister entered. Why are you up so late? she scolded me, with the intention to be humorous. 

I could ask the same of you. 

I have news of the ball. 

Do tell.

I accompanied our dear mother to the dressmaker today when Mrs Long invited us to tea, Jane said, sitting on the bed with me. 

That woman is an insufferable gossip. 

She is. But she had news of the ball, specifically about one, Mr Bingley. He is not only a man of means but seems very handsome and with a wit to match your own.

So have you come to peddle him on me? I dearly hope not.

Jane took the brush from my hand and started to brush my hair as she had in years past when we were girls. 

No. I wish his eye to fall on me. But, my dear Lizzy, he has a close friend, a Mr Darcy. He is to be at the ball, as well. Her voice became more animated. But had I not set my eye upon Mr Bingley already, I might look to Mr Darcy. If Mrs Long’s word is to be believed, he is quite the gentlemen. 

Honestly, Jane, you do go on. Am I to catch him with my wit? I asked her. There is no dowry. What would such a man see in me?"

She stopped brushing my hair and with deep consternation said, What indeed! You possess not only great wit but the cunning of a cat. Think, Lizzy! He is not yet married. But surely women swoon at his feet. She resumed brushing my hair. If it was a rich woman he sought, he would have found her long ago.