And.... we're back! How has your week been? Me? I've been busy even though we are on mandatory lockdown with curfews in place. Very dystopian. Fortunately, for me, my lifestyle hasn't changed with the advent of Covid. I've been a practicing hermit since my diagnosis, so I went through all this frustration in 2010. Who knew it would become such a blessing???
Any-hoo, we left off with:
“This is Jeremy’s first real job, other than doing footman duties for us when we have guests. Hill is proud as punch that he grew into such a tall, fine-looking young man. He’ll do well, however, Lizzy did say she’d give a poke about the manor and walk him through the finer points of dinner parties and the such.”
Onto the next ten lines.
“Aye, she’ll make sure he does a good job. I have told her the lease has been accepted, so she’s also making sure the rest of the staff is up to speed and all things are ready for our new tenants.”
Mrs. Bennet re-assumed her sewing. “Lizzy is quite adept, and Mrs. Norris is an excellent housekeeper. When Hill recommended her sister to the job over five years ago, I’m glad we were able to place her there - she is a godsend.”
“When Lizzy inherits, she’ll have the luxury of competent staff and good tenants.”
“I assume, as before, no mention will be made that we own Netherfield?”
“None whatsoever. I’ll not have some young man chase our daughter for her inheritance. No, we will remain the Bennet’s of Longbourn, with an estate that is entailed–”
“Mr. Bennet, have you still not told anyone the entail was broken after Lydia was born?”
Well, that changes the landscape of the original Pride & Prejudice. But why does Lizzy inherit? Isn't Jane the eldest? I guess you'll have to come back next week to find out more. Mwah ha ha ha ha...
Weekend Writing Warriors is a fun blog hop where authors share eight to ten lines from a Work in Progress. If you'd like to check out some other author's writing, please click on this link: WeWriWa
At 55 years old, I've not yet read Pride and Prejudice. I don't know how soon it will happen, as most of the time I'm reviewing the work of living authors. I enjoyed this snippet.
ReplyDeleteI'd never read Pride & Prejudice until I was 55 as well, although I had seen the 1995 BBC series - which I adored.
DeleteThis definitely leaves us with some interesting questions.
ReplyDeleteThat does invite some questions! :-) Good snippet. :-)
ReplyDeleteLydia's birth broke the entail, but nobody knew this in the first book? You got me wondering why.
ReplyDeleteFor this story I'm not going into details of HOW the entail was broken, as a plot point I will show that it happened AFTER Lydia's birth.
DeleteThey are keeping their assets a secret. That could lead to some great conflict later. Enjoyed the snippet.
ReplyDeleteIntriguing as always and a nice variance from the original story line. I like the way you worked in the backstory about the properties as part of the conversation. Great sanippet!
ReplyDeleteOrnery Owl, don't feel bad. I haven't read P&P yet either. I understand why they are keeping their financial situation secret. Too many dissolute "gentlemen" looking for a loaded heiress.
ReplyDeleteWell that last little bombshell is quite a difference from the original. So Mrs. Bennett need not fear being turned out into the hedgerows by Mr. Collins. This is a major change in the conflict of the original. Fun snippet!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read P&P either, but I can definitely appreciate keeping her finances under wraps to avoid attracting the wrong sort.
ReplyDeleteI like the way her parents are looking out for her. I presume she doesn't know either.
ReplyDeleteOh I like this turn of fortune. This makes all the difference. Wonderful period depiction of relationship between man and wife even when they liked each other.
ReplyDeleteInteresting bit of scheming on their part, but these things tend to backfire (which is what makes it so much fun!)
ReplyDeleteAhh secrets. :-) Intriguing snippet!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm intrigued!
ReplyDelete