Page 1 of Mr. Darcy's Runaway Bride
Prologue
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
12th April 1812
The house stood in the distance, windows dark against the blue sky. From afar, one would never know that Netherfield Park had sat empty for nearly a year.
“Such a shame it has been empty so long,” Jane said, following Elizabeth’s gaze.
“I intend to use Netherfield in my next story,” Elizabeth replied, diverting her attention to her sister. “An abandoned manor makes the perfect setting for a Gothic romance.”
Jane smiled. “With hidden passages and mysterious apparitions? Perhaps a young lady seeking refuge within, running from some terrible tragedy?”
“Precisely. Though a handsome, brooding owner who returns unexpectedly would add tension to the narrative.”
“I am eager to read it. Your stories always paint such lively pictures,” Jane said. “I wish I possessed your talent for writing.”
“You have been my most loyal reader since we were children,” Elizabeth replied, taking her sister’s arm as they continued walking. Their mother considered her writing a frivolous pursuit for a marriageable young woman, but Jane had always encouraged her.
They walked on in companionable silence until Jane turned to her, a smile on her lips. “Since you mentioned Netherfield—I heard from Mrs Long that a northern gentleman might rent Netherfield for the summer.”
“That would be a welcome addition to our society. Did she mention if he is young or handsome? Or brooding?”
“She had no further information, only that he might view the property this month.”
“You know Mama will have you married to him by Michaelmas if she has her way—especially if he is rich,” Elizabeth said.
“Of course, and I wish I could say it matters little if he is rich, but given our situation, it would certainly help.”
Elizabeth’s smile faltered as memories of unpaid bills and sleepless nights crowded her thoughts. Longbourn was in terrible peril. Their father’s most recent investments had proven disastrous. One bad harvest had followed another, and to alleviate the strain on their purse, he had invested a heavy sum in mining—only to find the mine depleted.
“What troubles you?” Jane asked, noting her change in expression.
Elizabeth hesitated. “I wish Father had been more prudent with his investments.”
“The mine shares?”
“Yes. They have not performed as he hoped.”
This was a considerable understatement. The investment had nearly bankrupted them. They kept their position in societythrough careful economising and reducing their staff to the minimum required for respectability.
“Perhaps matters will improve,” Jane offered.
Elizabeth squeezed her hand. “Perhaps.”
As they turned back towards Longbourn, an unfamiliar carriage waited in the driveway.
“We have visitors,” Jane said.
“How strange,” Elizabeth murmured. “Father mentioned no appointments today.”
They reached the gate just as two gentlemen exited, alongside their father. Mr Bennet shook the men’s hands and returned into the house.
“Is that Mr Blackfriars?” Elizabeth asked and Jane nodded.
“And Jonathan. What brings them here from Town?”
Mr Blackfriars and his son Jonathan were acquaintances of their Gardiner relations. During the winter, Elizabeth and Jane had spent time at Gracechurch Street and attended a number of functions together. Their paths had crossed with the Blackfriars family more than once, mainly with Jonathan who paid Elizabeth particular attention. Had their uncle perhaps spoken to Mr Blackfriars about their predicament? He was a wealthy man and friendly enough. Perhaps he had come to assist?
