Elizabeth Bennet’s Bad Days WIP #2

Oh, my. I had hoped to be further along than I am with EBBD. In the beginning when I first started writing fiction, I was a pantser. Pantser? That’s a term for writers who write by the seat of their pants. No real outline; just an idea of what the story is about. Some authors write very detailed outlines, when done, that have about half the book written in just the outline.

In the beginning, writing as a pantser worked really well for me. I’d start writing and just keep going. However, now that I’m working on improving my writing and still keeping a bit of Jane Austen’s style of writing, I find I’m looking at things  and doing them a little differently as well. Hopefully, the end result will be better and more interesting Pride and Prejudice variations.

I have written a couple of books with detailed outlines that were easier to write using those outlines as guides. Recently, though, I’m finding I’m having trouble doing the outlines, so I’ve decided to do briefer outlines then hit the pantser road…again. Wish me well.

Since I’m still working on Chapter III, I’m going to give you a scene that will appear later in the book. Enjoy! 

 

 

Scene from EBBD as the Netherfield party leaves Meryton

Elizabeth stood at the edge of Oakham Mount and watched as the carriages were loaded at Netherfield in preparation of going to London for the winter.

He’s leaving, and I’ll never see him again.

Her heart clenched at the thought, and she absently rubbed at her chest.

When did I fall in love with the taciturn individual? It certainly wasn’t at the assembly when he insulted me and I did the same to him in return. Elizabeth choked on a half giggle, half sob.

At Netherfield when I cared for Jane? No! He and Bingley’s sisters had too much fun discussing my family’s flaws. At this thought, she frowned and recalled how angry she was at inadvertently overhearing the elements of their despicable discussion. Mr. Bingley was meeting with his steward and never heard how his family denigrated the Bennets. Perhaps that is just as well as he might have turned away from Jane if he learned how much his family disliked and despised mine. Jane might never have become engaged to him.

Smiling as tears began to fall, she contemplated how happy her elder sister was to have become Mrs. Bingley. Although she and Jane were best friends and had shared a bedchamber for all their lives, Elizabeth was ecstatically overjoyed for her sister. Oh, how I will miss her. But I know she is deliriously happy, and I wouldn’t take that away from her for anything.

The Bennet family was not perfect, but they did love each other. Although her mother tended toward Lydia and Jane as her favorites, Elizabeth always appreciated Mrs. Bennet’s charitable activities and the household training she gave to all her daughters. She knew her mother and father were flawed and failed in some areas with their girls, but she also acknowledged they wanted the Bennet sisters to marry well and be happy.

As she continued to watch the activities at Netherfield, Elizabeth strained to see if Mr. Darcy was riding in his carriage or on horseback, but the distance was too great to put a name to the small individuals in sight. Eventually, all three carriages were loaded, and the servants gathered on the porch to bid the travelers a safe trip. Elizabeth was unaware that all the staff was relieved that they wouldn’t have to deal with Miss Bingley ever again as mistress. They looked forward to having Mrs. Jane Bingley in residence in the near future as they knew her to be a gentle, courteous young woman that it would be a pleasure to serve. If Elizabeth could have seen their faces, she would have noted a smile on each one.

She did observe when the carriages started up for the trip to London and felt her heart drop when the last one disappeared from sight. By this time, her tears were flowing heavily as she knew that Mr. Darcy was gone for good and would probably never return. She didn’t blame him. Though she now knew her love for him blossomed when he saved Lydia that day, she also knew that her sister’s actions would have disgusted the man and would be cause for him to never come to Hertfordshire again.

Foolish girl. He’s the only man you will ever love, but it’s too late. You came to the knowledge that he is the best of men way too late. Stubborn, foolish, foolish girl!

Elizabeth heard nothing but her sobs for the next few minutes as she drenched her handkerchief. Finally, she acknowledged there was nothing to be done except to go home and try to mend her broken heart.

As she began wiping away her tears, she startled and jumped to her feet when a voice behind her said, “Elizabeth.”

Don’t ask who it is that says her name because I haven’t decided who it will be. THAT will depend on how the rest of the story goes. Not sorry for another cliffhanger. 🙂

But before I go, I do have a question. Although I don’t have all the title, author, etc. on the following book covers, do you think that any of these might work as a new cover for Darcy Chooses. Please let me know your thoughts. Thank you.