Page 46 of Desperately Seeking Mr. Darcy

“Macey, don’t you want to play Elizabeth? You’ve been memorizing lines for months.”

She shakes her head.

“Why not?”

She leans her head toward me, her voice barely above a whisper. “It doesn’t seem right. I’m the reason Monroe is in the hospital right now. I don’t deserve to play the part.”

“That’s ridiculous,” I tell her. “Eliz—Monroe didn’t have to go after you. It’s not your fault.”

“Yes, but if I hadn’t ridden the horse in the first place, she wouldn’t have felt compelled to try to help me,” she says.

“You don’t know that,” I counter. “She could have fallen off her horse for a multitude of reasons.”

“I’d feel too guilty.”

“This isn’t about replacing Monroe,” I argue. “It’s about keeping the spirit of what she wanted going. She lovesPride and Prejudice, right?” I don’t really know this for sure, but she must since she wanted to be here. “Wouldn’t she want someone passionate about it to carry on the character, rather than letting it go to someone on staff? Or that skeezy guy playing Wickham.”

Lady Catherine is still looking around the room with big eyes, begging for any other volunteers. “Do we have any others?”

“She definitely wouldn’t wanthimto play Darcy,” she says softly. “I don’t know, though.”

“What doyouwant?” I ask her.

“What do you mean?”

“What do you want?” I repeat, my question coming out sharper this time.

“I ...” She fidgets with her dress, pinching the fabric between her fingers.

“Macey,” I say, trying to urge her on. Time is of the essence here.

“I want to play Elizabeth,” she says, the words rushing out of her mouth.

“Good,” I say, unable to hide my smile. “Now, say it louder.”

“I WANT TO PLAY ELIZABETH,” Macey says, springing to her feet. Then, realizing what she’s just done, she slaps both hands over her mouth and sinks back down onto the couch.

The room is silent.

“Oh, well,” Lady Catherine says, arching a brow. “You needn’t bellow it, Miss Bennet. Enthusiasm is admirable, but a true lady tempers it with poise.”

“Sorry,” Macey mumbles, her cheeks now a vivid red. She shoots me a dirty look, like this is entirely my fault. Andhonestly, it kind of is. But I can’t help being impressed that she actually did it. Even if that does mean all the time I spent learning lines last night was a waste and I’ll have to memorize more tonight. At least I’ll be more familiar with these lines.

“Volume aside,” Lady Catherine says with a sharp nod, “this will do nicely. In fact, it is quite perfect. Very well; it is decided. Jane and Bingley shall now assume the roles of Elizabeth and Darcy, and I shall arrange for staff to step into the roles of Jane and Bingley. A most fitting arrangement, if I do say so myself.”

I knock my shoulder lightly into a still-embarrassed Macey, who’s now got her hands placed on both cheeks, trying to cool them.

“I hope you understand the honor of this opportunity,” Lady Catherine says, giving us a very pointed look, her voice serious. “The roles of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are the very heart of our endeavor here—a reflection of Jane Austen’s finest work. I trust you will approach them with the dignity, precision, and devotion they deserve. Do not disappoint me—or Miss Austen.”

I barely stop myself from rolling my eyes.

Lady Catherine claps her hands once, the sharp sound cutting through the room. “Now, then,” she says, her tone brisk and authoritative. “Take a moment to compose yourselves and change out of your riding clothes. Following a light luncheon in the dining hall, we shall reconvene here in the drawing room for a lesson in the art of letter writing—an essential element of Austen’s world. This task is not to be taken lightly; it requires care, precision, and the utmost reverence for Miss Austen’s legacy.”

She pauses, letting her gaze sweep across the room. “Afterward, we shall proceed with our reenactment, beginning at Longbourn with the announcement that Netherfield is let. I expect nothing short of your absolute dedication and full commitment to your roles.”

Her tone is brisk, as if the events of the morning are already a distant memory. The sound of chatter fills the room as the other guests get up to leave, but Macey and I remain seated on the couch.

“I can’t believe I did that.”

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