What if Elizabeth had said yes to Mr. Collins?
Elizabeth knew that she was sacrificing her happiness when she agreed to marry Mr. Collins. She had no choice as her family could not handle the financial burden of having 5 unmarried daughters. As the big day approached she could feel her spirit weakening. How could she marry someone she did not love, someone who she found repulsive? Her heart belonged to Mr. Darcy but she knew she would never have a chance with him because of her family's place in society and his impending engagement with Miss. Bingley.
When Elizabeth's wedding day finally came she woke up with knots in her stomach. She had always envisioned a wedding day full of love and excitement, newness and intensity. All she felt was dread at a mundane life ahead of her. Her mother and sisters ran into her room, fluttering around, picking at her hair, and pinching her cheeks to bring about some color.
"You are pale as a ghost Elizabeth! No man is going to want to marry you looking like that!" exclaimed Mrs. Bennet.
Elizabeth grimaced, "Could I just be alone with Jane? She can help me get ready. I need some space."
Mrs. Bennet and her sisters looked disheartened as they filed out of the room.
Jane sat down and wrapped her arms around Elizabeth. She squeezed her and began to stroke her hair.
"Oh Lizzy, it will be okay. You will learn to love Mr. Collins in time, I just know it. He can provide security for you, and that is what is important."
A single tear leaked from Elizabeth's eye and she smiled.
"I know Jane. I know I have to do this. I just wish that I loved him. I wish I knew that my life with him is going to be what I've always wanted."
Jane sighed and kissed Elizabeth's forehead then walked out of the room, leaving Elizabeth to get dressed in peace.
As Elizabeth stood in her wedding dress staring out the window at the family assembled below, she looked into the distance and saw Mr. Darcy atop his horse staring at her. He nodded but never looked away. There seemed to be electricity in their gaze. Elizabeth placed her hand on the glass, her heart swelling with feeling. All of a sudden she knew that she could not be with Mr. Collins, even if she did not have a chance with Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth turned away from the window and began to frantically pack her belongings. She did not want to burden her family but she knew that she had to follow her heart.
