Pride and Prejudice Variation – Page 20

Illustration from “Eugene Onegin” edition (1908) by Samokish-Sudakovskaya

Illustration from “Eugene Onegin” edition (1908); Elena Samokich-Soudkovskaïa [Public domain] via Wikimedia

Our couple takes a walk in the garden in chapter 4, and there is a bench involved. However, the couple in this painting look far happier than either Kitty or Lorcan will be during their walk in the garden.

~*~*~

“Are you well?” Kitty cried.

Mutely, he shook his head, for speech had left him.

“Do you wish to sit down?”

He nodded. Sitting was not exactly what he wished to do, but it was likely better than standing when the garden began to waver. She led him to a bench, and gratefully, he sank down onto it before his legs could fail him.

“Go on without me,” he said when he could once again speak now that his mind was no longer focused so intently on keeping him upright.

“But you are unwell,” she protested.

[from Marrying Elizabeth book 5]

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Marrying Elizabeth, books 1-4

A Courtly Interior (A. Stephan) 1870

A. Stephan [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons

Though this scene depicts the 18th century and our story is set in the 19th century, I picked it because it reminded me of the Bennets — a mother and father with five beautiful daughters. I can just hear Mr. Bennet saying “we have done very well for ourselves, have we not, Mrs. Bennet.” (Does anyone else wish to smooth that rug? 🙂 )

~*~*~

“It is Mother and Father’s anniversary. They will have been married twenty-four years next Thursday.”

“Oh, I had forgotten it was so soon!” That was indeed a day of great importance. “Are you planning a dinner for them?”

Since the time Jane was twelve, she had taken over the celebration preparations for their parent’s anniversary dinner. Before that, Mama had always arranged things.

“It may be the last dinner I get to plan.”

[from Marrying Elizabeth book 5]

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Marrying Elizabeth, books 1-4

Beechwood Park, Hertfordshire, 1818 (John Preston Neale)

~*~*~

Lorcan rubbed the back of his neck while he studied Netherfield. He had no great desire to go there, but he also did not wish to walk to Meryton or remain on the road. “And what if no one is in residence?”

“There will be staff, sir. They will be able to help you find accommodations. Send a footman to Meryton if there is an issue, and I will hire a carriage to collect you.”

“Very well,” Lorcan agreed. There really was not much else to do.

[from Marrying Elizabeth book 5]

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Marrying Elizabeth, books 1-4

At the Window (Hans Heyerdahl)

I think this picture captures Kitty's current pensive (and sorrowful) air as she sits in her window seat in her bedroom at Longbourn. So many thoughts and feelings being secreted away!

~*~*~

She pulled her feet up and wrapped her arms around her knees as she rested her head against the wall and closed her eyes. Sorrow wished to spill out of her, but she would not let it – at least, she would not until she climbed into bed. Then, knowing that no one would hear or see her, she would allow her heart to feel the cracks which scarred it. For now, she would strive to think of nothing – not of how all her sisters were married or soon would be, not of the soirees and possible matches which had been missed because she had been required to leave town before the end of the season, not of the dear friend she had left behind at Darcy House, and most especially, not of Mr. Langley. One tear sneaked out the corner of her eye, forcing her to brush it away.

[from Marrying Elizabeth book 5]

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Marrying Elizabeth, books 1-4

Un Adieu Poignant (Frederik Hendrik Kaemmerer)

Tomorrow's story begins with a parting so I thought this painting would be a good one to pair with the short prologue to this yet unnamed story.

~*~*~

“Are you certain this is what you want?”

Langley turned away from Lady Matlock to find Mr. Bennet observing him with great interest and a hint of compassion. He allowed himself to glance at Kitty…

He nodded as he turned back to her father. “It is.” This lie did not fall more easily from his lips than any of the others had so far today.

[from Marrying Elizabeth book 5]

~*~*~

Marrying Elizabeth, books 1-4

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