Lucas Takes Charge : a pride and prejudice novella (pride and prejudice variations and sequels by Jane austen new releases Book 3)

They will say I settled. That I was sensible — the polite word for a woman who chooses the practical path. They will say I married Mr. Collins because I had no better offer. True on the facts, wrong about the woman.I am Charlotte Lucas, eldest daughter of Sir William Lucas of Lucas Lodge, Hertfordshire. Plain, sensible, observant. Seven-and-twenty when the story begins, I watch the arrival of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, noting everything others miss. I see Bingley’s devotion to Jane, Darcy’s concealed feelings for Elizabeth, and Wickham’s dangerous charm.Then Mr. Collins proposes. Elizabeth refuses him. I say yes — fully aware of what I gain and what I accept. I move to Hunsford Parsonage, and I build: a well-managed household, meaningful friendships, a school program, and networks of women who quietly do essential work.I watch Darcy’s journey with Elizabeth unfold, intervene where necessary, and guide events from behind the scenes. I act, quietly, decisively, and with patience. Jane marries Bingley. Elizabeth marries Darcy. Mr. Bennet dies. I negotiate, manage, and preserve the dignity of those I love.Anne de Bourgh finds her independence, my son grows, and I continue shaping the life I choose. They say I settled. What I did was take charge: of a household, a friendship, a marriage, a crisis — and, above all, of my own life. In the end, it is mine. Fully, and in every meaningful way, enough.— Charlotte Collins, née LucasHunsford Parsonage, Kent, 1817 Read more