Russell - Longbourns Distinguished Guest: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

W here is Lizzy? Mrs Bennet cried. She ran through the passage, thumping on the door of her daughters small parlour. Jane. Are you in there? Where is Lizzy?

The eldest Miss Bennet opened the door and gave her mother a resigned smile. You know her, Mama. She was probably rambling and forgot the time.

But she will be late for the assembly, Mrs Bennet cried, wringing her hands. And she knows how important tonight is. We will meet Mr Bingley for the first time, and we need to make an impression on him before the Lucases or the Longs get to him. I impressed it upon her. How could she be so inconsiderate?

Mama, Jane said soothingly. She will be there. She is quite capable of making her own way to the assembly room. It is only an informal gathering. Please do not make yourself so uneasy.

Mrs Bennet sighed and leaned against the wall. Her hands fluttered against her heart and her lip trembled as she struggled to master her nerves. When she was quite composed, she cast a critical eye over Jane. She relented with a smile.

Well, I daresay it is of little matter as far as Mr Bingley is concerned. One look at my pretty Jane and he will have eyes for no one else.

Jane blushed and shifted uncomfortably. Mama she protested gently.

Oh, but if he should return with these London friends Lady Lucas mentioned. There could be another eligible young man in his company, and he might be perfect for Lizzy, if only she could get herself home on time to be there

Jane could see her mother growing agitated again, so she laid a soothing hand on her arm. She will be there, Mama. Now, why dont you go with Hill and see how the rest of the girls are? They might need some of your guidance as to how they should dress.

Guidance. Mrs Bennet cheered up at once. Yes, they certainly will. I will see to it at once. You look very well, dear, very well indeed

As her mother bustled down the hallway, Jane felt a pang of guilt that she would inflict her mother on her three younger sisters to spare herself. But really, she could not take another moment of her mothers nervous flutterings.

She closed the door and crossed the room to open the window. Leaning out into the cool evening air, she could see the twilight setting over Oakham Mount. The peak rose out of the surrounding woods, a mound of darkness against the purple sky. She sighed. Where on earth was Lizzy? For all her calm demeanour when managing her mothers nerves, Jane knew her family was counting on her to make a match with their wealthy new neighbour. She needed her sister by her side to give her courage.

E lizabeth Bennet wrapped her cloak tighter around her and as she did so, she looked at the darkening sky in surprise. She had nestled down in her favourite reading spot, a little hollow against a rock at the top of Oakham Mount, to read the novel her Aunt Gardiner had sent her from London. She had been so absorbed in it she had lost track of the time. The days were growing shorter as winter settled in, but could it really be so dark already? She fumbled around in her dress and drew out the small pocket watch her father had given her on her last birthday.

She flipped the lid open and rose to her feet with a startled gasp. How could it be so late already? She could have sworn she had only sat for an hour or so. Could she really have been there for five hours without realising it? Her mama would call for her head if she was late for the assembly. Mrs Bennet had instructed all five daughters they were to look and behave their best so one of them would win the heart of Mr Bingley, their new neighbour who had taken Netherfield Park. And while it was quite clear Jane, the prettiest and kindest of the Bennet girls would be the favourite, there were rumours Mr Bingley was bringing some friends from London. A great number were said to be ladies, but her mama had been certain at least one was likely to be an eligible young man who would do for one of her other girls.

Elizabeth brushed herself off and looked around to make sure she had not forgotten anything. If she rushed now, she would still be late, but Hill could dress her quickly, and it would not take long for her to run to Meryton. Her father, who absolutely refused to attend the gathering, would accompany her most of the way until he saw her safely to the assembly rooms.

She shoved her watch into her dress pocket and, gathering her skirts, she ran as carefully as she could down the uneven slope, taking care not to twist her ankle. Late she might be, but her mama would never forgive her if she limped into company with a shattered leg.

M r Darcy of Pemberley was not looking forward to the evenings events. He had promised his friend, Mr Bingley, he would stay with him at Netherfield Park, his new home, to assist him in learning how to manage a large estate. Bingley had only ever lived in townhouses before and he was determined to fulfil his fathers wishes and purchase an estate for the Bingleys. A rented estate was a fine way to practice. But while Darcy valued Bingleys company greatly, he wished his friend was not quite so sociable. Bingley had sent word there was to be a gathering in the town that evening, and he had been most insistent Darcy should follow them down there as soon as he had arrived from London.

Darcy sighed as he urged his horse into a canter. He wished for nothing more than a warm bath and a hot meal after his long ride from London. He had not been feeling well for the past few days. His mind felt foggy, and he was hot and cold all over. His head pounded when he awoke that morning, and his valet had made up a drink with a headache powder for him to consume. He had urged his master to reconsider riding out until he felt better. But Darcy had given Bingley his word he would be there, and he would not let him down.

But he was already late, and he had not even arrived at Netherfield yet. He would only have time to change quickly before riding back out towards the town. He bent low over the saddle and urged his horse on. The sky was growing darker by the second, and he was not comfortable risking his horse on unfamiliar paths in the fading light. They would need to arrive at Netherfield before the night fell completely.

The path through the woods towards Netherfield was straight for the most part, but the branches of the trees were quite low. Darcy would have to slow down before a branch swept him from the saddle. His head felt heavy and he drooped over the horses neck. He caught himself and forced himself to sit upright. His cravat felt too tight. His hands shook and he gripped the reigns tighter to steady himself. His horse, sensing his masters discomfort, grew uneasy and sidled on the path. Darcy pulled him straight, but it seemed to take all his strength to do so. He wiped his forehead, and as he did, he saw a flickering of black at the edge of his vision. It was like looking down a long, dark tunnel. He shook his head, but the tunnel did not disappear. At the end of the tunnel, he could have sworn he saw a young woman coming towards him. She clutched a book in her hand, and stopped in astonishment at the sight of him. The tunnel closed in even more until all he could see was her. His voice was dry and harsh as he croaked out the words; Help me.