Hello! The story of Charlotte Lucas has always been one that I'd love to dig deeper into. She has a fabulous set up to a story that has gone unresolved in Austen's novel. So, here she's the heroine with a story I've always wanted to put down on paper.

I hope you enjoy it.

Prologue

"Yes."

I never thought that one little word could change my life so abruptly. No longer will I have to worry about becoming an old maid, all the responsibilities of a single daughter gone. I will be taken care of, and comfortable. The fear of loneliness that so often plagued my nightmares can finally take its leave for I, Charlotte Lucas, am to be married.

There is certain giddiness in my walk, but there is still sadness in my heart. How funny that you can expect nothing but still be disappointed when you gain what you thought you never would. Every girl dreams of being married, and I am no exception. When I was younger I always thought he'd be handsome and, of course, rich. Tall, with dark hair and a title. A man with property and family- stylish sisters and an elegant mother. With horses and a garden and servants to tend to them. However, childish fancies slowly fade as you become older and when it becomes apparent that you will not grow into your gawky body or too wide mouth you settle with what you can get and I got Mr. Collins.

He is no where near the most handsomest man I've laid eyes on, nor is he even mediocre when it comes to conversation. However he did have one thing- the want for a wife. Sure, it was for social reasons rather than personal but a need is still a need and I was happy to fill the position. It's almost like taking a job, only you won't get paid and you'll have to raise the bosses' children. Children… it's much too early to think about such things.

In a few hours I will no longer introduce myself as Charlotte Lucas, but as Mrs. Collins. While I'm excited to be moving on into the next stage of womanhood and climbing the social ladder- even if it is only half a rung- there is still the part of my heart that dreams. The part of me that is still young and hopeful, who even thinks herself beautiful enough to tempt the likes of princes. I know better, even now as I look into the mirror and see myself dressed all in white, I know. I'm not comely, nor am I desirable. I know better than to think Mr. Collins desired me, he merely needed a woman who could fill the job description.

Sliding a hand down the fabric of my dress, I try to smile at my reflection. After today I will be a woman wed, independent from her father's house and the head of her own. Just as Mr. Collins is using me, I am using him. He follows his dear Lady Catherine's advice and I get married.

Never really thought I would marry. When Lizzie and I came of age and I found myself blinding in with the wallpaper at dances. Elizabeth grew up to be such a pretty thing and I just never caught up with her. Rather than be bitter with my circumstances, I rather look on the bright side.

I wish I owned a fancier dress, but alas this would have to do. It was the best dress in my closet, an off white that I save for special balls and gatherings. I just pray no one notices the tiny tear in my hem when I walk down the aisle. That would quite embarrassing now wouldn't it?

"Dear, it's time," I hear my father call, holding out an arm for me to take.

Time to face your future, Charlotte.