Update: Thank you to all of the readers for their feedback on this story. Personally, while I was working on the rest of the chapters, I felt unhappy with the first scene and wanted to rewrite the first scene. I know many of you enjoyed the story as is, but I found that some of my wording did not sit well with me. I hope you still find this revised edit enjoyable.

A/N: Hi Reader! I'm back again with another story and I hope you enjoy it. I've added my personal notes at the bottom. A huge shout out to my wonderful Beta Reader Heyna Blackstar! Thank you readers for your continued support!

Blurb: A chance meeting between Lizzie and Darcy's dogs leads to an unconventional courtship. But can Lizzie overcome her insecurities to pursue a relationship with the enigmatic Darcy?

Happy Reading! ~KMarinelli2023

Bark and Bite: A Tale of Two Authors

Chapter One - EPOV

As I stood in the cozy bookstore, the familiar scent of new books enveloping me, I looked for some inspiration from the fully lined shelves. Turning from one stack to another, I saw a young lady hunched over a stack of books in front of her, flipping through the pages of some of my colleagues.

They were all better writers than me and I was the weakest among my closest colleagues.

"Wait, you're Lizzie Bennet?" a young lady asked me, while I was pursuing the shelves of my favorite bookstore. In her hands, was a copy of my book, 'Destiny & Desires'. I guessed she recognized me from the photo on the back, but deep down I wondered if she knew how bad the reviews were for my book.

I narrowed my eyes to think if I could remember if I'd met her previously. I nodded feeling my cheeks turn bright red as she approached me.

"Um, yes, that's me. It's not every day you get to run into someone who spends all their time holed up in a coffee shop," I said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. The lady was surprised to have actually run into a published author.

She perfected the author aesthetic, something I'd never figured out how to do without looking like I was trying too hard. She had an indie tote bag, covered in big bold literary quotes, and her chic trendy glasses reflected the incandescent lighting of the store. In her hands was a moleskin journal, its glossy sheen intact.

"Actually, I want to be a published novelist too. Do you have any advice?" I was the last person she should be asking.

While many aspire to be writers, only a select few succeed. But I couldn't tell her that. Despite my achievement, I always felt that luck played a bigger role than my actual writing. Maybe she was a better writer, and would one day outshine me, I thought to myself, but she still deserved a kind and honest response.

"I'm not sure if I'm qualified to give advice. But the best advice is to just write. Like every day." My voice came out shakier than I would have liked, and I think she could hear it as well. "I hope you enjoy the book." My gaze moved to the book in her hand.

"I actually already read it. I just liked the cover art a lot so I picked it up again. I enjoyed the ending, but I thought the beginning was slow."

That was the typical view of my book. That people mostly enjoyed the ending because everyone agreed that the first half was slow and boring. Even I agreed with that critique, but that didn't help lessen the sting. Personally, I feel like that book is a complete lie to myself.

My first book only did well because of the publishing team behind it. Longbourn Liberty Press did an excellent job at marketing. Looking back now, I'm embarrassed by the writing of it. I can't help but wonder, am I doomed to never be a great writer?

"Thank you, and enjoy your day, miss," I said, ending the uncomfortable conversation. I barely liked showing my work to Jane or Charlotte, the closest people in my life, always feeling self-conscious. I know I should stand up for my writing and for actually accomplishing a full novel. But I'd always crumble.

"If you need help," the store employee said, interrupting my train of thought. "We just got a new shipment of Fitzwilliam Darcy's latest book. It's in the front if you would like to take a look."

"Thanks," I half-heartedly nodded in response.

Maybe I should check out his latest book. As an author, he was on a whole separate level than any other author in this store. His books had the largest cult following, they had a cultural impact on everyone. And personally, they helped me back in the day when I was writing my first novel. But once my book was finished, life got busy and I didn't have the time to keep up with his books. Maybe reading his latest one would help spark my creative juices.

Grabbing the latest installment, I felt a glimmer of hope. The heavy book in my hand had a nice weight instead of my constant floating thoughts. It oddly grounded me, and my thoughts changed to ones of possibilities. Maybe I could be better, but only time would tell.

—

Later in the day, I decided to take Winston on a walk. He's a rescued American Bulldog, and he's been a part of me for a few years now. He's the sweetest and we've done a lot of training together but his breed is still misunderstood by the public.

Recently, I had zero energy to go out, but today I felt more energetic. Like I woke up on the right side of the bed for once. Maybe it was the perfect weather. It was a bright blue sunny day, the sky clear of clouds and a cool refreshing breeze was blowing. Winston, wagging his tale rapidly, led me out of our apartment building while I pulled down my sunglasses and popped my earbuds in, listening to another writing podcast. Getting lost in the conversation, I let Winston guide me as we turned the corner.

Suddenly, I noticed a beautiful golden Border Collie, a rare breed, up ahead, eagerly pulling her owner along. I couldn't help but smile at the dog's enthusiasm. As they approached, I realized the man was struggling to control the exuberant dog.

"Luna, stop!" the man, with a deep husky voice, shouted. Luna didn't listen, pulling the poor soul across the sidewalk. "Watch where you're going miss." His tone sounded harsh as if I was at fault.

As the Border Collie lunged even closer to Winston, I quickly pulled him to my side. Guiding him in a heel while we stepped off the path.

As her eyes focused on us, she slowed down a bit. Just enough for the poor man to readjust his grip on her leash. Instead of just holding the end of her lead, he shifted his large hands to the middle, giving Luna less slack. A better holding position.

The man was easy on the eyes, and my type; I'd guess he was over six feet tall. It should be a crime for anyone to look that great, let alone in a basic T-shirt. His clothes were made to fit perfectly on his athletic build.

"I'm such a klutz getting in other people's way," I said holding back the fact that it was he who was at fault, focusing my gaze on Winston's head and giving him pets.

As he passed us, I finally looked up and nodded a pleasant smile at him. He stared back at me, his expression flat and unresponsive. His eyes seemed to glaze over as they scanned us; It was uncomfortable, like somehow Winston and I were the new kids on the block. If anything this man was the new kid. How rude of him to make us feel less. He gave Luna's leash another tug, now he was dragging Luna, who had wanted to interact with Winston. How unfortunate that his ideal looks masked a bum personality.

I hope we don't run into them again, I mused as we kept going on our walk. I led Winston to the neighborhood dog park and found Charlotte and Bailey. I let Winston off and he trotted for Bailey, I went to sit next to Charlotte. Our conversation casual as we did our usal catching up. Our conversation switching when I noticed a familiar dog and man enter the dog park as well.

"Charlotte, have you ever seen that Border Collie before?" I asked.

Our dogs were playing around with each other in the dog park, contributing to the barking contest surrounding us. We met here on a semi-daily schedule. At least, when I had some free time.

Charlotte had a Labrador Retriever named Bailey, and Winston got along well with Bailey, but it took some time for Winston to even open up to Bailey. Winston was a shy dog and typically only kept to Bailey. At the dog park, Bailey would follow Winston around keeping him company and bugging him to play.

"No, I haven't. Have you?" she asked, our eyes fixed on the golden Border Collie cantering over to Winston.

"No, but I saw them on our walk before. That poor man there was getting dragged." Nodding in the direction of the reclusive man. Next to him was a woman with strawberry blond hair. She wore exclusively luxury brands; it appeared to be a lot, and she definitely had money. Something I lacked.

"He doesn't look like a poor man," Charlotte said.

"Well, he certainly looks like he thinks highly of himself," I replied, noticing the man's confident posture and flat expression. Next to him, the woman kept fawning over him, hanging onto his arm like a trophy. "I think he called her Luna." Ignoring Charlotte's insinuation about his appearance.

"Whatever her name is, I think Winston found a new bestie, Lizzie," Charlotte said, gesturing towards Winston. They were focusing just on each other, Winston and Luna. Winston was ignoring Bailey, which he rarely ever did. I'd have to keep an eye out for him. I didn't want him to pick the dog with the arrogant owner as his best friend

"Lizzie, you should go chat with the fellow." I'd do anything for Winston but talking with Mr. Arrogance might just be pushing it.

"You've got to be kidding me. He blamed me earlier when he was walking his dog." Charlotte looked at me matter-of-factly. "He said I had to watch where I was going. It was his lack of control that was the problem, not me."

"But look at how much fun Winston is having with that dog." She had a point. Winston was hitting it off with the new dog. Since he had such a limited friend group, I braced myself and got up. Hoping the owner would be nice and prove me wrong. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw some subtle movements of her hand as she quietly pulled out her phone. The flash of color on her screen could only mean one thing.

"By the way, don't even think about it," I said, looking down at Charlotte.

"What?" Her eyes feigning innocence and shock.

"Don't take photos of people in public and then search them on the internet. I know you too well."

"I can't help it, Lizzie. You know investigative journalism runs deep in me."

"Mhmm," I said, shaking my head in fake disapproval. She was tapping away on her phone with a growing smirk.

"You did it already, didn't you?" I said, sighing. "Just be careful, Char."

"We're at a dog park. Everyone probably just thinks I'm taking photos of the dogs."

"I don't want to be a part of whatever investigation your about to do on that man," I said, leaving Charlotte and moving towards Winston. He and the other dog were roughhousing; I wasn't afraid for Winston. I didn't trust other owners. I felt my heart beating quicker as I looked to find the displeased face of the man. Dashing any hope that he could be pleasant.

"Is that your dog?"

"Yes, his name is Winston. What's your dog's name?"

"Luna," the man said. He didn't try to extend any further small talk.

"They appear to be getting along well. Is this your first time here?"

"No, I've been here before. I just prefer to go on hikes, not the park."

I nodded, not knowing how to respond to his abrupt attitude. His companion slid her lean fingers through his arm while whispering directly to them. His facial expression hardened, unwavering. Would a smile here and there kill him?

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance at his haughty tone as if he was too good for our dog park. He must have just moved into the neighborhood. The flashy woman only added to the air of superiority that they both exuded.

Ignoring their rude behavior, I focused my attention on Winston and Luna as they played. I couldn't deny that they seemed to be having a great time together, unable to shake off the uneasy feeling that came with the man's presence.

"Anyway, I hope we see you at the dog park again," I said. The lady narrowed her eyes at me as I spoke. His steely expression didn't reveal anything either, and sensing I was unwanted, I walked back to Charlotte. Checking in Winston from where Charlotte and I sat. The human pair stood on the perimeter while Luna and Winston kept playing with each other.

"You did it didn't you?" I asked Charlotte.

"What do you mean?" Charlotte asked innocently.

"Fine, just tell me what you found," I said, sighing knowing that she always found out about people's past somehow one way or another.

"When I searched his image, it pulled up the author page for a man named Fitzwilliam Darcy."

Updated AN: Since I'm reposting this, I thought I'd respond to some of the commenters now. Thank you Levenez for sticking by for my new posting schedule and to the remaining 28 people who are following! Mangosmimi thank you for your sweet comment! Valerie1950 as always I'm so glad you can connect with my version of Lizzie. ConvergenceShatteredDimensions you gave such a thought-out critique and I really appreciate it. I understand that you like the snarky comments that Lizzie made, and though that was my first pass, I came to the conclusion that Lizzie sounded too dismissive toward other women in the introduction. Something that I personally don't want my characters to promote. I'm glad that everyone is liking the elements of dogs in the chapter!

I will be posting Chapter Two tomorrow at midnight! Chapter Two has some of my favorite dialogue between Lizzie and Darcy. Also, I've written out all 6 chapters now and will continue to edit them out.

If you can, let me know what your thoughts are on when authors repost and edit chapters. Do you like it or not?

Thank You~KMarinelli2023