Elizabeth Bennet
IN THE CAB, ELINOR turned to Elizabeth. “Are you okay, Lizzy?” Elinor asked while they were leaving Chatsworth.
“Yeah, this is just a bit hard to swallow—can we skip the inn for now and go somewhere else?”
“Well, understandable, maybe a tour around the city will help you.”
Elinor asked the cab driver to take them to the closet area where they could pursue shops and grab some lunch.
They wound up at a mystical shop and went inside. The woman greeted them and turned and addressed Elizabeth. “You have a very handsome man in your life, my dear.”
“What? Excuse me? I don’t.”
“Not in the physical realm no, but an old soul is attached to you. He’s a bit broody and definitely rakish.”
“You’re clearly nuts, lady.” Elizabeth turned around and before she reached the door and she felt a hand on her shoulder to stop her. She spun around and faced the woman. Elizabeth’s nerves were being rubbed the wrong way—this spirit was more elaborate on his scheme and she started to believe that all of England was in on it.
“He visited you last night, didn’t he?”
Elizabeth shook her head in protest. The woman continued. “He has a story you know. He’s not entirely dead. He is stuck between two worlds and is cursed. He needs to go home, and you are the key.”
Elinor snorted. “Lady, you must be on some good stuff. Can I have whatever you’re on?”
Elizabeth shot Elinor daggers. You lured me here because of him. Why are you acting like this?
The woman spun around and looked Elinor square in the eye and laughed. “I’d be careful with what you consume, my dear, for you are with child.”
Elizabeth interrupted forgoing her anger toward Elinor at that moment. “Is that true Elinor?” Her eyes widened in shock.
“No of course not, Lizzy. This lady is crazy. Let’s go.” Elinor pushed the woman aside and grabbed Elizabeth by the arm.
Elizabeth didn’t budge. “No, you go. I need a word with her.”
“Fine,” Elinor sighed. “I’ll meet you across the street at that restaurant.”
“Sure.” Elizabeth waved her friend off.
Once Elinor was gone, Elizabeth stared down the old woman. “What do you know of this spirit? Why am I the key? Are you in on this whole ruse? Did Elinor, and this ghost put you up to this?”
“You, my child, look like his wife in his lifetime. His name is Fitzwilliam Darcy and two hundred years ago on Christmas, he had an unfortunate accident and died whilst in his carriage.”
“You’re definitely crazy. How do I know this is the truth?”
“Because I’m his four times great-granddaughter.” The woman walked over to her register and procured a dusty old book and opened it up to a family tree with pictures of the man she saw in her dream and last night in her room along with a picture of her doppelganger. “You see, it is all here. Pictures of our family.”
“You’re certifiable, lady. How do I know this isn’t a fake?”
The woman shrugged. “I guess, I can’t prove it to you, but he’ll keep coming to you until you set him free by Christmas or he is stuck in between worlds and will never reunite with his Elizabeth.”
Someone cleared his throat and Elizabeth spun around to see Mr. Darcy, in modern dress, walk out of a back room. “You can be rest assured, madam, that my mother is not certifiable. A little quirky but not crazy.”
Elizabeth’s blood drained from her face and her knees grew weak. “You, you were in my bedroom last night and assaulted me with a kiss.”
“I’m sorry, but I’ve never seen you in my life before.” He retorted.
“You and your mother are crazy. You are a stalker who does some weird magic trick and disappears through walls. You also harassed my poor friend, Elinor by hacking into her computer and her dreams.” Once the words flew out of her mouth, Elizabeth completely understood that they were crazy accusations. A person couldn’t use magic to haunt other people’s dreams or maybe some kind of voodoo or weird spell, perhaps.
“It would seem you probably drank too much or need psychiatric help.”
“I don’t need psychiatric help! There is something going on here and I don’t appreciate being played with or lured for some sick, twisted fantasy you have.” Elizabeth stormed out of the shop and went to find Elinor.
Elizabeth rushed against the street and collided into another person. “Woah, slow down, where’s the fire, Lizzy?”
Elizabeth was eye to eye with Elinor. “What was all of that in there, Elle? Also, are you pregnant?”
“Well, yes—I was in shock that she knew that, that I had to get out of there. It was super creepy in there, Lizzy. She knew way too much. I thought it was best to act like a jerk to even stay there. I had to find an escape; I couldn’t breathe.”
“Tell me about it—you missed out on the part where her son looks just like my ghost.”
“What! Are you kidding me?”
“Yeah—I accused them of stalking you and hacking into your computer. They both looked at me like I was certifiable, and he told me I needed psychiatric help.”
“Let’s just hail a cab back to the inn, Lizzy. I’m exhausted. And hey, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I was pregnant. I wasn’t sure if this was going to stick because well you know because of those miscarriages in the past.”
Elizabeth choked back her tears and hugged Elinor. “It’s okay, sweetie. Let’s go back so you can rest. The less crazy and stress the better for you.”
THAT NIGHT, ELIZABETH left every light on before she crawled into bed.
The lights flickered and Darcy appeared at the foot of her bed.
She jumped.
“No need to be frightened, my dear.” He said as he made his way to her bedside.
“Go away, you’re in on some elaborate scheme with the old shop lady.”
“Ah, I see you met my granddaughter, Madeline.”
“So help me God. You need to stop this and leave me alone.” She hoped this would make him go away again but unfortunately, he stayed at her bedside.
“Sadly, I cannot, my dove.”
“Why are you calling me your dove and my love? If you are who she says you are, you are married to Elizabeth Bennet in your other life.”
“I apologize, you look very much like her.” He said stroking her cheek.
“If you were real, I’d slap you and kick your ass.”
He flinched. “Surely you do not mean that. As for being real, that can be arranged. I can turn into flesh and blood for you.”
“How is that possible?”
“The magic of Christmas of course.”
“What? You’re a crazy delusion.”
“Am I? Surely, you are curious.” He smiled and snapped his fingers. He then kissed her gently on the lips. She obliged and quickly pulled back.
“I’m not sure how I feel about making out with a married dead guy. You’re cheating on your wife, you know.”
“I cannot resist, it’s as if you are her. I feel her very presence in this room and when I touch you.”
“You’re such a smooth talker, but I refuse to fall for your charms, ghost or not.”
“You kissed me back, you must feel something?”
“Reflexes, I also haven’t been kissed in a long time or felt anything.”
“You do admit you felt something.”
“You’re horrible, you know that? Sure, why not? You’re a hot ghost and I always had a thing for you.”
Darcy smiled and inched closer to Elizabeth. “Is that so? Then why don’t you live out your fantasy just for one night with me?”
Elizabeth attempted to shove him away, but his chest felt solid as if he were a statue. Her heart beat wildly against her rib cage and sensations she couldn’t explain filled her body. All she could mutter was, “You’re real.”
“I am all flesh and blood, just for you. However, it won’t last long.” He began. “Will you please, let me love yo
u tonight? I can see the longing and hurt in your eyes.”
Elizabeth’s heart melted. Well, technically his wife lived two hundred years ago, and she isn’t here today. This also could just be a dream, so no harm no foul, right?
Darcy kissed her hand and then started kissing her fingers. “I promise, you will not regret this. You deserve to feel my love.”
All logic left Elizabeth’s brain and her body grew weak with desire. “Yes.”
Without another word, Darcy scooped her into his arms and kissed her fervently and placed her down on her back.
That night, Elizabeth felt something she had never felt before, and that was the warmth of another’s love, and she knew in the morning she would never be the same.
After their lovemaking, he lay next to her, cuddling her close to him. She turned on her side to face him. She stroked his cheek. “Tell me everything.”
“Everything? You need to be more specific, what do you want to know.”
“Is this a dream?”
“No, my dove. It is not. I promise you that I did have an unfortunate accident.”
“What happened that day, you-” she choked up and couldn’t finish the sentence. If she said it aloud, it would mean it was true and she’d have to face the fact that he was a ghost and that in one night she’d fallen for him.
“Died, my dove?”
She nodded and tears stung her eyes.
He wiped the tears away and stared into her eyes. “I actually had an argument with, you. I mean my Elizabeth.”
“Over what?”
“My man of business was stealing from me, of all things. I did not tell my Elizabeth at the time.” He sighed.
“Why not?”
“My Elizabeth at the time was pregnant, she suffered from several miscarriages before and I did not want to add more stress.”
“Oh my God, and you died over this, leaving her alone and pregnant. I’m very sorry.” Elizabeth’s heart felt like it was being stabbed with a knife. She felt horrible for hooking up with this man when he had a pregnant wife. No, stop this is only a dream.
“Please do not be upset. I died a fool. I ran out on her in anger, whilst during a storm. My carriage hit a tree, and I hit my head, rendering me dead on site.”
“So, why does your granddaughter say I’m the key to getting you back?”
“She thinks that I am in limbo and that you are a possible reincarnation of my Elizabeth.”
“This is crazy! I’m not a reincarnation of your Elizabeth.”
“Please, I believe you are a reincarnation of my Elizabeth. I believe she is here with us now, in you.”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “I was stupid to let this happen. I’ve never cheated with anyone before.”
“Elizabeth, what if I am just wandering around aimlessly and I am truly dead, then there is nothing to worry about.”
“You are a fool, Darcy. You should be reunited with your wife.”
“What if you are her? And that I love you?”
“I can’t be some reincarnation of her. I’m not your wife, and you belong to her.”
“No, think about it. You are the key and we are meant for each other. That is why I can be human again around you. You carry her inside of you.” He touched her heart.
“Yeah right, we’ll see how well your idea carries out in the morning. If you’re still here in human form, then I just might think about this whole reincarnation and meant to be thing.”
He kissed her again. “Then I guess we should go to sleep and see in the morning.”
She cozied up to him and closed her eyes. Don’t hold your breath, this is just a crazy dream.
Elizabeth Bennet
THE NEXT MORNING, SHE awoke to an empty bed. She called out for Darcy and there was no answer. “Only a dream, it figures. I fall in love, have great sex, and it was all a dream.”
She heard a laugh over by the fire. “You thought I would just up and leave you after last night?”
“Darcy.” She shouted and sprung out of bed and wrapped her arms around his neck. He stumbled back, and they almost fell to the ground. “You are real. How is this even possible?”
“It is Christmas, you know, and we made some magic of our own.” He winked.
“Why did you leave the bed?”
“You were snoring, my dove.”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “I do not snore.”
“Yes, you do, so I fell asleep on the chair.”
“Ghosts sleep?”
“No, but humans do. So, what is this I heard about you falling in love with me?”
“I don’t know what you are talking about.”
“It would seem that deep down you are my Elizabeth. You felt that strong connection.”
“Doubtful.”
“There is a way to find out.”
“How so?”
“My granddaughter.”
She winced. “I’m not too sure, I called her insane and my friend nearly assaulted her.”
“I am sure she will forgive you. We should definitely consult with her, it would please her to see that I am alive.”
“Not so fast, Fitzwilliam.” A voice boomed behind them.
They both spun around and came face to face with Elizabeth’s doppelganger.
Elizabeth’s jaw dropped, and she turned pale.
Darcy stepped in front of Elizabeth to shield her.
“Elizabeth, what are you doing here?”
“Are you serious right now?” His wife asked. “I should ask you of the same. I grieved over you and you are here with her.” She pointed to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth stepped away from Darcy and stared his wife down. “You are dead, he is real now. Apparently, you are a part of me. This can’t be happening.”
“Well, it looks like it is.” Darcy’s wife pursed her lips in a grimace.
“Okay, this is way too much for me. Surely, I’m still dreaming.”
Darcy placed his hands on Elizabeth’s shoulders. “Why do you insist you are dreaming?”
“Fitzwilliam, I would suggest you unhand her and come with me.”
Darcy wrung his hands as if conflicted. “No, I truly believe Elizabeth here broke some kind of curse and we belong together, and you are somehow a part of her.”
Ghost Elizabeth snorted. “You are a crazy man, Mr. Darcy. You are delusional, how do you explain that I am a part of her, whilst I stand here in front of you?”
“Madeline will know,” Darcy interjected.
“Can we call her and have her come here?” Elizabeth asked.
Darcy nodded. “Good idea.”
“Waste of time Fitzwilliam.” His wife snorted.
“You’re a hostile ghost, you know that?” Elizabeth had to hold herself back before she did something she regretted.
ELIZABETH CALLED THE operator for Madeline’s store number, and after a brief conversation Madeline agreed to come to Elizabeth’s aide and after what felt like a lifetime, Madeline and her son were in her room.
Madeline stood in the middle of the room, pacing back and forth. “This is exciting. Somehow both Elizabeth’s detached from one another and you, Darcy, are alive.”
“Thank you for pointing out the obvious.” Elizabeth huffed. “Now please explain all of this.”
“I honestly can’t but I can only assume that you and Darcy made contact during the hour his life expired in his time, causing him to bond with you and a part of past Elizabeth and becoming human again. However, this caused his original Elizabeth some jealousy in which is why she is here now.”
“Jealousy is an understatement.” Ghost Elizabeth snorted.
“Darcy, that makes some sense. How do Elizabeth and I merge back together though?” Elizabeth asked.
“What makes you think I want to share Darcy with you or even merge back with you? He cheated on me with you.”
“Technically, since you reincarnated as Elizabeth, he wasn’t exactly being unfaithful. Therefore, you have to find peace within yourself and stop bei
ng hostile.” Madeline addressed ghost Elizabeth.
Darcy approached his wife and took her hands into his. “Darling, I made a mess of the situation, and I truly apologize. However, do you not want to live a new life, merged with Elizabeth?” He asked, pointing to the living Elizabeth. “We can start anew.”
“Fitzwilliam, what about our child? He has grown into such a fine young man. You missed ever knowing him. He needs a father and I need my husband back.”
“How can I go back to that life? I am dead in that world and I am alive in this one,” Darcy interjected.
Madeline cleared her throat. “Grandfather, you’re correct, you can’t go back to that life. I’m sorry grandmother, but he can be with you in the spirit world, and you can spend eternity together.”
Elizabeth stepped in. “Darcy, I think you should take her up on that offer. I have no claim over you. We spent a wonderful night together. You shouldn’t break your marriage vows because of me. You have a wife and son to attend to. I have nothing to offer you here in this life.”
Darcy spun around and sorrowfully looked at Elizabeth. “You brought me back to life. I owe you my life.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Yes, I brought you back to life, but you don’t owe me anything. I was just a one-night stand. Also, this is the twenty-first century and you would eventually be miserable and out of place. Also, I wouldn’t put her in that situation,” she said pointing to ghost Elizabeth.
“She has a point you know,” Madeline interjected. “She reunited you and grandmother. You shouldn’t discard her so quickly; she is your first and true love. You don’t belong here; you belong with her.”
Darcy sighed and his shoulders slumped. He returned to his wife. “I will go back with you. Please accept my apology for a brief lapse of judgment.”
Ghost Elizabeth took his hand. “I cannot stay mad at you.”
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