A Scandalous Proposition: A Pride & Prejudice Variation

by Abbey North

  A Scandalous Proposition

  A Sensual Pride & Prejudice Variation

  Abbey North

  Contents

  Blurb

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Blurb

  Following her rejection of Mr. Darcy’s proposal at Hunsford, Elizabeth has time for reflection and soon realizes she misjudged Darcy and is in love with him. Before she can convey the sincerity of her affections, her life is thrust into turmoil with the death of Mr. Bennet. Facing a life of reduced circumstances and insecurities, Lizzy pleads with Darcy to give her a second chance to accept his proposal. Instead, he agrees to care for her family, but he no longer wants marriage. Lizzy will be his mistress if she wants his assistance. With few options, and harboring the small hope he might come to love her again, she accepts his scandalous proposition.

  This is a sensual “Pride & Prejudice” variation suitable only for adults who don’t object to intimacies between ODC.

  Chapter One

  It was a much-humbled Elizabeth Bennet who waited in a Pemberley guest salon for word if Mr. Darcy would agree to meet with her. So much had changed in the last few months that how could she be the same Lizzy she had been at Hunsford, when she had so brutally rejected his proposal, albeit insulting as it was?

  The unexpected passing of her father, and the change in their circumstances, along with learning how badly she had misjudged Mr. Darcy, had certainly changed her. Now, she waited as patiently as she could, clinging to the hope that not all was lost. It was that hope which had sustained her courage to slip away from Longbourn without Mama’s permission to make the three-day trip to Pemberley, while not know what she would face upon her arrival.

  She paced in front of the fireplace, since the room was drafty enough to require warmth even in mid-June. Her thoughts were a tangled blur, with only one idea crystallized in her mind.

  She must convince Darcy to let her accept his proposal of marriage.

  There were sound reasons for it, not the least of them being when she looked into her own heart, she recognized her flaws and prejudices and had moved past them. She could only hope Mr. Darcy’s pride would not deny her the chance to prove she genuinely loved him and regretted having sent him away so harshly.

  She looked up at the sound of the door opening, but her heart dropped a second later when she realized it was simply a maid bringing her a tray of tea. The girl curtsied to her, and Lizzy nodded her head. “Shall I expect Mr. Darcy?”

  The maid set the tray on the table. “I cannot say, ma’am. Mrs. Reynolds has gone to fetch him.” With another curtsy, she quickly slipped out of the room, leaving Elizabeth to her thoughts once more.

  For a moment, grief threatened to overwhelm her as the scent of tea reached her nose. It smelled much like the blend her father favored, but he had been gone six weeks now, and life went on, or so Mr. Collins had insisted upon his unwanted visit to Longbourn two weeks after her father’s passing.

  Lizzy was having difficulty adapting to life without Mr. Bennet, and she wasn’t the only one. Her mother and sisters were in a tizzy as well. The loss of her father had left them all adrift, and not just financially.

  She looked up again, turning from the fireplace when the door opened a few seconds later. This time, Mr. Darcy stood framed in the doorway, and her heart leapt with excitement. She struggled to find a demure expression, feeling she shouldn’t beam like a fool that he had granted her an audience.

  He came in, closing the door and locking it behind him. That action was ominous in a way, but also indicated he understood she was here for a serious purpose.

  She turned toward him and bowed her head. Then she clasped her hands in front of her and looked down at the floor as he came closer. “Thank you for meeting with me, Mr. Darcy.”

  “Of course, Elizabeth.”

  She jerked at the sound of her name on his lips, temporarily disoriented by the familiarity of the use. She swallowed hard and looked up, struggling to find the courage to speak and say what was on her mind now that she was here and had the opportunity. “I feared you might not consent to see me.”

  He frowned. “I considered it after our altercation at Hunsford.”

  Lizzy tilted her head slightly. “Would you call it an altercation, Mr. Darcy? I believe it was simply a sharp exchange of words.”

  His lip curled for a moment, and he seemed on the verge of laughter, but judging from his expression, it wouldn’t be a happy laugh. “Perhaps that was how it felt to you, Elizabeth. I found it rather more eviscerating.”

  She winced, recalling some of the things she had said to him. On the other hand, he had insulted her greatly with his proposal, so she reckoned they were both wounded parties. “I do apologize for my behavior. I hope you can look past that and listen to what I have to say with an open mind and an open heart.”

  He sat down in the wingback closest to the fire, gesturing for her to take a seat opposite him. “That would be most amazing. What is it you have come to say, Elizabeth?”

  Slowly, she sank into her designated chair, grasping the armrests in a white-knuckled grip as she struggled to compose herself. “Have you heard my father has passed?”

  His gaze shuddered, and he leaned farther back. “I had not. You have my condolences, but certainly that was not why you came all the way to Pemberley?”

  Elizabeth shook her head. “No, sir, I came because I have reconsidered. I want to see if your offer of marriage still stands. It would give me pleasure to accept and be your bride.”

  Darcy didn’t speak for a long moment. He rested his elbows on the wingback and steepled his hands together as he regarded her with an expression that revealed nothing. “What of your mother and sisters?”

  Lizzy looked down, biting on her lip. “Mr. Collins and Mrs. Collins have indicated they will take possession of Longbourn by the end of the month. We are scrambling to find suitable lodgings, but so far, we are adrift.”

  His piercing gaze was direct as he looked at her from head to toe, though his expression again revealed nothing. “So, you have decided to accept my proposal because it would be advantageous to you, your sisters, and your mother?”

  Lizzy’s mouth dropped open. “No, sir. I assure you the timing is merely coincidental. I had given it much thought, and after receiving your letter, I viewed Wickham through new eyes. I can see now that he is a foul and villainous man, and you are an upright gentleman, who has treated him more than fairly.

  “That epiphany changed my perception of many things, and the slow realization that I love you came to me. Then my father became ill, and I had no chance to write to you.” She looked down for a moment at her clasped hands. “I tried, but…” She trailed off. There had been multiple attempts to write him, but none of the words had felt quite right. She’d abandoned the attempts, and then there hadn’t been time to follow up.

  He continued to regard her again in silence for several more moments. She could hear the faint ticking of the ormolu clock above the mantle. It seemed amplified in her head. So much depended on the outcome of this evening, not the least of which was her own personal happiness.

  “I would not see your sisters or your mother turned out onto the street. I have a townhouse in London that they may use.”

  Lizzy felt a stirring of hope in her breast as she looked up at him, meeting his gaze. The coldness in his eyes quickl
y smothered what hope that was starting to bloom. “For how long may we impose, Mr. Darcy?”

  “Your mother and sisters may use the townhome indefinitely.” He leaned forward slightly. “You will not be there.”

  Despite his cold words and colder expression, hope kindled again. If she wasn’t to be at the townhouse, that surely must mean she would be with him. “Then you acknowledge my acceptance of your proposal, Mr. Darcy?”

  He ignored that question for the moment. Instead, he said, “I shall set up an expense account for Mrs. Bennet and your sisters. Of course, I will carefully oversee it, because the woman is frivolous with money, among other things.”

  Lizzy nodded, hardly able to argue the point. Both of her parents had been dreadful with money management. Had they not been, they would have saved something for this eventuality, and she wouldn’t feel like she was burdening Mr. Darcy with the care of her sisters and mother so early in the relationship.

  “I shall ensure your sisters will be launched into Society as they are ready. I am certain Jane would appreciate joining you here at Pemberley. It will give her a chance to snag her own wealthy husband.” His lips curled in derision.

  That rankled, and she couldn’t help a frown of censure. “Jane loves Mr. Bingley.”

  Darcy scoffed. “Does she? She appeared remarkably unaffected by him on the occasions I have seen them interact.”

  Lizzy squeezed her hands together, struggling to find a neutral tone. The last thing she wanted was to descend into sharp words and bitter recriminations. “Mr. Darcy, I assure you Jane is a perfect gentlewoman. Her unaffected façade is what we are all expected to cultivate, as I am sure your sister Georgiana well knows. Her tempered show of interest is a mark of good breeding, not an indicator of her true feelings for Mr. Bingley.”

  She looked at her lap. “Jane has been devastated first by the loss of his presence at Netherfield, followed by his snubbing in London, and then by losing our father. Some days, I scarcely recognize her.” The same could be said for Lizzy herself. There were days when she felt like she was a completely different person, simply drifting through the motions as she searched for an anchor to keep her centered.

  He still appeared skeptical, but he ceased arguing. “In that case, with Jane here, and Charles a frequent visitor, I have no doubt she shall be able to prove to him the sincerity of her affections, if they are in fact sincere.”

  She scowled a little, not liking his implications. He clearly believed Jane was a fortune hunter, but it appeared he was no longer actively straining to keep her sister and Mr. Bingley apart.

  “What of us, Mr. Darcy? I do not have a father now, but Uncle Gardiner would surely act as my guardian in this matter and give you permission for the nuptials.”

  Darcy gave her a slow smile. “That will not be necessary, Elizabeth.”

  She frowned. “I do not understand. Is it because I have reached the age of majority, and my father has passed away? Are you allowed to get permission from my mother?” To her knowledge, it did not work that way.

  Darcy leaned forward, appearing to enjoy the moment. He wore a large smile, but it inspired no warmth. “There will be no marriage, Lizzy.”

  She shivered at the intimate version of her name, even as dread filled her at his words. “I do not understand. You would help my mother and sisters without marrying me?” That wasn’t what she wanted. She truly wanted to be Mrs. Darcy, because she had accepted and embraced her affection for the man, maddening as he could be.

  “You misunderstand. I am not one for generous favors without something in return. In exchange for the care of your sisters and your mother, and for allowing Jane to stay at Pemberley to shield your reputation while courting with Mr. Bingley, you will become my mistress.”

  Elizabeth’s mouth dropped open in shock, but she clung to the hope that he was merely toying with her. “You must be jesting.”

  Darcy’s cold expression had not changed. “I do not jest often, Lizzy, and certainly not about something like this. I too have had time to think. While I still hold you in higher regard than I would like, I have come to my senses. I realize you would never be a good match as a wife, but your passionate nature would make you an ideal mistress.”

  If she stood closer to him, rather than being seated several feet apart, she would have slapped his audacious face. “How dare you suggest such a thing to me, Mr. Darcy? You are no true gentleman.”

  He arched a brow. “And you are no true lady. You came here offering your body in exchange for protection from the future. I am merely accepting, but perhaps not under the conditions you imagined. There shall be no wedding, but if you wish to have my help, you will become my mistress. The decision is yours, of course.”

  He stood up, bowing at the waist to her in a mocking fashion. “I shall give you some time to consider while I ask Mrs. Reynolds to make up a room for you. It is obvious you cannot return to Longbourn without sufficient time to rest, since it is three days’ travel time.”

  Lizzy was rendered speechless as he left the room, nearly choking on her anger and outrage. How dare he suggest such a thing? Surely, he was punishing her for the awful words she’d spoken. He could not really mean to turn her into his procuress. A man like Darcy would be too noble a gentleman to turn a lady such as herself into his bit of muslin.

  Yet, he hadn’t seemed to be jesting or toying with her. He seemed utterly serious, and her stomach sank as she started to accept Darcy wasn’t merely punishing her. Once, his love had prompted him to offer to marry her. Now, cured of the affliction of his great affection, he wanted all the benefits of marriage without the encumbrances of such.

  He wanted her to risk her reputation and surrender her maidenhood for his desires. In exchange, he would ensure her sisters had an adequate launch into Society, and her mother was cared for with an allowance at the townhouse in London.

  His conditions would also offer Jane the chance to reconnect with Mr. Bingley. Considering Darcy’s interference had kept them apart all this time, that was the least he could do. However, she was supposed to pay for that privilege as well by giving him access to her body.

  A shiver went down her spine at the thought, and she couldn’t identify if it was purely one of repulsion, or if it perhaps held a hint of anticipation as well. Darcy was certainly a fine and fit specimen, with his dark hair and trim build, and though she didn’t know all the intricacies of intimacy, she had gleaned enough to have a basic understanding of what he would require.

  She couldn’t deny she had imagined it a few times at night, lying in her bed beside Jane. Such thoughts had brought a flushed sensation to her skin, and she’d slept fitfully each time she imagined the marriage act with Darcy.

  She doubted it would be a true sacrifice to share his bed, but under the circumstances, it was outrageous. He expected to take her without marriage, and her reputation would be in shreds if anyone discerned the true relationship between them.

  What if she had a child? The idea of bearing a Darcy bastard out of wedlock was too grim to consider. She would already be shunned from Society if anyone learned she’d agreed to be mistress to Mr. Darcy, but her child would suffer the worst should she happen to fall pregnant. That could not happen.

  She was still contemplating it when the door opened a few moments later, and Mr. Darcy himself returned. He stood nearby after closing the door, though he didn’t bother to lock it this time. “Have you reached a decision, Lizzy?”

  Once again, she shuddered at his use of her nickname. It felt so intimate, but there was no true intimacy between them. There was attraction and desire, but mostly, it seemed like there was anger, at least on his side. She was still certain he was punishing her with this ultimatum rather than be convinced he had gotten over his love for her and desire to marry her.

  A foolish part of her clung to the hope that perhaps he would change his mind. If she became his mistress, he would realize he still loved her and would offer her marriage.

  No, she could not tr
y to fool herself into believing such a thing. Once she became his mistress and surrendered her maidenhead, he would have no further use for her besides carnal. There would be no marriage with Mr. Darcy.

  She firmed her shoulders and lifted her chin. “And what if there are children? I cannot bear a bastard.”

  “Nor would I have you do so. There are herbs that can be taken in such situations, but I do not think it will arise. There are means to prevent pregnancy, and I have access to the most efficient one. That is all you need to know for now.”

  She nibbled on her lip for a moment. “You can assure me there will be no babies?”

  He hesitated only fractionally before nodding. “That I can assure you. Ladies do not generally know of such things, but gentlemen are usually taught from our first liaison with lesser quality women how to prevent bastards. Not all are as diligent as me about doing so, but I assure you it will not happen. I have never fathered a child with anyone.”

  She dared hope for a moment he was infertile. It was an unkind and uncharitable thought, but would certainly serve her well, and perhaps it would be a bit of comeuppance for the position in which he placed her.

  Then again, she had also brought part of this on herself. If she hadn’t been so stubborn and had listened to him, had even marginally considered his proposal before allowing her wounded pride to respond for her, perhaps they would have found themselves in quite a different situation.

  “How long do you imagine this arrangement will last, Darcy?” She was proud to sound brisk, as though she were discussing a business matter.

  “Until I tire of you. I assure you that even when that happens, I shall place a generous settlement upon you, and your sisters and mother may continue to live in my townhouse, rent-free, until your mother passes away, and the sisters have married. I shall have it drawn up in writing, as is customary with these sorts of agreements.”