Disclaimer - I've been a lurker here for some time and haven't written anything in years so I can't promise you much with this idea that kept floating around in my brain. Reviews and dare I say it encouragement would be appreciated but my own ex-lurker status means I can hardly expect such favours ;-) Anyway, here's the beginnings of my own Regency what-if...
CHAPTER ONE
It is a truth but rarely acknowledged that a young woman in possession of a great fortune and set to inherit still more will be prone to such bouts of willful spontaneity as to quite shock and appall the world at large. Such was the case with our heroine who, without the limits of fortune or an imposing elder brother, and being as she was a darling to her father in his dotage, found herself leaving her post as mistress of her father's house for a brief sojourn South, to the happy county which held not only relatives of her departed Mama but also her dearest friend.
Although her beloved Papa gave his blessing to her venture even with but a day's notice he had witheld from her the companionship of her sister and so it was that Elizabeth Darcy journeyed with only her lady's maid and her own thoughts for company.
"Do you think my Father knows, Sarah?" asked the lady of her maid as she gazed determinedly out of the window at the passing meadow, breaking a silence which had lasted above an hour.
"Knows what, m'lady?" came Sarah's reply as she set aside her needlework.
"That I simply had to escape? That Pemberley itself had felt like a prison these last weeks?" her lady replied, her tone conveying her dearest wish, that her father remain blind to her deepest folly all the while her unseeing eyes remaining fixed on the world outside.
"I believe he sees nothing unusual about your trip, remember last Easter? You left Rosings without a word and had the town house opened up before anyone knew you'd left Kent! Mrs Williams has yet to forgive you for giving her no notice of your coming you know." Sarah replied, cracking a small smile knowing full well it would be reciprocated.
Sarah was not disappointed, her mistress's body relaxed into the carriage upholstery and eyes bouncing with merriment met her own: "Oh bless us and save us! Mistress has come on with no warning! And on a Friday of all days, there'll not be a bit of good fish to be got at this hour!" Elizabeth mimicked the housekeeper of Darcy House, a smile spreading across her features and the glumness of the past hour put aside. "Aye Sarah, I know I'm far from her good graces for now but I know I'm never far from her heart. For all her flutterings she only seeks to do what is right. I fear my habits or lack there of send her to distraction at times. I ought to know better."
Sarah could say nothing to this but knew that saying nothing at all would leave Miss Darcy to think on things besides Mrs Williams and Friday fish. Breaking the silence which already threatened to engulf them once more Sarah asked whether their hosts may know of their imminent arrival by now to which Elizabeth replied with a cautious optimism. This time their silence held more cheer, focused on what would hopefully be a restorative visit with her dear friend and visiting time with near-lost relations rather than her most private grief.
Within another hour their carriage passed through a small market town bustling with activity in the late afternoon sun. At a brisk knock on the roof Elizabeth righted herself and paid close attention to the scenes outside her window.
"Oh thank goodness itself! This must be Meryton, then we shall reach Netherfield before dark after all Sarah!" said Elizabeth with a bright smile. "It is quite a pretty town I would say. Perhaps almost the size of Lambton? And look, we're attracting some attention!" Elizabeth had observed more than one of the town's pedestrians take note of the livery of her driver and footmen, and the family crest upon the coach. "I begin to think arriving under cover of darkness might have been a better course of action after all, I've yet to acquaint my mother's relatives with my plans. After this kind of entrance to their town they would be quite within their rights to be most put out and cut me completely" mused Elizabeth with half a smile as she settled back once more, content to ponder the issue of her estranged family.
At length their carriage slowed, breaking Elizabeth's thoughts and within moments the carriage door swung open to reveal the steps and slender columns of Netherfield house. Elizabeth placed her hand in that of her footman as she eased her cramped limbs to the ground, Sarah following close behind. Upon finally righting herself and suppressing an unladylike yawn she found her attention caught by a hastily approaching young man.
"Miss Darcy!" cried he, "What a pleasure to see you, welcome to Netherfield! Come, my sister will be anxious to see you. I have to confess your letter arrived but a few hours ago but as always you are most welcome, I hope you'll approve of the place although its nothing to Pemberley I know" the gentleman trailed off, suddenly aware of his soliloquy in the face of his sister's intimidating friend.
"Oh Mr Bingley it is charming! I look forward to exploring your grounds if the weather holds. I apologise for the lack of notice but once I had quite made up my mind I grew terribly restless. I hope my impetuous nature has not caused you any inconvenience." responded Elizabeth, suddenly keenly aware of how anyone but Mr Bingley might view her sudden appearance at his door.
In a rare moment a insight Mr Bingley understood perfectly and with only a wide smile and a barely audible "Nonsense, Miss Darcy" the young man conveyed Elizabeth inside.
Sarah had fallen into the backdrop of this exchange, watching over the unloading of her mistress's various boxes and packages silently thankful to be free of the carriage and counting down the hours until she might make her way to the servant's quarters. As the last package was unloaded Sarah watched Miss Darcy disappear through the grand front entance and as the door closed behind her Sarah heard a lady within cry out "Eliza!"