New Beginnings Read online

  New Beginnings

  A Pride and Prejudice Variation Anthology

  Leenie Brown

  Leenie B Books

  Halifax

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews, without written permission from its publisher and author.

  This book is a work of fiction. All names, events, and places are a product of this author’s imagination. If any name, event and/or place did exist, it is purely by coincidence that it appears in this book.

  The titles in this anthology have been previously published and are available individually.

  New Beginnings © Leenie Brown. All Rights Reserved, except where otherwise noted.

  Contents

  For Peace of Mind

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Epilogue

  Through Every Storm

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Finally Mrs. Darcy

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Epilogue

  Before You Go

  Leenie B Books

  About the Author

  Connect with Leenie Brown

  For Peace of Mind

  Chapter 1

  Mr. Gardiner gave a small snort and shifted in his seat. Elizabeth glanced at her dozing uncle. She was glad to be in his carriage and moving away from Longbourn.

  She tried to read the book that had lain open to the same page for the last half hour, but it was no use. Her mind would not stop repeating the events of the last few days. She sighed and looked out the window.

  She had tried to avoid Mr. Collins, and aside from one dance at the Netherfield ball and those horrible few moments spent together a day ago, she had been successful. But it was those few moments confined in the breakfast room that had done the damage. Her cousin had managed to announce his intentions and had not been willing to accept her refusal. A great stir had arisen in the wake of her rejection, and now her mother steadfastly ignored her, save to complain loudly about her whenever she was near.

  Her father had only tolerated the disturbance for a few hours before sending an express to request Mr. Gardiner’s advanced arrival in Meryton and his willingness to return home with not just Jane but also Elizabeth. And so, Elizabeth Bennet sat in the carriage next to her sister. She had been sent away─sent away for her own good and her father’s peace of mind.

  Elizabeth closed her book and tucked it into her reticule. She studied her sister for a moment. Jane dabbed at her eyes, and Elizabeth gave her hand a small squeeze.

  Jane smiled at her, but the smile did not reach her eyes. “I shall be well. A little time is all that is needed to get over a disappointment, or so I have been told.”

  “We have also been told to keep an eye out for husbands.” Elizabeth spoke softly so as not to disturb her uncle. “I dare say if I do not return home with a prospect, Mama shall disown me and throw me into the hedgerows.”

  “She really was quite put out with you, was she not?” Jane could not help the small chuckle that escaped her.

  “Was?” Elizabeth huffed. “She still is.”

  Mr. Gardiner shifted again in his seat as the carriage began its halting journey through the streets of London. He yawned and stretched. “Your cousins will be glad to see you. Andrew has been planning a trip to the park with you, Lizzy. Margaret would like to have Jane help her with a bonnet. Michael has several stories already chosen for reading, and Amelia helped Cook make some special cakes for your arrival.” He peered out the window. Elizabeth loved how anxious he was to be home. She wished that she could one day feel the same about her home.

  Finally, the carriage rattled to a stop before the Gardiner’s townhouse. A smile spread across Mr. Gardiner’s face. “There, did I not tell you they would be eager to see you?”

  Andrew was first to exit the house followed by Mrs. Gardiner and her three other children. The children shifted and danced behind their mother, eagerly waiting to greet their cousins.

  “My dears, it is so good to see you.” Mrs. Gardiner gave each girl a warm embrace as they alighted from the carriage. “As soon as the children have given you a proper welcome, we will have tea and cakes in the drawing room.”

  Three-year-old Michael bounced up and down. “Cake, cake, cake,” he said grabbing Elizabeth’s hand and pulling. “Mia make cake.”

  “So your father said,” Elizabeth replied as she allowed herself to be pulled into the house.

  The Gardeners did not live in a very fashionable section of town. Their house was modest but well-kept and comfortable. Uncle Gardiner ran a prosperous import and export business not far from his home and although he could afford to live in a more upscale district, preferred to stay close to his business and the friends that lived in the community. They employed several servants, and their children had a nurse and a governess. But, to the outside world, their address left them out of many circles.

  Within these walls, a familial warmth radiated to everyone who entered as if the home had some magic to soothe even the weariest of individuals. But Elizabeth knew that it was not the building that held the magic, but the family within it. She watched as Amelia proudly and properly served her cakes, and Margaret poured tea under the supervision and instruction of her mother. She smiled with contentment.

  After the children had had their treats and the attention of their favourite cousins for some time, they returned to the nursery, and Jane and Elizabeth were allowed to settle in and refresh before dinner. Elizabeth lay on the bed looking at the ceiling.

  “It is nice to be here, is it not? I so love Aunt and Uncle and their children.”

  “As do I,” said Jane as she joined her sister on the bed.

  “If I ever get married and have a family, I would wish for a home like this. Full of love and welcoming.”

  Jane nodded her agreement. “I love Mama and Papa with all my heart, but theirs is not a marriage I wish to copy.”

  “Nor I,” agreed Elizabeth. “I will only marry someone whom I love and respect and is my equal in intellect.” Elizabeth sat up, “And, he cannot be the sort of man who does not encourage his wife to learn and read. I fear marriage for me is an impossibility!“ She flopped back on the bed. “I am sure such a man does not exist! Instead, I will have to be satisfied to live with you and your family and care for your children. I will teach them to read and write and question everything they hear.”

  Jane grabbed a pillow and threw it at her. “I do not for one moment believe that you will be a spinster.” She lay down on the bed next to Elizabeth. “But, I should love to have you live with me always.”

  Elizabeth rolled over and propped herself up on her elbows to look at Jane. “And because I love you, I will promise to teach your children some decorum so that they are not as silly as our younger sisters. I love Papa dearly, but I will never be diverted by my children’s improprieties. I fear it is our family’s unseemly behaviour that has brought you so much sorrow, dear sister.” She scowled. “I am sure th
at arrogant man persuaded Mr. Bingley to leave because your connections were below him.”

  “Elizabeth,” Jane chided. “You cannot go around making assumptions about the actions of others. You are far too hard on Mr. Darcy. If anyone is to blame, it is Mr. Bingley’s horrid sister.”

  “Why Jane,” said Elizabeth proudly, “I do believe that is the most unkind thing you have ever said.”

  Jane smiled in response. “We should go to Aunt. I am sure she is waiting for us.”

  Downstairs, the Gardiners sat quietly talking in the drawing room as they waited for their nieces to join them for dinner. Jane and Elizabeth were favourites of the Gardiners and their children. Both girls were well-mannered and caring. Although Elizabeth could at times let her tongue and temper get the better of her, she was usually quick to right the wrong and worked diligently to keep herself under good regulation. Jane was sweet to a fault. Steady and easy-going, she was quick to find the good in all and in all situations. The two girls balanced each other perfectly. Elizabeth challenged Jane to take risks while Jane calmed Elizabeth and helped to soothe her when she became irritated.

  “Do you know any gentlemen to whom we might introduce our nieces while they are in town?”

  Mr. Gardiner scrunched up his face and rubbed his chin while he thought. “There is my former partner’s son. He is to come to dinner tomorrow. I should think he would do quite well with Jane, and perhaps he has a strong-minded friend he might be willing to introduce to our Lizzy.” He laughed softly. “It would have to be a very strong-minded young man. Matlock’s nephew comes to mind, but I am not sure Matlock would wish a connection to trade.”

  “My dear, I may be partial, but any gentleman with good sense and an eye for prosperity should beg for a connection to you.”

  Mr. Gardiner patted his wife’s hand. “I quite like your partiality, my love.” He stood and offered his arm to her as his nieces entered the drawing room followed by his three eldest children. “I believe dinner awaits.”

  ~*~*~*~*~*~

  “What say you, girls? I have planned to visit some shops tomorrow. Shall we make a day of it and stop for some chocolate and scones? We can be ladies of leisure for a day,” suggested Mrs. Gardiner as dinner drew to a close.

  “Oh, I so enjoy visiting the shops,” cooed Jane.

  Elizabeth grimaced playfully. “I think I can bear it if I am in your company, Aunt.”

  Jane gave her sister’s arm a playful swat. “Oh, Elizabeth, you like shopping and chocolate.”

  “But,” whined Andrew the Gardiner’s five-year-old son, “I want to go to the park.”

  “Andrew,” Mr. Gardiner spoke sternly. “You are not to whine. A boy who always demands his own way does not grow up to be a fine gentleman.”

  Andrew lowered his eyes and pushed his final carrot around his plate before chewing it carefully while he thought. Then, he straightened in his chair and addressed Elizabeth in his most proper voice. “Cousin Elizabeth, would you please take me to the park on a day that is not tomorrow?” He spun to look at his father. “Is that better, Papa? Can I still grow up to be a fine gentleman and go to the park?”

  Mr. Gardiner chuckled. “Much improved, son. And, I believe you can go to the park and still be a gentleman. ”

  Elizabeth smiled at the young boy whose eyes implored her to grant his wish. “I would be delighted to accompany a fine young gentleman to the park the day after tomorrow,” said Elizabeth.

  Jumping up, Andrew rushed over to Elizabeth’s chair but stopped abruptly at her side. “Papa, it is not proper for gentlemen to hug ladies, is it? Elizabeth is a lady, but may I still hug her?”

  “Well, Andrew, since Elizabeth is your cousin, and you are still only a very young gentleman, it is permissible.”

  Andrew threw his arms around his cousin and said, “Thank you, Lizzy.”

  Elizabeth returned the hug. “Would you like to choose a story for me to read tonight?”

  Andrew nodded his head vigorously.

  She looked at her uncle who gave a small nod allowing her to dismiss the children from the table.

  “Then off with you,” she said. “I shall be up in an hour to tuck you in and read your story.”

  Andrew raced off followed by his siblings.

  ~*~*~*~*~*~

  The ladies had spent a leisurely morning attending one store and then another. They bought ribbons, lace, buttons and fabric, as well as a pair of gloves and some new stockings before stopping at a tea shop for some refreshments.

  “Delightful.” Jane sighed with pleasure as she sipped her chocolate and nibbled her scone.

  Elizabeth suddenly began to sputter. Grabbing her chocolate, she drank some hoping to calm her coughing.

  “You should be more careful,” chided Jane. “We cannot have you expiring from choking on a scone and chocolate.”

  Elizabeth gave a wry smile. “I was merely startled. Apparently, you should not gasp when you are eating.”

  “Startled, by what?” asked Jane.

  “Not by what ─ by whom.”

  Jane gave her a puzzled look. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean Mr. Darcy is here.” Elizabeth grabbed her sister’s arm to stop her from looking toward the door. “Do not turn around. We do not want him to see us, or we shall be forced to speak to him.”

  “Lizzy, you are being ridiculous! I believe you spoke to him quite well while you were at Netherfield. You told me of your many discussions.”

  “We did not discuss, Jane; we argued.”

  “It was still speaking,” insisted Jane. She cautiously turned—ever so slightly—to see the gentleman looking for someone. Darcy nodded toward a gentleman sitting just behind Elizabeth. “Lizzy, he is coming this way. I think he is meeting with the officer at the table behind us. Prepare yourself to speak to him.”

  At that moment, Darcy was striding purposefully toward his cousin but stopped short of his destination when he saw Elizabeth.

  “Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth,” he said with a bow. “It is good to see you again.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” said Elizabeth.

  “It is good to see you again, too, sir,” added Jane. “This is our aunt, Mrs. Edward Gardiner. We are visiting with the Gardiners while in town.”

  “Edward Gardiner?” Darcy drew his eyebrows together in a quizzical expression.

  “Yes, Mr. Darcy. Edward Gardiner is my uncle. Do you know him?” asked Elizabeth.

  “Yes, he and I work together on a regular basis. I had no idea he was your uncle.”

  “He is my mother’s brother. I believe you heard that we had relatives in Cheapside.”Elizabeth gave him an arch smile.

  Darcy narrowed his eyes slightly and lifted an eyebrow while trying to repress a smile. “Yes, I did, but I never put that information together with Mr. Gardiner. There are many people who reside near Cheapside.”

  Mrs. Gardiner watched the exchange with interest while Jane smiled behind her cup.

  “I, too have come here to meet a relation today. Richard, come meet some friends of mine. ” There was a scuffling of a chair and the officer at the other table approached Darcy. “Richard, this is Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire, and this is their aunt, Mrs. Edward Gardiner. Ladies, this is my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.”

  “Mr. Edward Gardiner?”

  “The very same, cousin.”

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, ladies. I believe I know your husband quite well, Mrs. Gardiner,” said Richard.

  “Fitzwilliam, is it?” asked Mrs. Gardiner. “Second son of Lord Matlock?”

  “The one and only.” Richard gave an exaggerated bow.

  Mrs. Gardiner smiled. “I have heard several interesting tales about you and your cousin ─ which I assume must be you, Mr. Darcy?”

  Darcy grimaced and nodded. “I am afraid so.”

  “No need to be alarmed gentlemen. None of those stories shall pass my lips without severe provocation. Though they are quite
diverting.” She motioned to an empty seat at the table. “Please join us. We will not be much longer, and then we will leave you to your business.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes twinkled as she turned to Richard. “Colonel, you must provoke her. I would so love to hear a story that makes Mr. Darcy’s face take on that peculiar shade of grey.”

  Richard laughed and pulled up a chair. “Sit, Darcy. It is not often that we have such lovely company when we stop here.”

  “You come here often?” Jane asked.

  “I would say regularly. About twice a week, is that not so, Darcy?” Darcy nodded his agreement. “Sometimes it is just the two of us, and sometimes it is one of my fellow soldiers or Darcy’s friend Bingley, but none of them are as lovely as you ladies,” charmed Richard.

  “You flatter us,” said Elizabeth with a smile as she took a sip of her chocolate. After a moment of silence, she added with a pointed look at Mr. Darcy, “Please do not stop, Colonel. Every lady loves to be flattered.”

  Richard chuckled while Darcy looked flustered. “What brings you ladies out on this fine day?”

  “What we women do best ─ shopping,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “Today, we are pretending to be ladies of leisure for a few hours before we have to return to being ladies of responsibility.”

  Darcy smiled at the comment. “And has it been a successful enterprise, Mrs. Gardiner?”

  “Oh, very, Mr. Darcy. There shall be much stitching to be done in the following days ─ dresses to be altered, bonnets to be trimmed, things that bore my good husband to tears but occupy many of my hours. However, we are not finished. We have two more shops to visit before we return home.”

  “And are those a secret not meant for gentlemanly ears?” whispered the Colonel leaning forward.

  “Oh, yes, sir,” Elizabeth whispered back, leaning towards him. “We would not want anyone to know that there are ladies who would visit a bookseller or a sweets shop, now would we?”

  “Most definitely not,” agreed the Colonel with mock gravity.

  “Lizzy has been waiting all day to visit those shops,” said Jane. “We knew if we let her go to the booksellers first, we would never get to the other stores. And the sweets are for our cousins. Lizzy and I like to spoil them a bit when we come to visit. So, today they will get sweets and a story and tomorrow, the girls will get to use some of the things we bought to alter dresses and bonnets. Then we will all go to the park, and Aunt Gardiner will get to relax.”