A Fabricated Courtship: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
By Lara Spencer
()
About this ebook
In the aftermath of Mr. Bennet's tragic death, Elizabeth and Jane Bennet find themselves at the mercy of their cousin, Mr. Collins, the new owner of Longbourn. With limited options and the threat of forced marriages looming, Elizabeth devises a daring plan to protect herself and her sister.
To deter Mr. Collins from pursuing them, Elizabeth claims to be engaged to the aloof and wealthy Mr. FitzWilliam Darcy. But as she navigates this web of deceit, Elizabeth finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Mr. Darcy, despite her initial dislike of him.
As Mr. Collins' interest in arranging marriages intensifies, Elizabeth's facade becomes increasingly difficult to maintain. Her growing affection for Mr. Darcy only adds to the complexity of her situation, forcing her to balance her own desires with the need to protect herself and her sister.
As the stakes rise and the pressure mounts, Elizabeth must confront her own prejudices and misconceptions about love and class while navigating the dangers of her false engagement. Meanwhile, Mr. Darcy must come to terms with his own pride and reveal the depth of his true character.
A Fabricated Courtship is a sweet, clean Pride and Prejudice Variation that is suitable for all lovers of Jane Austen's romantic classic.
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A Fabricated Courtship - Lara Spencer
ONE
elizabeth
I sat next to my dear sister Jane in the drawing room at Longbourn, both our faces etched with grief as we silently contemplated the recent passing of our beloved father. The somber atmosphere was almost suffocating, and I could no longer bear to remain still. My restless energy compelled me to rise from my seat and pace the room, my mind racing with thoughts of our uncertain future under the control of our cousin, Mr. Collins.
Lizzy,
murmured Jane softly, her blue eyes filled with concern. Do try to calm yourself.
How can you be so composed?
I snapped back. Our lives are about to change forever, and not for the better!
Dear sister,
she replied, her quiet strength a testament to her gentle nature, we must have faith that all will be well.
Faith is well and good, but it does not change the fact that our fates are now tied to the whims of a man who has shown little regard for our feelings or wishes.
The unsavory image of Mr. Collins filled my thoughts, and I shuddered at the prospect of his imminent arrival.
Before Jane could respond, the sound of a carriage approaching outside interrupted the heavy silence, and my heart sank as I realized it must be Mr. Collins arriving to discuss his plans for our future. Through the window, I caught a glimpse of the familiar barouche, its horses snorting impatiently as the vehicle rolled to a stop.
Lizzy,
Jane said, reaching out to grasp my hand, her touch a source of comfort in that terrible moment. Whatever happens, we shall face it together.
Indeed, we shall,
I agreed, squeezing her hand in return. But I cannot help but feel a sense of dread at what lies ahead.
Let us not judge too hastily, Lizzy,
Jane chided gently. Mr. Collins may yet surprise us.
Would that it were a pleasant surprise,
I muttered, my spirits sinking even lower as the front door creaked open to admit our unwelcome guest.
Courage, dear sister,
Jane whispered as we braced ourselves for the impending confrontation with Mr. Collins. And though my heart quailed at the thought of what might come next, I took solace in the knowledge that no matter what challenges awaited us, I had my beloved sister beside me, and together we would find a way to prevail.
The front door swung open, and my mother's shrill voice rang through the hallway, welcoming our unwelcome guest with her usual effusiveness. Mr. Collins! What a pleasure to have you here at Longbourn!
Mrs. Bennet, your charming invitation was simply irresistible,
Mr. Collins replied, his voice dripping with false humility. I could hear the sound of his footsteps growing louder as he made his way through the house, no doubt appraising the contents of each room for their value.
Ah, there you all are,
my mother said as she led Mr. Collins into the drawing room where my sisters and I sat quietly. I fought to maintain my composure as his pompous demeanor and self-importance immediately grated on my nerves. The man had not even been in our home for five minutes, and already I could feel my patience wearing thin.
Miss Elizabeth, Miss Jane,
Mr. Collins greeted us with a condescending nod. He looked around the room, nodded to Lydia and Kitty in turn, his eyes lingering on every item of worth, as if mentally calculating the profit he would make by selling them off.
Mr. Collins,
I replied, forcing a smile onto my face. It is always… interesting to see you.
Indeed it is, Miss Elizabeth,
he said, his tone suggesting that he found me equally fascinating. And may I express my deepest condolences on the loss of your dear father?
Thank you, Mr. Collins,
Jane said softly, her eyes downcast as she struggled to hold back her tears.
Your father was a fine gentleman, and I shall do my utmost to honor his memory by ensuring the continued prosperity of Longbourn and its inhabitants,
Mr. Collins declared, puffing out his chest.
Your concern for our welfare is most generous, sir,
I said through gritted teeth, my mind racing with thoughts of the uncertain future that awaited us under his control. As much as I wished to believe Jane's earlier words – that Mr. Collins might yet surprise us – it seemed increasingly unlikely that this man would do anything other than make our lives miserable.
Come, let us sit down and discuss our plans for the future,
my mother suggested, her voice betraying her eagerness to involve herself in whatever schemes Mr. Collins had concocted. I know my dear girls will appreciate all your efforts on their behalf.
Indeed, Mrs. Bennet,
he replied, rubbing his hands together. I have given the matter a great deal of thought, and I am confident that I can provide suitable matches for each of your lovely daughters.
Matches?
I echoed, my heart pounding in my chest. Jane looked at me, her eyes wide with alarm. We both knew that Mr. Collins' idea of a suitable husband was likely far from our own dreams of love and happiness, Lydia and Kitty sat together upon the couch