Madam and Missy — A Pride and Prejudice Variation

This is dedicated to all the writers both here and on KU who've released their stories for free! As I enjoy reading them so much, I thought that I'd have a go, and here it is.

[Note that I'm a Brit, so have written with British spelling, punctuation and terminology 😏]

In which Lady Anne tells Darcy of the scheme and Elizabeth sets off for the Lake District

Pemberley

Lady Anne

"Next month?"

Lady Anne smiled at her son, and replied, "Yes, next month."

"Mother, I know that I shall wed Missy but did not think that it would be for two or three years yet."

"Her father and I met recently and agreed that the wedding should happen now." She put a hand on his arm to prevent him from interrupting. "He understands that I want to protect you from Catherine's machinations and from all those other parents wishing to marry their daughters to the Master of Pemberley."

"But Missy is but fifteen years of age."

"She will be sixteen at the beginning of June."

"I will not wed a sixteen-year-old — child."

"William, I am not suggesting that you consummate the marriage, but having a marriage certificate means that you cannot be forced to marry anyone else."

"Such as Cousin Anne." He sighed. "Yes, I can see the reasoning. But I find this deceit abhorrent. It is one thing to conceal a betrothal and quite another to conceal a marriage."

"I understand your discomfort, but I believe that this is for the best."

Darcy sighed. "I expect that you have made some arrangements with Missy's father — what sort of gentleman is he?

"Well, I cannot tell you much except that he is obviously very clever and I rather enjoyed talking with him. He seems to have a talent for puzzling things out. I think that your father would have liked to have known him." Seeing that her son was about to ask more about his future father-in-law, she continued, "I shall not tell you more, so do not ask!

"Oh, I shall tell you one more thing: he knew my identity as soon as I met his daughters. It took your father and me a month to find his!"

Darcy's face mirrored his mother's astonishment.

"Having now met both, it is clear that Missy is her father's daughter," she continued.

"So, will you tell me of the arrangements for next month instead — shall I be going to her home or will she come to Pemberley?"

"Neither."

His eyebrows rose.

"Mr— Missy's father and I have decided to follow my brother Richard's suggestion of using your cousin Richard's estate in Shropshire."

"What estate in Shropshire?"

"I did not know either. Lady Harriet's mother is leaving her estate to your Cousin Richard for when he retires from the Cavaliers."

"That is good news; I am pleased for him."

"Your Uncle Richard is arranging for a licence and will ask the local churchman if he would mind him conducting the service himself."

"How many others are in this secret?"

"I think that Missy's family have been more circumspect than us, as only the Gardiners know. Our party comprises five others, the two Richards, Stevens and Mrs. and Miss Reynolds. And, remember that it is not fair to ask the Reynolds ladies questions about Missy!"

"I cannot deny that I am tempted, Mother!"

"The date is planned for Missy's birthday," she continued.

"Are we to see each other beforehand? Shall we have a wedding trip or honeymoon?"

"I thought that you might stay in Shropshire for a month or two to become acquainted. Since we know that Missy enjoys walking, she should enjoy walking the hills there. Apparently, it is very lovely."

"Two months? My first summer as master? I am not sure that that is wise."

"It is but 40 or 50 miles from here; you could come back if necessary."

"I shall have to work while on our honeymoon if I am to stay away for so long."

"We can assign a stable boy to ride to and fro with messages; or, perhaps, young Reynolds."

"Would she not think that I am ignoring her?"

"Why not ask for her assistance? As her father's daughter, she should be able to help you. Besides, if you tell her that you will need to work for a couple of hours each morning, then she will know what to expect and can decide whether to join you."

"Very well. We shall meet then marry a few days later."

"The Gardiners will bring her to the church to meet you there."

"Meet for the first time at the altar? She will have been told?"

"No-o."

"Why in heaven's name not?"

"Her father's decision." And I do not agree.

"Is that not cruel?"

"I think so too."

"Even if it is against her father's wishes, I am tempted to hint at it in my next letter."

"You are your own man; I cannot stop you." She smiled. What a good idea!

Darcy

After writing to Missy, giving a broad hint of what was to come, Darcy went to look for his mother. Finding her in her private sitting room, he asked if he could join her.

"Of course, William, come in and sit with me."

He sat next to her as instructed and said, "I have a couple of questions about next month."

"I should be surprised if you had but two questions," she said.

"Indeed. The first is more of a request than a question. I do hope that you will not retire to the dower house when we return here. Missy is full young and will need your help in learning to become the mistress."

"I am sorry, William. She will not be returning here with you."

"What?"

"Her father and I agreed that she will return to her father's estate as a single woman."

"That is not right!" cried Darcy. "It is not fair to either of us!"

"I agree, but there is a good reason for this." Lady Anne tried to calm him. "Remember how your betrothal came about."

"Indeed I do, it was— " He paused with sudden realisation.

"Just so."

"When would I meet her again, then?"

Lady Anne sighed. "I confess that we have not discussed that."

"Could she not remain in Shropshire while I travel back and forth?" he asked, trying to find a solution.

"That is an idea, but I think that suspicions would be raised at your repeated short absences. Let us arrange for meetings at Tenston each summer and with the Gardiners in London during the winter, perhaps."

Darcy lowered his head and shook it sadly. "That must do."

"It will not be for long, William." She patted his arm. "What was your second question?"

Darcy raised his head. "I had always assumed that Richard would stand up with me. Can I — should I — ask him?"

"I do not know. What would the Master of Pemberley do? Would he invite his closest friend, an officer in His Majesty's cavalry?"

"The Master of Pemberley would ask his closest friend to be at his side, especially as we are to use his estate." Darcy kissed his mother's cheek and thanked her before standing to leave. "I shall write to him now."

A few days later, Darcy received an express from Richard:

'Try keeping me away!'

Longbourn

Elizabeth

Elizabeth was excited to be travelling for a few weeks with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. They were to tour Cumberland and the Lake District.

"I shall miss you," cried Elizabeth as she kissed her sisters.

"We shall hope to hear from you often," replied Jane, as the young women crowded around to wish her well.

Elizabeth noticed her father slip a letter to Mr. Gardiner who frowned and slid it into his pocket. I wonder what that is about.

The trunks were loaded onto the carriage, her family waved them farewell and they were off!

She chattered gaily with her aunt as they journeyed west to their first stop at Woodstock where they hoped to visit Blenheim Palace and its gardens.

From Woodstock, they set off again. Elizabeth asked where their next stop was to be. "It seems that we are travelling west rather than north." Seeing her aunt and uncle exchange looks, she added, "Now I am suspicious."

He uncle spoke, "You are quite right, Lizzy; we are not going to Derbyshire. There has been a change of plan — your father has bidden us to take you to Shropshire."

"Shropshire? Why?"

Mr. Gardiner looked uncomfortable. "No doubt he wishes to make sport of you, but I have a letter which should explain some of this to you." At her expectant look, he continued, "It is in my trunk, so I shall give it to you when we arrive in Chipping Camden early this afternoon."

"While you are waiting impatiently, Lizzy, do not neglect the pretty villages that we shall pass through. See the lovely honey-coloured stone that they use," advised Mrs. Gardiner.

Elizabeth put her curiosity aside and admired the cottages and scenery as they wended their way to Chipping Camden — and the letter. "It is much hillier here than at home," she remarked, trying to distract herself as the horses slowed.

Finally, they reached the day's destination. At last!

"Would you allow us to announce ourselves, and our luggage to be taken to our rooms before you badger me for the letter, please, Lizzy?" teased Mr. Gardiner.

"Anyone would think that you are still eleven years of age," added her aunt, with a smile.

"I find that I am not so interested in this mysterious letter, after all," Elizabeth replied insouciantly. "Shall we not take tea and explore the marketplace?"

"Well played! You were almost convincing! Here, we shall order tea and, while we are waiting, I shall unpack the letter."

"Oh, there is no hurry, Uncle; do take your tea first." But her uncle left and returned following a maid with a tray of tea things.

"Will you pour, please?" Mrs. Gardiner asked.

Understanding that her relatives were enjoying her impatience, she acquiesced with grace.

"Thank you, Lizzy. I noticed a small garden to the back," Mr. Gardiner gestured towards a door. "Would you like to take your tea and this letter out there?"

"Only if you can spare me."

"Off you go!"

Elizabeth carried her cup of tea out of the back door of the inn to find a shady garden. Sitting on a bench in the only patch of sunshine and putting the cup down, she examined the letter. It contained a second. 'Tis from M!

She opened it to read:

'Letter 129

'My dearest Missy,

''I shall ask your uncle to give you this letter to explain why your destination has changed.

'Our parents have decided that we are to meet on your birthday. I do hope that you will share my joy to read this, as I am all anticipation!

'You are already in my thoughts and prayers — I look forward, very much, to find you in my sight and to find your hand in mine.

'M'

Oh, oh!

She was caught in a swirl of emotions: shock at the news and displeasure with her father for deliberately withholding it; and joy, a huge trembling of joy. Excitement and anticipation propelled her to her feet. She sat again; then stood up. Oh, oh! She took a few steps back towards her aunt and uncle, returned to the bench and sat again. I am to meet M.

Elizabeth reread the letter, the shortest that she had received from him. I am to meet my betrothed. She could not respond as their intermediaries were on this trip too. What should I say if I could respond? That, after five years of corresponding, I cannot wait to discover if he is handsome? She laughed and admitted that his appearance did not matter to her — though I should not mind if he is handsome!

What if he is expecting me to be as beautiful as Jane? She started to worry, stood again and had started to pace when her aunt came out to join her.

"Lizzy? What is it?"

"Oh, Aunt, what if he is expecting me to be as beautiful as Jane? He will be disappointed."

"Lizzy, dear, you have been writing to this young man for almost five years, do you not think that he cares what you look like?" Seeing her niece unconvinced, she continued, "Do you care what he looks like?"

"No, but," Elizabeth paused and said with a smirk, "I should not mind at all if he is handsome!"

"Then I expect that he will not mind at all that you are handsome too. Besides, he has not met Jane and so will know you for being you."

Elizabeth allowed herself to heed her aunt's advice. Less than a fortnight —

Please don't copy, but please do let me have comments/corrections 😏