Always, Elizabeth: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Catherine McKenzie

 

Summer has come and Elizabeth Bennet finds that she is the only daughter left at Longbourn for the season. With nothing to fill her days but long walks and the pages of her favorite books, Elizabeth is unexpectedly lonely. Yearning for connection and with an overflow of thoughts swirling within her, Elizabeth begins a peculiar pastime. She pours her heart into letters, writing candidly about her hopes, dreams, and the challenges she faces. But instead of sending them, she discreetly tucks them away in the hollow of her favorite tree, finding comfort in the act of self-expression.

One warm afternoon, Elizabeth is shocked to discover someone has answered her letter...

Always, Elizabeth is a tender and captivating Pride and Prejudice variation that explores the power of words and the unintended paths love can take. Join Elizabeth as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and an unexpected romance that flourishes through the intimacy of shared letters in a meadow, creating a connection that defies societal expectations and warms the heart.

Always, Elizabeth is a clean and wholesome variation suitable for readers of all ages!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daisy Chain Publishing
• Release date: Jul 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223506751

Book preview

Always, Elizabeth

Always, Elizabeth

A PRIDE AND PREJUDICE VARIATION

CATHERINE MCKENZIE

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

Epilogue

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One

It was another quiet day at Longbourn, and with no one to talk to for yet another long summer's afternoon, I decided to wander the rooms of the house once more. After my sister Jane married the dear Mr. Bingley, my mother's efforts to marry her daughters became unbearable. In a final grasping effort, she took Lydia, Kitty, and Mary to Paris for the season in hopes they might meet someone there without any predisposed notion of what it meant to be a Bennet woman. I, alternatively, chose to remain in Meryton with Papa. I did so under the subterfuge that someone needed to watch after him, but in truth...

I could not bear the thought of being paraded around Paris by my mother.

Still, their absence meant our home had become a lonely place. Unfortunately, my need for companionship had left many a frustrated victim of conversation in its wake. And today, the only person I could find was our housekeeper, Mrs. Hill. 

As I entered the kitchen, I could not help but notice Mrs. Hill's furrowed brow as she busied herself with the preparations for dinner. Every space was covered in some manner of meat or cheese or herb. She looked like the man from the apothecary, mixing sauces and spices. However, she did not look like she wished to be disturbed.

And yet...

Mrs. Hill, I said jovially, attempting to engage her in conversation, what are your thoughts on adding a touch of rosemary to the roast tonight? I believe it would add a delightful flavor.

Miss Elizabeth, she replied, looking up with a hint of impatience. I have cooked this roast countless times without any complaints from the family and I will cook it countless times more. I assure you, it will be quite delicious as it is.

Of course, I do not doubt your culinary expertise, I hastened to assure her, feeling somewhat abashed by her response. I merely thought it might be a pleasant change.

The woman gave me a curt nod before turning her attention back to her work. It was clear that she was growing weary of my constant presence, and I could not blame her. My father and Mrs. Hill seemed to take turns tolerating my company, and it appeared that today was the housekeeper's turn to endure my idle chatter. However, unlike most days, she was too consumed by her work to entertain me further.

Very well, Mrs. Hill, I said, deciding not to press the matter further. I shall leave you to the roast.

Thank you, Miss Elizabeth, she said, gently guiding me towards the door. Perhaps you might find some enjoyment in the garden. It is such a beautiful day, after all. Why stay cooped up in the house?

With a sigh, I acquiesced and stepped out into the sunshine. It was not as if the scenery in the garden was much different than the scenery in the house. It was just a different variety of the same things I had seen every day all summer. I spent my days wandering the grounds of Longbourn, taking in the beauty of the estate while attempting to distract myself from the silence