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Story: Mr. Darcy’s Runaway Bride
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
The house stood in the distance, windows dark against the blue sky. From afar, one would never know that Netherfield Park had sat empty for nearly a year.
“Such a shame it has been empty so long,” Jane said, following Elizabeth’s gaze.
“I intend to use Netherfield in my next story,” Elizabeth replied, diverting her attention to her sister. “An abandoned manor makes the perfect setting for a Gothic romance.”
Jane smiled. “With hidden passages and mysterious apparitions? Perhaps a young lady seeking refuge within, running from some terrible tragedy?”
“Precisely. Though a handsome, brooding owner who returns unexpectedly would add tension to the narrative.”
“I am eager to read it. Your stories always paint such lively pictures,” Jane said. “I wish I possessed your talent for writing.”
“You have been my most loyal reader since we were children,” Elizabeth replied, taking her sister’s arm as they continued walking. Their mother considered her writing a frivolous pursuit for a marriageable young woman, but Jane had always encouraged her.
They walked on in companionable silence until Jane turned to her, a smile on her lips. “Since you mentioned Netherfield—I heard from Mrs Long that a northern gentleman might rent Netherfield for the summer.”
“That would be a welcome addition to our society. Did she mention if he is young or handsome? Or brooding?”
“She had no further information, only that he might view the property this month.”
“You know Mama will have you married to him by Michaelmas if she has her way—especially if he is rich,” Elizabeth said.
“Of course, and I wish I could say it matters little if he is rich, but given our situation, it would certainly help.”
Elizabeth’s smile faltered as memories of unpaid bills and sleepless nights crowded her thoughts.
Longbourn was in terrible peril. Their father’s most recent investments had proven disastrous.
One bad harvest had followed another, and to alleviate the strain on their purse, he had invested a heavy sum in mining—only to find the mine depleted.
“What troubles you?” Jane asked, noting her change in expression.
Elizabeth hesitated. “I wish Father had been more prudent with his investments.”
“The mine shares?”
“Yes. They have not performed as he hoped.”
This was a considerable understatement. The investment had nearly bankrupted them. They kept their position in society through careful economising and reducing their staff to the minimum required for respectability.
“Perhaps matters will improve,” Jane offered.
Elizabeth squeezed her hand. “Perhaps.”
As they turned back towards Longbourn, an unfamiliar carriage waited in the driveway.
“We have visitors,” Jane said.
“How strange,” Elizabeth murmured. “Father mentioned no appointments today.”
They reached the gate just as two gentlemen exited, alongside their father. Mr Bennet shook the men’s hands and returned into the house.
“Is that Mr Blackfriars?” Elizabeth asked and Jane nodded.
“And Jonathan. What brings them here from Town?”
Mr Blackfriars and his son Jonathan were acquaintances of their Gardiner relations.
During the winter, Elizabeth and Jane had spent time at Gracechurch Street and attended a number of functions together.
Their paths had crossed with the Blackfriars family more than once, mainly with Jonathan who paid Elizabeth particular attention.
Had their uncle perhaps spoken to Mr Blackfriars about their predicament?
He was a wealthy man and friendly enough. Perhaps he had come to assist?
They were about to enter their carriage.
“Ah, the Bennet girls,” the elder Mr Blackfriars exclaimed upon seeing them.
Elizabeth curtsied politely, though the hairs on the back of her neck stood up under Jonathan’s scrutiny. Though his appearance and manners were impeccable, something in his demeanour struck her as too practised.
“Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth,” Mr Blackfriars said with a bow. “What a fortunate meeting. We were just taking our leave.”
Jonathan stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Elizabeth with unsettling intensity. “Miss Elizabeth, a pleasure to see you again. I was quite dismayed when your father said you were out. But I trust we shall meet more frequently in the coming days.”
“You will be in Hertfordshire for some time, I assume?” she replied, though hoping he would say no.
“I hope to be, if the opportunity arises,” he replied, leaning just close enough that she felt his breath warm on her skin. Elizabeth stepped back, there was something proprietorial in his manner which she did not like.
Thankfully, the Blackfriars made their farewells and departed, the wheels of their carriage crunching on the gravel as they drove away. Elizabeth and Jane exchanged puzzled glances before making their way into the house.
***
“What brings Mr Blackfriars and Jonathan all the way from London?” Elizabeth asked as they entered the drawing room where Mrs Bennet sat, her expression jovial.
“Mr Bennet, shall we not tell the girls the exciting news?”
Mr Bennet’s face grew grave. “Perhaps it would be best if I spoke with Elizabeth privately first.”
“Nonsense!” Mrs Bennet exclaimed. “Such wonderful news should be shared with everyone!” She turned to her daughters with a wide smile. “Mr Blackfriars has generously offered to save Longbourn with a substantial loan.”
“That is indeed kind of him,” Jane said.
Elizabeth, however, noted her father’s pained expression. “What are the terms of this generous loan, Father?”
No one spoke. Mrs Bennet’s smile faltered.
“Mr Bennet?” she prompted.
“The loan is contingent upon… well, Mr Blackfriars has proposed a match between you and his son Jonathan,” Mr Bennet said quietly. “I have given my consent.”
Elizabeth staggered forward, one hand gripping to the back of the chair. She stared at her father; certain she had misheard.
“You have done what?”
“Oh, Lizzy!” Mrs Bennet rushed forward, clasping her hands. “Is it not wonderful? To think, you will be settled so well in London! The Blackfriars are very wealthy, you know, and Jonathan has shown a particular interest in you. Your Uncle Gardiner even said so.”
Elizabeth pulled her hands away, staring at her father in disbelief. “You arranged my marriage without consulting me?”
Jane stepped closer, placing a steadying hand on Elizabeth’s arm. “There must be some misunderstanding.”
“There is no misunderstanding, our financial situation is dire, it is far worse than you know. Without this plan, we face complete ruin.”
“Come, Jane,” Mrs Bennet said. “Let us check on your sisters. I believe Lydia and Kitty were making quite a noise upstairs. They will bring the whole house down on our ears with their ruckus.”
Jane hesitated. “But Mother—”
“Please, Jane,” Mr Bennet insisted. “I must speak with Elizabeth privately.”
Jane allowed herself to be led from the room. Mr Bennet closed the door behind them and turned to face his daughter.
“Is it true?” Elizabeth asked, her voice barely audible. “You have agreed to sell me to save Longbourn?”
Mr Bennet sought refuge in his chair, and Elizabeth saw not the witty, carefree father of her childhood but a man haunted by the consequences of his indulgences. “That is not how I would characterise it, Lizzy.”
“Yet that is precisely what you have done,” Elizabeth replied, struggling to keep her voice steady. “How long has this been in negotiation?”
“Several weeks,” he admitted. “Blackfriars offered his assistance after your uncle mentioned our… difficulties.”
“And it never occurred to you to discuss this with me? The one whose life would be most affected?”
“Would you condemn your mother and sisters to destitution?” Mr Bennet asked, an edge entering his tone. “Without this, we lose everything—Longbourn, our standing in society, perhaps even a roof over our heads.”
“But to marry me off to Jonathan Blackfriars of all people! You know I find his company disagreeable. I wrote to you about my feelings from London and you told me—”
“And I told you, that London was a place to meet fools of every variety—I recall.”
“And now you’d have me marry one.”
Mr Bennet shook his head. “I did not know him then. And you can be rather quick to judge. It was you he asked for, Lizzy. He has been… quite determined in his pursuit.”
Elizabeth recalled Jonathan’s persistent attentions during their time in London—his uncomfortable scrutiny, his presumption, his habit of appearing wherever she went.
“I cannot believe you would do this,” she whispered.
“I am trying to secure all of our futures,” Mr Bennet said. “Including yours. Blackfriars can provide for you in a manner I no longer can.”
Elizabeth turned away, pressing her fingers to her temples. “There must be another way.”
“If you can discover another solution before the creditors descend next month, I am willing to listen,” Mr Bennet replied.
Elizabeth moved to the window, looking out at the familiar landscape that now seemed like a prison. The weight of choice pressed upon her: her own happiness against the security of her entire family. What right had she to refuse when so much hung in the balance?
“When must I give my answer?” she asked.
“The banns must be read soon for a wedding next month in London,” Mr Bennet replied. “By week’s end, Lizzy.”
“Next month? That is uncommonly soon.”
“Jonathan leaves for the Continent in the autumn. He wishes you settled in their London home before his departure.”
Another chill ran down her spine. Her father’s manner was grave, lacking his usual sardonic humour.
She sat, clasping her hands in her lap to disguise their trembling.
Three days to decide the course of her entire future.
Elizabeth closed her eyes, feeling trapped in a nightmare from which she could not wake.
“I shall consider it,” she said at last, the words bitter on her tongue.
Mr Bennet stood beside her, placing a hesitant hand on her shoulder. “I am sorry, my Lizzy. If there were any other way…”
She nodded without speaking, unable to look at him. He left her alone with her thoughts and the impossible choice before her: her own happiness or her family’s salvation. Her worst nightmare versus their rescue.
As she stood and looked outside at the home, she had known all her life, she already knew that she did not need three days to make up her mind. She understood what it was she had to do.
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