Boundaries Crossed: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

By Rose Yates

The gossips of Meryton were alive with tales of a dastardly highwayman terrorizing travelers on the road between Hertfordshire and London. Fearsome rumors swirled of the masked bandit's ruthlessness, his sword sharp and his aim true. Many steeled themselves against braving that perilous path and others would not travel at all for fear of running afoul of the Phantom of the Road.

 

Yet when an urgent letter arrived from her aunt in London, begging for Elizabeth Bennet's aid while Mr. Gardiner lay ill, she felt compelled to answer the call. Against her father's wishes, Elizabeth decides to undertake the hazardous journey in secret, disguising herself as a gentleman to avoid unwanted attention. But when the highwayman attacks the carriage, a dashing gentleman's intervention and gallant actions thwart the highwayman's intentions—but has Mr. Darcy's presence become a liability? Will Elizabeth be able to hold her ruse—or will all be lost when the gentleman discovers her true identity?

 

Boundaries Crossed is a sweet, clean, and adventurous Pride and Prejudice variation that is suitable for all lovers of Jane Austen's romantic classic. 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blue Flowers Press
• Release date: Jun 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227961037

Book preview

ONE

elizabeth

The crisp pages of my book rustled softly as I turned another page, the comforting weight of literature in my hands a stark contrast to the fluttering of nerves that seemed to besiege the parlor. Seated by the window, where the afternoon light was most obliging for reading, I found myself only half-ensconced in the exploits of its heroine, as the chatter of the ladies present waxed with increasing fervor about a subject far more immediate than any novel's fancy.

Indeed, Mrs. Long insists she saw him just yestereve, said Mrs. Phillips with an air of delighted terror, cloaked in shadow and mystery, that Roderick Blackwood!

Aunt Philips' voice carried a tremble that belied her excitement, while the assembled women clung to each other's words as though the very mention of the highwayman could summon him into our midst.

Such a frightful man, murmured Lady Lucas, her hand fluttering to her collar. To think he roams so near to our peaceful homes!

I bit back a smile, finding a certain irony in their indulgence of fear, for it appeared to me they relished the thrill of such gossip almost as much as they abhorred the thought of the danger itself. Still, my attention was ever so slightly ensnared by their tales, for who among us does not feel the pull of curiosity toward the notorious and unseen?

It was at this moment, when I was considering whether to lend my own voice to the conversation or retreat further into the pages before me, I heard footsteps in the corridor, I looked up to see Mrs. Hill hesitated in the doorway. In her hands she held a letter.

Hill, what is it? I asked quietly.

Miss Lizzy! she replied, a letter came for you in the post from London.

There was only one person who could be writing to me from London, and my heart leapt at the thought that my Aunt Gardiner could have written to me. 

I shall take it, I said with a smile. Mrs. Hill cast a wary glance at the circle of gossiping ladies, hoping, no doubt, that she could escape notice and avoid being asked to perform another task for them, before she entered the room and placed the letter into my hand.

Thank you, Mrs. Hill, I said. 

Our harried housekeeper smiled quickly and then hurried out of the room once more.

Without hesitation, I broke the seal and unfolded the letter, my eyes scanning the elegant but hasty hand that spoke of my Uncle Gardiner's sudden illness. A lump formed in my throat as my Aunts request for my aid leapt from the paper, her words painting a picture of distress that I could neither ignore nor dismiss lightly.

Lizzy, what news? asked Jane, approaching with a sisterly concern that mirrored the tightening grip of duty in my own breast.

Uncle is ill, I replied, tucking the letter into my reticule with a resolve that I knew would soon prompt action, despite the unknown challenges such an endeavor might present. Aunt Gardiner requires my assistance.

Is it serious? Jane's soft voice was filled with worry, her brow creasing in sympathy.

Serious enough to warrant an immediate departure, I confessed, feeling the weight of family loyalty anchor itself firmly upon my shoulders. The perils of the journey, including the specter of the infamous Mr. Blackwood, suddenly seemed trivial compared to the pressing needs of those I loved.

Then you must go to them, Jane said, her conviction bolstering my own. We will manage here.

Indeed, I agreed, my mind already turning over the possibilities, each more daring than the last.

I rose from my seat by the window and made my way towards the study where Father was likely to be found, ensconced in his books and papers. My gait carried the determination that thrummed through my veins, each step echoing the call of duty that Aunt Gardiner's letter had sounded.

Father, I began, as I entered the room, finding him just as I anticipated—his spectacles perched precariously on the bridge of his nose, eyes trained upon the pages of a tome that looked to have seen better days. He looked up at me, and I noted the familiar twinkle of curiosity in his gaze.

Ah, Lizzy, what brings you here with such a look of resolve? I trust it is not another of Mrs. Long's balls that you wish to escape? His voice held its usual trace of humor, though the gravity of my purpose refused to let me smile.

Indeed, it is a matter far more pressing, I replied, clasping my hands before me to steady their trembling. I must ask for your permission to travel to London posthaste. Aunt has written of Uncle Gardiner's illness, and she requires my assistance.

Travel to London? he echoed, his brow furrowing slightly as he set aside his book, a clear indication that he understood the seriousness of my request. And during such unsettled times? You are aware of the dangers that beset the roads—not least the presence of that scoundrel Blackwood?

Of course, I am aware, I answered, meeting his gaze with one equally steady. But, Father, they are family. Surely you understand the necessity of my going.

Mr. Bennet sighed, leaning back into his chair, his fingers steepled in thought. Your sense of loyalty does you credit, my child, he said softly. However, I cannot consent to your journeying alone. The risks are too great, and Blackwood is but one of many concerns.

Then shall I do nothing while our relatives suffer? My voice betrayed the frustration simmering beneath my composed exterior. I felt the sting of tears threaten but willed them away. It would not do to appear weak or cowed, not when so much was at stake.

Lizzy, Papa said, and there was a warmth to his